In the news today: Fentanyl czar welcomes federal border bill

Winnipeg Free Press

17 hours ago

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…
Fentanyl czar welcomes federal border bill
Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill.
Kevin Brosseau, the federal point person on fentanyl, welcomes provisions in the Strong Borders Act to increase inspection powers, give police easier access to information, crack down on money laundering and improve control of chemicals used to make the drug.
Brosseau was appointed fentanyl commissioner in February in response to the White House's vocal concerns about the southbound flow of the synthetic opioid into the United States — criticism it used to justify tariffs against Canada.
In an interview, Brosseau said Canada is 'not the significant source' of fentanyl entering the United States, but reiterated his stance that being the source of any of the drug is a concern because small amounts can have devastating effects.
Brosseau said his American counterparts have expressed 'deep appreciation' for Canada's efforts to address fentanyl, given the U.S. focus on hardening the border and protecting the homeland.
Here's what else we're watching…
Here are the countries on Canada's G7 guest list
Canada is bringing the world to Alberta for the G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis.
As summit host, Prime Minister Mark Carney can invite any leaders he chooses — even those from countries outside the G7 club — as he attempts to shape Canada's foreign policy and global geopolitics.
When asked on June 7 to explain how Canada decided on the list of non-G7 leaders to invite, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the government was seeking a discussion of 'very serious issues that affect the global economy and the geostrategic environment.'
Among the world leaders attending include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is a willing partner for Canada as it tries to shore up its trade and defence links across the Indo-Pacific.
In March, Carney announced a deal was in the works to have Ottawa partner with Australia on an early-warning radar detection system to use in the Arctic and across the U.S. border.
Premiers to meet with New England governors
A group of Canadian premiers appear to be setting high expectations as they pursue negotiations with American governors to mitigate the impacts of United States-imposed tariffs on their economies.
Premiers from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Quebec's economic minister are scheduled to meet with New England governors on Monday in Boston.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said the premiers look to the New England governors for insights on how to deal with the White House and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said last month that the leaders hope to discuss how they can work together and maintain economic relationships in the face of Trump's tariffs.
N.S. offshore power line could cost $10B: premier
It could cost between $5 billion and $10 billion to build a transmission line that would connect Nova Scotia's proposed offshore wind farms with the rest of the country, Premier Tim Houston says.
The rough estimate follows his announcement last week that Nova Scotia wants to license enough offshore turbines to produce 40 gigawatts of electricity — eight times more than what was originally planned.
He said he floated the idea on June 2 also to get the attention of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has asked provincial and territorial leaders to submit bids for big infrastructure projects that could be fast-tracked to kick-start the economy — if deemed in the national interest.
The Progressive Conservative premier has said he wants Ottawa to help cover the costs of the 'Wind West' project, saying the excess electricity could supply 27 per cent of Canada's total demand.
If the 10-year plan is successful, Nova Scotia would become an 'energy superpower' that no longer requires federal equalization payments, he said.
Pickard steps up for Oilers in Game 4 of Cup final
Calvin Pickard had yet to see much action.
The Oilers goaltender entered the fray after Thursday's disastrous first period where his team failed to meet the moment and left Stuart Skinner hung out to dry down 3-0 to the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final.
Edmonton clawed back within two early in the second period on a power-play goal off the stick of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Pickard then — almost out of nowhere — was forced to make a save that will be remembered for a long time if the Oilers end up hoisting their sixth championship.
The former journeyman netminder denied Anton Lundell on that breakaway after defenceman Jake Walman turned the puck over to keep the score at 3-1 before making a number of huge stops that set the stage for Leon Draisaitl's overtime winner as Edmonton defeated Florida 5-4 to even the best-of-seven title series 2-2.
The 33-year-old has bailed the Oilers out before this spring.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.