In today's roundup of stories from The Canadian Press, significant developments are underway concerning Canada's steel sector, energy agreements, and other pressing social issues.
Carney to Announce Steel Supports Today
Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing to unveil new measures aimed at bolstering Canada’s steel industry, which is currently under threat from stringent U.S. tariffs. A government official disclosed that Ottawa intends to implement restrictions on foreign steel imports while also reducing interprovincial rail freight rates to support this vital sector.
Specifically, the plan includes reducing steel imports from countries without a free-trade agreement from 50 percent to 20 percent of 2024 levels. Additionally, Ottawa is set to collaborate with CN Rail to decrease freight rates for interprovincial steel shipping by 50 percent. Should CN Rail face challenges in lowering these rates, the government has pledged to cover the difference through subsidies.
Hodgson to Brief B.C. Liberal MPs on Alberta Deal
In another significant development, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson will brief British Columbia Liberal MPs regarding an anticipated energy agreement with Alberta. This meeting comes on the heels of last week’s assertions from B.C. Liberal MPs, emphasizing that any pipeline agreement necessitates the consent of both First Nations and the provincial government.
Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated in the House of Commons that any proposed pipeline to the Pacific coast must receive approval from British Columbia. Premier David Eby has expressed discontent, describing it as "unacceptable" for negotiations between Ottawa and Alberta to proceed without involving the B.C. government.
Women Gaining Ground in Venture Capital: Study
A recent survey conducted by the Business Development Bank of Canada reveals promising trends in the diversity of Canada’s venture capital and private equity sectors. The report indicates a significant increase in female representation, with 88 percent of general partners having at least one woman on their investment committees in 2022, compared to just 63 percent in 2021.
Furthermore, 76 percent of general partners reported including a visible minority member in their committees, marking an increase from 55 percent in 2021. The study surveyed 68 general partners and over 550 portfolio companies, highlighting a positive shift in the industry, albeit it represents only a portion of Canada’s overall funding landscape.
Teen's Suicide Spurs Call for Medical FOI Reform
The tragic suicide of 17-year-old Maya Cassady has sparked renewed calls for reform in the handling of medical freedom of information requests. Maya, just two months away from graduating high school, accessed her mental health records via an FOI request. Within hours of reading the documents, which included unapproved clinical thoughts from doctors, she took her own life on March 30, 2023.
Maya's mother, Hilary Cassady, is now advocating for youth mental health, raising alarms about the risks of young individuals misinterpreting their medical files obtained through FOI requests. She believes that Maya misjudged her mental health condition as being untreatable based on the uncontextualized terminology used in her records.
Alberta Minister to Draft AI-Generated Legislation
In a groundbreaking move, the Alberta government is set to utilize artificial intelligence in drafting proposed legislation, specifically the Alberta Whisky Act, which will be introduced during the upcoming spring session. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally emphasized the innovative application of AI across various sectors, including health care, where it can assist professionals in diagnostics.
Although the AI-generated legislation will be initially drafted using AI tools, it will undergo a thorough vetting process to ensure compliance with all regulatory checks and balances.
Concerns Raised About AI Toys and Creativity, Development
As the holiday season approaches, Canadian child development experts are warning parents to be cautious about the implications of AI-powered toys. They express concerns regarding potential harms, which range from privacy violations to detrimental effects on children’s creativity and cognitive development. Dr. Nicole Racine, an Ottawa child psychologist, stressed the importance of mindful input during early childhood, calling for attention to the influences that children encounter.
This advisory follows a recent statement from Fairplay, a U.S.-based organization devoted to safeguarding children from technology-related risks, which was supported by a coalition of experts, including pediatricians and educators.
Overall, these stories reveal a range of critical issues affecting Canada, from industry support measures to public health advocacy and the responsible use of technology in childhood development.
