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Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Young calls Sask ‘energy superpower' during event in Belle Plaine, government, industry call for increased rail capacity
In the mining world, Saskatchewan has a lot to brag about, and the provincial government is saying the province is poised to make Canada an energy and mining superpower. Fresh off an Energy and Mines Ministers Conference in Prince Edward Island, Colleen Young realized exactly how Saskatchewan is leading the way for growth across Canada. 'I was proud to discuss how innovative Saskatchewan is in our energy and resource sectors,' said the provincial Energy and Resources Minister. 'Ministers from across the country explored how addressing the challenges in the resource sectors can serve as opportunities for growth nationwide. The largest takeaway for me was that it is clear that Saskatchewan is leading the charge in many of these areas. A major focus of this meeting was on the need to build a strong, secure and competitive resource sector across Canada, and from a Saskatchewan perspective, we are in a great position to help manage that change.' Front and centre for Young was seeking federal support for transportation. 'I advocated for substantial federal investment in building national energy infrastructure and corridors to transport reserves resource products to tide water,' she said. 'I also emphasized the need for streamlined and predictable approval of large resource projects to attract investment from development countries and to ensure Canada's supply chains remain secure and reliable.' Of the talks in PEI, Young noted they paved the way to find ways to not only promote Saskatchewan on a greater scale, but 'how we can make Canada an energy and minerals superpower.' 'It was refreshing to feel the unity in those discussions, which I'm hopeful will lead to more access for Canadians to reliable, affordable energy and wealth generated by our vast resources,' Young said. 'With Saskatchewan's robust and expanding resource sectors, we are and have been positioning the province to contribute significantly to Canada's emergence as a global energy superpower.' Highlighting the importance of mining in the province, Pam Schwann, President of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, broke down some interesting numbers. 'The mining sector continues to be one of Saskatchewan's pivotal economic drivers, directly employing over 11,000 people with an annual payroll of over $1.7 billion, consistently ranking among the province's top contributors to GDP and direct government revenues,' she said. 'In 2024, Saskatchewan's mining industry purchased over $3 billion in goods and services from Saskatchewan businesses, including over $900 million from Indigenous-owned businesses. In 2025, Saskatchewan mining companies will make over $7 billion in capital investments with our exploration members contributing over $425 million annually to discover new deposits.' A tour of Belle Plaine Young and Schwann were among a group of dignitaries invited to a quick tour of the Mosaic Belle Plaine potash solution mine last week, giving industry leaders the opportunity to highlight some of the triumphs and challenges facing the energy sector in Saskatchewan. 'Potash is one of Saskatchewan's 27 critical minerals, and we at Mosaic would say it's the most critical as it is essential to helping the world grow the food it needs,' said Marnel Jones, Director of Government and Public Affairs for The Mosaic Company. 'Our facility here at Belle Plaine has been producing potash for over 60 years. Mosaic's approximately 500 employees at this site and 2,000 province wide are foundational to the Saskatchewan mining story.' The first and largest solution mine in the world, the Belle Plaine facility produces nearly three million tonnes of finished potash products annually. Is mining immune to tariffs? When pressed for her opinion on what the uncertainty of U.S. tariffs might have in store for the mining industry, Young noted those discussions are best left to the federal government. 'The meetings that we had last week in PEI, we did discuss tariffs a little bit, but for the most part, we were focused on energy and making Canada a superpower,' she said. 'I will leave the counter tariffs under discussion to our prime minister and his cabinet as to what they would want moving forward.' According to Jones, it's more of a 'wait and see' process right now. 'We've been advocating for our potash industry on both sides of the border,' she said. 'As you know, we have operations both in the U.S. and Canada. With our potash operations here in Canada, we have been watching the trade negotiations closely—as have has everyone—and it's continuing to be a dynamic situation. So we're watching to see what happens next. Right now, we're fortunate that our product is all CUSMA compliant, so we are not experiencing any tariffs, and we're going to continue to advocate for that to be the case. We don't believe that any fertilizer product should be tariffed as it's meant for humanitarian services to grow food, and we're going to continue to be pushing for that.' Jones noted that potash prices are stable right now, despite what may be happening at a global level. 'That's where we like them to be,' she said. 'It's in a stable place, not what we saw back in the period when Ukraine was invaded by Russia. We saw sky high potash prices, and that's not actually very conducive to the market or to producers in the long term. So the market we have right now, it's stable. We're making lots of tonnes, and our customers want it. So we're in a pretty good spot today.' Increased costs are one area Schwann is keen to keep her eyes on as tariff threats continue to run hot and cold. 'You have some products that cross over like automobiles, but steel products that might go into the States and come back and can get increased costs from that,' she said. 'So if you've got large capital projects that are happening, you're going to see some price escalation, and that may actually stop those projects moving forward. We're watching it very closely, obviously it's a concern. We like to see free trade, especially amongst our allies.' Rail lines wanted Getting Saskatchewan potash out of the ground and around the world is another major focus. 'We haven't had any new pipelines introduced in the last 10 years due to the federal regulatory environment that was in place and layered on impositions for most of our industries, but it also means rail capacity,' Young said when asked about what type of future projects she would like to see. 'We need to get our products to global markets, and looking at the expansion of our ports—particularly on the West Coast. I think that's something that needs to be considered at this point in time so that those industries that are producing—such as Mosaic here—have that rail capacity available when they need it in order to get into those ports.' In order to fast-track projects, Young says the answer is a one-approval process. 'The provinces have the authority to approve many of the things that happen within our province, but I think we need to partner with the federal government to ensure that they aren't being held up at a second level when they get to that licensing portion under the federal government,' she said. 'We've already had applications that have been sitting on the books for the last 10 years and just need to be approved to get them moving forward.' Jones seconded that need for enhanced routes, noting that the first quarter of the fiscal year was especially difficult in terms of transportation. 'We're here today to talk about the challenges we face with getting our products to market, and that includes rail service and just the fact that Saskatchewan is here and we have a long way to get to tide water,' she said. 'What we saw in the first quarter of the year was a really cold winter with a lot of snow and wind, and those are not great things to have for us to be loading rail cars and getting them to Vancouver or other parts of Canada. We're in the process of recovering, but Q1 was really tough getting our products to market, which is why we continue to advocate for increased funding towards our infrastructure in Canada, because we operate 365 days of the year, and we have to get our products to market.' The transport issue will only be magnified as potash operations continue to build—a good problem to have seeing more investment in the province, but the SMA also points toward more rail capacity as the answer. 'We're looking at a new potash mine coming, and that's 4.5 million tons, potentially going to 8 million tons,' she said. 'We need more rail capacity. If we can get oil onto pipelines, that will free up some capacity there, but we also have to address some of the labour disruptions that we have, climate resiliency on some rail lines as well, and also some of the regulatory elements in the rail lines and the port that caused congestion on the rail infrastructure.' For people like Jones, even seeing conversation taking place between provincial and federal levels of government is a positive sign. 'Our facilities produce millions of tons of potash each year, but our limiting factor is how much product we can get to market,' she said. 'To that point, Canadian port and rail infrastructure is crucial for resource companies like ours to reach our customers around the globe. We are pleased and encouraged to hear so much conversation by the federal and provincial governments in support of trade, enabling infrastructure so we can unlock our full potential as an economic critical minerals powerhouse right here in Saskatchewan. 'In Saskatchewan, we're not lacking ambition, know-how, or the demand for our products, but as a nation we haven't invested or collectively planned how we can competitively deliver our essential products to the world 365 days a year for international exports. That means getting products from right here in Belle Plaine to our largest, most efficient port in Vancouver to access some of our fastest growing markets. Our provincial government understands what needs to be done for us to earn our place within the country and the world as a mining superpower.' 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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Winnipeg Free Press
16-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bipole project could make Manitoba ‘energy superpower': Kinew
Premier Wab Kinew says the $7-billion, overdue overhaul of two major hydro transmission lines in Manitoba is an investment opportunity and part of the 'building blocks to be an energy superpower' — but won't say how the cost will impact customers. The Free Press reported Tuesday that maintenance and upgrades on the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines of Bipole I and II will require a 3.5 per cent annual rate increase every year for up to 15 years. On Wednesday, the premier called it an opportunity 'to flex our economic muscle.' 'Over the next two decades, Manitoba Hydro is going to spend in the ballpark of $30 billion on acquiring new electrical equipment: to renew our HVDC lines, to ensure that the lights keep running — no matter how cold it gets in winter, how hot it gets in the summertime, and to do that in a low emissions manner,' Kinew said at an unrelated news conference in Brandon. His NDP government ran on keeping hydro rates affordable, and froze them for one year after winning the 2023 provincial election. In March, Manitoba Hydro asked the Public Utilities Board to approve an 11 per cent increase over three years starting in 2026. Kinew said the government would invest in putting tens of thousands of Manitobans to work, creating jobs on First Nations and in Métis communities. The NDP has rejected private wind power projects but endorsed Indigenous-owned proposals with private sector involvement. 'We've got hundreds of megawatts of low-carbon electricity that we can use to build the future in our province,' he said. Kinew will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and his fellow premiers next week to discuss tariffs and the trade war launched by U.S. President Donald Trump. 'Manitoba can come to the table and say, 'What are we doing, Team Canada? Are we going to keep spending that $30 billion in procurement … on American companies and on building up the economy under the Trump administration? Or, are we going to work together and send a message to our American neighbours (and) keep building our province into being a clean energy superpower by working with countries that treat us well?'' The premier said it was time to invest in tradespeople, engineers and consultants in Manitoba. 'That's how we build up our economy — no matter which way we go with tariffs, which way we go with AI.' Progressive Conservative hydro critic Lauren Stone said she's concerned the premier is bluffing, and that Manitobans may lose their shirts. 'I don't think the NDP are being forthcoming with the state of Manitoba Hydro. We're gonna be watching this project very closely. We know that the NDP have a history of financially mismanaging major hydro projects,' Stone said Wednesday, referring to the construction of Bipole III and the Keeyask generating station, that saw a combined $3.7 billion in cost overruns. That led to Hydro's debt soaring to $24.6 billion. The public utility has said 33 cents of every dollar Manitobans pay on their electricity bill goes towards interest payments on the debt. 'It just doesn't seem that they have a grasp on the needs of Manitoba Hydro and what the future costs for ratepayers will be. I'm certainly concerned about that,' said Stone. Kinew called the PCs the greatest threat to Manitoba Hydro. 'There's more power in a donut at Tim Hortons than the PCs have brought online during their recent time in government.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Premier Wab Kinew will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and his fellow premiers next week to discuss tariffs and the trade war. A spokesperson for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said taxpayers should be worried about any Hydro megaprojects. 'Governments of all stripes should be working to complete these costly infrastructure projects on budget and on time so taxpayers and ratepayers aren't stuck paying even more interest on Hydro's debt for cost overruns,' Gage Haubrich said. Kinew said, as it relates to cost overruns, they're taking the time to get it right. 'It's going to be carefully scoped, there's going to be contingency plans and we're going to work with partners who have experience in doing this,' the premier said. 'The good news is Manitoba Hydro is pretty much the most experienced company around when it comes to large-scale HVDC projects.' The Bipole upgrades are required if Manitoba wants a reliable energy grid, said a University of Winnipeg political science professor who studies Crown corporations. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. 'If it's -30 here, and we lose power, we're all refugees in two days,' said Malcolm Bird. 'System reliability is just absolutely paramount. Obviously, this is going to affect rates, but that's part of the price that we have to pay for the electricity. 'Power is so cheap in this province — it's almost too cheap.' Next to Quebec, Manitoba has the lowest electricity rates in Canada. 'It's kind of this cultural, God-given right to have cheap electricity, which is great, but that means that we're often not fully covering the costs. These capital costs are a part of the cost — capital investments that have to be made,' Bird said. Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Flowing River Capital Launches with Strategic Acquisition of Four Seasons of Reconciliation Educational Platform
, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Flowing River Capital, an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led private investment company, today announced its official launch with the acquisition of the acclaimed Four Seasons of Reconciliation educational platform. Flowing River Capital is uniquely positioned to: Bridge two worlds – combining traditional Indigenous worldviews with sophisticated, institutional-grade investment experience. Empower Indigenous communities to deploy capital and own equity in key sectors through culturally aligned investment strategies. Advance economic reconciliation by building capacity, creating Indigenous wealth, and strengthening Nation-to-Nation economic partnerships. Founded by prominent Indigenous leaders Cadmus Delorme and Thomas Benjoe, Flowing River Capital stands apart by combining Indigenous leadership with institutional investment expertise - offering a new approach tailored to meet the evolving economic realities of Indigenous communities across Canada. Since 2016, hundreds of historic claims have been resolved between First Nations and the Government of Canada, resulting in nearly $12 billion in capital flowing to Indigenous communities. Yet there remains a significant gap: few investment managers are equipped to help Indigenous Nations strategically invest this capital in alignment with their values, aspirations, and the country's growing demand for true economic reconciliation. Transforming Reconciliation Education The Four Seasons of Reconciliation education platform is Canada's premier Indigenous cultural awareness program. The comprehensive three-hour online course features 10 interactive modules that promote renewed relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation. Since its launch, Four Seasons of Reconciliation has reached over 600,000 learners across Canada, serving major organizations including RBC, Deloitte, BMO, and numerous government agencies. About Flowing River Capital Flowing River Capital is an Indigenous-owned and led private investment company that partners with Indigenous communities to deploy capital and build wealth. We provide capital, strategic guidance, and our 'Indigenize' playbook to help companies grow, create long-term value, and embed Indigenous values at the core of their operations. Thomas Benjoe, CEO of Flowing River Capital will be available to the media for inquiries from 12:00 – 4:30 PM EST. Thomas Benjoe CEO, Flowing River Capital Email: [email protected] Phone: 1.306.537-5259 Website:
Perth Now
10-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Indigenous product makers taking home the chocolates
It was buying a bar of chocolate that started Sharon Brindley on her own food manufacturing journey. The Yamatji and Noongar woman had bought the treat thinking it was from an Indigenous-owned company, going by its packaging and presentation. But when she discovered it was not, the experience inspired her business Jala Jala Treats. "It put a fire in my belly to highlight our native flavours in the chocolate space," Ms Brindley told AAP. The budding chocolatier had already gained plenty of experience in the native food space, founding Cooee Cafe and Catering on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. But she knew she wanted to get into food manufacturing to help raise awareness of First Nations businesses in the native food industry. Ms Brindley is preparing to spread that message further, beginning the process of exporting the Jala Jala Treats range of native-ingredient chocolates and teas to Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. Ms Brindley said these markets have a real thirst to 'get a piece of the real Australia' through Indigenous products. "The interest from overseas is not surprising ... but I think it's coming now because they're getting a better understanding of the culture in Australia," she said. Data from Austrade shows Indigenous goods exporters generated more than $670 million in turnover in 2022/23. Her export dreams are being assisted by Asialink, the national centre for engagement with Asia based at the University of Melbourne, whose chief executive Leigh Howard said businesses like Ms Brindley's resonate with markets in the region like never before. "Buyers are seeking products with a clear story, ethical sourcing and natural ingredients, and First Nations businesses stand out, especially when stories of land care, cultural heritage and community are central to the brand," he said. A landmark report from Supply Nation released on Monday found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year, including agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and mental health. Jala Jala Treats is now Victoria's largest Indigenous female-owned food manufacturing company. This is a double-edged sword for Ms Brindley, with First Nations businesses only owning a fraction (one per cent) of the native food industry in Australia, she said. Her hope is Jala Jala's success will help raise awareness of this, and help other businesses to grow alongside hers. "Support with exporting, but also support from people making sure they're ethically buying is super important," she said. "Although I love being the largest manufacturer in this space, it's almost sad because we deserve to be up there highlighting our products, including our native ingredients in a modern way."
Cision Canada
08-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Government of Canada is supporting 13 Indigenous-led clean energy projects through the Low Carbon Economy Fund's Indigenous Leadership Fund Français
GATINEAU, QC, July 8, 2025 /CNW/ - As protectors of the land and water, Indigenous peoples have long been leaders in climate action. In addition to advocating for the care of our planet, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are making significant contributions to lowering greenhouse gas emissions as leaders or key partners in the development of almost 20% of Canada's clean electricity infrastructure. To further support this leadership, today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced over $40 million in funding through the Low Carbon Economy Indigenous Leadership Fund to support 13 Indigenous-owned and -led clean energy projects across Canada. These projects include the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and heat pumps, as well as building energy retrofits that will help Indigenous communities save on energy costs and increase renewable energy use. They also help create jobs and leverage economic opportunities to further benefit those communities. The K'ómoks First Nation in British Columbia will receive nearly $690,000 for its community solar project to install residential solar panels. The Kinistin Saulteaux Nation in Saskatchewan will receive over $845,000 for its Kizis–Pimibizaowgamik project to build a charging system to power community EVs for local work and medical transportation. The Makivvik Corporation in Quebec will receive approximately $3.5 million to purchase and distribute solar kits throughout Nunavik. The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre in Ontario will receive up to $1 million to install a heat pump system in the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre's new building. The Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $1.6 million to install heat pumps in community-owned homes on Sheshatshiu Indian Reserve No. 3. The Gitlaxt'aamiks Village Government in British Columbia will receive over $2.8 million to purchase and install electric heat pumps in community homes. The Mushuau Innu First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $5.8 million to purchase and install heat pumps in community-owned homes in the remote community of Natuashish. The Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive nearly $4.3 million to purchase and install heat pumps in homes owned by community members. The Hiawatha First Nation 162 in Ontario will receive nearly $3.4 million to make the newly built Rice Lake Elder's complex and community building net zero. The Métis Nation of Alberta will receive over $9.2 million to retrofit approximately 500 citizen-owned homes across Alberta. The Seabird Island Band in British Columbia will receive over $5.6 million to improve the energy efficiency of two schools and an administration building. The Métis National Council Secretariat Inc. in Ontario will receive up to $150,000 to conduct an audit of the Métis National Council's operating carbon footprint. The Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise in Ontario will receive over $1.2 million for a collaborative impact project responding to federal best practices for Indigenous participation in program advisory and governance. These investments reaffirm the Government of Canada's commitment to support reconciliation and integrate Indigenous Knowledge, voices, and perspectives in the work toward a sustainable future for all. Quotes "As first guardians of nature and true stewards of environmental conservation and protection, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada are taking critical action to fight climate change and adapt to its impacts. Today's announcement recognizes the leadership and the important work of Indigenous peoples to preserve the environment and ensure that a habitable planet exists now and for generations to come." – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Quick facts The Indigenous Leadership Fund is a $180 million stream under the Low Carbon Economy Fund. It funds Indigenous-owned and -led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects to support Indigenous climate action. The Indigenous Leadership Fund was co-developed with the three National Indigenous Organizations; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments; and Indigenous clean energy experts. It recognizes their unique rights, interests, and circumstances when it comes to addressing the causes and impacts of climate change. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are key leaders and partners in efforts to address climate change. They continue to lead innovative projects of all sizes across the country, including in remote and northern communities. Supporting Indigenous leadership and co-developing solutions to address climate change in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities is central to advancing the reconciliation journey and promoting self-determination. By advancing the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, Canada is implementing Article 29 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which affirms Indigenous peoples' right to the conservation and protection of their lands, territories, and resources. As part of this effort, the Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners to set a long-term approach to partnership on climate that upholds and implements Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and to participate in decision-making. These partnerships will help ensure access to predictable and equitable funding for climate action. Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
