Highlights from Crestview Strategy’s weekly Canada-wide newsletter:
Alberta
Alberta Invests $44M in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses to Tackle Emissions Reduction
Alberta has announced a $44 million investment to support 21 small and medium-sized businesses in launching emissions-reducing projects across various sectors, including power generation, agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, fertilizer, construction, and electricity. The funding, available through the Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Emerging Innovators Challenge, is expected to create more than 875 jobs and contribute $238 million to Alberta’s GDP by 2027. The projects are also projected to reduce emissions by 206,000 tonnes per year, totaling 1.2 million tonnes by 2030 and five million tonnes by 2050. The funding amounts for each project range from $250,000 to $5 million, and the projects were selected through a competitive review process. Once complete, they will be piloted, demonstrated, and deployed in Alberta. Examples of funded projects include an AI-powered horticultural lighting system in Calgary and Medicine Hat and the expansion of a biomass testing facility in Lethbridge County.
Atlantic Canada
Council of the Federation looks to ‘revitalize cooperative federalism’ in meeting with Prime Minister in Halifax
Canada’s Premiers will come together for the annual Council of the Federation meeting in Halifax from July 15 to 17th. Meetings of the Council serve as an opportunity for the heads of provincial governments to discuss their priorities. On Thursday, in his capacity as Chair of the Council, Premier Tim Houston issued a letter from Canada’s Premiers to the Prime Minister, urging the federal government to “refrain from unilateral action” in key provincially-governed issue areas like health care, education, and housing. The Council also sent a letter to the Prime Minister following the release of the federal budget back in April, criticizing the federal government’s failure to consult and calling for a more collaborative approach. They have carried that messaging into communications ahead of this summer’s meeting, repeatedly framing the meeting as a chance to “revitalize cooperative federalism” in Canada. Agenda items for the meeting include housing and affordability, health care, infrastructure, energy, Canada-U.S. relations, emergency preparedness and response, and Arctic security.
British Columbia
B.C. Conservatives Gain Momentum as NDP Leads in Political Donations
As the October 19 provincial election approaches, B.C.’s political parties are experiencing shifts in fundraising and support. The governing NDP leads in donations, raising a record $2.2 million between April and June, while the B.C. Conservatives have surged ahead of the Official Opposition B.C. United, bringing in $1.1 million in the same period. Former B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver predicts a Conservative victory, citing disillusionment with Premier David Eby’s leadership. Meanwhile, B.C. United has hired a new campaign manager, Mark Werner, to revitalize their campaign. Despite polls suggesting otherwise, Werner believes he can turn things around. They also continue to face setbacks, with now MLA Michael Lee announcing he will not seek re-election and joining a growing list of colleagues who have either chosen not to run or defected to the Conservatives.
Ontario
LCBO strike enters second week
9,000 unionized employees of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) remain on strike, with talks between the workers’ union and the LCBO broken off entirely. Union representatives have argued that the province’s plan to expand the private sale of beer, cider, wine, and cocktails threatens the LCBO’s role as a retailer and could lead to significant job and government revenue losses. Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has responded by calling on LCBO chair, Carmine Nigro, to step down due to his relationship with Premier Ford.
Ottawa
Trudeau says he’s trying to recruit Carney, but declined to say whether he wants Freeland to stay as Finance Minister
Reports suggest senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office are raising concerns about the effectiveness of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as a communicator. Political pressure on Freeland has increased following a recent by-election loss and record-low polling numbers for the party. While the Prime Minister has expressed confidence in Freeland’s abilities as a Cabinet member, he did not confirm whether she would remain in her current role. Additionally, the Prime Minister stated he is actively encouraging former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney to run as a potential Liberal Party candidate. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and former Liberal ministers have criticized Trudeau’s handling of the situation.
Toronto
Mayor Olivia Chow’s Performance Has Majority Approval After One Year
A recent poll reveals that 59% of Toronto residents approve of Mayor Olivia Chow’s performance one year into her term, appreciating her efforts in transit and affordable housing. Despite a decline in approval following a major property tax hike, her popularity is recovering, bolstered by effective collaborations with other government levels. However, concerns persist about her handling of crime and traffic congestion. Additionally, her endorsement to rename Yonge-Dundas Square is unpopular, with 70% of respondents opposing the change.
Quebec
Critics Accuse Nouveau Monde Graphite of Greenwashing Amid Delayed Electric Equipment
Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) aims to develop the first fully electric and carbon-neutral graphite mine in Saint-Michel-des-Saints. However, the company will initially use diesel machinery until Caterpillar develops the required electric equipment, expected by 2033. Critics, including the Coalition Québec Meilleure Mine, accuse NMG of greenwashing, arguing that the current electric mining technology does not exist and highlighting the environmental and social impacts of mining. Opponents claim the project, set to produce 103,000 tonnes of graphite annually, could harm the local environment and community. A federal bill aims to prevent companies from making unfounded ESG and carbon-neutral claims, which could impact NMG’s promotional strategies.
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