Provincial Legislative Update – January 31, 2025
Provincial and Territorial Update: An overview of the Provincial Legislative and Territories Legislative Updates for the week of January 31, 2025. Written by Wes McLean.
New Brunswick
- Premier Susan Holt set out a list of targets Thursday night that she says she wants her government to be judged on, while acknowledging a new level of uncertainty about New Brunswick because of the U.S. tariff threat. Holt used the annual state of the province address — her first as premier — to set out 15 measurements in health care, affordability, housing, education and the environment.
- The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is ending its lawsuit against the New Brunswick government over its policy on 2SLGBTQ+ students choosing their own names and pronouns at school. The association says the case became moot in December when the Liberal government made new changes to the policy, ending a parental consent requirement added by the Progressive Conservative education minister in the previous government.
- Young homebuyers shocked New Brunswick property tax protections don’t apply to them. First-time buyers routinely forced to pay hundreds of dollars more in taxes than neighbours. New Brunswick has a policy it calls “spike protection,” where property taxes on large assessment increases must be applied gradually, over multiple years, by a maximum of ten per cent per year. That slows the implementation of tax increases on homeowners whose assessments jump sharply in a short period of time. However, the protection disappears if a house is sold to new owners.
- A judge has ruled a Moncton developer owes $4.9 million to the New Brunswick government over failed railcar refurbishment contracts that cost the province millions. The case centred on a personal financial guarantee Richard Carpenter made to the province related to contracts to refurbish Via Rail cars and locomotives in Moncton. The contracts collapsed in 2012, resulting in dozens of people losing their jobs. “I find that Mr. Carpenter is responsible to pay on the guarantee at issue,” Court of King’s Bench Justice Thomas Christie wrote in a Jan. 17 decision. “He has, I find, no discernible defence.”
Nova Scotia
- An effort to create more distance between wind turbines and private land in the West Hants Regional Municipality has been struck down by the provincial government in a decision that will soon guide development across Nova Scotia. In September, West Hants regional council voted to require commercial turbines to be at least 2.5 kilometres from abutting property lines unless there is consent from the landowner to be closer. The amended bylaw, which required provincial approval, also said developments should not be visually intrusive in the landscape.
- Nova Scotia Liberal MP Jaime Battiste says he will be dropping out of the Liberal Party leadership race in favour of backing former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. The member for Sydney-Victoria joined the race on Jan. 23 and was the only First Nations candidate in the running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “When I began this journey, it was not only to make history again, but to ensure that key and important priorities were at the forefront of this leadership race,” Battiste said in a news statement published on Thursday. “In endorsing Mark, my fight is not over — it is only just beginning!”
- A day after two health-care workers were stabbed in the emergency department of a Halifax hospital, the head of the province’s largest union said her members have been sounding the alarm about unsafe conditions for a long time. Nicholas Robert Coulombe, 32, has been charged with nine offences, including attempted murder and aggravated assault, after a patient stabbed two people and injured another on Wednesday in the emergency department of the Halifax Infirmary.
- A U.S.-based analyst says he believes the undersea coal mine in Donkin, N.S., will reopen someday. Joe Aldina, who writes for thecoaltrader.com, said the Cline Group, whose company Kameron Coal owns the Donkin mine, has made significant investments there that it will likely want to recover. “They’ve invested a few hundred million dollars US in [capital expenditures] in that mine and that was the last project that Chris Cline, the founder of the company, really put himself into, so I don’t see them walking away from that,” he said.
Prince Edward Island
- With U.S. tariffs expected to come into effect soon, Dennis King says Prince Edward Island is in a good financial position to navigate the economic challenges ahead. The P.E.I. premier announced during his state-of-the-province address this week that a new export enhancement and market development fund would be included in the upcoming 2025 budget. King said the fund will support Island exporters amid the potential impacts of President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs on the goods Canada exports to the U.S.
- The P.E.I. government is asking Islanders for feedback on proposed legislation that would regulate buildings with excessive security features, which officials say can pose risks to public safety. The new law aims to address structures that have extreme security measures such as heavy-duty metal doors, reinforced windows and bulletproof glass. Brody Connolly, the province’s director of public safety at the Department of Justice and Public Safety, said these features can create serious risks by obstructing or delaying entry for emergency responders.
- At House of Spice, an Indian restaurant in Summerside, sales are down $20,000 to $30,000 per month since last year, said owner Harneet Brar. She said that’s largely because the P.E.I. government decided in early 2024 to drastically reduce the number of foreign workers it nominates for permanent residency. “Last year in February and March, we were busy. Very busy. We had lots of Indian customers and other foreign nationals too, along with the local community,” Brar said.
- Tens of thousands of current and former Prince Edward Island students, in addition to teachers and staff, had their personal data compromised in a cyberattack earlier this month that affected educational institutions across the country. On Jan. 7, an unauthorized user gained access to PowerSchool, a data management system used by schools across the Island. The ongoing investigation has determined that data from around 70,000 students was accessed, with the oldest records involved dating back to 2003, the provincial government said in a news release.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Furey says Trump tariffs will bring ‘equally punishing’ costs for Americans. Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier estimates as many as 20,000 jobs could be on the line should the American president make good on his threats. Andrew Furey says the local fishery can’t take another hit, and promises the province will be there to support workers ‘come hell or high water.’
- In a partial reversal, the federal government is easing a previous decision to slash economic immigration numbers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Immigration, Population Growth, and Skills Minister Sarah Stoodley said her federal counterpart Marc Miller made the offer to increase spaces from 1,525 with an additional 1,000 spaces, for a total of 2,525 newcomer spots per year — though it still falls short of the previous 3,050 spaces.
- A former head of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says the Crown corporation is being duped by Hydro-Québec, which he believes should pay tens of billions more for Churchill Falls power under a new memorandum of understanding unveiled in December. “They’ve taken us to the cleaners. Most Newfoundlanders are oblivious to it,” said Bill Wells, N.L. Hydro CEO from 1996 to 2005, in comments roundly rejected by the utility’s current head. “We have not been wrung dry,” said Jennifer Williams, the current CEO, who led negotiations on the MOU. “This is a very, very fair deal…. We extracted the maximum value.”
- Around 20 protesters, including family members of inmates and advocates, rallied outside of Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s on Wednesday, calling for better access to health care, mental health care and rehabilitation. Critics and advocates have called for a replacement for the aging prison for years. Beverly Murphy attended Wednesday’s rally to advocate for her 32-year-old son Mitchell Murphy, who has been incarcerated since September.
Quebec
- Quebec Premier François Legault is warning Americans they will pay the price if President Donald Trump goes ahead with 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports — particularly the province’s aluminum. Trump said Thursday he would impose tariffs as soon as Saturday, though his administration has not provided details and it remains unclear which sectors could be affected. Three people familiar with the planning told Reuters on Friday that date was pushed back to March 1, though the White House disputed that report.
- Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante had harsh words for François Legault Monday, saying Quebec’s premier has abandoned the city during a prolonged crisis of homelessness. “We’re doing the job the government of Quebec is not doing,” Plante told reporters. “We’ve seen our premier meeting people when they are going through a crisis, whether a flood or a fire, and Montrealers expect that now.
- In Saguenay, Quebec Premier François Legault announces the conclusion of an agreement with the Innu community of Essipit and the Fjord-du-Saguenay RCM for the joint development of a wind farm with a capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts by 2035. Investment in this future wind farm, which will be located in the Nutinamu-Chauvin area of Saguenay, could reach nearly $3 billion
- The Quebec government is planning to table a bill on Thursday to define a new integration model for immigrants, with the aim of making clear to them that Quebec is a nation, the immigration minister announced. Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s minister responsible for immigration and the French language, said on Tuesday it was “about time” the government created mechanisms to ensure immigrants or “people who identify themselves as members of cultural minorities” are adhering to what he described as Quebec’s common culture.
Ontario
- After months of rumours, Doug Ford met with Lt. Gov. Edith Dumont on Tuesday to trigger an election, a year and a half ahead of the date he was required to do so. But with 16 months left on his term as premier, and 64 percent of the seats in Ontario’s legislature, why would it make sense for Ford to call an election so far ahead of schedule? “I think the question he’s probably asking himself is, ‘Will things be any better in a year and a half or now for the government?’” said Darrell Bricker, global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs. “And given what’s potentially pending from the United States relative to tariffs, there’s probably a chance that it won’t be a … lot better.”
- PC Leader Doug Ford promised $22 billion in spending for infrastructure projects in Ontario during a news conference in Niagara Falls on Friday. The funds are in addition to nearly $200 billion he said will go toward building transit, highway and roads — including widening the Queen Elizabeth Way between Burlington and St. Catharines to combat gridlock. “We’re the only party that believes in putting shovels in the ground,” Ford said.
- Provincial NDP Leader Marit Stiles stopped by a Windsor union hall Friday to promise a government led by her party would ensure income protection for Ontario workers should U.S. President Donald Trump make good on his tariff threats. ‘You must never, ever back down from bullies,” said Stiles. She did not provide specifics on her plan to protect workers if Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods — possibly as early as Saturday.
- The Progressive Conservatives (50%) under Premier Doug Ford hold a decisive lead (26 points) over Crombie’s Liberals (24%) and Stiles’ NDP (20%) among decided voters. Fifteen percent (15%) of Ontarians remain undecided. Tory voters are most likely to be “absolutely certain” (56%) of their vote choice, ahead of Liberal (37%) and NDP (32%) voters.
Manitoba
- Manitoba’s police watchdog says officers’ use of lethal force was justified when they fatally shot a 59-year-old man while responding to a mental health call in Winnipeg. The Independent Investigation Unit said Friday it’s wrapped up an investigation into the death of Bradley Singer, who was killed at his home on Magnus Avenue in February 2024. Police said the man was agitated and held a crowbar when he opened the door to the officers, and that he sprayed them with a fire extinguisher before barricading himself inside a bedroom on the second floor.
- A new law coming into effect Saturday will ban protests in a buffer zone near abortion clinics in Manitoba. The legislation, titled the Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, was introduced by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine in March last year and passed by the NDP government in June. The bill creates a buffer zone of at least 50 metres, which can later be extended by the government up to 150 metres, around facilities whose main purpose is to provide abortions, starting Feb. 1.
- Doctors Manitoba says it’s doing its part in the fight against medical misinformation. The organization representing the province’s physicians said it’s looking to combat the spread of false medical information online as part of this year’s Getting Healthy campaign, which encourages Manitobans to focus on their well-being during the winter months by offering incentives for those who make a pledge to improve their health. The Getting Healthy website includes guides and links to educational material on many health-related subjects, including vaccines.
- Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels threatened to kill a $20-million land deal over demands that he make payments on a personal mortgage, a numbered company alleges in court documents. The allegation is made by lawyers for 7475323 Manitoba Ltd. in court documents associated with a legal battle between the private company and the Southern Chiefs’ Economic Development Corporation. “On numerous occasions, Daniels advised that he could influence the progress of the transaction agreed on if the defendant … did not desist in its’ demands [to make mortgage payments],” one of the court filings says.
Saskatchewan
- A Regina doctor is taking the Saskatchewan Health Authority to court, accusing the organization and some of its employees of intimidation, breach of contract, conspiracy and defamation. Dr. Amos Akinbiyi said he believes there has been a retaliation campaign against him motivated by racism. “The treatment that I’ve had with the SHA only made me realize that I don’t belong,” Akinbiyi said.
- With U.S. tariffs looming, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe stressed to business leaders at the Western Canada Economic Forum (WCEF) that his province does not want a dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariff war. “Saskatchewan’s position is, when it comes to the impending tariffs, is we do support a very fine small level of counter-tariffs that are specifically selected to change the hearts and minds of largely Republican policymakers,” Moe said during his speech on Wednesday.
- An expert says Saskatchewan needs to take action after the release of its second-ever review on intimate partner violence (IPV) deaths. This review, released on Thursday, looks at incidents of IPV that ended in deaths from 2015 to 2020. It specifically looked at 31 cases encompassing 34 homicides and four related suicides. The report was meant to uncover systemic issues and provide recommendations to prevent future tragedies. It was prepared by three multidisciplinary case review teams alongside family members and loved ones of victims, according to the report.
- Saskatchewan is looking at doubling down on coal by potentially extending coal-fired power plants, a move one expert says puts the province at risk of being a “pariah.” Jeremy Harrison, the province’s minister of Crown Investments Corporation, has directed SaskPower to create a plan for power generation that could include extending the operating lives of its coal-fired power plants, including the Boundary Dam Power Station near Estevan, Sask., and Poplar River Power Station near Coronach, Sask. “This plan will prioritize affordability and reliability with an all-of-the-above approach to power production that includes a future for coal,” the Government of Saskatchewan wrote in a statement.
Alberta
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling for a joint Canada-U.S. NORAD base in northern Canada to bolster Arctic security. Smith says she pitched the idea at a recent meeting with fellow premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She says the base could be similar to the Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling for a joint Canada-U.S. NORAD base in northern Canada to bolster Arctic security. Smith says she pitched the idea at a recent meeting with fellow premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She says the base could be similar to the Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg.
- Two of Canada’s most prominent ex-military officers say they like Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s idea of putting a retired military general in charge of Canada’s southern border with the United States. Canada’s former top general, Rick Hillier, said that naming a federal border czar would improve coordination and send the right message to the U.S.
- Alberta’s premier and public safety minister told Fox News earlier this week that the province has taken steps to stop the flow of illegal drugs and people into the United States. But despite the efforts to sway U.S. President Donald Trump from enacting 25-per-cent tariffs on Canadian imports, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Friday that Trump plans to go ahead with the levies on both Canada and Mexico on Saturday. Leavitt had no information on whether the tariffs would apply to oil imports.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a new Crown corporation Wednesday to oversee the province’s rainy day fund. The Heritage Fund Opportunities Corp. is to direct policy for the Heritage Fund, which for the most part will still be managed by the Alberta Investment Management Corp., or AIMCo. The new Crown corporation is also mandated to independently manage the investment of new deposits. Smith said she aims to grow the fund to at least $250 billion by 2050 in order to wean the province off the resource revenue roller-coaster.
British Columbia
- B.C. Premier David Eby said B.C. is prepared for tariffs the White House has confirmed are set to come into effect tomorrow. “I can assure we are ready for the fight – we will not roll over,” he said Friday (Jan. 31). “We are working closely with the business community, with workers, with community, with First Nations leaders.” Eby’s comments come after a meeting of the provincial task force responding to the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods that President Donald Trump’s office today confirmed will start Feb. 1.
- Premier David Eby says protecting British Columbians from the potential impact of U.S. tariffs will be taken as seriously as the relief response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He says every decision being taken by his ministers, including plans for next month’s budget, will be made through the lens of a “potentially protracted trade war.” U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods starting Feb. 1, and his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters at the White House on Tuesday the plan was “still on the books” for that day.
- Premier David Eby has introduced British Columbia’s new lieutenant-governor, saying Wendy Cocchia’s lifelong leadership and dedication to community service sets an example for everyone. Cocchia, a longtime businesswoman and philanthropist, was sworn in at a ceremony at B.C.’s Parliament buildings on Thursday before an audience of family, friends, Indigenous leaders, members of the legislature and other dignitaries. One of Cocchia’s first acts in her role was to inspect a 50-person Guard of Honour provided by Maritime Forces Pacific and Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.
- The BC Conservatives have accused BC NDP of failing to adequately address the root cause of Donald Trump’s tariff threat. Leader John Rustad and his caucus suggested Premier David Eby should follow the lead of other premiers and send resources to the Canada-United States border. In a press release, Rustad claimed that the Trump administration has been “crystal clear” that the tariff threats are “a direct response to Canada’s failure to control illegal immigration and crack down on fentanyl entering the US across our border.”
Northwest Territories
- A jury has found a former Yellowknife city councilor not guilty on six charges, after nearly two days of deliberating in an assault trial. The jury was not able to reach a verdict on eight other charges. Robin Williams, who served on council from 2018 to 2022, was on trial for a total of 14 charges including those of assault and sexual assault. The allegations were made by the same woman — whose identity is protected by a publication ban — over an eight-year period.
Yukon
- Charlene Bradford couldn’t be happier to say goodbye to what she characterizes as “an unregulated Wild West” when it comes to psychology and mental health services in the Yukon. Bradford, a registered psychologist and president of the Psychological Society of Yukon, is celebrating the territorial government’s announcement that as of Saturday, psychologists will be regulated under the territory’s Health Professions Act. The society has argued for years that Yukon was the last jurisdiction in Canada to not have a regulatory framework for psychologists.
Nunavut
- The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) says special funding it used to support victims of sexual violence in all three territories — which originally stemmed from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls — has ended. The $23.5 million was initially allocated in the federal government’s 2021 budget, and was slated to last for three years. An email obtained by CBC News shows that the federal government’s decision not to renew it is leaving a 25 per cent hole in the PPSC’s budget in Nunavut alone.