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Premier Announces Key Addition to Negotiating Team and Next Steps for Churchill Falls Agreement
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-28 16:15:00.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Energy, Infrastructure, Resources, Governance]Premier Tony Wakeham and Minister of Energy and Mines Lloyd Parrott announced that Barry Perry is transitioning to Special Advisor while Gary Smith, former President and CEO of Newfoundland Power and Executive Vice-President at Fortis Inc., will take over as lead negotiator for the Churchill Falls and Gull Island agreement. The updated agreement with Quebec and the Government of Canada is projected to deliver 760 megawatts of additional power, 985 megawatts of guaranteed transmission portfolio, and an estimated $273 billion in total nominal value over its lifetime. The completed definitive agreements will subsequently be tabled in the House of Assembly for technical briefings and a special legislative debate.
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Ontario Future-Proofs Economy by Strengthening Local Utilities
Source: Ontario - Ministry of Energy and Mines
Date: 2026-10-27 15:09:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Energy, Infrastructure, Economy, Governance, Trade]In response to U.S. tariffs and a projected doubling of electricity demand requiring grid expansions equivalent to adding the City of Toronto every six years, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce announced legislative and regulatory reforms targeting the province's 58 local distribution companies (LDCs). Citing Electricity Distributors Association forecasts projecting up to $120 billion in distribution investments over the next two decades, the government's initiatives include driving Buy Ontario and Buy Canada joint procurements, implementing 10-year capital and workforce planning requirements, strengthening the governance of municipally owned LDCs like Oakville Hydro, London Hydro, and Oshawa Power, and enhancing consumer protections by banning winter disconnections for unit sub-meter providers serving multi-unit residential buildings. The reforms follow recommendations from the Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE) and are backed by major sector stakeholders including Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Alectra Inc., Elexicon, and the Ontario Energy Association.
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Akaitcho First Nations assembly kicks off in Dettah
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-27 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Infrastructure, Energy, Governance, Resources]The Akaitcho Territory Government held its annual general assembly in Dettah, N.W.T., bringing together leadership from the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation, Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation, Salt River First Nation, Tthebatthie Denesųłiné Nation, and Yellowknives Dene First Nation to discuss shared priorities. The assembly addresses major regional infrastructure projects referred to the federal government's Major Projects Office, including the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and the Taltson Hydro Expansion, which have faced wavering support and criticism over inadequate consultations from nations like Deninu Kųę́ and Łutsel K'e. Additionally, the assembly follows up on a 2025 initiative by a committee of elders to rename the Great Slave Lake to remove its derogatory historical connotations. Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Justice and Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald are scheduled to attend.
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First Nations want tangible results as 'historic' first ministers' meeting opens
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance, Infrastructure, Energy]First Nations leaders and Canada's first ministers convened in Ottawa for the first Indigenous rights first ministers meeting in two decades, led by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and federal officials. The Assembly of First Nations circulated discussion papers seeking commitments on economic prosperity, policing, constitutional rights, health, and education, alongside a draft 'Declaration of a Shared Path Forward' proposing annual meetings. Grassroots groups, including the Truth Before Reconciliation Network and Onion Lake Cree Nation, staged protests and issued a cease-and-desist notice, arguing that elected chiefs do not adequately represent inherent treaty rights-holders amid rising tensions over major resource infrastructure projects.
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Q&A | Yukon energy minister says power bills could go up by 53% without federal help
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-22 12:31:09.0
Tags: [National, Energy, Infrastructure, Affordability, Governance]Yukon Energy Minister Ted Laking announced that Yukon power bills could increase by 53 per cent without federal funding support to address critical power infrastructure upgrades and a projected 60 per cent rise in grid demand over the next decade. Laking is lobbying the federal government in Ottawa for a 75-25 per cent cost-sharing partnership for infrastructure projects, noting that connecting to the British Columbia power grid is estimated to cost over $4 billion, which far exceeds the territorial government's $2 billion annual budget. In response to recent grid capacity strains, the Yukon government has repealed the Clean Energy Act, reallocated electric vehicle rebates toward home energy efficiency and heat pumps, and planned thermal backup generation utilizing Whitehorse Power Centres.
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Some of Canada's top scientists push for changes to Carney's new major projects bill
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-22 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, British Columbia, Environment, Infrastructure, Energy, Governance]More than 50 fellows of the Royal Society of Canada published an open letter urging Parliament to make six significant amendments to Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. The 243-page bill aims to fast-track major energy and infrastructure projects by establishing a one-year review deadline and pre-approved regions of national interest, while amending over a dozen federal laws including those protecting species at risk, fisheries, and water quality. Scientists, including representatives from the University of British Columbia and Queen's University, warn that eliminating the five-year sunset clause from the original Building Canada Act (Bill C-5) and weakening environmental oversight could drive irreversible harm and species extinction, such as the endangered southern resident orca population. Federal ministers, including Dominic LeBlanc, defended the legislation before a special legislative committee, arguing that clearer timelines and robust oversight can coexist.
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Nova Scotia premier defends changing his stance on welcoming data centre proposals
Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-15 18:08:28.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Economy, Governance]Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has defended his policy reversal regarding the approval of data centre operations in the province. In June, Premier Houston stated that data centres would not be approved until major energy generation projects—such as the Wind West offshore wind farms—were completed to handle their high electricity demands. However, in late September, the premier softened his position, citing the federal government's new rules and focus on data sovereignty as the primary catalyst for becoming more open to considering high-tech data centre proposals.
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Liberal MP calls for more safeguards in new bill to fast-track development projects
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-07 22:35:17.0
Tags: [National, British Columbia, Infrastructure, Energy, Environment, Governance]Liberal MP Patrick Weiler publicly raised concerns in the House of Commons regarding Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, which grants the Carney government sweeping powers to fast-track major infrastructure projects like pipelines, mines, and ports within one year. Weiler flagged shortcomings including excessive ministerial discretion to exempt projects from environmental regulations, compressed timelines limiting Indigenous and public input, and provisions allowing preliminary construction before environmental assessments are complete. The legislation, overseen by Transport Minister and House Leader Steven MacKinnon, is being studied in the House of Commons via a rare legislative committee structure covering its more than 200 clauses. Environmental groups and labour unions have also pushed back against the bill, warning it threatens environmental protections, at-risk species like caribou, and labour standards.
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County of Grande Prairie issues data centre development permit near Sexsmith
Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-09-30 18:09:48.0
Tags: [Alberta, Municipal, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Governance]The County of Grande Prairie issued a development permit under its 2003 Land Use Bylaw for a new artificial intelligence data centre near Sexsmith in the Emerson Trail area, featuring five buildings measuring 80 by 180 feet and 15 make-up air generator accessory structures measuring eight by 20 feet. Following public pushback from residents regarding transparency and potential impacts on water, noise, and the environment, County Reeve Amanda McDonald announced that future data centre applications meeting right-zoning requirements will now be routed through the Municipal Planning Commission. The underlying land-use redesignation applications for the project site were submitted by Christopher Balderston (CEO of Ground Level Land Corp.), Pamela Balderston, and Ryan Curry (operating as RB Curry Auto Transport), placing the development within Ground Level's planned Redtail Business Park. Although the municipal development permit has been granted, the project remains subject to provincial regulatory agency requirements, such as obtaining an Alberta Energy license, which heavily restricts the municipality's jurisdiction over additional environmental and operational conditions.
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Speed over species? What experts are saying about Ottawa's new major projects bill
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-28 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Environment, Infrastructure, Energy, Resources, Governance]The federal government has tabled Bill C-39, titled the Building Canada Strong Act, containing over 300 clauses designed to expedite major project decisions to one year in response to U.S. economic pressures. The legislation amends more than a dozen federal statutes, including the Species at Risk Act, the Fisheries Act, the Impact Assessment Act, and the Labour Code, while permanently removing sunset clauses from the temporary powers established under Bill C-5. Critics, including the Sierra Club Canada Foundation, World Wildlife Fund Canada, and Ecojustice Canada, warn that the bill weakens environmental safeguards by allowing preliminary construction before impact assessments are completed and granting broad ministerial exemptions for sensitive water bodies and wildlife habitats.
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Could a single Maritime power grid make electricity more reliable?
Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-09-27 09:00:00.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Energy, Infrastructure, Governance]The premiers of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding in July to explore a regional road map for electricity transmission and the creation of a Maritime-wide Independent System Operator (ISO). The proposed non-profit entity would operate at arm's length from provincial governments and private utilities such as Nova Scotia Power, N.B. Power, and Maritime Electric to optimize cross-border resource sharing, renewable energy integration, and grid reliability by 2050. This regional cooperation follows Nova Scotia's establishment of its own provincial ISO last year and is supported by federal funding initiatives aimed at constructing new underwater transmission cables between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
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AFN chief warns Carney against 'abusing' majority to pass new major projects bill
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-22 18:30:50.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Labour, Indigenous, Governance]Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has warned Prime Minister Mark Carney against abusing majority government powers to pass Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. The legislation shifts project reviews for major infrastructure such as pipelines and power transmission lines from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator while also proposing amendments to the Canada Labour Code. The AFN chief criticized the federal government for limiting debate and consultations, stating that staff in the Alberta-based major projects office lack understanding of First Nations rights and demanding that leadership be permitted to bring forward legislative amendments.
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Liberals table bill to speed up major project approvals, avert labour disruptions
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-21 23:13:50.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Resources, Labour, Governance]Prime Minister Mark Carney's government tabled Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, to fast-track major project approvals, reduce federal review timelines to one year for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and six months for the Canada Energy Regulator and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and establish pre-approved economic zones of "national interest." The legislation transfers review responsibilities for pipelines and transmission lines from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator, and for nuclear projects to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Additionally, the bill amends the Canada Labour Code to mandate collective bargaining six months prior to agreement expiry under specific conditions, require federally mediated relationship repair work following work stoppages, and increase penalties for bad faith bargaining.
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Statement from the Premier on the Passage of the Churchill Falls Resolution
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-09-17 23:00:27.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Energy, Resources, Infrastructure, Indigenous, Governance]The Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly passed a resolution approving the Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement for Churchill Falls and Gull Island, following a four-day debate and review by the Independent Churchill River Review Committee. The agreement replaces the 1969 Churchill Falls Agreement, delivers $49 billion in present-day value ($273 billion in nominal cash flows) over its lifespan, and provides increased transmission access and power control. Premier Tony Wakeham announced that the province will advance the project in partnership with the Innu Nation to drive economic growth and job creation.
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Critics slam Newfoundland, Quebec power agreement as MLA leaves party
Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-09-14 21:06:40.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, National, Energy, Infrastructure, Governance]The Newfoundland and Labrador legislature opened a four-day debate on a tentative 50-year framework agreement with Hydro-Québec concerning Churchill Falls energy, valued at over $50 billion with $10 billion in federal financing from Prime Minister Mark Carney's government. The proposed energy arrangement involves divvy-ing up power from the 5,428-megawatt Churchill Falls generating station and developing a new 2,700-megawatt generating station at Gull Island on the Churchill River, targeting an estimated return of $49 billion for Newfoundland and Labrador. Amid heavy public protests outside the Confederation Building and criticism over abandoning a promised referendum, Progressive Conservative MLA Keith Russell left the governing caucus to sit as an Independent for his Labrador district.
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Province Announces Proposed Debate Structure for Special Sitting on New and Better Churchill Falls and Gull Island Agreement
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-09-10 14:50:46.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Energy, Resources, Governance, Infrastructure]The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the proposed rules and debate structure for a special four-day sitting of the House of Assembly, scheduled from September 14 to September 17, 2026. Members of the House will debate the Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement for Churchill Falls and Gull Island alongside related commitments from the Government of Canada. Over the first three days, MLAs will have access to more than 19 hours of direct questioning with negotiating teams, independent commercial and financial advisors, representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, oversight committee chairs, Natural Resources Canada officials, and a Member of Parliament, with no speaking-time limits on expert responses. The final day will feature dedicated 10-minute closing remarks for every Member prior to the legislative vote on the resolution.
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Government exempts interprovincial pipelines from review by impact assessment agency
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-09 21:44:12.0
Tags: [National, Energy, Environment, Infrastructure, Resources, Governance]The federal government published new regulations in the Canada Gazette exempting interprovincial and international pipelines, transmission lines, offshore renewable energy projects, specific oilsands extraction projects, and fossil fuel-fired power generating projects from environmental reviews by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. These projects will instead undergo environmental assessments solely through the Canada Energy Regulator to streamline regulatory approval processes. The changes follow the passage of Bill C-5 after the 2025 federal election and are designed to reduce up-front legal due diligence and regulatory costs for major energy investments.
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Resumption of the House of Assembly
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-09-09 13:40:54.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Energy, Infrastructure, Governance]Pursuant to Standing Order 8(7), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador advised the Speaker that the House of Assembly will reconvene on an extraordinary basis at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026. Members of the House of Assembly will debate and consider matters relating to a Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement involving Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Hydro-Québec, and Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation Limited. Proceedings will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed online.
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Public Advisory: Churchill Falls Engagement Now Open
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-09-04 16:45:31.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Energy, Governance, Infrastructure]The Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched an online portal on the engageNL website allowing residents to submit questions regarding the Churchill Falls Agreement. Submissions close on September 10, 2026, and will be used to inform discussions during a special sitting of the House of Assembly beginning on September 14, 2026.
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Saskatchewan Prioritizes Canadian Ownership and Sovereignty in New Data Centre Framework
Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-08-27 21:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Technology, Energy, Economy, Infrastructure, Governance]The Government of Saskatchewan has released a new Data Centre Framework establishing six key principles to guide future digital infrastructure investments, prioritize Canadian ownership, and protect data sovereignty. The framework mandates that project proponents supply their own power generation to avoid placing pressure on the provincial electricity grid or displacing export capacity. It follows Bell Canada's ongoing construction of a 300-megawatt data centre in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, representing up to $12 billion in economic activity, 1,600 jobs, and $720 million in provincial revenues, alongside an Indigenous partnership agreement signed with George Gordon First Nation. Currently, Saskatchewan has over 30 data centre project applications in the evaluation queue under this new centralized intake and assessment process.
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