Blog

Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Wednesday defended his efforts to protect auto manufacturing jobs in Ontario while facing sometimes personal attacks from Conservative MPs over the fate of Stellantis workers in Brampton. Champagne, in his previous role as industry minister, helped negotiate two federal contracts with Stellantis that are now under scrutiny, after the company announced in October it will shift planned production of the Jeep Compass from its Brampton plant to the U.S.During testimony at the House of Commons industry committee, Champagne said the government secured “a number of covenants” from Stellantis that protected workers and the company’s presence in Canada.“I’ve met with a number of the workers (in Brampton) and they know we fought nail and tooth to make ...

By Jack Farrell The Canadian Press Posted December 10, 2025 2:33 pm Updated December 10, 2025 3:28 pm 1 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size Elections Alberta announced Wednesday a recall petition has been issued for Premier Danielle Smith and two more of her United Conservative Party cabinet ministers. The petitioner seeking to oust the premier, Heather VanSnick, says in her application that Smith has been ignoring local constituents and experts in developing policies.“Ef...

Alberta’s governing United Conservatives stayed up into the early pre-dawn hours of Wednesday morning to pass a bill that marks the fourth time in under two months they have used the Charter’s notwithstanding clause. Members of Premier Danielle Smith’s caucus used their majority to pass on third and final reading a bill affecting transgender citizens.The UCP members pounded their desks and shouted “Hear, hear!” after the 2:20 a.m. vote while members of the Opposition NDP — who voted against the bill — shook their heads.Smith was not in the chamber for the final vote.The bill moved quickly through the evening as the United Conservatives used their majority to limit discussion to one hour in each of the final two debate stages.The bill confirms the government’s intention to use the notwithst...

By Kyle Duggan The Canadian Press Posted December 10, 2025 8:26 am Updated December 10, 2025 8:51 am 1 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra is downplaying concerns that America’s new national security strategy could lead to his government supporting politically aligned parties in Canada. While Hoekstra says he doesn’t see the U.S. getting involved in domestic politics, he accuses Ontario of doing just that by running an ad on America...