Latest news with #Nally
NZ Herald
30-07-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Bay of Plenty firefighters join battle against Manitoba wildfires
There are also two local forestry firefighters, one each from Timberlands Limited and the Forest Protection Service, and the two specialist fire team members. Fire and Emergency New Zealand deputy national commander Brendan Nally. Photo / Supplied Fire and Emergency NZ deputy national commander Brendan Nally said since arriving, the taskforce and specialist team were helping manage several fires alongside a small number of Manitoba Wildfire Service personnel. Manitoba is experiencing one of its worst fire seasons in years, with more than 1.2 million hectares burned so far. He said New Zealand now had 50 personnel aiding the wildfire response in Lake Cross, helping stop fires from spreading in the 'very remote' and physically challenging terrain. Much of the Kiwi crews' work involved digging up hotspots and creating firebreaks, which was 'tough, physical, arduous work' in the middle of the northern hemisphere summer. The 43-strong New Zealand taskforce of mainly volunteer firefighters who are helping control wildfires in Canada's Manitoba province. Photo / Fire and Emergency NZ According to a Canadian National Wildland Fire Service report, the fires were the result of reduced snowpack levels, 'warmer-than-average' temperatures, low soil moisture and elevated drought conditions. Nally said the description 'arduous firefighters' was apt. 'Our Kiwi teams are working 14-day rotations, 12-hour shifts, with three days' break to rest and recuperate, before doing it all again. 'They're miles from anywhere, camping and sleeping in tents, and having pre-prepared basic rations and plenty of hot meals helicoptered to them.' Nally said they were mainly using hand tools. 'Each Kiwi firefighter's backpack contains their firefighting tools, including a shovel, a spade, a fire retardant, and a heavy 'grubber' type tool to dig, akin to using a hoe in people's gardens.' Nally said they also had a personal GPS locator in case they became separated from their crew. One of the wildfires in Manitoba province in Canada. Photo / Fire and Emergency NZ He said the scale of wildfires in Canada and Alaska in the US, and the land destroyed, was 'enormous'. 'It's hard for people in New Zealand to get their heads around the scale of these fires and how tough and dangerous the conditions are.' Nally said the latest Canadian wildland service report revealed that 6.4 million hectares across five provinces had been lost. 'That's close to half the North Island, and multiple fires are still burning across Canada and in Alaska.' Alaska's wildfires have destroyed more than 1.2 million hectares this year. Nally said the taskforce and specialist team's experiences in Canada would provide 'invaluable' skills and knowledge that could be used to respond to wildfire emergencies in New Zealand. 'I'm always grateful for the high calibre of people who put their hands up to deploy overseas. I'm immensely proud of them. 'To be honest, there were so many people keen to be part of this taskforce, we had to beat them off with a stick.' He said it was likely that more Fire and Emergency personnel would be sent to Canada once the taskforce and specialist team's deployments ended. Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 24 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alberta, Saskatchewan to resume buying US alcohol
Canada's Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces have started allowing the sale of US alcohol again. In March, Canadian provinces started removing US products from liquor store shelves in the midst of an ongoing tariff spat with the country. In a statement sent to Just Drinks yesterday (12 June), Dave Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, confirmed Alberta had removed restrictions on US alcohol purchases. "The decision sets the stage for more constructive negotiations ahead of a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement renewal, potentially leading to increased trade opportunities and economic growth for Alberta," he said. A spokesperson for Minister Nally's office also confirmed Saskatchewan's resumption of US alcohol purchases. Just Drinks has contacted the Saskatchewan province to confirm the news. Minister Nally said Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney was making "a clear effort to reset the relationship with the US administration, and Alberta's government supports this approach". He added: "Alberta has always supported a proportionate response to US tariffs and recognises that any tariffs imposed have a negative impact on consumers, business, and industry. "However, Alberta's fully private liquor model distinguishes it from other provinces, resulting in different applications and outcomes from trade measures. Further, the US has also refrained from restricting the import of Canadian products." While both provinces have resumed purchases, Canada still has a 25% tariff in place on US alcohol imports. According to Canada's The Globe and Mail, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters at a conference Monday (9 June) that the province would not be buying US alcohol until US President Donald Trump pulled tariffs on Canadian goods. At the same event, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston also reportedly said: 'We're not putting the U.S. booze on the shelves in Nova Scotia.' Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis. . "Alberta, Saskatchewan to resume buying US alcohol" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Calgary Herald
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Alberta's new access to information rules come into effect
Alberta's new access to information rules that the province characterizes as modernizing dated legislation but critics say permit more government secrecy came into force Wednesday following the approval of four orders – in – council. Article content The Access to Information Act was first introduced by Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally last November and was passed by the legislature and received royal assent the following month. Article content Article content Article content Wednesday's orders-in-council come six months later and proclaim the new legislation into force while also setting out new regulations for the act. Article content Article content 'Access to information plays a vital role in ensuring public confidence and trust in the integrity of government institutions,' reads a statement from Nally's office. Article content 'The regulations and policies that will support the Access to Information Act will help secure that trust by demonstrating the government's open and accessible approach to handling official records and enabling and encouraging government departments to proactively disclose more information to Albertans.' Article content The act replaces the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act by splitting it into two, with the new Protection of Privacy Act also coming into force on Wednesday. Article content Nally has cited the need to overhaul the prior legislation that hadn't been updated in two decades, including by creating a new central website, Transparency Alberta, that includes information about government decisions, spending, and activities, though not a database of completed information requests as seen in other Canadian governments. Article content Article content 'We expect that the number of records available through Transparency Alberta will grow,' Nally said. Article content The new rules have been criticized as further limiting what information can be disclosed. Article content They exempt communications between political staff and ministers as not disclosable, with the regulations defining political staff as 'an employee, other than an employee appointed under the Public Service Act, who holds a position in the Office of the Premier or an office of a member of the Executive Council (cabinet).' Article content The former timeline for the government to respond to an access to information request is also extended from 30 calendar days to 30 business days.
Toronto Star
08-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Alberta resumes buying U.S. alcohol, months after pause meant to fight tariffs
EDMONTON — Alberta is buying American alcohol and gambling machines again, three months after Premier Danielle Smith announced restrictions aimed at fighting back against U.S. tariffs. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said Friday that the move signals a 'renewed commitment to open and fair trade' with the United States. Smith said in March that the province would no longer buy U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals, or sign contracts with American companies. Alberta's liquor stores are privately owned but must order stock through the provincial government. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW That came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and energy. Other premiers also announced bans on U.S. liquor along with other proposed penalties. Nally said in a statement that the decision to resume buying U.S. alcohol and gambling machines 'sets the stage for more constructive negotiations' ahead of a renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. The agreement, known as CUSMA, was negotiated during the first Trump administration and is up for a mandatory review in 2026. 'Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a clear effort to reset the relationship with the U.S. administration, and Alberta's government supports this approach,' Nally said. 'We are focused on highlighting Alberta's role as a responsible and collaborative trading partner and will continue working alongside other provinces to advocate for a tariff-free relationship.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The minister said Albertans are encouraged to continue supporting local producers, even as more U.S. options return to store shelves. In April, the province paused its policy around procurement from U.S. companies in what Nally called 'the spirit of diplomacy.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
Global News
07-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
Alberta buying U.S. alcohol again, months after pause meant to fight tariffs
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Alberta is buying American alcohol and gambling machines again, three months after Premier Danielle Smith announced restrictions aimed at fighting back against U.S. tariffs. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said Friday that the move signals a 'renewed commitment to open and fair trade' with the United States. Smith said in March that the province would no longer buy U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals, or sign contracts with American companies. Alberta's liquor stores are privately owned but must order stock through the provincial government. That came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and energy. 2:34 Alberta bans future US liquor purchases Other premiers also announced bans on U.S. liquor along with other proposed penalties. Story continues below advertisement Nally said in a statement that the decision to resume buying U.S. alcohol and gambling machines 'sets the stage for more constructive negotiations' ahead of a renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The agreement, known as CUSMA, was negotiated during the first Trump administration and is up for a mandatory review in 2026. 'Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a clear effort to reset the relationship with the U.S. administration, and Alberta's government supports this approach,' Nally said. 'We are focused on highlighting Alberta's role as a responsible and collaborative trading partner and will continue working alongside other provinces to advocate for a tariff-free relationship.' The minister said Albertans are encouraged to continue supporting local producers, even as more U.S. options return to store shelves. In April, the province paused its policy around procurement from U.S. companies in what Nally called 'the spirit of diplomacy.'
