Canadian Legislative Issues

Quebec Municipalities Adopting Electric Vehicles

The Electric Circuit, the main public charging network in Quebec, is significantly expanding in the province. There are currently 15 electric vehicle charging stations in service in the MRC du Haut-Richelieu and an additional charging station will be installed in February.

"The MRC du Haut-Richelieu is geared towards transportation electrification and we are convinced that the availability of public charging stations will spur the arrival of even more electric vehicles on our roads," declared Michel Fecteau, Mayor of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. "Our region is committed to playing a leadership role in this field and we are taking concrete action towards this goal with the installation of Electric Circuit charging stations."

Furthermore, the Mauricie region is also developing its public charging station network with its existing seven stations already in operation and the installment of eight new stations located in the city of Shawinigan. The Mauricie region is the hundredth partner of the Electric Circuit, and the MRC d’Argenteuil now has its first electric vehicle public charging station.

"We are all concerned about our environment and climate change. As a public organization, we believe we have a role to play in reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels. We have therefore purchased a fully electric vehicle for our environment and urban planning department. This new charging station, installed at Saint-André d'Argenteuil city hall will allow EV users to charge their vehicles, while discovering the beauty of our region and the exceptional people who live here," affirmed André Jetté, Mayor of Saint-André d’Argenteuil.

In sum, Quebec municipalities are turning to electric vehicles and this has a real potential impact for NAFA Members.

Premier Wynne Aspires To Reach A Canadian Infrastructure Partnership

During the 2020 Canada luncheon on January 20, Premier Kathleen Wynne expressed her desire to have a Canadian infrastructure partnership between the provinces and the federal government to invest five percent of GDP in infrastructure renewal.

"The federal government has the means to help. It only needs the will," said Premier Wynne. "We are need to carry our weight." Canadian governments are currently investing between 3.0 to 3.5 percent of GDP in infrastructure. Premier Wynne’s ambition by suggesting such a commitment to the federal government is to reinforce Canada’s economy.

The federal government has responded to this proposition by saying that it has invested significantly in infrastructure and specifically in Ontario. However, Premier Wynne says it is still insufficient.

Drop In Oil Prices

According to the parliamentary budget officer, the drop in oil prices will represent a deficit of $ 1.2 billion this year only, and larger deficits for the years to come. Yet, the government reiterates that the next budget in April will show a surplus because it has enough fiscal latitude.

"Obviously, the drop in oil prices affects the government’s fiscal flexibility but I have said repeatedly the government will balance the budget this year," said Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

The lower oil prices will considerably affect the country’s economic growth and government revenues. On one hand, as an energy exporting province, Alberta will be the most likely hit since business investments could drop by $12 billion this year as well as in Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, and Labrador. On the other hand, Ontario and Quebec will profit from lower oil prices since it will increase demand for exports.

The fall in oil prices will definitely take a toll on the economy and can have a potential impact on NAFA Members.

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