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Edmonton Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Three premiers have signed an MOU to build pipelines and break down trade barriers. Here's what it means.
Article content MOUs are not legally binding — but indicate government priorities Article content MOUs are not legally binding documents but more of a signal of what provinces want their government to prioritize and work on, according to Wesley. It also serves as an indicator to other government and industry stakeholders who may share common interests within the MOU, which could potentially lead to more people signing on and turning ideas into reality. Article content 'It's less of a policy document and more of a priority setting or agenda setting document,' Wesley said. Article content From a political perspective, Wesley said the MOU clearly states that the premiers see the ongoing threat of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump as an opportunity to break down trade barriers. Article content 'Good premiers, who are great strategically and good at communications, will seize the opportunity, and to that extent, Alberta is seizing the moment, and they found some willing partners in Ontario that they wouldn't have had before,' Wesley said. Article content Article content All three premiers are calling on the federal government to eliminate barriers like Bill C-69 (Ottawa's impact assessment law for major natural resource projects), the oil and gas emissions cap, the tanker ban, and the net-zero vehicle and electricity mandates. Article content Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, said the federal government does not have to repeal anything to accomplish what it wants, pointing to Bill C-5, which allows cabinet members to grant federal approvals for large projects considered to be in the national interest by circumventing existing laws. Article content 'When (the premiers) are calling for their elimination, their repeal, the question it raises is — what is it keeping you from doing right now? We don't have specific proposals,' Wiseman said. Article content Article content At a Wednesday press conference marking the end of the Council of the Federation meetings with fellow premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, Smith said her government is prioritizing several projects it shares agreement on with B.C., listing ammonia, liquid natural gas, electricity interties, and expanding capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline, while waiting for a proponent for a new bitumen pipeline. Article content 'Our priority is to work on those first four projects that I mentioned, and then if we can get to a point where we have a proponent (for a pipeline) and are able to start on that, then we will,' Smith said. Article content On Wednesday, Smith and Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton signed an MOU to 'expand economic co-operation' while at the Council of the Federalation meeting in Ontario. Article content The new agreement would provide Alberta businesses with more opportunities to sell more goods and services in the Yukon, while providing Yukon companies the ability to access Alberta's markets.
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Three premiers have signed an MOU to build pipelines and break down trade barriers. Here's what it means.
Article content MOUs are not legally binding documents but more of a signal of what provinces want their government to prioritize and work on, according to Wesley. It also serves as an indicator to other government and industry stakeholders who may share common interests within the MOU, which could potentially lead to more people signing on and turning ideas into reality. Article content 'It's less of a policy document and more of a priority setting or agenda setting document,' Wesley said. Article content From a political perspective, Wesley said the MOU clearly states that the premiers see the ongoing threat of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump as an opportunity to break down trade barriers. Article content 'Good premiers, who are great strategically and good at communications, will seize the opportunity, and to that extent, Alberta is seizing the moment, and they found some willing partners in Ontario that they wouldn't have had before,' Wesley said. Article content Article content All three premiers are calling on the federal government to eliminate barriers like Bill C-69 (Ottawa's impact assessment law for major natural resource projects), the oil and gas emissions cap, the tanker ban, and the net-zero vehicle and electricity mandates. Article content Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, said the federal government does not have to repeal anything to accomplish what it wants, pointing to Bill C-5, which allows cabinet members to grant federal approvals for large projects considered to be in the national interest by circumventing existing laws. Article content 'When (the premiers) are calling for their elimination, their repeal, the question it raises is — what is it keeping you from doing right now? We don't have specific proposals,' Wiseman said. Article content Article content At a Wednesday press conference marking the end of the Council of the Federation meetings with fellow premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, Smith said her government is prioritizing several projects it shares agreement on with B.C., listing ammonia, liquid natural gas, electricity interties, and expanding capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline, while waiting for a proponent for a new bitumen pipeline. Article content 'Our priority is to work on those first four projects that I mentioned, and then if we can get to a point where we have a proponent (for a pipeline) and are able to start on that, then we will,' Smith said. Article content On Wednesday, Smith and Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton signed an MOU to 'expand economic co-operation' while at the Council of the Federalation meeting in Ontario. Article content The new agreement would provide Alberta businesses with more opportunities to sell more goods and services in the Yukon, while providing Yukon companies the ability to access Alberta's markets.
Hamilton Spectator
23-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ford and Smith divided over Trump response at premiers' summit
Conservative premiers Doug Ford of Ontario and Danielle Smith of Alberta are at odds over how Canada should respond to US tariffs — especially when it comes to energy exports. At a premiers' summit in Huntsville on Tuesday, Ford refused to rule out an electricity export tax, while Smith firmly said no. 'We don't want to see export taxes on energy or export restrictions. It would have a devastating impact on Alberta and on Canada,' Smith said at a joint press conference. 'The Americans have a bigger hammer if they cut off [the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline]. Not only does that harm Ontario, it also harms Quebec.' Ford took a different view. 'Everything's on the table,' he said. 'We'll see how this deal goes and we'll see what he [Trump] has to say on August 1 .' President Donald Trump has said he will impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on dozens of countries, including Canada, starting Aug. 1. Prime Minister Mark Carney downplayed the deadline , saying Canada's focus is on getting the best deal possible, no matter how long it takes. Ford, however, urged an aggressive response. 'We need to make sure we match tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar, and hit them back as hard as we possibly can,' Ford said. 'There's one thing President Trump understands — it's strength. He doesn't understand or appreciate weakness. He will roll over us like a cement roller if we show an ounce of weakness. We need to send a strong message.' Ford and Smith, along with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday to build pipelines, rail lines and trade infrastructure aimed at reducing Canada's reliance on US markets. The premiers also called for repealing nine federal regulations they see as barriers to resource development, including Bill C-69, the tanker ban, the oil and gas emissions cap, federal carbon pricing and clean electricity rules. The federal government hasn't proposed an energy export tax, but experts say Canada should consider one. A 15 per cent levy on oil and gas could match Trump's tariffs, raise billions and support workers and green investments. Earlier this year, Ford briefly introduced a 25 per cent electricity export tax targeting Michigan, New York and Minnesota. He dropped it after Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and cars. Still, Ford says the tax could return if trade talks fail. 'We don't have to take a back seat to anyone in the world, and we sure as heck don't have to take a back seat to President Trump,' Ford added. Smith, however, says using Alberta's oil as leverage in a trade fight is not an option; the province exports most of its oil to the US and she wants that trade to remain stable. In 2023, Canada exported four million barrels of crude oil per day — 97 per cent of it to the US — and Alberta accounted for 87 per cent of that. The exports were worth $125 billion. Ontario, meanwhile, sends electricity to US states such as Michigan and New York, powering more than 1.5 million American homes and businesses. US governors have warned that new energy taxes could raise costs and damage cross-border energy ties. Fred Lazar, an economics professor at York University's Schulich School of Business, says Ford's tax idea is politically risky and argues this is a federal matter — not one provinces should try to handle alone. 'This is really a dispute between Canada and the US. The provinces are just bystanders,' Lazar said. 'Politically, they may have their own incentives, but practically, there's nothing they can do that would compel the US to change its policies. All it would do is make life harder for Ottawa.' Lazar believes the best move is for provinces to avoid taking action on their own and let Ottawa lead the negotiations. 'They're better off talking tough, doing nothing and letting Carney work it out.' Sheldon Williamson, a professor at Ontario Tech University, said the Ford–Smith split weakens Canada's bargaining power. 'While both leaders want to push back against US tariffs, diverging approaches — especially on energy exports — undermine any unified Canadian stance,' he said. 'Without cohesion, it becomes harder to exert meaningful pressure on Washington or to present a credible domestic front to Ottawa.' For Ontario, the stakes are high. Its auto sector is deeply integrated with the US supply chain. 'A broad-based tariff regime could be economically devastating,' Williamson said. He warned that although an electricity export tax may seem like an easy lever, 'it could backfire by raising prices for US consumers, inviting retaliation and damaging Ontario's own cross-border energy ties.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. 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National Observer
22-07-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Ford and Smith divided over Trump response at premiers' summit
Conservative premiers Doug Ford of Ontario and Danielle Smith of Alberta are at odds over how Canada should respond to US tariffs — especially when it comes to energy exports. At a premiers' summit in Huntsville on Tuesday, Ford refused to rule out an electricity export tax, while Smith firmly said no. 'We don't want to see export taxes on energy or export restrictions. It would have a devastating impact on Alberta and on Canada,' Smith said at a joint press conference. 'The Americans have a bigger hammer if they cut off [the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline]. Not only does that harm Ontario, it also harms Quebec.' Ford took a different view. 'Everything's on the table,' he said. 'We'll see how this deal goes and we'll see what he [Trump] has to say on August 1.' President Donald Trump has said he will impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on dozens of countries, including Canada, starting Aug. 1. Prime Minister Mark Carney downplayed the deadline, saying Canada's focus is on getting the best deal possible, no matter how long it takes. Ford, however, urged an aggressive response. 'We need to make sure we match tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar, and hit them back as hard as we possibly can,' Ford said. 'There's one thing President Trump understands — it's strength. He doesn't understand or appreciate weakness. He will roll over us like a cement roller if we show an ounce of weakness. We need to send a strong message.' At a premiers' summit in Huntsville on Tuesday, Ford refused to rule out an electricity export tax, while Smith firmly said no. Ford and Smith, along with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday to build pipelines, rail lines and trade infrastructure aimed at reducing Canada's reliance on US markets. The premiers also called for repealing nine federal regulations they see as barriers to resource development, including Bill C-69, the tanker ban, the oil and gas emissions cap, federal carbon pricing and clean electricity rules. The federal government hasn't proposed an energy export tax, but experts say Canada should consider one. A 15 per cent levy on oil and gas could match Trump's tariffs, raise billions and support workers and green investments. 'The provinces are just bystanders' Earlier this year, Ford briefly introduced a 25 per cent electricity export tax targeting Michigan, New York and Minnesota. He dropped it after Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and cars. Still, Ford says the tax could return if trade talks fail. 'We don't have to take a back seat to anyone in the world, and we sure as heck don't have to take a back seat to President Trump,' Ford added. Smith, however, says using Alberta's oil as leverage in a trade fight is not an option; the province exports most of its oil to the US and she wants that trade to remain stable. In 2023, Canada exported four million barrels of crude oil per day — 97 per cent of it to the US — and Alberta accounted for 87 per cent of that. The exports were worth $125 billion. Ontario, meanwhile, sends electricity to US states such as Michigan and New York, powering more than 1.5 million American homes and businesses. US governors have warned that new energy taxes could raise costs and damage cross-border energy ties. Fred Lazar, an economics professor at York University's Schulich School of Business, says Ford's tax idea is politically risky and argues this is a federal matter — not one provinces should try to handle alone. 'This is really a dispute between Canada and the US. The provinces are just bystanders,' Lazar said. 'Politically, they may have their own incentives, but practically, there's nothing they can do that would compel the US to change its policies. All it would do is make life harder for Ottawa.' Lazar believes the best move is for provinces to avoid taking action on their own and let Ottawa lead the negotiations. 'They're better off talking tough, doing nothing and letting Carney work it out.' Sheldon Williamson, a professor at Ontario Tech University, said the Ford–Smith split weakens Canada's bargaining power. 'While both leaders want to push back against US tariffs, diverging approaches — especially on energy exports — undermine any unified Canadian stance,' he said. 'Without cohesion, it becomes harder to exert meaningful pressure on Washington or to present a credible domestic front to Ottawa.' For Ontario, the stakes are high. Its auto sector is deeply integrated with the US supply chain. 'A broad-based tariff regime could be economically devastating,' Williamson said. He warned that although an electricity export tax may seem like an easy lever, 'it could backfire by raising prices for US consumers, inviting retaliation and damaging Ontario's own cross-border energy ties.'
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan premiers unify in push for energy independence amid U.S. tariff threats. Here's what Canadians should know
Conservative premiers in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta have set their sights on a pipeline from Alberta to Ontario to boost Canada's energy independence and reduce the country's reliance on the United States. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, July 22, aiming to expand Canadian energy markets and make it easier to ship exports to global markets. Canada's premiers are meeting at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont., this week, to discuss interprovincial trade and tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. The premiers are also meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday to discuss energy independence and nation-building projects. Today, I'll be meeting with the premiers in Huntsville to talk about building up our industries and getting big, nation-building projects off the ground. Together, we're moving from reliance to resilience, and building one strong, Canadian economy. Posting to X on Tuesday, Carney noted, 'Together, we're moving from reliance to resilience, and building one strong, Canadian economy.' Ford said the MOU between Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta sends a clear message that Canada is ready to build pipelines and other energy infrastructure to ship crude oil, critical minerals and natural gas across the country while reducing Canada's reliance on the U.S. Canada currently lacks domestic pipeline capacity to process its own crude oil and sends the bulk of its Alberta crude to refineries in Texas. An analysis by the C.D. Howe Institute found Canada shipped US$100 billion in oil and gas to the United States in 2023. Crude oil exports to the U.S. increased in 2024. 'This new agreement will help move western oil and gas to new and existing refineries in southern Ontario and to northern tidewater, in deep sea port, in James Bay,' said Ford. 'It will connect Ontario's critical minerals in the Ring of Fire region to new ports in Western Canada, helping to build a true, end-to-end critical mineral supply chain.' The Ring of Fire is a 500-square-kilometre area northeast of Thunder Bay that includes critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, platinum group elements and refined uranium. Smith said the agreement aims to cut red tape and expand Canada's export capabilities with global trade partners. 'This agreement will see our three provinces advance pipelines and pathways to boost exports of homegrown energy, potash, critical minerals and agricultural products to markets across Canada and across the world,' she said. Smith called upon the federal government and Carney to remove 'federal barriers' for pipelines, rail lines and other infrastructure projects. The Alberta premier listed Bill C-69, the oil and gas emissions cap, the tanker ban, the net-zero vehicle and net-zero electricity mandates. 'Removing these anti-resource, anti-development laws will allow Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario to attract the investment and project partners we need to get shovels in the ground, grow industries and create jobs,' said Smith. Citing Trump's trade war and his threat to impose 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports starting Aug. 1, Ford said the U.S. can no longer be relied on to refine Canadian crude oil. 'We have to start diversifying. We need to unleash every tool in our Canadian tool box,' Ford said. Moe compared Canada's energy dependence on the U.S. to the European Union's reliance on gas from Russia. According to the European Commission , the EU has dropped its share of Russian gas imports from 45 per cent to 19 per cent and has developed a road map to ensure it fully ends its dependency on Russian energy. Moe said Canada should also distance itself from U.S. energy. 'To the oil industry, from an economic perspective, that is the priority,' he said. 'We need to have Canadian access to the refineries in Eastern Canada and I think that would be important to those that live in central and Eastern Canada as well, so that we have that energy security as a country.' In a news release , the provincial government said Ontario exported $183.9 billion worth of goods and services to other provinces and territories in 2023 and imported $142.7 billion, resulting in two-way trade of $326.6 billion and a trade surplus of $41.2 billion. On Monday, July 21, Ford joined B.C. Premier David Eby Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok to sign an MOU that aims to boost internal trade, improve labour mobility and remove trade barriers. Tuesday's media briefing was available on the Premier of Ontario YouTube channel . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. 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