Hello, welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened today.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her visit to Quebec this week will demonstrate the strength of a united Canada as both provinces grapple with sovereignty movements.
Maura Forrest and Matthew Scace report that, speaking today in Quebec City, Smith said that despite their cultural and linguistic differences, Alberta and Quebec share much in common, including their efforts to assert their autonomy in the federation.
“I’m here to show all Albertans, especially those who feel otherwise, that Canada can work for all of us,” she told a gathering at the Port of Quebec.
Smith was scheduled to meet with Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette today as twin secessionist movements in Alberta and Quebec build support ahead of provincial votes that will be dominated by debate over sovereignty.
Quebec’s Oct. 5 provincial election is likely to be fought on that issue, as the separatist Parti Québécois continues to lead or tie in most polls. PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has promised an independence referendum within a first mandate if his party wins the provincial election.
Soon after the dust settles in Quebec, Albertans are set to vote in the province’s first-ever sovereignty referendum.
In other news, Irene Galea reports that Ottawa has ordered Canada’s telecom regulator to review a controversial policy forcing foreign streamers to devote more of their revenues to Canadian content, after criticism that the decision constituted a potential trade irritant with the United States.
In late May, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission implemented a new framework that tripled the contribution that streamers would be required to dedicate from their Canadian revenues to funding Canadian and Indigenous programming, from 5 per cent to 15 per cent.
That evening, foreign streamers – which were already fighting the lower investment requirement in Canadian court – said the new framework directly violated Canada’s obligations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The trilateral trade pact is up for a review on July 1.
After the CRTC published its new policy last month, experts said the decision was likely to further provoke U.S. lawmakers as the Trump administration continues on its protectionist course.
The decision was also criticized by Canadian broadcasting organizations, which said the policy reinforced an unfair advantage for streamers, given that traditional broadcasters are required to devote 25 per cent of revenues to Canadian content and funds.
On Monday, the Department of Canadian Heritage said it is requiring the CRTC to review the framework, without directly mentioning trade issues.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, left, and Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette in Quebec City on Wednesday.Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press
What else is going on
U.S. plans new tariffs on dozens of countries, including Canada: However, the proposed tariff appears to maintain an exemption for Canadian products that comply with the rules of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement – a carve-out that would significantly reduce the bite of the tariffs.
U.S. tells Canada, Europe to boost NATO air and naval forces as Washington steps back: The statement by U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s top commander and the head of U.S. forces in Europe, followed a decision by the Trump administration to shrink the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to NATO in a crisis.
Alberta to roll out new three-in-one ID cards starting in July: The new driver’s licences and ID cards will include personal health numbers and citizenship markers, a move Premier Danielle Smith’s government says will streamline access to services.
Ottawa approves plan to move remaining Marineland whales to U.S. and Spain: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has issued the first batch of permits to move the whales and is set to issue different permits closer to the move, which is expected to take place in the next few months.
PQ Leader accuses Carney of trying to undermine support for sovereignty ahead of election: The Parti Québécois says the federal government is being “very generous” with Quebec to undermine support for sovereignty ahead of a provincial election that could pave the way for a third referendum.
On our radar
Prime Minister’s Day: In Ottawa, Mark Carney attended the Liberal caucus meeting. Later, he delivered remarks at a farewell reception for Governor-General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser. Louise Arbour is being installed on June 8 as the next governor-general. In the afternoon, Carney attended Question Period and later delivered remarks and participated in a featured conversation on Canada’s economic strategy with the Ontario Global 100 and Québec Global 100.
Party Leaders: Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet held a news conference in the West Block of the House of Commons, and, later, attended Question Period. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May attended the reception in honour of Governor-General Mary Simon and Whit Fraser. She also held a news conference and, later, attended the House of Commons. No schedules released for other party leaders.
Ministers on the Road:
In Paris, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is attending a meeting of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ministerial meeting.
In Victoria, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, at the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers meeting, announced $400-million in new funding to help the forestry sector diversify and pivot to new markets beyond the United States.
Newly appointed diplomats: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has announced three diplomatic appointments, namely a new permanent observer to the African Union, a new ambassador and permanent representative to the World Trade Organization, in Geneva, and a new ambassador to Uruguay. Biographical details are here.
Quote of the Day
“If actually you had a media that did its job, you would find out that as the President’s representative to Canada, I present the Presidents’ views, the United States’ views to Canada. Mechanically, I don’t do all the reposting and retweeting myself. My understanding is we repost a hundred per cent of the Presidents’ tweets that deal with Canada. I know the story that this reporter would have written if I hadn’t retweeted it: `Distance between ambassador and President.’ ” – U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, in Quebec City today, on sharing a social-media post by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 51st state.
Question period
What was the Dominion Police?
Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
Perspectives
Danielle Smith is a stranger in her own country
So, simply telling Albertans that Ms. Smith is leading her province and the country to division and ruin isn’t going to cut it. And Ms. Smith isn’t going to be defeated by a few quips or a couple of speeches to business crowds on Bay Street and in Calgary.
— Brian Topp is a former chief of staff to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and former deputy chief of staff to Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow.
Canadians should hit back at renewed 51st state insults
But while it’s smart that their government is remaining calm, Canadians themselves need not follow suit. They should show their anger, ramp up the opposition. More boycotts on travel to the U.S. More boycotts on purchasing American goods. As for Mr. Hoekstra, the worst American Ambassador Canada has ever hosted, a great opportunity is presenting itself to show how we feel.
— Lawrence Martin, Public Affairs Columnist
Canada is not likely to become a conventional AI power. But here’s how it can still win
Canada is not a conventional AI power, and nor is it likely to become one in the usual sense. Nonetheless, the competition for AI infrastructure is being decided in the field that Canada happens to occupy, and unlike the race for model supremacy, this is a race Canada can win.
— Savar Suri is an Émile Boutmy Scholar at Sciences Po Paris. Perrin Beatty is a former cabinet minister and former CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Go deeper
- Follow along for our stories on Canada-U.S. relations as news develops
- Get the latest insight and analysis from our political opinion writers
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The answer to today’s question: The small protective force was created by the federal government in 1868 to guard the Parliament Buildings and guard government leaders. In 1920, it was absorbed into the RCMP.