Major Projects Announced by PM Carney; Canadians Back Budget Plan

URGENT UPDATE: Prime Minister Mark Carney has just announced a significant new batch of major projects in Terrace, B.C., aiming for expedited approval. This announcement includes the highly anticipated Crawford Nickel Project, which has been prioritized by the government for fast-tracking.

In a statement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his satisfaction with the project’s inclusion but stressed the need for swifter progress on other initiatives, particularly in the Ring of Fire mining region in northern Ontario. “Let’s get out of our way when it comes to the Ring of Fire,” he emphasized, highlighting the urgency of advancing critical infrastructure.

In parallel, a recent poll indicates overwhelming support for Carney’s budget infrastructure plan, unveiled on November 4. The proposed $51 billion local infrastructure fund received approval from 76% of Canadians surveyed. However, experts warn that failure to show progress on infrastructure and housing could reignite regional tensions across the country.

The budget forecasts a staggering $78.3 billion deficit this fiscal year, reflecting the government’s commitment to pivot Canada’s economy away from reliance on the United States. Support for reduced immigration targets stands at 74%, while 60% favor increased military spending.

Housing advocates are expressing concern over the government’s plans, deeming them insufficient to tackle the housing crisis. The budget allocates $25 billion for housing over the next five years, yet experts argue that building 430,000 to 480,000 new units annually is crucial to restoring affordability. Canadian Home Builders’ Association CEO Kevin Lee called the targets “aspirational,” questioning the government’s approach to supporting diverse homeownership.

In a separate urgent matter, the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed that over $20 million worth of pharmaceuticals were lost from the national stockpile this year due to a reported “temperature deviation.” While Health Canada has not disclosed specific details for security reasons, they assured the public that this loss will not affect the stockpile’s readiness for health emergencies.

Legal proceedings are also in focus today as final arguments commence in the case of Pierre Ny St-Amand, who is facing charges in a tragic incident where he drove a bus into a daycare in Laval, Quebec, killing two children and injuring six others in 2023. His defense team argues that labeling him as a high-risk offender would be unconstitutional, raising questions about the legal system’s treatment of individuals deemed not criminally responsible.

Lastly, excitement builds around the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they prepare for the Grey Cup showdown against the Montreal Alouettes. Gainer the Gopher, the team’s beloved mascot, will be present at the game, drawing nostalgia from fans.

Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop. Share this urgent news to keep others informed!