News & Press https://necbc.org/news/default.asp Wed, 3 Jun 2026 23:24:39 GMT Wed, 3 Jun 2026 12:44:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 New England-Canada Business Council HQ power begins flowing to NYC https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=728508 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=728508 Hydro-Québec has activated the 1,250-megawatt line that delivers power between a substation in La Prairie, P.Q., and the Astoria section of Queens in New York City. The 600-kilometer (375-mile) line, which HQ built in partnership with Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI), is projected to deliver $34 billion of Québec hydropower to the New York grid over the 25-year contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

 

https://news.hydroquebec.com/news/press-releases/all-quebec/hydro-quebec-now-supplying-electricity-part-new-york-metropolitan-area.html

]]> Wed, 3 Jun 2026 13:44:00 GMT HQ CEO: Newfoundland hydropower crucial for Québec https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=727735 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=727735

Hydro-Québec CEO Claudine Bouchard says ensuring ongoing access to electricity from the Churchill Falls project is key to Québec's overall energy security. HQ and Newfoundland and Labrador reached an agreement in principle two years ago to extend the power purchase deal that was to expire in 2041, but Premier Tony Wakeham has moved to reevaluate it. “We have an opportunity before us to negotiate a balanced contract,'' Bouchard said, "which will allow us to secure energy from Churchill Falls beyond 2041 and, above all, to build a new power plant near Gull Island to increase Québec’s overall production capacity.”

 

Churchill Falls deal crucial to Quebec's long-term energy security, Hydro-Québec CEO says - Montreal Gazette

]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 18:09:00 GMT U.S. honors 20 Canadian armed forces members ​ https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=727305 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=727305 At an Armed Forces Day ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, the Canadian military personnel were recognized for “exceptional contributions to bilateral defense cooperation” and advancing “shared security objectives.” 

Each year, more than 150 Canadian Armed Forces members receive U.S. military decorations in recognition of their services to the United States.

 

https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/05/13/an-awesome-relationship-u-s-ambassador-speaks-on-canada-u-s-relation-on-armed-forces-day/

]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 20:37:00 GMT PEI boosts power-grid reliability https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726390 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726390 A new substation being installed by Maritime Electric is expected to reduce power outages in the western part of Prince Edward Island by 55 percent. The $13.8 million substation in Woodstock adds a second transmission line for greater reliability.

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-maritime-electric-woodstock-switching-station-9.7179456

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:09:00 GMT Carney launches C$25B sovereign wealth fund https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726301 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726301

The Prime Minister said the new fund would invest in major Canadian energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, industrial and technology projects, with an initial infusion of 25 billion Canadian dollars (U.S. $18 billion) that could grow over time. The fund could be invested alongside private investors as the government pursues projects aimed at diversifying away from "close ties" to the U.S. economically that Carney now sees as "weaknesses."

 

https://apnews.com/article/carney-canada-sovereign-wealth-fund-4be2e01a820382f42dcf7af7cc4f90c1

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:44:00 GMT Enbridge $4B B.C. pipeline OK’d https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726168 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726168 The Sunrise project, approved by the Canadian federal government, would add 300 million cubic feet per day of transportation capacity on Enbridge's 3.6-billion CF/day Westcoast system, which delivers natural gas from fields in northeastern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta to the Canada-U.S. border. While the approval did not come under federal legislation enacted last year to accelerate infrastructure of “national interest,” a senior Enbridge executive said the approval by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government nonetheless shows “more of a sense of purpose and an intent and a prioritization, which is what we need to see in Canada.’’

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/ottawa-approves-enbridge-s-4b-sunrise-natural-gas-pipeline-expansion-project-9.7175787

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:20:00 GMT N.B. Innovation backs 9 projects ​ https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726169 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726169 Projects supporting clean energy and decarbonization are receiving $50,000 or $150,000 to advance their technology development. Net Zero Atlantic’s Emerging Concepts & Technologies Research Program is supported by the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Opportunities New Brunswick, and Natural Resources Canada.

 

 

https://nbif.ca/nine-projects-awarded-through-net-zero-atlantics-ect-nb/

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:20:00 GMT Northern Maine, N.B. talk trade ties https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726167 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=726167 At a “Beyond Borders” gathering in Madawaska, Maine, on April 24, business leaders talked about strategies for expanding the benefits of cross-border trade, including the benefits of expanded French language instruction to promote commerce with francophones in Canada. Michael Pizziferri, a senior economic officer with Canada’s Consulate General in Boston, noted that Maine “sell[s] more to Canada than to your next 16 foreign markets combined.”

 

https://www.digestwire.com/2026/04/25/international-business-leaders-tend-cross-border-connections-at-northern-maine-forum/

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:19:00 GMT PM Carney: Dependence on U.S. now “weaknesses” for Canada https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=725743 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=725743 In a landmark address, Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Canada’s longtime economic ties to the United States were for decades a strength but now have become “have become weaknesses–weaknesses that we must correct’’ because of tariffs, threats, and erratic trade policy. Carney said his government will focus on building a stronger, more unified Canadian economy to compete globally and grow diversified alliances. “We have to take care of ourselves because we can’t rely on one foreign partner. We can’t control the disruption coming from our neighbors. We can’t bet our future on the hope that it will suddenly stop,” Carney said. 

 

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5839265-carney-address-us-economic-ties/

 

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:19:00 GMT LeBlanc: Canada wants comprehensive deal, not “one-offs” https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=725551 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=725551 Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the government wants to resolve trade frictions with the U.S. as part of a comprehensive agreement rather than through “one-off” deals. Dairy products, Canadian regulations affecting U.S. technology companies, aluminum and steel tariffs, and the renegotiation of USMCA/CUSMA are all issues on the table, and “Canada is ready and willing to do that work,” Mr. LeBlanc said.

 

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/canada-pushes-broad-deal-us

]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:45:00 GMT Liberals win Parliament majority https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=725416 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=725416 Victories in three by-elections have enjoyed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has a sufficient majority to enact legislation without needing votes from other parties, and could delay the next general election until 2029.

Scotiabank analyst Derek Holt said “expectations will rise across multiple policy arenas” for the Liberal majority to enact Carney priorities, including major investments in housing construction and national defense, and making Canada an "energy superpower.”

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9vmepn010o

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:48:00 GMT Ontario Premier Ford barnstorms Texas https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=724751 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=724751 During a pro-free-trade swing through Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Premier Doug Ford met with top officials from Compass Datacenters, Hewlett-Packard, McKesson, Mitsubishi, Toyota, WM (formerly known as Waste Management), Westlake Corporation, and others and said he “didn’t hear … once” did support for higher U.S. tariffs on Canada. “I love the U.S. I love Americans. Canadians love Americans ... and we look forward to continuing growing the business,” Ford said.

 

https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-takes-anti-tariff-message-to-the-heart-of-texas/article_06e697ba-8fb0-4691-a5fa-60c06a5339b8.html

]]> Thu, 2 Apr 2026 19:23:00 GMT Carney, N.S. sign energy acceleration pact https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=724396 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=724396

The "One Project, One Review Model" agreed to by the Prime Minister and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is intended to reduce delays and administrative burden for development of offshore wind, transmission, and other energy projects by merging federal and provincial approval processes. "It means that we rely on each other, that we don't duplicate processes that the province is working through on major projects," Carney said. "And this is hugely important because it's an incredible time for the province."

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mark-carney-signs-deal-nova-scotia-environmental-reviews-9.7144689

]]> Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:51:00 GMT N.B. seeks to reopen antimony mine https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=724167 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=724167 The former Lake George mine, about 18 miles (30KM) southwest of Fredericton, last operated in 1996 and is believed to contain more than $900 million worth of the metalloid substance that is used in solar panels, lead-acid batteries, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, and night vision goggles and is now produced mainly by China. "In today’s economic and geopolitical climate, the need for secure, responsibly produced critical minerals has never been greater," Natural Resources Minister John Herron said in announcing a competitive bid process to reopen and operate the mine.

 

https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/new-brunswick-government-hoping-to-restart-critical-mineral-mine-south-of-fredericton/article_c122cb37-0d8c-58af-81bb-20645e206660.html

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:45:00 GMT Toronto's Bishop Airport adds U.S. preclearance https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=722564 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=722564

The opening of the $30 million facility at Toronto's downtown lakefront airport enables travelers bound for the States to pass through U.S. customs, immigration, and agriculture inspections before leaving Canada.

 

https://www.islands.com/2122017/major-canadian-airport-made-flying-us-easier-travelers-billy-bishop/

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:48:00 GMT Mass. Governor seeks big increase in power, energy storage https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=722486 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=722486 New executive order issued by Governor Maura Healey calls on the Commonwealth to secure 10,000 megawatts of new energy supply by 2035, including 4,000 megawatts of in-state solar generation capacity and 3,500 megawatts of new electric demand reduction from energy efficiency, EV charging management, virtual power plants, and other strategies. Gov. Healey also wants Massachusetts to commit to 5,000 megawatts of new energy storage capacity, although the total number of megawatt-hours is to be determined.

 

https://www.rtoinsider.com/128206-mass-gov-healey-issues-order-procure-10gw-2035/

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:58:00 GMT WestJet cuts 16 U.S. routes https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=721278 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=721278 "We saw a notable decline in transborder travel demand throughout 2025," said a spokesperson for the Canadian discount carrier. "As a result, we made timely decisions to modify our network to stay aligned with where Canadians want to go” and see “no indication that this trend will change in the foreseeable future." With the end of Vancouver-Boston, Halifax-Orlando, and 14 other transborder flights, WestJet’s total service to the U.S. is shrinking by 13 percent.

 

https://thepointsguy.com/news/westjet-us-route-cuts-raleigh-durham/

]]> Mon, 2 Mar 2026 16:20:00 GMT Port of Saint John NB is booming https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=721139 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=721139

Container volume at the New Brunswick port grew nearly 30 percent from 2024 to 2025 and is up by 175 percent since 2021. The port credited completion of $247 million in public-private investments at its west side terminal operated by operator DP World.

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/canadian-port-saw-containers-increase-112100610.html

]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:55:00 GMT Vivek Sood becomes NS Power CEO March 1 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720936 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720936 Succeeding Peter Gregg, Sood has been a member of the Nova Scotia Power board since June 2024 and spent more than 20 years as a senior leader with Sobeys and Empire Group of Companies and has deep experience in corporate strategy and planning, operations, and finance. “His business acumen, depth of experience, and deep Nova Scotia roots are a strong asset as we focus on the next chapter, delivering for customers and strengthening relationships with stakeholders,” said NS Power Chair Scott Balfour.

 

https://www.nspower.ca/about-us/press-releases/details/2026/02/10/nova-scotia-power-announces-ceo-transition

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:24:00 GMT U.S. Supreme Court strikes down tariffs https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720689 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720689 Impact on Canada-U.S. trade expected to be muted because the high court ruling does not apply to U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made automobiles, steel, and aluminum and leaves CUSMA/USMCA tariff exemptions in place. By a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional because they would require congressional approval, but the U.S. president says the decision "doesn't matter" because "we have powerful alternatives." 

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/livestory/scotus-tariff-ruling-9.7099048

]]> Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:53:00 GMT Politico: Top 5 issues awaiting Ambassador Wiseman https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720596 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720596 The political news website based in Washington unpacks what it calls the five biggest issues facing Ottawa’s new top envoy to D.C., Mark Wiseman: CUSMA/USMCA renegotiation, Section 232 tariffs, China-Canada relations and their impact on the Canada-U.S. relationship, the Washington-Ottawa military partnership, and the World Cup being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

 

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/16/5-hot-files-that-await-canadas-new-us-ambassador-00782905

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:29:00 GMT Stantec: Atlantic Canada offshore wind could reach 16,500 MW by 2050 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720348 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=720348

New report focuses on constraints such as limited shallow water for fixed turbines and need for major new transmission lines, but sees massive opportunity for power exports to New England and Québec and clean hydrogen production.

 

https://www.rmoutlook.com/nova-scotia-news/atlantic-canadas-offshore-wind-potential-is-massive-but-less-than-projected-report-11886214

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:39:00 GMT Nova Scotia, Mass. sign offshore wind MOU https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=719684 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=719684

The agreement signed by Premier Tim Houston and Governor Maura Healey commits to wide-ranging cooperation on wind development, including finding routes for transmitting power from the province's 60,000-megawatt Wind West project to the Bay State.

https://www.timescolonist.com/national-business/ns-reaches-agreement-that-could-send-offshore-wind-power-to-massachusetts-11836120

]]> Thu, 5 Feb 2026 14:52:00 GMT NB Power seeks energy storage https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=719055 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=719055 The utility has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) to anyone interested in submitting a proposal for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) totalling approximately 200 megawatt-hours of energy storage and short-duration flexibility to manage wind and solar resources, over a 15-year contract. “We are committed to delivering cleaner energy without placing undue upward pressure on customer rates,” said Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power. “While all new infrastructure is costly, we are actively looking for solutions that minimize risk and provide the lowest long-term price.”
 
 
 
https://www.nbpower.com/en/about-us/news-media-centre/news/2025/nb-power-invites-expressions-of-interest-for-15-year-battery-storage-partnership/
]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:03:00 GMT NECBC: A major energy win-win for New England and Canada https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=718773 https://necbc.org/news/news.asp?id=718773

For 45 years, strengthening the mutually beneficial ties of trade and investment that link New England and Canada—particularly our interconnected energy networks of all kinds—has been the paramount mission of the New England-Canada Business Council.

The activation last week of the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line, delivering hydropower from Québec to the New England power grid and covering a large fraction of Massachusetts’ commitment to emissions-free electricity, ranks as an historic triumph and red-letter day for our nations’ and region’s energy partnership. That it has taken more than a decade to guide this process through regulatory, political, and electoral challenges only underscores how crucial it is for our states and provinces to continue to commit to fulfilling win-win energy solutions like this one for both Canadians and Americans. Massachusetts and all of New England will enjoy cost savings and emissions reductions from the nearly 10 million megawatt-hours of hydropower NECEC will deliver every year, and Québec enjoys the added energy security of an even more robust power grid interconnection with New England when imported power is needed.

We express our heartfelt congratulations to the NECEC partnership on this landmark accomplishment: Avangrid and its subsidiary Central Maine Power Company and Hydro Québec. Both have been longstanding members and supporters of NECBC and our annual Boston Executive Energy Conference in particular, and we are deeply grateful to them for all they have enabled NECBC to do and become.

We also thank the many other members, friends, and supporters of NECBC, too numerous to cite by name, for all that they have done to make NECEC and all its economic and environmental benefits possible. This is a great day for the New England-Canada energy partnership … and the first day of what we trust will be an even stronger, more mutually valuable regional energy and trade partnership for decades to come.

John W. Gulliver, NECBC President

]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:53:00 GMT