The Weekly Roundup - October 5, 2023
In advance of the Thanksgiving long weekend, the governing Liberals and opposition Conservatives are attempting to get back to messages that will resonate with the general electorate regarding affordability and bringing down grocery prices.
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne presented an update today on his efforts to work with grocery chains and food processors to stabilize food prices in the short term. As Canadians head to the grocery store to stock up on staples, a new quality-of-life report from the Calgary Foundation shows that residents of the city are trying to do more with less, with 29 per cent unable to afford healthy food and 60 per cent serving smaller portions to their families. These pocketbook issues are having a real impact on the day-to-day lives of Canadians, and efforts to bring inflation, including grocery store prices, in line is an urgent and top of mind issue.
Frankly, it’s also a relief to have a sense of normalcy in the debates of the House of Commons following a tumultuous start to the fall sitting. Between the explosive allegations made of the Indian government regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and the disgrace of a former Nazi soldier being honoured in the Chamber, federal politics is in desperate need of a reset to focusing on the topics that matter to Canadians, including affordability and housing. MPs are off for a constituency week back in their ridings next week, and it's expected that matters of affordability and the economy will prevail when they return on the 16th.
The halls of power in Canada’s political institutions are more reflective of the diversity of our country than they were at the start of the week. Manitoba’s general election saw Wab Kinew’s NDP party win 34 seats, with Kinew set to become the country’s first First Nations provincial premier. Following the resignation of House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, Greg Fergus was elected as the first Person of Colour to hold the position in Parliament.
Below, you’ll find the other top stories of the week.
1. A large delegation from Alberta was in Ottawa this week to bring their message of “One Alberta, One Canada” to the national stage. Many of the large players from Alberta continue to sing from the same song sheet as Danielle Smith’s government that a2035 timeline for clean electricity regulations is not realistic, instead pushing for a 2050 timeline.
2. In addition to the large delegation descending on Wellington Street, the Government of Alberta’s messaging regarding clean electricity regulations has coalesced in a slick ad campaign aimed at Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The argument for a longer timeline has also recently been supported by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).
3. A judgment will be rendered on Friday, October 13th in Alberta's appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada regarding the federal government's environmental assessment legislation, called by former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney the "no more pipelines act".
4. An event centre deal to replace the Saddledome has officially been signed by the City of Calgary, Government of Alberta and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, with construction set to begin next year on the nearly $1.2 billion project and fans anticipated to take their new seats for Flames games in 2027.
Upcoming Events Calendar
October 30, 2023: Alberta Speech from the Throne and start of fall session
November 3-4, 2023: UCP Annual General Meeting