Disruptive ‘scam' or legitimate protest? Here's why Pierre Poilievre's byelection ballot will have dozens of candidates
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Global News
an hour ago
- Global News
Federal committee begins probe of billion-dollar BC Ferries loan
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland told MPs Friday she is 'dismayed' by a $1 billion federal loan for BC Ferries' purchase of four new electric-diesel ships from a Chinese shipbuilder – but did not call for the contract's cancellation. The House of Commons transport committee launched a study of the Canada Infrastructure Bank loan today. BC Ferries announced in June that it had hired China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to build the new ships after a five-year procurement process that did not include a Canadian bid. 1:24 'We shouldn't be giving federal tax dollars to subsidize jobs overseas:' Poilievre calls for loan to BC Ferries to be cancelled The Canada Infrastructure Bank contributed $1 billion to the deal and said in June that the new ferries 'wouldn't likely be purchased' without this financing. Story continues below advertisement In her opening remarks before the committee Friday, Freeland said she was troubled by the planned purchase and she believes in supporting Canadian jobs. She said she has sent 71 letters directing all organizations under the Transport Canada umbrella to prioritize Canadian content in their major procurements where feasible, particularly Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy When Canadian options aren't available, she said, the preferred option is to buy from countries with trade deals that include reciprocal procurement agreements. Freeland also said Transport Canada will be convening a meeting with provinces and territories, ferry owners and operators, shipyards, labour representatives and the steel industry. She said she's also assembling a second meeting with major rail operators. 2:07 Premier Eby demands equal funding from federal government Freeland did not directly respond to questions from MPs about whether she would reject the loan. She said she agrees that this is a moment of crisis for the steel and aluminum sectors and they need the government's support. Story continues below advertisement Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson and the CEOs of BC Ferries and the Canada Infrastructure Bank are set to testify at the meeting later today. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is accountable to Parliament through Robertson. Jeff Groot, executive director of communications for BC Ferries, said the company signed the loan with the bank before the contract with the Chinese shipyard was finalized. Dan Albas, Conservative transport critic and committee co-chair, requested the study and has asked questions about why $1 billion in public funds was earmarked to finance overseas shipbuilding in the middle of a trade war with the U.S. 2:15 BC Ferries criticized over decision to award contract to Chinese-owned shipyard Freeland sent her B.C. counterpart, Mike Farnworth, a letter in June saying she was disappointed that BC Ferries would choose a Chinese state-owned shipyard 'in the current geopolitical context,' and asking him to confirm that no federal funding would be diverted to purchase the ferries. Story continues below advertisement Before Friday's meeting began, Bloc MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval said he'd like to see an apology from the government and from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He said it's 'unacceptable' and 'problematic' that the government plans to invest in foreign infrastructure when Canada's steel industry is facing tariffs from the United States. The new vessels are expected to join the BC Ferries fleet between 2029 and 2031. — With files from David Baxter
Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Premiers Smith, Moe disappointed by Trump's tariffs but most exports remain duty-free
REGINA – The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan say they're disappointed by higher tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump but pleased the majority of their exports won't face duties. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement remains in place, allowing 95 per cent of his province's exports to move into the United States tariff-free. He says the agreement staying in effect is very significant and provides Canada with an advantage over other countries facing steeper levies. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the vast majority of her province's products also remain tariff-free, because they also fall under the agreement. Trump followed through late Thursday on his threat to hit Canada with 35 per cent tariffs — up from 25 per cent — on goods not compliant with the trade agreement. Tariffs of 50 per cent remain in effect on steel and some copper products, and levies on Canadian automobiles and lumber are also in place. U.S. Census Bureau data shows nearly 60 per cent of Canadian goods that entered the country in May were complaint with the agreement. Smith says it's unfortunate non-compliant goods will be hit with the higher tariffs. 'These tariffs hurt both Canadian and American businesses and workers, and they weaken one of the most important trade and security alliances in the world,' she said in a social media post Friday. 'I remain convinced that the path to a positive resolution with our U.S. partners lies in strong, consistent diplomacy and a commitment to working in good faith toward shared priorities.' Prime Minister Mark Carney's countermeasures of 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods remain in effect. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Moe said Carney should refrain from imposing additional retaliatory measures. He also said Ottawa needs to cut regulations to spur pipeline and rail development. 'There is much more that Canada can do to control our own economic destiny, but the federal government must remove barriers to growth in order to make that happen,' Moe said in a statement. Smith said Carney should continue negotiating with Trump, while working toward diversifying the country's economy. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2025.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
What challenges are you facing while buying Canadian?
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase a tariff on Canadian goods to 35 per cent on Thursday, as many Canadians have already been boycotting U.S. goods and travel and seeking out homegrown options instead. What challenges are you facing while buying Canadian? What questions do you have about Trump's tariffs? Plus, Pierre Poilievre's byelection in Camrose, Alta., isn't just about one seat. It's about what kind of democracy Canadians want. Why does the Pierre Poilievre byelection matter to you? Call us at 888-416-8333, or share your thoughts in the form below.
