Eli Ridder

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Eli Ridder.

P.E.I. premier facing party leadership challenge from unhappy group PC members

P.E.I. premier facing party leadership challenge from unhappy group PC members

Some members of Prince Edward Island's ruling Progressive Conservatives are trying to oust Premier Rob Lantz by triggering a confidence vote less than a year after he officially became party leader. The potential leadership challenge comes on the eve of a general election scheduled for 2027, as recent polls suggest the Tories are trailing the provincial Green and Liberal parties...

P.E.I. premier facing party leadership challenge from unhappy group PC members

P.E.I. premier facing party leadership challenge from unhappy group PC members

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Some members of Prince Edward Island's ruling Progressive Conservatives are trying to oust Premier Rob Lantz by triggering a confidence vote less than a year after he officially became party leader.

First Nation criticizes Holt government for not consulting about lifting fracking ban

First Nation criticizes Holt government for not consulting about lifting fracking ban

FREDERICTON -- A First Nation in New Brunswick says the province should keep its moratorium on shale gas fracking.

Atlantic premiers hope U.S. election will lead to better relationship with Canada

Atlantic premiers hope U.S. election will lead to better relationship with Canada

BANGOR -- The premiers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick say they're hopeful the Democrats' sweeping midterm election victory in the United States will improve the country's relationship with Canada.

Tariff relief for Canada not guaranteed after Democrats sweep U.S. midterm elections

Tariff relief for Canada not guaranteed after Democrats sweep U.S. midterm elections

Political watchers in Atlantic Canada say the Democrats' sweeping midterm election victory in the United States likely won't provide immediate relief from tariffs. The trade war with Canada became a ballot-box issue in several races in states along the border. In Maine, which borders New Brunswick and Quebec, Democrat Troy Jackson unseated long-standing incumbent Republican senator Susan Collins.

Tariff relief for Canada not guaranteed after Democrats sweep U.S. midterm elections

Tariff relief for Canada not guaranteed after Democrats sweep U.S. midterm elections

BANGOR -- Political watchers in Atlantic Canada say the Democrats' sweeping midterm election victory in the United States likely won't provide immediate relief from tariffs.

Maine elects Democratic senator after race that featured Canada-U.S. trade war

Maine elects Democratic senator after race that featured Canada-U.S. trade war

Maine Democrat Troy Jackson has ousted longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins to cap a U.S. Senate race that was, in part, shaped by the trade war between Canada and the United States. It added to a blue wave that propelled the Democrats to take control of the Senate and punished allies of President Donald Trump. "We have to stand up...

Maine elects Democratic senator after race that featured Canada-U.S. trade war

Maine elects Democratic senator after race that featured Canada-U.S. trade war

BANGOR -- Maine Democrat Troy Jackson has ousted longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins to cap a U.S. Senate race that was, in part, shaped by the trade war between Canada and the United States.

'Why bother?': Maine voters question U.S. attacks on Canada at midterm polls

'Why bother?': Maine voters question U.S. attacks on Canada at midterm polls

FREDERICTON -- Maine voter Sydney Olsen says she doesn't get why the United States is waging a trade war with Canada.

'Screwed either way': Republican senator fights backlash over Trump tariffs in Maine

'Screwed either way': Republican senator fights backlash over Trump tariffs in Maine

U.S. tariffs on Canada have played an outsized role in the Senate race in Maine, but experts say there may not be any relief coming for Canadians regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's midterms. Maine, a Northeastern U.S. state bordering both Quebec and New Brunswick by land, relies heavily on Canadian trade. Federal government figures show the state imports $4....

'Screwed either way': Republican senator fights backlash over Trump tariffs in Maine

'Screwed either way': Republican senator fights backlash over Trump tariffs in Maine

FREDERICTON -- U.S. tariffs on Canada have played an outsized role in the Senate race in Maine, but experts say there may not be any relief coming for Canadians regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's midterms.

New Brunswick's new surplus power sales policy could close Irving Paper, firm warns

New Brunswick's new surplus power sales policy could close Irving Paper, firm warns

FREDERICTON -- One of Canada's largest forestry companies is accusing New Brunswick's public utility of giving preferential treatment to outside industrial customers.

New Brunswick's surplus power sales to U.S. could close Irving Paper, firm warns

New Brunswick's surplus power sales to U.S. could close Irving Paper, firm warns

New Brunswick's Crown-owned electric utility is being criticized for changing its policy on the sale of excess power. Forestry giant J.D. Irving Ltd. executive Mark Mosher says his company and others used to purchase NB Power's surplus electricity at discounted rates. But earlier this year, the provincial regulator started allowing the utility to sell that surplus power to customers in...

New Brunswick's surplus power sales to U.S. could close Irving Paper, firm warns

New Brunswick's surplus power sales to U.S. could close Irving Paper, firm warns

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick's Crown-owned electric utility is being criticized for changing its policy on the sale of excess power.

Fire at New Brunswick military base not threat to public: Armed Forces

Fire at New Brunswick military base not threat to public: Armed Forces

FREDERICTON -- Military officials say a fire burning in an area of a central New Brunswick army base near Fredericton is under control and isn't a threat to public safety.

New Brunswick introduces legislation to crack down on copper wire theft

New Brunswick introduces legislation to crack down on copper wire theft

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick is planning to crack down on copper wire theft.

New Brunswick says mining sector back on the rise, signs deals on reviving old mines

New Brunswick says mining sector back on the rise, signs deals on reviving old mines

FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government announced progress on a pair of mining projects officials see as proof the sector is back on the rise in a province where it used to be an economic cornerstone.

U.S. firm signs deal to explore closed New Brunswick mine

U.S. firm signs deal to explore closed New Brunswick mine

FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government has signed an exploration deal with a firm that plans to extract minerals from a long-closed mining site.

New Brunswick data centre debate highlights cross-country tension over AI facilities

New Brunswick data centre debate highlights cross-country tension over AI facilities

FREDERICTON -- Chris Watson says he was very concerned when he reviewed a New Brunswick business development agency's recent correspondence about data centres.

Daniel Allain new leader of New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives

Daniel Allain new leader of New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives

Daniel Allain has been elected leader of New Brunswick's Progressive Conservative party. Allain, a Cabinet minister in the last PC government, won with more than half of the party votes. The only other candidate, Don Monahan, was elected two years ago as a first-time provincial Tory legislator. Allain, who spent four years as a Dieppe city councillor bef

Daniel Allain new leader of New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives

Daniel Allain new leader of New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives

FREDERICTON -- Daniel Allain is the new leader of New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative party after taking the majority of ballots in a two-person race.

New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives set to elect new leader

New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives set to elect new leader

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives are poised to elect their new party leader this afternoon in Fredericton.

Fisheries sector fund gets $300 million extension from Ottawa, Atlantic provinces

Fisheries sector fund gets $300 million extension from Ottawa, Atlantic provinces

FREDERICTON -- Ottawa and the four Atlantic provinces are extending a multimillion-dollar fund aimed at supporting the region's fish and seafood sector amid global economic headwinds.

New Brunswick government must reveal plans for all AI data centres: Green lawmaker

New Brunswick government must reveal plans for all AI data centres: Green lawmaker

FREDERICTON -- A Green Party politician in New Brunswick is calling on the provincial government to reveal how many artificial intelligence data centres are being proposed for the province.

One Atlantic region economy needed to save 'burning platform,' ex-N. B. premier says

One Atlantic region economy needed to save 'burning platform,' ex-N. B. premier says

A former New Brunswick premier says a newly proposed single economy for Atlantic Canada is needed to save a region he described as a "burning platform." Frank McKenna, who served as Liberal premier from 1987 to 1997, made the comment as a panel of business leaders said the four Atlantic provinces should work together on economic transformation. The Atlantic Economic...

One Atlantic region economy needed to save 'burning platform,' ex-N. B. premier says

One Atlantic region economy needed to save 'burning platform,' ex-N. B. premier says

A former New Brunswick premier says a newly proposed single economy for Atlantic Canada is needed to save a region he described as a "burning platform."

Eastern Canada business leaders call for 'single economy' between Atlantic provinces

Eastern Canada business leaders call for 'single economy' between Atlantic provinces

Atlantic Canada could become one of the country's most prosperous regions if it leverages its abundant talent and resources as a "single economy," a group of business leaders say. The Atlantic Economic Panel -- made up of seven well-known executives and entrepreneurs -- released a report Friday that they say could serve as a guide for the economic transformation of...

Eastern Canada business leaders call for 'single economy' between Atlantic provinces

Eastern Canada business leaders call for 'single economy' between Atlantic provinces

RIVERVIEW, N.B. -- Atlantic Canada could become one of the country's most prosperous regions if it leverages its abundant talent and resources as a "single economy," a group of business leaders say.

Outfitters warn any N.B. ban on American hunters and anglers would devastate industry

Outfitters warn any N.B. ban on American hunters and anglers would devastate industry

FREDERICTON -- Pressure is mounting on New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt to scrap a proposal to retaliate against American tariffs by preventing U.S. citizens from obtaining provincial hunting and fishing licences.

MP calls on New Brunswick to reject proposed AI data centre in open letter to premier

MP calls on New Brunswick to reject proposed AI data centre in open letter to premier

FREDERICTON -- A New Brunswick member of Parliament is calling on the provincial government to reject a proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Saint John, warning that it could overwhelm the power grid.

New Brunswick community left reeling after mill closure, premier vows support

New Brunswick community left reeling after mill closure, premier vows support

FREDERICTON -- A small New Brunswick community has been left reeling after the owners of an aging pulp mill that has been the area's economic driver for more than half a century announced it would halt production.

New Brunswick politicians express concern after mill closure announcement

New Brunswick politicians express concern after mill closure announcement

FREDERICTON -- Politicians in New Brunswick say they are disappointed by the planned closure of the pulp mill in Nackawic that has operated in one form or another for more than half a century.

New Brunswick lawmaker Megan Mitton announces bid to lead provincial Green Party

New Brunswick lawmaker Megan Mitton announces bid to lead provincial Green Party

FREDERICTON -- One of New Brunswick's two Green provincial lawmakers has announced her bid to lead the opposition party.

Private firm to provide large animal vet service after N.B. ends public program

Private firm to provide large animal vet service after N.B. ends public program

FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government says Carleton AgriSolutions Inc. will take over the province's large animal veterinary services beginning next spring.

Author says Trump's 'Lake America' order driving hits to guide on ditching U.S. tech

Author says Trump's 'Lake America' order driving hits to guide on ditching U.S. tech

FREDERICTON -- Canadian author Paris Marx says there's been a renewed interest in his list of alternatives to U.S. technology since President Donald Trump signed an order renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America."

New Brunswick gives green light for 500 MW gas plant, subject to conditions

New Brunswick gives green light for 500 MW gas plant, subject to conditions

FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government on Friday granted conditional approval for a 500-megawatt natural gas plant that officials say is crucial to avoid rolling electricity blackouts within the next two years.

Canadian firm plans New Brunswick TNT plant to double NATO's explosives supply

Canadian firm plans New Brunswick TNT plant to double NATO's explosives supply

FREDERICTON -- A private Canadian firm is planning to build an explosives factory in New Brunswick it says could double the amount of TNT produced each year by NATO countries.

Canadian firm chooses New Brunswick site for new explosives factory

Canadian firm chooses New Brunswick site for new explosives factory

A private Canadian firm says it chose New Brunswick as the location of a planned explosives factory. Nalagx Corp.'s chief executive Patrick Gagnon says the company decided to move ahead with a site near Belledune, N.B., after considering other provinces and two U.S. states. The province's Natural Resources Minister John Herron says his department identified 1,500 acres of government land...

Canadian firm chooses New Brunswick site for new explosives factory

Canadian firm chooses New Brunswick site for new explosives factory

FREDERICTON -- A private Canadian firm says it chose New Brunswick as the location of a planned explosives factory.

N.B. to review ban on fracking amid U.S. tariffs and economic pressures, premier says

N.B. to review ban on fracking amid U.S. tariffs and economic pressures, premier says

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick's Liberal government is considering whether it should drop its long-standing ban on extracting the province's large natural gas reserves as it looks for ways to boost its economy and secure Canada's energy independence.

N.B. to review ban on fracking amid U.S. tariffs, premier says

N.B. to review ban on fracking amid U.S. tariffs, premier says

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says her government is launching a review of the province's long-standing ban on hydraulic fracturing.

Carney says 'everything's on the table' for tariff retaliation against United States

Carney says 'everything's on the table' for tariff retaliation against United States

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Prime Minister Mark Carney says "everything's on the table" if Canada can't secure a deal to avoid a dramatic escalation in U.S. tariffs planned for next month.

Carney says 'everything's on the table' for tariff retaliation against United States

Carney says 'everything's on the table' for tariff retaliation against United States

Prime Minister Mark Carney says "everything's on the table" if Canada can't secure a deal to avoid a dramatic escalation in U.S. tariffs planned for next month. Carney was asked Thursday what measures his government is considering in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose 50 per cent tariffs on a variety of Canadian goods.

PM Carney says Canada is united, stronger now than when the U.S. trade war began

PM Carney says Canada is united, stronger now than when the U.S. trade war began

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said unity is Canada's greatest strength as he and the premiers huddled Thursday to prepare a response to fresh tariff threats from the United States.

Ford says premiers united ahead of meeting with Carney amid new U.S. tariffs

Ford says premiers united ahead of meeting with Carney amid new U.S. tariffs

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and his counterparts are united ahead of a face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers Thursday amid fresh tariff threats from the U.S.

Carney, premiers to meet amid new U.S. tariff threats

Carney, premiers to meet amid new U.S. tariff threats

Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with Canada's premiers in Prince Edward Island today amid new tariff threats from the United States.

Feds should increase federal health funding, but with strings attached: advocates

Feds should increase federal health funding, but with strings attached: advocates

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Advocates are urging the federal government to increase health care funding and impose more conditions on what the provinces can do with that money.

Feds should increase federal health funding, but with strings attached, advocates say

Feds should increase federal health funding, but with strings attached, advocates say

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Advocates are urging the federal government to increase health care funding and impose more conditions on what the provinces can do with that money.

Nine premiers agree to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from out-of-province

Nine premiers agree to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from out-of-province

CHARLOTTETOWN -- The premiers of nine provinces announced Tuesday that they're removing major barriers to interprovincial sales of alcohol.

Nine premiers agree to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from out-of-province

Nine premiers agree to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from out-of-province

CHARLOTTETOWN -- The premiers of nine provinces announced Tuesday that they're removing major barriers to interprovincial sales of alcohol.

Nine premiers agree to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from out-of-province

Nine premiers agree to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from out-of-province

The premiers of nine provinces announced Tuesday that they're removing major barriers to interprovincial sales of alcohol. The deal says provincial rules will be changed to allow brewers and distillers to sell alcohol directly to consumers, regardless of jurisdiction. It knocks down a number of trade barriers across the country. Direct-to-consumer sales of beer, wine and spirits manufactured in one...

Prime Minister Mark Carney to meet with premiers over new U.S. tariff threats

Prime Minister Mark Carney to meet with premiers over new U.S. tariff threats

Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet virtually with the country's premiers Tuesday afternoon after the U.S. announced increased tariffs on Canadian goods. P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz said Tuesday morning at the Council of the Federation meeting in Charlottetown that the virtual meeting with the prime minister had been added to the agenda. Carney was originally scheduled to meet with premiers...

Prime Minister Mark Carney to meet with premiers over new U.S. tariff threats

Prime Minister Mark Carney to meet with premiers over new U.S. tariff threats

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet virtually with the country's premiers Tuesday afternoon after the U.S. announced increased tariffs on Canadian goods.

Trade, major projects expected to top agenda as premiers meet in P.E.I.

Trade, major projects expected to top agenda as premiers meet in P.E.I.

Domestic trade and major projects will be on the agenda as Canada's premiers gather Tuesday in Prince Edward Island for a three-day meeting coloured by a renewed tariff threat from U.S. President Donald Trump. The annual summer gathering of provincial and territorial leaders will culminate with Prime Minister Mark Carney joining the discussion Thursday. The premiers will also meet with...

Trade, major projects expected to top agenda as premiers meet in P.E.I.

Trade, major projects expected to top agenda as premiers meet in P.E.I.

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Domestic trade and major projects will be on the agenda as Canada's premiers gather Tuesday in Prince Edward Island for a three-day meeting coloured by a renewed tariff threat from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Young P.E.I. paramedic who died in ambulance crash described as 'beacon of light'

Young P.E.I. paramedic who died in ambulance crash described as 'beacon of light'

FREDERICTON -- One of the Prince Edward Island paramedics who died in an ambulance crash earlier this week is being remembered as a loving daughter and trusted coworker.

N.B. government dismisses concerns it mistreated municipality in park deal

N.B. government dismisses concerns it mistreated municipality in park deal

FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government is dismissing concerns it treated a municipality unfairly when it chose a First Nation to operate the beach at a provincial park.

N.B. social workers must be empowered to do what's best for at-risk youth: advocates

N.B. social workers must be empowered to do what's best for at-risk youth: advocates

FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government must empower social workers to do what's best for vulnerable young people in care, youth advocates told lawmakers this week.

N.B. legislature hearings into failures of youth social services continue Thursday

N.B. legislature hearings into failures of youth social services continue Thursday

FREDERICTON -- Hearings into the systemic failures that led to the overdose death of a New Brunswick teenager are scheduled to continue Thursday afternoon as lawmakers look for ways to improve the province's youth social services.

N.B. legislature hearings into failures of youth social services continue today

N.B. legislature hearings into failures of youth social services continue today

FREDERICTON -- Hearings continue today at New Brunswick's legislature into the systemic failures of the Social Development Department.