Highlights from Crestview Strategy’s weekly newsletters:
Alberta
Advisory panel report on Alberta’s energy future isn’t being made public
A report commissioned by an Alberta government advisory panel that was tasked with developing a long-term vision for Alberta’s energy future will not be released to the public. The report has been classified as advice to the Premier – making it immune from Freedom of Information requests. Smith has stated that the public will be able to view some aspects of the report after her energy minister Brian Jean has reviewed its findings. Jean’s mandate letter contains key items discussed in the report – most notably the controversial Alberta Liability Management Incentive program, which offers oil companies incentives to fulfill their existing obligations to clean up their old wells. Smith never committed to releasing the results of the report publicly upon completion.
Atlantic Canada
A provincewide state of emergency was declared in Nova Scotia on Saturday after intense rain led to flash flooding. Four people, including two children, are still missing and hundreds have been forced out of their homes. Thousands of residents are still without power, and there is significant damage to roads, bridges, dams, and other critical infrastructure in East and West Hants, Halifax Regional Municipality, Lunenburg, and Queens counties. Public Works Minister Kim Masland says a full assessment of the damage won’t be possible until floodwaters recede and that it will take time to reopen roads and make repairs.
British Columbia
Another tentative agreement reached between the BCMEA and ILWU after union recommends settlement deal to members, will now go to a member vote
In a development that may end the port strike, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) said Friday that it will recommend members accept a deal with the employer.
“On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, there will be a Stop Work meeting for the 0800 shift to recommend the Terms of Settlement to the membership,” ILWU Canada said in a statement on Friday.
“The tentative agreement presented is the result of months of negotiations and mediation; we are hopeful that the voting membership, like the ILWU Caucus Leadership and Bargaining Committee, will support the fair and equitable deal as recommended by the senior federal mediator,” the BCMEA said in a statement.
Ontario
Byelections to be held in Scarborough-Guildwood and Kanata-Carleton this Thursday, July 27th.
Byelections will be held this week, on Thursday 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.
In Kitchener-Centre, following NDP MPP Laura Mae Lindo’s resignation, Councillor Debbie Chapman is running as the NDP candidate against Aislinn Clancy for the Greens, and Kelly Steiss for the Liberals. The Progressive Conservatives have yet to announce their candidate for the riding. A date for the by-election will be announced by the province.
Ottawa
Calgary Heritage by-election to take place Monday – July 21, 2023
Voters in Calgary Heritage head to the polls Monday to replace Conservative Party of Canada MP Bob Benzen, who stepped down last January in the riding once held by former prime minister Stephen Harper. The Conservatives won the riding handily in the Sept. 20, 2021, federal election, capturing 57.7 per cent of the vote, with the NDP finishing a distant second with 17.4 per cent. The Liberals garnered 16.7 per cent of the vote. The People’s Party of Canada proved a limited factor in that election with five per cent of ballots cast.
B.C. port union’s caucus approves proposed contract for workers – July 21, 2023
The union caucus that rejected a tentative labour agreement for B.C. port workers has changed its position and approved the package in a new vote on Friday, clearing the way for ratification by the membership. The voting result means that the tentative deal will be presented to the rank and file this upcoming week.
Toronto
Toronto’s looking at how to keep Ontario Science Centre where it is — and could run its own – July 23, 2023
Toronto will investigate how to keep the Ontario Science Centre where it is, with councillors asking staff to investigate several possible options, including setting up the tourist attraction under city ownership. On Thursday, city council voted 21-3 in favour of exploring the feasibility of keeping the centre in its current location. Councillor Josh Matlow brought the motion to council in opposition to Premier Doug Ford’s plan to relocate the centre downtown on the site of Ontario Place.
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