Top news
- The federal government released draft clean electricity regulations on Wednesday. The regulations require the future investments in the electrical grid are directed towards clean energy sources that will advance the goal of having a fully Net Zero grid. The regulations drew criticism from several provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The provinces were also critical of comment from Minister Wilkinson that federal grants and tax credits for electricity projects would be tied to a province’s commitment to the adopting the federal target of Net Zero grids by 2035.
- Minister Boissonnault announced the launch of the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This new pilot program will streamline the application process for repeat employers of TFWs who have a track record of compliance with the requirements of the program.
- Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism released a statement noting it had detected an information campaign targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong on the WeChat platform. The statement said it was highly probable that the government of China was behind the attack. This statement comes as the government and opposition parties continue to discuss the creation of a independent public inquiry on foreign interference.
- The Conservative Party launched a new ad campaign with three ads featuring Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The party is reportedly planning to spend $3 million on this ad campaign.
Government announcements
- Minister Wilkinson opened a call for expression of interest for three programs that support competition and innovation in the Canadian forestry industry with new funding available under the IFIT Program, GCWood Program, and the CWFC Forest Innovation Program.
- This week the Canadian government has imposed new sanctions on individuals regarding the situation in Lebanon, Belarus and Iran.
- Minister Khera announced funding for 131 accessibility projects across Canada under the Enabling Accessibility Fund.
Economic numbers of the week
- $3.7 billion: Canada’s trade deficit rose to $3.7 billion in June up from $2.7 billion the month before as exports declined by 2.2% and imports dropped by 0.5%.
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