Master rail plan comes with lofty ambitions, major questions
Calgary Watch
The provincial government is exploring how to bring back regional rail service to Calgary—something that left our city decades ago.
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National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
Pressure building on Liberals to rethink electric vehicle mandate
OTTAWA — As Canada approaches a critical starting point for its electric vehicle goals, pressure is building on Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to rethink its plan. Article content Starting next year, the Liberal plan to get more electric vehicles on the road will enter its first phase: mandating sales targets for car companies, which could purchase credits, including by spending on charging infrastructure, or face penalties for not complying. Article content Article content Article content The government has set a target of 20 per cent of new passenger vehicles sold in 2026 must be either battery-powered or hybrid, which increases to 60 per cent by 2030 and reaches 100 per cent by 2035. Article content Article content The goal is to reduce the country's emissions, taking direct aim at the transportation sector, which is among the top emitters. Article content But with plummeting electric car sales and Canada's auto sector under duress from a trade war with the U.S, which has abandoned its electrification goals under President Donald Trump, Carney's government must now decide whether to forge ahead or reconsider a core climate policy. 'They're going to have to make adjustments,' said Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association. 'I think they know that, the industry knows that. It's really a negotiation on where those adjustments land. Is this a time for stretch goals or is this a time for reality. What's the mix?' Article content He added that he had spoken to 'several ministers' this week. Article content Article content Brian Kingston, the president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, which represents Ford, General Motors and Stellantis and has long opposed the sales mandate, says the policy heaps on added costs at a time when keeping production in Canada has been made more difficult by U.S. tariffs Article content Article content 'At a time where companies are already facing tariff pressure, they are now going to face challenges selling vehicles in the Canadian market. Very difficult to make the case for Canada with this policy in place.' Article content Ford Canada CEO Bev Goodman was among the latest to call for the mandate to be scrapped, pointing to falling customer interest. Article content Statistics Canada bears that out, with the agency reporting a 45-per-cent drop in new zero-emission vehicles sold in March from the same month the year before. It said these new vehicles accounted for around seven per cent of vehicles sold in March 2025 — a figure critics point to as fuel to argue a 20 per cent sales target is unrealistic.
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Letters to the editor, June 26: ‘Supply management doesn't just limit competition – it enables cartel-like control over how animals are raised'
Re 'Not that that kind of tax reform' (Letters, June 25): A letter-writer states that if Canada's wealth was equitably distributed, we would still have one of the highest living standards ever. History and experience would beg to differ. Nations that flatten wealth distribution by taxation or other means have produced lower overall standards of living. Think about the Soviet Union versus the United States. Wealth-flattening nations tend to hold or attract those who seek to contribute less and receive more, while driving away those who strive to contribute more and receive more. There is a great expression for this: The effort to make us all equal will have us all equally poor. John Budreski Whistler, B.C. Re 'Say less' (Letters, June 24): A letter-writer urges Ontario readers to ask Doug Ford to resign, based on the Premier's recent comments that were deemed offensive to Indigenous people. Perhaps the Premier's comments were a reflection of the changing tide of public opinion. As a taxpaying citizen and descendant of immigrants who came to Canada expecting and receiving nothing from the government, I have little tolerance for those who would block resource development while at the same time receiving increased funding from the government. The recent passing of Bill C-5 by the federal government suggests that the winds of sympathy for Indigenous reconciliation are beginning to ebb. Jeremy Klein Ottawa Re 'The slow crawl of cities on housing reform' (Editorial, June 23): Oh, the irony! Michael Janz has been the leading proponent of increased density on Edmonton city council. And when he proposes some modest concessions to help preserve the character of older neighbourhoods, you ambush him as if he were a NIMBY stalwart. You owe Mr. Janz, and Edmontonians seeking a better balance, an apology. Michael Cohen Edmonton Re 'We can help friendly democracies ditch their dependence on Russian energy' (Opinion, June 23): This article demonstrates that revenues from Russian energy exports to democratic nations exceed the total aid sent to Ukraine. Russians are benefitting more from oil and gas sales than Ukrainians are benefitting from financial support and the shipment of arms from countries such as Canada. Our European allies have long pleaded for help reducing their dependence on Russian gas. The largest importers of Russian oil are China and India, as well as the European Union. The largest importers of Russian LNG are the EU, China and Japan. It is time for Canada to sell oil and LNG to all of these countries. For those who oppose resource development and pipelines, just know you are among Vladimir Putin's best friends. James McAllister Ajax, Ont. Re 'How to crack open Canada's egg market' (Editorial, June 21): The Globe explains how Canada's supply management system locks out new entrants, but it overlooks how the same system keeps hens locked in cages by stalling progress on animal welfare. While nearly half the U.S. egg market is now cage-free, Canada is lagging far behind for the tenth year in a row. Canadian grocery retailers once pledged to sell only cage-free eggs by 2025, but our supply management system hinders this progress, keeping hens in outdated cages with no more space than a single sheet of paper each. By removing market incentives for improvements, the quota system insulates dominant producers and prevents small-scale farmers from entry. Even when companies such as Costco go cage-free in the United St, Britain and Mexico, Canadian consumers are left with no choice. Supply management doesn't just limit competition – it enables cartel-like control over how animals are raised. That's bad for farmers, bad for consumers and, worst of all, for the hens on Canadian farms. P.J. Nyman Toronto Thank you for your editorial exposing the inequities facing some egg producers because of our supply management system. The system was initially devised to protect small farmers but has evolved into one that enables and enriches large industrial operations (which no longer can even be called farms) where millions of birds are crammed into cages, can barely move and never see the light of day. It is the small number of true farmers who humanely raised 'free range' laying hens that now deserve to be protected and who should be the beneficiaries of the supply management system. Jane Harris Vancouver Re 'Canada must not accept any trade deal that includes auto tariffs: Unifor' (Report on Business, June 24): With all the gloomy forecasts for our auto sector, why are our industry leaders so down on a homegrown auto sector, one that designs, manufactures and markets its own line of cars? We have the manufacturing expertise, both in the Canadian divisions of the major auto manufacturers and in our domestic parts manufacturers. Presumably we have, or have easy access to, design expertise, not to mention unique design concepts for cars that reflect the Canadian experience. We certainly have the capital markets necessary to finance such an enterprise. We may well even have some available plant and equipment. So why do we hear downbeat assessments of our potential as an auto manufacturing hub? Why is 'we're not a big enough market to support our own auto industry' given any credence at all? Sweden, with a population of 10.5 million, has several brands, most notably Volvo; manufactures, on average, about 275,000 cars annually; and exports about 85 per cent of them. Why is it not possible for Canada to do the same thing? After all, we already manufacture about 1.5 million cars annually, making us the world's 11th-largest car manufacturer, and every one of them is exported to the United States under American brand names. Nelson Smith Prince Edward County, Ont. Re 'The perfection of imperfection' (June 21): After whipping through the economic and practical sections of the weekend paper, I really appreciate articles like the one by Adam Gopnik. It's refreshing to explore this subject that affects us all and takes us away from current events like the daily trials of the Trump administration administering more harm on the world at a rapid pace. To contemplate our attempts at perfection, to strive to get better at the instrument, the sport, the debate – whatever it is we are working on – that is our universal challenge. This binds us as we appreciate the humanity and humility that this involves. Please bring on more social and philosophical articles that we can ponder over as we make our way through the weekend and brace ourselves for next week's onslaught of the 'U.S. going down…' Helen Henshaw Hudson, Que. Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@
Canada News.Net
2 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
UAE, Canada issue joint statement on visit to Ottawa of Abdullah bin Zayed
OTTAWA, 23rd June, 2025 (WAM) -- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, hosted H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, for a visit to Canada from June 19 to 20, 2025. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Canada and the UAE to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, people-to-people ties, international development, and regional peace and security. During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada. The two sides discussed the growing ties between Canada and the UAE. On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended to Prime Minister Carney an invitation to visit the UAE this year. Canada and the UAE will continue to deepen their bilateral relationship by exploring new opportunities for cooperation, with particular emphasis on economic ties. Both countries welcomed the launch of the Dubai Chambers office in Toronto-the organization's first in North America-which will serve as a strategic platform to foster deeper commercial ties. The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, attended the launch of the International Dubai Chambers alongside His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the UAE Foreign Minister's Envoy to Canada. The new office comes as part of the Dubai Global initiative and deepening economic ties with Canada. This opening reflects a shared ambition to unlock new opportunities for collaboration in priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, energy and infrastructure, and underscores Canada's important role in the UAE's global trade and investment strategy. Both countries also recognized the important role of the Canada-UAE Business Council in bringing together business leaders from both countries to develop actionable business opportunities and advance national economic objectives. Building on the strong foundation of institutional partnerships-exemplified by the global collaboration between Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and DP World across 15 ports and logistics parks-both countries expressed their intent to pursue new avenues for strategic investment and long-term economic engagement. Canada and the UAE reiterated their commitment to the swift conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, co-led a business round table on June 19, 2025, organized by the Canada-UAE Business Council. Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and Digital Innovation: Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), both countries reaffirmed their interest in exploring collaboration in this critical domain. Canada, home to one of the world's most dynamic AI ecosystems, recently appointed its first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, reflecting a renewed national commitment to responsible AI leadership. The UAE, a global leader in AI and the first to appoint a Minister of State for AI, has articulated a dedicated foreign policy position on AI, emphasizing principles of international cooperation, sustainable development and responsible governance. In this regard, the UAE continues to invest in talent development, infrastructure and technology-access frameworks. The Ministers welcomed ongoing dialogue between institutions and stakeholders to explore cooperation in AI and emerging technology research, commercialization, and responsible deployment. Both sides emphasized the importance of inclusive, secure, responsible, and sustainable AI development that supports innovation and economic growth. Water: Both countries recognized that water lies at the core of climate action, affirming their shared commitment to addressing global water challenges. Both sides underscored the need to strengthen international cooperation, highlighting the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a key opportunity to advance global water efforts. They also stressed the importance of investing in water technology and innovation to scale up water-scarcity solutions, as exemplified by the UAE's launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative in early 2024. Energy and Natural Resources: Canada and the UAE reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing energy security and accelerating a just transition to a low-carbon economy. The UAE's growing investment footprint in Canada demonstrates the strong commercial foundation for future cooperation. Canada welcomed the UAE's interest in formalizing energy collaboration. Canada recognized the UAE's pioneering efforts in the energy sphere and welcomed the UAE's interest in promoting greater energy collaboration on an international level. Canada also expressed support for continued dialogue on joint initiatives in decarbonization, liquified natural gas, nuclear, hydrogen, and critical mineral value chains. In this context, Canada and the UAE highlighted their dedication to build on their current ties in the fields of energy and critical energy-transition minerals, while including a focus on promoting investment opportunities and enhancing mutual investment attraction. International Peace and Security: Canada and the UAE reiterated their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and inclusive prosperity across the Middle East and beyond. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, humanitarian leadership, and multilateral cooperation in addressing geopolitical challenges. They unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism. They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace and coexistence and their rejection of intolerance, hate speech, discrimination and all forms of extremism. Canada and the UAE also restated that the principles of dialogue, adherence to international law, and respect for state sovereignty are essential to resolving the conflict between Israel and Iran. Both sides stressed the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza; the release of all remaining hostages; and the urgent, sustainable, unhindered, at-scale flow of aid to address the appalling humanitarian catastrophe. Canada and the UAE also underscored the importance of sustained efforts to advance a serious political horizon toward the two-state solution. The Ministers reaffirmed the urgent need for de-escalation and urged all parties to refrain from actions that further destabilize the region. Both sides reasserted that diplomatic engagement remains essential to ensuring long-term regional stability and international security. Joint Committee for Cooperation: Both countries are actively using the Joint Committee for Cooperation (JC) as a strategic platform to drive forward a deeper, more institutionalized partnership. Through regular, high-level dialogue, the JC is advancing collaboration in priority areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, and climate and energy. Canada will host the next Ministerial meeting, reinforcing the shared commitment to sustained, results-driven engagement. International Development Cooperation: Canada and the UAE reaffirmed their mutual determination to address pressing global development and humanitarian challenges. Canada welcomed the UAE's role as a global development and humanitarian partner. Recognizing the unprecedented scale and severity of humanitarian crises around the world, Canada and the UAE reaffirmed their shared commitment to cooperate closely in delivering assistance and empowering communities. Both countries underscored the importance of this partnership, and committed to leveraging their complementary strengths, particularly during a time of intensifying conflicts around the world. Canada commended the UAE's global leadership in humanitarian and mediation efforts, including in Gaza, where the UAE has emerged as the largest bilateral aid donor, and in Ukraine, where the UAE has facilitated 15 prisoner-of-war exchanges, consistent with Canada's ongoing efforts to address the human dimension of the war. These efforts underscore a shared commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and fostering dialogue in times of conflict. Both sides emphasized the importance of pursuing durable and just solutions grounded in international law and inclusive political processes. They expressed their mutual intent to continue working together on their shared goals of advancing stability and development, promoting tolerance and coexistence, protecting human dignity, and addressing hate speech, discrimination and all forms of extremism. People to People: Canada and the UAE celebrated their deepening people-to-people ties, which serve as a cornerstone of the growing bilateral partnership. Canada welcomed the increasing number of Emirati students in Canadian higher education institutions, reflecting mutual recognition of academic excellence. The UAE acknowledged the valuable contributions of the more than 60,000 Canadians living and working in the Emirates, who continue to enrich the diversity, innovation and vibrancy of UAE society. The two countries also stressed their shared commitment to cultural exchange and intercultural dialogue to foster mutual understanding and respect. Both sides recognize the landmark presentation of the "As the Sun Appears from Beyond" exhibition, which celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary Islamic art, and recently showcased in Toronto through a partnership between the Aga Khan Museum and the UAE Ministry of Culture. Conclusion: The two sides reaffirmed their strong and growing relationship, rooted in mutual respect, shared objectives, and a common vision for sustainable prosperity and global stability. The visit marked a significant step forward in the Canada-UAE relationship. Both countries are committed to maintaining high-level engagement, concluding further mutually beneficial instruments, and building a durable, forward-looking partnership that delivers tangible benefits for their peoples and contributes to global peace and prosperity.
