Manitoba to no longer chair Council of the Federation, premier meeting
As Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative Party continues the process of choosing a new leader, the province will no longer be the chair of the Council of the Federation (COF), as well as a planned meeting of the premiers.
On Tuesday, Premier Kelvin Goertzen said COF was planning to hold an in-person meeting of the premiers in Manitoba next month. COF comprises the provincial and territorial premiers, allowing them to work together on initiatives that are national in scope.
The chair of COF alternates between the provinces, with Manitoba initially taking on the role this year.
However, Manitoba has decided to give up the position this year, passing it on to British Columbia’s Premier John Horgan, who had served as vice-chair since June 17, 2021.
Goertzen noted that the COF needs stability and consistency.
“It’s not really fair, I think, for the Council of Federations to have three chairs in about four months,” he said.
“So as much as I would very much have liked to have chaired the meeting, we’ll participate in the meeting next week that will happen virtually after the federal election. It’s not good for the COF generally to have that active changing of the chairs, and there will be another change after our leadership convention at the end of October.”
The Progressive Conservatives will choose between Tuxedo MLA Heather Stefanson and former MP Shelly Glover to be the next leader of the party on Oct. 30.
Goertzen said he asked Horgan on Wednesday if British Columbia could take on the role this year and for Manitoba to resume the position next year, with Horgan agreeing to the proposal.
“I appreciate Premier Horgan making way for that. I think it will be good for COF to have that consistency,” Goertzen said, noting that Manitoba will serve as vice-chair for the rest of the year.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting of the premiers will take place virtually.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.