Highlights from Crestview Strategy’s weekly Canada-wide newsletter:
Alberta
UCP modernizing provincial power grid
The Alberta government has announced the Electricity Statutes Amendment Act, which aims to modernize the province’s electricity grid. This legislation is designed to accommodate new technologies and evolving consumer interactions with the grid. Its goal is to enhance affordability, stimulate investment, and expand grid capacity by enabling businesses to construct additional energy storage and on-site power generation facilities, with the option to sell surplus electricity to the grid. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize the electricity system, targeting a carbon-neutral grid by 2050. The Act also includes provisions for unlimited self-supply and export for large industrial operations and supports proactive transmission and distribution planning to reduce the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.
Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia Launches Critical Minerals Strategy
The Government of Nova Scotia unveiled its critical minerals strategyahead of last week’s Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference. The strategy, which includes 16 critical minerals found in the province, is focused on supporting research and the development of a robust industry to create jobs, attract investment, build value chains and drive sustainable economic growth.
British Columbia
Eby defends NDP against Robinson’s antisemitism allegations
Premier David Eby responded to allegations made by former cabinet minister Selina Robinson that the B.C. NDP caucus has an antisemitism problem. While Eby disagreed with Robinson’s characterization of his colleagues, he acknowledged her unique experiences as a Jewish woman and her feeling of not being safe in the caucus. Robinson had criticized Eby and the NDP for not supporting her following backlash over her comments about Israel and for limited support at a vigil after a terrorist attack in Israel. Eby did not commit to launching an independent inquiry into the allegations but said he would meet with Jewish leaders to address concerns.
Ontario
Ontario’s 2024 Budget Announcement
The Ontario government will table Budget 2024 on March 26.Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy has committed to not raising taxes and will prioritize investments in infrastructure and measures to make life affordable for Ontarians. Despite projecting a $4.5 billion deficit for the year, the government remains committed to its goal of balancing the budget by 2025.
Ottawa
Chrystia Freeland to present federal budget on April 16
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to present the federal budget next month. The government is planning on reigning in spending, after significant deficits doubled the national debt to around $1.2 trillion. Currently, the budget’s deficit projection for the upcoming fiscal year stands at $38.4 billion. Housing initiatives, such as the housing accelerator fund and tax exemptions for rental construction, may receive additional funding to address affordability issues. The government has also faced public pressure to increase military spending.
Toronto
From parking to housing: Toronto council eyes changes to 130 lots
Toronto City Council is exploring the conversion of 130 city-owned parking lotsinto residential spaces as part of efforts to tackle the housing crisis. Mayor Olivia Chow’s executive committee has endorsed the plan, with staff tasked to assess suitable lots, particularly those close to transit stations. While the proposal aims to address housing goals, concerns about parking and community resistance persist. Nevertheless, proponents hope this initiative will effectively address Toronto’s affordability issues.
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