Day One | July 22nd 2024
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Liberal Sources say to expect Cabinet shuffle ahead of the August Cabinet retreat
According to sources within the Liberal Party, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau?will shuffle his cabinet?ahead of the August 25-27 cabinet retreat in Halifax, with some speculating it could happen as early as next week. MPs have been demanding changes to the front bench as polling numbers drop and the Liberals come to terms with the recent by-election loss in Toronto St. Paul’s. Adding to the rumors that a cabinet shuffle is imminent is speculation that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's position is under scrutiny and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is being considered as her replacement.
Former Liberal House Leader Steven MacKinnon will assume new role as Minister of Seniors and Labour?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed?Steven MacKinnon?as the new Minister of Labour and Seniors, replacing former Minister Seamus O'Regan. On Thursday, O'Regan stated announced that he will not seek re-election and will continue to serve as an MP until the next general election. MacKinnon acknowledged the challenging political situation for the Liberals ahead of the next federal election and emphasized that the Liberal caucus fully supports the Prime Minister. MacKinnon brings experience from his previous roles, including serving as the Liberals' chief whip and as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement. He also assumed the role of House Leader, while Karina Gould took time off for her maternity leave. Gould is expected to return to the position shortly.
Prime Minister met with Mark Carney last Sunday to discuss running in the next election
Last Sunday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held talks with?Mark Carney,?urging the former Bank of Canada governor to join the Liberal government, according to sources. Carney was offered the option to join through a by-election or wait until the general election in October 2025, but he was not offered a specific cabinet post. Despite speculation, sources confirmed that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's position is currently secure. The outreach to Carney comes amid the Liberal Party's struggle in the polls and a recent byelection loss. Trudeau has long sought to recruit Carney, who remains non-committal about entering federal politics.
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Alberta to amend rule on purchasing oil and gas wells from bankrupt companies
The Alberta government plans to?modify a rule?that currently requires energy companies to pay all outstanding municipal taxes of a bankrupt producer before purchasing its viable wells. Energy Minister Brian Jean stated that the amendment aims to protect the value of productive assets and ensure responsible operators can acquire them. The current rule, introduced in March 2023, was intended to address growing tax arrears from struggling companies but has had unintended consequences, such as preventing potentially profitable wells from being sold and increasing the number of wells held by the Orphan Well Association. The government also plans to consult with industry, rural municipalities, and landowners to develop solutions for increasing reclamation and promoting responsible development of legacy oil and gas assets in central and southern Alberta.
Alberta introduces new sheriff surveillance teams to combat rural crime
The Alberta government has launched two new sheriff surveillance teams to?help prevent criminal activity targeting farms and rural businesses. Each team, consisting of eight plainclothes officers, will cover half of the province and gather evidence and intelligence at the request of local police. Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis announced the initiative, stating that there will be "no safe haven for criminal crime in Alberta." The teams are expected to be particularly effective in identifying suspects involved in break-and-enters and the illegal drug trade. However, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) has raised concerns that the sheriffs' pay is not increasing along with their growing responsibilities and the potentially dangerous nature of their new duties. Rural Municipalities of Alberta president Paul McLauchlin welcomes the investment but emphasizes that community-based staff and services tend to be more effective than centralized services. He also highlights the need for the province to invest in addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, addiction, and lack of early childhood education.
Alberta experiences unprecedented housing construction boom in 2024, surpassing historical records
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp, Alberta has experienced a?54% increase in housing?starts during the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, setting a record pace. Calgary and Edmonton have seen significant increases, with 11,178 and 8,448 housing starts, respectively. BILD Alberta's director of policy and government relations, Saheb Dullet, stated that the province is on track to break the all-time record set in 2006. The data also shows a notable rise in purpose-built rental construction, accounting for 33% of all housing starts. Despite the positive trends in Alberta, the CMHC expects downward pressure on housing starts across Canada throughout 2024 due to the higher interest rate environment.
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N.L. Premier announces surprise cabinet shuffle, appointing Hogan as permanent health minister amidst doctor shortage
N.L. Premier Andrew Furey announced a?surprise cabinet shuffle?on Friday which included?eight cabinet ministers switching portfolios.?After much criticism from opposition leaders, the Hon. John Hogan was officially appointed the full-time Health Minister, a role he previously held on an interim basis while also serving as the Minister of Justice – he will remain the Attorney General and the Government House Leader. The Hon. Bernard Davis, former Minister of Environment, will now serve as the Minister of Justice. Both Premier Furey and Minister Hogan reiterated that the government’s top priority is the health of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and defended the province’s health strategy, rebutting comments from PC health critic Barry Petten, who argued that the government is?failing to address the province’s doctor shortage. Minister Hogan said that the province’s strategy to create “family care teams” will?allow more people to access primary care, even if they don’t have a family doctor. The discourse erupted after the president of the N.L. Medical Association told media that?more that 175,000 N.L. residents are without a family doctor, and that the province needs to come up with a long-term plan to solve the doctor shortage.??
Premier Higgs announces plans to cut HST to 13% in N.B if re-elected?
With New Brunswick gearing up for an election this fall, Blaine Higgs announced a PC government would?cut the HST?from 15 to 13 per cent over two years, making it the lowest rate in Atlantic Canada. The HST applies to all goods and services sold in N.B., apart from basic food products and prescription drugs. When pressed on why the government wasn’t immediately implementing the tax cut, Higgs noted the required legislative changes and the need to give business sufficient notice to “make changes to everything they do”. Higgs’ promise was met with?enthusiasm amongst the business community. The Retail Council and the Taxpayers Federation praised the pledge saying it will alleviate costs for consumers and help with affordability. ?Reducing the HST by 2 per cent over the next two years is expected to cost the province $450 million in annual revenue, a loss opposition leaders say the province cannot afford with the needed health-care investments and the reduction will not give immediate financial help to New Brunswickers. ACORN, an independent organization representing low- and moderate-income people, says the tax cut won’t help the most vulnerable and instead would like to see disability benefits go from $918 to $1,500 per month.
P.E.I. announces tentative five-year physician services agreement and new at-home caregiver benefit as Premier King affirms commitment to keeping health services publicly funded
The government of P.E.I., Health P.E.I., and the medical society of P.E.I. have come to a tentative five-year?Physician Services Agreement?which will support provincial physician recruitment and retention, provide accessible patient care, and recognize physicians who exceed expectations. Doctors will?vote on the agreement?from July 24 to August 5. P.E.I. Health Minister Mark McLane also?announced a benefit?for at-home caregiver this week; the benefit will provide between $250- $1,500 to primary caregivers providing a significant amount of unpaid and ongoing help to a person requiring care, with the amount of funding provided depending on the care recipient’s household income. The benefit is provided by the Department of Health and Wellness in partnership with Health PEI and the Department of Social Development and Seniors and is being billed as a way for the province to recognize the value of at-home caregivers to P.E.I.’s health system. During an interview last week, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King?affirmed his commitment?to keeping the province’s healthcare system publicly funded.
N.S. government’s commitment to wind energy met with opposition by residents?
Premier Houston’s government has committed to?reach net zero emissions by 2050?with wind power a key part of their strategy. The government’s enthusiasm for the development of wind farms across the province is being met with opposition from local organizations and residents. Companies hoping to invest in Nova Scotia’s green hydrogen opportunities are holding town halls as part of the consultation process, including EverWind Fuels which plans to build up to 400 wind turbines throughout the province.?Green Nova Scotia First, a citizens group, does not share the government's enthusiasm for the projects, citing concerns over how construction of so many turbines could affect natural habitat and wildlife. The group also questioned the project’s timing, calling out the government’s lack of focus on transitioning the power grid to more clean energy as more than half of the province’s electricity currently comes from fossil fuels. The department of Natural Resources and Renewables?previously shared they were designing campaigns to win over the public.
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B.C. Conservatives propose healthcare reforms and increased private clinic presence?
John Rustad, the Leader of British Columbia’s Conservative Party, stated that B.C.’s?health-care system in B.C. is in crisis,’ and ‘failing.’? His party proposes major reforms, including?funding travel for out-of-province care with a wait time guarantee, and expanding private clinics.?Rustad also advocates compensating individuals who lost jobs due to COVID-19 for refusing vaccines. He aims to attract more healthcare workers by streamlining hiring processes and improving working conditions. The BC United party has accused the Conservatives of copying their healthcare platform. Rustad anticipates initial spending increases followed by stabilization and eventual per capita cost reductions under his model. However, New Democrat MLA Ravi Parmar argues that this reduction would translate to a loss of $4.1 billion in health spending. Documents from the B.C. Conservatives cite a Deloitte report projecting Canadian health spending to reach 13.9% of GDP by 2040, with potential to lower this to below 11% through modernization efforts.
B.C. Premier supports N.L.'s legal challenge against Ottawa's equalization program?
Premier David Eby is?backing Newfoundland and Labrador's lawsuit?over the equalization program, which redistributes funds from wealthier to poorer provinces. Eby states that B.C. will collaborate with the Atlantic provinces on legal strategy. In contrast, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith?opposes joining the legal challenge?and instead advocates for collaborating with other premiers to develop a new formula, citing flaws in the current system. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is seeking intervener status, proposing that equalization funds be allocated on a 50% per capita basis. On the other hand, Quebec Premier Fran?ois Legault favours retaining the current formula and is skeptical about reaching a consensus on a new one.
B.C. sets a 30% cap on international student enrollment at post-secondary institutions?
This week, the B.C. Government announced that they would be limiting the percentage of international students to?30% of their overall enrollment.?The government's reasoning is to guarantee that the enrollment of international students does not overwhelm an institution's capacity to deliver adequate services. Universities like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the University of Northern British Columbia, and the University of Victoria report that their international student enrollments are within the 30% limit and anticipate no operational impact from the change. This announcement follows this year’s January announcement by the Federal government, which introduced a new?two-year limit on international study permits?for individuals not already currently studying in Canada. The Federal Government is implementing these limitations hoping that they will bring about a more?sustainable and balanced approach?to managing student populations and community resources.
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LCBO reaches tentative agreement with union to end strike?
The LCBO and the union representing its workers have reached a tentative agreement, ending a two-week strike that began on July 5 and led to store closures across Ontario. The strike officially ended today at 12:01am, with stores scheduled to reopen on July 23. The deal was successfully ratified on Sunday, with both the LCBO and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union acknowledging the disruptions.
Construction begins on $358 million Enbridge natural gas project
The Ontario government is welcoming Enbridge Gas's $358 million Panhandle Regional Expansion Project, which is now commencing construction. This initiative is expected to create approximately 7,000 jobs, facilitate $4.5 billion in investment opportunities, and increase Ontario’s supply of reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy. The project involves constructing 19 kilometers of new pipeline alongside the existing one, enhancing the capacity of Enbridge’s Panhandle Transmission System. The new pipeline will also aid in supplying the electricity generation required to meet the province’s growing energy demands.
Ontario government begins construction on Ontario Line’s Pape Station
The Ontario government has begun construction at Pape Station for a new interchange station that will link the Ontario Line with the TTC’s Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth). The construction involves building foundations to connect the two subway lines, with the new station expected to handle tens of thousands of commuters daily, facilitate over 9,000 transfers during peak hours, and reduce crowding on Line 1 and Line 2 by 15% and 20%, respectively. The 15.6-kilometer Ontario Line, featuring 15 stations from Exhibition Place through downtown and connecting to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, will provide over 40 connections to various transit services.
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Toronto recovers from storm as Trudeau urges infrastructure upgrades
Cleanup crews are working to restore the Greater Toronto Area following a torrential downpour that caused significant flooding, power outages, and major road closures, including Union Station and the Don Valley Parkway. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the necessity for increased investment in resilient infrastructure to withstand future climate change-related extreme weather events, describing the flooding as a "significant event." Approximately?3,300 Toronto Hydro customers?remain without power, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority cautions that high water levels in local rivers continue to pose hazardous conditions.
Survey reveals traffic driving residents to consider leaving Toronto
A new survey by the Toronto Region Board of Trade shows that?86% of respondentsbelieve Toronto faces a congestion crisis, with nearly half avoiding activities due to traffic. The survey, involving 1,000 participants, highlights widespread frustration, with 62% reluctant to commute. Experts and advocates suggest improving public transit and considering congestion pricing as solutions. The survey also reveals support for 24-hour construction to expedite infrastructure projects, although this approach has its challenges. Addressing these issues is seen as crucial for the city's future.
Ethics watchdog clears Chow, recommends action for two councillors
Toronto's integrity commissioner has cleared Mayor Olivia Chow of?conflict of interest allegations?involving a staffer's ties to an anti-Uber group, following a months-long investigation. However, the commissioner recommended disciplinary action for Councillors Brad Bradford and Frances Nunziata for misusing city resources during election campaigns. Bradford admitted to using constituent information for his mayoral campaign and accepted a symbolic reprimand, while Nunziata's staff improperly transferred constituent data to her re-election campaign, leading her to take full responsibility. The findings and recommendations will be discussed in the upcoming council meeting.
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The uncertain future of Quebec's battery industry
In July, the?prospects for Quebec's battery industry have dimmed, contrary to the optimistic vision presented two years ago by Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon. Despite substantial investments in green electricity and value-added manufacturing, key companies like Taiga and Lion Electric are facing financial struggles. Northvolt's ambitious plans for a new factory near Montreal are also under threat, as the company reassesses its aggressive expansion. Globally, the battery market is experiencing overcapacity, exacerbated by lower-than-expected demand for electric vehicles in the West, unlike China. This oversupply has led to financial crises among major manufacturers, including SK On. The possibility of protective measures in Western markets might hinder the affordability and adoption of electric vehicles. Ultimately, while Quebec has invested over $3.3 billion in the battery sector, further cautious approach is necessary to avoid future setbacks.
Northvolt's Quebec factory project unaffected by strategic review
Northvolt has reaffirmed its commitment to building a battery cell factory?in Montérégie, Quebec, despite ongoing strategic revisions and operational challenges. Laurent Therrien, Northvolt's North American communications director, emphasized that the company's engagement and construction efforts remain unchanged. Recent media reports had suggested potential risks to the project due to issues at Northvolt's main Swedish factory, Northvolt Ett. BMW's cancellation of a $3 billion contract and the company's focus shift towards its Swedish operations fueled these concerns. However, Therrien clarified that while the project's timeline might be adjusted, the strategic review will not jeopardize the Quebec factory. The site, expected to cost $7 billion, is currently under excavation, with production slated to begin in 2026. Despite facing slower-than-expected scaling at its Swedish facility, Northvolt continues hiring in Quebec, reflecting its serious and structured approach to expanding in the North American market.
Waga Energy expands RNG production in Quebec
Waga Energy has launched renewable natural gas (RNG) production at a third landfill?site in Cowansville, Quebec, adding nearly 3 million cubic meters of RNG to its output, which now totals 13.5 million cubic meters. This expansion aligns with the company’s strategy of quickly deploying its “plug-and-play” Wagabox technology designed for small to mid-sized landfill sites. Waga Energy also operates sites in Saint-étienne-des-Grès and Chicoutimi, with future projects planned. The Cowansville site, managed by Zone-éco, handles 75,000 tons of waste annually. Despite the Quebec government's efforts to divert organic waste, over 50% of household trash still produces gas. Waga Energy specializes in capturing and purifying this gas, which can emit for 10-15 years, contributing significantly to sustainable energy.
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