Day One | June 10th 2024
Ottawa
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Contentious Capital Gains Tax Change to Face Vote at House of Commons Monday
The Liberal government is set to introduce a contentious capital gains tax change in the House of Commons on Monday.?Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland?stated that the tax increase will affect around 40,000 individuals and corporations, potentially generating $19 billion in revenue over the next five years for programs like housing and national defense. The Canadian Medical Association has expressed strong opposition, citing negative impacts on physicians' financial stability and the healthcare system. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the proposal and the overall 2024 budget, accusing the Liberals of exacerbating inflation with excessive spending.
Bank of Canada Cuts Key Rate for First Time in More Than Four?Years
The Bank of Canada?has cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%, marking the first rate reduction in over four years. Governor Tiff Macklem cited easing inflation and a weaker-than-expected economic growth rate as key factors behind the decision. The move, welcomed by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, aligns with efforts to create favorable economic conditions and aims to sustain progress against inflation while cautioning against lowering rates too quickly. Future rate adjustments will be evaluated carefully, with the next announcement scheduled for July 24.
Some MPs 'Wittingly' Helped Foreign Agents, Liberals Too Slow To Respond To Threat: Intelligence Report
The National Security Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP)?released a report stating that some MPs knowingly assisted foreign state actors after being elected, and that Canada could face consequences due to the slow response of the Liberal government to foreign interference. The report criticized the government for failing to keep up with the evolving threat of foreign interference, which could undermine democratic rights, parliamentary integrity, and public trust. The report highlighted attempts by both India and China to influence Canadian politicians and noted cases where MPs provided privileged information or sought to influence outcomes for foreign powers. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc disagreed with some findings, stating that the government has taken steps to counter foreign interference, including introducing legislation such as a foreign-influence registry.
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Alberta
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Senior NDP MLA Set to Resign?
Former Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips?told the Globe and Mail?that she will be stepping down on July 1st. MLA Phillips cited the increasing polarization as well as the challenges?she had personally faced?as a New Democrat MLA, including being targeted by police. MLA Phillips was elected in the NDP wave in 2015 in Lethbridge West, a riding she held for the 2019 and 2023 elections. Her resignation will open a set in the Legislature just over a week after the new NDP leader is due to be announced on June 22nd. If former Calgary Mayor and leadership race frontrunner Naheed Nenshi is the winner, he will face pressure to run in the byelection rather than ask another one of his caucus members to step aside. Lethbridge West is not a safe seat for the NDP, and it will become a must-win for Nenshi.??
Albertans Thinking about Healthcare, Cost of Living, and Housing?
New polls by Leger?indicate a tightening race in Alberta politics, with the UCP's lead over the NDP shrinking to four percentage points (47% vs. 43%). This shift seems largely driven by increased support for the NDP among Calgarians and young voters aged 18-34. Some of this support is likely driven by NDP leadership hopeful Naheed Nenshi’s membership sales push and overall campaign in Calgary. Health care remains a significant concern, particularly among voters aged 55 and older, who are critical of the UCP's performance in this area. The poll shows that while the UCP has strong approval for wildfire response, energy, and transportation, they are struggling with issues like housing affordability, inflation, and health care. The survey, conducted from May 22-25, involved 1,009 adult Albertans and has a margin of error of ±3.1%.?
Federal Committee Hears Testimony on Emissions Cap?
Canadians affected by climate change and extreme weather?gathered in Ottawa?to urge the Federal Government to swiftly implement its proposed emissions cap on the oil and gas sector. Organized by the Climate Action Network, the group included individuals who experienced wildfires, flooding, and rising sea levels. They called for stringent action to address climate change, highlighting the immediate impact on their lives. Meanwhile, executives from major oil and gas companies were set to testify before a parliamentary committee about their emissions reduction efforts. NDP environment critic Laurel Collins emphasized the need for an excess profit tax on the industry to fund climate solutions and urged the government not to delay its emissions cap proposal, which aims for a 35-38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 levels by 2030. Weighing in, Premier Danielle Smith tweeted that “the NDP and Liberals don’t recognize that the energy sector employs over 900,000 Canadians and generates billions in tax revenue for the federal government”. The oil and gas sector, opposing the cap, seeks more federal and provincial support for its emissions-reduction plans, including a $16.5-billion carbon capture project.?
Minister Williams Appears Before Federal Committee?
Alberta's Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, the Hon. Dan Williams,?defended the province's drug-recovery model before the Standing Committee on Health,?countering accusations of ideological bias and inefficacy. Williams emphasized the dangers of addiction and the province's commitment to improving support through initiatives like opening 11 recovery communities, while rejecting harm reduction strategies like decriminalization and safe supply, which he described as ineffective. Challenged by committee members, Williams maintained his stance, arguing that distributing drugs exacerbates harm. The discussion highlighted contrasting approaches, as Alberta grapples with record high toxic drug deaths, while provinces like B.C. adopt safer supply methods amidst similar crises.?
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Atlantic Canada
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N.B. Legislature Wraps Spring Session
The N.B. legislative session concluded on Friday with a total of?41 bills?having passed, including legislation mandating a shared-risk pension plan for public-sector employees, and new regulations to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. MLAs are now turning their attention to the fall election, which?must be held by October 21st, 2024.Premier Higgs’ governing PCs have had a turbulent session, with 12 government MLAs announcing that?they will not be running in the upcoming election.?While some have framed their decision as a well-deserved retirement, others are leaving over controversy and disagreements within the party surrounding issues like Policy 713. The government has also recently taken heat from N.B.’s auditor general, with reports coming out his office this week criticizing the province’s?poor safety regulations for school busses, lack of?transparency while enacting the housing strategy,?and the?use of travel nurses.?Susan Holt’s Liberal party has not been shy about bringing up these issues as they gear up for the election, where she will face off with Premier Higgs’?former spokesperson, Nicolle Carlin, who announced her intention to run for the PCs in Holt’s riding of Fredericton South-Silverwood this week. According to a?new poll?37% of the province plans to vote Liberal, compared to 34% planning to vote for the governing PCs. 63% of those polled were dissatisfied with the government’s performance.
N.L. Invests in Energy
Meeting N.L.’s growing energy needs was top of mind at Energy N.L.’s annual conference, held this week in St. John’s. The CEO of Energy N.L. announced plans?to invest more than $1 billion?to add an eighth unit at the Bay d'Espoir hydroelectric dam and a new 150-megawatt combustion turbine, both of which will help boost the province’s energy capacity. Another new combustion turbine on the Avalon Peninsula, powered in part by renewable fuels, will add another 150 megawatts. These additional power sources should be on the grid by 2034, when the province is expected to need 380 more megawatts of power to accommodate a growing population and increased electrification. In addition to these investments, the province plans to purchase 80 megawatts of wind power to close the gap between energy production and use. The conference also saw Newfoundland Power’s CEO argue that while the province shifts to renewable energy, it will?still need thermal energy?as a reliable backup source to meet growing energy demands. Premier Andrew Furey?affirmed this sentiment?in his speech at the conference, stating his belief that N.L. will be able to cash in on demands for oil from the province for years to come. His position was backed by the announcement of a $1.5 billion investment into the province’s offshore oil industry by oil giant ExxonMobil.
Green Hydrogen Gaining Traction in N.S.
Major industrial manufacturers in N.S. are?looking to green hydrogen?as they work to lower dependence on fossil fuels. No green hydrogen is being produced in the province yet, but the Environment Minister has approved two projects so far, and companies like The Shaw Group, Michelin and Port Hawkesbury Paper are pursuing a feasibility study on the use of green hydrogen in industrial heating applications. The feasibility study is funded in part by a grant from N.S.’s Clean Fuel Fund. It will investigate how hydrogen energy might be used in industrial applications in Nova Scotia, as well as specific applications for each of the three companies.
Frustration Continues Over Immigration Policy in P.E.I.?
A new joint report from Dalhousie and St. Thomas universities along with P.E.I.'s Cooper Institute and the Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre argues that the best way to fix the issues that plague Canada’s temporary foreign worker program may be to?eliminate it entirely, instead granting permanent residency status to workers immediately when they arrive in Canada. Other recommendations included improving workplace inspections, providing full access to employment insurance and health care, ending employer specific work permits, and ensuring reliable funding for groups supporting migrant workers. The report comes amid an?ongoing protest being staged by a group of foreign workers in P.E.I. The group is demanding changes to the province’s updated immigration policy and had previously been hunger striking until officials agreed to meet with them. The updated policy significantly cuts the amount of nomination spots for permanent residency for temporary foreign workers in the sales and service sectors. Representatives of the Charlottetown and Eastern P.E.I. Chambers of Commerce appeared before P.E.I.’s standing committee on education and economic growth this week to?testify that business owners were already suffering negative effects of the change, losing workers that they cannot easily replace.
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British Columbia
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MLA Elenore Sturko Joins B.C. Conservatives?
South Surrey MLA Elenore Sturko’s?defection from the B.C. United Party to the B.C. Conservatives?signals trouble for United Leader Kevin Falcon, according to political observers. Sturko, known for her LGBTQ advocacy, was personally recruited by Falcon and is seen as a strong performer. Her move, alongside the recent departure of another United MLA, Lorne Doerkson, boosts the Conservative caucus and suggests growing momentum for the party. Political scientists note the Conservatives’ rising popularity and Falcon’s failed coalition efforts. The NDP leads in polls, but the Conservatives are gaining ground. Sturko's defection raises questions about the B.C. United Party’s prospects in the upcoming provincial election, especially given?the B.C. Conservative Party’s recent surge in polls.?
Cyber-Attack May Have Accessed Email Inboxes?
B.C.'s public safety minister, Mike Farnworth,?reported that a cyber-attack in April?may have accessed 22 government email inboxes containing sensitive personal information of 19 employees. There is no evidence that the general public's information was compromised, and no misuse of accessed information has been identified. The ongoing investigation suggests state or state-sponsored actors are responsible. Affected employees, who work in the public service but not the government cabinet, have been notified and will receive credit monitoring and identity protection. This breach is one of several recent cyber incidents in the province, including attacks on the First Nations Health Authority and London Drugs.?
Paul Finch Elected President of the BCGEU?
Last Saturday, Paul Finch was elected as the new president of the British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), succeeding Stephanie Smith after her decade-long tenure. Finch, who has served as BCGEU’s treasurer since 2014, won against Jeremy Williams of Local 803 by advocating for continued modernization and democratic reforms. He emphasized the need for accurate membership lists, transparent executive communication, and member training in organizing. The union will face public sector bargaining in 2025 with the Public Service Agency. A public service strike remains an option for the CBGEU, with a $120-million strike fund which could last several months in the event of a strike.?
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Ontario
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Premier Ford Reshuffles Ontario Cabinet
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has revealed changes this his Cabinet minister’s portfolios Stephen Lecce has been transitioned from education minister to minister of energy and electrification. Todd Smith, who previously oversaw energy, will now lead education. Steve Clark, the former housing minister, is becoming the government’s house leader. Rob Flash is taking up a new post as Minister of Farming. New to the cabinet are Mike Harris as Minister of Red Tape Reduction and Natalia Kusendova-Bashta as Minister of Long-Term Care. Premier Ford has stated that this cabinet shuffle comes with a focus on rebuilding the economy.
Ontario Training Jobseekers for In-Demand Careers in Technology
The Ontario government is allocating $3.5 million from the Skills Development Fund to offer free tech-related skills training for 800 workers and jobseekers in Toronto, with a focus on Black entrepreneurship in tech. This initiative, in collaboration with the Dream Legacy Foundation, provides specialized upskilling in high-demand sectors such as skilled trades and technical occupations, including app development, coding, design principles, and virtual reality basics. Participants will also benefit from professional development, mentorship, and job placement support. This brings Ontario’s total investment in skills development through the SDF to nearly $1.1 billion.
Ontario Investing $40 Million in Life Sciences Sector
The Ontario government is investing $40 million from the Venture Ontario Fund to support life sciences companies and biomanufacturers in innovating, growing, and competing globally. This funding aims to advance the development of life-saving medicines and technologies. Ontario’s life sciences sector is a significant economic driver, employing over 72,000 people across 2,000 firms and exporting more than $12 billion in goods worldwide.
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Toronto
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TTC Strike Averted with Last-Minute Deal
The tentative agreement between the TTC and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 has successfully prevented a potential strike. The deal includes a?wage increase of over 13%spread across three years, enhanced benefits, and protections against job outsourcing. It further restricts the ability of 905 transit agencies to operate within Toronto. Mayor Olivia Chow commended the deal, highlighting its advantages for both the city’s workers and overall urban transport. The agreement awaits ratification from union members and the TTC board, with a decisive vote scheduled for June 20.
Mississauga Mayoral Race in Tight Contest Ahead of Monday’s Vote
Mississauga's mayoral election is heating up with 20 contenders, Candidate Carolyn Parrish has adopted a "low profile" campaign strategy by minimizing her public appearances and opting out of debates, focusing instead on controlled, small gatherings. This approach, according to experts, leaves room for her opponents like Dipika Damerla, Alvin Tedjo, and Stephen Dasko, who have been actively engaging in debates and addressing key issues such as housing and city development. The race remains tightly contested?as recent polls indicate a narrowing lead among the candidates, making the election outcome uncertain as voters weigh familiar names against visible policies.
Toronto Staff Recommend Council Invest $351M for 6,000 Affordable Rentals
Toronto staff propose a?$351 million investment?to build 6,000 affordable rental units, supporting low-income tenants and young families. The plan, aimed at unlocking stalled projects due to high interest rates and construction costs, includes incentives like pre-development loans and tax exemptions. Mayor Olivia Chow calls on community groups to apply for funding. If approved, eligible projects could receive up to $260,000 per unit, ensuring affordability for at least 40 years. The proposal will be reviewed by the planning and housing committee next week.
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Quebec
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Bill 69 - An Act to ensure the responsible governance of energy resources, introduced by Minister Fitzgibbon
Bill 69 was introduced by Minister Fitzgibbon. It aims to address the slow process in project approval. Hydro-Québec will no longer be obliged to issue a call for tenders for its electricity supply contracts. The Minister said the strategy includes solar, wind, and leaves the door open for nuclear energy. Also, Hydro-Quebec will be building at least one new dam and will invest in new, more efficient turbines for older dams. Companies won’t benefit from preferential pricing to attract them to the province anymore. Rates for electricity sold to companies will be set according to Hydro-Québec's actual electricity production, transmission, and distribution costs. The?Régie de l’énergie?(Energy Board) will review the rates every three years. There will be a cap at a 3% rate increase on residential hydroelectricity until the general Quebec election of 2026. The bill will also allow private distributors of electricity to sell their power to neighbouring customers, provided they can demonstrate the ability to construct the connection independently without using Hydro-Québec’s lines. The bill grants the?Régie de l’énergie?the power to set rates and conditions of service for a public fast-charging network for electric vehicles established by Hydro-Québec. Consultations on Bill 69 will take place in the Fall as the National Assembly rises this week. Some groups are warning of increased energy privatization.
Boeing’s New Aerospace Research Center in Quebec's Innovation Zone
Boeing will establish a new aerospace research center in Quebec, as announced by Premier Fran?ois Legault. This initiative, called Espace Aéro, is part of Quebec's fourth innovation zone and involves public and private investments totaling $415 million, with $240 million from Boeing. The zone, spanning Saint-Laurent, Saint-Hubert, and Mirabel, aims to boost Quebec's aerospace sector, focusing on decarbonization and advanced air mobility. The Quebec government will invest $85 million, emphasizing strategic industry growth and high-paying job creation. This new zone will house major aerospace players, including Airbus, making Quebec unique globally with both aviation giants directly present.
Fitzgibbon Promises Discussions on Nuclear Power
Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon has announced?plans to consider nuclear energy development in Quebec.?He emphasizes the need for public discussions on the risks and benefits before making any decisions, noting that without such dialogue, Quebecers will likely oppose nuclear energy. Fitzgibbon highlighted that the province's energy landscape has changed significantly since the closure of the Gentilly-2 nuclear plant over a decade ago, driven by increased electricity demand from electrification and the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. He stressed that while nuclear energy should be considered as part of an integrated resource plan, discussions will not occur immediately but are necessary for a sustainable future. Concerns about nuclear safety and waste disposal, as well as the feasibility and cost of small modular reactors, are key issues to be addressed.
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