Tag Archives: Gov of Canada

Energy, Politics

Fossil fuel execs outlined a 7-part playbook to influence governments and media. Here’s what you need to know

By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Last week, explosive claims made behind closed doors by a fossil fuel industry executive were made public. The claims — about how oil and gas giant TC Energy conducts its business — were made during an insider call at the company, which builds and operates crude oil and natural gas pipelines across North America.

The 42-minute spiel from Liam Iliffe, then a TC Energy executive, was part of a March “lunch and learn” session for 150 external relations employees across the continent. While the company said some of his claims were inaccurate and didn’t reflect how it operates, the leaked recordings have since made international headlines, sparked a probe from the B.C. government into his tactics and prompted harsh rebuke from politicians.

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Energy, Politics

Leaked TC Energy recording prompts B.C. to probe claims of outsized lobbying influence on government

By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma has asked a provincial watchdog to look into a series of bold claims about how an executive at a Canadian oil and gas giant — and former BC NDP political staffer — claimed the company had leveraged political connections to persuade the provincial government to significantly weaken its environmental policies.

“We’ve been given opportunities to write entire briefing notes for ministers and premiers and prime ministers,” a TC Energy executive was recorded saying in a leaked tape from March 2024, adding that sometimes “overworked and underpaid” public servants “just want the job done for them.”

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Rivers & Oceans

HACI: Recreational Moorage and Winch usage on Cortes Island

Moorage for recreational boats is even more limited on Cortes Island this year and vessels intending to stay more than 3 nights must make prior arrangements with the Harbour Authority Cortes Island. In addition, Small Craft Harbours regulations for using winches have changed. The manual winches at Mansons Landing and Whaletown have been decommissioned. The winch at the Squirrel Cove dock is available for commercial users who make prior arrangements through the Harbour Authority. The general public is no longer allowed access except through certified staff provided by the Harbour Authority.    

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Housing

Habitat for Humanity completes its Sunshine Coast village after 12 years

Editor’s note: Tackling the housing crisis seems to be almost as important as climate change to communities throughout our listening area. It’s been six years since the Cortes Community Housing Society, then a committee of the Cortes Island Seniors Society, was launched on Cortes Island. They purchased 51 acres in downtown Mansons Landing, to build an affordable housing project that would soon be christened ‘Rainbow Ridge.’ There are still significant challenges to be addressed before it will become a reality, the most significant being funding. The Cortes Housing Society is now exploring other options and recently purchased a parcel of land that has two potential rental houses. Here is another interesting housing model, from some of our neighbours to the south, which has taken even longer to become a reality.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A community gathered to celebrate and welcome their newest neighbours last weekend. 

On June 22, Habitat for Humanity hosted a block party on Chestnut Lane in ts’ukw’um (Wilson Creek) where more than 30 residents gathered along with elected representatives and guests. 

As two families move into the new homes, the event also marked the completion of the Sunshine Habitat Village, a 12-year endeavour.

With 16 homes made of six duplexes and a fourplex, the village came at the hands of hundreds of volunteers and donors.

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Rivers & Oceans

HACI: Parking Restrictions While Work Underway At Gorge & Whaletown Docks

Harbour Authority Cortes Island is asking the public to not use its upper Gorge Harbour parking lot or park at the Whaletown Commercial Dockhead until further notice. There is work underway at both locations.  

“A few years ago the Harbour Authority entered into a lease agreement with MOTI, the Ministry of Transportation, and we actually hold the road allowance leases for the lower part of Robertson Road. We  did some clearing,  graveled and then developed a parking lot,” explained Harbourmaster Jenny Hartwick.

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