December 19, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Liberals abandon goal of achieving net-zero grid by 2035

In a political news week where some headlines are buried beneath the noise, one stood out.

iPolitics is reporting that the federal Liberal government is scrapping their plan to be net zero by 2035.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault released the finalized version of the government’s highly-anticipated clean electricity regulations (CER) on Tuesday, which outline a plan to begin limiting emissions from the electricity sector in 2035, before reaching net-zero in 2050. The regulations were included in the fall economic statement.

Ottawa had received pushback from several provinces on its original timeline, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. According to government data, the CER are expected to cut 181 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector between 2024 and 2050, which the feds equate to taking more than 55 million cars off the road. In contrast, the draft regulations published last year expected to reduce emissions by 342 megatonnes over the same time period.

In a statement, Electricity Canada said, “The stringent CER regulations will create reliability and affordability challenges across Canada, particularly in provinces like Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.”

Earlier this year, former Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre announced Saskatchewan would not comply with the regulations under the Saskatchewan First Act. That commitment was reiterated on Wednesday by Crown Investments minister Jeremy Harrison.

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Trudeau says Liberals are family, ‘fight around the holidays’

The Prime Minister has had quite the week. A shocking public fallout with his second-in-command, his government announced a $62 billion deficit, and lost a Liberal-held seat to the Conservatives in a by-election. On top of that, Trudeau attended a Liberal Christmas Party Tuesday night in Ottawa.

Speaking at the Christmas party, Trudeau said "It hasn't been easy, and that's why I'm so happy to see you guys," comparing the Liberals to a "big family." "Like most families, sometimes we have fights around the holidays. But of course, like most families, we find our way through it."

Chrystia Freeland attended the holiday party and was “mobbed” by a crowd of supporters lining up to take selfies.

Global News reported that the Prime Minister has cancelled all year-end interviews. It is also reported that the Prime Minister will take the holidays to weigh his options about his future as more Liberal MPs publically call for his resignation.

Beck pledges unity, will work with Moe regarding US relations

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck is making the most of the legislative break so far.

Beck was joined by NDP MLAs Trent Wotherspoon and Jared Clarke to host officials from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) at the legislature. Topics discussed in the meeting apparently included healthcare, agriculture, public safety and policing, Municipal Revenue Sharing, and the need for infrastructure investment.

Beck also released a video statement on social media, calling for unity and committed to working with Premier Scott Moe in regards to US relations.

Beck said, “This is a time to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders, with industry right across this country and show a unified and strong message. Saskatchewan people are counting on us. It was with all of this in mind that today I wrote to Premier Scott Moe to offer our support towards any and all efforts that will be effective.”

Beck ended the video by saying all members of the caucus are ready to work to put the province first.

Premier Scott Moe was joined by Ministers Terry Jenson, Eric Schmalz, and Jim Reiter in a meeting with SUMA officials yesterday.

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Saskatoon Planning Commission hears plan for downtown

This week, the municipal planning commission heard proposals for Saskatoon’s proposed Downtown Event & Entertainment District.

In a memo to the commission from city administration, it was stated “Several related policy items and proposed bylaw amendments will be presented to the municipal planning commission for review and consideration as implementation progresses”

One of the projects calls for 22nd Street to be narrowed as part of the DEED, adding wider sidewalks, accessible drop-off locations and more landscaping. Plans to improve the downtown stretches of Idylwyld Drive and 23rd Street are also listed as ways to make the area easier to access.

The plan also highlights parks, landscapes and green spaces to revitalize the area. A permanent outdoor festival site is proposed for Friendship Park, including a main stage plaza, viewing areas, a multipurpose headquarters building, lower riparian gardens, a biofiltration demonstration garden, retention of the existing sculptures and memorials, a Link (BRT) station, an amphitheatre, “and much more,” the plan says. The plan notes the future importance of the Link transit project, saying a consistent bus system moving in and out of the city centre will be pivotal.

The city centre and district plan is based on a 10-year cycle; many projects are not expected to begin for eight or more years.

The project was unanimously approved in 2022. A full timeline of events leading up to the new downtown arena can be viewed here.

More news and info

• There are 88 new Order of Canada appointees. Here's a look at some of the most notable names, including Ryan Reynolds (CTV News)

• Trump reiterates many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state (Canadian Press)

• New Report Documents How AI “Schemes” To Mislead and Manipulate Human Users (Canadian Press)

• ‘Miscarriage of justice’: FSIN calls for appeal, new law in Kennedy case (CKOM News)