UPDATES
The Federal and Ontario Carbon Systems – A Comparison
Since this time last year, Ontario industry has been kept busy navigating a changing policy and regulatory landscape regarding carbon pricing. This issue has encompassed a myriad of topics: political positioning, intergovernmental and constitutional challenges, and rapid regulatory changes. While it is not unusual for a public policy issue to include all of these facets, it tends to be stretched out over several years, and election cycles; in the case of carbon pricing these factors are happening at the same time, thereby making it a more daunting process for companies to follow. The Environment and Federal teams at Sussex Strategy Group have taken a look at the two current carbon systems in play – the proposed Ontario Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) and the federal Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).
Cannabis in the City What’s the ‘Budd’ Buzz?
It was a whirlwind December and first month in office for newly-elected officials across Ontario’s municipalities, no doubt. Following inaugural meetings, Council Members faced urgent business, important decisions, and a burning question… whether to Opt-In or Opt-Out of allowing cannabis retail locations. The Municipal Affairs Team at Sussex Strategy Group hopes to provide a quick update and overview of what we’ve seen so far, as well as what’s to be expected for municipalities into 2019 and beyond as part of this legalization rollout.
Government Relations in Ford Nation: The Ontario Government Year in Review and Look Ahead
Queen’s Park watchers are well aware of the fast and furious changes experienced in 2018 – from the toppling of Patrick Brown to the ascendancy of Doug Ford to the majority PC government. Certainly, 2019 will offer greater stability in Ontario politics, with the Ford government securely in place. But those expecting a quieter and more predictable year are likely to be disappointed.
Municipal Update: The Towers of Power
Thursday marked the first solid day of Toronto City Council, where the pomp and circumstance was over and it was down to business. As highlighted in our update last week, Council Committees look a little different from the last term, with 4 interim Committees and 25 Members of Council, 26 when you include the Mayor. The Councillors who form the Committees have the ability to significantly move the dial on any particular issue.
New Federal Coal and Natural Gas-fired Electricity Regulations: A Sussex Overview
On December 12th the Federal Government published two final regulations that will significantly impact the Canadian electricity sector. While the Regulations are specific to thermal electricity generation, the Regulations create some opportunity for other generation types as Canada works towards 90% GHG non-emitting power by 2030.
Municipal Update: Back In The Tower Again
Toronto City Council was sworn in on December 4, 2018 to a Council Chamber full of family, friends and staff. The new Council is comprised of 25 Members including the Mayor, making it 26 (remember this now means to have an item passed at Council a majority +1 is needed, i.e. 14 votes). Read our report on Toronto's New City Council.
Analysis: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan
Today, the Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks – the Hon. Rod Phillips - released Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations – A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan (‘Plan’). The 53-page document is the government’s overarching blueprint for environmental policy. Below, Sussex has summarized the key points of the Plan with additional context for specific elements that may be of interest. The Plan is now posted to the Environmental Registry (EBR) website here, for a 60-day public consultation period. The government will continue to announce policies, actions, and initiatives associated with the Plan including additional opportunities for online and in-person consultation in the months ahead. Sussex will continue to monitor these developments.
Federal Government Fall Economic Statement Analysis
Finance Minister Bill Morneau today released the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement (FES) in the House of Commons. Titled Investing in Middle Class Jobs, the plan is designed to shore up Canadian economic confidence in the face of a strained trade relationship with the United States and a gradual shift from a resource-based economy to one based on the Liberal government’s clean-growth model of innovation, technology and services. It also continues the Government’s focus on growing the middle class.
Ontario Government Fall Economic Statement 2018
Today, Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli rose in the Legislature to deliver the Ontario PC government’s first Fall Economic Statement (FES). This highly anticipated event is second only to the provincial budget in terms of the attention paid to the Minister and the Ministry of Finance every year. The budget and the FES, as insiders like to call it, are the two focal points for decision making for Finance too, so in addition to providing a window into the province’s finances, many stakeholders hold their breath on this day, when funding decisions are often made.