SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE
Ottawa makes good on promise to cut Confederation Bridge tolls, ferry fares in Eastern Canada
'Today's announcement will mean more Canadians can see more of Atlantic Canada': PM
The federal government is slashing tolls on the Confederation Bridge and lowering ferry fares in Eastern Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced while in Prince Edward Island on Monday.
"It's always a good day when you wake up on Prince Edward Island, and today is an especially good day. It's a big day," Carney said at the announcement on P.E.I.'s South Shore, with the Confederation Bridge visible behind him.
Effective Aug. 1, the cost of crossing the bridge which connects P.E.I. with New Brunswick will fall to $20 from $50.25. Transport trucks will also pay a flat rate of $20. There's no change in the cost for cyclists, pedestrians, shuttles or motorcycles.
Fares for passengers, cars and commercial traffic on ferry services in Eastern Canada that are federally supported will go down by 50 per cent.
Those ferries provide service between:
- Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Que., and Souris, P.E.I.
- Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S.
- Saint John, N.B., and Digby, N.S.
"Today's announcement will mean more Canadians can see more of Atlantic Canada," Carney said.
Ottawa slashing Confederation Bridge tolls, helping lower key Eastern Canada ferry faresFares for passengers and vehicles on the ferry that operates between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are also going down. Ottawa has pledged to increase funding to the operator, Marine Atlantic, to lower the price by 50 per cent. Ottawa is also freezing commercial freight rates on that route.
"The costs of the bridge and ferry don't just fall on tourists," Carney said. "If we are going to build a stronger, more united economy, and we are doing that, we are going to need to make it more affordable to travel around this country, for people and for businesses."
P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz is pictured with the Confederation Bridge in
the background on Monday, July 28, 2025. (Wayne Thibodeau/CBC)
For Rob Lantz, premier of P.E.I., Monday's announcement validated his months-long lobbying effort to reduce the fees.
"I've been a real pest, a thorn in the side of everyone in Ottawa," he said.
"We've been pushing for this forever. It's been 28 years that we've paid outrageous tolls on that bridge behind us and this is going to save Prince Edward Islanders tens of millions of dollars."
The move will make life more affordable on P.E.I., he said
"That bridge effectively acted as a tariff on everything we exported. And that is greatly, greatly reduced today."
'An important decision for us'
The importance of affordable travel is not lost on Joanne Thompson, the MP for the Newfoundland and Labrador riding of St. John's East and the federal fisheries minister.
"We are reliant on Marine Atlantic as part of our connection with the Atlantic Canadian provinces and also the rest of Canada," Thompson said.
More than 60 per cent of all goods transported to and from Newfoundland are handled by Marine Atlantic, the federal government said. It also transports about 90 per cent of all perishable items like fresh produce and propane for home heating.
Effective Aug. 1, the cost of crossing the bridge which connects P.E.I.
with New Brunswick will fall to $20 from $50.25. (CBC/Radio-Canada)
"This is an important decision for us on connectivity," Thompson said. "It's an important decision for our economy and it is important for our families."
Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland echoed that statement and said the announcement brings measurable economic benefits during a "really challenging time for Canada."
"If we work together, if we build one Canadian economy, if we build Canada strong we can give more to ourselves, we can do more for ourselves and each other than anyone can take away from us," Freeland said.
This is Carney's first official visit to P.E.I. as prime minister since the federal election. The announcement makes good on his campaign pledge to reduce the Confederation Bridge tolls and cut ferry rates.
Corrections
- An earlier version of this story quoted a federal government press release saying fuel surcharges on some ferry routes were being scrapped. In fact, the government did not make that announcement Monday.Jul 28, 2025 12:46 PM ADT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
From: David Myles <davidmylesforfredericton@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Subject: Setting up New Office Re: Fwd: Attn Emily Balk one of PBS lawyers called (617 462 1960) and tried to play dumb
To: <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
This is to acknowledge receipt of your email. Please note that we are in the stages of setting up the new Constituency Office and will be responding to each email in due course. During this transition period, and due to the high volume of emails received, we will do our best to respond in a timely manner. Your patience and understanding at this time is greatly appreciated.
---------- Original message ---------
From: OfficeofthePremier, Office PREM:EX <Premier@gov.bc.ca>
Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Attn Emily Balk one of PBS lawyers called (617 462 1960) and tried to play dumb
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write. Due to the volume of incoming messages, this is an automated response to let you know that your email has been received and will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.
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Sincerely,
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---------- Original message ---------
From: Minister of Finance / Ministre des Finances <minister-ministre@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Attn Emily Balk one of PBS lawyers called (617 462 1960) and tried to play dumb
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont
les bienvenus.
---------- Original message ---------
From: Premier of Manitoba <premier@manitoba.ca>
Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:58 PM
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.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
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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.
Nous vous remercions d’avoir pris le temps de nous écrire.
L’Équipe chargée de la correspondance du premier ministre
From: Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>
Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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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---------- Original message ---------
Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting the Office of the Premier. This is an automatic confirmation that your message has been received.
Please note that the Premier receives a tremendous volume of e-mails and letters every week. If your message requires an answer, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
To get you the best answer possible and ensure accurate information, your message may be shared with other Ministers or appropriate government officials to respond on the Premier’s behalf. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Here are some helpful resources:
- For more information on Nova Scotia’s response to
U.S. economic tariffs and to share your questions and ideas, please visit https://novascotia.ca/
tariffs/ or call our toll-free tariff hotline at 1-800-670-4357. - To discover Nova Scotia Loyal and learn how to identify, buy, and support local Nova Scotian products, please visit: https://nsloyal.ca/
- To book health services, get secure access to your own health records, or find the right care option for you, please download the YourHealthNS app or visit: https://yourhealthns.ca/
- For more information about the new Nova Scotia School Lunch Program and to order an affordable, nutritious lunch for your public school student, please visit: https://nslunch.ca/
- To learn more and sign up for the Nova Scotia Guard to rise to the occasion in the wake of an emergency, please visit: https://nsguard.ca/
For the most up-to-date information from the Government of Nova Scotia, please visit: https://novascotia.ca/.
Thank you,
The Premier’s Correspondence Team
are still missing and Trudeau should be able to explain my lawsuit
https://www.banking.senate.gov
Full Committee Hearing
Review of Current Investigations and Regulatory Actions Regarding the
Mutual Fund Industry
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003
Witness Panel 1
Mr. Stephen M. Cutler
Director - Division of Enforcement
Securities and Exchange Commission
Mr. Robert Glauber
Chairman and CEO
National Association of Securities Dealers
Eliot Spitzer
Attorney General
State of New York
From: Higgs, Premier Blaine (PO/CPM) <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>
Date: Wed, Apr 27, 2022 at 9:41 AM
Subject: RE: USANYS-MADOFF AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM US ATTORNEY'S SDNY
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Due to the volume of incoming messages, this is an automated response to let you know that your email has been received and will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.
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En raison du volume des messages reçus, cette réponse automatique vous informe que votre courriel a été reçu et sera examiné dans les meilleurs délais.
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If this is a Media Request, please contact the Premier’s office at (506) 453-2144 or by email
S’il s’agit d’une demande des médias, veuillez communiquer avec le Cabinet du premier ministre au 506-453-2144.
Office of the Premier/Cabinet du premier ministre
P.O Box/C. P. 6000 Fredericton New-Brunswick/Nouveau-
Tel./Tel. : (506) 453-2144
Email/Courriel: premier@gnb.ca/premier.From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Subject: Fwd: Attn Emily Balk one of PBS lawyers called (617 462 1960) and tried to play dumb
To: <emily.balk@gbh.org>, <Susan.Goldberg@gbh.org>, <ezra@forcanada.ca>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, djtjr <djtjr@trumporg.com>, <hcampagne@lawyersweekly.com>, <smeyer@grsm.com>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <francois-philippe.champagne@parl.gc.ca>
Cc: 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>, <jayson.cowan@wolvesofthewest.ne>, <alex.macisaac@cbc.ca>, <news@rdnewsnow.com>, <admina@camrosechamber.ca>, <fakiha.baig@thecanadianpress.com>, <joel.dryden@cbc.ca>, <darren.major@cbc.ca>, <jonathan.bridges@teamppc.ca>, <douglas.gook@greenparty.ca>, <katherine.swampy@ndp.ca>, <zachtryn@live.com>, davidmylesforfredericton@gmail.com <davidmylesforfredericton@gmail.com>, <ned.kuruc@parl.gc.ca>, <bruce.fanjoy@parl.gc.ca>, <Media@bonniecritchleyindependent.com>, michelle.rempel <michelle.rempel@parl.gc.ca>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, <thefamoussandhogs@gmail.com>, <info@unitedpartyofcanada.ca>, <michaelharrisformp@gmail.com>, <info@battleriver-crowfoot.ca>, <david@eleven21productions.com>, <fixcanada@protonmail.com>, <truenortheagerbeaver@gmail.com>, <rmohamed@postmedia.com>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, <talk@ryanjespersen.com>, <jasonlavigne@outlook.com>, <tjken@pm.me>, <info@northernperspective.ca>, <kenhewittHM2025@gmail.com>, <thisisbillkelly@gmail.com>, <ezra@forcanada.ca>, Chuck.Thompson <Chuck.Thompson@cbc.ca>, sheilagunnreid <sheilagunnreid@gmail.com>
Saturday, 26 July 2025
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Subject: Attn Emily Balk one of PBS lawyers called (617 462 1960) and tried to play dumb
To: <emily.balk@gbh.org>, <Susan.Goldberg@gbh.org>
Cc: <ezra@forcanada.ca>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.
Contact
GBH External Communications
Emily Balk
External Communications Manager
emily.balk@gbh.org
(617) 300-5317
Reports and Filings
Access legal documents, reports, and filings. To obtain copies, please contact Emily Balk, External Communications Manager, at (617) 300-5217 or emily.balk@gbh.org.
Letters to the Editor
You can submit letters to the editor electronically for publication in a future issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Letters should be directed to:
Henriette Campagne – hcampagne@lawyersweekly.com
Phone: 617-218-8192
Lawyers Weekly
Attention: Editor
50 Federal Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Susan L. Kantrowitz
Vice President and General Counsel
Sue Kantrowitz is responsible for all legal matters affecting GBH, including all aspects of the production contracting process and the negotiation and administration of national collective bargaining agreements with actors, writers, and musicians. She also oversees the GBH Media Archives and Library, which she founded almost 25 years ago.
Kantrowitz joined GBH’s legal department in 1981, becoming Director of Legal Affairs in 1984. She was named the organization’s first General Counsel in 1986. Kantrowitz came to GBH from the public relations firm Bozell & Jacobs, where she was an account executive. Prior to that, she was an associate producer at California station KOCE-TV.
Kantrowitz holds a JD from Boston College Law School and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston University, from which she graduated summa cum laude. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the Boston Bar Association.Methinks this byelection in August will be a true test of the public mood N'esy Pas???
Libertarian candidate in Battle River-Crowfoot also calls out Poilievre
From: premier <premier@yukon.ca>
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
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>
of Yukon, we would like to acknowledge receipt of your email.
Please note that this is an automated response to let you know that your email has been received and that it will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Premier’s Correspondence Team
Executive Council
Government of Yukon
---------- Original message ---------
From: OfficeofthePremier, Office PREM:EX <Premier@gov.bc.ca>
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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>
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write. Due to the volume of incoming messages, this is an automated response to let you know that your email has been received and will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.
If your inquiry can be more appropriately and fully responded to by a Ministry or other area of government, staff will refer your email for review and consideration.
If you are requesting a meeting with the Premier for a matter that falls under a specific Ministry’s mandate, staff may refer your request to that Ministry.
Sincerely,
Office of the Premier
From: Premier of Manitoba <premier@manitoba.ca>
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
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.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Premier’s Correspondence Team
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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.
Nous vous remercions d’avoir pris le temps de nous écrire.
L’Équipe chargée de la correspondance du premier ministre
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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.
Avis: Ce message est confidentiel, peut être protégé par le secret professionnel et est à l'usage exclusif de son destinataire. Il est strictement interdit à toute autre personne de le diffuser, le distribuer ou le reproduire. Si le destinataire ne peut être joint ou vous est inconnu, veuillez informer l'expéditeur par courrier électronique immédiatement et effacer ce message et en détruire toute copie. Merci de votre cooperation.
From: Premier <PREMIER@novascotia.ca>
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting the Office of the Premier. This is an automatic confirmation that your message has been received.
Please note that the Premier receives a tremendous volume of e-mails and letters every week. If your message requires an answer, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
To get you the best answer possible and ensure accurate information, your message may be shared with other Ministers or appropriate government officials to respond on the Premier’s behalf. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Here are some helpful resources:
- For more information on Nova Scotia’s response to
U.S. economic tariffs and to share your questions and ideas, please visit https://novascotia.ca/
tariffs/ or call our toll-free tariff hotline at 1-800-670-4357. - To discover Nova Scotia Loyal and learn how to identify, buy, and support local Nova Scotian products, please visit: https://nsloyal.ca/
- To book health services, get secure access to your own health records, or find the right care option for you, please download the YourHealthNS app or visit: https://yourhealthns.ca/
- For more information about the new Nova Scotia School Lunch Program and to order an affordable, nutritious lunch for your public school student, please visit: https://nslunch.ca/
- To learn more and sign up for the Nova Scotia Guard to rise to the occasion in the wake of an emergency, please visit: https://nsguard.ca/
For the most up-to-date information from the Government of Nova Scotia, please visit: https://novascotia.ca/.
Thank you,
The Premier’s Correspondence Team
From: Minister of Finance / Ministre des Finances <minister-ministre@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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 ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont
les bienvenus.
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Subject: Automatic Reply
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for writing to the 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 au 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
votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu
avec soin.
Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Subject: Fwd: Methinks King has been reading my emails to Ford et al N'esy Pas?
To: <corygaudethomes@gmail.com>, <hamblysr@gmail.com>, <susan.williams@greenparty.pe.ca>, <cjmisener1@gmail.com>, <roosmuri@gmail.com>, <noonanllee@gmail.com>, <liberalped9@gmail.com>, <michelle.neill@ndppei.ca>
Cc: 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>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>
Saturday, 26 July 2025
2 provincial byelections in August will be a test of public mood, says UPEI political scientist
Outcome won’t shift power, but political implications may still be high, says Don Desserud
When voters head to the polls in two byelections next month, UPEI political science department chair Don Desserud says the results will offer insight into public attitude toward Prince Edward Island's political parties.
Provincial byelections will be held on Aug. 12 to fill vacancies in District 9, Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park, and District 15, Brackley-Hunter River.
Premier Rob Lantz announced last week that cabinet had passed an order in council to allow Elections P.E.I. to issue the writ of election for both districts.
Desserud noted the timing of the elections may pose a challenge for turnout, as many Islanders take vacations during the summer months.
"[It's] always tricky to get people to pay attention to byelections at any time. That's why, normally, turnout in byelections is a bit low," he told CBC's Island Morning Monday.
"We're really interested to see the turnout. You know, this is the Island where people love to vote, so we'll see how that one goes."
Both districts were most recently held by Progressive Conservatives politicians. At least three candidates have been confirmed in each district so far.
What are the stakes?
The byelection results can't change the balance of power in the provincial legislature. Lantz's Progressive Conservatives have a comfortable majority in the 27-seat P.E.I. Legislative Assembly with 19, compared to three each for the Liberals and the Green Party.
The
vacant seat in District 15, Brackley–Hunter River, was last held by
former premier Dennis King, shown announcing his resignation on Feb. 20. (CBC)
Still, Desserud said the byelections could act as a referendum on the governing party.
"Are people happy with what's going on with the Lantz government, with the PCs in general, and do they see this as a way of sending a message?"
District 15 is the riding former premier Dennis King held until he resigned as party leader and MLA in February. He is now Canada's ambassador to Ireland.
Kent Dollar is the district's P.C. candidate, Nicole Ford is running for the Liberals, and provincial NDP Leader Michelle Neill is that party's confirmed candidate.
Meanwhile, District 9 became vacant after Natalie Jameson resigned to run federally as the Conservative candidate in Charlottetown. She lost to incumbent Liberal Sean Casey.
Jameson's husband, Dennis Jameson, has been confirmed as the PC candidate for District 9. Carolyn Simpson is running for the Liberals and Simone Webster is the NDP candidate.
UPEI
political science professor Don Desserud says the upcoming byelections
will offer some important insights into the public's satisfaction with
Premier Rob Lantz's PC government, and could potentially influence the
positioning of the opposition parties. (Wayne Thibodeau/CBC)
Desserud said the outcome could be particularly significant for the opposition parties.
"Let's say the Greens win one and the PCs win the other — on the assumption the Greens have candidates — that puts the Greens ahead and they become the Official Opposition. That would be a major boost for that party. They'll be getting back to where they were in 2019," he said.
"[For the] Liberals… it's not quite as much of a major boost, but they will see this as [being] on the road back."
And if the PCs lose both ridings, with the other two parties each securing one, the legislative dynamics wouldn't shift, but this outcome could serve as a "wake-up call" for the governing party, Desserud said.
He added that in byelections like these, local personalities matter more than party platforms as voters focus more on issues close to home.
"Normally, what you would see in a byelection is people saying, 'OK, this is what's really bothering us right now. It's not so much the bigger pictures. It's the local picture. What are you able to do about it?'" Desserud said.
The deadline for candidate nominations is Friday, July 25 at 2 p.m.
Elections P.E.I. said advance polls will take place in both districts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2; Monday, Aug. 4; and Friday, Aug. 8.
People can update their voter information and find more details about the byelections on the Elections P.E.I. website.
With files from Island Morning
1-888-234-8683 902-368-5895 www.electionspei.ca info@electionspei.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Notice of Grant of Poll for the 2025 Byelections
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Friday, July 25, 2025
The nominations of candidates concluded at 2 p.m. today, Friday, July 25, 2025,
for the by-elections in District 9 and District 15 scheduled for Tuesday, August 12,
2025.
The candidates’ names will appear, alphabetically by their last name, on the
Official Grant of Poll posted in the office of each district’s Returning Officer. A
Grant of Poll Notice will appear in an upcoming edition of the Guardian Newspaper
as well as in the Royal Gazette.
District 9
Advance Poll Voting is available for any eligible elector in District 9 or District 15,
beginning Saturday, August 2, 2025, and continuing Monday, August 4, 2025 and
Friday, August 8, 2025 from 9 a.m.– 7p.m.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Subject: Fwd: Methinks King has been reading my emails to Ford et al N'esy Pas?
To: <corygaudethomes@gmail.com>, <hamblysr@gmail.com>, <susan.williams@greenparty.pe.ca>, <cjmisener1@gmail.com>, <roosmuri@gmail.com>, <noonanllee@gmail.com>, <liberalped9@gmail.com>, <michelle.neill@ndppei.ca>
Cc: 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>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>
Saturday, 26 July 2025
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Subject: Methinks King has been reading my emails to Ford et al N'esy Pas?
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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
effective at 1 p.m. AT on Friday. (Kerry Campbell/CBC)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
Journalist
Stephen Brun works for CBC in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Through the years he has been a writer and editor for a number of newspapers and news sites across Canada, most recently in the Atlantic region. You can reach him at stephen.brun@cbc.ca.
David Amos
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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
'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,' says P.E.I.
Premier Dennis King. (Mathieu Theriault/CBC)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
Nova
Scotia Premier Tim Houston made a surprise appearance at a rally for
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford on Thursday in Milton,
Ont. (CBC)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
Reporter/Editor
Josh Hoffman is a reporter for CBC Nova Scotia. Josh worked as a local radio reporter all over Canada before moving to Nova Scotia in 2018.
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 Nova Scotia's auditor general is urging the provincial government to withdraw amendments to the law that governs her work, which she claims would seriously erode the ability of her office to continue to do its work.
The amendments proposed in the bill brought forward Tuesday by Premier Tim Houston would give the government veto power over what information Kim Adair could include in her reports. Cabinet could also force any report to remain strictly confidential.
"We have serious concerns that the changes tabled in this bill will erode the independence of this office going forward," Adair told a room full of reporters Thursday. "These changes could mean any report the government doesn't like wouldn't be made public.
"The numerous veto powers could result in fewer public reports."
Adair is sounding the alarm after a meeting with senior government officials on Wednesday to try to better understand the changes and the rationale behind them.
She refused to say who she met with or to discuss what she heard from those officials, but she made her position clear on what needs to happen next.
"I have asked for the ability to consult to determine if we can mutually address government's concerns and while continuing to maintain the independence of the office," said Adair.
Right to remove AG
The governing Progressive Conservatives are also looking for the right to fire the auditor general "for reasons other than cause or incapacity" if two-thirds of MLAs in the House vote to do that. Houston's PC Party currently controls more than two-thirds of the votes.
During question period Wednesday, Houston said he has "great respect" for the work of the AG and the changes are meant to bring Nova Scotia's legislation in line with other provinces. That rationale was reiterated in a statement Thursday attributed to Finance Minister John Lohr.
"To suggest these amendments impact the independence and integrity of the auditor general is false and sheds doubt on the independence and integrity of auditors general working effectively in other jurisdictions," the statement read.
Only Manitoba and Alberta have dismissal provisions similar to the changes the PCs have introduced
NDP Leader Claudia Chender dismissed Houston and Lohr's reasoning while speaking to reporters at Province House.
"It's not true that they're getting in line with other provinces," said Chender. "This is about the premier spending the precious time we have in this House to consolidate his own power, to make decisions and push forward legislation that Nova Scotians did not vote for."
In this sitting, the party in power has unilaterally changed the rules of the House to limit debate and the ability of opposition MLAs to slow down the bill-making process.
'Last bastion of independent oversight'
Chender said protecting the independence of the Office of the Auditor General is all the more important because of those changes.
"The auditor general is sort of the last bastion of independent oversight of this government," said Chender.
"If we go through with this bill, I think Nova Scotians should be very, very concerned about any sense that they know what their government is doing, what decisions they are making, what they're prioritizing, and importantly, how they're spending their money."
Liberal MLA Iain Rankin said the changes would open the door to possible "corruption" and "misuse of funds."
Other members of the premier's cabinet, including Justice Minister Becky Druhan and Health Minister Michelle Thompson, showed no signs of breaking ranks with their leader on the bill.
"I do believe there are times when there are things that in the future that maybe is not in the best interest to be known publicly," Thompson told reporters during a bill briefing Wednesday. "Currently, I don't have an example of that."
Her department was the subject of Adair's most scathing report to date, which criticized the government's purchase of an unfinished hotel construction site for the conversion to a health-care facility.
Thompson said she would not have ordered that report hidden from the public.
On Wednesday, Houston said the changes to Adair's office would also "bring it closer to the conditions" of Nova Scotia's Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
"[The commissioner] is also an officer of the legislature. Just trying to normalize things and make it fair for everyone," he said.
In fact, the privacy commissioner is not an independent officer of the legislature and lacks order-making power.
Houston promised while he was in opposition that he would change that, a promise he has so far failed to keep since forming government in 2021.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Reporter
Jean Laroche has been a CBC reporter since 1987. He's been covering Nova Scotia politics since 1995 and has been at Province House longer than any sitting member.
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 and staff from her office take part in
a public accounts committee meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (Jean Laroche/CBC)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
Reporter
Jean Laroche has been a CBC reporter since 1987. He's been covering Nova Scotia politics since 1995 and has been at Province House longer than any sitting member.
N.S. government says U.S. tariff threat 'wakeup call' as legislature opens
Progressive Conservatives will aim to exploit potential of natural resources
Newly installed Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage read Friday's throne speech. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)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.
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.
Cc: <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Paul Palango + the Political Panel with Jenni and Chris | The Herle Burly
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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
Nova
Scotia Premier Tim Houston says victims' family members have expressed
their "frustration and concern about the structure of the inquiry" and
it caused him to question the process. (Robert Short/CBC)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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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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COF MISSION TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
February 12, 2025
Participants
Premier Doug Ford, Ontario – Chair
Premier Dennis King, Prince Edward Island – Vice-Chair
Premier François Legault, Québec
Premier Tim Houston, Nova Scotia
Premier Susan Holt, New Brunswick
Premier Wab Kinew, Manitoba
Premier David Eby, British Columbia
Premier Scott Moe, Saskatchewan
Premier Danielle Smith, Alberta
Premier Andrew Furey, Newfoundland and Labrador
Premier R.J. Simpson, Northwest Territories
Premier Ranj Pillai, Yukon
Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Nunavut
The COF Mission to Washington, D.C. on February 12, 2025 was the first time ever that all of Canada’s Premiers jointly participated in an international visit.
Premiers met with key American political leaders to advocate for maintaining strong Canada-U.S. relations by addressing shared issues such as jobs and the economy, energy, critical mineral supply chains, border security and immigration.
Premiers are committed to free and fair trade and will continue to advocate against tariffs that threaten our deeply integrated and mutually beneficial economic relationships.
- Canada and the U.S. form one of the largest integrated markets in the world.
- More than C$3.5 billion worth of goods and services cross the border each day.
- The U.S. sells more goods and services to Canada than it sells to China, Japan, and Germany combined.
Our economic partnership is worth more than a trillion dollars annually and supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border. Premiers will continue to work collaboratively to ensure U.S. leaders and policymakers are fully aware of the benefits of the unparalleled North American partnership.
This is the fifth Council of the Federation mission to Washington, D.C. Previous missions were undertaken, in 2010, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
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
ABOUT CANADA’S PREMIERS
Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial Premiers are members of the Council of the Federation. The Council’s objectives are to:
- Promote interprovincial-territorial cooperation and closer ties between Premiers, to ultimately strengthen Canada;
- Foster meaningful relations between governments based on respect for the Constitution and recognition of the diversity within the federation;
- Show leadership on issues important to all Canadians.
Established in 2003, the Council enables Premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government. Premiers are supported by a small Secretariat located in Ottawa.
https://canadaspremiers.ca/
Contact a Premier
Doug Ford – Chair
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
premier@ontario.ca
www.ontario.ca/page/premier
Dennis King – Vice-Chair
Premier of Prince Edward Island
Shaw Building
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
premier@gov.pe.ca
https://www.
François Legault
Premier of Québec
Édifice Honoré-Mercier, 3e étage
835, boul. René-Lévesque Est
Québec QC G1A 1B4
premierministre@quebec.ca
https://www.quebec.ca/en/
Tim Houston
Premier of Nova Scotia
PO Box 726
Halifax NS B3J 2T3
premier@novascotia.ca
https://premier.novascotia.ca/
Susan Holt
Premier of New Brunswick
Chancery Place
PO Box 6000
Fredericton NB E3B 5H1
premier@gnb.ca
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/
Wab Kinew
Premier of Manitoba
204 Legislative Building
450 Broadway
Winnipeg MB R3C 0V8
premier@manitoba.ca
http://www.gov.mb.ca/minister/
David Eby
Premier of British Columbia
PO Box 9041
Station Provincial Government
Victoria BC V8W 9E1
premier@gov.bc.ca
https://news.gov.bc.ca/office-
Scott Moe
Premier of Saskatchewan
226 Legislative Building
Regina SK S4S 0B3
premier@gov.sk.ca
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/
Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
307 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton AB T5K 2B6
premier@gov.ab.ca
www.alberta.ca/premier.cfm
Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Confederation Building, East Block
PO Box 8700
St. John's NL A1B 4J6
premier@gov.nl.ca
www.gov.nl.ca/premier
R.J. Simpson
Premier of the Northwest Territories
PO Box 1320
Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
premier@gov.nt.ca
www.premier.gov.nt.ca/
Ranj Pillai
Premier of Yukon
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse YK Y1A 2C6
premier@yukon.ca
www.yukonpremier.ca
P.J. Akeeagok
Premier of Nunavut
PO Box 2410
Iqaluit NU X0A 0H0
pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca
http://www.premier.gov.nu.ca/
SECRETARIAT
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
Contact the Secretariat
Suite 630, 360 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X7
Phone: 613 563 4066
Fax: 613 563 4068
Executive Director: Loretta O'Connor, MBA
Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca
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