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From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Subject: Fwd: Methinks King has been reading my emails to Ford et al N'esy Pas?
To: <info@libertarian.on.ca>, <ontariomoderate@gmail.com>, <info@ontarioparty.ca>, <lionelwaynepoizner@gmail.com>, <info@ppont.ca>, <info@progressontario.org>, <stopthenewsexedagenda@gmail.com>, <ontariocentristparty@gmail.com>, <info@ontario-alliance.ca>, <jjod2020@outlook.com>, <northernontarioparty@hotmail.com>, <info@nota.ca>, <info@newblueontario.com>, <feedback@freedomparty.on.ca>, <peter.house@electoralreformparty.ca>, <info@communistpartyontario.ca>, <canadianschoice@gmail.com>
From: Ontario NDP <info@ontariondp.ca>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks King has been reading my emails to Ford et al N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
(le français suit)
Hello;
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Bonjour,
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Nous espérons que les informations fournies ci-dessus vous aideront à répondre à vos préoccupations et vous permettront de prendre des mesures immédiates pour obtenir de l’aide.
Cordialement,
L'équipe du NPD de l'Ontario
From: Premier <PREMIER@novascotia.ca>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
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Thank you,
The Premier’s Correspondence Team
From: Premier of Manitoba <premier@manitoba.ca>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Subject: Premier’s Automatic Acknowledgment
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
On behalf of The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, we would like to acknowledge the receipt of your email. Please note that this is an automated response to let you know that your email has been received.
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Au nom de Wab Kinew, premier ministre du Manitoba, nous accusons réception de votre courriel. Veuillez noter qu’il s’agit d’un message automatique qui confirme que nous avons bien reçu votre message.
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From: Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
This is to acknowledge that your email has been received by the Office of the Premier.
We appreciate the time you have taken to write.
NOTICE: This e-mail was intended for a specific person. If it has reached you by mistake, please delete it and advise me by return e-mail. Any privilege associated with this information is not waived. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.
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Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks King has been reading my emails to Ford et al N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
The
Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Subject: Automatic Reply
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.
We do not respond to correspondence that contains offensive language.
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Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Arif Virani, ministre de la Justice et procureur
général du Canada.
En raison du volume de correspondance adressée au ministre, veuillez
prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de
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Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Subject: Methinks King has been reading my emails to Ford et al N'esy Pas?
To: <info@on.ndp.ca>, Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Cc: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>, <Kory@rubiconstrategy.com>, washington field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, Sean.Fraser <Sean.Fraser@parl.gc.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Donald Trump Jr. <donjr@email.donjr.com>
Dennis King steps down as Prince Edward Island's premier after nearly 6 years in the job
New interim leader and premier to be chosen 'in the hours ahead,' King says
Dennis King says he is stepping down as the premier of Prince Edward Island, calling the job he has held for nearly six years "a privilege and an honour of a lifetime."
The Progressive Conservative politician, who's 53, made the announcement during a news conference Thursday afternoon, with members of his cabinet standing in a line behind him. He is also stepping down as leader of the PC Party and as MLA for the district of Brackley-Hunter River, with all the resignations effective at 1 p.m. on Friday.
In response to a question from a reporter, King also said he did not intend to ever seek elected office again, and specifically ruled out running federally.
King told the media that he decided to leave politics after a long conversation with his family over the holidays, noting that he struggled with the decision.
P.E.I. premier resigns from ‘the most difficult job a person can do’"I've felt for a while… that I had more runway behind me than I had in front of me," he said, adding: "My health is fine, I'm doing very well."
King cited the recent fight against U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, saying the political issues at play are not simple ones. He said it was best for him to hand the baton of leadership to someone who can take the provincial government further.
He acknowledged that his government has faced many challenges, from hurricanes and potato industry disruptions to the difficult decisions about public safety measures that had to be made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a population of about 180,000, Prince Edward Island has an intimate political culture that means politicians are expected to answer questions about their actions on that kind of tough issue when they meet voters in the grocery store, in church, and at weddings and funerals.
But all in all, King said: "There have been more positives than negatives over the last six years."
"Leadership is more than just one person,' says Premier Dennis King as he resigns Thursday, Feb 20. (Kerry Campbell/CBC)
King became emotional, his voice cracking, when speaking about the toll the job of premier took on his family, including his children and his wife, Jana Hemphill.
"My wife and kids have lost almost every faceoff due to the demands of this job," said King, who's known for using hockey metaphors in his public statements.
To his children, he said: "You've had to share a dad with thousands of Islanders…. But you always did so with a smile."
King said an interim leader and premier would be chosen by the Progressive Conservative caucus and party executive members "in the hours ahead."
Popularity remained high
Before becoming P.E.I.'s 33rd premier, King had already been around politics for a long time. The native of Georgetown in eastern P.E.I. had previously been a political commentator and director of communications in former premier Pat Binns's office, while holding down a sideline as a storyteller.
Dennis King reacts on the night his Progressive Conservatives won the 2019 P.E.I. election. (Brian McInnis/CBC)
He won the P.E.I. Progressive Conservative leadership in February 2019. The PCs later earned a minority government in a provincial election in April that year, before a byelection gave them a slim majority.
Islanders gave the King government a second term, this time with a majority, in a provincial vote in 2023.
King is stepping down at a time when his popularity is still relatively high in comparison to most Canadian premiers.
The most recent Narrative Research data last November suggested that King was Islanders' preferred choice for premier at 40 per cent of those polled.
"In our over 25-year history of tracking on the Island, we see King having enjoyed the highest level of government satisfaction recorded. Despite notable drops in satisfaction over the last two years amid public health-care concerns, the performance of Premier King's government has since rebounded," Margaret Brigley, Narrative Research CEO and partner, said in a news release at the time of the poll's release.
'It takes its toll'
King said Thursday that being premier is the "most difficult job a person can do because of the public nature" of the job.
"If you help 75 per cent of the people, it's an amazing feat, but there's 25 per cent that don't get helped, and in P.E.I. you know who they are — they're probably your neighbour, they're probably your friend, and that brings with it a tremendous toll of responsibility and burden," he said.
"There were days that, like many Islanders, I found it hard to get out of bed because I was tired and stressed… and going through many mental-health challenges. And then my family went through all of that, and it takes its toll."
'I gave you my very best'
King was flanked by his cabinet at Thursday's news conference, and said he's been "blessed with just incredible, selfless, dedicated members of staff."
Dennis King hugs members of caucus goodbye after his resignation Thursday afternoon. (Kerry Campbell/CBC)
He also thanked his constituents in District 15, Brackley-Hunter River, and all Islanders.
"It has been a privilege and an honour of a lifetime," he said.
"You gave me your trust and I gave you my very best."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Amos
Content Deactivated
The trip comes just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced punishing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum — with the threat of more tariffs looming.
"Sometimes in politics and business, you have to deal with shifting sand, but this is like quicksand under our feet," King told CBC News of the political and economic uncertainty levied by Trump.
"The rules just keep changing, and I think it's frustrating for many of the politicians that we're speaking to south of the border."
King and other premiers hit Washington hoping to open Americans' eyes to 'quicksand' of tariff fallout
'It's going to cost them more to live every day,' says P.E.I. premier
Prince Edward Island's premier says Canada's ongoing trade dispute with the United States will ultimately lead to a higher cost of living for people on both sides of the border.
Dennis King was in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, along with other Canadian premiers, to talk with leaders in the U.S. about the strained trade relationship between the two countries.
The trip comes just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced punishing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum — with the threat of more tariffs looming.
"Sometimes in politics and business, you have to deal with shifting sand, but this is like quicksand under our feet," King told CBC News of the political and economic uncertainty levied by Trump.
"The rules just keep changing, and I think it's frustrating for many of the politicians that we're speaking to south of the border."
At the moment, the U.S. is threatening two actions:
- An economy-wide 25 per cent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico has been paused until March 4 as the Trump administration works on border-security deals with both countries.
- A tariff of 25 per cent on steel and aluminum imported into the U.S. from anywhere in the world is set to start March 12. On Tuesday night, Trump said the Canada-wide tariff would be bundled on top of the other 25 per cent tariff for aluminum and steel products.
Meanwhile, Trump is threatening even more tariffs for a variety of reasons, including on automobiles.
U.S.
President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order on aluminum
tariffs this week, alongside his point man on tariffs, Commerce
Secretary Howard Lutnick. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
The U.S. is deeply reliant on Canadian aluminum, in particular, and critics of the tariffs say they will merely punish U.S. companies importing a product they will need for the foreseeable future.
King said that punishment will ultimately be passed along to consumers.
"At the end of the day, it's what the consumer pays at the grocery store, what they pay for their electric bill that's going to really be the defining factor in this," he said.
"I think Americans will begin to see that the tariffs mean it's going to cost them more to live every day, and I don't think that's what they signed up for in November when they chose the path they have."
51st state idea 'wrong-headed'
Taken together, Trump's proposed tariffs are so punitive that many question whether the president's threats are real or merely leverage for negotiations to get the best terms on a new three-way trade deal involving the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Trudeau says Trump’s comments about absorbing Canada are seriousAdding fuel to the fire, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was recently heard on a hot mic telling business leaders at the Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto that Trump's threat to annex Canada as a 51st American state "is a real thing" motivated by a desire to tap into this country's critical minerals.
"Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing," Trudeau said, before a microphone cut out at the start of the closed-door meeting.
King said Tuesday he was "offended" at the notion of annexation.
"I think it's short-sighted and… wrong-headed. We're going to stand up for ourselves, and our best relationship with the United States is one that's fair on both sides of the border," he said.
"We can't be kicked around for too long. I think we're going to kick back."
With files from Kate McKenna
Skyler José
Who did they meet with?
Eileen Kinley
Reply to Skyler José
I just heard a clip on radio that at least some of the meeting/speeches where to groups that are already against the tariffs, and in some cases the crowd was mostly Canadians.
George Finn
Reply to Eileen Kinley
so a waste of money and time for our leaders to be making trips to the US. what do they think to accomplish?
Eileen Kinley
Reply to George Finn
At this point I tend to agree that it is likely a waste of time.
George Finn
Reply to Eileen Kinley
by going to the US and pestering them will only encourage the same rhetoric. I'm disappointed in our leaders for not using common sense. To be honest I feel that they already knew this (people are not that slow witted) and jumped at the chance for a road trip. Bet they even indulged in libations and some outlet shopping.
George Finn
I'm completely frustrated with King and his people making trips to Washington. To what end?? It's a complete waste of time knowing that it's impossible to negotiate with Trump when he's clearly has shown it will only make matters worse with Canada by trying to appease.
anyone with any inkling of common sense knows that's it's a complete waste of time to try and convince Trumps and his underlings that tariffs will hurt them. we've seen this already. So are these so called trips to Washington an excuse for a fun road trip?
Paul Greenspan
Reply to George Finn
What we need is Danielle Smith on board.Mr.Trump is a bully and on March 4th said he will be toying with the idea that he will up the tariffs to 50%. This has nothing to do with fair trade or border control.Trump pushed and got border control from Canada.That won't be enough and it never will be enough.Trump just wants control and power over others.Why did he only place a 10% tariff on oil? Because he needs it! USA gets 605% of their crude from Canada so if Trump wants to play hardball, then hit him with much larger tariffs on oil!.You need to stand up to a bully because if you don't, they'll push and push you everyday of your life.
George Finn
Reply to Paul Greenspan
we could do a tit for tat... see where that gets us. However we may not have a choice regardless. I truly believe we could place this scenario in a school yard with bullies'.. and how does that typically end??
AN Dufrane
Reply to George Finn
You are right. Dennis cant get much done here so what makes him this he will change anything down there? This is laughable
Anything for another trip.
Paul Greenspan
Reply to George Finn
As an educator, I know how it used to end but these days , woke society allows the bully to say "sorry" and continue on until the outcome escalates.I have no idea how this particular scenario, on a global scale , will end. Our Premier says they will pay higher prices but both countries' citizens will pay higher prices.It is a lose - lose.
George Finn
Reply to Paul Greenspan
yes and all orchestrated by Trump. Do you think perhaps his angle truly is to cripple Canada economically so we end up crawling to the US as a state?
Seems to me that's the purpose. There's no other explanation because all else makes no logical sense.
Paul Greenspan
Reply to George Finn
Absolutely!
Skyler José
How big was the PEI delegation?
Dave White
Reply to Skyler José
I am sure lots of tax money worth.
Freddie Fender
This is a Federal issue. Why would King and his people even think they could do anything. I home they took a map to show Trump where PEI is.
Mike Hamilton
Reply to Freddie Fender
Trump would call the map fake news.
Paul Adams
Reply to Mike Hamilton
He'd probably rename the Northumberland Strait the Strait of America
Dennis Woodman
Reply to Freddie Fender
Because we are basically leaderless federally.
Dave White
Reply to Freddie Fender
Some DC hotels, sight seeing and nice resturants?
Houston promises at Doug Ford campaign rally to remove trade barriers for Nova Scotia
Announcing legislation in another province shows 'disregard for Nova Scotians and democracy,' says NDP leader
Premier Tim Houston announced Thursday in Ontario that he plans to introduce legislation to make trade between Nova Scotia and other provinces and territories easier.
During a surprise appearance at a campaign rally for Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, Houston said he'll table a bill called the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act when he returns to Nova Scotia.
"This bill will set in legislation that any goods approved in any province or territory can be sold in Nova Scotia without any further testing, red tape or foolishness," Houston said.
CBC News requested an interview with Houston but had not received a response by the time of publication.
A media advisory from the premier's office on Wednesday said Houston was in Washington, D.C., for meetings to discuss trade but did not mention he would be appearing at the campaign event in Ontario.
Opposition leaders don't approve of trip
Nova Scotia's opposition leaders agreed that it's time to address interprovincial trade barriers, but they questioned Houston's surprise stop in Ontario.
"I would like to see the premier in the legislature for the few days that we sit, or where he says he's going to be," said NDP Leader Claudia Chender, referring to the trip to Washington that Houston's office advertised.
She said announcing a piece of legislation in another province shows Houston's "disregard for Nova Scotians and for democracy."
"This is where we make law. This is the people's House," Chender told reporters at Province House on Thursday.
Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette highlighted that his party tabled legislation earlier this week to address internal trade barriers.
"It's something that we support," he said of Houston's general aim. "But again, this is the time to table it. We're in the legislature now. I don't think he needed to go to Ontario to make that move."
'Get rid of this foolishness'
Houston and Ford called Thursday for more to be done to remove interprovincial trade barriers as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens Canada with potential tariffs.
"How can it be easier to sell in another country than another province? It's absolutely ridiculous," Houston said at the rally in Milton, Ont.
Nova
Scotia's opposition leaders agree with Premier Tim Houston that it's
time to address interprovincial trade barriers, but are questioning his
surprise trip to Ontario. (CBC)
He said he has a lot of confidence in Ford and his team to help remove trade barriers.
"We're getting the ball rolling to get rid of the foolishness that has held back companies from growing and creating good jobs," he said.
With voters in Ontario heading to the polls on Feb. 27, Houston officially endorsed Ford at the campaign rally.
The Nova Scotia premier said there is no one he'd want on his side more than Ford, who has been looking for solutions ever since Trump began threatening tariffs against Canada.
"This is why this guy is loved so much," Houston said. "I'm so proud to be here today with Premier Ford. Premier Ford is an incredible person."
Ford called a snap election last month, sending Ontario to the polls 15 months ahead of schedule.
The Progressive Conservative leader said he needs a new mandate to spend potentially "tens of billions of dollars" to support workers that could be hit by U.S. tariffs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Taryn Grant
Accountability at stake says AG as she urges Houston government to scrap changes to her office
'These changes could mean any report the government doesn't like wouldn't be made public,' says Kim Adair
AG speaks out on bill that would allow province to fire her without cause ABOUT THE AUTHOR
with files from Michael Gorman
N.S. auditor general says she could not do her job if Houston government has power to fire her
Premier introduced a bill Tuesday to give cabinet the right to fire the auditor general for any reason
Nova Scotia Auditor General Kim Adair said Wednesday she could no longer do her work as the legislature's fiscal watchdog if the Houston government gives itself the ability to fire her.
Adair's comments came a day after Premier Tim Houston introduced a bill that would allow cabinet to dismiss the auditor general after a two-thirds vote in the House "for reasons other than cause or incapacity."
"I don't see how I could do it [the job] under those conditions because I would not be independent and objective," Adair told CBC News following a meeting of the public accounts committee, which is charged with examining her reports and recommendations.
Houston's Progressive Conservatives control more than two-thirds of the votes in the current makeup of the Nova Scotia Legislature. The party in power has 43 seats, compared to the 12 MLAs who sit in opposition.
Adair was not consulted on the change to the law that governs her work, nor was she warned it was coming.
She told CBC News she was "concerned" by the change and the impact it would have on the independence of the office.
"It is the foundation and the cornerstone for over a century as to how the auditor general functions that we are independent, objective and not subject to bias," said Adair.
"We are having discussions with government so I can understand better and the rationale why."
'Great respect' for AG, says Houston
During question period later Wednesday, interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette asked Houston about Adair's suggestion that the provision would affect her ability to do the job. Houston responded: "It would be unfortunate if the auditor general said that because certainly the auditor generals in a number of provinces across this country that have the exact same provisions do their jobs and they do it very effectively and very efficiently."
Responding to a question from NDP Leader Claudia Chender, Houston said the changes "bring things in line with the way it is across the country," and that his government has "great respect for the office of the auditor general."
Legislation in provinces including B.C., Saskatchewan, Ontario, P.E.I., New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador state that cause is required for removal.
Houston's office later pointed to governments in Manitoba and Alberta. In Manitoba, the auditor general can be suspended or removed from office "on a resolution of the assembly carried by a vote of two-thirds of the members voting."
The law in Alberta states the auditor general can be suspended or removed from office "on the recommendation of the assembly ... at any time."
Changes to public accounts
During Wednesday's meeting of the public accounts committee, PC members used their majority to further change the way the committee operates, barring it from sitting at the same time the House is in session.
PC MLA Marco MacLeod said the committee met more regularly than any other similar committee in the country, and that opposition members have the chance to question cabinet ministers when the House is sitting during question period.
The committee not only gets to question the AG about the audits done by her office, it also gets to grill senior bureaucrats about conclusions made by auditors and report recommendations.
Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette suggested the move was designed to duck scrutiny.
"They don't want to answer questions while the legislature is sitting about reports that come before public accounts," said Mombourquette. "It makes no sense."
NDP MLA Susan Leblanc challenged MacLeod's contention the committee has plenty of time outside legislative sittings to do its work.
"That's not necessarily true," said Leblanc. "We had a meeting scheduled for next week with the Department of Finance and Treasury Board, and for some reason the government has decided they don't want that meeting to take place."
She said because the legislature sits when the premier decides, rather than on a fixed schedule, it would be difficult to schedule committee meetings and book witnesses.
The committee traditionally does not sit in July and August.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
N.S. government says U.S. tariff threat 'wakeup call' as legislature opens
Progressive Conservatives will aim to exploit potential of natural resources
The looming threat of tariffs by the United States is a "wakeup call" for the Nova Scotia economy, the provincial government said Friday in a throne speech to open a new sitting of the legislature.
The Progressive Conservative government's speech was read by Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage — his first since being installed in December.
"If we want to be ready to face tariffs or any future economic threat, we need to build an economy that is independent, resilient and resource focused," the government said in the speech.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods in March, and Premier Tim Houston has warned that such a move would threaten jobs in the agriculture, fishery and manufacturing sectors.
Resource development can add $16 billion
In the throne speech, the government signalled it is ready to go all in on resource exploitation to help spur economic growth. In particular, the Tories pledged to work harder to develop the potential of hydrogen, offshore wind, and critical minerals, resources the government says can add a combined $16 billion to Nova Scotia's economy.
The Tories pledged to introduce modern regulations that would make it easier to exploit resources and also protect the environment.
Meanwhile, the government continued to develop a theme Houston had been pitching ahead of the legislative sitting — that unnamed "special interests" have been hindering the province's economic potential. "Giving groups vetoes that impoverish our fellow Nova Scotians will no longer be tolerated," the speech says. "We must not let special interests polarize our province."
Speech targets 'special interests'
The speech makes six separate references to special interests or to groups the Tories say are trying to hinder efforts to grow the province's economy, something that wasn't lost on Opposition NDP Leader Claudia Chender.
Chender said that theme is consistent with how the government has created enemies in the recent past.
"That enemy was [Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau and now that enemy is special interests, and special interests are whoever happens to disagree with them," Chender told reporters, while stressing her party believes the government should be prioritizing unity instead of looking for conflict.
She also expressed concern about the government's stated intent in the speech to lift existing bans on exploiting certain resources. Those bans include fracking for oil and gas, and mining uranium. "We need to look at economic development — I think we need to have a conversation about that first and then we need to determine how to go forward."
Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette also dismissed the idea that special interests are deterring growth, saying the government's charge "makes no sense." The Tories should be focusing on helping the entire economy, not just the resource sector, Mombourquette said.
"Resource development doesn't happen overnight," he said. "You need to be looking at our [skilled] trades and setting the conditions for business to want to come here."
The throne speech follows the resounding win by the Tories in November's provincial election that saw them capture 43 of the legislature's 55 seats. More details on the government's immediate agenda is expected to be laid out in the 2025-26 budget, which is scheduled to be tabled on Tuesday.
Looking Death in the Eye ("this tells us 3 things") | Curse of Politics
Air Quotes MediaFeb 19, 2025
David
Herle, Scott Reid, Jordan Leichnitz, and while Kory Teneycke is away
for the Ontario election, we've got special guest Deb Hutton here to
provide insights on the latest in Canadian politics.
19 Comments
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Subject: Yo Mr Herle I just called again Correct?
To: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
Cc: <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, washington field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, <info@on.ndp.ca>, Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Paul Palango + the Political Panel with Jenni and Chris | The Herle Burly
6 Comments
N.S. premier, federal minister criticize mass shooting inquiry on first day
Premier Tim Houston says families feel 'left in the dark,' questions if public can have confidence in process
As public hearings for the long-awaited mass shooting inquiry gets underway in Nova Scotia, provincial and federal politicians are blasting the commission for not being transparent with the families of victims who died.
In a news release issued before hearings began on Tuesday morning, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said he has heard from family members who have expressed "frustration and concern about the structure of the inquiry."
"They feel left in the dark. This is not only disrespectful, it should cause us all to pause and ask, if the families don't have confidence in the process, how can the public?" Houston said.
The premier's remarks echo the concerns of a number of people whose loved ones were killed on April 18-19, 2020, including Darcy Dobson, who lost her mother, Heather O'Brien, and Charlene Bagley, who lost her father, Tom Bagley.
The Mass Casualty Commission is a joint federal-provincial inquiry examining the deaths of 22 people, including a pregnant woman, who were killed by a gunman over a 13-hour period in the rural Nova Scotia communities of Portapique, Wentworth, Debert and Shubenacadie.
Both levels of government initially announced a review of the mass shooting, but quickly backtracked in July 2020 after families lobbied for an independent, public inquiry.
"The reason Nova Scotians pulled together and pushed for an inquiry as opposed to a review was to ensure that it was honest, comprehensive, detailed and most importantly, designed to answer questions," Houston said.
"Yet, it is still not even known if key witnesses have been subpoenaed to testify, if there will be an opportunity to cross-examine them or if it will be a comprehensive list of witnesses."
He said the uncertainty is causing further, unnecessary trauma. Houston is urging the Mass Casualty Commission to meet with families and their counsel to listen to their concerns and provide a "plan that gives them confidence in the process."
Houston told reporters he raised concerns directly with the commission two weeks ago, but became more "anxious" this week when he didn't see changes.
Federal cabinet minister and Central Nova MP Sean Fraser is also weighing in on how the inquiry is treating those most affected.
"After speaking to certain victims' family members directly to discuss their concerns, I called a meeting with the premier of Nova Scotia and the federal minister of public safety. We are united in our view that the families' confidence in this process remains a paramount consideration," Fraser wrote in a social media post on Tuesday morning.
Fraser said he will work to ensure that federal and provincial leaders are aware of "each and every concern" going forward.
Thirteen Deadly Hours: The Nova Scotia ShootingAt the end of the first day, Barbara McLean, the inquiry's investigations director, said the commission was aware of Houston's comments.
"Frankly, we are surprised and disappointed. The Mass Casualty Commission is an independent inquiry and must remain free from interference, or external direction," McLean said, adding she hopes Houston will keep an open mind when it comes to any recommendations in the final report for how the province can improve public safety.
McLean said the commission needs to "remain free" of the two levels of governments that established it as well as institutions and people, including the 61 participants in the inquiry "who have divergent views on [its] work."
In his opening remarks, chief commissioner Michael MacDonald also addressed concerns about the perceived lack of transparency.
"Some people are concerned about the commission's independence, believing we may be susceptible to covering up for either the RCMP or government. Let me assure you, nothing could be further from the truth," MacDonald said.
He added that "independence is the backbone, the be-all-and-end-all, of inquiries."
Inquiry 'can't drag on'
MacDonald said the process the commission has developed to organize the roughly 40,000 pages of records, as well as information from more than 150 interviews, into documents will save time and money.
The alternative, he said, would be to spend years working through testimony and cross-examination of hundreds of witnesses.
"This approach will provide the public with as much information as we can at the earliest opportunity," he said. "We developed a process that is just as, if not more, effective than calling witness after witness — [it's] a process that will not drag on and on.
"That will result in a lot less trauma."
Michael
MacDonald, the chief commissioner of the Mass Casualty Commission,
speaks on Tuesday at the opening day of public hearings in Halifax. (Brett Ruskin/CBC)
But he said the approach will still be thorough and that commission will "be robust in its response if witnesses try to be misleading." He also said lawyers for participants will be able to cross-examine witnesses, something counsel for some of the families had asked for in the lead up to hearings.
The former Nova Scotia chief justice said the commissioners have a responsibility to get to the truth without causing more pain.
"Too often, I have seen the emotional toll of processes that can go on and on, lives waiting in the balance," he said. "This process cannot drag on for five years."
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Subject: Fwd: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: <info@mikeforguelph.ca>, <info@on.ndp.ca>, Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Cc: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
I just called and talked to Morgan Correct?
Contact
Email: info@mikeforguelph.ca
Call/Text: 519-710-6453
Address: 21 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON N1H 4G8
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Subject: Re: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>
From: Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Subject: Re: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. You have reached the office of the Leader of the Ontario Greens.
If you live in Guelph and are trying to reach Mike Schreiner, please contact mschreiner-co@ola.org, or call 519-836-4190.
Please note that we receive a lot of correspondence so it may take several days for us to respond.
If you are emailing from the media please call us at 888-647-3366 or email us at media@gpo.ca
Thank you once again for contacting me
Mike Schreiner
Leader
Green Party of Ontario
{#HS:2852116339-234814#}Mike Schreiner
Leader
Green Party of Ontario
From: Minister of Finance / Ministre des Finances <minister-ministre@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
The
Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Subject: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: <info@on.ndp.ca>, <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Cc: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Subject: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: Friend <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
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21 Comments
Canada’s Premiers Advocate for Stronger Ties During Visit to Washington, D.C.
Canada’s Premiers Advocate for Stronger Ties During Visit to Washington, D.C.
OTTAWA, February 12, 2025 – All 13 of Canada’s Premiers travelled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a joint mission to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations. Doug Ford, Chair of the Council of the Federation, led the group of Premiers, who are united in their view that tariffs on Canadian goods, if implemented, would hurt workers and businesses on both sides of the border.
Canada’s Premiers met with bipartisan members of Congress, and American and Canadian business leaders. Canada’s Premiers were also invited to the White House to meet with senior advisers to President Trump. During this discussion, Canada’s Premiers stressed the need to work together to avoid tariffs which would hurt workers on both sides of the border. They also listened and learned about opportunities to work with the Trump administration to align on and achieve shared priorities, including creating jobs, growing economies and protecting communities from the impact of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.
The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.
– 30 –
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Kristine Bunker
Assistant Director | Issues & Media Relations
Cabinet Office Communications
(437) 778-4306
kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca
Canada’s Premiers are supported by a small Secretariat located in Ottawa. The Secretariat reports to the Council of the Federation Steering Committee, which is comprised of provincial and territorial deputy ministers of intergovernmental relations.
Some of the support provided by the Secretariat includes:
- Planning, preparation and execution of Premiers’ meetings and international missions
- Facilitation of intergovernmental processes related to the work of Premiers
- Administration of Council projects
- Support to Council communications
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