Category: Canada

Canada

Minister Rickford Concludes Successful Visit to Washington, D.C.

Post author By news22
Post date January 14, 2015
No Comments on Minister Rickford Concludes Successful Visit to Washington, D.C.

The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today concluded his second official visit to Washington, D.C., to further enhance bilateral energy cooperation. Minister Rickford and Dr. Ernest Moniz, U.S. Secretary of Energy, met for the fifth time to renew engagement related to substantial milestones already achieved in their discussions, including:

Signing a Memorandum of Understanding launching an agreement on 11 areas of enhanced energy collaboration.
Canada hosting the a session of the United States’ Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) — the only consultation of industry and subject matter experts of its kind held outside of the U.S.
New measures aligned with G7 priorities in support of Ukraine, including Canada–U.S. support for Ukraine’s efforts in contingency planning; outreach activities on oil and gas regulatory frameworks; and a plan to share expertise in energy efficiency techniques.
The issuance of a presidential permit for the United States’ portion of a 540-kilometre Quebec– New York hydro line that could supply 10 percent of New York City’s electricity demand.
Canada, United States and Mexico formalizing a strategy for a more secure, integrated North American energy approach, enhancing our collective global competitive advantage.

They also signed an Implementing Arrangement for Collaboration in Nuclear Science and Technology. This new agreement will allow Canadian scientists to collaborate with their American colleagues on a range of nuclear science and technology issues, stimulating innovation. Minister Rickford and Secretary Moniz committed to meeting again in the coming months.

The Minister also met with Fred Upton (R-MI), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Minister Rickford met with senior members of Congress including Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Representative Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to advance Canada–United States cooperation on a range of energy issues and shared interests in greater energy security, jobs and environmental sustainability.

Minister Rickford highlighted the benefits of the Keystone XL pipeline — a responsibility that falls under the purview of the U.S. Secretary of State. He met with senior officials from the Department of State during his visit and was updated on next steps for approval of the project.

Quick Facts
Canada benefits from one of the cleanest electricity mixes in the world, with 65 percent generated from renewable sources — the highest level in the G7.
Canada is the world’s third-largest producer of hydroelectricity and has the third-largest proven oil reserves (after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia), the second-largest reserves of uranium, the fifth-largest natural gas production and the ninth-highest installed wind capacity.
Canada’s per-capita GHG emissions are now among their lowest level since tracking began. Since 2005, Canada’s economy has increased, while Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions have decreased.
There are already 70 pipelines delivering oil and gas across the Canada–U.S. border every day —safely and reliably.
Both the United States and Canada have dramatically reduced foreign oil imports from offshore, while our oil imports from each other are at record highs.
Canada’s overall tax rate on new business investment is the lowest in the G7.
Quotes

“Our countries are taking consistent, meaningful action enhancing bilateral energy cooperation. Canada and the United States already enjoy the largest energy relationship between any two countries in the world, and our common values underpin that strong collaboration. We are reinforcing our countries’ long, productive history of cooperation on a wide range of energy issues and shared interests in greater energy security, jobs and environmental sustainability.”

The Honourable Greg Rickford
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources

Harper Government Launches a Call for Tenders for the Reconstruction and Expansion of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury

Post author By news22
Post date January 14, 2015
No Comments on Harper Government Launches a Call for Tenders for the Reconstruction and Expansion of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury

For Immediate Release

The Reconstruction Contract to Create Local Jobs in Québec

January 14, 2015 – Québec, QC – The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced today the launch of a call for tenders for the reconstruction and expansion of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury.

The Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury is a centrepiece of Québec City’s rich architectural and historical landscape. The reconstruction of this National Historic Site of Canada will generate jobs in Québec and culminate in an exciting new space that will host cultural and community activities, government offices and will be a tribute to the Voltigeurs de Québec.

The contract will be awarded in spring 2015. The builder will use the design unveiled by the Prime Minister Harper in 2012 and the plans and specifications prepared by the architectural consortium Arcop/DFS/STGM.

Construction work is planned to begin in summer 2015, for completion in summer 2017.

Quick Facts
The reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury represents an investment of approximately $104 million under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, including an anticipated $93 million for the reconstruction work, plans, as well as project management.
The concept and drawings reflect the emphasis on and deep respect for heritage preservation and the architectural integrity of the original building.
Surviving elements of the original structure and drawing inspiration from Eugène-Étienne Taché’s original design will be used in the reconstruction.
The reconstruction of the armoury will also be done in a manner that honours the government’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
Quotes

“I am delighted to see that we are moving forward with the reconstruction of this military architectural gem, which characterizes the city of Québec. This important and historic work will create jobs in Québec and ensure Canadians will enjoy the Armoury for many years to come.”

The Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

“Once again, our government is keeping its word and delivering on its commitments as today’s call for tenders moves us another step closer to the reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury.”

The Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs
and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Related links

Reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury in Québec

Design for reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury

– 30 –

Contacts

Marcel Poulin
Office of the Honourable Diane Finley
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada – Quebec region
514-496-3588

PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site.

Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=920729&tp=1

Canada

Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources to Hold News Conference Concluding His Visit to Washington D.C.

Post author By news22
Post date January 13, 2015
No Comments on Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources to Hold News Conference Concluding His Visit to Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, will hold a news conference with reporters at the Embassy of Canada to discuss his visit to Washington D.C. He will deliver short remarks and respond to questions from the media.

Please RSVP to Rishi.Patry@international.gc.ca or 202-682-7732.

Location: Embassy of Canada
501 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, D.C., USA

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST

Please note: Media with cameras must arrive 20 minutes prior to the event via C Street entrance.

Media may contact:

Chris McCluskey
Communications Director
Office of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
613-996-2007 Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=920289&tp=3

Canada Economic World

Is Shale Oil Responsible for Falling Oil Prices? OPEC Seems to Think So

Post author By Shelly W
Post date January 13, 2015
No Comments on Is Shale Oil Responsible for Falling Oil Prices? OPEC Seems to Think So

According to the UAE it is not possible for OPEC alone to reverse falling oil prices, the output of shale oil also needs to be curbed as well according to the United Arab Emirates. Is this just sour grapes though? Shale oil has helped to bring oil prices down, but in the past OPEC could set costs and cause increases without any help. That is no longer true today as the world moves away from oil dependence on the volatile Middle East and towards alternatives like shale oil. According to Suhail al-Mazrouei, the UAE Energy Minister, “We cannot continue to be protecting a certain price. We have seen the oversupply, coming primarily from shale oil, and that needed to be corrected.” Not everyone shares this view though.

While OPEC may blame falling oil prices on shale oil the group did not lower their production from 30 million barrels a day during the November 2014 meeting, in the hopes that the lower prices would force the producers of shale oil to go under. Mazrouei said “We are telling the market and other producers to be rational, to be like OPEC and look at growth in the market.” Crude oil has fallen below $50 a barrel in some markets, and that has many in the Middle East looking at falling revenues. Right now oil is at the lowest point since 2009, 6 years ago. For drivers the falling oil prices are seen as a welcome relief though, with gas in some parts of the USA below $2 a gallon for the first time in a long time.

Tags falling oil prices, OPEC, shale oil

Canada

Fraud Allegations Against Via Rail Investigated by RCMP

Post author By Shelly W
Post date January 13, 2015
No Comments on Fraud Allegations Against Via Rail Investigated by RCMP

Recent fraud allegations against Via Rail are being investigated by the RCMP, and it is suspected that a computer scam was responsible. In 2013 the QMI Agency made a report that Via Rail had fired the computer department’s top manager after allegations of embezzlement were made against the employee, and an internal investigation was conducted with the assistance of the ombudsman for the company. Once the internal investigation was complete the entire file was turned over to the RCMP for a criminal investigation. When asked about the investigation law enforcement confirmed tht there was an ongoing probe into the suspected illegal activity but would not provide any further details because the investigation is still open. An anonymous source reported that at least one IT company is suspected of over billing for the services that were provided.

The fraud allegations concerning Via Rail involve hundreds of thousands of dollars, no small amount, and the RCMP will continue investigating until all of the facts have been discovered. The QMI report also outlined how Via Rail had hired the manage who was fired in spite of the fact that she had a prior theft conviction. When the manager who was terminated worked as a senior manager with Bombardier Aerospace she was investigated for theft in the early 2000s, and the investigation led to her being convicted in 2010 for the theft of 20 computer monitors. This should have been a big red flag that prevented the convicted individual from obtaining employment with Via Rail, especially in a management position where the employee could steal or embezzle from the company.

Tags fraud allegations, RCMP, Via Rail

Breaking News Canada

Third Suspect Arrested After Ottawa Terror Probe

Post author By Shelly W
Post date January 13, 2015
No Comments on Third Suspect Arrested After Ottawa Terror Probe

An Ottawa terror probe has led to the arrest of a third suspect after twin brothers were arrested in recent days. Suliman Mohamed, a 21 year old from Ottawa, was arrested on Monday by the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET). The charges involve conspiracy to participate in a terrorist activity and participating in the activity of a terrorist group. Reports show that the arrest was made with help from local police and the OPP, and that it is linked to the previous arrest of the Larmond brothers although the details are not fully clear to the public yet on what the link is. According to the criminal operations officer for Ontario, RCMP chief Supt. Jennifer Strachan“ These recent arrests underscore the reality that there are individuals in Ontario and in Canada who have become radicalized to a violent ideology, and who are willing to act upon it. Thanks to the ongoing collaborative efforts of our INSET partners, we are in a better position to target these threats and protect the Canadian public.”

The third suspect arrested after the Ottawa terror probe has ties to the Larmond brothers. So far law enforcement has not disclosed what the terroristic activities were that the trio are suspected of, or which terrorist organization they have or planned o participate in. Carlos Larmond was arrested at the airport where he planned to leave the country, and allegations from the RCMP are that Carlos was leaving to take part in some terrorist group. All 3 of the men arrested so far are from Canada.

Tags Ottawa terror probe, third suspect