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24 Sussex reno drive nears $6M, unveils fundraising 'council'
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 16:53:53.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Governance]The fundraising campaign to restore the uninhabitable official prime ministerial residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa has neared $6 million, backed by over 4,000 donations toward a $50 million goal managed by the Rideau Hall Foundation. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the crowdfunded project in June, which excludes corporate and anonymous donations and requires a public donor list. The Rideau Hall Foundation established a 23-member "Council for 24 Sussex"—including gardener Mark Cullen, eyewear founder Roger Hardy, and investor Deanna Zumwalt—to promote further donations. The federal government initiated a procurement process for the rehabilitation project, aiming to select seven finalists in a national design competition before awarding a design and construction contract by the fall of 2027.
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24 Sussex restoration campaign secures $5.7M as public appeal launches
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 13:35:58.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Governance]The Rideau Hall Foundation has launched a public fundraising campaign to secure $50 million toward the restoration of 24 Sussex Drive, announcing that $5.7 million has already been raised through more than 4,000 contributions. The campaign is part of a broader federal plan introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney utilizing a national design-and-build competition to overhaul the vacant 35-room prime ministerial residence, which has been empty since 2015 due to severe structural damage, rodent infestations, and electrical issues. While the National Capital Commission originally estimated restoration costs at approximately $37 million in 2022, total expenses are now projected to exceed $100 million, with ongoing vacant property maintenance costing taxpayers roughly $150,000 annually. The Rideau Hall Foundation also established the Council for 24 Sussex, a group of philanthropic volunteers, and expects to announce the winning architectural proposal by Canada Day.
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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-first ministers' meeting brings funding announcements and mixed reviews
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 22:37:54.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Finance, Infrastructure, Emergency, Governance]Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the first Indigenous-focused first ministers' meeting in over two decades in Ottawa alongside the Assembly of First Nations, led by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. Carney announced proposed federal funding ahead of the Nov. 5 budget, including more than $2.5 billion over five years for emergency preparedness in First Nations communities and more than $630 million over four years for First Nations and Inuit policing. Additionally, Carney committed to exploring the reform or abolition of the 1876 Indian Act and instructed his finance minister to collaborate with First Nations on new revenue-sharing mechanisms, such as a potential sovereign wealth fund.
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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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A ‘reset’ or ‘one and done’? First Nations and first ministers set to hold historic meeting
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-25 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance, Infrastructure, Resources, Mining]The Assembly of First Nations, led by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and Canadian first ministers are holding a historic, closed-door First Ministers' Meeting in Ottawa to redefine relations, discuss infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development, and address major project involvement. Notable absences include the premiers of Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, while several Indigenous leaders have expressed skepticism over meeting formats, speech restrictions, and stalled federal Indigenous legislation under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The federal government, through the Privy Council Office and Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, plans to announce new community supports during the one-day conference.
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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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Carney appoints astronaut Jeremy Hansen to advise government on new space strategy
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-21 22:01:14.0
Tags: [National, Technology, Infrastructure, Defence, Trade, Governance]Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen as a special adviser on space strategy to counsel the Prime Minister and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly on national sovereignty, security, and global contributions. The appointment coincides with Canada shifting its space partnerships toward the European Space Agency and away from American private firm SpaceX, drawing commentary from U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. Additionally, Defence Minister David McGuinty announced a $20-million agreement for a space launch complex in southern Newfoundland to ensure independent and reliable orbital access during geopolitical tensions.
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Carney government has no launch date planned for proposed sovereign wealth fund
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-21 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Economy, Finance, Infrastructure, Industry, Governance]Nearly six months after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to create the Canada Strong Fund—a proposed national sovereign wealth fund backed by $25 billion in seed funding over three years—the federal government has yet to establish a launch date or finalize its operational details. Administered as an arm's-length Crown corporation, the fund is intended to invest domestically in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology alongside private investors, while introducing a retail investment product for ordinary Canadians. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office indicated that a significant update, including leadership announcements and mandate reviews to prevent overlap with existing entities like the Canada Growth Fund and Canada Infrastructure Bank, will be provided in the upcoming fall budget.
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C-37 (45-1) - First Nations Clean Water Act
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-09 13:20:48.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Infrastructure, Environment, Governance]Bill C-37, titled the First Nations Clean Water Act and introduced by the Minister of Indigenous Services, has completed second reading and was referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on October 9, 2026. The legislation establishes a comprehensive federal framework regarding water, source water, drinking water, wastewater, and related infrastructure on First Nation lands. The bill builds upon previous class-action litigation settlements concerning safe drinking water in First Nations communities and is accompanied by a historic funding commitment and a departmental Charter Statement tabled on September 25, 2026.
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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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Defence minister delivers pro-Canada message in Alberta, highlights $8B in funding
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-07 19:50:14.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Defence, Infrastructure, Governance]Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty announced $8 billion in ongoing military spending for Alberta during a visit to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The funding package includes $550 million dedicated to establishing the western operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force's CC-330 Husky fleet. The announcement coincides with an upcoming provincial referendum in Alberta featuring questions regarding Confederation and future relations with the federal government.
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Immigration, high-speed rail and Bill 21: Where new PQ government could test Ottawa
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-07 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Immigration, Infrastructure, Transportation, Justice, Finance, Governance]Following the Parti Québécois' provincial election victory, Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon faces key policy friction points with Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal government. The PQ intends to seek full provincial control over immigration to reduce permanent immigrants to 35,000 and halve temporary immigration quotas, oppose the federal high-speed rail project connecting Toronto to Quebec City via Montreal, and seek $4.4 billion in additional federal transfers. Additionally, the new government plans to challenge federal authority by taking steps to abolish the monarchy in Quebec and cut funding to the lieutenant-governor's office, while awaiting a crucial Supreme Court of Canada ruling on Bill 21.
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Ottawa gives defence buying agency more muscle — and more independence
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-06 21:31:19.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Governance, Economy, Infrastructure]The federal government tabled Bill C-40 in the House of Commons to transform the Defence Investment Agency from an entity within Public Services and Procurement Canada into an independent Crown corporation with its own board, CEO, and permanent structure. The newly structured agency will report to an associate minister of defence and is empowered to negotiate complex procurement contracts, engage in defence production, and invest in strategic industries to accelerate military purchases. Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr and Defence Minister David McGuinty stated the changes are designed to handle an expected historic defence spending surge projected by the Parliamentary Budget Office to reach over $163 billion annually by 2035. Critics, including federal Conservative defence critic James Bezan and Carleton University defence expert Philippe Lagassé, raised concerns that the arm's-length structure could obscure parliamentary accountability and lead to institutional finger-pointing regarding procurement decisions.
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Renewing Joint Municipal Infrastructure Funding Supports a Strong Saskatchewan
Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-06 21:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Saskatchewan, Municipal, Infrastructure, Finance, Governance]Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz, alongside municipal leaders from Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Swift Current, North Battleford, Yorkton, Weyburn, Lloydminster, SARM, SUMA, and New North, are traveling to Ottawa on October 6 and 7, 2026, to lobby federal leaders for greater flexibility in cost-shared infrastructure funding. The delegation is advocating for broader project scopes compared to current programs, referencing past initiatives like the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program, which previously invested more than $2 billion across 460 municipal projects in the province. Discussions also encompass ongoing negotiations regarding the administration of the Provincial-Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund.
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Premier to table fall capital budget as Yukon MLAs reconvene
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-05 11:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Governance, Infrastructure, Public Safety]Yukon Premier Currie Dixon is scheduled to table the fall capital budget, a fiscal and economic outlook, and a new firearms act as the Yukon Legislative Assembly begins its fall sitting on Monday. The Finance Department also announced an upcoming update regarding $100 million in previously voted contingency spending set aside for emergencies and unforeseen expenses. Meanwhile, funding for major health and energy infrastructure projects remains contingent on federal contributions.
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Expect mini capital budget alongside firearms act this fall, Yukon premier says
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-09-29 15:05:02.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Infrastructure, Governance, Public Safety]Yukon Premier and Finance Minister Currie Dixon announced that the Yukon Legislative Assembly will sit on October 5, 2026, to debate a mini capital budget, a supplementary budget, and the territorial fiscal and economic outlook. The upcoming budgetary process aims to address the territory's nearly $82-million deficit through the Responsible Spending Initiative, as well as tackle debt limits and capital planning to better align construction projects with the building season. Additionally, the government plans to table a territorial firearms act and continue discussions with the federal government regarding an increase to the territory's borrowing limit from $1.2 billion to $3 billion and solutions for the isolated electricity grid.
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Canada led a 2022 deal to protect the world's nature. Has there been progress since then?
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-29 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Environment, Climate, Resources, Infrastructure, Governance]Following the 2022 UN COP15 biodiversity conference in Montreal where Canada helped broker a global agreement to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030, a new assessment reveals current commitments will likely achieve only 27 per cent of terrestrial and 12 per cent of marine protection. International biodiversity financing for developing nations currently stands at $1.1 billion US annually against the agreed $30 billion US target. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal government introduced Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, to fast-track environmental reviews and major resource projects, drawing criticism from environmental groups such as Greenpeace Canada and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society regarding potential conflicts with domestic climate goals.
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Yukon gov't picks site for new Whitehorse Elementary School, again
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-09-28 22:40:53.0
Tags: [National, Education, Infrastructure, Governance]Yukon Education Minister Scott Kent announced a new site near the Valleyview neighbourhood and the Canada Games Centre for the replacement of the École Whitehorse Elementary School. The previous territorial government under the Liberals had selected a site in the Takhini neighbourhood in 2024, which was subsequently halted by the Yukon Party government following public pushback over traffic and consultation. The new facility is designed to accommodate up to 600 students and 55 staff, while the existing 1950s downtown school building remains operational during development. Additionally, the Yukon government is rezoning an alternate site near Kopper King as a backup option in the event that required municipal approvals for the Valleyview site are not granted.
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