Cybersecurity staff Diplomatic Circles to cast strike-vote p.5 ballots after bargaining Need a new GG? Monsef, Hajdu standstill Pick one with military ties make staffing moves Civil Circles p. 4 Scott Taylor p.12 Hill Climbers p. 7

Andrew Caddell p.9

THIRTY-SECOND YEAR, NO. 1796 Canada’s Politics and Government Newspaper WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 $5.00

News News Trans Mountain Don’t expect Biden’s tough, work stoppage continues, as CPC’s McLean bipartisan approach to China says project ‘even more important’ to be met with Canadian post-U.S. axing of Keystone XL imitation, say analysts BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT eeks after work was set to Wresume, construction of the BY NEIL MOSS Then-U.S. Trans Mountain pipeline expan- Vice- sion remains halted, though the s the Biden administration President company hasn’t amended its Asignals it will be taking a Joe Biden is December 2022 estimated readi- tough approach to China, experts pictured at a ness, and after U.S. President say an American bipartisan ap- 2015 state Joe Biden’s decision to axe the proach in its dealings with Beijing luncheon Keystone XL pipeline, Conserva- won’t necessarily lead to the with Chinese tive MP Greg McLean says the same alignment from Canada. President At his Senate hearing on Jan. Xi Jinping. Continued on page 14 19, U.S. President Joe Biden’s pick Experts say for the secretary of state, Antony now that Blinken, said he believes it was Mr. Biden is fitting the former president took a president, tougher approach with Beijing, but his approach News disagreed with his methods. Mr. to China Blinken said there’s a framework isn’t one for a bipartisan policy on China, that should No replacing need and also called for increased en- necessarily gagement with Taiwan. lead to for in-person That approach could put extra alignment pressure on the Trudeau Liberal from Canada. diplomacy, say government to be in lockstep with U.S. State its closest ally. Department chairs, as work of Jeffrey Reeves, vice-president photograph of research at the Asia-Pacific interparliamentary

Continued on page 15 groups goes on

BY NEIL MOSS Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 s the 13 interparliamentary News Agroups hold virtual meetings while under a travel ban, chairs of the groups say nothing can NDP to focus on pandemic measures, amplifying message in winter sitting replace the need for in-person meetings, despite the work being BY ALICE CHEN sues coming back into the House, fourth-party status, say caucus critic for transport, and MP done to allow the associations aimed at helping Canadians get members. Heather McPherson (Edmonton to continue their work through he NDP has rearranged its through the “eye of the storm” of The six updated roles include Strathcona, Alta.) as deputy critic Zoom. Tcritics for 2021 and is poised the pandemic, while working to MP Taylor Bachrach (Skeena- to tackle a wide portfolio of is- make more noise despite their Bulkley Valley, B.C.) as the party’s Continued on page 17 Continued on page 18 2 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

Heard on the Hill by Alice Chen Senator Simons explores what it means to be a real Albertan in second season of podcast Alberta Unbound

ith her six years of experi- Sen. Paula Simons, centre, is pictured at her Senate swearing-in on Oct. 16, 2018, with then-senator Wence as a radio producer André Pratte, left, and Sen. Peter Harder, right. She recently released a new season of her podcast Alberta for the CBC, Independent Unbound, exploring the culture and identity of Albertans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Alberta Senator Paula Simons, found podcasting a natural fit. “Podcasts are the medium of dealing with issues of bilateral importance the moment,” she told The Hill Panel discusses Joe Biden’s like resolving the pandemic as quickly Times. inauguration as the new as possible, and border and defence co- Her show, Alberta Unbound, operation. is returning for its second sea- president of the U.S. son. The first was an episodic release of a live forum she held MPs make cross-party call discussing the topic of what for unity while subtle slights are makes someone an Albertan. That focus on identity and made against another culture continues with the sec- Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and ond season, this one featuring NDP MP Charlie Angus, centre, performs at the annual Conservative MP Scott Aitchison say Par- interviews with nine differ- Charlie Angus Hootenanny at the Horseshoe Tavern. His liament has to avoid the polarization and ent speakers who call Alberta newest album, exploring themes of the times, came out Jan. animosity between parties that has marked their home. 6. Paul Rincon photograph courtesy of Charlie Angus U.S. politics. Sen. Simons says some of In a joint Jan. 14 op-ed in the National the issues she tackled in- Post, released in light of the insurrection cluded discussions of multiculturalism leased Jan. 6 to reception that he described in Washington, D.C., Mr. Housefather, with Yasmeen Abu-Laban, a political as “great.” who serves Mount Royal, Que., and Mr. science professor whose father was a Included in its discography are songs Aitchison, whose riding is Parry Sound- refugee, and Black representation with like All Night Depanneur, which is set What does new U.S. President Joe Biden mean Muskoka Ont., emphasized that they have editor of Afros in Tha City, Tomi Ajele. in Quebec in a snowstorm and explores for Canada? The Parliamentary Internship similar stances and opinions on a wide These conversations were informed by trauma, memory, and PTSD. Other tracks Programme (PIP), in partnership with U.S. range of topics even though their party larger trends like the Black Lives Matter focused on events like the 2014 Parliament Embassy Ottawa, and the Canadian Political allegiances differ. protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. Hill shooting. Science Association held a virtual panel the Together, they described the U.S. as “The people you will hear on this pod- The inspiration for his work, Mr. Angus day of his inauguration to discuss. Screenshot a poisonous environment in which false cast come from a very diverse range of said, comes from the stories he hears. courtesy of YouTube/Biden Inaugural Committee claims and disinformation had left a backgrounds,” Sen. Simons said. “They’re “In my work, in my life, I listen to a country deeply divided. They also said all engaging with the monochrome defi- lot of people. I listen to their stories. And New U.S. President Joe Biden’s call that the same could happen in Canada nition of Albertans and deconstructing I think it’s being someone who listens to for unity was striking and came at a time with new technology that has “allowed it. … I chose people not just to fulfill a other people’s stories that has made me when the geopolitical environment had extremist groups to instantly reach political agenda, but because they were probably an effective politician, but cer- changed dramatically, said panellists at millions.” really interesting people doing interest- tainly an effective songwriter.” a Jan. 20 event examining repercussions Most of all, they emphasized that too ing things.” He also said that there are differences of the new American administration for much of political discourse is “drenched She said further that the people fea- between music and his work when it comes Canada. in rage,” attacking politicians and making tured were meant to disrupt the dominant to communicating. The Parliamentary Internship Pro- out opponents to be awful enemies to the narrative of who a real Albertan is, beyond “We’ve become much more distrustful of gramme (PIP), in partnership with U.S. country, rather than just debating ideas “Joe with a pickup truck.” the spin on the message, or the pithy political Embassy Ottawa, and the Canadian Politi- and proposals. “The idea is to introduce you to people tweet,” Mr. Angus said. “A song gives you a cal Science Association, held a moderated These comments also came just after who are probably not who you think of way of bringing people back into a conversa- panel that discussed what Mr. Biden’s new federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra when you close your eyes and imagine Al- tion because people can feel themselves in a role meant for Canada on the day of his was singled out by the Bloc Québécois in berta, and yet each and every one of them song. They can see it for themselves.” inauguration. a manner which the minister described as is as Albertan as Albertans can be.” Several political experts were featured using dangerous rhetoric. A Jan. 13 state- Twitter suggests new candidates in the conversation, including Althia Raj, ment from Bloc Leader Yves-François Huffington Post Canada’s senior editorial Blanchet said that he believes “questions Charlie Angus’ band Grievous for governor general manager and Ottawa bureau chief; Andrew arise over the proximity of the new trans- Angels releases new album After Julie Payette’s Jan. 21 resignation Leslie, a former Ontario Liberal MP and port minister with the Islamic political NDP MP Charlie Angus has loved mu- from her post as governor general, follow- Canadian Forces lieutenant-general; and movement of which he was a leader for sic all his life. ing a reportedly scathing internal report Brian Naranjo, acting deputy chief for the several years.” This referred to Minister Al- “I originally quit school when I was that described a toxic workplace culture at U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. ghabra’s role as president of the Canadian 17 to go on the road with a band, which Rideau Hall, Twitter was there to offer sug- The panel—held under Chatham House Arab Federation before he was elected as morphed into Grievous Angels, so some 30 gestions for her replacement. Rules, restricting directly identifying a Liberal MP. years of recording and playing,” Mr. Angus, Rebel News shared a petition to make information or quotes—was described as The comments were widely consid- whose riding is Timmins-James Bay, Ont., Don Cherry, a former Hockey Night in a way to help interns from the PIP learn ered racist and Islamophobic, reports The told The Hill Times. Canada host who lost his job after racist about the relationship between countries in Star. The group, which has been active since remarks, the new pick. spite of the physical COVID-19 separation “Our political opponents are not our en- the late 1980s, wrote songs about “hope, Political commentator Supriya Dwivedi measures. emies,” Mr. Housefather and Mr. Aitchison heartbreak, and fun in the blue-collar commented that “this means [journalist Panellists speculated Canada may become wrote. “We encourage all elected officials outposts of the North,” said its description Vicky Mochama] is governor general now.” more involved in NATO operations and that and candidates across Canada to think on Facebook. Manitoba NDP MLA Nahanni Fon- trade relationships, particularly in the energy about what happened in Washington. Let’s The latest batch of music is, according taine suggested that an Indigenous sector would be critical. all learn from it.” to Mr. Angus, “very relevant for the times.” person, preferably a woman should take More broadly, points that were dis- [email protected] His album, Summer Before the Storm, re- the role. cussed also included a likely focus on The Hill Times Hotel = S Food = SI 15,000 Health & PersonalChildcare Care == SSI 12,000 I 5,000 Gas & Parking = SI 4,000 TOTAL = S I 2,000 I 38,000

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Civil Circles by Mike Lapointe Federal cybersecurity workers heading for strike votes following Public Service Alliance of Canada’s regional executive vice-president for the National Capital Region Alex Silas, left, and Communications Security Establishment chief Shelly Bruce, right. Mr. Silas said the 'bargaining team has decided that the employer has put us in a position where our only next step is to hold strike votes and put questions to the members on potential job action.' Photograph courtesy bargaining impasse of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

“So, in consultation with members members be indemnified for the cost of With the two sides having in the local, the bargaining team has that delay by having the general increases, ‘CSE efforts to protect Canada decided that the employer has put us in whenever they come to be determined, be and Canadians has continued been at the bargaining a position where our only next step is to applied to the allowance in the way they hold strike votes and put questions to the would have been had the roll-in occurred unabated during pandemic’ With the COVID-19 pandemic dra- table for almost two years members on potential job action,” said at the outset,” according to the report. matically changing working arrangements following the expiry of Mr. Silas. For some of CSE’s workers, market allowance represents 10 per cent of their for tens of thousands of public servants, the most recent collective annual salary, according to Mr. Silas. including at CSE, Ms. Potvin also said the Phoenix payment delays play “For CSC management, it represents agency has ensured that its employees agreement, strike votes are role in compensation offer less than a percentage point of their total working on-site have a safe working en- Once an impasse is reached at the bar- payroll budget—0.8 per cent of their vironment, and those working from home scheduled to run from Feb. gaining table, a Public Interest Commis- payroll—so, as far as the math adds up, it have the necessary tools and technology to sion (PIC) is established to assist parties in doesn’t make sense that they would insist do meaningful and important work. 11 to 24. resolving disputes and making recommen- on this and it just makes sense that this “Our approach has ensured that CSE’s dations for settlement. PIC recommenda- market allowance would be put back in the efforts to protect Canada and Canadians ederal cybersecurity workers at Cana- tions are not binding. collective agreement,” said Mr. Silas. has continued unabated during the pan- Fdas’s Communications Security Estab- “The role of the commission in this “That’s what this last sticking point at the demic, and that our employees have had lishment are gearing up for strike votes instance is a relatively limited one,” accord- bargaining table is about, that’s what this the flexible work arrangements they need,” following the collapse of bargaining talks ing to the PIC panel’s final report, released market allowance is about,” said Mr. Silas. “It’s wrote Ms. Potvin. after nearly two years at the table with the June 23, 2020. “The amount of money going about recognizing and valuing this work, and CSE routinely ranks near the top of the federal government in pursuit of a new col- toward wage increases is, as elsewhere for making it competitive with the tech industry best places to work in the government’s lective agreement. [PSAC], highly contentious.” so that we can retain the best talent when it annual Public Service Employee Survey, The Communications Security Estab- comes to cybersecurity and keeping our na- with employees rating innovation, diver- lishment (CSE) is responsible for foreign tional infrastructure safe, keeping Canadians sity, and management support at higher intelligence cybersecurity and is one of safe, keeping our intelligence safe.” rates than in the rest of the public service. Canada’s key security and intelligence “We are ready and willing to get back to According to results from the 2019 agencies. the table and negotiate a fair contract with survey, 52 per cent of respondents from the “We’ve been at the bargaining table with CSE—that’s what the union wants, that’s CSE said they “strongly agree” that they CSE management since February of 2019, what the members want, we just want a are encouraged to be innovative or to take so we’ve gone through every step of the pro- fair contract, but to do that, we have to initiative in their work, compared with 34 cess, including the Public Interest Commis- remove this concession from the table, we per cent in the larger public service. sion, which is a step that’s unique to federal just can’t accept it,” he said. When asked if their department or public service bargaining,” said Alex Silas, agency “implements activities and practices the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s that support a diverse workplace,” 64 per regional executive vice-president for the Agency takes ‘interest-based cent of CSE respondents said they “strong- ly agree,” compared with only 42 per cent National Capital Region, in an interview bargaining approach in good with The Hill Times earlier this month. of the larger public service. “After exhausting all of these options, faith’: CSE Thirty-four per cent of CSE respondents the employer is still insisting on what The agency’s executive management also said they “strongly agree” they have would be a deal-breaking concession on PSAC’s regional executive vice-president for the team “continues to work towards a negoti- confidence in the senior management of what would represent significant financial National Capital Region Alex Silas, left, pictured ated resolution with [PSAC] for a mutually their department or agency, compared with loss for our PSAC members at CSE,” said speaking during a rally on Sparks Street in January beneficial collective agreement,” according 29 per cent of the larger public service. Mr. Silas. 2019. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade to Jennifer Potvin, CSE’s director of strate- “When employees do raise concerns The nearly 2,400-member group is part gic communications. through the survey or other means, CSE of the Public Service Alliance of Canada Both parties, “with their usual construc- “CSE takes an interest-based bargain- takes action to improve,” according to Ms. (PSAC), Canada’s largest federal public tive relationship,” have agreed that the mar- ing approach in good faith to create the Potvin. “For example, when employees service union. Strike votes are scheduled to ket allowance, at some point in the agree- best working environment, and a fair and raised concerns about the timeliness of begin on Feb. 11 and end on Feb. 24. ment, will be rolled into salary—something competitive total compensation package for pay, CSE took action to address urgent “After trying every good faith attempt “long sought” by PSAC—and that at some all employees,” wrote Ms. Potvin in an email backlogs, and we continue to pursue other to reason with the employer to remove a point, all employees will be at one of the to The Hill Times, noting that among CSE’s means to address issues around the pro- concession on market allowance, which levels of a new six-step salary grid that the 2,900 employees are “some of Canada’s cessing of pay.” has always been part of previous collec- government is looking to introduce, ac- brightest mathematicians, computer scien- [email protected] tive agreements at CSE, we’re confused as cording to the report. tists, engineers, and intelligence analysts.” The Hill Times to why the employer now is insisting on Delays have been one of the most “This includes ensuring ongoing ben- removing this allowance, which is intended pressing issues surrounding the problem- efits, such as market allowance for CSE to ensure retention and attraction of talent plagued Phoenix pay system that has left employees who are eligible to receive it,” Communications Security at CSE in what is a highly-skilled and high- thousands of public servants underpaid, according to Ms. Potvin. “The interest- Establishment Act ly in-demand field,” said Mr. Silas. overpaid, or not paid at all, something based bargaining approach is closely co- The market allowance is there to ensure which the government is looking to mini- ordinated with [the Treasury Board Secre- Coming into force in Aug. 2019, the CSE Act sets out the five that these jobs stay competitive with com- mize through the introduction of this new tariat], the [government] lead for collective aspects of the agency’s mandate: parators elsewhere in the tech industry, compensation structure. bargaining to ensure that negotiations are according to the union representative, who “[PSAC] has taken and continues to in the best and balanced interests of CSE’s • helping to protect and defend Canada’s most important said it’s “crucial that we retain and attract take the position that the roll-in of the union members and the Canadian public.” cyber systems; the best talent when it comes to Canadian allowance should be effective as of the Although CSE’s employees are part of • acquiring foreign intelligence in support of the government cybersecurity.” start of this agreement; the employer, the federal public service, they are em- of Canada’s intelligence priorities; A market allowance essentially involves however, is looking now to perhaps year ployed by CSE as a separate agency of the • conducting defensive foreign cyber operations; additional pay on top of an individual’s two or three for that to happen, being on government. • conducting active foreign cyber operations; and annual salary that is negotiated within a prospective basis only,” according to the “Given the ongoing discussions regard- • assisting federal law enforcement and security agencies, the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence collective bargaining agreements to attract report. ing a new collective bargaining agreement, and retain highly technical, highly skilled it would be inappropriate to publicly com- to carry out their lawful mandates. “[PSAC] is willing to agree to such —Source: the Government of Canada employees that are also highly in demand. delay, but only on the condition that its ment further,” according to Ms. Potvin. THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 5

Haitian community to invest in Haiti and not Ambassador donate to charities. Weibert Arthus “So don’t give [funds] to charity virtually met anymore, invest it in Haiti so people can with Liberal … work and be proud of what they’re MP Greg doing,” he said. “It’s better when people Fergus on Jan. are getting $10 by working than having 21. Photograph someone give them $10 [from a] charity courtesy of for free.” Twitter/Embassy Following the 2010 earthquake that of Haiti rocked Haiti, Canadians donated $220-mil- lion, which was matched by the federal government. Canadian aid for the country has reached more than $1.4-billion since the catastrophic earthquake, which killed more than 200,000 people. The use of NGOs by Canada at the time was seen as necessary due to concerns of corruption in the Haitian government. Mr. Arthus said it “would be better” if the money went to the government. “But I also know all the reports of suspicion [there] is about the govern- ment in Haiti,” he said. “What I encourage Canada to do is having more direct or keep having—because Canada used to have that—more direct dialogue with Haitians more than going to international NGOs as a third party to go to Haiti.” “There can be direct dialogue between Canada and the Haitian society,” he said. Past governor general Michaëlle Jean, who was born in Haiti, also has He was previously posted to Haiti’s expressed frustration at the work of embassy in Washington, D.C., where he international NGOs in the aftermath of Diplomatic Circles served as political affairs minister and the hurricane. deputy head of mission. A former journal- “The organizations are there each for ist in Haiti and France, Mr. Arthus has themselves, for their own interests, discon- by Neil Moss served as chief of staff in the office of the nected from Haitian NGOs and showing foreign affairs minister. He also had a post- no willingness to work with them,” she told ing in Argentina where he was the cultural The Canadian Press last year. adviser at the Haitian embassy. Following It was an issue that was raised by Mr. his journalistic career, Mr. Arthus earned a Arthus during a virtual meeting with doctorate degree in the history of inter- Liberal MP Greg Fergus on Jan. 21. The national relations from the University of two also discussed other issues affecting New Haitian envoy Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne and authored the Canada-Haiti relationship, including Duvalier in the Shadow of the Cold War: the upcoming elections set for September. The Underside of Foreign Policy of Haiti He said he is encouraging Canada to 1957-1963 and The French Diplomatic help strengthen the election process. Machine in Haiti. “Canada has been involved as a good pushes for direct Starting his posting in Ottawa as the partner because when you are talking pandemic quickly worsened, Mr. Arthus about election years, if you know Haiti, you said without in-person meetings, the typi- know that it’s going to be a tough year,” he cal work of diplomatic life has been “very said, noting Canada’s support through the aid and investment, difficult.” UN and Organization of American States Arriving in October, it typically is in strengthening the election. a time of many receptions with fellow Mr. Arthus replaces longtime Haitian diplomats and Global Affairs officials. ambassador Frantz Liautaud, who was But there were none. Instead, there was a recalled by Port-au-Prince in July. Mr. away from NGOs diplomatic reception with Global Affairs Liautaud had been posted in Ottawa since on Zoom at the end of the year, where 2012, making him the dean of the Carib- diplomats were able to give a champagne bean CARICOM countries. That role is now toast virtually. filled by Saint Kitts and Nevis High Com- Ambassador Weibert Arthus “It’s very, very complicated, but we are missioner Sherry Tross, who has been in says working as a diplomat adapting.” Ottawa since February 2018. Mr. Arthus said he is trying to encour- [email protected] during the pandemic has age members of the Canadian business The Hill Times been ‘very difficult’ and Former Haitian ambassador Frantz submitting his letter of Liautaud and his wife Florence Saint- credence virtually was Léger, pictured at ‘really, really bizarre.’ the United Arab Emirates national day reception at the he new Haitian ambassador is trying Museum of History Tto encourage more direct investment in in December 2018, the Caribbean country away from the orbit were recalled of non-governmental organizations. back to Haiti in Ambassador Weibert Arthus says he July, after eight wants the Canadian government and busi- years in Ottawa. nesses to have “more direct” dealings with Mr. Liautaud Haiti instead of working through NGOs. was the longest- “Haiti is one of the countries that are serving envoy in receiving a lot of money from Canada, but the CARICOM when you go to Haiti, you don’t see that Caribbean group of money,” he said, noting the administrative countries. The Hill fees that the NGOs collect. Times photograph by He said he wants to see Canada more Sam Garcia directly involved in its international aid, suggesting helping build schools and in- vesting in a bar association for Haiti. Mr. Arthus presented his credentials to then-governor general Julie Payette on Haitian Ambassador Weibert Arthus was previously Nov. 30 in a virtual ceremony. The posting the deputy head of mission at the Caribbean is his first time leading a Haitian embassy. country’s United States embassy, and has been He said submitting his letter of credence in chief of staff to the nation’s foreign affairs minister. a virtual ceremony was “really, really bizarre.” Photograph courtesy of Twitter/Embassy of Haiti 6 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Requiem for irrelevance: New innovation minister does it matter that the should prioritize investment GG didn’t work out? in digital infrastructure to ensure economic recovery as expected and okayed Harper’s gambit. Canada could end this The other option, blocking Harper’s request Among new relationship and insert in its and forcing the Conservative minority to fall, To be successful, government Innovation Minister is the kind of thing that over the years has François-Philippe become increasingly theoretical for the GG. and the business community place a home-grown head Champagne’s many All that’s not to say that Payette’s must work together with priorities are helping of state, but it’s not likely to resignation—a first—isn’t a political em- grow Canada’s barrassment for Trudeau. But optimally, the common purpose to ensure economy, creating happen. controversy might focus more attention on jobs, ensuring the future of the archaic, ill-suited constitu- that Canada emerges from Canada’s long-term tional monarchy Canada is still stuck with. competitiveness on That the Queen continues to be this coun- this turbulent period in the world stage, and try’s head of state is a national embarrass- promoting a cleaner ment. No other member of the G7 group of better shape than it was prior environment. The industrial democracies would cede power to the COVID-19 outbreak. Hill Times photograph in this manner to royalty elsewhere. The by Andrew Meade hereditary nature of the United Kingdom’s throne is also wholly incompatible with the ethos of a classless, multicultural country fastest average download speeds in the like Canada. And that’s not to mention the world, and amongst the best performing and Les Whittington $34-million a year spent on the GG. most widely available in rural areas. Canada could end this relationship and Need to Know But there is more work to be done. insert in its place a home-grown head of While most Canadians have access to con- state, a figurehead who would function as an nectivity, further investment is needed to TTAWA—How anyone could manage adjudicator of last resort in a constitutional ensure that all Canadians can participate Oto foul up the you-won-the-lottery job or democratic crisis. This would ensure the in the digital economy. In the hardest to of Canada’s governor general will always integrity of the Canadian system of govern- reach and least-populated communities, be bewildering. ment without fealty to a monarch in the U.K. Robert Ghiz this will often require a combination of The job places one in the midst of But it’s not likely to happen. With many Opinion public and private funding. unimaginable all-expense-covered luxury, Canadians still caught up in the fantasy land Wireless network operators are also start- pays $300,000 a year, comes with a $150,000 of the Royals and British heritage, severing ing to invest in the rollout of 5G which will lifetime annuity and would normally look ties with the U.K. would be a bitter, hard- ongratulations to François-Philippe enable a new era of innovation across all pretty good on one’s resume. Then there’re fought endeavour. Leaving aside Quebec, CChampagne on his new role as minister sectors of the Canadian economy, including the surroundings—a beautiful, park-like where the current system is highly unpopu- of Innovation, Science, and Industry, one of health care, manufacturing, transportation, estate so big people can play cricket in a lar for obvious reasons, the rest of the coun- government’s most important portfolios, at retail, entertainment, and natural resources. remote corner. And a magnificent mansion try is basically split on whether to continue a crucial time for the Canadian economy. In economic terms, Accenture estimates that that makes the prime minister’s supposedly as a constitutional monarchy, according to The past year has not been without 5G will add $40-billion to Canada’s gross do- temporary residence in an old house tucked a recent Angus Reid Institute poll. Of those challenges for all Canadians and all levels mestic product (GDP) and generate 250,000 in the back of the governor-general’s prop- who favour staying with the current system, of government. The challenges before permanent full-time jobs by 2026. erty look like the gardener’s shack. many Canadians say they enjoy being part Minister Champagne and the rest of the 5G will also be a key contributor to Cana- As for the of the Com- federal government are many. da’s fight against climate change. Accenture job, it would monwealth, Among the many priorities set out in estimates that mobile technologies have the sound pretty while younger the minister’s mandate letter from the potential to address 23 per cent of Canada’s good to most people tend to prime minister, Minister Champagne is total 2030 emission reduction target by 2025. ordinary folk. say changing tasked with helping grow Canada’s econo- The initial rollout of 5G is estimated to It’s mostly the current my, creating jobs, ensuring Canada’s long- cost $26-billion by 2026, not including what a matter of constitutional term competitiveness on the world stage, is likely to be billions more needed for ceremonial arrangement and promoting a cleaner environment. spectrum acquisition. activities and The resignation of former governor general Julie Payette, pictured would be too These priorities are not the minister’s This level of private sector investment signing a few at her installation on Oct. 2, 2017, is an embarrassment for the much work. alone. To be successful, government and the can only happen if Minister Champagne documents. prime minister, but optimally, the controversy might focus more Now, business community must work together and his colleagues maintain a balanced Of course, attention on the future of the archaic, ill-suited constitutional many of those with common purpose to ensure that Canada and stable regulatory environment that most gover- monarchy Canada is still stuck with, writes Les Whittington. The who favour emerges from this turbulent period in better recognizes the importance of encouraging nors general Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade a republican shape than it was prior to the COVID-19 private investment in digital infrastructure. seriously chal- system with outbreak. This can only be accomplished if we There are policies being explored that lenge themselves to do something memo- an elected president have presumably found prioritize investment in critical infrastructure. could negatively impact network operators’ rable as they strive to improve the country’s another cause in the wake of Donald Trump’s When thinking of infrastructure, many im- capacity to invest in digital infrastructure socio-political and cultural landscape. autocratic rampage south of the border. How- mediately think of roads, bridges, and other at a time when the digitization of our econ- The resignation of Julie Payette was a ever, Canadians could install a figurehead at bricks and mortar projects. However, the omy is so important. Policies such as man- truly unfortunate event, although Conserva- Rideau Hall (call the position whatever suits) pandemic has highlighted the importance of a dated mobile virtual network operators tive Leader Erin O’Toole, who sometimes with limited powers similar to the arrange- critical infrastructure that many had previ- (MVNOs) will do nothing to help connect sounds like his lines are written by Rudy Gi- ment used in India. But doing so would require ously taken for granted. Over the past year, more Canadians and ensure high-quality uliani, managed to move it into the realm of a constitutional amendment approved by our wireline and wireless telecommunications services and wide network coverage. the absurd by saying Prime Minister Justin every province as well as Parliament. That’s a networks have been a lifeline for Canadians The regulatory uncertainty surrounding Trudeau had “sullied” the office of the GG by minefield that no government would be eager and businesses, many of whose only way to these policies makes for a very challenging appointing Payette. O’Toole also inexplicably to breach, least of all a minority government maintain social and economic activity has environment for network operators to com- called the affair a “small constitutional crisis.” up against a Conservative Party, whose base of been through digital communications. mit to making long-term investments. The GG can, in fact, be called upon to older voters is inclined to like the Queen. While strong digital networks have These are not the kind of outcomes that address issues of constitutional weight, but Trudeau has said as much: “There’s been important during the health crisis, will help Canadians successfully emerge it only happens once or twice a century. no question that if we were to start up a they are equally important to Canada’s from the COVID-19 crisis. Government and The substantive role of the GG as the brand-new country called Canada, we long-term future. By some estimates, the industry must come together and prioritize Queen’s representative in Canada has might not choose to have our head of state pandemic has accelerated the digitization investment in Canada’s digital infrastruc- been shrinking for many decades, leaving live in a different place, but we now have of society and business by between five ture. We cannot leave communities behind the viceregal office holder with little more 150 years of tradition that has worked— and seven years. Without ongoing invest- and we must set the stage for the next in the way of consequential duties than that isn’t directly harming us or preventing ment in advanced digital infrastructure, wave of digital innovations. what former governor general Adrienne our success or self-determination as a na- Canada’s economic recovery will be de- We wish Minister Champagne well in Clarkson likened to a fire extinguisher for tion,” he told a youth town hall in 2018. layed and may not reach its full potential. his new role and look forward to working parliamentary emergencies. “There might come a time where a Fortunately, we are starting from a strong with him to ensure that Canada continues Only twice in the last 100 years has prime minister decides it’s a really impor- position. As a result of years of private sector to benefit from having world-leading digi- the GG been asked to exercise this power. tant thing to crack open the Constitution investment (e.g. averaging more than $13-bil- tal infrastructure. It most recently concerned former prime and rewrite it,” he added. “I don’t think I’m lion per year from 2015 to 2019), Canada’s Robert Ghiz is the president and CEO minister Stephen Harper’s request for going to be that prime minister.” digital networks are regarded as amongst of the Canadian Wireless and Telecommu- prorogation in 2008 to avoid the defeat of his Les Whittington is a regular columnist the best in the world. In fact, last year inde- nications Association, and former premier newly elected government in the Commons. for The Hill Times. pendent network analyst Opensignal ranked of Prince Edward Island. Then-governor general Michaëlle Jean did The Hill Times Canada’s wireless networks as having the The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 7

Beech and a former intern in the ministers’ for a time as regional office in Vancouver and the Lib- president of the eral research bureau in Ottawa. school’s Young Christopher Evelyn continues as chief Liberals asso- of staff to Ms. Monsef. ciation (among hill climbers There are a few other staffing moves to other extracur- report in Ms. Hajdu’s office. riculars), Ms. Helen Gao has returned to the health Phillips has by Laura Ryckewaert minister’s office as a policy adviser. She also previ- previously worked in the office as an ously interned Ontario regional affairs adviser to then- in then-public minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor during safety minister the last Parliament. Ms. Gao left the office Elizabeth Arsenault has Ralph Goo- Monsef names new in the summer of 2019 to become an event returned home to Nova dale’s office planner at Liberal Party headquarters, Scotia to work for Liberal MP over the sum- ahead of that year’s federal election, and Mike Kelloway. Photograph mers of 2017, returned to the Hill post-election as a courtesy of LinkedIn 2018, and 2019. policy director, plus policy adviser to International Develop- In another ment Minister Karina Gould, her most as-yet-unreported departure, Atlantic re- recent post. gional affairs adviser Elizabeth Arsenault Kathryn Nowers is director of policy left Ms. Hajdu’s office in October, also after staffing changes for to Ms. Hajdu; she also currently oversees roughly nine months, to return to work for senior policy adviser Leo Newman and Liberal MP Mike Kelloway in his constitu- policy adviser Lhori Webster. ency office in Cape Breton-Canso, N.S., her Health Minister Hajdu After about home turf. nine months A former parliamentary assistant to in the health then-Liberal MP Mark Eyking, who repre- Women minister’s office sented Sydney-Victoria, N.S., from 2000 to and Gender as the regional 2019, after the 2019 election Ms. Arsenault Equality adviser for the spent four months working for Mr. Kello- Minister West and North, way before joining Ms. Hajdu’s office. Maryam Kylie Phillips She has a bachelor’s degree in commu- Monsef, bid the team nity studies from Cape Breton University pictured farewell in and previously worked as a marketing and during November and public relations intern for the Cape Breton a press has returned Regional Municipality over the summer of conference to work for the 2015 and 2016. on Nov. Kylie Phillips is back in the Liberal re- In Mr. Kelloway’s office, Ms. Arsenault 9, 2020, Liberal research bureau. search bureau joins three other constituency assistants— recently Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn (LRB). John Fitzgerald, David Mackeigan, and hired Diana Ms. Phillips Meghan Mombourquette—plus parliamen- Mendes as briefly served as executive assistant to tary assistant Natasha Kochhar, who’s her new LRB managing director Melissa Cotton at moved over to support the riding team director of the beginning of 2020 before landing a job in light of the shift in work as a result of policy. The in Ms. Hajdu’s office. She’s now back in the COVID-19. Hill Times bureau as a special assistant for research. Sabina Saini is chief of staff to Ms. photograph A graduate of the University of Sas- Hajdu. by Andrew katchewan, where she earned a bachelor’s [email protected] Meade degree in political studies and served The Hill Times

She’s also a former assistant to long- Helen Gao has joined the time Quebec Liberal MP Francis Scarpa- leggia, and a former director of commu- health minister’s office as a nications for the Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations and the Eastern policy adviser, and Joanna Ontario Landlord Organization, as noted Lam has been hired as a on her LinkedIn profile. Ms. Mendes has a bachelor’s degree in regional affairs adviser for journalism from Carleton University and a master’s degree in the history of interna- the West and North. tional relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. omen and Gender Equality Minister In Ms. Monsef’s office, she oversees WMaryam Monsef recently named a senior policy adviser Emily Hartman and new director of policy in her office, with policy adviser Kendra Wilcox. Welcome Diana Mendes moving over from National Also new to the minister’s team is Aspa Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan’s office to Bouzinelos, who’s been hired as a part- McCain Foods is pleased to take up the post. time administrative assistant. Yanique Williams was last to hold the announce the appointment title in Ms. Monsef’s office. As previously of Charlie Angelakos as Vice President, reported by Hill Climbers, she left the Hill in November to become public policy man- Global Government and External Affairs. ager for Uber Canada in Toronto. Ms. Mendes As the world’s leading producer of prepared potato and has spent the appetizer products, our operations include 3,500 farming last three years partners, 51 facilities and 22,000 employees in 160 countries. as director of parliamentary Telling this story, and our commitment to making planet friendly affairs and is- food, is central to why we’re creating a global government and sues manage- ment to Mr. external affairs role. Sajjan, having joined his team in January Diana Mendes is now director 2018. Before Health Minister Patty Hajdu, pictured during a press conference on Dec. 11, 2020. The Hill About Charlie of policy to Ms. Monsef. then, she’d been He joins McCain after spending 18 years at Labatt Breweries Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn working for Lib- Times photograph by Andrew Meade eral MP Kirsty of Canada. His background includes time in Canadian politics, Duncan since 2012, starting out as her In other office news, Joanna Lam exited working both in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ontario parliamentary assistant as the MP for Eto- as Ms. Monsef’s regional affairs adviser for bicoke North, Ont. When Ms. Duncan was Western Canada and the Territories in No- Premier’s Office. He also remains actively involved with the Jays named to cabinet after the Trudeau Liberals’ vember after almost a year on the job and Care Foundation and Harbourfront Centre, as well as a number election to government in 2015, Ms. Mendes is now providing regional advice (again was hired on as a special assistant for for the West and North) to Health Minister of other charitable endeavours. parliamentary affairs in Ms. Duncan’s office Patty Hajdu. as minister of science, later being promoted A former deputy field organizer for the to director of operations, parliamentary af- federal Liberal Party in B.C., Ms. Lam is fairs, and issues management. a former intern to B.C. Liberal MP Terry 8 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

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Editorial Letters to the Editor Appearances aren’t enough when Call to action doesn’t legalize it comes to appointments corporal punishment, says academic e: “Canadians should support an In almost all of the 60 countries where n the surface, Julie Payette seemed based appointment process” for just about Routright ban on spanking,” (The Hill physical punishment has been prohib- Olike a good pick for Canada’s vicere- everything else under the federal govern- Times, Jan. 11, 2016). ited, the defences were removed from the gal representative when she was an- ment sun, from officers of Parliament, I wish to address a few points made criminal code but the explicit prohibitions nounced as the country’s newest governor to the new advisory committee selection by Emile Therien in his letter that might were placed into civil codes, which do general back in the fall of 2017. A highly process for picking Senators. clarify the issue he has raised. At pres- not carry criminal penalties. The purpose accomplished astronaut and polyglot, All of that was forgotten or ignored ent, Canada’s Criminal Code provides of prohibition is clarity, education and who was also well-rounded in the realm when it came to choosing who to hold up a defence for parents who strike their prevention—not punishment. of music—what was not to like? She was to the Queen as her local representative. children as punishment. This is Section In most of those 60 countries, public praised in almost every corner, including Yes, choosing people for significant 43, which dates from 1892. It is not a education and parent support have ac- by members of the opposition. federal jobs because they look good on “spanking law,” but a criminal defence companied law reform. The law makes it However, the veneer fell off the pick paper or because of their partisan ties has for adults who have committed serious clear that children have an equal right to swiftly, once journalists were put on to a long history in this country. But time offences against children in the name of protection from violence as adults. Sup- her history and started to turn up things has shown that’s not a reliable way to discipline. It is the only special defence portive measures help parents raise their that gave people pause—and should have move forward. in the Criminal Code for physical assault children without violence. Together, these been red flags for the Prime Minister’s Just look at the disaster that was Lynn against another person. two strategies have had dramatic and Office had it bothered to look. Beyak in the Red Chamber. The current federal government has positive effects in countries like Sweden, For a prime minister who’s quick to apol- The now-former senator announced committed to implementing the Truth and Germany, and New Zealand. ogize for historic wrongs, Justin Trudeau is her resignation on Jan. 25, claiming she Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Ac- Finally, I wish to correct a statement far less willing to concede that he fumbled was always planning to go on the eighth tion. One of those calls is for the removal in Mr. Therien’s letter regarding Swe- the ball with Ms. Payette’s appointment. anniversary of her appointment by for- of Section 43 from the Criminal Code den. That country did indeed prohibit all “I think as a government, we’ve mer prime minister Stephen Harper. Her because it serves to protect adults who physical punishment in 1979—the first in demonstrated time and time again how unrepentant racism plagued the Senate have assaulted children. This is different the world to do so. important it is to create workplaces that for years and her outgoing statement from enacting a new law in the Criminal Prof. Joan E. Durrant, PhD are free and safe from harassment and in showed that she truly hadn’t learned any- Code to prohibit physical punishment. Winnipeg, Man. which people can do their important jobs thing from the Senate-mandated cultural in safety and security,” Mr. Trudeau said sensitivity training she had to undergo in response to a question on Jan. 22 about after refusing to remove racist letters she whether he owed an apology to Rideau posted to her Senate website that tried Hall staff who had to endure working to put lipstick on the residential school under Ms. Payette. system pig. There’s no panacea for bad actors. Some- “Some have criticized me for stat- Let’s win the battle against COVID times you don’t know what you’re getting ing that the good, as well as the bad, of until you bring it home, or people have residential schools should be recognized. by acting together, writes reader allowed themselves time to get comfortable I stand by that statement,” Ms. Beyak, who and end up using their platform to express was facing calls from fellow Senators to s phase one of the vaccine rollout un- same opportunities and privileges as us views that had previously gone unvoiced. vote on her expulsion, said in her parting Afolds, anticipation and anxiety reach Canadians live with these devastating But having a truly rigorous selection statement. towering heights. Canada has secured impacts. and vetting process in place can avoid the Let these failed appointments be a les- more than 400 million doses of multiple Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford obvious missteps. son going forward, and hopefully history COVID-19 vaccines, including those by directly appealed to U.S. President Joe Mr. Trudeau went all in with the “gov- won’t repeat itself. Pfizer and Moderna. While this brings Biden, expressing his anger and frus- ernment’s open, transparent, and merit- The Hill Times propitious hope to Canadians, the mil- tration to help secure more COVID-19 lions of lives in underprivileged countries vaccines. are left deserted. While this anger and frustration are The pandemic has torn us Canadians notable, we are not the only ones in need. apart in every way, but has taught resil- Canada must support global multilateral ience and made us value our privilege. efforts to vaccinate individuals in low- Canadians can rely on one another, reach income countries, who are higher at risk out for help, and are equipped with the for contracting the virus. Countries that necessary tools and guidance to encoun- do not have resources or proper health ter the pandemic. At the local, national, infrastructure will continue to be threat- and provincial levels, there are support ened by COVID-19. systems that help us cope through these A disease present globally is a disease unprecedented times. present everywhere. COVID-19 will con- “More than 39 million doses of vac- tinue to pose a great threat to health, se- cine have now been administered in at curity, and the economy if we do not take least 49 higher-income countries. Just 25 collective action to end this pandemic. doses have been given in one lowest-in- Canada must stand in solidarity with come country. Not 25 million; not 25,000; other wealthy nations and show its sup- 25,” said World Health Organization head port by investing in COVID-19 vaccines Dr. Tedros. The COVID-19 pandemic has for those in developing countries. It is revealed the surging concern of global time that Canada responds to the global inequalities and the lack of unity among pandemic, with a global response. Let’s countries. We must continue to act as a win this battle by acting together. whole, and not function as just a frac- Shahithya Ravindran tion. Vulnerable communities lacking the Scarborough, Ont.

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your handpicked symbol flames out. Though, sadly, their predicted proposition is on the money. Play celebrity games, win If the government was wise, it would just return to the ap- pointment vehicle established by the Harper administration before they kicked it to the curb celebrity-scandal prizes for their final frontier candidate from space. That body, not unlike Trudeau’s own Senate appoint- TTAWA—Goodbye, gover- knickers in a knot about that—but ment structure, provides a safe Time will tell if Onor general Julie Payette, we we did. The prime minister got the path for finding highly capable hardly knew you. Well, in fact that gift of a major knuckle rap from candidates. Trudeau will get lessons have been was the case of those who appar- the ethics commissioner for that another pass if he either goes ently were tasked with vetting bit of celebrity canoodling. His down that route or finds an even learned by this and appointing the now-former celebrity blind spot has produced tempered, decent, well-estab- Hollywood Squares- GG to her just-departed role. more than a few embarrassments lished, and capable individual Seemingly being blinded by for the government. to replace Payette—potentially a inclined bunch. the symbolic appeal of choosing a Yet the prime minister and first Indigenous governor general. well-known, well-educated, bilin- government seem to have a pro- There are many top-notch people Sometimes good gual, youngish female astronaut verbial golden horseshoe affixed such as Senator Murray Sinclair, as Canada’s top representative of to them. Because like previous Mary Simon, Roberta Jamieson, governing can be the Queen was more important sloppy celeb cockups, this, too, Perry Bellegarde, thankfully the accomplished with that checking references. Some- will likely pass. For now, as others list goes on. thing simple like calling former have rightly argued, this might Time will tell if lessons have employers might have sufficed, just be a welcome distraction for been learned by this Hollywood a little boredom Squares-inclined bunch. Frankly, but to hell with that, it appears Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s the government which is being the prime minister doesn’t need and septuagenarian was the working model of Team celebrity blind spot has produced more pilloried for Pfizer’s temporary to do that anymore. He needs, for Trudeau when they installed Pay- than a few embarrassments for the halt on vaccines. Just one year his own sake and Canada’s, to re- savvy. ette in 2017. Payette as an alleged government, writes Tim Powers. The after COVID-19 made its way to move that default setting. Some- workplace bully didn’t fit the nar- Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Canada, we are still mastered by rative of the day. So why bother this menace. Delays in vaccina- times good governing can be ac- looking, right? tions are appropriately the irri- complished with a little boredom This government always gets the operational capacity of that tant du jour. So, some temporary and septuagenarian savvy. itself in trouble when it gets organization, consequently they TMZ-type coverage of the latest While symbolism does matter blinded by celebrity. Anyone nearly ended up blowing a billion celebrity car wreck is probably a in politics, don’t undervalue ei- remember the loving embrace taxpayer dollars and losing their bit of eye candy for weary Cana- ther a structured predictable path with WE Charity that ended in government over that vanity play. dians. of viceregal ruling. It will give tears and broken hearts? Because Not that long ago, the PM The Trudeau gang is also you fewer headaches. the WE Charity was cool, well also thought it was okay to hang counting on the fact that most Tim Powers is vice-chairman known, and provided great stages out on the Aga Kahn’s private Canadians have little understand- of Summa Strategies and manag- Tim Powers to hang with fellow rarified-air island for Christmas. Come on, ing of or awareness about who ing director of Abacus Data. He is Plain Speak travellers, the Trudeau govern- he argued, he is a spiritual leader the governor general is and their a former adviser to Conservative ment jumped all over that. They and philanthropist, plus a fam- role. Of course, that becomes your political leaders. again did no real due diligence on ily friend. Nobody will get their primary line of defence when The Hill Times

First Peoples is of paramount Hatfield) that we can’t get rid of the concern, and it would be an in- monarchy without a constitutional The governor spiration for every citizen of this amendment requiring the support country with Indigenous roots to of Parliament and all 10 provinces. see themselves in the representa- The answer, as I wrote in 2017, is to tive of the head of state. anticipate the death of the Queen Retiring Senator Murray Sin- and consult the people of Canada general’s resignation clair would be a superb choice, as in a referendum. A “Yes” vote would he incarnates reconciliation, and force the hands of the provinces. could speak with his thunderous The result would keep us in the voice on issues of Indigenous jus- Commonwealth, but make the gov- tice from coast to coast to coast. ernor general the head of state. offers an opportunity But he is not bilingual, and he has Some elitists would have the promised to return to his family 150 Companions of the Order of and write his memoirs. Canada make the choice. I prefer position; how that person will be The best candidate I can think the Irish formula, in which each It is time Canadians turned the page and chosen; and what to do with the of is Mary Simon, Canada’s former party in Parliament nominates a office of governor general. I am ambassador to Denmark, an Inuit candidate for the presidency and were truly independent with a citizen of this only too happy to offer my advice woman who was born and attended the public votes, with a greater country at its head. to the prime minister and his cab- school in northern Quebec. Simon, than 50 per cent majority re- inet. Not that I expect they will be a former broadcaster with CBC quired. This is to ensure the head hanging on my every word. North, was Canada’s first ambassa- of state, while holding a mostly out how to deal with the mess Let’s get the process question dor for circumpolar affairs and was ceremonial role, has both moral left by last week’s unprecedented out of the way first: the Harper a lead negotiator for the creation of authority and constitutional clout. resignation of former governor appointments committee should the Arctic Council. At 73, she can I respect the Queen; she has general Julie Payette. be reinstated. While every govern- offer wisdom and experience. been the monarch ever since I Meanwhile, the chattering ment shucks the previous gang’s In the last few days, I have was born, and The Crown series classes, and what the late Larry policies as easily as they change heard comments from people who has earned her new fans. But she Zolf called the “punditi,” are hav- ministerial cars, the non-partisan would do away with the office of is mortal, and she and her heirs ing a field day, poring over the committee for lieutenant gov- governor general. These critics reside in a foreign country. It is smoking remains of the brief but ernors and governors general don’t recognize the office has time Canadians turned the page incendiary term of the former worked efficiently: it should be existed in some form since Samuel and were truly independent with a Andrew Caddell astronaut-turned-disaster. brought back soon. de Champlain, and they also for- citizen of this country at its head. With All Due Respect Much has been written about There is a consensus on crite- get the republic to the south had Andrew Caddell is retired from the bullying and rages, the lack ria for the next governor general: a small problem of late combin- Global Affairs Canada, where he of a proper vetting, the profligate a bilingual Indigenous person ing its head of state and head of was a senior policy adviser. He ONTREAL—“What do we do spending and the appointment with diplomatic or political expe- government. In the United States, previously worked as an adviser Mnow?” of a close friend with no prior rience. At this time in Canada’s loyalty is owed to the person in the to Liberal governments. He is a I imagine this is the refrain experience in government to head history, the need for an Indige- White House, even when they are fellow with the Canadian Global ringing through the halls of the her office. nous person as the representative leading an insurrection against the Affairs Institute and a principal of Office of the Prime Minister and In any event, for those who of the Crown and the commander- legislative branch and the courts. QIT Canada. He can be reached Privy Council, as staffers and care, the next steps are three- in-chief of the military is without They also forget (thanks to late at [email protected]. senior officials confer to figure fold: who should fill the viceregal question. Reconciliation with our New Brunswick premier Richard The Hill Times BELL 429 BUILT IN CANADA FOR FUTURE AIRCREW TRAINING (FAcT)

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With Julie The role of Payette out as the commander-in-chief commander- in-chief and requires the wearing her job up for grabs, picking of military uniforms someone and a familiarity familiar with the Canadian with martial customs Armed Forces could be an would be an enviable idea worth considering, asset. writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Scott Taylor Inside Defence

TTAWA—With the sudden Oresignation of Julie Pay- candidates for Canada’s next the men and women who serve in as patriotic a theme as one could including front-line service in ette from the vice-regal post as governor general. uniform began in 2000, when he choose. foreign wars, would more than Canada’s governor general, Ot- If Prime Minister Justin visited Canadian peacekeepers Another potential candidate compensate for his lack of a tawa is abuzz with speculation as Trudeau wants to stick with in Bosnia. Since then, Mercer has would be the just retired, former literary contribution to Canada’s to who will be appointed as her an out-of-this-world astronaut made numerous trips to entertain chief of the defence staff, General heritage. successor. theme, a natural choice would be the troops in Afghanistan and Jonathan Vance. In addition to becoming the Chris Hadfield. The man who be- Royal Canadian Navy sailors at Vance had a stellar military representative for Canada’s head came internationally famous for sea. career, in which he saw active of state, Payette’s replacement singing and playing guitar from In 2007, Mercer was named service in the former Yugosla- will also inherit the role of our the International Space Station the Honorary Colonel of 12 Wing, via and he twice commanded nation’s commander-in-chief. The in 2013 began his military career 423 Squadron in Shearwater, N.S. Canada’s battle group in Kanda- job is largely ceremonial, but as as a pilot in the Royal Canadian As such, he has worn the RCAF har, Afghanistan. Not only did recent events have demonstrated, Air Force. After retiring from the uniform and attended ceremonial he serve the longest stint as CDS diplomacy and charisma would parades. in Canadian military history, he be welcome attributes on the CV Mercer has also penned sev- also only left the job earlier this of any future appointee. eral books, the most patriotic title month. Which means that his being A Nation Worth Ranting uniforms still fit. About. For those doubters who would question the suitability of ap- pointing a comedian as the head of state’s rep, one need only look at the success Ukraine has had in doing the very same thing. In April 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky was voted in as Ukraine’s presi- General Jonathan Vance only left dent, despite the fact that his only the chief of defence staff job earlier experience in politics was playing this month, which means that his the part of a president in a televi- uniforms still fit.The Hill Times sion comedy. photograph by Andrew Meade While we are on the televi- Comedian Rick Mercer has also sion theme, why not choose There is also a candidate who long been a booster of the Canadian Peter Mansbridge? From 1988 has four years of experience as a military. The Hill Times photograph by until 2017, Mansbridge was the commander-in-chief who became Andrew Meade senior news anchor at the CBC. available for employment at If the prime minister wants to stick This lengthy exposure as the face noon on Jan. 20, 2021. Although with an out-of-this-world astronaut of Canada’s public broadcaster Former CBC anchor Peter Mansbridge he is not a Canadian citizen, I theme, a natural choice would be Chris space program, Hadfield penned certainly made Mansbridge a did a brief stint with the Canadian know there are more than a few Hadfield.The Hill Times file photograph a bestseller entitled An Astro- household name. Navy back in the mid 1960s before of his supporters here in Canada naut’s Guide to Life on Earth. While best known for report- starting his journalism career. The who would welcome him in that Another popular choice would ing the news, before starting Hill Times file photograph role. Given that the role of com- be comedian and veritable Cap- his career in journalism Mans- If you don’t believe me, then mander-in-chief requires the tain Canada, super patriot Rick bridge did a brief stint with the To date, Vance is the only you’re not on social media. wearing of military uniforms and Mercer. While best known for his Canadian Navy back in the mid candidate on this short list who Scott Taylor is the editor and that a familiarity with martial comedic rants, Mercer has also 1960s. His new book, released last did not write a patriotic themed publisher of Esprit de Corps customs would be an enviable as- long been a booster of the Cana- November, is entitled Extraordi- book. However, his 38 years of magazine. set, here is a short list of potential dian military. His love affair with nary Canadians, which is about uniformed service to Canada, The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 13 Comment

kick-ass health and benefits pack- Julie Payette’s age. Harry and Meghan should be resignation is so lucky. not a form of Payette’s resignation is not a accountability form of accountability, rather it’s for creating a the opposite. She got away with it. toxic workplace In fact, it seems as though culture, rather it’s working for this government is the opposite. She hazardous to your mental health, got away with it, given that subsequent Public writes Erica Ifill. Service Employee Surveys have The Hill Times file highlighted the harassment, photograph discrimination, and bullying problems within the federal government, however no one is actually tasked with fixing them. In 2017, the Toronto Sun reported, “22 per cent of federal employees said they were harassed at work, typically by supervisors, while 27 per cent said their workplace wasn’t ‘psychologically healthy.’” Payette’s Rideau Hall, according to Maclean’s, was a known toxic sludge of abuse: “In 2018, employ- ees largely pointed to harassment in the form of offensive remarks, aggressive behaviour and excessive control—all of which decreased in 2019. But staff now report substantial upticks in ‘be- ing excluded or ignored’ (to 40 per cent from 30 per cent), ‘humilia- tion’ (to 50 per cent from 36 per cent), and ‘interference with work or withholding resources’ (to 41 per cent from 27 per cent).” In other words, those who could fix it knew and did nothing about it until the allegations went public. Granted, the public service is a unionized environment, however irk us at work—the behaviours that still requires the complainant tied to bad management—do not to put themselves, their mental come out of the ether or spring health, and their economic posi- solely from personality. They stem tion in jeopardy in a system that Horrible bosses, too: from a view of leadership that, requires the victim to accuse given the role men have played their abuser. That is exacerbating in our history, is tied to masculin- an already-unbalanced power ity.” Even women can perpetuate differential. The risk is too great women can perpetuate toxic masculinity when they’ve and the probability of receiving acquired the power to do so. justice too small. Even the system Additionally, what the prime of resolution is a patina set up to minister did was more than just protect the powerful. toxic masculinity when stand by his choice—he tacitly The 2017 to 2018 Annual Report approved of Payette’s leadership to the Deputy Minister from the methods and backed someone Office of the Ombudsman for whose social currency was more Mental Health in Public Services they get the power to do so important to him than the health and Procurement Canada, identi- and safety of her employees. This fied an enormous issue with toxic social currency and position gave work environments: mental health. This country is facing ALGARY—“We have an feminists always rendered de- her power. And in Canada, power “There are other behaviours or fac- Cexcellent Governor General structive. This is the cultural infra- is never held to account. Even tors that can lead to mental health an unprecedented right now,” Prime Minister Justin structure of the Canadian work- now, Payette will receive the perks issues in the workplace, including: Trudeau said in September 2020. place, one that hasn’t changed of once holding her former posi- 1. Incivility, 2. harassment, bullying mental health crisis There is never a good time much since inception. In a 2018 tion she so spectacularly crashed and lack of respect…”. As Margaret to support an abuser, especially article in the Globe and Mail, au- out of, including: a $150,000 annu- Eaton wrote in this paper last fall, and while we are publicly. thor Harvey Schachter explicitly ity for life, an expense account of “The reality is, there can be no eco- Last July, CBC broke the story states: “But the behaviours that $206,000 per year, not to mention a nomic recovery without ensuring quick to put the onus of how the governor general, Julie workers and their families are not Payette, created—and presided just physically, but also mentally of seeking treatment over—an allegedly abusive work healthy.” This country is facing on those suffering, environment: “The sources say an unprecedented mental health Payette has yelled at, belittled, crisis and while we are quick to we don’t expect and publicly humiliated employ- put the onus of seeking treatment ees. They accuse her of throwing on those suffering, we don’t expect managers and leaders tantrums in the office and, on one managers and leaders to take their occasion, tossing an employee’s share of responsibility for the work to take their share of work aside and calling it ‘shit.’” environments they create. responsibility. According to the revelations, she Given that we’re in the season also got her BFF into the act like of the Bell Let’s Talk mental Regina George in Mean Girls: health awareness drive, one must “Payette’s secretary and long- ask, how many Bell managers are time friend, Assunta Di Lorenzo, creating work environments that is also accused of harassing negatively impact their workers’ employees and calling some ‘lazy’ mental health? And with a prime and ‘incompetent.’” Both of them minister that has shown support resigned Jan. 21, amid the release for a destructive style of leader- of a report that is said to confirm ship based on toxic masculinity, some of these accusations. why should anyone expect better These management character What Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did was more than just stand by his choice— from their bosses? Erica Ifill traits imposed on the workplace he tacitly approved of Payette’s leadership methods and backed someone whose Erica Ifill is a co-host of the culture by Payette coincide with social currency was more important to him than the health and safety of her Bad+Bitchy podcast. Bad+Bitchy the features of toxic masculinity employees, writes Erica Ifill.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade The Hill Times 14 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

work to prepare for construction said the government “can always scenario, Line 3 alone could meet Trans Mountain of the fourth. just say, ‘we’re not going to do it.’” the demand for capacity. The number of workers on site “Why spend $12-billion for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not been reduced due to COV- something you’ll never get back, (Papineau, Que.) has vowed to use ID-19, confirmed Trans Mountain, if you know the only way we can revenue from the Trans Mountain work stoppage noting construction is deemed get that money back is if we say, pipeline to fund climate mea- an essential service, but safety just, ‘to heck with our climate ac- sures, including the $3-billion and cleaning precautions have tion,’” he said. pledge to plant two billion trees increased, including requiring A December 2020 report from over the next decade. continues, as workers to fill out a daily screen- the Parliamentary Budget Offi- The government still intends to ing “self-declaration question- cer (PBO) estimated $5-billion in sell off the pipeline. Deputy Prime naire” and undergo temperature federal revenue from the pipeline Minister and Finance Minister checks before entering a worksite since 2018. But it stressed the pipe- Chrystia Freeland’s (University- CPC’s McLean or leaving for the day. line’s future profitability is “highly Rosedale, Ont.) press secretary, One of the new U.S. presi- contingent on the climate policy Katherine Cuplinskas, said last dent’s first acts was to revoke stance of the federal government.” week it will “launch a divest- the permit for construction of the If climate action becomes “more ment process after the expansion says project ‘even Keystone XL pipeline to carry oil stringent, it is possible for the Trans project is further de-risked,” and sands crude from Alberta south Mountain assets to have a negative once current efforts to consult 129 to the Gulf Coast, work on which net present value,” and changes to Indigenous groups on economic began last year. the pipeline’s use, or an inability participation are complete. Two more important’ Mr. McLean (Calgary Centre, to renew contracts with shippers Indigenous-led groups remain Alta.), his party’s natural resourc- (with 80 per cent of its capacity interested in buying the pipeline. es critic, told The Hill Times the currently locked into 15- and 20- Since the federal government announcement makes the Trans year contracts), could also impact reissued its approval of the TMX post-U.S. axing Mountain project “even more its value, found the PBO. project in June 2019, multiple court important” for Canada. The PBO report references a challenges have come and gone, “You think about how con- December 2020 report on “Can- and no legal challenges to the strained our resource is to getting ada’s Energy Future” from the project remain. That includes from of Keystone XL to market. The world is clamour- Canada Energy Regulator (CER), the B.C. government, which, under ing for this resource, the produc- which looked at two scenarios for NDP Premier John Horgan, had ers in Canada do a very good Canada—a “reference scenario,” vowed to use every tool in its tool- is now 38 per cent complete, with job of being at the upper end of which assumes climate policies box to fight the expansion project. But NDP MP Richard its foreshore expansion done. their environmental performance remain as they are (as of August According to B.C.’s Ministry of Two of the three new berths being in the whole world and they get 2020), and an “evolving scenario,” Environment and Climate Change Cannings says with added there are anticipated to be better every year,” he said. “If we in which global climate change Strategy, there is “no process in-service by December 2022, it don’t get this resource avail- action increases. Reaching the whereby the province may revoke” global demand for said. able to market, the world will be government’s stated goal of net- the Environmental Assessment Cer- tificate it issued in 2017, “assuming oil trending down—a the project is substantially started trend set to accelerate by January 10, 2022,” the deadline set in the certificate. That includes if needed climate the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office’s current reconsideration of policies are pursued— possible new or amended condi- tions to respond to marine shipping it ‘calls into question concerns raised by the project, a the whole viability’ review resulting from a September 2019 B.C. Court of Appeal decision, of the multibillion- with a draft report currently in the public comment period. Of the 1,500 dollar project. B.C. provincial permits, including for right-of-way use and access to Crown land, to date 1,300 have been Continued from page 1 approved, according to the ministry. project is “even more important” But opposition to the pipeline for Canada. continues. Construction on the Trans The Tiny House Warriors, a Mountain pipeline’s expansion The Westridge Marine Terminal, the B.C. terminus for the Trans Mountain pipeline, is pictured in July 2019. Trans Mountain group of Secwépemc land and halted on Dec. 18 as part of a says work on the terminal's expansion is now 38 per cent complete. Photograph courtesy of WikimediaCommons/Codex water defenders, have contin- project-wide “safety stand down” ued their efforts to build 10 following two recent accidents— tiny houses along the pipeline’s one in Burnaby, B.C., which left Construction of the Trans consuming less environmentally zero carbon emissions by 2050 route, which is set to go through a worker seriously injured, and Mountain pipeline expansion— friendly energy options.” would “require a faster transition” Secwépemc territory. The group another in Edmonton in October, which will add 980 kilometres of But NDP MP Richard Can- than reflected in the evolving has vowed to stop its construction in which a worker was killed after pipeline to twin the existing route nings (South Okanagan-West scenario, it notes. and “a planned thousand-man being hit by a piece of equipment. and expand its marine terminal— Kootenay, B.C.), his party’s critic, The UN’s 2020 Emissions Gap camp” for construction workers Originally set to resume on is now estimated to cost $12.6-bil- said the current global situation— Report projected Canada remains on on its territory. Jan. 4, work remains stalled. lion. After industry got cold feet in which demand for oil is drop- track to miss its 2030 climate targets. The Stk’emlupsemc te Sec- “Trans Mountain is working amid legal challenges to the ping and countries are increasing Under the CER’s evolving wépemc Nation was one of two with its contractors and making project, in 2018 the federal gov- efforts to curb emissions and scenario, Canada’s domestic fos- First Nations to drop out of a 2019 steady progress towards restart- ernment bought the pipeline from transition to renewable energy— sil fuel consumption would drop challenge of the pipeline’s re-ap- ing construction on the expan- Kinder Morgan for $4.4-billion. “really calls into question the 35 per cent by 2050, with demand proval; that challenge, pursued by sion project. When we restart, In B.C., work has been com- whole viability” of the project. for renewable energy to increase the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish we will do so having openly and pleted “along the pipeline cor- “We have world markets that 45 per cent from 2019 levels (two Nations, a coalition of small First thoroughly looked at our safety ridor in the North Thompson and don’t really show any sign of in- per cent for nuclear). Crude oil Nations from the Fraser Valley, processes, culture, and training B.C. interior regions, and at the creasing to take those extra bar- production would peak in 2039, and the Coldwater Indian Band and identified and implemented Lower Mainland terminals,” as rels that Canada wants to export,” at 5.8 million barrels per day. CO- was ultimately dismissed by the improvements,” said the company has preparatory work for tunnel said Mr. Cannings. “There’s just a VID-19 caused an estimated six Supreme Court in July 2020. in a Jan. 22 response to The Hill boring for the Burnaby Mountain huge shift going on in the world per cent fall in energy use in 2020 The Coldwater band’s con- Times. Tunnel and tank installation for and it happens faster every year and a seven per cent drop in oil cerns centred on the impact the No new resumption time was the Burnaby Terminal, where 14 than everyone predicts to electric production compared to 2019, and proposed route would have on indicated, and the company said new storage tanks will be added vehicles, and that is just going to the report notes the longer term the community’s underground it’s reviewing the impact of work (to bring it to total of 26). Con- flatten out that demand and start” implications of COVID are “one of water supply. Late last year, Trans stoppage on its construction struction work for the 2.6-kilo- decreasing it. many key uncertainties for future Mountain submitted a new pro- timeline and is “working through metre tunnel is set to begin early The oil industry’s current need energy trends.” posal to reroute the pipeline 18 strategies to mitigate delays.” this year. for extra pipeline capacity will Based on the CER’s report, kilometres west of the Coldwater As of Dec. 31, the project is In Alberta, “several river cross- be solved by Enbridge’s Line 3 which assumes that all three River (the community sits on the 22 per cent complete, according ings have been completed and replacement, said Mr. Cannings, pending pipeline projects—Trans east side of the river), which Trans to Trans Mountain, with roughly pipeline construction is near- which will carry crude from Ed- Mountain, Line 3, and Keystone Mountain said it anticipates “will 7,300 people employed to build ing completion in the Greater monton to Wisconsin and is set to XL—go ahead, the total crude meet the request,” with construc- it. Work on the Westridge Marine Edmonton area.” At the Edmonton be in-service later this year. available for export from the West tion to start next year “subject to Terminal in Burnaby—where a terminal, where four new tanks While construction on the stays below pipeline capacity in the necessary approvals.” 79-year-old protestor was arrested are being added, work on three Trans Mountain pipeline is reference scenario if all three are [email protected] by the RCMP earlier this month— has begun, as has foundation already underway, Mr. Cannings completed; but under the evolving The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 15 News

Prime Minister Don’t expect Biden’s Justin Trudeau discussed the cases of Michael tough, bipartisan Kovrig and Michael Spavor with U.S. President approach to China to Joe Biden in a Jan. 22 phone call. The Hill Times be met with Canadian photograph by Andrew Meade imitation, say analysts of China’s violations of global administration on the recognition norms … but once those govern- of genocide, as it is not an issue on ments come into power they the top on the list for Washington. U.S. are prevailed upon by corpo- A tough, bipartisan President rate interests that have strong Joe Biden's dependence on Chinese trade Meng Wanzhou American approach pick for and investment to moderate their extradition looms on China could put secretary of policies to what’s referred to as Overshadowing the Biden ad- state, Antony a more sophisticated and mature ministration’s approach to China additional pressure Blinken, approach,” he said. for Canada will be how it chooses endorsed Prof. Houlden said Mr. Biden to handle the extradition of Hua- on Canada, but the tough hasn’t stacked his China team wei executive Meng Wanzhou. approach with ideologues, but instead with In the closing days of the questions loom over former “seasoned operators” with “deep Trump administration, The Wall whether Joe Biden’s president experience of … the practice of Street Journal reported the U.S. Donald international relations.” Justice Department was in talks campaign rhetoric Trump took “They’re used to the limitations with Ms. Meng’s legal team for her with Beijing. of power and the complexities of to return to China in exchange for will be met with The Hill international relations with major admitting criminal wrongdoing. Times file powers,” he said. “There are red lines Mr. Reeves said a dropping of White House action. photograph that the team will know not to cross.” the extradition would be welcome Those red lines that won’t be for Canada. crossed, Prof. Houlden said, will “That would be a very wel- Continued from page 1 involve supporting Taiwan’s inde- come development with its Foundation, said Ottawa needs to pendence and basing U.S. troops [Canada’s] relations to Asia, with continue its own approach with advancing human rights in their “Trump was an exception, in the country. its relations to the U.S., with its Beijing, one that helps Canada own nations and abroad.” he said. “But in normal practice, “They may push the envelope, relations to China,” he said. “That advance its own national inter- Mr. Reeves said the idea of candidates run against China in but I don’t think you’re going to would allow for Canada to have ests, no matter what the U.S. aligning with likeminded states the election to some extent—some see them tear it open,” he said. a little more room for manoeuvre does. evokes Cold War-era notions of more, some less—once elected, and I’m hoping the administra- “There’s going to be areas the free world versus the com- they maintain those policies for tion is thinking seriously about where the two countries have munist world that he said Canada about a year or so and then some- Conservatives call for something like that.” alignment with respect to their needs to be careful of. thing comes along—North Korea, Canada to ‘join the If a move to drop the extradition foreign national interest and He said the Biden adminis- the Middle East, the UN, global was taken, he said it would have where they have disagreement tration will appeal to common trade, climate change—that re- Biden administration’ to be in discussions with Beijing with respect to their national interests, as opposed to putting quires Chinese [co-operation] and in recognizing Uyghur to secure the release of Canadi- interest,” he said. direct pressure on Canada, noting then you find a policy becoming ans Michael Kovrig and Michael Mr. Reeves said Canada needs that bringing Canada on side will more nuanced and a little less genocide Spavor, who have been detained by to articulate its goals when it be an “important strategic goal” strident.” At his hearing on Jan. 19, Mr. Chinese authorities for more than comes to China and have a policy for the new White House. He said there can’t be an Blinken agreed with his predeces- 775 days in apparent retaliation to directed by self-interest, as op- Past Canadian ambassador to American policy of entirely stick, sor, Mike Pompeo, that the Chi- Canada’s arrest of Ms. Meng at the posed to simple alignment with China, Guy Saint-Jacques, who there will have to be some carrot nese government’s persecution of behest of the U.S. the U.S. was posted to Beijing from 2012 as well. Muslim Uyghurs was a genocide. Mr. Reeves said in the meantime, He said multilateral forums to 2016, said the initiative could Macdonald-Laurier Institute While in Canada, the House Mr. Biden should lobby Beijing to are important for Canada in help change China’s approach senior fellow Charles Burton, Subcommittee on International Hu- improve the standing in which Mr. working with the U.S., but there on hostage diplomacy and the who was a former counsellor at man Rights unanimously declared Kovrig and Mr. Spavor are detained. won’t be complete ideological weaponization of trade, as well as the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, in October that the actions of the “The best thing they could do alignment. human rights and security issues. said he isn’t convinced that Chinese government constituted to help is immediately increase “I don’t think it’s a matter of “That should be part of the Canada has the political will to genocide, the federal government the conditions of their detentions, aligning uncritically with other major redrafting of our approach/ adhere to Mr. Biden’s request for has yet to make a declaration that and make sure they have regular democracies without first con- engagement strategy with China,” allied nations to work together genocide has taken place. consular service [and are] able sidering some of the issues that he said in an email. against authoritarianism, which The Conservatives have called to talk to their families, and that are inherent within the bilateral Former diplomat Gordon he says is really about China. on the Trudeau government to “join there’s more transparency around and multilateral relationship, and Houlden, director emeritus of the “It would largely be dependent the Biden administration in officially the process in which their case is then certainly areas where there University of Alberta’s China In- on how much priority Biden puts recognizing the Uyghur genocide” in being handled,” he said. is a convergence of ideas,” Mr. stitute, said it is harder for Canada into this,” Mr. Burton said, “and a Jan. 24 statement, which high- The case of the two Canadians Reeves said. “But I think that has to be out of step with the U.S. what sort of actions the United lighted that both U.S. administra- was discussed in a phone call to be done in a more critical way, when it has a bipartisan approach, States would take to ensure tions have concluded the Chinese between Prime Minister Justin for understanding that anything but noted such an approach isn’t compliance with countries like government is committing genocide. Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) and Mr. Canada can gain from a D-10 new, as it existed under the Trump Canada.” NDP and Bloc Québécois MPs have Biden on Jan. 22. [group of leading democracies], administration as well. He said the Canadian govern- also called on the House to label the Mr. Burton said even if the there is a cost.” “If the Trudeau government ment could find itself not only out Uyghur persecution as a genocide. extradition order is dropped, it Mr. Biden has called for a U.S. is going to be closer to the Biden of line with the Biden administra- Foreign Affairs Minister Marc doesn’t mean that the two detained organized “Summit for Democra- administration, which is a fact or tion, but also Canadian public Garneau (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce- Canadians will be released. China cy” to “strengthen our democratic a strong likelihood at minimum, it opinion. Westmount, Que.) told the House on has long denied that their cases are institution, honestly confront will be somewhat more difficult,” But Mr. Burton questioned Jan. 25 that the international com- linked to the case of Ms. Meng. nations that are backsliding, and to not be aligned with U.S. policy, whether the words of the Biden munity has to have an independent He said there is a feeling forge a common agenda.” He said he said. campaign will be met with ac- investigation and there is “increasing from Beijing that Canada must the U.S. will “prioritize results by But Prof. Houlden said most tions by the Biden White House. evidence [that] shows a systemic be punished, even if Ms. Meng is galvanizing significant new coun- presidents move away from their “Many political parties, in repression that cannot be ignored.” released, for detaining a senior try commitments in three areas: campaign rhetoric on China to their election campaigning, com- Prof. Houlden suggested it Chinese official. fighting corruption, defending develop more of a working rela- mit to taking vigorous action won’t have a major impact if Can- [email protected] against authoritarianism, and tionship over time. against the People’s Republic ada is unaligned with the Biden The Hill Times 16 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion With critical Lessons from federal situation in Hong spending on COVID-19

of promised support to municipalities. Promised post-pandemic Provinces will leave money on the Kong, look to Taiwan spending needs clear table: There were several federal pots where the provinces had to show their strings attached since plans before they’d get the dough. But, in many cases, this “free money” is still sit- as a partner and ally many provinces are all too ting there, with provinces not taking full advantage. Six of 10 provinces don’t have willing to call the feds’ cost- sufficient plans to get their full share of instead “unite against authoritarianism” as matching bluff. the Safe Long-term Care fund. Only one The recent large-scale Minister Wu argues, and defend pluralism, province, B.C., was properly positioned to civic rights, and democracy itself. A unified, take advantage of half a billion in rapid crackdown in Hong Kong global response is the only way to succeed. housing dollars. Meanwhile, six of the Luckily, the world seems to have real- 10 provinces didn’t even access the full serves as a test of our ized just how critical the situation is in federal amount available for the low-wage collective ability to defend Hong Kong. essential worker wage top-up. Alberta left Canada’s former foreign minister Fran- an incredible $336-million on the table in democracy globally; if we çois-Philippe Champagne issued a strong that category. rebuke of the crackdown, and also issued a There is one area in which the provinc- fail this test, the next one joint statement alongside his U.S., U.K., and es are contributing more during this crisis: Australian counterparts. This builds on con- infrastructure spending. The federal gov- will certainly be much more sistent and strong statements from Ottawa ernment’s major spending items support challenging. criticizing the actions taken against the David Macdonald either the jobless or keeping businesses people of Hong Kong and tens of thousands Opinion afloat. But just because the feds don’t have of Canadians living in the territory. a robust infrastructure spending package In Canada and in the United States, yet, it doesn’t mean that part of the $70- to there is a large degree of bipartisan unity s Canada weathers its second wave of $100-billion planned over the next three on this front. Conservative Party critic for ACOVID-19 cases surging, it’s important years won’t end up here. foreign affairs Michael Chong rebuked to take stock of the lessons from govern- Infrastructure investments can stimu- the mass arrests and urged further ac- ments’ first round of COVID-19 measures late growth and would support existing tions. The United States’ secretary of state to see how it can inform the upcoming $70- provincial efforts. This will help construc- nominee, Antony Blinken, has also stated to $100-billion in federal spending. tion workers (overwhelmingly men) but it in no uncertain terms that the Biden-Harris I reviewed all costed federal and pro- won’t help those in other hard-hit sectors, administration will “stand with the people vincial measures to deal with COVID-19’s such as retail, food, and accommodation of Hong Kong and against Beijing’s crack- impacts announced in 2020 and found: (overwhelmingly women). Winston Wen-yi Chen down on democracy.” The feds bore the fiscal burden: The If the pandemic has taught us anything, federal government shouldered the great- Opinion Standing in solidarity with Hong Kong’s it’s how neglected our social infrastructure brave democratic activists is well worth do- est share of the fiscal burden—announcing is. Think: long-term care reform, health ing. By working in lockstep to prevent further $343-billion in spending commitments, care and public health reform, and a n the early days of the new year, Hong assault on democracy in Hong Kong, we are which repre- national child IKong’s advocates for democracy were once forestalling assaults on democracy elsewhere. sents 92 per care program again issued a stunning blow. Under the aus- By contrast, if we do not protect democracy cent of all CO- (incidentally pices of Hong Kong’s “National Security Law,” here and now, experts like J. Michael Cole VID-19 spend- all areas where more than 50 activists and pro-democracy warn that China may start seeking new tar- ing in Canada. women work). politicians who had participated in democrat- gets to undermine. Recently, former Canadian Rightly so; Investments ic primary elections last year were arrested, chief of the defence staff General Jonathan that’s the role in these areas and the offices of RTHK, a public broadcaster Vance has made similar warnings, too. the federal would bolster in Hong Kong, were raided as well. A modern nation of 23.5 million people, government Canada for fu- This crackdown is one of many in re- Taiwan is a bastion of liberal values in should take in ture shocks to cent months to target democracy advocates Asia. We have common interests, prin- a crisis, par- the system due like Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, legisla- ciples, and commitments as countries like ticularly with to pandem- tors like Wu Chi-wai, and media figures Canada, and our resolute commitment to historically ics, climate like Jimmy Lai. democracy makes us a natural partner low interest emergencies, Yet this most recent assault on democracy and ally. Democracies like Taiwan must be rates, a man- or other. is perhaps the clearest sign to date that the protected if we want the rule-based world ageable GDP- With the freedoms which Beijing had promised to order to continue to reflect our values. to-debt ratio coming $70- to Hong Kong are becoming a thing of the past. We, in the international community, must and ownership $100-billion These arrests are targeted toward dismantling work collaboratively to strengthen democ- of the Bank of spending, the democratic forces in Hong Kong which racy and prevent its erosion. This means Canada. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is pictured at a Nov. the feds will are standing up for their fundamental rights. that not only must we condemn those who Many prov- 23, 2020, press conference in Ottawa. Sustained federal need to ensure It is another move to make Hong Kong seek to undermine peoples’ political and inces are sit- leadership will be needed for years to come as Canada future federal indistinguishable from mainland China. civic rights, but we must also be inclusive of ting on money: climbs out of the COVID-19 hole, writes David Macdonald. funding to the The so-called “One Country, Two Systems” countries which share our values. While some The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade provinces formula has now clearly failed to hold up. To that end, we continue to appreciate provinces comes with In the wake of this crackdown, the the efforts of like-minded countries, like stepped up to clear strings world’s democracies must come together Canada, to support Taiwan’s meaningful the plate, the most shocking finding is how attached. If the initial federal experience is and speak up in support of Hong Kong. It participation in international fora. Fur- much unspent money many provinces have any indication, many provinces are all too remains, along with my own country of ther efforts to include Taiwan in the World left on the table in the midst of the worst willing to call the feds’ cost-matching bluff. Taiwan, at the vanguard of democracy. Health Organization, International Civil public health crisis Canada has faced in Sustained federal leadership will be Indeed, as Taiwanese President Tsai Aviation Organization, and the Comprehen- modern times. Three out of 10 provinces needed for years to come as Canada climbs Ing-Wen has stated, “we must not stand by sive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- haven’t even fully spent the COVID-19 out of the COVID-19 hole. It must be met while the little freedom that is left in Hong Pacific Partnership, etc., would not only be health care dollars that they’ve received. with provincial partners ready and willing Kong disappears before our eyes.” appreciated by the Taiwanese people, but Two haven’t fully spent the support for to put partisan politics aside, come to the President Tsai has been consistent in would also serve as an instrumental role of school re-openings. Alberta, Saskatch- table, cost match, adhere to federal fiscal her steadfast and resolute support for a increasing inter-democracy co-operation. ewan, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and conditions, and fully utilize the fiscal ca- free and democratic Hong Kong in part Ultimately, democracy will not survive Labrador, and P.E.I. are sitting on billions pacity within their own jurisdictions. because she knows that the authoritarian authoritarian challenges if countries with of unallocated COVID-19 funds that are That leadership should also accept that ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party the ability to stand up fail to do so. built into their budgets. some provincial governments may not extend beyond China’s borders. Therefore, the recent large-scale crack- Cost-sharing stipulations weren’t met: want to come along and there is little the As Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu down in Hong Kong serves as a test of Even where there were strings attached, feds can do about it; $100-billion can buy a has warned, China’s efforts to “expand its our collective ability to defend democracy such as the 50-50 cost-sharing stipulation lot of change, but the feds need to ensure authoritarian order,” present very real and globally; if we fail this test, the next one for the provinces to access municipal oper- that conditions are being met in order for present dangers to Taiwan. will certainly be much more challenging. ating and transit budget supports through that change to be delivered. Beijing has made it clear that they are Winston Wen-yi Chen is the representa- the Safe Restart agreements, six of the 10 David Macdonald is a senior econo- willing to use force to accomplish this task. tive of the Taipei Economic and Cultural either didn’t match or fell short of their 50 mist with the Canadian Centre for Policy As a global community, we cannot allow Office in Canada. per cent contribution. Despite these short- Alternatives. for democratic erosion to continue. We must The Hill Times falls, the feds transferred the full amount The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 17 News NDP to focus on pandemic measures, amplifying message in winter sitting

“The pitfalls that the government The party assigned has made is in not implementing the letter of what they agreed to or six new critics in what Parliament has asked them to do,” he said. He added that one ex- the lead-in to the ample was the shortfall in vaccines, House’s return after with all Pfizer-BioNTech shipments halted for a week, and only 79,000 previously stripping doses expected to be received in the first week of February. MP Niki Ashton of all For Mr. Boulerice, the biggest challenges for the New Demo- her critic duties for crats are due to the party’s status travelling abroad to as the fourth party in the House. He said it’s hard for it to be heard tend to a sick relative. by the media, and that it needs to be “more bold” in communicating its messages, while also focusing on defending the French language Continued from page 1 to avoid being cornered by the for women and gender equality Bloc (Mr. Boulerice is the only and Canadian heritage. New Democratic Party Leader NDP MP in Quebec). MP Alexandre Boulerice Jagmeet Singh, pictured during The focus on COVID-19 has (Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, a Nov. 30 media availability also bled out into the physical ar- Que.)—now the official languages in West Block, says the party rangements of the House. critic—said that this change will focus on paid sick leave, Currently, MPs can participate was a result of MP Niki Ashton long-term care, and vaccines in parliamentary business either (Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, as Parliament dives into its in person or remotely via Zoom. Man.) losing all her critic roles. winter sitting. The Hill Times Mr. Singh said that the NDP This stripping of responsibility photograph by Andrew Meade will field a very reduced number occurred after it came out that of MPs in the House. she had flown to Greece over the Even preparations were affect- holidays to tend to a sick rela- ed by the pandemic, with strategy tive, despite pandemic advisories Malahat-Langford, B.C.), told Health Act, with the aim of creat- meetings for the NDP held over warning against international The Hill Times that the party will ing a universal, single-payer pub- Proud of gains made so Zoom in the week before the travel at the time. Ms. Ashton focus on getting individuals and lic pharmacare plan. Next month, far, but challenges ahead return to House. did not advise her whip or party small businesses through what he the bill is set to begin debate at But those meetings were leader of this trip, according to a called the “eye of the storm” of the second reading and face its first for NDP marked by what Mr. Bachrach Jan. 1 party statement, and she pandemic. parliamentary vote. Mr. MacGregor said he was called an incredibly positive tone. lost her role as critic for transport These goals in practical terms He said with “close to 10 proud of the efforts made over the “We have such a tremendous and deputy critic for women and mean a focus on recovery, Mr. million Canadians who have no past year by his party. Specifically, team and a real sense of unity go- gender equality. MacGregor said. access to medication even when he said that parties were able to ing into this next sitting.” “While we are sympathetic To him, that means fixing the prescribed by their doctors,” the come together to increase CERB Also shared across the caucus to Ms. Ashton’s situation and perceived holes in Canada’s so- passing of the pharmacare act is payments to $2,000 and boost the is a desire to avoid a pandemic understand her need to be with cial safety net through initiatives critical. Emergency Wage Subsidy to 75 election, which Prime Minister her family, millions of Canadi- like national pharmacare, dental Other focus points this sitting per cent, among other things. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) ans are following public health care, and basic income programs. for the NDP include women’s “I’m not sure when we press for- has said could occur this year. guidelines, even when it made it He also said that there should be supports, Indigenous issues, anti- ward with our ideas how the other “It looks like Justin Trudeau is impossible for them to visit sick a “just recovery.” racism, and CERB repayments, parties are going to react,” Mr. Mac- spending his time trying to figure or aging relatives,” the party said. “Going back to normal isn’t which Ms. McPherson called Gregor said. “But we’ll be taking out a way to get an election to The cabinet critic shuffle came good enough. Before the pan- unfair clawbacks. our case directly to the Canadian happen,” Mr. Singh said. “Justin ahead of a return to Parliament demic struck I don’t think many Women’s supports include the people, and hopefully through their Trudeau should be spending all of that does not see the NDP waver- people were aware of the gaps aforementioned childcare, as well feedback, they will pressure both his time protecting Canadians … ing much from its focus in the that exist in our social safety net, as supports for women-focused the Conservatives and Liberals to we want to be very clear, Cana- previous sitting. or of how precarious many jobs small businesses and women in offer their support to our proposals.” dians need us to fight for them NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh were … how can we address some the care industries, MP Lindsay However, he said the NDP will to keep them healthy. We are (Burnaby South, B.C.) empha- of those glaring holes that existed Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe, still have to respond to what the focused on that.” sized three main points of focus before [the pandemic] struck Ont.), her party’s women and government is “putting on offer,” Ms. McPherson said the party when speaking to reporters on us? That’s what I mean by just gender equality critic, said. which may take up the time it has was pushing for what Canadians Jan. 22. recovery—how do we address the A top Indigenous issue for in the House of Commons. want. “Paid sick leave needs to be glaring holes and make life better the party will be the lifting of Mr. Bachrach said he hopes “It’s not that the NDP want easier to access. That is one of for those living on the margins?” water advisories, MP Scott Duvall for opportunities to get more wins childcare for ourselves. Canadi- the best tools to keep people safe Ms. McPherson had a similar (Hamilton Mountain, Ont.) told like the wage subsidies and paid ans have been asking for that, given the workplace transfers of sentiment in mind. For her, the The Hill Times. The government sick days. have been asking for better long- COVID-19 that are happening. importance of many issues like originally promised the long-term “Our approach has really been term care, those are things that Secondly, we need to make sure pharmacare and childcare sup- boil-water advisories would be on making sure that the most vul- they want, and so it’s incumbent that we’re protecting our seniors ports that the NDP have been lifted by March 2021, a timeline nerable Canadians … are served on the government to act.” at all costs,” Mr. Singh said. “And fighting for for years have been that has since been extended, par- by the federal government,” [email protected] finally, when we’re looking at this amplified by the pandemic. tially owing to the pandemic. he said. “This is a time of huge The Hill Times pandemic, we are focused on get- “It’s become so much more ap- On a larger financial level, Mr. anxiety for so many families and ting vaccines into people’s arms.” parent during the pandemic that Julian said that the “fire hose of we’re going to be keeping them in Newly assigned He added that long-term care these things need to be done,” she incredibly large cheques” going mind as we enter discussions with remains a major concern that said. Specifically, she spoke of is- to corporations had to be shut off, the other parties.” critic roles for 2021 requires further support. sues like the importance of child- with more care given to ordinary The big fear for the party, at • Alistair MacGregor — Critic for B.C. Regional Questioned on the specifics of care in future economic recovery, working people. least in Ms. McPherson’s eyes, what improved sick leave might is that the feds stop supporting Development Agency in British Columbia as well as job loss and subsequent “Middle-income and lower- • Taylor Bachrach — Critic for Transport look like, Mr. Singh said that there losses of medical benefits. income people after the Spanish Canadians too soon. She said that the government needs to avoid • Matthew Green — Critic for Public Ownership should be more flexibility in how NDP House leader Peter Julian flu pandemic were hit for over a • Alexandre Boulerice — Critic for Official the days are used, increased pay- (New Westminster-Burnaby, B.C.) decade,” he said. going to an austerity agenda and leaving businesses, individuals, Languages ment amounts, and less delay in is the one behind the NDP’s phar- He added that the wealthiest • Peter Julian — Deputy Critic for Official benefits received. He added that macare legislation, Bill C-213, are profiting off massive subsidies, and families “out in the cold.” According to Mr. Julian, other Languages there should be more awareness the Canada Pharmacare Act. The and that a wealth tax or “pandemic • Heather McPherson — Deputy Critic for problems that might crop up in of the federal sick leave benefit. private member’s bill was first profits tax” needed to be put in Women and Gender Equality, Deputy Critic for Adding to the list of issues, MP introduced in February 2020, and place, similar to those used during the new parliamentary sitting in- Canadian Heritage Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan- was modelled off the Canada the Second World War. clude issues with implementation. —Source: NDP 18 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

Interparliamentary some countries it will be impos- group chairs sible to be there, physically, but Wayne Easter, left, they could participate in a hybrid Jim Munson, and model,” he said, noting that in Francis Drouin a minority Parliament there is say there have always pressure from the Whip’s been challenges offices to stay in Canada. in conducting Mr. Drouin said Parliamentar- parliamentary ians have been “extremely en- diplomacy gaged” in the work of the group, virtually. The Hill while other chairs said the work Times photographs of the interparliamentary associa- by Andrew Meade tions has largely been done by the executive members of the groups. The Joint Interparliamentary Council directed $2.5-million last May for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The allocation is down from previous years—the groups were given $3.1-million in 2019-20, $3.8-million in 2018-19, $4.1-mil- lion in 2017-18, and $3.4-million in 2016-17. Conservative MP Bruce Stan- ton (Simcoe North, Ont.), co-chair of the Joint Interparliamentary Council, said the decrease is a recognition that the groups aren’t travelling, nor are they hosting events. But he noted that some of the groups still have to pay fees to the international secretariats with which the associations are affiliated. He said there has been a rev- elation that video conferencing gives the option to virtually con- No replacing need for in-person nect more often than Parliamen- tarians would be able to organize in person at far less expense. “I imagine that we’re going to diplomacy, say chairs, as work of see the utilizing of video confer- encing for supporting inter-par- liamentary diplomacy as people have become more accustomed to it,” Mr. Stanton said, but noted interparliamentary groups goes on the value of in-person meetings is still “well recognized.” CSG Senator Percy Downe Liberal MP Wayne Easter Liberal MP Francis Drouin (Charlottetown, P.E.I.), a member The 13 interparliamentary associations haven’t (Malpeque, P.E.I.), co-chair of the (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, of the Joint Interparliamentary been able to travel or host foreign delegations Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Ont.), chair of the Canadian Council and vice-president of the Group, said he has been relying branch of the Assemblée par- Canada-Europe Parliamentary since last March, but their work has continued on contacts that were built in the lementaire de la Francophonie, Association, said it has been dif- U.S. from previous trips, noting said at the beginning of the ficult to have the same degree of virtually with some technical issues. that work will need to be done to pandemic, it was “challenging” to engagement in the associations. build relationships with new U.S. set up official meetings, but that “Everyone’s hoping for the members of the group following adjustment has been made. end of the pandemic, so a return “When it’s safe to travel again the recent election. He noted some of the benefits Continued from page 1 to normal would greatly assist in and we’re all vaccinated and He said the work of the asso- of in-person meetings are missed, getting back to the work they do,” Members of the groups told precautions are taken, it will be ciation has been going reasonably such as being able to talk with a he said. The Hill Times that their work is good to get back on the road,” he well, but added that “there is noth- parliamentary counterpart on the Mr. Stanton said he didn’t as important as ever amid geopo- said, but noted there will be an ing in these kind of international margins of a meeting. Instead, a expect the travel ban to be lifted litical challenges, and the instabil- opportunity to further use virtual groupings like meeting in person.” phone call needs to be made to until borders are re-opened and ity of multilateralism. meetings for the interparliamen- Mr. Easter said the execu- have a one-on-one chat before the the safety of travel can be assured. The associations have been tary associations in a post-pan- tive members of the group have meeting takes place. He said the Joint Interparliamen- barred from travelling abroad demic world. stayed in touch with their coun- Mr. Drouin said the most tary Council will meet in February since the Joint Interparliamentary Comparing parliamentary terparts in Washington, D.C. The problematic issues have involved to discuss the state of the travel Council placed a moratorium on travel to his past career as a for- group compiled a list of Senators technical issues, such as adequate moratorium. The ban currently is foreign journeys in March. That eign correspondent, Sen. Munson and Congressional Representa- internet connections for all coun- set to expire on Feb. 5. travel ban, combined with limited said being present allows for a tives for Canadian Parliamentar- tries of the association. Mr. Easter said he didn’t think travel dating back to 2019 due to better understanding of what is ians to call as they would during “There’s obviously countries the groups will be allowed to the federal election, has meant happening in a certain country an interparliamentary group trip. where those technologies may travel until it is feasible for the the groups haven’t been able to and there are some aspects of “Some of that work is taking not necessarily exist and I think public to travel. perform their traditional func- parliamentary diplomacy that place,” he said, but noted there is about that often. Not only ensur- “The vaccinations have to tions in successive years. aren’t possible through Zoom a difficulty with the House admin- ing Canada can participate in be rolled out. There has to be Progressive Senator Jim calls, such as meeting with for- istration’s capacity to facilitate those international parliamentary minimal risk of spread of COVID Munson (Ottawa, Ont.) said while eign leaders like the Canada-Afri- the meetings with the necessary associations, but making sure that or its variants by travel,” he said. the work of the groups has been ca Parliamentary Association did virtual meeting rooms and trans- countries have an equal access to “Before Parliamentarians can “challenging,” the two groups he with Egyptian President Abdel lators. participate and that’s something really travel again, the public has co-chairs have been able to keep Fattah el-Sisi in 2017. He said he has written, along that I’ve noticed can be problem- to be in a position where it can “reasonably active.” “Sitting down with the Egyp- with fellow co-chair Conserva- atic for certain country members,” travel again.” “More than ever, we have to tian president a few years ago, tive Senator Michael MacDonald he said. “There may be instances stay in touch,” said Sen. Munson, and challenging him on human (Cape Breton, N.S.), to the Joint He said that there will be ques- where even I feel the members who co-chairs the Canada-Africa rights, you can’t do that in a Interparliamentary Council, of tions to address how parliamen- of these committees should be Parliamentary Association and Zoom call—simple as that. Chal- which he is a member, to see if tary diplomacy may change in a able to travel, but if it’s not wide the Canada-Japan Interparlia- lenging the president of Egypt work can be done to increase ca- post-COVID world. open for the general public, I mentary Group. “The pandemic [about] international NGOs being pacity for the groups’ meetings. “It’s no secret that all govern- don’t think that’s a good idea to has forced us to look for differ- shut down, you can’t do that on Mr. Easter said when dealing ments around the world are going do because there’s this public ent avenues … of understanding the Zoom call,” Sen Munson said, with one issue, virtual calls can to be facing some fiscal challeng- shaming for travel now—even what’s going on in our countries.” noting that getting an audience work, but when trying to build es, so now that the technical in- necessary travel—that’s gone way He said while there is nothing with a world leader or foreign personal relationships off of mul- frastructure has been put in place, overboard.” wrong with having a virtual meet- minister for Parliamentarians tiple issues, the technology has its then will there be value of having [email protected] ing, it’s difficult to read the room. can’t be done virtually. limits. hybrid sessions, for instance. For The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 19 Parliamentary Calendar

MONDAY, FEB. 22 The Pandemic of Racism—A Facebook UN Ambassador Rae dissects Canada’s live series exploring the sociological impacts of racism. Join Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard (East Preston, N.S.) and Senator Stanley Kutcher (Nova Scotia) on Feb. 22 place in the world in Jan. 28 Ryerson talk at 1 p.m. ET/2 p.m. AT who will talk about white privilege and white fragility. Ryerson MONDAY, MARCH 1 University hosts The Pandemic of Racism—A Facebook a conversation live series exploring the sociological impacts with Canada’s of racism. Join Senator Wanda Thomas Ambassador Bernard (East Preston, N.S.) and Senator to the United Stanley Kutcher (Nova Scotia) on March 1 at 1 p.m. ET/2 p.m. AT who will talk about Nations, white privilege and white fragility. Bob Rae on Thursday, Jan. THURSDAY, MARCH 18 28. Toronto Star Conservative Party National Policy Con- columnist and vention—The Conservative Party National Ryerson visiting Policy Convention will now take place from practitioner March 18 to 20, 2021, exclusively online and the Conservative Party’s National Coun- Martin Regg cil decided the next convention in 2023 Cohn will will take place in Québec City. For more moderate the information, call 1-866-808-8407. discussion, FRIDAY, APRIL 9 which will explore Middle Liberal Party National Convention—The East peace, Liberal Party of Canada announced on Sept. 25 it was postponing its 2020 Liberal human rights National Convention from Nov. 12-14. The abuses, refugee new dates are April 9-10, 2021. strife, carbon New Democratic Party National Convention— crisis, and the The NDP rescheduled its 2020 policy conven- conflict with tion to instead take place virtually April 9-11, China. The Hill 2021. Riding associations have until Feb. 8, Times photograph 2021, to submit resolutions for consideration. by Andrew Meade SATURDAY, AUG. 21 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Confer- ence—One of the largest annual gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians will take place in Aug. 21-27, 2021, at the 65th Common- wealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) hosted by the CPA Canada Region in Halifax. The a.m. Watch the live broadcast on Rogers Thomas Bernard (East Preston, N.S.) and Stanley Kutcher (Nova Scotia) on Feb. 15 annual flagship event will bring together over WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27 TV or the Mayors Facebook page. Register Senator Stanley Kutcher (Nova Scotia) on at 1 p.m. ET/2 p.m. AT who will talk about 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and via business.ottawabot.ca. Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. ET/2 p.m. AT who will talk anti-Semitism and Islamophobia racism. House Sitting—The House will likely decision makers from across the Common- Rediscovering Louis St-Laurent—The about anti-Black racism. be sitting in a hybrid format during the wealth for this unique conference and network- McGill Institute for the Study of Canada WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17 pandemic, with most MPs connecting ing opportunity. The conference will be hosted hosts a bilingual panel discussion on “Re- FRIDAY, FEB. 5 remotely. It’s scheduled to sit until Feb. 5. Canada 360° Economic Summit—Get a by the CPA President (2019-2021), Anthony discovering Louis St-Laurent,” exploring It will take a one-week break and return on Wine and Wonks—The National Capital front-row seat for a pivotal day of thought Rota, MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. the influence of a politician whose astute Tuesday, Feb. 16, and sit every weekday Region of the Institute of Public Adminis- leadership as The Canadian Chamber of All eligible CPA Branches will be contacted with policies and bold resolve moved Canada until Friday, Feb. 26. It will take a one- tration of Canada will host a virtual policy Commerce convenes some of the brightest further information and invitations. into the modern era. Participants include week break, March 1-March 5, and will discussion and wine tasting. Speakers and minds in the Canadian business community The Parliamentary Calendar is a free former Quebec premier Jean Charest; return again for one week, March 8-12, sommeliers include Tom Rosser, assistant to discuss the challenges businesses are events listing. Send in your political, cultural, Patrice Dutil, Ryerson University professor; before taking another break, March 15-19. deputy minister, strategic policy, Agriculture facing because of the pandemic and the diplomatic, or governmental event in a para- Mary Janigan, historian and author; Xavier It’s scheduled to sit March 22-26, will and Agri-Food Canada; Andrew Rastapkevi- innovative public policies needed to foster a graph with all the relevant details under the Gélinas, curator of political history at the take a two-week break, March 29-April 9. cius, Byward Wine Market; Marie-France sustainable economic recovery. Wednesday, subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to news@ Canadian Museum of History; and Jean It’s then scheduled to sit every weekday Boudreault-Champagne, co-ordinator, Feb.17, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. ET. For more in- hilltimes.com by Wednesday at noon before Riley, policy consultant and St-Laurent’s for the next five weeks, April 12-May 14. Algonquin College Sommelier Program; Deb- formation on the program, visit https://cham- the Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the granddaughter. Thursday, Jan. 28, 4-5:30 It will take one-week break after that, from bie Shing, co-Founder, Vinequity; and Asha ber.ca/event/canada-360-summit/. To regis- Wednesday paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion p.m. Registration available through mcgill. May 17-May 24. It will sit May 25 every Hingorani, director, government and public ter, select the Attendee—CA $69.99 option of every event, but we will definitely do our best. ca. weekday until Wednesday, June 23, and affairs, Wine Growers of Canada. Friday, Feb. and use the discount code Government to Events can be updated daily online, too. Canada and the World—Ryerson Uni- will then break for three months, until 5, 5 p.m. Visit https://IpacVino.eventbrite. take advantage of this free opportunity. The Hill Times Monday Sept. 20. In the fall and winter, versity hosts a conversation with Canada’s ca for registration and wine information. the House is scheduled to sit for 11 weeks Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob MONDAY, FEB. 8 over September, October, November, and Rae. Toronto Star columnist and Ryerson December. It will sit Sept. 20-Oct. 8; Oct. visiting practitioner Martin Regg Cohn The Pandemic of Racism—A Facebook 18-Nov. 5; and Nov. 15-Dec. 17. will moderate the discussion, which will live series exploring the sociological CLASSIFIEDS Connecting After COVID: Infrastructure explore Middle East peace, human rights impacts of racism. Join Senator Wanda and Trade in the Indo-Pacific—The Macdon- abuses, refugee strife, carbon crisis, and Thomas Bernard (East Preston, N.S.) and Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 ald-Laurier Institute hosts a webinar on the conflict with China. Thursday, Jan. 28, Senator Stanley Kutcher (Nova Scotia) on from 4-5 p.m. Registration information at Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. ET/2 p.m. AT who will talk “Connecting After COVID: Infrastructure CONDOS FOR RENT CONDOS FOR RENT CONDOS FOR RENT and Trade in the Indo-Pacific,” discussing Ryerson.ca. about anti-Asian racism. infrastructure development and trade in the SATURDAY, JAN. 30 TUESDAY, FEB. 9 Indo-Pacific, and what role Canada might play in these shifting dynamics. Speakers Raising Hope: Canada in the World After AFN Leadership Gatherings—The As- include Kawamura Yasuhisa, Ambassador COVID-19—Green Party Leader Annamie sembly of First Nations hosts the second in of Japan to Canada; Dr. Amitendu Palit, Paul will take part in this year’s virtual a series of leadership gatherings on “First senior research fellow, National University Couchiching Conference, on the theme Nations Child and Family Services and of Singapore; Bart Édes, senior associate “Raising Hope: Canada in the World After Self-Determination,” which will take place (non-resident), Center for Strategic and COVID-19.” Other participants include for- until April 13. 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