Last Friday, the federal Ministers’ mandate letters were published with no real surprises or change in direction but with perhaps greater emphasis on the Reconciliation Framework Agreement and completion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion. Work will continue under the Oceans Protection Plan with targets to conserve 25 percent of Canada’s oceans by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030. Under the Transport Minister’s letter, ongoing efforts to review and modernization legislation and regulations continue with emphasis on completing the Ports Modernization Review with an aim to update governance structures that promote investment in Canadian ports. The Treasury Board has been charged with working with Cabinet colleagues in improving transparency, reducing administrative burdens in an effort to harmonize regulations that maintain high safety standards and improve the competitiveness of Canadian businesses.
