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Winnipeg Free Press
22-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
NDP questions PCs' pre-election ‘dark of night' $18-M rail port infrastructure grant
The provincial government is investigating why its predecessor did not publicize an $18-million contract that was finalized in the leadup to the 2023 election campaign. Finance Minister Adrien Sala confirmed Monday that the province — for the second time in three months — is looking into the Progressive Conservatives' dealings with JohnQ, an economic development corporation run by 12 municipalities in Manitoba. Under the leadership of then-premier Heather Stefanson, the PC government awarded a hefty grant to JohnQ in August 2023 to develop a regional rail port south of Winnipeg. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Finance Minister Adrien Sala confirmed Monday that the province is looking into the Progressive Conservatives' dealings with JohnQ, an economic development corporation run by 12 municipalities in Manitoba. 'Why, in the dark of night, did the former government send $18 million out the door without any kind of an announcement or any type of press release?' Sala said Monday. 'That is something that should worry the average Manitoban.' The multimillion-dollar sum was spent on purchasing a plot of farmland located in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot for a future rail park. It also covered the cost of now-complete engineering and environmental assessments on the site west of Highway 75. Concerns about the brokering of that Aug. 29, 2023 deal have become 'more prominent' in recent weeks, Sala said. The finance minister did not elaborate on the timing of the inter-departmental probe that is underway in his office, as well as in the Transportation and Economic Development departments. Premier Wab Kinew's team wants to ensure taxpayers are getting 'good value for money,' he said, noting that proceeding with this project would involve costly infrastructure upgrades. Sala released JohnQ's last progress report, which is more than a year old; the July 10, 2024 document recommends modifications be made to nearby roadways and a ring dyke be constructed. 'The NDP's current fascination with JohnQ… is nothing more than a fishing expedition,' PC MLA Wayne Ewasko said in a statement. The representative for Lac du Bonnet has defended the former government's agreements with JohnQ to build a rail port and 22 stand-alone child-care facilities. The conglomerate was founded to promote collaboration and best practices when building infrastructure 'to avoid costly duplication,' added Ewasko. Deputy education minister Brian O'Leary flagged concerns about procurement processes related to the nearly $100-million 2022 child-care construction deal in a letter to the auditor general in April. Sala's office indicated the province has not requested the auditor general also look at the rail park deal, but that is a possibility if more information is not uncovered internally. JohnQ's chief executive officer said the 2023 agreement included 'clear deliverables and timelines' that have been met to date. 'The mayors and reeves who lead JohnQ view this as a significant opportunity for true regional collaboration and regional economic development,' Colleen Sklar said in a text. Sklar said her team is committed to working with all governments to move the rail port forward 'responsibly and transparently' within the parameters of current agreements. Citing confidentiality requirements, she declined to provide specific details about the project. Sala indicated that he is concerned about the former government's operations, rather than any specific vendor. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. 'Manitoba does stand to benefit from leaning into our central position and we certainly do see opportunities around us becoming a transportation-logistics hub here in Canada. However, whether or not this particular rail port has a role in that is not yet clear to us,' he said. The finance minister accused the PCs of having 'a record of questionable decision-making,' citing the Sio Silica scandal. Stefanson and two of her ex-cabinet ministers were recently found to have disregarded the caretaker convention after losing the 2023 election and attempting to approve a controversial sand mine. The 'JQ Rail Oversight Committee' was formed in October 2023, the same month as the last provincial election. Maggie MacintoshEducation reporter Maggie Macintosh reports on education for the Free Press. Originally from Hamilton, Ont., she first reported for the Free Press in 2017. Read more about Maggie. Funding for the Free Press education reporter comes from the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative. Every piece of reporting Maggie produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Toronto Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told
Premier Doug Ford's legislation fast-tracking infrastructure and mining projects violates long-standing First Nation treaty rights, endangers wildlife and could lead to unwilling hosts for garbage dumps, a parliamentary committee heard. But proponents argue the Progressive Conservatives' controversial Bill 5 is essential to helping Ontario's economy weather the storm caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. In the first day of legislative hearings into the 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act,' MPPs were told the proposed law is necessary to expedite mining approvals, which can take to 15 years, and build new roads and highways. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'We need to ensure that we are not beholden to President Trump and when it comes to critical minerals or energy or even our waste management,' Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said Thursday. That was a reference to the expansion of a landfill site in Dresden that has drawn the ire of local residents, including Tory MPP Steve Pinsonneault (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex), who has spoken out against his government's legislation that would allow a dump just 550 metres from a high school. Lecce said Pinsonneault was 'a strong advocate for his community, this is personal to him, he's lived there his whole life.' Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said the legislation was opening a can of worms that could impact communities around the province. 'If a massive landfill can be forced on the edge of our town without full environmental review, whose town is next?' said Canniff. Because Ontario exports 40 per cent of its garbage stateside, the Tories fear the province's waste-management system could be at the mercy of Trump's whims. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The law, which would limit environmental assessments and create 'special economic zones' exempt from many municipal and provincial rules, has infuriated Indigenous leaders. 'We are here to remind Ontario it has obligations under the treaty. You need to fulfil those obligations. We are not an interest group,' warned Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. 'Our treaty is not red tape. Our rights are not red tape,' said Fiddler. During earlier testimony from Lecce and Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa said 'you're not listening to First Nations.' 'You're not answering my question, you're just blowing smoke,' Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) chided Rickford. 'Do you understand that with this bill you're not honouring the treaties? You're violating them,' he said. Rickford said he disagreed that treaty rights were being broken with the legislation, which he argued would bring economic prosperity to many Indigenous communities by creating jobs and building infrastructure like roads. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Cynthia Fiddler, a band councillor at Sandy Lake First Nation, noted a defunct gold and silver mine dating back to 1939 has left her community polluted to this day. 'Fast-track the cleanup. Why can't that be fast-tracked?' Fiddler told the committee. 'This is wrong, this bill.' Testifying in Anishininiimowin, known in English as Oji-Cree, Sandy Lake lawyer Adam Fiddler stressed 'our inherent right is sacred.' The Tories used their majority on the committee to defeat Mamakwa's motion to hold legislative hearings in the northern communities most affected by the potential changes. As a smattering of protesters braved the rain outside, chanting 'stop Bill 5,' Liberal MPP Jonathan Tsao (Don Valley North) said the scheme was 'a reckless plan to override laws, silence consultation and fast-track development.' However, Ontario Mining Association president Priya Tandon said 'this bill's key mining related elements are vital to enhancing Ontario's economic competitiveness and unlocking the potential of its mineral sector.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'The potential is transformational, but we need government in alignment with this end goal to make it a reality, particularly when we are in a geopolitical climate of uncertainty,' said Tandon. 'We are encouraged that this government has signalled its intention to strengthen Ontario's economy at home,' she said. 'Our members produce the building blocks of modern life and innovation that the world needs.' Dolf DeJong, chief executive officer of the Toronto Zoo, expressed concern the legislation would endanger species. 'This bill, if passed, could undo decades of conservation efforts and threaten some of Ontario's most vulnerable species, species your Toronto Zoo works directly for — and these are species who can't speak for themselves — including the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, Blanding's turtles, Massasauga rattlesnake, boreal caribou and more,' said DeJong. 'They're living, breathing, parts of Ontario's natural heritage and part of our identity. These are species we've been working for decades with communities, partners and governments of all stripes, including yours, to protect at your Toronto Zoo.' With files from Rob Ferguson Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
Global News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Ontario 2025 budget: Highlights from bike lanes to alcohol revenue and housing
Ontario has tabled its 2025 budget, outlining its spending plans for the next year in an economy dominated by tariffs from the United States. The annual document gives an indication of the health of the province's economy and includes major and minor policy announcements from the government. Under tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump — and the threat of more potentially to come — Ontario has announced an increase in deficit spending to respond. The budget, titled A Plan to Protect Ontario, focuses its major announcements on the tariffs but includes a raft of new policies. Below are a few highlights: New tariff measures The budget includes tens of billions of dollars in tariff-related relief and stimulus, confirming a range of measures that were previously announced or included in the Progressive Conservatives' recent election campaign. Story continues below advertisement The creation of a new $5 billion Protect Ontario fund is at the heart of that plan. The fund will include $1 billion in relief to help businesses struggling with liquidity, and another $4 billion for other support measures. The government will also roll out a $1.3 billion manufacturing tax credit and $11 billion in business support — largely through wage deferral. Smaller funds in the budget relating to tariffs include $20 million for layoff coordination centres and $40 million for communities especially impacted by tariffs. More bike lanes to be removed The budget also includes fresh news on the Ford government's ongoing attempts to remove bike lanes in the City of Toronto. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Last year, the province said it would remove bike lanes from Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue. Story continues below advertisement The legislation that allowed for the removal of those bike lanes was appealed by cycling advocacy groups. While their case — alleging their removal would be unconstitutional — has not been decided, an Ontario judge granted an injunction, temporarily blocking their removal. The government has appealed that injunction. Meanwhile, the province used its annual budget to take away two more neighbouring bike lanes. It now plans to remove bike lanes from Queen's Park Crescent and Avenue Road. The two streets set to be targeted are both located steps from the Ontario legislature. Less money from alcohol The latest budget is the first to be tabled since the Ford government rolled out its liberalization of the province's alcohol market. Last spring, Ontario announced it was breaking an exclusivity deal with The Beer Store to allow convenience stores, grocers and big box retailers to sell beer, wine and pre-mixed drinks. Story continues below advertisement At the same time, the government also made the LCBO the exclusive wholesaler for the entire province. The liberalization of alcohol was also at the heart of a weeks-long LCBO strike held during the summer. The budget shows that, despite the fact that the LCBO sells alcohol to the convenience stores, its revenues have fallen relatively significantly this year. Income from the LCBO will drop dramatically from $2.5 billion in 2022 to a projected $1.9 billion this year. Overall tax revenue from alcohol will also fall from $600 million in 2022 to $388 million in 2025. The budget includes measures which could lead to revenue falling further in the future. The budget, for example, increases the discount LCBO offers to wholesalers from 10 per cent to 15. A series of wholesale mark-up changes and tax category tweaks are also designed to lower the cost of alcohol in Ontario without cutting the money given to producers. That means the government is telling the LCBO to reduce its markup — and therefore cutting the money it brings in. Housing starts down, again For another successive budget, the province's housing start projections have fallen significantly. Story continues below advertisement The latest forecasts, which are based on private-sector analysis, show the province will see an 18 per cent decline in housing starts over the next three years compared to earlier projections. Instead of constructing 282,000 homes between 2025 to 2027, the province is now expected to build 229,000 homes in that same period. The Ford government promised in 2022 to build 1.5 million new homes over the next decade, to the year 2031. In order to do that, the province would need to start 150,000 new homes every year for the decade. Ontario has never come close to that figure — and set its target for the first few years lower. The latest data, however, projects the province will be achieving roughly half of that annual target. This year, Ontario is expected to begin building 71,800 housing units, with 74,800 next year and 82,500 in 2027. The housing minister said his government remains committed to the goal of 1.5 million homes. New police spending plans The budget also includes some additional funding announcements for law enforcement. Story continues below advertisement The government has earmarked $1 billion to renovate and expand the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, as well as a new Ontario Provincial Police Academy in Orillia. The moves play into changes announced last year by the government, designed to drive the supply of new police officers in the province, including eliminating tuition fees. The government will also add two new police helicopters for forces serving border towns. That builds on the procurement of helicopters for Toronto-area forces announced in the 2024 budget.
Hamilton Spectator
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford making gas tax cut permanent, ending tolls on eastern section of Highway 407
The bell is tolling for a chunk of the provincial gasoline tax and for tolls on publicly run eastern section of Highway 407. Fulfilling a promise from the Progressive Conservatives' Feb. 27 re-election campaign, Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy are cutting 5.7 cents a litre of the gas tax and eliminating tolls on the provincially operated part of the tollway. As of June 1, the levies, which can be up to $20, will be lifted on the 43-kilometre portion of Highway 407 from Brock Road in Pickering east to Highway 35/115 north of Clarington, which will cost the treasury around $72 million annually. But tolls that can cost $86 depending on the time of day will remain on the privately operated 108-kilometre section of Highway 407 from the Queen Elizabeth Way in Burlington to Brock Road. In Thursday's budget, Bethlenfalvy will also make permanent a temporary reduction in the gas tax he introduced in 2022 and has extended annually since. The tax will remain at 9 cents a litre, down from 14.7 cents three years ago. 'I know that families and business owners are worried about rising costs, especially as U.S. tariffs threaten to raise the price of everyday essentials,' Ford told reporters in Pickering Tuesday. 'That's why we're cutting the gas tax permanently and taking tolls off Highway 407 East, and that's why we'll always keep looking for ways to put more money back into the pockets of Ontario families,' he said. Ford has frequently said it was a 'big mistake' for former Tory premier Mike Harris to sign a 99-year lease with a private consortium to operate Highway 407 for $3.1 billion in 1999. It would cost taxpayers an estimated $35 billion to end that contract. Bethlenfalvy, noting the average family will save $115 a year in gas taxes with his changes, stressed the government is mindful that people are concerned about their pocketbooks. 'To help Ontarians cope with the high cost of living and the impacts of the economic uncertainty caused by tariffs, we are continuing to take action to ease the pressure and do more to help lower costs for households,' said the treasurer. Durham Region Chair John Henry said the moves are 'great news' for commuters. 'It will ease pressures during a time of reduced affordability by bringing down the cost of living, improving mobility, fighting congestion on our highways and supporting local and provincial economic growth,' said Henry.
Global News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Ford government confirms removal of tolls on part of Highway 407
Ontario will remove tolls from the public portion of Highway 407, the Ford government has confirmed, delivering on an election promise made in February but stopping well short of demands from many groups to work on buying back the entire toll route. On Tuesday, the province announced it would remove the tolls from Highway 407 East, which runs through Durham Region from Brock Road to Highway 35/155, beginning on June 1. The government said it was also making a cut to the provincial gas tax permanent. The move has effectively been in place since 2022 and renewed with a biannual news conference, but the 2025 budget will include measures to reduce the tax without the need to keep extending the pause. The gas tax cut has cost the government $1.7 billion since it was first introduced. Story continues below advertisement 'I know that families and business owners are worried about rising costs, especially as U.S. tariffs threaten to raise the price of everyday essentials,' Premier Doug Ford said in a statement. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'That's why we're cutting the gas tax permanently and taking tolls off Highway 407 East, and that's why we'll always keep looking for ways to put more money back into the pockets of Ontario families.' Both promises were included in the Progressive Conservatives' 2025 election platform. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the latest announcements were good news for the local area. 'The measures announced today will not only help to reduce traffic and commute times, but they will help put money back in the pockets of hardworking families at a time when it matters most,' Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a statement. While the government's announcement offers relief for drivers on a portion of Highway 407, the majority of the roadway will continue to be operated and tolled by a private company. As the province has pushed more expensive highway construction projects, and gridlock has continued to worsen, Ford has considered buying back the entirety of Highway 407 from the company which currently leases it. Premier Ford mused about the idea for months but suggested it could cost $35 billion. Story continues below advertisement At one point, he said the government should sit down with executives at Highway 407, and his transportation ministry said it was something being discussed — before the premier appeared to cool on the idea during the election. Opposition parties say negotiating a deal for truckers to use Highway 407 for free or buying the asset back entirely would be cheaper than constructing new highway routes, including Ford's hope to tunnel a new expressway under Highway 401.
