Latest news with #NikiSharma
CTV News
5 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Eby says he won't be changing mind on another B.C. pipeline, rebuffing Ford
British Columbia Premier David Eby listens as Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks to reporters as Canada's premiers hold a press conference to close the Council of the Federation meetings in Halifax on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese B.C. Premier David Eby says he won't be throwing his support behind a new oil pipeline through the province, dismissing Ontario Premier Doug Ford's suggestion that Eby would change his mind. Eby says in response to Ford's remarks on Monday that the publicly-owned TMX pipeline is already running through B.C., and the province doesn't support lifting the ban on oil tankers off British Columbia's northern coast. He says it's not his job to tell Ford it's 'extremely unlikely' there will be a tunnel under Toronto's Highway 401, or tell Alberta Premier Danielle Smith her 'vision' for a pipeline connecting Alberta and northern B.C. is 'many, many years off' with no proponent in sight. Eby says his job instead is to protect the interests of British Columbia by bringing forward 'shovel-ready' projects. Ford had said heading into a meeting between premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney that he was confident Eby and Carney would 'work things out' regarding a second pipeline. Eby was speaking Tuesday from Osaka, Japan, on a 10-day trade mission in Asia, and deputy premier Niki Sharma represented B.C. at the meeting of premiers in Saskatoon. This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published June 3, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Pipeline politics and economic corridor dominate first ministers meeting in Saskatoon
The national unity that coalesced because of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats against Canada was wobbly during the first ministers meeting in Saskatoon on Monday as B.C.'s deputy premier acknowledged a 'difference of opinion' with Alberta over the need for a new pipeline to Prince Rupert. With no project currently proposed for a pipeline to the north coast of the province, B.C. would rather see the existing Trans-Mountain Pipeline to Burnaby brought to full capacity through the dredging of Burrard Inlet, which would allow larger ships to carry more oil out of the Port of Vancouver. 'There's no proponent at this time. There's no project that is really there to look at,' said Niki Sharma, who is representing the province while Premier David Eby is on a 10-day trade mission to Asia. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'There is a pipeline that's operating through B.C. in the TMX, and I understand there's discussions about increasing the capacity of that. The projects that we're going to be bringing forward are about clean energy and critical minerals in our province and economic corridors.' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said there could be a 'national unity crisis' if Prime Minister Mark Carney doesn't agree to remove the tanker ban off the Pacific coast and help increase Alberta's ability to export oil and gas to markets other than the U.S. She has also said that a new pipeline is needed to fulfil the 'grand bargain' that is decarbonization of her province's oilsands through carbon capture and storage. She estimates that project will cost at least $16 billion. The path that Smith wants to see the pipeline take is similar to the Northern Gateway project that was cancelled in 2016 in the face of opposition from numerous First Nations and the federal government. 'Having an energy corridor to northern British Columbia that includes a bitumen pipeline would be a good first step in the communique, understanding that we won't get a serious proponent from the private sector unless we address those underlying conditions,' she said Monday. Sharma said it is 'unfortunate that national unity is even on the table' and that she wants to see provincial and territorial leaders agree to a path that they can move forward together on. For his part, Carney said following the meeting that there is definitely the possibility for a pipeline to be built to B.C.'s north coast. 'It provides diversification of trade partners. It provides the development of new industries. It provides economic activity across the west and into the north. So, yes, there's real potential there,' said the prime minister. 'We took up a good deal of our time and discussions and potential to move forward on that. And if further developed, the federal government will look to advance it.' In a statement released after the meeting was over, Sharma reiterated her position that the province is focused on getting the North Coast Transmission Line built as well as possibly helping the Trans-Mountain Pipeline reach its full capacity. She said that building a 'theoretical' pipeline connecting to B.C.'s north coast is not a focus. 'We are focusing on shovel-ready projects,' Sharma said, 'not theoretical projects with no proponents. There is also an existing, underused pipeline Canadian taxpayers paid $34 billion for, with capacity to spare. By focusing on ready-to-go projects instead, we can work together to build Canada's stronger economy.' Where B.C. is in lock-step with its provincial counterparts, particularly those from the Western provinces, is the need for an economic corridor linking Prince Rupert and B.C.'s coast to the Port of Churchill in Manitoba and Grays Bay in Nunavut. At a meeting of the premiers of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as the northern territories in May, there was a collective agreement that key infrastructure such as roads, highways and railways need to be expanded between the western provinces to facilitate interprovincial trade. They also said that the infrastructure would help move goods such as critical minerals, uranium, potash and natural gas to markets both in Asia and along the eastern seaboard. Carney has made the idea of a 'One Canada Economy' a centrepiece of his plan to counter U.S. economic threats and said that trade barriers between provinces and territories need to be eliminated by July 1. His express goal for the meeting was for premiers to put a list of projects 'of national importance' on the table for discussion but, while he has also talked about the need to make the country an 'energy superpower,' he has tempered that by saying a pipeline is only on the table if there is consensus between premiers. Werner Antweiler, a UBC economics professor, said there is a lot of 'wishful thinking' floating around regarding the potential for a pipeline to B.C.'s north coast, and that unless a proponent steps forward and the tanker ban is lifted, it is unlikely to happen. At the same time, he said the wider conversation around an economic corridor is critical, particularly when it comes to the expansion of ports such as Prince Rupert and Churchill to get more goods to market. 'There are some very sensible proposals, especially about the port facilities. Some of this has been discussed for many years. It will come down to what is the amount of money that the federal government is putting into any of these projects,' said Antweiler. Reid Skelton-Morven, a Prince Rupert councillor and member of the Ts'msyen and Nisga'a Nations, said a $750-million expansion of the city's port is well underway. He said he was greatly supportive of the idea of a western economic corridor, but that it needs to be done in concert with all levels of government as well as First Nations. 'A decade ago, this might have been kind of really far fetched, but today, with sinking global markets, rising logistics costs and the pressure on existing infrastructure, we need big and visionary moves like this one,' said Skelton-Morven. 'These projects can't just pass through all of our communities, they need to build them up from the ground up.' alazenby@
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Pipeline politics and economic corridor dominate first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon
The national unity that coalesced because of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats against Canada was wobbly during the first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon on Monday as B.C.'s deputy premier acknowledged a 'difference of opinion' with Alberta over the need for a new pipeline to Prince Rupert. With no project currently proposed for a pipeline to the north coast of the province, B.C. would rather see the existing Trans-Mountain Pipeline to Burnaby brought to full capacity through the dredging of Burrard Inlet, which would allow larger ships to carry more oil out of the Port of Vancouver. 'There's no proponent at this time. There's no project that is really there to look at,' said Niki Sharma, who is representing the province while Premier David Eby is on a 10-day trade mission to Asia. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'There is a pipeline that's operating through B.C. in the TMX, and I understand there's discussions about increasing the capacity of that. The projects that we're going to be bringing forward are about clean energy and critical minerals in our province and economic corridors.' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said there could be a 'national unity crisis' if Prime Minister Mark Carney doesn't agree to remove the tanker ban off the Pacific coast and help increase Alberta's ability to export oil and gas to markets other than the U.S. She has also said that a new pipeline is needed to fulfil the 'grand bargain' that is decarbonization of her province's oilsands through carbon capture and storage. She estimates that project will cost at least $16 billion. The path that Smith wants to see the pipeline take is similar to the Northern Gateway project that was cancelled in 2016 in the face of opposition from numerous First Nations and the federal government. 'Having an energy corridor to northern British Columbia that includes a bitumen pipeline would be a good first step in the communique, understanding that we won't get a serious proponent from the private sector unless we address those underlying conditions,' she said Monday. Sharma said it is 'unfortunate that national unity is even on the table' and that she wants to see provincial and territorial leaders agree to a path that they can move forward together on. For his part, Carney said following the meeting that there is definitely the possibility for a pipeline to be built to B.C.'s north coast. 'It provides diversification of trade partners. It provides the development of new industries. It provides economic activity across the west and into the north. So, yes, there's real potential there,' said the prime minister. 'We took up a good deal of our time and discussions and potential to move forward on that. And if further developed, the federal government will look to advance it.' In a statement released after the meeting was over, Sharma reiterated her position that the province is focused on getting the North Coast Transmission Line built as well as possibly helping the Trans-Mountain Pipeline reach its full capacity. She said that building a 'theoretical' pipeline connecting to B.C.'s pipeline is not a focus. 'We are focusing on shovel-ready projects,' Sharma said, 'not theoretical projects with no proponents. There is also an existing, underused pipeline Canadian taxpayers paid $34 billion for, with capacity to spare. By focusing on ready-to-go projects instead, we can work together to build Canada's stronger economy.' Where B.C. is in lock-step with its provincial counterparts, particularly those from the Western provinces, is the need for an economic corridor linking Prince Rupert and B.C.'s coast to the Port of Churchill in Manitoba and Grays Bay in Nunavut. At a meeting of the premiers of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as the northern territories in May, there was a collective agreement that key infrastructure such as roads, highways and railways need to be expanded between the western provinces to facilitate interprovincial trade. They also said that the infrastructure would help move goods such as critical minerals, uranium, potash and natural gas to markets both in Asia and along the eastern seaboard. Carney has made the idea of a 'One Canada Economy' a centrepiece of his plan to counter U.S. economic threats and said that trade barriers between provinces and territories need to be eliminated by July 1. His express goal for the meeting was for premiers to put a list of projects 'of national importance' on the table for discussion but, while he has also talked about the need to make the country an 'energy superpower,' he has tempered that by saying a pipeline is only on the table if there is consensus between premiers. Werner Antweiler, a UBC economics professor, said there is a lot of 'wishful thinking' floating around regarding the potential for a pipeline to B.C.'s north coast, and that unless a proponent steps forward and the tanker ban is lifted, it is unlikely to happen. At the same time, he said the wider conversation around an economic corridor is critical, particularly when it comes to the expansion of ports such as Prince Rupert and Churchill to get more goods to market. 'There are some very sensible proposals, especially about the port facilities. Some of this has been discussed for many years. It will come down to what is the amount of money that the federal government is putting into any of these projects,' said Antweiler. Reid Skelton-Morven, a Prince Rupert councillor and member of the Ts'msyen and Nisga'a Nations, said a $750-million expansion of the city's port is well underway. He said he was greatly supportive of the idea of a western economic corridor, but that it needs to be done in concert with all levels of government as well as First Nations. 'A decade ago, this might have been kind of really far fetched, but today, with sinking global markets, rising logistics costs and the pressure on existing infrastructure, we need big and visionary moves like this one,' said Skelton-Morven. 'These projects can't just pass through all of our communities, they need to build them up from the ground up.' alazenby@
The Province
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Province
B.C. calls on new federal justice minister for tougher bail laws
Vancouver mayor says city has added police officers, 'but that means nothing if violent offenders are released almost immediately after arrest." B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma Photo by B.C. NDP B.C.'s attorney general has already asked the federal justice minister for further reform of Canada's laws on bail. 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 Attorney General Niki Sharma made the pitch on Thursday, Justice Minister Sea Fraser's third day on the job and just two days after a suspect on probation attacked a stranger with an axe in Vancouver. 'This incident is deeply disturbing, and violence is totally unacceptable,' Sharma said of the robbery by an axe-wielding man in the Downtown Eastside. She said she understands concerns over the quick release of the suspect on bail. Steven Henry Hall, 30, who two weeks earlier had been given a year's probation after pleading guilty to threatening with a weapon, a machete, and used a different type of weapon, an axe, to injure someone while stealing his sunglasses, according to court documents. He was charged with robbery and a breach of probation, but released on bail without having to put up any money just seven hours after the attack, according to court documents. 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. Sharma said: 'I completely understand the concerns expressed by people about the accused being released so quickly.' But she said judges make those decisions independently 'based on the law, the facts presented in court and the individual circumstances of each case,' and politicians can't interfere without undermining the integrity of the justice system. 'That said, it is clear federal bail laws aren't doing enough to keep violent offenders off the street,' she said. Sharma said she talked with Fraser to discuss 'ideas for stronger federal bail reform to keep violent, repeat offenders off our streets.' 'We need the federal government to take urgent action on public safety.' Fraser didn't return a request for comment. Sharma didn't respond to questions about the provincial area of jurisdiction, mandating treatment for those who are mentally ill, something her government has been discussing publicly lately, referring questions to the Health and Solicitor General ministries. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Meanwhile, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim repeated calls for the province and Ottawa to make changes to the bail system to prevent the release of repeat offenders after the axe attack. 'This is unacceptable,' Sim said in an email. 'The suspect was already on probation and was back on the street within hours.' He said the city has hired more police officers to deal with crime, 'but that means nothing if violent offenders are released almost immediately after arrest.' He called for senior levels of government to pass 'meaningful bail reform to keep these repeat offenders off our streets.' Hall's circumstances and a prescient comment by the judge who agreed to a joint sentencing submission from the defence and the prosecution two weeks ago indicate shortcomings of the system to help repeat offenders. 'It's unfortunate you're not coming to this court asking for assistance for your drug addiction and you're just going to go along the way you are,' said Judge Patrick Doherty during Hall's eight-minute appearance by video in downtown community court, according to a recording of the April 30 hearing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Downtown community court was created 17 years ago to offer help with treatment, housing and other recovery tools to the mentally ill or addicted who plead guilty to their charges, but treatment is on a voluntary, not mandatory, basis. 'I don't hold out much hope for you if you don't start seeking help,' Doherty told Hall before sentencing him to probation and releasing him. A condition of the probation was that Hall not possess weapons or carry sharp knives outside of his home. Submissions from Hall's lawyer included that Hall, who grew up in Maple Ridge, had a drug problem since high school and that the last 10 years have been a blur. The sentencing was for a charge of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm that happened on Oct. 30 and which Hall pleaded guilty to. Crown told the downtown community court hearing that Hall and a woman were asked to move away from a plaza near 100 Keefer St. in the Downtown Eastside at 9 a.m. that day by two security guards. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The couple refused to move and Hall and the two guards argued, eventually leading to Hall waving a machete at them, threatening to stab them if they came any closer to him. The guards left and called police. Hall was arrested, charged and released on bail later that day. The prosecution in a plea bargain dropped the second charge, possession of the machete weapon for dangerous purpose. It's not known if that charge, stayed for up to a year before it disappears, will be reinstated because of the probation breach. Hall had been jailed before, for 30 days in 2021 for break-and-enter and resisting arrest, for a 2019 break-in. The community court is designed to 'provide sanctions, services and interventions to individuals with complex needs,' according to an email from a spokeswoman for the Public Safety and Solicitor General Ministry. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Those who plead guilty are offered 'health, forensic psychiatric services, income assistance, and Indigenous partners and housing staff work together alongside court staff and officials to support individuals and hold them accountable for their offences. Those with mental-health or addiction issues are connected to health authorities for treatment, she said. 'Individuals who are found in breach of court-ordered conditions may result in a return to court, custody or care under the health system,' she said. Read More Vancouver Canucks News Vancouver Canucks BC Lions Vancouver Canucks
CBC
28-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
B.C. premier and attorney general give update on tariff response bill
Premier David Eby and Attorney General Niki Sharma are holding a news conference about Bill 7, as backlash grows over the NDP government's proposed Economic Stabilization Tariff Response Act.
