Latest news with #BillC-69
Toronto Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
OPINION: Ottawa and Carney must get serious and listen to the West
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers a press conference at Rideau Hall after his cabinet's swearing-in ceremony on May 13, 2025 in Ottawa. Photo by Andrej Ivanov / Getty Images If Prime Minister Mark Carney doesn't listen to the West, it's going to cost Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are demanding that Ottawa stop stomping on their provinces' natural resource production. Smith is telling Carney to scrap the 'no more pipelines' law, Bill C-69, lift the cap on Alberta's energy and cancel the looming ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles. Moe is stepping in sync with Smith, listing Saskatchewan's demands in a letter , calling for changes to the 'no more pipelines' law, saying , 'There are a few policies that are going to have to go.' Moe is also taking aim at the industrial carbon tax, saying, 'The tax can't be charged on the electricity for Saskatchewan families.' The new prime minister says he's listening. 'I intend to govern for all Canadians,' said Carney in his election victory speech. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If that's true, Carney must heed the demands of Smith and Moe, because Ottawa's anti-West policies are damaging the economy and costing taxpayers a truckload of money. How much? Ottawa's cap on oil and gas emissions, which creates a cap on production, will cost the Canadian economy about $20.5 billion and slash 40,000 jobs by 2032, according to the parliamentary budget officer. Canada has seen nearly $670 billion in natural resources projects suspended or cancelled since 2015. To put that kind of money into perspective: $670 billion would pay for the salaries of hundreds of thousands of paramedics and police officers for a decade. That's the equivalent of the value of more than one million houses in Alberta or almost two million homes in Saskatchewan. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That kind of money is worth the entire income tax bills for the populations of Alberta , Saskatchewan and Manitoba for about 10 years. That's just the lost money from natural resources. Carney's looming ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles also has a huge price tag. Canada's vehicle transition could cost up to $300 billion by 2040 to expand the electrical grid, according to a report for Natural Resources Canada. If Carney is serious about boosting the economy and governing for all Canadians, then getting the government out of the way of natural resource projects and scrapping the expensive plan to stop people from buying new gas and diesel vehicles is a good first step. The West has been firmly asking for Ottawa to mind its own business for years. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Cancelling the industrial carbon tax is another way for Carney to show he's serious about growing the economy and governing for all Canadians. On the same day Carney scrapped the consumer carbon tax, the Saskatchewan government dropped its industrial carbon tax to zero. 'By eliminating industrial carbon costs, which are often passed directly on to consumers, the province is acting to protect affordability and economic competitiveness,' said the Saskatchewan government's news release. Alberta's industrial carbon tax is now frozen. Increasing the tax above its current rate would make Alberta 'exceptionally uncompetitive,' according to Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz. Business groups in both provinces lauded each premier, saying it would make their industries more competitive and help bring down costs. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When Ottawa forces businesses like fuel refineries or fertilizer plants to pay the carbon tax, they pass on those costs to taxpayers when they heat their homes, fill up their cars and buy groceries. If companies are forced to cut production or leave the country because of the industrial carbon tax and policies like the energy cap, it's regular Albertans and Saskatchewanians who are hurt the most through job losses. If Carney intends to govern for all Canadians, he needs to listen to Smith and Moe and scrap the policies that are set to cost taxpayers billions and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs. Kris Sims is Alberta director and Gage Haubrich is Prairie director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Editorial Cartoons Sports Canada Toronto & GTA Columnists
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bell: Danielle Smith and Alberta give Mark Carney an offer he shouldn't refuse
It is a letter. A five-page letter. You could call it THE letter. Whatever happens with this letter will play a big, big part in Alberta's place in Canada going forward. It is dated May 16, signed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney. On Monday, June 2, this letter will be on the table when Carney sits down with the premiers in Saskatoon. Before Smith gets around to making her offer, she begins her letter to Carney talking about how what Alberta wants will 'address serious issues plaguing Canada's economic well-being and the very real sense of alienation felt across the West.' This is serious stuff. Alberta has had more than enough. The premier writes how Alberta's oil and gas is valued at $14 trillion. That's trillion with a T. She says Canada needs to leverage those resources to provide services Canadians need, attract investors back and create well-paying jobs. Smith tells Carney Alberta requires 'a guaranteed corridor and port access to tidewater off the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic coasts.' Then Smith proposes an oil pipeline to the west coast. She says Asian customers in Japan and South Korea have told her they believe Canada needs to 'accelerate market access of our oil, LNG, ammonia and critical minerals faster.' Alberta's pitch is to build out the B.C. port of Prince Rupert. Smith also points out only 15 per cent of Alberta has access to tidewater outside of the U.S. The premier mentions more must be done than just TMX, the Trans Mountain pipeline. 'We must build on what TMX delivered by creating another pipeline that delivers similar economic uplift, jobs, opportunities for reconciliation and Canadian security.' This is where Smith turns up the temperature on her pitch to Carney. The premier says an oil pipeline has to be on Carney's list of nation-building projects to be fast-tracked. If an oil pipeline is not on the list, it will send a signal to private investment and not a good one. It will also … and read between these lines … 'send an unwelcome signal to Albertans concerned about Ottawa's commitment to national unity.' Smith adds there must be 'a clear path to increasing oil and gas production so that Canada can achieve its full economic potential by avoiding the stranding of trillions of dollars of energy assets in Alberta.' What is Smith's idea of a clear path to more oil and gas production? THE BIGGIE. Scrap the cap on oil and gas emissions. 'No deal can be reached with this destructive and industry-killing regulation in place,' insists Smith. Then there's the federal No More Pipelines law. Bill C-69. Here is Smith. 'Overhauling Bill C-69 so that it is focused on efficiency that respects provincial jurisdiction and delivers a true one project, one assessment approach.' The Alberta government has already sent the federal government a detailed list of changes to that law. In real people talk, Alberta wants Ottawa to stop sticking their nose in where it doesn't belong. Those days are over. Then there's punting the Liberal clean electricity regulation. Smith tells Carney it is 'blatantly unconstitutional and likely to be overturned by the courts.' It also, continues the premier, casts 'a chill on investment' in natural gas. As Smith has said many times, she wants tankers to transport oil from the port of Prince Rupert to Asia. She also wants Ottawa's current carbon tax law, all of it, deep-sixed. The bottom line. The Alberta government wants a new oil pipeline to the west coast AND massive changes to Liberal Ottawa's laws and regulations so private investors will come forward and Alberta can get on with business. Smith again says the Carney government must 'move very quickly to strike down regulations and restrictive policies.' In the end, Smith tells the prime minister Alberta has a team ready to negotiate on a deal. She asks Carney to appoint his team. She will be asking the same of B.C. Premier David Eby, since the pipeline would go through B.C. The premier says Liberal policies in the last decade have resulted in 'tens of billions in lost royalties that could have been invested in the health, education, infrastructure and social services Albertans and Canadians need.' She reminds Carney: 'Prime Minister, Canada needs a strong Alberta.' Now the ball is in Carney's court and the stakes have never been higher. This past Thursday, Smith spoke to the UCP faithful at a dinner in Calgary. The premier called on the Carney government not to stand in the way of Alberta's right 'to develop and export the incredible resources we have for the benefit of our families and future generations.' She spoke of the outcome of the federal election and the frustration following the Carney win. 'And why wouldn't Albertans be frustrated?' asked Smith. We will check on the frustration after Carney makes his move. rbell@
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Opinion: Can Alberta survive a net-zero agenda?
Article content It should be evident to Albertans that the province is on a collision course with the Carney government, driven by a fundamental disagreement: will Alberta and Western Canada be allowed to fully develop its hydrocarbon endowment, or will that economic value be lost in pursuit of the climate policy known as 'net zero'? Article content Article content This collision is inevitable and imminent. Net zero is difficult to reconcile with growing, or even sustaining, existing hydrocarbon production in Canada. Article content Article content In April 2025, Mark Carney won a near majority government based on his perceived superior credibility in confronting the tariff threats from the Trump administration. The win was narrow in the popular vote nationally, but not in Alberta, where Carney gained only 28 per cent of the vote. The outcome was defined by tariffs and not a direct endorsement of a net-zero imperative for Canada. Article content Article content Canada has endured a decade of economic stagnation, much of it attributable to the obstruction of hydrocarbon production and related infrastructure by various elements of the Canadian left. Yet, net zero remains a policy goal of the Carney government. Article content It's unreasonable for any Canadian prime minister to speak about becoming an 'energy superpower' while placing self-destructive limits on the development of Canada's hydrocarbon endowment. Article content Meanwhile, hydrocarbon demand globally is not declining, nor is it expected to in the foreseeable future. Any global market share for hydrocarbons Canada relinquishes in its pursuit of net zero will be captured by other nations, creating no real net decrease in global emissions. Article content Carney wasn't elected to explicitly deconstruct the hydrocarbon industry and with it, much of Alberta's economy. Yet that would be the consequence if his government materially advances its net-zero agenda. Article content If this is not Carney's intention, he should clarify his position to be consistent with the following: Article content No federal emission caps will apply to hydrocarbon production through to at least 2050. Article content The Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69) should be repealed and replaced with an expedited review process that ensures irrevocable political sanction for major projects within one year of regulatory application, free of climate tests and explicit statutory guidance on stakeholder consultation and accommodation.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Mark Carney warns that ‘foreign threats' mean Canada needs to move faster
There is a need for speed. That's the message from Prime Minister Mark Carney as he convenes the premiers Sunday in Saskatoon. Carney told the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Ottawa on Friday that he wants to work with the provinces to fast-track the building of housing on a massive scale in Canada as well as accelerating 'nation-building' projects and streamlining environmental assessments. Without mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump's name, the prime minister prompted laughter from mayors when he underscored the importance of Canada moving quickly to make its economy more resilient. 'In face of foreign threats — no prize for guessing what I'm saying, I'm trying to learn some diplomacy from the King,' he said, referring to King Charles, who delivered Monday's throne speech, 'a core priority of this government is to build projects of national significance, projects that reinforce our country's resilience, projects that connect Canada, projects that partner with Indigenous Peoples, that diversify our trading partners and create a more sustainable future for all.' Carney cited potential projects like the long-discussed high-speed rail line between Windsor and Quebec City, upgrades to ports and other infrastructure as key to diversifying Canada's trading relationships and reducing its reliance on the U.S. 'We will move from delay to delivery, ensuring that the Canadian government becomes a catalyst for, not an impediment to, nation building projects that will supercharge growth in communities both large and small,' he said. That was music to the ears of Premier Doug Ford, who would like to expedite the Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario and new nuclear reactors, among other big-ticket priorities. 'He wants to work collaboratively,' Ford said of Carney, noting that was not always the case with former prime minister Justin Trudeau. 'The previous government and previous prime minister didn't show enough love, in my opinion, to Alberta and Saskatchewan. We have to be a united country,' said the Ontarian, who chairs the Council of the Federation. 'I believe (Carney) is creating that environment of making sure that we build large national infrastructure projects,' he said, expressing hope the prime minister will revisit Trudeau's Impact Assessment Act that limits pipeline construction and is unpopular in Alberta and Saskatchewan. 'As long as you have Bill C-69 it's like five steps forward, 10 steps backwards. We should all be in agreement right across the country, you can't move forward as long as you have Bill C-69.' Ford's comments at Queen's Park come as his Progressive Conservative government is in the midst of pushing through its controversial Bill 5 that would limit environmental assessments and create 'special economic zones' exempt from many municipal and provincial rules to speed up infrastructure projects. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said last-minute government amendments aimed at easing Indigenous That has raised concerns from some Indigenous leaders that First Nation treaty rights are being violated, which could lead to protests. 'I had a great meeting with Chief (Abram) Benedict last week when I had him over to the house. This isn't about hurting First Nations. This is about giving them an opportunity,' Ford said of the Ontario Regional Chief. 'We're always going to respect treaty rights. We're always going to have duty to consult but let's look across the country,' he said. 'Forget political stripes. We have ... NDP Premier (David) Eby (in British Columbia) saying we have to move on this. We have a Liberal government (in Ottawa) that's saying it's ridiculous it takes 15 years (to approve a mine). Either make changes or you fall behind and you get destroyed by the rest of the world that will eat our lunch.' Carney suggested in an interview earlier this week with David Cochrane on CBC Power and Politics that he is prepared to release a list of projects that would be fast-tracked after the summit. Ahead of the meeting, Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters he believes the federal government should help foot the bill for Quebec's planned expansion of hydroelectrical developments in Labrador. Already several First Nations leaders have suggested they want a greater say in what developments get the green light. Carney's governing agenda, laid out in the throne speech Tuesday pledged that Ottawa would work with Indigenous groups. 'As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will always be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent,' it said, echoing the principle enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Natan Obed, leader of the national group representing Inuit people, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said in an interview that Ottawa's requirement to consult, work with and obtain the consent of Inuit communities is 'baked into' the modern-day treaties that govern the relationship between the federal government and the Inuit. He has appealed to Carney to include Indigenous leaders in talks with the premiers in Saskatoon. 'We recognize as Inuit that there will be issues that first ministers will need to discuss with the Canadian prime minister' that deal with their particular concerns, but he said 'there are shared interests, and there's shared governance and we have to be a part of these conversations that will lead to decisions that are made on behalf of all Canadians.'
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Mark Carney warns that ‘foreign threats' mean Canada needs to move faster
There is a need for speed. That's the message from Prime Minister Mark Carney as he convenes the premiers Sunday in Saskatoon. Carney told the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Ottawa on Friday that he wants to work with the provinces to fast-track the building of housing on a massive scale in Canada as well as accelerating 'nation-building' projects and streamlining environmental assessments. Without mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump's name, the prime minister prompted laughter from mayors when he underscored the importance of Canada moving quickly to make its economy more resilient. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'In face of foreign threats — no prize for guessing what I'm saying, I'm trying to learn some diplomacy from the King,' he said, referring to King Charles, who delivered Monday's throne speech, 'a core priority of this government is to build projects of national significance, projects that reinforce our country's resilience, projects that connect Canada, projects that partner with Indigenous Peoples, that diversify our trading partners and create a more sustainable future for all.' Carney cited potential projects like the long-discussed high-speed rail line between Windsor and Quebec City, upgrades to ports and other infrastructure as key to diversifying Canada's trading relationships and reducing its reliance on the U.S. 'We will move from delay to delivery, ensuring that the Canadian government becomes a catalyst for, not an impediment to, nation building projects that will supercharge growth in communities both large and small,' he said. That was music to the ears of Premier Doug Ford, who would like to expedite the Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario and new nuclear reactors, among other big-ticket priorities. 'He wants to work collaboratively,' Ford said of Carney, noting that was not always the case with former prime minister Justin Trudeau. 'The previous government and previous prime minister didn't show enough love, in my opinion, to Alberta and Saskatchewan. We have to be a united country,' said the Ontarian, who chairs the Council of the Federation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'I believe (Carney) is creating that environment of making sure that we build large national infrastructure projects,' he said, expressing hope the prime minister will revisit Trudeau's Impact Assessment Act that limits pipeline construction and is unpopular in Alberta and Saskatchewan. 'As long as you have Bill C-69 it's like five steps forward, 10 steps backwards. We should all be in agreement right across the country, you can't move forward as long as you have Bill C-69.' Ford's comments at Queen's Park come as his Progressive Conservative government is in the midst of pushing through its controversial Bill 5 that would limit environmental assessments and create 'special economic zones' exempt from many municipal and provincial rules to speed up infrastructure projects. Provincial Politics First Nations chief warns of 'fierce resistance' to Premier Doug Ford's mining bill Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said last-minute government amendments aimed at easing Indigenous That has raised concerns from some Indigenous leaders that First Nation treaty rights are being violated, which could lead to protests. 'I had a great meeting with Chief (Abram) Benedict last week when I had him over to the house. This isn't about hurting First Nations. This is about giving them an opportunity,' Ford said of the Ontario Regional Chief. 'We're always going to respect treaty rights. We're always going to have duty to consult but let's look across the country,' he said. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Forget political stripes. We have ... NDP Premier (David) Eby (in British Columbia) saying we have to move on this. We have a Liberal government (in Ottawa) that's saying it's ridiculous it takes 15 years (to approve a mine). Either make changes or you fall behind and you get destroyed by the rest of the world that will eat our lunch.' Carney suggested in an interview earlier this week with David Cochrane on CBC Power and Politics that he is prepared to release a list of projects that would be fast-tracked after the summit. Ahead of the meeting, Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters he believes the federal government should help foot the bill for Quebec's planned expansion of hydroelectrical developments in Labrador. Already several First Nations leaders have suggested they want a greater say in what developments get the green light. Carney's governing agenda, laid out in the throne speech Tuesday pledged that Ottawa would work with Indigenous groups. 'As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will always be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent,' it said, echoing the principle enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Natan Obed, leader of the national group representing Inuit people, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said in an interview that Ottawa's requirement to consult, work with and obtain the consent of Inuit communities is 'baked into' the modern-day treaties that govern the relationship between the federal government and the Inuit. He has appealed to Carney to include Indigenous leaders in talks with the premiers in Saskatoon. 'We recognize as Inuit that there will be issues that first ministers will need to discuss with the Canadian prime minister' that deal with their particular concerns, but he said 'there are shared interests, and there's shared governance and we have to be a part of these conversations that will lead to decisions that are made on behalf of all Canadians.' Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! 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