Trudeau gov’t set to introduce another internet regulation bill this week

While the Trudeau government claims its forthcoming ‘Online Harms’ bill is being created to protect kids, Conservative Party of Canada head Pierre Poilievre said that the federal government is just looking for clever ways to enact internet censorship laws.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government is introducing its “online harms” legislation this week, spurring fears that this may mean the revival of parts of a lapsed bill from 2021 which looked to target free speech by banning certain legal internet content.

The new bill, by Liberal Justice Minister Arif Virani, was posted on the House of Commons notice paper for February 26, 2024, and will soon be read in Parliament.

The Online Harms Act will modify existing laws, amending the Criminal Code as well as the Canadian Human Rights Act, in what the Trudeau Liberals claim will target certain cases of internet content removal, notably those involving child sexual abuse and pornography.

The new bill will also create an ombudsperson who will be charged with dealing with public complaints regarding online content, as well as put forth a regulatory function that will be charged with monitoring internet platform behaviors.

While the Trudeau government claims the bill is being created to protect kids, Conservative Party of Canada head Pierre Poilievre said that the federal government is looking for clever ways to enact internet censorship laws.

During a February 21 press conference, Poilievre said that Trudeau is looking to, in effect, criminalize speech he does not like.

“What does Justin Trudeau mean when he says the word ‘hate speech?’ He means speech he hates,” said Poilievre.

Virani had many times last year hinted that a new Online Harms Act bill would be forthcoming in 2024.

Of important note is that the new Online Harms Act looks to amend Canada’s Human Rights Act, to put back in place a hate speech provision, specifically, Section 13 of the Act, which the previous Conservative government under Stephen Harper had repealed in 2013.

It was feared that if passed, it would target bloggers and social media users for speaking their minds. 

Bill C-36 included text to amend Canada’s Criminal Code and Human Rights Act to define “hatred” as “the emotion that involves detestation or vilification and that is stronger than dislike or disdain (haine).” 

If passed, the bill would have theoretically allow a tribunal to judge anyone who has a complaint of online “hate” leveled against them, even if he has not committed a crime. If found guilty, the person would have been in violation of the new law and could have faced fines of up to $70,000 as well as house arrest. 

Two other Trudeau bills dealing with freedom as it relates to the internet have become law, the first being Bill C-11, or the Online Streaming Act, which mandates that Canada’s broadcast regulator the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) oversee regulating online content on platforms such as YouTube and Netflix to ensure that such platforms are promoting content in accordance with a variety of its guidelines. 

Trudeau’s other internet censorship law, the Online News Act, was passed by the Senate in June of last year.   

The Online News Act  mandated that Big Tech companies pay to publish Canadian content on their platforms. As a result, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has blocked all access to news content in Canada.

Critics of Trudeau’s recent laws, such as tech mogul Elon Musk, have said it shows that “Trudeau is trying to crush free speech in Canada.”

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Business

Trump’s executive orders represent massive threat to Canadian competitiveness

Published on January 29, 2025

Todayville

From the Fraser Institute

By Kenneth P. Green

Donald Trump had a busy first day back on the job. From his desk in the Oval Office, President Trump signed a suite of executive orders including on energy and regulation, with major implications for Canada. He’s clearly rejected the primacy of a regulatory state (in favour of the legislative state), put a lock on the growth of U.S. regulation, and launched regulatory and cost controls. Essentially this means the U.S. will systemically deregulate while Canada is regulating its economy ever more heavily and broadly, making our economy even less competitive with the U.S.

Trump has also put paid to the fallacy of the great electric vehicle (EV) transition by pulling the plug on the U.S. EV mandate and federal consumer subsidies for EVs. Of course, now that the U.S. will not mandate EVs in large numbers, the massive investments Canada has made in EV and battery technology and manufacturing—on the expectation of selling EV parts and vehicles in the U.S. market—will likely see little return.

Trump’s withdrawal (for a second time) from the Paris climate agreement also puts U.S. policy further at odds with Canada. While Canada will spend huge amounts of money to attempt to comply with its climate commitments under the agreement, and hurt its energy and natural resource sectors in the process, the U.S. will not. In fact, the Trump administration will likely undo many of the things that have been done in the name of implementing the Paris agreement.

Trump‘s declaration of an energy emergency and his call for a massive increase in energy production by is also a direct threat to Canada’s energy economy. As we have seen in the past, the Americans can move very quickly to increase the supply of oil and natural gas when they put their mind to it and when regulations don’t stand in the way. A U.S. energy surge could lead to a flood of oil and gas production pretty quickly, leading the U.S. to need less and less Canadian oil and gas (as Trump has flamboyantly proclaimed).

Trump also wants to expedite energy project reviews and approvals, the exact opposite to the Trudeau government’s approach, which has frustrated the building of new pipelines and other projects. This will facilitate the U.S. ability to increase energy and natural resource production at a pace Canada cannot hope to match.

Simply put, setting aside Trump’s threatened tariffs, his day-one executive orders pose a serious threat to Canada’s energy and natural resource sectors, which remain a vital source of prosperity and revenue, and merit an immediate response from our federal government.

In an ideal world, Canada would harmonize its policy approach to the U.S. on energy and natural resources, which has, in fact, been a historical norm. But unfortunately for Canadians, the Trudeau government will likely reject Trump’s policy reforms and continue its pro-administrative state, anti-energy, anti-resource economic philosophy. And given Prime Minister Trudeau’s recent actions to prorogue Parliament, President Trump’s executive-order barrage won’t face a meaningful Canadian response for months, letting the U.S. steal a massive march on energy, natural resource and regulatory policy reforms over a Canada sitting on its hands.

Kenneth P. Green

Senior Fellow, Fraser Institute

Business

Peavey Mart confirms all 90 stores will be closing

Published on January 28, 2025

Todayville

From Retail Insider

By Craig Patterson

Sources have confirmed to Retail Insider that Peavey Mart, a Canadian retail chain known for its agricultural supplies, hardware, and home improvement products, is closing all of its stores nationwide. Liquidation sales began on the weekend. The store closures include the flagship location in Red Deer, Alberta, where the company’s headquarters are also based. This marks a significant and surprising turn of events for a company with deep roots in Canadian retail, dating back to its establishment in Winnipeg in 1967.

(Update: Peavey Industries confirmed store closures on Monday evening in a press release)

A Legacy of Growth and Acquisitions

Peavey Mart has long been a staple for rural and small-town communities, catering to farmers, ranchers, and homeowners. Over the years, the company expanded from its Western Canada base into Ontario and other regions, particularly following its acquisition of TSC Stores in 2016. That move helped establish Peavey Mart as a household name in Ontario, diversifying its reach and bolstering its product offerings. It was also a huge expense.

In 2020, the company further broadened its scope by acquiring the Canadian master license for Ace Hardware from Lowe’s-owned RONA Inc., adding 107 Ace Hardware locations to its portfolio. This strategic acquisition was part of Peavey Industries’ efforts to compete in the hardware and home improvement sector against larger rivals like Home Depot and Canadian Tire.

However, Peavey’s relationship with Ace Hardware International came to an end in 2024, following the announcement that the partnership would cease on December 31, 2024. This decision marked a turning point for the company, forcing it to refocus on its Peavey Mart and MainStreet Hardware brands.

Financial Struggles and Early Signs of Trouble

Last week, Peavey Industries announced plans to shutter 22 underperforming Peavey Mart locations in Ontario and Nova Scotia by the end of April. At the time, the closures were presented as part of an organizational restructuring aimed at stabilizing the business and positioning it for future growth.

Doug Anderson, President and CEO of Peavey Industries, addressed the challenges in a previous statement:

“The Canadian retail environment has undergone significant disruptions in recent years, and Peavey has not been immune to these challenges. These closures are a challenging yet necessary step to stabilize and position our business for future growth.”

Despite these efforts, it now appears the company’s financial difficulties have proven insurmountable, leading to the closure of all 90+ stores across Canada.

Liquidation signs at Peavey Mart’s Red Deer store on Saturday, January 25. Photo: Joel Graham via Facebook

Financing and Restructuring Efforts Fall Short

In its bid to remain viable, Peavey Industries had secured a CAD $155 million financing package from Gordon Brothers. The package included a $105 million revolving credit facility, a $30 million term loan, and a $20 million consignment program. This financial injection was intended to facilitate restructuring efforts, support ongoing operations, and provide a lifeline to the struggling retailer.

Additionally, Peavey Industries collaborated with Gordon Brothers to ensure a smooth transition for affected employees and communities. However, these measures were ultimately insufficient to save the business.

Impact on Communities and Employees

The closure of Peavey Mart will leave a significant void in the Canadian retail landscape, particularly in rural and small-town markets where the chain has long been a trusted resource for agricultural and home improvement needs. The closures are also a major blow to the company’s workforce across the country.

While Peavey Industries initially expressed a commitment to supporting its employees during the transition, the abrupt announcement of a full shutdown leaves many workers and communities grappling with uncertainty.

Image: Peavey Mart

Image: Peavey Mart

A message from the Peace River Manager

In a heartfelt statement shared on Facebook, the manager of the Peace River, Alberta, Peavey Mart location expressed regret about the closures. The post sheds light on the situation and offers a glimpse into the company’s struggles over recent years. The manager wrote:

“Peace River Community,

It is with regret that I inform you of the upcoming closure of Peace River Peavey Mart, along with all other Peavey Mart locations across Canada. While many details are being kept confidential, I will keep you updated as we receive more information from the corporate team. At this time, I do not have a time frame; my best guess is 3 to 6 months.

Until an official statement is released by the company, I can only offer my personal perspective on the situation. Since 2016, Peavey Mart has expanded rapidly, acquiring over 70 stores in Eastern Canada, opening new stores, and acquiring several other businesses. However, growth was met with challenges, including a decline in business levels and rising interest rates. Unfortunately, many of the acquired stores did not prove profitable, and the company’s efforts to adjust did not have the desired results.

As a last resort, Peavey partnered with Gordon Brothers, an American investment firm, which I believe now holds a majority stake in the company and are making all decisions going forward. It appears the current plan may be to liquidate and close all locations, with potential rebranding, though which stores will remain open is still uncertain.

Please note that this is my personal opinion, and I am sharing it to help clarify the situation for our valued customers. I kindly ask that you direct any concerns toward our corporate offices, as these decisions are beyond the control of the staff here in the store.

We have worked diligently to serve you, and we appreciate your understanding during this time. It’s difficult to come to terms with the closure of so many profitable locations in Western Canada, with Peace River being one of the most notable. The Peace River location recently achieved top sales growth company-wide, consistently delivering a healthy profit despite Peavey’s constant inventory challenges.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of our customers. It has been a pleasure serving the Peace River community, and I will miss it when our time here comes to an end. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit the store, and I will do my best to provide answers. At the current moment, the company has told us they are not ready to make a statement yet.”

Update: Press Release from Peavey Industries

Peavey Industries confirmed Monday evening that all Peavey Mart stores will be closing. The following is the press release that was forwarded by email to Canadian media sources:

“Red Deer, Alberta – January 27, 2025 – Peavey Industries LP (“Peavey” or “the Company”), Canada’s largest farm and ranch retail chain, announced today that it has sought and obtained an Initial Order for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) from the Court of King’s Bench Alberta.

Following the recently announced closures of 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, the Company will now begin store closing sales at all remaining locations across Canada. This includes 90 Peavey Mart stores and six MainStreet Hardware locations. The closures and liquidation efforts will commence immediately.

The decision to seek creditor protection and close all stores was made after thorough evaluation of available options, in consultation with legal and financial advisors. The Canadian retail industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges, including record-low consumer confidence, inflationary pressures, rising operating costs, and ongoing supply disruptions along with a difficult regulatory environment. These factors have created significant obstacles for businesses like Peavey.

“This was a profoundly difficult decision, but one that allows us to explore the best possible alternatives for the future of the Company,” said Doug Anderson, President and CEO of Peavey Industries LP. “For nearly six decades, our customers’ loyalty, employees’ dedication, and the resilience of the communities we serve have been the cornerstone of our business. We remain focused on working with our partners and stakeholders to preserve the Peavey brand and the value it represents.”

The Company’s immediate priority is to generate liquidity through the closure process while continuing to work with funders, partners, and stakeholders to explore potential opportunities to preserve the brand.

Peavey Industries LP is committed to providing regular updates as the situation develops.”

Craig Patterson

Located in Toronto, Craig is the Publisher & CEO of Retail Insider Media Ltd. He is also a retail analyst and consultant, Advisor at the University of Alberta School Centre for Cities and Communities in Edmonton, former lawyer and a public speaker. He has studied the Canadian retail landscape for over 25 years and he holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws Degrees.