Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 A and “secretive” forum. are disputedoutfrom an “arbitrary” move theway Senators’ expenses reimbursed, butrather shewants to claim notbecauseshewants tobe denied springtravel-expense BY CHARELLE EVELYN TWENTY-EIGHTH YEAR, NO.1493 committee againonDec.14aspartofaseparateexpense-claimappeal. on Dec.7tocontestarejectedtravel-expenseclaimandtheprocess bywhichtheclaimwasdenied.Shewillappearbefore Independent SenatorMarilouMcPhedranappearedbeforetheSenate CommitteeonInternalEconomy, Budgets,andAdministration the UpperChamber’salready tarnishedexpense-related reputation. open, butcriticssay appealingrejectedclaimscastsashadow over The Senator wants allconsideration oftravel claimstobedoneinthe meetings: Sen. McPhedran ‘arbitrary,’ ‘secretive’ claim disputesout of Bring Senate expense- News Spotlight badbehaviourintheHouse into 2018 heading leaders for party reviews Middling Whittington Powers, pp. 10-11 she repeatedly appealeda n IndependentSenator says Senate expenses behaviour Economy, Budgets, and Administra- fore theSenate’s powerful Internal and herappealswere rightlydenied. expense scandalofafew years ago, up badmemoriesoftheSenate’s exercise that onlyserved to bring ba) multipleappealswere auseless Sen. MarilouMcPhedran’s (Manito- Sen. McPhedran appeared be- But aConservative Senator says C

in ANADA The HillTimes photographbyAndrew Meade

the budget boost ’ S P

Ho OLITICS secretive processes witharbitrary Committee subgroup. and twiceby anInternalEconomy the Senate fi had already beenrejectedonceby public airingofatravel claimthat tion CommitteeonDec. 7tohave a ISG gets a ISG getsa “I amvery concerned about

AND G nance administration OVERNMENT Continued onpage 27 CANADA SAMARA SAMARA P. 6 P. N p.6 EWSPAPER

C H plications represented some of plications representedsomeof limbo over andover again.” “People cannotsitinfi sen (London-Fanshawe, Ont.). affairs criticIreneMathys- away,” saidNDP veterans face, they needserviceright support. long-term careanddisability services like careertraining, delayed decisions onveteran “attention required,” leadingto year, filing 54percentunder of 26targetsforthe2016-17 built offsystemicproblems. and a “horrible performance” position MPscallunacceptable last monthreveal, which op- department resultsreleased half ofitsperformancetargets, behind on half its targets veterans in‘fi Department leaves News House spendingabove $500M approves ‘new standard’ of Internal Economy Board News more than$500-millionincash. approved withastartingpointof Commons spendinghasbeen marks thefi rst timeHouseof who supportthem. House officers, andthestaff for MembersofParliament, proved a$507-millionbudget Board ofInternalEconomy ap- mark nextfiscal year, asthe above thehalf-billion-dollar BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN BY CHARELLE EVELYN Disability decisionsandap- “The situations [veterans] Veterans Affairs missed14 The committee’sDec. 7vote Department isbehindon anada’s VeteransAffairs ing isontrack toremain ouse ofCommonsspend- Veterans aff House spending news pp.14-15 seeing inthe you’re not The Myanmar airs WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER13,2017$5.00 nancial nancial limbo,’ questions from The Hill Times, coutre by email inresponseto said spokesperson Marc Les- to Veterans’ needsmorequickly,” expedite decisionsandrespond from intake todecisions, to disability application process, for thoseclaimingdisability. was alsobehindonitsdecisions month mark. The department plications were underthefour- cent ofdisabilitypensionap- threshold. Similarly, only29per applicants tomeetthat 16-week ment goalisfor80percentof than 16weeks old. The depart- have applications that areless waiting ontheirdisabilityaward Only 26percentofveterans qualify forfi four monthstolearnifthey veterans arewaiting morethan The vast majorityofinjured the department’sworst results. jected spendingforMPsand estimates were tabled, pro- in the2017-18mainestimates. geted forthisyear, aspresented above theamountinitiallybud- it’s stillmorethan$31-million proved forthecurrentfi the totalspendingalready ap- spending—is $4-millionlessthan ful committeeinchargeofHouse fourth opensessionofthepower- proved at aDec. 7meeting—the “We arelookingat theentire In February, when those While the2018-19fi Briefi Policy Resources Natural pp. 17-25 Continued onpage 26 Continued onpage16 nancial support. ng gure ap- scal year, 2 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES

From left, Al MacKay, chair of the Travers Debates Committee, Heard on the Hill Joan Travers, volunteer Tom by Shruti Shekar Bradley, and Jennifer Conley, of the Carleton Advancement offi ce. Photograph Look out leukemia! courtesy of Al Lego LeBlanc comes MacKay with well of good wishes

The two will write a series that will be for fi sheries minister published by the national news wire service. The Love Actually party is On a side note, the fellowship is also now fi nancially self-sustaining. back on folks! marily covering trade. It’s been a privilege Chair of the debate committee, Al to work with so many smart and talented MacKay, said that proceeds from the It looks like the Love Actually movie people these past 7 years at iPolitics,” Travers Debates hosted in October, which viewing party is back on this year hosted Mr. Siekierski tweeted. totaled to $40,000, plus proceeds from pre- by the creator of the party, iPolitics colum- Prior to joining the media compa- vious debates, additional private contribu- nist, Susan Delacourt. ny, Mr. Siekierski was a trade consultant tions and the $20,000 that was matched by Ms. Delacourt said that the party was with Grey Clark Shih and Associates for Carleton University “puts the fellowship hosted on and off since 2009, and this year one year in 2009. on a basis where the annual $25,000 award is going to be on Dec. 17 at the Black Rose Earlier this month, journalist James can be maintained in perpetuity.” pub, which is part of the Heart and Crown iPolitics Munson, who had been at for six The fellowship commemorates James collection of pubs in the ByWard Market in years, also moved over to Bloomberg to Travers, who was a reporter, foreign downtown Ottawa. work for its environment publication. correspondent, and general manager And who doesn’t love the movie? The of Southam News, editor of The Ottawa holiday-themed fi lm was released back in Citizen, executive managing editor of The 2003 and has a slew of actors including Co- Too critical to leave unread Star, and national columnist lin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, for The Star when he died March 3, 2011. Keira Knightley, and Hugh Grant. A new book “It has everything in it—including poli- Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc was about how tics—and great cast, great music,” Ms. Dela- transformed into a Lego fi gure after he Canada man- Separated at birth, eh? court said, adding that in the past, journalists announced he was diagnosed with leukemia. ages threats and Ottawa’s political folk have attended. Photograph courtesy of PoliLego’s Twitter to some of its Ms. Delacourt noted she hit pause on infrastructures the movie party for a few years because during disas- Prime Minister , then Liber- ook out leukemia! Lego LeBlanc ters has been al Party leader, made it a punchline during comes with well of good wishes for L released, titled a press gallery dinner speech that didn’t sit fi sheries minister Too Critical very well with her. It wasn’t under the best circumstance to Fail: How She added that the year before the din- that Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc Canada Man- ner, which was probably around 2012, Mr. was transformed into a Lego fi gure, as it ages Threats Trudeau’s now senior political adviser Gerald happened shortly after he announced his to Critical Butts had attended, which could have contrib- cancer diagnosis, but we’re choosing to Infrastructure . uted to the joke happening the year after. view it as a small silver lining. The authors She noted that after he made the joke at the “Sending our best wishes to the legend- of the book, dinner, which she had attended with Mr. Butts, arily witty Minister of Fisheries and #Beau- Kevin Quigley, Ben Bisset, and Bryan she thought: “Really? That’s the only thing you séjour MP Dominic LeBlanc (@DLeBlanc- Mills, explore the vulnerabilities and know about me? That I love Love Actually? So NB). If laughter is the best medicine, you are regulatory challenges that cause threats to Photographs courtesy of Facebook and Hill Times I suspended festivities for a few years.” halfway to beating this. #cdnpoli #nbpoli,” safety and security for the government and fi le photograph Partygoers are forewarned: Ms. Dela- Twitter user @PoliLego tweeted Dec. 8. private sector during disaters. court has had some issues with strangers The popular account transforms politicians The three researched natural disasters, Newly elected Liberal MP Churence trying to attend this party this year when into Lego fi gures as and when events unfold. pandemics, industrial failures, cyber-at- Rogers, left, looks a lot like veteran Liberal she created the Facebook invite on Nov. Mr. LeBlanc announced on Dec. 6 that tacks, and terrorist threats to come to their MP Denis Paradis. 24. She also noted there is very limited he was battling chronic lymphocytic leu- own original conclusions. spacing in the bar so if you’re interested to kemia and was diagnosed after a physical In particular, the book provides a lens to make sure you seek an invitation. exam in April. look at what happened during the Lac-Mé- Liberals on Tuesday morning In the statement, Mr. LeBlanc said he is gantic, Que., train derailment in July 2013, going to continue his work as an MP even which killed more than 40 people, and the were saying ‘Winner Parliament Hill-created during treatment. Alberta fl oods, which happened in the same His doctor indicated in the statement year costing the city of Calgary $400-million Winner, Chicken Dinner’ song out now that Mr. LeBlanc will begin treatment this in damages to the infrastructure alone. week for the chronic disease, which is the All three authors work at the MacEachen Liberals fi lled three out of the four fed- Want to hear what happens when you most common type of leukemia in adults. Institute for Public Policy and Governance at eral ridings in the byelections on Dec. 11. ask Hill types to contribute to a song? Head “Due to the stage of the condition, the Dalhousie University. Liberal won in South over to Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s web- minister has the fl exibility to schedule The book was released in November and Surrey-White Rock, B.C., beating former site and listen to A Song to Sing/Chantons treatments in a way that will have minimal published by McGill-Queen’s University Press. Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay. The Ensemble, which is now available to stream. impact on his work. The treatments will riding belonged to Conservative MP Dianne The tune was written at an event conclude this spring. [Mr. LeBlanc] can Watts, who stepped down as MP to seek hosted by the JUNOs and the Canadian then expect a pause in treatment for many And the James Travers leadership of the B.C. Liberals. Music Publishers Association this spring, years, with only routine follow-ups,” Dr. Liberal took over from her where MPs, Senators, and other Ottawa po- Nicholas Finn noted. journalism fellowship late husband, former Liberal MP Arnold liticos gave input to round out social media goes to… Chan, and won the riding of Scarborough- contributions and in-person interview with iPolitics Agincourt, Ont. Canadians answering the question of what B.J. Siekierski leaving, Liberal Churence Rogers won in the Canada means to them. This year two Canadian Press journal- riding of Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, N.L., Rob Wells and Naomi Shobha took heads to Bloomberg BNA ists received the $25,000 R. James Travers replacing former Procurement and Public their inspiration from the Inside the Song Foreign Corresponding Fellowship, Car- Services Minister , who re- event, which had participation from B.J. Siekierski tweeted Dec. 12 he’s leton University announced Dec. 11. signed the role this past summer. Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly among leaving iPolitics to join Bloomberg BNA, Aleksandra Sagan and Laura Kane, And Conservative , a others, to craft the English version of the an affi liate of Bloomberg for legal, regula- both based in Vancouver, plan to travel to former Hill staffer, won in the riding of song. Patrick Bouchard and Koraly Lauzon tory, and business information. India and South Africa “to examine the Battlefords-Lloydminister, Sask. The riding penned the French version. A bilingual ver- “As my paternity leave enters the home- impact of antimicrobial resistance and was represented by former Conservative sion of the tune is also available. stretch, some news to share: in January I innovative approaches to combating an MP and cabinet minister Gerry Ritz. [email protected] start reporting for @BloombergBNA, pri- impending global crisis,” the release said. @shruti_shekar The fi ghter they send to the front.

In ongoing military operations around the globe, the Super Hornet is the fi ghter forces depend upon in combat. Fully networked with integrated sensors and weapons, it delivers a full range of missions from close air support to air combat and interdiction. The Super Hornet also sets a new standard of availability, maintainability and cost per fl ight hour—providing customers with combat-proven, dominant aircraft today and for generations to come.

F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET

RAYTHEON NORTHROP GRUMMAN GENERAL ELECTRIC BOEING 4 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES News Public policy

proposals will be judged and then prizes will be awarded to imple- ment the ideas. Outcomes-based approaches allow the government to focus on achieving goals rather than micromanaging the process to get there. “It’s a much more deliverable- driven approach than what we’ve seen before,” said Mr. Ghali. Some consider the unit to be Canada’s version of a nudge unit, a concept started by Britain in 2010. Nudge units generally use behavioural science to “nudge” citizens to do the right thing. For example, everyone knows they should save for retirement but of- ten people make illogical choices, instead choosing to delay setting up an account. Nudge units fi gure out why people do this, and de- velop inexpensive ways of solving the issue. Both Ms. Hardy and Mr. Ghali do not think their offi ce is a nudge unit, as it is more faceted. “Of course we have behav- ioural scientists on site to help with the work that we’re doing, but we also have a whole bunch of other skill sets,” said Mr. Ghali, such as innovative fi nancing. It’s about understanding people and designing programs that respond properly, he said, noting they have people in-house who can help create them. “I think some of the [units in Rodney Ghali, assistant secretary to other countries] are realizing that the cabinet, left, and Elizabeth Hardy, [our] approach may be the way senior lead of behavioural insights, at to go,” said Ms. Hardy. “There are the the Impact and Innovation Unit, more tools in the toolkit.” pictured on Dec. 8, say the unit is helping the government deliver more citizen-centric policy. The Hill Times Nudge units clarify photograph by Andrew Meade communication, says professor Cass Sunstein, a Harvard January, with other myths being contact when they have ques- University law professor, told subsequently addressed. tions… All of these people who The Hill Times that nudge units “In the results we found that have never worked with govern- are important because they’re PCO’s innovation [the ad] did quite well, which is ment before want to work with working to help governments fi nd great,” said Ms. Hardy. us now.” low-cost solutions. Nudge units The Innovation Hub was The unit is involved with the got their name from his 2008 started under the Conservative Impact Canada Initiative, which book Nudge: Improving Decisions unit is nudging government in early 2015, but encompasses the Smart Cities about Health, Wealth, and Hap- has found its stride under the Challenge announced last month piness, written with 2017 Nobel Liberals. It acts as a home base and the soon-to-be-announced laureate Richard H. Thaler. to support departments’ use of Clean Technology Challenge. It “If offi cials can help consumers outcomes-based funding mecha- has also done studies on how save billions of dollars (on their more women to nisms such as challenges, new to increase response rates to a credit cards), help people save bil- partnership models, and fi nanc- Statistics Canada survey, and in- lions of dollars for retirement (by ing approaches, to achieve better creased the uptake in the Canada automatic enrolment in pension results in areas important to the Learning Bond, which helps plans), or help over 10 million poor join the military government, said Matthew Men- parents save for their child’s children to receive school meals to delsohn, deputy secretary to the education. which they are entitled, they will cabinet, results and delivery, dur- In the future, it plans to work be pretty enthusiastic,” he said in Ms. Hardy is the senior lead ing the November announcement with Indigenous Services to an emailed statement. “All of these The Impact and of behavioural insights team at of the new name. Over the past assess how communities inter- examples are real; they come from Innovation Unit is the Privy Council Offi ce’s Impact two years the unit has seen de- act with government programs the United States.” and Innovation Unit—the federal mand increase for its approaches, and how it can be improved, as The United States started its using behavioural government’s newest strategy and so it was expanded into the noted in Minister Jane Philpott’s unit in 2014. Prof. Sunstein said to deliver citizen-centric policy. Impact and Innovation Unit. (Markham-Stouffville, Ont.) man- not all behavioural work is con- science to understand Previously called the Innovation It brings in professionals from date letter. Mr. Ghali said, overall, fi ned to these units, adding some Hub, the unit is using behav- the academic and private fi elds departments have been excited of the most important innovations Canadians by ioural science to achieve its goals. on a short-term basis. People re- to work with the unit. It also have come out of the U.S. Depart- Behavioural science studies hu- cruited are those with skills that recently signed an agreement to ment of Agriculture, for example. focusing on the man behaviour usually through are not traditionally found in the work with provincial and territo- He said the units work not for end goal instead of observation, bringing in elements public service, such as cognitive rial governments. any negative reason, but simply of psychology. scientists. “Outcomes-based funding ap- because they make communica- the process. One of the most recent initia- The unit is headed by Rodney proaches are really this paradigm tion clearer. For example, they tives the unit has been tasked Ghali, the assistant secretary to shift we’ve seen in other govern- use plain language, offer re- with involves collaborating with the cabinet. However, it’s not an ments around the world,” Mr. minders and reduce paperwork BY EMILY HAWS the Department of National De- average government department. Ghali said. “Shifting from how we burdens. fence to increase the percentage Its offi ces might still be tradi- traditionally fund, which is sort of “There’s nothing manipulative oung women are not sure they of women in the CAF from the tional, but its website introduces output-based to outcome-based … about simpler, clearer commu- Ycan successfully complete current 15 per cent to at least 25 everyone who works in the unit innovating for impact.” nications, or about informing basic training when they consider per cent by 2026. with a short biography and a The Smart Cities Challenge people about risks and opportu- a career in the Canadian Armed Through group interviews, the headshot. This is part of its com- is an example of this, he said, as nities,” he said. “With reminders, Forces, and think they are commit- unit determined women see basic mitment to open collaboration, it is an approach focusing on the warnings, and clear disclosures, ting for life, says Elizabeth Hardy. training and a lifelong career as said Mr. Ghali. end goal and is less concerned governments could easily save But neither of these are true, barriers to joining up, but after “What’s really important to about the process. The challenge billions of dollars in the next few she said, when in reality nine out of looking into it, researchers real- us is that Canadians know what has municipalities defi ne how years—and prevent tens of thou- 10 women pass basic training, and ized these were myths. New DND we’re doing, and that we’re ac- they are a smart city, and asking sands of premature deaths.” many do better than the men. A ads focused on the basic train- cessible to Canadians,” he said. them what they need to better [email protected] short-term career is also possible. ing myth are coming out in early “People need to know who to deliver services to citizens. The The Hill Times AC TING TODAY CAN PREVENT AN ACCIDENT TOMORROW.

At CP, we want to make the safest railway in North America even safer. Changing legislation and regulations to allow the use of video and voice recorders in the cabs of our locomotives could prevent accidents, protect communities and save lives. Find out more at CPRailSafe.ca. 6 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES News

“We do not spend money $1.5-million. We did all the govern- until we have assurance of it—it’s ment’s work out of that $1.5-mil- simply a matter of good fi nancial lion [under the previous Conserva- Independent Senators management and prudence,” Sen. tive government],” Sen. Tkachuk Woo responded. “If we are not said. “Now we have $1.5-million for able to spend it all, of course we the government who’ve introduced will give it back to the Senate. barely any legislation at all, and secure $262K budget boost, But the principle of obtaining the there’s not much coming.” funds that have been set out in the When committee chair Inde- rules for groups such as ours in pendent Senator the amounts that are designated, I () asked if Sen. despite Tory pushback over believe should be followed.” Tkachuk was suggesting that the government pay the Independent Support for government Senators to introduce bills, the Conservative Senator said he was doing ‘government’ work bills should come from suggesting “if they need assis- government budget, say tance in research, which is what the money goes for, they could the request was only fair, based on proved by the Chamber on June 21, Tory Senators use government [budget]. That’s The largest group a June decision by the committee as opposed to being retroactive to At least three Conservative Sen- half a million dollars per member. to allocate $1.06-million to all rec- the start of the fi scal year in April. ators opposed the budget request, There’s three members…I think in the Red Chamber ognized groups in the Senate with During a Nov. 30 committee meet- including Sen. Batters and Senator that’s outrageous.” now has roughly more than 20 members. ing, Sen. Woo told the group that even David Tkachuk (), Sen. Woo said he would only As Prime Minister Justin though they could make the request who, along with Conservative reiterate that the ISG does not $984,000 for the 2017- Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) has on principle based on the June deci- Senator Donald Plett (Landmark, co-ordinate with the government. been appointing Senators in the sion, the ISG wasn’t asking for the Man.) suggested the additional “We sponsor bills, but we take the 18 fi nancial year. last two years, all of whom sit money just because it was there. funding for the ISG should come bills and our perspective and our as Independents or unaffi liated “We need the money. We’re from the $1.5-million budget tra- views in an independent direc- BY CHARELLE EVELYN members, the ISG has ballooned looking to increase our resources ditionally allocated to the govern- tion, unrelated to the work of the in size and sought commensurate at the secretariat to service an ment representative in the Senate, government and its position.” he Independent Senators status on committees and in terms ever-larger group of Independent a role now performed by non-affi li- But the discussion of the TGroup’s quest for equality of money for staff resources. Senators,” he said. ated Senator Peter Harder (Ottawa, government representative team’s in the Upper Chamber reached There are now 39 ISG mem- The Upper Chamber spent a Ont.). He is helped by two other budget is separate from the ISG’s another milestone last week, as bers, outfl anking the opposition few weeks this fall negotiating a non-affi liated Senators: legislative ask, and the Senate shouldn’t be the budget for what is now the Conservatives’ 34 members. The new structure that saw Indepen- deputy (Alma, hedging on rules it set for itself in largest group in the Senate got a Senate Liberals have 15, while dent Senators gain leadership Que.) and government liaison June, said Independent Senator $262,000 boost. there are six non-affi liated Sena- positions on committees. Grant Mitchell (Alberta). Éric Forest (Gulf, Que.). The additional funding brings tors, including the two newest On Nov. 30, Sen. Woo gave ISG members have sponsored “I am uneasy now having to the ISG’s total budget for the 2017- members— (Antigon- a rough sketch of plans for the the majority of government bills defend as an organization that we 18 fi scal year to roughly $984,000, ish, N.S.) and Mary Jane McCal- funds, including hiring a director of passing through the Senate, in- need to respect our own rules that thanks to ISG leadership securing lum ()—appointed to the communications along with more cluding major pieces of legislation we set out,” he said, in French. “I a budget of $722,000 last December Senate last week by Mr. Trudeau. translation and research staff. such as cannabis legalization and think colleagues around the table to staff a secretariat. The ISG’s additional $262,000, Conservative Senator Denise the Preclearance Act, which gives need to be aware that this wasn’t ISG facilitator Senator Yuen Pau approved at a Dec. 7 meeting, is Batters (Saskatchewan) pressed United States border offi cers more imposed—it was voted on, it was Woo (British Columbia) stressed pro-rated to a June 15 Internal Sen. Woo on the need for retroac- authority in special preclearance recognized by everyone. Let’s be to the Senate Internal Economy, Economy Committee decision tive funds, given the ISG hadn’t areas on Canadian soil. consistent and recognize the rules.” Budgets, and Administration Com- changing the defi nition of a yet hired to fi ll the additional “We’ve got a government [email protected] mittee in a Dec. 7 appearance that “caucus” in the Senate that was ap- positions it was planning. budget, which we used to have of The Hill Times Put the spotlight on bad behaviour in the House who wasn’t in the House of Com- that more cameras will just mean More video angles mons Chamber at the time. There worse, sillier, bigger performanc- is a video record, of course, but all es. It’s possible that some MPs could curb heckling. that it captures is the Speaker’s need to be saved from themselves, icy gaze and repeated requests sort of how sports broadcasts for order, plus some muffl ed off- demurely cut away when a fan stage commotion. runs onto the fi eld, so as not to In late October, Samara Canada encourage future hijinks. published the results of a survey Ultimately the effects of such of MPs on heckling in the House a change, in the context of the of Commons, in a report called No Canadian House of Commons, are One Is Listening. In it we offered unknowable until it is tried. So Sa- ideas for fostering a more civil, mara is proposing a pilot. The Board substantive, and dynamic debate in of Internal Economy should agree hopes that it would curb the MPs’ to try out some short-term changes Jane Hilderman & Mike Morden desires to heckle. to the management of Question Pe- Parliamentary procedure One of the suggestions we put riod, including how it is broadcast, forward was to offer more video and to examine the effects. angles on the House. This is, in fact, what was origi- wo weeks ago, Conservative Since the time when cameras nally intended, when cameras TMember of Parliament Blake were fi rst introduced to the House were fi rst introduced to Parlia- Richards was “named” by the at the end of the 1970s, our abil- ment 40 years ago this fall. Then- House Speaker and ejected for ity to see inside the House has This scene is all CPAC viewers could see of Conservative MP being Speaker James Jerome had this to excessive heckling. It was the fi rst remained unchanged. While tech- kicked out of the House for excessive heckling on Nov. 30. House Speaker Geoff say: “We will need to experiment time an MP has been ejected from nology has evolved to allow us to Regan, pictured in the Speaker’s chair, asked the sergeant-at-arms to remove Mr. with our capacity to use this very the House in 15 years. watch and even speak to our dogs Richards, both of whom are out of camera view. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC powerful medium to record our Speaker has shown at doggie daycare, during Ques- proceedings, for indeed there are a willingness to keep a tighter leash tion Period CPAC is only able to whether lines were crossed. of the House. This could be accom- many questions about the manner on the debate, which has been broadcast the recognized speaker, This lack of transparency plished a number of ways—through in which these cameras ought to worsening this fall. But this was or the House Speaker, and nothing contributes to a decorum problem. cutaways and reaction shots, or be directed and controlled. The the fi rst time he felt compelled to else (despite the fact that there In the absence of public scrutiny, wide-angle live feeds available on the only way to resolve these ques- remove a Member, one of the harsh- are live cameras capturing action there are hard limits on the extent CPAC website, for example. tions is to experiment with them.” est punishments available to him. throughout the chamber). that the Speaker, alone, is able to A comprehensive broadcast It’s good advice, and Parlia- Obviously something dramatic hap- This is where parliamentary enforce good behaviour. When Sa- should offer a better set of incen- ment should take it. pened. Why did the Speaker decide broadcasting has been stalled mara interviewed Speaker Regan, tives for good behaviour. This is Jane Hilderman is the execu- Richards had gone too far? for four decades. Members of the he told us that, ultimately, MPs a measure that would only affect tive director and Mike Morden is We’ll never know. public can watch the proceed- mostly care about what their con- the problematic heckling: boring, the research director at Samara Unlike in hockey, the instant ings—but not all of the proceed- stituents think of their conduct. repetitive, disruptive, and offen- Canada, a national charity that replay doesn’t give us insight into ings. Other than what would The best way for constituents to sive. Witty repartee or real passion generates research to encourage what happened “on the ice.” The be recorded in Hansard, they see what their representatives are do- would be, if anything, rewarded. a stronger democracy. details are obscured to anyone have no idea who said what, or ing is a more complete broadcasting Of course, it’s always possible The Hill Times Mobile security made for the way people really work.

Humans will be humans. Naturally they’ll send last-minute emails from unsecure airport WiFi. But don’t worry. We’ve built mobile security from the chip up to make things easier for you. Because why attempt to change your employees’ behaviour when you can simply change their mobile security?

Defence-grade security for an open world.

ǤťĘʀͱ͝ѣ˝Їθɇϩ̈ͱ͝θʪαЇ̈θʪʒࢋƊɇ͔ϑЇ͝˝ç͝ͱуϑͱ̷Їϩ̈ͱ͝ϑЇϩ̷̈̈ї͝˝ǤťĘʀͱ͝ѣ˝Їθɇϩ̈ͱ͝ϑͱ̷ʒϑʪΧɇθɇϩʪ̷цࢋ samsung.com/ca/knox ংߣߡߢߨƊɇ͔ϑЇ͝˝k̷ʪʀϩθͱ̈͝ʀϑAɇ͝ɇʒɇÃ͝ʀࢋ̷̷θ̈˝˵ϩϑθʪϑʪθЭʪʒࢋƊɇ͔ϑЇ͝˝ɇ͝ʒƊɇ͔ϑЇ͝˝ɇ̷ɇуцɇθʪθʪ˝̈ϑϩʪθʪʒ ϩθɇʒʪ͔ɇθ̧ϑͱθϩθɇʒʪ͔ɇθ̧ϑͱ˙Ɗɇ͔ϑЇ͝˝k̷ʪʀϩθͱ̈͝ʀϑAͱࢋࡡøϩʒࢋࡡЇϑʪʒӥϩ˵Χʪθ͔̈ϑϑ̈ͱ͝ࢋƊʀθʪʪ͔̈͝ɇ˝ʪϑϑ͔̈Ї̷ɇϩʪʒࢋ 8 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES

EDITOR Kate Malloy PUBLISHERS Anne Marie Creskey, MANAGING EDITOR Kristen Shane PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY BY Jim Creskey, Ross Dickson DEPUTY EDITORS Peter Mazereeuw, Charelle Evelyn HILL TIMES PUBLISHING INC. PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT Don Turner ASSISTANT DEPUTY EDITOR Abbas Rana 246 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E4 GENERAL MANAGER, CFO Andrew Morrow DIGITAL EDITOR Marco Vigliotti

Editorial Letters to the Editor Lights, camera, action: Easy pickings for tow More House video angles truck operators and could curb bad behaviour politicians alike e: “Despite Ontario law, some opera- premiums, which are amongst the highest Technology lets us watch our dogs at Just think of the attack ads, full of Rtors blowing it when towing it,” (The in the country. doggie daycare, but CPAC is only able incumbent MPs arm-waving, fi nger point- Hill Times, Dec. 6, 2017, p. 11). Sadly, leg- This is a perennial political foot- to broadcast the recognized speaker or ing and desk-thumping while a conde- islation and policies around automobile ball aimed at gullible voters who seem House Speaker in Question Period. That’s scending voiceover suggests it’s time for accidents turn out to be window dressing unaware that not only did the Liberals got to change. so-and-so to go back to kindergarten at election time, with no real benefi t to fail to achieve their promised 15 per cent In today’s paper, Jane Hilderman and instead of back to Ottawa; it practically the public at large. The tow truck legisla- reduction in auto insurance rates, but that Mike Morden from Samara Canada argue writes itself. tion is toothless from the start, as tow insurance rates actually increased when that more camera angles in the House of A wider variety of camera angles trucks sit roadside like vultures and ap- the “shrinkfl ation” effect of signifi cant cuts Commons could help curb bad behaviour, might also let Canadians in on the worst- pear uninvited to the feast, sometimes to benefi ts came into effect while rates and they might be on to something. kept secret in federal politics: Question snapping at each other for their chance at stayed fl at. This is a point that the media When cameras were brought into the Period is largely theatre. In fact, many of the pickings. and pundits have so far ignored in cover- Chamber 40 years ago, the Canadian Par- those in the room don’t even care about And on the subject of toothless “stretch ing the latest round of announcements. liament was a pioneer, according to the what hyperbolic histrionics are being goals” and window dressing, count So it seems that we are easy pickings for Library of Parliament. But now, the House lobbed across the green carpet. among them the Ontario Liberals’ recent tow truck operators and politicians alike. of Commons broadcast is a dinosaur in As Catherine McIntyre noted in Ma- announcement of initiatives to reduce Kope Inokai comparison to other legislatures. clean’s Dec. 12, a survey from the press insurance fraud to lower auto insurance Toronto, Ont. One of the key issues with this staid gallery on Nov. 29 counted at least 90 experiment is the limited views of the mobile devices in Members’ hands during House. That leaves most of the really Question Period, and the “atmosphere is good stuff unseen by the viewing public heavy with routine slouches punctuated who didn’t want to subject themselves to by restless fi dgeting.” the neck-craning echo chamber that is the As the government is so fond of say- public gallery. ing, sunshine is the best disinfectant. Health Committee ought In their column, the Samara staffers But that could also go the other way; the posit that if MPs were more likely to get issues plaguing Question Period now their 15 minutes of fame, they might be might simply be exacerbated as every- to put Canadians’ needs fi rst, more inclined to be on better behaviour. one attempts to ham it up even further to After all, if their constituents—whose draw focus. opinion they claim to care so much Ideally, MPs would be on their best be- not big pharma about—could see them braying from the haviour on and off camera, but we don’t back benches or getting dragged (OK, live in an ideal world. he pharmaceutical industry clearly no therapeutic benefits over existing escorted) out of the Chamber by the They say a picture is worth a thousand Thas a vested interest in the details of drugs. sergeant-at-arms (as Conservative MP words, so let’s get those pictures out into a pharmacare plan, now under consider- The coalition warns that “access de- Blake Richards last month faced), they the world and maybe the words coming ation by the House Health Committee. So layed is access denied.” But rapid access might think twice about how that will from our federal representatives might be do Canadians whose health depends on has led to the approval of drugs that are play in the riding come election time. worth a little more. prescription drugs. But are their interests neither effective nor safe for the specifi ed the same? conditions. Plenty of evidence says they’re not. The websites of several of the coali- But you wouldn’t know that from the tion’s members list funders that include brief that a coalition representing about drug-makers Amgen Canada, AstraZen- two-dozen Canadian patients’ organiza- eca Canada, Eli Lily, Hoffman-LaRoche, tions submitted to the committee. Merck, Novartis, and Pfi zer. This sup- MPs on the committee spent the last port is clearly a confl ict of interest for a year and a half holding public hearings coalition dedicated to ensuring a voice on a national pharmacare program. A for Canadian patients and to improving brief from the Best Medicines Coalition patient outcomes. fails to declare that much of the funding A national public drug plan should that the coalition and many of its mem- only include safe and therapeutically bers receive comes from the pharmaceuti- effective drugs. It requires an effec- cal industry. tive bargaining tool to obtain drugs at The coalition calls for a plan that reasonable prices. The Health Committee covers drugs for “all chronic, episodic, should look beyond the coalition’s indus- or acute conditions.” But we think drug try-friendly submission and recommend policy should challenge, not embrace, a plan that truly serves the interests of the “pill for every ill” mentality. Many all Canadians. visits to physicians for common health Sharon Batt problems end with a prescription, even Author of Health Advocacy Inc.: How when non-pharmacological approaches Pharmaceutical Funding Changed the are more appropriate and safer. Breast Cancer Movement The coalition calls for access to a “full array of approved medications, Keith Newman including...more recently approved Canadian Health Coalition board advancements,” even though nine out member (representing the Congress of of 10 new drugs approved today show Union Retirees of Canada)

EDITORIAL McEachern, Arthur Milnes, Dan Palmer, Nancy Peckford, Angelo PRODUCTION Please send letters to the editor to the above SENIOR REPORTER Laura Ryckewaert Persichilli, Kate Purchase, Tim Powers, Jeremy Richler, Susan PRODUCTION MANAGER Benoit Deneault street address or e-mail to [email protected]. NEWS REPORTERS Shruti Shekar, Samantha Wright Allen, Riley, Ken Rubin, Sarah Schmidt, Rick Smith, Evan Sotiropoulos, SENIOR GRAPHIC, ONLINE DESIGNER Joey Sabourin Deadline is Wednesday at noon, Ottawa time, for Emily Haws, Jolson Lim Mathieu R. St-Amand, Scott Taylor, Lisa Van Dusen, Paul Wells, WEB DESIGNER Jean-Francois Lavoie the Monday edition and Friday at noon for the PHOTOGRAPHERS Sam Garcia, Andrew Meade and Nelson Wiseman, Les Whittington and Armine Yalnizyan ASSISTANT WEB DESIGNER Ian Peralta Wednesday edition. Please include your full name, The Hill Cynthia Münster address and daytime phone number. Published every Monday and Times EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Michael De Adder reserves the right to edit letters. Letters do Wednesday by Hill Times The Hill Times CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christopher Guly, ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATION not reflect the views of . Thank you. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Tracey Wale Leslie MacKinnon, Cynthia Münster VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING AND Publishing Inc. CIRCULATION SALES MANAGER Chris Rivoire Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 COLUMNISTS Keith Brooks, Karl Bélanger, Andrew MULTIMEDIA SALES Steve MacDonald RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN Caddell, Andrew Cardozo, John Chenier, David Coletto, Sheila DIRECTORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 246 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E4 ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPT. Copps, David Crane, Jim Creskey, Darryl T. Davies, Murray Craig Caldbick, Martin Reaume, Ulle Baum (613) 232-5952 246 Queen Street Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E4 Dobbin, Gwynne Dyer, Michael Geist, Greg Elmer, Riccardo ADVERTISING MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Peixoto DELIVERY INQUIRIES Fax (613) 232-9055 2012 Better Filippone, Alice Funke, Dennis Gruending, Cory Hann, Chantal ADVERTISING COORDINATOR AND CAREER [email protected] Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 CMCA Newspaper AUDITED Hébert, Joe Jordan, Warren Kinsella, Alex Marland, Gillian WEBSITE DIRECTOR Sarah Wells-Smith 613-288-1146 www.hilltimes.com Winner THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 9 Comment

Mikheil Saakashvili was Georgia’s president for nine Georgia’s ex-president years until 2013, the year he’s pictured, and later became a governor shaking up politics in Ukraine in Ukraine. Photograph courtesy of the European His threat last week to of his eight-storey apartment block who was, until recently, part of the People’s Party and threatened to jump. Eventu- Kyiv regime’s inner circle. jump from an eight- ally, the police were able to forcibly Educated in the United States, bundle the defi ant Saakashvili into a Saakashvili was America’s stron- storey building rather van, but by that time protesters had gest ally in the Caucasus when he arrived to block the street. ruled Georgia from 2004 until 2013. than be arrested is After an hour-long violent He was elected on an anti-corrup- standoff between riot police and tion platform, but his popularity the latest in Mikheil Saakashvili’s supporters, the pris- waned as his methods became Saakashvili’s dramatic oner was released from the van increasingly authoritarian. and herded through the crowd. Saakashvili’s failed military turn to Georgia would see him ar- Square. Since February 2014, we political history. Not content with simply having operation against the breakaway rested on the outstanding charges. have sunk millions of dollars into secured his temporary freedom, this territory of South Ossetia in 2008 However, by the end of 2016, Saa- not only initiatives aimed at demo- chap Saakashvili then proceeded resulted in Russian intervention kashvili made a bold statement cratic reforms, but also training of to lead the crowd to the Ukrainian and a huge setback for the Geor- by resigning his post as governor. the Ukrainian military forces used parliament buildings where he gave gian armed forces. He publicly blamed Poroshenko to prop up the Kyiv regime. an impassioned speech. He called After his party lost elections, for the continued corruption in These days, Liberal Foreign Af- Ukrainian President Petro Poro- Saakashvili was himself facing Ukraine and threatened to create fairs Minister , who shenko a “traitor to Ukraine” and charges of abuse of power. his own opposition political party. is of Ukrainian descent, continues to accused him of being “the head of Opportunity for resurrec- While Saakashvili was back in offer Canada’s 100 per cent support an organized crime gang.” tion soon knocked when unrest the U.S. earlier this year, Porosh- to the Ukrainian government. As for the police trying to ar- unfolded with the December 2013 enko issued a presidential decree While Freeland purports to sup- rest him, Saakashvili denounced Maidan Square protests in Kyiv. revoking the ex-governor’s Ukrai- port the people of Ukraine, it must Scott Taylor this as the Kyiv regime “trying Saakashvili became an ardent nian citizenship. be noted that Poroshenko in recent Inside Defence to get rid of a loud voice telling supporter of the anti-Russian Despite now being publicly months had just a two per cent them they are thieves.” movement, which eventually stateless, Saakashvili made a strong approval rating; allowing for This week, he was freed from ousted Ukrainian president Viktor grand—albeit illegal—re-entry into a margin of error, this equates to TTAWA—Last week, there detention once again after a judge Yanukovych in February 2014. Ukraine this past September with almost zero. Then there is Saakash- Owas a bizarre incident in the scrapped prosecutors’ request to In 2015, Poroshenko rewarded the help of a crowd of supporters. vili, who is presenting himself as his streets of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. put him under house arrest. Saakashvili by appointing him as Less than three months later, adopted country’s anti-corruption Ukrainian security forces had The crazy part about all of this the governor of Odesa. To assume in another comic opera drama, saviour, while unable to return to descended on an apartment build- is that Saakashvili is the former the post, Saakashvili had to become Ukrainian crowds have now once his own country where he is himself ing with the intent of arresting president of nearby Georgia, and a Ukrainian citizen, which in turn again intervened to secure Saa- wanted for abuse of power. Mikheil Saakashvili on charges a former ally of Poroshenko. The meant renouncing his Georgian citi- kashvili’s freedom. And somehow this is all Russian of having taken money with the allegations levelled by Saakashvili zenship, as his home country does Canada has played a role in President Vladimir Putin’s fault? intent of destabilizing Ukraine. against Poroshenko are not some not allow dual citizenship. the Ukraine crisis from the outset. Scott Taylor is editor and pub- Rather than submit quietly to au- Russian media “fake news” story, It was a bit of a no-brainer Then-foreign affairs minister John lisher of Esprit de Corps magazine. thorities, Saakashvili took to the roof but rather insight from someone choice for Saakashvili, as any re- Baird visited protesters in Maidan The Hill Times

dences in 149 communities in 37 a part of our being. We live in an countries Vanier founded on the illusion.” And now for something principles that people are more Summer in the Forest includes than the sum of their worldly footage of Vanier in the Middle achievements; that love and East, where L’Arche’s residence kindness can penetrate the most in Bethlehem houses Palestin- formidable emotional ramparts of ian Muslims and Christians who completely diff erent: a man fear, isolation, and mistrust; and cohabit peacefully, notwithstand- that human beings are beautiful, ing questions Vanier gets from not despite their idiosyncrasies, all sides in the region about the but because of them. wisdom of operating in the area. who embraces weakness At a time when so many of The other night, I fell asleep our problems in politics and listening to Vanier’s Massey Lec- t has become my habit, when But in the course, the other day, public life boil down to abuse tures—not because he was boring, At a time when toxic Ithe loopy cascade of previously of fortifying myself to wade into of power, Vanier’s worldview is but because it was 2 a.m. and he unthinkable political headlines the blitzkrieg of bullshit currently especially resonant. In a Guard- was an oasis of sane, humane tweets consume so emanating mostly, but not exclu- tenderizing the world’s leading ian piece in June about the Ativan amid the daily deluge of much of our political sively, from Washington starts to democracies, I came across an recently released documentary on divisive brutalism dominating the harsh my naturally sunny disposi- expression of pure yuletide spirit Vanier’s work, Summer in the international political discourse. bandwidth and abuse of tion, to score a fi x of therapeutic from a human being who may Forest, Christina Patterson high- In his Masseys, Vanier dis- counter-programming. This can know more about true love than lighted Vanier’s view of human- cusses “the necessity of conceiv- power seems rampant, take the form of viewing random anyone since Shakespeare. ity through the prism of power. ing a new vision of humankind: Jean Vanier is an oasis of episodes of The West Wing, re- Jean Vanier is now 89. The son “We are obsessed with power. We a society in which the gifts of all, visiting the writings of the Dalai of the late Canadian governor watch people jostle for it, fi ght for particularly those of the weak sane humanity. Lama or Martin Luther King, or, general, Georges Vanier, and a it, and run vicious campaigns to and the powerless, are an equal, in dire emergencies, mainlining renowned humanitarian, Vanier’s get their hands on it,” Patterson common heritage.” Somewhere, Stevie Wonder. destiny was set in 1964 in France, wrote. “We need to think differ- between that utopia and the On soul-singeing, narrative- where he was writing a PhD the- ently about power.” dystopia currently envisioned by consuming toxic tweet days, I sis on Aristotle and on a spiritual In Summer in the Forest, Vani- less saintly interests, may lie a break the glass and go to @Ponti- quest that included working with er himself says “What is it, to be a civilized future. fex, the Pope’s Twitter account, as the Catholic lay group Eau Vive. human being? Is it power? If it’s Lisa Van Dusen is associate the Mia Wallace, adrenaline-shot- After visiting a mental institution power, then we’ll kill each other.” editor of Policy Magazine. She to-the-heart antidote. (“Political one day, he invited two men with In his second Massey Lecture in was Washington bureau chief for activity must truly be conducted learning disabilities to share his 1998 based on his book Becom- Sun Media, a writer for Peter Jen- at the service of the human home in Trosly-Breuil. ing Human, Vanier embraces nings at ABC News, and an editor person, with respect for creation That experiment in coexis- weakness, saying, “If we deny our at AP in New York and UPI in Lisa Van Dusen and for the common good.” Okay. tence led to l’Arche (the Ark), the weakness…if we always want to Washington. What Fresh Hell Whew.) global network of communal resi- be powerful and strong, we deny The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Year in Review

The previous month, Trudeau inexplica- bly opened himself up to harsh international criticism when he appeared at the last min- ute to put the brakes on the reborn Trans- For Liberals, it was a year Pacifi c Partnership trade agreement, under study by the 11 remaining would-be signato- ries after the United States dropped out. How expectations of Canada’s signing on to the TPP-11 had been allowed to hit a of spinning their wheels high point in advance of his visit to the re- gion is baffl ing. Canada only got involved in the original 12-country TPP talks to pro- Trudeau and the economy The appeal of tect access to the U.S. and generally would Prime Minister have realized only modest trade gains are still giving the party Justin Trudeau, out of the deal. And, had the TPP-12 gone pictured in through, the federal government would a boost, but there’s no Ottawa in have paid a political price at home over guarantee it will carry them October, might concessions on dairy and other issues. not be enough to So, going slow on TPP-11 makes sense. In through the 2019 election. carry the Liberals addition, signing on to the revived TPP agree- into a second ment—now minus the U.S.—would likely have mandate in 2019 worsened the already daunting NAFTA nego- after a mediocre tiations, particularly in terms of the auto trade. start, writes Les But the way it unfolded made Trudeau Whittington. look indecisive and cavalier in dealing with The Hill Times Canada’s Asia-Pacifi c allies. photograph by Those trips capped what could only be Andrew Meade called a mediocre year for the government. The Liberals’ promised re-establishment of Canada’s role as UN peacekeepers was less Les Whittington than inspiring. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Need to Know and Girls could hardly have gotten off to a worse start. In the same vein, the government was forced to split Indigenous and North- TTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ern Affairs Canada into two departments in OLiberals have spent another year sort of and NDP leaders signifi cantly improve their new export markets has taken on renewed hopes of advancing its reconciliation agenda. getting a feel for governing. parties’ prospects? Can the legalization of importance. The lengthy hunt for replacements for In many ways, it seems the government marijuana be pulled off without spawning During the prime minister’s trip to China Canada’s fl eet of CF-18 fi ghters is up in the is still spinning its wheels at mid-term. That chaos on a colossal level? early this month, his offi ce appeared to air again after a possible purchase of Super makes 2018 very much a make-or-break Also instructive will be whether Trudeau have mishandled communications about the Hornet jets from Boeing was put in doubt by stage, as federal parties gear up for an elec- himself can regain his sure-footed posture prospect of Trudeau and President Xi Jinping the U.S.-based aircraft maker’s launch of an tion the following year. after an up-and-down year. agreeing to open Canada-China free trade unsubstantiated trade assault on Canada’s And the political landscape is littered The prime minister closed out 2017 with talks. Trudeau was widely criticized for failing Bombardier. And then there’s the Netfl ix mess. with challenges and unknowns. Will a pair of uneven high-profi le performances to do so, even though there seemed little ex- Most importantly, Trudeau’s best efforts NAFTA survive? Can the new Conservative in Asia, where Canada’s ability to open pectation in advance of such sudden progress. over the past year to deal with Donald Trump and keep the NAFTA renegotiations on a vaguely reasonable keel have so far accomplished little in the face of the presi- dent’s off-the-wall histrionics. The Liberals also fared poorly over their fl ip-fl op on proportional representation, ques- tionable fundraising practices, and Finance Minister ’s ethics foul-ups. Also, his attempt to trim income tax prerogatives for small businesses and professionals unfortu- nately turned into a public relations disaster. Still, it was a year of unexpectedly strong economic growth, with the unemploy- ment rate testing decades-old lows. So the government’s defi cit-be-damned strategy of middle-class income tax cuts, increased child support, and new infrastructure spending is paying dividends and may continue to do so. The wild card here is, of course, NAFTA. In the not unlikely possibility that Trump tries to blow up NAFTA, the Canadian economy will be in for a shock, though it’s not clear if Trump can make it stick with Congress or just how bad it would be for Canada once the smoke cleared. For now, Trudeau’s approach and the buoyant economy have helped the Liberals avoid a sharp decline in popular support. At the same time, Conservative leader and his suburbanite appeal have not accomplished much with voters. And it’s early days for the NDP’s , although it would be a mistake to underestimate his potential. Trudeau’s increased standing in his home province of Quebec has given his party an early advantage as the next election looms. But the Liberals need to pick up their game in the coming year if they want to be in a po- sition to translate Trudeau’s personal appeal into another shot at governing come 2019. Les Whittington is an Ottawa journalist and a regular contributor to The Hill Times. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 11 Opinion On the road to 2019: Singh, Scheer need to steal Trudeau’s sunshine now knows who will compete Mélanie Joly, and Kent Hehr have The government’s against him in the 2019 general bruised the Liberals a bit. Team halfway mark is election. Trudeau has projected lots of lofty Both the Conservatives and New expectations on the trade front, yet a time of critical Democrats selected their standard- this prime minister has yet to sign bearers during Canada’s sesqui- his own deal. None of this is fatal, internal assessment, centennial. Andrew Scheer and but for the fi rst time during its man- Jagmeet Singh won the contests to date the Liberal government looks prevention of fatal be chieftains of their respective par- human, and that means potentially brand wounds, ties. The question is which of these vulnerable on a few fronts. leaders ends up making a mark and As for Andrew Scheer, it has and laying the becomes a prominent part of our been steady as she goes. Still not political history, and who becomes a well known with the Canadian pub- groundwork for a line of political trivia. lic, he at least hasn’t set himself or It is time now to look at how the the Conservatives on fi re. This might contest two years out. three leaders have done over the be a bit of a low bar but a Conserva- past year to get a sense of how our tive leader’s fi rst job after inheriting next federal election might shape the party in opposition is to prevent up. Federal polling since this trium- the organization from blowing apart; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, centre, will be fending off Conservative Party virate has been in place suggests he has done that. The Conservatives leader Andrew Scheer, left, and the NDP’s Jagmeet Singh, right, in 2019. the rankings remain as they did remain where they were in the polls But the opposition leaders need to gain name recognition fi rst, says Tim after the last election: the Liberals after the last campaign, so he has Powers. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade are comfortably in fi rst, the Conser- held ground; and they are still able vatives solidly in second, and the to raise a good bit of cash. Conser- the outside, looks like a picture of None of this may be scintil- New Democrats in third. Shock of vatives, who still remain Scheer’s discipline. He is doing what he said lating insight, but it refl ects not shock: my take is the polls are right, principal audience, will view those he would: touring the country, one just my limited brain capacity, but for now. Neither Scheer nor Singh things positively. For now, that is ac- community at a time, putting himself also captures the reality of the Tim Powers has yet had enough time to move ceptable expectation management, out there to become recognized. halfway mark between federal Plain Speak the dial, and Trudeau still takes up a though that will change a year from That doesn’t generate national elections. It is a time of critical lot of the political oxygen. now when the hope will be Scheer headlines, but it could bear fruit internal assessment, prevention Let’s talk Trudeau. While his per- has the Conservatives in a position in the future. Like Conservatives, of fatal brand wounds, and laying TTAWA—It’s hard to believe, manent opponents are still trying to to hold Trudeau to a minority. New Democrats are patient with the groundwork for a contest two Obut Canada’s 150th anniver- dent his own strong personal popu- Jagmeet Singh, like Scheer, is their leader now. Come 2018 that years out. sary is almost done; it seems like larity with the Canadian public, still an unknown quantity to the vast patience could wane a bit for Tim Powers is vice-chairman it has gone by in a fl ash. It has some of his ministers’ performances majority of Canadians. Like Scheer, Singh if he remains outside the of Summa Strategies and manag- been a year of signifi cant change and his government’s expectations for now he seems to have at least national conversation, is seatless ing director of Abacus Data. He is on the federal political front: for management have been the biggest calmed the tensions in his party, in the House of Commons, and a former adviser to Conservative the fi rst time since he has been drag on his government. The chal- which is also vital in the sphere of the NDP continues to poll in the political leaders. prime minister, Justin Trudeau lenges of ministers Bill Morneau, New Democrats. Singh, so far from teens. The Hill Times

returned to Carleton University to study journalism. While professors and students were convinced the in- Trump and TV: why we’re still ternet would allow more individuals to express their opinions without the fi lter of an editor, few foresaw the proliferation of prejudice, bias, and manipulation of the news cycle. amusing ourselves to death Some foresaw the end of the print media, but thought something so exalted that it is not modifi ed in the Back to the Future series was ground, and served in Parliament else would replace it. Instead, while Politicians must by television. And most important apparently inspired by Trump. The for several years before becoming TV once offered the patina of the know cosmetics of all, there is no subject of public dystopian future of the second fi lm the leader of his party. news and the substance lay in print, interest—politics, news, education, in the series revolved around a plot The analogy also falls apart that offering is less read and less over ideology, wrote religion, science, sports—that does in which Biff had become rich and when assessing the public and pri- available. Investigative journalism, not fi nd its way to television. Which infl uential in an amoral America. vate persona of each leader. While which can reveal the least attractive Neil Postman three means that all public understand- As most political experts know, Trump insists on tweeting egregious practices of business and govern- ing of these subjects is shaped by Trump’s victory lies in the four insults daily and shifts his policy ment, is in decline. Without that decades ago. Those the biases of television.” states Mitt Romney did not win in direction like a drunken captain at counterweight, the foxes could be words ring true today. Postman foresaw the dominance 2012: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michi- the bridge, Trudeau has a reputation running the proverbial henhouses. of the entertainment industry over gan, and Wisconsin. In those “rust- for listening to the advice of public Donald Trump’s calamitous informed political discourse. While belt” states, Trump’s brand was ar- servants and trying to consistently leadership plays out like a reality there’s an old joke that “Politics guably more signifi cant, given his carry out policies that were champi- show in our media daily. While is Hollywood for the unattract- blue-collar following on television, oned by his predecessors. some prognosticators say this will ive,” Postman predicted the two than in more white-collar states. Free trade with Europe, NAFTA, result in Democratic majorities in would soon become synonymous. Paradoxically, people of limited security intelligence legislation, and the House and Senate in 2018, it is He wrote “we may have reached means identifi ed with the rich the Kinder Morgan pipeline are all anyone’s guess. the point where cosmetics have businessman as their champion branded “Canadian,” not Harper or But it’s likely these words of replaced ideology as the fi eld of ex- because they felt they “knew” him Trudeau. Trump, meanwhile, has Neil Postman will ring true: “When pertise over which a politician must through television. Marketing made the overriding of many of a population becomes distracted by have competent control.” experts have calculated that a poli- Barack Obama’s signature pieces of trivia, when cultural life is redefi ned Andrew Caddell Thirty-two years ago, he tician with a background in televi- legislation or policies (the DREAM as a perpetual round of entertain- With All Due Respect predicted that within a generation sion now has a head start of many Act and Obamacare, for example) ments...when, in short, a people someone would be elected president millions of dollars over a lesser- a feature of his administration. And become an audience and their pub- of the United States who had no known opponent, simply by virtue his criticism of his own law enforce- lic business becomes a vaudeville he late Neil Postman, who was experience in government, but who of his or her name recognition. ment agencies is a sign he does not act, then a nation fi nds itself at risk: Targuably the intellectual heir of had solely been a television star. In Canada, critics of our own easily take the counsel of his public culture-death is a real possibility.” Marshall McLuhan, was one of the Although he earned his money prime minister consider his rise to servants. Andrew Caddell retired July 11 most articulate critics of television. in real estate, Donald Trump fulfi lled power to have been predicated on Television’s dominance is now from Global Affairs Canada, where In his 1985 book, Amusing Our- Postman’s prediction, as he was a the same kind of name recognition exacerbated by the emergence of he was a senior policy adviser. He selves to Death, Postman wrote of recognized star through the Darwin- and televisual presence. But, aside the internet and the erosion of the previously worked as a broadcast the decline in the American thirst ian reality show The Apprentice. from the fact our PM is far more “traditional media.” reporter and as an adviser to for knowledge and the written What many people may not know self-aware than his counterpart When the internet was fi rst Liberal governments in Ottawa, St. word, and laid it at the doorstep of is that Trump had a star turn in the to the south, he actually ran for a emerging as a force at the begin- John’s, and elsewhere. television: “There is no education movies. The corrupt bully Biff Tannen nomination, won an election on the ning of the new millennium, I had The Hill Times 12 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES News Lobbying

Nancy Bélanger took questions from MPs on the House Ethics Committee MPs, Senators on Dec. 6, as pictured, about her nomination to be the new federal lobbying watchdog, and appeared before the Senate on Dec. 8. The Hill expect better Times fi le photograph by Andrew Meade communication from new lobbying watchdog Tilson (Dufferin-Caledon, Ont.) said ‘It’s really important at times he’s met with lobbyists that officers of and didn’t even know they were lobbyists, leading him to ask Ms. Parliament get a Bélanger if there is a proper method for lobbyists to register and if there to approach you public offi ce hold- commissioners because her name Refugee Board of Canada, as the grip on what we do is an obligation for designated ers to verify the information that came up as “someone who would next ethics commissioner. public offi ce holders, which include has been given by lobbyists,” she be eligible to do either position.” Ms. Bélanger said there were and how we do it,’ MPs, to determine whether some- said. “Recently, in October, Com- Ms. Bélanger, after a phone opportunities for the two offi ces says Liberal Senator one is legitimately a lobbyist. missioner Shepherd launched an interview, was invited for more to work together with respect to “The Lobbying Act requires automated process, so you may get questioning by a four-person awareness and what lobbyists can . lobbyists to register. There is an emails that ask you to check infor- committee that included Janine or cannot do. obligation, but in the act there is a mation and whether it’s accurate.” Sherman, assistant secretary to the Rules on giving gifts related to requirement for the commissioner Under the new process, desig- cabinet in the Privy Council Offi ce, BY SHRUTI SHEKAR receptions and lobby events is an to verify with you public offi ce nated public offi ce holders receive Yaprak Baltacıoglu, secretary of area straddled by both commis- holders [whether] the information the Treasury Board, Sabina Saini, ome MPs and Senators say an email that includes a link to sioners’ offi ces, each with their that lobbyists have put on the regis- chief of staff to Treasury Board they’re hoping to see the expect- verify that the lobbyist “has accu- own rules. Ms. Bélanger said the S try is accurate,” Ms. Bélanger said. President Scott Brison, and Hilary ed new lobbying watchdog, Nancy rately refl ected the subject matters two offi ces could work together Mr. Tilson said he had yet Leftick, director of appointments in Bélanger, build a stronger relation- discussed and the designated pub- and explain to lobbyists and pub- to receive any phone call from the Prime Minister’s Offi ce. ship with them as she embarks on lic offi ce holders present during the lic offi ce holders the rules better. current lobbying commissioner, Ms. Bélanger said she initially the start of term, as they suggested meeting,” an Oct. 20 press release Ms. Bélanger said an upcom- Karen Shepherd. only applied for the information there’s been a lack of communica- from the lobbying commissioner’s ing statutory review of the Lobby- Sen. Mercer highlighted a simi- commissioner job but later was tion between the lobbying commis- offi ce release noted. ing Act would give her a chance lar experience where there was a asked by the committee if she sioner’s offi ce and them in the past. Ms. Bélanger also said she’s to explore other issues that lob- lack of communication between of- would be willing to take the role “It’s really important that of- interested in developing an out- byists have, and she felt it would fi cers of Parliament and the Senate. of lobbying commissioner. fi cers of Parliament get a grip on reach program. be good to consult to learn what “One of the problems we’ve had MPs and Senators also asked what we do and how we do it,’ Lib- “My plan would be to enhance lobbyists feel needs to be fi xed or in this Chamber, in particular in the about merging the lobbying and eral Senator Terry Mercer (North- the profi le of the offi ce through changed with the law. recent past, is that offi cers of Parlia- ethics commissioners’ offi ces—a end Halifax, N.S.) told Ms. Bélanger maximized awareness and She fl oated a possible change ment have come to the Senate, done longstanding ask of some lob- when she appeared in the Senate on outreach initiatives with stake- to monthly communication reports, work, and have had absolutely no byists, who to see it as a way to Dec. 8 for questioning. holders, including the Canadian which she felt could use more trans- idea what we do or how we do it. avoid confusion and improve The House Ethics Committee also public,” she said. parency, such as including who It’s really important that offi cers of coordination, given that the two questioned Ms. Bélanger on Dec. 6. attends meetings and not just the Parliament get a grip on what we do offi ces regulate similar areas with The committee passed a motion that Lobbying Act review senior offi cer who is registered to and how we do it,” Sen. Mercer said. two sets of rules. day recommending that she be con- lobby, which is the current process. Independent Senator Howard Outgoing ethics commissioner fi rmed in the job, in a 7-0 vote. NDP could begin in the spring Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine- Wetston (Ontario) also highlighted Both in the House and Senate, Mary Dawson has suggested Nathan Cullen (Skeena-Bulkley, B.C.) Smith (Beaches-East York, Ont.) what he said was a “chill factor” the process of appointing Ms. merging the two offi ces might help abstained from voting because he suggested that the review process public servants feel towards com- Bélanger was questioned. with overlap and confusion over was not happy with the appointment could begin in the spring, which municating with lobbyists, “and Mr. Cullen, who had abstained the rules and guidance dispensed process As of Dec. 11, the House had Ms. Bélanger felt was an appro- you lose the benefi t of good ad- from voting, grilled Ms. Bélanger on by the two commissioners, while yet to vote that recommendation. priate time. vocacy and good lobbying, which what her experience was when ap- Ms. Shepherd said that before She indicated that she had does assist the development of plying for the role. merging the two offi ces, the gov- read recommendations from Ms. The Senate adopted a legislation, policy, and regulation.” She indicated that she was ap- ernment should “look at how the Shepherd, who is leaving the motion to approve Ms. Ms. Bélanger, in response, noted proached by Boyden, a headhunt- offi ces can work better together.” offi ce on Dec. 29, and the recom- that the current lobbying commis- ing service that the Privy Council Government House Leader mendations from the committee Bélanger’s appointment sioner’s offi ce had recently started used to help with the search at (Waterloo, Ont.) after the previous review, which on Dec. 11. reaching out to public offi ce hold- a cost of $200,000, asking her if on Dec. 11 announced the nomi- was completed in 2012. During the Dec. 6 committee ers through an automated process. she would consider the positions nation of Mario Dion, the current [email protected] meeting, Conservative MP David “The commissioner is supposed for information and lobbying chair of the Immigration and @shruti_shekar

240 Sparks Street - C1 Level, Ottawa, ON, K1P 6C9 613.232.1411 | sparksdental.com NAFTA

PUBLICATION DATE: JAN. 17, 2018 • ADVERTISING DEADLINE: JAN. 12, 2018

This policy briefing will take a deep dive • energy; into the renegotiation of the North American • procurement; Free Trade Agreement with the United States • dispute resolution; and Mexico, Canada’s first and third largest • de minimis threshold levels; merchandise trading partners. We’ll cover: • labour; • auto manufacturing; • what happens if negotiators can’t reach a • wine; deal, or if the U.S. pulls out. • agriculture, including supply-managed sectors; Read all that and more in this important briefing. • intellectual property; Educate, Influence, Engage. BE A PART OF IT.

For more information or to reserve your government relations and public affairs advertising space, contact The Hill Times display advertising department at 613-688-8841. 14 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Global

For the international community, including Canada’s recently deployed special envoy to Myanmar, former interim Liberal leader Bob The other Myanmar Rae, immediate humanitarian and emergency care should be the primary focus for now. But in the future there are many areas of the country that Canada could engage with. People participate in Winter in Kachin state’s IDP camps a ceremony Soon it’ll be getting cold in Kachin to open a state, at least for the locals. In a few weeks, church on you’ll be able to see your breath at night or the outskirts in the early mornings in Myitkyina. of Myitkyina, For a Canadian, the temperature isn’t a a city in problem. But roughly 150 kilometres north northern of this city is a valley marked by what will Myanmar. soon be a few snow-capped Himalayan The country foothills. For the more than 100,000 IDPs is home to dwelling in ill-equipped, overcrowded more than camps in Kachin state, the impending 135 distinct winter is likely to cause several deaths, as minorities. it did early this year while I was visiting Photograph these areas. courtesy of One of the most striking interviews I Sam Cooley did was with a blind, one-eyed 87-year-old Kachin woman who was living on a tent fl oor with her remaining relatives. Through tears, she gripped my hand and spoke through an interpreter. “I don’t know whether I’ve had a good life or a happy life; I mostly lived in the for- est,” said Kaw Um Loo. She died several months ago, but for a Myanmar IDP she had had a long life. Such is life for many of the Kachin Leprosy in relative peace: some people who live in the hills and valleys of With the world’s attention continues are Kachin Baptists, oth- northern Myanmar. The ethnic group is a to affect ers Buddhist Bamar or relatively well organized clan of predomi- focused on a single ethnicity thousands Sagaing Muslim. They’re nantly Christian tribes of Sino-Tibetan of people in eating popcorn, smoking origin. For many years, they have had an in Rakhine state, Canada Myanmar. cigarettes or Burmese che- almost inseparable connection, through Photograph roots, browsing Facebook, their Christian faith, to the West. shouldn’t lose sight of the courtesy of and chewing betel nuts. With a population estimated of about Sam Cooley With all that’s written one million, the Kachin are indigenous to chaos that ensues on the in Western headlines, it’s this region, situated in the porous border hard to get a grip on the areas in northern Myanmar, China, and southeast Asian nation’s reality for most people India. Collectively, this clan has—more or northern frontier and other who live in urban Myan- less—been at odds with Myanmar’s central mar. Christians, Buddhists, government on and off for almost a century. entrenched confl icts playing and Muslims can often Like many other ethnic groups, Kachins be seen living in peace, struggle to have their rights recognized in out in this fragile state. drinking tea, and doing the vastly underdeveloped country. They also business with one another have their own armed forces, and recent in markets from Myitkyina clashes with the central government have the edge of a property and he’s brandishing a to Yangon, the country’s largest city. resulted in thousands of people fl eeing their Chinese assault rifl e and looking tough. Many people are passionate about poli- homes, often destined to be marooned in IDP This is Myanmar. The reality for the tics, but unless they’re radical rebels living in camps, possibly for not only their lives, but locals here is both better and worse than the boonies, most urban people—Muslims in- the lives of their grandchildren as well. what’s described on Western TV. The coun- cluded—will vocally support Aung San Suu There is no defi nite way to fi x this try in recent months has grabbed headlines. Kyi, the supposedly internationally disgraced problem, but well-established faith-based Much has been discussed about atrocities leader of democratic Burma (another name groups appear to be the best organizations occurring in Rakhine state and the mass for the country). to deliver what little resources exist to migration of people to neighbouring Ban- Democracy and development is slow keep people alive and educated. Sam Cooley gladesh to seek refuge from confl ict. moving in chaotic Myanmar, a country But unbeknownst to many in Canada, with more than 135 distinct minorities. Continued on page 15 Foreign Aff airs other parts of Myanmar are also facing steep Internally long-standing challenges YITKYINA, MYANMAR—Scrambling displaced that deserve the Canadian children Mpast crippled dogs is a legless beggar government’s attention. approaching a table of people dining at a res- in camps For generations, people in Kachin taurant. Hands outstretched, with cataract- have been dying of illness- fi lled eyes, he looks up as he’s handed a dirty state. es such as diarrhea, dys- Photograph 50 kyat note, the equivalent of about a nickel. entery, and dengue while It’s lunch hour in this city of a few hun- courtesy of stuck living in overcrowd- Sam Cooley dred thousand in Kachin state, in the far ed camps for internally dis- north of Myanmar. placed people (IDPs). It’s a Across the street is a woman, a leper, common occurrence on the waiting in line for shampoo at a general edges of all of Myanmar’s store fi lled with products brought over borders (the country has the border from neighbouring Yunnan fi ve), when ethnic tensions province, China. Her face and limbs are so increase or are stoked disfi gured from advanced stages of the dis- for foreign and domestic ease that she would be unrecognizable to reasons. anyone who knew her before she caught it. At the same time of all Shortly after leaving the restaurant by this suffering, Myitkyina’s way of motorbike, I see a boy no older than movie theatre is packed 12, bristling at the lone Caucasian. At fi rst it with people of various looks as if he is holding a toy, but no toy takes ethnic origins. All of them a 7.62 cartridge. In reality, he’s standing on are watching a Thai drama THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 15 Opinion Lessons for a new RCMP commissioner

be solely responsible for policing, and the Candidates be warned: this civilian board would deal with administra- will not be an easy job. tive matters. Right now, the RCMP com- missioner is treated like any other deputy minister—there is no recognition that all peace offi cers have taken an oath that requires them to work independently of Kaw Um Loo, a blind 87-year-old Kachin woman, was living on a tent fl oor with relatives in government. a camp for internally displaced persons in northern Myanmar until she died earlier this year. Brown argued that a civilian board would Photograph courtesy of Sam Cooley profoundly change the relationship between the government and RCMP in a number of Continued from page 14 much money on women’s empowerment ways: being an independent source of advice in Myanmar. Canadian aid appears well to the commissioner, providing the commis- placed, at least in theory. sioner with more fl exibility in managing For the present generation of adoles- Senator Colin Kenny resources, strengthening the force’s ability to The ‘wealth curse’ cents and young men, it sometimes seems Statistics tell a very different story undertake strategic planning, and others. A in their best interests to join the ranks of National Security about Myanmar. At least on paper, it’s civilian board would also provide a buffer armed groups, paramilitary or otherwise. among the fastest growing economies between police and government. There aren’t many other options to look in the world, with about seven per cent ARLIAMENT HILL—The federal forward to. This is where construction GDP growth in the past year, according to government is seeking a new commis- projects and vocational trades training P Lousy pay hurting the force recent fi gures cited by Nasdaq. sioner for the RCMP. Canada’s national among savvy investors could become Even after a 4.8 per cent raise in 2017, But trends on paper or in speculators’ police force needs new management and, fruitful in the future for both parties. fi rst-class constables in the RCMP are paid spreadsheets are often very separate from last June, former New Brunswick premier Canada should follow Japan’s lead and $13,000 less than the top police services in reality, especially in Myanmar. Frank McKenna was tasked with developing start putting some of its foreign develop- the country. The government claims that So perhaps it isn’t surprising that, since a short list for the prime minister. ment funding towards accurate, measur- members are better off than virtually all 2010, billions of dollars of foreign aid has Prospective candidates be warned: this able, and tangible large-scale infrastruc- police services because of the benefi ts and been funnelled into Myanmar from the West, will not be an easy job. Before accepting the ture projects in Myanmar. Not only would pensions they receive. However, it’s pre- purportedly for a number of good-spirited rea- position, any candidate should appreciate the road projects offer jobs, but they would sented no evidence to support this claim. sons, including to help in the peace process. issues they will have to address. literally pave the way for future economic Yet, the IDP camps remain, not only in activity and resource exploitation. Understaffi ng is a pox on the Kachin state, but also on the Thai-Myan- Stick to policing, not politics mar border, where the UN refugee agency The fi rst is the increasing politicization Mounties estimates there are an additional 230,000 What’s next for people in confl ict? of what’s supposed to be a police force. Here Understaffi ng is also a challenge. Accord- IDPs, most of whom are ethnic Karen. Canada’s federal government is scram- are a few notable examples: ing to the Brown Report and the position pa- Times are changing, the economy is ad- bling to address the troubles in Myanmar, and • In December 2005, at the height of the per Towards a Red Serge Revival, the RCMP vancing, but despite being part of Myanmar, sources suggest Bob Rae is expected to pro- federal election, the Mounties took the is lacking between 4,000 and 7,000 regular Kachin state and many other areas are sadly duce a report on the country in the new year. highly unusual step of announcing that members. Last year, there were 1,300 funded (and potentially deliberately) very isolated The situation in Rakhine state is one of then-fi nance minister Ralph Goodale was positions that the Mounties simply could not from the rest of the country. For the far north- many ongoing confl icts in Myanmar. Per- the subject of a criminal investigation, only fi ll and nearly 1,000 positions that sat vacant ern regions of the country, the actual result is haps the world is still having trouble be- to announce his exoneration in 2007. Police due to long-term sick leave, parental leave, or that most business takes place directly with lieving or is content to remain ignorant of don’t announce when someone is under in- professional training. China through neighbouring Yunnan. the fact warfare has raged on the untamed vestigation, but rather when they’re ready There’s a number of problems. New One only needs to make the 23-hour borders of Burma for a very long time. to lay charges. recruits, whose average age is 28, are paid commute from Yangon to recognize Myan- If refugee fl ows into Canada from • During the 2013-2015 investigations into below minimum wage ($500 a week) during mar doesn’t actually have a real road Myanmar are to exist, they should be high- Senators , , Mac their 26 weeks of basic training. These folks to access its northernmost state. At the ly controlled in conjunction with Burmese Harb, and for supposed have student loans, families, and mortgages best of times, the cross-country highway central authorities, and Ottawa should be misspending, the government dumped their to manage. Who wants to start a career by from Mandalay northwards is a dirt path cognizant of the fact there are many tribes cases on the RCMP in an attempt to make going into debt? Also, the long-documented peppered with cows, potholes, and lots of and creeds who likewise suffer as a result what was a political problem into a crimi- history of sexual harassment, abuse, and mud. The fact it can be traversed by bus at of internal confl ict. nal problem. (Duffy was eventually acquit- bullying has made the RCMP unattractive all is only a testament to the diligence and Rakhine is merely the most recent and ted of all 31 charges laid against him. The to prospective candidates. grit of private Myanmar bus companies. largest-scale internal and bloody battle to cases against Harb and Brazeau were then The burnout caused by understaffi ng Though it’s wedged between two of the take up the headlines. Certainly, it is not dropped and Wallin was never charged.) means many are leaving the RCMP to join world’s largest economies, China and India, the only one happening now in this highly • Since last winter, the RCMP has been other police services with better pay and Kachin State remains isolated from the misunderstood and beautiful country. investigating the vice chief of defence staff, working conditions. This leaves the force centre of the country despite its strategic lo- The Liberal government has already Vice-Admiral Mark Norman. The current with no swing capacity to deal with press- cation. The hills are fi lled with rare minerals committed more than $50-million to a num- government, upset by the alleged leak of a ing threats or shifting priorities. Follow- worth billions, yet the people remain poor. ber of aid projects in Myanmar. As a foreign cabinet confi dence relating to a naval con- ing the terrorist attack on Parliament Hill “We call it the wealth curse,” says an old observer spending months at a time in tract, co-opted the RCMP into launching in 2014, Commissioner Bob Paulson was Kachin priest, sighing while hoisting a fl ash- Burma, it appears more money and perhaps what seems to be a fruitless investigation. forced to move 500 members from orga- light during a power outage when the subject pursuing an even-handed approach towards In Ottawa, the city that leaks like a sieve, nized crime to counter terrorism. As a re- turns to his homeland’s valuable resources. adopting small populations of refugees of sult, some 300 investigations into organized all literally hundreds of people have access to There are a lot of geopolitical reasons ethnicities and creeds could benefi t the cabinet confi dences. The investigation is a crime were put on hold. for the lack of development in this area, but many souls who suffer in Myanmar. vengeful act of politics that has maligned a The RCMP is a mess, and the next com- one of the most simple and tangible things Federal collaboration with faith groups in good man’s reputation. missioner will have to take on the task of to address in Kachin state—and indeed in Canada—whether they’re Buddhist, Chris- A police force can only be effective if it fi xing it. Regular members are attempting many places in Myanmar—is the lack of a tian, or Muslim—are among the best meth- stays out of politics. The next commissioner to unionize, and that may provide some proper paved highway so modern com- ods of sponsorship and integration for many of the RCMP will do well to recall these inci- help addressing their grievances. But given merce can reliably be conducted, as it is to people in Myanmar’s traditional society. dents and work to avoid repetitions. the glacial pace of change in Ottawa, it an extent between Mandalay and Yangon. Assimilation into Canadian culture is could easily be years until the union is es- With few jobs, it’s no wonder that Kachin highly possible for these hardy people, many tablished. Before accepting the position, a state faces a drug and alcohol overdose epi- of whom can learn English quickly, especial- Embrace the creation of a prospective commissioner will need assur- demic, especially when a plentiful supply of ly if they’re already familiar with Latin script, civilian board ance from the prime minister that political pure $1 “No.4” heroin is fl ooding the region. and many are already used to living in rural Establishing more effective oversight support will be there. Otherwise, we’ll all Many young women in these areas areas under extreme hardship. will also be a challenge. David Brown’s just be looking at more of the same. Sam Cooley is a writer and marketer appear to be far more equipped, for 2007 report, RCMP Governance and Cul- Liberal Senator Colin Kenny is former who has worked as a volunteer in north- whatever reason, to combat the tempta- ture Change, called for a civilian manage- chair of the Senate Committee on Na- ern Myanmar as an English trainer and tion of drug abuse, and are much more ment board to bring the force in line with tional Security and Defence. Kennyco@ advertising lecturer. motivated to build families. Perhaps this is every other police service in Canada. Un- sen.parl.gc.ca. The Hill Times among the reasons why Canada spends so der his proposal, the commissioner would The Hill Times 16 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES News House spending Internal Economy Board approves ‘new standard’ of House spending above $500M According to the Treasury Board The committee also okayed Secretariat, departments are allowed a $925K budget for new “to carry forward eligible lapsing funds from one fi scal year to the following fi scal deputy clerk and changes to year in an amount up to [fi ve per cent] of the operating budgets contained in their the MPs’ spending guide. main estimates.” In this case, that’s about $15.3-million. The previously allotted, Continued from page 1 unspecifi ed, security enhancements shave almost $4.8-million off of the next year’s estimates. administration was roughly $476-million, Increased costs for the House of Com- but supplementary estimates have since mons are going to be the new normal, as Mr. pushed that fi gure to $511-million. Paquette told committee members on Oct. 19. Among the expenses driving up costs “The addition of 30 new MPs, their new for next year include previously approved constituency offi ces, and their employees projects under the Parliamentary Precinct’s caused a signifi cant increase, which set a ongoing renovation work, including next new standard,” he said. “In addition, our summer’s planned move of the House strategic plan, which was put in place to operations into West Block and subse- try to modernize the administration and quent decommissioning of Centre Block ensure the advancement of our parlia- to prepare for its decade-long facelift. mentary institution, will also help to keep Spending on facilities assets is set at nearly costs slightly higher for the duration of this $6.4-million, while upgrades to information strategic plan, provided through 2019.” technology systems are set to cost $2.2-mil- lion. A digital strategy to “modernize the delivery of parliamentary information” is New deputy clerk offi ce to cost slated at nearly $3.2-million. nearly $1M There are also boosts to compensation Most of the Internal Economy Commit- for pages, and 0.8-per-cent increases to tee members’ questions about the spend- MPs’ offi ce and House offi cers’ budgets. ing Dec. 7 were directed at the creation The Board of Internal Economy met Dec. 7, where the House of Commons’ main estimates were on “These large investments were offset of a new House offi cial, a deputy clerk of the table, and changes to the Members’ Allowances and Service Manual. Pictured are board members by some of the in-year temporary funding administration, whose offi ce is projected to Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez, left, and NDP MP . The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade for particular projects, such as our security cost $925,860 next year. enhancement, and our [2016-17] carry- House Speaker Geoff Regan (Halifax under the recommendation of House clerk Mr. Paquette said the goal of the changes forward,” Daniel Paquette, the House of West, N.S.), who chairs the committee, said Charles Robert. was to modernize certain policies in the guide. Commons’ chief fi nancial offi cer, told MPs. he approved the creation of the new offi ce “When I fi rst came here it was clear The committee approved seven changes, that procedural services were operating including expanding the allowances for properly because they had a deputy clerk family members of an MP who dies in offi ce. of procedure who was coordinating all This includes two round trips to Ottawa This is the time of year for of these activities within the procedural for the deceased’s spouse, children, and service. I wanted to see—and thought it additional travellers. It would “allow for the was necessary to have—the same kind of reimbursement of accommodation, meals, in- remembering but what if you supervision and co-ordination built into the cidental expenses for a period not exceeding corporate services that provide support to fi ve days per trip; increase the time period the Members,” said Mr. Robert, who was for the employee assistance program for the can’t remember anything at all? named the House’s chief executive in June. former Member’s spouse and dependants “So it seemed to me that creating the posi- from six to 12 months; and to quickly adapt tion of deputy clerk, administration, was to particular situations under these unique one way to ensure that would be done.” circumstances, allow the chief human re- Michel Patrice, who was formerly the sources offi cer the ability to use the funds es- Senate’s law clerk, began his new role in tablished for the special accommodation for August. According to the government’s Members to reimburse additional reasonable online staff list, there are two others who expenses incurred in relation to the death of work in Mr. Patrice’s offi ce—senior admin- the Member,” Mr. Paquette explained. istrator Sadaf Tataei and acting executive Three MPs have died in offi ce during director Nathalie Hannah. this session of Parliament: Conservative Running the House is becoming a more MP Jim Hillyer (Medicine Hat-Cardston- complex operation, Mr. Robert said, with Warner, Alta.) and Liberal MPs Mauril the 338 Members, renovations to the Par- Bélanger (Ottawa-Vanier, Ont.) and Arnold liamentary Precinct to execute, and new Chan (Scarborough-Agincourt, Ont.). computer systems being introduced. Other changes include clarifying rules “And it seems to me if we’re going to be around the use of offi cial vehicles, getting rid effective, we have to co-ordinate that work,” of the requirement to have contact information he said, adding that it “seemed pretty clear- for an MP on all advertisements, introducing cut that having a deputy clerk of adminis- a formal $125 limit for tickets to dinners, and tration would be an effective way to better allowing the chief fi nancial offi cer and human ensure that co-ordination.” resources offi cer to set a maximum ceiling for Mr. Patrice oversees the House’s chief pay of Members’ employees. fi nancial offi cer, Mr. Paquette; chief infor- This compensation process would be in mation offi cer, Stéphan Aubé; chief human accordance with “the principles that refl ect resources offi cer, Pierre Parent; director the main labour groups in Canada,” Mr. Help us help those living with dementia... general of parliamentary precinct opera- Paquette said. “The same index should be tions, Benoit Giroux; and deputy sergeant- used as in the case for Members themselves. at-arms and corporate security offi cer, We want to have a consistent approach in so no one faces it alone. Patrick McDonell. establishing limits and allow Members to hire competent people who can carry out Members’ manual updated to the parliamentary duties as well.” Call us today: Further changes to the guide to allow for boost support for deceased special accommodations for Members based Ottawa: 613-523-4004 MPs’ families on their particular circumstances—which may Committee members also approved on include travelling companions—as well as for- Renfrew County: 1-888-411-2067 Dec. 7 changes to the Members’ Allow- malizing rules about interpretation services for DementiaHelp.ca ances and Service Manual, which outlines national caucus meetings and MPs events will policies related to budgets and other be dealt with at a later meeting of the board. entitlements for MPs, House offi cers, and [email protected] research offi ces. The Hill Times NATURALTHE HILL TIMES POLICY BRIEFING DECEMBER 13, 2017 RESOURCES

LIBERALS TO ROLL OUT LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE WITH REFORMS IT’S HIGH TO NATIONAL TIME TO ENERGY UPGRADE THE BOARD FISHERIES IN EARLY 2018: CARR pp. 18-19 ACT p. 22 ‘IT’S FRUSTRATING TO BE FIGHTING THIS AGAIN’: BUILDINGS KEY TO CANADA’S SOFTWOOD LUMBER AGREEMENT CLEAN- LONG WAY OFF, ENERGY SAY OBSERVERS p. 20 FUTURE p. 22 Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management 18 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Natural Resources Policy Briefi ng Liberals to roll out legislative package with reforms to National Energy Board in early 2018: Carr

‘Our government is committed to restoring the confi dence of Canadians in how major resource projects are evaluated,’ says the natural resources minister.

BY MARCO VIGLIOTTI

Natural Resources Minister says the Liberal government will intro- duce its long-awaited legislative package overhauling the country’s environmental assessment and regulatory processes—in- cluding modernizing the pipeline regula- tor—in the new year. The announcement comes months after the release of a report from the expert panel struck by the Liberals to examine the National Energy Board (NEB) that called for the regulatory body to be scrapped and replaced with two separate agencies, and moved from Calgary to Ottawa. In June, the government also released a discussion paper on the broader regulatory review proposals for public input. “The paper outlined potential reforms to rebuild trust and modernize Canada’s environmental and regulatory processes. Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the public at large, provided feedback on the paper during the summer,” Mr. Carr (Winni- peg South, Man.) said in an email interview with The Hill Times. “Their feedback is helping guide poten- tial legislative, regulatory, policy changes, which will result in a legislative package in early 2018.” The NEB is a quasi-judicial tribunal body that regulates fossil fuel pipelines and power lines crossing internal or internation- al borders, imports and exports of natural gas, exports of oil and electricity, and oil and gas extraction. The arm’s-length body is responsible for making recommendations to the federal minister of natural resources. The Trudeau government struck the panel to review the NEB last year after the Liberals promised in the lead-up to the A protester participates in an anti-Kinder Morgan and Line 3 pipeline rally on Parliament Hill in December 2016. Among the proposals in the 2015 vote to reform the country’s pipeline government’s discussion paper on reforming its environmental assessment and regulatory processes is an ‘early planning phase to foster greater approval process, saying it needed to be collaboration and engagement between proponents, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, the public and federal and provincial governments.’ be modernized to better refl ect environ- mental expertise, regional considerations, and Indigenous knowledge. In opposition, the panel, would still be responsible for upon the ongoing dispute with the U.S. wood lumber industry and workers. We will Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, conducting environmental assessments of over softwood lumber, energy effi ciency, continue to work closely with our provincial Que.) routinely criticized the former Con- energy transmission projects, though in promoting clean technologies in extractive partners to get the best outcome for Canada.” servative government for undermining the conjunction with the Canadian Environ- sectors, and NAFTA. credibility of the regulatory agency by ap- mental Assessment Agency. This email Q&A interview has been How is Ottawa helping natural resource sec- pointing members with ties to the oil and The panel justifi ed its call for relocation by edited for style and length. tors like forestry, mining, energy, fi sheries, and gas industry, and imposing new rules. saying it heard “intense and near-unanimous even agriculture adopt clean technologies? As part of the expert panel’s work, criticism” of current rules requiring NEB What can you tell us about the state of “Advancing clean technologies in members travelled to 10 cities, listened to board members to reside in the Calgary area, softwood lumber negotiations with the Canada’s natural resource sectors is a pri- some 200 people, and received another 200 with some participants in the consultation United States? Are we seeing progress? ority for our government. Adopting these written submissions online, according to process arguing placing the regulatory board “The U.S. Department of Commerce’s technologies can reduce environmental Natural Resources Canada. in what is commonly viewed as the capital of decision to impose punitive anti-dumping impacts, enhance competitiveness and cre- In its report released last spring, the Canada’s energy sector undermined its inde- and countervailing duties on Canadian soft- ate good, middle-class jobs. In Budget 2017, panel called for the establishment of the pendence. The panel also wrote that Canada’s wood lumber producers is unfair, unwar- we invested $200-million in clean technol- Canadian Energy Information Agency energy transmission infrastructure regulator ranted and deeply troubling. We recently ogy research, development and demonstra- and Canadian Energy Transmission Com- “needs a stronger connection to the seat of the challenged the countervailing duties under tion in natural resources, fi sheries, oceans, mission to replace the NEB, saying the federal government.” the North American Free Trade Agreement’s agriculture and agri-food. proposed CEIA would centralize informa- The fate of the NEB was one of several (NAFTA) Chapter 19, and we have begun “In November 2017, we launched the tion about energy in hopes of better align- pressing topics addressed by Mr. Carr in litigation via the World Trade Organization. Clean Growth in the Natural Resource Sec- ing the data with environmental policy. a recent wide-ranging interview with The “As the government has said for some Meanwhile, the CETC, as envisioned by Hill Times, with the minister also touching time, we will forcefully defend Canada’s soft- Continued on page 19 THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 19 Policy Briefi ng Natural Resources

Continued from page 18 “Our government is committed to restor- ing the confi dence of Canadians in how Natural Resources major resource projects are evaluated. To Minister Jim Carr says tors Program (CGP), which will support the that end, we have launched a comprehensive the Liberal government development and adoption of clean technolo- review of the environmental assessment pro- will move forward with gies in Canada’s forest, mining and energy cess, including the National Energy Board. a legislative package sectors. The CGP will focus on fi ve key areas: “On May 15, 2017, the expert panel on responding to, among • reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) and the modernization of the National Energy other things, the fi ndings air emissions; Board (NEB) completed its assessment of its expert panel on the • minimizing landscape disturbances report, which included recommendations National Energy Board and improving waste management; on how best to modernize the NEB. The in early 2018. The Hill • producing and using advanced materi- recommendations from the expert panel, Times photograph by als and bioproducts; and as well as reports from the other three Andrew Meade • ensuring effi cient energy use and regulatory reviews under the ministries of reducing water use and impacts on aquatic Environment and Climate Change Canada, ecosystems. Fisheries and Oceans, and Transport, “As only projects with provincial/territo- informed a discussion paper, launched on rial support are eligible for funding under June 29, 2017. the CGP, the program provides a unique “The paper outlined potential reforms opportunity to strengthen federal-provincial/ to rebuild trust and modernize Canada’s territorial collaboration. In addition, Natural environmental and regulatory processes. Resources Canada (NRCan) has a number of Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the ongoing programs that support innovation, public at large, provided feedback on the including Investments in Forest Industry paper during the summer. Their feedback is Transformation. This program supports the helping guide potential legislative, regula- transformation of Canada’s forest industry tory, policy changes, which will result in a by accelerating the commercialization of legislative package in early 2018.” highly innovative, fi rst-in-kind technologies. [email protected] “These projects are typically world- The Hill Times fi rsts or Canadian-fi rsts and involve sig- nifi cant investments from the company and other funding partners. The remains committed to helping the forest industry transform by using wood in new ways, selling to new markets, and positioning itself to be a major player in the low carbon and bio-economy. Market diversifi cation for wood products will cre- ate Canadian jobs and benefi t the commu- nities that rely on the forest industry. “NRCan also funds the Green Mining Initiative, which develops clean technologies to reduce the environmental impacts of min- ing and improve competitiveness—including innovations in energy effi ciency and water management. This initiative brings stakehold- ers together to develop solutions to mining’s greatest challenges and to create a cleaner, more productive industry in a world that increasingly values sustainable practices.”

Following up, how is the government ad- dressing these largely carbon intensive sec- tors in national efforts to lower emissions? 6 12.0107 “At NRCan, we are focusing on programs 79 196.97 that improve environmental performance C 28 58.693 and enhance competitiveness, ensuring that Au Canada’s natural resource operations remain Carbon Ni a source of clean jobs and growth. Canadian Gold resource companies have made signifi cant Nickel strides to improve their sustainability and 29 63.5 competitiveness, and to reduce their cumula- tive environmental footprint. “That said, Canada’s commitments un- Cu der COP21 mean that we must continue to INNOVATION. fi nd greener ways to develop our resources. Copper Government plays a key role in enabling innovation by challenging natural resource companies to seek out new opportunities POWERED BY that ensure long-term productivity while also integrating sustainable practices and low carbon processes. NRCan is helping IMAGINATION, to lead those efforts through a number of initiatives. In 2016, the government an- POSSIBLE BY nounced $50-million to develop cleaner oil and gas technologies. We are also provid- ing $53-million per year through the En- MINING. ergy Innovation Program to support the oil and gas sector reduce methane emissions while remaining competitive. “Canada’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative, a precursor to the Energy In- novation Program, also provided funding to the mining sector to help reduce the use of diesel in remote mining locations by integrating wind and storage systems. Fu- Canada has all the ingredients — sustainably-sourced ture funding under the Energy Innovation Program will build on these early actions minerals, metals and energy products — needed for and further reduce emissions in Canada’s the technologies that are powering imaginations and most carbon intensive sectors.” enabling the transition to a low-carbon future. What’s next in the government’s review of MINING.CA federal environmental assessment processes? #CDNMINING Is the government going to accept the recom- mendations of the review panel? When can we expect to see action on this front? 20 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Natural Resources Policy Briefi ng

Foreign Affairs is imported mostly from Canada. Minister Chrystia Canadian softwood lumber Freeland is comes mostly from Crown lands, responsible particularly in British Columbia, for negotiating and the government determines a with the U.S. fee to harvest on the land. In the on the softwood U.S. there is a competitive bid- lumber trade ding process to harvest. The U.S. dispute which logging industry argues Canada’s continues as industry is getting an unfair sub- she negotiates a sidy, which could result in injury revised NAFTA to the U.S. industry. separately. Trade law allows for the imposi- The Hill Times tion of import duties when a U.S. photograph by industry is found to have been Sam Garcia threatened by material harm or is materially harmed by subsidies in the exporting country. Known as countervailing duties, the tax can also be applied when a U.S. indus- try is found to have been threatened by or is harmed by imported prod- ucts sold at prices that are lower than the cost of production, or lower than the prices in the country of origin, known as dumping. The U.S. Lumber Coalition applauded the trade commission’s latest vote, with co-chairman Jason Brochu stating “the massive subsi- dies that the Canadian government provides to its lumber industry and land are poised to be developed, the dumping of lumber products she said, but it will take time. into the U.S. market by Canadian The government said it will companies cause real harm to U.S. ‘It’s frustrating to be aggressively defend the Canadian producers and workers.” softwood lumber industry. Natu- Ms. Yurkovich said the claim ral Resources Minister Jim Carr of injury is ridiculous, especially (Winnipeg South Centre, Man.) since the U.S. lumber industry is told the Canadian Press last week achieving record-setting profi t- fi ghting this again’: Canada has already launched ability. Softwood lumber is mainly challenges under NAFTA and the used by the construction indus- World Trade Organization. try to build houses, and so the The NAFTA dispute panel has costs are currently passed on to to make a ruling by next fall, but consumers. According to a press softwood lumber the WTO process could take years, release from the U.S.’s National the report said. The industry has Association of Homebuilders, the already paid about $500-million in average price of a single-family deposits for the duties thus far. The home built in 2018 will cost about agreement long way government is offering a support $1,300 more due to the tariffs. package, including loan guar- “It’s frustrating to be fi ghting this antees, and working to expand again, and it’s essentially the same export markets. arguments as [previous disputes] “They’re unfair, they’re un- being levelled,” Ms. Yurkovich said, off, say observers reasonable … We’re confi dent adding she’d rather be developing that as in other occasions we will stronger markets over legal action. win,” Mr. Carr told reporters after The low Canadian not seeing the wide-scale mill the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agree- Question Period on Dec. 7. Duties not having as closures it saw in the early 2000s, ment, which expired in 2015. It Foreign Affairs Minister much impact due to dollar, the high price she said, but added: “if prices took had two components: it limited Chrystia Freeland (University- a signifi cantly different route we Canadian imports to a 34 per cent Rosedale, Ont.) leads on the Can- strong U.S. economy, low of lumber, and a could see that.” market share, and there could be ada-U.S. trade fi le and echoed the Canadian dollar “This dispute creates uncer- either a quota system or an export sentiment in a Dec. 7 statement, The low Canadian dollar strong United States tainty, which is not great for busi- tax. British Columbia chose the saying the duties are “harmful to means the duties are not having nesses,” she said. “It means a lot of export tax, said Ms. Yurkovich, Canada and to lumber consumers as much of an impact, said Ms. economy mean money that could be spent on the which had different duty levels at in the United States.” The Hill Times Christensen, adding that a strong the impact on the plant and equipment is tied up as each price trigger. contacted the U.S. economy also helps. cash deposits for duties.” “As prices declined, the duties Global Affairs Canada regarding the “The housing sector is doing industry is not as Naomi Christensen, a senior actually increased between zero state of the softwood lumber agree- well, so there’s strong demand for policy analyst with the Canada and 15 per cent,” she said. “Over ment negotiations, but a response softwood lumber coming out of severe as the early West Foundation think tank, said the life of the last agreement, was not provided by deadline. The Hill Times the U.S. and that’s looking pretty Canada and the U.S. were close to British Columbia paid, on aver- also contacted stable,” she said. 2000s, despite a an agreement in the summer, but age, about 10.4 per cent.” Martin Moen, Global Affairs Can- The prices set by the govern- ruling against Canada talks have since cooled off. The softwood lumber agree- ada’s director general for North ment for use of their Crown land Last week the U.S. International ment is separate from NAFTA, America and investment, but he are very similar to what a private last week. However, Trade Commission ruled American but can be settled through did not respond to requests for landowner in the U.S. would re- producers have been harmed by NAFTA’s dispute resolution an interview. Mr. Moen is highly ceive, she said, as B.C. changed the this could change if the import of “subsidized” Canadian Chapter 19. Canadian negotiators involved in the softwood lumber way they calculate prices while the softwood lumber. This is just the are fi ghting to keep Chapter 19 fi le, and is effectively the deputy last agreement was in place. the dispute continues. latest saga of the dispute over soft- within the revised NAFTA. chief negotiator for NAFTA. “A lot of changes they made wood lumber that has been ongoing If the U.S. is no longer a viable Delegations from Canada, the were in response to concerns that between the countries for over a cen- market because of the dispute, U.S., and Mexico are meeting for the U.S. had raised,” she said. BY EMILY HAWS tury. Reasons supporting the ruling looking to another market, such as informal talks in Washington, D.C. She said the latest petition noted are expected to be released soon. China is an option, said Ms. Chris- this week, with talks wrapping up B.C.’s log export restrictions, un- he Canadian forestry industry The U.S. Commerce Depart- tensen. Canada shipped less than Friday. The next offi cial round of mentioned in previous disputes. The Tis getting ready for another ment last month lowered prelimi- one per cent of the value of its soft- NAFTA negotiations takes place restriction is a federal memorandum long-term softwood lumber dispute, nary duties, reported the Canadi- wood lumber exports to China in in Montreal in January. an Press of understanding, only applying with Susan Yurkovich, president of , meaning most Canadian 2006, but today the country is ship- to B.C., saying anyone wanting to the British Columbia Lumber Trade producers pay a combined ping about 10 per cent, after hitting U.S. claim of injury export logs from the province must Council, saying she does not expect countervailing, or off-setting, and a high of 21 per cent in 2011. fi rst determine if there’s a need with- the United States government or the anti-dumping rate of 20.83 per “We are still very reliant on the ‘ridiculous’: Yurkovich in. This policy should be examined, U.S. industry to come back to the cent, down from 26.75 per cent in United States as a customer, but The U.S. domestic industry can she said, as it affects duties imposed table “in the near future.” preliminary determinations. we are less reliant on them,” Ms. only fulfi ll about 70 per cent of the throughout the country. The high prices of the product The last dispute took place Christensen said. Emerging mar- demand for softwood lumber in its [email protected] mean the Canadian industry is from 2001-2006 and ended with kets such as Vietnam and Thai- country, meaning about 30 per cent The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 21 Policy Briefi ng Natural Resources Future in Canadian forestry industry comes from big thinking

n our changing world, all parts construction with mass timber and the impact of reducing Canada’s provinces. In testimony before The future of Canadian Iof Canada’s natural resources engineered wood. The revolution greenhouse gas emissions by us- the Natural Resource Commit- forestry is bright, but sector have had to innovate to not began in Europe and has spread to ing wood. FP Innovations has cal- tee in November, Bill Downing only survive, but thrive and lead North America, where Canadian culated that each cubic metre of of Structurlam testifi ed that his the federal government the world. We’ve seen impressive companies like Structurlam in wood in a building sequesters one company wouldn’t have gotten off innovations come from the min- British Columbia and Chantiers ton of carbon. A 20-storey wood the ground without the Wood First can help ensure that ing, oil and gas, and energy sec- Chibougamau in Quebec are lead- building takes the equivalent of policy in BC. His company now future with project tors, but one sector that is leading ers in this technology. about 900 cars off the road in car- leads the engineered wood sector the way is the one that might Historically, large buildings bon dioxide savings in a year. in North America. Structurlam procurements that will have the longest and strongest across Canada have been built The future potential for engi- just received a contract to rebuild expand new, innovative ties to not only our economy, but largely with concrete and steel. It’s neered wood is one that Canada the Microsoft campus in Califor- national identity. the way the industry has worked needs to seize today. It was in that nia with engineered wood. From sectors that could The forestry sector in Canada for decades. But through innova- spirit that I brought Bill C-354 that one contract, they put in a provide new foundations is as old as our colonial begin- tion, it is now possible to build to the House of Commons, a bill purchase order to Canfor in B.C. nings. From building ships for those same buildings with wood, which we began debate on in late for $4-million dollars of dimen- for this iconic part of the British empire to supplying with glulam beams, and cross- November. If passed, it would sional lumber. After that lumber newsprint to the world and the laminated timber panels that is compel the federal government to is turned into cross-laminated our economy, says NDP lumber that helped to build the just as strong and safe at the steel consider the use of wood in fed- timber panels and glulam beams, natural resources critic economic boom in the 1940s and and concrete they could replace. eral infrastructure projects, after it will be exported to the United 1950s, Canadian wood has been This fall, the University of taking into consideration overall States—free from softwood lum- Richard Cannings. there. But over the past 30 years, British Columbia opened Brock lifetime cost of the materials and ber tariffs. Canada’s forestry sector has been Commons, an 18-storey student the impact those materials would The future of Canadian for- faced with multiple challenges, residence. Brock Commons is the have on the greenhouse gas foot- estry is bright, but the federal diffi culties that have driven some tallest wood building in the world. print of the building. This is the government can help ensure that remarkable innovations. Only its foundation and elevator same ask the Cement Association future with project procurements In the House Natural Resourc- shafts use concrete or steel for of Canada made of the govern- that will expand new, innovative es Committee, we are currently support. Brock Commons was built ment earlier this year. sectors that could provide new studying some of these innova- with engineered wood made at the This bill is very similar to foundations for this iconic part of tions and new products that Structurlam plants 400 kilometres the Wood First bill enacted in our economy. Canadian forestry producers are away. It was built in nine weeks— British Columbia, and to gov- Richard Cannings is the MP creating. Those products are the two fl oors per week, about twice as ernment procurement policies for South Okanagan-West Koo- NDP MP Richard Cannings future of the forest industry. There fast as a typical high rise. in Quebec that promote the use tenay, B.C., and the NDP natural is a worldwide revolution happen- The cost savings in that speed of wood. Both of those changes resources critic. Lumber industry ing in how we construct buildings, are signifi cant, not to mention have had positive impacts in their The Hill Times Canada needs our

A strong forest industry in Canada is essential to thousands of workers and over 600 Canadian communities. Our Working Forest is crucial to the health of Canada’s economy. Canada needs  A National Forest Strategy that maintains sustainability in forestry and secondary supply chains  A coordinated focus by federal and provincial governments on promoting jobs and innovation within Canada, to build an industry that is competitive and attractive in the global market  A just and fair solution to the ongoing softwood lumber dispute with the United States  An end to excess log exports  A commitment to processing Canadian wood in Canada

Support Canada’s Working Forest It’s OURS TO GROW

United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union workingforest.ca usw.ca uswmetallos @SteelworkersCA 22 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Natural Resources Policy Briefi ng It’s high time to upgrade the Fisheries Act gross value of commercial fi sher- should favour options that pre- This government has ies, aquaculture production, and vent ecosystem damages instead seafood products was $9.5-bil- of ones that simply mitigate them. promised to restore lion. These sectors employed over In cases involving sensitive or 72,000 people. Seafood is also crucial ecosystems, or a species lost protections vital for the food security of many at risk, prevention should be the in it. Here’s how it settler and Indigenous communi- norm, not the exception. ties, especially in the North. Fish- Fourthly, the act should make can modernize this eries play an important cultural, more space for Indigenous peo- spiritual, and even legal role for ples, given their distinct relation- important law. many Indigenous peoples. Not to ship with the resource, and their mention the intrinsic and ecosys- place within our constitutional temic value of fi sh. order. Specifi cally, Indigenous Sadly, Canada is ill-equipped peoples should be able to manage to face the challenge ahead given their fi sheries in accordance with our outdated legislation. The Fish- their own laws. eries Act, adopted in 1868, has not Lastly, the law should have received any substantial change clear stated purposes based on since 1977 when habitat protec- conservation, sustainable use, tion was introduced to the regime. food security, the socio-economic Pierre Cloutier de Repentigny Additionally, in 2012, Stephen importance of fi sheries, and Environment Harper’s government reduced the unique role of Indigenous the effi cacy of the act’s habitat peoples. Such legislated purposes protection provisions. will guide the interpretation and f once upon a time the belief The Fisheries Act has been application of the act, and hope- Ithat fi sheries were an endless incapable of ensuring the proper Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been tasked with reviewing the fully positively infl uence fi sheries natural resource was common, it conservation of fi sheries. The previous government’s changes to the Fisheries Act, restoring lost protections, management and conservation. is now abundantly clear that it is collapse of the Atlantic cod and building in modern safeguards. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade These measures would all not. Fisheries are declining fast fi sheries and the rapid decline of serve to circumscribe DFO’s around the globe, and Canada is the Fraser River sockeye salmon regime. It is important, given the consultation, when appropri- discretion, and while fl exibility is not exempt from this. are but two powerful examples urgency of the situation, that we ate. Mechanisms should be put still needed, they should ensure For example, the Commit- of the Department of Fisheries get it right. There are a few points in place to avoid discrepancy that decision- and policy-making tee on the Status of Endangered and Oceans’ (DFO) conservation that the future bill should include. between DFO’s knowledge and favour the recovery and longev- Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), failure under the act. Firstly, the Fisheries Act its policy, as is currently happen- ity of our fi sheries. Now it is up an independent advisory panel To make matters worse, the should mandate the use of an eco- ing with the Atlantic cod fi sheries to the government to ensure that, to the environment minister, has federal government seems to sys- system-based approach to both where scientifi c advice is being this time, the Fisheries Act gets recently recommended that some tematically limit the application fi sheries management and fi sh partially ignored. the upgrade it deserves. populations of British Columbia’s of the SARA to aquatic species by habitat protection. All parts of an Thirdly, a precautionary and Pierre Cloutier de Repentigny emblematic Fraser River sockeye infrequently acting upon COSE- ecosystem are interrelated, and, preventive approach should is a PhD student and a part-time salmon be listed as endangered WIC’s expert recommendations, as such, trying to manage one be adopted. Precaution would professor at the University of under the Species at Risk Act relying instead on the Fisheries discrete part without considering require that when DFO faces Ottawa’s law faculty. He is a 2017 (SARA). Act to provide “protection.” the other is counterproductive. uncertainties, as it often does, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Sadly, the dire state of our On the bright side, the cur- Secondly, the law should en- it treats such uncertainties as a Scholar, and a SSHRC Bombar- fi sheries seldom gets the attention rent government has promised to sure that all decisions, programs, serious risk and adopts stringent dier Canada Graduate Scholar. it deserves. reform the Fisheries Act, and it is and policies related to fi sheries conservation measures despite His research pertains to the Yet, fi sheries are crucial for poised to introduce a bill in early are adequately supported by such uncertainties. Prevention protection of marine biodiversity the well-being and survival of 2018. This is the perfect opportu- science, Indigenous traditional would mean, especially in terms through law. many Canadians. In 2015, the nity to modernize our fi sheries knowledge, and community of habitat protection, that DFO The Hill Times Buildings key to Canada’s clean-energy future

n Natural Resources Minis- one) and then eventually require scramble to meet Paris Agreement many technical features at the Canadian real Iter Jim Carr’s recent piece in (step two) change when dealing greenhouse gas emission goals. forefront of environmental sus- estate, including these pages on the Generation with the government directly. The The Canadian federal govern- tainability in North America, and Energy conference, he cites three United States has a popular green ment is also weaving the building will target LEED Gold certifi ca- both residential and things Canadians can do to work building model that did exactly this. of energy effi ciency into their pub- tion. The building will optimize commercial, accounts towards Canada’s clean-energy The General Services Administra- lic policy through less direct, albeit the use of solar energy and future: expand and improve re- tion (GSA) fi rst requested and now persuasive “step one” incentives. utilize shading devices to maxi- for more than 40 per newable energy sources; decrease requires that all U.S. federal offi ces For instance, the federal govern- mize daylight. A 27-metre-high the greenhouse gas footprint of be situated in LEED Gold-certifi ed ment’s $20-billion Post Secondary solar chimney will drive passive cent of total energy non-renewable energy consump- space. By requiring compliance Institutions Strategic Investment natural ventilation and pre-heat consumption. Given tion; and use less of both. When with LEED’s green building certi- Fund (SIF) is intended to reinvigo- the air intake. The building will it comes to addressing the third fi cation program for their portfolio rate Canada’s research and science be among the very few in Canada this sizeable usage and point, buildings are key. of 361-million square feet of space base and infrastructure needs, to incorporate Thermally Active emission footprint for Canadian real estate, including in 9,600 buildings, the GSA hopes while also supporting the country’s Building Systems—radiant heat- both residential and commercial, to encourage market adoption of long-term innovation and sustain- ing and cooling—and will also the built world, the accounts for more than 40 per cent green buildings through spillover ability goals. The resulting invest- feature a green roof, a rainwater sector should be an area of total energy consumption. This is effects from the public sector into ment in new campus buildings recapture system, and numerous on par with other developed coun- the private market. will, hopefully, be driven by energy other leading-edge technical fea- of focus for Canadian ties in North America and Western The last two steps resemble effi ciency and sustainability. tures intended to limit the build- Europe, with such markets also re- the fi rst two, but now extending to This desired outcome is com- ing’s environmental footprint. governments as they try porting substantial greenhouse gas encouraging (step three) and requir- ing to fruition at ’s By fi nancially supporting to stem energy usage. emissions (40-plus per cent) and ing (step four) the private market to Schulich School of Business. The building projects that are en- electricity use (80-plus per cent) adhere to the desired change. The school is using its $15-million vironmentally sustainable, the associated with buildings. Given United Kingdom is preparing to SIF funding toward the $50-mil- Canadian federal government this sizeable usage and emission complete this fi nal step for building lion cost of expanding its envi- is underscoring its public policy footprint for the built world, the energy effi ciency in 2018, at which ronmentally sustainable campus commitment, while at the same sector should be an area of focus time owners will not be able to lease complex. When it opens in spring time helping to make such ambi- for Canadian governments as they or sell their buildings unless they 2018, the Rob and Cheryl McEw- tious structures possible. try to stem energy usage. achieve a minimum required level en Graduate Study and Research Avis Devine is an associate With respect to shaping the of energy effi ciency. This highly Building will stand as one of the professor with the Brookfi eld built world, governments can incite stringent and punitive approach most environmentally sustainable Centre in Real Estate & Infra- change using policy several ways, is new to energy effi ciency policy, and socially responsible academic structure at Schulich School of Avis Devine often progressing through four but the U.K. may be just the fi rst to buildings in North America. Business at York University. Infrastructure “steps.” They can encourage (step enact such legislation as countries The new building will include The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 23 Policy Briefi ng Natural Resources

assessments for the federal government. should be made by the government as they That authority should be established as a are elected and accountable. He added quasi-judicial tribunal empowered to un- consultation is important, but it should be Stakeholders worry dertake facilitation and dispute-resolution targeted to stakeholders, because not every- processes, said the report. one has informed opinions. Indigenous communities should be in- “How do you make participation ac- cluded in all stages of assessment, it recom- cessible but dedicated? It’s something that mended, and any authority designated an we’ve told the government,” Mr. Marchi said, environmental agent of the Crown must be accountable and noting the process should be improved, but fulfi ll the duty to consult and accommodate. sweeping changes do not need to be made. The government is still seeking feedback Mr. Marchi said there should also be and developing proposed policy changes, parametres on projects requiring assessment, assessment process said Kirstan Gagnon, director of commu- so the process does not become “unwieldy.” nications for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA). Ms. Gagnon Environmental advocates want said “the timing of these potential changes will be subject to Parliamentary and regula- sustainability could lead to cut tory processes.” Sources expect proposed Proposed changes should take a broad- changes to come out early in the new year. er approach to environmental impact, Mr. Day said, adding that a pipeline could Nuclear, electricity industries cause an oil spill, but the bigger environ- corners mental impact that is not addressed is how overall happy with current process burning fossil fuels causes climate change. The Environmental tone for the next few decades. Steve Coupland, director of regulatory “When we talk about environment and “It’s the question of whether we want to and environmental affairs at the Cana- development, our people think about even the Assessment Processes continue in the status quo,” he said. Mining- dian Nuclear Association, said the current smallest of insects,” he said. “Everything is in- Watch is a part of the Canadian Environmental process for nuclear environmental assess- cluded in that whole continuum of protection.” Review looks to restore Network, a coalition of environmental groups, ment is working well for his organization Mr. Kneen echoed Mr. Day, saying Min- and has been involved in the government’s because of the nuclear industry’s highly ingWatch is primarily concerned about public trust in assessments after overall environmental legislation review. specialized and technical nature. engagement and the overall framework in de- The Mining Associaton was busy lobbying “It’s a little different than other agencies, cision making. He found the review has gone the former Conservative on the issue over the summer, logging 49 com- so when an EA is done and it’s conducted unevenly, saying the expert review panel went government’s widely criticized munication reports in July and August. Mr. by the [Canadian Nuclear Safety Commis- “remarkably well,” but the internal government Gratton told The Hill Times in September that sion], it sort of seamlessly transitions into process responding to the report was prob- Environmental Assessment the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act their licensing procedures,” he said. lematic. The June 2017 government discussion review was the top subject of conversation Licenses are usually granted for fi ve or 10 paper lacked depth and detail, he said. Act was passed in 2012. during communications over the summer. years, being renewed for long term projects Mr. Kneen said the government is confl ict- An environmental assessment examines which ensures compliance. Mr. Coupland said ed between supporting environmental protec- possible environmental effects of a proposed there are also annual compliance reviews. tion and developing industry, noting Natural BY EMILY HAWS initiative, identifying potential adverse envi- The government proposed having joint Resources is close with industry, but Environ- ronmental effects, and proposing measures to reviews by the commission and the agency ment Canada is closer to advocacy groups. Industry associations and environmental mitigate them; as well as include a follow-up as in the past, but Mr. Coupland said the “I think there’s some internal differenc- groups are mostly backing the increased gov- program to verify how accurate the assessment expertise is within the commission. es [between departments] and one of [the] ernment collaboration recommended as part is and the effectiveness of the mitigation strat- The report also said the fi nal decision challenges has been to talk about some of of the new environmental assessment process, egy. The Environmental assessment processes on a project should be made by the quasi- these bigger issues,” he said. though some worry that cutting out the indi- review is expected to restore trust in the assess- judicial third party, but Mr. Marchi said it [email protected] vidual steps could lead to cutting corners. ment process while getting resources to market, Currently industry must often do separate according to the government. It was tasked to assessments for federal, provincial or territo- Environment Minister Catherine McKenna (Ot- rial, and aboriginal governments when look- tawa Centre, Ont.) in her mandate letter. ing to have a resource development project The review is one component of the approved. Pierre Gratton, president and CEO government’s larger review of environmental of the Mining Association of Canada, said the and regulatory processes launched in June different assessments are often repetitive. 2016. Other parts of this include looking at the “What matters to mining is not how acts governing ship navigation and fi sheries, long the federal EA takes, it’s how long it as well as modernizing the National Energy all takes,” he said, adding the assessments Board. The last environmental assessment take years. “I think that message has reso- processes review was in 2012, resulting in nated with the government.” the Conservative government creating a new An expert panel made the recommendation Environmental Assessment Act. The Liberal in a report commissioned as part of the federal government promised to review the processes environmental assessment process review to during the fall 2015 Throne Speech. ensure co-operation between governments The 2012 act was supposed to ensure where multiple assessments are required. It co-ordination between federal and provin- added that substitution may be possible, but the cial governments, promote communication highest assessment standards should apply. with Indigenous peoples, and make sure the The 2012 Environmental Assessment assessments are done in a timely manner. Act, implemented by the Harper govern- However, many condemned the legislation. ment, allowed for federal assessments to In August 2016, Ms. McKenna announced be substituted with provincial ones, said the establishment of the four-person Expert Mr. Gratton, but it was not widely used. Panel conducting the review, chaired by Sergio Marchi, president and CEO of the Johanne Gélinas. A multi-interest advisory Canadian Electricity Association, also said committee was established to provide advice he wants the assessment process to be more to the panel, and included the Canadian En- aligned, as does Jamie Kneen, communica- vironmental Network, the Assembly of First tions outreach co-ordinator of MiningWatch. Nations (AFN), and the Canadian Mining However, Mr. Kneen said he wants to ensure Association, among others in this story. this doesn’t allow industry to cut corners. The panel spoke to municipal and provin- Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day cial governments, as well as environmental of the Assembly of First Nations wants groups and industry associations. They to have an increased nation-to-nation travelled 21 cities, received over 500 online relationship with government for environ- submissions, and had over 1,000 participants mental assessment, saying co-drafting the at engagement sessions. In March 2017, the legislation would be the best approach. panel delivered the report to Ms. McKenna, “The discretion we would like to have in, say, with consultation on the report occurring co-drafting that legislation, that has been the throughout the summer and fall. challenge,” he said, adding the area of consulta- The fi nal report recommended a change tion saw some of the biggest cuts under the from “environmental impact” to “impact Harper government. Indigenous groups must assessment” so all positive and negative im- give free, prior, and informed consent to devel- pacts are taken into account; and that assess- opment on their territory under treaty rights. ments need to be transparent, inclusive, in- Overall, environmental and aboriginal formed, and meaningful. The processes must groups want to turn away from away ques- use the best scientifi c information available, tioning a project’s environmental impact, but incorporate Indigenous knowledge. instead focusing on sustainability. Most importantly, it noted one single Mr. Kneen said the review will set the authority should be mandated to conduct 24 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Natural Resources Policy Briefi ng Tackling market distortions key to ending clean-tech growing pains, says industry

BY JOLSON LIM lenges related to the natural resources. It Clean Energy Canada, told The Hill Times considered clean-tech adoption in industrial that with new technology, there’s no guar- Better access to capital and markets are processes in the sector to be low, however. antee it’s innovative or cutting-edge, so busi- needed to accelerate clean technology adop- The Liberal government has made nesses and investors have to place big bets tion and production in the natural resources clean-tech growth a pillar of its climate on a product or service that it won’t become sector, which Ottawa recently noted has change strategy, and is doubling down that obsolete too quickly and become a bust. the industry—which includes core compa- Ms. Petrevan added that sometimes Natural Resources Canada, led by Minister Jim lagged behind other economic sectors in Carr, found more than two-thirds of Canadian adopting low-carbon technologies, say nies and businesses in traditional sectors government subsidies can be problematic that have made investments in low-carbon by creating potential trading problems clean-tech companies were focused on the natural industry groups and policy experts. resources sector. The Hill Times fi le photograph None of the natural resources sector projects—can become a global threat. across different jurisdictions. She said the The Hill Times In the 2017 budget, Ottawa earmarked up best long-term solution would be “policies stakeholders that spoke to Another way government can drive expressed a strong desire for more dollars to to $2-billion in funds for programs that can that help companies engage and mature go towards clean-tech projects and another fi nancial practices such as loans.” demand is by buying the clean-tech itself, fl ow from the federal government through its said Mr. Larocque. He said since the various subsidy programs, which received a $1.4-billion in available fi nancing through the Business Development Bank of Canada and federal government is a major buyer of hefty boost in the 2017 budget. ‘Green’ procurement can goods and services and currently trying to Rather, they listed a need for loans with rea- Export Development Canada. The money is meant for “de-risking” clean-tech projects for address market-access concerns green-up its departments and agencies, it sonable interest rates and market-specifi c con- can build demand for its products. cerns holding them back from greater clean- businesses, particular for small- and medium- on commercialization side sized enterprises with small capital margins. He noted that Canada’s forestry industry tech adoption and production at all stages of Besides early-stage research and de- has emerged as a producer of wood-based the development process, such as poor links EDC announced on Nov. 27 it was dou- bling support for the country’s clean-tech velopment concerns, commercialization of biofuels and materials used for buildings. with investors for early-stage research and clean-tech can also hit a wall without enough He said those are two areas where the gov- development, which are needed to help fi nance exporters, providing $2-billion in fi nancing within three years. The international market demand for such products. As previously re- ernment can purchase from industry. expensive and often risky clean-tech projects. ported by The Hill Times, biojet fuel produc- “Making the products in our facilities is “It’s an emerging industry. The mar- for clean-tech and anti-pollution technology is expected to grow from $1-trillion now to tion in Canada is currently non-existent, but something we’ve been successful in the last kets are still emerging,” said Céline Bak, the clean fuel standard, set to come out next fi ve years, but deploying across the market president of Analytica Advisors, a leading $2.5-trillion in 2020. Analytica Advisors released a report a year after delay, may require the aviation has been very diffi cult and that’s where the consulting fi rm for the clean-tech sector. sector to blend fuel in the future. The Hill Times month after the budget was released that government can help,” Mr. Larocque said. Ms. Bak told that a safe “We can make jet fuel but making sure Ms. Petrevan said the spin-off effect of gov- business model is often not there for natural found Canada’s clean-tech industry was “on the ropes” because many companies struggled Air Canada and WestJet accepts it, takes ernment procurement is increased availability resources companies to produce or adopt time,” Robert Larocque, senior vice-pres- of clean-tech products, since industry can keep clean-tech, because of the high-risk and to obtain loans with acceptable interest rates, while many clean-tech business lines, on aver- ident of Forest Products Association of the technology after government has paid to capital-intensive investment period to get Canada, told The Hill Times. develop and buy it. Currently, government pro- from early-stage R&D to commercializa- age, have not been profi table since 2011. “We’re still dealing with these threshold Ms. Petrevan said without regulatory curement is valued at $16-billion, equivalent to tion—innovation’s so-called “valley of death,” need to have something cleaner, commodity- about 1o per cent of Canada’s GDP. as many in business have called it. costing realities,” said Brendan Marshall, vice-president of economic and north- based companies just want to sell their The House of Commons Natural Re- She noted that the commodity-driven product and not worry about cutting carbon sources Committee published a report in June sector goes through “cyclical periods of ern affairs at the Mining Association of Canada. “These technologies are expensive. emissions unless prompted by its customers. on reducing the risk of adopting clean-tech price changes, making it tough to invest in To overcome this, at least in theory, gov- within the natural resources industry, describ- innovation when companies are restructur- They’re not a one size fi ts all.” The Hill Times ernment regulations can drive demand by ing procurement as a “powerful policy tool.” It ing.” She said the oil and gas industry is Mr. Marshall told that adopt- ing clean-tech in certain projects is constrained instituting policies that will push companies recommended using it to stimulate clean sec- facing the problem as it recovers from oil to implement low-carbon technologies into tor growth, especially for small- and medium- prices declining several years ago. by the short life-expectancy of many mines, making it hard to put forward the cash to its practices. They can do so either by devel- sized enterprises. It was also endorsed in the Ottawa is examining the application of oping it in-house or purchasing technolo- pan-Canadian framework on climate change. clean-tech in the natural resources sector, adopt cleaner-tech practices. He noted that the wind turbines and power storage technology gies from producers. Ms. Petrevan said “all the pieces do need to with Natural Resources Canada currently Ms. Bak said companies that are already come together,”—funding support programs, a developing a clean-tech strategy. A 2016 at Glencore’s Raglan nickel mine in Nunavik, Que., had to be jointly funded or else it would developing clean-tech goods and services clean fuel standard, and green procurement— discussion paper noted that more than two- without anti-pollution policies to support in order for clean tech to really take off. thirds of Canadian companies involved in not have been economically viable. [email protected] Sarah Petrevan, senior policy adviser for demand, often face a “value proposition that clean-tech are focused on addressing chal- is still not an economic value proposition.” The Hill Times *HUHKH»ZÄZOLYPLZOHY]LZ[Z\Z[HPUHIS` supplying high quality products to plates around the world

www.fisheriescouncil.com • @FishCan_FCC TEXTILES

BIO-ENERGY BIO-FUELS

FOOD ADDITIVES

BIO-CHEMICALS PULP + PAPER

BIO-PRODUCTS

BIO-PLASTICS

SOLID WOOD

CANADA’S FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY: INNOVATION IS IN OUR NATURE

The sector is investing in world-leading forest management practices, introducing new technologies in its mills and plants and focusing on growing global markets. LEARN MORE: FPAC.CA/FOREST-INDUSTRY-INNOVATION

FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA @FPAC_APFC • /FPAC.APFC 26 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES News Veterans Department leaves veterans in ‘fi nancial limbo,’ behind on half its targets

Veterans Conservative veterans critic Phil Veterans Aff airs Affairs, led by McColeman (Brantford-Brant, Ont.) missed 54 per cent of Minister Seamus noted the common thread in the re- O’Regan, fi led sponses to questions from The Hill its targets last year, 54 per cent of Times, and in public explanations its performance on the performance, is the depart- which opposition targets as ment doesn’t have the resources. requiring That may be true, he said, MPs called both attention, noting “these cases are not easy according to deal with, but you’ve got to set ‘breathtaking’ and to its latest up systems… The reality is if you ‘horrible.’ More departmental historically look back at service performance levels, they’ve never been at the resources are needed, report. The Hill highest standards.” Times photograph critics agreed, but the by Andrew Meade Department culture culture also has to shows delays are a change. systemic problem: Conservative critic Continued from page 1 Department culture continu- ously fails to be veterans-centric noting the number of veterans and offer good customer support, claiming disability benefi ts has in- Mr. McColeman said. creased by more than 20 per cent “This has been a constant over the last two years. theme over a long period of time,” He said the average turn- he said, adding it was true when around time on fi rst applications Conservatives were in power and is 106 days, for reassessment it’s it’s not about “pointing the fi nger” 71 days and for a departmental at any particular government. review the average is 85 days. The data verifi es that even as One veteran waited 1,007 days for the government says it’s serving a decision, due to “extensive time veterans, “we’re falling down in required” to assemble the docu- doing that” said Mr. McColeman, ments in what Mr. Lescoutre said echoing Ms. Mathyssen’s frustra- was a “unique” circumstance. tion that offi cials and politicians Veterans Affairs Minister who testify before the House Seamus O’Regan (St. John’s Committee on Veterans Affairs South-Mount Pearl, N.L.) did not come with an attitude that things respond to a request for comment are under control and they’re do- by deadline. ing everything they can. Veterans ombudsman Guy “It’s diffi cult to articulate Parent’s 2016-17 annual report, where the breakdown is… but which was released Nov. 20, noted there’s breakdown in the system accessing the Disability Award that continuously pops up,” he and pension were the most said, adding the performance is common issues veterans faced. “horrible.” Previous reports by The Canadian “It’s terrible that we’re in that Press and Globe and Mail made situation.” clear injured Canadian Forces The “breathtaking” numbers veterans face long waits on for unmet targets present a far decisions, but these latest results different image than the “incred- show slow departmental response ibly rosy picture” Ms. Mathyssen affects a host of programs, includ- said government and the depart- ing long-term care, career train- ment paint. ing and more. The departmental perfor- Long-term care mance report also showed veter- ans who suffered critical injuries ‘downloaded’ onto were likely to wait longer than 12 provinces: NDP critic weeks for benefi ts. It’s the same NDP veterans affairs critic and deputy whip Irene Mathyssen. Conservative veterans affairs critic Phil McColeman, More than half of veterans with those who were permanently The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade pictured in 2015. The Hill Times fi le photgraph looking for long-term care place- impaired in duty, affecting their ments face delays in what the chance at employment; only 31 processed within four weeks, The Between September 2009 and government said is indicative of per cent of those decisions are Conservative-era Canadian Press reported, drop- September 2015 the department waits common with many provin- within three months. staffi ng cuts still hurting ping from 86 per cent completed lost 23 per cent of its staff, or more cial health authorities. “These are severely injured in 2014-15. than 950 positions, according to It said the 45 per cent per- people and they’re meeting response time: VAC The multitude of programs Treasury Board of Canada data. formance marker on meeting a their targets 31 per cent of the Offi cials blamed delays on creates a “layering” effect, Ms. Ma- The bulk of those reductions 10-week decision isn’t appropri- time? Not acceptable,” said Ms. “confl icting priorities” among thyssen said, confusing veterans came after 2011, when the Harper ate since provincial decisions Mathyssen. staff who were expected to re- during applications and dividing government launched its Defi cit are “beyond the control” of the And, only 31 per cent of its spond to a number of programs. staff responsibilities, ultimately Reduction Action Plan, cutting department. Rather, they’d like eligibility decisions for career They also juggled larger work- slowing response rates. the public service overall. Be- reporting to take into account the transition services were made loads with more applications in The department told The Hill cause of Budget 2016, the depart- date that the department deter- within the specifi ed four weeks. several programs, especially fol- Times it faced a 32 per cent in- ment hired more than 420 new mined that a veteran was eligible It took double the time, or 9.6 lowing the Liberal government’s crease over the past two years in staff, it confi rmed in July. for fi nancial support and later, the weeks, to meet that 80 per cent October 2016 decision to increase the number of claims that needed Even so, the Liberals have date a veteran is admitted. marker. the Earnings Loss Benefi t from 75 adjudication. While it’s hired 50 failed to reverse the impact of That rationale “downloads” the “Now that the surge in other per cent to 90 per cent. That pro- adjudicators since 2015 to ad- Conservative cuts, said Ms. Ma- responsibility onto provinces, Ms. fi nancial benefi ts has lessened, gram change was compounded by dress the backlog, “these resourc- thyssen, who argued more staff Mathyssen said. we have allocated staff back to a 93-per-cent increase in applica- es weren’t enough to overcome and training are needed to address “A veteran serves the nation. A this benefi t and will be achiev- tions for CAF Long Term Disabil- the higher than planned uptake in the performance gaps. veteran is a responsibility of the ing the 80 per cent standard by ity compared to the previous year. applications,” Mr. Lescoutre said. “Hiring the human beings to nation.” end of calendar year,” said Mr. Only 67 per cent of appli- “That still leaves a shortfall,” deal with the human beings is [email protected] Lescoutre. cations for that benefi t were said Ms. Mathyssen. absolutely key.” The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 27 Senate expenses News

tor general Michael Ferguson, 30 Senators claimed about $1-million in expenses that fell outside of the rules between 2011 and 2013. She said she believes “that the rules need to be followed” but that she has “a different interpretation” of them. “I believe the rules allow Senators a right of return to their home, and that we’re grown-ups. And to make a decision about care that’s needed and to be able to combine as much as possible in a relatively short time that we’re home is legitimate,” she said. Having the discussion about spending in public instead of at the subcommittee level, is an important weapon against the “troubles that were referred to,” she added.

Senate moving towards greater transparency: Sen. McCoy The Internal Economy Commit- Independent Senator Elaine McCoy, pictured right tee began holding its meetings in with Government Senate Representative Peter public a few years ago. In addition Harder, says the expense dispute resolution process to appealing an expense-claim de- could be tightened up. The Hill Times fi le photograph cision to the committee as a whole, Senators can also take the matter up with the Senate as an entire body. There is also an independent arbitrator, former Supreme Court justice Ian Binnie, who is available to hear disputes over expenses. Independent Senator Elaine McCoy (Alberta) said she doesn’t Bring Senate expense-claim think the expense dispute resolu- tion process is set up as smoothly as it should be. She said it puts the Senate disputes out of ‘arbitrary,’ ‘secretive’ administration in the awkward position of having to fi rst be judge and then prosecutor when the matter goes in front of the steering meetings: Sen. McPhedran committee. And kicking expense claims up—“all things considered, it’s a very small matter”—to the The Senator wants ing goal is to move decision- and Independent Senator Larry ‘We need to end this,’ whole Senate or the arbitrator is “a making about Senators’ expen- Campbell (British Columbia) as bit like going to the Supreme Court all consideration of ditures into public,” she said. “So, a non-voting member—a second says Tory Senator of Canada over traffi c ticket.” regardless of the particular issue time, this time informing the In a statement issued after the An arm’s-length third party travel claims to be or the particular claim, the reason group that she had also used the meeting, Sen. Campbell and Con- could be built in after the staff I continue to appeal is to move it trip to her home province to meet servative Senator stage to move decisions along done in the open, but from a small, secretive group of with a medical professional as (Saskatchewan), chair and deputy faster, and still allow for appeal- Senators into an open, televised, part of an ongoing dental surgery chair of the Internal Economy Com- ing to committee, she suggested. critics say appealing decision-making process.” regime, which she had scheduled mittee, respectively, thanked Sen. But overall, things are moving rejected claims casts According to documents tabled to coincide with the speaking McPhedran for her presentation. towards even greater transpar- with the Internal Economy Com- engagement. “The public process we have ency, Sen. McCoy noted, citing a shadow over the mittee, Sen. McPhedran’s claim “It is my understanding that undertaken on this matter is a the proposed Audit and Oversight for $1,939.14 in airfare, taxi, and I am entitled to request that my notable hallmark of the Senate’s Committee, whose work would be Upper Chamber’s hotel costs was denied because the travel costs for essential personal commitment to ensure transpar- conducted in public. Manitoba Youth Parliament event health-care appointments in my ency, effi ciency, and account- The Internal Economy Com- already tarnished was a fundraiser for the organiza- home province be reimbursed,” ability in all our operations,” the mittee has also issued a new expense-related tion. Under the Senate’s travel she wrote in an Aug. 17 letter to statement said. directive related to international policy in effect at the time of the the subcommittee. But not everyone was pleased travel. According to a Dec. 8 reputation. trip, expenses incurred for “speak- Sen. McPhedran told The Hill with Sen. McPhedran’s efforts. memo sent to Senators, anyone ing engagements or attendance at Times when she was invited to During the Dec. 7 meeting, wishing to conduct Senate busi- fundraising events other than those add additional information in Conservative Senator Claude ness at an international desti- Continued from page 1 organized by the Senate” were not her appeal, she went back over Carignan (Mille Isles, Que.) point- nation other than New York or eligible for reimbursement. her calendar to recall what else ed to the battering the Senate Washington, D.C., which is not Sen. McPhedran said when she did that day, and if there was has experienced over the years currently eligible for reimburse- decision-making in the Sen- planning the trip, she relied on an anything that fell in the travel on expense scandals and said the ment, must make their case at a ate and, in particular, with this experienced staff member—who guidelines. Upper Chamber has changed. public committee meeting. internal economy process,” Sen. no longer works for the Senate— During her Dec. 7 appearance He said, in French, that these The Hill Times Both Sen. McCoy and Sen. McPhedran told who gave her the OK to accept in front of the Internal Economy types of requests damage the McPhedran, who will be ap- following the meeting, where her the invitation. Committee—where two members Senate’s reputation. pearing in front of the Internal claim for a May 4 trip to Win- In her fi rst appeal to the of the Manitoba Youth Parliament “This request has been denied Economy Committee again on nipeg where she was a keynote subcommittee, Sen. McPhedran also appeared via videoconfer- from the beginning, and now peo- Dec. 14 as part of a separate speaker at an event for the Mani- argued in a June 20 letter that ence to speak about their May 4 ple are trying to have it accepted. travel-expense claim appeal relat- toba Youth Parliament was again fundraising wasn’t the main event and their organization— It needs to be rejected and have ing to international travel, said denied for a fourth and fi nal time purpose of the event, but rather Sen. McPhedran said it wasn’t a clear message that it’s over. It’s this is a positive step forward. by the committee as a whole. to “facilitate the engagement of the committee’s job, nor was 2017,” Sen. Carignan said. “We “We need to acknowledge that Sen. McPhedran said her con- youth with Canadian politics and it appropriate for it determine went through a spending scandal we live in a world where we are cern was “structural,” and that the governance in non-partisan and what gets priority when Senators that damaged the Senate’s reputa- global citizens,” Sen. McPhedran only way to “move to transparent multi-partisan ways.” return home. tion. There are people who seem said. “And parliamentary responsi- decision-making” was to keep ap- After her appeal was denied “The committee disagreed to not have...understood that bilities and parliamentary functions pealing the decision—fi rst made by in July, Sen. McPhedran appealed with me and they’re fully entitled because they didn’t experience as a Senator, as well as a Member the Upper Chamber’s fi nance and to the Agenda and Procedure to do so, and I respect the deci- it. We need to have a clear mes- of Parliament, have, of necessity, procurement directorate on June 1— Subcommittee—which consisted sion they made in the appeal,” she sage—we need to end this.” international dimensions. And those until it could be heard in the open. of Conservative Senator Leo said. “And I reached my goal of Sen. McPhedran was appointed international dimensions go well “Every appeal that I have Housakas (Wellington, Que.), having that entire conversation to the Senate last year so she beyond Washington and New York.” made or will make has the same Conservative Senator held in public and the decision wasn’t a Senator when, according [email protected] overarching goal—that overarch- (Newfoundland and Labrador), being made in public.” to a 2015 examination by audi- The Hill Times 28 THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 CLASSIFIEDS Information and Advertisement Placement: 613-688-8822 • classifi [email protected]

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE CONDOS FOR RENT EMPLOYMENT ARTICLES FOR SALE $950,000 490 COOPER ST, BYRON AVE FIREARMS WANTED FOR YOU HAVE A PROPERTY OTTAWA K1R 5H9 MEDICAL DECEMBER 9TH This sophisticated downtown resi- TRANSCRIPTION! FIREARMS WANTED FOR dence provides old world elegance DECEMBER 9th, 2017 with modern luxury. Highlights In-demand career! Employers LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: TO RENT OR SELL? include a large chef's kitchen, have work-at-home positions Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, chic bathrooms, pella windows, available. Get online training Militaria. Auction or hardwood flooring, high efficiency you need from an employer- Purchase: Collections, HVAC, updated electrical, copper trusted program. Visit: Estates, Individual items. plumbing, 2 gas fireplaces, rear CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855- Contact Paul, Switzer's addition, and new roof. This is 768-3362 to start training Auction: Toll-Free 1-800- one of the largest homes in the Fully furnished luxury 1 bed/ 1 for your work-at-home career 694-2609, info@switzer- area featuring 3 full levels with 5 bath condo located in Westboro today! sauction.com or www.swit- bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 stair- with 270 ft terrace. Insuite zersauction.com. cases, many period mouldings, and laundry,underground parking, FINANCIAL SERVICES a deep private lot. This is a very steps to restaurants, shopping, SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $4,397 rare and special house, call today! transit. Seven months with LOWER YOUR MONTHLY Shane Lanigan, Broker. Your Choice option to extend.$2100/m. PAYMENTS AND MAKE MONEY & SAVE Realty 613-882-1221 Contact 613-729-9090 CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT MONEY with your own 418 PRIVATE [email protected] NOW! bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES CONDOS FOR SALE to ship. FREE Info & DVD: Debt Consolidation www.NorwoodSawmills. Refinancing, Renovations MINUTES FROM com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Tax Arrears, No CMHC Fees DOWNTOWN. Ext:400OT. $50K YOU PAY: $208.33 2BR Apt condo for sale. / MONTH (OAC)No Income, WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO Panoramic views of Gatineau Bad Credit Power of Sale EQUIPMENT Hills & Parliament from 19th Stopped!!!BETTER OPTION 40 years or older. Amplifiers, floor 613-889-4303 https:// MORTGAGEFOR MORE Stereo, Recording and Theatre comfree.com/on/ottawa-and-sur- INFORMATION CALL TODAY rounding-area/ottawa/condo-for- Sound Equipment. Hammond 418 PRIVATE $578,900 - Exquisitely TOLL-FREE:1-800-282- Organs, any condition. sale/hab-1908-515-st-laurent- 1169www.mortgageontario. upgraded, 3 bdrm, 3 bath end unit boulevard-751640#. CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947- Let The Hill Times with finished basement. Minutes to com(Licence # 10969) 1st 0393/519-853-2157. downtown. Dwight Delahunt, Sales TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT & 2nd MORTGAGES from STEEL BUILDING SALE Representative Remax Affiliates 2.25% 5 year VRM and Classifieds Help You Realty 613-837-0000 2.84% 5 year FIXED. All "BLOWOUT SALE!" 20X23 277 AVRO CIRCLE $5,998. 25X27 $6,839. 205 BOLTON ST Credit Types Considered. Let us help you SAVE thou- 30X33 $8,984. One End sands on the right mortgage! Wall Included. Bonus Drill/ Call now and take advantage Purchasing, Re-financing, Impact Driver Combo Kit eaders turn to our real estate classifieds Debt Consolidation, Included. Check Out www. because our classifieds are focused and of our limited time offer: Construction, Home pioneersteel.ca for more R Renovations... CALL 1-800- prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855- cater to the higher end of the market. 225-1777, www.homeguard- 212-7036 funding.ca(LIC #10409). Our readers are among the top earners in $$ CONSOLIDATE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES the city your ad will reach potential customers YOUR DEBT $$ Brand new luxury townhome GET UP TO $50,000 who are considering purchasing high-end real $ 205 BOLTON ST #207 $479,900 TAP INTO HOME EQUITY! in Wateridge Village! Near With home values sky- GET UP TO $50,000 from the estate. - 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus den. to downtown. Three beds, 3 Government of Canada. Do Walk to everything: Byward rocketing, take advan- baths, fireplace, basement fin- tage and pay down other you or someone you know Agents, developers, individual sellers market, Parliament and DFAIT. ished, security system, energy Have any of these Conditions? * Dwight Delahunt, Sales saving. $2600 plus utilities. high interest debt.HOME and renters get results with The Hill Times 99 EQUITY LOANS FOR ANY ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, For 6 Weeks Representative Remax Affiliates 613-852-9866 Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Realty 613-837-0000 PURPOSE!! Bank turn because of the unparalleled access to the highly downs, Tax or Mortgage Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty *Offer includes photograph 22 CEDAR RD APARTMENTS FOR RENT arrears, Self Employed, Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable mobile professionals who are our readers. and 25 Word ad CENTERTOWN – Bad Credit, Bankruptcy. Bowels, Overweight, Trouble MCLEOD STREET Creative Mortgage Dressing...and Hundreds more. Specialists! No proof of ALL Ages & Medical Conditions income 1st, 2nd, and 3rd’s Qualify. CALL ONTARIO Call Chris 613-688-8822 or email [email protected] Up to 85% Borrow: Pay BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 Monthly: $25,000 $105.40 $50,000 $237.11 $100,000 PERSONALS $474.21LARGER AMOUNTS AND COMMERCIAL FUNDS TIRED OF MEETING PERSON AVAILABLE !!Decrease AFTER PERSON? monthly payments up 22 Cedar Rd. This 5 bdrm, 2 bath to 75%!! Based on 3% TIRED OF MEETING person after home on a mature treed lot with APR. OAC1-888-307- person who isn't right for you? severance potential, sits high & Impeccable 2 bedroom – fully 7799ONTARIO-WIDE MISTY RIVER INTRODUCTIONS Estately surrounded by million gives you ALL the information, dollar homes.$1,399,000 furnished – tastefully decorated. FINANCIAL 1801347inc View unit 4 at mcleodapart- FSCO Licence #12456 www. PLUS a photo of your prospective STATE OF THE ART OFF GRID ments.wordpress.com.$2100 per ontario-widefinancial.com matches. FREE CONSULTATION HOUSE IN WAKEFIELD month 613-232-7939. !! LET US HELP !! CALL 613-257-3531, www. http://duproprio.com/coun- mistyriverintros.com. try-home-for-sale-wakefield- quebec-en-704748 EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT PROPERTY RENTALS TARGETED. EDUCATED. CONNECTED. FRENCH SPEAKING TRAINING REACHING QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS IN Do you need help with your pronunciation, vocabulary and GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, PUBLIC AFFAIRS, grammar? Do you need to boost your confidence in French? WELCOME TO RENT IN OTTAWA POLICY, AND COMMUNICATIONS. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT I am a coach and a PhD in French language and literature with extensive Focusing solely on rental manage- ment, we are able to provide both experience working with Federal Government employees, embassies and homeowners and tenants with a level of personalised and professional companies. I offer you the best way to build up your speaking confidence. service unmatched by larger firms. In a short period of time, you will be impressed by your progress. Call us at 613-612-RENT (7368) PROPERTY RENTALS   ‹UZV\TH`H'OV[THPSJVT #17 – 12 CLARENCE STREET Have a house to rent or sell? Items or products to sell? Advertise them in The Hill Times' CONTACT Spacious penthouse in small secure elegant building. Two beds, two Classified section. baths, study, solarium, fireplace, [email protected] hardwood floors. Eighty-foot terrace overlooks Jeanne d’Arc Courtyard. 613-232-5952 ext. 243 $3000 plus utilities. 613-745-0134. FOR INFO, CALL OR EMAIL: [email protected] • 613-688-8822 THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 29

company with its headquarters in Mr. Farrow previously also Its website describes it as a London, U.K. spent time working as a special grassroots, non-partisan organi- Before joining PwC in the fall assistant for policy to then-ab- zation funded through donations hill climbers of 2015, he was a tax associate original affairs minister Bernard and aimed at “raising awareness with Baker McKenzie LLP. Mr. Valcourt under the previous on the high cost of milk and dairy by Laura Ryckewaert Gulamhussein has a background Conservative government, among products in Canada,” and at “tear- in law, having studied at McGill other past roles. ing down the sky-high border tax University, and is a former sum- In Mr. O’Toole’s Hill offi ce, Mr. on milk and reducing basic food mer student and later articling Farrow joins the MP’s parliamen- costs for all Canadians.” student at McCarthy Tetrault. tary assistant, Tausha Michaud, An emailed interview re- Environment Other staffers working on and another member’s assistant, quest went unanswered by fi ling policy in the minister’s offi ce Mary Ellen Cotter, as indicated deadline, but the fi rst post on the include: Caroline Séguin, director by the government’s electronic group’s Facebook page, encourag- of policy; Kelly Wilhelm, senior directory service. ing people to sign up “to end sky- Minister McKenna policy adviser; Nathaniel Mul- A number of communica- high milk prices,” is from Oct. 11. lin, policy adviser and assistant tions staff remain to support the Mr. Gairdner has been busy to the parliamentary secretary; Conservative leader and caucus advocating for an end to dairy Mehalan Garoonanedhi, policy at the research bureau, led by supply-management this fall, adviser and assistant to the par- director of media relations and is- including penning an opinion plucks new D. The Globe and Mail liamentary secretary; Jonathan sues management Jake Enwright. piece for Kalles, policy adviser and Quebec There’s: Kelsie Corey, senior titled “Why is Canada letting regional affairs offi cer; Michel communications offi cer; Steven dairy farmers imperil NAFTA?” Breau, special assistant for policy; van Groningen, senior strategic published Nov. 26. Comms from Staci Ahonen, policy adviser; and communications adviser; Mat- A former political staffer Soraya Martinez, senior adviser. thew Conway, communications under ’s Conser- Leslie Church is chief of staff adviser; and Josie Sabatino, com- vative government, Mr. Gairdner to Ms. Joly. munications adviser. was campaign manager to Mr. think-tank Martin Bélanger is director of Bernier during the Conservative caucus services, research, and ad- leadership race, which culmi- Environment ministration, and a senior Quebec nated on May 27 with the election Minister Conservative staff er adviser to the leader, while David of Mr. Scheer. Catherine McArthur is Mr. Scheer’s chief Mr. Bernier’s pledge to end McKenna’s got a exits central team for of staff, aided by Marc-André supply management in Canada new director of MP’s offi ce Leclerc as deputy chief of staff. was a controversial one, and communications, while it may have won him sup- Julia Kilpatrick. port from some sectors, going The Hill Times Communications officer Anthony Farrow has exited up against the powerful dairy photograph by lobby is ultimately thought to Andrew Meade the Conservative research Former Bernier bureau, which works in close have helped tip the scales against coordination with staff in campaign manager him—including in his own riding Conservative leader Andrew now head of of Beauce, Que. Scheer’s office as official Mr. Gairdner previously spent opposition leader. Aff ordable Milk roughly seven years as chief Mr. Farrow marked his last of staff to then-Conservative day working with central Con- Canada agriculture minister Gerry Ritz, nvironment and Climate Bardish Chagger. servative staff on the Hill roughly starting in 2008, and before that EChange Minister Catherine Ms. Workman had previously one month ago, and is now a Conservative MP Maxime was chief of staff to Mr. Bernier McKenna has bolstered her com- added on the role to her other du- member’s assistant to Conserva- Bernier made ending support as foreign affairs minister. He munications team, hiring Julia ties as director of issues manage- tive MP Erin O’Toole, who repre- for Canada’s supply-managed started off on the Hill as an aide Kilpatrick to serve as her director ment to Ms. McKenna last sum- sents Durham, Ont. sectors—including dairy, poultry, to then-Canadian Alliance MP, of communications as of Dec. 1. mer after former communications He fi rst joined the Conserva- and eggs—a central plank in his and now Conservative, Deepak Before then, Ms. Kilpatrick director Frédérique Tsai-Klassen tive caucus’ research offi ce—also recent Conservative leadership Obhrai, and amongst other was communications director for left the offi ce, and the Hill, at the known as the Conservative campaign. With the race fi nished, past roles has also been chief Clean Energy Canada, a think- end of June. resource group—as an ethnic and Mr. Bernier coming a close of staff to then-Conservative tank under Simon Fraser Univer- Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers is outreach and communications as- second, his former leadership national defence minister Gordon campaign director, Aaron Gaird- O’Connor. sity’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for press secretary to Ms. McKenna, sistant under interim leader Rona [email protected] ner, has become executive direc- Dialogue that focuses on “work to while Jocelyne Lubczuk and Ambrose roughly a year and a The Hill Times accelerate our nation’s transition David Geselbracht are special as- half ago. tor of Affordable Milk Canada. to clean and renewable energy sistants for communications. systems,” as described on its Marlo Raynolds is the minis- website. ter’s chief of staff. He is a former She started with Clean Energy executive director of the Pem- Cabinet communications and chiefs of staff list: 2017 Canada in early fall 2015, and be- bina Institute, having overlapped Minister Portfolio Chief of Staff D. Comms Press Secretary Main Office Telephone fore that had worked some of his time there with Ms. Trudeau, Justin Prime Minister, Intergovernmental Affairs, Youth Katie Telford Kate Purchase Eleanore Catenaro, Chantal Gagnon 613-957-5555 for the Pembina Kilpatrick. Bains, Navdeep Innovation, Science and Economic Development Gianluca Cairo Mallory Clyne Karl W. Sasseville 343-291-2500 Bennett, Carolyn Crown-Indigenous Relations Rick Theis James Fitz-Morris Sabrina Williams 819-997-0002 Institute since Bibeau, Marie-Claude International Development Geoffroi Montpetit Louis Bélanger Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux 343-203-6238 2009, ending as and La Francophonie communica- Brison, Scott Treasury Board Adam Carroll Bruce Cheadle Jean-Luc Ferland 613-369-3170 tions director. Heritage Minister Carr, Jim Natural Resources Zoë Caron Laurel Munroe Alexandre Deslongchamps 343-292-6837 Pembina says Champagne, Francois-Philippe International Trade Julian Ovens Joe Pickerill Pierre-Olivier Herbert 343-203-7332 Joly hires senior Chagger, Bardish Small Business and Tourism Caitlin Workman Jonathan Dignan - 343-291-2700 it helps provide House Leader Rheal Lewis Mark Kennedy Sabrina Atwal 613-995-2727 research and policy adviser Duclos, Jean-Yves Families, Children and Social Development Olivier Duchesneau Mathieu Filion Emilie Gauduchon 819-654-5546 analysis on Duncan, Kirsty Science Anne Dawson Michael Bhardwaj Ann Marie Paquet 343-291-2600 policy and Canadian Heritage Minister Freeland, Chrystia Foreign Affairs Jeremy Broadhurst Alexander Lawrence Adam Austen 343-203-1851 practices Mélanie Joly, who’s also the Garneau, Marc Transport Jean-Philippe Arseneau Marc Roy Delphine Denis 613-991-0700 Goodale, Ralph Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Marci Surkes Dan Brien Scott Bardsley 613-991-2924 related minister responsible for offi cial Gould, Karina Democratic Institutions Rob Jamieson Jordan Owens Byrne Furlong 613-943-1838 to en- languages, has a new senior Hajdu, Patty Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Matthew Mitschke Carlene Variyan Matt Pascuzzo 819-654-5611 Julia Kilpatrick is now ergy. policy adviser. Hehr, Kent Sports and Persons with Disabilities (acting) Jude Welch Jane Almeida Annabelle St-Pierre Archambault 819-934-1122 working for the environment Ms. Faizel Gulamhussein marked Hussen, Ahmed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ali Salam Hursh Jaswal** - 613-954-1064 minister. Photograph Kilpat- his fi rst day as a senior policy Joly, Mélanie Canadian Heritage Leslie Church Emilie Simard Simon Ross 819-997-7788 courtesy of Twitter rick also adviser in Ms. Joly’s offi ce on LeBlanc, Dominic Fisheries, Oceans & Coast Guard Vince MacNeil Kevin Lavigne Laura Gareau 613-992-3474 Lebouthillier, Diane National Revenue Josée Guilmette Bernard Boutin John Power 613-995-2960 has a Dec. 4. He’ll be cover- MacAulay, Lawrence Agriculture and Agri-Food Mary Jean McFall Guy Gallant Oliver Anderson*** 613-773-1059 background in journalism, having ing policy related to McKenna, Catherine Environment and Climate Change Marlo Raynolds - Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers 819-938-3813 previously spent time as a city re- Canadian content Monsef, Maryam Status of Women Dara Lithwick Philippe Charlebois Célia Canon 819-997-2494 porter for The Montreal Gazette and copyright Morneau, Bill Finance Richard Maksymetz Daniel Lauzon Chloe Luciani-Girouard 613-369-5696 and as a reporter and associate matters. O’Regan, Seamus Veterans Affairs, Associate Defence Cyndi Jenkins John Embury Alex Wellstead 613-996-4649 Petitpas Taylor, Ginette Health Geneviève Hinse Yves Comeau Thierry Bélair 613-957-0200 producer for CBC Radio, along Mr. Gulam- Philpott, Jane Indigenous Services John Brodhead -Micol Zarb Andrew MacKendrick 613-957-0200 with past freelance work. She hussein is a Qualtrough, Carla Public Services and Procurement Matt Stickney Christine Michaud Ashley Michnowski 819-997-5421 studied an undergrad in English former manager Sajjan, Harjit National Defence Zita Astravas Renée Filiatrault Byrne Furlong 613-996-3100 literature and environmental with the interna- Sohi, Amarjeet Infrastructure and Communities (acting) Mike Burton Kate Monfette Brook Simpson 613-949-1759 studies at the University of Ot- tional tax group Wilson-Raybould, Jody Justice Lea MacKenzie David Taylor Kathleen Davis* 613-992-4621 *Parliamentary affairs and communications adviser. tawa, and a master’s of journal- at Pricewa- ** communications manager ism at Carleton University. terhouseC- Prime Minister’s Press Office: 613-957-5555 Ms. McKenna has been with- oopers in out a communications director Faizel Gulamhussein Toronto, a Kate Purchase, director of communications since Caitlin Workman left the has joined the multination- Andrée-Lyne Hallé, deputy director of communications minister’s offi ce in October to heritage minister’s al audit and Cameron Ahmad, media relations manager become chief of staff to Small team. Photograph tax consult- Business and Tourism Minister courtesy of LinkedIn ing services —Last updated on Nov. 16, 2017. 30 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Diplomatic Circles Dips don tuxes, gowns for Ottawa by Shruti Shekar Diplomatic Association ball The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia Envoys party the night away at diplomatic ball, the U.A.E. ambassador Ottawa Diplomatic Association fi rst vice-president Sofi a Cerrato, ambassador of Honduras, with Mr. Furey and ODA president Senate Speaker with Naif Bin Bandir Alsudairy, ambassador of Saudi Arabia, at the bids farewell at national Haitian Ambassador Frantz Liautaud. Diplomatic Ball on Dec. 8 at the Westin. day celebration

iplomats, bureaucrats, MPs, and other away and, of course, towards the end of the Dguests dressed to the nines, sipped on evening everyone kicked up their heels and drinks, and enjoyed an elegant evening hit the dance fl oor. celebrating the holidays at the diplomatic Before the night was over Diplomatic ball hosted by the Ottawa Diplomatic As- Circles noticed Melissa Valks, the assis- sociation on Dec. 8. tant to the ambassador of the United Arab The annual glamorous event was held Emirates, enjoying the event. Mahmoud Eboo, the Aga Khan Development in the ballroom at The Westin in downtown Ms. Valks was stunning in an evening Network’s resident representative to Ottawa and Diplomatic Circles immediate- gown, and she looked equally gorgeous Canada, dances with his wife, Karima Eboo. Partygoers hit the dance fl oor. ly noticed many familiar faces in the crowd during the U.A.E.’s national day celebra- of nearly 500 people. tion, which was hosted earlier in the week, Sofi a Cerrato, ambassador of Honduras on Dec. 4 at the Château Laurier. and fi rst vice-president of the ODA, was The event was special to Mohammed chatting with several guests, and president Saif Helal Al Shehhi, the ambassador of Parliamentarians, diplomats turn out of the ODA Naif Bin Bandir Alsudairy, the the U.A.E., who was hosting his last event ambassador of Saudi Arabia, was looking as ambassador before his term ends. sharp in his suit. Mr. Al Shehhi arrived in Canada and to United Arab Emirates national day Second vice-president Janice Miller, presented his credentials in September the high commis- 2013 for his United Arab Emirates sioner of Jamai- fi rst ambas- Ambassador ca, was enjoying sadorial her time, High posting. Mohammed Saif Helal Commissioner He joined Al Shehhi, centre, of Pakistan Tariq the diplo- hosted the U.A.E.’s Azim Khan was matic service national day party on working the in 1992 and Dec. 4 at the Chateau crowd, and Mah- served in dif- Laurier, featuring moud Eboo, ferent posts parliamentary the Aga Khan De- in Europe, secretary for velopment Net- including international work’s resident Rome, Paris, development Celina representative and Geneva. Caesar-Chavannes, to Canada, and During left, and Liberal MP his wife Karima his speech, . Eboo were mak- Mr. Al ing their rounds Yvonne Walkes, high commissioner of Barbados, with Shehhi said meeting with Jamaican High Commissioner Janice Miller, Clarissa Sabita he appreci- guests at the Riehl, high commissioner of Guyana, Albanian Ambassador ated his time event. Ermal Muca, Petronila Garcia, ambassador of the Philippines, building Liberal and Alma Muca, wife of Mr. Muca, at the ODA diplomatic ball. on bilat- MP Celina Cae- The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia eral relations sar-Chavannes, between who is the parliamentary secretary to Canada and the U.A.E., which was one of International Development Minister Marie- his priorities when he fi rst arrived. Claude Bibeau, was wearing a beautiful In 2016, Canadian merchandise exports yellow cocktail dress. totalled $1.79-billion, making the U.A.E. Kuwaiti Ambassador She said it was her mother’s birthday Canada’s largest export market in the Honduran Ambassador Sofía Cerrato, Abdulhamid Alfailakawi High commissioners of South Africa over the weekend, but she wasn’t able to Middle East region, according to Global Jamaican High Commissioner Janice Miller, catch a fl ight to Grenada to celebrate the Affairs Canada. and Clarissa Sabita Riehl, high commissioner and Independent Senator and Cameroon Sibongiseni Dlamini- occasion with other members of her family. Ms. Celina Caesar-Chavannes was at of Guyana. Anne Cools. Mntambo and Solomon Azoh-Mbi. She was spotted dancing with the dean the event, which was also attended by of the diplomatic corps Florence Zano Conservative MPs Deepak Obhrai, Ziad Chideya, the ambassador of Zimbabwe. Aboultaif, and Julian Ovens, chief of staff Speaker of the Senate George to International Trade Minister François- Furey was all smiles at the event, as well as Philippe Champagne. Arab ambassadors host art show Liberal MP , and Bloc MP Ga- Ms. Valks was not able to say when briel Ste-Marie. the new ambassador was going to arrive, Diplomatic Circles was able to chat but Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani the new with guests at a table that included Petron- U.A.E. ambassador to Canada was sworn ila Garcia, ambassador of Philippines, who in by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al brought her son and his date to the ball, as Maktoum, vice-president and prime min- well as Inés Martínez Valinotti, ambassa- ister of the U.A.E. in October, according to dor of Paraguay, who was at the event with Khaleej Times, a daily English-language her husband. newspaper based in the U.A.E. Every year the ODA donates funds to Most recently, Mr. Al Raqbani was the Lebanese Chargé d’Affaires Sami a charity; this year it was to Thinking In director general for the Abu Dhabi Council Haddad and Rania Hajchahine of the Pictures Educational Services (TIPES), an for Economic Development for seven years U.A.E. Embassy at the Nov. 7 opening of organization that helps support children, and before that, the deputy director general a photo exhibition hosted by the Council Alfredo Cañete; his wife, Paraguayan Ambassador Inés Martínez teens, and young adults who have Autism. for two years. Valinotti; Terra Art’s Lilia Faulkner; and Luis Kalaff, minister- [email protected] of Arab League Ambassadors at Ottawa The event featured two performances City Hall. counsellor at the embassy of the Dominican Republic. by acrobatic dancers that blew the crowd @shruti_shekar THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 31 Events Feature A Taste of Malaysia takes on Global Aff airs The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia THURSDAY, JAN. 25, 2018 Parliamentary Community Liaison Offi cers’ Group Ottawa—The CLO Group is hosting a 2017/2018 series of information sessions for Calendar foreign diplomatic missions’ personnel responsible for wel- coming new embassy staff members and their families. The group involves networking and sharing information essential for a smooth transition and settlement of new families to Ot- tawa/the National Capital Region. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers. January’s topic is taxes and banking. 2:30 p.m. To join the group or participate in the meeting, please contact [email protected]. SATURDAY, JAN. 27, 2018 Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ali Rustam, Saskatchewan Party Elects New Leader—The next president of Dunia Melayu premier of Saskatchewan, taking over from Brad Wall Dunia Islam, Malaysian High who announced his resignation in the summer, will be Commissioner Aminahtun elected today by party membership at a convention in Karim Shaharudin, Global Beverley Saskatoon. saskparty.com. Affairs Canada ADM for SATURDAY, FEB. 3, 2018 Asia-Pacifi c Donald Bobiash, McLachlin to hold British Columbia Liberal Party Elects New Leader— and Ms. Shaharudin’s spouse, Voting will take place online, with a telephone option, A.G. Shaharudin, cut the pulut on Thursday, Feb. 1, Friday, Feb. 2, and Saturday, Feb. kuning, steamed sweet rice. press conference 3, 2018. The party will hold a leadership convention for the announcement of the new leader on Feb. 3. For on last day as more info: bcliberals.com/leadership. THURSDAY, FEB. 8, 2018 Supreme Court Manning Centre Networking Conference—This annual conference for conservatives and libertarians will take place in Ottawa, Feb. 8-11. Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By chief justice Dr. manningcentre.ca/manning-networking-conference. TUESDAY, FEB. 13, 2018 Macdonald-Laurier Institute Canada-U.S. Dinner—The WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 MacDonald-Laurier Institute is hosting is annual dinner, The House is Sitting—The House of Commons 5:30 p.m. at the Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl. is sitting this week and will sit every weekday until Buy tickets via macdonaldlaurier.ca. adjourning for the traditional holiday break on Dec. 15, FRIDAY, FEB. 16, 2018 GAC director general for Southeast Asia Ian South African High Commission minister Tanya Sefolo, or possibly earlier. Burchett with Ms. Shaharudin at the Cadieux Ms. Shaharudin, and South African High Commissioner What the Hell is Happening? Inside U.S. Politics— NDP Federal Convention—The party is set to hold Auditorium event marking the 60th anniversary of Sibongiseni Dlamini-Mntambo at the Taste of Malaysia event Canada 2020 will host John Heilemann, best-selling this policy convention Feb. 16-18, 2018 at the Shaw Nov. 17 at Global Affairs Canada headquarters. author, award-winning producer, and frequent political Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., in Ottawa. To become a del- Malaysia-Canada relations and Canada 150. commentator for a free, public event. 4:30-6 p.m. The egate or for more information, visit ottawa2018.ndp.ca. Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr. Register via Eventbrite. Christmas Reception for the Parliamentary Press Gallery THURSDAY, FEB. 22, 2018 at Stornoway—Leader of the offi cial opposition Andrew Conference on Security and Defence—The Conference Scheer is hosting a Christmas reception for members of of Defence Associations Institute presents this annual the Parliamentary Press Gallery at Stornoway. In keeping conference Feb. 22-23. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa. Lebanese chargé’s family makes music to with last year’s tradition, the Opposition Leader’s Offi ce is cdainstitute.ca/events/2017-annual-ottawa-conference. participating in the Shoebox Project, and requests that at- Community Liaison Offi cers’ Group Ottawa—The CLO mark independence day tendees bring one or two of the following items: mitts, scarf, Group is hosting a 2017/2018 series of information ses- or a toque (for women), specialty teas, nut-free chocolate sions for foreign diplomatic missions’ personnel responsible and candy (not alcohol-fi lled), body or hand lotion, soaps, for welcoming new embassy staff members and their fami- toothbrush, brush or comb, nail polish, mascara, eye lies. The group involves networking and sharing information shadow, lipstick, purse-sized Kleenex, small cosmetic bag, essential for a smooth transition and settlement of new bus tickets, or gift cards. 6:30-8:30 p.m. PPG members families to Ottawa/the National Capital Region. Monthly may RSVP by Dec. 8 to [email protected]. meetings feature guest speakers. February’s topic is hous- THURSDAY, DEC. 14 ing. 2:30 p.m. To join the group or participate in the meet- ing, please contact [email protected]. Stephen Poloz at the Canadian Club Toronto—Ste- phen Poloz, governor of the Bank of Canada, gives his FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018 last public address of the year, discussing some of the Seminar: Members and their Constituency—The Canadian issues that keep him awake at night. Fairmont Royal Study of Parliament offers this seminar. It will bring together York, 100 Front St. West, Toronto. Speech starts at Parliamentarians, academics, parliamentary staff, and jour- 12:40 p.m. For more, visit canadianclub.org. nalists who will look into the nature of constituency represen- FRIDAY, DEC. 15 tation and engagement, while also exploring competing ideas about what the “constituency” is and how it may differ for Press Conference for Retiring Supreme Court Chief Jus- some Members. Includes breakfast and buffet lunch. $150 tice Beverley McLachlin—Chief Justice of the Supreme members; $200 non-members; $25 students/retirees. For Court of Canada Beverley McLachlin will be holding a more information, visit cspg-gcep.ca, or contact the CSPG press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ot- Secretariat at 613-995-2937 or [email protected]. Nadia Haddad, wife of the Lebanese chargé d’affaires, with Carol Chatoor and her husband, Trinidad and Tobago High tawa to mark her retirement. 10 a.m. The press confer- Commissioner Garth Chatoor, at Lebanon’s independence day Nov. 20 at Lansdowne Park’s Horticulture Building. ence is only open to journalists with accreditation from THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018 the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. Community Liaison Offi cers’ Group Ottawa—The CLO Group TUESDAY, DEC. 19 is hosting a 2017/2018 series of information sessions for foreign diplomatic missions’ personnel responsible for wel- The Future of Retail—Join the Canadian Club of coming new embassy staff members and their families. The Ottawa and prominent members of the local retail group involves networking and sharing information essential community for lunch and a panel discussion on for a smooth transition and settlement of new families to Ot- the future of retail in the digital age. Moderated by tawa/the National Capital Region. Monthly meetings feature Catherine Clark. Panelists: Jeff York, CEO of Farmboy, guest speakers. March’s topic is the job search. 2:30 p.m. To David Segal, co-founder of Mad Radish, Lisa Delorme, join the group or participate in the meeting, please contact co-founder and CEO of RentfrockRepeat.com. 11:30 [email protected]. a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Chateau Laurier. For more, visit www.canadianclubottawa.ca THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20 Liberal Party National Convention—The Liberals will hold a national convention April 19-21, 2018 in Halifax, N.S. Government Relations Institute of Canada Holiday Party— This event is in partnership with Canadian Advocacy Net- THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018 work. Moscow Tea Room. 5-7 p.m. Celebrate the holidays Community Liaison Offi cers’ Group Ottawa—The CLO Group Egyptian Ambassador Motaz Zahran, his spouse Hala ElHusseiny Youssef, and network with GR professionals and CAN volunteers. A is hosting a 2017/2018 series of information sessions for Ms. Haddad, and Lebanese Chargé d’Affaires Sami Haddad. share of proceeds will go to the Snowsuit Fund. foreign diplomatic missions’ personnel responsible for wel- FRIDAY, JAN. 19, 2018 coming new embassy staff members and their families. The group involves networking and sharing information essential Seminar: Social Media and Parliament—The Canadian for a smooth transition and settlement of new families to Ot- Study of Parliament offers this seminar. It will bring together tawa/the National Capital Region. Monthly meetings feature technical, parliamentary, and academic experts to explore guest speakers. April’s topic is OC Transpo. 2:30 p.m. To the ubiquitous presence of social media in the parliamentary join the group or participate in the meeting, please contact milieu and how the presence of various social media platforms [email protected]. has changed the way Parliamentarians interact and perform The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. Mr. Haddad plays the their respective function. Includes breakfast and buffet lunch. Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental national anthems of $150 members; $200 non-members; $25 students/retirees. event in a paragraph with all the relevant details under the For more information, visit cspg-gcep.ca, or contact the CSPG subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to news@hilltimes. Canada and Lebanon at the Secretariat at 613-995-2937 or [email protected]. com by Wednesday at noon before the Monday paper or by piano alongside his sons, TUESDAY, JAN. 23, 2018 Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We can’t guaran- from left, Michael (playing Munira Maarouf, spouse of the Palestinian chief tee inclusion of every event, but we will defi nitely do our saxophone), Jad (clarinet), representative; Ms. and Mr. Haddad; and Ms. Maarouf’s spouse, NAFTA Negotiations—The sixth round of negotiations best. Events can be updated daily online too. and Peter (violin). Nabil Maarouf. is set to be held from Jan. 23 to 28, in Montreal, Que. The Hill Times How fast is the Bell network in Ottawa?

Amazingly fast. It’s faster than the networks in Paris, London, Dublin, Rome, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Beijing, Taipei, Tel Aviv, Bangkok, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Helsinki, Moscow, Mexico City…1

Get on Canada’s best national network today.2

living in Canada just bell.ca/network got better

(1) City comparison speeds based on Ookla’s analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data from January 1 to June 30, 2017. (2) Based on a third party score (Global Wireless Solutions OneScoreTM) calculated using wireless network testing in Canada against other national wireless networks of combined data, voice, reliability and network coverage.