Latest news with #StephenFuhr
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada Invests in Landmark Solar Project in Anahim Lake
, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada is pleased to announce an additional $4.9 million in funding to support the Anahim Lake Solar Project, bringing our total contribution to nearly $17 million. This new solar energy project will provide the Ulkatcho First Nation with access to a clean and renewable source of energy that is cheaper, safer and healthier than diesel power. Located in Anahim Lake, B.C., the project is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by about 64 percent — equal to a reduction of 1.1 million litres of diesel a year — making it one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. The project also includes the construction of new access roads and paths, together with investments in the control and monitoring of the new facility, fire management and security. This is how Canada becomes a clean energy superpower — by working with Indigenous partners, reducing emissions and investing in nation-building infrastructure that delivers economic and environmental results. Quotes " This is what bold, community-led action looks like. The Anahim Lake Solar Project — now Canada's largest off-grid solar initiative — marks a major step forward in reducing emissions, strengthening local economies and advancing economic reconciliation. With construction now underway, we're proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we're doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples." The Honourable Tim Hodgson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "We are proud to be part of this important milestone, helping the Ulkatcho First Nation transition from diesel to sustainable solar energy. This project underscores the federal government's commitment to supporting green energy initiatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing reconciliation." The Honourable Stephen Fuhr Member of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) "BC Hydro is driving renewable energy innovation in remote communities by bringing leading-edge technology into the Anahim Lake Station and investing in advanced battery storage and microgrid technology. Our collaboration with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation not only sets the foundation for future partnerships with First Nations across the province but also underscores BC Hydro's commitment to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives — ensuring reliable, sustainable power for generations to come." Chris O'Riley President and CEO, BC Hydro "As Canada strives toward its commitments to mitigate the effects of climate change, the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation sees this as an excellent opportunity — not only to diversify the activities of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies but also to play a critical role in ultimately displacing the use of diesel and generating clean electricity for the community. The Anahim Lake Solar Project is truly a model of meaningful public-private-community partnerships (PPCP) for today's much-needed resource development across Canada — with Multi-Inputs Area Development (MIAD) through blended financing." Al-Nashir Jamal Chairman of the Board, Ulkatcho Group of Companies Quick Facts The federal government is investing $4,957,168 in this project through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program (CERRC) and $11,880,750 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $2,376,150, the Ulkatcho First Nation is contributing $818,300 and the Community Energy Diesel Reduction program and B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which are administered by the BC New Relationship Trust and funded by the federal and B.C. governments, are contributing $1,765,800 and $290,740 respectively. The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy demonstration, deployment and capacity-building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.
Globe and Mail
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
What is a secretary of state? A guide to Mark Carney's two-tiered cabinet
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his new cabinet that features 28 full ministers and 10 secretaries of state, effectively creating two tiers to the government's ministry. Here is a short guide to Mr. Carney's cabinet and what a secretary of state is. In the context of Canada's parliamentary system, a secretary of state can be thought of as a junior minister, said Michael Wernick, a former clerk of the Privy Council who wrote a book on how government functions. Mr. Carney's 10 secretaries of state will have smaller staffing budgets than the 28 core cabinet ministers. They will also be sworn into the Privy Council, get access to cabinet papers, receive the same vetting and security clearances and participate when invited to cabinet meetings, but will not attend all of those meetings. Secretaries of state are also sometimes referred to as ministers of state. There is no fixed model of what a secretary of state does as the duties are decided by the respective prime minister, said Mr. Wernick. They play supportive roles to cabinet ministers with relevant portfolios, he said. For example, Stephen Fuhr, the secretary of state for defence procurement, will probably meet a lot with Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public works and Procurement and David McGuinty, the Defence Minister. Cabinet ministers also 'get hundreds and hundreds' of invitations to various events, conferences and meetings from different constituents and stakeholders requesting their time, Mr. Wernick said. It's impossible to attend all of them, so a cabinet minister could send his or her secretary of state in lieu. The secretary of state also gives the cabinet minister an extended ear on the ground, who can act as an early warning sign on whether any groups are happy or aren't receiving enough attention, the former Privy Council clerk said. In a 2011 guide for ministers and ministers of state, the Harper government described the position as people 'chosen by the Prime Minister to provide support to Ministers and to the government as a whole,' but who don't have statutory powers or duties or preside over departments. Mr. Carney isn't the first prime minister to have two tiers within his cabinet. The role of ministers of state has been used in various ways by the previous four prime ministers: Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien. Appointing a secretary of state could also be part of a personnel development strategy by giving people additional responsibilities to stress test them and see if they could be promoted in future cabinet shuffles. 'People get sick, they leave for other jobs, they, resign in scandal, they turn out to be poor performers,' Mr. Wernick said. 'So, there is an element of this which is you're developing your sort of bench strength.' Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, said Mr. Carney's appointment of 28 cabinet ministers and 10 secretaries of state allows the prime minister to say he has a smaller cabinet than his predecessors. In 2021, Mr. Trudeau had 37 members in his cabinet. In 2013, Mr. Harper had 39 members in his. That's important, Mr. Wiseman said, 'because if you ask the public is it better to have bigger government or smaller government, they'll always say smaller.' The Prime Minister selects the parliamentary secretaries, who support the ministers they are assigned to and assist specifically with parliamentary duties. They can be called on in Question Period to answer policy questions if the minister is away, said Mr. Wiseman, but they cannot ask questions during Question Period. They also play more of a role in parliamentary committees. Mr. Wernick said parliamentary secretaries are typically named around when the House of Commons begins sitting again, which in this case is the last week of May. With reports from Bill Curry, Stephanie Levitz and Emily Haws
CTV News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
These are the races that are still too close to call in B.C.
Canada's 45th federal election yielded a Liberal minority government, just like the 44th and 43rd elections before it. But while the high-level outcome has been decided, the exact seat totals each party will hold in the House of Commons remains to be seen. As of 11:40 p.m., CTV News has declared winners in 35 of British Columbia's 43 federal electoral districts. The remaining eight ridings were considered too close to call, whether because a large number of votes were still outstanding or the margin between the top two candidates was exceedingly close. The eight uncalled ridings were, from smallest margin to largest: Kelowna Vancouver Kingsway New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville Cloverdale—Langley City Fleetwood—Port Kells Burnaby Central Surrey Newton Skeena—Bulkley Valley The margins in Kelowna and Vancouver Kingsway were less than one percentage point. In Kelowna, Liberal candidate Stephen Fuhr led Conservative incumbent Tracy Gray by 0.12 per cent, or just 66 votes. In Vancouver Kingsway, longtime New Democrat MP held a lead of 0.6 per cent – or 275 votes – over Liberal Amy Gill. The next-closest race saw the top two vote-getters separated by just 1.5 percentage points, with Conservative Indy Panchi leading Liberal Jake Sawatzky in the New Westminster riding previously held by New Democrat Peter Julian, who looked set to finish third this year. The other five ridings had margins of 2 percentage points or more.
Global News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Canada election 2025: Kelowna
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 Kelowna is a federal riding located in British Columbia and is a new riding in the 2025 Canadian election. Voters will decide who will represent Kelowna in British Columbia during the upcoming Canadian election on April 28, 2025. Visit this page on election night for a complete breakdown of up to the minute results. Candidates Conservative: Tracy Gray (Incumbent) Liberal: Stephen Fuhr NDP: Trevor McAleese Green: Catriona Wright
