Day One | January 27, 2024
Top Stories
Endorsements and Strategies Shape Competitive Liberal Leadership Race
Mark?Carney?leads the Liberal leadership race with 52 caucus endorsements, including 13 cabinet ministers, positioning himself as an economic leader with extensive experience and a commitment to running as an MP in the next election, regardless of the leadership outcome. Chrystia?Freeland, with 26 endorsements, is positioning herself against the "Ottawa establishment" and advocating for reforms to empower party members, such as caucus-initiated leadership reviews while calling for four debates to be held.?Seven candidates in total have submitted their nomination papers and initial $50,000 deposits, including former House Leader Karina Gould, MPs Jaime Battiste, as well as former MPs Ruby Dhalla and Frank Baylis. Contenders are preparing for debates and rallies ahead of the March 9 decision.
Conservative Party Proposes Federal Workforce Reduction Through Natural Attrition
The Conservative Party of Canada detailed its?plan?to reduce the federal public service workforce, proposing to achieve cuts through natural attrition of approximately 17,000 positions annually. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman explained the strategy would involve not replacing employees who leave their positions voluntarily. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated the initiative aims to address perceived inefficiencies in the federal bureaucracy, noting that while the public service has expanded under the Liberal government since 2015, service delivery has not improved proportionally.
Canada Prepares Retaliatory Measures Against Proposed US Trade Tariffs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will implement strong?retaliatory measures if President Donald Trump proceeds with his threatened 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods scheduled for February 1. The Canadian government has prepared a graduated response plan, beginning with immediate tariffs on $37 billion worth of American goods, potentially expanding to $110 billion in tariffs, and considering additional measures such as possible oil export restrictions. Trump's tariff threats are based on claims about drugs and migrants entering the US through Canada, though US Customs data shows significantly lower instances of both issues at the Canadian border compared to the Mexican border.
Must Read Articles
Top Stories
Premier Smith Highlights Need to Address Interprovincial Trade Barriers to Shift Reliance on the US
On Danielle Smith’s Saturday radio show, "Your Province, Your Premier," the Premier addressed many questions from Albertans regarding Trump tariffs.?Premier Smith pointed out that Alberta's reliance on selling oil and gas to the U.S. results from other provinces and territories blocking projects like the Northern Gateway and Energy East, which limits Alberta's ability to distribute oil and gas to other regions of the country where they could use it. She also stated that natural resources fall under provincial jurisdiction, and discussions about supporting American energy dominance are "an Alberta conversation."?
Alberta Leads Canada's Job Growth in Q4 2024, Fueled by Population Surge
Alberta led Canada's job growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, and a major reason for the job creation is the province's growing population.?During the fourth quarter, 157,000 new positions were added to the Canadian job market. Alberta contributed 72,000 of these jobs, while Ontario added 6,800, Quebec 43,000, and B.C. 23,000. The population in the province has seen a 10 per cent increase in the last three years. The surge in migration in part is driven by Alberta’s affordability compared to other provinces, particularly in housing, which in turn, has fueled employment growth. Rising employment in oil and gas, construction, petrochemicals, tech, and tourism have all contributed to the increase in jobs.?
Alberta Releases COVID-19 Response Report?
On Friday, the Government of Alberta released a report detailing the information that guided Alberta’s COVID-19 response.?The report, commissioned by Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government, was prepared by a panel of physicians and other experts. The 269-page document concluded that, to better prepare for future pandemics, Alberta must preserve the rights to care and informed consent, as well as the ability of healthcare professionals to provide treatments that are in the best interest of patients. Some recommendations included amending the Alberta Human Rights Act to protect Albertans' rights to access natural health products and to safeguard public discussion of alternative medical treatments.?
Must Read Articles
Top Stories
Premier Tim Houston outlines economic vision in six-page caucus memo
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has outlined his?vision?for economic prosperity, emphasizing the need for the province to become more self-reliant by pursuing untapped natural resource opportunities while protecting traditional industries like fishing, farming, and forestry. In a six-page?memo?to his caucus, Houston criticized past governments for banning industries and argued that meaningful discussions are necessary to safely develop resources such as hydrogen, wind, lithium, uranium, natural gas, and tidal energy. He highlighted the potential for these industries to generate significant economic growth and reduce reliance on federal transfer payments, which currently account for a third of the province's revenue. Houston acknowledged the challenges posed by political and economic uncertainties, including potential U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration and shifting federal leadership in Canada. He called for bold action, such as advancing transportation initiatives like commuter rail, while promoting accountability, entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and environmental stewardship as core Progressive Conservative values. However, Houston maintained that it is important to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, stating that opportunities should only proceed if they can be done safely, and warned that failure to act could risk reduced government services or higher taxes.? Opposition parties and environmental groups were quick to criticize the Premier’s plans, noting it felt like a ‘bait and switch’ given none of the priorities had been discussed during the last provincial election.
Prince Edward Island Green Party moves leadership convention up by 11 months
The Green Party of Prince Edward Island has?announced?it will elect a new leader at a convention on June 7, 2025, moving up its timeline from May 2026, to prepare for a potential early election call. The next scheduled election is not until October 4, 2027; however, party president Kathy Low emphasized the importance of Islanders getting to know the new leader before the election. Applications for the leadership contest will open on February 1, and close on March 1, with candidates announced on March 12 after vetting. The new leader will succeed interim leader Karla Bernard, who took over after Peter Bevan-Baker resigned in 2023. Lawyer and first-term MLA Matt MacFarlane is the first?declared?candidate.
Newfoundland and Labrador urging the federal government to reconsider immigration cuts?
The federal government’s decision to cut Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic immigration allocation by 50 per cent has alarmed business leaders, provincial officials, and immigrants. With only 1,525 spaces in 2025, and many reserved for temporary workers already in Canada, industries like healthcare and construction?face?severe labor shortages. The Board of Trade is?warning?the cuts will stifle economic growth and force industries to compete for limited workers. The provincial government?argues?the decision ignores the province’s unique demographic and economic challenges, where immigration is essential to sustain communities and fill critical roles. Amid rising inflation and potential U.S. tariffs, stakeholders are urging Ottawa to reverse the cuts and adopt region-specific policies, emphasizing the vital contributions immigrants make to the local economy and community.
Government launches independent audit of N.B. Power amid rising bills and customer complaints
New Brunswickers are?grappling?with unexpectedly high December power bills, prompting Energy Minister René Legacy to announce an independent?audit?of N.B. Power.? Findings are expected by Feb. 18, coinciding with the utility’s upcoming appearance at public accounts. Premier Susan Holt says the government is working to understand why many customers saw increases of $200 to $500, or up to 1,500 kilowatt hours, far beyond normal trends. Holt described the situation as a "perfect storm of pain," citing colder weather, longer billing cycles, and a recent 9.8% rate hike as potential factors. Thousands of complaints have been received, with many blaming newly installed smart meters for alleged discrepancies. N.B. Power CEO Lori Clark defended the utility's system, attributing the billing spikes to increased consumption during colder months, a one-time $11 debit, and longer billing periods for some customers. ?While the government has not ruled out further measures, it says it is focused on resolving the immediate crisis to alleviate financial strain for residents. ?
Must Read Articles
Top Stories
The B.C. government is likely to retract its election promise of a $1,000 grocery rebate for most families
On?Monday, B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey avoided directly confirming if the government would fulfill its $1,000 grocery rebate promise to most families. The grocery rebate, a major NDP campaign promise addressing rising food prices, would cost $1.8 billion in 2025. Since Trump's announcement of 25% tariffs, Bailey also stated the B.C government would pause various affordability measures to assess the tariffs' impact. The B.C. government estimates Trump's tariffs could eliminate 124,000 jobs and cause a $69-billion economic loss from 2025 to 2028.
领英推荐
B.C. Energy Minister says the U.S. tariff threat increases the urgency for B.C. to achieve energy independence
On January 23rd, B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix?announced?a purchase agreement between the Saulteau First Nations and BC Hydro for a 200-megawatt wind project in northeastern B.C., expected to power 60,000 homes. The Taylor Wind project, with a 51% Saulteau interest, is one of 10 projects from BC Hydro's renewable call. Dix highlighted the urgency for energy independence amid potential 25% U.S. tariffs, with Taylor Wind representing a "good step" towards renewables and energy security. In 2023 and 2024, B.C. imported 20% of its electricity, equivalent to two Site C dams. Site C and the 10 wind projects are expected to boost supply by 16%, generating 5,000 gigawatt hours annually. B.C.'s electricity demand is projected to rise by at least 15% by 2030 due to B.C.’s growth.
Amid a $9.4-billion deficit forecast, the B.C. government begins public sector contract negotiations for 400,000 workers
The B.C. government forecasts a $9.4-billion deficit this fiscal year, which it aims to reduce by growing the economy rather than cutting services. The deficit forecast?coincides?with the expiration of contracts for 400,000 unionized workers this spring and fall. Unions, many of which supported the B.C. NDP's election, hope the government acknowledges their labour's value as negotiations commence. B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey stated that despite a government-wide spending review, the province respects its public sector workers. The B.C. General Employees' Union began its first round of bargaining on Wednesday, while the Hospital Employees' Union and the B.C. Nurses' Union will go into negotiations later this year.
Must Read Articles
Top Stories
Premier Ford Announces Early Election Set for February 27?
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has?announced?that he will call an early election this Wednesday, with an election date set for February 27. Premier Ford has repeatedly?emphasized?the need for a strong mandate to navigate uncertainties stemming from trade tensions with the United States. Premier Ford has instructed his Cabinet to?fast-trackgovernment announcements ahead of the election call on Wednesday.
Ontario Sees Further Reduction in International Student Intake Allocation?
Ontario has been?allocated?181,590 international post-secondary student applications for 2025 by the federal government, which is expected to lead to 116,740 approved study permits. 32,579 applications are reserved for master’s and doctoral degree programs. Public colleges and universities will receive 96% of the allocations, while the remaining 4% is designated for language schools, private universities and other institutions. Career colleges will not receive any applications. The federal government first introduced an?intake cap?on international student permit applications in January 2024.
Ontario Power Generation Makes $2 Billion Investment in Hydropower?
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will?invest?$2 billion to refurbish and expand hydroelectric generating facilities across Northern Ontario. The investment is expected to secure up to 830 megawatts of clean electricity generation, sufficient to power 830,000 homes. The project will span the next decade and employ more than 1,000 skilled workers across the north. Overall, the province and OPG are investing a total of $4.6 billion to upgrade and expand power stations in Northern Ontario, Niagara Region, Cornwall and Eastern Ontario.
Must Read Articles
Top Stories
City's Largest Workers' Union Approves Strike Mandate
CUPE Local 79, which represents 30,000 city workers including daycare staff, long-term care home workers, and restaurant inspectors, has?voted overwhelmingly in favor of astrike mandate to push for better wages. The union highlights severe staffing shortages, with more than 500 vacancies in long-term care homes, as a major issue, along with retention challenges caused by low pay. Negotiations with the city have stalled since the collective agreement expired on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This strike mandate reflects broader struggles in public sector recruitment and retention, with $300 million allocated in the 2025 budget for labor settlements. The outcome will greatly affect service delivery and set a critical precedent for future labor negotiations in Toronto. ??
Mayor's Task Force Commits to Accelerating Affordable Housing Development in Mississauga
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, along with the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, released a?report?last summer detailing 30 actions to address the city’s affordable housing crisis.?The recommendations focus on four key areas: reforming development charges, taxes, and fees to reduce housing costs; updating building and design standards to increase supply; transforming zoning to unlock more housing opportunities; and creating sustainable funding programs. As an immediate step, the city has authorized the construction of 124,000 new units. Mayor Parrish emphasizes the urgency of tackling the housing crisis, pointing to last year’s 95% decline in new high-rise sales in the region as a stark indicator of the problem. ??
Peel approves historic police budget increase following intense debate
After a heated debate, Peel Region Council?approved a 23.3% increase in the 2025 police budget, raising it to $761 million—$144 million more than last year. The funding aims to hire 300 new officers, five civilian staff, and ten communicators to address the region's growing population and improve the "cop to population" ratio, according to Peel Police. However, the decision faced strong opposition, particularly from Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, who called the increase unaffordable for residents already burdened by rising costs of living. Despite her push for a smaller increase, the motion passed with a 15-9 vote. The approval has also raised concerns about transparency, with questions surrounding how the additional funds will be spent. ??
Must Read Articles
Top Stories
Amazon Stops Operation in Quebec Warehouses, Impacting Thousands of Jobs
Amazon's unexpected decision to?close its seven warehouses in Quebec?will result in over 2,000 job losses, including 1,700 permanent and 250 temporary roles. Additionally, delivery partners like Opti-Prime and CNTK Logistiques face significant layoffs. Federal Minister Fran?ois-Philippe Champagne criticized Amazon's lack of transparency and respect, urging the company to reconsider its decision and warning of potential consequences for its business relations with Canada. Amazon attributes the closures to a shift toward third-party delivery models. Despite investments in last-mile delivery since 2020, the company’s abrupt exit has left affected workers scrambling for employment. The closures have sparked political and economic debate, highlighting the vulnerabilities of relying on large multinationals for local economic stability.
Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Quebec's Bill 21 Secularism Law?
The Supreme Court of Canada will review the?challenge to Quebec’s secularism law,?Bill 21, which prohibits state employees in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols. The case, brought by groups including the English Montreal School Board and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, highlights concerns over discrimination and the use of the notwithstanding clause to shield the law from constitutional challenges. Quebec's Justice Minister, Simon Jolin-Barrette, defends the law as a legitimate expression of collective values and urges federal non-interference. Critics, including federal leaders and advocacy groups, argue the law discriminates against minorities, particularly Muslim women. The English Montreal School Board claims it contradicts both Quebec's and Canada’s charters of rights. With implications extending to federal-provincial relations and minority rights, the decision will address broader debates on secularism, autonomy, and legal protections in Canada.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon Supports Trump’s Critique of Canada’s Border Policy
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon voiced agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump’s critique of Canada’s border policies, labeling them as lax and detrimental to U.S.-Canada relations. Speaking at a PQ caucus meeting, he acknowledged issues highlighted in the Trump administration’s?America First Trade Policy, including border porosity, drug trafficking, and immigration concerns. St-Pierre Plamondon proposed stricter penalties for fentanyl traffickers and a Quebec-led police task force to patrol high-risk border zones, including Akwesasne. He criticized the federal government’s handling of these issues and emphasized Quebec’s potential to be a better U.S. partner. His comments sparked criticism from Quebec's Public Security Minister, Fran?ois Bonnardel, who disputed the fentanyl issue's relevance in the province. The PQ’s caucus coincides with upcoming by-election preparations in Terrebonne, amidst broader party strategizing. ?
Must Read Articles?