Day One | June 24th 2024
Ottawa
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House Rises for the Summer, Government Vows to Return 'Ruthlessly' Focused on Improving Canadians' Lives
The House of Commons adjourned early?for the summer after passing several key pieces of legislation, including the Budget Implementation Act, Bill C-69 and the second Fall Economic Statement Act, Bill C-59. Despite a coordinated push by Conservative MP’s to schedule committee meetings over the summer, the motion to adjourn was approved by all parties. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon highlighted the government’s accomplishments, including passing 15 bills in 14 weeks and delivering programs to improve dental care, childcare, housing, and pharmacare. The House will return on September 16.
Liberals Introduce Plan to Assess Major Energy Projects In Less Than Five Years
On Thursday,?Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan?introduced a new action plan to streamline the permitting process for major energy projects. The plan aims to complete assessments within five years for federal projects and three years for nuclear projects. Minister O'Regan emphasized the need to secure Canada's energy future. The plan also includes a public dashboard for approval processes and a federal permitting coordinator to improve transparency. While business associations have welcomed the plan, environmental activists and the NDP are expressed concerns that the expedited timelines will compromise the environmental assessment process.
Foreign Nationals Can No Longer Apply For Work Permits at the U.S.-Canada Border
On Friday,?Immigration Minister Marc Miller?announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) at the U.S.-Canada border, a practice known as "flagpoling.” This measure aims to reduce the strain on border services by preventing temporary residents from bypassing standard processing times for work or study permits. The policy change is intended to maintain the integrity of the immigration system and ensure border officers can focus on critical duties related to safety and security. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is expediting in-Canada work permit applications and simplifying the application process to encourage applicants to apply from within Canada.
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Alberta
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Naheed Nenshi is the Leader of the Alberta NDP
Former Calgary Mayor, Naheed Nenshi?has been decisively elected?as the next leader of the Alberta NDP on the first ballot with over 86% of the vote. Of the 85,144 eligible members, 72,930 cast their ballots. This is an impressive voter turnout, far surpassing previous NDP leadership races. Nenshi is expected to lead the party to the center, closer to the traditional centrist brand he has cultivated over his time as Calgary’s Mayor. This likely means a distancing from the federal NDP and observers should expect a degree of tension from some members of the NDP’s caucus. The unresolved question is how much power that faction of the NDP will wield, given that all other leadership candidates were only able to capture less than 15% of the vote between them. Top of mind for Nenshi will be securing a seat in the Legislature in advance of October, when session resumes. While the riding of Lethbridge West will be open, following a resignation by MLA Shannon Phillips, Nenshi and his advisors may opt to wait for a safer seat in Edmonton or Calgary to become available. Albertans should also expect large staffing shake-ups within the NDP as Nenshi brings in close allies to support the NDP’s transition to the center.
Alberta’s First Municipal Party Announced in Calgary
Calgary’s first municipal political party, A Better Calgary Party,?has been launchedfollowing recent provincial changes that permit party politics in city elections. This new party, described as a "big tent, membership-driven organization," aims to be on the ballot for the October 2025 municipal election. The party's formation comes after the Alberta government's Bill 20, which allows political parties in Calgary and Edmonton elections and grants the province greater authority over municipal matters. Party spokespersons Cheryl Munson and Jon Horsman emphasize the party’s grassroots focus and its independence from any provincial or federal political affiliations. Horsman is best known for having been a candidate in the UCP Leadership Election while Munson was affiliated with the petition to recall Calgary Mayor Gondek. Although neither Munson nor Horsman plan to run for office, the party will support candidates chosen by ward associations across the city.
Anti-Greenwashing Rules in Bill C-59 Receives Major Pushback
The Pathways Alliance, a consortium of Canada’s six largest oilsands companies,?has removed all content from its website and social media?due to uncertainties surrounding a new anti-greenwashing rule in federal Bill C-59 which implements certain portions of Federal Budget 2024. This Bill requires corporations to substantiate environmental claims using "internationally recognized methodology," which the alliance deems vague and potentially litigious. Other energy groups, like the Clean Resource Innovation Network and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, have also pulled content, citing similar concerns. While environmental groups applaud the bill as a step towards accountability, industry representatives criticize it as overly restrictive and unclear, potentially stifling communication and investment in emissions-reducing technologies.
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Atlantic Canada
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N.S Fixed Rent To Be Tied?To Household Income
Over the next four?years, starting November 13, 2024, rent for all Nova Scotians living in public housing?will be tied to household income. The changes announced by the government are based on recommendations from a 2022 AG report recommending updates were needed to lease policies. These changes are expected to affect approximately 13% of tenants with some seeing decreases in their rent and others seeing increases. The rent cap will be set to 30% of income for a single person and 25% for families, which is in line with what the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation considers to be affordable. The changes are not expected to affect those receiving income assistance.
Premier Higgs And Vitalité Health Network CEO Disagree Over Need For Agency Contracts?
The head of N.B.’s francophone health authority appeared before the public account’s committee three times this week to?defend their use of travel nurse contracts. Dr. France Desrosiers, head of the Vitalité Health Network, testified that the decision to contact private firms to provide private nurses was essential, and made in response to?a mandate to reduce patient wait times?in the health network. N.B.’s government,?including the auditor general?and health minister, have both criticized the decision based on the high costs of hiring travel nurses. Dr. Desrosiers testified that they presented nine options for improving staff retention to the government prior to contacting travel nurses, all of which were rejected, leaving the network no choice but to take on the expenses of the contracts in order to maintain an acceptable level of care. Higgs has since?released a statementsaying that Dr. Desrosiers comments were inaccurate, and that the nine proposals would have been costly?and could not have been unilaterally implemented by his government. Dr. Desrosiers?released a statement?clarifying that the proposed measures were not intended to permanent and would have cost the network $25 million per year. The hearings ended with former health minister Dorothy Shephard and the opposition?calling for a public inquiry.? The Auditor General’s office has also released a?statementencouraging the government to hold Vitalité accountable.
N.L. Paying Hundreds Of Millions To Private Companies To Care For Youth With Complex Needs
Over the past year, N.L.’s government paid nearly $400,000 per child on average?to private companies to house and care for children with complex needs. These costs have increased dramatically over the past several years, despite politicians calls to address them. In the last six years, CBC found that the province paid nearly $420 million to less than a dozen companies for these services, with almost $90 million of that cost being accrued in the last year alone. The findings are the result of an access-to-information request filed by CBC, and come after an N.L. sentencing?regarding the assault of a minorliving under provincially funded care. ??
P.E.I.’s Use of Special Warrants Questioned Following Critical Auditor General Report?
P.E.I.’s deputy finance minister was among senior finance staff questioned by MLAs on Tuesday about?the findings in an auditor general’s report?citing issues like the department’s lack of an internal auditing function and the high spending related to special warrants. Special warrants are expenditures falling outside the provincial budget that are authorized by cabinet without a vote in the legislative assembly. P.E.I.’s government issued 23 late special warrants since August 2023, costing the province about $143.8 million. Green Party MLA Peter Bevan-Baker called the use of these special warrants an oversight by the legislative assembly. The report also flagged $4.53 million in overpayments issued by the province to municipalities last year, which the 23 communities had since been told they would need to pay back. The finance department is looking to establish an internal audit function by early in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
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British Columbia
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Closure of Open Net Salmon Farms in 2029
The federal government?announced a delay in the closure?of open net salmon farms off British Columbia's coast until 2029, allowing a transition to closed containment systems. This decision, initially set for next year, drew mixed reactions. Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier emphasized a responsible and achievable transition plan, but industry leaders criticized the decision for lacking scientific basis and threatening jobs. Environmental groups welcomed the move but argued the timeline was insufficient given the urgency of protecting wild salmon. The transition plan, affecting 79 farms, aligns with Prime Minister Trudeau's 2019 pledge to phase out ocean-pen farming.
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B.C. United Candidate Defects to B.C. Conservatives
Chris Moore, initially announced as a B.C. United candidate in January,?has defected to the B.C. Conservatives, marking the second defection this month for the Official Opposition. Conservative leader John Rustad revealed Moore as the candidate for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, emphasizing the positive impact on the party's momentum. Moore, a former Sechelt councillor and real estate agent, cited a lack of support for B.C. United among constituents as his reason for switching. B.C. United mentioned on X that Moore had significant differences with the party, particularly regarding competition with the B.C. Conservatives and defending the party from criticisms. This follows the recent defections of Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey South, and Lorne Doerkson, B.C. United's former caucus chair, to the Conservatives. The Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding has been held by B.C. NDP MLA Nicholas Simons since 2005.
B.C. Government Files Class-Action Lawsuit
The British Columbia government has filed a class-action?lawsuit against manufacturers of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," due to their widespread contamination of drinking water systems. This lawsuit, the first of its kind in Canada, targets 12 companies, including major chemical firms like 3M, DuPont, and BASF. The lawsuit alleges that these companies were aware of the long-term environmental and health risks posed by PFAS but failed to warn the public or take corrective measures. PFAS, used in various consumer products for their durability and resistance properties, is alleged to be linked to serious health issues such as cancer and thyroid disease. The B.C. government believes that this will hold these manufacturers accountable for alleged environmental damage and associated health care costs.
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Ontario
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Engineering Report Leads To Closure Of Ontario Science Centre Building
In light of a new report revealing significant structural issues with the Ontario Science Centre building, the Board of Trustees has decided to close the facility effective immediately. Members and summer camp participants will be reimbursed, with alternative summer camp programming provided at a nearby school. Infrastructure Ontario plans to release a Request for Proposals to find a temporary location for the Science Centre and aims to open a new permanent facility at Ontario Place by 2028.
Ontario Government Provides $16 Million For Protection From Invasive Species
The province has allocated $16 million to assist municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities with stopping invasive species from establishing or spreading. The funding will be managed by the Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to support an Ontario-wide initiative to combat the invasive plant Phragmites. The Invasive Species Action Fund will offer grants for the management of harmful invasive species, which collectively cost Ontario as much as $3.6 billion per year.
Ontario Increasing Access to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
The Ontario government is enhancing access to dental care and affordable prescription medications for vulnerable seniors by expanding the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Seniors Co-Payment Program. Effective August 1, 2024, the annual income eligibility thresholds will rise from $22,200 to $25,000 for single seniors and from $37,100 to $41,500 for couples. Eligible seniors can begin applying under the new thresholds starting July 1, 2024.
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Toronto
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TTC CEO Rick Leary Resigns After Guiding Transit Agency Through Pandemic and Key Contract Talks
Rick Leary, CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), announced his resignation at a city hall press conference, effective?August 30. Leary, who led the TTC through the pandemic and recently secured a critical labor agreement to avoid a strike, cited a desire to explore new opportunities after a decade with the agency. Despite facing a workplace investigation and various challenges, Leary expressed pride in his tenure and the progress made under his leadership. The TTC board will appoint an interim CEO in the coming weeks.
TTC Workers Approve New Contract, Averting Strike
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, representing 12,000 TTC workers, voted over 80% in favor of a new contract, thereby preventing a strike that could have disrupted transit for over two million daily riders. The?new agreement, covering 2024 to 2026, includes provisions for job security, improved benefits, and fair wage increases, while also addressing concerns such as cross-boundary integration. This deal, which follows the union's previous contract that expired in March, marks significant wage hikes and improved terms for TTC employees, with final approval expected from the TTC board.
Toronto Moves Forward with Renaming Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square
Toronto is proceeding with plans to rename Yonge-Dundas Square to?Sankofa Square after a heated executive committee meeting led by Mayor Olivia Chow. The renaming, approved by council in December, aims to honor African-Canadian contributions. The square’s board estimates the?total cost at nearly $1 million, with additional funding expected from third-party partners. Critics argue the renaming is costly and inadequately consulted, while supporters emphasize the importance of addressing historical harms. The full council will reconsider the renaming next week, with new signage anticipated by year-end.
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Quebec
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A New Consortium to Promote Green Technologies
Quebec is investing millions in a?new consortium to support clean technology startups from ideation to international commercialization. Launched by Cycle Momentum, incubator 2 Degrés, and innovation accelerator IVéO, the Consortium en technologies propres aims to rapidly expand the pool of green tech companies and accelerate the market introduction of innovations to reduce environmental impact. By identifying promising markets and aiding in technology commercialization, the consortium seeks to attract investors and ensure continuous support for startups. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of early international commercialization to foster growth and prevent premature sales of innovations.
Reducing GHG Emissions Québec Focuses On Energy Sobriety
The?Quebec government is prioritizing energy efficiency?and conservation to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with an investment of $900 million aimed at enhancing energy-saving programs and setting higher efficiency standards for buildings and appliances. Despite these efforts, Quebec has only achieved a 7% reduction in emissions since 1990, far from the 37.5% reduction target set for 2030. The plan includes doubling annual energy savings to 2 TWh and aims for a total reduction of 21 TWh by 2035, equivalent to the consumption of 1.2 million households. Additionally, the plan includes nearly $370 million for climate adaptation measures, bringing the total investment to $1.23 billion.
Sagard Prepares Two Alternative Funds for "Small" Investors
Sagard, a platform under Montreal's Power Corporation, plans to?democratize alternative investments?by launching two new funds aimed at individual investors. Sagard, managing over $25 billion in assets, will introduce a private credit fund in September and a private equity investment product in the fall. These funds, typically accessible to institutional investors, will now be available to accredited individuals. The private credit fund, eligible for registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs, aims for a 9-10% annual return, with an initial asset target of $50-100 million and a goal to reach $1 billion in three years. The fund will focus on financing profitable mid-sized companies in North America, Europe, and Australia. Accredited investors must meet specific income or net worth criteria to participate, with a minimum investment of $10,000. This initiative reflects a broader trend of increasing access to non-traditional investment products for individual investors.
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