Highlights from Crestview Strategy’s weekly newsletters:
Alberta
Poilievre, Trudeau, Smith make rounds in annual political Calgary Stampede circuit
The Calgary Stampede began on Friday, July 7th and many high-profile political figures are making their rounds at pancake breakfasts and other events. Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a joint appearance at a breakfast hosted by the Ismaili Muslim community, as did federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who spoke with the crowd about policies such as cutting the carbon tax, lowering income taxes, and strengthening Alberta’s oil and gas industry. Smith and Trudeau also engaged in an official meeting while the Prime Minister was in Alberta, discussing the province’s concerns about emission reductions, the goal of establishing a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and the ongoing strike among British Columbia port workers. Political stampede events will continue into the week, beginning with the Premier’s breakfast on Monday, July 10 – which will see all government MLAs and other key political figures gather together.
Atlantic Canada
Prime Minister Trudeau has appointed two Mi’kmaq lawyers to fill vacancies in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Paul Prosper is the former Chief of the Paqtnkek (Afton) Mi’kmaw Nation and Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) Regional Chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and Judy White most recently served as Director General within Indigenous Services Canada. There are still 6 Senate vacancies in Atlantic Canada, including two in New Brunswick that have been vacant for more than two years.
British Columbia
BC dock workers enter week two of their strike
About 7,400 workers at more than 30 B.C. ports have been on strike since Canada Day over issues including pay and provisions related to maintenance work, contracting out and automation. After talks stalled last Monday, the two sides were back at the negotiating table Saturday, supported by federal mediators. The association has accused the union of trying to “aggressively expand” its control of maintenance duties beyond what has been established for decades.
The BC Maritime Employers Association issued a statement on Saturday evening saying it met with the ILWU Canada and proposed a committee and independent arbitrator to make recommendations related to key sticking points around maintenance work.
Other issues on the table include concerns around pay, the cost of living and automation.
Ontario
Byelections to be held in Scarborough and Kanata-Carleton on July 27th.
Byelections will be held on July 27th in Scarborough–Guildwood and Kanata–Carleton. In Scarborough, Toronto Councillor Gary Crawford is running as the Conservative candidate against Liberal candidate Andrea Hazell. In Kanata-Carleton, Sean Webster is running for the PCs against Ontario Liberal candidate and former MP Karen McCrimmon, as well as Melissa Coenraad for the Ontario NDP.
Ottawa
Federal leaders continue Stampede circuit at Calgary pancake breakfasts – July 8, 2023
Justin Trudeau’s Calgary Stampede tour continued Saturday as he mixed with attendees at two pancake breakfasts in the city’s northeast. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, meanwhile, took the stage at one of the morning Stampede shindigs. Both appeared at a breakfast hosted by the local Ismaili Muslim community and both have also met with their party’s candidates in the July 24 Calgary-Heritage byelection while in town. Ministers Anita Anand, François-Philippe Champagne, and Randy Boissonnault, also attended the Stampede.
Toronto
Expropriation an option for land needed for Ontario Place redevelopment – July 6, 2023
A new environmental study report says that the province will expropriate land owned by the City of Toronto at Ontario Place if a deal is not reached, allowing a provincial redevelopment plan to move forward. With the province owning the vast majority of land at Ontario Place, Ford has said the project will proceed without Toronto’s cooperation if necessary.
Olivia Chow holds transition meetings in Toronto – July 5, 2023
Toronto Mayor Elect Olivia Chow is hosting transition meetings before being sworn in next week. The meeting held Thursday included both community and private members to discuss affordable housing, an issue Chow has said is a key priority for her as mayor.
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