National

Premiers' Demands On Environment Bills An 'Unhelpful' Threat To Unity: Morneau

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Jun, 2019 08:15 PM

OTTAWA — The federal Liberals say it's conservative premiers who are putting Canada at risk in a fight over oil and the environment.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau says in a letter to six right-leaning premiers Friday it's "unhelpful to threaten national unity" if their demands to change two bills on the verge of being passed in Parliament aren't met.

The premiers of Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories wrote to the prime minister Monday urging him to amend or abandon bills restricting tanker traffic on part of B.C.'s coast and overhauling the federal environmental-assessment system for major construction projects.

The premiers said changes to the bills are needed to "avoid further alienating provinces" and "focus on uniting the country."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the premiers of playing games with national unity to pursue their policy goals.

The written response from Morneau says the changes the premiers want would compromise Canadians' health and jobs, infringe Indigenous people's rights and harm endangered species.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Avalanche Warning Issued For B.C.’s South Coast, Island As Weak Snowpack Persists

Avalanche Canada says there is a weak layer in the snowpack that is about 50 centimetres deep, prompting a warning until Sunday.

Avalanche Warning Issued For B.C.’s South Coast, Island As Weak Snowpack Persists

Sell Regulated Heroin To Drug Users To Reduce Overdose Deaths: B.C. Group

The BC Centre on Substance Use is proposing a policy to sell legally regulated heroin as part of an urgent response to reduce opioid overdose deaths from a toxic drug supply that is profiting organized crime groups.

Sell Regulated Heroin To Drug Users To Reduce Overdose Deaths: B.C. Group

Few Incentives In Spending-Heavy B.C. Budget, Global Downturn Worries Business

VICTORIA — British Columbia's budget pays too little attention to the potential impacts of a slowing global economy and a shifting housing market, business leaders say.

Few Incentives In Spending-Heavy B.C. Budget, Global Downturn Worries Business

Proposed Edible Pot Rules Are Wasteful, Would Leave Products Tasteless: Critics

Canada's proposed edible pot regulations would result in tasteless products wrapped in wasteful packaging, shutting out medical patients and fuelling a continued black market, critics say

Proposed Edible Pot Rules Are Wasteful, Would Leave Products Tasteless: Critics

Man Arrested, Charged In String Of Four Bank Robberies Over Four Hours In Surrey

Richard Orr, 24, Is Charged With Four Counts Of Robbery And Remains In Custody Following The Four-Hour Spree On Feb. 12.

Man Arrested, Charged In String Of Four Bank Robberies Over Four Hours In Surrey

Alcohol Policies Fizzle For Canadian Governments As Harms Overflow: Reports

VICTORIA — Two new studies say the federal and provincial governments must do more to reduce alcohol consumption after determining damages from drinking have surpassed tobacco use.