Bell: 'It's lunacy' — Alberta pushes Carney to drop Liberal electric vehicle fantasy
'It's lunacy. Straight-up lunacy.'
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The words come from Devin Dreeshen, the Alberta government's point man on transportation.
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He has nothing against electric vehicles, EVs for short. You want one, buy one.
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He just doesn't think the government in Ottawa should be ramming the purchase of them down people's throats.
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Oh, the Liberals. Oh, how they like to tell us how to live.
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Within ten years, all new vehicles must be electric.
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Dreeshen has plenty to say. On Friday, he fired off a letter to Chrystia Freeland, Prime Minister Mark Carney's minister of transport.
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Freeland was in Calgary this week and, as my last column pointed out, she said the Carney Liberals love Alberta.
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We will see how that works out and we will get to that letter in a minute.
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'The reason why the Liberals don't reverse this policy is unfathomable. I just don't understand it.' says Dreeshen.
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'For ridiculous things like this, where's there is no obvious logic behind it, I think it would have to be just pure partisan Liberal politics where they think this somehow appeals to their base, where they can score political points with their base.
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'But it damages and it hurts Canadians and that's where the Liberals, I hope, would be able to look past their partisanship to do what's right for the country.'
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The Smith government transportation minister speaks of freedom of choice for people 'to buy a vehicle they actually want versus the government forcing them to buy a vehicle they don't want.'
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'It's a little unnerving they haven't reversed this policy,' he says.
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What's the problem?
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Dumping the policy is easy. Just announce it.
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Low-hanging fruit, no heavy-lifting, a gift from the political gods.
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‘So terrifying': Iranian student on fleeing back to safety in Canada amid conflict
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Ghaderi is one of many Iranians living in Canada who have been affected by the war that broke out when Israel attacked Iranian nuclear facilities and senior military leaders, and Iran responded with its own strikes. A ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, after the United States launched strikes on key nuclear facilities in Iran. Earlier this week, Tehran said 606 people in Iran had been killed in the conflict, with 5,332 people wounded. At least 28 people were killed in Israel and more than 1,000 were wounded, according to officials in that country. 2:16 White House insists U.S. bombs destroyed Iran's nuclear capability Ottawa has urged Canadians in Iran to leave if they can do so safely, noting that its ability to provide consular services in the country is 'extremely limited.' Story continues below advertisement Ghaderi said he and his wife decided to leave Iran through a land border crossing after all flights were cancelled at the start of the conflict. 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Story continues below advertisement The community also has mixed emotions about the strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leadership, which 'continues to be a source of oppression for Iranians both within and outside Iran,' said Ali Nejati, president of the Iranian Student Association at Humber College in Toronto. 'Many of us feel a sense of relief at the weakening of such a violent arm of the regime. We had hoped to see justice served in a courtroom, to expose the full extent of their crimes and hold them accountable through international legal channels,' he wrote in a statement. 'We also recognize that war is never a desirable path. Many of our members feel anxious about the consequences of further escalation.'
Global News
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Protest bubble zone laws coming for schools, places of worship: Fraser
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an hour ago
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Anthony Gismondi: Celebrate Canada's birthday with these B.C. wines
As we celebrate the 158th anniversary of the founding of our country this weekend, chances are many of you will open a bottle of Canadian wine to enhance the celebration. Given the reluctance of any province to give up a dollar of alcohol income, it looks like free trade inside Canada as it pertains to wine, beer and spirits remains a dream. That leaves us to raise a glass of, fittingly, provincial wine to commemorate the founding of all the provinces and territories. In the West, it typically refers to British Columbia and a smattering of Ontario and Nova Scotia wines. In Ontario or Quebec, however, it refers only to their wines, as they continue to block direct shipments from B.C. and, for that matter, from each other. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Since the imposition of hefty U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, there has been an urgency to break down provincial barriers and strengthen the economy. However, when it comes to alcohol, the 'free' in free trade is not in the cards. Alberta has recently approved the direct shipment of B.C. wines into Alberta but with two new tax barriers: a $3 flat tax per bottle, plus an ad valorem tax. The added cost will push already uncompetitive prices to a level that will price B.C. wine out of the market. Long story short, Canadian wine growers face another national birthday without the ability to sell their products to Canadians outside their home province. Perhaps they should demand a pipeline for wine. But rather than focusing on something unlikely to change in any meaningful way, let's look at some Canadian wines to celebrate our 158th birthday. Today, we searched B.C. Liquor stores to identify a few bottles of wine grown in British Columbia that should be accessible at most shopping locations and ready to serve on Canada Day. On Vancouver Island, the Blue Grouse Pinot Noir 2022 is one of several Island wines that is grabbing attention. The industry is expanding at a rapid pace and is particularly redefining its standards for maximum quality. Island Pinot has its style, and many around the world wish they could copy it. Black Hills Nota Bene 2023 continues the long-standing tradition of this label, which has been a cult wine for decades and a high-quality red blend since the late 2010s. The deep freeze all but wiped out the vineyard, so new plantings mean this is the last Nota Bene for a while. Equally worth considering is the 2023 Bona Fide, now available in government stores. The 2022 Laughing Stock Portfolio red blend is surprisingly drinkable despite its youth, displaying the balance you expect from a high-quality vintage. This would be fun to have with barbecued beef. There are several roses you can count on for their bright fruit, fresh acidity and mostly dry finish, including Clos du Soleil, $26; Dirty Laundry Hush, $20; Mission Hill Reserve, $25; Phantom Creek, $28; Unsworth Vineyards, $26. Finally, celebrating on July 1 should involve sparkling wine and any of the following sold in B.C. Liquor stores will do the job: Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Fitz Brut 2020, $39; Frind Winery Brut, $30; Blue Grouse Charme De L'ile, $29; Gray Monk Odyssey Rose Brut 2020, $26; Monte Creek Living Land Sparkling Rose Organic, $25; Evolve Pink Effervescence, $25; Red Rooster Brut Rose, $25 or the Black Hills Brut, $52. $36.50 I 92/100 UPC: 626990332053 The 2022 Blanc de Blancs does not disappoint. The 100 per cent Chardonnay, with aromas of morning bakery and white flowers, attracts you to a palate that is a citrus-driven mineral storm, with notes of peach and what the winery describes as a slightly salty, buttery popcorn character in the finish. This bottle will disappear quickly, so stay nearby once it is opened — first class. $31.39 I 91/100 UPC: 808755006236 The warmer-than-usual conditions have contributed to this Naramata Chardonnay that displays a slightly richer texture that matches its complexity. Orange, tangerine, peach and hazelnuts combine to complement the oak, resulting in a well-balanced, delicious Next World Chardonnay reminiscent of Leeuwin Estate in Western Australia. The price remains a rare Okanagan bargain. $35.99 I 91/100 UPC: 696852117418 Silky, ethereal and more vibrant than most Pinot Noirs, the red fruit and savoury forest floor notes speak to the three distinct terroirs in the blend: the warmer Saison Vineyard, the historic and established Kiltz Vineyard, and Blue Grouse's younger estate vines, which supply the tension and acidity. Peking duck, anyone? $50.00 I 91/100 UPC: 058976052899 The first sparkling wine from Black Hills impressed me, but the second release, based on 2019 fruit, is even better. This 79/21 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir offers more tension. The Chardonnay provides bright lemon and tangerine notes, complemented by floral scents, while the Pinot Noir adds texture, richness and red fruit flavours. After 40 months on lees, it has a creamy, chalky texture. This wine is harmonious in the glass. $53.99 I 91/100 UPC: 850451002104 The 2022 vintage marks Portfolio's 20th anniversary with a fragrant nose reminiscent of Napa reds, featuring notes of black cherry, cocoa powder, cedar, pipe tobacco and sweet oak on the palate. The wine has structure and texture but is surprisingly drinkable despite its youth. The tannins and spices suggest it will benefit from further bottle aging, making this an excellent investment. The blend consists of 51 per cent Merlot, 29 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 per cent Cabernet Franc, 6 per cent Malbec, and 4 per cent Petit Verdot and can be enjoyed now through 2030. • U.S. wine exports to Canada, its largest customer, experienced a significant decline in April. Shipments drop by 93 per cent, representing the most significant year-over-year decrease in monthly data from the U.S. Census Bureau since 2002. Two factors spurred this decline: First, Canadian consumers and government agencies are boycotting American wine in response to U.S. tariffs. Additionally, the United Kingdom and China, the two largest markets for U.S. wine producers, also imported less in April. According to data from the United Nations, Canada accounts for about one-third of the total value of U.S. wine exports. • The B.C. Crab Fishermen's Association and the Chefs' Table Society of B.C. will host the False Creek Crab Fest on July 6, from noon to 5 p.m., at False Creek Fishermen's Wharf. The event features a Dungeness Crab boil prepared by chefs Vish Mayekar and Johnny Bridge, accompanied by local beverages. Enjoy live music, games and family activities. General Admission Tickets are $70 per person, plus taxes, while day-of admission is $75 per person, plus taxes. They are subject to availability. Tickets include one crab plate, a sweet treat and two beverage-tasting tickets. For more information, visit the official website at False Creek Crab Fest. $29.90 I 88/100 UPC: 626990241591 Stoneboat presents a new label from hand-picked grapes at the Miller Road Vineyard that had a long, cool four-week fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine exhibits nuances of tropical fruits, baked pear and lime rind. The palate features bright acidity with a fruit-forward mid-palate powered by 9.3 grams of residual sugar that seamlessly integrates into the acidity and finishes with notes of bitter lime and lemon curd. This wine is ready to drink and would pair well with creamy Thai dishes or barbecued prawns. UPC: 8005829986230 Prosecco rosé has made quite a splash at retail, and especially on hot summer days, its appeal is easy to see. This blend of Glera and Pinot Nero was vinified separately in steel, with the Nero undergoing 16 hours of skin contact to produce the pinkish hue. This aromatic, fruity fizz is all about heady orchard blossoms, aromatics and just off-dry red berries. In Italy, on a warm summer's day, they pour this over ice and add a slice of orange to the glass. Cin Cin.
