Highlights from Crestview Strategy’s weekly newsletters:
Alberta
Danielle Smith’s new cabinet
Smith’s previous cabinet had 27 members, while this one has 25 including the Premier. Overall, the cabinet mostly consists of seasoned politicians and past Cabinet members, creating a narrative that this is largely a team developed for continuity and stability. Every member has previously served at least one term in the legislature. Rookie members are Searle Turton, RJ Sigurdson, and Dan Williams. Nine of Smith’s new choices represent ridings in Calgary. From a representation standpoint, the Cabinet has five women and three racialized ministers from South Asian, Urdu, Punjabi, Lebanese-Canadian, Muslim and Sikh descent.
Atlantic Canada
New Brunswick Education Minister Bill Hogan announced the results of the government’s review of Policy 713: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity last week. The updated policy, which takes effect July 1, requires parental consent for transgender or non-binary students under the age of 16 to use their preferred first name on official documents. It also clarifies that all students will be able to participate in curricular and extracurricular activities that are safe and welcoming and makes it a requirement for all schools to have private universal washrooms and changing areas. While short lived, Premier Higgs’ said he was prepared to call an election over the changes after 8 cabinet ministers and PC MLAs boycotted Question Period to voice their displeasure with the ‘lack of process and transparency.’ Liberal Leader Susan Holt has introduced a motion to remove the changes and the province’s Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock is expected to provide his analysis today. The changes have sparked criticism from Prime Minister Trudeau, members of his cabinet, and a number of organizations across the country, including the New Brunswick Union, which represents mental health professionals in schools, saying they are prepared to file grievances and are currently exploring legal options. The College of Psychologists of New Brunswick has also raised concerns with the government’s plan to have psychologists play a leading role in supporting students who do not have parental consent, as 58% of positions in schools are currently vacant and a 2018 election promise to expand access remains unfulfilled.
British Columbia
Eby Returns from Asia Trade Mission
Last week, Premier David Eby returned from a 14-day trade mission to the Asia-Pacific where he visited Japan, South Korea and Singapore. It was his first trade mission since becoming Premier in November 2022, and the first Canadian provincial trade mission to the region since the pandemic began. Eby was joined by Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey and Minister of State for Trade Jagrup Brar.
The goal was to advance the province’s new Trade Diversification Strategy, which focuses on key sectors such as clean technology, renewable energy, natural resources, critical minerals, information and communications technology, and agri-food.
Ontario
Mayor Bonnie Crombie is expected to announce her official campaign for the Ontario Liberal leadership race on June 14, 2023.
The Mayor of Mississauga formed an exploratory committee for the leadership in May, and has announced her intention to run, including launching a campaign webpage. She has confirmed that she has no plans to resign from her mayoral duties. Crombie has polled positively among constituents in Mississauga on the notion of her leadership bid.
Ottawa
Canada’s wildfires need ‘multiple options’ for response: Anand – June 11, 2023
Canada’s defence minister says she is working with Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair to ensure “multiple options” are available to assist in the cross-country firefight — not just the Canadian Forces. That comes as the provinces and territories battle increasingly devastating wildfires with the help of other agencies and outside partners. Those partners include the military, which Anita Anand says is in “growth mode.” As of Friday, 421 active wildfires were burning in Canada with 217 classified as out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. So far this year, 2,410 wildfires have torched 4.5 million hectares of land.
Toronto
Olivia Chow’s lead slips in new Toronto mayoral poll – June 9, 2023
Ana Bailão has gained ground in Mainstreet Researches’ most recent poll for the Toronto mayor race as support for frontrunner Olivia Chow has slipped this week. Bailão has jumped up by 4% and is sitting at 20%, and Olivia Chow is down by 3% but still holds a commanding lead sitting at 29%. Mark Saunders is at third with 13%, Josh Matlow at 11%, Mitize Hunter and Anthony Furey are tied with 9%, and Brad Bradford at 4%. Chow has been leading the polls since April 18 and has continued to hold a commanding lead since the campaign began.
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