Day One | September 2, 2025

Day One | September 2, 2025

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Canada-U.S. Trade Ministers Hold Constructive Meeting Amidst Tariff Landscape

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc held a constructive meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington. This discussion follows Canada's decision to remove most retaliatory tariffs on United States goods covered by CUSMA, while retaining duties on autos, steel, and aluminum. This high-level meeting takes place amidst ongoing tariff disputes and ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review next year. 

Poilievre Advocates for Revised Self-Defence Provisions in Criminal Code 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is proposing an amendment to the Criminal Code that would presume the use of force, including lethal force, to be reasonable when defending one's home against unlawful entry and a perceived threat. This proposed change to Section 34.2 aims to clarify legal protections for homeowners and is prompted by recent cases involving self-defence in home invasions. Poilievre indicates that his party will introduce a private member's bill if the government does not adopt this amendment. 

Major Projects Office Launched by Carney Government to Expedite Canadian Infrastructure Approvals 

On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the new Major Projects Office (MPO), appointing Dawn Farrell as its CEO. The MPO, headquartered in Calgary, aims to expedite the approval and financing of nation-building projects across Canada. This initiative, established under the Building Canada Act, will streamline regulatory processes using a "one project, one review" approach to achieve maximum two-year approval timelines for critical infrastructure. 

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Premier Smith Celebrates Alberta’s Strength and Contributions on Alberta Day

Premier Danielle Smith celebrated Alberta Day at Heritage Park on August 31, addressing tens of thousands of attendees and touting the province as a "powerhouse" of Canada and the world. Smith emphasized Alberta’s contributions to Confederation and highlighted its resilience in overcoming challenges like wildfires and economic hardship. She expressed optimism for the future, calling on Albertans to continue building a "freer, fairer, and stronger" province within a united Canada. The third annual celebration, featuring historic attractions, live entertainment, and local vendors, was expected to draw record attendance.

Alberta’s Projected Budget Deficit Grows to $6.5B Amid Falling Oil Prices

Alberta is now projected to face a $6.5 billion budget deficit for the current fiscal year, a $1.3 billion increase from earlier forecasts, primarily due to softening oil prices and U.S. trade policy uncertainty. Finance Minister Nate Horner said this represents a significant shift from the previous year's $8.3 billion surplus. Every dollar drop in the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude cuts $750 million from Alberta’s budget, with the WTI average now expected to be $64 USD a barrel. The province’s taxpayer-supported debt has also risen to $84.3 billion. While Horner indicated no radical response, he suggested ministries may face spending targets in next year’s budget.

Alberta Teachers' Contract Talks Break Down, Strike Looms as School Year Begins

Negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the provincial government have broken down, raising concerns about a potential teachers' strike just as the school year is set to begin. The ATA, whose members voted 95% in favour of strike action this spring, cites inadequate wages, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of resources as key points of contention. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides accused the ATA of "playing politics" and walking away from an offer that included a 12% pay increase and new teacher hires. ATA President Jason Schilling, however, stated the wage offer was insufficient to address inflation and chronic underfunding, emphasizing that teachers will not accept a deal that doesn't respect their value.

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N.B. Premier Susan Holt Announces Senior Government Leadership Changes

Premier Susan Holt has appointed Joel Dickinson as clerk of the Executive Council and head of the public service, while Judy Wagner continues as deputy minister of the Executive Council Office and Women’s Equality. Rob Kelly becomes acting president of the Regional Development Corporation. Additional deputy minister and leadership appointments span key portfolios including Indigenous Affairs, Finance, Health, Education, and Housing. Holt emphasized that the experienced team will bring stability, expertise, and strong leadership to serve New Brunswickers effectively. All changes took effect September 1.

Nova Scotia Approves Goldboro Gold Mine, Creating 735 Jobs and $2.1B GDP Boost

The Nova Scotia government has granted industrial approval for NexGold Mining Corp.’s Goldboro gold mine in Guysborough County. The project is set to create 735 jobs, contribute $2.1 billion to the province’s GDP, and generate $528 million in tax revenue over 15 years. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with strong environmental oversight in place. NexGold has agreements with local Mi’kmaw leadership and municipal authorities, ensuring both economic and community benefits.

Atlantic Ministers Urge Ottawa for Long-Term Transportation Funding

Atlantic Canada’s transportation ministers are calling on the federal government to create a new long-term infrastructure funding program to replace expired initiatives. They warn that aging roads, bridges, and ferries, along with climate change impacts, threaten trade and economic growth. With $40.3 billion in exports in 2024, ministers stress that strategic investments are critical to maintaining safe, efficient networks that connect regional and global markets.

Federal and Provincial Governments Invest $5.7M in Labrador City Housing Infrastructure

Ottawa, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Labrador City are jointly investing over $5.7 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to expand water, sewer, and stormwater systems. The upgrades will support up to 52 new building lots along Waxwing Avenue, enabling faster housing development. Federal officials emphasized that the investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to leveraging partnerships and infrastructure improvements to accelerate housing supply and meet growing community needs.

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B.C. Public Service Workers Set to Strike Over Wages and Work Conditions

Over 34,000 B.C. public service workers, including liquor store staff, community college instructors, firefighters, and court employees, are set to strike this week after a B.C. Government Employees Union (BCGEU) vote showed 92.7% support for job action. The union demands higher wages and remote work options, citing that salaries have not kept pace with the cost of living. Essential health and safety services will remain protected under an agreement. The Professional Employees Association (PEA), representing 1,800 licensed professionals, has also issued strike notice over similar demands.

B.C. Approves Mount Polley Mine Expansion

The B.C. government has approved a proposed two-year expansion of the Mount Polley copper and gold mine, potentially extending operations to 2033. The project involves deepening the pit and expanding a disposal area within the mine’s existing footprint. Ministers Tamara Davidson and Jagrup Brar issued the consent, agreeing the changes are unlikely to cause “significant effects.” The Williams Lake and Xatsull First Nations were consulted, though the B.C. Supreme Court recently dismissed the Xatsull Nation’s challenge to raising the tailings dam. The mine suffered a catastrophic tailings dam collapse in 2014, spilling millions of litres of waste and water.

Integrity Commissioner Finds ABC Councillors Violated Vancouver Code of Conduct 

Vancouver’s integrity commissioner found that council members from Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC party breached the city’s code of conduct by holding private meetings that coordinated votes and advanced policy decisions. These meetings influenced at least two decisions: allocating $8 million for Moberly Park upgrades and eliminating the city’s Climate Justice Action Charter. Mayor Sim’s office disputed the report, calling caucusing normal, while critics argue it erodes accountability.

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Ontario Begins Construction of Highway 413

Ontario has awarded the first two contracts to begin construction of Highway 413. This highway will connect the regions of York, Peel and Halton and is expected to shorten travel times by up to 30 minutes per trip. The construction of the highway will support more than 6,000 jobs per year and is expected to contribute more than $1 billion to Ontario’s annual GDP. Premier Ford and Transportation Minister Sarkaria did not disclose when the proposed 52-kilometre highway will be completed.

Ontario Invests $23 Million through the Skills Development Fund

The Ontario government is investing over $23 million through its Skills Development Fund Training Stream to equip more than 4,200 individuals in Mississauga and surrounding areas with enhanced skills. This funding supports various organizations in delivering specialized training across in-demand sectors, including construction, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace, and skilled trades. The initiative aims to provide participants with better access to training for securing jobs in these key industries.

Ontario Increases Support for Indigenous Energy Projects 

The Ontario government is increasing its investment in the Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) by $10 million, totaling $25 million annually. This funding aims to strengthen Indigenous leadership in the energy sector and support community-led clean energy projects. A new stream helps diesel-reliant communities transition to transmission and generation infrastructure. This initiative fosters economic reconciliation and ensures a reliable energy supply while creating jobs and promoting clean energy solutions for future generations.

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Ontario Awards $1.3 Million Grant to Burlington Manufacturer

The Province of Ontario is investing $1.3 million in B. S. B Manufacturing Ltd., a Burlington-based company. The grant was provided through Ontario’s Regional Development Program’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream. This funding supports the company's $8.6 million expansion, particularly its entry into the electric and hybrid vehicle market. The investment is projected to create 22 new jobs and retain 40 existing positions, while enabling the development of new EV components and fulfilling a contract with Stellantis.

Mississauga Recipient of $24 Million to Support 4,200 Jobs 

Ontario is investing over $23 million through its Skills Development Fund to train more than 4,200 individuals in Mississauga and surrounding regions, preparing them for in-demand jobs. This funding supports diverse programs including masonry trades at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre, and healthcare and skilled trades training by Achēv. Additionally, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario will offer aerospace training in Mississauga. These programs in Mississauga aim to provide specialized skills and direct employment pathways across sectors like construction, healthcare, and transportation.

Youth homelessness summit hosted at Toronto’s City Hall 

Toronto's Youth Cabinet and youth homelessness organizations convened a summit to propose a youth-first strategy aimed at preventing youth homelessness and breaking cycles of poverty. The event involved over 100 young people and numerous organizations, who discussed solutions and shared experiences. Key concerns raised included long shelter waitlists, discrimination, and unstable employment for youth. Recommendations from advocates include targeted employment programs, a youth lived experience advisory committee, and enhanced data management. The goal is to develop a strategy for submission to city council.

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Quebec Premier François Legault to Testify at SAAQclic Inquiry

Quebec Premier François Legault is slated to testify on September 2nd before the Gallant commission, a public inquiry investigating the failed rollout of SAAQclic. This digital platform, designed to streamline services for Quebec's automobile insurance board (SAAQ), launched in February 2023 with a reported $500 million cost overrun. Legault, who initiated the commission, stated his readiness to testify and his disapproval of earlier findings. His chief of staff and a former Ministry official are also expected to appear. Former cybersecurity minister Éric Caire previously testified, blaming the issues on the improper use of off-the-shelf software. The inquiry continues to probe the extensive problems surrounding the SAAQclic project.

Luc Rabouin Adopts "Carney Method" to Revamp Projet Montréal

Luc Rabouin’s strategy to win the upcoming Montreal mayoral election is drawing parallels to Mark Carney's successful federal campaign. Rabouin is notably backtracking on several core policies of the previous Valérie Plante administration, including reintroducing weekly trash collection, delaying the ban on cars on Mount Royal, and reforming the "20-20-20" social housing program. He presents himself as a "pragmatic" leader focused on urgent issues like housing and homelessness, similar to Carney's approach. However, the piece notes the challenge for Rabouin, who was a key figure in the prior administration. His political maneuvering is described as both audacious and risky, aiming to appeal to a broader base of Montreal voters, as Projet Montréal seemingly does not take victory for granted.

Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador Push for Definitive Churchill Falls Deal

Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador are actively negotiating a new, definitive energy agreement for the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project, aiming for completion by April 2026. The goal is to replace a contentious 1969 contract that allowed Hydro-Québec to purchase most of the power at extremely low prices, a long-standing source of bitterness for Newfoundland. The proposed new deal would see Hydro-Québec pay approximately $33.8 billion over 50 years, with pricing tied to market value, and both provinces collaborating on other energy and mining projects. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan stresses the urgency of these negotiations, making it a pivotal issue for his upcoming provincial election, warning that halting talks would jeopardize future energy development.

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