Highlights from Crestview Strategy’s weekly Canada-wide newsletter:
Alberta
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith addresses Jasper wildfire devastation
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith delivered an update on the devastating wildfire that tore through the mountain resort town of Jasper, praising the heroic efforts of firefighters who faced a 400ft wall of flames. Smith reported that out of 1,113 structures in the picturesque Rocky Mountain community, 358 were burned to the ground, and seven more were damaged. Smith, along with other officials, was set to tour the devastation in the townsite later Friday. The merged blaze that threatened Jasper earlier in the week has now burned an estimated 360 square kilometres. Approximately 25,000 people, including all of Jasper’s 5,000 residents, were evacuated last Monday night as the fires advanced rapidly, driven by fierce winds gusting up to 100 km/h. In response to the worsening wildfire situation, Alberta’s Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, along with Minister Todd Loewen, have requested assistance from the Canadian Armed Forcesto ensure all resources are brought to bear on the situation.
Atlantic Canada
P.E.I. oysters test positive for parasite that could devastate the industry
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and P.E.I.’s government have confirmed the spread of a deadly parasite amongst oysters growing at three aquaculture sites across the island. The parasite, called multinuclear sphere X (MSX), does not pose any risk to human health or any food safety risks, but does decrease rates of growth and increase mortality rates up to 95% in oysters. The parasite has been found on the western, central and eastern parts of the island. The only defense against MSX is to prevent it from spreading further, and all of these areas have been declared primary control zones under the Health of Animals Act, meaning that oysters, or any materials that have been in in contact with oysters, can only be moved in and out of the area with a permit issued by the CFIA. Last year, P.E.I.’s oyster industry harvested 14 million pounds of oysters, producing up to 70% of oysters sold in Atlantic Canada. In 2019. P.E.I.’s industry accounted for 32% of the national economic value of oysters. As the industry braces for the impacts of MSX in the coming years, P.E.I. fisheries minister Cory Deagle says that the province is committed to working with CFIA to find ways to contain the spread and support the industry as they try to manage the parasite. Green MLA Matt McFarlane has called for funding to conduct research into MSX and support the industry. Meanwhile, federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay says he is monitoring the situation.
British Columbia
90% of B.C. communities embrace provincial plans for increased small-scale housing
Almost 90% of British Columbia’s municipalities have adopted the province’s new housing regulations, which aim to address the housing crisis by allowing more multi-unit homes on previously single-family lots. The legislation supports the construction of row homes, triplexes, and townhouses. While most local governments have complied, 15 communities requested extensions to the original June 30 deadline, and some have been granted due to ongoing wildfire evacuations. Notably, the District of West Vancouver has not adopted the bylaw and faces potential consequences for non-compliance.
Ontario
Ontario expediting construction on Gardiner Expressway
The Ontario government has announced it will provide $73 million to Toronto on the condition that construction work on the Gardiner Expressway is allowed to proceed on a 24/7 basis. This funding will accelerate the completion date from April 2027 to April 2026. Measures to improve traffic flow include modifying the Jameson to West Bound Gardiner on-ramp, opening a left-turn lane at Spadina Avenue from Lake Shore East Boulevard, and relaxing noise restrictions and overnight lane closures. The current work involves demolishing and rebuilding 700 meters of elevated roadway, rehabilitating supporting structures, and adding a new traffic management system and streetlights. The Gardiner Expressway was uploaded to the province in November 2023.
Ottawa
Bank of Canada cuts key interest rate to 4.5%, hints at more reductions if inflation eases
The Bank of Canada has reduced its key interest rate to 4.5% for the second consecutive time, signaling potential future cuts if inflation continues to ease. Governor Tiff Macklem expressed that rate reductions will continue if inflation continues to decline. The rate cuts were largely expected, following a significant decrease in inflation to 2.7% in June and reports of stagnating economic output and productivity levels.. Macklem continued to defend the Bank of Canada’s policy of quantitative easing, noting future rate cuts were not guaranteed.
Toronto
Toronto avoids transit strike with $176M deal
Toronto’s last-minute agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 to avoid a transit strike will cost the city $176 million over three years. The deal, which includes a 13% wage hike for over 12,000 TTC workers, will increase the city’s 2024 operating budget by $45 million. TTC Chair Jamaal Myers defended the expense, highlighting the potential economic impact of a strike. The agreement also ensures job security, with promises not to contract out certain services and guarantees for Wheel-Trans operators. Critics like Councillor Stephen Holyday are concerned about funding the agreement and its implications for future city union negotiations.
Quebec
Trudeau triggers two by-elections in Quebec and Manitoba
On July 28, 2024, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the scheduling of two by-elections on September 16, 2024, in the ridings of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, Quebec, and Elmwood—Transcona, Manitoba. The Quebec by-election seeks a successor to former Justice Minister David Lametti, who retired from politics in January. LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, traditionally a Liberal stronghold, may face a competitive race, as recent polling indicates a tight three-way contest among the Liberals, Bloc Québécois, and NDP. The New Democrats and the Liberals are both running city councilors.
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