The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent Monday, October 7.
Latest News
Political Scene Heats Up in Ottawa
The political temperature in Ottawa is rising as the Liberals dodged Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s first nonconfidence vote of the fall session. Unfazed, Mr. Poilievre filed yet another nonconfidence motion, vowing to “trigger a carbon tax election.” With three more opposition days in the Conservative playbook this fall, they are far from done. Adding to the uncertainty, the Bloc Québécois and NDP are each poised with their own opposition days, ready to stir the pot.
For now, the Liberals have weathered the storm, but cracks are showing. Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet, while not supportive of the Conservative motion, set his own new terms for his party’s support of the government, demanding that two private members’ bills—one boosting seniors’ pension and another protecting the dairy industry’s supply management—be passed by October 29, or his party will attempt to bring the government down. This is precisely the type of leverage that the Bloc and NDP can leverage in a minority Liberal government situation, and which would disappear in a Conservative majority. The question remains for the Liberals how much they are willing to give to prevent a snap election that is not on their own terms.
Parliamentary Business
Update on Bill C-61
On September 26, during its 7th meeting, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs advanced discussions on Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act. The committee heard testimony from representatives of the First Nations Chiefs as part of the ongoing legislative review process. The Committee agreed to proceed to commence clause-by-clause review of the bill from October 21, 2024.
Federal Funding Awarded
$118 Million from CIB to Higgins Mountain Wind Project
The Canada Infrastructure Bank announced a $118 million loan to Elemental Energy to support the Higgins Mountain Wind Project in Nova Scotia. The loan is financed through the $10 billion Clean Power priority sector, and it will help accelerate clean energy transition in the province.
Federal-Municipal Joint Investment for Upgrades in Yukon
Through the Active Transportation Fund, the federal government and the City of Whitehorse announced a joint funding of $850,000 to improve the Chilkoot Way route. The upgrades will include the installation of a new two-way protected bicycle lane, a new pedestrian crossing, signage, crossing markings at high conflict areas, and improved lighting. In addition, there will be upgrades to traffic lights, for better accessibility.
Renewal of the Canada Community-Building Fund Announced
Announced on September 26, the governments of Canada and the Yukon have signed a new 10-year agreement for the Canada Community-Building Fund to invest in critical infrastructure projects across the territory. Over the first five years, the Yukon will receive $94.5 million, which will total more than $200 million over the next ten years to address local infrastructure priorities.
Housing Investments Announced in Salt River First Nation
Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, announced on September 26, a $205,000 funding from the federal government to purchase equipment to assist with the construction of new homes on reserve. The funding comes as a part of the Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy and will help build targeted housing for people at imminent risk of homelessness.
Public Transport Investment in Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia
The federal and provincial governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announced a joint investment of $234,548 to improve public transportation in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. The federal government is investing $187,638 in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and the provincial government is contributing $46,910.
