Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 P lessons learned from past ethicalentanglements ‘No gotcha moments’: gambitTrudeau’s reflects News Charity deal, but for those not tuning into Charity deal, butforthose nottuninginto stances that ledtothesince-cancelled WE spurred freshquestionsaboutthe circum- . says LiberalMP the ground,’ happening on of what’s indicator that asa strong would consider government like tothink the I would Scotia, position for Nova articulating the ‘If the 10MPs are THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO.1751 p. 14 Ottawa new rep in Palestine's Meet BY BEATRICE PAEZ A push for a public inquiry inside N.S. Liberal MPs’ ‘I await your response’: News their constituents on the decision their constituentsonthedecision BY NEIL MOSS Roadmap to advance Black rightsexists, it's time to follow it summer” committee gambitmay have rime MinisterJustin Trudeau’s “dead of were hearingbacklashfrom s Nova ScotiaLiberal MPs Heard on the on the Hill p.2

Andrew MeadeandphotographcourtesyofLenoreZann’s office Liberal caucuswholobbiedthegovernmenttochangecourse. into apublicinquiry, LiberalMPsSeanFraser, LenoreZann,andDarrellSamsonarethreeofthe10-memberN.S.federal While theycredittheswellofpublicoutcryfordecisiontoturnanindependentreviewCanada'sworst-evermassshootin g inquiry, includingthrough letters leadership ontheneedforapublic ing, they continuedtopushparty Canada’s worst-ever mass shoot- to have an independentreview into notice theheadlines, who would not have settledsomeofthebiggestconcerns. some politicalanalystssay histestimony may the minutedevelopments ofthecontroversy, “For alotofpeople, who would just C anada ’ Continued onpage 3 s P N.L’s new oliti is one to is agreed toapublicinquiry. before thefedsreversed courseand Prime Minister’sOfficeaidedays Bill Blairandameetingwith and callstoPublicSafetyMinister Powers p.7 watch: c s

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Screenshot courtesyofCBCNews,TheHillTimes photographsby G overnment T requiring changes totheStandingOrders, ing foruseinexceptional circumstances, adopt asystemofremoteelectronic vot- could come without unanimous support Introduction ofremote voting in the House News BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT recommended theLower Chamber he House Affairs Committeerecently

N Staff moves in thePMO ews mass shooting, andnotapublic independent review intothe April The initialdecisiontohave an p a p er Continued onpage11 tradition foramendmentstotheStanding without unanimoussupportthis fall. could seethegovernment move ahead but enduringConservative opposition WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5,2020$5.00 While it’sseenasgoodformand A News of GeorgeFloyd andreportsof of responsetothepolicekilling in addressingtheoutpouring bers apologizingforthedelay Ms. Thomas senttoDNDmem- June 19letterthat Gen. Vance and deputy ministerJody Thomas. than Vance andnational defence chief ofthedefencestaffJona- July 28statement from outgoing on adailybasis,” according toa they andothercolleaguesface ence andsystematic barriersthat members aboutthelived experi- visible minoritydefenceteam “listen andlearndirectlyfrom July 27tohave itsmanagement Defence convened ameetingon (FBEC). Federal BlackEmployee Caucus Richard Sharpe, founderofthe put onitandgettingright,” said level ofimportancethat [is]being but now thereis suchahigher of doitat thecorner oftheirdesk, been piecemealandpeoplekind Employee Caucus. says theheadofFederal Black likely todampenrecruitment, security, withrecentbadpress military isamatter ofnational racism initiative anti-Black DND launches security threat’: ‘It’s a national BY NEIL MOSS The meeting came after a The meetingcameaftera The DepartmentofNational “For alongtimethiswork has in theranks oftheCanadian ddressing anti-Blackracism Continued onpage 12 Continued onpage4 p. 10

p. 13

2 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Heard on the Hill by Neil Moss Former UN envoy Marc-André Blanchard has a new gig

Marc‑André Blanchard served as Canada's ambassador to the UN from The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and 9, 1945, together had an estimated 2016 until death toll of more than 250,000. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons this week. United reads. “But with respect, there is so much announced that he was resigning earlier Nations more that Canada could be doing, given this year. photograph our history, resources, and privileged posi- Prime Minister con- by JC tion in the world.” gratulated Mr. Furey in a statement, as did McIlwaine The group is urging Mr. Trudeau to state Newfoundland MP and Natural Resources at the UN General Assembly in Septem- Minister Seamus O’Regan in a tweet. ber that nuclear disarmament will be one “It will be a tough road ahead, but no one of Canada’s “highest priorities,” as well as could be more ready or able,” Mr. O’Regan “challenge the nuclear security doctrine wrote. “Congratulations, my friend.” within NATO,” and “press” all countries to become part of the Treaty on the Prohibi- tion of Nuclear Weapons or negotiate a new Family of Deepak Obhrai launches treaty that will have the same objective. foundation in his honour The CNANW will host a virtual event The family of past Conservative MP on Aug. 6 from 2-3:30 p.m., to mark the 75th anada’s recently departed ambassador Deepak Obhrai, who died from cancer Mr. Hsu tweeted the news that he plans anniversary of the bombing. Speakers will to the UN, Marc-André Blanchard, one year ago, is launching a foundation C on seeking the include Setsuko Thurlow, who survived the already has a new job. in his name to continue his human rights nomination for the riding of Kingston and Hiroshima bombing, as well as former am- Mr. Blanchard was named an executive advocacy. the Islands, Ont., on July 30. He previously bassadors for disarmament Douglas Roche vice-president of Quebec’s pension fund represented the Liberal stronghold feder- and Peggy Mason, among others. manager, Caisse de dépôt et placement du ally in the House of Commons from 2011 “If the atomic bombings of Hiroshima Québec (CDPQ). to 2015. He chose not to run for re-election and Nagasaki occurred today, they would He was replaced as Canada’s top dip- in 2015, and was succeeded by current instantly be labelled a war crime because lomat in by former Ontario Liberal MP . in the past 75 years a body of international premier and past interim Liberal lead- During his time on the Hill, Mr. Hsu humanitarian law has been built up,” wrote er on Aug. 4. was the Liberal caucus’ critic for science Mr. Roche in The Hill Times, a former Pro- Mr. Blanchard was the chief campaign- and technology and natural resources, and gressive Conservative MP and Independent er in Canada’s recent unsuccessful bid for served as vice-chair of the House of Com- Senator. “In 1996, the International Court a temporary seat on the UN Security Coun- mons Natural Resources Committee. of Justice ruled that the use of a nuclear cil. Canada finished third behind Norway The provincial riding is currently rep- weapon would contravene international and Ireland for two seats in the Western resented by NDP MPP Ian Arthur, but has humanitarian law.” Europe and Others bloc. He had been been held by the Ontario Liberals for 27 of Canada’s ambassador in the high-profile 35 years since 1985. Former Liberal MPP role since 2016. has also said she will be Furey set to become next N.L. In his new position, Mr. Blanchard will running to be the party’s nominee. oversee CDPQ Global where he will be in Mr. Hsu won his seat in 2011 by a mar- premier charge of the group’s international offices gin of 4.38 percentage points in an election Another Furey is joining public life. and the fund’s work in the United States, which saw the Liberals drop to third party won the Newfoundland and Latin America, Europe, and the Asia- status in the House. Labrador Liberal leadership vote on Aug. 3. Pacific. He tweeted that he was “very excited” to join the firm. PM urged to do ‘so much more’ Before entering the diplomatic corps, in fight for nuclear disarmament Mr. Blanchard was the chair of the law firm Seventy-five years after the U.S. McCarthy Tétrault. He was also a member dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan— of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s transi- together resulting in an ultimate esti- tion team following the 2015 election. mated death toll of more than 250,000 people—the Canadian Network to Abol- Former Grit MP Ted Hsu wants ish Nuclear Weapons (CNANW) wants the federal government to play a larger Deepak Obhrai was the dean of the to run for provincial office role in ensuring that no nuclear attacks Conservative caucus prior to his death last One-term Liberal MP Ted Hsu is look- happen again. August. The Hill Times file photograph ing to return to public life at Queen’s Park. “Experts around the world have warned for many years that, unless effective action is taken to prevent it, it is not a matter of The Obhrai Foundation is partnering with ‘if’ but ‘when’ there will be another nuclear mAsk the People to “help change attitudes event or series of events that could, liter- towards masks.” The partnership will also raise ally, spell the end of humanity,” members funds for masks for “vulnerable and essential” of the CNANW’s steering committee wrote communities in Canada and around the world. to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a July Mr. Obhrai was an MP from 1997 to 2019, 31 letter. serving in the House of Commons for seven The first nuclear bomb was used against terms—first as the MP for Calgary East, Alta., Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and three days and later as the MP for Calgary Forest Lawn, Incoming N.L. premier Andrew Furey is the son later a second was used on Nagasaki. Less Alta.—and becoming the dean of the Conser- of Senate Speaker . Photograph than a week later, Imperial Japan an- vative caucus. He also served as the parlia- courtesy of Twitter nounced its surrender. mentary secretary to the minister of foreign “Prime Minister, we know that you and affairs under the Harper government. your colleagues are deeply concerned The son of Senate Speaker George Mr. Obhrai has the distinction of being about this and we applaud Canada’s Furey is set to become the next premier of the longest-serving parliamentary sec- engagement in many fora and processes, the province, despite not having a seat in retary for foreign affairs, as well as the Ted Hsu, pictured in 2012, chose not to run for including the recent Swedish-led, Stock- the House of Assembly. longest-serving Indo-Canadian MP. re-election in the 2015 federal election. The holm Initiative that seeks to strengthen the He replaces , who has [email protected] Hill Times file photograph Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,” the letter been the premier since 2015. Mr. Ball The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 3 News

Throughout the controversy, Mr. Trudeau and his ministers ‘No gotcha moments’: Trudeau’s pointed to the public service as the source of the recommenda- tion, but conceded more could have been done to mitigate the gambit reflects lessons learned “perception” of a conflict of inter- est, stopping short of admitting there was one. Mr. Keller said it’s hard to reconcile Mr. Trudeau’s assertion from past ethical entanglements that he “pulled” the proposal to ask for more work to be done with the fact that the WE had been given the green light three days before, Though late and as spelled out in the contract. The prime minister said he largely unconvincing, was first informed by the public the PM’s testimony service that WE was best placed to deliver the program on May 8, helps ensure the three days after the government’s negotiated contract with the government’s points, group came into effect, authoriz- ing it to spend. He said the deal rather than mere wasn’t approved by the full cabi- net until May 22. speculation, are Mr. Keller said in his experi- litigated in the public ence, public servants tend to be reticent to move forward unless square instead, outstanding issues have been resolved. says Garry Keller of While Mr. Trudeau may have allayed concerns among those StrategyCorp. less attuned to the developments and inner workings of political Ottawa, for those who pay “deeper Continued from page 1 attention,” Prof. Marland said, have watched the testimony … “it really stretches credulity that the headlines could have been a the bureaucracy recommended” lot worse,” said Alex Marland, a WE. He said the centralization professor at Memorial University Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured July 30 during a rare committee appearance, sought to air his government’s and concentration of power in of Newfoundland. “As far as a account of the process that led it to strike a since-abandoned deal with WE to deliver the student-grant program. The the Prime Minister’s Office over communications strategy, for the Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade the years has made it such that prime minister, it worked. It was a it has much influence over the good thing to try to deal with it.” ated in adherence to the conven- interim Conservative leader Rona Keller. “He gave a defence, which, bureaucracy, which means that it Prof. Marland said that, unlike tional wisdom of crisis manage- Ambrose, said he doesn’t think I think, while it raises a number may have been more inclined to its handling of the SNC-Lavalin ment of “do no harm.” the testimony swayed many. of unanswered questions, perhaps propose WE as the provider. affair, which dragged out in the “The prime minister did a good “If you have questions about it, for some observers, it will be Pointing to the bureaucracy as media over several months, the job of laying his argument out. It you still probably have concerns enough for them to tune out. But the source of the recommenda- Trudeau government seems to didn’t raise any further questions about the whole issue,” he said. it took him a month to do that, so tion, he added, is a “good line” of have opted for a strategy meant in a larger sense. There were no “But if you’re inclined to sup- they probably would have been defence, because it lends politi- to air its side in a relatively quick gotcha moments,” he said. “That port him, you probably think he better off had they gone sooner.” cally charged decisions a veneer fashion in a bid to limit the num- was, at the end of the day, a suc- needed to do it. I’m not sure he of impartiality. ber of news cycles devoted to it. cessful appearance.” convinced or changed a lot of Defence ‘stretches Even as Mr. Trudeau and his At the same time, Prof. Mar- In appearing before the com- views one way or the other.” closest advisers seem to have ab- land noted, Mr. Trudeau (Pap- mittee in the “dead of summer,” Still, he said, it’s clear the credulity’: Marland sorbed the lessons of mitigating ineau, Que.) is presiding over the prime minister was address- prime minister had “no choice” but The public airing and the the fallout from past ethical con- a minority Parliament, and, as ing two audiences: the political to testify, adding that, in airing government’s apology preempt troversies, Prof. Marland and Mr. such, is operating in a different audience that religiously follows Mr. Trudeau’s side, it would en- the findings of the ethics commis- Keller said that beyond acknowl- political environment than he was the play-by-play developments, sure that the government’s points, sioner’s investigations into Mr. edging that the optics around when he was called out twice for and a broader audience that may rather than mere speculation, are Trudeau and Finance Minister the deal were off, the Trudeau past ethical entanglements by the have concerns about how the deal litigated in the public square. ’s ( Centre, government doesn’t appear to ethics commissioner. Opposition material- Ont.) failure have grasped what a conflict of attempts to lengthen the probe ized, Mr. to recuse interest entails. into the SNC-Lavalin scandal at Hughes themselves Former ethics commissioner the committee level, for example, said. from Mary Dawson, in a CBC inter- were curtailed because the Liber- “The cabinet view, herself mused that Mr. als had the numbers to block prime discussions Trudeau seems to have a “blind further testimony. minister around spot” on ethical issues. Mr. Trudeau made a rare has said WE, which, Mr. Keller, who helped write committee appearance on July quite clearly if they the Conflict of Interest Act, which 30, acceding to the request of op- that he has are found forms the basis of the ethics position parties to submit himself made mis- to have commissioner’s investigations, and his chief aide, Katie Telford, takes,” said broken noted the Trudeau government to questions on the process the Mr. Hughes, conflict- released its own document, “Open government undertook to assess adding the of-interest and Accountable Government,” which organization could deliver circum- rules in outlining principles cabinet the beleaguered Canada Student stances the months ministers should adhere to after Service Grant program. of the ahead, will first getting elected. As set out in He testified that there had COVID-19 likely trig- the document, there’s an expec- been “no preferential treatment” pandemic ger a fresh tation that ministers familiarize extended to WE Charity, arguing have led the round of themselves with their obligations that his government even delayed government mea culpas. under the act. PMO chief of staff Katie Telford also testified, virtually, before the House Finance the rollout of the program to to acknowl- The eth- “He doesn’t seem to accept the Committee on July 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade ask the public service to further edge that ics probe premise of both the Conflict of evaluate its options, because programs into Mr. Interest Act and his own docu- choosing the organization—given won’t be rolled out with all the de- The stakes for Mr. Trudeau and Morneau’s connections to WE, ment, published under his own its well-documented connections tails immediately fleshed out. “The the Liberals were clear, said Mr. and whether he was obligated name,” said Mr. Keller. “He actu- to his family—would prompt program wasn’t done perfectly Keller, pointing to the govern- to extricate himself from discus- ally thinks in the grand scheme close scrutiny of the deal. and options put forward weren’t ment’s slide in public-opinion sions involving the organization, of things that what he’s doing is Elliot Hughes, a senior adviser as vast as he would hope, but polls after cresting on a wave of was widened last week after he right for , and if it can at Summa Strategies and former there was nothing nefarious here.” support over its handling of the admitted that he and his family be done quickly, that’s more im- adviser to Liberal finance and But Garry Keller, vice- pandemic. “unknowingly” accepted two trips portant than following the rules.” defence ministers, said the prime president at StrategyCorp and “Until he testified, there were on WE’s dime and had donated [email protected] minister’s testimony largely oper- a former chief of staff to then- questions to be asked,” said Mr. $100,000 in recent years. The Hill Times 4 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

never been a focus on Black em- power and privilege that he was ployees in the public service,” Mr. throwing in my face, it just upset Sharpe said. me so much,” he said. The DND Black Employee Prof. Okros said the Black Network is made up of both mili- Lives Matter protests in the Unit- tary and civilian members, who ed States and Canada have given can “come together to share their an increased impetus to diversity experiences and discuss ways and inclusion work that started to respond to anti-Black racism with Marie Deschamps’ 2015 within the Defence Team,” accord- report on sexual assault in the ing to a DND spokesperson, who Canadian military, which led the added that the group’s mandate is Canadian government to launch provide space for Black members Operation Honour to tackle of DND and the Canadian Forces sexual assault and misconduct. to “explore, discuss, and create “It’s moved it up a notch in ways to tackle anti-Black racism.” terms of the level of attention and It will be made up of depart- focus on it,” he said, adding that mental volunteers who will act Gen. Vance and Ms. Thomas have as a consultative body for senior made it clear this is how they DND and military leaders. want to lead. “It really does continue to Prof. Okros said now that the feel like historic times here, with senior leaders have held a meet- all that’s been happening, and ing to listen, the big question is: there’s been movement on this what have they heard and what is work [that the FBEC] has been going to be done? pushing for two years,” said Mr. A DND spokesperson said Sharpe. implementation timelines and fund- DND deputy minister Jody Thomas and outgoing chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vance took part in a July 27 meeting where they Given the new territory of ing have not yet been determined. heard the lived experiences from those at DND who have dealt with anti-Black racism. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade DND’s initiative, Mr. Sharpe said it’s “As we work towards estab- difficult to establish concrete time- lishing the appropriate frame- lines, but added he’s heard from work and resources for this criti- DND leadership that they want to cal initiative, we are continuing to enact changes “very quickly.” be open and transparent with the “This is a national security entire Defence Team,” the spokes- ‘It’s a national threat for DND. …The bad press, person said. Richard Sharpe says DND’s senior leaders are aware of the need to address anti-Black racism in their security threat’: ranks. The Hill Times photograph DND launches by Andrew Meade anti-Black the reputational damage impacts The recommendations being on the ability on the organization put forward are “good first steps,” to recruit people,” he said. “So I Prof. Okros said, adding that think they’re trying to get this there will be individuals who will stuff in place as soon as possible, be expecting more to be done to racism initiative addressing any kind of reputa- fully achieve what’s required. tional damage that they may be “I think they’re definitely go- implementing policies and pro- the leadership of the Canadian experiencing due to the ongoing ing to be interested in moving as The threat to cesses to tackle racism, and align military heard about the need to incidents of racism within the quickly as they can,” he said. “It DND with the rest of the public “re-imagine and re-design,” so the ranks and intolerance in the vari- likely is going to result in some recruiting posed by service to collect disaggregated new policies work for those with- ous defence [branches].” staged or staggered implementa- the bad press and data and renew the Employment out power within the structure of Canadian Forces College pro- tion, recognizing that in some of Equity Act. DND. fessor Alan Okros, an expert on these cases there are legal issues reputational damage “I don’t want to fawn all over “The experiences they shared diversity in the military, said the involved and it takes time, and them, but I think they’ve been do- exposed persistent and deeply networks provide a way for indi- there’s a requirement to be prudent DND has suffered as ing a very good job of addressing painful occurrences of aggres- viduals to have a voice and have if you are going to make changes some of these issues—at least at the sively racist behaviours, micro- their concerns illuminated. that have legal consequences.” a result of anti-Black senior levels of the organization— aggressions, and failures of “In the current context, there “Creating the secretariat, head on,” said Mr. Sharpe, who took leadership to address both,” Gen. is more of an interest at the se- clarifying roles and responsibili- racism amounts to part in the July 27 meeting. “I ap- Vance and Ms. Thomas’ statement nior leadership level in listening ties are things that can be moved a threat to national preciate the fact that we had a very read. to [advisory groups] and hearing forward fairly quickly,” said Prof. frank and open discussion about The statement also referred to what’s going on,” he said. Okros. “I think part of what the security, says Richard race and anti-Black racism.” the creation of a DND Black Em- Gen. Vance and Ms. Thomas next steps are is going to depend He said changes to the Em- ployee Network, something Mr. said in their statement that on having some legal review and Sharpe. ployment Equity Act are “long Sharpe called “really important.” National Defence Minister Harjit some policy review to make sure overdue.” The act, which was He noted that FBEC has been Sajjan ( South, B.C.) they get it right.” passed in the 1980s, outlines four pushing for the establishment of is “fully seized with addressing ra- Gen. Vance and Ms. Thomas called Continued from page 1 classes of people that receive Black employee networks—which cial discrimination” within DND, the July 27 meeting “just a start.” special protections: persons with create a safe place to gather to adding that he “expects bold, de- “We will be meeting with the systematic racism within DND and disabilities, women, Indigenous establish recommendations and cisive action” from both DND and other defence advisory groups to the Canadian Armed Forces. people, and visible minorities. have their own voice within in- the Canadian Armed Forces. hear their stories on discrimina- Those members of DND who “It refers to Black and racial- stitutions to push for change as a Mr. Sajjan told CTV last month tion and systematic barriers. We presented gave three recom- ized people as visible minorities distinct group—across the public that during his early days in the know there is so much more to mendations for the Canadian and our experiences are masked service. Armed Forces he realized “how do, and that we will be judged military to implement: establish a within that visible minority term,” “So with DND committing to intense racism can be.” based on our actions and results, secretariat for members of DND Mr. Sharpe said. do this, I think it gives great space “I remember one person … not our sentiments and promises.” to report on racial discrimination, During the meeting, Gen. for this to happen and a focus saying to me, ‘I let you join my [email protected] make clear who is responsible for Vance and Ms. Thomas wrote, that we’ve never had. There’s military.’ Just that position of The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 5 Comment Deepening COVID-19 impact raises the stakes for Canada’s future choices

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 11 touring Régimbal Awards and Promotions to highlight the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, introduced in response to COVID-19. There’s no doubt now that Trudeau will be seen historically as the COVID prime minister, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Herbert Hoover’s ineptitude in chological barriers have been ated transition would be painful, As the epidemic reshapes everything, it’s the face of the onrushing Great broken by Ottawa’s projected requiring monumental efforts by Depression in the 1930s. Still, $343-billion budget deficit, and governments on all sides to ease time for the country to put aside traditional Canada is struggling after five more stimulus spending will be the impact on workers and the months of lockdown to keep the needed to resuscitate the econo- economy, and in some areas sup- convictions and economic frameworks and try virus at bay. Reopening the econ- my. Canadians may be ready to port a wholesale reorientation of to pull together to build a future better suited omy, schools, and the entertain- throw off their Republican-style business activity. But it’s not at all ment sector looks highly risky, blinkers and opt for a fairer clear that Canada has much choice. to a changing endangered world. and a majority of Canadians are society for all, likely with higher Regardless of today’s COVID worried about a second COVID taxes for the very rich. shock, a substantial chunk of wave. Predictions that the virus With the economy in some ways voters still seems inclined to look everyone is constantly behind could be around through much or starting from scratch, a historic backwards. And, based on the the curve on the virus’ resiliency, all of 2021 are common. turning point also lies ahead on the Conservative leadership candi- impact, and long-term disruptive A vaccine and mass inocula- environment. The oil price crunch dates’ messaging, the party is potential. tion—assuming the two things exacerbated by the pandemic has intent on keeping them focused There’s no doubt now that eventually happen—would reduce intensified questions about the there. Carbon pricing, widely ac- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, debilitating public angst and inse- future of the petroleum sector, knowledged as the most effective probably best known a year curity. But by then, the virus may and there is growing pressure for and economically sensible, mar- ago for his progressive socio- have already set in motion irrevers- the federal government to grab ket-driven tool to reduce GHG economic policies and climate ible changes in Canadians’ day-to- this opportunity to move Canada emissions, is opposed by all four activism, will be seen historically day lives and, on a wider scale, the more quickly toward a sustainable Conservative leadership hopefuls, Les Whittington as the COVID prime minister. His future direction of the country. economy with greatly reduced reli- despite the damage done by the Need to Know uneven, hesitant response in the On the economic front, there’s ance on fossil fuels. Besides help- party’s gormless environmental early weeks of the outbreak will reason to think, based on polling, ing address urgent climate change policies in last year’s election. be overshadowed by his govern- that the pandemic has chipped goals, speeding up the transition Unlike the U.S., where millions TTAWA—It’s kind of ironi- ment’s massive outpouring of away at the austerity fixation the away from oil and gas would give are engaged in selfish, anarchic Ocally amusing now to think financial support to try to protect right-wing has managed to impose Canadians the chance to capitalize conflicts over the responses to CO- back to March, when people were people and the economy in the in western nations in its successful on the growing global green invest- VID-19, the virus has brought Ca- wondering if the warmer summer first half of 2020. campaign over the last 50 years to ment phenomenon and grasp the nadians together in ways not seen weather might do away with the That story, with Trudeau at the bankrupt social programs while huge potential for environmentally for many years. As the epidemic coronavirus. centre of it, is unfolding and far enriching the wealthy. The virus focused economic development in reshapes everything, it’s time for Or to think about how, just from over. has pushed most everyone in the the post-carbon era. the country to put aside traditional several months ago, there was Canada has done a much opposite direction. Although catastrophes can convictions and economic frame- a speculative feel to predictions better job fighting off COVID-19 In Canada, the federal govern- trigger radical change, it remains works and try to pull together to that COVID-19 would change than the United States, which has ment’s COVID-19 response has to be seen if Canadians can turn build a future better suited to a everything. witnessed a catastrophic failure amounted to a national experi- away from a historic dependence changing, endangered world. Given that there’s been noth- of leadership by President Donald ment in guaranteed income at a on natural resources with the Les Whittington is a regular ing quite like this epidemic in a Trump that will someday likely time when the virus has exposed speed and determination needed columnist for The Hill Times. century, it’s not surprising that be compared to former president inequality as never before. Psy- to make a difference. An acceler- The Hill Times 6 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Comment Welcome to the new McCarthyism

As Beijing has catharsis and McCarthy-style by the time a weaponized wanker to say that it does at this tetchy, Street. She knew who had stumbled paranoia,” said Chinese Foreign like U.S. President Donald all-or-nothing juncture. So, in the out of the tavern across the street in reminded us Minister Wang Yi—whom Canadi- Trump threatens to front a coup spirit of the post-truth factual broad daylight, who had an argu- ans may recall from his outburst in the liberal world order-leading fungibility that has re-invented so ment with his wife, what the mayor repeatedly lately, in 2016, when a reporter asked democracy, it will be too late to many concepts from “presidential” brought home from the pizza place. him about human rights during stop him. to “facts,” let’s redefine the term. But let’s get one thing straight: Joe McCarthy gave an Ottawa news conference—last Gladys McCarthy never named McCarthyism a bad month. Chinese Foreign Minister names. Setting aside the misdirec- Wang Yi, pictured with So, in the spirit of the new Mc- name. Problem tional, pre-election logrolling for Prime Minister Justin Carthyism, let’s just say that without an American president whose Trudeau in Ottawa in June a vast network of co-opted opinion solved! indefatigable service to China’s 2016. Mr. Wang recently framers and apologists, without world domination designs now compared American the massive expansion and then includes an apparent willingness policies towards China as admitted and self-interested som- to whack American democracy, McCarthy-style paranoia, nambulism of the Western intelli- Beijing’s McCarthyism hobgoblin but today’s tension between gence community, without the early is worth a ponder. the world’s democracies and sustained support of certain Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s and Beijing over China’s equally self-interested major politi- 1950s crusade to expose anyone totalitarian bullying isn’t cal figures, and without the collabo- who was now or had ever been about communism, writes ration of covert and other players in a member of the communist Lisa Van Dusen. PMO Western democracies prevailed upon party started out as an ostensibly photograph by Adam Scotti to use their power to rationalize, patriotic Cold War mission. It accelerate, and now disingenuously Lisa Van Dusen devolved, as such things can, into While China would be the Let’s re-brand McCarthyism bemoan the apparent suicide but a terribly unpatriotic, destructive, major geopolitical beneficiary of based on the approach, not of Joe actual assisted death of democracy, What Fresh Hell power-drunk jihad. But it was, at such an outcome, it wouldn’t be McCarthy, but of Gladys McCarthy, we’d be witnessing a very different least foundationally, about ideol- the only beneficiary. my maternal grandmother. She was spectacle on global Main Street. f Godwin’s law has been among ogy. This sequence of events would not possessed of a spooky hypervigi- Fortunately, the new McCar- Ithe many casualties of reality-show Today’s tension between the have been possible without the as- lance that could spot the lit end of a thyism means never having to fascism, it is quickly being replaced world’s democracies and Beijing sistance of a considerable number of forbidden cigarette at 100 paces and say who’s a communist. Because by the rule that, in any debate about over China’s totalitarian bullying actors large and small, whose key in- an evil eye whose potency only the that’s the last thing this is about. China, the spectre of McCarthyism isn’t about communism. In some puts in this narrative warfare extrava- descendants of Irish matriarchs can Lisa Van Dusen is associate will be deployed—invariably by ways, it’s not even about China. ganza have been indispensable to know. After her husband, Colonel editor of Policy Magazine and China—to chill criticism. It’s about a two-decade campaign what has been, among other things, a Joe Hogan, who commanded the was a Washington and New “Current U.S. policy toward of corruption and misinforma- relentless Blitzkrieg of bullsh*t. Governor General’s Foot Guards, York-based editor at UPI, AP, and China is based on strategic tion to transform the post-Cold Does naming and shaming died, she would sit in the alcove of ABC. She writes a weekly column misjudgments that lack factual War balance of power in a way so them amount to McCarthyism? It her apartment above Quinn’s Taxi for The Hill Times. evidence, and is full of emotional incremental and systematic that certainly serves Beijing’s interests in Aylmer, Quebec and surveil Main The Hill Times

Our culture of drinking is a Canada’s declining productivity: is major factor in the scale of the problem. Thanks to lobbying and advertising, people associ- substance abuse the root of the problem? ate alcohol with a good time. As Dr. Stockwell ruefully admits, “alcohol brings communities news describing the problems of Gamache, but there are many to close to nine litres in 2019 (one together.” The COVID-19 substance abuse in Canada. The suspects. litre is 59 standard drinks). And In rural Canada, the problem study from the Canadian Centre The Canadian Federation of based on anecdotal evidence, it of gatherings based on alcohol is pandemic has sunk on Substance Abuse and Addic- Independent Business says it is has increased during the pandem- exacerbated: he gives the exam- all boats, but when tion suggested the hit to Cana- the fault of regulations, taxes, ic. The legalization of cannabis ple of the interior of B.C., which dian productivity from the abuse and interprovincial trade barriers prompted increases over the past has twice as many health impacts the tide comes back, of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs that strangle growth in small- and two decades, and then there is the from alcohol abuse as the urban was $46-billion annually. It did medium-sized enterprises. opioid crisis, which has resulted Lower Mainland. Another prob- we are still going not get much attention and, like Elite thinkers in the business in more than 16,000 deaths since lem is the liberalization of sales: many stories of its kind, dropped community say we need to import 2016. as privatization and greater distri- to be seized with out of sight. and educate more PhDs, and un- Alcohol and tobacco use bution in stores has increased, That’s a shame, as Canada’s dertake more industrially-based together contributed 89 per cent so has consumption. He notes, the challenge of declining productivity has been research. Economists say it de- of the 277,060 substance use- increases in hospitalizations go declining productivity an issue for policy wonks for pends on prices for resources or related hospital admissions and hand in hand. many years. The Organisation investment in technology and ma- 76 per cent of the 751,356 years It is a harsh reality; one policy in comparison to for Economic Co-operation and chinery. There are also our harsh of lives lost due to substance makers will have to deal with, Development, which keeps track winters, vast distances, aging use in 2017. Alcohol alone is the and soon. our international of these things, ranked Canada population, foreign ownership, source of more than 400 differ- Fifty years ago, half of adult 8th in productivity in 2001, and and resource-based economy. ent health diagnoses, from can- Canadians smoked. Today, thanks competitors. 15th in 2015, to 23rd in 2018. We Then, along comes the CCSA cer to heart disease to cirrhosis to cessation campaigns and pack- rank about 30 per cent below the report, linking economic decline of the liver. age warnings, that number is 15 United States. with increasing use of drugs like Here is how the study worked: per cent. In the same way, we Of course, the COVID-19 alcohol, cannabis, and opioids. most of us are expected to work have to solve this problem and pandemic is affecting us all. But A conversation this week on the until 65; if a person dies at 50, take control of our alcohol and while all boats have sunk, when impact of substance abuse with they have lost 15 years of produc- drug problem, or we will suffer the tide comes back, we are still Dr. Tim Stockwell of the affiliated tivity. Earlier long-term disability even more serious economic and going to be seized with the chal- Canadian Institute for Substance or death and the effect is greater. personal consequences. lenge of declining productivity in Use Research was a revela- Among hospital admissions and Andrew Caddell is retired from comparison to our international tion. Dr. Stockwell, who is wind- deaths linked to substance abuse, Global Affairs Canada, where he competitors. ing up a 45-year career in the there are also the tragic effects was a senior policy adviser. He Like an ongoing whodunit, field in Victoria, B.C. this week, of car accidents and domestic previously worked as an adviser Andrew Caddell the mystery of our declining had some stark warnings about violence. A whopping $20-billion to Liberal governments. He is a With All Due Respect GDP per capita is attributed the impact of substance abuse on is lost in lateness, absenteeism, fellow with the Canadian Global to one or another culprit, but our lives. and inefficiency due to drunken- Affairs Institute and a principal of no one ever seems to solve it. I To begin with, Canadian ness and drug use. The rest is the QIT Canada. He can be reached TTAWA—A few weeks ago, don’t purport to be the equiva- alcohol consumption increased costs of health care, crime, and at [email protected]. Oa story appeared in the lent of Louise Penny’s Armand per capita from 7.6 litres in 2002 jail time. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 7 Comment

ers who do not shake things up; who, despite near provincial fiscal Newfoundland and Labrador’s ruination, would prefer to leave things the way they are, have Ottawa orchestrate bailouts, and kick the problem down the road. Newfoundland and Labrador new premier is one to watch legislators are not unique in this regard, but many are rewarded Incoming for getting roads paved to virtu- N.L. ally nowhere, putting wharfs in premier communities whose best days Andrew of fishing are behind them, and Furey, doling out patronage to keep pictured support. If that is how you get with his your bread buttered, how easy is family after it going to be to stop smattering it winning on? Not very. leadership The smaller the place often the of the more tribal the politics. Only the provincial most detached person could argue Liberal political tribalism is in decline Party. in Newfoundland and Labrador. Photograph Furey’s big challenge will be bat- courtesy of tling through that perennial pan- Twitter demic to move forward with the disruption he and many of us want. Perhaps the advantage Furey possesses as a leader is that his courage is not driven by main- taining a pay cheque. As a highly skilled surgeon, he has another career to go to when his political journey is over. He can afford to go against the grain of traditional political management orthodox- ies. He can take risks others may be less inclined to consider. Furey is also not identifying himself as a political saviour. Newfoundland and Labrador Furey’s greatest challenge will not be He has been active in political or- him positioned to succeed as a have had a few leaders who were ganization for decades. He was a leader. styled that way, and to date we enthusiasm or passion, but rather the key player in representing Prime In his victory speech, and in still have not found the promised Minister Justin Trudeau’s inter- subsequent interviews, Furey one. Furey has made a point of provincial political system that has rarely ests when he was campaigning to has made the point that the invoking a lot of Kennedy-esque be the federal Liberal leader. He status quo approach to things in language of late talking specifi- rewarded disruption and provides benefits for also served in that same capacity Newfoundland and Labrador is cally about building and attract- ward keepers who do not shake things up. during at least one federal elec- no longer good enough. We must ing the best and the brightest to tion. He helped guide Newfound- address the real woes we have, join his team. If he gains ground land MP and Natural Resources and change is necessary. All of here, he could add to his chances as the province’s 14th premier. Minister Seamus O’Regan’s this is true. It is a requirement. of unsettling the status quo. The Furey name will be familiar entry into federal politics. But he This message will resonate with Furey will be a leader to to many in Ottawa, as his father should not also be dismissed as a many Newfoundlanders and watch. If he makes progress, so is Senator George Furey, the Liberal partisan. Labradoreans inside and outside does my beloved Newfoundland Speaker of the Senate. Furey, like his father before the province. and Labrador. Furey, the younger, has taken him, has won fans and support- The new premier’s greatest Tim Powers is vice-chairman leave from his successful ortho- ers across various political party challenge will not be enthusiasm of Summa Strategies and manag- pedic medicine practice to try and and other sector lines. He has a or passion, but rather the pro- ing director of Abacus Data. He is fix a very battered Newfound- natural intellectual curiosity and vincial political system that has a former adviser to Conservative land and Labrador. He may have seeks all manner of views. He rarely rewarded disruption and political leaders. Tim Powers had an easier time putting back also listens well. These skills leave provides benefits for ward keep- The Hill Times Plain Speak together car crash victims than he will trying to get the Rock on track. But Furey is neither naïve TTAWA—Newfoundland and nor ill prepared for the job, as his OLabrador has a new premier. opponent in the leadership race This past weekend the governing charged. Liberal Party elected Dr. Andrew Furey, even while excelling in Furey as its leader. In the next medicine, has been around poli- number of days, he will be sworn tics and business his entire life.

Senate Speaker George Furey pictured with his son, Andrew. Photograph courtesy of Facebook

A village on Newfoundland and Labrador’s Fogo Island is pictured. If Furey makes progress, so does my beloved Newfoundland and Labrador, writes Tim Powers. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons 8 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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Editorial Letters to the Editor WE scandal underlines need Smart protectionism enables to review lobbying rules sovereign industrial capability ast week’s House Finance Committee to Craig Kielburger, WE Charity’s engage- innovation, say stakeholders Lhearings on the federal government’s ment with the federal government was since-reversed decision to award the WE the responsibility of one employee, and its e: “Why it is time for smart protectionism,” to this problem. All of us have been extreme- organization a contract to manage the expenses related to government relations R(The Hill Times, July 20, p. 16). It is abso- ly successful in supplying our own individual Canada Student Service Grant program were just 1.03 per cent of the organization’s lutely true that Canadian companies working naval propulsion products to some of the covered a lot of ground, to say the least. total budget in 2019. in defence and national security have tried to largest navies and coast guards around the As MPs grilled WE co-founders Marc It’s a threshold successive lobby- highlight for years the opportunity that exists world. In instances where we have not been and Craig Kielburger, Prime Minister Justin ing commissioners have called on to be in reimagining Canada’s defence industrial successful, it has largely been as a result of Trudeau, and his chief of staff, Katie Telford, scrapped. policies to reflect those of other countries in those countries having policy levers in place they, among other things, sought to nail Issues with the threshold came up dur- the international marketplace, including our that allow them to help protect their defence down how much contact there was between ing the last Parliament as well, during the close allies, who ensure some form of protec- industrial base. As the author rightfully notes, the government and WE ahead of Mr. House Ethics Committee’s study into the tion for their industrial base. this same argument has “largely fallen on Trudeau’s June 25 announcement awarding Cambridge Analytica-Facebook data breach, We in Canada often point to our formal- deaf ears” with the . the charity a contract to administer the (as through which MPs learned that Facebook ized and complex offset policy (Industrial For this reason, we have joined forces as a announced) $912-million program. Canada’s head of public policy Kevin Chan and Technological Benefits, or ITBs) as the consortium to grab the attention of govern- The federal lobbying registry exists to wasn’t a registered lobbyist. The revelation end-all-be-all solution. Introduced in 2014, ment and OEMs by offering a complete, help answer such questions, with registered prompted MP calls for the act to be amend- ITBs require that bidders on defence projects integrated, innovative, and entirely made-in- lobbyists required to disclose when they ed to scrap the 20 per cent rule. make commitments to invest 100 per cent of Canada solution to be considered for propul- have communications with federal politi- At the time, the act was already overdue the contract value back into R&D and intel- sion supply on Canada’s most important cians (and their staff), noting, among other for its required five-year review (the last lectual property transfer within Canadian naval and coast guard vessels—the Canadian details, the dates of discussions, partici- review was in 2012). But that review never industry. Integrated Shaftline System (“CISS”). pants, and what the subject matter was. came to pass. Now, once again, shortcom- In turn, the ITB policy quite regularly At the end of the day, as proud Canadians, But no representatives for the WE ings of the act have come to fore. places economic emphasis and success in we should all want domestic, high-calibre Charity are registered as lobbyists. And the And it’s not just the 20 per cent thresh- export markets vis-à-vis Canada’s small- products like CISS on Canada’s ships. A reason comes down to what’s long been de- old. Other longstanding loopholes have and medium-sized defence enterprises, who policy of smart protectionism only levels the scribed as a loophole in the federal Lobby- been flagged, including that only oral, largely specialize in components as tier two playing field for Canadian firms, and ensures ing Act, which only requires an individual pre-arranged communications need to be and three suppliers to larger original equip- the strength of our industrial base and our or organization to register if lobbying con- reported, and that only paid lobbyists have ment manufacturers (OEMs), but does very nations sovereign ability to respond to crisis. stitutes a “significant part” of work, defined to register, something that arose in relation little to help protect or at least obligate these Now is indeed the time for smart protec- as 20 per cent of one employee’s time (or to the scandal around Mr. Trudeau’s 2017 foreign OEMs to consider domestic solutions tionism. what would constitute 20 per cent of one acceptance of a trip paid for by the Aga for Canada’s sovereign and major procure- Terry McGowan, Thordon Bearings employees time if the work was performed Khan Foundation. In that case, the com- ment projects. This includes large shipbuild- Inc., Burlington, Ont. by only one individual). missioner found the Aga Khan not guilty ing projects under the National Shipbuilding Bodo Gospodnetic, Dominis So, despite the Kielburgers testifying of violating the act as he wasn’t a paid Strategy. Engineering Ltd., Ottawa, Ont. that WE pitched what they described as un- lobbyist, a decision that was upheld by the As three, world-class defence manufactur- Robert Dimitrieff, Patriot Forge Co., solicited proposals to Finance Minister Bill Federal Court of Appeal. ing SMEs in Ontario, we can personally attest Brantford, Ont. Morneau, Youth Minister , Already overdue, last week’s hearings Small Business and Trade Minister Mary clearly underlined the need for Parliament Ng, and Mr. Trudeau in April, no public to give the federal Lobbying Act a through- record (prior to the committee testimony, out review. Hopefully now there’s enough Electing Senators is a constitutional at least) of that outreach exists. According political will to ensure that finally happens. non-starter, reader says e: “Sitting Alberta Senators mixed in the . Those Canadian Ron planned provincial nominee vote citizens who meet the criteria set out in the that raises constitutional questions,” (The Constitution can only become Senators by Hill Times, July 29, p. 4). I fully agree with appointment. Senators cannot be elected the expert who suggests that the Alberta to that Chamber because our Constitution government’s intent on holding Senate does not allow for such elections. It’s just that nominee “elections” in 2021 is a “wasted and simple, and it did not need a Supreme Court expensive exercise” but probably for differ- ruling in 2014 to spell that fact out for some ent reasons. Electing Canadian Senators is people. unconstitutional. Holding pretend elections So, if the Alberta government or any other for Senators is what is the waste of time and provincial government for that matter, wants money. For some reason, Alberta provincial to waste time and money gulling their voters governments just don’t seem to get it. into believing that they are actually going to There is no such thing in Canada today “elect” their Senators, well, go ahead and fill as an elected Canadian Senator. Of the more your boots. At the end of the day, no one will than 1,000 Canadians who have been Cana- get elected to the Senate of Canada under dian senators since 1867, not a single solitary such a phony process. one of them from that day to this have For the record, I believe Canadian been elected to the Senate of Canada. That Senators should be elected, by the Canadian includes every Senator from the province of people, in federal general elections. However, Alberta. Every single one of them, bar none, I know that electing Canadian Senators can- became Senators the same way all others not happen until and unless Canada’s con- did—they were summoned to the Senate by stitution is amended (with the support of the the governor general of the day on the advice Canadian people in a national referendum) to of the prime minister of the day. Full stop. allow for such elections. Canada’s Constitution is very clear and Jae Eadie unambiguous with regard to filling seats Winnipeg, Man.

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U.S. President For a man who has Donald Trump, pictured July repeatedly claimed 10 at Joint Base Andrew. to be ‘the most Trump’s militaristic person assertion that the ever,’ Donald Trump U.S. military presence in seems to have little Germany is solely to protect real grasp on how this Germans from Russian defence stuff actually aggression works. is patently false, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of The White House’s Flickr/Tia Dufour

Scott Taylor Inside Defence

TTAWA—On July 29, U.S. OSecretary of Defence Mark Esper announced plans for the withdrawal of 12,000 American military personnel from their cur- rent bases in Germany. So, Trump’s assertion that European countries such as Italy, Atlantic Treaty Organization, it that spent by the recently “pun- True to form, President Donald the U.S. military presence in Poland, and the Baltic States. In is a 28-country military alliance. ished” Germany, pre-COVID-19 Trump immediately took to Twit- Germany is solely to protect other words, they will still be be- It is not a golf and country club crisis. ter to put his personal spin on Germans from Russian aggres- tween the German citizenry and with annual membership “fees.” Many have argued that the this troop reduction. He tweeted sion is patently false. Even after any hostile Russian aggressors. What Trump is referring to arbitrary figure of two per cent “Germany pays Russia billions of this current planned reduction, As for the fact that Germany stems from a NATO summit held is meaningless, as the GDPs of dollars a year for Energy, and we there will still be more than buys much of its oil and gas from in Wales in 2014. At that meet- the various members differ so are supposed to protect Germany 26,000 U.S. personnel on the Russia, how can that really bother ing member states agreed to set greatly. For instance, in 2019, from Russia? What’s that all ground. Ramstein will continue Trump, the capitalist, when the a goal of spending two per cent Bulgaria, which has a relatively about? Also, Germany is very de- to co-ordinate drone strikes, U.S. imports most of its energy of their Gross Domestic Product puny GDP, bought a total of eight linquent in their 2% fee to NATO. Landstuhl will still treat battle- from Saudi Arabia? Enough said. (GDP) on defence. F-16 fighter jets at a one-time cost We are therefore moving some of $1.5-billion, and this pushed its troops out of Germany!” defence budget up to 3.25 per cent U.S. Air For a man who has repeatedly of its economic output. Force claimed to be “the most militaris- Only the U.S. spent a higher Airman tic person ever,” Trump seems to percentage­—3.4 per cent—of its 1st Class have little real grasp on how this GDP on defence, but that amount defence stuff actually works. equals more than all other NATO Warmley First of all, the U.S. pres- members combined. For the marshals ently has roughly 38,600 military record, Canada’s annual expendi- out a C-130 personnel stationed on German ture in actual dollars ranks us No. Hercules sovereign soil. 6 in spending within the alliance. aircraft at Over the past decade, the Ger- However, for those Canadian Ramstein man taxpayers have spent more defence analysts that for the past Air Base, than US$1.1-billion (approxi- five years have dutifully parroted Germany, on mately $100-million annually) to the “two per cent GDP on defence” Sept. 17, accommodate these U.S. soldiers. party line—your wish might soon 2019. U.S. From the U.S. air base at be granted. Air National Ramstein, the Americans con- In April alone, Canada’s GDP Guard photo ducted airstrikes during their shrunk by more than 11 per cent, by Tech. 2003 invasion of Iraq, a war which means our defence budget Sgt. Patrick which Germany opposed. To this climbed above the 1.5 per cent Evenson day, Ramstein is used as a control mark. If our economy continues centre for deadly extra-judicial to tank, Trump will get his wish U.S drone strikes in Yemen and and Canada will soon be spend- elsewhere. ing more than two per cent GDP Also troubling to many German on defence. citizens is the fact that the U.S. Hell, it could be three per cent uses the German air force base at by Christmas. If so, I can think Büchel to house an estimated 20 of a few defence cheerleaders in American nuclear warheads. Canada who can shut down their The huge U.S. hospital facility field casualties, and the nuclear Which brings us to Trump’s In this regard, Canada is also think tanks and leave a “mission- at Landstuhl has also been the warheads will remain on Ger- other point that Germany is being “delinquent” in the eyes of Trump, accomplished” sign on the door. treatment centre for U.S. and man soil. “very delinquent in their two per as just prior to the pandemic we Scott Taylor is the editor and allied (including Canadians) Of the 12,000 being with- cent fee to NATO.” spent slightly more than 1.3 per publisher of Esprit de Corps wounded during the wars in Iraq drawn, the bulk of these troops For those who are not familiar cent of our GDP on defence. This magazine. and Afghanistan. will be re-positioned to other with the structure of the North is an equivalent percentage to The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Migrant workers have A roadmap already paid their dues and exists to advance should be given a path to permanent residency the rights of Black

sectors spend little resources on protecting communities It is a popular the health and safety of migrant workers. And, the system remains unchallenged, in misconception that Canada part because workers do not have universal African Descent, which looked at the situa- does migrant workers a protection of collective bargaining rights, Let’s have the courage in tion in Canada in 2016. Their well-researched and employers vote; migrant workers do not. 2020 to go beyond grand and thoughtful report should be mandatory favour by allowing them to Under numerous temporary worker pro- reading for every Canadian. It concludes: gram streams, Canada has annually rendered words and promises. This is “Despite the reputation for promoting work hard, for little money, some 300,000 migrants a permanent under- multiculturalism and diversity and the pos- class. Most come from the global south. Many the time for action. itive measures taken by the national and in hazardous and degrading are required to leave families behind, and provincial governments …, the Working conditions. must leave Canada when their visas expire. Group is deeply concerned by the struc- As a racialized workforce, their precarious tural racism that lies at the core of many position in the country is a marker of sys- Canadian institutions and the systemic temic racism. Despite their essential contribu- anti-Black racism that continues to have a tions to the Canadian economy, most have no negative impact on the human rights situa- direct pathway to permanent residency. tion of African Canadians.” Migrant workers understandably fear An important step was taken in 2018, retribution if they complain, try to improve when Canada recognized the International their working conditions, seek health care, Decade for People of African Descent, and or attempt labour organizing. For doing announced significant funding programs and so, precarious migrant workers can face Mireille Apollon, Sébastien Goupil, the creation of an Anti-Racism Secretariat. abuse, termination of employment, loss of & David Schimpky But let’s return again to the question from the high commissioner: how much progress have earnings and future employment, loss of Opinion Harald Bauder & Jenna Hennebry status, and deportation. we seen over the past five years? Opinion Now is the perfect time to rectify this arlier this year, the UN High Com- The Decade has been embraced by many wrong. Canadians recognize, as never be- Emissioner on Human Rights, Michelle Black organizations and activists, and fore, the essential contribution immigrants Bachelet, put out a call for feedback on there have been remarkable strides in Nova anada has expanded its temporary and migrant workers make to this country. efforts underway to achieve the objectives Scotia, which last year launched a historic Cmigration system to bring in a steady Further, Canada will fall far short of its of the International Decade for People of action plan related to the International supply of exploitable and interchangeable annual immigration targets due to the CO- African Descent (2015-2024). Decade. The Michaëlle Jean Foundation and migrant workers who are coerced into ac- VID-19 pandemic. Canada aimed to admit Given the dramatic events and protests the Federation of Black Canadians con- cepting low wages and miserable working 340,000 immigrants this year as permanent that have marked the year so far, one could vened historic summits to mobilize Black conditions below standards that Canadians residents. Only about half that number will say that little has been done to advance the communities and propose concrete actions. would accept. Now, exposure to COVID-19 actually arrive. Future intake will also lag. spirit of this important Decade. Unfortu- Our Commission has undertaken new has been added to the terms of the bargain. Canada needs permanent resident im- nately, it remains too-little known among partnerships, including working with the As scholars, researchers, and teachers of migrants to address the challenges of its nation states and institutions. Canadian Institute for Identities and Mi- immigration in Canada, we urge our govern- socio-demographic realities. Low birth rates, United Na- grations on two ment to adopt long overdue measures to end an aging population, and rural depopulation tions interna- special editions the vulnerability and exploitation of migrant mean long-term skills shortages and labour tional years and of Canadian Di- workers—many of whom are now deemed market gaps across the country. Continuing decades are not versity dedicated essential. A litany of studies and reports have to fill these gaps through temporary intake celebratory; they to the voices of long documented programs hurts are calls to con- African descent the adverse not only migrant certed action on leaders, thinkers, health, human workers but also issues that need and activists. In rights, economic, deprives hun- attention over addition, we are and living condi- dreds of smaller a long period. working with the tions experienced communities of The Interna- UNESCO Chair by migrant work- revitalization from tional Decade for on the Prevention ers, particularly the immigration People of African Given the dramatic events and protests that have of Radicalization among those in advantage of per- Descent express- marked the year so far, one could say that little has leading to Vio- “low-wage manent settlement. es an urgent been done to advance the spirit of the International lence and Project positions” and in It is a popular need for states Decade for People of African Descent, write SOMEONE agriculture. misconception to eradicate sys- representatives of the Canadian Commission for on a recently Contracting Canada’s economy has hundreds of thousands of that Canada does temic racism and UNESCO. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade launched toolkit COVID-19 is just permanent jobs that depend on temporary migrant migrant workers a ensure recogni- to tackle racial the latest price workers—harvesting crops, caring for children and the favour by allowing tion, justice, and development for Black and social profiling. these essential elderly, working in construction and meat packing, and them to work hard, people and communities. That said, the International Decade workers have a host of jobs across the service sector, write a group of for little money, in For some time now, the UN has done remains largely overlooked. The past few paid for sustain- academics. Photograph courtesy of Pexels hazardous and de- its part to sound the alarm and remind us weeks have demonstrated that anti-Black ing Canada’s grading conditions. that our world faces a crisis of racism and racism is alive and well, and not just south economy. Since March 2020, in the agricul- The truth is that we are in their debt. We can racial injustice. In 2001, it convened the of the border. Black Canadians are right to tural sector alone, more than 1,000 migrant no longer continue treating this work as essen- Durban Conference, which was intended demand real action, and governments and workers have contracted COVID-19, and tial and the people who do it as dispensable. to unite the world around fighting racism, intuitions everywhere need to respond. We three workers have died. Migrant workers Migrant workers have paid their dues to but was overshadowed by strife among need to implement policies and significant are also heavily represented in meat-pack- Canada. It’s time for Canada to reciprocate the participants and the 9/11 attacks. The measures that promote diversity and inclu- ing plants, and long-term care facilities. by offering them permanent residency. conference nonetheless ended with the sion, and address racism and discrimina- Migrant workers do not bring the virus to Dr. Harald Bauder is a professor and di- adoption of a vigorous program of action tion in all their forms. Canada; the virus infects them here, be- rector of the Immigration Settlement and to be implemented by member states to Let’s have the courage in 2020 to go be- cause the system fails to ensure that work- Studies Program, Ryerson University. Dr. fight racism and discrimination. yond grand words and promises. This is the ers live and work in safe environments. Jenna Hennebry is an associate professor, This conference was also the origin of time for action. The way forward is clear, Canada’s economy has hundreds of thou- International Migration Research Centre, flagship initiatives, such as the creation by we just need to take it. sands of permanent jobs that depend on tem- Balsillie School of International Affairs, UNESCO of the International Coalition of Mireille Apollon is vice-chair, Canadian porary migrant workers—harvesting crops, Wilfrid Laurier University. Audrey Macklin Sustainable and Inclusive Cities, which are Commission for UNESCO and a former caring for children and the elderly, working is a professor, Faculty of Law, University of across the world. This network includes Gatineau city councillor and deputy in construction and meat packing, and a Toronto. Dr. Myer Siemiatycki, is a profes- our own Coalition of Inclusive Municipali- mayor. Sébastien Goupil is secretary gen- host of jobs across the service sector. Yet, the sor emeritus and past founding director, ties, whose principal objective is expressly eral, Canadian Commission for UNESCO. numbers of “temporary” migrant workers Immigration Settlement and Studies Pro- to fight racism and discrimination. David Schimpky is director of secretariat, have skyrocketed—driven, unchecked, by gram, Ryerson University. The conference also led to the creation Canadian Commission for UNESCO. employer demand, while governments and The Hill Times of a Working Group of Experts on People of The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 11 News ‘I await your response’: inside N.S. Liberal MPs’ push for a public inquiry

‘If the 10 MPs are Mr. Fraser posted a July 28 Public Safety keep their caucus happy,” said Mr. Facebook statement saying that Minister Bill MacEachern, adding that party articulating the a public inquiry is “necessary to Blair, pictured leadership may have felt that MPs provide any meaningful oppor- with his would fall in line based on the ex- position for Nova tunity for the affected families to parliamentary perience of Parliament from 2015 experience healing, and for our secretary to 2019, but that has changed. Scotia, I would like to communities to feel any meaning- Liberal MP Joël “The government should not ful sense of justice.” Lightbound, have had to do a course correc- think the government “I have been dedicating myself took part in a tion on this. They should have would consider that over the past few days to ad- conference call been listening to their MPs, and vocate for a reconsideration of with members of Senators for that matter,” he said. as a strong indicator the current approach and will the N.S. federal A public inquiry gives added continue to do so until we have Liberal caucus powers to commissioners, in- of what’s happening a process that provides a level of shortly after he cluding the power to summon comfort to those most affected announced the witnesses, have testimony under on the ground,’ says by the tragedy,” Mr. Fraser wrote. initial decision oath, and compel witnesses to Liberal MP Darrell “I have spoken with many of to have an produce documentation that is my colleagues, including direct independent needed. Samson. conversations with the prime review into the It was originally announced minister.” mass that the same three people—for- Nova Scotia Justice Minister shooting. The Hill mer deputy prime minister Anne Continued from page 1 Mark Furey said in a July 28 Times photograph McLellan, retired Nova Scotia inquiry, was met with protests in statement that if the province’s by Andrew Meade chief justice J. Michael MacDon- Nova Scotia, as MPs lobbied pub- federal MPs want a public inquiry, ald, and Leanne Fitch, former licly and privately for the need they should “take that up with the articulating what the people were A spokesperson for Mr. Blair chief of police in Fredericton, for a formal inquest. federal minister and their federal saying on the ground.” said the minister has been in N.B.—who were charged with be- On July 27, the day before Mr. colleagues.” “My job is to articulate on “close contact” with all Nova ing panellists for the independent Blair (Scarborough Southwest, After it was announced there behalf of my constituents. So I Scotia MPs. review would be the commission- Ont.) announced that a public would be an independent review, have to have conversations prior “We have heard clearly from ers. But it was later announced inquiry would take place, Liberal the Liberals’ 10-member federal to a decision being taken, I have families, survivors, advocates and that Ms. McLellan would not take MP (Cumberland- Nova Scotia caucus convened a conversations during and I have Nova Scotia’s Members of Parlia- part in the public inquiry, citing Colchester, N.S.) sent her third call with Mr. Blair. conversations after. You don’t ment that more could be done to time constraints. email to the public safety minister “We sent a note to the minister win them all, but this one was an increase transparency. Based on At the same time as his Nova urging the need for one. and said we need to chat about easy one because everybody—the these calls, we took further action Scotia caucus colleagues were im- “It is my sincere hope that you this and he was quick to respond,” province, the constituents, and by launching a public inquiry that ploring the government to change will hear this third plea on behalf Liberal MP Darrell Samson ourselves—were quick to con- will address the questions raised. course, Liberal MP of my constituents for a public (Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, clude that this is where we have We will continue to work with (Kings–Hants, N.S.), chair of the inquiry,” Ms. Zann wrote to Mr. N.S.) told The Hill Times. “That’s to be,” he said. those affected by this tragedy province’s federal Liberal caucus, Blair. Ms. Zann is the MP of the where it allowed us to get where Ms. Zann said in an email to ensure that an event such as released a statement saying the in- riding where the mass shooting we got.” to The Hill Times that the Nova this never happens again,” press dependent review was welcomed took place. He said Mr. Blair already knew Scotia caucus, along with public secretary Mary-Liz Power said in by the MPs, noting the inclusion of The email followed two others the caucus had concerns and he support, was able to “change the a statement. a feminist analysis in the review. on July 3 and May 29 also calling never shut the door to a public tide” for a public inquiry. Mr. Blair said on CBC Radio’s Mr. Blois did not respond to an for a public inquiry. inquiry. “I’ve learned that politics is a The House that the pressure from interview request from The Hill “Please don’t patronize us by “If the 10 MPs [in the Liberal lot like sailing,” she said. “When the public was behind the federal Times. making assumptions for the vic- N.S. caucus] are articulating the you’ve got a strong headwind government’s decision to hold an In his statement on Facebook, tims’ families that they will be re- position for Nova Scotia, I would sometimes you need to tack a inquiry. Mr. Fraser, who did not respond traumatized by a public inquiry. It like to think the government little to [the] side in order to even- “I think my colleagues in the to an interview request from The will be much more traumatizing would consider that as a strong tually find the right spot to get the Nova Scotia Liberal caucus did Hill Times, wrote that his inclu- for them to be kept in the dark indicator of what’s happening on full wind in your sails to help you their job and advocated very sion on the letter was a result of a and not included in the process,” the ground,” he said. “It doesn’t reach your destination.” strongly on behalf of their constit- “serious, albeit innocent, misun- Ms. Zann wrote. mean that the government is go- “Onlookers may think you uents,” Mr. Blair said. “Their advo- derstanding of my views.” “I await your response.” ing to change its mind if you have have changed course. But true cacy was important because the Mr. Samson said from the start The third request for a public all the MPs in one province [on sailors know that if you have a voice of the victims was amplified he felt a public inquiry was the inquiry came three months after one side of an issue], but by God strong keel and an experienced through them, and certainly I lis- best approach, but he said when a gunman murdered 22 people in … it should have a lot of weight, captain with knowledge of the tened very carefully to them and the review was announced he Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19. and it did.” wind and the waves, you will their advocacy did have an impact said he could have “lived with [it],” Ms. Zann’s email to Mr. Blair Mr. Samson added MPs didn’t bring your ship to shore safe and on the decision that we made.” citing the benefits with its shorter came after she met with Kath- change the decision, as without sound—maybe a little later than Former Liberal ministerial timeframe and the inclusion of erine O’Halloran, the PMO’s such public outcry a change you’d hoped, but in the home staffer Greg MacEachern, senior the feminist analysis. Atlantic regional affairs adviser, wouldn’t be as set in stone, but harbour nonetheless,” Ms. Zann vice president at Proof Strategies, Along with the province’s on July 26. Ms. Zann said she was he said they played “a big role in said. said the outreach by Nova Scotia Liberal MPs, the lone opposition assured that her concerns would Liberal MPs is an example of MPs MP in the province, Conservative be raised with Prime Minister Liberal finding their voice. Chris d’Entremont (West Nova, Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) MPs spoke “[They] have realized their N.S.), was also championing a the next day. to Prime full power, especially during a public inquiry, as were Nova Her outreach was part of a Minister minority government,” said Mr. Scotia Senators Wanda Thomas larger effort by Nova Scotia Lib- Justin MacEachern, a native of Nova Bernard, , Colin Dea- eral MPs to change the govern- Trudeau Scotia, highlighting past reports con, and . ment’s course. and his during the previous majority Par- “These [Liberal] MPs were When the government decided staff to liament of cabinet staff dictating reacting not just as representa- to go forward with the indepen- urge for direction to MPs. tives of their constituents in dent review on July 23, it had not a public “This is a really good example Ottawa, but also as residents of consulted with Ms. Zann before- inquiry. of how those days are over,” he the province that went through hand, CBC reported. The Hill said. “If you’re a political staffer a pretty horrific experience,” Mr. Along with Ms. Zann, Liberal Times and you are not aware that things MacEachern said. “Those Mem- MPs (Halifax, photograph have changed, you can end up—as bers of Parliament could see the N.S.), (Dartmouth- by Andrew in a case like this—with some very public reaction and where it was Cole Harbour, N.S.), Meade public awkwardness and examples going. At the same time, I don’t (Central Nova, N.S.), and Mike of where you missed the mark.” think any of them were all that Kelloway (Cape Breton-Canso, “Now it’s a minority Parlia- surprised because they probably N.S.) publicly stated that the ment, those experienced MPs are felt the same way.” announced independent review very valuable to the government [email protected] didn’t go far enough. and the government now has to The Hill Times 12 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Introduction of remote voting in the House could come without unanimous support

adding she hopes the “govern- meant that we stayed within the cally, such work involves “negotia- an arrangement; and block voting House leaders ment will come around to” scope of our mandate,” he said, tions” between the parties and he by party whips, “while ensuring continue to hold talks implementing the Conservatives’ adding the committee heard suspects “the whole issue of sunset that individual Members who proposals. testimony “throughout the course would have been talked about.” wish to vote differently have a over the summer, Asked for his response to of the study … that at the height “The Conservatives have really way to do so.” PROC’s recommendations, the of a public health emergency is gone out of their way to avoid any In his subsequent feedback, but whether an Conservatives’ dissenting report, not the time to be permanently sort of changes to the manner on having MPs queue, Mr. Rota and whether the government changing the Standing Orders of in which we vote and they come suggested the courtyard space agreement can would pursue the required Stand- the House of Commons.” up with a multitude of different (sometimes referred to as “purgato- ing Order amendments without “We pushed for this in com- reasons,” he said. ry”) that surrounds the Chamber or be struck to get unanimous support, Government mittee, and the members of the “The idea that the House of the nearby Sir John A. Macdonald Conservatives on House Leader Pablo Rodriguez’s committee clearly didn’t want an Commons cannot change the way building could be used, estimating (Honoré-Mercier, Que.) office said expiry date or sunset clause put in which it votes, whether it’s dur- 56 MPs would be able to line-up in side with a recent in an emailed statement that “we into it,” said Mr. Brassard. ing this emergency situation or an each queue at a time while respect- clearly want the House of Com- With businesses and schools other situation, it’s just ludicrous. … ing distancing. On shift voting, the call to allow remote mons to resume regular sittings re-opening, Mr. Brassard said the Change is not a bad thing, it can be Speaker said a maximum of 86 in September.” Dec. 31 timeframe is “reasonable,” good for our Parliament, it can make MPs could be in the Chamber at voting in ‘exceptional “If public health experts are and changes could be renewed if us more effective for Canadians.” once in designated desks. opposed to large gatherings and at that point Canada finds itself Mr. Lamoureux said while Mr. Rota returned to commit- circumstances’ cross-country travels, we will in the midst of a second wave, for unanimous consent “would be tee with a run-down of how re- remains to be seen. need hybrid sittings and remote example. wonderful,” it’s not a requirement, mote and electronic voting could voting. The Speaker said that so- “We want to make sure that and that “with a minority situa- work and issues to be considered lutions are ready and we are 100 we resurrect Canada’s democ- tion, it means ultimately the gov- on July 2, telling MPs that, if [per cent] in favour of it. With it, racy out of the Liberal-induced agreed to, an electronic voting Continued from page 1 ernment and at least one opposi- Canadians will be safely repre- coma that it’s in right now,” said tion party has to be OK with it.” system could quickly be made Orders—the rules that govern how sented in the House of Commons, Mr. Brassard, but “our job was to “Sometimes getting unani- ready for use by MPs, with House the House of Commons conducts not only people living in Ottawa, look in the context of this current mous support is not possible staff already having begun the its business—to be made by unani- Montreal or Toronto,” reads the pandemic, it wasn’t to look at because one party has taken a work of building an IT framework mous consent, all-party agreement statement. permanently changing things.” very hard position,” he said. to support such a system. isn’t technically required, and In its resulting report tabled changes can instead be adopted by July 21, the committee stressed the simple majority. remote-voting system should in- A wide array of procedural clude multi-factor authentication, challenges and changes were multiple notifications or reminders considered by the Procedure and to MPs that a vote is happening, House Affairs Committee (PROC) require double confirmation and as part of its recent study on how verification of votes, and having to adapt regular House business vote times set in advance through in the context of COVID-19—from talks between House officers, the tabling of documents, to rules among other things. around quorum and decorum in a The electronic system should virtual setting—but the question also ensure end-to-end encryp- of whether to introduce remote tion; a recording and archiving electronic voting has proven a of results; involve a “dedicated, particular point of contention. secure application on Members’ It’s an idea Liberals floated House of Commons-managed during the last Parliament, in the mobile device to read the motion context of permanent rule chang- and cast their vote”; and provide es, but which sunk after facing an alternative voting system in strong Conservative opposition. case of unexpected technology In a July 21 report, the major- failures, among other things. It ity of PROC members recom- Liberal House Leader Pablo Rodriguez and Conservative House Leader Candice Bergen, pictured alongside a shot of also recommends that the Com- mended, among other things, that the House of Commons on June 4, after large video screens were installed to allow the Chamber to hold hybrid virtual munications Security Establish- an app-based system of remote sittings. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade ment review and report back on electronic voting be pursued by the security of any such voting the House administration. solutions presented, and that MPs But a strongly worded dis- “The Conservatives need to Security concerns aside, Mr. “The bottom line is that there be trained on the new system, senting report from Conservative also support it, it’s common sense Brassard flagged the “unintended was a report [recommending this including inviting all MPs to take members came out against the in the 21st century.” consequences” permanently al- change, and] it took more than part in a mock sitting, before the idea, in particular as the main re- In a follow-up response on lowing remote electronic voting one political party in order to get first such vote. port recommends such voting be whether the government would in “exceptional circumstances” that passed.” While the main committee allowed in the (undefined) “event consider adding a sunset clause could bring, suggesting for ex- report clearly recommends a of a crisis or exceptional circum- to try to get Conservatives on ample that “if a Member of Parlia- A closer look at PROC, remote-voting solution be built— stances,” and would constitute a side, press secretary Simon Ross ment was facing serious criminal also recommending the adminis- permanent change to the Stand- said “we will discuss the matter charges for example … that par- CPC recommendations tration work to develop a way to ing Orders, with no sunset clause with the other parties in the com- ticular Member would not have to Through an order of reference conduct secret ballots electroni- included. In turn, Conservatives ing weeks.” be in Ottawa to face the scrutiny adopted—without unanimous cally “in the rare event they are recommended an expiration Though PROC is expected of the Parliamentary Press Gal- consent—on May 26, PROC was ever necessary”—a dissenting date of Dec. 31, 2020, be set for to meet again before the House lery,” or that the option could be directed to look into how regular report filed by Conservative mem- PROC’s proposals, at which point returns in September, a House used by MPs facing “a close race House business could be conduct- bers slammed Liberal “MPs’ lust the changes could be reviewed vote is required to concur in the for re-election” to spend more ed during the pandemic. to vote by app.” and reconsidered. report—which can be done by time in their riding. In a June 11 letter to House Conservatives also recom- “After multiple attempts by the majority, and would be enough Liberal MP Kevin Lamou- Speaker (Nipiss- mended, among other things, that Liberals to limit the role of Parlia- to make the proposed changes reux (Winnipeg North, Man.), ing-Timiskaming, Ont.), Ms. Ber- the House resume regular in- ment during the pandemic, they official—but before that happens, parliamentary secretary to the gen asked his office to look into person sittings with up to a maxi- are now pushing for permanent the government has to table its House leader and a longstanding how it could implement a number mum of 86 MPs in the House at long-term changes that, at a mini- response, as requested by PROC. advocate for the introduction of of voting options: having MPs once, with MPs “strongly encour- mum, should be temporary and Conservative MP John Bras- remote voting, welcomed PROC’s queue in the lobbies, or the House aged” to remain in the National subject to a review and sunset sard (Barrie-Innisfil, Ont.), a recommendations, calling them a Chamber, to verbally indicate Capital Region during weekends clause. This is yet another veiled member of PROC, said the per- needed modernization. their votes to a table officer, simi- to minimize travel, and that MPs attempt by the prime minister manent changes recommended Asked whether he thinks a lar to the U.K.; shift voting in the be tested for COVID-19 before be- to make his government less ac- in the main committee report go sunset clause should be added to Chamber; deferred divisions, with ing allowed to enter the Chamber countable and less transparent,” beyond its original mandate. try to get Conservatives onside, Mr. MPs marking off votes and sign- and be tested “at least weekly” said Conservative House Leader “In terms of changing the Lamoureux said that while he wasn’t ing their names to a paper ballot; while staying in the area. Candice Bergen (Portage-Lisgar, Standing Orders, having a sunset part of the committee’s in-camera making vote pairing a “binding [email protected] Man.) in an emailed statement, date on there really would have deliberations to draft its report, typi- commitment” by having MPs sign The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 13

hill climbers by Laura Ryckewaert Dea exits as PMO issues, parliamentary

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pictured with Deputy Prime Minister at a press affairs director conference in the West Block on July 16. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Plus, the Liberal research are: Samantha Khalil, senior manager of to the PMO as senior speechwriter. tions and engagement adviser. She’s been issues management and parliamentary af- Now, she’s headed off the Hill, and out working her way up the office ladder since, bureau has a new fairs; advisers Sabrina Kim, Alana Kite- of the country, set to return to school at the becoming a senior adviser for media rela- ley, and Thi Tran; co-ordinator Munavvar University of Oxford. tions and communications in January 2019, communications director, Tojiboeva; and Elise Wagner, senior special “The only thing I will miss more than the and a year later, manager of communica- assistant for Canada-U.S. relations. job is the team,” she wrote on Twitter. tions. Ms. Lee spent the fall 2019 federal and there are a couple of After roughly four and a half years in Headed in the other direction is Vincent election managing the team of videogra- the PMO, senior speechwriter Gabrielle Hughes, who’s returning to the Hill to phers and editors producing video content staff departures from the Cesvet marked her last day as a writer for become a communications planner in the for the national Liberal campaign. Conservative OLO to note. Mr. Trudeau on July 31, announcing her PMO after taking time to travel the world Before coming to the Hill to work for the following the 2019 LRB in 2017, she was a senior business ana- election. lyst with the Wazuku Advisory Group. axime Dea recently made his exit from Mr. Hughes’ Melissa Cotton is managing director of Mthe Prime Minister’s Office after a little travel plans were the LRB, which supports all 156 members more than half a year as director of issues thrown to the wind of the Liberal caucus. management and parliamentary affairs a couple of months and legal affairs adviser to Prime Minister in as a result of the Kalogerakos among Justin Trudeau. COVID-19 pandem- Mr. Dea officially shifted to post-em- ic, and until recent- recent OLO exits ployment status as of July 22, according ly he was , There have been a couple of recent staff to the federal conflict of interest commis- where he’d been exits from outgoing Conservative Leader sioner’s online registry. since mid-March ’s office, including that of “Max Dea decided in June to move back when cases began associate director of policy and research to Montreal with his family. We are sad to skyrocketing across Nick Kalogerakos, who marked his last day see him go and wish him all the best,” said the world. On July on the job on July 24. PMO press secretary Alex Wellstead. 25, he tweeted a A former Harper-era cabinet staffer, Mr. That would put his decision ahead of the photo of himself Kalogerakos first joined Mr. Scheer’s OLO as a current WE Charity controversy that has donning personal policy adviser in 2017, later becoming associate engulfed the PMO and no doubt made for busy protective equip- director of issues management and research. days for the office’s issues management team, ment for his 36- He’s a former director of parliamentary which continues to be led by executive director hour return journey affairs to then-national revenue minister of issues management, parliamentary affairs, to Canada. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who returned to the and Canada-U.S. relations Brian Clow. In the PMO, Mr. House to sit as the MP for South Surrey- A former Hughes fills com- White Rock, B.C., last fall, having previously counsel Gabrielle Cesvet, pictured at work with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. munications plan- lost her seat in 2015. Mr. Kalogerakos is with Global Photograph by Adam Scotti/courtesy of Twitter ner Emily Trogen’s also a former senior policy adviser to then- Affairs Can- shoes. Ms. Trogen is citizenship minister Chris Alexander, and a ada’s trade departure on Twitter, calling it a “hard day.” currently on maternity leave. former policy adviser to then-international law bureau, “I loved being a speechwriter. It kicked Before heading off on his travels, Mr. co-operation minister Julian Fantino. Mr. Dea my ass, but it taught me so much and I’m Hughes had spent most of the last Parlia- Morgan Swan has also recently left the had been forever grateful for the opportunity of a ment working for now-President of the opposition leader’s office. She’d been work- working for lifetime,” wrote Ms. Cesvet. Queen’s Privy Council Dominic LeBlanc, ing there since the beginning of 2018, start- the Trudeau She first began working for Mr. Trudeau starting in March 2016 as a Quebec and At- ing as a digital media liaison and ending govern- five years ago in May 2015, starting as lantic regional affairs adviser to Mr. LeB- as a regional adviser for B.C., Alberta, and ment since communications intern in his office as the lanc as minister of fisheries and oceans. In the territories. Before then, she was doing December then-third party Liberal leader. “Just four 2018, he was promoted to press secretary public affairs work for Crestview Strategy 2015, start- days after graduating” from McGill Univer- to the minister, and after Mr. LeBlanc was in Ottawa, amongst other past experience Maxime Dea, pictured in the ing with a sity, where she earned a bachelor’s degree shuffled into the intergovernmental and noted on her LinkedIn profile. prime minister’s office in the brief run as in political science, as she noted on Twitter. northern affairs and internal trade post in During the 2019 election, Ms. Swan was West Block building. Photograph chief of staff Ms. Cesvet went on to do communica- July 2018, Mr. Hughes was quick to follow, a press secretary for B.C. and the Territories courtesy of LinkedIn to then- tions work for the 2015 federal Liberal later being promoted to senior communica- for the Conservative campaign. democratic campaign, and after the party was elected tions adviser. Now off the Hill, she’s already started a institutions to government, she joined the PMO as a In his new role, Mr. Hughes will be new job as an account director with Spark minister . writer. In working closely alongside fellow commu- Advocacy. From there, he became director of policy 2016, she nications planner Andrew MacKendrick. It’s worth noting that Ian Brodie, who to then-agriculture minister Lawrence joined the Cameron Ahmad is director of communi- joined the OLO as a senior adviser to Mr. MacAulay, a role he held for roughly a year office’s cations in the PMO, supported by deputy Scheer in January, remains in place. In before joining the PMO for the first time as speechwrit- directors of communications Chantal reporting on Mr. Brodie’s return to the Hill, a policy adviser in March 2017. A little more ing team, Gagnon and Vanessa Hage-Moussa. the CBC indicated he would be in place for than a year later, Mr. Dea left the top office later adding Katie Telford is chief of staff to the prime the “next six months.” That timing would have to become chief of staff to then-Canadian on the title minister. lined up with the originally planned conclu- heritage minister Pablo Rodriguez. He ran of French sion of the Conservative Party’s still-ongoing his office until November 2019, re-joining the commu- LRB names new comms director leadership race on June 27. Delayed due to PMO post-election in his most recent role. nications the COVID-19 pandemic, party members Off the Hill, Mr. Dea is also a former lawyer adviser. Allie Lee recently got a promotion, now have until Aug. 21 to cast their bal- with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and former She was a having been tapped to take over as director lots. The party has still yet to confirm when law clerk to then-Supreme Court justice Marie speechwriter of communications in the Liberal caucus’ the new leader will be announced, but in a Deschamps, amongst other past experience. for Mr. research bureau, also known as the LRB. recent interview with The Hill Times, Con- No one new has been hired to replace Trudeau dur- The role has been vacant since John servative Party director of communications Mr. Dea—yet, at least. Along with Mr. Clow, ing the 2019 Vincent Hughes is joining the O’Leary’s exit early last month to become a Cory Hann indicated he expected it to come Sebastien Belliveau remains in place as campaign, PMO as a communications senior consultant with Crestview Strategy. “days” not “weeks” after Aug. 21. deputy director of issues management and after which planner. Photograph courtesy Ms. Lee has been working in the LRB [email protected] parliamentary affairs. Also part of the unit she returned of Twitter since April 2017, starting as a media rela- The Hill Times 14 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Diplomatic Circles

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Currently, the repre- Earlier in June, sentatives don’t present Prime Minister Justin letters of credentials Trudeau said Canada like ambassadors and If you washed your hands remained committed high commissioners, but to seeing a two-state instead offer a letter of and your hand bled solution and that he introduction between had expressed to Israeli foreign ministers. But leaders “deep concerns Palestinian Chief Representative Hala Abou- “primarily” she said You would think and disagreement” over Hassira, who arrived in Ottawa March 16, it’s important Canada Israeli Prime Minister said it was a challenge to start her posting recognizes the state Benjamin Netanyahu’s in the middle of a pandemic. Photograph of Palestine to protect “THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF” now-delayed plan to courtesy of the Palestinian General Delegation the two-state solution. annex almost a third of It’s a move which the Why are bleeding gums when the West Bank. Israeli government and its allies have called Canada’s position was underscored to Ms. unhelpful in achieving peace. you floss any different?? Abou-Hassira again during a recent phone call with Foreign Affairs Minister François- Arriving amid COVID ‘challenging’ Philippe Champagne on June 8. Ms. Abou-Hassira is the first woman rep- “We had a very warm, frank conversation. resentative for Palestine in Canada and North We discussed the need to develop the bilateral America, a milestone she said she’s proud to relationship between Canada and Palestine, make. She arrived on March 16, just five days we discussed annexation, the dangers of after the World Health Organization declared it, the illegality of this act,” she said of her COVID-19 a pandemic and days after Canada first official call, though she estimates she’s started bringing in lockdown measures. had about 70 visits with Ottawa diplomats It was “very challenging” to arrive in a through Zoom since. new country alone, working remotely from “Minister Champagne voiced out clearly home and not yet knowing her team in Ot- Canada’s engagement to the two-state solu- tawa, she said. Call to consult • 613 234 5758 tion, Canada’s objection to annexation and Still, she said she found ways to commu- [email protected] • [email protected] unilateral actions.” nicate with the Palestinian community and In June, when Canada lost its bid for a UN learn what support the diaspora needed in the Security Council seat to Ireland and Norway, pandemic’s early days. It involved many con- some critics said Canada’s international voting versations with universities to help students record on Palestine had harmed its campaign. stuck in Canada and facing the prospect of Have a house to rent or sell? Asked if she believed that was a factor, Ms. closing dorms and nowhere to go. Abou-Hassira said because the UN vote is It also led to her first human contact in private it’s not possible for her to know the po- months, when 25 seats were set aside on a Items or products to sell? sitions of the different member states and that Jordanian repatriation flight, as part of a joint she hoped Canada would get a seat one day. operation with the neighbouring country, and Her predecessor, Nabil Maarouf, told The she travelled to Montreal on June 18 to say Advertise them in The Hill Times Hill Times in 2016 a more supportive record goodbye to passengers on the first such flight, could help Canada’s bid for the 2021 seat. many of whom were students. When the Palestinian Authority pushed to be “It was the first time for me to see faces, to recognized at the United Nations as a non- see people and communicate with people, and member observer state in 2012—and easily I was so happy that it was our students going For information contact Kelly: took enough votes— Israel, Canada, and the back home to join their families,” she said, United States took a strong stand against calling it an “exceptional moment.” [email protected] • 613-232-5952 among the nine against, though 138 voted in [email protected] favour. The Liberals have, for the most part, The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 15 Events Feature

dedicated space. In order to safely welcome back audi- ences to watch live concerts, the Drive-In series will offer Parliamentary a physical distancing experience that respects reopening Parties of the past measures and protocols. Canadians will also be able to watch online the live-streamed concerts. The remaining Calendar concerts will take place on Friday, Aug. 7, Saturday, The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9. Tickets on sale now. For the details, including additional dates and performers, go to: With COVID-19 putting a pause on diplomatic gatherings in Ottawa, The canadaperforms.ottawabluesfest.ca/ Hill Times is offering a look back with (some never-before-seen) images of celebrations and special events that have occurred at this time in years past. TUESDAY, AUG. 11 COVID, Recovery, and Immigration—Since 2015, Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal government have regu- larly and widely championed immigration to Canada and the welcoming of refugees. Now, as we begin to recover Ecuador takes over City Hall from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must examine how this tumultuous period has shown areas of weakness in immi- RBC Bluesfest gration. We must also consider how immigration has been affected during the pandemic and how this has affected Canada economically, socially, and otherwise. Join the Pearson Centre and federal Minister of Immigration, Refu- Then-Colombian ambassador Nicolas Drive-In series gees, and Citizenship as we discuss the Lloreda, Mr. Terán-Parral, and then- role of immigration in rebuilding the Canadian economy. Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Register online. ambassador of Peru José Antonio Bellina. ends with Then-Albanian ambassador Elida Petoshati; Maria Rosa Eguez- WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12 Terán, wife of the then-ambassador of Ecuador; her husband Business Fireside Chat with Minister Ng and NCR Andrés Terán-Parral; and then-Indonesian ambassador Dienne weekend of Caucus—Minister of Small Business, Export Promo- H. Moehario celebrate Ecuador’s national day at an Ottawa tion, and International Trade will take part in a Business Fireside Chat hosted by the Ottawa Board City Hall reception on Aug. 8, 2013. of Trade. Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon. Mr. Terán-Parral and then-Jamaican high concerts Aug. 7 Registration available at business.ottawabot.ca. commissioner Sheila Sealy-Monteith. THURSDAY, AUG. 13 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5 How-to Parliament—Ryerson University hosts “How-to Parliament: An introduction to the Institute for Future House Not Sitting—The House has not met regularly since Legislators.” Past IFL alumni and instructors will share mid-March, when it was suspended amid the COVID-19 pan- insights from their time in the program, how they’ve put demic. The regular summer recess was scheduled to begin on their training practice since the institute, and advice for Ms. Eguez-Terán, Darlene McLean, June 24, but MPs agreed to meet as a committee of the whole anyone interested in the program or politics in general. on July 8, July 22, Aug. 12, and Aug. 26. The House is then Participants can participate in one of our signature IFL executive director of Christian Embassy, scheduled to return in the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, for three political simulations, experiencing first-hand some of the Mr. Terán-Parral, and then-Conservative straight weeks, as per the original House sitting calendar. challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities that come along Mr. Terán-Parral and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. MP Harold Albrecht. Senate Not Sitting—The Senate is adjourned until with public office. Thursday, Aug. 13, beginning at 3:30 Sept. 22. p.m. EDT. Register for the Zoom event via Ryerson. New Normal, New NAFTA—The Toronto Board of Trade hosts a webinar on “Reimagining the Way We Trade: New WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19 Normal, New NAFTA.” This panel discussion will feature Ipsos COVID-19 August Update: Ask Me Anything trade and business experts as they explain how CUSMA Webinar—Join Darrell Bricker, global CEO of Ipsos Peruvian envoy throws can be leveraged to help Canadian importers and export- Public Affairs for another interactive and frank “Ask me ers. How does a background of the pandemic impact this anything” webinar examining how the public mood around new trade agreement? Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 10:30 COVID-19 has evolved, where concerns are most focused first Canadian party a.m.-11:30 a.m. Register at bot.com. now, and how the crisis is affecting Canadians’ behaviour Canadian Politics and Policy: Economic Outlook in a now and in the future. Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m. (ET), online. It Pandemic—S&P Global Market Intelligence hosts a webinar will last 60 minutes. Register at Ipsos.com or online here. on “Canadian Politics and Policy: Economic Outlook in a Pandemic,” reviewing the decline in commodities markets, FRIDAY, AUG. 21 the next steps for Canadian financial markets, and the Conservative Party Leadership Contest—The federal long-term effects of Employment Insurance, tax deferrals Conservative Party’s Leadership Election Organizing and stimulus on economic stability through 2021. Adam Committee, also known as LEOC, announced on April Noah, head of government affairs and public policy, North 29 that Aug. 21 is the deadline for mail-in ballots, America, for S&P Global, will moderate the discussion after the leadership was suspended on March 26 due to featuring Devi Aurora, senior director, financial services the global pandemic. The party says the winner will be ratings, S&P Global Ratings; Satyam Panday, senior announced once the ballots can be safely counted. economist, S&P Global Ratings; and Kevin Murphy, senior Margaret Dickenson and Ms. Garcia Bellina. analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence. Wednesday, Aug. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 Then-French ambassador François Delattre, then-ambassador 5, from noon to 1 p.m. Register online at spglobal.com. 43rd FIPP World Media Congress—Susan Goldberg, of Peru José Antonio Bellina, and his wife Rosa Garcia Bellina THURSDAY, AUG. 6 editor-in-chief of National Geographic and editorial director at the Peruvian Independence Day party on July 29, 2010, held of National Geographic Partners, is the latest speaker to at the ambassador’s residence. 75 Years Since the Nuclear Bombing of Hiroshima be confirmed for the 43rd FIPP World Media Congress, and Nagasaki: We Remember—Aug. 6 and 9 will mark which will take place online from Sept. 2-30. To find out 75 years since atomic bombs were dropped on the more, www.fippcongress.com and online here. cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing more than 200,000 people. The Canadian Network to Abolish MONDAY, SEPT. 21 Nuclear Weapons (CNANW) will host a virtual event House Sitting—The House is scheduled to return in on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 2-3:30 p.m. EDT to honour the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, for three straight weeks, the victims of this unspeakable act, and to consider as per the original House sitting calendar. new action to help rid the world of nuclear weapons. Featured speakers include: bombing survivor Setsuko TUESDAY, SEPT. 22 Thurlow; Douglas Roche, former senator, ambassador Senate Sitting—The Senate is scheduled to return for disarmament; Alain Dondainaz, head of mission Vera Lúcia Ribeiro Estrela de Andrade Pinto, wife of the then-Brazilian in the fall on Tuesday, Sept. 22. to Canada of the International Committee of the Red The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. ambassador is greeted by Ms. Garcia Bellina, as then-Brazilian Then-Panamanian ambassador Francisco Cross; Peggy Mason, former Ambassador for Disarma- Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental ambassador Paulo Cordeiro de Andrade Pinto and Mr. Bellina look on. Carlo Escobar Pedreschi and Mr. Bellina. ment and current president of the Rideau Institute; event in a paragraph with all the relevant details under the Ray Acheson, director of Reaching Critical Will, the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to news@hilltimes. disarmament program of the Women’s International com by Wednesday at noon before the Monday paper or by League for Peace and Freedom; Cesar Jaramillo, Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We can’t guaran- executive director of Project Ploughshares; and Michel tee inclusion of every event, but we will definitely do our Duguay, former co-ordinator of the Let’s Move Quebec best. Events can be updated daily online, too. Morocco fêtes national day Out of Nuclear movement. CNANW chair Earl Turcotte The Hill Times will moderate. Register via Eventbrite. FRIDAY, AUG. 7 Pink Tea Conversation With Sally Armstrong—The Fa- mous 5 host the next in its Virtual Pink Tea Conversa- Extra! Extra! tions featuring Sally Armstrong, award-winning author, journalist, and human rights activist who has reported Read the full and written about the struggles and triumphs of women Souriya Otmani, then-council general and in war and conflict areas. Friday, Aug. 7, from 1-2 p.m. Parliamentary current Moroccan Ambassador to Canada, MDT. Tickets available at famou5.ca. Calendar Ms. Chekrouni and Mr. Bentefrit. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7—SATURDAY, AUG. 8 #CanadaPerforms at RBC Bluesfest Drive-In—The online National Arts Centre and RBC Bluesfest are pleased to announce they are coming together to present #Canada- Then-Moroccan Ambassador Nouzha Chekrouni and her husband Performs at RBC Bluesfest Drive-In, a summer weekend El Menouar Bentefrit laugh with Anu’a-Gheyle Solomon Azoh-Mbi, series of live concerts at the Place des Festivals Zibi site, high commissioner of Cameroon, at Morocco’s national day Mr. Bentefrit, Ms. Chekrouni and by the Kitchissippi River (Ottawa River). Concert-goers, party on July 30, 2009. as small pods or families, will be encouraged to drive then-senator Marcel Prud’homme. to the site and watch live concerts from their individual Easy Parliamentary Tracking With the sheer magnitude of information coming out of Parliament Hill every day, it can be hard to sift through it all to find what you need. Parliament Now is the service that will help you sort out your government affairs.

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