N.W.T. premier says he wants complete carbon tax exemption for territory

N.W.T. premier says he wants complete carbon tax exemption for territory

Canada’s newest premier says that in an ideal world, Ottawa would provide his territory with a blanket exemption from the carbon tax. “I mean, ideally, a complete exemption for the territory is what we would hope for,” said R.J. Simpson, chosen this week as premier of the Northwest Territories, in an interview Sunday on Rosemary Barton … Read more

U.S. ‘beginning’ internal discussions about renewing North American trade pact

U.S. ‘beginning’ internal discussions about renewing North American trade pact

For anyone with lingering night terrors from the last renegotiation of NAFTA, the notion of reopening the pact might evoke the trailer for a classic horror movie sequel: It’s baaaaa-aaaack.  But this time is different, says the U.S. envoy to Canada. In an interview with CBC News, Ambassador David Cohen said officials in his country have … Read more

Alberta premier’s arguments on increasing oil and gas production ‘logically incoherent’: Wilkinson

Alberta premier’s arguments on increasing oil and gas production ‘logically incoherent’: Wilkinson

Federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s claim that Canada can achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 while simultaneously increasing oil and gas production is “incoherent.” Smith has long argued that carbon neutrality is about a transition away from emissions and not a transition away from oil and gas production, a source of … Read more

Time’s up for some short-term rentals in B.C. as new housing rules look set to transform scene

Time’s up for some short-term rentals in B.C. as new housing rules look set to transform scene

Nancy Paine’s short-term rental business is dead in the water. As co-founder and CEO of Victoria-based Superhost, Paine said she had been at the forefront of the Airbnb revolution for seven years, acting as a “liaison” for homeowners needing help with the logistics of running a listing on the accommodation site. At the peak of … Read more

Ottawa getting $40 million refund from former parent company of Quebec COVID vaccine maker

Ottawa getting  million refund from former parent company of Quebec COVID vaccine maker

Ottawa will be getting a $40 million refund after it gave Quebec City-based biopharmaceutical company Medicago more than $300 million to develop and manufacture a home-grown COVID-19 vaccine that never made it to market. The news comes after Conservative, Bloc and NDP MPs on the House of Commons health committee grilled staff from Canada’s procurement department this … Read more

Federal government hikes income requirement for foreign students, targets ‘puppy mill’ schools

Federal government hikes income requirement for foreign students, targets ‘puppy mill’ schools

Ottawa will require foreigners applying to study in Canada to have double the amount of funds currently required, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Thursday. He also threatened to cap visas in provinces that don’t help house students or who won’t shut down educational institutions that he argues shouldn’t be operating. “There are, in provinces, the … Read more