Carney has 'nation-building projects' on his mind as he meets with premiers in Saskatoon
Prime minister says he wants projects to ‘compete’ for federal approvals
Prime Minister Mark Carney's main focus will be on project development as he sits down with provincial and territorial premiers this week.
First ministers are gathering in Saskatoon Monday for the first time since the April 28 federal election.
Carney told CBC's Power & Politicsin an exclusive interview last week that "major projects" will be his main agenda item for Monday's meeting.
"We need to move on these nation-building projects. So projects that bring Canada together, projects that diversify our economy, projects that help us export to new markets and really move this economy forward," Carney told host David Cochrane.
"The ask of provinces, the ask of the private sector is: Which projects do you have that reach those criteria? What we're going to do is fast-track the approval, truly fast-track the approval, of those projects."
Project approval was a significant part of last week's throne speech read by King Charles. The speech promised to "unleash a new era of growth" by creating a federal project review office and reducing regulatory reviews "from five years to two."
The Liberals are aiming to introduce legislation this month that would introduce "up-front regulatory approvals" to major projects in the national interest, according to a federal document CBC News obtained.
Premiers pitch their project ideas
A number of provinces and territories have already begun floating ideas for major economic projects that they'd like to see happen.
N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson said his region has "not had the same type of investment in infrastructure that the rest of Canada has seen" during an interview on Rosemary Barton Live that aired Sunday.
Simpson said his territory and Nunavut are pursuing a road through the Slave Geological Province, which would connect western Nunavut and an area in the Northwest Territories believed to be rich in minerals.
- Cross Country Checkup is asking: Does Canada need another energy pipeline? Leave your comment here and we may read it or call you back for our show today.
"That's a project that's been talked about for generations, for decades, [but] hasn't advanced yet. So that is one I'm really excited about," Simpson told host Rosemary Barton.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said on Rosemary Barton Live he hopes discussions begin "on what a regulatory process would be moving forward that would provide certainty for the investment into industries that are creating value and provide us as Canadians with that opportunity to become the strongest economy in the G7."
Prime
Minister Mark Carney, front left, is meeting with Canada's premiers
this week in Saskatchewan. Major projects to boost the country's economy
are expected to be the focus. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
"In the meantime, if we have to prioritize projects, that is what it is, but that in itself is an admission that the current regulatory processes need changes and I think that is the broader goal that I would have coming out of this tomorrow and over the next couple of months," he said.
Western premiers met last month to discuss a range of issues that included energy, Arctic security and economic corridors.
Specifically, the premiers called for Carney's "full support for the development of an economic corridor connecting ports on the northwest coast and Hudson's Bay."
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wrote to Carney shortly after the election, voicing his support for a similar economic corridor that includes Manitoba's Port of Churchill. He said such a corridor could help western provinces get resources to international markets.
"If we sit around talking about politics, it's going to be like the family dinner table. We're always going to be arguing. But if we get down to work and we choose some economic projects to build the country — that's how we bring people together," Kinew said in a separate interview on Power & Politics last week.
"When we get together for our formal first ministers' meeting with the prime minister, I think you're going to see a unity of purpose."
Like Kinew, Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote to Carney laying out his ideas for major projects that he would like to see developed, including critical mineral deposits in Ontario's Ring of Fire. Moe also sent a list of priorities to the prime minister that included the expansion of pipeline projects.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sent a letter to Carney in mid-May and said the prime minister has "the opportunity to address serious issues plaguing Canada's economic well-being — and the very real sense of alienation felt across the west."
Smith said there are several preconditions necessary to make Carney's nation-building ambitions a success: Include an oil pipeline on the initial list of nation-building projects, abandon the "unconstitutional" oil and gas emissions cap, overhaul the Impact Assessment Act and repeal Canada's industrial carbon tax as well as clean electricity regulations.
Saskatchewan
Premier Scott Moe speaks during a media interview on the sidelines of
the Canada Strong and Free Network annual conference in Ottawa, on
Friday, April 11, 2025. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)
The Alberta premier also said she's appointed a provincial negotiating team and called on Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby to do the same.
"A collaborative approach between the relevant federal departments and the Governments of Alberta and British Columbia that enables a common understanding of project economics, barriers and opportunities will be critical to reaching a positive outcome," Smith said.
Carney told Power & Politics that he's seeking to have projects compete for federal approval, with the best ideas winning out.
"In effect, we're going to have a competition with projects. Some projects are good ideas, but they're not ready. Others are ready, but they're bad ideas," he said.
Carney had previously met with premiers in March and committed to removing internal trade barriers by July 1.
Carney has 'nation-building projects' on his mind as he meets with premiers in Saskatoon
Prime minister says he wants projects to ‘compete’ for federal approvals
Prime Minister Mark Carney's main focus will be on project development as he sits down with provincial and territorial premiers this week.
First ministers are gathering in Saskatoon Monday for the first time since the April 28 federal election.
Carney told CBC's Power & Politicsin an exclusive interview last week that "major projects" will be his main agenda item for Monday's meeting.
"We need to move on these nation-building projects. So projects that bring Canada together, projects that diversify our economy, projects that help us export to new markets and really move this economy forward," Carney told host David Cochrane.
"The ask of provinces, the ask of the private sector is: Which projects do you have that reach those criteria? What we're going to do is fast-track the approval, truly fast-track the approval, of those projects."
Project approval was a significant part of last week's throne speech read by King Charles. The speech promised to "unleash a new era of growth" by creating a federal project review office and reducing regulatory reviews "from five years to two."
The Liberals are aiming to introduce legislation this month that would introduce "up-front regulatory approvals" to major projects in the national interest, according to a federal document CBC News obtained.
Premiers pitch their project ideas
A number of provinces and territories have already begun floating ideas for major economic projects that they'd like to see happen.
N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson said his region has "not had the same type of investment in infrastructure that the rest of Canada has seen" during an interview on Rosemary Barton Live that aired Sunday.
Simpson said his territory and Nunavut are pursuing a road through the Slave Geological Province, which would connect western Nunavut and an area in the Northwest Territories believed to be rich in minerals.
- Cross Country Checkup is asking: Does Canada need another energy pipeline? Leave your comment here and we may read it or call you back for our show today.
"That's a project that's been talked about for generations, for decades, [but] hasn't advanced yet. So that is one I'm really excited about," Simpson told host Rosemary Barton.
Western premiers met last month to discuss a range of issues that included energy, Arctic security and economic corridors.
Specifically, the premiers called for Carney's "full support for the development of an economic corridor connecting ports on the northwest coast and Hudson's Bay."
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wrote to Carney shortly after the election, voicing his support for a similar economic corridor that includes Manitoba's Port of Churchill. He said such a corridor could help western provinces get resources to international markets.
"If we sit around talking about politics, it's going to be like the family dinner table. We're always going to be arguing. But if we get down to work and we choose some economic projects to build the country — that's how we bring people together," Kinew said in a separate interview on Power & Politics last week.
"When we get together for our formal first ministers' meeting with the prime minister, I think you're going to see a unity of purpose."
Like Kinew, Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote to Carney laying out his ideas for major projects that he would like to see developed, including critical mineral deposits in Ontario's Ring of Fire. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also sent a list of priorities to the prime minister that included the expansion of pipeline projects.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sent a letter to Carney in mid-May and said the prime minister has "the opportunity to address serious issues plaguing Canada's economic well-being — and the very real sense of alienation felt across the west."
Smith said there are several preconditions necessary to make Carney's nation-building ambitions a success: Include an oil pipeline on the initial list of nation-building projects, abandon the "unconstitutional" oil and gas emissions cap, overhaul the Impact Assessment Act and repeal Canada's industrial carbon tax as well as clean electricity regulations.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during a news conference in Edmonton on May 6. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
The Alberta premier also said she's appointed a provincial negotiating team and called on Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby to do the same.
"A collaborative approach between the relevant federal departments and the Governments of Alberta and British Columbia that enables a common understanding of project economics, barriers and opportunities will be critical to reaching a positive outcome," Smith said.
Carney told Power & Politics that he's seeking to have projects compete for federal approval, with the best ideas winning out.
"In effect, we're going to have a competition with projects. Some projects are good ideas, but they're not ready. Others are ready, but they're bad ideas," he said.
Carney had previously met with premiers in March and committed to removing internal trade barriers by July 1.
Ontario MPPs to get raises after 16-year freeze; bill to establish new pension plan
Base pay for Ontario's elected officials has been frozen since 2009
Ontario members of provincial parliament are getting big raises and access to a pension plan, under legislation introduced by Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and passed with the support of all parties at breakneck speed.
Shortly after members sent the pay raise bill barrelling through the legislative process — it spent about 13 minutes from tabling to passage — representatives from all parties stood shoulder-to-shoulder outside the chamber in rare agreement.
"When we're looking for other candidates, qualified people, to actually direct the future of this province, for most of them, they have to take a huge pay cut to come here and give up, in many cases, pensions," said NDP Opposition house leader John Vanthof.
"We're not going to build the future of this province by excluding the people who have the qualifications and have the knowledge to move us forward. So we're fully in support and I'd like to thank Premier (Doug) Ford and his government for, quite frankly, having the guts to do this."
The base pay for Ontario's elected officials has been frozen since 2009 at $116,550, and the changes would boost the salary to $157,350, which is 75 per cent of what federal MPs make. That will still be less than what city councillors in Toronto earn.
Premier Doug Ford's salary would rise from about $209,000 to about $282,000. (Laura Proctor/The Canadian Press)
Premier Doug Ford's salary would rise from about $209,000 to about $282,000 and cabinet ministers would see their pay increase from about $166,000 to about $224,000.
The bill would also resurrect a pension plan for the members of provincial parliament, 30 years after the previous one was abolished by former premier Mike Harris' government.
Increase 'fair and reasonable,' finance minister says
The new plan would see members enrolled in the existing Public Service Pension Plan, and they would then be entitled to supplemental benefits for MPPs who serve at least six years.
Representatives of the Liberals, Greens and the lone Independent member also said it was time for the pay freeze to end.
"I want to thank the premier," said Bobbi Ann Brady, who represents Haldimand-Norfolk as an Independent.
"I want to thank the minister and the government house leader for righting what I feel is almost a 16-year wrong," she said. "I continually talk about the spirit of co-operation amongst us all and I think today there is a nice spirit of co operation here."
Bethlenfalvy said it is the right thing to do.
"I know that many people across the province work tirelessly each day to put food on the table and pay the rent," he said.
"It's
fair and reasonable. It'll be at 75 per cent of the federal
compensation. It's still less than a Toronto city councillor will be
paid or a Mississauga city councillor and we're going to work tirelessly
each and every day, sometimes in different ways, to help all
Ontarians."
New Brunswick facing lowest GDP growth in Canada this year, Deloitte forecast warns
New economic outlook predicts two negative quarters of GDP growth for Canada
A new report projects that New Brunswick will lag behind the rest of Canada this year on gross domestic product growth in 2025.
Deloitte Canada's latest economic outlook forecasts a 0.6 per cent change in GDP for the province in 2025 — tied with Quebec for last in the country.
That figure also slashes the last provincial projection nearly in half. In March, the province tabled its own outlook alongside the budget, and it forecast growth of 1.1 per cent this year.
The report also projects Canada's economy will see a downturn over two consecutive quarters this year. This would meet the conventional definition of a recession, although the report does not use that term.
New Brunswick Finance Minister René Legacy says the forecast is concerning, but he hopes infrastructure projects to begin this year will help offset the estimate.
"There's still some major projects that are supposed to begin in New Brunswick this year that potentially could have a positive impact," Legacy said Monday. "I'm not sure if Deloitte factored any of these in, or if they're just looking at the macroeconomic factors.
"There's the transmission corridor between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, we are starting to prep for the Isthmus ... hopefully we'll see these infrastructure projects move the needle."
Construction on the transmission line is to begin this year, while a news release from the province estimates work on the Chignecto Isthmus will take about a decade. Preliminary engineering studies, design and land acquisition are expected over the first five years, with construction to follow after that.
Legacy noted the Department of Finance and Treasury Board will soon be preparing the economic update for the quarter that ends in June.
Chief economist Dawn Desjardins said in a statement that Deloitte's forecast draws on the current trade environment and economic data.
"New Brunswick is highly exposed to trade and not only at risk of being impacted by U.S. tariffs but [it] also exports seafood to China, with much of those goods facing 25 per cent Chinese tariffs," Desjardins said in a statement.
"N.B. also faces U.S. duties on its softwood lumber exports."
Desjardins noted that aside from tariff concerns, New Brunswick is also seeing weaker immigration and lower sales in the housing market.
Consumers showing caution
Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Atlantic vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said small and medium-sized business owners are feeling the impact.
"When you look at consumers being more careful with their dollars, small businesses not necessarily in the mood to invest their money, to grow their business, because of all the uncertainty, what we're seeing is potentially a slowdown on the horizon," Gauthier said in an interview.
"It's a time of pressures, it's a time of uncertainty, and unfortunately that's the moment in time."
He said it's too soon to know what government interventions might help businesses weather the storm.
"Over the last few years, business owners have lived ups and downs like never before," Gauthier said. "So unfortunately, it's more of that."
Carney aims to have 'free trade by Canada Day' between provinces and territories
Ontario premier says hiking energy tax on U.S. still on the table
What you need to know:
- Canada to develop national trade strategy, PM says.
- Carney says he'll keep carbon emissions cap.
- Ottawa to set up 'one project, one review' system to speed approval of major projects.
- Government will temporarily remove one-week waiting period for employment insurance.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he and Canada's premiers have agreed to develop a national trade strategy and promised a slew of support for workers and businesses.
"We intend from a federal level to have free trade by Canada Day," he said, noting that the plan would be directed at easing transportation, energy, critical minerals and digital connectivity restrictions across the country.
The announcement comes after his meeting with premiers at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on Friday, with some calling for trade barriers within the country to be swiftly removed in order to make Canada's economy more resilient.
"The agreement is to turn what has been a concept into a reality that will diversify and strengthen our economy… We are committing to removing all federal exemptions under the Canada free-trade agreement," Carney said.
The gathering between Carney and the provincial and territorial leaders ran about 40 minutes longer than expected — and comes two days before a federal election is likely to be called.
U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war escalated last week as the country imposed 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports entering the country, prompting Canada to effectively double its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
Trump has also repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st state.
"We have to do things that we hadn't imagined possible before at a speed that we haven't moved before," Carney said in his remarks before the meeting. "One aspect of that is we need builders and it's part of the reason why earlier today we've brought back the level of the capital gains so that those who take those risks get the rewards."
New measures announced:
- Temporarily waiving the one-week employment insurance waiting period.
- Temporarily allowing businesses to defer corporate income-tax payments and GST and HST remittances.
- Deploying a new financing facility (the Large Enterprise Economic and National Security Facility).
- Implementing a "one window" approval process to speed up major projects.
- Doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee to $10 billion, unlocking access to capital for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
- Providing more funding for regional development agencies.
- Removing any mobility restrictions for federally regulated professions.
Carney said removing barriers to the free movement of workers, goods and services would increase the size of Canada's economy by $250 billion — equivalent to more than $6,000 for every Canadian.
He said he is proud the federal government moved on a number of projects today, such as the Cedar LNG and LNG Canada in B.C. and Port of Churchill in northern Manitoba.
"It's high time to build," Carney said.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said most premiers agree that interprovincial trade barriers must be removed. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
'Focused on action'
Carney
told reporters he would maintain a carbon emissions cap, but that
legislation isn't enough to reduce emissions, which is why, he said, he
is "focused on action."
"One of the projects, I firmly believe
this, of national significance is major investments in carbon capture
and storage," he said.
"We have the opportunity not just to get emissions down but very importantly to create an entirely new industry that will serve Canadians well but will create exports and jobs and opportunities for many decades."
The Conservative Party later alleged Carney was lying about his support of Canada's oil and gas industry.
"If Carney was sincere, he would immediately commit to the full repeal of the Liberals' C-69, the 'No More Pipelines' Act, C-48, the West Coast Tanker Ban, and the production cap," the party said in a statement. "Instead he doubled down on capping Canadian energy production."
Carney's announcement about a national development strategy is also reminiscent of Conservative campaign promises.
Carney, front left, walks alongside Quebec Premier François Legault and other premiers as they arrive for the meeting. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
Just yesterday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said in Jonquière, Que., that he plans to create "shovel-ready zones" with pre-approved construction permits for major resource or energy projects if elected.
In 2019, Conservative Andrew Scheer, leader of the Official Opposition at the time, pledged that if elected, his government would build a single coast-to-coast energy corridor to transport natural resources.
Most premiers in agreement: Ford
In a scrum with reporters following the meeting, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said most premiers agreed about eliminating trade barriers, with he and the federal government intending to clear all exemptions.
"Nova Scotia is clearing all exemptions. As we move across the country, eventually everyone is going to hop on," he said. "They'll have no choice but to hop on board. Not forced, but there will be so much pressure within their territory or their province."
Ford repeated that all options remain on the table, including potentially increasing an energy tax on the U.S. despite Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's opposition to that approach.
"Ontario will decide that. No other jurisdiction," he said. "I don't worry about her oil and she doesn't have to worry about my energy."
Smith and Saskatchewan's Scott Moe and B.C.'s David Eby attended virtually, as did Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey who is in Japan for a trade mission.
Ford reiterated that he would work with anyone as long as it's in Ontario's best interest.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt voiced support for Carney, saying in French that she is "very happy" to have him as prime minister while Canada is under tariff threats.
"From what I've seen of Mr. Carney and the conversations we have had, his passion for Canada shines through, his intelligence shines through," she said.
She said she has yet to meet with Poilievre and doesn't have a comparison point.
Legault wants 'global negotiation'
Shortly after arriving for the meeting, Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters that he wants the next prime minister to ask Trump for a "global" negotiation of a trade agreement rather than one that is piecemeal.
"Right now, Mr. Trump doesn't respect the agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, especially on steel and aluminum. So it's important we renegotiate all the agreement," he said.
He said premiers and the prime minister need to be careful about counter-tariffs and "eventual" counter-tariffs to maximize the negative impact on U.S. businesses but minimize the impact on Canadian ones.
The Quebec premier said his province would be "open" to pipeline projects, due to Trump's threats, but there needs to be social acceptability.
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai acknowledged that, with increased focus on the North and the Arctic, it's important to hear the plans of all political parties for the region, especially in light of the rhetoric south of the border.
Pillai said he wants to make sure the prime minister is aware that it is a "special moment in time for us" and that his visit to Iqaluit, the first domestic trip of his leadership of Canada, was "important and set a tone."
"Other people are focusing on the North and we sure need to do the same," Pillai said. "In the first week, personally, I'm very impressed with what I've seen."
Carney, centre, Ford, left, and Legault, right, are seen at Friday's meeting. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok agreed, saying it was great to see Carney underline "how important the North is and how much incredible of an opportunity we have to provide the country with an opportunity to diversify."
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the need for a "solid plan for Canada's economy" because the country is "fighting a trade war on two fronts."
"Trump tariffs certainly attract so much attention, but in Manitoba and in Western Canada, the tariffs from the People's Republic of China on canola and pork are having a major impact already," Kinew said.
With files from CBC's Olivia Stefanovich, Lisa Mayor, Meagan Fitzpatrick, Kate McKenna, Raffy Boudjikanian