N.B. minister recuses himself from assessment of Saint John industrial park expansion
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Winnipeg Free Press
2 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Carney to meet with three Métis groups on major projects bill today
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet today with three provincial Métis groups to discuss his government's major projects legislation. The legislation allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects that are deemed to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Carney is expected to be joined by the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Ontario. The Manitoba Métis Federation, which represents Red River Métis, declined an invitation to take part in the meeting Wednesday, saying that inviting the Métis Nation of Ontario undermines the integrity of the gathering and puts the government's plans for major projects at risk. The Manitoba Métis Federation says the Métis Nation of Ontario has no basis for existing and does not represent Métis. Carney will meet with Métis leaders alongside a handful of his ministers, including Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Métis Nation British Columbia said it wouldn't be attending the meeting because it wanted full participation but was only invited as an online observer. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2025.
Globe and Mail
2 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
B.C. to release framework for expanding defence sector in October
British Columbia plans to release its own framework in October detailing how it will boost the province's defence industry and align with a federal strategy to bolster Canada's security. Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon said B.C.'s plan will outline how it intends to make the most of the opportunity presented by Prime Minister Mark Carney's goal of spending 5 per cent of Canada's GDP on defence by 2035. Mr. Kahlon added the province is already engaging with various stakeholders, such as industry groups and First Nations, to discuss what its strategy will include. 'We have come to a clear conclusion that the national-security threat to Canada is more real than ever, and when the Prime Minister called around national security, in British Columbia, we are going to answer,' he said in an interview with The Globe and Mail. Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly told The Globe last month that shipbuilding was likely to be prioritized through the federal government's incoming defence strategy. In 2022, Western and Northern Canada accounted for 20 per cent of Canadian defence industry employment, with naval shipbuilding, design, maintenance, repair and overhaul ranking among the top defence activities in the region. Mr. Kahlon said he has spoken with Ms. Joly about expanding the province's shipbuilding sector and sees opportunity in contracts for new builds, recycling aging vessels, the development of more sustainable fuels and research into autonomous vessels. Shipbuilding, aerospace to be priorities in federal strategy to transform defence sector, Joly says Opinion: Great defence spending plan, Carney. It'd be a shame if Ottawa bureaucracy got in the way Beyond shipbuilding, Mr. Kahlon said he also sees a chance for B.C. to contribute to the growth of Canada's defence sector through its work in critical minerals, aerospace, life sciences, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. 'We are keen to learn from the federal government on what it is that they need from British Columbia, and we're prepared to do whatever it takes to be part of the solution,' he said. Mr. Kahlon highlighted companies, such as aerial firefighting business Conair Group Inc., shipbuilder Seaspan and quantum computing company Photonic, as examples of B.C.'s leading capabilities. Done right, he said the push could lead to more jobs across the province, from aerospace in the Fraser Valley to shipyards in Vancouver to dual-use technology companies scattered across the province. Around the same time that the province gears up to release its defence framework this fall, Mr. Kahlon will be travelling to Asia to continue B.C.'s mission to strengthen its trade relationships beyond the United States. In 2024, more than half of B.C.'s total exports went to the U.S. That includes 75 per cent of its wood products, 61 per cent of its fish products and 81 per cent of its agricultural products. Mr. Kahlon's trip will be the second trade mission from B.C. to Asia within about six months, after B.C. Premier David Eby's trips to Asia and Europe in June where he focused on selling B.C. energy, tech and critical minerals, among other products. Mr. Kahlon said the intention of his trip will be 'to find new opportunities in new markets for our products going out, but also for opportunities for replacement of some of those products that have historically come from the U.S.' On July 23, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new deal between Japan and the U.S., citing a 'major expansion of U.S. energy exports to Japan' and the possibility of a new offtake agreement for Alaskan liquefied natural gas. But Mr. Kahlon isn't worried, describing the U.S.'s approach to selling its natural gas as 'strong arming.' He said B.C. would take the opposite approach, focusing on selling itself as a reliable partner amid constant uncertainty. 'There's a desire from other jurisdictions to partner with places that are stable jurisdictions, that follow laws, that have some respect for the environment and are trying to reduce their emissions in all of their products,' he said. 'These are strong values, despite what we're hearing out of the Trump administration.' Exports to the U.S. rose in B.C.'s most recent data for the year-to-date. Meanwhile, exports to South Korea and Japan decreased. But Mr. Kahlon said these numbers likely reflect a last-minute rush by U.S. purchasers to bring Canadian goods across the border before a new round of tariffs kicked in at the beginning of August, and he expects these numbers to decrease as U.S. employment data show the economy could be slowing at the hands of tariffs. However, he added, any weakness in the U.S. economy will have inevitable effects on the Canadian economy, given their interlinked nature. 'That's why building these relationships with other partners is so vitally important.'
Globe and Mail
2 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
New Hyundai Palisade with hybrid, off-road options stands out in a crowded field
The Palisade three-row SUV was a hit for Hyundai from when it was first introduced in 2018 to replace the Santa Fe XL. Now, after eight years, this modern minivan alternative has been completely redesigned and for the first time will be offered with a hybrid powertrain. Offering a hybrid in the Palisade is a key part of the company's electrification strategy, according to Olabisi Boyle, Hyundai Motor North America senior vice-president of product planning and mobility strategy. 'Because customers are in different places on the journey toward electrification, you need to have flexibility so that you can manage uncertainties in the auto manufacturing business,' she said. The new Palisade, which starts at $53,699, is loaded with other firsts as well including an XRT Pro model equipped with off-road suspension and running gear. A factory-installed tow hitch, the company's first integrated front and rear dash camera, powered third-row seats, 10 airbags and a visible passing traffic warning that alerts passengers and locks the doors to prevent dooring a cyclist or hitting a car are also available on all models. The Palisade has two power options, a new, naturally aspirated 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine and a 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder in the hybrids. The 3.5-litre replaces a 3.8-litre V6 and, with the smaller displacement, it also makes less power, dropping to 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque from 291 and 262. The smaller engine was necessitated by emissions regulations, the company said, however, it can still tow up to 5,000 pounds, like its predecessor. The new hybrid makes an estimated combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai said the hybrid is targeting seven litres per 100 kilometres on the highway with a projected range of more than 900 kilometres. The hybrid powertrain offers an estimated 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. The 2026 Palisade has grown in every dimension, now offering more interior space and more passenger volume than all of its chief competitors, including the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse. The Palisade's wheelbase has been extended by 70 millimetres and it is 65 millimetres longer and 55 millimetres taller than before. Its total interior volume is 5,125 litres, as compared to the next largest – the Traverse, at 5,102. Inside, this translates into more leg and headroom in every row. The exterior update is eye-catching. It's a tall, upright package, but not top-heavy. Vertical daytime running lights are balanced by strong horizontal lines in the grille. The over all impression is modern and businesslike. Chief designer for the SUV Soomin Choe noted in a presentation that the interior was inspired by mid-century modern furniture. That influence is visible in a cylindrical centre console and curved, floating dash that envelopes the dual 12.3-inch displays and shades them from glare. There's also a clever palm rest that allows you to brace your hand when using the touchscreen on the road. The vehicle is loaded with features and options for passengers such as the third-row powered seats and easy access one-touch control for getting into that row. Thanks to the flexibility of the rear two rows, the Palisade allows for full-size humans to sit in all the seats without having their knees around their ears. There are also controls on the touchscreen that let the driver manage the seating configuration without having to get out and open the rear hatch. On the road, the Palisade delivers a quiet, smooth ride. New sound absorbing materials and glass provide a luxuriously peaceful interior and the seats are well designed and comfortable. The third-row ride is predictably a little rougher than up front, but new bigger rear windows make up for it with panoramic views. The first XRT Pro model for Hyundai demonstrated the capabilities of its electronic limited-slip differential, increased ground clearance and terrain modes for mud, snow and sand over a short off-road course in California. While most of the course was simply a rough dirt road, a steep pitch allowed the downhill brake control and surround view monitor to come into play, controlling the Palisade's descent and providing a view of the ground ahead. The company hinted that there will be more XRT Pro models to follow. Canadian buyers will have five trims to choose from, all with all-wheel drive. The base model is the Preferred Trend with the 3.5-litre engine, starting at $53,699. It is the sole model that will accommodate eight passengers. The XRT Pro starts at $57,799 and the Ultimate Calligraphy opens at $62,499, both with the V6. Hybrids start at $60,499 for the Luxury model; the Ultimate Calligraphy hybrid starts at $65,699. The gas-powered models are available now and the hybrids will arrive this fall. All are built at Hyundai's plant in Ulsan, Korea. Julian Cheng, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.'s senior product planner, said that with the previous version of the Palisade 60 to 70 per cent of sales were of the top trim Ultimate Calligraphy. He said they expect that to continue with the new model. 'For the price, you get a lot of content, even for the current generation,' he said. 'So, we took that idea and applied it for the 2026.' For families shopping in the crowded full-size SUV market, the 2026 Palisade will stand out as a well-priced, practical and attractive model. The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval. Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.
