Latest news with #Liberals
CBC
7 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel kicks off with 1st town hall stop in Red Deer
The Alberta government's travelling panel that's soliciting ideas for asserting the province's sovereignty is scheduled to hold its first public meeting in Red Deer Tuesday evening. Premier Danielle Smith is chairing the panel of 16 people, which includes four other United Conservative Party MLAs, a former judge, an acupuncturist, and leaders from the energy, business and agriculture sectors. Smith announced the panel a week after the federal Liberals won their fourth consecutive federal election in April. As Smith calls on Prime Minister Mark Carney to repeal policies she says are harmful to Alberta's oil and gas industry and economy, the premier has said feedback the panel hears will help members brainstorm potential questions to put on a provincial referendum ballot slated for 2026. "Ottawa really does have to listen, as I am, take it seriously and correct the things that are causing the grievances, and that's what I'm working for over the next few months," Smith said on her Saturday call-in radio show. The series of summer meetings, both in-person and virtually, along with online surveys, comes after MLAs approved changes to election laws this spring. Bill 54 lowered the bar for the number of signatures citizens would need to gather to force the government to put a referendum question to Alberta voters. Critics say the move showed Smith's government is catering to separatists. The government expects about 650 people who pre-registered to attend the free, but sold-out Red Deer event. Through question and answer sessions, the panel will revisit many topics of discussion that were before the Fair Deal Panel — a similar exercise sparked by Jason Kenney in 2019 after a previous federal Liberal election win. Up for discussion are the potential merits and drawbacks of creating a provincial police service, a provincial pension plan, and assuming more provincial responsibility for tax collection. A series of videos on the Alberta Next panel's website asks viewers to consider changes to federal transfer arrangements, such as equalization, changes to constitutional powers, and potentially withholding social benefits from some immigrants. In a 2021 referendum, the majority of Alberta voters who cast ballots said they wanted the provinces' obligation to participate in equalization removed from the Constitution. Alberta cannot unilaterally change the Canadian Constitution. At a news conference Monday, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said senior citizens tell his party they are despondent to see discussion about leaving the Canada Pension Plan resurface, and rural residents are worried about losing RCMP service. Nenshi said the panels are intended to divide Albertans and Canadians rather than brainstorm solutions, and accused Smith of kowtowing to conservative supporters who are interested in Alberta separating from Canada. "It doesn't matter whether Danielle Smith is a separatist," Nenshi said. "She's acting like one." A second town-hall panel is scheduled for the Edmonton area on Wednesday evening. Future meetings are planned for Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Airdrie, Grande Prairie and Calgary.
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Leaders to face off in only election campaign debate
Liberal and Labor leaders will front up for the only debate of Tasmania's snap election campaign, as the prospect of another hung parliament looms. Voters will head to the ballot box on Saturday, six weeks after minority Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence in parliament. The latest opinion poll has the Liberals on track to win more seats than Labor, but not enough to reach the 18 mark required for majority. Both majors have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens, meaning they will likely have to rely on an independent-heavy crossbench to govern. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter will go toe-to-toe on Wednesday at a debate hosted by Sky News and the Mercury newspaper. Labor put forward the no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff partly based on the state's poor finances. It was backed by the Greens and three crossbench MPs. Mr Rockliff didn't step down as Liberal leader, prompting the governor to call an election when no workable government could be found. "As I've travelled around Tasmania, Tasmanians have said to me they did not want an election," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "They realised Dean Winter forced this election with a rush of blood to the head. "Tasmanians want certainty and stability." Mr Winter blamed the election on Mr Rockliff's stubbornness. Health has dominated campaigning in recent days, with both parties outlining plans for improved GP access. Big-spending promises have been non-existent, with Tasmania's debt under the 11-year Liberals set to double to almost $11 billion in 2028/29 according to the most-recent budget. The state last went to the polls in March 2024, with the Liberals winning 14 seats in the 35-seat house of assembly and Labor 10. Liberal and Labor leaders will front up for the only debate of Tasmania's snap election campaign, as the prospect of another hung parliament looms. Voters will head to the ballot box on Saturday, six weeks after minority Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence in parliament. The latest opinion poll has the Liberals on track to win more seats than Labor, but not enough to reach the 18 mark required for majority. Both majors have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens, meaning they will likely have to rely on an independent-heavy crossbench to govern. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter will go toe-to-toe on Wednesday at a debate hosted by Sky News and the Mercury newspaper. Labor put forward the no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff partly based on the state's poor finances. It was backed by the Greens and three crossbench MPs. Mr Rockliff didn't step down as Liberal leader, prompting the governor to call an election when no workable government could be found. "As I've travelled around Tasmania, Tasmanians have said to me they did not want an election," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "They realised Dean Winter forced this election with a rush of blood to the head. "Tasmanians want certainty and stability." Mr Winter blamed the election on Mr Rockliff's stubbornness. Health has dominated campaigning in recent days, with both parties outlining plans for improved GP access. Big-spending promises have been non-existent, with Tasmania's debt under the 11-year Liberals set to double to almost $11 billion in 2028/29 according to the most-recent budget. The state last went to the polls in March 2024, with the Liberals winning 14 seats in the 35-seat house of assembly and Labor 10. Liberal and Labor leaders will front up for the only debate of Tasmania's snap election campaign, as the prospect of another hung parliament looms. Voters will head to the ballot box on Saturday, six weeks after minority Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence in parliament. The latest opinion poll has the Liberals on track to win more seats than Labor, but not enough to reach the 18 mark required for majority. Both majors have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens, meaning they will likely have to rely on an independent-heavy crossbench to govern. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter will go toe-to-toe on Wednesday at a debate hosted by Sky News and the Mercury newspaper. Labor put forward the no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff partly based on the state's poor finances. It was backed by the Greens and three crossbench MPs. Mr Rockliff didn't step down as Liberal leader, prompting the governor to call an election when no workable government could be found. "As I've travelled around Tasmania, Tasmanians have said to me they did not want an election," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "They realised Dean Winter forced this election with a rush of blood to the head. "Tasmanians want certainty and stability." Mr Winter blamed the election on Mr Rockliff's stubbornness. Health has dominated campaigning in recent days, with both parties outlining plans for improved GP access. Big-spending promises have been non-existent, with Tasmania's debt under the 11-year Liberals set to double to almost $11 billion in 2028/29 according to the most-recent budget. The state last went to the polls in March 2024, with the Liberals winning 14 seats in the 35-seat house of assembly and Labor 10. Liberal and Labor leaders will front up for the only debate of Tasmania's snap election campaign, as the prospect of another hung parliament looms. Voters will head to the ballot box on Saturday, six weeks after minority Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence in parliament. The latest opinion poll has the Liberals on track to win more seats than Labor, but not enough to reach the 18 mark required for majority. Both majors have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens, meaning they will likely have to rely on an independent-heavy crossbench to govern. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter will go toe-to-toe on Wednesday at a debate hosted by Sky News and the Mercury newspaper. Labor put forward the no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff partly based on the state's poor finances. It was backed by the Greens and three crossbench MPs. Mr Rockliff didn't step down as Liberal leader, prompting the governor to call an election when no workable government could be found. "As I've travelled around Tasmania, Tasmanians have said to me they did not want an election," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "They realised Dean Winter forced this election with a rush of blood to the head. "Tasmanians want certainty and stability." Mr Winter blamed the election on Mr Rockliff's stubbornness. Health has dominated campaigning in recent days, with both parties outlining plans for improved GP access. Big-spending promises have been non-existent, with Tasmania's debt under the 11-year Liberals set to double to almost $11 billion in 2028/29 according to the most-recent budget. The state last went to the polls in March 2024, with the Liberals winning 14 seats in the 35-seat house of assembly and Labor 10.
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Leaders to face off in only election campaign debate
Liberal and Labor leaders will front up for the only debate of Tasmania's snap election campaign, as the prospect of another hung parliament looms. Voters will head to the ballot box on Saturday, six weeks after minority Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence in parliament. The latest opinion poll has the Liberals on track to win more seats than Labor, but not enough to reach the 18 mark required for majority. Both majors have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens, meaning they will likely have to rely on an independent-heavy crossbench to govern. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter will go toe-to-toe on Wednesday at a debate hosted by Sky News and the Mercury newspaper. Labor put forward the no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff partly based on the state's poor finances. It was backed by the Greens and three crossbench MPs. Mr Rockliff didn't step down as Liberal leader, prompting the governor to call an election when no workable government could be found. "As I've travelled around Tasmania, Tasmanians have said to me they did not want an election," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "They realised Dean Winter forced this election with a rush of blood to the head. "Tasmanians want certainty and stability." Mr Winter blamed the election on Mr Rockliff's stubbornness. Health has dominated campaigning in recent days, with both parties outlining plans for improved GP access. Big-spending promises have been non-existent, with Tasmania's debt under the 11-year Liberals set to double to almost $11 billion in 2028/29 according to the most-recent budget. The state last went to the polls in March 2024, with the Liberals winning 14 seats in the 35-seat house of assembly and Labor 10.
The Province
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Province
Alberta separatists slam Poilievre for declaring himself a 'Canadian patriot' opposed to secession
Poilievre was responding after he took part in a CBC interview on the weekend and said Alberta should stay in Canada even if the Liberals continue to hold power in Ottawa Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, July 14, 2025. Photo by Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was slammed by several separatist opponents in Alberta Monday after he said that the province should stay part of Canada, no matter what. 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. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. 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 'Pierre Poilievre and the federal Conservatives want Albertan votes but not Albertan autonomy. Saying Alberta should stay no matter what shows exactly how little respect they have for the province's right to chart its own path,' said Michael Harris, the Libertarian candidate challenging Poilievre in next month's Battle River—Crowfoot byelection. 'That's not unity, that's control,' Harris said. The Calgary-born Poilievre reiterated his belief in Alberta federalism at a press conference in Ottawa on Monday. 'Well, I disagree with separation. I'm a Canadian patriot (and) there's no other country in the world where someone of my modest origins would be able to make it,' said Poilievre. Poilievre was responding after he took part in a CBC interview on the weekend and said Alberta should stay in Canada even if the Liberals continue to hold power in Ottawa. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. 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. Grant Abraham is another candidate challenging Poilievre in August's byelection. The leader of the United Party of Canada, which advocates for provinces standing up against federal power, Abraham said Poilievre is likely underestimating the level of unrest in Alberta. 'I mean so much of Alberta is so fed up with paying money to Quebec and Ontario in the form of equalization payments … Alberta hasn't seen any money back from that since the 1960s,' said Abraham. Harris and Abraham both think there should be a referendum on Alberta independence next year. Abraham says he'd vote 'yes' if a referendum on the province's independence were held tomorrow, if only to wake Ottawa up to the reality of western unrest. Republican Party of Alberta Leader Cameron Davies, who ran provincially last month in an overlapping riding, said he thinks Poilievre will face a rude awakening himself at the doors of Battle River—Crowfoot as he campaigns for the seat recently vacated by Conservative MP Damien Kurek. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I can tell you in the part of the riding that overlaps with Mr. Poilievre's newfound home … that there is 30 per cent plus support, if not greater, for Alberta independence,' said Davies. In the provincial race, Davies placed third with just under 18 per cent of the vote, with most of his support coming at the expense of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party. Jeff Rath, a lawyer with the pro-independence Alberta Prosperity Project, said that Poilievre's comments about Alberta staying in Canada show just how 'irrelevant' he's become to both the country and the province. 'He just can't read the room,' said Rath. Rath said Poilievre hurt his credibility with Albertans by not taking the opportunity to say that he would abide by the results of a referendum on independence, as Premier Danielle Smith has repeatedly said she would. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He added that Poilievre's continued support for the federal equalization program and supply management will be a 'tough sell' with voters in the riding. Poilievre also rankled some conservative Albertans during the CBC interview with his defence of supply management for egg and dairy farmers, which has become a trade irritant with the U.S. Trump administration, saying it pales in comparison to the 'tens if not hundreds of billions' American farmers get in subsidies. 'Poilievre is saying that we're going to continue to stick our thumb in the eye of our biggest trade partner to protect the Quebec dairy cartel … he's not protecting the interests of Albertans,' said Rath. Kurek told the National Post that, despite what naysayers are claiming, residents he's spoken to increasingly see Poilievre as the right man to go to bat for rural Alberta in Ottawa. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Having spent the last weeks … speaking to thousands of folks here in Battle River—Crowfoot, the message is clear. Albertans are frustrated with the Liberal status quo, but are hopeful that Pierre and our Conservative team are listening and will stand up for them … It's clear to me Albertans want Pierre to fight for them!' wrote Kurek in an email to the National Post Brad Wohlgemuth, a resident of Stettler, Alta., who plans to vote in the byelection, says he's been disappointed by how carefully managed Poilievre's campaign events have been so far. Wohlgemuth said that he and other attendees of a Conservative town hall on Friday were asked to submit written questions in advance, and were not given an opportunity to ask questions from the floor. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We want to test somebody out to see whether they can handle the tough questions,' said Wohlgemuth. Wohlgemuth says he was especially disappointed by Poilievre's boilerplate response to a question about secession. '(The exchange) was so well scripted that it really didn't address the issue.' Poilievre said in his press conference on Monday that he understood why Albertans were so upset. 'We have to put a final end to this notion that Ottawa tells Alberta to pay up and shut up,' said Poilievre. National Post rmohamed@ Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Crime Local News Soccer Vancouver Canucks Local News
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Poilievre says Canada needs more people leaving than arriving to ease housing, job strain
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre on Monday(July 14) said Canada needs "more people leaving than coming" for the next few years, citing a population surge that has outpaced housing and job growth under Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government . Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, Poilievre doubled down on previous remarks made in June, where he called for 'severe limits on population growth.' 'In order to fix the problem, we've got to put very hard caps on immigration levels,' he said. 'We need more people leaving than coming for the next couple of years, so our country can actually catch up.' The Conservative leader argued that Canada's rapid population increase, approximately 1 million new residents per year, has not been matched by infrastructure or housing development, leading to rising costs and stagnating job opportunities. 'We've had population growth of roughly a million a year under the Liberals while we barely built 200,000 homes,' he said. 'Our job market is stalled, and yet we are adding more people to the workforce.' Live Events A Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report published in June estimated the country needs between 430,000 and 480,000 new housing units annually to restore affordability. Meanwhile, the latest Statistics Canada data shows the national unemployment rate stands at 6.9 percent, while youth unemployment remains high at 14.2 percent. Poilievre also criticized the Federal government for enabling corporations to rely heavily on low-wage temporary foreign workers , which he claims contributes to job scarcity for Canadian youth. While immigration spiked between 2021 and 2023, peaking at over 500,000 new permanent residents annually, recent federal measures have slightly reduced intake, including a new cap on temporary residents. Emigration, on the other hand, has quietly risen to 104,565 in 2023–2024, according to Statistics Canada. Despite his strong rhetoric, Poilievre offered no specific policy framework or logistics for achieving a net-negative migration figure, and critics warn such a move could strain labor markets and public services further. The comments come as Poilievre faces declining polling numbers and increasing pressure to outline a comprehensive vision ahead of the next federal election.
