Highlights from Crestview Strategy’s weekly Canada-wide newsletter:
Alberta
Premier Smith says Alberta working with feds where it can after meeting with Trudeau
Premier Danielle Smith met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to express concerns over the federal carbon tax and Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. Despite disagreements, Smith stated that Alberta is willing to partner with the federal government on projects such as net-zero emissions petrochemical plants and hydrogen energy investments. She emphasized the carbon tax’s impact on inflation and affordability and called for a pause on the upcoming hike. Trudeau defended the policy, emphasizing its role in fighting climate change and providing increased rebates to families. The carbon tax, set to increase on April 1, faces opposition from several provinces, but not from British Columbia and Quebec. Additionally, Smith reiterated her call for Guilbeault’s removal and discussed the potential for a reset in their relationship if changes are made.
Atlantic Canada
Cancel planned carbon tax hike: Atlantic Premiers
Atlantic Premiers, and multiple Opposition leaders, have sent letters to Prime Minister Trudeau calling on the federal government to pause next month’s carbon tax increase until ‘inflation and interest rates stabilize and cost of living concerns sufficiently cool.’ In response, Prime Minister Trudeau accusedN.L. Premier Andrew Furey of bowing to ‘political pressure’ and lamented the fact that no one is talking about the federal carbon tax rebate. In response, the Premier’s office noted that the ‘federal carbon tax is not the appropriate instrument to mitigate climate change at this time,’ and that the federal rebate ‘does not fully account for the indirect and induced costs of the carbon tax and clean fuel regulations.’
British Columbia
New late would allow B.C. to sue corporations over ‘heath-related wrongs’
The British Columbia NDP has introduced legislation to hold social media giants accountable for addictive content targeted at children. The Public Health Accountability and Cost Recovery Act allows the government to sue corporations for harms caused by their products, following previous actions against tobacco and opioid companies. The legislation aims to recover costs for healthcare treatments and preventive measures related to social media’s negative health impacts. Additionally, it targets products designed to create addiction in children and young adults, with the possibility of holding company directors and officers liable.
Ontario
Ontario’s Legal Inquiry into iGaming Participation Beyond Canada
Ontario has launched a legal inquiry to the Court of Appeal, seeking clarification on the legality of allowing individuals within the province to engage in online gaming and betting with players located outside of Canada, as per the Criminal Code. The inquiry aims to address whether such activities would remain lawful under the Criminal Code, and if not, to what extent.
Ottawa
Trudeau says job of prime minister ‘crazy,’ but he’s determined to continue
In an interview with Radio- Canada on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeauacknowledged growing dissatisfaction among Canadians and speculation about his political future, He reaffirmed his intention to stay on through another election, expected to take place in October 2025. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges of his job but emphasized his commitment to serving Canadians and contributing positively. He addressed criticism on various issues, including housing affordability and climate initiatives like the federal carbon tax.
Toronto
Toronto councillors push for more oversight on rising cost of hosting FIFA World Cup
This week, Toronto city councillors will address the rising cost of hosting six FIFA World Cup soccer games, a topic of concern for some aiming to prevent further expenditure hikes. Council will review a report revealing an $80 million increase in taxpayer expense for the 2026 matches. City staff attributed this surge to various factors including inflation, security costs, and the unexpected addition of a sixth game. According to the report, Toronto anticipates an economic boost of roughly $392 million in GDP and an additional $456 million for Ontario, with the games expected to generate around 3,500 local jobs.
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