MLAs call on N.W.T. gov't to offer more support for residents facing high fuel costs

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Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-30 11:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Affordability, Energy, Governance]

The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a motion on Thursday, developed by the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, urging the territorial government to increase home heating subsidies and expand financial incentives for converting to energy-efficient alternative heating appliances. Driven by a global spike in heating oil prices following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, regular MLAs criticized current programs as insufficient given that roughly half of Northwest Territories households rely on diesel as their primary heat source. Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek noted the timing aligns with the upcoming territorial budget cycle and acknowledged gaps in existing wood pellet conversion and senior heating subsidy programs, while pointing out that public housing and income assistance clients already receive full heating coverage. The territorial government now has 120 days to formally respond to the motion.

Canada welcomes EU leaders to Montreal for talks on next steps in relationship

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 11:47:19.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Economy, Technology, Energy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders in Montreal for bilateral talks aimed at forging closer strategic and economic ties. While full European Union membership is off the table, officials are negotiating an "alliance for the future" partnership focused on business, technology, clean energy, and critical minerals. The high-level summit has also sparked domestic political tension, with Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pressing the federal government to secure a speaking role at the event.

Yukon gov't not swayed by petition to demand investigation into power utilities' billing practices

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-29 01:44:22.0
Tags: [National, Energy, Affordability, Governance]

Yukon Energy Minister Ted Laking has declined an opposition petition urging the government to use Section 18 of the Public Utilities Act to order the Yukon Utilities Board to investigate ATCO Electric Yukon and the Yukon Energy Corporation over billing discrepancies. The petition, signed by 1,101 people and tabled by NDP justice critic Carmen Gustafson, called for an independent probe into billing practices between July 2025 and July 2026 following months of customer complaints related to a 2023 billing system transition. Instead of a regulator-led investigation funded by taxpayers, the territorial government previously directed ATCO Electric Yukon to hire its own independent third-party auditor to investigate the billing issues.

B.C. North Coast tanker ban to remain in place after Liberals vote down Tory bill

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 22:56:24.0
Tags: [National, British Columbia, Alberta, Energy, Resources, Transportation]

The federal Liberal government voted down Conservative Bill C-264 in the House of Commons, maintaining the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act that prohibits crude oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tonnes along British Columbia's North Coast. The defeated private-member bill aimed to repeal the tanker ban to support a private-sector proposal by Calgary-based Strathcona Resources to ship up to 250,000 barrels of Canadian oil daily via rail through Prince Rupert, B.C. Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal government and the British Columbia government previously struck a deal to keep the ban in place, routing a separate proposed pipeline project south to comply with the moratorium.

N.W.T. minister says territory has few choices when it comes to ending net metering

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-28 00:20:19.0
Tags: [National, Energy, Environment, Governance]

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation and Naka Power are petitioning the Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board to replace the current net metering system for independent solar power producers with a net billing model. Under the proposed structure, self-generators sending excess power to the grid would receive bill credits instead of a direct 1-to-1 compensation model, a change prompted by territorial government policy directives aimed at addressing projected annual utility net revenue losses estimated between $1.8 million and $2.7 million by 2030. Industry representatives like Mitch Dentinger of N.W.T. Solar Solutions Ltd. argue that the transition will reduce the financial viability of future residential solar installations and diminish environmental benefits.

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.

Saskatchewan Calls for Greater Access to Global Energy Markets and the End to the Tanker Ban

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-27 02:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, National, Energy, Trade, Resources, Economy]

The Government of Saskatchewan has officially announced its support for Bill C-264, introduced by the Conservative Party of Canada, which calls on the federal government to end the marine oil tanker ban on the north coast of British Columbia. Premier Scott Moe and Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry stated that removing this legislative barrier would increase Western Canadian energy export capacity, diversify trade toward Asian markets, reduce transit times and shipping costs, and help narrow the price discount for Western Canadian Select heavy oil.

Poilievre asks Carney to repeal B.C.’s oil tanker ban

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 15:01:23.0
Tags: [National, British Columbia, Alberta, Energy, Resources, Trade]

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and several opposition MPs signed a letter urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to repeal the federal oil tanker ban on British Columbia's northern coast as a federal Tory bill goes to second reading. The proposed repeal aims to advance a project by Calgary-based Strathcona Resources to ship up to 250,000 barrels of Canadian oil per day via existing railroad tracks through Prince Rupert, B.C., across the Pacific Ocean. The push challenges an agreement signed in July by Prime Minister Mark Carney and former B.C. Premier David Eby committing Ottawa to maintain the north coast tanker ban without alteration.

Minister to Yukon gov’t corporations: no more coal

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-26 11:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Energy, Environment, Mining, Governance]

Yukon Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ted Laking issued a directive to the Yukon Energy Corporation and the Yukon Development Corporation prohibiting them from pursuing or considering coal-fired power projects. The directive coincided with an opposition motion brought by NDP MLA Carmen Gustafson, which urged the territorial government to direct the Yukon Utilities Board under section 17 of the Public Utilities Act to reject any applications for energy projects using coal. The political debate was prompted by Vancouver-based Strategic Metals proposing a coal exploration project near Braeburn, Yukon, and evaluating coal-fired power generation despite the federal government's mandate to phase out coal-fired power by 2030.

Minister directs Yukon gov’t corporations not to mull over coal-fired power projects

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-26 11:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Energy, Environment, Mining, Governance]

Yukon Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ted Laking issued a directive instructing the Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon Energy Corporation to refrain from pursuing or considering coal-fired power generation projects. The ministerial directive coincides with an opposition motion brought by NDP MLA Carmen Gustafson, which urged the territorial government to direct the Yukon Utilities Board under section 17 of the Public Utilities Act to reject any applications for energy projects using coal. The debate highlights ongoing friction surrounding Vancouver-based Strategic Metals' coal exploration project near Braeburn, Yukon, and its potential application for power generation despite federal plans to phase out coal-fired power by 2030.

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.

Cuban ambassadors ask Canada to renew rejection of U.S. embargo and fuel blockade

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-24 11:37:47.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Energy]

Cuban Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz has urged Ottawa to maintain its public opposition to the U.S. economic embargo and de facto fuel blockade against Cuba ahead of an upcoming United Nations vote. Global Affairs Canada stated that its voting position on the UN motion is currently under review, while noting ongoing concerns regarding political and economic rights in Cuba. The policy dynamic is further influenced by U.S. pressure campaigns and retaliatory threats targeting nations that support the UN resolution, alongside unresolved payment arrears affecting Canadian firms such as National Bank, Sherritt, and Royalton.

Carney defends doing business with countries that don’t share Canada’s values

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 10:43:04.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Energy, Economy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a visit to Turkey by signing a new strategic trade and defence partnership with President Recep Erdogan, despite criticisms regarding human rights abuses and the suppression of political opposition in Turkey. The bilateral discussions included potential contracts for Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis to supply nuclear technology for two planned power plants aimed at helping Turkey reach its climate goals. Additionally, Prime Minister Carney pushed back against allegations of Canadian interference in upcoming U.S. midterm elections after the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released an official fact sheet accusing Canadian leaders of meddling.

Ottawa ‘not responsible’ for regulating AI data centre electricity use: minister

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-22 17:21:43.0
Tags: [National, Nova Scotia, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure]

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon stated before the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology that the federal government is not responsible for regulating electricity usage by AI data centres, noting that power regulation falls under provincial jurisdiction. Solomon revealed that the federal government has received over 160 proposals for data centre developments and signed memorandums of understanding with approximately four companies. The discussion highlighted a specific $10-billion AI data centre project in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, being developed by EverWind Fuels with a 20-year lease signed by U.S. AI firm Anthropic, which is slated to draw 95 megawatts in its first phase and expand to 420 megawatts by mid-2028.

'Let's do it right': N.W.T. downstream leaders and advocates on Alta. oilsands tailings release

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-22 17:08:09.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Environment, Energy, Resources, Indigenous]

Indigenous communities, advocacy groups like Alternatives North, and downstream leaders in the Northwest Territories are calling on federal and territorial governments to review Suncor's proposed oilsands tailings release into the Athabasca River system. Critics cite major scientific data gaps, potential health risks to communities dependent on municipal supplies from Lake Athabasca and Great Slave Lake, and the inadequacy of the 2015 N.W.T.-Alberta Bilateral Water Management Agreement. N.W.T. Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald stated that the territory opposes the treat-and-release plan until scientific uncertainties are resolved, though primary regulatory authority rests with the federal government and the Alberta Energy Regulator.

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.

Carney lands in Turkey for meetings with Erdogan, business leaders

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-22 12:12:49.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Energy, Resources, Governance]

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Ankara, Turkey, for a three-day official bilateral visit alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson to deepen political, energy, and economic ties. Canada and Turkey currently engage in approximately $4 billion in annual trade and formally launched negotiations for a free-trade agreement on the sidelines of the NATO summit earlier in the year. The delegation's talks focus on diversifying trade beyond the United States and securing global investors for infrastructure and energy projects, following meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and business leaders in Istanbul.

Carney announces trade and defence partnership with Turkey

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-22 11:44:34.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Energy, Economy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new strategic partnership between Canada and Turkey focused on four pillars: trade and investment, defence and security, energy, and people-to-people ties. Negotiators are scheduled to begin free trade talks in Ankara next month, alongside discussions regarding a defence industry cooperation agreement and potential nuclear energy sector investments involving Canada's Candu nuclear team. The bilateral initiative also includes plans to finalize an air transport agreement to increase passenger flights between the two countries, despite human rights concerns raised by advocacy groups regarding Turkey's crackdown on civil society.

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.

Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney Launch New Action Plan to Protect Workers from Tariffs and Strengthen Ontario Industries

Source: Ontario - Premier's Office
Date: 2026-10-21 19:30:00.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Economy, Trade, Labour, Industry, Infrastructure, Mining, Energy]

The Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada announced a combined $8.7 billion action plan to protect workers and industries from U.S. tariffs. The package includes the Joint Steel Action Fund with $3.55 billion from the federal government and $1.67 billion from Ontario, an additional $2.5 billion over two years for large-scale automotive capital projects (up to $1.5 billion federal and $1 billion provincial), and a federal commitment of up to $1 billion over three years for essential road infrastructure in Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire region. Additionally, light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas regulations will be maintained at 2026 levels (172 grams per mile) through 2029 to provide trade-related relief to the automotive sector.