The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent Monday, March 4.
Latest News
National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting
Bill C-317, An Act to establish a national strategy respecting flood and drought forecasting received unanimous support at second reading in the House of Commons last week and has been referred to the House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development for further study and stakeholder input. A private member’s bill, it was tabled by MP Francis Scarpaleggia in March last year. It seeks to advance important discussions on water management, focussing on flood and drought forecasting in Canada amidst the increasing impacts of climate change.
The issue was described in debate as a “complex policy issue that calls for urgent political and policy attention.” While they supported the bill at second reading, the Bloc noted that it might encroach on provincial jurisdiction. CPWA will continue to monitor the progress of this bill and will seek opportunities to engage at the committee level.
CIB Invests in Nova Scotia Energy
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is committing $138.2 million to support the development of Atlantic Canada’s largest planned energy storage project by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) in collaboration with Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA), an economic limited partnership owned by 13 Mi’kmaw communities.
Under the terms of these arrangements, NS Power, Nova Scotia’s main electricity provider, will receive a loan of up to $120.2 million, while WMA will receive an equity loan of up to $18 million. The project, which is subject to regulatory approval, involves the construction and deployment of energy storage facilities in the communities of White Rock, Bridgewater, and Waverley.
Legislative Updates
Upcoming Debates
The House does not sit this week. When it returns on Monday, February 26, the debate will focus on:
- Monday: Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012.
- Tuesday: Opposition Day.
- Wednesday: Bill C-61: An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands.
- Thursday: Opposition Day.
Private Members’ Business
- Monday, February 26: Report Stage of Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to another Act (interim release and domestic violence recognizance orders).
- Tuesday, February 27: Report Stage of Bill S-224, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons)
- Wednesday, February 28: Report Stage of Bill C-318, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code (adoptive and intended parents).
- Thursday, February 29: Resuming Second Reading Debate on Bill C-365, An Act respecting the implementation of a consumer-led banking system for Canadians.
- Friday, March 1: Resuming Second Reading Debate on Bill C-353, An Act to provide for the imposition of restrictive measures against foreign hostage takers and those who practice arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations and to make related amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Departmental Updates
Shoreline Protection Measures
On February 15, Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, announced an investment of more than $5 million from the federal government through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund in projects to stabilize shoreline in Lax Kw’alaams, British Columbia, as the coastal town has been experiencing a consistently high rate of erosion along its shoreline, caused by the rising sea level, storm surges, and strong winds.
Federal-Provincial Investments in Sewer Systems
The Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister Anne Kang of British Columbia, and Mayor Kevin Murdoch of Oak Bay, British Columbia, announced a combined investment of more than $8.8 million to improve both stormwater and wastewater management by separating the existing combined sewer system in the Uplands neighbourhood of the district.
The federal government is investing $3,535,580 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The provincial government is investing $2,946,022, and the District of Oak Bay is contributing $2,357,349.
Transit Infrastructure Upgrades
Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard of British Columbia, Board Chair Will Cole-Hamilton, and BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton announced a combined investment of more than $8.8 million from the federal and provincial governments along with the Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia, for five upgraded and new transit exchanges and other system upgrades to improve transit access and safety.
The federal government is investing $3,553,946 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The provincial government is investing $3,553,946, and the Comox Valley Regional District is contributing $1,776,972. Funding from all three orders of government is secured and administered by BC Transit.
Public Transit Hub Investments
Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, British Columbia Minister Katrine Conroy, Mayor Colleen Jones, and BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton, announced a combined investment of more than $3.07 million from the governments of Canada, British Columbia, and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
It was announced that the existing transit exchange in Trail, within the West Kootenay Transit System, will undergo refurbishment and expansion to support new bus routes and expanded service levels.
The federal government is investing $1,231,359 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The provincial government is investing $1,231,359, and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is contributing $615,679. Funding from all three orders of government is secured and administered by BC Transit.s contributing $26,106,500.