Alberta’s Pipeline: No Longer a Pipe Dream? Conservatives get a new campaign manager, and a U.S. Senator calls on Canada to pay its defence debts
Your Look Ahead from Summa Strategies
The Latest
Top stories driving the news this week.
- A senior government source has indicated that a memorandum of understanding between Alberta and the federal government could be signed by this Thursday. The source suggested that the MOU may outline a path forward for the northwest B.C. pipeline project that has been requested by Premier Smith.
- During the G20 Leaders’ Summit, attended by Prime Minister Carney, both Canada and Europe rejected President Trump’s plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, saying it would force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. The prime minister also signed a tech partnership with Australia and India in addition to issuing a trade and investment partnership statement.
- During the Halifax International Security Forum, which took place over the weekend, Republican Senator Thom Tillis claimed that Canada owed $300 billion in backdated defence spending to NATO.
- Despite the government identifying the passage of strong border legislation as a key priority heading into the 45th Parliament, a spokesperson from Public Safety Minister Gary Anadasangaree’s office has indicated that the government is now pushing back its deadline to pass Bills C-12 and C-2 in the new year.
- On Saturday, the government’s new home building entity, Build Canada Homes, unveiled its investment policy framework, which outlines the agency’s priorities and eligibility for projects that wish to receive funding.
- The Conservative Party of Canada announced that Steve Outhouse will be taking over as the party’s campaign manager for the next federal election. Outhouse was recently involved with the successful election of Tony Wackhem’s PC government in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- There are a number of key pieces of legislation left to pass before Parliament rises for winter break – and, new legislation expected to be tabled prior to 2026, including updates to privacy legislation, and a new bill that will deal with online harms.
In the House
Key Green Chamber business set to play out.
- Bill S-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against persons who provide health services and first responders) is currently at second reading.
- Bill S-211, National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act, currently sits at second reading in the House.
- Bill S-228, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures) is at second reading.
- Bill C-2, Strong Borders Act, is at second reading.
- Bill C-4, Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, is at third reading.
- Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts, is at second reading.
- Bill C-9, Combatting Hate Act, is at committee.
- Bill C-10, Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act, is at second reading.
- Bill C-11, Military Justice System Modernization Act, is at committee.
- Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, is at committee.
- Bill C-13, UK-Ireland-TPP, is at second reading.
- Bill C-14, Bail and Sentencing Act, is at second reading.
- Bill C-15, Budget Implementation Act, is at second reading.
- According to the Thursday Question the House will resume debate on Bill C-15 (Budget Implementation Act) today and tomorrow. The House will also debate Bill C-13 (UK-Ireland-TPP) this Wednesday and Thursday. Deputy House Leader Arielle Kayabaga also noted that there will be a ministerial statement tomorrow which marks the first day of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Committee Updates
- INDU will be meeting today to study productivity gaps and capital outflow.
- ENVI will be meeting today to discuss the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard.
- SRSR will be meeting today to study Artificial Intelligence.
- ETHI will be meeting today to review the Conflict of Interest Act tomorrow.
- INAN will be meeting today to hear from witnesses regarding indigenous policing.
- FEWO will be meeting today to discuss Section 810 of the Criminal Code and Women’s Safety
- CHPC will be meeting today and Wednesday to study the effects of influencers and social media content on children and adolescents.
- HUMA will be meeting tomorrow to discuss government mandates and key priorities. Minister Patty Hajdu will appear.
- SECU will be meeting tomorrow to study Bill C-12.
- PROC will be meeting tomorrow to examine challenges regarding special ballot voting.
- ACVA will be meeting tomorrow to discuss suicide prevention among veterans.
- FOPO will be briefed tomorrow by the CESD on marine protected areas.
- PACP will be meeting tomorrow to conduct a study on GBA+ and reports on Arctic surveillance and future fighter jet capability.
- CIMM will be meeting tomorrow to study the immigration system and international students.
- SBLI will examine budget submissions on Wednesday.
- FEWO will convene on Wednesday to hear about antifeminist ideology.
- SRSR has a briefing session with the Chief Science Advisor on Wednesday.
In the Senate
Stay informed on events in the Upper Chamber.
- Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements) is at committee.
- Bill S-3, An Act to Amend the Weights and Measures Act, the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, the Weights and Measures Regulations and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations, is at the second reading.
- Bill S-202, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages), is at third reading.
- Bill S-203, An Act to prohibit the promotion of alcoholic beverages, is at second reading.
- Bill S-204, An Act to establish a national framework on heart failure, is at second reading.
- Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, is at committee.
- Bill S-206, An Act to Develop a National Framework for Guaranteed Liveable Basic Income, is at committee.
- Bill S-207, An Act to amend the Criminal Records Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to repeal a regulation, is at second reading.
- Bill S-208, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary), is at second reading.
- Bill S-209, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to pornographic material, is at committee.
- Bill S-212, An Act respecting a national strategy for children and youth in Canada, is at committee.
- Bill S-213, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (demographic information), is at second reading.
- Bill S-214, An Act to amend the Special Economic Measures Act (disposal of foreign state assets), is at second reading.
- Bill S-235, An Act respecting the National Strategy on Human Trafficking, is at second reading.
- Bill S-236, An Act to amend the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and to establish a framework for implementing the rights of victims of crime, sits at second reading.
- Bill S-237, An Act respecting a Cities and Municipalities Day, is also undergoing second reading.
Committee Updates
- SECD will be meeting today to hear from witnesses to examine defence procurement in the context of Canada’s commitment to increase defence spending.
- RIDR will be examining and reporting on antisemitism in Canada today.
- OLLO will convene today to continue to examine federal institutions’ arts, culture and heritage language responsibilities.
- APPA will consider a draft report on voices of youth indigenous leaders events tomorrow.
- NFFN will meet today and Wednesday to review supplementary estimates.
- TRCM will meet today and tomorrow to study AI in the information and communication technology sector.
- RPRD will meet tomorrow to consider future business.
- AGFO will listen to experts and civil servants’ testimony on food security in Canada on tomorrow and Thursday.
- ENEV will be examining Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry on the 25th and 27th.
- CONF will consider matters of ethics and conflict of interest for Senators on Wednesday.
- AEFA will hear from witnesses on foreign relations and trade on Wednesday and Thursday.
- LCJC will convene on Wednesday and Thursday to study Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Releases Act.
- SOCI will hear from witnesses on Wednesday and Thursday regarding Bill S-212, An Act respecting a national strategy for children and youth in Canada.
In Case You Missed It
Your crib notes for last week’s top stories.
- Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Carney signed a Joint Statement with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson. The statement outlines Canada’s intention to collaborate with Sweden on defence, trade, the environment, energy, and technology.
- A major Swedish delegation consisting of Sweden’s monarchs, members of cabinet and several Swedish multinational companies visited Canada last week with the intention of expanding business opportunities in Canada. Most notably, the trip saw Swedish defence manufacturer Saab pitching its plan to manufacture its Gripen fighter jet in Canada given Canada’s review of the F-35 jet procurement.
- During his trip to the United Arab Emirates last week, Prime Minister Carney secured a pledge from the UAE to invest roughly $70 billion while also concluding a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement.
- US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has signalled that resuming trade talks with Canada ‘is not going to be easy.’ He criticized Doug Ford’s anti-tariff ads as meddling in American elections. This comes after Hoekstra recently reportedly delivered an expletive-laced rant at Ontario trade representative David Paterson.
- Health Minister Marjorie Michel says no new pharmacare deals with provinces are in the works. To date, deals have been signed with B.C., Manitoba, P.E.I. and Yukon. Nova Scotia has also expressed interest in signing on, but says it has not gotten a response from the federal government. The recent federal budget did not include any new money for pharmacare.
Provincial Updates
A look at the top news across the country.
- B.C. Premier David Eby expressed disappointment regarding alleged conversations that took place between Premiers Scott Moe, Danielle Smith and the federal government on a potential oil pipeline to B.C.’s North Coast. This comes following weeks of Eby’s unequivocal support of the federal government’s tanker ban.
- Premier Eby has presented a new economic plan to secure $200B of investment in B.C. over the next decade. He is calling on Ottawa to be “relentless and remorseless” in pursuing economic growth.
- B.C. is abandoning its zero emissions vehicle mandate and scrapping EV rebates that were available to buyers. The government will table legislation next year for a new EV strategy that aligns with federal objectives.
- The B.C. legislature passed a bill which will fast-track the construction of B.C.’s Northcoast Transmission Line last Wednesday. This comes after Prime Minister Carney referred the project to the Major Projects Office and Premier Eby threatened to call an election if the bill was passed unsuccessfully.
- Alberta will invoke the Notwithstanding Clause to shield transgender laws from court challenges. One law bans gender affirming care for Albertans under 16, and prohibits any gender surgery for minors. Other laws restrict transgender participation in competitive sports and require that parents be informed of their children’s pronoun use at school.
- Premier Danielle Smith announced that doctors in Alberta will be allowed to work both publicly and privately. The Canadian Medical Association has criticized this move, saying that parallel health care results in worse outcomes for patients.
- Manitoba’s Throne Speech commits to a new natural gas power plant, a supervised injection site in Winnipeg, and construction of an overpass at the site of a tragic bus crash. Health care is another major priority for Manitoba’s NDP government. Wab Kinew remains the most popular premier in the country.
- The Ford government tabled the Buy Ontario Act last Thursday to advance the province’s ‘Buy Ontario’ government procurement policy. If passed, the Act would require municipalities, provincial agencies and ministries, and publicly funded organizations to prioritize Ontario-made goods and services.
- Last Thursday, the province welcomed a $3.2 billion investment by Norwegian synthetic graphite manufacturer Vianode in St. Thomas. The company plans to use this funding to construct the largest synthetic graphite production facility in North America and create roughly 1,000 jobs.
- Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles was removed from the legislature last Wednesday after calling the Ford government “corrupt” when criticizing the minister of labour’s handling of the Skills Development Fund scandal.
- Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced that the government will be providing rebates of up to $200 for a wide range of energy-efficient appliances as part of the province’s Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP).
- Pre-budget consultations for Budget 2026 are now open and will close on January 29, 2026.
- Last Wednesday, Québec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez signalled that he would like an external investigation into allegations suggesting that members who voted for him as party leader would receive cash in exchange.
- Québec Liberal Party Parliamentary Leader Marwah Rizqy has been removed from caucus by Québec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez. This comes following Rizqy’s decision to fire her chief of staff Geneviève Hinse without Rodriguez’s knowledge. Hinse is also threatening litigation against her former employer.
- Parti Québecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has asserted that an independent Québec would have its own currency. Liberals have criticized the proposal, saying that Québecers purchasing power would decline without the Canadian dollar. The separatist Plamondon has been leading in the polls ahead of next year’s provincial election.
- Premier Legault announced a $4.5B wind energy project in the Lower St. Lawrence Region. The project will be a collaboration between Hydro-Québec and an alliance of 209 communities and territories including First Nations. The project is meant to help counterbalance the economic devastation Québec’s forestry sector has been facing from American tariffs.
- P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz has stated that the prime minister’s engagement with the premiers has “fallen off”. Lantz raised the trade war with China as an issue that is causing economic harm to his province.
- The City of Halifax will be ending support for homeless people living in encampments. It has determined that there is sufficient capacity in shelters and social housing to displace people from parks.
- Mining giant Rio Tinto is cutting jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Rio Tinto is the majority owner of the Iron Ore Company. The jobs being eliminated in Labrador are non-union administrative roles.
What We're Watching
Find out what issues Summa consultants are tracking and why they matter.
Reuniting Rodinia
“Before we were separated by the Atlantic, we used to be called Rodinia, which also could be translated to family,” said Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, describing Canada’s bond with Sweden during a visit that included the Swedish monarchs and 30 Swedish multinational companies. Although defence dominated the delegation’s agenda , the Joint Statement signed by Prime Minister Carney and his Swedish counterpart aligns with Canada’s goal to pivot Canada away from its economic reliance on the U.S.
This approach runs parallel with other initiatives led by Prime Minister Carney to secure more direct investment in Canada. In advance of the G20 Summit this past week, that work manifested in a capital-driven pledge from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to invest $70 billion in Canada and conclude a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement. Unlike the communiqués with Sweden, these readouts didn’t highlight shared values between our two nations.
Ongoing trade tension with the United States has necessitated a dual-track foreign policy approach by the Prime Minister, including working with countries who may not have the same shared history or values as Canada. So far, much of this work has resulted in future promises, and not dollars spent. The government must now prove it can translate diplomatic outreach into sustained foreign direct investment and partners willing to invest in Canada’s long-term nation-building projects, creating opportunities for Canadian workers and meeting aspirations around trade diversification.
Simon Polesel
Research Consultant
Canada’s Energy Contrast: Growth vs. Regional Needs
British Columbia Premier David Eby introduced his ‘Look West’ economic plan last week. Focused on trade diversification, the plan aims to secure $200 billion in additional investments by 2035, targeting marine, aerospace, and AI sectors. Meanwhile, the federal government has its eye on a potential memorandum of understanding on energy with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith that would see a pipeline running from Alberta to the Northwest Coast of British Columbia, possibly supported by a limited exemption to the oil tanker ban on the B.C. coast.
While provincial buy-in remains a critical obstacle for the major projects office, it is unclear whether the MOU would require the formal approval of the B.C. government. Premier Eby is publicly opposed to lifting the tanker ban, pointing out that doing so may come at the cost of First Nations communities’ support for resource projects (some of which were referred to the MPO). Although nothing is written in stone, the federal government must be proactive and seek to balance regional interests, climate policy commitments, and legal/Indigenous obligations. For any path forward, support from Indigenous communities is essential.
Kaitlynn Creighan
Consultant
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