Senate committee report calls for better co-ordination of wildfire response
OTTAWA -- Canada needs to create an office to co-ordinate responses to wildfire emergencies, says a Senate report.
Nick Murray
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 Nick Murray.
Former government net-zero adviser 'disappointed' by Carney's commitment to climate
The co-founder of Ottawa's independent net-zero advisory body says she has been "disappointed" by Prime Minister Mark Carney's commitment to climate action to date. Catherine Abreu was speaking at a parliamentary committee on the environment Tuesday, along with fellow co-founder Simon Donner. They both resigned from the federal government's net-zero advisory body in December after accusing the Carney government of...
Former government net-zero adviser 'disappointed' by Carney's commitment to climate
OTTAWA -- The co-founder of Ottawa's independent net-zero advisory body says she has been "disappointed" by Prime Minister Mark Carney's commitment to climate action to date.
Feds planning evacuation centres in advance of wildfire season
OTTAWA -- The federal government says it is setting up evacuation centres across the country for people fleeing wildfires.
Ottawa pumps the brakes on proposed changes to major project environmental reviews
The federal government is going to take more time to consult on its proposals to change how major projects are reviewed. Ottawa last month released two discussion papers which proposed, among other things, approving major projects before they're reviewed and exempting certain projects from laws meant to protect species at risk. Critics, including Green Party Leader Liz May, have said...
Ottawa pumps the brakes on proposed changes to major project environmental reviews
OTTAWA -- The federal government is pumping the brakes on its proposed changes to how major projects are reviewed, and says it won't table legislation on the changes until the fall.
Groups call on Ottawa to reverse course on environmental policy
OTTAWA -- Some of Canada's largest environmental groups are on Parliament Hill today urging Ottawa to reverse course on what they're calling rollbacks of environmental policy.
Ottawa under increasing pressure to show how policy changes are affecting emissions
The federal government is facing increased pressure to state whether it knows how some of its recent policy changes will affect Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin was peppered with questions on the issue at a parliamentary committee hearing on Thursday. Bloc Quebecois MP Patrick Bonin pressed Dabrusin on whether the government had modelling to show how it...
Ottawa under increasing pressure to show how policy changes are affecting emissions
OTTAWA -- The federal government is facing increased pressure to state whether it knows how some of its recent policy changes will affect Canada's greenhouse gas emissions.
Feds didn't push carbon price backstop in Alberta in show of co-operation: Dabrusin
The government didn't enforce the federal standard on Alberta's industrial carbon price as a gesture of co-operation with the province, Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said Tuesday. "Fighting with our provinces, being tied up in courts … we're working to be in really a true co-operative federalism," Dabrusin told The Canadian Press when asked why Ottawa didn't enforce the federal...
Feds didn't push carbon price backstop in Alberta in show of co-operation: Dabrusin
OTTAWA -- The government didn't enforce the federal standard on Alberta's industrial carbon price as a gesture of co-operation with the province, Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said Tuesday.
EV sales jump in March as federal rebates return, though market share up slightly
OTTAWA -- Sales of new electric vehicles jumped in March as Canadian took advantage of the long-awaited return of federal government subsidies.
Carney unveils new electricity strategy, noncommittal on 2030 climate targets
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada's long-awaited new electricity strategy Thursday, placing a heavy emphasis on expanding the role of natural gas in powering the grid as he seemed to distance the government from its 2030 Paris climate commitments.
Carney pushes new clean electricity strategy to expand grid, lower costs
OTTAWA -- The federal government is planning to adjust the clean electricity regulations to give more flexibility to LNG power plants and help to double Canada's electricity grid by 2050.
Carney unveils new electricity strategy, noncommittal on 2030 climate targets
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada's long-awaited new electricity strategy Thursday, placing a heavy emphasis on expanding the role of natural gas in powering the grid as he seemed to distance the government from its 2030 Paris climate commitments. The new strategy looks to double Canada's electricity grid by 2050 and would adjust the clean electricity regulations to provide more...
Former minister says energy project review changes could cause further delays
The former environment minister who helped to create the Impact Assessment Agency eight years ago says the federal government's proposal to change how pipelines are assessed risks delaying those projects even further. "I'm not saying you couldn't improve the process. But trying to jam through projects and making major changes, similar to what we saw under Stephen Harper, isn't going...
Former minister says energy project review changes could cause further delays
OTTAWA -- The former environment minister who helped to create the Impact Assessment Agency eight years ago says the federal government's proposal to change how pipelines are assessed risks delaying those projects even further.
'Threat' of Bill C-5 is making bill work as intended, Dawn Farrell says
OTTAWA -- The head of the federal government's major projects office says just the "threat" of Ottawa having Bill C-5 at its disposal is enough to spur government departments to move quickly on project permitting.
Alberta oil pipeline is 'more likely than not' Carney says
Prime Minister Mark Carney says a new oil pipeline out of Alberta is "more likely than not." In his first sit-down interview with The Canadian Press since becoming prime minister more than a year ago, Carney said Friday that given the increased global demand for secure new sources of energy due to the war in Iran, and Canada's need to...
Alberta oil pipeline is 'more likely than not' Carney says
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney says a new oil pipeline out of Alberta is "more likely than not."
Feds to hike max fine for airlines abusing passenger protection regulations to $1M
OTTAWA -- The federal government plans to quadruple to $1 million the maximum fine for airlines that repeatedly violate passengers' rights.
Carney says clean electricity strategy promised weeks ago is still on its way
The federal government still has not announced its clean electricity strategy, despite Prime Minister Mark Carney saying it would land weeks ago. At a news conference in Halifax on March 26, Carney told reporters the government would be releasing "next week" a strategy to expa
Carney says clean electricity strategy promised weeks ago is still on its way
OTTAWA -- The federal government still has not announced its clean electricity strategy, despite Prime Minister Mark Carney saying it would land weeks ago.
Feds formalize enhanced oil recovery tax credit flip-flop in spring economic update
OTTAWA -- The federal government's spring economic update today formalizes a pivot in climate policy that was first made in last year's energy agreement with Alberta.
Feds inject $660 million in new funding for national sports groups facing shortfalls
OTTAWA -- The federal government is setting aside $660 million over the next five years for national sport organizations that have faced mounting deficits for years.
Conservatives call on auditor general to investigate $250 million PrescribeIT program
Conservative MPs are calling on the auditor general to probe the federal government's handling of a $250 million program which is reportedly set to be scrapped next month. PrescribeIT was launched in 2017 to modernize the way doctors send prescriptions to pharmacies and to phase out older technology, such as fax machines. Conservative MP Dan Mazier cites reporting by The...
Conservatives call on auditor general to investigate $250 million PrescribeIT program
OTTAWA -- Conservative MPs are calling on the auditor general to probe the federal government's handling of a $250 million program which reportedly is set to be scrapped next month.
Minister won't commit to national flood insurance program in near future
OTTAWA -- Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski says she can't promise the government will launch the promised National Flood Insurance Program "in the near future."
Canada's emissions reductions slowed in 2024, federal data shows
OTTAWA -- The latest annual account of greenhouse gas emissions shows Canada's emissions reductions slowed in 2024 to almost nothing.
Vets, MPs call on feds to launch honour review board to award Canadian Victoria Cross
OTTAWA -- The federal government is facing mounting calls to establish a military honours review board and to finally award Canada's highest military honour.
Carney reiterates call to respect international law as Trump threatens 'civilization'
Prime Minister Mark Carney said leaders involved in the war in Iran must "choose their words" and act prudently, while not specifically criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent inflammatory threats of potential American military action. Trump said in a post on Tuesday that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if a deal...
Carney reiterates call to respect international law as Trump threatens 'civilization'
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said leaders involved in the war in Iran must "choose their words" and act prudently, while not specifically criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent inflammatory threats of potential American military action.
Carney says he's still committed to green incentives promised during leadership race
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday he's still committed to delivering incentives to help Canadians go green, something he promised during his bid for the Liberal leadership a year ago. Carney promised during the leadership campaign to re-fund the government's Greener Homes Grant program and to explore offering discounts to low- and medium-income homeowners who make energy-efficient retrofits.
Carney says he's still committed to green incentives promised during leadership race
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday he's still committed to delivering incentives to help Canadians go green, something he promised during his bid for the Liberal leadership a year ago.
'Good day to be a polar bear': Carney unveils nature strategy, new conservation areas
The Liberal government's $3.8 billion nature protection strategy will put Canada's 2030 nature conservation goals within reach, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday. Announcing the new plan at an event in Wakefield, Que., Carney said the federal government will create new national parks, urban parks and marine conservation areas.
'Good day to be a polar bear': Carney unveils nature strategy, new conservation areas
LA PECHE -- The Liberal government's new $3.8 billion nature protection strategy will put Canada's 2030 nature conservation goals within reach, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday.
Carney isn't saying whether Michael Ma faces fallout for China remarks
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney isn't saying whether Liberal MP Michael Ma will face consequences for his recent comments about forced labour in China.
Hodgson defers questions on Michael Ma to Prime Minister Mark Carney
OTTAWA -- Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said today the federal government is opposed to forced labour, a day after another Liberal MP cast doubt on China's labour practices.
Hodgson defers questions on Michael Ma to Prime Minister Mark Carney
Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said today the federal government is opposed to forced labour, a day after another Liberal MP cast doubt on China's labour practices. On Thursday, Michael Ma apologized after appearing to question reports of human rights abuses in China while engaging with a witness at a parliamentary committee hearing earlier in the evening.
Hodgson defers questions on Michael Ma to Prime Minister Mark Carney
OTTAWA -- Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said Friday the federal government is opposed to forced labour, a day after another Liberal MP cast doubt on China's labour practices.
3 Canadians back home after being stuck aboard ship in Persian Gulf
OTTAWA -- A Quebec-based shipping company says three Canadians have returned home after being stuck aboard their vessels in the Persian Gulf.
Canadian ships stuck in Persian Gulf as blockade of Strait of Hormuz continues
Two Canadian cargo ships are stuck in the Persian Gulf and unable to pass through the blocked Strait of Hormuz as the war in Iran continues. The two ships, owned by Quebec-based Desgagnes, were hauling general cargo to ports in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Nunatsiaq News was the first to report on the ships being stuck...
Canadian ships stuck in Persian Gulf as blockade of Strait of Hormuz continues
OTTAWA -- Two Canadian cargo ships are stuck in the Persian Gulf and unable to pass through the blocked Strait of Hormuz as the war in Iran continues.
Nature groups warn federal funding cuts endangering efforts to protect land, water
OTTAWA -- Conservation groups say millions of dollars in federal funding meant to protect endangered land and water is about to run out.
Environment committee engaging in 'junior high behaviour': former climate advisers
OTTAWA -- Two former advisers on Ottawa's climate policies say recent antics by parliamentarians at the House of Commons environment committee demonstrate why they resigned from Canada's independent net-zero advisory body last year.
Idlout says she felt she was 'betraying' her constituents by staying with NDP
OTTAWA -- Nunavut MP Lori Idlout said Wednesday feedback from constituents calling on her to join the Liberal government ultimately convinced her to cross the floor.
Canada will 'never participate' in Iran offensive, Carney says
Prime Minister Mark Carney told MPs in the House of Commons Tuesday that Canada is not involved in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and "will never participate in it." The prime minister changed his schedule to attend Tuesday's question period after being criticized for not answering to parliamentarians about Canada's position on the war in Iran. Carney was asked few...
Canada will 'never participate' in Iran offensive, Carney says
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney told MPs in the House of Commons Tuesday that Canada is not involved in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and "will never participate in it."
Carney to attend question period Tuesday after absence called out by other parties
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend question period in Parliament today after all.
Ottawa accused of preferential treatment with coming rail subsidies for steel, lumber
OTTAWA -- The federal government is being accused of creating an uneven playing field in Canada's shipping industry, and critics claim the Prime Minister's Office is unwilling to rectify it.
Ottawa spending $3.7 billion to boost military housing stock
OTTAWA -- The federal government will spend $3.7 billion to build 6,000 more housing units for Canada's military, Defence Minister David McGuinty said on Tuesday.
Ottawa spending $3 billion to boost military housing stock
OTTAWA -- Defence Minister David McGuinty is announcing a $3.7-billion plan today to build more housing units for Canada's military.
Ukraine Olympian's banned skeleton helmet a rallying symbol at Ottawa demonstration
OTTAWA -- As the Winter Olympics drew to a close on Sunday in Milan, Ukrainian slider Vladyslav Heraskevych's disqualification for wearing a helmet commemorating fallen Ukrainian athletes and coaches was a rallying point for some 300 demonstrators on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Feds put up $50 million for Inuit-led university as part of funding package
OTTAWA -- The federal government is expected today to announce $50 million to help develop Canada's first Inuit-led university.
5 things you should know about Canada's new defence industrial strategy
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada's first-ever defence industrial strategy Tuesday in Montreal.
Car dealers still seeking reimbursement for EVs sold under old rebates program
The reborn federal electric vehicle rebate program is set to launch today -- but some of Canada's auto dealers say they're still out tens of thousands dollars from the last one. Starting today, Canadians can access up to $5,000 in government rebates toward the purchase of new electric vehicles that cost less than $50,000. Plug-in hybrids will be eligible for...
Car dealers still seeking reimbursement for EVs sold under old rebates program
OTTAWA -- The reborn federal electric vehicle rebate program is set to launch today -- but some of Canada's auto dealers say they're still out tens of thousands dollars from the last one.
Canada not on track to hit net-zero by 2050, or meet any climate targets: study
A new study published Friday by the Canadian Climate Institute says Canada is not on track to meet any of its climate targets -- not the 2026 interim emissions reduction target, the 2030 Paris Agreement commitment, or even the long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The report suggests Canada has moved away from its climate goals thanks to...