POLITICS

Eby Promotes B.C. Clean Energy and Critical Minerals in New York

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12 months ago

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Premier David Eby traveled to New York last week to spotlight British Columbia’s leadership in clean energy and critical minerals, positioning the province as a key partner in the global low-carbon transition. Speaking at Climate Week NYC, Eby emphasized that B.C.’s abundant resources, combined with its clean hydroelectric grid, provide a foundation for sustainable growth and global partnerships.

B.C.’s competitive edge in clean resources

Eby pointed to the province’s hydroelectric power system as a unique advantage that makes B.C. a low-emission hub for extracting and processing critical minerals. These resources—including those used in batteries, renewable infrastructure, and electric vehicles—are essential for the international shift toward net-zero economies. By leveraging this clean-energy advantage, Eby argued, B.C. can attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen industries that drive the energy transition.

Aligning local strengths with global climate goals

The premier underscored that sustainable development and climate leadership go hand in hand. He stressed the importance of aligning B.C.’s economic strengths with international climate targets, ensuring both environmental protection and long-term prosperity for local communities. Eby said this approach reflects the province’s commitment to being not only a supplier of raw materials but also a model of responsible resource development.

Building global connections through Climate Week

Beyond resource promotion, the New York visit was an opportunity for B.C. to stand alongside global leaders in clean energy. By showcasing the province’s role in the transition, the government hopes to establish new trade and investment relationships that will benefit local economies across the province. According to Eby, B.C. is not only open for business, but ready to lead in delivering the minerals and energy solutions needed for a sustainable future.

Looking ahead

As clean energy and critical minerals take center stage in global policy discussions, British Columbia is working to ensure it remains a leader. By promoting its unique advantages abroad, the province aims to secure opportunities that will strengthen communities at home while contributing to international efforts against climate change.

 

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POLITICS

What Trump’s Remarks Linking Canada to Iran Signal About International Negotiations

Donald Trump linked Canadian trade negotiations to talks with Iran during a Sept. 12, 2026 trip to Ireland, stating both nations want to make deals.

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13 hours ago

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September 13, 2026

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Trump Draws Connection Between Trade and Middle East Conflict

During a visit to Ireland on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Canada and Iran share a common goal: both countries are eager to reach deals with the United States. Speaking at the Deerfield Residence in Dublin prior to traveling to his golf resort in Doonbeg, Trump commented on the status of international negotiations while addressing questions about the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

“Canada wants to make a deal very badly, just like Iran wants to make a deal very badly,” Trump stated, adding, “I just don’t think they’re ready. But Canada wants to make a deal …. I hope Canada appreciates being in the same sentence with Iran.” He later reiterated the sentiment, saying, “It’s very interesting — Canada and Iran. Canada wants to make a deal and Iran wants to make a deal. At the right time, both of these things could happen.”

Status of Bilateral Talks and Middle East Hostilities

Formal trade discussions between Ottawa and Washington have been paused since Aug. 21, 2026. However, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc noted on Friday that communication channels between officials from both nations remain open, despite no official negotiation sessions currently appearing on the calendar.

The U.S. has engaged in ongoing military conflict with Tehran since launching joint airstrikes with Israel against Iran in February 2026. While Washington has enacted additional economic measures to pressure Iran following a breakdown in peace talks, Iranian forces continue to target maritime vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz to maintain strategic leverage. Although Trump has repeatedly asserted that Tehran desires an end to the conflict, Iranian hardliners have indicated an intent to sustain their stance.

Diplomatic Engagements and Local Demonstrations in Ireland

Beyond his comments on international trade and diplomacy, Trump met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during his tour. When asked about the potential political integration of Northern Ireland—currently part of the United Kingdom—with the Republic of Ireland, Trump expressed support for the concept of Irish reunification.

As the president departed Dublin for the Trump International Golf Links course along the Atlantic coast, where he was seen interacting with American golfer Brooks Koepka at the Irish Open, thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Dublin for a protest march.

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POLITICS

Trump Links Canada and Iran in Remarks on Trade and Diplomatic Deals

U.S. President Donald Trump said in Ireland that Canada and Iran both want to make deals with the United States, as trade and diplomatic talks continue.

Published

13 hours ago

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September 13, 2026

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U.S. President Comments on Trade and Conflict in Ireland

During a visit to Dublin on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed reporters regarding ongoing trade discussions with Canada, drawing a parallel to diplomatic negotiations with Iran. Speaking at the Deerfield Residence prior to traveling to his Doonbeg golf course, Trump responded to questions about whether the U.S. might exit the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

“Canada wants to make a deal very badly, just like Iran wants to make a deal very badly,” Trump stated, adding that he did not believe they were ready yet. “I hope Canada appreciates being in the same sentence with Iran,” he said, noting that at the right time, both deals could potentially happen.

Status of Canadian Trade and Middle East Peace Negotiations

Official trade talks between Canada and the United States have been paused since Aug. 21, 2026. However, Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed on Friday that informal communication between officials from both nations remains ongoing, despite the lack of a scheduled formal session.

Trump’s comments also touched on parallel efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict with Iran, which began in February following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. While Washington has increased economic pressure following a breakdown in earlier talks, Tehran’s hardline leadership has signaled a willingness to persist. Meanwhile, Iranian forces continue targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to maintain strategic leverage.

Diplomatic Meetings and Local Protests in Dublin

Trump’s Irish itinerary included discussions with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. During his visit, the U.S. president expressed support for Irish reunification, stating he would love to see Northern Ireland unite with the Republic of Ireland.

While thousands gathered for a protest march in central Dublin, the demonstration took place after Trump had departed the capital for the Irish Open at his coastal golf resort in Doonbeg, where he was seen interacting with American golfer Brooks Koepka.

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BC STORIES

Why Soaring Diesel Costs Could Soon Raise Your Grocery Bills

Rising diesel prices linked to global conflicts and refinery maintenance in New Brunswick could soon drive up grocery bills for Canadian consumers.

Published

14 hours ago

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September 13, 2026

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Refinery Closures and Global Conflicts Strain Canadian Fuel Supplies

A temporary shutdown at Canada’s largest refinery, the Irving Refinery in New Brunswick, is compounding an already tight diesel supply. Scheduled maintenance will keep the plant offline until November, limiting domestic production at a time when global energy markets face severe pressure.

Geopolitical tensions are playing a primary role in pushing prices higher. Ongoing conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, alongside Houthi threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, continue to disrupt crude markets. In addition, Russian export bans following Ukrainian attacks on domestic oil refineries, combined with Persian Gulf diesel exports dropping to just over a quarter of pre-war levels as of August, have created acute supply shortages worldwide.

Tax Relief Extended as Diesel Hits Record Highs

In response to rising energy expenses, the federal government extended the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax through January 2027. The measure includes a four-cent-per-litre reduction on diesel, which was previously set to expire on Sept. 7.

Despite the extension, diesel prices averaged $2.62 per litre across Canada as of Saturday, up from $2.52 the previous week and significantly higher than last year’s levels. In Vancouver, prices reached $2.92 per litre, while U.S. average prices surpassed $6 US per gallon. Although Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem noted that proposed tariffs are not expected to deeply impact overall national economic activity, he cautioned that prolonged energy price spikes risk turning into broader inflation.

Surging Transport Costs Threaten Food Prices

Because commercial transport trucks rely heavily on diesel, consuming hundreds of litres every week, rising fuel costs directly affect the supply chain. Tej Dulat of the Canadian Truck Operators Association warned that while companies usually absorb brief spikes, narrow profit margins since 2022 mean these expenses must ultimately be passed on to shoppers.

Evan Fraser from the University of Guelph’s Arrell Food Institute noted that elevated fuel prices impact shipping, storing, and producing food. Paired with extreme weather affecting harvests, experts warn that consumers could face sustained upward pressure on food prices through the winter and beyond.

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