Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 T A step down asinnovation minister (Papineau,Que.) that hewanted to Malton, Ont.)informedMr. Trudeau after Navdeep Bains(Mississauga- election cabinet. cabinet isthegoverning party’s spring election, andthat thenew Trudeau issettingthestagefora indication Prime MinisterJustin cabinet shuffleis yet another political watchers election, say decks’ for a spring ‘clearing the indication Liberals shuffle another yet Trudeau’s cabinet News THIRTY-SECOND YEAR, NO.1793 Canada Jean-Pierre Kingsley. fect, says formerheadofElections process saferhave comeintoef- changes tomake theelectoral and itcouldcomebeforeproposed votecontinues talk ofspring as line, finish farfrom the election bill Pandemic News BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS BY PETER MAZEREEUW Tim Barber p.3 response, by Joe Jordan and it demandsa national It’s a nationalemergency, COVID-19 Michael Last week’s shuffle was triggered cal insiderssay lastweek’s he Liberals deny it, butpoliti- Harris would causebigproblems, mid-pandemic springelection p.10 Continued onpage21 Continued onpage 20

M making them angry, says Conservative strategist KenBoessenkool. or ‘spend the time anddo the work’ to findout,andaddress, what is Political partiescanchoose to either rile uppopulists within their base, violent insurrection that over News say political players Capitol Hillinsurrection, vision ofparty in wake of chart ‘uniquely Canadian’ Conservativesneed to BY MIKE LAPOINTE Nuclear Weapons by DouglasRochep.5 Nuclearof WeaponsTreaty, Feds clamuponProhibition publicly condemnedthe ultiple Conservatives have C anada - ’ s P oliti to doaddress extremistviews the partystillhasalotofwork gists, pollsters, andexpertssay and leftfive dead, butstrate- took theU.S. CapitolonJan. 6 David Cranep.15 or vague aspirations,by It’s no time for half measures Economy c s

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N ews as possible. tive tentinCanada—asquickly that residewithintheConserva- Ryckewaert p.22 going where, by Laura political staffers and who’s The latest onministerial Hill Climbers p a p er Continued onpage 18 Andrew Meade photograph by The HillTimes democracy.' of stable and infavour law andorder, is infavourof violence, that is against position that a blanket 'needs tohave Mr. O'Toole he believes Nanos says Pollster Nik in Ottawa. 28, 2020, pictured Oct. Erin O’Toole, Party Leader Conservative MONDAY, JANUARY 18,2021$5.00 F W say politicos experienced partner,’ on having a ‘stable, aligned’ for Canada president, ‘stars taking over asU.S. leaving andBiden With Trump News referring toMr. Biden. Trudeau,” saidRaymond Chrétien, relationship withPrimeMinister work withinthenextfouryears. policy andtrade issuesforCanadato and experienced” partneronforeign say they areexpectinga “predictable power thisweek, politicalinsiders Biden’s administration takingover way outandU.S. president-electJoe as aresultofescalating COVID-19 week sincethepandemicbegan News clarity looking for more ‘critical point’, say situation at Ontario MPS some federal of emergency, second state As Ford declares BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS BY MIKE LAPOINTE HOH, by Palak Mangat 2 p. U.K., andmore in this week’s Mike McNair is headed to Canadaland’s Oppo to end, Heard on the Hill of emergency declaredlast ollowing Ontario’ssecondstate “He already hasanexcellent dent Donald Trump onhis ith now-impeached U.S. Presi- Continued onpage19 Continued onpage 7 Gwynne Dyer p.11 2 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

Former Joe Biden administration and its impact on PMO Canada’s climate change agenda with John staffer Podesta, a former Bill Clinton and Barack Mike Obama aide, at an event on Tuesday. McNair, Hosted by GreenPAC, the free event Heard on the Hill pictured will feature a “fireside chat” between the in 2015, two, which will be moderated by Quebec is heading Independent Senator Rosa Galvez, who is by Palak Mangat to London an expert in pollution control. for a new It is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Jan. 19, adventure. the day before Mr. Biden is expected to be The Hill inaugurated to the White House. Times file Defenestration talk: photograph Noam Chomsky chats about UN hope to re-connect with former colleagues nuclear ban pact in the UK & welcome visitors post-pan- Renowned political activist and aca- demic,” he said. demic Noam Chomsky will take part in a Scheer inadvertently Mr. McNair left the PMO for a second webinar hosted by the Canadian Foreign time last fall. He served as Mr. Trudeau’s Policy Institute on Friday, to help mark head of policy, beginning when the Liber- the day the Treaty on the Prohibition of als were in opposition in 2013 and ending Nuclear Weapons kicks in. helps some politicos in January 2020. Signed in 2017, the pact bans members Helping draft the party’s 2015 plat- from using, stocking, buying, producing, form, Mr. McNair’s resumé includes policy and developing nuclear weapons, along work for former Liberal leaders Stéphane with deploying them on its territory. It learn new word Dion and Michael Ignatieff. comes into effect Jan. 22, and countries like According to Hill Climbers, he has three Bangladesh, Austria, Mexico, and several young children and holds a master’s de- African nations have signed on. gree from the London School of Economics Mr. Chomsky will speak about why and political science. Canada should also commit to the UN pact. Those interested can register online for the First Inuit-language TV channel free webinar. to hit airwaves on Monday, Jan. 18 Canada’s first Inuit-language TV chan- New boss at Quebec paper nel will make its debut on Monday. Stéphanie Grammond was appointed the new editor-in-chief at La Presse last week.

Writer and Longtime director Lucy Quebec Tulugarjuk says reporter it is a ‘dream Stéphanie come true’ to Grammond is help launch the the new boss country’s first at La Presse. Inuit-language Photograph TV channel. courtesy of La This just in: Former top PMO adviser and longtime Justin Trudeau ally Gerry Butts, left, drew Photograph Presse a rebuke from former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer last week on Twitter. The Hill Times courtesy of Inuit photographs by Andrew Meade Art Foundation’s YouTube The show was also sometimes hosted by lose Justin Trudeau ally and PMO alum freelance journalist and author Justin Ling, Gerry Butts drew the ire of former C whose fiery banter with Ms. Gerson made Tweeting she is “very, very proud to Conservative leader Andrew Scheer last the show all the more entertaining. Mr. become the first woman” to steer the ship week. On Jan. 18, Nunavut Independent Tele- Ling has cut his teeth over the years as a at the paper, Ms. Grammond enters the Amid a Twitter exchange about right- vision and IsumaTV will launch Uvagut freelancer with bylines in various Cana- post with 20 years of experience under her wing media outlet The Rebel’s framing TV, which means “our TV,” by offering 168 dian newspapers. (Fun fact about the other belt. She previously wrote columns for the of an email exchange with Conservative hours a week of Inuit-produced arts, cul- regular host: Ms. Garossino’s daughter is business section, and will continue to serve Leader Erin O’Toole’s press secretary as an ture, movies, and other programming. Canadian singer Grimes, also known as as head of the paper’s debate section. “exclusive interview” with the leader, Mr. Available to those with Shaw Direct Claire Elise Boucher, who is the partner of “I hope to encourage all women to Butts called the party’s decision to interact satellite and subscribers of Arctic Co-ops Tesla founder and tech entrepreneur Elon speak in our pages. The debates section is a with the outlet a “giant leap backward.” If in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Musk.) it can also be streamed online at any time. lung that circulates ideas from all walks of the Conservatives “can’t defenestrate this life and brings oxygen to our democracy,” merry band they’re not going far,” he said, Freelance The project is four decades in the mak- ing, according to a Jan. 14 release from she said in a Jan. 14 release. using that term again later on. reporter “At a time when ideas are polarizing … “So [Mr. Trudeau’s] senior adviser Justin Ling, NITV shared by the Globe’s Barry Hertz, which was founded in 1991 as a “training it is a discussion forum that maintains a just called for people to be thrown out a pictured dialogue that is essential for society.” window to their death. Now, will the PM in 2016, centre for Inuit community filmmaking.” “Uvagut TV is a dream come true—to Ms. Grammond studied communications denounce this incitement to violence? helped host a at the University of Quebec in Montreal, Does this violate any kind of community now-defunct see Inuit culture and to hear our language full time on TV,” said NITV chair and before launching her career in broadcast at standard for Twitter,” reacted Mr. Scheer in Canadaland ICI RDI in 1995. She went on to work at Les response. podcast. The executive director, Lucy Tulugarjuk, in the release. “As our elders pass away, we are Affaires for four years before making the Mr. Butts, who was a top adviser to Hill Times file move to La Presse in the early 2000s. Prime Minster Trudeau, left the PMO amid photograph fighting against time to keep Inuit culture and language alive for our children and She has covered topics like investment, the SNC-Lavalin scandal nearly two years consumption, and personal finance, and has ago. grandchildren. TV in Inuktut all day every day is a powerful way to keep a living lan- authored a book, Acheter sans se faire rouler. The confusion appeared to be caused Ms. Grammond replaces Éric Trottier, by the use of the term “defenestrate,” which guage for future generations.” “Oppo has come to its natural end,” who stepped down in January to take a means to throw something out a window tweeted Ms. Gerson, thanking media critic vacation and “see what kind of man I can or, in its less formal version, dismiss some- and Canadaland founder Jesse Brown for Former Clinton, Obama aide be” outside of the role. body from a post of authority. recruiting her to the role. “Audio was never [email protected] Mr. Scheer’s mix-up served as fodder rubs shoulders with Wilkinson my first love, but I learned a lot creating The Hill Times for commentators, some of whom joked Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkin- this show and I’m so glad I took the leap that it helped them “learn a new word.” son is expected to chat about the incoming and signed on.” CORRECTION: The Hill Times, Jan. 13 issue Canadaland’s Oppo bites the dust Longtime Trudeau aide Mike Listeners learned last week that one “Canadian conservatives content to keep Canadian political podcast will be ending McNair plans move to London, U.K. courting the whitelash,” (The Hill Times, its run. Former PMO staffer Mike McNair is Jan. 13, p. 15). This article incorrectly stated Canadaland’s Oppo, which featured headed to the U.K. that the Conservative Party’s now-deleted former B.C. lawyer and National Observer In a Jan. 7 tweet, Mr. McNair, who previ- fundraising page stating “Justin Trudeau columnist Sandy Garossino exchanging ously served as a special adviser on the is rigging the next election in his favour,” her hot takes on the day’s news with Jen feds’ economic response to COVID-19, said John Podesta, left, former chief of staff to Bill was created under the direction of current Gerson, of National Post fame, is no more. he will be an associate partner in London Clinton and a former top adviser to Barack leader Erin O’Toole. It predated the 2019 “We will be launching a new Canadian with McKinsey & Company starting in Obama, Canadian Senator Rosa Galvez, and election and Mr. O’Toole’s August 2020 politics podcast on the same feed very February. Canada’s Environment Minister Jonathan election as party leader. The Hill Times soon. Wait for it!” tweeted the Canadaland “Our family is moving after the school Wilkinson. The Hill Times file photographs and regrets the error. account on Jan. 7. year. We’re excited for the new adventure. I courtesy Commons Wikimedia THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 3 Opinion COVID-19: a national emergency demands a national response

Using an existing legislative mechanism As Canada finds itself at to centralize control over the governmental response, to an issue that is life or death, another critical juncture should not be a controversial topic. So, to the people who would object to on the pandemic path, we this action based on the encroachment believe that it is time for of provincial rights, given that we cannot yet figure out how to legally ship liquor the federal government between the provinces, let us just admit that our domestic governance model has to recognize the growing advantages and disadvantages and the effective, timely, and coordinated response number of COVID-19 to a global pandemic may not be one of the infections as a national advantages. To the folks who would see this action emergency, and pursuant as placing unacceptable restrictions on their personal freedom, always remember to subsection 6(1), based on that the most enlightened state of freedom is death. the definition contained in To our elected representatives, we would point out that this is the job you 5(b), invoke the Emergencies signed up for, and although actually doing Act, and the accompanying something has risks, doing nothing has larger risks. The clock is ticking. temporary authorities. To provincial governments, the pan- demic response is a team sport and Canadians expect unprecedented levels of cooperation. This is not a reflection on your The clock is ticking: We are entering an era of pandemics. The global consequences of historical competence, the entire world is struggling decisions are impacting us now and will continue to impact us in the foreseeable future. Even with this. if this action ends up being an overreach, we can fully expect to have to use these authorities in To the federal government, this ac- the future and any practical experience we can acquire will be invaluable going forward, write Joe tion would take courage. With centralized Jordan and Tim Barber. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade authority comes centralized accountabil- ity. We have already seen the government Emergencies Act, and the accompanying of the temporary authorities they intend to finger-pointing, this action would point all temporary authorities. assume. the fingers in the same direction. Given that Sec. 3(a) states; “For the Parliament would need to be recalled to Finally, to all Canadians, we are enter- Joe Jordan & Tim Barber purposes of this act, a national emergency debate and approve the action within seven ing an era of pandemics. The global conse- Opinion is an urgent and critical situation of a tem- days of the declaration, allowing our fed- quences of historical decisions are impact- porary nature that seriously endangers the eral leaders to go on the record concerning ing us now and will continue to impact lives, health or safety of Canadians and is this action and perhaps identify alternative us in the foreseeable future. Even if this TTAWA—There are many things of such proportions or nature as to exceed strategies. action ends up being an overreach, we can Oabout this pandemic that we do not the capacity or authority of a province to Incidentally, the Senate may want to fully expect to have to use these authorities know, such as vaccine efficacy against deal with it … ,” there really can be little examine the criteria outlined in Sec. 62(2) in the future and any practical experience emerging variants or the long-term health debate concerning the legality or appropri- outlining the membership on the Parlia- we can acquire will be invaluable going implications of infection. However, we do ateness of this action. mentary Review Committee. forward. know that close to 17,000 Canadians have The oversight mechanisms inherent in At a minimum, the government should Joe Jordan is a second-generation died directly from COVID-19 and even the act should bring the necessary com- use the act to put in place national lock- former Liberal Member of Parliament, the most optimistic projections push the forts to those who would be concerned down measures, based on a consensus of who represented the Eastern Ontario rid- eventual number of deaths to more than with reallocations of authorities between the best public health information available. ing of Leeds-Grenville from 1997 to 2004 30,000. levels of government. In addition to the acquisition of vaccine and is a senior associate with the public As Canada finds itself at another critical In terms of process, the governor in supply, they should assume responsibility relations firm, Bluesky Strategy Group juncture on the pandemic path, we believe council, which is the Governor General for every activity necessary for getting the in Ottawa. Tim Barber is one of the co- that it is time for the federal government to acting with the advice and consent of vaccine into the arms of all Canadians—the founders of the independent, progressive recognize the growing number of CO- cabinet, should immediately begin consul- Canadian Forces could play a role in the ef- think-tank Canada 2020 and the public VID-19 infections as a national emergency, tations with the provinces to clearly state fort. Last, we believe the vaccine should be relations firm, Bluesky Strategy Group in and pursuant to subsection 6(1), based on the rationale for the declaration and, to the mandatory unless there is a valid medically Ottawa. the definition contained in 5(b), invoke the extent possible, state the scope and scale certified reason for an exemption. The Hill Times TRACK POLICY ISSUES, THE ECONOMY, POLITICS AND MORE. Subscribe to the Nanos Data Portal today and get exclusive access to diverse interactive data www.nanos.co 4 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News Twitter’s crackdown on Trump ‘a Band-Aid on a wound,’ say politicos

Liberal MP Ken Hardie, a former broadcaster, says he doesn’t want to see lawmakers or social media companies ‘running rampant over free expression,’ but there is a ‘fine line’ that needs to be walked that allows them to facilitate free expression ‘that, at the very least, comes with accountability.’

BY PALAK MANGAT Canadian politicians talk about Trump’s Twitter ban: NDP MP Brian Masse, left, Liberal MP John McKay, centre, and Liberal MP Ken Hardie, right, all say the storming of the he de-platforming of outgo- Capitol Building in Washington this month should lead lawmakers and social media companies to do some soul searching. The Hill Times file photographs Ting U.S. President Donald Trump by various social media companies is akin to putting a atic,” with a spokesperson calling and his use of social media to that Mr. Trump’s channel would far too much bigotry, sexism, Band-Aid on a wound and should freedom of speech “a fundamental push false information. be temporarily prevented from racism, and now, it appears, some prompt deep reflection about right of elementary significance.” “In some ways, the most aw- uploading new videos or live were used for calculating and the conditions that led to the Limitations on accounts should ful, pernicious legacy of Donald streams for at least a week. planning violence.” political violence in the U.S., say be subject to the law and done in Trump is changing the goalposts “They’re all going to be, one Reached for comment, Conser- some politicians. Mr. Trump was accordance with a “framework de- around public discourse,” said way or another, expressing their vative MPs Kevin Waugh (Sas- impeached on Jan. 13 by the U.S. fined by legislators, not according Prof. Thompson, who ran as a own personal preferences. But katoon-Grasswood, Sask.), Dane House of Representatives for a to a decision by the management” Liberal candidate in the 2015 I don’t know where this thing Lloyd (Sturgeon River-Parkland, second time in his presidency, this of such platforms. and 2019 elections but placed settles down,” said Mr. McKay. Alta.), and Garnett Genuis (Sher- time for inciting the violent insur- Mr. Hardie said that social second to the Conservative “The first step has been taken to wood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, rection against the Capitol. media giants will likely take incumbent. self-regulation. My guess is that Alta.) were unavailable. “There is a need for a com- stock of regulations that have “There was a time when, if the self-regulation may turn into Almost a week after the siege, plete, 360-degree look at the dated back to the last century as journalists could prove definitive- real regulation, much like other Twitter last week shared that state of the world right now, in they reflect on how to balance ly that a public figure had lied, media forms, that are subject to about 70,000 accounts were also terms of influencers and how concerns about free speech and was knowingly lying and deceiv- the rules of libel, slander, and suspended. they propagate their messages, false information. ing and sharing a falsehood, that truthfulness.” “These accounts were engaged to see what we can do to take the For example, since 1949, some could almost be career-ending. Prof. Thompson said the in sharing harmful QAnon-asso- conditions that gave rise to [him] American broadcasters oper- And now, that just seems like a breaking point to ban Mr. Trump ciated content at scale and were and reverse engineer everything ated under the fairness doctrine, quaint notion,” he added. “I don’t from Twitter appeared to be tied primarily dedicated to the propa- that happened,” said Liberal MP which, in effect, required them to know how we turn back the to the events on the Capitol. gation of this conspiracy theory Ken Hardie (Fleetwood-Port Kells, offer “fair and balanced” perspec- clocks somehow and get back “He crossed a line when the across the service,” the company B.C.), a former broadcaster. tives on public issues to diversify to a time where it really would direct incitement, essentially in wrote in a blog post. On Jan. 6, Mr. Trump egged on their content for viewers. matter.” front of our eyes, had as close to a According to the BBC, the his supporters who had flocked It was scrapped in 1987, In the lead-up to last Novem- cause-and-effect outcome as we’d popular conspiracy theory claims to Washington, D.C., in a show of which paved the way for the ber’s U.S. election, Twitter began probably seen in our lifetimes,” that Mr. Trump has been waging a support for his baseless claims resurgence of TV programs that slapping disclaimers on Mr. he said. Pointing to Mr. Trump’s war against elite Satan-worship- that the election had been fraudu- only offered one viewpoint, Trump’s tweets. They included flag- comments just hours before the ping figures who hold posts in the lent, as Congress met to certify the which have become “toxic” and ging his messages claiming elec- siege, when he told supporters to media, business, and government. victory of U.S. president-elect Joe “damaging to democracy,” said tion fraud with a “disputed” label. “save our democracy” and “show [email protected] Biden. He told his supporters that Mr. Hardie. Liberal MP John McKay (Scar- strength,” Prof. Thompson said it The Hill Times day, “if you don’t fight like hell, To adapt that to the modern borough-Guildwood, Ont.) said was “coded language.” you’re not going to have a country context and social media giants, Mr. Trump, like other politicians, “There is a direct link. For anymore,” and even promised to Mr. Hardie said, algorithms could regularly operated in the largely anyone to try and weasel out of march alongside them. be created to say, “ ‘OK, you’ve unregulated digital space. whether or not he was inciting Platforms that At least five people died, just read this article that offers “I think there was a collective that crowd to take some sort of including a police officer. Another this perspective. Here are two to view articulately expressed by the action that day, I just don’t think have banned or Capitol Hill police officer com- three articles that offer different CEOs of these various platforms that argument stands,” he added. restricted U.S. mitted suicide. In the wake of perspectives.’ ” that enough was enough, and NDP MP Brian Masse (Wind- the violence, Twitter, Facebook, Mr. Hardie said he doesn’t inciting a riot at Capitol Hill was sor West, Ont.), his party’s digital President Donald and YouTube banned or limited want to see lawmakers or social not something they want to have government critic, agreed social Mr. Trump from their platforms, media companies “running ram- themselves associated with,” said media giants “have to be looking Trump so far: citing the potential for further pant over free expression,” but Mr. McKay. at themselves, at how much they incitement of violence. Twitter has there is a “fine line” that needs to He said his “first question” fostered the situation that eventu- • Twitter – permanently banned long been Mr. Trump’s preferred be walked that allows them to was how permanent such actions ally bore itself out in Washington.” • Facebook – banned indefinitely, at least bullhorn; he had a reach of 88 facilitate free expression “that, to ban or otherwise limit Mr. He said his presidency should through presidential transition million followers before his page at the very least, comes with ac- Trump’s access will be, given be a “lesson” for tech giants as they • Instagram – banned indefinitely, at least went dark. countability.” social media companies have not move forward and continue to through presidential transition News of the restrictions also Allan Thompson, who heads been the most “enthusiastic” about frame their platforms as “new tools • YouTube – banned from posting, comment- sparked international debate. Carleton University’s journalism being subject to regulation. for communication” and learning. ing for at least a week German Chancellor Angela school, said there is a need to While Twitter’s ban is per- “But we can’t ignore the fact • Snapchat – suspended indefinitely Merkel called the move “problem- reflect on Mr. Trump’s presidency manent, YouTube said last week that, on these platforms, there’s THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 5 Opinion

UN Secretary- General Antonio How the Guterres hailed the treaty as 'historic,' Government of adding that it will 'form Canada Responded an important component of to Questions the nuclear disarmament on the Nuclear and non- proliferation Prohibition Treaty regime,' and set a new On Jan. 8, 2021, I sent the following ques- global norm tions asking about Canada’s policy on against nuclear the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear weapons. Weapons to Global Affairs Canada: Photograph courtesy of 1. How to reconcile the opposing statements Commons of the UN Secretary-General and the NATO Wikimedia Secretary-General on the Prohibition Treaty?

2. Does Canada acknowledge the support of a majority of UN States for the Prohibition Treaty and its complementarity to the NPT?

3. Has Canada responded to the Open Letter of Sept. 21, 2020, by 56 former high officials of NATO countries supporting the [Prohibition Treaty], including two former Canadian prime ministers, three former Canadian foreign ministers and two former Canadian defence support the treaty. In Belgium, 77 per cent ministers? of the population is in favour of that coun- Government clams try signing it. Fifty-six former high officials Global Affairs’ response, sent Jan. 11, to of NATO countries, including two former the above questions: NATO secretaries-general, signed an open letter supporting the treaty. “Canada has long been an important player in global nuclear disarmament and remains With support building up, NATO struck up on Prohibition committed to achieving a world free of back and, in December, the North Atlantic nuclear weapons. Council issued a withering denunciation of the treaty on the grounds that the Non-Pro- “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of of Nuclear Weapons liferation Treaty “remains the only credible Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is at the root of path to nuclear disarmament.” NATO dou- every aspect of Canada’s nuclear policy. With bled down in its objection, saying it would 191 States parties, adherence to the NPT “reject any attempt to delegitimize nuclear is nearly universal. At a time of heightened deterrence.” Thus, NATO is intimidating global tensions, it is even more critical that Treaty which comes countries like Canada, which had begun a we work together to reinforce our collective move towards at least acknowledging the commitment to the NPT and advance our reasons for the Prohibition Treaty. shared goals on nuclear disarmament and It needs to be remembered that three non-proliferation. Canada will continue to act into force on Jan. 22 NATO states (the U.S., the U.K. and France) as a bridge-builder, working to unite States in possess nuclear weapons, five others host taking concrete steps towards a world free of U.S. nuclear weapons on their soil, and all nuclear weapons. NATO members subscribe to NATO policy that nuclear weapons are the ”supreme “Canada maintains that progress toward The ‘democratic deficit’ in Canada is shocking. The nuclear disarmament is most effectively pur- guarantee” of security. These states, includ- government is allowing NATO to bamboozle Canadians sued through a pragmatic approach anchored ing Canada, cling to the Non-Proliferation in the NPT that takes into account the security with its false nuclear deterrence doctrine. The Prohibition Treaty even though its major demand, com- considerations of all States. This approach prehensive negotiation toward the elimina- aims to halt the spread of nuclear weapons, Treaty is an act of conscience by distressed governments tion of nuclear weapons, has been ignored reduce existing stockpiles, and, ultimately, for 50 years. eliminate these weapons in a manner that is and civil society leaders, and it deserves a hearing. Two former Canadian prime ministers verifiable and irreversible.” (Jean Chrétien and the late John Turner), three former Canadian foreign minis- undermine the security of our alliance,” ters (Lloyd Axworthy, Bill Graham, John hibition Treaty is an act of conscience by and NATO has stiffened its opposition. Manley) and two former Canadian defence distressed governments and civil society I asked Global Affairs Canada how the ministers (Jean-Jacques Blais, John McCal- leaders, and it deserves a hearing. Instead opposite positions of the UN and NATO lum) have openly rebuked NATO’s mori- of ducking, the Canadian government heads could be reconciled. I thought it was bund policies and supported the Prohibi- should encourage a broad dialogue on a reasonable question to put, since, on Oct. tion Treaty. But the government won’t even how security can be maintained without 26, 2020, the government said: “We ac- respond to these leading Liberal figures. nuclear weapons. It should acknowledge knowledge the widespread frustration with Both Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Sec- the Prohibition Treaty and work with the pace of global efforts toward nuclear retary Rob Oliphant and UN Ambassador NATO to bring the organization into con- disarmament, which clearly motivated the Bob Rae declined to be interviewed for this formity with it. Douglas Roche negotiation of the [Prohibition Treaty].” column. But there will be some parliamentary Opinion The government went coy and, in its The government’s ambivalence has action, at least. Shortly, Parliamentary answer, referred me to the “pragmatic sparked the overnight formation of a coali- Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will in- approach” of the Non-Proliferation Treaty tion of Canadian activists, comprising 90 troduce a petition in the House, calling on DMONTON—With NATO breathing “that takes into consideration the secu- groups and 100 individuals, pushing the Canada to accede to the Prohibition Treaty, Edown its neck, the Government of rity considerations of all states.” In other government to hold a parliamentary debate and the government will have to respond. Canada has clammed up on what it will words: silence on the Prohibition Treaty. on the Prohibition Treaty, followed up by At this tense moment, a new Canadian say about the Treaty on the Prohibition of The government doesn’t want to talk about parliamentary committees hearings. Anton foreign minister, Marc Garneau, takes Nuclear Weapons, which enters into force it. Why? Wagner, leader of the coalition, says: “What stage. I hope this highly praised former Jan. 22. The treaty, signed by 122 nations in The reason is easy to discern. When brings all these organizations and indi- astronaut, the first Canadian in space, lives 2017, is a breakthrough because it bans the the Canadian statement recognizing the viduals together is the concern that there is up to the belief he showed when, in opposi- possession of nuclear weapons for those reason for the Prohibition Treaty reached a great democratic deficit in Canada where tion, he signed the call by Canadians for a states adhering to it. UN Secretary-General NATO headquarters, it added to the “soft Parliament and our political leaders refuse Nuclear Weapons Convention for “all mem- Antonio Guterres hailed the treaty as “his- tones” now colouring the response to the to debate the existential threat that nuclear ber states of the United Nations—including toric,” adding that it will “form an important treaty in some NATO countries. A study weapons represent to human existence and Canada—to endorse, and begin negotia- component of the nuclear disarmament reported by the Carnegie Endowment civilization.” tions for a Nuclear Weapons Convention.” and non- proliferation regime” and set a for International Peace showed that, in The “democratic deficit” in Canada is Former Senator Douglas Roche’s latest new global norm against nuclear weapons. several NATO states, significant numbers shocking. The government is allowing book is Recovery: Peace Prospects in the But NATO Secretary-General Jens Stol- of citizens and civil society organizations NATO to bamboozle Canadians with its Biden Era. tenberg says the Prohibition Treaty “would and their political representatives strongly false nuclear deterrence doctrine. The Pro- The Hill Times 6 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

to the plum job as Canada’s top the air sector, have been battered diplomat. by the pandemic and are looking Calling Mr. Champagne “very to the government for financial personable, intelligent, and a support. He’s also charged with good communicator,” Prof. Turn- helping cabinet decide whether to bull said “he’s someone who’s approve the merger of Air Cana- demonstrated that he has a long da and Air Transat, a deal that the runway in politics if he wants Competition Bureau has warned it.” Mr. Champagne and Deputy would likely result in diminishing Prime Minister Chrystia Free- choices for consumers. land (University-Rosedale, Ont.) “The role comes with sig- are widely seen as possible heirs nificant, immediate challenges to Mr. Trudeau. (Mr. Trudeau as a new minister, and it brings suggested a search for his suc- a fair amount of political risk, cessor isn’t likely to happen but it also is an opportunity for anytime soon; he told Reuters him to quickly shine,” said Ms. on Jan. 14 that he’s “looking for- LaRocque. She said it’s also ward to a number of more years” notable that Mississauga, Ont., in office.) is home to country’s largest and Given the portfolio involves a busiest airport, Pearson Interna- lot of engagement with stakehold- tional. ers, she added, Mr. Champagne Serving as Mr. Trudeau’s can use the post to burnish his parliamentary secretary, Mr. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweaked his cabinet, elevating now-former parliamentary secretary Omar Alghabra, left, profile nationally and to build po- Alghabra’s profile rose after he to the role of transport minister. He moved François-Philippe Champagne to the innovation post, brought Jim Carr back litical capital. “Industry is a good was tasked with liaising with the into the fold as special adviser on the Prairies, and tapped Marc Garneau, previously the transport minister, to serve as file, because he’s going to be in families of the Flight 752 crash foreign affairs minister. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade the position to announce projects, victims a year ago. Iran’s down- funding, new ways forward. … ing of the Ukrainian flight killed He’s going to be walking around 85 Canadians and permanent announcing good news,” she said. residents. NDP strategist Cam Holm- With Mr. Bains’ departure, Mr. strom with Bluesky Strategy Trudeau appears to have swapped Group agreed. “There’s going one Mississauga MP for another to be a lot of cheques being cut in his cabinet, noted Mr. Nanos. [coming out of COVID], and it “The political fix is that Mr. Trudeau’s mini- doesn’t hurt this government to Bains was the regional minister have a savvy political operative for the Mississauga-Bramptons, like Mr. Champagne,” he said. which are critical to the Liberal With the innovation file campaign,” he said. “It’s a bit of a expected to “play a critical role” two-for-one for the PM.” in the post-pandemic economic Conservative strategist shuffle a ‘game recovery, having a senior minister Brayden Akers, a senior con- who has private-sector business sultant with Navigator, said the experience is an asset, said Jac- rookie minister will fill the role quie LaRocque of Compass Rose of a “strong communicator” in Group. the Peel region. “He has been an MP for a long time, delivered the government’s message for a long of dominoes,’ Foreign Affairs Minister time, and his advancement to the Marc Garneau front bench is recognition of that,” An astronaut-turned-politician, he added. Mr. Garneau will be able to flex his “even temperament” in a post Jim Carr, special that will have him managing say politicos relationships with two of the most representative for the important countries to Canada, Prairies China and the United States, said Mr. Carr (Winnipeg South clear that the changes weren’t Innovation Minister Mr. Nanos. Centre, Man.) has held the role The changes weren’t “I would call him the ‘unflap- made in a vacuum, said Lori François-Philippe since 2019, but stepped away from made in a vacuum, Turnbull, director of the School of pable Marc Garneau.’ When cabinet after receiving a cancer Public Administration at Dalhou- Champagne you’re an astronaut, one of the diagnosis that year. His post was says Lori Turnbull, sie University. A former executive at ABB things that’s part of the training is created in a bid to signal to the To fill the slot opened up by Group and Amec Foster Wheeler, to not only be prepared but to be Prairies that their interests would director of the Mr. Bains, the prime minister engineering firms that focused calm in the face of adversity and be represented in government, after School of Public moved former foreign affairs on energy and innovation, Mr. uncertainty,” he said. the Liberals were shut out elector- minister François-Philippe Cham- Champagne is “the perfect fit” Prof. Turnbull agreed that Mr. ally in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Administration at pagne (Saint Maurice-Champlain, for Mr. Bains’ old post, said Mr. Garneau is expected to provide a Mr. Carr is one of four Liberals Que.), whose job was picked up Nanos. “steady hand” in pushing for the in Manitoba, which has 14 seats, Dalhousie University. by now-former transport minister “It’s pretty clear that he’ll also release of two detained Cana- seven of which are occupied by Marc Garneau (Notre-Dame- bring renewed enthusiasm, just dians in China, Michael Kovrig Conservatives, and three by NDP de-Grâce-Westmount, Que.). because of his personal leader- and Michael Spavor, who have MPs. The other Liberals in the BY BEATRICE PAEZ Mr. Trudeau tapped his former ship style,” said Mr. Nanos. The now spent two years in Beijing’s province include Northern Af- & PALAK MANGAT parliamentary secretary Omar Al- typically upbeat Mr. Champagne custody. fairs Minister Dan Vandal (Saint ghabra (Mississauga Centre, Ont.) has already been characterized She added that he’s the “obvi- Boniface-Saint Vital, Man.), and rime Minister Justin Trudeau’s to serve as transport minister. by Perrin Beatty, the CEO of the ous” choice for the prestigious Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg Pmini, but significant shakeup Pollster Nik Nanos of Nanos Canadian Chamber of Commerce, role. “The foreign affairs role is North, Man.), the parliamentary of his front bench left few casual- Research agreed the shuffle as an “Energizer bunny.” not necessarily one that exposes secretary to the chief government ties but also did not necessarily wasn’t about reprimanding any “If you look at his track record, you in a political way that reaf- House leader. change anyone’s political for- single minister. “There are larger he has moved up considerably,” firms your resonance with voters,” Mr. Holmstrom described Mr. tunes, say political observers. ramifications when people are ac- said Liberal strategist Greg said Prof. Turnbull. Carr as collegial and approach- Mr. Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) tually demoted, than when people MacEachern, senior vice-pres- There’s “political clout” to be able, saying that his return to unveiled changes in his cabinet to are moved around,” he said. ident of government relations had as the “spokesperson for cabinet was good news. fill a vacancy left by the looming At the same time, he said, “no at Proof Strategies. “The prime Canada,” globally, she said, but “In this past year that has been departure of now-former innovation one was given a gift to help them minister has given him different because it isn’t a domestic role, it so hard with so many disappoint- minister Navdeep Bains (Mississau- out in terms of their electability,” paths, and feels he gets the job won’t bring him face to face with ments, it’s nice to see some good ga-Malton, Ont.) from politics. Mr. given those affected already done.” voters, unlike the path that Mr. news come and something that Bains, who said he wants to spend carried “profile” or were strong Before joining cabinet, Mr. Champagne could be taking as is a little bit uplifting,” he said. more time with his family, will re- contenders in their riding. Champagne put in about two industry minister. “Essentially, he has no portfolio main an MP until there’s an election, Even Mr. Alghabra’s promo- years as a parliamentary sec- … he has no limit to what he which could come in the spring. The tion won’t necessarily make a retary to the finance minister, could support, get into, talk about, refreshed cabinet will likely be the difference. He won his riding with and then landed a promotion as Transport Minister or advance. That gives him more one that carries Mr. Trudeau through 55 per cent of the vote, beating international trade minister. He Omar Alghabra autonomy.” to the next election. Conservative Milad Mikael, noted was later shuffled to the job of An engineer by training, Mr. [email protected] The “game of dominoes” trig- Mr. Nanos. infrastructure minister and was Alghabra’s elevation comes at a [email protected] gered by Mr. Bains’ exit makes Here are the changes: subsequently moved, in 2019, time when key industries, such as The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 7 News

Ontario premier constituency and Hill offices, are Doug Ford federally regulated—and that As Ford pictured at a “while provincial legislation and media availability regulations may have incidental in Ottawa after a effects on Members’ offices, they meeting of Canada’s cannot affect their core func- Premiers on Sept. tions.” declares 18, 2020. Schools “The order explicitly provides in Windsor-Essex, that individuals may leave their Peel, Toronto, York, place of residence for ‘obtain- and Hamilton will ing government services,’ which remain closed until would include services provided second state Feb. 10, based on by MPs’ constituency offices,” said advice Mr. Ford Mr. Ruff. has received from Mr. Ruff noted that half of medical officials. his staff have been working of emergency, The Hill Times from home since the start of the photograph by pandemic in both his Hill and Andrew Meade constituency offices. “My staff and I will continue to follow Ontario public health some federal guidelines whenever we are in the information, and more clarity, those things and it’s leading to a workplace,” said Mr. Ruff. and be transparent about what’s lot of confusion and frustration—I According to Katy Kamkar, a happening,” said the Liberal MP. think people want to do the right clinical psychologist who is based thing, but they need better coach- in Toronto and is an associate Ontario MPS ‘We’re in a really ing.” professor with the Department In regards to the rollout of of Psychiatry at the University of dangerous moment’ Canada’s vaccination regime, Mr. Toronto and chair of the Cana- Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos Masse said he thinks there needs dian Psychological Association, (London North Centre, Ont.) told to be more assertion of federal Traumatic Stress Sector, “it’s very say situation at The Hill Times that the situation is transparency and efforts to work important for all of us to remem- now at a critical point. with the provinces to make sure ber that we’re all in this together, “It has reached an absolute in rolls out properly. and to know we are not alone.” critical point, and the provincial “Down here, we had a couple “And certainly we have all government needed to take ac- of cases that have raised public seen how with the COVID-19 ‘critical point’, tion,” said the Liberal MP. “In its concern, one being a public rela- pandemic, our life has very much own way, obviously [the prov- tions person and administrative changed,” she said. “We had to ince] has devised a policy that it people in Erie Shores Healthcare recreate new routines, new struc- believes is fit for the challenge of receiving vaccination ahead of tures, and adjust to new activities looking for the moment.” front-line workers, and the ex- and really create a new normal.” “I know they’ve consulted cuses just don’t mount,” said Mr. “When we realize we are not with public health experts and Masse. “Transparency is critical alone, we become less afraid of with others, and we will see if to give confidence, because as our thoughts and our emotions this helps to flatten the curve,” we roll this out further and more and so we feel less powerless, more clarity said Mr. Fragiskatos. “Whether and more people are vaccinated, we feel less helpless,” said Dr. it is London, Ontario or other there will be some uneasiness, Kamkar. communities across the south of some nervousness, some anxiety If people are feeling run down Schools in Windsor-Essex, Ontario, infection rates continue with people, and we need to make by mental health or psychological In the wake of Peel, Toronto, York and Hamilton to increase.” sure that good information if put symptoms, Dr. Kamkar said it’s will remain closed until Feb. 10, “We’re in a really dangerous out there and it’s consistent, and I important to know that it’s impor- spiraling cases of the based on advice Mr. Ford has moment.” think the federal government has tant to seek professional help and COVID-19 pandemic received from medical officials. NDP MP Brian Masse (Wind- a big role in playing that.” there is no need to suffer alone. In a press conference on Jan. sor West, Ont.), who told The Hill It’s important for in Canada’s most 13, following the initial announce- Times that patients have had to be people to know not to ment, Mr. Ford told Ontarians: transported outside of the region suffer in silence.” populous province, “folks, there is no confusion here, given the escalating numbers, it’s very simple. Stay home. Stay also said he thinks we need to federal MPs are home, that’s it.” take stricter actions to lower the Premier Ford “If you’re questioning, ‘should COVID-19 numbers, “especially dismisses York looking for more I go out,’ you’ve got the answer.” as we’re trying to roll out the transparency around “Restez à la maison,” said Mr. vaccine.” Centre MPP Ford. “I don’t know what more I “The problem that we’re On Jan. 15, Mr. Ford stay-at-home orders can describe.” facing right now is that there’s has dismissed one of absolutely confusion happening his caucus members, that will persist well with regards to interpretation of York Centre MPP ‘We need more clarity, we what’s essential and some of the Roman Baber, who into February. ways it’s been rolled out,” said Mr. has recently issued an need more transparency’, Masse. open letter suggest- Continued on page 7 says Toronto MP “I think they need to do a bet- ing lockdown orders numbers, a number of Ontario Liberal MP Julie Dzerowicz ter job of communications to the “aren’t working” and is MPs are saying the pandemic has (Davenport, Ont.) told The Hill public because right now, what’s “causing an avalanche reached “a critical point” and are Times although it’s a “tough essential work, what’s an es- of suicides, overdoses, looking for more clarity from the decision” to impose further lock- sential trip—there seems to be a Liberal MP Julie Dzerowicz says 'our numbers bankruptcies, divorces, provincial government around downs, “you always have to fall broad range of interpretations on are exponentially climbing—so I think we need and takes and immense stay-at-home orders that will per- on the side of health and safety of to make sure we have a better understanding toll on our children.” sist until well into February. Torontonians and Ontarians.” … Ontarians deserve to know why numbers are According to Mr. The Ontario provincial govern- “And I feel that that needed to Current Status of climbing.' Photograph courtesy Julie Dzerowicz Ford, Mr. Baber will ment has declared a second state be more of the case in Ontario, so no longer be sitting as of emergency in the wake of spi- I think we need more clarity, we COVID-19 Cases “Communication is critical, a member of the PC Caucus and ralling cases of the pandemic. need more transparency, and we especially with people’s mental will not be permitted to seek re- “Effective immediately, On- need a heck of a lot more com- in Ontario, as of health—the best thing we can election as a PC member. tario is declaring a state of emer- munication,” said Ms. Dzerowicz. Jan. 15, 2021 do is be transparent and consis- “Mr. Baber’s comments are gency. We expect this to remain “Our numbers are exponentially tent in our information,” said Mr. irresponsible,” said Mr. Ford in a in place for at least 28 days,” said climbing—so I think we need Masse. statement. “By spreading misin- Total Cases—231,308 Mr. Ford in a press conference on to make sure we have a better According to the Windsor formation he is undermining the Resolved Cases—197,194 tireless efforts of our frontline Jan. 12. understanding … Ontarians de- Deaths—5,289 Essex County Health Unit, there health care workers at this criti- “Further, I’m issuing a stay- serve to know why numbers are Hospitalized—1,647 were 171 new cases of COVID-19 at-home order, effective Thurs- climbing.” Patients in Intensive Care in Windsor and Essex County on cal time, and he is putting people day at 12:01 a.m. Under this Ms. Dzerowicz said if you Units—387 Jan. 15. at risk.” order, everyone must stay home listen to the media today, you feel Patients in Intensive Care Units Conservative MP Alex Ruff “I will not jeopardize a single and only go out for essential like the “sky is falling.” on a Ventilator—280 (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Ont.), Ontarian’s life by ignoring public trips to pick up groceries or go “We are injecting terror into in an emailed statement to The health advice,” said Mr. Ford. to medical appointments,” said people, and what I would like to *statistics courtesy of the Province Hill Times, noted that the House [email protected] Mr. Ford. be able to do is give people more of Ontario of Commons, as well as MPs’ The Hill Times 8 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

EDITOR Kate Malloy MANAGING EDITOR Charelle Evelyn PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY BY PUBLISHERS Anne Marie Creskey, DEPUTY EDITORS Peter Mazereeuw, Laura Ryckewaert HILL TIMES PUBLISHING INC. Jim Creskey, Leslie Dickson, Ross Dickson ASSISTANT DEPUTY EDITOR Abbas Rana 246 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E4 GENERAL MANAGER, CFO Andrew Morrow DIGITAL EDITOR Beatrice Paez

Editorial Letters to the Editor Biden presidency Trump needs to be removed from the political landscape, says Toronto reader e: “Trudeau should be slamming Trump’s violence at the Capitol Building, he was only will be good news for Rdemagoguery, more vociferously,” (The trying to avoid being removed from office Hill Times, Jan. 11, editorial). Canadians based in his own personal situation (like stay- seem too often to judge Canadians on how ing out of jail). His followers feel betrayed, but Canada-U.S. relations much better they could have done, and not they have only themselves to blame. Through on how well they have done. The Trudeau the last 4 years, and particularly during the government has done better in dealing with last six months, he has simply used them to ewly elected U.S. President Joe Biden on trade issues. Mr. Trump also promised our most important trading partner—and his own ends. And one cannot say there were Nwill take the oath of office on Jan. 20. Americans that if he won the presidency, it’s insane leader—than any other country. no warning indications. Being the president of the United States he would open up the North American Through the very turbulent years of the When he says there will be an orderly has never been an easy job, but the 78-year- Free Trade Agreement, which he did. After Trump dynasty, we have done relatively well. transition to a new administration on Jan. old president’s faces significantly tougher months of high-level negotiations between He even managed to keep the border closed 20, 2021, what does he mean? He did not challenges than his recent predecessors. Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, all partners when clearly Trump wanted to tell Americans concede the election. Does he mean that the Political turmoil and outgoing U.S. renegotiated a new agreement called the that the COVID-19 virus did not exist. Trump administration will be a new Trump admin- President Donald Trump’s divisive poli- United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement has been a communications genius at doing istration? If he was conceding the election, cies have put the unity of the country into (USMCA) which came into effect last sum- what the right-wing elitists do best—having why didn’t he say so? If the new administra- jeopardy. Mr. Biden is inheriting a battered mer. Still, Mr. Trump was not satisfied. In a secret agenda and parading as a populist tion is a Biden Administration, why didn’t he economy and the unemployment rate is August, he again imposed trade levies, but in support of the little guy—while espousing say so? There are two choices here. Either he rising as about one million Americans took those back after a few weeks, as Cana- a cover story to conceal treachery. We should has more plans to attack America or he is so filed for unemployment in the first week of da was about to impose its own retaliatory not engage in commentary that attacks the psychologically damaged that he can’t admit January due to the COVID-19 global pan- tariffs on U.S. exports to Canada. American people. Many in the world, includ- defeat. Both of these are dangerous. demic. Add to that the health impact of the Through his divisive domestic and inter- ing the U.K.’s Boris Johnson, were sucked in. Finally, at the end of his video he speaks coronavirus, which includes close to 23.4 national policies and initiatives, the outgoing The most recent example of this is in the to his followers and says, “our incredible jour- million reported cases in the U.S. that have president has shattered the U.S.’s reputation video Trump posted the day after the insur- ney is only just beginning.” This is ominous in already caused about 390,649 deaths in our and the new administration will have to go a rection in Washington, D.C. We need a little the extreme. And the day after, he went back neighbouring country, as of Friday, Jan. 15. long way to repair this damage. critical thinking in reading President Trump’s to supporting his misguided supporters who With this background, it’s fair to say Mr. Biden is known to be a friend call to stop the violence. The first thing to had begun to see that they had been misled. that Mr. Biden has his work cut out for of Canada and Prime Minister Justin remember is that Trump is a pathological liar, He needs to be removed from the political him and that it will be an uphill battle, to Trudeau. In December 2016, Mr. Trudeau interested only in his own personal interests landscape. say the least. hosted a state dinner for the then-out- and he was the one who carefully incited the Tom McElroy Being a friend, close ally, and the Unit- going vice president in Ottawa, his last mob. When he stood up and condemned the Toronto, Ont. ed States’ largest trading partner, it’s in international visit as vice president. In the best interest of Canada that things are his speech, Mr. Biden shared that his functioning smoothly in the U.S., other- first wife’s family was from Canada. He We need parliamentarians to stop project, prevent wise, it could have a social and economic described Canada not only as a “friend” spillover effect on Canada as well. of the U.S., but also a “family.” Ottawa River from being permanently contaminated The Trump era was a stressful time for It’s hoped that the new U.S. admin- most of the world, but especially for Cana- istration will work cooperatively with e “CNL working to accomplish responsi- It is incorrect to say that these materials da. Mr. Trump often blamed other countries Canada in addressing long-standing trade Rble action in managing Canada’s nuclear “require isolation and containment for only for the U.S.’s economic woes. During the disputes, including softwood lumber and research and development legacy,” (The Hill a few hundred years.” Many of them will campaign to win the Republican nomina- the Keystone XL pipeline, among others. Times, letters to the editor, Dec. 14, 2020). be dangerously radioactive for more than tion in 2016, he blamed Canada and other A prosperous North America is in the The letter from Joe McBrearty, 100,000 years. The International Atomic countries for taking advantage of the U.S. best interest of both countries. president and CEO of Canadian Nuclear Energy Agency states that materials like this Laboratories (CNL), deepens my concern must be stored tens of meters or more under- about the handling of Canada’s $8-billion ground, not in an above-ground mound. nuclear waste liability. The CNL inventory also includes a very Mr. McBrearty says the Chalk River large quantity of cobalt-60, a material that Mound beside the Ottawa River, 150 km gives off so much strong gamma radiation that north of Ottawa-Gatineau, “will contain only lead shielding must be used by workers who low-level radioactive waste which contains handle it in order to avoid dangerous radiation radionuclides that require isolation and con- exposures. The International Atomic Energy tainment for only a few hundred years.” Agency considers high-activity cobalt-60 Unfortunately, this claim does not sources to be “intermediate-level waste” and stand up to scrutiny. specifies that they must be stored under- Last month, the CNL published its final ground. The addition of high-activity cobalt-60 environmental impact statement listing a sources means that hundreds of tons of lead partial inventory of radionuclides that would shielding would be disposed of in the mound go into the gigantic five-to-seven storey along with other hazardous materials, such as radioactive mound (a.k.a. the “NSDF”). arsenic, asbestos, PCBs, dioxins and mercury. Twenty-five out of the 30 radionuclides listed CNL’s environmental impact statement in the inventory are long-lived, with half-lives describes several ways that radioactive ma- ranging from four centuries to more than terials would leak into surrounding wetlands four billion years. To take just one example, that drain into the Ottawa River, during the man-made radionuclide, Neptunium-237, filling of the mound and after completion. has a half-life of two million years such that, It also describes CNL’s intent to pipe water after two million years have elapsed, half of polluted with tritium and other radioactive the material will still be radioactive. and hazardous substances from the waste The inventory includes four isotopes treatment facility directly into Perch Lake of plutonium, one of the most deadly which drains into the Ottawa River. radioactive materials known, if inhaled or Lynn Jones ingested. Ottawa, Ont.

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by geeks to the go-to place for ing a $55-million contribution to But the current obsession with According to Environment and Last week’s world people to meet globally. the United Nations Land Degra- everything COVID meant that, Climate Change Minister Jona- A year ago, no one could have dation Neutrality fund designed while a virtual meeting enlisted than Wilkinson, the government conference was envisioned an international meet- to prevent biosphere degradation more participants, global cover- has already made the single larg- ing of leaders on global warming and erosion in low and middle- age of these critical environmen- est contribution to nature con- an opportunity taking place virtually. income countries. tal issues has been dwarfed by servancy in Canadian history by to refocus global But that is just what happened The conference was attended the spectre of COVID-19. boosting conserved coastal areas last week when French President by several key international Hopefully, the pandemic will from one per cent to 14 per cent. attention on the Emmanuel Macron chaired a players, including UN Secretary- be overcome soon when countries Last week, the minister an- virtual One Planet Summit of first General Antonio Guterres, Ger- vaccinate all their citizens. nounced an even more aggressive long-term challenges ministers and environment minis- man Chancellor Angela Merkel So that means, for Canada, by target. He pledged that Canada ters from around the world. and British Prime Minister Boris this fall, we should finally see an would commit to conserve 25 per we face if the planet The summit was organized by Johnson. end to the ongoing lockdowns, cent of our land and water by 2025. fails to curb coastal the French government in concert That will be the first step in our with the United Nations and the Last week, commitment to protect 30 percent erosion and land World Bank. French of our land and water by 3030. Its aim was to refocus world President Wilkinson launched a clear degradation. The attention on the climate crisis and Emmanuel plan, with specific targets for the role played by biodiversity in Macron chaired southern, middle and northern risk of death faced by achieving carbon capture targets. a virtual Canada. Macron compared the global One Planet He understands that simply climate change is far fight for biodiversity to a human Summit of first setting aside major swathes of greater than anything rights battle. “I do not believe ministers and natural landscape in remote areas that the right of any other living environment cannot be a replacement for real this pandemic creature is higher than a human ministers change in how we sustain and right. But I do not believe in the from around protect biodiversity in southern delivered. effectiveness of preserving hu- the world. Canada. man rights without preserving Photograph Wilkinson is focussing on the ecosystems. For me, this is the courtesy of strategies for large cities, middle philosophical and ethical basis Commons Canada corridors and large areas for this battle for biodiversity. Wikimedia of northern wilderness. He has At the gathering, Canada put in place different initiatives to joined 49 other countries in reiter- The United States and Brazil, emergency measures and life- support biodiversity and sustain- ating its commitment to set aside two key players in the climate altering changes that have forced ability of these decidedly differ- 30 per cent of our land and water discussion, were notably absent. most citizens to live like hermits ent ecosystems. by 2030. In one week, the new American since last March. Last week’s world conference Because of COVID, the world’s president will likely join a world But how will we reinvigorate was an opportunity to refocus insatiable appetite for energy biodiversity solution. the debate on the global climate global attention on the long-term Sheila Copps has abated somewhat. But the The summit managed to as- crisis if a gathering like the one challenges we face if the planet Copps’ Corner urgency that accompanied youth semble like-minded countries that hosted by Macron last week can fails to curb coastal erosion and marches headed by Greta Thun- have all committed to protecting barely make a ripple in the na- land degradation. berg seems to have been sidelined 30 per cent of their land and wa- tional news cycle? The risk of death faced by ust as the post-Trump America by Covidmania. ter mass over the next decade. Canada has taken the lead as climate change is far greater than Jis a very different place, the People are focused much more In terms of world environmen- one of the early signatories to anything this pandemic delivered. post-COVID world will change us on their own short-term survival tal improvement, it was the most an international treaty designed Sheila Copps is a former Jean all forever. than on the status of the planet. significant gathering since the to secure natural spaces in all Chrétien-era cabinet minister and Virtual meetings have gone That did not stop Prime Minis- launch of the Kyoto Protocol on countries as part of a solution to a former deputy prime minister. from being a techie tool used ter Justin Trudeau from announc- climate change. environmental degradation. The Hill Times

Is a Trudeau electoral victory inevitable?

All he has to say is something nor NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, year or so of minority govern- Unexpected and dramatic events often occur such as “Now more than ever, really seem to pose much of a ment in Ottawa is that he can Canada needs a strong leader threat to Trudeau’s reign. prop up the Liberals, not that he during elections and they can quickly reset the with a strong mandate to take True, O’Toole represents an can replace them. on the challenges of the future. upgrade over his predecessor, So, with all these variables odds. So even though Trudeau is looking good So free me from the restrictive Andrew Scheer, but he still hasn’t playing in the background, it’s right now, if he calls an election, he’d still be shackles of minority government.” adequately defined who he is as a easy to see why the Liberals This would be a good easy- leader or what his brand of con- would be confident of electoral rolling the dice. to-understand pitch that might servatism will bring to the table. victory. resonate even with voters who This, of course, leaves the On the other hand, however, Certainly, you can conjure are skeptical of Trudeau’s record. Conservatives open to attack, al- nothing is guaranteed in politics. up all sorts of reasons as to why Plus, on top of all that, thanks lowing the Liberals to brand them As they say in the military “No Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Democrat Joe Biden’s victory as a pack of misogynist, racist, plan survives contact with the would want to go to the polls in the recent U.S. presidential pollution-loving extremists. enemy.” sooner rather than later. election and thanks to a pro- And as if that’s not bad Indeed, once an election is For one thing, his support Trump mob storming Capitol Hill enough for O’Toole, the current called it opens the door for an amongst the public has remained in Washington, D.C., an event unpopularity of conservative unpredictable variable to enter fairly steady which means, even which has attached a certain Alberta Premier Jason Kenney in the game, a variable which can though more than five years in stigma to right-wing populism, Alberta and Manitoba Brian Pal- totally upset the entire playing power has tarnished his “sunny Trudeau, with his gentle brand of lister, could soften conservative board. Gerry Nicholls ways” branding and even though left-wing progressivism, now can turnout in a federal election. I’m talking about randomness. Post Partisan Pundit a grizzled beard now obscures claim to have political and ideo- One thing’s for certain, the And yes, unexpected and dra- his cherubic face, Trudeau still logical momentum on his side. Liberals aren’t going to wait for matic events often occur during retains his likability, an asset that That works as a message be- the Tories to get their act together. elections and they can quickly AKVILLE, ONT.—Rumour can always be counted on to win cause people always want to align Then there’s Singh, who, reset the odds. Ohas it the federal Liberals votes. themselves with winners, to be on in theory at least, could poten- So even though Trudeau is would like to see an election oc- Plus, unlike in the 2019 federal the “right side of history.” tially threaten Trudeau’s left-wing looking good right now, if he calls cur as early as this spring. election, Trudeau now has a solid, And if those aren’t good flank. an election, he’d still be rolling And why wouldn’t they? concise and persuasive reason for enough reasons for calling a Yet, that potential has yet to be the dice. At this point, a Liberal elector- asking Canadians to return him spring election, consider this: realized. Gerry Nicholls is a communi- al victory seems all but inevitable. to power with a majority govern- neither of his chief rivals, Conser- Basically, for instance, all cations consultant. Or does it? ment. vative Party Leader Erin O’Toole Singh has shown during the past The Hill Times 10 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Jan. 15, 2021, at a presser outside the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. Election 2021 will be a largely one-issue election, just as Canadians have been living a one-issue existence for a year. Surviving the pandemic. Life behind a mask. Who was there to help? The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It could be a spring election

For some time now, Trudeau tion parties can legitimately ask: until life returns to some sem- The rationale for those who believe an has not been the man whose did the government get enough blance of normal. judgement went in and out like vaccine; did it get the vaccine fast Trudeau’s other electoral ace in election is coming rests largely on an accurate the tide on issues from ill-advised enough; were rapid tests rolled the hole if the vote comes in 2021 premise: minority governments, like May flies, personal holidays, to gross med- out as quickly as they might have is that the Conservatives appear to dling in justice issues like the been; was the effort to get vac- have chosen the wrong leader at don’t last long. In fact, minorities usually fall SNC-Lavalin criminal case. cines into arms as coordinated their last convention. Erin O’Toole It is true that his failure to as the crisis demanded; why are may be a lot of things, but new in less than two years. Trudeau won in 2019, recuse himself from cabinet meet- other countries like Israel doing leaders of the opposition are not ings when matters turned to the it so much better? (Hint? The supposed to be 13 points behind and it is now 2021. You get the drift. WE Charity was a mistake, as he Israelis paid a lot more money the governing party. himself has admitted. for vaccine than other countries, It is hard to imagine that CPC But the difference with WE 40 per cent more that the U.S. co-founder Peter MacKay would gone to the polls during the and other mini-scandals triggered government.) not have been a more market- pandemic—before there was a by the PM’s poor judgment is that But the truth is that the entire able bar of political soap, at least vaccine, and incumbents won all the context for his WE blunders battle against the pandemic compared to O’Toole. three in impressive fashion. was the pandemic itself. Trudeau has been a joint effort between For one thing, MacKay had Not only can elections be held wanted to get money out to young Ottawa and the provinces. some key political insights. He in a pandemic, but it appears that Canadians as rapidly as possible, Questions about whether things realized that the days of winning the public gives something of a and stubbed his toe in the pro- might have been done better can the way that Harper did were gratitude vote to incumbents who cess. Make that both toes. be equally asked of provincial over. The Conservatives were have been charged with handling Compare that to the context premiers, since they are the not going to be able to take back it. Nowhere is that clearer than in of his free trip to the Aga Khan’s ones who have jurisdiction over the cities and female voters with Michael Harris British Columbia, where the NDP Island, or putting his thumb on the health matters. downscale Republicanism, luke- Harris went from a precarious minority scale of justice to the benefit of SNC The bottom line is that Ot- warm religious fundamentalism, to a stunning majority govern- in the Jody Wilson-Raybould Affair. tawa has done its job respect- and trashing Justin Trudeau. ment smack dab in the middle of That was simply fatally flawed ably enough. The situation in the They could only make a ALIFAX—COVID-19 has COVID-19. personal judgment that voters took coming months will be improved comeback by throwing out a lot Hbeen the herd of elephants in So what would happen if notice of in 2019—and punished. by more rapid tests, more vac- of Harper’s bad policies, from the room for so long, it is a relief Canadians were sent to the polls Election 2021 will be a largely cine, and more vaccination. the environment to energy policy, to have something else in the air this spring? one-issue election, just as Canadi- Short of a catastrophe, the op- and coming up with new ones rel- other than the virus; talk of a My guess is that the Liberals ans have been living a one-issue position will have less and less evant to the times. MacKay might federal election. would not only win, but reclaim existence for a year. Surviving the to complain about as the months have been able to do that. The run of stories dealing with their majority status. (I realize pandemic. Life behind a mask. creep on. Despite his olive branch to that possibility points to a trip that the ditches of the commen- Who was there to help? The PM is fortunate that unions, and his non-combative to the polls this spring—perhaps tariat are filled with dunces who Trudeau has, in fact, had the the next election, whenever it approach to a media that Harper in the month of May. The ratio- purport to see the future before back of Canadians during this comes, will be a one-issue affair. hated, Erin O’Toole can’t seem nale for those who believe an it happens). Part of it comes time. He has led by example, un- It will obscure the government’s to make the sale to the public. election is coming rests largely down to Justin Trudeau, part to like the former finance minister of shortcomings on a host of issues Maybe they just remember how on an accurate premise: minor- COVID-19 politics, and part to Ontario. He was there with scads that would normally be top of differently he acted while in the ity governments, like May flies, leadership difficulties with the of cash for the needy; there with mind. Harper government. Maybe they don’t last long. In fact, minorities self-proclaimed government-in- personal briefings; there with Clean water for Canada’s seriously doubt that he would usually fall in less than two years. waiting, the as-yet-unreconstitut- reassurance that the tide would First Nations remains a mirage. have done a better job than Trudeau won in 2019, and it is ed Conservative Party of Canada. slowly turn, if Canadians did the The pace of the government’s Trudeau when Canadians needed now 2021. You get the drift. Or as I still think of it, the Harper right thing. Unlike the battalion fight against global warming is their government most. The counter-view is that the Party. of goofballs south of the border depressingly slow. The national If the writ drops this spring, pandemic changes everything. Starting with the PM, we are who, egged on by the guy with balance sheet looks like an abat- the Conservatives are going And that is true, at least rhetori- no longer talking about the man impeachment all over his face, toir before they wash down the to know how Senator Patrick cally. All parties have religiously on the top of the wedding cake think that wearing a mask is about kill floor. And there are signs the Brazeau felt when he stepped into maintained that they do not want anymore. Trudeau is now a politi- socialism rather than survival. Liberals are about to roll the dice the boxing ring with Trudeau in an election while COVID-19 is cal leader who has gone through Has Trudeau been made any on nuclear energy as the means 2012 for a celebrity fundraiser. battering the nation. the crucible of an unprecedented mistakes on the pandemic? of getting to net zero emissions. Michael Harris is an award- The problem with that view is crisis and, petty grizzling aside, Not even Albert Camus was But for now, all of these things winning journalist and author. that three provinces have already passed the test. perfect on the plague. The opposi- will be pushed to the back burner The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 11 Global Pompeo: one landmine a day

Mike Pompeo is setting When defeated armies are retreating, they always lay mines behind them slow-burning fires if they have time. The mines slow pursuit, they may inflict casualties on in plain sight, which the victors, and they give the losers is why a European something purposeful to do amidst panic and despair. That’s what Mike foreign minister Pompeo has been doing just before time is called on his ideologically driven term recently described as United States Secretary of State, writes Gwynne Dyer. Image courtesy of him as a ‘political Wikimedia Commons pyromaniac’—and this is his ‘scorched-earth’ policy.

Gwynne Dyer Global Affairs

ONDON, U.K.—When defeat- Led armies are retreating, they always lay mines behind them if they have time. The mines slow pursuit, they may inflict casualties on the victors, and they give the losers something purposeful to do amidst panic and despair. That’s what Mike Pompeo has been do- ing just before time is called on his ideologically driven term as United States Secretary of State. Pompeo started on Jan. 9 by de- claring that the U.S. State Depart- 7th Fleet down the strait between will take the Biden administration guarantees Iran will not build ment would end its restrictions on Taiwan and the PRC, pretty well some time to unpick this mess. nuclear weapons. (Donald Trump direct intergovernmental dealings anything—except have U.S. gov- Jan. 11: Pompeo puts Cuba abandoned it in 2018, presumably with Taiwan, a policy in place since ernment officials talk openly to back on the list of “state sponsors because it was Obama’s signature the U.S. transferred its diplomatic ROC officials. of terrorism.” It’s nothing of the achievement in foreign policy.) recognition from the Republic Then, 41 years later, Pompeo sort, but this will please the older If the United States does not of China (ROC-Taiwan) to the springs his little surprise. China generation of Republican-voting end its savage sanctions against People’s Republic of China (PRC). exploded, of course, accusing Cuban refugees in south Florida, Iran and re-commit to the deal “No more,” said Pompeo. “I am Pompeo of “seeking to maliciously and the Republicans can call within months, it will finally col- lifting all these self-imposed re- inflict a long-lasting scar on Biden a “Commie-lover” while he’s lapse, and the risk of an eventual strictions.” But they were not “self- China-U.S. ties.” Fair comment, reversing it. Besides, it was Obama nuclear war in the Middle East imposed.” They were a key part but Pompeo’s real target was the who took Cuba off that list, and all will move from remote hypoth- of the 1979 deal that let the U.S. incoming Biden administration, If the U.S. does his works must be destroyed. esis to plausible prospect. But it have its cake and eat it too: to go which will have to reverse this “ Jan. 12: Pompeo announces lets Republicans accuse Biden of on protecting Taiwan’s de facto policy while the Republicans not end its savage that Iran is now the main home being ‘soft on Iran’ and ‘soft on independence while formally shower it with accusations of be- sanctions against of al-Qaeda, the Islamist terror- terrorism’ when he tries to fix it. accepting that Taiwan is legally a ing ‘soft on China.’ ist organization that planned and Come to think of it, ‘land- province of China. Jan. 10: Another landmine. Iran and re- carried out the 9/11 attacks on the mines’ is the wrong image here, So the United States agreed Pompeo designates Yemen’s United States, and later created the because land-mines are hidden. that there was only one China Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist commit to the deal ‘Islamic State’ that devastated Iraq Pompeo is setting slow-burning (without actually saying that organization. That means nobody and Syria for a number of years. fires in plain sight, which is why Taiwan was not its legitimate gov- can deal with them, so attempts to within months, Iranian Foreign Minister a European foreign minister re- ernment), while China agreed that broker an end to the long and dev- it will finally Mohammad Javad Zarif called cently described him as a ‘politi- “the American people” would con- astating war between the Houthis Pompeo’s assertions “warmonger- cal pyromaniac’—and this is his tinue to carry on “commercial, cul- and the Saudi Arabian-backed, collapse, and the ing lies,” which seems about right. ‘scorched-earth’ policy. tural, and other unofficial contacts ‘internationally recognized’ (but They are certainly lies—nobody That’s the other, bigger thing with the people of Taiwan.” They no more legitimate) government risk of an eventual who knows the region believes that retreating armies often do. could talk and trade all they like; are now outlawed. that the Shia Muslim theocracy in Burn it all down. If we can’t have just no public, official contacts. It wins more time for Saudi nuclear war in the Iran would have anything to do it, nobody can. And Pompeo still This is why we all employ dip- Arabia to go on bombing the place with the Sunni Muslim extremists has time to insult North Korea lomats. They can square the circle in the hope of restoring its candi- Middle East will of al-Qaeda. In fact, al-Qaeda rou- and start a fight with Mexico and let us be friends, or at least date to power, but it makes it far move from remote tinely murders Shias as heretics. before he leaves the scene. trading partners, by coming up harder to bring aid to the diseased And they really are “warmon- Gwynne Dyer’s new book is with a formula of words that veils and starving millions in most of the hypothesis to gering” lies, designed to sabo- ‘Growing Pains: The Future of our differences. The U.S. could go country (which is controlled by the tage Biden’s policy of rejoining Democracy (and Work)’. on selling arms to Taiwan, sail the Houthis, who are not terrorists). It plausible prospect. the 2015 international deal that The Hill Times TOWARDS A NUCLEAR WEAPONS FREE WORLD

he UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has been endorsed by 122 nations, and will become international law for more than 51 ratifying States on January 22, 2021. Regrettably, Canada Tboycotted negotiations in 2017 and has refused to sign or ratify this landmark Treaty. Nuclear weapons, along with climate change and pandemics, are the greatest threats facing human civilization. An exchange of even 1% of the global arsenal of 13,400 nuclear weapons would kill tens of millions of people. It would plunge the planet into a nuclear winter and result in widespread famine, killing billions more. The world was not adequately prepared for the Covid-19 pandemic. The International Committee of the Red Cross asserts that it is impossible to prepare for nuclear holocaust. Humanity’s only hope is prevention through the elimination of nuclear weapons. Canadians have a right to know, and to hear from our national leaders, how nuclear weapons could impact human health, health care systems, the environment, the economy, the global biosphere and the future of life on earth. The undersigned, therefore, respectfully call upon the Government of Canada to have Parliament debate the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and to allow the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to hold public hearings on the Treaty and on Canada’s role in advancing global nuclear disarmament.

This Parliamentary Appeal was endorsed and organized by:

Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Coalition, Canadian Network to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, Les Artistes pour la Paix, Collectif Échec à la guerre, Science for Peace, Canadian Pugwash Group, Project Ploughshares, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada, Canadian Peace Research Association, Group of 78, PeaceQuest, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility/Le Regroupement pour la surveillance du nucléaire, World BEYOND War, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, World Federalist Movement-Canada/Mouvement fédéraliste mondial–Canada, Peace Magazine, Project Save the World, and Friends of Rotary (FOR) Prevention of Nuclear War.

With the support of: The Simons Foundation Canada, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada, Anton Wagner Productions and the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute. VERS UN MONDE LIBÉRÉ DES ARMES NUCLÉAIRES

e Traité sur l’interdiction des armes nucléaires (TIAN) des Nations unies a été endossé par 122 pays et deviendra loi internationale pour les 51 États (et plus) qui l’auront ratifié le 22 janvier 2021. Malheureusement, Lle Canada a boycotté les négociations en 2017 et a refusé de signer ou ratifier ce traité historique. Les armes nucléaires, ainsi que les changements climatiques et les pandémies, sont les plus grandes menaces qui confrontent l’humanité. Une conflagration de 1 % de l’arsenal mondial de 13 400 armes nucléaires tuerait des dizaines de millions de personnes. Elle plongerait la planète dans un hiver nucléaire et entraînerait une famine généralisée, tuant des milliards d’autres. Le monde n’était pas adéquatement préparé à la pandémie de Covid-19. Le Comité international de la Croix- Rouge affirme qu’il est impossible de se préparer à l’holocauste nucléaire. Le seul espoir de l’humanité est de le prévenir par l’élimination des armes nucléaires. Les Canadiens ont le droit de savoir et d’entendre de la part de nos élu-e-s comment les armes nucléaires pourraient avoir une incidence sur la santé humaine, les systèmes de santé, l’environnement, l’économie, la biosphère mondiale et l’avenir de la vie sur terre. Les soussignés demandent donc respectueusement au gouvernement du Canada d’entreprendre un débat au Parlement sur le Traité sur l’interdiction des armes nucléaires et de permettre au Comité permanent des Affaires étrangères et du Développement international de la Chambre des communes de tenir des audiences publiques sur le Traité et le rôle du Canada dans la promotion du désarmement nucléaire mondial.

Signatures: Anglican Church of Canada, Anishinabek Nation and Iroquois Caucus Alliance, Antigonish Quaker Worship Group, Antigonish Raging Grannies, Atomic Photographers, Barnard-Boecker Centre Foundation, Bells for Peace, Boundary Peace Initiative, Camp Micah: Leadership for Peace and Justice, Canadian Dimension, Canadian Friends Service Committee, Canadian Muslim Peace Alliance, Canadian Peace Congress, Canadian Peace Initiative, Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice, Centre justice et foi (Montréal), Centre Oblat—A Voice for Justice, Clearwater Greenhouses Big River, Sask., Coalition for Responsible Energy Development in New Brunswick, Collective L’autre Parole, Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area, Conscience Canada, Denman Island Peace Group, Fédération nationale des enseignantes et enseignants du Québec-CSN, The Global Sunrise Project, Greater Toronto Chapter National Association of Japanese Canadians, Greenspiration, Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War, L’Institut Rideau Institute, Inter-Church Uranium Committee Educational Co-operative Saskatoon, Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, Just Peace Advocates, Justice Mission and Outreach Committees, Eastern Regions, United Church of Canada, KAIROS BC-Yukon, KAIROS Halifax, KAIROS Nelson, KAIROS Terrace, KAIROS Toronto West, Kootenay Region Branch United Nations Association in Canada, Making Peace Vigil (Regina), Les Mémés Déchainéés, Mines Action Canada, Mission and Outreach Committees, Eastern Regions, United Church of Canada, Mouvement Québécois pour la Paix, National Association of Japanese Canadians, National Council of Women of Canada, NB Media Co-op, North Bay Peace Alliance, Northwatch, Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace, Office de la pastorale sociale Archidiocèse catholique romain de Montréal, Ottawa KAIROS, Ottawa Quaker Meeting (Religious Society of Friends), Ottawa River Institute, Pacifi–Canadians Organizing for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, Parksville Qualicum KAIROS, Pax Christi Toronto, Peace Brigades International Canada, Peace Quest Cape Breton, PeaceQuest Regina, Peace River Environmental Society, People for Peace (London), Pivot2Peace, Ploughshares Calgary Society, Pontiac Environment Protection/Protection de l’environnement du Pontiac, Port Hope Community Health Concerns Committee, Press for Conversion! magazine, Project Ploughshares Saskatoon, Québec Solidaire, Ralliement contre la pollution radioactive, Religions for Peace Canada, Religions pour la paix-Québec, Salmon Arm Ecumenical KAIROS Committee, Saskatoon Peace Coalition, Sierra Club Canada Foundation, Socialist Action/Ligue pour l’Action socialiste, Les Soeurs Auxiliatrices, Soka Gakkai International Association of Canada, Solidarité Laurentides Amérique centrale, St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax, St. Basil’s Catholic Church Mission and Social Justice Committee, Ottawa, Tao Sangha-Earth Caravan, Toronto Area Interfaith Council, Toronto Article 9, Toronto Raging Grannies, Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (Doukhobors), Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga, Vancouver Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Vancouver Peace Poppies, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom-Vancouver, World Beyond War Vancouver, World Beyond War Victoria. TOWARDS A NUCLEAR WEAPONS FREE WORLD/ VERS UN MONDE LIBÉRÉ DES ARMES NUCLÉAIRES

Individual Signatures: / Signatures Individuelles:

Ray Acheson, Rob Acheson, Lee Adamson, Lyn Adamson, Jinhi Ahn, Janis Alton in memory of Douglas Alton, Rachad Antonius, Wedad Antonius, Dr. Saul Arbess, Sam Arnold, Neil Arya MD, Robert Ascah, Mary-Wynne Ashford MD PhD, François Avard, Dr. Brian Ayotte, Louis Azzaria, Maryse Azzaria, Denise Babin, Charles-Antoine Bachand, Rémi Bachand, Jean Baillargeon, Gerry Barr CM, Norman L. Beaudet, Warren Bell MD, Mariette Benoit, Judith Berlyn, Robin Berlyn, Jim Best, Daniel Beveridge, Bill Bhaneja, Rita Bijons, Kym Bird PhD, Barbara Birkett MD, Angela Bischoff, Louise Boivin, Marc Bonhomme, Sam Boskey, Marie Boti, Jacques Boucher, Monique Boudreau, Gisèle Bourret, Mathieu Boyd, Suellen Bradfield, John Bradley, Genevieve Brassard, Robin Breon, André Breton, Judith Brown, Marcel Bruneau, Adele Buckley PhD, The Venerable Garth Bulmer, Edimburgo Cabrera, Pascale Camirand, Jacinthe Carbonneau, Catherine Caron, Josette Catellier, Beth Chambers RN, Lionel Chartier, Clare Christie, Jan Christilaw C.M., Kathleen Chung, Marie Sarrasin Ciaveau, Robin Collins, Louise Constantin, Paul Copeland CM, Stéphan Corriveau, Jérémy Cotton, Nancy Covington MD, Marney Cuff, Lawrence Cumming, Phyllis Creighton, Simon J. Daigle, Gwen Davies, Robert Del Tredici, Bev Tollefson Delong, Richard Denton MD, Judith Deutsch M.S.W., Dale Dewar MD, Dr. Walter Dorn, Dr. Jonathan Down, Connie Duchene, Martin Duckworth, Michel Duguay, Theresa Dunn, Dr. Michael Dworkind, Johanna Echlin, Gordon Edwards PhD, Martine Eloy, Jorge Filmus, Barry Fleming in memory of Murray Thomson, Anna-Louise Fontaine, Andrès Fontecilla député QS, Pierre Forest, Martin Forgues, John Foster, André Frappier, Janet Fraser, Cindy Fujimoto, Julie Gabrièle, Louise Gallie, Élizabeth Garant, Bernard Gauvin, Morgan Gay, Furquan Gehlen, Yveline Ghariani, Evelyn Gigantes, Judy Gilbert, John Gilmore, Xavier Gillet, Daniel Gingras, Lucie Girard, Mary Girard, Hélène Gobeil, Ann Godderis, Brigid Grant, Sandy Greenberg, Jacques Grenier, Debbie Grisdale, Hannah Hadkin, Jo Hayward-Haines, Dolores Hall, Monique Hamelin, Fred Harland, Mardele Harland, Mary Lou Harley, Rev. Karen Harrison, Robert Hart, Sandra Hartline, Don Haythorne, Geraldine Haythorne, David Heap, Marilyn Hébert, Ole Hendrickson, Barbara Herring, Jean-Luc Hétu, Renée Hétu, Kyan Heydari, Rev. Anne Hoganson, Rev. Jim Houston, Mary Huan, Mouloud Idir, Sid Ikeda, Charlotte Jacobs MD, Robert James, Gracia Janes, Cesar Jaramillo, Pierre Jasmin, Nicole Jetté, Vinay Jindal MD, Lynn Jones, Marina Jones, Susan Johnson, Bryce Kanbara, Jane Keeler, Patricia Keeney, Saideh Khadir, Koko Kikuchi, Charles King MD, Joy Kogawa, Danielle Koyama, Helmut Kuhn, Marilynn Kuhn, Michel Laberge, René Lachaîne, René Lachapelle, Danièle Lacourse, André Laflamme, Jean-Daniel Lafond C.C., Carolyn Langdon, Dr. Peter Langille, Jean-Claude Landry, Carolyn Langdon, Dimitri Lascaris, Sheila Laursen, Roy Lechner, Lawrence Lefcort, Raymond Legault, Denis Lemelin, Sylvie Lemieux, Yoko Lemoto, Chantale Lévesque, Jeffrey Levitt and Ruth Allen, Andrea Levy, Mariko Liliefeldt, Geraldine Lindley, James Loney, Hanna Longard, Tamara and Ben Lorincz in memory of Derek Modry, Amir Maasoumi, Djemaa Maazouzi PhD, Ramana Mani, Gilles Marsolais, Peggy Mason, Rev. Wes Maultsaid, Jane Maxwell, Angella MacEwen, Dr. Joe MacInnis, Ann McAllister, Susan McCaslin, Katy McCormick, James McIntosh, Janette McIntosh, Fiona McKay, Joe Mihevc, Paul Miki, Kathryn Anne Miller, Barry Mitchell, Louise Morand, Anne Morris, Joy and Dave Morris, Elinor Mueller, Mark Mueller, Bianca Mugyenyi, Louise Leblanc Nadeau, Edward Napier, Francine Néméh, Michael Nevin, David Newman, Marc-Hubert Nicole, Dr. Éric Notebaert, Elizabeth Nyburg, Dr. Susan O’Donnell, Jan O’Hearn, Eileen Olexiuk, Roger Olmstead, Gaby Ouellette, Nozomu Ozaki, André Paradis, Marie-Christine Paret, Lucie Pelletier, Alexander Pereklita, Thomas L. Perry MD, Dominique Peschard, Karen Pidcock, Betty Plewes, John Polanyi O.C., Deborah Powell, Jason Prince, Nancia Marthe Prochette, Joan Quast, Judith Quinn, Dr. M.V. Ramana, Darrell Rankin, Ernie Regehr O.C., Elinor Reynolds, Alphonse Rheault, Judi Richards, Walter Ridley, Douglas Rigby, Gilles Rivet, Mercédez Roberge, Hon. Douglas Roche O.C., Mark Rogers, Sheila Rogers, Dr. Dorothy Goldin Rosenberg, Chris Rosene, Dimitri Roussopoulos, Marianne Roy, Don Rubin, Mervyn Russell, Dr. Joan Russow, François Saillant, Kerri Sakamoto, Richard Sandbrook PhD, Richard Sanders, Marie Sarrasin, Linda Scherzinger, Paula Sewter, Kim Sharpe, Megan Shaw, Dorothea and Charlotte Sheasby, Tetsutaro and Yukiko Shibahara, Roger Short, Dr. Joan Simalchik, Dr. Jennifer Allen Simons C.M, Dr. Erika Simpson, Konrad Skreta, Jan Slakov, Rev. Earl Smith, Joan Smith, V.E. Smith, Gérard Snow C.M., Frank Sommers MD, Steven Staples, Florence Stratton, Paul Strelive, Colin Stuart, Dwyer Sullivan, Kimberley Symes, David L. Thompson PhD, Andrew Thurlow, Setsuko Thurlow C.M., Joan Tinkess, Sandra Tomsons PhD, Daniel Touchette, Olivier Touchette, Earl Turcotte, Eric Unger, Cathy Vakil MD, Louise Vandelac PhD, Maria Varvarikos, Constance Vaudrin, John Peter Venton, Dr. Anton Wagner, Ruth Walmsley, Marguerite Warner, Gordon Weese, Karen Weingeist, Melissa Whaling, Rose Marie Whalley, Elizabeth Whitmore, Rev. Robert Wild, John and Rosemary Williams, Patricia Willis, Kathrin Winkler, Sarah Witney, Theresa Wolfwood, Carole Woodhall, Donald Woodside, Maria Worton, Mary Gail Wylie, Moira Wylie, James Young, Claudio Zanchettin.

For Information: Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Coalition: Anton Wagner [email protected] • 416-863 1209 Canadian Network to Abolish Nuclear Weapons: Earl Turcotte [email protected] • 613-839-2777 Les Artistes pour la Paix: Pierre Jasmin [email protected] • 819-847 1332 Collectif Échec à la guerre: Martine Eloy [email protected] • 514-919-7249 THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 15 Opinion

than debt, with the Canada De- The most urgent task velopment Investment Corp. as a in Finance Minister possible vehicle. Chrystia Freeland’s A new report—”OECD Sci- forthcoming budget will ence, Technology and Innovation be to set the country on Outlook 2021—notes that since the path to sustained some 70 per cent of research and and sustainable development spending in most economic growth. The advanced economies is carried Hill Times photograph by out by business, “how govern- Andrew Meade ments incentivize and influence research and innovation can have major implications for our future.” But this is also a time, the report argues, where governments them- selves have to rethink innovation strategies and become readier to intervene for results. For different countries there has been “a progressive rehabili- tation of industrial policy from the perspectives of innovation, with arguments that governments should actively engage in making explicit innovation policy choices to focus their limited activist re- sources.” The shift to more activist policies represents a U-turn from recent decades where govern- ments looked to low taxes, free trade, and deregulation to drive innovation. “The opportunities associated with the ‘next production revolu- tion’ (which is occurring through the confluence of a range of technologies including artificial intelligence, 5G, new materials, 3D printing, nanotechnology and industrial biotechnology) have set the scene for support and regula- tion of business innovation to become one additional driver of the push towards greater produc- tive technological autonomy,” the OECD report found. This will be in businesses, not academia. So a particular challenge for Canada. strengthening the links between At the same time, it said, “pub- knowledge creation and diffusion lic innovation support policies This is no time for by academia and its successful need to be able to guide private commercialization by businesses innovation efforts to where they is critical. This depends in turn are most needed, especially on ensuring there is a strong and where market signals prove to growing Canadian-controlled be insufficient and coordination corporate base, rich in talent and is most challenging.” Higher-risk half measures or intellectual property, and Canadi- R&D, where the payoff is also an business leaders ready to take longer, is an example. on more risk. But there will also be a need This is where public policy to deter foreign takeovers of steps in as an enabler. But how promising Canadian-controlled can it incentivize our businesses companies in critical technolo- vague aspirations to be more innovative after a gies if Canada is to have a strong decade in which businesses economic base. The COVID-19 overall have been cutting back on pandemic, the OECD finds, “has and better innovation to achieve synthetic biology, biosciences, research and development and spurred many governments to There’s too much good jobs, improved competitive- agri-food, advanced manufac- constantly earning low marks for enhance their foreign invest- ness, and increased productivity. turing, and the digital economy. innovation in international rank- ment screening mechanisms or at stake. Failure The budget has to make this its Innovation is needed as well for ings? introduce new ones” which may priority. affordable housing, seniors’ care, Government has many tools at reflect “the way governments could mean a poorer In her fall economic state- smart cities, smart land use, and its disposal, including tax incen- and societies view the benefits ment, Freeland stated that the in education, with gains here also tives, grants, low-interest or for- and risks associated with foreign country. So this government was developing “a exportable. But this will require givable loans, the creation of new investment.” budget really matters. major investment plan to stimu- a government that is much more markets through measures such An OECD background paper late economic growth, accelerate focused on how to get things done as carbon pricing or smart use of on investment screening found Canada’s recovery, and create one and a business sector with high regulatory powers, the funding there is now concern about “pred- million good jobs to strengthen ambition. of demonstration projects, public atory acquisitions” where foreign and grow the middle class.” Some Policies will matter even more procurement, government as first investment may be associated $100-billion would be spent over because in the post-pandemic customer, public-private partner- with “sell-offs and the loss of criti- the next three fiscal years—but world global competition for jobs ships, direct equity investments, cal assets and technology,” with only after the virus is under con- and growth will be much more challenge competitions, and other increasing attention to the effects trol. But it’s time to tell Canadians intense—starting with the Biden forms of risk-sharing. of takeovers on overall innova- now what’s in this package so administration, which plans to fo- Governments can also do tion. Companies like Facebook, that, if needed, it can be reconfig- cus on its America First policies. much to ensure competition, ad- Apple and Google can “identify ured to improve its effectiveness Where will Canada fit in? New dress the treatment of intangibles and acquire potential rivals early and so businesses can start plan- Innovation Minister François- such as intellectual property in their lifecycle before they be- David Crane ning on the basis of what’s in the Philippe Champagne will have to as assets in financial markets, come a competitive threat,” the Canada & the 21st Century package. show he is up to the challenge of steering more of the resources of report on investment screening The focus must be on stepping leading on innovation. His busi- pension and insurance funds to pointed out. up investment in innovation to ness experience should help. invest in Canadian industry, help- This is no time for half ORONTO—The most urgent produce tradable goods and ser- While building up the capaci- ing to promote pools of patient measures or vague aspirations. Ttask in Finance Minister vices that we can sell to the rest ties of our universities to train capital for long-term investment, There’s too much at stake. Failure Chrystia Freeland’s forthcoming of the world. talent and conduct fundamental and dealing with Valley of Death could mean a poorer country. So budget will be to set the coun- Getting the innovation poli- research for new knowledge is es- issues as small companies strive this budget really matters. try on the path to sustained and cies right will be a big challenge. sential, the transformation of new to bring new products to market. David Crane can be reached at sustainable economic growth. Huge opportunity exists in knowledge into commercial suc- Some companies will need to [email protected]. Going forward, we will need more the green economy transition, cess is an activity that takes place recapitalize, with equity rather The Hill Times 16 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

pricing even tenable? Why are we staying within a ‘serial monogamy of Trudeau government’s new solutions’ when we should be ham- mering GHG emissions with a whole kit-bag of policies? Climate change is an existen- tial danger to all we care about and love. The global lack of mitiga- climate plan is insufficient tion ambition needs to be broken by the example of countries like Canada and Australia; rich, fortu- fiscal Commission, there was a delude themselves that they are urgent transition to a post-carbon nate, democratic countries that are The Green New Deal, bloom of comment, editorials and meaningfully addressing global economy. amongst the global leaders in fos- op-eds advocating carbon pricing warming, it’s not just ineffectual; The Canadian government is sil fuel production. We must lead which could do so as a climate mitigation method. it’s counterproductive. not acting fast enough to proac- by regulating a managed decline much to accelerate As a British Columbia climate The best climate science indi- tively contain the growing danger. on our fossil fuel production. Oth- activist, I was familiar with the cates that developed countries like The Green New Deal which could erwise, we will all lose big time. needed change, is failure of our province’s vaunted Canada must reduce greenhouse do so much to accelerate needed Once again the pretend climate carbon tax, so I gathered 15 or so gas (GHG) emissions by seven to change is too radical, too impos- leaders (actually Canada has contin- too radical, and too of the authors, prominent econo- 10 per cent each year, starting from sible for this weak Liberal govern- ued to be one of the poorest climate mists, climate activists, opinion 2020, in order to have a reasonable ment to manage. Its focus remains performers in the G20 by almost impossible for a weak shapers, academics and journal- chance of staying climate safe. This upon discredited, incremental every metric) are not leading, but Liberal government. ists and started posting the best is at least double the Harper-era, policies that promise effective rather playing myopic, self-interest of the burgeoning literature on (and still the Liberal) 2030 target mitigation within a political and politics and instead seem prepared why carbon pricing is limited and and it remains questionable wheth- economic framework of business to waste yet another decade. ineffectual. I did 60 or so posts er the increased carbon tax—if it as usual, when it is now certain The new climate plan is prob- until cancer treatment forced me actually is implemented over the that climate is an emergency re- ably as adventurous an attempt at to cut back in 2017. whole decade—will even achieve quiring a coalition of governments climate mitigation as is possible The Liberal government’s new that target. The tapering-in of the dedicated to implementing deep by a weak minority government climate plan, though it doubles tax still leaves emissions too high systemic change. positioning itself for the next elec- down on a rising carbon tax, is for too long this decade. Moreover, With what we now know today tion. Am I wrong? About the Lib- still insufficient. the focus on carbon pricing still about the dangers of continued GHG erals and carbon pricing? About It is not an effective policy, it leaves fossil fuel production, subsi- release into the atmosphere and the climate as an emergency requiring just continues to waste precious dies, and increasing infrastructure emission reduction timelines neces- emergency action? Where’s the time, and keeps us from consider- untouched. Worse, the Liberal sary to mitigate climate change, with learning? Where’s the informed Bill Henderson ing policies and paths that could policy direction ignores both the what we know about carbon pricing debate about our true climate Opinion be effective. Carbon pricing must lessons we should have learned and mitigation policies within busi- predicament and what mitigation be part of the mitigation solu- during the COVID epidemic about ness as usual, with what we know policies should be considered? tion, but to the extent that the effective government and the huge after three decades of mitigation Bill Henderson is a British IBSONS, B.C.—In 2014-2015, carbon-pricing experiment lets opportunity of using the COVID failure, we can ask, is the Trudeau Columbia climate activist. Gled by the newly formed Eco- policy-makers and the public recovery to make the needed, government’s reliance upon carbon The Hill Times Problems of current-day conservative thought

What can be described as the Conservative American conservatives seem to What does cutting current malformation of conserva- Leader Erin give at least a nod of approval. A tism has been caused, in part, by O'Toole, pictured modern government, it could be taxes mean anyway, its weak and problematic posi- Oct. 28, 2020, argued, will always be “welfarist” tion, vis‑à‑vis the modern world. on the Hill. and bureaucratic in administrative if society, as a whole, The advance of left‑wing thought Conservatism today practice—the point is to be able becomes a seething and practice in modern society is what might to determine, in some measure at has compressed all competing be described as least, the ideas and beliefs that are cauldron of polyglot, “right‑wing” ideologies together, 'forced,' without transmitted through the programs forcing what could be called the “fu- the luxury and actions of that bureaucracy. polymorphous sion” of 19th‑century liberalism with for doctrinal Conservatism today is what traditional conservatism, such that experimentation, might be described as “forced”— perversity? distinctions between the two have lackadaisical without the luxury for doctrinal become increasingly blurred. stances, and its experimentation, lackadaisical This union of what were once weak commitment stances, and its weak commitment two strongly distinct political phi- to core ideas and to core ideas and programs. It is losophies is not only regarded as programs, writes extremely important for the future a necessary tactical alliance, but Mark Wegierski. of conservatism, where, and how, is increasingly meant to become a The Hill Times conservatism’s lines of defence are new theoretical and philosophical photograph by drawn. The defence of capitalism “synthesis.” Post‑war American Andrew Meade and an atomistic individualism is, conservatism, in particular, has it could be argued, a weak posi- been preoccupied with sometimes tion; the defence of society, of hu- ingenious rationalizations of these two currents have existed in inition or program for conserva- man social existence, community, Mark Wegierski this new philosophical outlook. opposition for the longest portion tism have had to face this paradox and family, a strong position. George Nash, for example, in his Opinion of their history (i.e., the struggle of the two different conceptions of What does cutting taxes mean book, The Conservative Intellec- between “classical conservatism” the “Old Right.” The rigid Goldwa- anyway, if society, as a whole, tual Movement in America Since and “classical liberalism”). Pure ter‑esque “rugged individualism” of becomes a seething cauldron of ORONTO—Conservatism 1945, divided post‑war American libertarianism itself is a radical much of the American “Old Right,” polyglot, polymorphous perver- Ttoday is, it could be argued, conservatism into three main restatement and reformulation of and its relentless assaults on “wel- sity? After all, so much of what a bewildered philosophy, and groupings: “traditionalists,” “fu- “classical” liberalism. fare‑statism,” were probably its traditional conservatives find an unwieldy morass of mutually sionists,” and “libertarians.” Purely Historically, on the practical least appealing aspects and failed troubling about late modernity— incompatible, self‑contradictory, on the level of theory, “fusionism,” and popular levels, much of the to win it any significant funding such as a libertine entertainment and amorphous ideas. Despite a “shot‑gun marriage” between American “Old Right” was fiercely from American big-business. culture—is entirely unconnected decades of internecine debate, two once‑opposed positions, can individualistic, ultra-pro‑capitalist, There certainly appears to be to government bureaucracy and the contemporary conservative be seen as difficult to justify. Yet, and radically freedom‑centred, no possibility of turning back the mostly functions on a strictly movement in Western societies one could also question to what whereas in Continental Europe, clock to the supposedly conserva- free-market basis. has failed, generally speaking, to extent the establishment of “fu- what could be called the true “Old tive “Gilded Age,” that mythical Mark Wegierski is a Toronto- provide a coherent and consistent sionism” as a touchstone idea has Right,” was its exact opposite, era “before the New Deal.” And based writer and historical re- account of itself. No viewpoint helped or hindered the disparate community‑oriented, state‑centred, it is difficult to argue that the searcher, published in Ottawa Citi- that, holus‑bolus, seeks to unite groups of the American Right. and focused on social and spiritual social conservatism of heartland zen, Calgary Herald, and previously Barry Goldwater under the same Conservatism, in the tradition- integration and harmony as the America is in any way compatible in The Hill Times, among others. He banner as T.S. Eliot could be al sense, is simply not “libertar- unifying principles. with the freewheeling, free‑boot- is a long-time federal Conservative otherwise. No “vital equilibrium” ian.” Pure libertarianism is cer- Virtually all works attempting ing amorality of contemporary Party supporter. could ever be that vital. tainly not “traditionalist.” Indeed, to advance an acceptable new def- big‑city capitalism, to which most The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 17 News Federal departments miss quarter of annual targets, with Transportation Safety Board, National Defence among poorest performers

In 2019-20, federal to unavailable data. The total from Treasury Board The pandemic also created the department-by-department President Jean- delays for GAC’s ability to col- departments and numbers was a few off from the Yves Duclos lect some international assistance agencies met 1,352 Treasury Board’s summary of 86 tabled the data, and was cited as a reason for departments, with 1,340 recorded performance targets without information. It said performance targets, as met and 568 as unmet. reports on it plans to publish those results this The number of targets per fed- Dec. 7, 2020, summer with its department plan. missed 556, and eral body varies widely from one for 87 federal The Courts Administration Ser- to 121, and reasons departments departments vice, Department of Veterans Affairs, tracked 431 more that couldn’t fulfil their plans were and agencies. Privy Council Office, Department of just as broad, from COVID-19 in- The Hill Times Indigenous Services, and Treasury didn’t have available terruptions to staffing levels that photograph by Board Secretariat were among 14 created delays. Andrew Meade total departments and 61 targets that results. Eight of the 87 departments, mentioned COVID-19 as reasons for example, accounted for a third targets couldn’t be checked off. BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN of the 556 unmet outcomes, with National Defence (39) at the top, bout 24 per cent of govern- followed by the Transportation ‘Competing priorities’ Ament programs tracked at the Safety Board of Canada (38), Em- created some delays departmental level missed their ployment and Social Development performance targets in 2019-20, in Canada (25), and the Treasury faced by Transportation a near-replica of the rate of unmet Board of Canada Secretariat (24). Safety Board of Canada goals in the previous year. Some of the latter’s unmet targets Taking longer to finish investi- Twenty-three departments or related to the functionality of the gations pushed the Transportation agencies missed more than a third GC InfoBase and the working on Safety Board of Canada’s failure of their targets set for March 2020, the departmental plans and results rate higher last fiscal year. including the Transportation Safety reports themselves, making them In at least 10 of the markers, Board of Canada (49 per cent), “clearer and more accessible.” the minimum average time to com- the Department of Justice Canada Almost a third of the depart- plete pipeline, marine, rail, and (39 per cent), National Defence ments tracked fewer than 10 per- aviation investigations, whether (38 per cent), Statistics Canada formance targets over the fiscal limited in scope or detailed, took (38 per cent), the Royal Canadian year. More than half had success longer than planned. For example, Mounted Police (38 per cent) and rates above 65 per cent, with seven available. The Leaders’ Debates imum requirement for this target. it took more than 510 days, on its Civilian Review and Complaints posting a perfect record for 2019- Commission said it didn’t have The onset of the global pandemic average, to complete detailed rail Commission (40 per cent). 20, though they typically all had information on the proportion in early 2020 was the main rea- and pipeline investigations, when The government tracked fewer than 15 targets. Several had of Canadians having access son, according to the department. the target was 450 days. 2,777 departmental performance fewer fewer than five: Northern to debates, and the National “Due to the high priority placed “Competing priorities” and indicators from 87 federal depart- Pipeline Agency Canada, Cana- Security and Intelligence Review on the safety of Canadian soldiers resource problems created delays ments and agencies, which were dian Grain Commission, Copy- Agency Secretariat, because the working abroad, measures were tak- for both, as well as “an exception- targeted to be achieved by the right Board Canada, Office of the transition of the Security Intel- en to ensure their personal safety,” ally high number of new occur- end of March 2020, and found Intelligence Commissioner, the ligence Review Committee to the the report noted, including repatria- rences” for the rail classification, 1,352, or about 57 per cent, had National Battlefields Commission, National Security Intelligence tion in some cases like Operation caused a high workload, the met their target. That’s down from Impact Assessment Agency of Review Agency “requires sig- IMPACT, Canada’s military presence board explained. the 63 per cent achieved last year, Canada, and the Military Police nificant changes” to the reporting in the Middle East, and Operation The board missed 38 of its tar- though last year’s missed targets Complaints Commission of Can- framework. UNIFIER, its mission to support the gets (49 per cent) and met 24 of its sat at 25 per cent, roughly the ada. Among the larger agencies security forces of Ukraine. targets (31 per cent), and had an same portion this year, accord- with strong success rates were “These safety measures had additional 16 indicators that didn’t ing to a Hill Times analysis of COVID-19 affected Natural Resources Canada (78 per knock-on effects for ongoing and have data available to mark either department-level data, The results cent), Shared Services Canada (77 National Defence targets planned CAF activities,” the ratio- way. Some of the issues were out- were published on GC InfoBase per cent), followed by Innovation, National Defence noted the nale continued. It added that “CAF side of the board’s control dealing by the Treasury Board Secretariat. Science and Economic Develop- pandemic as a problem in reach- continues to refine its ability to with its goal due to a higher-than- Collectively in 2019-20, the 87 ment Canada and Finance Canada ing several of its targets, including integrate cyber-enabled effects in average fatality and accident rate government bodies missed 556 with 74 per cent apiece. staffing, international goals, and CAF-led operations.” across the board. The organization targets and posted a further 431 Among this group, only two visitors to the 71 Canadian Armed Another target related to cyber- failed all six measures calling for that couldn’t be checked off due had targets with measures not Forces-accredited museums. defence readiness showed the de- downward trends in accident rates For example, only 19 per cent partment failing to achieve its 85 for marine, rail, and aviation. of new positions were filled at the per cent target, instead reporting The rail industry, it reported, The 20 largest departments with the greatest Military Transition Group, which that the force’s “cyber elements” experienced a higher-than-normal percent of missed performance targets supports transitioning military met readiness requirements only number of fatal accidents, though personnel. 65 per cent of the time. the total is still down slightly from Organization Target met Target not met To be achieved “New positions were in the Personnel numbers and CAF’s the 10-year average. There were Transportation Safety Board of Canada 24 38 0 process of being staffed when development of additional cyber also more accidents recorded, due National Research Council Canada 34 24 0 COVID-19 prompted the imple- force capability remain the “major mainly to an increase in the report- Department of Justice Canada 8 9 22 mentation of business continuity limiting factor,” but the department ing of fires and explosions on main Royal Canadian Mounted Police 13 13 0 plans and hiring was temporarily said “ongoing efforts” to create and track rights of way. One railway National Defence 53 39 40 stalled,” read the explanation for fill the necessary positions should operator’s “interpretation of report- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 29 24 11 the 40 positions that should have lead to better results in future years. able occurrences” is responsible for Veterans Affairs Canada 11 9 12 been filed. Those positions were National Defence was among the bulk of the 200 per cent jump Fisheries and Oceans Canada 36 20 8 described as a “priority” once only two other departments that of 44 accidents up from the 10-year Correctional Service Canada 44 22 0 staffing activities resume. tracked more than 100 measures. average of 22, the TSB said. Department of Indigenous Services 6 10 30 And, due to the COVID-19 Global Affairs Canada (GAC) The marine accident rates in Environment and Climate Change Canada 15 8 31 closures and confinement, all 71 didn’t meet five per cent of its 121 2019 were all slightly up from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 37 17 4 museums closed their doors, and targets, but marked a whopping recent averages and included 17 Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada 22 13 6 so, they didn’t get figures ready in fatalities related to 13 incidents, Health Canada 21 12 35 80—or 66 per cent—as having data above the average of 11 per year. Canada Revenue Agency 22 10 2 time for the department’s results not available to give the check as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 29 10 35 report, which meant an under- being met. Employment and Social Aviation incidents, meanwhile, Canadian Food Inspection Agency 16 5 0 counting of visitors. Development Canada, meanwhile, included a “significant” number Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 16 5 32 National Defence reported reported 36 per cent of its mea- of fatal accidents, though TSB Canada Energy Regulator 41 13 0 98 per cent of its international sures as not available, and missed noted they were mostly from the Employment and Social Development Canada 52 25 7 operations met stated objectives, 21 per cent of its targets. National “general” aviation sector. which counted as unmet because Defence met 53 targets, missed 39, [email protected] Source: Treasury Board of Canada it wasn’t a perfect score—the min- and couldn’t say where 12 stood. The Hill Times 18 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News Conservatives need to chart ‘uniquely Canadian’ vision of party in wake of Capitol Hill riot, say political players

Political parties can “For the Conservatives in using language and policies that The Manitoba MP released a see in the Trump supporters in the Canada, they have to make sure make them more angry; or you can tweet on Jan. 7 condemning the vi- United States.” choose to either rile up that they chart their own vision of spend the time and do the work to olence, saying that Conservatives “This is the big juggling act the Conservative movement under figure out what is underlying their “are calling on President Trump that the Conservatives face, and populists within their Erin O’Toole that is uniquely Ca- concerns and find policy solutions and his supporters to respect the Mr. O’Toole wants to present nadian, and that is not dependent to address those concerns,” said Mr. will of the American people.” them as a centre-right, moderate base, or ‘spend the time on the United States for either Boessenkool, who has played senior Mr. Boessenkool’s advice for party—they are really focusing on and do the work’ to find ideas or tactics,” said Mr. Nanos. strategic and policy roles in four the O’Toole campaign: “you need these working class themes and so “That being said, for the Conserva- national election campaigns under to be extra careful in what you forth,” said Mr. Graves. “But we do out, and address, what tives, their strategy on this could former prime minister Stephen do and what you say, so as not to know that the more extreme views be quite simple—all Erin O’Toole Harper and was also chief of staff to reinforce any message that you on issues like race, immigration, is making them angry, has to say is that he is against former B.C. premier Christy Clark. are aligned with those people, social issues around abortion and violence, and that he’s in favour “And I fully expect and trust and you need to root out, early, gender rights, that a lot of those said Conservative of law and order and democracy,” that the people around Erin examples where those possible people who have those views are said Mr. Nanos, who also added O’Toole are doing the latter rather connections can be made, and I in the Conservative Party.” strategist Ken the important thing is for him not than the former,” he said. think they’ve done that.” “They Boessenkool. to say the words “Proud Boys.” When asked about the Liberal “Every party does compare may not be On Jan. 10, the federal govern- Party’s communications strategy and contrast, but it only works the major- ment was considering designating following the events on Capitol when the party you are compar- ity, but they far-right group Proud Boys as a ter- Hill, Mr. Boessenkool said every are cer- Continued from page 1 ing or contrasting reinforces the rorist organization following their political party tries to exploit the message that you’re delivering tainly are a Complicating matters is the role in the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol weaknesses of their opponents Canadians,” said Mr. Boessenkool significant fact that the governing Liberals Hill that left a number of individu- and will do so in various ways. of the governing Liberals. and active have been “very good at demon- als dead, including a police officer. “But those kinds of messages Rebel News, an extreme right- portion of izing their opponents,” says poll- “[Mr. O’Toole] needs to have and trying to attach your opponents wing Canadian media outlet, it.” ster Nik Nanos, chair of Nanos a blanket position that is against to their worst elements only work published what they deemed to be Accord- Research. “The Liberals have violence, that is in favour of law if you reinforce the message that an “exclusive interview” with Mr. ing to an always tried to take advantage and order, and in favour of stable they are trying to put forward,” said O’Toole that was published on Jan. opinion of not only what their opponents democracy,” said Mr. Nanos. Mr. Boessenkool. “Justin Trudeau 11—a claim that was immediately piece from have said, but what they’ve not Mr. O’Toole weighed in on the can jump up and down and say that challenged by Mr. O’Toole’s direc- former said, and have tried to imply that violence with a Jan. 6 tweet, saying Erin O’Toole and his people are a tor of communications, Melanie prime not speaking out on something he was “deeply saddened to see bunch of Trump patriots, but until Paradis, who said on Twitter that minister implies there is support.” chaos grip our greatest ally today.” and unless Erin O’Toole and his “there was no interview, it was an Stephen people reinforce that message, it’s Conservative MP Michael email from a spokesperson.” Conservative Party Harper’s not a believable message coming Chong (Wellington-Halton Hills, Ezra Levant, leader of Rebel Deputy Leader director of from the opposition.” Ont.), who is his party’s shadow News, responded by saying, Candice Bergen, commu- minister for foreign affairs, re- “please don’t lie. I asked for an pictured wearing nications, leased a statement on Jan. 7 con- interview by Skype by your office a ‘MAGA’ hat, an Andrew demning the events in the United said to do it by email.” image that has been MacDou- States Capitol. “Your office took my questions circulating online. gall, that “The violence of an unruly ran in the and later got back to me with an- Photograph courtesy of mob incited by outgoing President Ottawa Citi- swers written in the first person,” Twitter Trump that attacked America’s wrote Mr. Levant. “I asked how zen on Jan. national legislature in Washington the answer should be attributed, 14, “whether D.C., that was meeting to certify and was told, “O’Toole”. Erin O’Toole likes it or not, his the results of the recent U.S. elec- Conservative movement includes tion, is an affront to the shared some bad apples, a not-insignifi- principles that both Canada and O’Toole wants to present cant minority who look at political the United States have had in com- Conservatives as a events down south not with shock, mon for more than a century,” ac- but admiration.” Leading pollster Nik Nanos says the cording to Mr. Chong’s statement. “They view Trump’s insurgen- Conservative MP Michael Chong, who centre-right, moderate federal Conservatives must ‘make sure “Principles such as a belief in cy—now a literal insurgency—as is also his party’s shadow minister for party, according to that they chart their own vision of the democracy and the rule of law, a potential roadmap for politics in foreign affairs. Mr. Chong released Conservative movement under Erin and in the peaceful transition pollster Frank Graves Canada. It would be malpractice for a statement on Jan. 7 saying the O’Toole that is uniquely Canadian, and of power based on democratic Pollster and president of EKOS Liberal operatives not to pick at that violence on Capitol Hill ‘is an affront that is not dependent on the United elections,” he said, calling Canada Research Frank Graves told The wound,” wrote Mr. MacDougall. to the shared principles that both States for either ideas or tactics.’ The the closest ally and friend of the Hill Times that how the attack in Canada and the United States have Hill Times file photograph United States. Washington would be viewed by had in common for more than a President-elect Joe Biden “Conservatives call on Presi- Conservative Party supporters “is century.’ Photograph courtesy of Twitter Conservative Party Leader dent Trump and his supporters to a really interesting question” and set to be sworn in on Jan. 20 Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) respect the will of the American that he’ll be looking into the issue Longtime University of To- called the Jan. 6 attack in Wash- people, respect the will of states The Liberal Party wrote in a Jan. in more detail in the near future. ronto political science professor ington “an astonishing assault on who have confirmed these results 13 fundraising email that “Cana- But Mr. Graves also said that Nelson Wiseman told The Hill freedom and democracy.” and respect the will of American dians are disappointed to see Erin “the issue of what the Conserva- Times that Canada’s Conserva- Mr. Nanos told The Hill Times courts that have reaffirmed these O’Toole’s Conservatives continuing a tive Party and the leadership and tives should rethink their rhetoric that the Conservatives have to avoid results,” according to Mr. Chong. worrisome pattern of divisive politics strategists are thinking is probably about “challenging elites.” making any type of extended com- and catering to the extreme right.” quite different than what I see when “It doesn’t work,” said Prof. mentary or connection to anything ‘Two ways parties can The email used Mr. O’Toole’s leader- I measure what the people who are Wiseman. in the United States as they appeal ship campaign slogan—a promise to voting for them are thinking.” President-elect Joe Biden is to Canadian voters in the future. deal with populists’ “Take back Canada”—and his deci- “I think initially, the majority scheduled to be sworn into the “We know in Canadian politics, Ken Boessenkool, a senior sion not to denounce deputy leader of Conservative supporters would presidency on Wednesday, Jan. 20. one kiss of death is to be seen as research fellow at the C.D. Howe Candice Bergen (Portage-Lisgar, share the horror and shock that Mr. Trump has stated he will being too American, American- Institute and a former senior Man.) for wearing a hat bearing most Canadians felt, but I would not be attending the inauguration, like, or an American copycat,” said Conservative strategist, told The Mr. Trump’s “Make America Great also expect that we would see it and will therefore be the first Mr. Nanos. “There are many things Hill Times that there are two ways Again”slogan as examples. would be more measured amongst sitting president to not attend his in the United States that Cana- parties can deal with populists Ms. Bergen made headlines some portions of the Conservative successor’s ceremony since for- dians recognize as positive, but that exist within their coalitions. last week when an undated photo base,” he said. “We know that some mer president Andrew Johnson there’s an inherent streak within “You can deal with them by showing her wearing a MAGA of the base themselves reflect chose to skip the affair in 1869. the Canadian political psyche of fomenting or aggravating or hat that began circulating on so- some of the same kind of ordered [email protected] charting our own way.” increasing their level of anger, by cial media, according to CBC. populism and tendencies that we The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 19 News

ers interviewed for this article, and trade partner. He also agreed acknowledged that the incoming that the new U.S. administration With Trump leaving and administration is facing daunt- and the Canadian government ing challenges but said they’re believe in multilateralism and will confident Mr. Biden and his team have common ground on foreign have the required skills to meet policy. On trade issues, Mr. Easter, the challenges. however, pointed out the relation- Biden taking over as U.S. Mr. Chrétien said he’s con- ship is complex as it’s not only fident Mr. Biden will follow the between Ottawa and Washing- U.S. tradition of making Canada ton D.C., but also involves U.S. his first international destination. states and Canadian provinces. It president, ‘stars aligned’ Mr. Trump was the first president remains to be seen, he said, how in recent history who did not much progress different jurisdic- come to Canada for the first in- tions between the two countries ternational tour after taking over. can make on trade disputes. for Canada on having A first international trip of a U.S. “It is just not centre to centre,” president to Canada is a symbolic said Mr. Easter. “It’s province to move that shows the close rela- state, it’s federal government to tionship between the two allies state, and it’s businesses, sup- and neighbouring countries. ply chains; it’s the country as a a ‘stable, experienced Before leaving office as vice whole. So let’s not spend all our president under then-president time focusing on just Washington, Barack Obama, Mr. Biden visited D.C. and who represents that, we Ottawa in December 2016 where have to look at the whole picture.” partner,’ say politicos Mr. Trudeau hosted a state dinner, Pollster Greg Lyle of Innova- a month after Democratic Party tive Research told The Hill Times candidate Hillary Clinton had lost that as a result of President the presidential election to Mr. Trump’s divisive policies at the Newly elected U.S. was about to announce its own ment, but also the fact that there Trump. international level, the U.S.’s in- retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports will be an influx of people fleeing Mr. Chrétien described the ternational reputation has taken a President Joe Biden to Canada. U.S. law enforcement in the ensu- transition process from Mr. Trump significant hit. The new adminis- Like most of the rest of the ing crackdown.” to Mr. Biden as “tremendously tration will have to put in a lot of will face a number of world, in the last four years, the Mr. Biden unseated Mr. Trump sad” and “worrisome” because effort and take concrete action to Trudeau government has been by winning 51.4 per cent of the the outgoing president made the rehabilitate its reputation. daunting challenges, extremely cautious not to say votes or more than 81.2-mil- whole process very cumbersome At the domestic level, Mr. Lyle including uniting anything that might annoy Mr. lion votes. Mr. Trump won 46.9 by refusing to accept the election said that one of the key ways for Trump, worrying the president per cent or 74.2-million votes. results. Mr. Trump has already the new administration to bring a divisive America, could retaliate with trade tariffs To win the election, the winning announced that he will not attend the country together will be to or do something that would un- candidates needed 290 Electoral Mr. Biden’s inauguration on Jan. work hard and produce results and the best way to dermine the relationship between College votes. Mr. Biden won 306 20. on issues such as the COVID-19 the two countries. Even during while Mr. Trump won 232. Mr. Chrétien predicted that af- global pandemic and the econo- do that is to tackle the recently concluded presiden- In interviews last week, ex- ter Mr. Biden takes over, the two my that are affecting all Ameri- tial election campaign, MPs and perts said that Mr. Biden would countries will work together in cans. the economy and the Senators avoided saying anything “There are probably a couple COVID-19 pandemic that might strain the relationship Prime Minister Justin of tens of millions of Americans between the two countries. Trudeau and then-vice who feel that the election was sto- raging in the U.S., says After the Nov. 4 election, Mr. president Joe Biden len, and are spitting mad about it,” Trump refused to accept his loss, pictured on Dec. 8, said Mr. Lyle. “And it’s going to be Innovative Research falsely claiming the election 2016, in Ottawa. Mr. very hard to bridge those people. results were rigged, and blamed Trudeau hosted a state But, again, I think the answer is president Greg Lyle. the Democrats for stealing his dinner for then outgoing to show progress on the issues ev- election victory. He also barred vice president Biden. erybody cares about [COVID-19 top government officials from co- Political insiders say Continued from page 1 and economy].” operating with Mr. Biden’s transi- that Mr. Biden taking Mr. Lyle said Americans who “That’s good news” for Can- tion team and refused to release over as president of the are talking about “hovering war” ada, said Mr. Chrétien, a former funds necessary for the transition U.S. this week is good and “secession” are fringe ele- Canadian ambassador to the U.S., process. Weeks later, after facing news for Canada as he's ments and said it’s completely un- now a partner at the law firm public pressure and rejection known to have a very realistic to think any such things Fasken, in Montreal. of his bogus claims of election good relationship with will materialize. To play to his base, right after rigging in the courts of law, he Mr. Trudeau. The Hill Pollster Nik Nanos of Nanos commencing his Republican nom- grudgingly allowed his officials Times file photograph by Research agreed and said a mi- ination campaign for the 2016 to work with the Biden transition Jake Wright nority of the populists are talking presidential election, Mr. Trump team and released the funding. about secession and civil war, started slamming Canada, among On Jan. 6, thousands of Trump which will not materialize. He other countries, with accusations supporters, incited by Mr. Trump, have an uphill battle bringing the new presidency as Democrat also said that the ongoing politi- of taking unfair advantage of the attacked Capitol Hill where the together a divided country and governments tend to work well cal turmoil in the U.S. caused by U.S. on trade. During the course results of the presidential elec- resuscitating an economy that’s with Liberal governments in Can- a vocal minority causing destruc- of that campaign, he promised tion were being certified that day. already in recession with high ada, and the Republicans with the tion does not mean anything Americans that should he become Five people died in the violence. unemployment rates. This is on Conservatives in Canada. for Canada. Mr. Nanos cited the president, he would tear apart As a consequence of Mr. Trump’s top of the COVID-19 pandemic As a starting point to work to- example of the People’s Party the North American Free Trade “incitement of insurrection,” Con- that has so far resulted in deaths gether, Mr. Chrétien said Canada of Canada that ran on policies Agreement and renegotiate it. Fol- gress impeached Mr. Trump for of about 389,190 Americans as of and the U.S. should coordinate such as the ones promoted by Mr. lowing his win, Mr. Trump deliv- a second time in his presidency last week. There were a total of to fight the health and economic Trump but was able to win only ered on his promise and asked his on Jan. 13. In 2019, he was im- 23,282,329 reported cases of the affects of COVID-19. 1.6 per cent of the votes in the last officials to reopen the agreement peached for abuse of power and virus, according to Johns Hopkins Mr. Chrétien said the two federal election. As well, Max- for negotiations. After detailed obstruction of Congress. It’s the University of Medicine. countries would also have a ime Bernier, the People’s Party negotiations between Canada, the first time in American history that On Jan. 14, Mr. Biden unveiled productive relationship with each Leader, lost his own seat that he U.S., and Mexico, the three coun- a president has been impeached a $1.9-trillion health-care and other on foreign policy. But, he had won as a member of the Con- tries finalized a new agreement, twice. economic relief program called said, the challenging part will be servative Party. and the United States-Mexico- Mr. Trump will now face a “The America Rescue Plan” to the trade issues, such as the soft- “Maxime Bernier attempted to Canada Agreement (USMCA) trial in the Senate after he leaves deal with the heath and economic wood lumber dispute and Key- create a populist party that would came into effect last summer. office. Senators can vote to disal- effects of COVID-19. It remains to stone XL pipeline, among others connect with Canadians who During his four-year presi- low him from ever holding public be seen if Mr. Biden will be able as the U.S. Democrats are known were disaffected with Ottawa, but dency, Mr. Trump made repeated office again. to get it passed through Congress for their protectionist policies. Canadians have not embraced threats of imposing tariffs on To make matters even more as the price tag may be too high Mr. Chrétien, however, said that either Maxime Bernier or the Canadian exports to the U.S. complicated, some white suprem- for some Republicans. Among the both countries will be respectful People’s Party of Canada,” said and then followed through on acist groups who are also sup- numerous goals identified in the in working out their disputes and Mr. Nanos, founder and chief data these threat when in 2018, citing porters of Trumpism are already plan, the incoming administration will find a solution. scientist for Nanos Research. “So national security reasons, the U.S. openly talking about a “civil war” hopes to deliver 100 million vac- Eight-term Liberal MP Wayne I don’t think there’s anyone right imposed hefty tariffs on Canadian and “secession.” cine shots in the first 100 days of Easter (Malpeque, P.E.I.), co-chair now, who could galvanize a real aluminium and steel. The tariffs This is making some Cana- his presidency. of the Canada U.S. Interpar- populist movement, and attempts were lifted in 2019. In August of dian commentators, including the Meanwhile, Mr. Chrétien, liamentary Group, agreed that to have a populist movement in last year, the U.S. again imposed Financial Post‘s Diane Francis, who also served as Canada’s under the Biden administration, Canada have fallen flat.” levies, but rescinded the decision worried about the “spillover effect ambassador to France, Belgium, Canada will be dealing with a [email protected] a few weeks later, as Canada in terms of influence and recruit- Mexico and Congo, and oth- more predictable neighbour, ally, The Hill Times 20 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

Canda's Chief election dominates the think- Electoral Officer ing of senior Liberals. In an Stéphane Perrault, interview with The Hill Times, Pandemic pictured at a Mr. Leslie, a former parliamen- press conference tary secretary in Mr. Trudeau’s in Ottawa on government, said the “relentless Sept. 17, 2019. pursuit of voter share is some- Mr. Perrault is thing that completely dominates leading Elections the Liberal team.” election bill Canada while Mr. Leslie said he believed the the COVID-19 Trudeau government will try to pandemic call an election “as soon as pos- continues to rage sible” if it can’t deliver vaccines across Canada, fast enough, and people start and speculation questioning its vaccine rollout far from the that an election strategy. will take place “I believe that the Liberals will at some point watch what is happening. If they in 2021 is get the sense that the vaccination widespread. distribution…will draw a whole The Hill Times bunch of negative attention as finish line, photograph by vaccination programs unroll—in Andrew Meade other words, it gets worse before it gets better—they’ll try and trig- ger a spring election,” he said. “In my opinion, considering C-19, though the government did election by voting it down, it is the stages of the pandemic and not follow Mr. Perrault’s sugges- already too late for MPs to pass as talk of the complexity of the vacci- tions exactly. Bill C-19 in time. nation plan, holding a spring Mr. Perrault and his staff at The government should work election would be the height of Elections Canada can use the to avoid an election while the irresponsibility for any govern- time before Bill C-19 passes to pandemic rages, said Mr. Kings- ment. Lives will be put at risk, prepare themselves for the work ley. because senior leaders won’t be spring vote that implementing the bill will re- “Even if you pass the bill focused on fulfilling their pri- quire, but will not likely begin to [C-19] tomorrow, the difficulties mary duty to Canadians, which make those changes in advance, warrant very, very serious consid- is to protect them from harm,” said Mr. Kingsley, who served as eration of not having an election. said Mr. Leslie. Canada’s chief electoral officer We would need to have a really Polling by Nanos Research from 1990 to 2007. untenable situation in Parliament showed the Liberals with a 13 continues “They can prepare to do the to justify such an action at this point lead over the second-place work, but they cannot do the time, in my view,” he said. Conservatives on Jan. 8. The four- work,” he said in an interview. Social distancing on poll- week rolling poll included a total the following Monday, so voters ing day will be difficult, with or of 1,000 respondents. PM Trudeau says won’t all congregate at polling without the passage of C-19, he Mid-pandemic vote ‘very [email protected] stations at once. It would allow said. Finding poll workers could The Hill Times he doesn’t want an election officials to create an problematic,’ says ex- be difficult, since those jobs are election. ‘Prove it,’ extended voting period within chief electoral officer often filled by senior citizens who long-term care homes or other are more vulnerable to COVID-19 Status of says ex-chief electoral facilities where vulnerable voters Kingsley than younger people. live, to make it easier for them MPs are scheduled to return to The government erred by not government bills officer Jean-Pierre to vote safely. It aims to make the House of Commons—virtually following Mr. Perrault’s recom- mail-in or drop-off voting easier, or in person—on Jan. 25. They mendation to hold a mid-pandem- House of Commons Kingsley. and would give the chief electoral have a hefty workload awaiting ic election over a weekend, said Senate bills awaiting first reading: officer more powers to adapt the them, including a dozen active Mr. Kingsley. The government bill S-2—An act to Amend the Chemical Weapons election process to make it safer. government bills in the House. would require the election to be Convention Implementation Act Continued from page 1 The government will almost held over a weekend and the fol- Political pundits have specu- certainly have to make passing lowing Monday as well. Second reading: lated for months that either the Bill C-19 a top priority when MPs Polling sites are often set up at C-2—COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act government or opposition would return if it wants the safety mea- schools. If students have returned C-10—An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act trigger an election this spring. sures included in the bill to be in to the classroom by the time an and to make related and consequential amend- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau place in time for a spring election. election is held, school boards ments to other Acts C-11—Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2020 (Papineau, Que.) told the Liberal The spring season officially may not allow Elections Canada C-12—Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Account- Party’s board of directors before begins on March 20 and ends on to set up polling sites on school June 20. MPs are scheduled to sit ability Act Christmas that it “look[ed] like” property, for fear that visiting vot- C-13—An Act to amend the Criminal Code in the House until June 23 at the a spring election was coming, a ers could put their students at risk (single event sport betting) Liberal source told The Hill Times latest this year before beginning on the Monday of the election, C-14—Economic Statement Implementation earlier this month. the summer break, during which said Mr. Kingsley. Act, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has the opposition parties cannot trig- “Frankly it becomes quite C-15—United Nations Declaration on the Rights intensified in Canada since that ger an election. problematic, because polling day of Indigenous Peoples Act time, and Mr. Trudeau told report- If an election were called at itself becomes very problematic: C-18—Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continu- ers on Jan. 12 that he was not the very end of spring, Parlia- the distancing, the lineups that ity Agreement Implementation Act planning to trigger an election ment would have to pass Bill C-19 would occur; the processing of C-19—An Act to amend the Canada Elections this spring himself. by March 22 in order to give Mr. people, all the measures that are Act (COVID-19 response) “From the very beginning of Jean-Pierre Kingsley led Elections Perrault the full 90 days to imple- necessary because of COVID.” any minority Parliament, every Canada from 1990 to 2007. The Hill ment the bill before the campaign Mr. Kingsley called on the Committee: political party understands that Times file photograph begins. governing Liberals to work with C-8—An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth elections can happen. But as I’ve For an election actually held the opposition parties and keep and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call consistently been saying, we don’t Most of the bill would not come at the end of spring, that date the government afloat while the to action number 94) want an election,” he said during a into effect until 90 days after it must be pushed back by at least pandemic rages. Report stage: press conference. received royal assent in order to 37 days, the minimum duration “This is a representative democ- C-5—An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, The government has tabled allow Elections Canada enough of a federal election campaign, to racy that we have here that has time to adapt to the changes. Feb. 13. the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour a bill in Parliament, C-19, that worked exceedingly well for Cana- Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) Canada’s Chief Electoral Of- MPs are scheduled to sit for would alter the electoral process dians. Let’s make it work,” he said. C-6—An Act to amend the Criminal Code ficer Stéphane Perrault can opt to temporarily, with the aim of mak- just 10 days before Feb. 13, and 24 If Mr. Trudeau doesn’t want an (conversion therapy) ing it safer during the pandemic. cut that period short, if he decides days before March 22. A portion election, as he has said, he should However, that bill must still pass that Elections Canada is ready of those will be supply days, in “prove it,” said Mr. Kingsley. Senate through nearly every stage of the before the 90-day period is over. which the opposition parties set Second reading: legislative process in a minority However, that 90-day period is the agenda. Triggering spring C-3—An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Parliament, as well as a 90-day shorter than the 120-day period The bill must also be reviewed Criminal Code implementation period. recommended by Mr. Perrault in a and voted on in the Senate before election would be ‘height Bill C-19 would make several report he issued in October about it is passed. of irresponsibility,’ says Committee: temporary changes to the Canada holding an election during the If the government intends S-3—An Act to amend the Offshore Health and Elections Act. It would stretch pandemic. That report included to release its spring budget in former Liberal MP Leslie Safety Act out polling day from one to three recommendations similar to some March, as has often been the case, Former Liberal MP Andrew C-7—An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medi- days, including a weekend and of the measures included in Bill and opposition parties trigger an Leslie said that winning another cal assistance in dying) THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 21 News

I would assume they’re all going more. However, he also did not to be running.” rule out the possibility of a spring Mr. Trudeau denied that he election. Trudeau’s cabinet had asked his cabinet ministers “They’re going to keep an if they were planning on run- option open for spring,” said Mr. ning again, in a press conference Herle, partner at Gandalf Group after the shuffle on Jan. 12. He and host of the popular The Herle said that all parties understand Burly podcast. “If things don’t shuffle yet another that in a minority government turn out to be as bad as the worst an election could happen at any modelling projects, if lockdowns time. Mr. Trudeau said that his end in early to mid-February, if government’s focus is to provide people are getting vaccinated at support to Canadians during a rapid rate and death tolls are indication Liberals the pandemic. When asked if he dropping dramatically as a result would commit to not call an elec- of having vaccinated our older tion until all Canadians who want population, there may yet be an to be vaccinated have been, Mr. April/May window. I don’t rule Trudeau said: “My commitment is that out.” ‘clearing the decks’ to doing whatever is necessary to Mr. Herle said that from a support Canadians through this strategic point of view, it’s every pandemic.” minority government’s respon- “We will continue to deliver sibility to keep looking for an supports for families, we will con- opportunity to win a major- tinue to be there for businesses, ity government. Otherwise, the for a spring election, we will continue to be there for election could happen when the communities across the country opposition parties want one, not struggling to get through. I made at the first choice of the govern- a promise standing here months ing party. and months ago that we would “Either you pick your best say political watchers have Canadians’ backs, and that’s moment, or they pick your weak- what we’re focused on, and that’s est moment,” said Mr. Herle who what we will continue to do,” Mr. served as a top adviser to former vaccination rollout, a significant are three Independent MPs. In the Trudeau said. prime minister, Paul Martin, from One of the jobs of a decline in COVID-19 cases, and 338-seat House, a simple majority Some Liberal MPs and top 2003 to 2006. “So if you’re in poli- minority government the Liberal Party remaining popu- requires 170 votes. governmental officials interviewed tics, you’re trying to continue to lar in polls at that time, among Mr. Lyle argued that Mr. Bains, for this story said that an election be the government.” is to look for an other factors. If the Liberals a senior cabinet minister, was this spring is a “strong possibility,” Pollster Nik Nanos of Nanos remain popular until the budget is part of the leadership’s inner cir- but they also said the key deciding Research said that the current opportunity to win a released, that would most likely be cle, and if the outgoing minister factor will be the state of COV- cabinet would most likely be the the time when the election would felt the need to leave the cabinet ID-19 and the vaccine rollout. one that would take the govern- majority government, be called, they said. table because he’s not planning to “We’re in a minority govern- ment into the next election. He Usually, federal budgets are run again, that’s a “pretty strong” ment and I think that you would said that in past shuffles prior to says Liberal strategist released in February or March. indication that the Liberals are be naive not to think that there’s an election, prime ministers tend- David Herle. It’s been two years since the last getting ready for spring election. a strong likelihood of an election ed to promote to cabinet back- budget was tabled. Sources told “It’s another sign that the this spring,” said the source who bench MPs who were vulnerable The Hill Times that the budget Liberals are clearing the decks to spoke on a not-for-attribution ba- in their ridings in order to help Continued from page 1 will include some big ideas that enable a spring election if others sis. “But it all depends on COVID, them get a higher profile. But to spend more time with his family, were held back from the fall eco- things come together for them, everything depends on COVID.” Mr. Nanos described last week’s and will not seek re-election. He will nomic statement so they could be where the biggest of the other A veteran Liberal political shuffle as operational since all the complete the remainder of his term introduced in the budget. things is, obviously, the issue of insider said that caucus members shuffled ministers represent safe as a backbench MP. Liberal sources said that they the vaccine,” said Mr. Lyle. are more eager for an election Liberal ridings. In the shuffle, Mr. Bains was expect the election to happen “It was focused on the talent replaced by former foreign affairs between March and June, de- Prime Minister management of the cabinet, and minister Francois-Philippe Cham- pending on when the writ would Justin Trudeau, who could do what effectively in pagne (Saint-Maurice-Champlain, be dropped and how long the pictured on the eyes of the prime minister,” Que.); former transport minister campaign would be. The mini- Jan. 12, said Mr. Nanos. “So this was tal- Marc Garneau (Notre-Dame- mum writ period is 37 days and 2021, shuffled ent management, not a partisan de-Grace-Westmount, Que.) has the maximum is 51. his cabinet shuffle.” been moved to foreign affairs; After The Hill Times reported last week, Pollster Frank Graves of Ekos Liberal MP Jim Carr (Winnipeg that Mr. Trudeau was expecting and political Research agreed that the current South Centre, Man.) has returned a spring election, the Conserva- observers cabinet will be the election cabi- to cabinet as special representa- tive Party sent an email to party consider this as net, and described the changes tive for the Prairies; and Liberal members last week asking for an indication made as “good appointments.” He MP Omar Alghabra (Mississauga money to prepare, citing The Hill that the Liberal said that the overall top-of-mind Centre, Ont.) has been promoted Times’ story and another story as government issue for Canadians is COVID-19, to transport minister. evidence the next election is com- is setting the and people are concerned about Mr. Carr, a former minister of ing soon. Other parties are also stage for a the lockdowns and rising infec- international trade diversifica- sending out emails on a regular spring election. tion rates. As of Wednesday, Jan. tion, stepped down from cabinet basis to shore up their supporters The Hill Times 13, there were a total 681,328 in 2019 for cancer treatment. Mr. and to raise funds. photograph by reported cases of COVID-19 in Alghabra most recently served An election could be trig- Andrew Meade the country resulting in 17,383 as the parliamentary secretary gered in one of the two ways deaths. Considering that the next to prime minister (public service in a minority government: the election will be a referendum on renewal) and to Deputy Prime prime minister could request the government’s handling of the Minister Chrystia Freeland the Governor General to call an pandemic, it’s critical the Liberals (University-Rosedale, Ont.). election, or the opposition parties Close to an election, it’s a do everything they can to bring “[The PMO] wanted to make could vote together to defeat the standard practice for any prime than the PMO. The source said the pandemic under control. sure that everyone in cabinet government in the House on a minister or his office staff to ask that MPs want to capitalize on “If that’s successful, this thing was someone [who] was running confidence vote. Considering the cabinet ministers if they’re plan- the goodwill generated from is a done deal [majority] for them [for election] again,” said veteran current composition of the House, ning on running again, so that the government’s handling of in my opinion,” said Mr. Graves, pollster Greg Lyle, president of all three major recognized oppo- they could recruit new quality COVID-19, but the PMO and top founder and president of Ekos Innovative Research, in an inter- sition parties in the House would candidates to replace any minis- party officials are not as keen, Research. view with The Hill Times. “Why have to vote together to defeat the ters who are not. as they don’t want to make any According to a recent Ekos do you even think about running government. “It would, frankly, be incom- move that would either return poll, the Liberals had the support again, unless the party is getting Currently, the Liberals have petent of the PMO to do a shuffle them with another minority or of 34.5 per cent of Canadians, ready for an election?” 155 MPs in the 338-member House without [confirming] that every- lose the election. followed closely by the Conserva- The Hill Times reported on of Commons. To get legislation one else was in,” said Mr. Lyle. David Herle, a veteran Liberal tives at 31.3 per cent. The NDP Jan. 11 that Mr. Trudeau told the passed in the House, they need “Because to do another shuffle, strategist and pollster, said that was at 15 per cent and the Green 35-member national board of di- support from one of the three it’s disruptive. And it really shows in the past, he was of the opin- Party 7.6 per cent. The poll of rectors of the Liberal Party before other major parties. The Conser- you don’t have your act together. ion that the next election would 5,155 Canadians was conducted Christmas that “it looks like” the vatives have 121 MPs, the Bloc Events happen and circumstances happen in the spring. But consid- between Dec. 31 and Jan. 12 and next election, which would happen Québécois 32, and the NDP 24. change. So it may well be pos- ering the lockdowns in Ontario had a margin of error of 1.36 per- in the spring. Sources told The Hill The Green Party, which does not sible that one or two of those and Quebec, and the fact that the centage points, 19 times out of 20. Times that it would only happen have official party status in the people may end up at the last vaccination rollout is in its initial [email protected] depending on a relatively smooth House, has three seats, and there minute bowing out, but right now, phase, he’s not so certain any- The Hill Times 22 MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

Trade Minister Mary Ng, pictured on Nov. 3, 2020, has scooped up Blue Knox to serve as her new hill climbers communications director. The Hill by Laura Ryckewaert Times photograph by Andrew Meade Staff exits for PMO and ministers O’Regan, Wilkinson, and Fortier Jocelyn Lubczuk, who announced her new fice to serve as director of communications Katie Telford is chief of staff to Mr. job as director of communications and as of Jan.18. Jocelyn Lubczuk has joined Trudeau. operations to Associate Finance Minister Isabella Brisson is press secretary to Over in Natural Resources Minister Mona Fortier on Jan. 11. Ms. Fortier, whose office is run by chief of Associate Finance Minister Seamus O’Regan’s office, special assistant Ms. Lubczuk started out as press sec- staff Lucy Hargreaves. Mona Fortier’s office as Evelyn Naghibzadeh marked her exit in retary to Mr. Wilkinson in his capacity as A former field organizer for the Liberal mid-December. then-minister of fisheries and oceans in Party, Ms. Knox was originally hired as director of communications She had joined the minister’s office last September 2018. After he was shuffled into director of operations to Ms. Fortier shortly fall, fresh from leave, before which she’d the environment portfolio in December after she was named to cabinet in Novem- and operations, as been a special assistant to then-Liberal 2019, she followed, taking on the title of ber 2019 and added on oversight of the deputy whip Linda Lapointe (who now senior communications adviser. minister’s communications team late last Blue Knox moves over works as a caucus liaison in the PMO). In her post announcing her move, spring. to International Trade Paul Moen is chief of staff to Mr. Ms. Lubczuk wrote that after “two action In Ms. Ng’s office, Ms. Knox replaces O’Regan. packed years” working for Mr. Wilkinson, Eleanore Catenaro, who recently an- Minister Mary Ng’s team. she was “so proud of all that we have ac- nounced she was moving on from the Lubczuk joins Fortier’s office, complished together.” Hill after seven years, as reported by Hill ike sand through the hour glass, so go “That includes moving forward on Climbers. Lstaff movements on Parliament Hill, as Knox moves to trade team a single use plastics ban, announcing Youmy Han is press secretary to Ms. and there are a few recent political staff Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan and Ng, while Jason Easton is chief of staff. departures to note, including in Prime Min- Minister Jonathan Wilkinson recently bid tabling historic legislation (C-12) that will The federal cabinet shuffle on Jan. 12 ister Justin Trudeau’s office. farewell to senior communications adviser ensure all future governments continue portends further staffing moves, with af- Catherine Robitaille exited her job as down a pathway to net-zero by 2050,” she fected ministers given 30 calendar days to a communications assistant in the Prime wrote. “I am looking forward to bringing finalize their political staff rosters, as set Minister’s Office (PMO) last month. She’d this perspective and experience to my out by Treasury Board Secretariat rules. been in the role for the last six months, new role at Finance Canada. Because, the The shuffle saw Liberal MP Navdeep months, having first joined the office on environment and the economy go hand in Bains, who recently announced he would June 8. hand.” not seek re-election, replaced as innovation Cameron Ahmad continues as direc- Before joining Mr. Wilkinson’s fisheries minister by François-Philippe Champagne. tor of communications in Mr. Trudeau’s office, Ms. Lubczuk had spent just under Mr. Champagne was replaced as foreign office, a post he’s filled for the last two three years working as a special assistant affairs minister by Marc Garneau, who in years. He oversees a 17-member team for social media and communications turn was replaced as transport minister by that includes: deputy directors Vanessa to then-environment minister Catherine now-former parliamentary secretary Omar Hage-Mousse and Chantal Gagnon; press McKenna, starting in February 2016. She’s Alghabra. secretaries Ann-Clara Vaillancourt and also a former communications officer for As of filing, no staffing decisions had Alex Wellstead; Johanna Robinson, senior Sustainable Prosperity and for the Univer- yet been confirmed, with existing staff manager of digital and creative commu- sity of Ottawa’s Institute of the Environ- at that point still continuing in their nications; Riley Lange, co-ordinator of ment. During the 2019 election, she served roles. At the time of the shuffle, Ryan digital and creative content; communica- as a regional video content producer for Dunn was chief of staff to the innovation tions planners Andrew MacKendrick, and the Liberal Party in Vancouver. minister, Daniel Lauzon was chief of staff Vincent Hughes (Emily Trogen is currently Ricky Landry is director of communica- to the foreign affairs minister, and Marc on maternity leave); Astrid Krizus, lead tions to Mr. Wilkinson and Moira Kelly is Roy was chief of staff to the transport speechwriter; speechwriters Alexandre press secretary. minister. Gravel and Dexter Nyuurnibe; writers In Ms. Fortier’s office, Ms. Lubczuk Stay tuned to Hill Climbers for updates Valérie Glazer and Parker Lund; photogra- Jocelyn Lubczuk is now director of operations replaces Blue Knox, who has moved over on how these offices shape up post shuffle. phers Adam Scotti and Alex Tetreault; and and communications to the associate finance to Small Business, Export Promotion, and [email protected] executive assistant Shehzad Sewani. minister. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn International Trade Minister Mary Ng’s of- The Hill Times

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan, Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, and Associate Finance Minister Mona Fortier have all had recent staff exits. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021 23 Parliamentary Calendar

a.m. Watch the live broadcast on Rogers MONDAY, JAN. 18 TV or the Mayors Facebook page. Register House Not Sitting—The House will likely Sinclair, Segal, Eggleton, Fox, via business.ottawabot.ca. be sitting in a hybrid format during the Rediscovering Louis St-Laurent—The pandemic, with most MPs connecting re- McGill Institute for the Study of Canada motely. It’s scheduled to return on Monday, hosts a bilingual panel discussion on Forget, Regehr to talk about “Rediscovering Louis St-Laurent,” exploring Jan. 25-Feb. 5. Economic Recovery For All—Join the the influence of a politician whose astute Anti-Poverty Caucus for a discussion about policies and bold resolve moved Canada into next steps towards an “Economic Recovery economic recovery for all on Jan. the modern era. Participants include former For All,” with Senator Murray Sinclair, for- Quebec premier Jean Charest; Patrice Dutil, mer senator Hugh Segal, former senator Art Ryerson University professor; Mary Janigan, Eggleton, Institute for Research and Public historian and author; Xavier Gélinas, curator Policy president and CEO Graham Fox, 18 at Anti-Poverty Caucus webinar of political history at the Canadian Museum University of Manitoba professor Dr. Evelyn of History; and Jean Riley, policy consultant Forget, and Basic Income Canada Network The Anti-Poverty and St-Laurent’s granddaughter. Thursday, Jan. 28, 4-5:30 p.m. Registration available chair Sheila Regehr. Monday, Jan. 18, from Caucus will host a 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. EST. For webinar details, through mcgill.ca. discussion about please RSVP to [email protected]. THURSDAY, MARCH 18 gc.ca. next steps towards O’Toole Meets Supporters—Conservative an 'Economic Conservative Party National Policy Con- Leader Erin O’Toole will discuss his plans Recovery For vention—The Conservative Party National for Canada at a virtual meet-and-greet All,' with Senator Policy Convention will now take place from event with Jonathan Cowan. Monday, Jan. Murray Sinclair, March 18 to 20, 2021, exclusively online 18, at 8 p.m. EST. pictured, former and the Conservative Party’s National Coun- cil decided the next convention in 2023 TUESDAY, JAN. 19 senator Hugh will take place in Québec City. For more Hydrogen and Canada’s Energy Future— Segal, former information, call 1-866-808-8407. The University of Ottawa hosts a webinar senator Art FRIDAY, APRIL 9 on “Hydrogen and Canada’s Energy Future: Eggleton, Institute Opportunities, Challenges, Next Steps,” for Research and Liberal Party National Convention—The exploring the political, policy, regulatory, Public Policy Liberal Party of Canada announced on technical, economic, and environmental op- president and Sept. 25 it was postponing its 2020 Liberal portunities and challenges of hydrogen for National Convention from Nov. 12-14. The Canada both at home and abroad. Speakers CEO Graham new dates are April 9-10, 2021. include Tahra Jutt, director, Clean Economy Fox, University New Democratic Party National Conven- Program, Pembina Institute; Peter Tertza- of Manitoba tion—The NDP rescheduled its 2020 policy kian, deputy director, ARC Energy Research professor Dr. Evelyn convention to instead take place virtually Institute; and Kamiel Gabriel, senior fellow, Forget, and Basic April 9-11, 2021. Riding associations have ISSP, uOttawa and professor, Department Income Canada until Feb. 8, 2021 to submit resolutions for of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer- Network chair consideration. ing, Ontario Tech University. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at noon. Register via Eventbrite. Sheila Regehr, on SATURDAY, AUG. 21 GreenPAC Hosts Event With Podesta— Monday, Jan. 18, 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Confer- GreenPAC will be hosting an event with from 1:30 p.m.-3 ence—One of the largest annual gatherings John Podesta, Bill Clinton’s former chief p.m. EST. The Hill of Commonwealth Parliamentarians will of staff, former senior counsel to Barack Times photograph by take place in Aug. 21-27, 2021 at the 65th Obama, and founder of the Center for Andrew Meade Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference American Progress, along with Canada’s (CPC) hosted by the CPA Canada Region Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson in Halifax. The annual flagship event will (tentatively confirmed). The fireside chat, “virtual parade across America,” and Mr. clear Ban Treaty—Mark the momentous day in time has the role of timely, high-quality bring together over 500 Parliamentarians, moderated by Canadian Senator Rosa Biden will review the readiness of U.S. mil- the struggle to abolish nuclear weapons with data been more important as a strategic parliamentary staff, and decision makers Galvez, chair of the Senate Committee itary troops and he will receive a traditional Noam Chomsky. As the Treaty on the Prohibi- asset for public- and private-sector leaders, from across the Commonwealth for this on Energy, the Environment and Natural presidential escort from 15th Street to the tion of Nuclear Weapons enters into force on not only in managing a crisis, but also unique conference and networking opportu- Resources, will focus on how the new Joe White House, but “providing the American Jan. 22, join the world-renowned intellectual recovering from it. Anil Arora, the chief nity. The conference will be hosted by the Biden Administration will impact climate people and world with historic images of on “The Threat of Nuclear Weapons: Why statistician of Canada, will address the Ca- CPA President (2019-2021), Anthony Rota, change policy in Canada and internation- the president-elect proceeding to the White Canada Should Sign the UN Nuclear Ban nadian Club of Ottawa on how the nation’s MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. All ally. The event will take place at 4 p.m. on House without attracting large crowds,” the Treaty.” Register at: www.foreignpolicy.ca/ statistical agency has accelerated its efforts eligible CPA Branches will be contacted Jan. 19, the day before Mr. Biden’s inaugu- Associated Press reported last week. chomsky This webinar is free and open during COVID-19 to use data to better serve with further information and invitations. ration. Get your free ticket here: https://bit. THURSDAY, JAN. 21 to the public. Presented by the Canadian Canadians—and how partnerships with The Parliamentary Calendar is a free ly/3oGXq23 Foreign Policy Institute and sponsored by: Statistics Canada can help leaders rebuild events listing. Send in your political, The Impact of the American Election on Claim the Vote, Claim the Country?—York World Beyond War, Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Canada’s post-pandemic economy and so- cultural, diplomatic, or governmental event Canadian Public Policy—Join IPAC-NCR University hosts a webinar: “Claim the vote, Coalition, PeaceQuest, Science for Peace, ciety. Tuesday, Jan. 26, 12-1 p.m. Register in a paragraph with all the relevant details for “Looking Forward: The Impact of the claim the country? Part II: Key takeaways and the Voice of Women for Peace. This event through canadianclubottawa.ca. under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Cal- American Election on Canadian Public from the 2020 U.S. election.” Adam happens at 2 p.m. (EST) on Jan. 22. THURSDAY, JAN. 28 endar’ to [email protected] by Wednes- Policy,” an online discussion featuring: Churchard, PhD candidate in politics, and MONDAY, JAN. 25 day at noon before the Monday paper or by Senator Peter Boehm, also a former deputy Dr. Anna Agathangelou, professor in politics Mayor’s Breakfast with Bruce Heyman— Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We minister, and Farah Huq, director, Future of in the faculty of liberal arts and profes- House Sitting—The House will likely be The Ottawa Board of Trade hosts the May- can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, Canada Centre, Deloitte. The speakers will sional studies, will discuss their five most sitting in a hybrid format during the pan- or’s Breakfast, featuring Bruce Heyman, but we will definitely do our best. Events reflect on our critical bilateral relationship important issues emerging from the 2020 demic, with most MPs connecting remotely. former U.S. ambassador to Canada (2014- can be updated daily online, too. and discuss the challenges and opportuni- U.S. election and the transfer of power It’s scheduled to return on Monday, Jan. 2017). Thursday, Jan. 28, from 7:30-9 The Hill Times ties that the incoming Biden administration between Trump and Biden. A live Q&A ses- 25-Feb. 5. It will take a one-week break may present. The event will also include sion will follow. Thursday, Jan. 21, at noon. and return on Tuesday, Feb. 16, and sit an interactive workshop. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Register online. every weekday until Friday, Feb. 26. It will from 5-6:30 p.m. Register via Eventbrite. take a one-week break, March 1-March 5, AFN Leadership Gatherings—The As- FRIDAY, JAN. 22 and will return again for one week, March CLASSIFIEDS sembly of First Nations hosts the first in Remaking Canada: The Significance 8-12, before taking another break, March Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 a series of leadership gatherings on “First of Reconciliation in Canadian Public 15-19. It’s scheduled to sit March 22-26, Nations Child and Family Services and Schools—Concordia University hosts will take a two-week break, March 29-April Self-Determination,” which will take place a lecture on “Remaking Canada: The 9. It’s then scheduled to sit every weekday CONDOS FOR RENT CONDOS FOR RENT CONDOS FOR RENT until April 13. This introductory presenta- Significance of Reconciliation in Canadian for the next five weeks, April 12-May 14. tion will focus on the new Indigenous child Public Schools.” Dr. Terry Wotherspoon, It will take one-week break after that, from and family services legislation, An Act professor of Sociology at the University of May 17-May 24. It will sit May 25 every respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Saskatchewan, will examine the impact of weekday until Wednesday, June 23, and children, youth and families (the Act). For the reforms following from the 2015 final will then break for three months, until more information, please email c92forum@ report of the Truth and Reconciliation Com- Monday Sept. 20. In the fall and winter, afn.ca.Tuesday, Jan. 19. Registration avail- mission of Canada, and the ways in which the House is scheduled to sit for 11 weeks able online. they are understood by students, teachers, over September, October, November, and WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 and community members. Friday, Jan. 22, December. It will sit Sept. 20-Oct. 8; Oct. from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Register 18-Nov. 5; and Nov. 15-Dec. 17. 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH DOWNTOWN 1 BEDROOM + 4 BEDROOM NEWLY BUILT IN THE EAST MARKET DEN (OR 2ND BEDROOM) AT FAMILY HOME IN ROCKLAND Biden Inauguration—Despite last via concordia.ca. TUESDAY, JAN. 26 week’s storming of Capitol Hill by a mob Famous Five Salutes Kamala Harris—The (383 CUMBERLAND ) BANK AND LAURIER New 4 BDRM home in of Trump supporters, U.S. president-elect Famous Five hosts a Pink Tea celebration Build Back Better: How Data-Driven Totally renovated 1 bedroom Downtown, high-end bedroom + Rockland’s Morris Village. 45 Joe Biden will be sworn in on Jan. 20 in honour of the inauguration of Kamala Insights Will Fuel Canada’s Post-Pandemic on 2nd floor facing west. New den, balcony, granite, SS appliances, min drive to downtown. Contact on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and Harris as the vice-president of the United Recovery—In a rapidly evolving crisis like a floors, kitchen and appliances, hardwood, ensuite washer/dryer, [email protected]. will be joined by his wife, Jill Biden, and States of America. Friday, Jan. 22, 12-1 pandemic, where speed is of the essence in bathroom, Parking available built-in closets, pool/gym/BBQ/ vice-president-elect Kamala Harris and her p.m. Tickets available via Eventbrite. effective response, leaders need data-driv- at additional $200,-/month. lounge/concierge. $1950/month FOR INFO, CALL OR EMAIL husband, Doug Emhoff. The inauguration, The Threat of Nuclear Weapons with Noam en insights as decision supports to quickly 613-884-9108 with locker. Parking negotiable. [email protected] which starts at noon EST, will include a Chomsky: Why Canada Should Sign the UN Nu- spot challenges and opportunities. At no Contact: [email protected] 613-232-5952

More at hilltimes.com/calendar OUR TELEVISION LANDSCAPE IS STRONGER WHEN OUR PUBLIC BROADCASTER IS DISTINCT AND COMPLEMENTARY

As a society, we’ve made a choice to rely on a Canadian public broadcaster to ensure the sharing of our national conciousness and identity.

In the race to win ratings and advertising revenues by purchasing foreign and dubbed content, all of which are for commercial gain, it’s our national television content that’s losing. Our public broadcaster is moving away from its culture and duty of public service and needs to resume its role, first and foremost, as a public broadcaster.

A public broadcaster that’s open to the world and dares to take risks that encourage discovery.

A public broadcaster dedicated to investing more in investigative journalism, international news, and documentaries that portray Canadian local and regional diversity.

A public broadcaster that promotes Canadian creativity by showcasing original programming.

The future of our television and the diversity of its offering depend on a balanced ecosystem where each broadcaster has an important role to play.

The time has come for the CRTC to refocus CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate to ensure private television sustainability.