Pipeline deal with Ottawa met with boos at Alberta UCP convention

The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation has been designated as a key partner in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ottawa and Alberta regarding a pipeline project aimed at transporting oil to the British Columbia coast. This agreement has sparked a division among Indigenous groups, with some expressing concerns over the implications for their rights and the environment.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has reaffirmed her commitment to challenge Ottawa despite a recent agreement that eases regulatory barriers for a pipeline project from Alberta to the West Coast. This deal, signed earlier this week, aims to facilitate the transport of bitumen, potentially increasing export capacity significantly.

A new study reveals that Canada has a low level of civilian oversight over its military, attributing this to rigid party discipline. This finding places Canada in comparison with fourteen other democracies, highlighting a significant gap in military governance.

The Alberta government has reached a deal with Ottawa that includes a commitment to potentially adjust the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, which currently restricts the transport of oil by tanker along British Columbia's coast. This agreement aims to facilitate the export of bitumen from Alberta to the West Coast, amid ongoing discussions about a pipeline project to British Columbia's North Coast.

Canada's economy recorded an annualized GDP growth of 2.6 percent in the third quarter, surprising economists who had anticipated a more stagnant performance. This growth is attributed to a decline in imports, raising concerns about the underlying fragility of the economy.

Quebec has introduced Bill 9, a new secularism law that bans public prayer and face coverings in public institutions, including colleges and universities. This legislation also prohibits communal prayer in public spaces such as roads and parks, imposing fines for violations. Critics argue that this law disproportionately targets Muslims and restricts religious expression in the province.

The Canadian Prime Minister's recent oil deal with Alberta has faced significant backlash, particularly from First Nations groups who have threatened to oppose the project, deeming it unfeasible. This deal follows the Haida nation's landmark victory for land recognition, which underscores the ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities in asserting their rights over traditional territories.

Statistics Canada reported that Canada avoided a recession in the third quarter of 2025, with GDP growth exceeding the Bank of Canada's expectations for September. This positive economic performance indicates resilience in the face of potential downturns.