Top news
- The federal cabinet met in Charlottetown, PEI, for a retreat with the newly shuffled cabinet. The issue that dominated discussion was housing which, the Prime Minister acknowledged is a crisis. While the ministers heard from experts about improving the housing situation, there were no new announcements at the retreat.
- While no new housing policies were announced, the government has indicated it is considering what it can do. Minister Sean Fraser, the new lead on housing issues, suggested this week that the government will consider whether a cap on international students would make a difference.
- Also focused on housing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on the government to recall Parliament so that MPs could immeidately start working on initiatives to improve the housing market. The government has rejected the proposal.
- Several weeks of discussion with opposition parties have yet to produce an agreement on a public inquiry into foreign interference. Minister LeBlanc said this week the government has been discussing with sitting judges to identify a candidate to lead an inquiry.
- The federal government approved the Province of BC’s Request for Assistance with the authorization of the Canadian Armed Forces and several other agencies and departments to provide additional assistance in the province as it deals with wildfires.
Government announcements
- The CRTC announced plans for a public consultation on implementing the Online News Act this fall. Following consultation the CRTC will publish the bargaining framework for negotiations between major internet platforms and Canadian media outlets and recruit arbitrators by next summer with the mandatory bargaining negotiations starting late 2024 or early 2025.
- Minister Ng announced Canada is filing for judicial review of the US government’s softwood lumber duties after a recent US review reaffirmed the American duties.
- The government indicated that it intends to participate in the CUSMA dispute settlement proceedings brought by the US against Mexico’s ban of use of genetically engineered corn in products such as tortillas. The Canadian government shares the US concerns that the ban violates Mexico’s CUSMA commitments.
- The Canadian government committed $200M to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund. This was the first contribution to the new fund, which is meant to support developing countries’ efforts to protect biodiversity while growing their economies.
- Minister Joly announced that Canada has appointed Natalka Cmoc as its new ambassador to Ukraine.
Economic numbers of the week
- 0.1%: Retail sales increased by 0.1% in June as growth in motor vehicle sales was mostly offset by declines in other categories.
Coming Up
- The Conservative Party of Canada will hold its Convention 2023 in Quebec City from September 7-9.
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