Day One | June 17th 2024
Ottawa
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Liberal Government Takes First Step Toward Changing Capital Gains Tax
The Liberal government has introduced a ways and means motion, the first step toward changing the?capital gains tax inclusion rate?from one-half to two-thirds on capital gains above $250,000. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stated that the revenue from this change is needed to fund initiatives like pharmacare, dental care, child care, and green energy projects. While the Canadian Medical Association expressed concerns about the impact on doctors, Freeland suggested provinces should use the additional revenue to increase doctors' compensation. The NDP has generally supported measures aimed at increasing tax fairness and is likely to back the government's proposal, emphasizing the need for increased social spending.
Pierre Poilievre Opposes Capital Gains Hike, Promises New Tax Cut
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre?has declared his opposition to the Liberal government's proposal to raise the capital gains tax inclusion rate, promising instead to implement new tax cuts for the poor and middle class. The motion to increase the inclusion rate from one-half to two-thirds for gains over $250,000 was passed with the support of the New Democratic Party and Bloc Québécois. Poilievre criticized the tax hike as detrimental to jobs and the economy, pledging to establish a tax reform task force within 60 days of becoming Prime Minister, if elected. Poilievre stated the task force would be composed of entrepreneur, farmers and workers. The legislation, which also affects Canadian companies, will take effect on June 25, with further details expected in the summer.
NDP’s Jagmeet Singh Says Classified Version of Foreign Interference Report Details Unethical Behaviour By Some Parliamentarians
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh?has raised alarms about unethical and potentially criminal behavior by some parliamentarians, as detailed in the classified version of a national-security watchdog's report on foreign interference. Singh emphasized that certain MPs have knowingly aided foreign governments to Canada's detriment, calling for expanded public inquiry to include these revelations. While Green Party Leader Elizabeth May found no disloyalty among sitting MPs in her review of the report, Singh's starkly different interpretation underscores the gravity of the allegations. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre dismissed the NDP's call for an expanded inquiry as a deflection and has refused access to classified information, including the NSICOP report.
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Alberta
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Canadian Energy Centre To Be?Integrated into the Provincial Government?
Premier Danielle Smith announced that Alberta's energy "War Room," the Canadian Energy Centre (CEC),?will be integrated into the provincial government?to strengthen the province's leadership in advocating for the oil and gas industry. Smith believes major initiatives should be led by her office rather than an external agency, citing recent provincial campaigns against federal regulations as examples. The Premier criticized the "War Room" moniker and emphasized the need for credible research over combativeness. The CEC will now operate under Intergovernmental Relations, with some staff being reassigned. Critics, including the NDP, argue that the CEC has been a wasteful and ineffective endeavour, suggesting the funds could have been better used for public services. The government maintains that the CEC is essential for defending Alberta’s energy sector, but there are still questions about its future budget and transparency.?
Former Premier Redford Appointed to Invest Alberta Board?
Alberta's government announced?several key appointments?on June 6th, including former Premier Alison Redford, who was named to the board of directors of the Invest Alberta Corporation. Redford, who served as premier from 2011 to 2014, will hold the position until January 30, 2027. Premier Smith hailed the appointment, noting Redford’s commitment to Alberta and strong experience. On Real Talk with Ryan Jespersen, the Premier claimed that Redford has been unable to find work in Alberta since leaving politics and that her experience around the world will be a huge asset to Invest Alberta. Opposition justice critic Irfan Sabir criticized Redford's appointment and other recent appointments, accusing the UCP of favouring insiders to consolidate power.?
More Support Needed To Settle Newcomers: Premier Smith?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is?urging the federal government?to provide more support for helping newcomers settle in the province, highlighting the substantial population growth with many new immigrants choosing Alberta. Speaking at the Western Premiers' Conference in Whitehorse, Smith emphasized the need for federal financial assistance to manage settlement costs and match newcomers with available jobs. She noted that Alberta's population has increased by over 200,000 in the past year, driven largely by international migration. Smith called for an increase in the provincial nominee allotment and criticized the lack of federal funding compared to Quebec's recent $750 million agreement for temporary immigrants.?
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Atlantic Canada
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Atlantic Workforce Ministers Call For Reversal Of Federal Labour Market Transfer Agreement Cut
Atlantic ministers issued a?statement?following a meeting of the Atlantic Workforce Partnership calling on the federal government to reverse the $625 million reduction in workforce development programs contained in Budget 2024 arguing they are given no prior notice and that the change will result in a $62.3 million annual reduction in funding for skills training and employment initiatives across the region.? Provinces are taking issue with the federal government’s assertion that capital gains revenues will replace the Labour Market Transfer Agreement funds, and questioning where the funds are being spent.
Nominations Fuel Speculation Nova Scotians Could See A?Spring Election
The nomination of numerous Progressive Conservative candidates in recent weeks has increased speculation that Nova Scotians could go to the polls this spring.? The next provincial election is scheduled for?July 15, 2025, but when pressed, Premier Houston would not comment on whether he would stand by his government’s fixed election legislation, noting that a decision to call an early election would depend on the circumstances and be entirely driven by Nova Scotians. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia’s decision to seek a judicial review of the province’s chief electoral officer’s Preston byelection order has been validated. The judge ruled Ms. Rice had no authority to order the party to take down signs and stop distributing campaign material she deemed misleading to voters.
N.S. Lobbies For Quick Passage Of C-49 To Support Offshore Wind Industry As Mi’kmaq Raise Concerns
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton?appeared?before the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources to urge the federal government to quickly pass C-49, which would expand the mandate of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board so it can regulate offshore renewables. Federal legislation must be passed before the province can modernize its own legislation, which the Houston government had hoped to do this fall. However, during Rushton’s testimony, he was?presented?with a letter from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs outlining multiple concerns, including that the required consultation process had not been followed.? The Senate will be hearing from Chiefs in September. While Rushton noted his commitment to addressing concerns, he cautioned that any delay could seriously jeopardize large investments from investors who require regulatory certainty.
Newfoundland Power Files General Rate Application For Additional 5.5% Increase
Ratepayers will have an opportunity to weigh in on Newfoundland Power’s latest?general rate application?request on July 9.? The utility is requesting a 5.5 percent increase in addition to the 10.5 percent increase residents will likely see on their electricity bills as of July 1, in order to recover costs. While the province’s consumer advocate calls the increase ‘entirely inappropriate,’ the company is arguing the rate change is necessary in order to have a ‘reasonable opportunity to earn a just and reasonable return’ in each of the next two years.
Greens Call For Rental-To-Condo Conversion Moratorium As P.E.I. Government Launches New Housing Development Programs
The Green Party of P.E.I. is calling for a?moratorium on rental-to-condo conversions?in light of the ongoing housing crisis. The King government has previously indicated that changes to the Residential Tenancy Act are?likely coming this fall, in response to concerns raised by both tenants and landlords.? To address housing supply needs, the Government is launching a?Building Acceleration Grant?and a new $25 million?Municipal Instructure Fund, administered through the Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities, to assist developers creating lots and subdivisions in rural P.E.I. ?
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British Columbia
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领英推荐
Premier Eby Calls on Federal for Fair Allocation of Support?
Premier David Eby has criticized the federal government for favoring Quebec and Ontario with funding while neglecting Western Canada.?He argued?that it's disingenuous for federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller to frame B.C.'s concerns solely around asylum seekers, noting that Ontario and Quebec receive billions for projects like car factories while B.C. struggles with insufficient infrastructure funding, such as for the $4.15 billion Massey Tunnel replacement. Eby's remarks, coming before the provincial election, aim to highlight this disparity and demand fair federal support for B.C.'s growing population. Political analysts suggest this tough stance helps distance Eby from the unpopular federal Liberals.?
Navigating Election Vetting Challenges ?
The recent dropout of several provincial candidates in British Columbia due to past online statements has?highlighted the challenges political parties face?in vetting their nominees for the 2024 election. Political consultants attribute these issues to volunteer-run election readiness committees that lack the resources to thoroughly check candidates' social media histories. Notable incidents include B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon dropping Asad Gondal over controversial views on the LGBTQ+ community and the war in Gaza, and B.C. Conservative candidate Damon Scrase withdrawing after criticism of his posts about Pride. The B.C. Conservative Party has since hired a professional research service to improve its vetting process, which includes a comprehensive application and social media review. Despite these efforts, the final decision on candidate nominations lies with the party leaders.?
New Regulations for Ride-Share and Delivery Workers?
Uber has expressed concerns that?new regulations for ride-share and delivery workers?in British Columbia, effective September 3, will increase costs and reduce demand for local restaurants. The changes include a minimum wage of $20.88 per hour for active work, full tip allocation to workers, workers' compensation coverage, and a vehicle allowance of 35-45 cents per kilometer. Uber claims these costs will be 50% higher than similar expenses in California. Premier David Eby dismissed the complaints, asserting that companies need to adapt and emphasizing the importance of fair wages and safety for workers. While Unifor supports the regulations as a step towards securing basic rights for gig workers, the president of Gig Workers United raised concerns about the minimum wage only applying to engaged time, arguing it undermines the concept of minimum wage for the entire work period. The new rules aim to provide better protections for gig workers, who often face exploitation and lack union representation.?
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Ontario
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Ontario Government Completes Initial Phase of Site Preparation For First Small Modular Reactor
The provincial government has announced the first Small Modular Reactor in the G7, as part of the Darlington New Nuclear Project which could power the equivalent of 1.2 million homes. Ontario has signed new trade agreements with SN Nuclearelectrica S.A. in Romania and Stellarex in France to advance the development of fusion projects. Ontario Power Generation has now completed the initial work for the SMR, and responsibility for the site will now be transitioned to construction partner AECON to complete the next steps.
Ontario Spending $6 Million To Train More Than One Thousand Carpenters
The Ontario government is providing more than $6 million through the Skills Development Fund to further endow two projects that train carpenters in Vaughan and across Ontario. The funding aims to fill many of the 1,200 carpentry vacancies across the province through on-the-job and in-class learning, along with upskilling programs related to formwork and scaffolding. The Carpenters’ Regional Council and the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades will lead the work to address the acute labour shortage in this sector.
Ontario Providing Funds for Free Skilled Trades Training?
The Ontario government is allocating $4.7 million from the Skills Development Fund to offer free skilled trades training for 2,318 youth, apprentices and jobseekers in Ontario. This initiative brings Ontario’s total investment in skills development and training through SDF to nearly $1.1 billion. Training will include specialized upskilling in digital marketing, web development, cloud computing, information technology, and welding.
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Toronto
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Carolyn Parrish to Become Mississauga Mayor on June 24
Carolyn Parrish will be sworn in as Mississauga's new mayor on June 24, after?winning 31% of the vote in the byelection. Parrish aims to prioritize housing, despite anticipated opposition. She will be the fifth mayor in the city’s history, succeeding Bonnie Crombie. The?voter turnout was 25.71%, an increase from the previous municipal election. Ward 5 will welcome new councillor Natalie Hart, who won the seat vacated by Parrish. The official ceremony will be held in Mississauga city council chambers.
Olivia Chow Faces Major Labour Challenges as Mayor
Olivia Chow's mayoralty is under threat due to significant municipal labour issues. While the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) avoided disruption with a last-minute settlement, the?contracts for 30,735 city workers?represented by CUPE Local 79, CUPE Local 416, and associated bargaining units expire at the end of the year. These workers' demands for higher wages to match inflation conflict with the city’s budget constraints. A major work stoppage in 2025?could jeopardize Chow's re-election in 2026. Balancing worker compensation needs with the city’s financial limitations will be a critical challenge for her administration.
TDSB Faces Cyber Incident from Unauthorized Access
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) experienced a cyber incident involving unauthorized access to its technology testing environment. The breach's impact on personal information is unclear. Upon discovery, the TDSB's cybersecurity team implemented a response plan to secure data and critical systems. Toronto Police and third-party experts are investigating, and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has been notified. The TDSB has said all individuals will be informed if their personal data was compromised.
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Quebec
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The American Government Evokes Trade Sanctions To Fight Quebec’s Bill 96
The?American administration has expressed concerns about Quebec's Bill 96?on French language protection, indicating potential barriers to trade between Canada and the United States. Statements from the United States have hinted at the possibility of imposing sanctions on Canada due to aspects of the law. Discussions between Canadian and American officials highlighted American apprehensions regarding the law's impact on trademark provisions and its implications for U.S. businesses. Despite considerations of reduced American product exports to Canada, a final decision on sanctions remains pending. The Quebec government is finalizing regulations for the law, which includes provisions on commercial displays, trademarks, and product labeling, set to come into effect in June 2025. The situation has raised concerns about maintaining French language protection while upholding strong trade relationships.
Quebec Must Revise Strategy to Achieve Carbon Neutrality and Economic Growth
An Institute of Quebec study suggests that?Quebec's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 may conflict with its aim to close the wealth gap with Ontario.?The study emphasizes that achieving both objectives simultaneously would require the government to reassess its strategy. Maintaining current practices while closing the wealth gap would lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, hindering carbon neutrality efforts. Conversely, reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 would necessitate economic decline incompatible with population and growth needs. To address these challenges, the study proposes using carbon intensity as an indicator to balance economic and environmental considerations. It suggests that Quebec should reduce its carbon intensity by 42% by 2030 to align with its wealth creation and decarbonization goals, highlighting varying performance across industries like wholesale trade and manufacturing compared to agriculture and transportation.
Montreal Aims to Build 200,000 New Housing Units by 2050, Integrate Public Transit
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante outlines her administration's goal to build 200,000 additional housing units by 2050, integrated with public transit development to avoid increased traffic congestion. The new urban and mobility plan (PUM) 2050 will introduce a densification measure based on housing units per hectare, categorized into low, moderate, and high-density zones. The plan aims for 20% of these units to be "off-market," developed by cooperatives or organizations, independent of market fluctuations. To achieve both economic growth and carbon neutrality, the city must reduce its carbon intensity by 42% by 2030. The administration also plans to retain young families by constructing larger, affordable apartments and greening urban areas.
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