
Premiers huddle with Carney in Saskatoon to decide what major projects to prioritize
SASKATOON – Canada's premiers are meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in person for the first time since the federal election to pitch which major projects they think should get fast tracked.
The recent campaign saw Carney vow to slash federal approval times on major infrastructure projects considered to be in the national interest to help make the country an 'energy superpower.'
The full list of big industrial projects they're discussing is being kept secret, since they don't want to send a bad signal about anything that doesn't make the short list.
But Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his pick is the Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she wants to see the Port of Prince Rupert become a major trade corridor.
The first ministers are also expected to discuss breaking down interprovincial trade barriers, which would make it easier to purchase Canadian-made goods from other provinces and territories.
Many provinces, including Quebec and Ontario, are coming to the table with legislation already put forward that would eliminate some of these longstanding blocks to internal trade.
— With files from Rob Drinkwater in Edmonton
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.

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Winnipeg Free Press
23 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
From local connections to grizzled vets
No, the 2024-25 NHL season is not finished, even if it might feel that way to many fans. The league didn't do itself any favours by going dark for five nights after the Florida Panthers and then the Edmonton Oilers punched their tickets to the Stanley Cup Final last week. But TV commitments, including stickhandling around the NBA Finals, meant an extended timeout. Good news: The waiting game is now over and the puck will finally drop on Wednesday night inside Rogers Place. It's the first championship rematch in 16 years and this series should be a dandy. These teams have plenty in common. They both finished third in their respective divisions during the regular season, essentially pacing themselves so they'd be ready when the stage got bigger. They've found another gear in the playoffs, winning three straight rounds in which they started on the road. There's no shortage of compelling storylines and reasons to tune in — even for folks around these parts who might have lost interest once the Winnipeg Jets were eliminated from contention last month. Let's dig into a few of the juiciest ones: WOE, CANADA: It has been 32 long years since the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Los Angeles Kings in five games to win the Stanley Cup for the 24th time in franchise history. Since then, the silver chalice has had a zip code rather than a postal code. Is this the year the Canadian championship drought finally ends? The Oilers (2006, 2024), Vancouver Canucks (1994, 2011), Calgary Flames (2004) and Montreal Canadiens (2021) have combined to go zero-for-six in the Final over that span, so hockey history would suggest a team from the Great White North is long overdue. Why not the one led by the game's best current player? Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid raising the Stanley Cup would mimic Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky's own first Cup wins — meeting the same team in back-to-back Finals and defeating them on their second try. Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid raising the Stanley Cup would mimic Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky's own first Cup wins — meeting the same team in back-to-back Finals and defeating them on their second try. Connor McDavid raising the trophy to the rafters would be rather fitting considering the way two other NHL mega-stars captured their first Cups. Wayne Gretzky finished as a runner-up in his inaugural bid as his Oilers were swept by the mighty Islanders in 1983. But the 'Great One' would win his first of four titles in 1984 as Edmonton found a way to end the New York dynasty (four straight championships). Sidney Crosby came up short in his first attempt back in 2008 as his Penguins were defeated by the Red Wings. However, the tables were turned the following spring as Pittsburgh downed Detroit in a thrilling seven-game series. 'The Kid' would go on to win two more times, in 2016 and 2017. Look, we get that Canadian hockey fans aren't exactly a united bunch. The majority of Jets supporters, for example, would rather walk on hot coals than cheer for the Oilers. You'll find similar sentiments in every market. But we say it's high time to have a little patriotic puck pride and tell Uncle Sam he can sit this one out for a change. THE LOCAL CONNECTIONS: This series is loaded with local angles, from those with strong Manitoba roots to former members of the Jets, both on the ice and behind the bench. Last spring, former Jets bench boss Paul Maurice finally got his name engraved on Lord Stanley's mug after an exciting Game 7 triumph. Having former Jets associate coach Jamie Kompon beside him for the ride enhanced the experience. There's also some Manitoba flavour on Maurice's coaching staff with video coach Myles Fee, who hails from Dauphin and was once a defenceman on the Dauphin Kings in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The Panthers' blue line features Nate Schmidt, who has done an excellent job on the third pairing after the final season of his contract was bought out by the Jets last summer. Schmidt has three goals and seven points and has appeared in all 17 games during the playoffs. Schmidt's most frequent defence partner has been former Jet Dmitry Kulikov, who was on the Jets' third pairing during the run to the Western Conference final in 2018. As for the Oilers, they wouldn't have reached this point without the strong play between the pipes from Winnipegger Calvin Pickard during the first two rounds. Matt Krohn / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Oilers goaltender and Winnipeg product Calvin Pickard propelled Edmonton's run past the first round after standing tall against the Los Angeles Kings. Matt Krohn / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Oilers goaltender and Winnipeg product Calvin Pickard propelled Edmonton's run past the first round after standing tall against the Los Angeles Kings. Pickard got the call from Kris Knoblach for Game 3 in the first round and quickly rattled off six victories before suffering a lower-body injury. He returned to the backup role in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars and is on call if his services are required. Former Jets left-winger Evander Kane is having an incredible impact for someone who sat out the entire regular season. With six goals and 11 points in 15 games, Kane sits fifth in team scoring, just behind defenceman Evan Bouchard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Leon Draisaitl and McDavid. That's impressive stuff and Kane's ability to crash the crease and play a physical game will be essential against Mathew Tkachuk and the Panthers. Former Jets D-man Mark Stuart is an assistant coach with the Oilers and is in charge of a penalty killing unit that's encountered some ups-and-downs, but will be relied on heavily against a Panthers power play that is operating at 23.2 per cent through 17 games. THE GRIZZLED VETERANS: Two of the oldest players in the NHL are four wins away from the second Stanley Cup of their respective careers — and both are playing an important role. Acquiring Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins just under the wire at the NHL trade deadline was a stroke of genius by Panthers general manager Bill Zito. Marchand, 37, has been a perfect fit for the bruising, yet skilled game the Panthers like to play. Used on the so-called third line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, Marchand has been at his agitating best while chipping in at nearly a point per game pace (with four goals and 14 points in 17 playoff games). He's looking for his first title since winning it all with the Bruins in 2011 in what was his first full season and has been back only once since — losing to the St. Louis Blues in seven games in 2019. John Locher / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry scores against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. The 40-year-old winger has seven goals and 10 points in 16 playoff games this spring. John Locher / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry scores against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. The 40-year-old winger has seven goals and 10 points in 16 playoff games this spring. For the Oilers, Corey Perry continues to hold off Father Time with his blend of sandpaper and skill. Although his game has evolved from his days as a Hart Trophy and Rocket Richard Trophy winner back in 2011, the 40-year-old winger has seven goals and 10 points in 16 playoff games this spring. That's outstanding production on an Oilers team that's had a number of players step up in the secondary scoring department. Perry, who suited up for Team Canada at the memorable World Junior Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, N.D., back in 2005, is about to play in his sixth Stanley Cup final — and fifth in the past six years. But he hasn't won it all since his first trip with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. One of these grizzled veterans is going to be a multiple Stanley Cup champion at some point during the next couple of weeks. And don't be surprised if they spend some time in this series getting under one another's skin in between providing important goals for their respective teams. THE GOALIE BATTLE: This will be one of the most fascinating stories of this series. On paper, the Panthers figure to have a decisive edge, since Sergei Bobrovsky is playing even better than he did last spring when he led the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. There's probably nobody who benefited more from the lengthy break than Bobrovsky, who is 12-5 with a 2.11 goals-against average and .912 save percentage this spring (compared to going 16-8 with a 2.32 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in the 2024 playoffs). But that's part of the beauty of hockey. Many numbers can be informative, but the unpredictable nature of the goalie position makes it difficult to discern why certain things are happening on any given night. Karl DeBlaker / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is 12-5 with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage during this season's playoff run. Karl DeBlaker / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is 12-5 with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage during this season's playoff run. That's what makes the journey of Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner so interesting. For the second consecutive spring, Stuart lost the net to Pickard — this time after consecutive losses to the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round. When the opportunity to return to the crease came, Skinner showed he was ready and he's racked up six wins of his own since that time. For the second consecutive spring, Skinner outplayed Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference final and he's ready for his second taste of the Stanley Cup final. MIKE SAYS: Take the following with a massive grain of salt considering I'm just 7-7 so far in my predictions this spring. Truth be told, the Oilers have surprised me every step of the way — I had them losing to Los Angeles, then Vegas, then Dallas. I'm not going to make the same mistake a fourth time. Although I love how the Panthers play and feel foolish picking against them, I think the Oilers find a way to get the job done in what should be another epic battle. Just like last year, this one is going the distance, but McDavid stands tall at the end and is named playoff MVP. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. KEN SAYS: Things have gone a bit sideways in the predictions game since a 6-2 start to the post-season in the opening round. After going 1-3 in the second, I correctly had the Panthers but didn't have the Oilers advancing, so that leaves me at 8-6 going into this Stanley Cup final. The Oilers are virtually clicking on all cylinders and their improved defensive play has many predicting the Canadian team drought is about to end. Getting Mattias Ekholm back is a huge boost on the back end for the Oilers, but the loss of energetic winger Zach Hyman is a massive blow — even with so many others doing their part at both ends of the ice. For me, not having Hyman tips the scales in what looks like a pick-'em series and that's why I'm taking the Panthers in six, with Bobrosvky getting the nod as the Conn Smythe winner. X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre grew up wanting to be a professional wrestler. But when that dream fizzled, he put all his brawn into becoming a professional writer. Read full biography Ken WiebeReporter Raised in the booming metropolis of Altona, Man., Ken Wiebe grew up wanting to play in the NHL, but after realizing his hands were more adept at typing than scoring, he shifted his attention to cover his favourite sport as a writer. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.


Calgary Herald
23 minutes ago
- Calgary Herald
Oxford Properties takes over seven office towers in Calgary and Vancouver business districts
Article content Oxford Properties, a Canadian investor in real estate and property management, has bought out seven downtown office towers in Calgary and Vancouver's business districts. Article content In a news release shared Tuesday, the Toronto-based company announced that it had bought out Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board's 50 per cent interest in the office properties for $730 million, leaving it with full ownership of the $1.5-billion portfolio. Article content Article content In Calgary, that includes the 25-storey Eau Claire Tower (611,000 sq. ft), Centennial Place (1.3 million sq. ft), 400 Third (820,000 sq. ft) and The Stack (558,000 sq. ft). In Vancouver, the company would own the Guinness Tower (262,000 sq. ft), Marine building (177,000 sq. ft) and the MNP Tower (277,000 sq. ft), amounting to a four million square foot portfolio. Article content Article content Five of the seven properties were built after 2010, with only 400 Third and Centennial Place built in 1988 and 2010, respectively. Article content The move is a reversal of the company's longtime previous practices to dispose of office assets. Article content 'Oxford has been a net seller of office for over a decade to achieve portfolio diversification. We believe now is an opportune time to rotate capital back into this asset class, and this portfolio ticks all the right boxes,' said Tyler Seaman, the company's executive vice-president. Article content 'As the asset and property manager of this portfolio, this transaction represents a compelling opportunity for us to further invest in markets that we not only understand intimately, but in buildings where our teams have built great relationships with our customers and where we consistently use this advantage to outperform the market.' Article content
Montreal Gazette
an hour ago
- Montreal Gazette
Letters: Silencing doctors sends a chill
Letters To The Editor I am appalled that the Collège des médecins is telling its members not to communicate with patients about proposed legislation that could change how doctors are paid. What right does the Collège have to do this? It must be taking its cues from the government. That's a problem, especially when the political climate south of the border chips away at the right to say anything that disagrees with the government's line. Meanwhile, doctors are saying they are working under too many levels of management in a health system that is broken and toxic. Who among us would like to be in their place? Negotiating should be about arriving at a compromise. But it seems the government knows what it wants and has the power to ultimately get it. It just doesn't have to suffer with the result. That's left to the rest of us. Rod Elkin, Pierrefonds The cheers we hear for Canada's team All across the country we can hear Canadians shouting in unison: 'Go Oilers Go!' Even in Quebec, people are adding their voices to the chorus — though some presumably with shouts of: 'Allez Pétroliers Allez!' Robert Fox, Dorval Ghazal should honour her oath Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal declares Canada to be 'a bizarre country' because we invited 'the monarch of a foreign country' to read the throne speech. Whatever else King Charles III may be, he is the constitutional monarch of Canada. Ghazal, like me, is a naturalized Canadian. I assume she had to pass a citizenship test and swear her allegiance and duty to the constitutional monarch — not as a feudal overlord but as a symbol of our sovereign Constitution. Political leaders should know the Constitution and honour their oaths. Elaine Bander, Montreal Student's plea a poignant reminder Re: ' Dear Miss Teacher, Why can't I fail too? ' (Opinion, May 31) What an absolutely true and heart-rending appeal to teachers by Maïka Forget. A poignant reminder that grades should not be the only things that make an individual a good student. As a retired teacher, I was always guided by a strong underlying belief in the capacity of each young life I was privileged to have in my classroom. I salute Forget's determination that, despite the performance assessment of our educational system, she is committed to 'make the world a better place.' It is my most profound belief that she will. Vivianne M. Silver, Côte-St-Luc Submitting a letter to the editor Letters should be sent by email to letters@ We prioritize letters that respond to, or are inspired by, articles published by The Gazette. If you are responding to a specific article, let us know which one. Letters should be sent uniquely to us. The shorter they are — ideally, fewer than 200 words — the greater the chance of publication. Timing, clarity, factual accuracy and tone are all important, as is whether the writer has something new to add to the conversation. We reserve the right to edit and condense all letters. Care is taken to preserve the core of the writer's argument. Our policy is not to publish anonymous letters, those with pseudonyms or 'open letters' addressed to third parties. Letters are published with the author's full name and city or neighbourhood/borough of residence. Include a phone number and address to help verify identity; these will not be published. We will not indicate to you whether your letter will be published. If it has not been published within 10 days or so, it is not likely to be.