Provincial races will undermine Canada climate push

Subject

Upcoming provincial elections in Canada.

Significance

Pending elections in three of Canada’s provinces will provide an opportunity for voters to weigh in on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government’s time in power, as well as a referendum on recent government action on climate change and resource development.

Impacts

• Provincial and local opposition to new pipelines will hinder Canada’s efforts to diversify into non-US export markets.
• A Progressive Conservative victory in Ontario and budget repair efforts are likely to spark labour unrest in the public sector.
• Keeping the first-past-the-post voting system for the 2019 election will help the Liberals retain federal seats.