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‘Outrageous’: The Logic NDP Leader reporter Murad Jagmeet Hemmadi, Singh, pictured in pictured on 2020, is Heard on the Hill April 13, promising no says Ottawa ‘talking points’ can do more in a new by Palak Mangat to support podcast he’s calls aimed appearing on. at boosting The Hill Times vaccine equity. photograph by Lead, don’t lecture: Greens’ The Hill Times Andrew Meade photograph by Andrew Meade Hosted by freelance reporter Fatima Syed, Paul takes aim at Ottawa’s The Backbench will tap into panellists like former Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes chairs, and the event will feature appear- and The Logic reporter Murad Hemmadi for COVAX supply as PM ances by U.S. President Joe Biden and all things Canadian politics. Episodes are ex- singer Jennifer Lopez, among others. pected to be shared every other Tuesday, with In recent months, critics have slammed the first dropping on May 4. readies speech for concert the feds for drawing on doses from CO- Promoting the new venture last week, VAX, a global vaccine-sharing initiative Mr. Hemmadi vowed there would be no that it put some $440-million toward. Half “talking points” on the show, while Ms. Not welcome news: of that was to secure doses for lower- Caesar-Chavannes has this to say about opposition leaders like income countries and half to secure doses #cdnpoli: “you love that you hate it, and the Greens' Annamie for Canadians. hate that you love it!” Paul, pictured at left The country is one of the largest Love-hate in March, were critical contributors to COVAX and has vowed to relationship: of the government donate extra doses to the initiative once all former Liberal MP last week after news residents are inoculated, but Mr. Trudeau Celina Caesar- emerged that Prime has faced criticism for taking doses despite Chavannes, Minister Justin having privately bought enough for all pictured in 2019, Trudeau, pictured Canadians from seven pharmaceutical is among the at right on April 13, companies. former Hillites will be speaking at Green Leader Annamie Paul said while who will be a benefit concert Ottawa has a “right” to take vaccines under featured on a focusing on vaccine the pact, it should not on the grounds that new Canadaland equity. The Hill Times it is cutting into the supply for lower-in- podcast. The Hill photographs by Andrew come nations, “many of whom are exclu- Times photograph Meade sively dependent upon that one source.” by Andrew Meade While the “ambition” of the program head of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Mr. Trudeau is expected to virtually was to promote vaccine equity, that has Ajoining celebrities, entertainers, and share a speech about the need for interna- not been the “reality,” she said, referencing News of the launch comes as Canada- fellow political figures this month to push tional co-operation at the Global Citizen reports of supply issues under the initia- land’s previous podcast, Oppo, bit the dust a message of vaccine equity around the Vax Live Concert to Reunite the World. tive. (After India halted vaccine exports in in January as it came to its “natural end.” world, opposition parties spoke out against It airs May 8. Prince Harry and Meghan March to prioritize domestic efforts amid That was hosted by Jen Gerson of National Ottawa’s track record on the matter. Markle are the benefit concert’s campaign an uptick in infections, supply from the Post fame, and freelance journalist and Serum Institute of India, which was to push author Justin Ling, a duo that frequently out two-thirds of vaccines delivered under exchanged fiery banter. COVAX by June, has taken a dip.) Others taking part in the new show are Ma- “It’s completely incorrect and disin- clean’s Jason Markusoff, Le Devoir columnist Notice of Appointment – Dr. Richard Holden genuous for the prime minister or for our Emilie Nicolas, and Leena Minifie, editor of international development minister to con- Ricochet Media’s Indigenous Reporting Fund. tinue to say COVAX is working as intended The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and Canada is taking vaccines in the way Crestview picks up former is pleased to announce the appointment that COVAX intended,” said Ms. Paul. “What we should not be doing is going Liberal aide Muhammad Ali of Dr. Richard Holden as the CDA There’s a new senior consultant over to this concert and lecturing any country President for 2021-2022. Dr. Holden at Crestview Strategy’s Ottawa office, the about vaccine equity and sharing vac- firm announced last week. graduated in 1989 from the Faculty of cines equally, when we are not doing our Muhammad Ali, who was once an aide Dentistry at Dalhousie University. Prior to fair part to do that. I certainly hope that’s to Liberal MP Ruby Sahota and helped that, he earned a Bachelor of Science from not the intention, to just lecture and not to another Liberal candidate in the 2015 lead,” she added. University of Prince Edward Island. election, joins Crestview from his previ- Ms. Paul said it would be “welcome ous posting at the Federation of Canadian news” if Mr. Trudeau announced Ottawa Dr. Holden was first appointed to the CDA Municipalities. was returning any doses it received under Before that, he spent two-and-a-half Board of Directors in 2013. He has been the initiative, or putting forth additional years with Hill + Knowlton Strategies in involved in organized dentistry for numerous funding to help with capacity and sup- Ottawa. years and has served as President of the ply. (About 317,000 AstraZeneca vaccines “Muhammad possesses a deep under- Dental Association of PEI in 2001. Dr. secured under the agreement arrived in standing of what drives government deci- Canada on April 8.) Holden lives in Stanley Bridge with his wife, sion making, strong political acumen to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also took Dr. Joanne Stewart. They have three adult help clients navigate the political environ- aim at the feds, adding it’s “outrageous” the children, Lauren (Jason), Jordan and Charlee, ment, and understands what matters at a PM is speaking at the event while not sup- local level for elected officials,” said Jackie as well as their dog, Macee. He enjoys porting calls from lower-income countries Choquette, a vice-president at Crestview, golfing, skiing, boating and spending time to lift patent protections on vaccines so in a release. with his family. they can be made and pushed out in more “Muhammad‘s insights and experiences places, boosting their accessibility. will help position clients for public affairs According to the World Health Orga- As CDA President, Dr. Holden will lead the success,” added Ms. Choquette, who joined nization, the COVAX site’s first interna- organization in its mandate as the national the group last summer and is also a Liberal tional delivery of vaccines was to Ghana in voice for dentistry, dedicated to the strategist. February, and there have been deliveries to advancement and leadership of a unified more than 100 places since. It has drawn Continued on page 19 profession and to the promotion of optimal on doses from AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioN- oral health, as essential component of Tech, and the Serum Institute of India. CLARIFICATION: general health. Canada, through its seven inked deals, saw The Hill Times, April 26 issue its inoculation campaign kick off in mid- December. Re: “Tory candidate for York Centre to be decided early this week,” The Hill Times, p. 3, April 26, 2021. This story Former MP, Hill reporter said that Joel Etienne had run for the among crew on new Canadaland Conservative Party nomination in York Centre in the 2020 byelection. In fact, podcast The Backbench Mr. Etienne did apply to contest that A group of familiar Hill faces will be nomination, but withdrew his applica- part of a rotating cast on a new Can- tion, and was not an official nomination adaland podcast, set to be launched this candidate. week. THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 3 Opinion Are apologies enough when a political leader refuses to represent some Canadians?

of the same MPs who voted against Bill their interests routinely. When a political What is it about enshrining human rights that scares some C-6 also voted against C-16 in 2016 which leader refuses to represent all Canadians added gender identity or expression to the in her or his riding, what should be the MPs, most notably Conservatives? How is that human rights list of prohibited grounds of discrimina- consequence? There should be conse- tion in the Canadian Human Rights Act. quences because when a perceived leader enshrined on the world stage, such as UNDRIP, are somehow Thankfully, Bill C-16 also clearly noted questions the rights of a minority, goes that deemed immoral by some? What is going on in some parts that discrimination against transgender inch across the line, her or his followers go Canadians is illegal. Every MP who voted a mile over the line. of rural Canada that maintains such visceral resistance to against Bill C-6 except one are from rural Hatred grows on the words of political ridings, and this same group and more leaders who question the rights of mi- LGBTQ2S rights and Indigenous rights? also voted against the United Nations norities. Hatred thrives in the silence of Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous political leaders who don’t speak up for the peoples. rights of all citizens. As an aside, it is truly human rights of others. That seems to align What is it about enshrining human ironic that the same people who demand with the ultra-right mob in Canada. Con- rights that scares some MPs, most notably to limit the rights of others are the same servative MP Tamara Jansen who not only Conservatives? How is that human rights people who are found screaming about used her MP stage to condemn lesbians enshrined on the world stage, such as their rights not to wear masks. (however, not gays, so apparently you’re UNDRIP, are somehow deemed immoral When political leaders put the rights all okay guys!), but doubled down to share by some? What is going on in some parts of and safety of others at risk, what is the some obscure scripture verses to make her rural Canada that maintains such visceral consequence? Here’s one Canadian voting case. resistance to LGBTQ2S rights and Indig- citizen who believes an apology is not This is about Bill C-6, an Act to amend enous rights? enough. the Criminal Code (which would ban When I ask these questions “for a If there was a vote today on the Cana- Rose LeMay conversion therapy). It’s about time that friend,” I mean me. I’m asking. da’s Human Rights Act with not a single Stories, Myths, and Truths Canada outlawed this thing which is used I don’t need anybody nor the state to tell word changed, some of your MPs would to attempt to force an individual to be me that I have the right to be First Nation— vote against it. Again. straight rather than LGBTQ2S. This bill is Tlingit to be exact. Nobody can give this to Rose LeMay is Tlingit from the West TTAWA—Are apologies enough when about human rights. Conversion therapy me, nor take it away. I don’t need anybody Coast and the CEO of the Indigenous Oa political leader refuses to represent is not therapy, it should be called some- nor the state to tell me that I have the right Reconciliation Group. She writes twice a some Canadians? Just what is “lesbian thing like forced gender identity torture. to be Two-Spirit, it is simply who I am. I do, month about Indigenous inclusion and rec- activity”? I’m asking for a friend. Getting a Coerced gender expression and orienta- however, demand the same protection from onciliation. In Tlingit worldview, the stories short, hawk haircut? Listening to k.d. lang? tion persecution. It is not any kind of discrimination and racism as every other are the knowledge system, sometimes told Sharing a beer with a “friend”? Are these therapy. Canadian. through myth and sometimes contradict- “lesbian activities”? Why would anyone attempt to forcibly There are LGBTQ2S Canadians in ing the myths told by others. But always Here’s an activity that doesn’t fall into change another human’s identity? Appar- MP Jansen’s riding. There are Indigenous with at least some truth. the basket of “lesbian activity.” Trashing the ently when it doesn’t fit an ideology. Some peoples in ridings of MPs who vote against The Hill Times

PCL CONSTRUCTION WELCOMES PAUL KNOWLES TO OTTAWA AS VICE PRESIDENT AND DISTRICT MANAGER

Paul has been with PCL for 23 years, joining Edmonton Buildings in 1997 where he served in various capacities before transferring to Calgary in 2006. He progressed from senior project manager, to manager of Special Projects, to operations manager. In 2017, Paul was promoted to district manager in PCL’s Regina district. A proactive solution provider and innovative thinker, Paul has led many notable projects at PCL, including the National Institute of Nanotechnology in Edmonton, the Keynote Development project in Calgary and the Conexus Head Office in Regina.

Paul succeeds Vice President and District Manager Kevin Skinner, who is retiring. We thank Kevin for his 33 years of service and dedication to PCL.

PCL.COM 4 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

Phyllise Gelfand, vice-pres- ‘Impulsive decision’ to share nude ident of communications with Postmedia, wrote in an April 27 email that the paper and other outlets were reporting “on an photo is ‘precedent setting,’ says strategist occurrence of public interest— namely Question Period.” “This was a virtual parliament being shown to all MPs in Ques- While some MPs tion Period and it’s difficult to properly report on such an event say sharing a naked without showing readers what MPs saw,” she wrote. image of their Noting the Criminal Code of colleague is ‘wrong,’ it Canada bars publishing “intimate” images without the consent of the remains unclear what, person who appears in the picture, Ms. Gelfand added it also outlines if any, disciplinary that such an image is one where the photo or recording took place action will be faced by in “circumstances that gave rise to a reasonable expectation of privacy.” the Parliamentarian “Again, the image was cap- who confessed to tured during remote question period where the image was view- taking the screenshot. able to all MPs and others. As such, the recording was not made in circumstances where there BY PALAK MANGAT was a reasonable expectation of & BEATRICE PAEZ Liberal MP John McKay, left, NDP MP Lindsay Mathyssen, and Liberal strategist Amanda Alvaro all say the leaking of a privacy,” added Ms. Gelfand. nude image of Liberal MP Will Amos should not have happened. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, photograph But Lisa Taylor, a journalism hile Parliamentarians inad- courtesy of CBC News' YouTube, photograph courtesy of Will Amos' Twitter professor at Ryerson University, Wvertently getting caught on said the photo doesn’t add any camera may be “bound to happen” depth to the public’s understand- during virtual House proceedings, News of the event made inter- While Mr. Rota’s determina- given there are already rules bar- ing of the story. When deciding the incident involving Liberal MP national headlines, with celebrity tion that Mr. Lemire’s actions ring the photography of House whether to run contentious, Will Amos sets a precedent for and entertainment news outlet broke House rules was an “im- proceedings. graphic images, journalists how Hillites react in such mo- TMZ picking up the story. Mr. portant step,” Ms. Alvaro noted “I know that there will be should weigh whether the story ments, say some observers. Amos became the butt of late- further investigation and possible many, many recommendations being told can’t otherwise be In an affair that caught inter- night jokes from Jimmy Kimmel “sanctions” for those involved from all parties on how to move captured by words alone. national headlines this month, Mr. and Jimmy Fallon. Though some now sits with BOIE. forward, so that hopefully the She compared that with the Amos (Pontiac, Que.) appeared reporters tweeted the image, the In an interview with The reaction or whatever happens [by story of Mr. Amos—a lawmaker nude in a screenshot circulated source of it remains unclear. Hill Times, NDP House Leader way of repercussions] is sufficient who was caught in the nude be- widely on social media. Chang- Government Whip Mark Hol- Peter Julian (New Westminster- and satisfactory to [Mr. Amos],” cause he had forgotten the video ing in his office after going for a land (Ajax, Ont.), who sits on Burnaby, B.C.) said the “whips she said. camera was on while changing run, a mortified Mr. Amos said the Board of Internal Economy are looking into that whole issue.” Bloc whip Claude DeBellefeuille into House attire—that could eas- he accidentally left his camera (BOIE), which oversees House “The real issue [before us] is mak- (Salaberry-Suroît, Que.), who also ily be told without visuals. on and apologized for the hiccup. administration issues, said he ing sure that we find out who sent sits on BOIE, referred a request “When you tell me that a poli- The screenshot was taken from intended to bring the matter up at those images,” he said. for comment about whether Mr. tician was in his office, getting a feed only visible to MPs and the committee to answer questions Mr. Julian, who also sits on Lemire would face disciplinary changed from running gear to some House staff helping with like those. The issue was likely BOIE, added that Mr. Lemire has actions from party leadership to professional clothing … I’ve got the technical aspects of virtual raised during the committee’s to elaborate further beyond the a spokesperson. In a statement, the whole scene without seeing proceedings. meeting on April 22, though delib- apology he offered in the House. Joanie Riopel said in French that the image,” she said. “I grasp what Bloc Québécois MP Sébastien erations pertaining to sensitive is- “Did he send it to one person? Mr. Lemire had already apologized nudity is; I grasp what changing Lemire (Abitibi-Témiscamingue, sues are typically held in camera. What was the context? Did he and the party would be declining is. There’s nothing that this photo Que.), whose riding neighbours send it out to 100 people?” he said, further comment. gives me that makes me go, ‘Oh, Mr. Amos’, owned up to taking when asked of the importance of Shortly after the incident, Mr. wow. Here’s a nuance I failed to the photo and apologized before finding the motivations behind Holland said in a statement he’d appreciate.’ ” MPs on April 21, but said he the leak. “We don’t know. He owes heard from the Bloc and NDP Saranaz Barforoush, a journal- didn’t share it on social media. it to the House to explain that and whips, who “made compelling ism professor at the University Amanda Alvaro, a longtime owes it to Canadians as well.” cases that this breach of privacy of British Columbia who has an Liberal strategist and co-founder Mr. Amos, who has done few did not happen from within their interest in media ethics, agreed. of PR firm Pomp and Circum- media interviews since (and offices.” That prompted Conserva- “We have to think about whether stance, said the incident was a declined one from this paper), tive MP Blake Richards (Banff- publishing these [types of photos] “precedent-setting moment,” com- recently said there appeared to be Airdrie, Alta.), his party’s whip, to is in the public good, public inter- pounded by a global pandemic a “partisan bent to the online ridi- retort that he did not appreciate est,” she said. that has limited many politicians cule” he received in the photo’s the “implication.” Six days later, Asked if the journalists who to their desktops at home. aftermath. While Mr. Amos said Mr. Lemire delivered his apology obtained the photo should have “How we respond to it will it’s “unseemly” to speculate who in the House. worked to contextualize what was set the stage for how people are leaked the image, a matter he’d happening before reporting on seduced by the idea of scoring prefer to leave with the investiga- the photo’s existence, Prof. Bar- [partisan political] points versus Liberal MP Mark Holland, pictured tion, he hopes there will eventu- No ‘reasonable foroush said that’s part of the job. doing the right thing,” said Ms. March 28, vowed to bring up the ally be “accountability.” expectation of privacy,’ “There’s always a context. Every Alvaro. “Without consequences, it incident involving his party colleague Liberal MP John McKay quote you want to use; there has could lead to individuals feeling Will Amos with his counterparts on (Scarborough-Guildwood, Ont.), says Postmedia to be an explanation [of], ‘What like anything and everything is on the Board of Internal Economy. That who was reticent to comment The incident has also raised is this?’ ” she added. “Of course, the table.” meeting likely happened, though on the incident, said the entire questions about the role of jour- I think they should at least have In an era when many MPs are deliberations around sensitive topics episode showed a lack of respect nalists in disseminating sensi- spent a little more time.” having to find a work-life bal- are usually held in camera. Photograph among MPs. tive images. When Government Ms. Gelfand’s response ap- ance because of the hybrid virtual courtesy of Mark Holland’s Twitter “All members need to reflect House Leader Pablo Rodriguez peared to signal a doubling down Parliament—it’s not uncommon that we are called honourable be- (Honoré-Mercier, Que.) called for on the dissemination. The outlet to see baby faces peeking out of “It was a gross betrayal of cause there is an expectation on the probe, he said that, beyond has since removed the photo, she the corner of Zoom calls—getting the confidence of each other’s the part of Canadian citizens who it being “mean-spirited” and “life- noted, “because the original news inadvertently caught on camera colleagues and of the protection elected us that we act honour- changing” for Mr. Amos, it could cycle is over.” in a “compromised position cer- of privacy you should have when ably,” said Mr. McKay. “I think that also “very well be criminal.” Echo- “[We] don’t plan on using it tainly can be bound to happen,” you’re in a proceeding of that is the overall idea; that we act ing those sentiments, Mr. Holland again unless circumstances war- she added. nature,” said Ms. Alvaro. honourably and treat each other named Postmedia and Sun Media rant it,” she added. “But what’s precedent setting House Speaker Anthony Rota honourably. If we don’t do that, as outlets that shared the image. Requests for comment from about it is what one does with a (Nipissing–Timiskaming, Ont.) then a lot of the underpinnings of National Post reporters John Toronto Sun columnist Brian moment like that when it hap- issued a ruling on the matter respect for democracy, the rule of Ivison, the Ottawa bureau chief, Lilley, who also shared the photo, pens,” said Ms. Alvaro. She lik- last week, saying it was a “clear law, authority, and even judicial and Christopher Nardi, who and editor in chief Adrienne Ba- ened the sharing of the photo to breach of our rules” and repre- authority, gets derogated.” shared the photo on social media, tra were not returned by deadline. an “impulsive decision” to expose sented “an affront to the authority NDP MP Lindsay Mathyssen deferred questions about the pa- [email protected] a colleague “in a vulnerable way” and dignity of the House and its (London-Fanshawe, Ont.) agreed per’s policy around sharing lewd [email protected] to the world. members.” it was “wrong” to share the image, photos to the editor. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 5 Opinion Canada must support establishment of UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent

Prime Minister It matters because Canada Justin Trudeau, pictured April 22, has long claimed a global 2021, during the Leaders' Summit reputation of standing on Climate, has up for human rights and acknowledged this past summer, protecting the interest and Canada still has a long way to go to rights of those whom it has dismantle policies and practices in long historical grievances place that act as barriers for with, which includes people Black Canadians. of African descent. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Hodan A. Mohamed Opinion Indigenous lands, such as Australia, New the UN Permanent Forum for PAD, since the workforce is disproportionally faced by Zealand, and the United States. it will eventually pass by the sheer num- Black Canadians. t was on the eve of 2021 when Canada, Currently, the UN has been working on ber of countries who will vote in favour. It Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has Iright along with the United Kingdom, the Zero Draft for the establishment of the UN matters because Canada has long claimed acknowledged this past summer, Canada United States, Germany, and Israel voted Permanent Forum for PAD with prominent a global reputation of standing up for hu- still has a long way to go to dismantle against the comprehensive implementation African descent civil society representa- man rights and protecting the interest and policies and practices in place that act as of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration tives, including the Global Black Collective rights of those whom it has long historical barriers for Black Canadians. As we are and Programme of Action: Racial Discrimi- Institute, which represents Canadian UN grievances with, which includes people fast approaching the end of the Interna- nation Program Implementation. Senior Fellows, such as myself. This per- of African descent. Black Canadians are tional Decade of People of African Descent This vote was crucial at the UN General manent forum is intended to operate under demonstrably facing different outcomes and in the midst of a pandemic that has Assembly for the eventual proposal and the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), for in employment, in housing, education, highlighted existing systemic inequities, establishment of the UN Permanent Forum the full realization of equity for People of health, policing, and justice systems that we urge the Government of Canada to take for People of African Descent (PAD), African Descent including, but not lim- are rooted in institutionalized anti-Black the necessary steps to vote yes in the up- where all members of the European Union ited to: cultural rights, transitional justice racism that have othered and dehumanized coming UN General Assembly vote in May abstained, while almost all countries from norms, human rights, discrimination, ur- Black people for centuries. This is evident 2021, for the Permanent Establishment of Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Af- banization and human rights, environmen- in the ways educators, police officers, the Forum for People of African Descent, to rica, including Russia voted in favour of it. tal racism, land and human rights, racism, government officials and other systems demonstrate its action equally aligns with This vote came as a disappointment to mental and physical health and Human engage with Black Canadians. its promises and declaration in support for those of us who have followed the Gov- Rights, intersectional rights and Torture) as Furthermore, the recommendations of Black Canadians. ernment of Canada’s official recognition per UN Resolution 68/237, UN Resolution the Working Group of Experts on People Hodan A. Mohamed is a senior UN Hu- and support for the UN declaration of the 64/148 and UN Reslotion 43/1. of African Descent support the well-doc- man Rights Fellow for People of African international decade for people of African You might ask why does it matter umented systemic discrimination in the Descent at the Office of the UN High Com- descent. The decade, which spans from whether the Canadian government sup- federal public service. Recent data also missioner for Human Rights. 2015 to 2024, is an opportunity to highlight ports and votes for the establishment of suggests the impact of systemic racism in The Hill Times and celebrate the important contribu- tions people of African descent have made to Canadian society. It also provides a framework for recognition, justice, and development to fight racism, discrimina- tion, and the ongoing inequalities that Canadians of African descent experience. This announcement was welcomed by the Black communities as a step forward in the government’s commitment to address structural anti-Black racism in a system- atic way that speaks to some of the crucial areas, such as employment, civic engage- ment, child welfare and the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, since the official recognition of the decade, there has been little actionable commitments taken by the federal government to meaningfully implement measures that would achieve the three objectives of the decade or the recommendations of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent 2017 report on Canada. This vote by Canada against the estab- lishment of the UN PAD should not have come as a surprise to those who are aware of this country’s history of saying one thing, while acting contrary to its principled stand. Case and point, the Canadian government in 2007 was one of only four countries that voted against the United Nations Declara- tion on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UNDRIP—right along with countries that have similar settler history of occupying 6 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

the evidence, and later called in Conservative MP Marilyn Critics say Sajjan or the Privy Council Office. Gladu (Sarnia-Lambton, Ont.), Last week, Mr. Trudeau said that who sits on the status of women no one in his office knew that the committee, said “it’s clear that 2018 allegation made against Gen. Minister Sajjan did nothing for Trudeau should take Vance “was a Me Too complaint,” three years and knew about this. but that documents unearthed by That’s clear. It’s also clear from Global News, as well as testimony what was heard at Defence Com- from former senior adviser Edler mittee, that the Prime Minister’s Marques demonstrate that may not Office knew about this and also responsibility for failure have been the case. took no action. And so, I think The Conservatives are now that is a serious abdication of calling for Mr. Trudeau’s chief of duty, at the very least. People staff, Katie Telford, to appear in have stepped down over less.” to investigate sexual front of committee to testify about “[The military ombudsman] what she knew about the com- passed [a complaint] on to the plaint involving Gen. Vance. defence minister who has the ultimate authority, and does have misconduct allegation the ability, though, to take it Sajjan ‘continued to somewhere else. But he didn’t fol- cover up the truth,’ says low up, so I think that’s a lack of accountability on the part of Mr. Conservative MP Bezan Sajjan,” said Ms. Gladu. against Vance in 2018 Conservative MP James Bezan On April 29, Mr. Sajjan an- (Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, Man.), nounced that the government will his party’s defence critic, told The launch an external review into secretary for the Department of On April 29, Ms. West tweeted Hill Times in an emailed statement sexual misconduct in the armed Either the Defence National Defence. that following the publication of that “it is always the responsibility forces, a review which will provide “I need to ask myself, is there The New York Times article about of the minister of national defence recommendations for establishing Minister’s office or anything else that the prime min- her experience and her desire to ensure the safety and security an independent, external reporting ister was not kept informed of for for culture change, “not a single of all members of the Canadian system for military members who the Prime Minister’s something of this significance?” member of CAF/DND leadership, Armed Forces.” have been affected by misconduct. office must take Ms. West said that although or the government reached out “Minister Sajjan failed to The system will be “free from any she believes the team in place at that time or since. Not a single fulfill this duty in 2018 when influence of the chain of com- responsibility for their now at the top of the military are person.” former military ombudsman Gary mand,” according to the govern- committed to change, she believes Shortly after the tweet, Deputy Walbourne came to him with ment’s press release. The review failure to investigate that “Gen. Vance being the face of Minister of Defence Jody Thomas evidence of sexual misconduct will be led by former Supreme Operation Honour delegitimized reached out to Ms. West, who by Gen. Vance,” said Mr. Bezan. Court justice Louise Arbour. complaints around the operation from the beginning said Ms. Thomas emailed her and “Since then, he has misled Cana- In an emailed statement to The in the eyes of anyone who under- apologized. dians on what his office and the Hill Times, Mr. Sajjan said “every inappropriate sexual stood the rumours about him. “She was not aware of this Prime Minister’s Office knew and day, Canadian Armed Forces behaviour reported “They were widely known,” story, she took full accountabil- continued to cover-up the truth.” members across the globe risk said Ms. West. “How do you have ity for not being aware and not “Throughout this scandal, Min- their lives to defend Canadian in 2018, according to faith in a person as a champion of reaching out sooner and asked ister Sajjan and [Prime Minister] values and support our allies, a cause when you know they are to speak with me,” said Ms. West. Justin Trudeau have constantly partners, and friends. It is clear we opposition MPs from a hypocrite.” “She said she would facilitate a changed their story and misled have not lived up to our respon- Operation Honour, launched conversation with the Army, so Canadians,” added Mr. Bezan. sibility to protect members from the Conservatives in 2015, was intended to address I will be speaking with her next “Based on new information […] misconduct. To every member in sexual misconduct in the mili- week.” Mr. Trudeau’s Chief of Staff Katie the Canadian Armed Forces, to and the NDP who tary. Acting CDS Lt.-Gen. Wayne Telford must appear before the De- every person in the Department of sit on the defence Eyre recently sent a message to fence Committee and come clean National Defence, who has been all military members noting that Former military with Canadians on this cover-up. affected by sexual harassment and committee. the operation has culminated and ombudsman shared The brave women and men serving violence, I am truly sorry. that it will be closed out in the in the Canadian Armed Forces “Though I have always taken near future. concerns with Sajjan in deserve the truth about what hap- allegations brought to my atten- Continued on page 6 A survivor of sexual assault, Ms. 2018 pened in 2018 and why General tion seriously, it is clear that the misconduct made by a military West spoke to The New York Times Major Kellie Brennan, who Vance was left in charge of our [CAF] has lacked the institutional member against then-chief of back in March regarding this story, blew the whistle on Gen. Vance military for another three years.” capacity to deal with these issues defence staff Jonathan Vance in and told The Hill Times that she back in February in an explosive NDP MP and his party’s adequately,” continued Mr. Sajjan. 2018. was sexually assaulted by someone interview with Global News, told defence critic Randall Garrison “We know we must transform the Leah West, now a professor of in her unit who was senior to her at the House of Commons status of (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, B.C.), culture of our defence team and International Affairs at Carleton a house party in 2008. women committee on April 22 who also sits on the House De- put in place an external, indepen- University who served in the CAF “I was ill the following day, that Gen. Vance told her he was fence Committee which was due dent reporting system for allega- for 10 years as an armoured offi- and taken to the hospital where “untouchable,” and that he fa- to produce a report on the sexual tions of misconduct.” cer and was deployed to Afghani- military police officers were thered two children with her. Gen. misconduct crisis last week, told “This is why Louise Arbour, for- stan in 2010, told The Hill Times called and interviewed me and Vance has repeatedly denied the The Hill Times that “what I believe mer justice of the Supreme Court she personally doesn’t trust Mr. essentially convinced me to take allegations, according to multiple will be put in our report—because of Canada, has agreed to lead an Sajjan (Vancouver South, B.C.) on a rape kit,” said Ms. West. “All of stories by Global News. the testimony is quite clear—is independent external comprehen- the file. that was conveyed to my com- In a Feb. 19 defence commit- that the minister was offered sive review of our institutional poli- “If this is going to be the manding officer who called me to tee meeting, Mr. Sajjan said he evidence supporting an allegation cies and culture, which will help us legacy of the Canadian Armed his office—it was my first year in was “as shocked as everyone else” of sexual misconduct and refused meet the needs of our members by Forces during [Minister Sajjan’s] the unit and I think I’d been in his regarding the allegations made to look at it, and he was made creating a reporting system that is tenure, he needs to step aside,” office twice before—and he asked against Gen. Vance by Major very much aware that it was independent of the chain of com- said Ms. West. me, ‘What do you want me to do Brennan two weeks prior, but that sexual misconduct that was being mand and Department of National Military lawyer Michel about this.’” “any reporting or any allegations discussed.” Defence,” said Mr. Sajjan. “This is Drapeau said it was “an act of “I really have no memory of brought to me were always taken “So he referred it to the Privy also why Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan faith” for the prime minister not what happened, I know what to the appropriate authorities Council Office, so they deter- will lead the new chief of profes- to have been informed of the 2018 state I woke up in, but I don’t very quickly and were taken very mined for whatever reasons, that sional conduct and culture orga- allegations. He said “we’re dealing have any memory really of that seriously.” they couldn’t pursue this any nization within the defence team with someone who was one step evening, so I didn’t feel comfort- On March 3, former military further. So we have two possible to unify, integrate, and coordinate away from the prime minister— able—and even if I did remember ombudsman Gary Walbourne ministers who are responsible our efforts to create a real cultural the [chief of defence staff] does every moment of it, if I would said he shared concerns about in our system for the failure to transformation. report to the minister of national have felt comfortable asking to alleged inappropriate behaviour investigate—it’s either the min- “We are dedicated to lasting, defence—but he also is appointed have the ‘golden boy’ of my unit by Gen. Vance with Mr. Sajjan ister of defence, or it’s the prime enduring change, and anything by the prime minister, and there investigated, so I literally told back in 2018, and that he told the minister,” said Mr. Garrison. “It’s less will not be acceptable to me is only one in the country.” my commanding officer that ‘I’ll minister that the complainant had time for one of those two to take as minister of national defence. “And also the clerk of the behave and change my behaviour, approached him only after the as- responsibility for the failure to We know we need to regain trust, Privy Council would have known, as if this person raped me, but surance of confidentiality. investigate and for leaving Gen. and we are committed to doing and all of them, for some reason, I don’t want you to do anything “Minister Sajjan was told the Vance in office for three years, just that,” said Mr. Sajjan. either willingly or whatever, to about it,’” said Ms. West. complaint was not formal and my and then apologize to the serving The Prime Minister’s Office not raise the issue with the prime “His answer was ‘Great,’ and request of the minister was for members, both men and women, did not return requests for com- minister, it requires a significant we never spoke of it again,” said him to get back to me with some for leaving a chief of defence ment from The Hill Times before act of faith,” said Mr. Drapeau, Ms. West, who declined to provide advice on how we could potential- staff in office who was accused of press deadline. who served for 34 years with the The Hill Times with the names of ly proceed,” said Mr. Walbourne. sexual misconduct. That’s where I [email protected] CAF and retired as the executive the individuals involved. The minister refused to look at believe we are today.” The Hill Times An apology to our readers

On April 26, and April 28, 2021, The Hill Times published advertisements in our newspaper that were opposed to Bill C-6, which would prohibit certain activities related to conversion therapy. We believe “conversion therapy,” as defined in Bill C-6, is harmful and dehumanizing.

We also believe the ads unfairly denounced a vulnerable minority. The Hill Times will no longer run this campaign, and any money collected from the publishing of these ads will be donated to groups that support 2SLGBTQ+ community.

I would like to apologize for the hurt they have caused.

Anne Marie Creskey, Publisher, The Hill Times 8 MONDAY, MAY 3, 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 Amos is right: leaking naked Concerned about removal of the protections for user generated content in Bill C-10 photo sends ‘terrible signal’ am a Canadian citizen concerned about late user-generated content without any Irecent developments with the broadcast protections. This could restrict freedom of Bill C-10 currently in committee and will speech and expression, potential, censor- about corrosive state of politics soon go into its second reading. I think ship and even human rights violations on overnment backbencher Will Amos has Mr. Amos, who apologized to his all Canadians should be concerned. The the Internet for Canadians. Grepresented the large rural Quebec rid- colleagues and said it would not hap- committee reviewing amendments for The bill was promoted by Guilbeault ing of Pontiac, mostly under the radar, since pen again, also said the experience was the bill in a unanimous vote has removed as regulating a few internet streaming he was first elected in 2015, but not any- mortifying, not only for himself but also an exception from the broadcasting bill services, but has morphed into an inva- more. The 46-year-old environmental lawyer for his family. He was the butt of jokes in protecting user-generated content from sive bill with massive CRTC overreach. made international headlines last month Canada and internationally, including on regulation. Heritage Minister Steven Guil- It’s a mistake to remove Sec. 4.1 of Bill when he was inadvertently broadcast naked popular American late-night shows Jimmy beault said in front of the other MPs at C-10 that protects user-generated content. on an internal House feed on April 14 in his Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. The Hill Times the House Heritage Committee that this Removing the exemption that protects office and a naked screenshot of him was also poked fun at him in our lighter Heard would not happen. users is wrong. The bill has become inva- leaked to the media. He said he was chang- on the Hill column. But his message is By removing this exception, basically, sive. The internet has become part of our ing out of his jogging clothes, his laptop important. He said the leaked photo vio- all video and audio content uploaded by lives, which feels like a violation of trust camera was on, and the rest is history. Bloc lates parliamentary rules and told CP, “and Canadian users to social media sites such between the government and those we Québécois MP Claude DeBellefeuille, her without those rules, you have a compro- as YouTube, Instagram, podcasts will be have elected as officials to serve us. This party’s whip, raised it as a point of order that mised democracy,” one that discourages subjected to the CRTC regulation. Since may create a Canadian firewall restrict- day. Bloc Québécois MP Sébastien Lemire, people from running for Parliament and the user exclusion in the act now does not ing content too. who represents Pontiac’s neighbouring decreases trust in democratic institutions. exist, the CRTC can essentially dictate Laurence Price riding of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, came for- This is true. Mr. Amos wants to find out the rules of what is uploaded and regu- Thornhill, Ont. ward in the House on April 21 to apologize who leaked it and wants to make sure it for taking the screen shot, but also said he never happens again. If that doesn’t hap- had no idea how it got leaked to the media. pen and if the Commons Board of Internal Disagree with Caddell’s opinion on House Speaker Anthony Rota last week Economy lets it drop, he said it would be ruled the incident “deplorable,” and said it “an invitation to corrosive, democratically was an “affront to the authority and dignity destructive behaviour.” Israel: Palestinian Canadian Congress of the House of Commons and its Members.” “It’s corrosive, it’s destructive and it’s e: “Israel, with all its flaws deserves Israel routinely demonstrates its Mr. Rota said taking photos during parlia- all because of one or multiple people’s RCanada’s support,” (The Hill Times, full contempt for international law and mentary proceedings is strictly prohibited. decision that this was a good idea [to leak April 21). Andrew Caddell says he isn’t human rights conventions. B’Tselem, The House Board of Internal Economy is it],” he told CP. “I’m resolutely not casting that bothered by what he describes as Israel’s leading human rights organiza- looking further into the matter. myself in a victim posture here. … I made “Israel’s flaws” to restrain his support for tion, recently published a groundbreaking Mr. Amos, meanwhile, told The Cana- a mistake. I’m accountable for not being it. Clearly, he isn’t bothered by Israel’s report describing Israel as an “apartheid dian Press that the fact the nude photo aware that my camera was on. … I have ethnic cleansing of most of Palestine’s regime” from the Mediterranean Sea to was leaked and circulated on social media to integrate that into the rest of my life.” population in 1948. He has not been a the Jordan River. Mr. Caddell may share sends a “terrible signal” about the corrosive This does break all bounds of reason- victim to Israel’s forced dispossession Israel’s values. However, Canadians don’t state of politics in Canada. He’s absolutely able action, as Chief Government Whip and displacement from the land as the support apartheid. Israel doesn’t deserve right. “It says if there’s a partisan gain to Mark Holland said, and the responsible Palestinians were. He has never had to Canada’s support. be achieved, then anything goes and that’s party has to be held to account. Toxicity deal with the daily humiliation, racism, James Kafieh not acceptable,” Mr. Amos told CP. “What in federal politics is not new, but leaking and abuse that Palestinians experience Vice-president does that tell our children and what does naked photos on social media is, and it’s living under a brutal and illegal Israeli Palestinian Canadian Congress it tell society about the nature of proper time the political players put a lid on this. occupation. Toronto, Ont. behaviour in a digital society?” The Hill Times Caddell misleadingly compares situation in Israel to hypothetical one: Heap

e: “Israel, with all its flaws, deserves one where “if nuclear weapons in upstate RCanada’s support,” (The Hill Times, New York were aimed at Canada,” when April 21). The recently published opinion in fact, exactly the opposite comparison piece by Andrew Caddell contains a num- would be accurate. The only military ber of flagrant misrepresentations. Mr. power in the Middle East capable of Caddell quotes a parodic video published threatening its neighbours with nuclear by Independent Jewish Voices Canada as weapons is Israel, a longstanding hold- saying something it did not. His purported out non-signatory of the Nuclear Non- quote is demonstrably false, and miscon- Proliferation Treaty (a fact that a former strues both the words and the clear intent employee of Global Affairs Canada can of the video. As anyone with a reading reasonably be expected to know, even if knowledge of French who consults the The Hill Times doesn’t check). video in question can easily verify, it in Readers understand that “opinion” fact says something quite different, i.e., pieces are not held to the same standards that this relation is “based on the instru- of fact checking as journalistic reporting, mentalization of the Jewish community in but writers like Mr. Caddell should not be Canada,” (“basée sur l’instrumentalisation enabled to publish patently false claims de la communauté juive au Canada.”) in support of their opinions. Mr. Caddell’s misrepresentations go David Heap beyond a sloppy rendition of the French Associate professor subtitles. He also misleadingly compares University of Western Ontario the situation of Israel to a hypothetical London, Ont.

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Conversion We need a Climate MMIWG Emergency Alliance therapy and now, says Ottawa reader n every election, the media present climate other attacks Iaction as a choice between two bad op- national action tions. On one side, there’s a Conservative Party that doesn’t even believe in climate on the trans, change, and on the other, a Liberal Party that’s not doing nearly enough to tackle it. If we’re going to actually tackle this crisis, nonbinary, and plan must be we first need to break out of the Liberal versus Conservative status quo, and, the best way to do that is with a Climate Emergency other LGBTQ2+ Alliance between the NDP and the Green Party. If these two parties formed this historic alliance, the media would be forced to cover identities, have distinctions- climate change as the crisis it is, and be hon- est about just how far Canada is from where we need to be. And, by working together to real-world elect as many climate champions as pos- sible, the Greens and NDP would be able based: Kudloo to have both the best climate plan, and the best chance of winning in 108 ridings across consequences: the country. This could swing the balance of Rebecca power in the House of Commons so it can Garnett Kudloo, finally deliver real climate action. We can’t president of afford four more years of the Liberals delay- the Pauktuutit ing action. And, we certainly can’t afford to Inuit Women of put Conservative denial back in power. We y name is Sam Garnett, and I am a need a Climate Emergency Alliance now. scientist and public servant who previ- Canada, says M for Pauktuutit, Mark Brooks ously published an opinion piece at The Ottawa, Ont. Hill Times in 2019. I am also a non-binary ensuring a person. This morning I was extremely ‘distinctions- disheartened and disappointed to learn based’ that The Hill Times had run advertisements approach to the Vaccine nationalism from an organization promoting conversion national action therapy, a “therapy” that has proven to be plan is not a transphobic, homophobic, and damaging preference, it’s would only further ads. an imperative, I very much enjoyed my previous and absolutely limited supply of experience working with your publica- essential to tion to discuss the merits of evidence and ending the vaccines: Lexchin science in policy-making and governance, tragedy of and I know your paper has previously missing and e: “The COVID-19 vaccine rollout debacle: sought to run carefully considered mate- murdered Rhow did we get here?” (The Hill Times, April rial that promotes thoughtful discussion. Inuit women 19). Ramy Elitzur’s solution to the slow rollout Conversion therapy and other attacks on and girls. of vaccines in Canada is that we should have the trans, nonbinary, and other LGBTQ2+ Photograph been willing to pay more for each dose. This identities, have real-world consequences. courtesy of kind of vaccine nationalism would only have For example, gender and sexual minori- the Pauktuutit further limited the supply of vaccines available ties are nearly three times more likely to Inuit Women of to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) report being the victim of violence, and to Canada that cannot even match the prices that Canada have considered suicide in their life com- is currently paying. At present, more than 800 pared to heterosexual, cis-gender Canadi- million vaccine doses have been administered ans. Many medical, scientific, and social e: “$2.2-billion for MMIWG positive Crown—along with our language, our globally, with 83 per cent going to high-income resources have been put into investigating Rsign, but groups cautiously await de- culture and our geography—are expressly or upper middle-income countries. Low- gender dysphoria and studies have over- tails amid delayed action plan” (The Hill distinct from that of First Nations and income countries have received just 0.2 per whelmingly found that you cannot change Times, March 26). The historic MMIWG Métis peoples. cent. The COVAX facility that is supposed to someone’s gender identity or sexuality, funding announced in the federal budget For healing to occur, commemorative ensure vaccines for LMICs has only managed and that attempting to do so is harmful is positive news for Pauktuutit Inuit initiatives for the Inuit women we have to distribute 40 million doses so far. Even if it and can lead to mental health problems or Women of Canada which has been work- lost must be designed and implemented works as planned, it will only provide enough even suicide. Running this ad contributes ing collaboratively with Inuit partners to by the victims’ families, Inuit women and vaccines for 20 per cent of the population in to the onslaught of resistance to their lives ensure an ambitious, comprehensive and our communities. these countries and is an estimated $2-billion and identities that LGBTQ2+ people face distinctions-based national action plan is Likewise, programs and services short of being able to do even that. every day. delivered by the federal government for to improve the safety and security of Mr. Elitzur claims that delaying the second I call on The Hill Times to pull these ads Inuit. Inuit women, girls and gender diverse dose of a vaccine is “an unethical and immoral and to reaffirm their support for LGBTQ2+ Our partners in this work include: people—as well as systemic change in (and probably also illegal) experiment on Cana- people, who include your readers, con- Inuit Tapiriit Kantami (the national rep- areas like justice, health care, education, dian citizens without their consent” and cites the tributors, and likely your colleagues (or resentative organization for Inuit), four housing and economic security—will decision of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control their loved ones). Here are some potential regional Inuit land claims organizations, only be achieved if the unique rights, and Prevention to limit the delay to 42 days. actions that could be taken to do so: donate two regional women’s organizations— interests, perspectives, and ideas of Inuit However, the Canadian National Advisory Com- the revenue collected from the ads to an Saturviit in Nunavik (northern Quebec) are deliberately acknowledged, affirmed mittee on Immunization endorses a delay of up LGBTQ2+ organization or dedicate page and AnanauKatiget Tumingit in Nunatsia- and implemented in the national action to four months. Other countries are saying that space in upcoming issues to LGBTQ2+ top- vut (northern Labrador)—Tungasuvvun- plan. a three-month interval is all right. At this point, ics or policy. I would also suggest a review gat Inuit in Ottawa and the Inuk Family The path toward reconciliation with nobody is clear what the right answer is. of practices to ensure discriminatory ads do Survivor Circle. Inuit must be guided by more than the Are the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines more not run again. For Pauktuutit, ensuring a “distinc- good intentions of governments and non- effective than the AstraZeneca one? That de- I hope The Hill Times will reconsider its tions-based’ approach to the national Inuit-specific groups for concrete prog- pends on what kind of outcome you’re looking at. decision to run this ad, will recognize the action plan is not a preference, it’s an im- ress to be made. The MMIWG Action Plan Joel Lexchin harm it could cause, and will make this right perative, and absolutely essential to end- for Inuit must be distinctions-based and Emergency physician, Emergency with the community. Thank you for your at- ing the tragedy of missing and murdered Inuit must lead its implementation across Department, University Health Network tention to this matter. Inuit women and girls. Inuit Nunangat and in cities. Professor emeritus, Faculty of Health, Sam Garnett, PhD A distinctions-based approach is Rebecca Kudloo, president York University Ottawa, Ont. necessary because Inuit history with the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Toronto, Ont. 10 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Arbour won’t pull any punches

With chief of defence staff the hope that Arbour’s findings There is a very real Jonathan Vance and his succes- are far enough in the future to sor Admiral Art McDonald both prevent sexual harassment from possibility that these being probed for sexual miscon- becoming a fall election theme. military messes could duct, the problem seems to have Liberals and the Bloc Québé- infected the military from top to cois forced an end to the three- do major political bottom. month parliamentary investi- In addition to announcing gation of the military. Sajjan’s damage. Arbour’s appointment last week, parliamentary secretary Anita the government also exposed Vandenbeld defended the shut- the depth of the problem, tabling down on the grounds that military harassment statistics for the past victims are anxiously awaiting five years. the report to get some solutions. The period coincided with Op- But Arbour will want to take a eration Honour, an in-house effort deep dive into the inner workings to stamp out sexual harassment of the problem before she puts in the military. During that time, her name on recommendations. 581 complaints of sexual assault Sajjan said that she will likely be were logged, and another 221 tabling an interim report. incidents of sexual harassment The appointment of Louise Arbour, pictured, to review sexual misconduct in the military But most Liberals will hope Sheila Copps were cited. takes us one step closer to an election. The Hill Times file photograph by Jake Wright that Arbour is in no rush as they Copps’ Corner The operation was supposed to would love to get through the encourage victims of harassment Arbour is not the first jurist to Instead, six years later the election without having sexual to come forward and lay com- weigh in on the military. Six years upper echelons of the military harassment in the military as a he appointment of Louise Ar- plaints without fear of retribution. ago, former Supreme Court Jus- are being examined for the same major campaign issue. Tbour to review sexual miscon- Given the allegations at the tice Marie Deschamps was tasked problem. In addition, when it comes to duct in the military takes us one top, the effort was thrown into with the same problem. There is a very real possibility personnel matters in the military, step closer to an election. a state of disarray and is in the Her conclusion: not only was that these military messes could the public is less likely to blame the The former Supreme Court midst of being dismantled. the military rife with “sexualized do major political damage. government than the military brass. justice is a renowned Canadian and Some believe the numbers of culture,” but that “endemic” sexual The parliamentary committee Changing the culture of any international jurist. As chief prosecu- harassed members of the military misconduct was actually accepted reviewing military sexism heard organization does not happen tor of the International Criminal Tri- is much higher, with more than by the military leadership. recently that the chief of staff to overnight. Add a military or bunals for the former Yugoslavia and 4,600 people having registered for Deschamps’ review occurred the prime minister was briefed police element to that equation, Rwanda, Arbour carried out the first redress as a result of harassment during the tenure of former Prime on allegations against Vance, but and it makes change even more ever global prosecution of sexual as- allegations. Minister Stephen Harper who was Justin Trudeau said last week difficult. sault as a crime against humanity. Defence Minister Harjit Saj- personally briefed about the allega- that his office did not know that So, a concerted effort to get And she has now been tasked jan joined ministerial colleague tions against Vance. Harper actually misconduct allegations were of a to the bottom of military harass- with examining the Canadian Maryam Monsef and Liberal questioned Vance directly and was sexual nature. ment will probably pass electoral military’s approach to sexual members of the House Defence satisfied with his claim that a con- The government obviously muster. harassment, without reviewing Committee to announce the Ar- sensual relationship with a female hopes the Arbour appointment And when her report is individual cases. bour appointment. officer was not a violation since she will buy them time and distance. finalized, Arbour won’t pull any Given the fact that harassment Sajjan gave a lengthy overview was not in his chain of command. They need distance from the punches. allegations have made it all the of the reasoning behind the an- The Deschamps review trig- military, which at this point ap- Sheila Copps is a former Jean way to the military’s commanding nouncement but could not dodge gered the launch of Operation pears incapable of stamping out Chrétien-era cabinet minister and officer, not once but twice, Arbour the questions about potential Honour to stamp out sexism in sexism within its ranks. a former deputy prime minister. is facing no small challenge. government involvement. the military. And they also need time in The Hill Times

Playing the blame game with pandemic politics

Keep in mind, the arguments lower end of the socioeconomic My point is, long gone are the And if you think the current debate as to who’s over our COVID response are ladder who have suffered due to days when the mantra was “we’re not typical political debates; COVID. (Complaining about the all in this together.” to blame over COVID is bitter now, then you we’re not talking here about Liberals “not doing enough” is So, by the time the election better buckle your seat belts because once the abstract ideological principles basically all the NDP does at this dust settles every actor on the or about some policy matter point.) political stage will be presented ‘pandemic election’ is underway, the anger that’s of interest only to party Meanwhile, the Conserva- to voters as total flops when it partisans. tive will relentlessly bash the comes to fighting COVID. and acrimony over this issue will likely shift COVID impacts all of us. Liberals for not closing down And while playing this “blame It has turned our society up- our borders fast enough and for game” makes sense from a purely into a whole new gear of nastiness. side down, it has caused finan- bungling the procurement of political perspective, you have cial and psychological harm to vaccines. to wonder how it will ultimately the spread of COVID, is a failure millions, and most frightening of And for its part, the Liberals impact the way Canadians view with many apparent fathers (and all, it directly threatens the health will pour scorn on Conservative their governmental institutions. mothers). of virtually every citizen in the premiers (most notably Ontario Certainly, it’s not going to Just scan social media and country. Premier Doug Ford) who, they bolster public confidence, at a you’ll see the blame being cast far In short, it’s a nightmare, will argue, ignored the advice of time when Canadians are already and wide. which has triggered a lot of nega- COVID experts. dubious about the competency of Some are blaming our COVID tive emotions: fear, resentment, As an added measure, the public authorities. failure on the federal government, anger. Liberals will also brand every As a matter of fact, a recent others say it’s the fault of our Political strategists, of course, member of Canada’s Conser- study put out by public square and provincial premiers, while others know all this is happening and vative Party as a non-mask Maru/Blue found that 32 per cent of Gerry Nicholls point the finger of blame at our I suspect they won’t be able to wearing, science-denying, anti- Canadians had little or no respect federal and provincial health-care resist the urge to further stoke up vaxxing, COVID-conspiracy for the government and only 15 per Post Partisan Pundit bureaucracies. those negative COVID emotions theorist. cent of Canadians had a great deal And if you think the current in order to tarnish their oppo- On top of all that, you’ll likely of respect for the government. AKVILLE, ONT.—Whoever debate as to who’s to blame over nents. have various advocacy organi- So, whoever wins the next Ocoined the phrase “success COVID is bitter now, then you Indeed, you can pretty well zations who’ll put a pox on all election, in addition to building has many fathers, but failure is an better buckle your seat belts predict the attacks they will their houses, claiming politicians back the economy, will have to orphan” obviously never antici- because once the “pandemic launch. from every party have imposed build back public trust. pated how society would react to election” is underway, the anger The NDP, for instance, will no unnecessary and heavy-handed Gerry Nicholls is a commu- the COVID virus. and acrimony over this issue will doubt savagely assail the federal anti-COVID measures which nications consultant. www.ger- After all, the seeming inability likely shift into a whole new gear Liberals for allegedly not doing infringed on the civil liberties of rynicholls.com of governments to effectively stop of nastiness. enough to help Canadians at the Canadians. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 11 Opinion

Here in ing for a premier in any region of high daily case counts. Hospitals Canada, Erin Canada. are at the breaking point, and the O’Toole’s A year ago, that number would province has already racked up a leadership has have been unthinkable. Back dreadful record in deaths in long- taken the CPC then, 86 per cent of Albertans term health-care facilities. Ford backwards. told pollsters Kenney was do- has dithered rather than been Instead of ing a good job. And the current decisive, constantly conflicted making the funereal numbers are only part of by the needs of business, versus tent bigger, Kenney’s nosedive into oblivion. solid public health policy to save as leadership Members of the premier’s own lives. candidate party have circulated a letter Ditto for Jason Kenney. Too O’Toole demanding that Kenney resign slow to react to COVID-19. Too promised, as both premier and leader of the slow to get a vaccination plan in some of United Conservative Party. The place. Too slow to test. Back and the existing reverse fairy tale of politics, from forth on restrictive measures to members of a prince to a frog in just a year. contain the virus. And singing the party are In the United States, the de the same old song—Ottawa is to running for facto leader of the Republican blame. Ottawa doesn’t administer the exits. The Party, former charlatan-in-chief, healthcare, including long-term Hill Times Donald Trump, has seen a ten care in the provinces. People like photograph by point drop in his popularity. This Jason Kenney and Doug Ford do. Andrew Meade despite some hugely expensive, Or as it turns out, didn’t. transformative spending by the In the U.S., Americans are Biden Administration, trouble on beginning to realize that Presi- the Southern border with immi- dent Trump was missing in action gration issues, and rising tensions when the country was there to with China. be saved, if he had acted expedi- While Trump’s popularity is tiously against the virus. waning, Biden’s numbers are Instead, he downplayed rising. A recent CNN poll said COVID-19. The only science he that 71 percent of Americans followed was science fiction—just who heard Biden’s joint address inject a little disinfectant, and to Congress felt more optimistic presto, no more virus. about the future. Hundreds of thousands of India’s populist prime minister Americans are dead who didn’t Narendra Modi, who has divided have to be, because Trump ragged his nation with his promotion the puck. Instead of acting, he of the Hindu majority over the predicted the whole thing would Muslim minority, is facing scat- blow over when the warm weath- tered calls for his resignation. er came. What came was the third Has the wind This is a man who enjoyed 74 per wave, the deadliest of all. By cent popularity in polls taken in contrast, Biden put vaccines in January. 200 million arms in his first 100 Now, according to Bloomberg days in office. News, hash-tags are appearing Prime Minister Modi, like most with the words, #ModiMadeDi- blustering, populist politicians, finally gone out saster, and #ModiResign. While doesn’t have much of an eye for Modi was addressing the nation detail. His eye is for votes. Modi a few days ago, a Hindi hashtag was out campaigning, while his meaning “Stop the Speech, not citizens were dying in the streets the oxygen” was tweeted 108,000 because the country had run out times. of hospital beds, vaccine, and ox- of the sails of In Brazil, President Jair Bolso- ygen. For several days now, India naro, a right-wing strongman who has been setting hideous records models himself on Donald Trump, for new cases, including one day saw his personal support fall when 400,000 were stricken with from 37 per cent to 26 per cent in the virus. Far too little far too late. a January survey by IDEIA. And what can be said about conservative, What is driving this cratering Brazil’s president, Jair Bolso- of support for populist politi- naro? His country had one of the cians? In a word, COVID-19. highest death rates in the world, The numbers continue to and the best he could do was to show that Canadians approve of say that there was no scientific the way the PM has handled the evidence that vaccines work. It populist politics? COVID-19 pandemic. And that takes a lot to out-Trump the Don- translates into political support ald, but Bolsonaro pulled it off. for the Liberals, and the fact that The COVID-19 pandemic has the party is now approaching triggered a political revival of Ontarians with a positive impres- majority government territory. sorts. It has renewed belief in an Canadians too are rediscovering the beauty of sion of the premier fell from 39 Erin O’Toole, like all opposi- idea that populist politics had per cent earlier in April, to just 28 tion politicians, is fighting for almost destroyed; the notion that progressive politics in this dark hour of great per cent in the last few days. relevance in COVID times. Sadly, there are times when Big Govern- Who is popular in the prov- he has chosen to do it by mak- ment, far from being a political need across the land. ince with Canada’s jammiest ing the insupportable claim that vice, is an absolute boon. Ameri- pot of votes? Justin Trudeau. The the Trudeau government has cans learned that during the backwards. Instead of making the Liberals hold a 16-point lead mishandled the response to the Depression, when FDR brought tent bigger, as leadership candi- over O’Toole’s Conservatives, pandemic. It won’t work. No one the country back from the brink date O’Toole promised, some of who come in at a dismal 33 per expects perfection, just that lead- with government intervention. the existing members of the party cent. Those numbers are the ers get the big shapes right. They are learning it again in the are running for the exits. death march of the CPC’s dream Although there have been lots pandemic. The CPC trails PM Justin of making a political comeback of bumps in the road, Canadians Canadians too are rediscov- Trudeau by double digits in a in areas they once held, in and believe that Trudeau does indeed ering the beauty of progressive recent Ipsos poll for Global News, around Toronto. have their backs. Everyone who politics in this dark hour of great 40 per cent to 30 per cent. That Although it is hard to believe, wants a vaccination will have need across the land. It is always leaves the Liberals on the brink Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, one by September. With a cheque nice to know that someone has Michael Harris of a majority government in an one of the stars of Harper-era in one hand, and a needle in the your back when the chips are Harris election that could come as early conservative politics, has fallen other, the PM is seen as making down, instead of worrying about as this fall. flat on his populist face and in the best of a bad situation. how many restaurants will close In Canada’s most populous what used to be the fortress of Ontario Premier Doug Ford is if government doesn’t rush to ALIFAX—Has the wind province, Ontario Premier Doug hard-right politics. The Angus a prime example of how CO- return to business as usual while Hfinally gone out of the sails of Ford is about as popular as a Reid Institute recently reported VID-19 can all but wipe out a the virus is still on the prowl. conservative, populist politics? sneeze in the face at the grocery that just 23 per cent of Albertans politician. Ontario is suffering ter- Michael Harris is an award- Here in Canada, Erin O’Toole’s store. A recent poll by Abacus polled thought that Kenney was ribly under the third wave of the winning journalist and author. leadership has taken the CPC Data found that the number of doing a good job—the lowest rat- pandemic, setting unbelievably The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

pandemic, only two provinces of- income. But labour law is the pur- fered paid six leave—Quebec with view of the provinces and, apart two days annually, and Prince from Quebec and Prince Edward Edward Island with one day after Island, premiers have resisted five years employment. (That has imposing these costs on business. Paid sick now been boosted to three.) Yu- The federal government can- kon has the most robust program, not itself force private-sector requiring businesses to pay for 10 companies to pay sick leave days sick leave, then reimbursing (even if it compensates them them for their trouble. later), so it resorted to paying The others, including pro- workers directly, through the gressive British Columbia, offer CRSB, with the attendant paper- unpaid sick leave which is little work and delay. It is an awkward leave and the help to the low-income, front-line response to provincial intransi- workers who cannot afford to gence. stay away from work even as the However, faced with plum- virus claims victims all around meting polls and soaring case them. According to a study by numbers, the Ford government a network of Ontario health is now offering to double the providers, 58 per cent of workers CRSB payout to $1,000 a week in in that province have no access his province—which still doesn’t empathy gap to paid leave and 70 per cent of address the problem of prompt those earn less than $25,000 a delivery. It does, however, mean year. Ford doesn’t have to alienate his Ah yes, say the lucky—those business base by forcing them to Ontario Premier politicians, professionals, pundits, pay sick leave, or, risk creating a Doug Ford, bankers and federal employees precedent that could outlast the pictured Sept. who are eligible for paid leave pandemic. 18, 2020, in or have the resources to ride out The impasse over administer- Ottawa. The Ford an illness—but there is always ing the benefit continued behind government's the Canada Recovery Sick- closed doors while the virus kept belated, timid, ness Benefit, introduced by the claiming victims last week. half-measure Trudeau government in August in Meanwhile, many business- on paid sick response to rising pressure from es—from big box stores, to neigh- leave, embraced the federal NDP, unions, health bourhood grocers, to Amazon, reluctantly, is care professionals, and premiers and the tech giants—have been being marketed as (watching with dismay as work- making record profits throughout a 'game-changer,' place outbreaks spread). the pandemic and can easily af- 14 months and The federal program offers ford to treat their employees more 8,000 Ontario $450 a week after taxes for a humanely. As for struggling busi- lives later, writes maximum of four weeks until nesses, they could be subsidized Susan Riley. it ends in September. It is in- by governments, if they can prove The Hill Times tended to compensate workers they can’t afford paid sick leave. photograph by who become ill themselves, or (The Ford government is paying Andrew Meade are required to isolate. However, Ontario businesses up to $200 a the benefit has a couple of seri- day to cover the new sick leave ous flaws: it is inadequate and requirement.) retroactive. Workers can only In the larger picture, there are apply after they have had to European countries with much stay home, and they must wait more generous mandated sick anywhere from three to five days leave, led by the Netherlands, and if they have direct deposit CRA including France and Denmark, accounts, to 10 days, or more, for both prosperous economies. And a cheque. And $450 a week is less Australia and New Zealand, than minimum wage and won’t spurred by the pandemic, have fully replace lost income. both introduced up to 10-day Unsurprisingly, the take-up mandatory sick leave for full-time has been underwhelming. The workers. Nigeria and Vietnam program was originally to cost also have more generous benefits $5 billion over two years, but that than Canada. If those countries was reduced to $738-million in can afford it, so can we. the April federal budget. No one Premier Ford is not without knows how many low-income empathy. As he said in a press workers simply ignored the conference last week: “I assure scratchy throat, lingering cough, you, it’s not lost on me that, or thundering headache, and unlike many people, I’m able to went to work sick because they isolate and continue working. For live paycheque to paycheque. many people right now, that’s not These fitful, mean, almost the case.” But, in his view, those token responses to an immedi- people are Ottawa’s problem. ate social tragedy have two root B.C. Premier John Horgan, too, causes. One is our dysfunctional says his government is finally political system, in which fed- developing a paid sick leave plan, eral and provincial governments because the feds have failed: “We spend more energy bickering asked them to fix it, they haven’t, If politicians are unable to relate to the struggles of people they don’t over jurisdiction than addressing now we’re stepping up.” The pre- often meet, maybe they’ll realize that paying sick people to stay home immediate problems. The sec- mier also said he doesn’t want to ond is a tendency of the political “burden business.” ultimately benefits the bottom line. class—usually far removed from But the pandemic is costing the daily struggles of poor, im- business money, too, as well as migrant and young workers—to the health-care system. If politi- HELSEA, QUE.—Three days. care for children suddenly sent have more empathy for hard- cians are unable to relate to the CThat’s the paid sick leave home from school, tend to other pressed bosses than for their struggles of people they don’t Ontario workers will be eligible aliments, mental and physical. employees. often meet, maybe they’ll realize to receive until the benefit ends Sounds preposterously inad- Precedent suggests the most that paying sick people to stay Sept. 25. It comes more than 400 equate, but here is the real shock: effective way to deliver timely home ultimately benefits the bot- days into a pandemic that has cut this belated, timid, half-measure, paid sick leave is to require tom line. devastating swaths through facto- embraced reluctantly by the Ford businesses to provide it. Prime Meanwhile, Ontario workers, ries, seniors homes, retail outlets, government last week, is being Minister Justin Trudeau has been you have three days. You’ve just offices and shop floors. Three marketed as a “game-changer,” 14 calling on premiers to impose a got to hope its a passing bug. days to take a test, get vaccinated, months and 8,000 Ontario lives 10-day paid leave on provincially Susan Riley is a veteran politi- Susan Riley or, if necessary, isolate. later. regulated businesses. That means cal columnist who contributes Impolitic Three days to care for fam- Nor is it out of line with other if someone feels sick they can regularly to The Hill Times. ily members who have fallen ill, provincial programs. Before the stay home with no interruption of The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 13 Opinion Feds need to be up front on the challenges we face

As we saw By failing to be with Finance Minister Chrystia up front on the Freeland’s recent budget, federal challenges we face, pronouncements our government is and plans to deal with our ill-serving Canadians challenges are typically at a time when public presented through an understanding is optimistic lens, concealing from critical if the public the public the is to contribute to true extent of the problems solutions. we face, what needs to be done to achieve solutions, and how the budget measures will contribute. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

David Crane Canada & the 21st Century

ORONTO—Big and essential Tchallenges facing our country today—a major restructuring of the economy for future growth and averting catastrophic climate change—require major invest- ments in new productive capacity, in the skills workers will need, in the infrastructure that will be required, and in the new knowl- edge we must have. Change will significantly affect how we live will create new export industries 45 per cent,” with plans for “even invested $73.7-billion in infra- year, the IEA estimates, energy- and work. to replace an expected decline more actions on our journey to structure assets in 2019—but only related greenhouse gas emissions All of this will be highly dis- in oil exports in the years ahead net-zero by 2050.” eight per cent of that investment will show the second highest ruptive, will create both winners and, as well, to reduce our chronic Freeland’s budget announced was by the federal government. increase in history. and losers, and will take much account deficit that is increasing billions of dollars in new funding The federal climate plan pays As the world moves beyond time and money. Yet as we saw our need to borrow from abroad to help make the transition to a much less attention to the costs 2030 to a net zero emissions goal with Finance Minister Chrystia to sustain our standard of living? green economy, and the govern- faced by Canadians in the transi- by 2050, the world will need to Freeland’s recent budget, fed- And if so, what kind of boost can ment deserves credit for making tion—or to the broader changes “drastically” cut emissions from eral pronouncements and plans we expect to our exports? And is climate change a major issue, in society that will be needed. It trucks, ships, planes, and cars to deal with our challenges are there a strategy to bring down our including a carbon price rising will be tough to meet our climate and do the same for steel and typically presented through an chronic current account deficit? to $170 a tonne by 2030. But its goals. Environment Canada in cement factories, chemical plants optimistic lens, concealing from We don’t know. These huge confidence that we can achieve at April reported total emissions and farming, Birol said. Many the public the true extent of the economic challenges were not least a 40 per cent cut in emis- from the economic sectors (oil technologies are now available to problems we face, what needs to discussed in the budget. Yet with sions by 2030, just nine years and gas, transportation, buildings, help reach that goal. “However,” be done to achieve solutions, and a low potential growth rate and from now, seems to be based electricity, heavy industry, agricul- he said, “IEA analysis shows that how the budget measures will a chronic current account deficit on the assumption that its wide ture and waste and other sources) about half the reductions to get contribute. we could face serious economic range of subsidies and regula- totalled 739 megatonnes in 2005 to net zero emissions in 2050 will In her budget, for example, difficulties in the not-too-distant tions will be fully taken up. and were just over one per cent need to come from technologies Freeland announced major new future. Instead of striving to show But will they? How fast will lower, at 730 megatonnes, in 2019. that are not yet ready for market.” spending for innovation. Much of the world through rose-coloured we move to electric cars and what Huge reductions will be needed in Getting to a more productive the spending may be useful. But glasses, a serious budget would share of auto and truck sales oil and gas, transportation, build- economy or achieving ambitious she didn’t tell us what the govern- be up front on the challenges we will be needed? Will the aviation ings, and heavy industry between climate targets creates many op- ment hoped to achieve through face and how we would need to industry have greener fuels by now and 2030. portunities as well as costs. But this spending. What impact would address these challenges. 2030? How much will heavy in- “It is clear that the level of by failing to be up front on the it have on growth? The same is true with climate dustry invest to be low-carbon? Is commitment to fight climate challenges we face, what’s re- Was the goal to raise our pro- change. At the recent leaders’ it realistic to expect much new ca- change has never been higher,” quired to address them, and how ductivity performance so that we summit on climate change, Prime pacity in carbon capture, utiliza- Fatih Birol, executive director of government polices are expected can improve the potential growth Minister Justin Trudeau boasted tion, and storage to be in place by the International Energy Agency, to deliver needed change, our rate of the economy, which is criti- that “Canada is now on track to 2030? How quickly will provinces told the recent summit on climate government is ill-serving Canadi- cal if we are to meet our future blow past our old target of a 30 and municipalities take up federal hosted by U.S. President Joe ans at a time when public under- fiscal needs and sustain a high per reduction [in greenhouse gas grants for green infrastructure, Biden. “But I will be blunt,” he standing is critical if the public is standard of living? And if so, what emissions] below 2005 levels,” since infrastructure spending is added. “Commitments alone are to contribute to solutions. impact will this new spending declaring that “our new climate mainly carried out at the provin- not enough. We need real change David Crane can be reached at have? Do we have a productivity target for 2030 is to reduce our cial and local level. According to in the world. Right now, the data [email protected]. strategy? Is the hope this spending 2005 emissions levels by 40 to Statistics Canada, governments does not match the rhetoric.” This The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

tion in his column. Even a cursory and glossing over the horrendous No mainstream Jewish glance at Israeli news media shows human rights abuses which hap- a wide spectrum of criticism of pen throughout the region, and, in Israeli government policies, from particular, in Gaza and in the West the right, left and centre alike. Bank, is a major obstacle prevent- organization, politician, or Similarly, here in Canada, ing any peace from taking place criticism of successive govern- between Israel and the Palestinians. ments at all levels, from mu- Given that Jews are the single nicipal to federal, is widespread largest targeted group for hate community advocate would and welcome, no less than in the crimes in this country according to pages of The Hill Times, because Statistics Canada, the stakes are both Canada and Israel are very high. And when he misrep- vibrant, liberal democracies, and resents the legitimate concerns suggest criticism of Israel we would expect nothing less of defenders of Israel against real from our news media. Those are anti-Semitism, and ominously the hallmarks of a free society. claims without proof that there is Fortunately, when it comes to a “much larger effort” to label crit- constitutes anti-Semitism defining anti-Semitism, there is ics of Israel as anti-Semites, he not a widely accepted international only waters down the real dangers definition, accepted by dozens of anti-Semitism, but, ironically In fact, as it is often pointed out, there are few values of freedom, democracy, of countries, including Canada, enough, creates a hateful and and the rule of law. which can serve as an important phantom image of Jews as the boy voices more critical of Israel’s governmental Balsam creates a straw-man ar- illustration. In 2016, the Interna- crying wolf, looking for anti-Semi- gument when he suggests that or- tional Holocaust Remembrance tism under every rock. policies than Israelis themselves. ganizations and voices supportive Alliance (IHRA) adopted a It’s long overdue for advocates of Israel seek to quieten criticism of resolution which recognized that of the BDS movement to stop the forest for the trees. While Israel by labelling it as anti-Semitic anti-Semitism also includes deny- claiming they are the victim of Balsam stresses his opposition to when he writes there are “much ing the Jewish People’s collective some conspiracy to delegitimize anti-Semitism, writing that he is larger efforts to unfairly malign right to self-determination. In them, and to acknowledge with in full agreement with Prime Min- and delegitimize those who advo- other words, recognizing that all transparency what their move- ister Justin Trudeau’s statement: cate for Palestinian human rights peoples have the right to govern ment truly is: a series of double “It is all of our duty to speak out as simply anti-Semitic.” But this is themselves, except Jews in their standards applied to Israel, and and stand against anti-Semitism, patently false. No mainstream Jew- historical and ancestral home- no one else, least of all the Pales- discrimination and hatred in all ish or pro-Israel organization, poli- land, constitutes anti-Semitism. tinians, and an unceasing demon- its forms,” the rest of his column tician or community advocate here The Boycott Divestment Sanc- ization, which seeks to remove unfortunately does nothing to in Canada or abroad would suggest tions (BDS) movement, which legitimacy from Israel’s very right Mike Fegelman combat anti-Jewish hatred. that criticism of Israel, or advo- promotes economic and other to exist as a Jewish state. Opinion But where Balsam takes issue cacy on behalf of the Palestinians pressures on Israel, promoted by Mike Fegelman is executive is another of the prime minister’s constitutes anti-Semitism. In fact, Balsam in his column, is a problem director of HonestReporting statements, made recently during as it is often pointed out, there are for precisely this reason. While Is- Canada, a non-profit organization n his recent column, “Advocating Yom Ha’atzmaut, or Israel’s Inde- few voices more critical of Israel’s rael is not perfect, and no defender ensuring fair and accurate Ca- Ifor Palestinian human rights is pendence Day, when he said that governmental policies than Israelis of Israel would claim it is, to fixate nadian media coverage of Israel. not anti-Semitic,” (The Hill Times, Canada and Israel are “steadfast themselves; even Balsam quotes on it endlessly and obsessively, www.HonestReporting.ca April 26), Corey Balsam misses allies” and united in their shared an Israeli human rights organiza- while fundamentally ignoring The Hill Times

Canadian government to build ship design would be chosen and Why is Canada paying so 15 CSC at a fixed cost of $30-bil- which companies would receive lion—less than half of Canada’s billions of dollars to develop, estimated acquisition costs. The install and integrate the mission vessels were to be built by ISI in critical systems into Canada’s much for 15 CSC combat ships? Halifax. The Liberal government fleet of CSC. rejected the offer. Any new competitive process dian Surface Combatants (CSC) the foundation of any successful As a second example, the U.S. should include ship designers and We allowed industry for the Royal Canadian Navy procurement is the establish- recently concluded a competition shipyards. The government should (RCN). From my perspective, the ment of an appropriate SOR. It is for its Navy Constellation class retain its oversight responsibility, to affect the Navy’s more public debate on this matter, common knowledge that a major (FFG-62). These ships are multi- all systems should be non-devel- the better. contributor to large cost increases mission guided-missile frigates, opmental and the requirement SOR, we accepted Recently, Kevin McCoy, former are changes made to the require- directly comparable to the CSC. for a warship design should be a ship design and president of Irving Shipyards Inc. ments downstream in the process. The U.S. Congressional Budget based on an operational parent (ISI), made a number of com- That is why before it is offered to Office estimates that the cost of ship design. Penalties for non- systems that are highly ments regarding the CSC pro- industry, it goes through a rigor- the 10 FFG-62 ships would be performance including late ship gram that need to be addressed. ous challenge function within $12.3-billion or about $1.2-bil- delivery should be imposed and developmental thereby First, in his opinion, he said DND following which it is not lion per ship USD. This equates a fixed cost contract should be Canada should “move forward” subject to any modifications. to approximately $1.56-billion signed with the winning bidder. increasing risk and cost, with the current process. To McCoy, While there were many fatal CAD per ship or $23.4-billion for Launching this new process in and the government “starting the process over again flaws in the CSC procurement 15 ships—one-third of Canada’s 2021 would ensure that deliver- makes no sense.” Frankly to me, process, the release of the SOR to costs to build the CSC. ies begin consistent with the implemented a flawed what makes no sense is not to start industry in a preliminary, rather So why is Canada paying current schedule, if not sooner. the process over again. The current than a final version was a major two to three times as much as The government should opt for procurement process program is simply unaffordable. contributor to the out-of-control we ought to be paying? First, a mixed fleet. Three ships should McCoy doesn’t dispute, but conve- costs. Asking industry to assist in because, as mentioned above, be built under the current process and decided to abdicate niently ignores the life-cycle costs the preparation of the SOR is like we allowed industry to affect the with the balance to be delivered for the CSC, estimated to exceed asking the fox to guard the hen- Navy’s SOR. Second, because, following the new competitive its oversight role. a quarter-trillion dollars. The costs house. Provided with the opportu- in contrast to the U.S. FFG-62 process. Such a strategy would of this program alone, exceed the nity to assist in the formulation of program, we accepted a ship de- result in significant savings while total available funding within the the SOR and absent any real cost sign and systems that are highly still maintain the existing delivery Department of National Defence controls, industry has responded developmental thereby increas- schedule. It will ensure the RCN (DND) to acquire and maintain the as was to be expected. To use a ing risk and cost. Third, because gets what it needs at a price Ca- capital goods for the Army, Navy, car analogy, industry is building a the government’s implemented a nadians can afford. and Air Force combined. Moving bespoke Porsche when the Navy flawed procurement process and Alan Williams is a former as- forward would bankrupt DND’s only can afford a Chevrolet. in particular, decided to abdi- sistant deputy minister of mate- capital and maintenance accounts Third, McCoy is absolutely cate its oversight role. McCoy riel at DND. He is now president for the next 30 years right when he says, “Canada contends that “Canada was and of The Williams Group providing Second, McCoy states, should expect to pay about the remains in charge.” Nothing could expertise in the areas of policy, “Canada’s requirements process same as other nations for similar be further from the truth. The programs and procurement. Alan Williams was the most rigorous that I have ships.” However, there is sub- government relinquished this role He has authored two books, Opinion ever participated in.” That may be stantial evidence that Canada in January 2015 when it declared Reinventing Canadian Defence true, but it is also the most flawed is significantly overpaying for ISI the prime contractor. As the Procurement: A View From the process that I have ever witnessed the CSC. For example, in 2017 prime contractor, ISI was given Inside, and Canada, Democracy, t is encouraging to see in- to develop an appropriate state- Fincantieri, a world leader in ship overall control of the project. and the F-35. He can be reached Icreased public debate on the ment of requirements (SOR). design and construction, submit- ISI, not the government, ran the at [email protected]. planned acquisition of 15 Cana- As I have argued in this paper, ted an unsolicited proposal to the competition to determine which The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 15 Opinion A little-known Trans- Canada digital identity regime in the works, in whose interest?

Most provinces and territories are Canada’s federal and launching ambitious companion digital ID projects. For instance, Quebec in 2020 provincial governments announced a five-year, multi-million-dollar project to create a digital ID “wallet” for need to hit pause and every Quebecer. On Oct. 19, 2020, Ontario rethink their digital announced that it wants to introduce a secure digital identity online service by the Privacy Commissioner Daniel Therrien, right, and Ellen Weintraub, pictured May 28, 2019, at identity scheme and end of 2021. the House Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics Committee. In a recent March speech, the Though billed as a voluntary system, privacy commissioner expressed concerns that the penalty grounds for privacy invasion in Bill C-11 digital legislation which it’s pretty clear that efforts are being made are too limited. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade to make it a universally available system are pushing sufficient and for Canadians. Recognition is given that it secure privacy protection will take special efforts to get those living that occurred with the attempted Phoenix Now, the April 2021 federal budget pro- in poverty and remote areas with smaller public employee pay delivery system. Al- vides for a data commissioner office with a largely aside. digital footprints to participate. ready, hackers have mounted attacks like five-year $17.6-million budget. That office’s However, there has been little public the one last August when more than 9,300 mandate is to encourage new digital data ini- consultation or adequate public informa- Government of Canada (GC) keys used tiatives, and corporate competition and data tion on going ahead with such a digital by Canadians to get online services were sharing. The Privacy Commissioner’s Office ID regime. Federally, the privacy commis- compromised. confirms that it was not consulted about es- sioner has had “some conversations with On the legislative front, business- tablishing a data commissioner whose office federal government departments about backed groups like the Digital Identifica- could well serve as a counterweight to any various targeted initiatives, for example, tion and Authentication Council of Can- objections and actions the privacy commis- the Traveller Digital Identity service. But its ada are calling for revamping Canada’s sioner may suggest and undertake. “office has not been consulted on a nation- outdated public-sector Privacy Act to allow Economic-driven digitization and digital al digital ID by the federal government.” for a more permissive legal regime that ID schemes pose new privacy risks, taking Back in 2018-19, the House Access to clears the way for digital IDs and one-stop away more control Canadians could have Ken Rubin Information, Privacy and Ethics Committee digitized government services. over their personal data, and potentially Opinion held hearings examining the shift towards That coincides with the government allowing much quicker means for monitor- digital services. Their review included the moving forward on Bill C-11, the Digital ing, tracking and profiling citizens. Just Estonia model, where digital government Charter Implementation Act, for future turn to the current concerns over govern- TTAWA—Are Canadians being gamed services means everyone has to have an handling of private-sector personal data. ment-sponsored COVID-19 tracking apps Oby certain government and corpo- electronic ID as a starting point to get Second reading hearings begin in May. and the discussions about how vaccine rate interests into believing a brighter government services, and for voting online. Privacy advocates charge that Bill C-11 passports would work. post-pandemic future is coming if we all The hearings were not directly on adapt- offers insufficient enforceable restrictions Yet big government, big tech and secu- have digital IDs? They say it means more ing or approving a Canada-wide digital and no auditing of marketplace surveil- rity interests are getting special kid-glove effective government services and a better identity scheme. lance of Canadian consumers. They believe treatment. Protection of personal data data-driven economy. It is not an effort to Yet the federal government at that time Bill C-11, as it currently stands, gives busi- seems to be secondary to building a data establish a central data bank for a national was already laying the groundwork for go- ness more flexible use of personal informa- economy. ID card or for state and market surveil- ing towards digital ID services. It set up a tion and is more about improving business In past schemes, governments wanted an lance, they claim. low-profile Digital Ministry and Canadian opportunities to data mine Canadians’ all-powerful social insurance card ID or a Governments already have multi- Digital Service and the Innovation, Sci- personal information while the govern- universal smart biometric identity card but personal data sharing agreements in place ence and Economic Development Ministry ment encourages a digital infrastructure neither materialized despite efforts. Now a and driver licences, health cards, SIN cards adopted a pro-business Digital Charter on build-up. In addition, they say, as does the digital ID system is being built and govern- and passports that can be linked, some advancing to a digital-based economy. privacy commissioner, that Bill C-11 falls ments are counting on Canadians trusting with biometric features. This is dramati- Millions of dollars are and continue to short of giving Canadians informed con- its intent and wanting on-line services. cally changing as an August 2020 Treasury be spent on putting a digital ID regime in sent rights and protections. But Canadian governments need to hit Board note indicates in its “working with place. Some of the biggest beneficiaries are In a recent March speech, the privacy ‘pause’, and rethink their digital identity other departments and jurisdictions to de- the IT and AI industries, and, given privacy commissioner expressed concerns that the scheme and digital legislation which are velop a pan-Canadian approach to digital and cyber security concerns, so are state penalty grounds for privacy invasion in Bill pushing sufficient and secure privacy pro- identity.” One pilot project included linking security agencies and their security indus- C-11 are too limited, that the bill leaves his tection largely aside. up British Columbia ‘My Services’ and try contractors. office with no mandate to conduct audits, Ken Rubin writes about privacy, access Canada Revenue Agency ‘My Account’ and Along the way, however, a pan-Canadi- and that the bill’s proposed special tribunal to information and other issues and is Employment and the Social Development an digital ID regime could be fraught with gives businesses an opportunity to chal- reachable at kenrubin.ca Canada ‘My Services’ account. glitches like the costly technical problems lenge orders his office is given in the bill. The Hill Times

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Untitled-1 1 15-05-25 9:34 PM 16 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

discussions as they ought to have There are eight ridings in the been. People went on vacation, I Ottawa area, and the Liberals don’t think it was handled [with hold seven. All seven incumbent Carney’s potential seriousness that it deserved]. Liberals have been nominated “You could argue that they had as the party’s candidates for the other things on their plate, but next election. Mr. McGuinty is there was some [feeling on Car- currently the only one of those ney’s part] like, ‘Who am I dealing seven who would be eligible for a with here?’ You would think that pension if he retired from politics, run for office has these discussions would take place as most of the others were elected between the prime minister and in the 2015 Liberal red wave. It Mark. That’s apparently not how it takes six years of service in the happened. So, you can read either House to qualify for pension. too little or too much into that.” The only riding not held by Liberals talking The source speculated that the Liberals in the Ottawa area is Finance Minister Chrystia Free- Carleton, Ont. represented by high- land’s (University-Rosedale, Ont.) profile Conservative MP Pierre Mark Carney, status as the presumed successor Poilievre. He won the last election former governor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by a margin of 8.1 per cent, or 5,629 of the Bank (Papineau, Que.) atop the party votes. Mr. Poilievre is very popular of Canada was one reason there may have with the base of the Conservative and Bank of been a lack of serious effort to Party and is expected to run for the England, is recruit Mr. Carney. party leadership whenever it opens expected by If Mr. Carney runs in the next up next time. some to run for election and the Liberals are suc- “Carleton would be a very the Liberals in cessful in winning another man- difficult riding for any Liberal, the next federal date in government, he might including a star candidate,” said election, but succeed Ms. Freelnad as Finance Nik Nanos, founder and chief he has not minister, and would be serious data scientist for Nanos Research. confirmed or leadership competition for the “The demographics of that riding denied whether incumbent finance minister. and the Conservative support is he will do so. “He’s [Mr. Carney] still gonna actually quite strong, and plus the The Hill Times have to go up against a formidable sitting Member Pierre Poilievre file photograph machine around Freeland,” the not only has a national profile, he source said. “In fact, his entrance into has a reputation for being a very, politics may end up being impacted very strong riding Member that by the Freeland people. They can see understands the ground game.” this coming too, they’re not stupid.” Mr. Nanos said that it makes A spokesman for the Liberal more sense for Mr. Carney to run Party declined to say whether Mr. in a safe riding like Ottawa South. Carney will run for the party in He said it would be critical for Mr. the next election for the party. McGuinty to throw his support behind the former banker if that Brookfield Asset Management, and total confidence in his finance were to happen, as the McGuinty If Mark Carney the UN special envoy on climate minister. In the midst of leaks to name has a strong brand in the chooses to run as a change and finance. He did not re- the media both from the PMO and riding. Dalton McGuinty repre- spond to an interview request from finance minister’s office, Mr. Mor- sented the riding provincially from Liberal in the next The Hill Times last week. neau left the cabinet and resigned 1990 to 2013, and Dalton Sr.—fa- It’s not unusual for a longtime from the House the same month. ther of Dalton and David—served election, he will likely sitting MP in any party to make Liberal sources told The Hill as the MPP from 1987 to 1990. room for a star candidate to run in Times that Mr. Carney did not “Ottawa South has a large Mc- run in Ottawa South, their place. MPs who make that sac- run for a seat at that time because Guinty following,” said Mr. Nanos. say some Liberal rifice are often appointed to some he was dismayed by the way Mr. “So in the ideal world, not only lucrative diplomatic post, to the Morneau was denied a dignified would Ottawa South be avail- insiders. Senate, or to a Crown corporation. exit, and that senior Liberals did able, but it would actually, in my In his emailed response, Mr. Mc- not seriously try to recruit him. opinion, require the blessing of Guinty did not comment on wheth- Mr. Carney since then has au- the McGuinty machine. Because er he was offered the top diplomatic thored a new book called Values: Continued from page 1 if the McGuintys did not look post to Ireland. He welcomed Mr. Building a Better World for All, kindly on any Liberal candidate, England since he gave a keynote Carney potentially running for the and has done dozens of inter- it just makes it much more dif- speech at the Liberal Party’s an- Liberal Party. Last month, the gov- views to promote his book. He ficult for that candidate.” ernment appointed Nancy Smyth, has declined to offer a clear an- nual convention in April. Liberal MP David McGuinty says he Some Liberal insiders also a career foreign service officer, as swer to questions about whether According to some Liberal will run for a seventh consecutive term speculated that Mr. Carney could sources, Veteran Liberal MP David Canada’s ambassador to Ireland. he will run in the next election. in the next federal election. The Hill run in the GTA. The party is still McGuinty had agreed to step aside, The position was filled two years Last month, he gave a keynote Times photograph by Andrew Meade in the process of nominating can- last fall, in favour of Mr. Carney. In after it first became vacant. speech at the Liberal Party’s virtual didates in the area. that situation, Mr. McGuinty would “I also have the great privilege of convention and said that he would There are a number of other Lib- have been appointed as Canada’s continuing my efforts as the found- “do whatever I can to support the “David McGuinty has been erals who think Mr. Carney will not ambassador to Ireland. ing Chair of the National Security Liberal Party in our efforts to build nominated as the Liberal candi- run in this election. They told The “I am delighted to confirm that and Intelligence Committee of a better future for Canadians.” date for Ottawa South, building Hill Times that if he gets involved in I am the nominated Team Trudeau Parliamentarians as the Committee Political insiders took this as the on his strong record of service to elected politics, he would want to be Liberal Candidate for Ottawa South pursues several very significant on- strongest hint that Mr. Carney Canadians and his community the party leader or prime minister, and that I am running in the next going reviews,” said Mr. McGuinty. would run in the next election. since first being elected to Parlia- or with an expectation that the top federal election, whenever that “Like all Liberals, I was Some told The Hill Times that Mr. ment in 2004,” said Braeden Caley, job would open up within a reason- might be,” Mr. McGuinty told The delighted to hear Mark Carney Carney could have easily squashed the senior director of communica- ably short period of time. Hill Times in an emailed statement. speak at our recent online con- the speculation about his political tions for the Liberal Party. “I don’t see him putting in a “It is my greatest honour and the vention and am so pleased that future by publicly stating that he “We were glad to count Mark any kind of lengthy tour of duty,” highlight of my public-sector career he is bringing his experience and would not run for office in any of Carney as a featured speaker said the source, adding that Mr. to serve my constituents of Ottawa passion to our Liberal family. I the several media interviews he at our 2021 Liberal National Carney would not run for office to South. Following in my family’s am confident he will continue to has done in recent months. Convention to share his unique be only the finance minister. footsteps, I am working hard every make a terrific contribution to our In almost every media inter- insights and experience, at a con- “I would think that in his own day to represent my constituents government in any capacity.” view, the former central banker vention that focused on delivering mind, he sees all kinds of [past] and I hope to earn their trust once Last August, media reports was asked this question, but he support for Canadians and keep- experience that he’s accumulated, again in the next campaign.” indicated that Mr. Trudeau was did not say yes or no. ing Canada moving forward.” even though he may have been a Mr. McGuinty was first consulting Mr. Carney to chart “Is there a level of seriousness Mr. Carney lives in the riding bank governor— he was one in elected in 2004 and has been the country’s path back to recov- here? And their [senior Liberals] of Ottawa-Vanier, which is cur- Canada and dealt with political re-elected in all five subse- ery from the COVID-19 pandemic. seriousness has to match my seri- rently represented by Associate people, he was one in the UK— quent federal elections. He is At the time, Bill Morneau was ousness,” said one Liberal insider, Finance Minister Mona Fortier. and dealt with political people…I the brother of former Ontario serving as the finance minister, describing how they thought Mr. Liberal sources told The Hill don’t think he would say that ‘Well, premier Dalton McGuinty, and is and a number of pundits opined Carney felt about discussions Times that it’s highly unlikely I have a lot to learn about what’s the chair of the National Security that Mr. Trudeau was consulting with the party last fall. that party would ask an incum- happening in downtown Rosedale.’ and Intelligence Committee of Mr. Carney because he had lost “I understand there were dis- bent female MP to step aside for …I don’t think he considers him- Parliamentarians. confidence in Mr. Morneau. cussions with him after Morneau a male MP, especially when Ms. self politically inexperienced.” Mr. Carney, 56, is now the head In response, Mr. Trudeau is- was pushed out. I don’t think Fortier started her parliamentary [email protected] of the green investment program at sued a statement saying he had PMO was as engaged in those career only four years ago. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 17 News

Conservative The Conservatives could also “I don’t think that that [en- Leader Erin lose some votes to the Peoples vironment] is what is prevent- O'Toole's pivot Party of Canada led by former ing Conservatives for making a to the centre is Conservative MP Maxime Ber- breakthrough,” said a Conserva- not a mistake, nier. But it remains to be seen tive MP who spoke to The Hill but a calculated how many, but Mr. Lyle estimated Times on a not-for-attribution ba- risk to expand that it will be in single digits. sis to offer their candid opinion. and build his “He [Mr. O’Toole] could either “At the end of the day, people are party's support have a very happy base, and no going to be deciding whether they base, though room to grow, or some unhap- want this current government to it remains piness in his base and room to continue or not, and that’s what to be seen if grow,” said Mr. Lyle. “So he’s bet will be the determining factor for it will work, on the room to grow, and he the next election. I don’t think say pollsters. didn’t really have a choice.” that this specific issue is what is The Hill Times Mr. Lyle said this scenario holding us back, at all.” photograph by could also see Conservatives Mr. Lyle said that the political Andrew Meade losing seats they won by close situation has changed significantly margins in provinces outside of since the 2011 election. In today’s Western Canada. time, he said, it’s not possible Pollster Frank Graves of for any party be taken seriously Ekos Research agreed that Mr. without a coherent and effective O’Toole’s policy shifts are a cal- climate plan. Mr. Lyle said that one culated risk. So far, it doesn’t look key criticism levied at former Con- like Mr. O’Toole’s policies are servative leader Andrew Scheer resonating with groups the leader (Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask.), who is trying to attract, he said. lost the 2019 election, was that he “I don’t know if this is a did not have a credible climate plan longer-term goal for the next elec- “You can’t win the 2021, or tion,” said Mr. Graves. “But if this 2022 election with strategies that is a strategy to win the next elec- won in 2008 or 2011,” said Mr. Lyle. tion, in the time that that’s likely “The world has moved on. There’s to happen, I don’t see it having pretty clear evidence that the con- much traction.” tributing factor to their inability A recent poll by Ekos Research to win in the last election was not O’Toole’s pivot to the showed the Liberals leading the being credible on climate change.” pack with the support of 34.6 per Mr. Lyle said that the next cent of Canadians followed by the election will likely be after the Conservatives with 29.7 per cent. pandemic is over. He said that the centre and carbon pricing The NDP support was at 16.9 per recovery plan will be an impor- cent and the Greens were at 7.4 tant issue, but will be one of sev- per cent. The poll of 2,902 Canadi- eral other election issues. He also ans was conducted between April pointed out that different people 16 to April 28 and had a margin of vote based on different policies. calculated risks to win error of 1.8 percentage points, 19 “The election isn’t today,” he times out of 20. said. “So, the federal government is The regional breakdown not going to call the election until of this poll suggested that the we’re out of a peak [of the pandem- next election, say pollsters Conservatives were far ahead ic]. We can’t be in the middle of a of the Liberals in Saskatchewan wave—the third wave or the fourth and Alberta, the two provinces wave—if that comes and have an of $50. They would be able to use cautioned that a lot would depend where the Liberals failed to win election. That would be a problem Erin O’Toole had no that money for environmentally- on the quality of candidates and any seats in the last election. The for the government. So, it’s true option but to take friendly purchases like a bicycle, how organized the riding associa- Liberals were enjoying a com- that recovery is definitely going to transit pass, an energy efficient tion is. fortable lead over the Conserva- be an issue, but it’s not going to be a chance on trying furnace, or electric vehicles. Mr. “Westerners themselves from a tives in Ontario, Quebec, British the only issue, and different voters O’Toole described this as a pric- broad spectrum are saying, given Columbia, and Atlantic Canada. care about different things.” to grow his party’s ing mechanism, not a tax. The the fact that [Mr. O’Toole has] In Manitoba, however, the Con- Meanwhile, the Conserva- plan proposed that these savings completely turned his back on his servatives and the Liberals were tive MP said that the focus of the support base, but it’s accounts could be overseen by a commitment about not instituting a running neck and neck with 33.1 Conservatives should be on the “consortium of companies, as the form of carbon taxation…that the and 30.8 per cent support, respec- Liberal government’s ethics, and not clear whether his INTERAC system is.” Conservatives are open game, in tively. The NDP was at 21.6 and public safety issues in the major gamble will pay off in The Climate Plan is a key the sense that we should go after the Greens at 3.4 per cent. urban centres, most importantly policy shift for the Conservatives, them in every riding they hold,” Mr. In Ontario, the Liberals had in the GTA, not the environment. the next election, says who for years have gone after the Hill said in an interview in April. the support of 39.7 per cent of A second Conservative MP in- Liberals, describing their carbon “Somebody said to me the Ontarians, the Conservatives 29.1 terviewed said that the carbon tax pollster Greg Lyle. pricing system as a “tax on every- other day, you know, ‘Not only did per cent, the NDP 19.6 per cent, and the other changes that Mr. thing” and using that rhetoric to he kick us between the pockets, and the Green Party 7.1 per cent. O’Toole is introducing are mak- raise funds for their party. Now, but then when we bend over, In Quebec, the Liberal support ing him lose supporters in the they are proposing their own he stabbed us in the back.’ It’s a Continued from page 1 was at 35.3 per cent, Bloc Québé- caucus. The source said that it’s variation of carbon pricing, but pretty vivid picture that this indi- cois support was at 21.5 per cent, becoming increasingly challeng- Greg Lyle in an interview with deny it is a carbon tax. vidual, a long-time Conservative, the Conservatives had 18.9 per ing for Western MPs to defend the The Hill Times. “He’s paying a Critics of Mr. O’Toole within shared with me.” cent, the NDP 11.9 per cent, and party’s changing policies to their price right away; whether it will the party, a large majority of If the Mavericks field candi- the Green Party 7.7 per cent. In constituents. They said a signifi- pay off for him [in the next elec- whom are based in Western Cana- dates across Western Canada, Atlantic Canada, the Liberals had cant number of MPs in Western tion] we have yet to see.” da, say that he ran as a “true blue Conservatives could lose a hand- a 10-point lead over the Conser- Canada are upset, but are not Since his surprise leadership Conservative” in the leadership ful of ridings in the major urban vatives with 40 per cent and 30 speaking openly about it because election victory in August, Mr. election, but now is proposing centres like Calgary and Edmon- per cent support, respectively. The they think they will win their O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) has been progressive conservative policies, ton, said Mr. Lyle. NDP support was at 11 per cent seats again, and now is not the trying to diversify the party base and they feel “betrayed” by this In order to win the 170 seats and the Green Party 10 per cent. time to change the party leader, by reaching out to ethnic com- pivot. They say these progressive required for a majority govern- In British Columbia and Ter- with a deadly pandemic raging munities, union members, the conservative policies were the ment in the next election, the ritories, the Liberals were at 35.1 and the next election perhaps LGBTQ community, and has iden- reason they chose Mr. O’Toole Conservatives would need to add per cent, the Conservatives 25.8 only a few months away. tified himself as pro-choice. over the leadership election front- at least 49 more, and keep the per cent, the NDP 19.6 per cent, “I don’t even know how many Three weeks ago, he intro- runner Peter MacKay. 121 seats they carried in the 2019 and the Greens at 11.7 per cent. friends or supporters he has duced his climate plan, propos- The upstart Maverick Party election. Mr. Lyle argued that Mr. Some Conservative MPs inter- left,” the second source said. ing that Canadians pay a levy is now considering changing its O’Toole is pursuing policies that viewed for this article said that “Most people who supported every time they buy hydrocarbon declared plan to run candidates could help the party win new there was no need for Mr. O’Toole him are feeling indifferent, like, fuels, such as gasoline, with the only in 49-strong Conservative seats in Ontario and Quebec, pos- to come up with the carbon- ‘I’m not gonna make a stink. money diverted to an individual ridings, in order to avoid splitting sibly at the expense of votes in pricing plan, as the party has won After the election, if he’s looking low-carbon savings account for the right of centre vote in ridings Western Canada. three elections—in 2006, 2008 and for supporters, I’m going to be, each person. According to the where the Liberals or NDP could If an election were held now, 2011— without a carbon-pricing like, in the forest, nowhere to be plan, initially, Canadians would win. Jay Hill, the interim Maverick the Conservative Party would plan. They said the next election seen, based on what I’ve seen so pay $20 per tonne of greenhouse leader, recently told The Hill Times likely still recapture all of its rid- would be about the pandemic and far.’” gas emission, and that would that his party might run candidates ings in the West, albeit with small- the path back to recovery, not [email protected] eventually go up to a maximum in more than those 49 ridings. He er margins of victories, he said. about the environment. The Hill Times 18 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

Looking at net worth doesn’t always give a clear picture of the problem either, since much of that Billions for pensioners gets worth can be tied up in the value of the house in which an elderly person or family lives, he said. Increasing the GIS is the best way to help seniors get out of all-party support, but seniors poverty, said Prof. Osberg. “If you’re worried about pov- erty among the elderly, then an increase in the GIS is the way to go. For the same net expenditure hold highest net worth by government, you get a much bigger impact on elderly poverty The government’s Finance Minister by increasing the GIS than by Chrystia increasing the OAS,” he said. budget will send Freeland's “People in the middle of the in- budget said an come distribution don’t have the $12-billion over five expansion of same financial needs as people at Old Age Security the bottom of the income distri- years to seniors over was a 'partial bution. If you’re going to ask, the age of 75. repayment' of a ‘Where is the greater need?’, it’s debt owed for the people … who depend on the the lives lost in guaranteed income supplement long-term care in their old age. That’s the people Continued from page 1 homes during with greater need.” Canada suggests that not all se- the COVID-19 Former NDP MP Peggy Nash niors need the help. pandemic. The said there are good reasons to Finance Minister Chrystia budget also set bump up the OAS, not the GIS, to Freeland’s (University-Rosedale, aside $3-billion give seniors a helping hand. Ont.) first budget set aside for improving While all but the highest-earn- $12-billion over five years to standards of care ing seniors are entitled to OAS, the increase payments to seniors over in those homes, GIS is a more stringently-defined the age of 75 through the Old Age which fall program. The application process Security (OAS) program. It was under provincial for GIS is more complex, said Ms. one of the most expensive items jurisdiction. Nash, who previously served as in a budget that projects to add The Hill Times the NDP’s finance critic, and now $332-billion to the national debt photograph by works as an adviser at Ryerson over the next five years. Andrew Meade University and board member for The budget promises to send the Broadbent Institute. a one-time payment of $500 to se- “You need to apply (for GIS). niors over the age of 75 in August You need to prove what your 2021, and to increase regular OAS income level is. It’s a very compli- payments for that age group by 10 cated formula, and requires a lot per cent permanently. That would of resources to administer. And amount to an extra $766 per year “The proposed OAS increase among all age groups that year, The Old Age Security program because it’s means-tested, in a for many seniors, at a cost of “at does nothing to support low- at $543,200, trailing households sends a monthly pension to most way it’s like welfare, which gov- least” $3-billion per year, accord- income seniors under the age of where the major income earners Canadians above the age of 65. ernments have shown in the past ing to the budget. 75 and Conservatives do not sup- were between 55 and 64, but ahead The maximum payment is cur- is very easy to make cuts to, be- The change to the OAS pro- port the exclusion of low-income of those who were younger than rently $619 per month, though cause it’s not universal, because gram will require implementing seniors,” the statement said. that. They also had the highest the government starts to reduce fewer people get it, and they’re legislation. The government gave Ms. Falk was not available for collective net worth among age the payments for seniors whose people that are less likely to know notice of its budget implementa- an interview last week. Her office groups, at almost $3.7-trillion. income is above $77,580 per year. how to advocate against cuts.” tion bill late last week. did not respond when asked to Seniors with an annual income Bloc clarify if she supported the OAS above $129,260 do not receive any Peggy Nash Québécois increase proposed in the budget. OAS payments. sits on the Leader NDP MP Scott Duvall (Ham- The government operates board of the Yves- ilton Mountain, Ont.), his party’s another program that sends ad- Broadbent François seniors critic, said in the House ditional cash to seniors who need Institute, Blanchet of Commons on April 23 that it most: the Guaranteed Income and proposed the OAS boost for those over 75 Supplement, or GIS. That program previously amending would create a “two-tier system.” sends up to an additional $924 per served as the budget “The government must cancel month to seniors with incomes be- the NDP’s to boost this two-tier system and give the low $18,744 per year. The payment finance OAS for increase to all seniors of age 65 is reduced to $556 if the recipient critic. younger and older,” he said. lives with another pensioner. The Hill seniors as Bloc Québécois Leader Yves- When asked why the govern- Times file well. The François Blanchet (Beloeil-Cham- ment chose to tackle senior pov- photograph bly, Que.) proposed an amend- Hill Times erty by boosting the OAS and not Conservative MP Rosemarie Falk is ment to the budget to increase photograph the GIS, Employment and Social her party’s seniors critic. She said OAS payments to younger seniors by Andrew Development Canada, which ad- the government’s extra payout for as well. Meade ministers the programs, respond- seniors over 75 is leaving younger The 10 per cent boost to OAS ed with a statement that did not seniors behind. The Hill Times for seniors over 75 was a part of directly address that question. The government will end up photograph by Andrew Meade the Liberal election platform in Senior families had a median According to ESDC, the Old taxing back much of the extra 2019. The Liberals have justi- net worth of 840,900 in 2019, Age Security increase will lift OAS money sent to seniors with Conservative, NDP, and Bloc fied the increase by arguing it compared to 443,400 for non-se- nearly 61,000 Canadians seniors relatively high incomes, she said Québécois MPs have responded will give seniors more financial nior families. They were also the out of poverty. The department Politics no doubt played a role to the pledge by calling on the security, and bring more of them most likely age group to be free also noted that the government in the government’s decision as government to expand it further, out of poverty. The budget docu- of debt, according to Statistics made the GIS program more gen- well, said Ms. Nash, who repre- and send extra cash to seniors ment also linked the payout to Canada. erous on two occasions in recent sented Parkdale-High Park, Ont. between the ages of 65 and 74 as the devastation wrought by the The poverty rate for seniors years, increasing GIS payments by between 2006 and 2008, and again well. COVID-19 pandemic on el- was 5.4 per cent in 2019, lower up to $947 annually in 2016, and between 2011 and 2015. “Conservatives called on the derly residents of long-term care than the poverty rate for work- in 2020 reducing the amount of in- “We have an election coming Liberals to deliver supports for homes: “We owe our elders a great ing age people (11.6 per cent) and come the government claws back and this is a pre-election budget. all low-income seniors in their debt. This is a partial repayment,” children (9.7 per cent). from GIS recipients who work. So there’s something for many budget and we share in the disap- it said. Statistics Canada’s 2019 In- Poverty among the elderly groups, because it’s about votes,” pointment of seniors who have As a group, seniors are by some come Survey did not distinguish remains a problem, and can’t she said. been left behind by the recent measures more financially secure between seniors below and above always be picked up by looking at “I think the Liberals love to be Liberal budget,” Conservative than other age groups in Canada, the age of 75. Overall, about mean or median income statistics, in a position where other parties MP Rosemarie Falk (Battlefields- however. Data from Statistics 349,000 people over the age of said Lars Osberg, an economist say, ‘this is good but it doesn’t go Lloydminster, Sask.), her party’s Canada gathered in 2019 shows 65 lived in poverty that year, the at Dalhousie University who fo- far enough.’” seniors critic, said in an emailed that senior households had the most recent for which compre- cuses his research on income and [email protected] statement to The Hill Times. second-highest median net worth hensive data is available. wealth distribution. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 19 News Heard on ‘It’s terrible’: Senator slams the Hill Continued from page 2 Former Canada Revenue Agency political staffer Muhammad Ali, who was once an aide to Liberal MP for changing rent subsidy Ruby Sahota, is now working with Crestview Strategy. Photograph without OK from Parliament courtesy of Muhammad Ali’s Conservative Senator ada Revenue Agency had the proper par- large part to its emergency spending dur- Twitter liamentary approval in place,” she said. “In ing the COVID-19 pandemic. Elizabeth Marshall called respect of parliamentary approval, we’re The government has established a new “Excited to be at @crestview_strat work- not just going through the motions—it is a “extraordinary borrowing authority period” ing with some great people and clients!” out the CRA for changing requirement of Parliament to approve all to continue borrowing money until the new tweeted Mr. Ali. spending, and in this case it wasn’t done, higher debt ceiling is approved with the how it makes rent relief and now I hear there may be other cases. passage of Bill C-14, a Finance Canada of- Another platform aiming payments before Parliament I’m very concerned about this.” ficial told Senators during the meeting. “If the Canada Revenue Agency is go- Bill C-14 was debated for nearly 30 hours to amplify women’s voices had approved. ing to be changing the program and spend- in the House of Commons before it arrived accepting expert nominations ing this money without the requirement in the Senate. Conservative MPs spoke for a Take note, foreign policy wonks and in place, why bother bringing this amend- majority of that time, and the Liberal minis- writers, of another handy database of Continued from page 1 ment before the Finance Committee?” said ters accused them of stalling and obstructing female experts. The Senate Finance Committee met on Sen. Marshall, a former public servant, business in the House of Commons. Interview-Her.com, a platform dedicated April 22 and April 30 to study the govern- auditor general, and later cabinet minister Conservative MP Ed Fast (Abbotsford, to connecting journalists with women from ment’s bill to implement the fall economic in Newfoundland and Labrador. B.C.) has said his party supports every around the world who specialize in peace, statement, Bill C-14. The bill includes seven conflict, and security topics, was set up by distinct sections, one of which changes the Conservative five Nobel peace prize laureates to help government’s emergency rent subsidy pro- Senator Elizabeth amplify women’s voices in media. gram for businesses and nonprofits trying Marshall, a former Those featured in the database are to stay afloat during the pandemic. minister and former political prisoners, international The proposed change to the Canada auditor general lawyers, professors, policy analysts, and Emergency Rent Subsidy program would in Newfoundland peace negotiators. Reporters can browse by allow the government to send cash to and Labrador, country, region, or relevant topics, which organizations before they pay their rent, took issue with range from peacekeeping and arms control instead of reimbursing them after they pay. the Canada to digital advocacy and sexual violence. Bill C-14 has not yet passed into law, Revenue Agency's Like InformedOpinions.org, which but the Canada Revenue Agency has longstanding offers users another database to help already changed the way it manages the practice of bridge the gender gap in media discourse, rent subsidy program to match the changes implementing the platform also accepts nominations outlined in the bill, said Randy Hewlett, a legislative for experts wanting to be featured on its director general at the CRA, when he and changes before webpages. other public servants appeared before the they are approved Senate Finance Committee on April 22 to by Parliament Ahmar Khan sets sights on CBC brief them. during a recent Mr. Hewlett said that the CRA could meeting of the Ottawa, hopes for ‘changing’ corp move ahead without waiting for the legisla- Senate Finance Journalist Ahmar Khan, whose story tion to be passed because the government Committee. of being fired from CBC Manitoba as a wasn’t spending new money, it was just The Hill Times temporary hire in 2019 helped highlight the changing the way in which money was photograph by treatment of racialized reporters in what is doled out. The Canada Emergency Rent Andrew Meade a predominantly white industry, is joining Subsidy program was first created through the CBC Ottawa newsroom. Bill C-9, one of its emergency financial Mr. Khan, who was let go after leaking relief bills, which was passed into law last to Canadaland that the corporation forced November. him to delete a tweet critical of broadcaster “The base legislation authorizing pay- Don Cherry, tweeted the news last week. ment for the rent subsidy is enacted,” said “I’ve been informed of a ‘changing’ CBC Mr. Hewlett, referring to the legislation “It’s a complete waste of time, and I be- part of C-14 other than the increase to and I hope to be able to see what that’s that established the rent subsidy program lieve there will be other people who will be the borrowing limit. He argued during like,” wrote Mr. Khan. “This decision wasn’t in the first place. very concerned that money has gone out a House Finance Committee meeting in made on a whim, but with the foresight “It is a common practice when it comes the door without the proper parliamentary March that the government had not pro- that I’ve always wanted to be a part of a to tax legislation to administer the legis- approval.” vided enough detail about how it planned solution, similar to how I felt in November lation in draft form,” he said. “It provides A spokesperson for Revenue Minister to spend money borrowed under the 2019. I will continue to bring my unique for ease of administration, and it reduces Diane Lebouthillier (Gaspésie-Les Îles-de- higher ceiling. Finance Minister Chrys- perspective as a man of colour who has compliance burden on taxpayers. It is la-Madeleine, Que.) said the minister was tia Freeland (University-Rosedale, Ont.) grown up in an impoverished manner to consistent with the agency’s long-standing aware of the CRA’s practice of implement- responded that borrowing authority and my reporting.” policy.” ing legislative changes before they had spending authority are separate issues, According to an arbitration decision “If there is a case where the legislation been passed into law. She was not available and that Parliament will still be asked to made public in January, which said the should not be passed, then the agency will for an interview last week. approve how the borrowed money is actu- corporation “acted improperly” for firing work with taxpayers to ensure that they Bill C-14 would also include temporary ally spent. him, Mr. Khan was entitled to be reinstated bring their tax affairs back in line, in com- financial relief for families with children, So far Senators have moved much more for at least four months or receive four pliance with the legislation that is actually students and apprentices, and cash for quickly to deal with Bill C-14 than did MPs. months of compensation. The latter was not enacted,” he said. health care, long-term care, and health Second reading debate on the bill in the the “right decision for me,” he added, so his Bill C-14 is a significant piece of govern- research projects related to the COVID-19 Senate included just three speeches, and as stint in the capital will be four months (at ment legislation, authorizing numerous pandemic. It would raise the government’s of late last week the Senate Finance Com- least for now). legislative changes and billions in spend- borrowing limit from roughly $1.17-trillion mittee was planning to wrap up its study of Mr. Khan counted David Thurton, who ing. It is highly unlikely that the Senate to $1.83-trillion, and that change has drawn the bill after just two meetings, and issue a reports out of CBC’s Parliamentary Bureau, would vote down such a bill. stiff opposition from the Conservative report on the bill by May 4. and CBC Ottawa News anchor Adrian Conservative Senator Elizabeth Mar- Party in the House of Commons. As COVID-19 cases have surged in Harewood as among the men who have shall (N.L.) called the practice of admin- The limit on government borrowing was recent weeks, Senate leaders have sought been “instrumental in my career.” istering legal changes before Parliament first created by the Liberal government in to limit the number of Senate sittings and “During a time where we needed to has approved them “terrible” during an 2017. The borrowing authority limit is a committee meetings in order to protect Sen- stand with the [B]lack community, these exchange with Mr. Hewlett at the commit- soft-cap: the government has ways to con- ate staff who must come to work in order to two exceptional [B]lack journalists have tee meeting. tinue to borrow past the limit, and the gov- support even virtual Senate proceedings. stood by me,” he added. “I’m not questioning the merit of the ernment has already exceeded the existing [email protected] [email protected] program. I’m questioning whether the Can- limit by more than $200-billion, thanks in The Hill Times The Hill Times 20 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Books and Big Ideas

Joseph Heath in the country (after smoking). is author of The Radon is a colourless, odourless, Machinery of but unfortunately radioactive gas, Government: Public which enters buildings through Administration basements. In modern, high-effi- and the Liberal ciency “sealed-envelope” dwell- State, published by ings, it tends to become trapped Oxford University and can reach dangerous levels. Press. It's one Unfortunately, persuading people of five books to take radon gas seriously, much nominated for less pay money to have their this year’s Donner homes tested for it, is extremely Prize for the best difficult. It is also not an issue in public policy book which politicians take much inter- of the year. 'The est, simply because the public book deals with has no interest. There are, as they the question of say, no votes to be had in dealing how civil servants with it. To make matters worse, should think about an effective policy response to the public good, the hazard must be orchestrated and how it should at all three levels of jurisdiction inform their work.' (federal, provincial, and munici- Photograph courtesy pal), because of the need to adjust of Oxford University building codes and inspection Press/Donner Prize practices. To the extent that Canada has a national strategy for protecting its citizens from indoor radon gas, it can fairly be described as a consequence of the initiative and persistence of officials at Health Canada. One might choose to call this an “independently pursued bureau- cratic agenda,” but it would be important then to acknowledge that this sort of independence makes an important contribution to the health and well-being of of an unwritten code of conduct, the public. a component of the system of At the same time, it should be professional ethics that governs recognized that Health Canada’s administrative behaviour. And work on radon gas levels is not Heath digs deep while this conduct has not been entirely apolitical. If one looks officially codified, it is of suffi- at the recommendations com- cient importance to the practice ing out of the program, one of Westminster-style government sees that many of them involve that many commentators have adding additional complexity to into the institution taken to describing it as a “consti- building codes and workplace tutional convention.” safety regulations, imposing new My central ambition is … to inspection requirements, using specify the objectives that the taxpayer funds to subsidize home civil service may pursue without inspections, and creating new usurping powers that are legiti- requirements for commercial of the permanent mately reserved for the legislative property owners and landlords. branch, and without violating the This expansion of the regulatory terms of the traditional bargain state was actively opposed by the that underlies the convention of Conservative Party, which formed civil service neutrality. Of course, the federal government in Canada when a theorist like Adrian El- from 2006 to 2015—the period civil service in lis says that there should be no during which the National Radon “independently pursued bureau- Program was adopted and imple- cratic agenda,” people generally mented. So while the minister of nod their heads in agreement, health would no doubt have been because no one likes the sound of aware of the program’s existence, The Machinery of “bureaucratic agenda.” But this is and would probably even have not how state officials describe been briefed on it, its basic objec- their objectives. What they take tives could hardly be regarded themselves to be motivated by as an expression of the political is an independent conception of ideology or will of the govern- the public interest, along with the ment. Most likely, the program Government aforementioned commitment to was advanced because neither the good public policy. The suggestion topic nor the budget ever rose to a that state officials should have no level at which it acquired political BY JOSEPH HEATH in the 18th century, when public conception of, or commitment to, significance. The following is an offices were bought and sold, the public interest, or “good poli- And yet if one were to inter- excerpt from Joseph he institution of the per- politicians had no choice but to cy,” is considerably more dubious. pret the concept of civil service Tmanent civil service, I have accept the existence of perma- Indeed, if we had to rely entirely neutrality strictly, one might be Heath’s Donner- suggested, generates significant nent officials—evicting someone upon elected officials to take the inclined to think that Health Can- benefits for the quality of public from office would have been akin initiative to get things done, and ada bureaucrats should not be out nominated book, policy, delivery of public ser- to depriving him of his property. to define the public interest, the trying to cultivate public aware- vices, and ultimately, promotion In the modern world, however, quality of the public sector would ness of the dangers of radon gas, The Machinery of of social welfare. It is also, one what makes permanence possible deteriorate in myriad ways. much less pressing for regula- might add, an arrangement that is the institution of civil service Consider just one example. tory changes through complex Government: Public seems objectively rather improb- neutrality. I describe this as an Officials at Health Canada have negotiations with municipal and Administration and the able. Clearly, the more natural “institution” because, while there worked assiduously over the past provincial levels of government; impulse of politicians is to bring are a few explicit rules and regu- decade to raise public awareness they should instead be sitting on Liberal State. in partisans, or individuals of lations that public servants must of the health hazards posed by in- follow, the bulk of the commit- door radon gas, the second most demonstrated loyalty, to fill major Continued on page 21 staff positions. Of course, back ment to neutrality takes the form common cause of lung cancer THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 21 Books and Big Ideas

may conflict, and when they do, Continued from page 20 the civil service may be justified their hands, waiting for instruc- in “pushing back” against the leg- tions from the minister. This is, islature, or elected officials more thankfully, not how things work. generally. Increasingly, the civil service The Machinery of Govern- works out on its own what a good ment: Public Administration policy would be in a particular and the Liberal State, by Joseph domain, drawing on a combina- Heath (Oxford University Press), tion of in-house expertise and is one of five books nominated consultation, as well as policy ex- for this year’s Donner Prize perts in universities, think tanks, for the best public policy book and civil society organizations. of the year. The other nomi- Often, the details of “good policy” nees are: Securité, liberté et are known years in advance of its criminalité, by Maurice Cusson actual implementation. Politicians (Les éditions du Septentrion); then act as brokers between this Reset: Reclaiming the Internet policy community and the general for Civil Society, by Ronald J. public. It often happens that, Deibert (House of Anansi Press); for one reason or another, good The Citizen’s Guide to Climate policy is resisted, which may limit Success: Overcoming Myths what is politically possible. Politi- that Hinder Progress, by Mark cians will then engage in negotia- Jaccard (Cambridge University tion, trying to reach agreement on Press); and The Age of Fentanyl: a policy that is as close to good Ending the Opioid Epidemic, by policy as possible, making the Brodie Ramin, M.D. (Dundurn compromises required by various Press). The 2020 Donner Prize interest groups and the public will be presented in a virtual more generally. event on May 19. This is not a bad arrangement, Copyright © 2020 Joseph and one certainly would not want Heath, published by Oxford a system in which experts were University Press. Reprinted with able to directly impose their pre- permission. ferred policies, without any need to negotiate with the perspectives Questions for Joseph Heath and interests of the public. In oth- er words, there is a lot to be said Why did you write this book? for the system as it has evolved. “The book deals with the The problem is that our existing question of how civil servants theories of democracy are com- should think about the public pletely inadequate to address this good, and how it should inform reality. According to the received their work. My major reason for view, politicians are supposed to writing the book is that, while the be channeling the “general will,” issue is incredibly important to transforming it into policy ideas, the quality of government, it is legislating, and then calling on also surprisingly neglected. There the civil service to implement are literally thousands of books the rules. This is probably a fair on business ethics, but practi- characterization of how the cally nothing written on ‘ethics system works for a handful of for civil servants.’ I’d also seen signature policy initiatives, which some appetite for such a work politicians actively campaign on within the civil service, particu- and which are often adopted for larly when it comes to reconciling strategic or ideological reasons. the commitment to promoting But when it comes to day-to-day the public good, which is widely policy changes, the overwhelming shared among officials, with the majority of initiatives run in the traditional constraint of political opposite direction, from the ex- neutrality. The old public service ecutive branch to the legislature. slogan, ‘fearless advice, loyal As a result, there is a pervasive implementation’ does not really sense of bad faith among civil capture a lot of what goes on, and servants, based on the feeling that so I wanted to provide an alterna- they are, in their everyday affairs, tive way of thinking about these usurping political authority or issues.” doing something that they should not be doing. It is instructive, for Why is your book important to example, to compare the various read right now? reports and inquiries conducted “There’s been a lot of talk in within the civil service on the Joseph Heath: ‘While flatter ministers into thinking that certain fundamental principles recent years, particularly in the subject of civil service values to the civil service must ministers’ contributions are more of political philosophy. Modern United States, about the ‘deep the reflections of retired civil ser- be deferential to the coherent and rational than they democracies are not regimes of state’ or the ‘administrative state,’ vants. The former are invariably legislature, it is also really can be. Ministers think in unrestricted popular sovereignty. as though it were a bad thing. written with a strong awareness justified in maintaining terms of ideas and prejudices and They are usually described as Anyone who knows much about of how they will be received by independent adherence to headlines, rather than policies.” liberal-democratic states, a government knows that it is also, the government of the day and, as basic liberal principles and This statement may be some- reflection of the fact that the in many respects, a good thing. a result, tend to dramatically un- to advancing policies that what uncouth, but if we take power of the “democratic” part is If we literally let politicians run derplay the level of autonomy and flow from those principles. it as an accurate reflection of tempered by a set of constraints the state (as opposed to just influence that the civil service en- These two imperatives may a situation that often arises in that reflect the “liberal” part. It overseeing the running of the joys. Memoirs written by retired conflict, and when they do, democratic states, then it follows follows from this that the civil state) it would be a disaster. So civil servants, by contrast, come the civil service may be that unelected officials wield service is justified in maintain- partly what I am doing in this across as much more honest ac- justified in ‘pushing back’ substantial power. Indeed, in Cub- ing adherence to the basic book is just offering a defence of counts. Consider, for example, the against the legislature, bon’s view, even describing civil normative principles that define the administrative state, pointing way that Brian Cubbon, a retired or elected officials more servants as servants is mislead- a liberal political order. This is out the various useful purposes it U.K. civil servant, describes the generally.’ Image courtesy of ing, as it “clouds the essential consistent with the institution of serves. Given the declining health type of policy direction provided Oxford University Press coarseness of acts of government. civil service neutrality, because of electoral democracy, with poli- by ministers: “In polite company, I prefer to describe the business these bedrock liberal principles ticians increasingly focusing on a we wrap up our role by using the I was in as the exercise of power are outside the scope of legiti- very narrow set of wedge issues, I dignified phrase ‘policy advice’ to within a democratic system.” The mate political contestation. So think it is important to pay more describe the contribution of offi- question then becomes how civil while the civil service must be attention to the non-democratic cials, constantly emphasizing that servants should be guided in their deferential to the legislature, it features of democratic states, in policy is for ministers to decide. reasoning when thinking about is also justified in maintaining order to gain a better understand- Policy-making is not a satisfac- how they exercise the power of independent adherence to basic ing of the contribution they make tory term for describing the daily the state. liberal principles and to advanc- to the quality of government in role of ministers. I suspect that it The answer to this ques- ing policies that flow from those our society.” was invented by civil servants to tion, I will argue, follows from principles. These two imperatives The Hill Times 22 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

Over in the PMO’s communications former media monitor with Global Affairs unit, led by director Cameron Ahmad, a Canada (then called Foreign Affairs and In- new special assistant for French communi- ternational Trade Canada). In Ms. Hajdu’s cations, Virginie Lemieux, joined the team office, he replaces Leah Van Houten, who last month. exited the role in March and is now an ac- hill climbers Until recently, she’d been a content count director with Edelman. and community manager for Avril Health Replacing him in Mr. Mendicino’s office by Laura Ryckewaert Supermarket. Ms. Lemieux also has a is Marjolaine Provost, who joined the min- background in media, having previously ister’s office in March as a senior Quebec done freelance work for La Presse and adviser. She’ll keep her existing title, while Elle Québec, along with writing for Lou- adding director of operations and commu- Lou and Chatelaine magazines, and doing nications. John Brodhead, Cyndi research for TVA’s show Ça finit bien la Before joining the immigration min- semaine. ister’s team, Ms. Provost was a senior Wrapping up the laundry list of recent communications adviser to National Rev- PMO staff moves is Nathalie Gahimbare, enue Minister Diane Lebouthillier, and a Jenkins among recent who has hopped from the office’s outreach communications adviser to then-innovation team to its policy team. minister Navdeep Bains before that. A former constituency assistant to then- Nyagua Chiek, who’s been manager Alberta Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault, of parliamentary affairs to Mr. Mendicino PMO additions Ms. Gahimbare first joined the PM’s office since early 2020, left to become director of as a special assistant for appointments parliamentary affairs to Women and Gender in 2018. Most recently, since early 2020, Equality Minister Maryam Monsef as of A former Queen’s Park Liberal staffer, she’s been an outreach adviser. She now April 26. She’d been working in the immi- With Cyndi Jenkins now Ms. Bakht has also previously tackled wears the title of policy adviser, reporting gration minister’s office since early 2019, Ontario affairs as a special assistant in the to executive director of policy and cabinet starting as a parliamentary affairs adviser acting as executive director Liberal research bureau on Parliament Hill. affairs Marci Surkes. under then-minister Ahmed Hussen. of operations in the PMO, Cyndi Jenkins has stepped away from Katie Telford continues as chief of staff In Ms. Monsef’s office, she fills a role her post as chief of staff to Immigration, to Mr. Trudeau. that’s been vacant since last fall, when Immigration Minister Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Marco Matthew Pollesel left to become parlia- Mendicino to join the PMO as acting Laundry list of staffing moves mentary affairs director to Economic Marco Mendicino has made executive director of operations, filling Development Minister Mélanie Joly, as in for Matthew Stickney who is going on for Minister Mendicino previously reported. Mike Jones his acting chief paternity leave. With Ms. Jenkins seconded to the PMO, Ms. Chiek worked as a field manager A former At- director of issues management and parlia- for the Liberals during the 2019 election of staff. lantic regional mentary affairs Mike Jones has stepped up and is also a former special assistant for affairs adviser as acting chief of staff to the immigration outreach in the Liberal research bureau he proverbial doors of the Prime Min- in the PMO minister. (LRB). Tister’s Office have been busy of late, from January Yentl Beliard-Joseph joined Mr. Mendi- with a slate of recent changes including 2016 until the cino’s office on April 26 as a communica- the addition of John Brodhead as a senior fall of 2017, Ms. tions adviser. She arrived straight from adviser for intergovernmental affairs on Jenkins has Public Services and Procurement Minister April 26. since been chief Anita Anand’s office, where she spent the It’s a return to the Hill for Mr. Brod- of staff to Sea- last nine months working as a special as- head, who had been a cabinet chief of staff mus O’Regan sistant for communications. A former aide up until April 2018, when he left to work as both vet- to then-Quebec innovation minister Domi- for Sidewalk Labs in Toronto, tackling Cyndi Jenkins is back in the erans affairs nique Anglade, before joining Ms. Anand’s policy and strategy work. In May 2020, PMO as acting executive minister and team Ms. Beliard-Joseph had most recently Sidewalk Labs—a subsidiary of Google’s director of operations. later minister been a communications and press relations parent company, Alphabet—announced Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn of Indigenous officer for the Institut du Noveau Monde. it was no longer pursuing its Quayside services (he is On the flip development project. Most recently, Mr. now minister of natural resources). She’s side, Morgan Brodhead has been working for TAS, a been running Mr. Mendicino’s office since Kelly, special mixed-use real estate developer. November 2019. There’s been a long list of staffing changes in assistant for After two-and-a-half years as execu- More on what this means for Mr. Men- Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Atlantic re- tive director of Evergreen CityWorks in dicino later. Marco Mendicino’s office in recent weeks.The gional affairs, Toronto, Mr. Brodhead came to Ottawa to Susan Menchini has returned from ma- Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade marked her work for the then-newly elected Trudeau ternity leave. Previously deputy director of last day in Mr. Liberal government in November 2015, tour and scheduling in the office, she now A former issues adviser in the PMO and Mendicino’s first as chief of staff to then-infrastructure wears the title of acting director of tour, ex-communications director to then-trade office, and on minister Amarjeet Sohi, and later (starting replacing Gavin Menzies, who remains in minister Jim Carr, Mr. Jones has been the Hill, on in September 2017) as chief of staff to then- the PMO as an advance. Ms. Menchini will working for Mr. Mendicino since early April 30. A Indigenous services minister Jane Philpott. report to Ms. Jenkins as acting operations 2020. former Atlan- Mr. Brodhead brings with him a wealth head. While he’s filling in as chief of staff, is- tic regional of senior political experience. During the A former sues manager Emilie Simard will serve as adviser in Yentl Beliard-Joseph is now a Martin government days, he spent time as special assis- acting director of issues management and the LRB, Ms. communications adviser in the director of parliamentary affairs to then- tant for tour to parliamentary affairs to the minister, along Kelly had been immigration minister’s office. minister of state for infrastructure John then-Ontario with her regular duties. working for Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn Godfrey. Mr. Brodhead went on to work for premier Kath- Olivier Cullen joined the health min- the immigra- then-Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty, leen Wynne, ister’s office as director of operations on tion minister since December 2019. Hill starting in 2006 as a senior policy adviser Ms. Menchini March 26 after roughly a year as opera- Climbers understands she is set to join the and later as deputy chief of staff for policy has been work- tions director to Mr. Mendicino; in recent private sector. and cabinet affairs. Between those roles, ing in the PMO months, since Marie-Pierre Richard’s exit Already, Nicholas Bransfield, previously Mr. Brodhead spent a year as vice-presi- since January from the office at the beginning of the year, an operations and outreach assistant in the dent of strategy and communications for 2016, starting as Mr. Cullen had also been communications office, has replaced Ms. Kelly as a special Metrolinx. an advance. She director to the minister. assistant for the Atlantic. He’s been work- Also starting in a new job in Prime was promoted Susan Menchini recently Before joining the immigration minis- ing in the office since the summer of 2020, Minister Justin Trudeau’s office on April to deputy direc- returned to the PMO from ter’s office in February 2020, Mr. Cullen and previously, up until the 2019 election, 26 was Tahiya Bakht, who’s left Health tor in early maternity leave. Photograph spent almost four years working for then- was a constituency assistant to then-New Minister Patty Hajdu’s office to become 2018. courtesy of LinkedIn public safety minister Ralph Goodale. First Brunswick Liberal MP Matt DeCourcey. the PMO’s newest Ontario regional affairs With CO- joining Mr. Goodale’s office in the spring Mr. Bransfield also has experience working adviser. VID-19 putting of 2016 as an for the New Brunswick Liberal caucus. She replaces Angad Dhillon, who exited a damper on the prime minister’s usual issues manager Rounding out the many moves in Mr. to become director of operations to Trans- travel, the office’s tour and advance team and Ontario Mendicino’s office are a couple of title port Minister Omar Alghabra in March, has instead been charged with organizing regional affairs changes. Alexander Cohen, who’s been and will be working closely with Jeff all virtual events, including press confer- adviser, he press secretary to the minister since Octo- Valois, who also covers Ontario regional ences. (No doubt one of the many disap- ended his time ber 2020, now also wears the title of senior affairs for the office. pointments of 2020-21 for those advance in the office communications adviser, and policy ad- Until recently, Ms. Bakht had been staff hired pre-COVID, who, instead of as director of viser Sebastian Clarke has added “senior” working for Ms. Hajdu since the fall of 2016, jetting across the country, and the globe, issues man- to his business cards. starting as an Ontario regional adviser in racking up air miles to plan the PM’s trips agement and Meanwhile, in Ms. Hajdu’s office, along her office as employment minister. She later are instead scheduling Zoom calls from operations. with Mr. Cullen, there’s another staff ad- became a senior manager of operations home.) Mr. Cullen dition to report: Miro Froehlich has been to Ms. Hajdu, and when the minister was Speaking of advance staff, Laurie is also a former hired as Quebec regional affairs adviser. shuffled into the health portfolio in January Bouchard has left the PMO team after Olivier Cullen has left briefings officer Until recently, he’d been working for Que- 2020, Ms. Bakht was quick to follow as a roughly three years on the job. Before Mr. Mendicino’s office with the depart- bec Liberal MP Angelo Iacono since the senior policy adviser. Since January of this joining Mr. Trudeau’s office, she’d been to work for the health ment of justice’s fall of 2017. year, she’d been deputy director of policy to a government relations consultant with minister. Photograph ministerial liai- [email protected] the health minister. TACT Intelligence-conseil. courtesy of LinkedIn son unit and a The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 23 News Economists applaud BoC’s decision to pare back QE, with economic recovery en route

Mr. Macklem, who noted that the “I would argue that by some “The opportunity is presenting doing well—you press a button, The central bank size of the bank’s balance sheet measures, the Bank of Canada itself, so if we look at it from a fi- and you get your exercise bike.” peaked back in February at about had the most ambitious quanti- nancial perspective, one of the rea- Presuming a normal trajec- announced it will $575-billion. It has since de- tative easing program relative sons why central banks went into tory of vaccine utilization, Mr. Tal be lowering its creased to about $475-billion. to the size of our economy as quantitative easing is because they said he believes the second half “This decline reflects the ma- anyone else out there,” said Mr. wanted to drive down long-term of the year will see a very strong bond purchases turing of some shorter-term assets Porter. “It was almost a standing bond rates. Long-term bond rates economic recovery. and the termination of most of start, but we got going fast when have come up a little bit lately, but “It will not be as strong as from $4-billion to our extraordinary programs,” said we were going.” they are still extraordinarily low, the U.S., but it will be very, very Mr. Macklem. “We continue to “We may have been quite a few and the market is delivering a 1.5 strong,” said Mr. Tal. “The dam- $3-billion a week, buy government bonds to provide laps behind everybody else, but per cent 10-year government of age is very deep, but it’s also very signalling a continued stimulus in pursuit of our infla- we were probably running faster Canada bond rate.” narrow, namely the number of tion objective. The Bank currently than anyone else, if you want to “That’s not bad, that’s not go- industries that are impacted is drawdown from the holds $354-billion of Government think of it in those terms.” ing to bankrupt the government,” relatively limited compared to of Canada bonds, comprising But Mr. Porter also said that said Mr. Drummond. any other recession.” government’s first more than 70 per cent of the as- $3-billion per week is “still very “Going back to services, all of sets on our balance sheet.” aggressive” and it’s going to have Rate of bond holding, the damage has been done there,” foray into quantitative Central banks all over the to be cut back more in the months said Mr. Tal. “That’s the negative. easing that began in world, including the Bank of ahead. buying ‘unsustainable’ at The positive is that it’s much Canada, have bought large “We’ve been assuming, prob- previous rate, says CIBC easier to start a new restaurant 2020. amounts of government bonds— ably by the October meeting and than it is to establish a new or debt—in order to increase the maybe earlier, they’ll be cutting economist manufacturing facility.” supply of money in the economy that again to $2-billion per week, The Bank of Canada’s recent BY MIKE LAPOINTE and to encourage investment and and then perhaps a year from move was expected, according to Canada acted ‘very, very lending. now it might be down to $1-billion Benjamin Tal, deputy chief econo- anada’s economic recovery quickly’ as the economic from the COVID-19 recession crisis unfolded C Bank of Canada is exceeding expectations so far, Pedro Antunes, chief econo- Governor Tiff according to some of Canada’s mist at the Conference Board of Macklem, top economists, who say that the Canada, said he was a little bit pictured May Bank of Canada’s recent decision concerned about the amount of 1, 2020, to taper its first-ever foray into quantitative easing and the very announced quantitative easing is a necessary loose monetary policy that we that the central step in the right direction. have in place. bank would be More work needs to be done “During the economic crisis tapering back in the months ahead to bring the that we’ve lived through, I think on quantitative bank’s activities back into neutral we acted very, very quickly,” said easing, territory as the economy heats up, Mr. Antunes. “Economists over something top they said. the years have learned how to economists Bank of Canada governor Tiff respond to these crises, we’ve have welcomed Macklem announced on April learned lessons from prior reces- as Canada's 21 that the central bank would sions, and I think we’ve gotten bet- economy is set be lowering its bond purchases ter at attenuating the impacts of to rebound from from $4-billion to $3-billion a these big shocks to the economy.” the COVID-19 week, signalling a drawdown But Mr. Antunes called the ad- financial crisis. from the government’s foray justment by the Bank of Canada The Hill Times into quantitative easing that “absolutely necessary.” photograph by began in 2020. “The issue that concerns me Andrew Meade Effective the week of April 26, is essentially the message that “this adjustment to the amount of we were going to keep monetary incremental stimulus being added policy loose for a long, long time, each week reflects the progress and we kept hearing that from es- made in the economy recovery,” sentially all of the central banks,” according to the Bank of Cana- said Mr. Antunes. “Since the 2008- da’s website. 2009 financial crisis, we’ve seen Shortly thereafter, in an ap- QE “lowers the cost of bor- a week—and maybe less—they mist at CIBC Capital Markets. much of Europe continue on this pearance before the finance com- rowing,” according to the Bank might go quicker than that, and “Everybody knew that they very loose monetary policy, we’ve mittee on April 27, Mr. Macklem of Canada’s website. And given that depends on how the economy were going to do so, it was seen very low interest rates the said that with the economy doing ultra-low interest rates, which the and markets unfold over the next telegraphed, it was expected by world over. In Canada, we didn’t better than expected and with bank has kept at 0.25 per cent, QE year,” said Mr. Porter. “The pace the market and priced in by the go to quantitative easing until more and more Canadians getting is needed to “influence the longer- at which the bank was initially market, so no surprise whatsoev- this recession, but we had interest vaccinated, the Bank of Canada term interest rates that matter to buying—$5-billion a week—was er,” said Mr. Tal. “It was very clear rates staying very low.” had revised its outlook for the Ca- Canadians.” enormous, and even $4-billion a that given the rate at which the When asked about his nadian economy the week prior. This helps lower the cost of week was quite aggressive.” bank has been holding and add- thoughts about when Canadians “Around this time last year, money, which ultimately leads to Don Drummond, a former as- ing bonds to its balance sheet, [it] can expect the Bank of Canada to the bank launched a number of lower interest rates. sociate deputy minister in charge of was unsustainable at this rate.” return to a neutral position and extraordinary programs—11 in But with so much liquidity economic and fiscal analysis at Fi- Mr. Tal also noted that if there cease QE entirely, Mr. Antunes all—to help restore functioning sloshing around in both Canadian nance Canada who is now a profes- was an income gap before the said that although it was difficult in financial markets and keep and global markets after a year sor at Queen’s University in Kings- financial crisis brought on by the for him to answer, he said there credit flowing,” said Mr. Macklem. of unprecedented fiscal stimulus, ton, Ont., told The Hill Times that pandemic, “now it is much wider.” still remains a lot of uncertainty “These programs worked, and some economists have expressed “wherever feasible, monetary policy “If you look at the job market, about how quickly they should with markets now functioning fears that inflation could in- should be very simple and should basically all of the jobs—not some, remove that stimulus. well, we have wound down or crease—something which would set a neutral setting—it shouldn’t all of the jobs that were lost—were “The last thing the Bank of announced the termination of have to be countered with higher be actively braking against the low-paying jobs,” said Mr. Tal. “In Canada would want is to start all but one of our extraordinary interest rates down the road. economy and it shouldn’t be doing fact, high-paying jobs went up by removing it and then have to go programs. The one remaining is extraordinary things to try to stimu- about 350,000 positions.” back to easing it again,” said Mr. our QE program. It is still provid- Canada a ‘late bloomer’ late if the economy if the economy “The decline in spending was Antunes. “I think they’ll be pru- ing needed monetary stimulus is doing OK.” among the mid- to high-income dent—how long it will take I don’t by lowering borrowing costs for to QE “They have been conducting individuals, and that’s where you know—but I think it would be pru- households and businesses across Doug Porter, chief economist a policy, along with other central will see the accumulation of cash, dent to move away from that more the yield curve.” at the Bank of Montreal, told banks for 13 years, of being far which I estimate to be around quickly rather than more slowly.” “With the other programs The Hill Times on April 29 that from a neutral position, and I $100-billion of excess cash being “We’re probably going to see winding down and QE continu- although Canada may have been think that when the opportunities deployed to the economy,” said the economy really ramp up once ing, the size and composition of a “late bloomer” in terms of QE, present themselves, they should Mr. Tal. “The good news is that the vaccines are fully in place.” our balance sheet has shifted in “we were as aggressive a player try to move back to neutral,” said this money will be going to the [email protected] the past several months,” said as anyone in the past year.” Mr. Drummond. service sector, because goods are The Hill Times Parliamentary Calendar

THURSDAY, MAY 13 makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique conference and network- Invitation to Bacon & Eggheads Virtual ing opportunity. The conference will be Women’s March Ottawa holding Presentation—’On the Path to a Net-Zero hosted by the CPA President (2019-2021), Carbon Economy: Carbon Capture, Utiliza- Anthony Rota, MP, Speaker of the House of tion, and Storage,’ a discussion hosted Commons. All eligible CPA Branches will events all week, ‘Maker Monday: by Don Lawton of Carbon Management be contacted with further information and Canada and the University of Calgary. Cli- invitations. mate change is a global threat with rising temperatures caused by increasing levels WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 29 Art, Self-Love and Community of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, Energy Storage Canada Conference—As linked mainly to the combustion of fossil the Voice of the Energy Storage sector in fuels. Canada, along with many other Canada, our virtual Annual Conference nations, has committed to a goal of net will be held on Sept. 29 & 30, 2021. This Care Workshop’ with Lucky zero carbon emissions by 2050 and at the year’s theme is “Charged & Ready” featur- April 2021 U.S. Climate Summit, Prime ing keynote speakers, informative panels Minister Trudeau stated that Canada would and virtual tours and workshops. Ticket reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to information can be found here: Energy Little Queer on May 3 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. Carbon Storage in Canada – Virtual Conference capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) of- – Sept. 29-30, 2021 — Energy Storage fers a suite of technologies to significantly Canada: Join Today! reduce greenhouse gas emissions that promise one pathway to this new economy. MONDAY, NOV. 1–FRIDAY, NOV. 12 Carbon capture removes carbon dioxide UN Climate Conference UNFCCC COP from flue gases at industrial facilities or 26—The 26th session of the Conference of even directly from the air. The captured the Parties (COP 26) to the UNFCCC will CO2 can be converted to useful products or take place from Monday, Nov. 1 to Friday, stored permanently deep underground. This Nov. 12, in Glasgow, U.K. Contact: UN- presentation will focus on the opportuni- FCCC Secretariat by e-mail at secretariat@ ties and potential barriers for implement- unfccc.int; www: https://unfccc.int/calendar ing these technologies at a large scale in Canada. Thursday, May 13, 12:15 p.m.- WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24 1:15 p.m. EDT. Free online presentation. Writers’ Trust of Canada’s Balsillie Prize Please register by contacting Emma Brown, for Public Policy—This new $60,000 award PAGSE Manager email: [email protected] for the best public policy book in Canada or telephone: 613-363-7705 is sponsored by Canadian businessman WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2 and philanthropist Jim Balsillie and is part of his new $3-million commitment to the Writers’ Trust of Canada—The Writers’ Writers’ Trust of Canada. Three prize final- Trust of Canada will announce this year’s ists will be chosen by a jury composed of shortlist for the 2021 Shaughnessy Cohen writers and experts in public policy selected Prize on Wednesday, June 2, for the year’s by the Writers’ Trust of Canada. Finalists best non-fiction political book in the coun- will be announced on Oct. 13, 2021, with try. This year’s party will be a digital edition the inaugural winner revealed on Nov. 24. and will be held in the fall of 2021. For More details at writers trust.com/Balsil- more information, contact Julia Yu, events liePrize manager, [email protected] or 416-504- The Parliamentary Calendar is a free 8222 x241. events listing. Send in your political, SATURDAY, AUG. 21 cultural, diplomatic, or governmental event in a paragraph with all the relevant th 65 Commonwealth Parliamentary Confer- details under the subject line ‘Parliamen- ence—One of the largest annual gatherings tary Calendar’ to [email protected] by of Commonwealth Parliamentarians will Wednesday at noon before the Monday pa- take place in Aug. 21-27, 2021, at the per or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday th 65 Commonwealth Parliamentary Confer- paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of ence (CPC) hosted by the CPA Canada Re- every event, but we will definitely do our gion in Halifax. The annual flagship event best. Events can be updated daily online, will bring together over 500 Parliamentar- too. ians, parliamentary staff, and decision The Hill Times

The Women's March, pictured Jan. 21, 2017, in Ottawa. On Monday, May 3, the Women's March Ottawa Spring 2021 Programming will hold a session called, 'Maker Monday: Art, Self-Love and Community Care Workshop,' led by Lucky Little Queer. For more information: www.womensmarchottawa.ca The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade CLASSIFIEDS Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 Online Book Launch: A Portrait Of Cana- ney, this online event will take place May 6 MONDAY, MAY 3 da’s Parliament—Carleton University hosts the from 6-7:30 p.m. EDT. Globe and Mail col- RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES House Sitting—The House is sitting launch of a new book, A Portrait of Canada’s umnist André Picard is a keynote speaker, in a hybrid format during the pandemic, Parliament /Un Portrait du Parlement du and panellists include The Toronto Star‘s with most MPs connecting remotely. It’s Canada by William P. McElligott and edited by Moira Welsh and Ottawa Citizen columnist scheduled to sit every weekday for the Lyette Fortin, providing a contemporary look at Mohammed Adam, among others. Register next few weeks, May 3-May 14. It will one of the nation’s greatest symbols and docu- at catherinemckenney.ca/townhall. take a one-week break after that, from ments and analyzes the context, landscape, FRIDAY, MAY 7 May 17-May 24. It will sit May 25 every heritage, and structure of this unique national weekday until Wednesday, June 23, icon. Speakers include former governor general Women’s March Ottawa Spring 2021 Pro- and will then break for three months, Adrienne Clarkson, McElligott and Fortin, Jill gramming—On Friday, May 7, the Women’s Stoner, Audrey O’Brien, and Peter Handley. until Monday, Sept. 20. In the fall and March Ottawa will host a session, ‘Fridays HOUSE FOR SALE REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY Tuesday, May 4, 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. Register winter, the House is scheduled to sit for Future Movie Night: Climate Justice and (GOLDEN TRIANGLE AREA- OTTAWA) IN THE PARK AREA for 11 weeks over September, October, at events.carleton.ca. Feminist Advocacy’ virtual music/drag/bur- Potential Real-Estate Sale Development Opportunity Registered Massage Therapy, Chelsea. Deep tissue, November, and December. It will sit Sept. lesque party. For more information: www. WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 in the Heart of Golden Triangle Area- 100 Gilmour sport, therapeutic massage. Same-day, emergency, 20-Oct. 8; Oct. 18-Nov. 5; and Nov. 15- womensmarchottawa.ca Street, Ottawa, Canada 613-762-7431 evening hours. Receipts. Gift certificates. Covid-19 Dec. 17. Women’s March Ottawa Spring 2021 Fight For Equality: A Conversation With Rt. measures. Contact 249.385.5727 Women’s March Ottawa Spring 2021 Programming—On Wednesday, May 5, the Hon. Beverley McLachlin—The Famous Five Programming—On Monday, May 3, the Women’s March Ottawa will hold a Work- hosts the next in its series of virtual Pink CONDOS FOR RENT Women’s March Ottawa will hold a session shop, ‘Sex Worker, Justice and Feminism’ Teas. Please join us to hear from Beverley called, ‘Maker Monday: Art, Self-Love and (led by Maggie’s Toronto Sex Workers McLachlin, who served as Chief Justice of Do you have a house Community Care Workshop,’ led by Lucky Action Project). For more information: www. the Supreme Court of Canada from Jan. 7, Little Queer. For more information: www. womensmarchottawa.ca 2000, to mid-December 2017, and host to rent or sell? Items womensmarchottawa.ca THURSDAY, MAY 6 Althia Raj. Friday, May 7, at 2 p.m. EST. or products to sell? Visit famous5.ca/events for more informa- TUESDAY, MAY 4 Women’s March Ottawa Spring 2021 tion or contact [email protected]. Advertise them in The Hill Women’s March Ottawa Spring 2021 Programming—On Thursday, May 6, the SATURDAY, MAY 8 Times' classfieds section. Programming—On Tuesday, May 4, the Women’s March Ottawa will hold a session Women’s March Ottawa will hold a panel on ‘Community Activism of Indigenous Women’s March Ottawa Spring 2021 THE BOWERY 1 BD CONDO discussion called, ‘Building a trans-inclu- Women and Two-Spirit People.’ For more Programming—On Saturday, May 8, the FOR INFORMATION CALL OR EMAIL: sive feminist movement.’ This will be a information: www.womensmarchottawa.ca Women’s March Ottawa will host a session, Quiet, south-facing corner unit on Bay St. Lyon LRT [email protected] virtual feminist trivia night. For more infor- Long-Term Care Townhall—Moderated by with keynote speaker Gina Wilson. For more station nearby. $1850/month. Pet-friendly building. 613-232-5952 mation: www.womensmarchottawa.ca Ottawa City Councillor Catherine McKen- information: www.womensmarchottawa.ca Non-smoking. Parking not available. 819-246-8769.

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