What We’re Watching
- The NDP plans to support a Conservative motion today, calling for the removal of the federal carbon tax from all home heating fuels, citing concerns about the Liberals’ selective approach to the tax exemption. Some are calling this move an early fracture in the supply and confidence agreement currently keeping the Liberal government in power.
- While Alberta toys with the idea of a swift exit from the Canada Pension Plan (threatening to take more than half the kitty with them) the Feds convened an emergency meeting with provincial counterparts to try and put the brakes on the idea. However, provincial finance ministers had their own topics to discuss; Saskatchewan came to the table demanding more carbon tax carve-outs similar to those announced week before last which overwhelmingly benefit Atlantic Canadians.
- The Prime Minister was hosted by President Biden at the White House last week for the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leader’s Summit. Overall objectives were on hemispheric trade and economic stability. However, According to the PMO, a wide range of issues were discussed including the call for a ‘humanitarian pause’ between Israel and Hamas, foreign interference, climate change, and making life more affordable. Many of these issues are also anticipated for the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for next week in San Francisco.
- The public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections is set to commence hearings in early 2024, initially focusing on potential meddling by China, Russia, and other foreign actors in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The first report is due by the end of February and the final report by the end of 2024.
- Long time Liberal (now independent) Senator Percy Downe appeared in print and on TV last week urging the Prime Minister to step down and let someone else lead the party into the next election. Trudeau brushed off the suggestion in a media scrum last week.
- Speaking of the Senate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed five new senators last week, including long-time Liberal and former MP Rodger Cuzner, bringing the total of independent senators chosen by Trudeau to 75 out of the 105-seat Senate. There are 11 vacancies remaining.
- Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is hosting Canada’s premiers today in Halifax as part of the Council of the Federation Health Summit.
- Liberals were on the attack this past week posting new online ads comparing Leader of the Official Opposition Pierre Poilievre to former President Trump. It remains to be seen if this new approach will be enough to change the tide in the polls.
- Minster of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller will appear in committee on Tuesday to discuss closed work permits and temporary foreign workers. This follows the announcement last week that Canada will hold its current 500,000 immigration target.
- MP’s will head back to their ridings for the weekend with many taking part in local Remembrance Day ceremonies on Saturday, November 11th. MPs will return to Ottawa on Monday, November 20th.
In the House
- Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, is being considered at INDU committee.
- Bill C-34, the National Security Review of Investments Modernization Act, is being considered at committee and awaits third reading. The government will introduce a time allocation motion to accelerate the bill’s adoption.
- Bill C-49, the Act to amend the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, is being considered at RNNR committee.
- Bill C-52, the Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation System Act, awaits second reading.
- Bill C-56, the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act awaits second reading.
Committee Updates
- HUMA will meet today to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence technologies for the Canadian labour force.
- HESA will meet today to review Public Health Agency of Canada contracts.
- LANG will meet today to discuss the increased francophone immigration to Canada.
- FINA will meet today and Thursday to discuss the policy decisions and market forces that have led to increases in the cost of buying or renting a home in Canada.
- INAN will meet on Tuesday to discuss Bill C-53, respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan.
- CIMM will hear on Tuesday from Marc Miller, the Minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, on closed work permits and temporary foreign workers.
- NDDN will meet on Tuesday to review the impact of Canada’s procurement process on the Canadian Armed Forces.
In the Senate
- Bill C-241, the Act to amend the Income Tax Act (deduction of travel expenses for tradespersons), is being considered in committee.
- Bill C-244, the Act to amend the Copyright Act, is being considered in SOCI committee.
- Bill C-252, the Child Health Protection Act, is being considered in SOCI committee.
- Bill S-254, the Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages), is being considered in committee.
- Bill C-294, the Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability), is at second reading.
ICYMI
- Minister Mary Ng led a Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan, aligning with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to promote trade and investment opportunities across key sectors.
- Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, Francois-Philippe Champagne, participated in the AI Safety Summit in England, where international officials signed the Bletchley Declaration, underlining the need for a joint global effort to manage risks associated with artificial intelligence.
- Business leaders urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to delay the digital services tax, set to take effect in January, during his trip to Washington last week. Companies are emphasizing potential harm to Canada’s economic interests and the need to align with the OECD consensus, rather than Canada’s unilateral approach which is retroactive in its application.
- Canada’s F-35 fighter jets, set to arrive in 2026, are estimated to cost nearly $74 billion over their life cycle, with potential cost increases due to delivery delays. The parliamentary budget officer, Yves Giroux, stressed the importance of adhering to the schedule to avoid additional expenses.
Provincial Updates
#ONPoli
- Ontario’s fall economic statement delivered last Thursday revealed a larger deficit, deferred balancing, and creation of a new Ontario Infrastructure Bank with $3 billion in initial funding. The province also boosted the Invest Ontario Fund, initiated a housing-enabling water systems fund, allocated billions to a contingency fund, joined the federal vaping tax, extended the gas tax cut, waived its portion of the harmonized sales tax on new rental housing, and lowered the age for regular breast cancer screenings to 40. Our complete Summa overview can be found here.
- The Ontario government eliminated the full eight per cent provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on qualifying new purpose-built rental housing, aiming to spur construction and address the housing crisis.
- Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Ontario Premier Doug Ford sought federal financial support from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in an open letter ahead of their second meeting, emphasizing the federal government’s crucial role in addressing the city’s fiscal challenges.
#ABPoli
- The UCP held their Annual General Meeting in Calgary over the weekend – the first AGM since the provincial election held earlier this year. In a speech on Saturday evening, Premier Danielle Smith criticized the federal government’s net zero policies while also signaling her support of parental rights and choice for children’s education.
- Alberta’s consideration of leaving the Canada Pension Plan has sparked questions about the CPP’s workings, impact on other provinces, potential benefits for Alberta, and uncertainties regarding portability and post-departure negotiations. Despite opposition from Canada’s Premiers and a number of Albertans, Premier Smith has suggested a provincial referendum on the matter by 2025.
- Alberta implemented a short-term cap on auto insurance premium hikes for “good drivers,” while exploring long-term options like a no-fault system and a public insurance Crown corporation. The announcement drew criticism from some for its narrow definition and potential negative impacts on consumers.
#BCPoli
- Former British Columbia Premier John Horgan has been appointed as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In an announcement of the appointment, Trudeau recognized Horgan’s extensive leadership experience along with his desire to see Canadian interests advanced internationally.
- British Columbia Premier David Eby criticized the exclusion of BC from the federal relief on heating bills, calling for equal treatment and proposing a heat-pump rebate, while facing opposition calls to eliminate the province’s carbon tax entirely.
#ATLPoli
- The Newfoundland and Labrador government is requesting additional environmental details from World Energy GH2 for its green hydrogen project, Project Nujio’qonik.
- Amid Halifax’s first snowfall, the Nova Scotia government revealed plans for a new 50-bed winter shelter – but are withholding location details, citing ongoing preparations and inspections.
- New Brunswick has been teetering on the edge of an election call for months, but last week, Premier Higgs was adamant that there would be no election this year.