A tale of two scandals: SNC case Wilson-Raybould, Norman cases follow diverging shows paths Scott Taylor p. 9 machinery of government needs reform: Diplomats raised concerns Donald about ’s response to Savoie p. 11 Cuban illness in 2017: union p. 4

Heard on the Hill p.2

THIRTIETH YEAR, NO. 1613 CANADA’S POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 $5.00

News Politics News Hill media SNC-Lavalin aff air ripe for How Robert ‘Fife the knife’ broke the SNC-Lavalin story opposition to capitalize on, and 40 years of other scoops Globe and Mail and one of the reporters behind The the explosive SNC-Lavalin story say politicos, but Scheer, bureau chief’s vast source that’s rocked politics in Ottawa for a month, has been breaking list and eye for detail stories for decades due to his vast has helped him expose network of sources, keen eye for Singh poll numbers still fl at detail, and knack for telling when numerous government people aren’t telling the truth, say Hill colleagues. While ’s poll numbers have sunk amid the controversy, scandals, including the With a well-developed abil- and have not seen a boost to their own ity to be a thorn in the side of SNC-Lavalin aff air, which governments, Hill journalists say polling numbers as opposition leaders. But it’s still early days, say strategists. he broke with Steven that he’s a fun person to work with, seeks feedback from the Chase and Sean Fine. entire newsroom, and teaches reporters how to be tough. The award-winning journalist has BY EMILY HAWS been covering national poli- tics since 1978 and hails from obert Fife, the Globe and RMail Ottawa bureau chief Continued on page 5

News Public service Time to debate separating top civil servant’s roles, says expert Savoie

well-regarded public administra- Amid allegations of tion expert says it’s time to have a similar discussion about splitting partisanship against the three hats worn by the top Michael Wernick, Prof. federal bureaucrat, Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick. Donald Savoie says he Currently, the clerk of the Privy Council has three roles: the Left to right, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Mr. Trudeau's could stay as DM to deputy minister to the prime min- polling numbers have taken a hit in the wake of the SNC-Lavalin story. Mr. Scheer shouldn’t have called for Mr. Trudeau’s head so the PM and secretary ister, the secretary to the cabinet, early in the game, says ex-Conservative adviser Tim Powers, while pollster Frank Graves says Mr. Singh could benefi t from focusing and the head of the public service. on the corporate accountability aspects of the SNC-Lavalin affair. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade to cabinet, but another The clerk was only legislated Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 into being the head of the public BY JOLSON LIM & NEIL MOSS ahead of October’s election. against the company. bureaucrat may be better service in 1992. Recent polling shows that Mr. Amid the ongoing controversy, suited as the public Mr. Wernick explained his he SNC-Lavalin affair has Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) and his Mr. Scheer’s and Mr. Singh’s pop- three roles at a March 6 appear- Thurt Prime Minister Justin government’s popularity have taken ularity have remained relatively service head. ance before the House Justice Trudeau’s approval numbers, a dive since the SNC-Lavalin affair stagnant, as suggested by Abacus Committee, his second time in Globe but political commentators say it began on Feb. 7, when the Data’s numbers based on more BY EMILY HAWS recent weeks speaking to commit- remains to be seen whether Con- and Mail reported allegations that than 8,800 interviews conducted tee members studying whether servative Leader Andrew Scheer the prime minister’s offi ce pressed between Jan. 30 and March 4, and s the debate around the pos- the prime minister or his staff and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh former attorney general Jody other polls. Asibility of separating the two pressured Jody Wilson-Raybould can use the controversy to bump Wilson-Raybould (Vancouver Gran- hats of the minister of justice and past the Liberal leader in the polls ville, B.C.) to drop criminal charges Continued on page 14 attorney general continues, one Continued on page 13 2 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES

He began 35 years of public service as A brawl: Grit MP a trade commissioner at the then-Depart- ment of External Affairs in 1953. He went and reporter on to become the secretary of the Treasury exchange blows Board, as well as deputy minister of con- Heard on the Hill sumer and corporate affairs, and deputy minister industry, trade, and commerce. He It wouldn’t be unusual for a politician to was also the under-secretary of state for by Neil Moss want to punch a journalist in the face, but external affairs, equivalent to the deputy for Liberal MP Marc Miller, he was given minister of foreign affairs. the chance. Following in the footsteps of Prime Min- ister Justin Trudeau, Mr. Miller took to the Gordon Bernier passes on taking boxing ring to face Montreal Gazette re- Osbaldeston porter Christopher Curtis for three rounds was the of sparring on March 7. Privy “The fi rst punch hit me square in the Council part in Justice Committee nose and snapped my head back,” Mr. Cur- clerk from tis wrote in the Gazette. 1982 to The match raised $2,500 for the Montre- 1985. al Gazette Christmas Fund, a charity that Photograph SNC-Lavalin hearings has given more than $25-million to Montre- courtesy of al’s neediest during the holiday season. Twitter People's Party Before the bout, Mr. Curtis cracked on Leader Maxime Montreal’s CJAD that he would “beat the Bernier has ginger” out of Mr. Miller’s hair, and on the chosen to day of the match Mr. Miller joked about sit out the Mr. Curtis’ hand wraps. House Justice “Nice wraps, did your mommy put them Committee on for you[?]” the Montreal-area MP said. meetings about It wasn’t quite the Rumble in the Jungle. the SNC-Lavalin The two didn’t look like orthodox boxers, “ was the gold affair, instead as Mr. Miller was in Converse shoes, and standard for Clerk of the Privy Council,” following the Mr. Curtis wore cut-off denim shorts. wrote non-affi liated Senator Peter Harder, news on TV. government representative in the Senate The Hill Times Montreal and a former deputy minister of foreign photograph by Gazette affairs, on Twitter. Andrew Meade reporter The hosts an annu- Christopher al dinner, formally known as a fall lecture Curtis, left, in his name, to cast light on opportunities and Liberal and challenges facing the public service. MP Marc Miller, right. Photograph courtesy of eople’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier “5 years ago, I interviewed then Liberal Twitter named NDP deputy leader Phas been absent from the House of Leader, @JustinTrudeau in [Saskatchewan] – Commons Justice Committee as it a year later, he became PM of Canada. Fore- delves into the SNC-Lavalin affair, despite shadowing? What a year to join @CTVNa- The NDP’s lieutenant, MP all other parties—even those without of- tionalNews team in #Ottawa as a National Alexandre Boulerice, was named as NDP fi cial party status—showing up to Correspondent. Here’s to a new adventure!” Leader Jagmeet Singh’s right-hand man. participate. Ms. Thomas tweeted on March 8. Mr. Boulerice, who was fi rst elected in A People’s Party spokesperson told The Over at APTN’s O’Connor Street news- the Orange Wave of 2011, is charged with Hill Times that Mr. Bernier has been given room, Ms. Bernard is their newest mem- leading his party’s Quebec election efforts an invitation to attend, but since he is not a ber. She previously was posted to APTN’s where some polls have the party’s support regular member of the committee and not bureau in Saskatoon, Sask. She has been in the single digits. Out of the NDP’s 15 entitled to ask questions he chose not to with the network since May 2018, when Quebec MPs, four incumbents have an- attend, but instead to follow the committee she started in its Vancouver bureau. nounced they will not seek re-election. remotely through television. In other press moves, Mélanie Marquis is “I fi rmly believe that Quebec is a Liberal MP and committee chair leaving La Presse canadienne and joining La distinct nation within our country and I has allowed the non- Presse’s three-person parliamentary bureau. promise you today that I will be an ally for offi cial party members to each ask three She wrote on Twitter that she was sad to Quebec and that I will do things differently minutes of questions at the consent of com- leave the wire service, but very excited to Marc Miller, left, and Christopher Curtis, right, … That is why I am pleased to appoint Al- mittee members. be joining the digital newspaper’s Ottawa spar. Photograph courtesy of Twitter exandre Boulerice as deputy leader of the Green Party Leader has newsroom on March 25. NDP,” Mr. Singh said in a March 11 state- ment on Mr. Boulerice’s appointment. Mr. appeared, as well as Bloc Québécois mem- “In our minds, it was an epic clash; Boulerice is the NDP’s environment critic. bers Rhéal Fortin and , journalism vs. governance, a street fi ght and Co-operative Commonwealth Federa- in southwest Montreal between a pair of tion MP Erin Weir. scrappy lads intent on settling a blood Though not in the committee room, Mr. feud,” Mr. Curtis wrote, but added: “Hav- Bernier has been active commenting on the ing reviewed the footage, I can assure you affair on Twitter. it was more like a fi ght at the high school “SNC-Lavalin: The Trudeau Liberals chess club.” say they want to save jobs. All they want On hand watching the fi ght was fellow to do is help their cronies and buy votes,” Montreal-area Liberal MP, Justice Minister he tweeted on March 6. “A @peoplespca and Attorney General , who government will stop the pandering and called for the two to have a “fun” and “clean” vote-buying, and will govern in the interest fi ght, according to Mr. Curtis. of ALL .” The Justice Committee meets March 13 at 1 p.m. to debate bringing former at- The Parliamentary Press Gallery is getting torney general Jody Wilson-Raybould back bigger. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is Former Privy Council before the group to testify. pictured in 2017 speaking to the gallery at the National Press Theatre. The Hill Times fi le clerk Gordon Osbaldeston Alexandre Boulerice has been the NDP’s photograph Quebec’s lieutenant since 2015. The Hill Times Scribes on the move: dies at 88 photograph by Andrew Meade Ms. Marquis is the second Hill reporter Press Gallery additions, to leave the French-language wire service. Gordon Osbaldeston, a Privy Council clerk Fellow Quebec caucus member Guy Mylène Crête lost her position due to La for three governments, died on March 6 in Caron has served as the NDP’s parliamen- changes, and departures Presse canadienne job cuts in January. , Ont. tary leader in the stead of the seat-less As the Hill welcomes two new reporters, Mr. Osbaldeston was Canada’s top civil party leader since 2017. He celebrated Mr. CTV’s Molly Thomas and APTN’s Am- Josh Wingrove is heading south to cover servant from 1982 to 1985 during the gov- Boulerice’s appointment on Twitter, saying ber Bernard will be joining the Parliamen- the Trump White House with Bloomberg’s ernments of former prime ministers Pierre a “great nomination for us to get ready for tary Press Gallery. Washington, D.C., team. Trudeau, John Turner, and . 2019.” Mr. Singh will take his seat in the Ms. Thomas will join CTV’s Ottawa bu- Mr. Wingrove has been a parliamentary “Mr. Osbaldeston devoted his life to House of Commons after being elected to reau after working as a CTV freelance host reporter for Bloomberg since 2015, previ- public service,” Privy Council Clerk Michael represent Burnaby South, B.C., in a Feb. 25 and reporter in Toronto. She has previously ously working on the Hill for the Globe and Wernick said in a March 8 statement. “Dur- byelection. worked on Context with Lorna Dueck, as Mail from 2013 to 2015. ing his tenure as clerk, he served three prime [email protected] well as the CBC. She was also an anchor at “It’s gonna be great,” he wrote on Twitter ministers and led the public service through @neilrmoss CTV’s Regina bureau. of his move south of the 49th parallel. an important period in Canada’s history.” The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 3 Hill Life & People News Two Senate staff ers launch national feminist network, kick off at UN women’s commission tate dialogue to facilitate higher levels of While working toward the annual com- policies on gender equality and peace,” The Canadian Council of participation,” she said in an interview last mission is at “the core” of what they do, the they said. week before she left for New York. two staffers said they’re also working to- That involvement has led to concrete Young Feminists aims to On March 10, she also hosted an orienta- ward the Women Deliver 2019 Global Con- and “meaningful” action for Ms. Leclerc tion meeting in New York using her Senate ference, to be held in Vancouver in June, that she said has had a profound effect on bridge the gap between budget to rent space for all the Canadian and talking about “engagement” beyond her life. young leaders, global delegates to meet, including anyone from conferences at a local level for volunteer She traces many of the experiences the non-governmental organization sector. opportunities at home. she’s most proud about back to connec- citizenship, and Canadian One of the group’s formal partners is Both paid their own way to New York, tions she’s built through the commission, the newly formed Canadian Association of as do all the delegates through their group, like volunteering and working for the Parliamentarians. Feminist Parliamentarians. The group now but the support they offer is through ac- Global Network of Women Peacebuilders has about 60 members, said Sen. McPhe- cess, helping with temporary passes or the (GNWP), and travelling to Nepal and the BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN dran, and several are part of the Canadian UN badges needed to get into the exclu- Democratic Republic of Congo. Now she’s delegation to New York, such as Liberal sive grounds, covered by high security. coordinating a GNWP program for young wo Senate staffers have formed a na- MPs (Dorval–Lachine–La- Members of the council are volunteering women in Congo and South Sudan to “give Ttional organization aimed at bringing Salle, Que.), Eva Nassif (Vimy, Que.), Brenda for non-governmental organizations, like them a network of feminist leaders who feminist youth into international action, Shanahan (Châteauguay–Lacolle, Que.), the Institute for International Women’s are working to promote peace in their own which they say has been life-changing for (–Lake- Rights–Manitoba and the Canadian Voice communities abroad,” she said. them. shore, Ont.), as well as Independent of Women for Peace at their events, and [email protected] Katrina Leclerc and Alexandria Ka- Senators Donna Dasko and Kim Pate. advocate pushing for “bold, progressive The Hill Times zmerik founded the Canadian Council of Young Feminists this year and are using the 63rd session of the United Nations Com- mission on the Status of Women, in New York from March 11 to 22, as the “pilot” for RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED TICKETS ON SALE the work they hope to broaden. Both were undergraduate students of Independent Senator Marilou McPhedran before the Manitoba educator and lawyer CELEBRATING CANADA’S HIGHEST HONOUR IN THE PERFORMING ARTS was named to the Upper Chamber in 2016. Every year, her human rights students travelled to the UN conference, and last fall they decided to open what Ms. Leclerc called a “life-changing” experience beyond their Manitoba classmates. With the mission of “bridging the gap be- tween young leaders, global citizenship, and Canadian Parliamentarians,” the two say their goal is to bring more people into the international development and advocacy world to help make a difference. Ms. Leclerc said she wants to gather young people together under a “feminist and gender equality-driven lens to facilitate their access to different opportunities and different ex- periences on the international scale.” It can be “very intimidating and chal- lenging,” said Ms. Kazmerik, to feel like it is “an accessible and inclusive” space, and

having the countrywide council as a sup- n-François Gratton port network can help. Photo: Pierre-Étienne Bergeron Photo: Jon Sturge “It took me a long time to grow the Photo: James White Photo: Jea confi dence even to be in a meeting room with all these incredible people, working Sandra Oh Rick Mercer Lorraine Pintal Louise Bessette on peace and human rights and women’s rights and environmental rights and feel like I’m able to engage and have my voice heard,” she said in a joint phone interview with Ms. Leclerc on March 7. Sen. McPhedran met their idea with enthusiasm, and told them to “run with it,” giving Ms. Leclerc, her parliamentary affairs adviser, and Ms. Kazmerik, on con- tract doing constituency work, staff time aggley to work on the nascent group. It’s allowed MENTOR PROTÉGÉ them to expand their reach, bringing out Photo: Ann B Photo: Johan Persson Photo: Vadim Daniel Photo: Cosmos Image 40 people from across the country to New York as part of their group, more than Colm Feore Mavis Staines E. Noël Spinelli Alanis Obomsawin Gop Bartibogue double the 17 that came last year just from Manitoba. Sen. McPhedran said she wants to be more than a cheerleader and instead CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 RECIPIENTS increase the number of young leaders in Canada, by doing work that is “smoothing National Arts Centre. the way to have them participate.” Join the awards celebration on April 27, 2019 at Canada’s nac-cna.ca/ggawards “That’s always what I considered to be my mission, [and] my goal in trying to contribute to a more inclusive democracy,” PRESENTED BY PRODUCED BY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MAJOR SPONSOR said Sen. McPhedran, who is speaking at a number of UN commission events and on March 11 co-moderated a parliamentary- NGO panel that included Women and Gender Equality Minister (Peterborough-Kawartha, Ont.). WITH THE SUPPORT OF ASSOCIATE SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNER It’s about “demystifying global gover- nance” for young people and she has an opportunity now as a Senator “to facili- 4 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Foreign service Diplomats raised concerns with Canada’s response to Cuban illness in 2017: union Global Affairs ing fi ve years as Foreign Affairs’ Canada faces a Canada, director general of security and lawsuit alleging its headed by intelligence. Foreign Affairs The lawsuit “is going to [hinge] actions were slow, Minister on unacceptable delays” in the gov- Chrystia ernment’s response, and Mr. Liver- which could be a Freeland, more said he thinks it would take a won’t court case to push Global Affairs to ‘game changer’ for a comment “step up and accept” responsibility department in need on the for those injured abroad. speed of the “It never has in the past, it of a wake-up call, says government’s never will in the future until actions in people go to court and establish one former diplomat. response to the legal precedent,” he said. the mysterious A tradition of “benign neglect BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN illness has caught up with the depart- suffered by ment,” he said, which has “never iplomats posted in Cuba Canadians had capacity to give much atten- Dwere asking questions about posted in tion to this issue.” Canada’s response to a mysteri- Cuba. The Before this incident, Ms. Isfeld ous illness as far back as fall Hill Times she didn’t realize GAC had no 2017, a few months after they photograph by medical offi cer on staff and no learned of the so-called “Havana Andrew Meade protocol in place with Health

Syndrome” that has struck 14 Ca- Canada or a public health agency. States—which has at least 26 Repair Centre to support further Kusie, a sentiment echoed by an- nadian victims, as of January. She’d like to see those protocols reported cases of the ailment that research,” he said. When con- other former diplomat who said Former diplomats say Canada’s established, and she said the included symptoms such as head- tacted, both Dalhousie and the it showed they were at the “end of response appears to have been department appears open to the aches, dizziness and problems University of Pennsylvania, which their ropes and of trust,” suggest- delayed and raises the need for conversation. with their eyesight, hearing, sleep has treated injured U.S. victims ing GAC’s response was inad- Both she and Mr. Livermore a new approach by a department — that hasn’t had the capacity for and concentration had a faster and some Canadians who went equate and led to this rupture. said it’s not because of lack of care. adequate support. response, and such “delays mean on their own for care, referred “The lawsuit is disturbing “It’s because that’s just the The Professional Association timely information could have questions to Global Affairs. because it seems to confi rm the culture of the place,” said Mr. of Foreign Service Offi cers was been gathered and symptoms breakdown in confi dence,” Jer- Livermore, an assessment Ms. fi rst contacted by a member in tracked,” said Ms. Isfeld. Opposition MPs question emy Kinsman, a 40-year foreign Kusie said has merit, and in some April 2017 who had been asked She is also quick to say she’s service offi cer who served as ways is supported by diplomats by the government to sign a non- not in an “adversarial position” whether GAC fulfi lled Canada’s high commissioner to who buy into the mindset they standard consent form to release with the department, noting ‘basic duty’ the United Kingdom and as am- need to prove their toughness. medical information that raised “everyone is concerned” and it NDP MP Hélène Laverdière bassador to the European Union, Like Ms. Isfeld, Mr. Livermore privacy concerns, said the group’s appears now they are taking and Conservative MP Stephanie said in an email. said the case reveals “a huge president, Pamela Isfeld. PAFSO measures—like baseline testing, Kusie, both former diplomats, One of Canada’s former gap” in Global Affairs’ ability to is the union representing 1,544 monitoring offi ces—and “are do- said they don’t think the govern- ambassadors to Cuba, Michael respond. active and retired foreign service ing their best.” ment did enough and should have Small, said he doesn’t comment “Something like this takes employees. Rather, “it’s that people are reacted more rapidly, taking a on the performance of his succes- place which is a clear problem, “It was the summer of 2017, caught in this bureaucratic maze,” better lead on the issue. sors because he doesn’t “know the then you look around: what’s that was when we started hearing and to deal with something new, “What I’m troubled with— facts on the ground as well as they your capacity for responding?” about people coming back, people “they have to take risks,” which is and I understand it’s not easy to do, nor do I know the constraints said Mr. Livermore, adding that having symptoms, people having not easy. respond to such a situation that under which they currently are in his experience, it amounted to to sign medical releases, that was None of these details could is quite mysterious—but I do see working”—particularly important “pretty well zero.” when it came to our attention,” be confi rmed with Global Affairs that the American foreign service in human resource issues. The crucial question for both Ms. Isfeld said. “It was a battle Canada, which declined an inter- reacted better than the Canadian Mark Entwistle, a former Ca- Mr. Kinsman and Mr. Livermore with labour relations offi cers view request to discuss timelines one,” said Ms. Laverdière, adding nadian ambassador to Cuba and is what the department did very and the families to try to get the and its response to the situation. if they seemingly couldn’t fi nd managing partner for consulting early on when the fi rst case was department moving on this.” The department cannot comment equivalent services in Canada fi rm Acasta Cuba Capital, was reported. Over the summer, Cuba-posted on matters before the court, said as those offered in “Did they task a senior—very diplomats were fi rst seen by the spokesman John Babcock by Pennsylvania, that op- NDP MP senior—offi cer with the prob- Department of National Defence email March 11. tion should have been Hélène lem and empower [them] to get and Health Canada offi cials both In February, Radio-Canada given. Laverdière the best medical attention, and at home and in Miami, with test- reported 14 people, including fi ve Ms. Kusie (Calgary says it appears also to defi ne a risk assessment ing in Ottawa focused on hearing- Canadian diplomats and their Midnapore, Alta.) GAC failed going forward with some sort of related issues. families, are suing the govern- agreed there’s always in its basic provisional conclusions about the By September 2017, there ment for $28-million in dam- the understanding responsibility possible cause,” Mr. Kinsman said. were some concerns that offi cers ages, accusing the government that diplomats go to ‘react “Or did they consider this heading to Cuba weren’t properly of delaying both evacuation and where necessary, forcefully and was one troubling personnel/ briefed, and by January 2018, Ms. treatment. Some victims, who and there’s risk, “but rapidly.’ The workplace fi le among several, Isfeld said she wrote to Prime asked their names not be public, you go there with Hill Times and leave it to the usual team to Minister Justin Trudeau (Pap- told the public broadcaster they confi dence that [the] photograph by manage, with progress reports to Andrew Meade ineau, Que.) and Foreign Minister had been diagnosed with brain Canadian government be provided top management at (University- damage in June 2017, and some will protect you and has periodic intervals?” Rosedale, Ont.) raising members’ face concussion-like symptoms. your best interest at heart and I not available for an interview. The department is “opaque,” The Hill concerns about health and safety, Global Affairs said its priority don’t think that we have seen that In November, he told said Mr. Kinsman, and it’s not Times lack of information, follow-up, “throughout this entire process” entirely in this case.” that the idea of Cuban clear how it acted, suggesting and medical care. has been the health and security “I think it’s a detriment to the involvement behind the alleged Global Affairs is now far too big “It’s really a dramatic illustra- of personnel, said Mr. Babcock. morale of the diplomatic service,” attacks“would be so out of sync with too many departments, act- tion of the gaps in the system,” “We are taking this situation she said, calling the situation with everything I know about [the ing like a conglomerate rather said Ms. Isfeld, who is “trying to very seriously. Despite the ongo- “exceptional” and one that might Cubans], so it’s a total mystery.” than a narrow, more streamlined get more of a dialogue going” with ing investigation, the cause or make some “think twice” now The Cuban goverment has denied model that favours agility, faster the department to discuss lessons causes have not been identifi ed.” about serving. responsibility for the illness and delivery, and less bureaucracy. learned. A physician “is following up” It’s the government’s “basic GAC has said the two have a posi- “GAC seems to have lost its In April 2018, GAC changed its with all affected “to ensure they duty” to ensure health and safety tive and constructive relationship. ability to make decisions, to lead, Havana posting policy to make it receive appropriate medical treat- of those posted abroad, and for and it is far too staffed at or near available only to unaccompanied ment through the Canadian pro- GAC “to react forcefully and rap- Lawsuit could be a ‘game the top by public servants NOT diplomats, and not their families, vincial health care system,” and idly,” said Ms. Laverdière (Laurier- from what used to be the Foreign while the Americans withdrew all who have reported symptoms Sainte Marie, Que.), her party’s changer’ for support Service, which creates a com- most of their non-essential diplo- have received medical testing in foreign affairs critic. The legal action could be “a munications dysfunction with matic staff in September 2017. Canada, he said. The lawsuit is a “clear indica- game changer,” said Daniel Liver- foreign service offi cers,” he said. Ms. Isfeld and some former “We are working closely with tor” that the members felt they more, a longtime former diplomat [email protected] diplomats say it seems the United the Dalhousie University Brain weren’t taken care of, said Ms. who retired in 2007 after serv- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 5 Hill media News How Robert ‘Fife the knife’ broke the SNC- Lavalin story and 40 years of other scoops 'If you see when he wasn’t working on a specifi c story. Continued from page 1 that smile He wasn’t automatically opposed to govern- Chapleau, a small community in northern that he has, ment pitches, he said, testing them as he Ontario. you know would anything else and then deciding. Globe and Mail Queen’s Park reporter that he’s up Mr. MacDougall recalled a time when Laura Stone, who was hired by and worked to something, he thought the introduction to a story was with Mr. Fife in the Parliamentary bureau you know torqued, but Mr. Fife’s actual reporting was from February 2016 until last September, that he has fair. He called up Mr. Fife around 10 p.m., said he’s got one of the best Rolodexes on something,' he said. Mr. Fife said it would be fi xed by the Hill, a sentiment echoed by all observers. says Senator 11 p.m., and it was. “He has amassed a really impressive Jim Munson Both Global News chief political corre- network over the years, and formed some of Globe and spondent David Akin, who worked closely really good relationships and has sources Mail Ottawa with Mr. Fife at CTV News, and Liberal all over the place,” Ms. Stone said. “I think bureau chief Senator Jim Munson (Ottawa-Rideau that’s his special gift.” Robert Fife, Canal, Ont.), who is a former journalist and As a reporter, he never gives up and is pictured. political communications adviser, said Mr. “fearless” in pursuing the truth, she said, 'You know Fife has an eye for detail, and Sen. Munson but also respectful of all sides and pro- that he’s added that he seems to have a great ability fessional in asking the tough questions. ready to to tell when people are lying. He often encourages staff to make some pounce.' Mr. Akin said an example of this was phone calls to get to the bottom of things, The Hill back in the day when Mr. Fife wrote a story she added. Times fi le about Mila Mulroney’s numerous boxes “When you come in and you have a photograph of shoes on the plane of her husband, good story, or you get a good interview, former prime minister Brian Mulroney. At or you fi nd out something you know is the time, there were questions about Ms. exclusive and know it’s going to…cause Mulroney’s tastes being out of touch with waves—his laugh and his excitement for the middle class, Mr. Akin said. a good story, that’s what I think of when I “It caused quite a stir, and people who think of Bob,” she said. Granville, B.C.) to negotiate a deferred worked with Mulroney’s communications Mr. Fife broke the Senate expense- prosecution agreement with SNC-Lavalin Fife’s ‘not a guy who will jam team at the time put Bob on the enemies claims scandal that led to Senator Mike instead of pursuing a criminal prosecution you at 9 p.m.’: ex-Harper list,” he said. “Bob noticed something per- Duffy being charged and later acquitted, of the major Quebec engineering fi rm. comms chief haps that others didn’t.” and reforms in the Upper Chamber. He In the month since that story fi rst broke, The SNC-Lavalin story may be another Andrew MacDougall, a director of com- also led reporting on the XL Foods recall it’s dominated political news in Ottawa and example of this—lobbying records and a munications to former Conservative leader in 2012 due to E. coli, the largest Canadian led to the resignation of Ms. Wilson-Ray- lot of the details seemed to be hiding in when he was prime minis- meat recall at the time, and, in July 2017, bould and Treasury Board president Jane plain sight, he noted. ter, said that Mr. Fife’s questions often led was the fi rst to report the government’s Philpott (Markham-Stouffville, Ont.) from Mr. Fife’s longevity on the Hill is im- to long nights while he was in the Prime $10-million settlement with , cabinet, as well as the resignation of Prime portant both as a reporter and a boss, Mr. Minister’s Offi ce, but he gave the offi ce among other stories. Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) Akin said, especially in a shrinking media enough time to respond. principal secretary Gerald Butts. environment where many experienced Mr. Trudeau, his deputy minister and reporters have been laid off or gone into Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick, and other fi elds. Mr. Butts have all maintained there was no Over the last 40 years, Sen. Munson inappropriate pressure, with Mr. Trudeau said he doubts Mr. Fife has changed much blaming the situation on an “erosion of at all—he still doesn’t follow the pack, and trust” between the PMO and Ms. Wilson- he’s still feisty. Raybould’s offi ce. “If you see that smile that he has, you Mr. Wernick said during Feb. 21 testi- know that he’s up to something, you know mony to the House Justice Committee that that he has something,” said Sen. Munson. the Globe’s article contained “errors and “You know that he’s ready to pounce.” unfounded speculation, and in some cases [email protected] it’s simply defamatory.” The Hill Times Mr. Wernick said he never gave Ms. Wil- son-Raybould a private rebuke in response to some speeches she gave, as alleged in the Globe article. PLAYSAFE: Mr. Fife didn’t respond immediately by deadline to emailed questions from The Don’t Let It Hill Times about his response to Mr. Wer- nick, but did tell CTV’s Question Period Happen to You Globe and Mail reporter Laura Stone was hired on Feb. 24: “In politics, the best defence is Former PMO communications director Andrew by Robert Fife, and worked with him for about often a strong offence and particularly go- MacDougall said that Robert Fife gave him lots a year and a half. The Hill Times photograph by ing after and shooting the messenger.” of time to respond to stories. The Hill Times fi le The War Amps new Sam Garcia Of Mr. Wernick, he said: “But in his photograph testimony, he actually confi rmed what we “kids-to-kids” safety Mr. Fife has worked as a reporter for the reported.” The day he broke the news of Mr. video, featuring stories Canadian Press, and has been the bureau Mr. Fife declined an interview for this Harper’s chief of staff, Nigel Wright, writ- chief for , the , and story, saying in a separate email that the ing a personal cheque for $90,000 to Sen. from young amputees then in 2002 both the National Post and Can- story “is not about me but what transpired Duffy (Cavendish, P.E.I.) to cover expenses West News Service, which is now Postmedia. between the former attorney general and related to the Senate spending-claim scan- who have lost limbs in In 2005, he became the Ottawa bureau chief the prime minister and his staff.” dal, Mr. MacDougall said Mr. Fife called accidents, delivers the for CTV News, hosting CTV’s Question Pe- The author of several books and recipi- him around noon or 1 p.m. riod, and in 2016 started at the Globe. ent of journalism awards including the “Bob’s not a guy who will jam you at 9 hard-hitting but positive He’s a staple on the political news ag- Parliamentary Press Gallery’s 2014 Charles p.m.—not in my experience, anyway—and message: “Spot the danger gregation website National Newswatch, Lynch Award for outstanding coverage say ‘I’m going to air in an hour, deal with often teaming up with parliamentary re- of national affairs, Mr. Fife has also been it,’” he said. “Bob knew that if he was work- before you play!” porter Steven Chase, and Ms. Stone noted criticized for his use of anonymous sources ing on a big story it would be a better story the two often pick away at a topic, such as over the years, most notably in a 2003 story if he gave you time to get organized and with reporting on the Chinese fi rm Huawei, about Syrian-Canadian Maher Arar. It get in the story.” Visit waramps.ca/playsafe for whose chief fi nancial offi cer is being held sourced an unnamed government offi cial Mr. Fife is also known to just show up and in British Columbia on an extradition saying that Mr. Arar was a “‘very bad guy’ question people in person, sometimes with the video and safety resources. request from the United States. who had apparently received military cameras running, particularly politicians and The two teamed up again, this time with training at an al-Qaeda base. Detained in staffers, which Buzzfeed News referred to legal reporter Sean Fine, to publish a Feb. the United States and then sent to Syria, in coining the term “Fifed.” Mr. MacDougall 7 story alleging the prime minister and where he was tortured, Mr. Arar eventually noted he was called “Fife the knife.” his offi cials tried to press then-attorney got a government apology and settlement, Mr. Fife regularly checked in almost general Jody Wilson-Raybould (Vancouver and a public inquiry exonerated him. daily with him, Mr. MacDougall said, even 6 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Policy

colleagues wrote that “a clear set of objectives is essential for a suc- Pharmacare report shows government cessful outcome” for national phar- macare, but that key approach is not evident in the report. favours ‘incremental,’ ‘middle-course’ The council is likely “under a lot of pressure from all sides,” she said, from powerful lobbies with “a lot of interests that don’t want approach to reform: observers the system to change much.”

out with something transforma- Groups off er positive Dr. Eric Hoskins, who A spokesperson for tive,” said Colleen Flood, professor review of interim report chairs the pharmacare of health policy and law at the the health minister advisory council, made Centre. ‘light on details’ public an interim report “I think they’re trying to chart The Hill Times spoke with six says it’s ‘too soon’ to on March 6 with three some middle course,” said Prof. groups representing a variety of recommendations that Flood, a similar assessment to Ca- interests, and all offered positive speculate on potential some groups say should nadian Pharmacists Association feedback on the report, and cau- approaches, as the receive funding in the CEO Glen Doucet, who said it tious optimism. 2019 budget. The Hill suggests the government is “look- Hassan Yussuff, president of the pharmacare advisory Times photograph by ing at a more cautious, incremen- Canadian Labour Congress, said Andrew Meade tal approach.” Canada needs to change the cur- council will submit its Ms. Petitpas Taylor’s press sec- rent “patchwork system”—an as- retary, Thierry Bélair, said it’s “too sessment all shared—though with fi nal report by June. soon” to speculate on approaches. the system still up in the air there’s “The next step is the council’s less room for disagreement. BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN fi nal report that will recommend The national drug agency is “an an approach to, and an implemen- important thing” and he said he government advisory council’s tation plan for, national pharma- hopes to see funding in the budget Ainterim pharmacare report care,” Mr. Bélair said by email to help fund the structures. released last week was met with March 12. That would show “some good cautious optimism by stakeholder Mr. Doucet said he doubts will” from the federal govern- groups, as one researcher said it there’ll be “large investments” ment that it’s doing the work to “hints the council is heading in the in the budget and CPhA’s main establish the new agencies and right direction,” while critics worry concern is whether any change “send a positive message” to the it opens the door for Canada to causes “unneeded disruption in public that he hopes will make move away from a public system. cially for an arm’s-length agency confi dence… Creating a national access.” pharmacare a ballot-box issue The report, released March to give government stronger formulary is not creating national To the pharmacists’ associa- during the election. 6 by the group tasked to look bargaining power to deal with pharmacare.” tion, the model is less important The Canadian Life and Health at pharmacare implementation, prices. Canadians pay among The government is “tip-toeing than making sure there’s a sus- Insurance Association welcomes stops short of answering the the highest prices and spend toward this unclear destination tainable, effective system. the report as “a good fi rst step,” big questions: what system the more on prescription drugs than instead of [taking] bold action,” “When you’re looking at said Susan Murray, vice-president council favours, and whether the citizens of almost every other he said. something as massive as trying of government relations. government should move to a country in the world, according “I just see a tentativeness and to bring forth a major change to The group praised the recom- public universal model. to the council’s report, making lack of commitment still at this health care services in Canada, mendation of a national formu- “I think it’s really critically it the second-largest spending late stage that is concerning to incremental is probably the pru- lary as an “important component,” important they’ve decided to category in the country’s health me,” said Mr. Davies, who added dent way to go,” Mr. Doucet said. noting private insurers are a key keep those cards so close to their system. he’s happy the report cites data Prof. Flood completely dis- part of the system given almost chest,” said University of British Last summer, the government he’s long referenced showing the agrees, and said that she thinks half of prescriptions are through Columbia professor Steve Mor- hired Prof. Morgan to research magnitude of the cost and the the government is taking a private plans. gan, either because they haven’t and prepare background material problem. backwards approach, particularly “If we have a fl oor by which no decided or the government has in- for the seven-person council to province or private plan would go structed them not to say anything. help them understand the current underneath, that’s a good starting In February 2018, the govern- state of affairs in Canada and Health Minister point,” she said. ment named former Ontario Lib- look at comparable countries: Ginette Petitpas Paul-Émile Cloutier, CEO of eral health minister Eric Hoskins including the United Kingdom, Taylor’s offi ce HealthCareCAN, which bills itself to head the new council, and just Australia, Scandinavian coun- says the as the national voice of health- over a year later it presented an tries, and New Zealand. government is care organizations and hospitals, interim report. A fi nal report must Basic fact-fi nding reveals that still assessing said it’s “about time” the federal come by June. none of these countries separates the interim government takes leadership. The interim report amounts to management of the pharmaceuti- report. The Hill The group said the report’s “an important exercise, but it didn’t cal coverage, he said. According Times photograph assessment on drug data aligns tell us a lot,” said Prof. Morgan, who to a February poll by the Cana- by Andrew Meade with its pre-budget pitch, so Mr. called the principles it presents to dian Federation of Nurses Unions, Cloutier is hopeful the budget will guide the council’s work “really 88 per cent of Canadians support bring funds for digital health and sound,” while the council’s three a universal prescription drug data platforms. recommendations “make sense.” program. “We think without that there’s Some groups said they expect “It would be hard to imagine no way to advance this issue and some funding in next week’s coming away from looking at nor can you expect any major budget to kickstart those sugges- comparable health systems in any difference in health outcomes tions, which include creating a detail at all with a message that of Canadians,” he said, calling it national drug agency that could would suggest Canada would be “paramount.” negotiate prices; develop a na- better off by separating pharma- Though the report is “light on tional formulary, or a list of feder- ceutical management from health About 20 per cent of Canadi- when it comes to the agreed-upon details,” the Canadian Generic Phar- ally approved and costed drugs; insurance more generally,” said ans—up to 7.5 million people— price and drug list the council maceutical Association supports and investing in drug data and Prof. Morgan. report that they do not have wants to create. “the philosophy” it presents, said the information technology systems. prescription drug coverage, the “If they’re theorizing in the ab- group’s president Jim Keon. Health Minister Ginette Petitpas report noted, citing a 2016 Cana- stract about whether or not things Mr. Keon said they’re perhaps Taylor’s offi ce wouldn’t commit to Tentative report dian Community Health Survey. should be in the public formulary, less concerned than other groups funding or the recommendations, ‘concerning’ for Davies Mr. Davies also questioned you can’t decide that without about the structure of the plan, but saying the government is still as- NDP health critic the timing of the report—in the taking account of the price and their advocacy has been focused sessing the report. (Vancouver Kingsway, B.C.) isn’t midst of House Justice Committee you can’t really think about the on maintaining the pan-Canadian Prof. Morgan said it “hints the as optimistic, saying the interim testimony by former PMO prin- price” unless the government is pricing and reimbursement ar- council is heading in the right report “doesn’t do anything,” and cipal secretary Gerald Butts on in a position to bargain with drug rangement that is in the second of direction,” while Melanie Benard, he still has the same “fundamen- the SNC-Lavalin scandal—saying companies, she said. a fi ve-year arrangement. a national director at Canadian tal concern” as when the council they “rushed the announcement” “It’s a complicated business, “We believe that the call Health Coalition, said she’s “pret- launched more than a year ago: to “change the channel,” but Dr. this reform,” she added. “Creating in the interim report for cost- ty optimistic” the foundational “there is no commitment what- Hoskins, backed by Ms. Petitpas a central agency that’s going to effectiveness of medications will elements are “laying the ground- soever” to bring in a universal Taylor (Moncton-Riverview- come up with some kind of list is inevitably lead to a greater use of work” for a public single-payer comprehensive single-payer Dieppe, N.B.) protested that ob- not the right way to drive univer- generic and biosimilar medicines,” model. In contrast, the public-pri- system. servation, saying their event had sal pharmacare. You need to have he said, noting almost three out of vate mix is typically preferred by “They leave the door open” been planned for weeks. the buying function combined four prescriptions in the country drug and insurance companies. for other options he said aren’t The “very brief” eight-page with the decision-making about are fi lled with such drugs. It’s “putting the structures in good enough. “That they won’t report is “not exactly inspiring con- what will be and what’s out.” [email protected] place,” Ms. Benard said, espe- say those words does not give me fi dence that they’re about to come In the fall, Prof. Flood and The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 7 Comment

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Mixed grades for party left, came out strong, Tory chief Andrew Scheer, middle, leaders’ responses to had a slow start, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, SNC-Lavalin scandal right, has been fl ailing, writes Let’s start with the NDP’s Jagmeet Tim Powers. The NDP’s Jagmeet Singh Singh. He has arguably outperformed The Hill Times has arguably outperformed Justin Trudeau and Andrew Scheer. Singh photographs by has done a few things well. First, he has Andrew Meade let experienced parliamentary hands like Justin Trudeau and Andrew Murray Rankin and lead the Scheer in the wake of daily charge in the House Justice Commit- response for instant gratifi cation. Scheer’s nothing wrong was done. Phew, that’s a big tee as well as on the television circuit. He simultaneous call for an RCMP investigation relief. Now we can all carry on with our revelations from the former hasn’t felt the need to unnecessarily insert into the matter, which was a more tangible business. But the good news ends there. himself just for the sake of it. narrative to launch, got temporarily drowned Like everything else connected to attorney general. When Singh has spoken about what the out by the resignation rhetoric. the management of this tale, the prime NDP thinks is necessary to get at the truth, Scheer picked up his game though this minister blew an opportunity to turn the he has been cautiously measured and past week. Seemingly aware of the criti- page. As this paper lamented in its Monday given himself room to respond to changing cism concerning the resignation chant and editorial, after dropping some hints that circumstances. His call for a commission learning from it he held a weekend news the prime minister might show some real of inquiry into what happened among Jody conference which wisely focused on now contrition and potentially offer some sort Wilson-Raybould, the prime minister, his making the story about giving Wilson-Ray- of apology when he held a press confer- offi ce, and all the other players was a safe, bould the opportunity to speak again. The ence on this matter, he did no such thing. predictable choice to make here. From a “Let Her Speak” web campaign is far better A generous interpretation of his media political communications perspective, an than howling at the moon about a resigna- availability would be it was a half-hearted inquiry, which is never likely to be called, tion that will never happen. It gets at issues attempt with not even a half-assed apology. were it to be actioned, would produce nev- of fairness and legitimate equity, which are The prime minister and his team dem- Tim Powers er-ending fodder for opposition parties and key storylines. Lastly, Scheer has also been onstrated, yet again, that their best skill set Plain Speak if Wilson-Raybould’s story were debunked smart in letting his deputy leader, Lisa Raitt, is not digging themselves out of problems an inquiry creates an off ramp. lead the Justice Committee charge. She has they create. Sometimes an unfl appable Scheer did not start well in responding to been a skilled performer, demonstrating sense of never being wrong isn’t as helpful TTAWA—The ongoing saga of the the political crisis engulfi ng the government. both reasonableness and believability. as admitting error, even if you can’t see it. OTrudeau government’s self-made mess His almost instantaneous call for the prime Now, to the prime minister. On the posi- If there wasn’t any error we wouldn’t be around SNC-Lavalin’s quest for a deferred minister to resign after Wilson-Raybould’s tive side for him, after a month of fl ailing entering the second month of this parable. prosecution agreement (DPA) and its af- testimony before the Justice Committee was about, his government has fi nally decided Tim Powers is vice-chairman of Summa termath has provided some insight into the way too premature. It meant he limited his on a narrative—albeit, one that is better Strategies and managing director of three main federal party leaders. Specifi cally, go-forward options and also he put himself suited to the pages of Psychology Today. Abacus Data. He is a former adviser to how they have performed when the spotlight in a box if Wilson-Raybould was some- It is: people can experience conversations Conservative political leaders. has turned their way. The results are mixed. how discredited. It was a puberty-infused differently, lessons will be learned, and The Hill Times

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EDITOR Kate Malloy MANAGING EDITOR Kristen Shane PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY BY PUBLISHERS Anne Marie Creskey, DEPUTY EDITORS Peter Mazereeuw, Charelle Evelyn HILL TIMES PUBLISHING INC. Jim Creskey, 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 Copps misses the mark on Wilson- Prime Minister Trudeau Raybould critique, says ex-Tory MLA e: “Wilson-Raybould doesn’t trust the even after she told the PM to back off, he and has his eyes wide shut Rprime minister and the feeling is mutual,” his colleagues persisted in attempting to get (The Hill Times, March 4, p. 9). To an “un- her to revoke her decision. schooled ear,” I found former justice minister A deferred prosecution agreement is not s Members of Parliament, elected secretary, Celina Caesar-Chavannes, said Jody Wilson-Raybould’s testimony to be thor- to be used for economic considerations and offi cials are entitled to a variety of she tried to talk to him a week after a A ough, truthful, and convincing, leaving little certainly not for political reasons. It is also health-care benefi ts. This includes a drug high-temperature phone call in which she to the imagination. She basically corrobo- clear from the testimony to date that she was plan, hearing aids, hospital benefi ts, den- let him know she wasn’t running in Octo- rated, enhanced and, to some extent, refuted pressured to change her decision and place tal care, and—importantly—vision. ber, and said she was met with “hostility.” the earlier testimony of the clerk of the Privy the political considerations of the prime min- Perhaps Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “I went to him, I said, ‘Look, I know Council. Ms. Copps indicates that Ms. Wilson- ister above her duty to uphold the rule of law. is in need of availing himself of the latter. our last conversation wasn’t the greatest Raybould had a “duty to consult caucus and I am amazed that a former cabinet minis- Because when everyone else is seeing but…,’ and at that point I stopped talk- cabinet colleagues” and is “duty-bound to con- ter and deputy prime minister has such little something differently than you do, it may ing because I realized he was angry,” Ms. sider their opinions.” Based on the Shawcross understanding of the role of the attorney gen- be time to get your eyes checked. Caesar-Chavannes told the Globe and doctrine, she had no such “duty” and was eral and the role of that offi ce as to its obliga- Over the past few weeks, Mr. Trudeau’s Mail. “Again, I was met with hostility. This not even obliged to consult with any of her tion to maintain the rule of law, irrespective response to the allegations that his offi ce stare-down…then him stomping out of colleagues. It was her decision to make and of the political wishes of the governing party. attempted to interfere politically in the the room without a word.” she made it. And once she made the decision, Ken Allred prosecution of engineering fi rm SNC-La- A PMO spokesperson told the Cana- the PM and his staff were meddling in her re- Blairmore, Alta. valin has shifted slightly, but one thing has dian Press that there is “no question the sponsibilities as attorney general of Canada. (The writier is a former Progressive remained constant: there was no foul play. conversations in February were emotion- And what is more glaring in this case, is that Conservative MLA in Alberta.) On March 7, Mr. Trudeau adamantly did al, but there was absolutely no hostility.” not apologize for the “erosion of trust” that According to CP, Mr. Trudeau told occurred between his offi ce and former attor- an Ottawa audience of teachers on the ney general Jody Wilson-Raybould, who said weekend that people on his team have More than enough proof that hate she experienced a “consistent and sustained experienced “some real differences of effort,” as well as “veiled threats,” from govern- perspective and opinion.” language kills, says reader ment offi cials to order that the company be He added: “I regret that it has hap- offered a deferred prosecution agreement. pened this way and it’s certainly some- e: “Will increasing political polarization Netanyahu. Rabbis cursed him as a devil, “Each of these interactions was a con- thing that we’re learning a lot about.” in Canada lead to an assassination? psychiatrists said he was a maniac akin to R The Hill Times versation among colleagues about how to Mr. Trudeau has been the leader of the Not so fast,” ( , March 4, p. 13). Hitler, and Israeli citizens chanted “Death to tackle a challenging issue. Each came at a Liberal Party since 2013 and prime min- There is some evidence contrary to the con- Rabin” at mass rallies. time when my staff and I believed that the ister since 2015. There’s a learning curve clusion of the article that, “It is diffi cult to There is at least the suggestion that the former minister of justice and attorney with any job, but this should have been in ‘prove’ that a pervasive atmosphere of hate 2016 murder of British Member of Parlia- general was open to considering other the introductory syllabus. leads anyone to act the way they do.” ment Jo Cox was the end result of outspo- aspects of the public interest,” Mr. Trudeau The actors in this play may be relative- Amos Gitai’s 2015 documentary fi lm, ken criticism of her pro-immigration stance. Rabin, The Last Day, told reporters. “However, I now under- ly new politicians, but none of them are details the sustained “Lock her up” shouts against former stand that she saw it differently.” wilting fl owers that need a fainting couch campaign of character assassination that Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne heard The prime minister has maintained after an interaction with a powerful man. eventually brought about the killing of last year, “prove” that hate language is not that this all boils down to a “difference of If Mr. Trudeau is as committed to refl ec- the Israeli prime minister in 1995. Yitzhak completely foreign to Canadians. perspective” between the two sides, and tion as he says he is, he may want to invest Rabin was reviled as a traitor by oppo- Andrew Romain that he’s going to refl ect on what that in a strong prescription for those lenses. nents such as Meir Kahane and Benjamin Gatineau, Que. means for him as a leader. Continuing to claim a different line Mr. Trudeau deployed the same of sight can only go so far until it starts defence when his former parliamentary looking like wilful blindness. Canada is right to take sides in Venezuela, says professor e: “Canada carrying a hypocritical torch shockingly, he makes light of the humanitar- Rin stand against Maduro,” (The Hill Times, ian tragedy in Venezuela, by comparing the Feb. 27, p. 9). Our promotion of human rights rigged elections and repression in Venezuela and democracy in Venezuela is no doubt bold- to what “we have been told repeatedly” about er than what we have come to expect from Russian interference in U.S. elections. The our government. But three factors vindicate government-manufactured economic collapse, this exceptional course of action: the magni- as well as the disastrous management of the tude of the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela oil industry in Venezuela long preceded Cana- (a starving population and three million-plus dian (and U.S.) limited sanctions. refugees), for which an extraordinarily inept More than 60 countries now recognize Mr. and illegitimate government is responsible; Guaidó as interim president—even Japan. the presence of a credible and elected opposi- What they support is the only viable solution tion, carried by the largest anti-government to this crisis: a constitutional path to free and protests in Latin American history; and fair presidential elections as soon as possible. fi nally, the unprecedented momentum in the This is also what previously neutral players international community to actually do some- (like Uruguay and the Vatican) are now calling thing about it. for. To be sure, plenty can go wrong, and neu- Scott Taylor mentions none of these factors trality can be a respectable position in foreign in his snarky and misleading account of our affairs. But Taylor should also know that there policy. were times in history when Canadians were Instead, after some throat clearing on how proud to see their government taking sides to he is “not implying support for Maduro,” he defend freedom. fi nds his clarity by putting down interim pres- Yvon Grenier ident Juan Guaidó for being young and only Antigonish, N.S. elected in a riding (most members of legisla- (The writer is a political science professor tive assemblies are, like Justin Trudeau). More at St. Francis Xavier University.)

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TTAWA—Only rarely these opments in the region that empha- unquenchable offi cial corruption Many of Canada’s Odays do societies collapse in size the volatile situation in Latin around much of the region, disap- the way Venezuela has. America as countries from Mexico pointment in politicians’ ability to hemispheric Once one of the richest coun- to Brazil cope with disillusioned fulfi ll their promises, and pessi- tries in Latin America, it has citizens, entrenched economic un- mism about economic prospects neighbours, from descended into complete disorder, certainty, and radical populists. among average Latin Americans. Mexico to Brazil, with failing power supplies, severe It’s a decisive moment across Economic output per person Venezuelan President Nicolás shortages of food and medicine, the region, which shed military across the region is down sharply Maduro, pictured in 2015, is are coping with rampant political repression, a fail- dictatorships in favour of democ- since the Great Recession. Un- refusing to cede power to self- ing economy, an exodus of 3.4 mil- racy in the 1980s, installed progres- employment in Latin America is declared interim president and disillusioned citizens, lion residents, and an authoritarian sive regimes in the economically about eight per cent, with nearly opposition leader Juan Guaidó. Mark ruler propped up by the military. fortuitous 2000s and now seems on 50 per cent of the workforce Garten photograph courtesy of the UN entrenched economic President Nicolás Maduro, who the verge of a new stage marked by stuck in the informal labour uncertainty, and was re-elected last year in a vote turmoil, polarization, and the rise in market. Among the 100-million- countries’ commitment to democ- largely seen as rigged, is under pres- some places of would-be autocrats. plus young people in the region, racy and the protection of human radical populists. sure from Canada, the United States, Throughout it all, lack of rule nearly a quarter are without jobs rights and civil society. and countries around the region of law and of strong, resilient or do not attend school. Canada has taken a leader- to hand over power to Venezuela’s democratic institutions has been a While people in the region tell ship role in efforts to restore opposition leader and self-declared constant source of social confl ict, pollsters they still favour democ- democracy in Venezuela and, as interim president, Juan Guaidó. unrest, and extremist actors. racy, a recent Latin America-wide a member of the Organization of But despite crippling sanctions Much of Central America defi nes survey found those saying they are American States, it is incumbent placed on Maduro and his cohorts the failed state. Argentina’s eco- dissatisfi ed with how democracy on Canadians to look beyond our by Guaidó’s supporters in Ot- nomic troubles are raising questions works has risen to 71 per cent, com- usual focus on the U.S. and make tawa, Washington, and elsewhere, about President Mauricio Macri’s re- pared to 51 per cent a decade ago. a more concerted effort to ensure the current president shows no election chances. Peru and Colombia Given the outside infl uence Latin Americans have a chance to signs of relinquishing power. His are plagued by political uncertainty arising from autocratic trends benefi t from stability and human- regime has the support, both in and Brazil and Mexico have elected in Europe, the United States and itarian-minded governments. Les Whittington fi nancial and intelligence terms, leaders who not long ago would other countries, conditions are Les Whittington is an Ottawa of Cuba, China, and Russia. have been seen as way too radical. in place in Latin America for an journalist and a regular contribu- Need to Know The Venezuelan crisis is the most This volatility refl ects anger unpredictable period that could tor to The Hill Times. calamitous of a raft of recent devel- over high crime rates, seemingly test the limits of a number of The Hill Times

National Defence for his mount- instead stood her ground and was ing legal bills. In 2017, that request subsequently shuffl ed out of the A tale of two scandals: Wilson- was denied because, according to attorney general’s offi ce. a Justice Department letter leaked The fi nal decision on SNC- to my colleague David Pugliese of Lavalin’s legal fate has yet to Raybould and Norman cases the Ottawa Citizen, Norman was be determined, but Wilson-Ray- guilty of disclosing confi dential bould’s revelations have already information. Keep in mind, this badly shaken the senior ranks denial of legal fi nancial assistance of Trudeau’s government. Not following diverging paths due to the accused’s preconceived surprisingly, two of her primary “guilt” came even before Norman alleged protagonists, Trudeau’s had been formally charged with former principal secretary Gerald In terms of similarities, both letter sent to other ministers, any crime. Butts and clerk of the Privy Coun- Both cases begin cases begin with information be- For the Canadian public and To put this in even clearer cil Michael Wernick are being with information ing leaked to the media. They also the sailors of the Royal Cana- perspective; in the past two years, singled out as alleged key ob- stem from allegations that major dian Navy (RCN), the decision to there have been a total of 41 structionists in the Norman case. being leaked to the corporations were attempting to proceed with the interim supply requests by military personnel for In fact, the same morning use their political clout with the ship deal has proven itself to be legal fee assistance. Of that num- that the recently resigned Butts media and stem from Trudeau Liberals to infl uence key a major success. The MV Asterix ber, only Norman and two others was testifying at the Justice government decisions. was delivered to the RCN on have been denied. Committee in rebuttal to Wilson- allegations that major In the Norman case, it is al- budget, and on time, and has so Now, getting back to the Raybould’s allegations, Norman’s leged that the admiral breached far been operating for the last 14 Wilson-Raybould saga, this too lawyer, Marie Henein, was issuing corporations tried to trust by leaking news to Quebec’s months. It is currently supporting started with a leak to the media. an ultimatum to both Butts and use political clout to Davie Shipbuilding and the CBC the Navy in the Pacifi c. According to Robert Fife’s break- Wernick. She has demanded that that Irving Shipbuilding of Hali- As for Vice-Admiral Norman, ing story in , they either produce the docu- fi nd favour with the fax was trying to scuttle Davie’s things have not gone so swim- unnamed sources alleged that ments and phone records that contract to build an interim sup- mingly. Stung by the embarrass- the former attorney general had were subpoenaed by her last Trudeau government. ply ship for the Navy. Irving has ment of the alleged leak, the Privy been inappropriately pressured month, or she will call upon the vehemently denied it has meddled Council Offi ce called upon the by the Prime Minister’s Offi ce. two men to testify in open court. in any way on the Davie contract. RCMP to investigate the source. The crux of the matter was the In the meantime, Norman The original nearly $700-mil- In January 2017, Chief of PMO’s desire to stave off a pos- remains suspended, pronounced lion deal had been agreed to by Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan sible criminal prosecution for the guilty by his own department in the Harper Conservatives, but Vance publicly announced that engineering fi rm SNC-Lavalin. advance of his trial and thereby following the Liberal election Norman was suspended from his The charges of bribery date back denied assistance for his steadily victory of October 2015, newly post as Canada’s vice-chief of the to 2008 when SNC-Lavalin of- mounting legal costs. Did I men- minted Treasury Board president defence staff. fi cials allegedly procured hookers tion that the MV Asterix project Scott Brison allegedly suggested The announcement was made and Spice Girls tickets for the is a complete success and is cur- to cabinet that perhaps the Davie without providing the media with son of Libyan leader Muammar rently providing yeoman’s service deal be revisited. When the news any context, and thus Norman Scott Taylor Gaddafi . According to those un- to the RCN? broke of this possible reversal, ended up being the unfair recipi- named sources, and subsequently To date I have not heard any Inside Defence Davie reminded the Trudeau ent of wild speculation. Merciful- through Wilson-Raybould’s own mention of an investigation into government that it had a stiff ly, offi cial word was later dissemi- testimony before the House Jus- who breached cabinet confi dence in cancellation-fee clause in the nated the alleged wrongdoing tice Committee, the PMO wanted the Wilson-Raybould story. In terms TTAWA—It is interesting to contract, and Navy planners re- involved the leak of information her to suspend the pursuit of a of relative damage, I would think Ocompare the very different minded their political masters of regarding a civilian contract. criminal conviction in favour of that the Wilson-Raybould revelation circumstances surrounding the the urgent necessity for a supply It would take a full year of a deferred prosecution agree- was far more destructive. two individuals at the centre of ship. Subsequently, there was no RCMP probing before Norman ment (DPA). Such a deal would So, why continue to scapegoat the current political scandals in attempt to cancel the Davie deal. was formally charged with a allow SNC-Lavalin to pay a fi ne, Norman? Ottawa. I’m referring, of course, Mr. Brison has denied lobbying single count of breach of trust. but avoid a conviction record Scott Taylor is the edi- to former attorney general Jody for Irving, saying his only en- The kicker to all this came and thereby continue to qualify tor and publisher of Esprit de Wilson-Raybould and Vice-Admi- gagement with it during the time when Norman sought fi nancial as a bidder on federal govern- Corps magazine. ral Mark Norman. in question was being copied on a assistance from the Department of ment contracts. Wilson-Raybould The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Comment Can Israeli democracy survive with Netanyahu?

During the years when the its citizens,” he wrote. “According 9 election by an incumbent prime soning behind a man’s disregard While elections in Middle East peace process still to the basic nationality law we minister running under the threat for explicitly letting the voters in had a pulse, it was easy enough— passed, Israel is the nation state of indictment on multiple corrup- on his plan to mothball the very Israel are never at least for non-Palestinians—to of the Jewish people—and only it.” tion charges—might seem coun- democratic process that defi nes consider Israel’s support of He went on to remind everyone terproductive to the presumed them as voters while telling them boring, the results democracy and human rights for that the country’s 1.8 million Ar- goal of attracting the support of just enough to plead caveat emp- are certainly getting a its own citizens separately from abs—whose right to vote prompt- as many voters as possible. tor when he wins. its occupation of the Palestinian ed his tactical 2015 election-day But at a time when the most In strategic terms, this is being little predictable. Territories. It was a transitional warning that they’d be “going to anti-democratic leaders in the packaged—in true authoritarian period and everyone—including, the polls in droves”—have “equal world are the ones having all the tradition—as just one of the many until recently, Israeli heads of idiosyncrasies of Netanyahu’s government—assumed that tran- Israeli Prime unique, but indispensable, strong- sition would produce a two-state Minister man personality, notwithstand- solution that would render such Benjamin ing similar efforts to degrade moral anomalies obsolete. Netanyahu, democracy around the world in Lately, it has seemed that pictured in countries not burdened by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- Ottawa in demographic dilemma. yahu has made a choice. In the 2012, seems A March 2 New York Times long-standing argument in favour to have made news analysis piece on the prime of a two-state solution that prag- his choice minister’s inherently undemocratic Lisa Van Dusen matically cites the unfortunately between bid for a fi fth term reinforced that What Fresh Hell dubbed “demographic time-bomb” Israel being autocratic re-election rationale of Israel—in the absence of a two- a Jewish with the weirdly paternalistic head- state solution—eventually having state and a line: Can Israel Survive Without srael’s democracy, existing as it to choose between being a Jewish democratic Netanyahu?, both evoking the de- Ihas as an island surrounded by state and a democratic one, Mr. one, writes lusional daily affi rmation of every non-democracies, has a reputa- Netanyahu seems to have already Lisa Van self-appointed leader-for-life from tion for being that beautiful eu- fl ipped a coin. Dusen. The Fidel Castro to Muammar Gaddafi , phemism for an array of scrappy He essentially confi rmed that Hill Times and infantilizing the voters of a qualities: “robust.” Debate in decision last July with the passage photograph by very sophisticated country. Israel, it Israel is not for the faint of heart, of his government’s Nationality Sam Garcia shouldn’t need to be pointed out, is running for a seat in the Knes- Law, also known as the Jewish a nation of survivors. set is no more for the squeamish nation-state law. He doubled down rights like all of us.” (Given the fun—incomprehensibly peachy Lisa Van Dusen is associate than standing and speaking in on the position on Sunday with an trajectory of human rights every- poll numbers, stunning-upset editor of Policy Magazine and the Knesset is, and the country’s Instagram post responding to criti- where, that last bit may prove to electoral outcomes, no yellow- was a Washington and New judiciary, especially its Supreme cism from actress Rotem Sela that have been ominous.) vested thugs clouding their fi elds York-based editor at UPI, AP, Court, is famously indepen- prompted repeated re-reads to By normal political standards, of vision, a lubricative absence of and ABC. She writes a weekly dent, notably on the protection of confi rm that the “not” wasn’t a the statement Netanyahu made brand-tanking cannonball narra- column for The Hill Times. minority rights. typo. “Israel is not a state of all Sunday—a month from the April tives—it’s not hard to see the rea- The Hill Times

This is not good for the govern- ment of Canada, as an institution: Phoenix is the gift that keeps on taking if the best and brightest refuse to take on challenges, the organiza- tion will end up in stasis. And if department. It indicates that I there are tens of thousands of The public service has earned $8,607.77 in 2018 from my people who are about to crack, so continued to function work at Global Affairs Canada, will the foundation. There will be to be included in my income for no effi ciency, no service and no in- despite the ongoing the year. novation. The public will suffer. The problem is, I retired in At present, some public ser- payroll system July 2017. vants are organizing a class-ac- I had been Phoenixed. Again. tion suit against the government debacle, but people, The fi rst time, I was overpaid and others are fi ghting it using $19,400 and paid it back; the grievance processes. But, if my and the government’s second, I was not paid my fi nal case is any indication, the people foundation, will crack paycheque or severance from who have grievances would have retirement. And now this. I guess to be paid a minimum of $10,000 under the strain. third time’s the charm. each in compensation for mental Bear in mind I have been pa- stress, interest on their debt, and tiently providing all the appropri- clerical errors. That is a big bill. ate information to Public Services Public servants rallied in Ottawa on Feb. 28 to mark the third anniversary of the Given the price tag, you can bet and Procurement Canada for the launch of the troubled Phoenix payroll system. Nearly two years retired, Andrew the government will pay high- last 20 months in order to close Caddell is still feeling the Phoenix effects. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade priced lawyers to fi ght it. the books on my career. I thought I Instead, the prime minister was coming close to the fi nish line ways taught there was a word for States Congress shut down the should crank up his apology when I recently received my fi nal taking someone’s money without government in January, there was machine, settle the case, and pay paycheque and some of the sever- their consent. a huge swell of sympathy among the damages. For those who have ance payment from retirement. While I put tens of thousands Canadians, boosted by stories in suffered egregious clerical errors Then the little brown enve- of dollars on my line of credit our media of people fearing the as I have, there should be a rapid Andrew Caddell lope with the T4 arrived. And the and credit cards waiting for my loss of their homes, their inability restitution. And for those with With All Due Respect nightmare began again. case to be settled, I know I did to feed themselves, and effects continuing scars, a program of As I had no forewarning of not suffer as much as others. The on their mental health. Yet that counselling and support. this, I had to do some research. reports in the media are the tip of crisis lasted a little over a month: The victims of Phoenix have TTAWA—I am pissed off with It turns out a substantive er- the iceberg: people who have lost Phoenix has been savaging public suffered enough. For the govern- Othe . ror on my salary in 2017 was their homes, left the country or servants for three years. ment of Canada to operate, it Not with the current debacle/ never corrected, and I allegedly quit university, because they have During that time, the public has to deal with this failure now, debate over SNC-Lavalin, the owed another $7,000. Although not been paid. All of this has huge service has continued to function. before it has serious damaging Prime Minister’s Offi ce, the at- I provided detailed information impacts on their physical and But many former colleagues tell effects on its future. torney general or the director of rebutting their claim, the people mental health. I know what it is me they have refused promotions Andrew Caddell is retired from public prosecutions. Not even at PSPC were able to gouge back like to face that kind of despair. or transfers to other departments Global Affairs Canada, where he was the clerk of the Privy Council, that $7,000 from a 2018 retroac- Sadly, most Canadians are because they fear they will not a senior policy adviser. He previously who showed he is, fi rst among tive pay settlement. Cleverly, they either not aware of this travesty, be paid correctly. Others have worked as an adviser to Liberal gov- all things, the prime minister’s could do that without my knowl- or don’t care. As a news story, refused acting assignments or ernments. He is a fellow with the Ca- deputy. edge, and a net amount of $0 was it has ground on for so long, overtime within their own depart- nadian Global Affairs Institute and a No, the reason for my anger deposited in my bank account. people outside the public service ments for the same reason. Still principal of QIT Canada. He can be is a T4 I received from compen- So I’m being taxed for income I are inured to its impact. And others have retired because they reached at [email protected]. sation services at my former never received. Funny, I was al- paradoxically, when the United just want to get out. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 11 Opinion The time is ripe to Canada must commit grapple with Canada’s big to action for caribou, institutional questions or risk losing them The parliamentary committee was free If the SNC-Lavalin political to challenge witnesses and to shed light on a highly charged political issue. An believes a province is failing to effectively crisis is able to inform independent ethics commissioner will be The status quo is not protect a species, she must recommend pursuing the issue and is free to call it as to cabinet the application of protective Canadians that our national he sees it. The media remain free to roam working and inertia is measures. institutions are ill-prepared wherever they wish to go and ask diffi cult A late December progress report on questions. Canadians should never take wiping away Canada’s steps taken to protect the critical habi- to deal with Canada’s this for granted. wildlife. We need to set tat for the woodland caribou in Canada Canadians also learned, however, reveals that, despite much talk, little growing regional alienation, that the time is ripe to refl ect on how to limits to our activities that progress toward conservation is occur- improve our national institutions. Is there ring and caribou are paying the price. In then it will have served an an inherent confl ict when the minister of do not put our future at the absence of government action, many important purpose. justice also wears the attorney general Indigenous communities in Canada have hat? Should the attorney general sit in risk. been stepping forward to lead the charge cabinet? Should a review of the role of the for caribou protection. Fort Nelson First clerk of the Privy Council be launched? Nation, for instance, has developed the Can an individual undertake three dis- fi rst caribou range plan of its kind—a sign tinct roles without compromising one or of badly needed leadership in a time of two of them? Should the secretary of the national crisis. Treasury Board be designated head of the Protecting caribou and the habitat on public service? which they depend is critical to Indigenous The SNC-Lavalin issue also speaks communities and the practice of their to Canada’s regional divide. How can traditional ways of life. As an umbrella smaller fi rms, or even large fi rms from species, caribou are also essential to the Western and Atlantic provinces, have the vast ecosystems they support in the boreal Donald J. Savoie same access to Ottawa’s key political and Rachel Plotkin forest, which makes up 55 per cent of Political institutions bureaucratic actors as did SNC-Lavalin? Conservation Canada’s land mass. The boreal forest also Western and Atlantic Canadians may well provides invaluable ecological services conclude that there is always a double such as mitigating climate change and standard at play in the Ottawa political- purifying air and water. We not only have anadians have just had a crash course bureaucratic bubble. The bubble is invari- ere we are well into the new year, but a moral responsibility to steward wildlife Cin the workings of their national politi- ably concerned with the potential loss of Hfor caribou in Canada, the question such that they remain abundant but also cal institutions. What have they learned? jobs in Quebec (SNC) and in Ontario (the is an old one: will it bring any new land- an environmental responsibility to uphold Partisan politics rules. Canadians ought auto sector). management strategies? Will provinces functioning ecosystems. not be surprised to learn that political as- Those in the Ottawa bubble all too often and territories sistants in the Prime Minister’s Offi ce said see what Western and Atlantic Canadi- fi nally do what it to one another and to a cabinet minister ans see—Quebec and Ontario issues are takes to protect in a private meeting that “we can have the invariably viewed as national issues, while the boreal forest, best policy but we need to get re-elected.” Western and Atlantic issues are viewed their home? Spare me the moral indignation. That is as regional issues. The auto sector, con- By the federal what partisan political assistants, no mat- centrated in one province, is defi ned as a government’s ter their party affi liations, have been say- national issue in Ottawa but the oil and own accounts, ing since party politics came to dominate gas sector—important to six provinces—is Canada is not political life in Canada. A cabinet minister viewed as a regional issue, as is the fi shery doing enough to once observed: “If we have to keep our sector, which is important to British Co- protect dwin- promises, it means we won.” For politicians lumbia and the four Atlantic provinces. dling caribou and their political assistants, the goal is to If the SNC-Lavalin political crisis is herds across the win elections. able to inform Canadians that our national country. Unless Canadians also ought not be surprised institutions are ill-prepared to deal with both levels of that Liberal MPs on the House Justice Canada’s growing regional alienation, then government are Committee made full use of their majority it will have served an important purpose. willing to fulfi l to decide who should appear before the All the more if our political and bureau- their responsibil- committee in order to play to the advan- cratic elites recognize that the challenges ities to steward tage of their governing party. That is what confronting our institutions need to be at- wildlife and loyal MPs do. If the shoe were on the other tended to with a sense of emergency. take signifi cant foot, Conservative MPs would be doing the In brief, the machinery of government action this year, very same thing. Canadians can only hope, needs to be reformed to make it easier Canada’s caribou however, that the committee will invite for Parliament to hold the government to will continue Jody Wilson-Raybould a second time. It is account. The federal government should on their path to the right thing to do recognize that all policy issues in Canada extinction. The public would be wrong to think are regional in nature and they should A recent Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna can recommend that the clerk of the Privy Council is a be accommodated in a fair and transpar- Environment and protective measures under the Species at Risk Act is provinces are failing to partisan Liberal. He is no more a Liberal ent manner. Quebec issues today have Climate Change protect caribou habitats. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade than he was a Conservative when he their place under the sun because the Canada report occupied senior positions in the Harper prime minister is from Quebec, much confi rms that the government. He has every right to bristle like Western issues were when the prime catastrophic decline in boreal caribou num- The status quo is not working. Iner- at the suggestion that he is partisan in the minister was from Alberta. The SNC-La- bers will require signifi cant and immediate tia is wiping away Canada’s wildlife. We sense of supporting a political party. He valin political crisis may open the door to government actions to reverse. Eighty-one need to set limits to our activities that do is not. The risk in such a charge is that ensuring that our institutions can better per cent of boreal caribou herds are declin- not put our future—and the future of the Canadians and their politicians would accommodate Canada’s regional circum- ing. Unless provincial and federal govern- nature that supports us—at risk. Unless come to see the senior ranks of the federal stances. ments put industrial activity limits in place to provincial and federal governments com- public service as politically partisan. They There is no need for a costly commis- protect their habitat, they will not survive. mit to taking concrete and urgent steps to are not. sion of inquiry or an army of consultants. In 2012, the federal government issued protect caribou, Canada risks losing them The issue for Canadians is whether There is an election in several months and a directive for provinces and territories to for good. the clerk gives more weight to his role as all political parties should address the develop caribou range plans within fi ve It’s never too late to make 2019 the year deputy minister to the prime minister than issues in their platforms. If the parties can- years that outline habitat measures for of caribou. To extend the protection of our to his responsibilities as secretary to the not stake a position on such fundamental caribou recovery. Under the Species at Risk most vulnerable to include wildlife. To cabinet and head of the public service. issues, then Canadians will know that they Act, provinces have been directed to ensure leave the best version of Canada for gen- He is hardly the fi rst clerk to try as best have become little more than leader-centric at least 65 per cent of caribou habitat is erations to come. There can be few more as he can to balance these responsibili- election day organizations. protected and/or restored to facilitate recov- worthy resolutions than that. ties. This is a legitimate issue that should Donald J. Savoie holds the Canada Re- ery. The fi ve-year deadline came and went Rachel Plotkin is Ontario science be debated. Canadians can take com- search Chair in Public Administration and without a single plan being implemented. campaigns manager for the David Suzuki fort that, compared with those of many Governance at the Université de Moncton. The act contains a safety net: if the min- Foundation. other countries, our institutions work. The Hill Times ister of Environment and Climate Change The Hill Times 12 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES

Civil Circles by Emily Haws No ‘strong commitment’ to improve public service culture, Tory MP says,

NDP MP , pictured at a Feb. 28 Phoenix pay system rally in Ottawa, says the government’s after government response comparison of deputy minister tenure in Canada and Britain isn’t the most compelling argument, as it doesn’t address accountability concerns raised. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

ments,” she said. “But it is not endemic to failures with Phoenix and other pro- to committee report the whole public service… That’s what the grams.” government tried to nuance.” While the government response overall role of deputy ministers” and said that the In its conclusion, the government says it accepts the committee’s recom- The Feb. 21 response to deployment of DMs takes into account the agreed to apply the recommendations “to mendations, “it lacks deliverables, lacks a House Public Accounts long-term development of an individual and the extent they are relevant.” The response specifi cs, and includes enough wiggle a “strong and diverse” community. The gov- said it agrees with the U.K. report’s prin- room to justify limited change or even Committee report ernment is mindful of the need for ongoing ciples, and adds the government is com- inaction,” he added. improvement, as well as the need for agility mitted to an ethical workplace culture and Ms. Philpott’s response said an ongo- highlighting deputy to adapt to new challenges, she said. has made improvements to the disclosure ing accountability review has started, and In its report, the committee pointed out process under the Public Servants Disclo- that its scope includes determining how minister turnover lacks there were four deputy ministers of what sure Protection Act. the discipline-for-cause policy is applied is now Public Services and Procurement When asked about the opposition’s to executives across the core public ad- deliverables and specifi cs, Canada during its development of the Phoe- concerns regarding comparing Canada’s ministration and how other jurisdictions says Conservative Pat nix pay system, which has left bureaucrats DM tenure to Britain’s, as well as other use termination for misconduct. with pay issues for more than three years. concerns, Farees Nathoo, a spokesperson For its performance management Kelly, but NDP and The department recently got another— for the Treasury Board president—a role program, which gives money to execu- Marie Lemay was replaced by Bill Mat- currently fi lled by Public Services and tives based on how well they do complet- Liberal MPs say they’re thews in January. While the turnover caused Procurement Minister ing the initiatives in their performance concern amongst MPs, some public service (Delta, B.C.)—said in an emailed statement agreement, Ms. Philpott wrote the review generally impressed by the observers noted it could be a positive move. that the government takes Mr. Ferguson’s will “analyze trends in [the program’s] During testimony before the committee recommendations to improve public ser- administration” across departments “to government’s response. last year, Mr. Ferguson said that the turn- vice culture “very seriously” and as outlined better address gaps and inconsistencies” over of deputy ministers (DMs) is problem- in the government’s response, has “already and examine other organizations. he government has dismissed a House atic. However, Privy Council clerk Michael begun work to address each of these rec- Tcommittee’s concerns that turnover at Wernick, the public service’s top bureau- ommendations.” The late the deputy minister level is too high in some crat, disagreed. Executives are helping to restore “a auditor general departments, pointing instead to higher Opposition MPs told Civil Circles that culture of respect for and within Canada’s Michael churn of top public servants overseas. comparing Canada’s deputy minister run to world-class public service,” he said, and the Ferguson noted A unanimous October report from the Britain’s wasn’t the most compelling argu- government continues to work with labour in a spring Public Accounts Committee backstopped ment, saying that those numbers don’t help unions and the Public Service Commis- 2018 report his concerns former auditor general Michael Ferguson’s solve any accountability concerns raised. sion to review the executive accountability about an concerns about the tenure of the bureaucra- “Oversight committees in both Canada regime and performance management cy’s most senior staff and how that impacts ‘obedient’ and the U.K. have now identifi ed turnover program. public service accountability measures. at the top as an issue that needs closer that ‘tries to The group recommended that the examination,” said NDP MP Daniel Blaikie Tories say government response eliminate risk government consider applying relevant (Elmwood-Transcona, Man.) in an emailed and mistakes.’ recommendations from a U.K. House of statement. He is his party’s critic for Public lacks detail, deliverables The Hill Times Commons committee report pertaining to Services and Procurement and Treasury In his message in his spring 2018 photograph by deputy minister tenure, the trust between Board, but does not sit on the Public Ac- reports, Mr. Ferguson noted several “in- Andrew Meade both ministers and deputy ministers (DMs) counts Committee. comprehensible failures” of government Continuity helps in terms of government initiatives, and noted his concerns more Former functionality as it “provides the institutional broadly about an “obedient” public service While the committee’s recommenda- Treasury knowledge that is critical for implement- that “tries to eliminate risk and mistakes” tion wanted the government to report back Board ing government programs,” he added, and as well as responsibility for those mis- to the committee by Feb. 28, the govern- president reiterated the idea that longer-term DMs takes. Mr. Wernick called the ideas a ment said the review is ongoing so it’s not Jane Philpott provide increased accountability, as they “generalization.” possible. On a separate note, last year the tabled the are more likely to know the answers to Overall, Ms. Mendès and Mr. Blaikie government changed its policy so that 160 response to questions about past decisions. said they felt encouraged by the govern- the Public cabinet-appointed executives could have Accounts In its report, the committee highlighted ment’s generally positive response to Pub- their performance pay, or bonus pay, clawed Committee that there are numerous occasions where lic Accounts report, and noted its concrete back if new information comes to light that report on the deputy minister testifying at the Public actions on the recommendations. The Pub- would change someone’s evaluation. Feb. 21. She Accounts Committee was not the same per- lic Accounts report also called for explora- Mr. Kelly said this part of the response resigned from son in charge during the time in question of tion of ways to improve the government’s doesn’t commit to measures to address cabinet on an auditor general report. accountability regime and consideration failures like the Phoenix project, which March 4. The It is important to note, however, that of a June 2018 discussion paper about how was procured and developed by the previ- Hill Times a committee can call a public servant to to triple the success rate of government ous Conservative government but imple- photograph by testify in their capacity in their former role, transformations to all major government mented by the Liberals. Mr. Kelly sug- Andrew Meade even if they have taken on a new position. programs and projects, reporting back to gested concrete reforms, such as “changes In its report, the committee noted that the committee by May 31. to make it less onerous to fi re executives as well as deputy ministers, senior offi cials, “regardless of a statistical average covering However, Conservative MP for cause.” and the public service more broadly. all DM assignments, [it] believes that there (Calgary Rocky Ridge, Alta.), his party’s Ms. Philpott said the government will In a response tabled on Feb. 21, then- are some departments that experience revenue critic and a member of Public commit to studying and applying, where Treasury Board president Jane Philpott higher than average rates of DM turnover, Accounts, said he isn’t sure the report’s possible, the key principles outlined in the (Markham-Stouffville, Ont.) noted that: raising concerns regarding governance and recommendations will be properly imple- discussion paper on increasing the suc- “Tenure in this position is 3.4 years on aver- accountability,” which the government’s mented judging from the government’s cess rate of government transformations, age, or a median tenure of 3.3 years, versus response didn’t specifi cally address. response. and added that Treasury Board is conduct- two years in the United Kingdom.” Liberal MP and committee vice-chair Al- There isn’t “a strong commitment to ing reviews of it policies regarding project Ms. Philpott—who resigned from cabinet exandra Mendès (Brossard-Saint Lambert, either implement changes, nor even true management and information technology. on March 4 in the wake of the SNC-Lavalin Que.) said she “isn’t sure” the government acceptance” of Mr. Ferguson’s or the com- It agreed to provide a progress report on affair in protest of how the Trudeau govern- disputes the turnover at the deputy level. mittee’s recommendations on changing the recommendation by May 31. ment handled the issue—said she “wel- “We do have an issue with Public Ser- workplace culture, he said in an email, [email protected] comes the committee’s attention to the key vices and Procurement…and other depart- which is “disappointing given the scale of The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 13 Public service News

Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick Time to debate has testifi ed twice before the House Justice Committee on the SNC- Lavalin affair. He's separating top pictured at the committee hearing on March 6, his latest appearance. The Hill Times civil servant’s photograph by Andrew Meade roles, says expert Savoie

government departments and Continued from page 1 agencies. The 1992 change was It seems most logical to make nervous, and “a lot of the answers valin board, said Prof. Savoie. Mr. (Vancouver Granville, B.C.) to also a pivotal moment, increasing the Treasury Board secretary the were dismissive.” Wernick said during testimony drop the criminal prosecution of the balancing act. bureaucracy’s head, he said. How- Others, however, contend that Mr. Lynch called him about the Quebec engineering giant SNC- “It’s less to do with the indi- ever, it could cause a hierarchical neither of Mr. Wernick’s appear- DPA, but Mr. Wernick told him to Lavalin while she was serving vidual…it has to do with the over- issue as to who is the highest- ances showed partisanship. go to Ms. Wilson-Raybould. as justice minister and attorney load problem on clerks,” he said. ranking public servant versus Along with explaining his Former parliamentary budget general last year. She has since “The workload is immense, the who is the head of it, he noted. roles in his opening statement, offi cer Kevin Page, who previ- quit cabinet over the matter, as responsibilities are far-reaching, “It would seem kind of strange Mr. Wernick refuted allegations ously worked with and under Mr. has Jane Philpott (Markham- and we keep loading responsibili- to me that you’d have the highest- he was partisan, saying he was Wernick as a bureaucrat, said in Stouffville, Ont.) who stepped ties on clerks.” ranking public servant not be the “profoundly disappointed to be an emailed statement Mr. Wernick down from being Treasury Board Among other tasks, a clerk head of the public service, but accused of partisanship by people is a good man, and “smart, dedi- president. Prime Minister Justin briefs the prime minister daily I could see somebody arguing who have never met me.” cated, [and] non-partisan.” Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) prin- and provides the short list of DM having that role at an equal level,” “I have held the highest secu- He said he thought Mr. Wer- cipal secretary, Gerald Butts, has appointments, he said, and en- he said. “But then, you’d basically rity clearances that this country nick’s testimony was educating also quit over the controversy. sures cabinet decisions are acted have a diarchy. I could be open to can offer for many years,” he said. the public, and added it was wise Both Mr. Trudeau and Mr. upon. that.” When asked to respond to Ms. of him to remind people of his Butts said that the Prime Minis- “It’s concentrating power in The clerk should always be Wilson-Raybould’s allegations role. However, he said he thought ter’s Offi ce put no inappropriate the hands of one person,” he said. the top public servant regardless from her testimony a week prior, it got lost in the question and pressure on Ms. Wilson-Raybould, He added that he doesn’t know of if he or she heads the public Mr. Wernick repeatedly stated he answer. with Mr. Trudeau blaming the what the solution is, but said it’s service, said Prof. Savoie. had no “recollection” that events “Under incredible pressure at situation on an “erosion of trust” worth debating. Mr. Wernick fi rst appeared happened the way she described. times, the clerk came across as between the PMO and Ms. on Feb. 21 and said there was no In one instance, he was asked defensive and short in responses,” Wilson-Raybould’s offi ce. She inappropriate pressure put on if he told Ms. Wilson-Raybould he wrote, adding he struggled has contended that the pressure Ms. Wilson-Raybould. However, that Mr. Trudeau wanted her with questions regarding the was inappropriate but not illegal. some observers said he crossed to sign a deferred prosecution economic fallout if a DPA wasn’t The controversy has led to debate a partisan line because his agreement with SNC-Lavalin, secured. about whether her former roles as story largely matched the Liberal both attorney general, the govern- government’s, and he seemed to ment’s chief lawyer, and justice praise its efforts and put political Former bureaucrat minister, a political role and pressure on Ms. Wilson-Raybould. and parliamentary cabinet position, should be split Mr. Wernick has maintained he is budget offi cer as they could confl ict, as some non-partisan, saying he’s worked Kevin Page says believe happened in this case. under both Conservative and Privy Council Mr. Wernick walks the delicate Liberal governments. He was ap- clerk Michael line between political and bureau- pointed to be deputy clerk of the Wernick is smart, cratic offi cials. As the DM to the Privy Council and associate sec- dedicated, and prime minister, he is responsible retary to cabinet by former prime non-partisan, for advising the prime minister Donald Savoie, a professor and minister Stephen Harper and though others and helping to deliver his agenda. public administration expert, says elevated to clerk by Mr. Trudeau. have called for Mr. While present for many “dis- over the last few decades the Privy PCO spokesperson Stéphane Wernick to resign, cussions that touch on matters Council clerk’s role has shifted to be Shank, in an emailed statement saying he’s acted that some would see as political,” more heavily focused on being deputy responding to questions from in a partisan way he said he never gives advice that minister to the prime minister. The Hill Times, said the clerk has during the SNC- is partisan in content or motiva- Photograph courtesy of Donald Savoie no further comment, and will Lavalin affair. tion. As head of the bureaucracy, co-operate with an ethics com- The Hill Times fi le he submits an annual report to While the roles of deputy missioner’s investigation on the photograph the prime minister on the work, minister to the prime minister matter. priorities, and challenges of the and the secretary to the cabinet more than 262,000 federal public are complementary and not easily which would see the company Mr. Page added that Mr. servants. separated, Prof. Savoie noted the Wernick’s second avoid prosecution in favour of Wernick is “caught between” the Université de Moncton profes- secretary of the Treasury Board, testimony ‘really edgy,’ possibly a fi ne and remedial government’s wish to explore a sor Donald Savoie, who holds the currently Peter Wallace, could actions. Mr. Wernick said he did DPA with SNC-Lavalin, and Ms. Canada Research Chair in Public take over as the public service’s says ex-DM not “wear a wire,” and had no Wilson-Raybould and opposition Administration and Governance, head. Treasury Board is the bu- Meanwhile, a former deputy “independent recollection” of her committee members who feel said in an interview that over the reaucracy’s offi cial employer and minister who said Mr. Wernick’s account. the independence of the attorney last few decades the clerk’s role broadly manages human resourc- Feb. 21 committee testimony was The former DM was skepti- general has been put at risk. has shifted to be more heavily es policies. “way over the line” and that he cal. “I think a lot of people just Prof. Savoie said Mr. Wernick focused on being deputy minister associ- was deeply disturbed by the “pro- thought: ‘Wow, like really, you wasn’t being partisan either time to the prime minister—a trend ate professor Philippe Lagassé, foundly political performance” don’t remember?’ She said it went and that his record as a public The Hill Times that started with Michael Pitfi eld, who specializes in Westminster told that Mr. down like this, and you said you service speaks for itself, adding clerk from 1975 to 1979 and from government systems like that of Wernick’s March 6 testimony did don’t remember, like honestly?’” that partisanship is “counter to his 1980 to 1982. Appointed by Pierre Canada, said while the discussion nothing to change his discomfort. he said. life’s work.” Elliott Trudeau, Mr. Pitfi eld was on roles is worth exploring, he He added it is now that much Prof. Savoie said he didn’t Although NDP MP Charlie a close personal friend of the doesn’t see the point of change harder for the bureaucracy to think Mr. Wernick avoided Angus (Timmins-James Bay, Ont.) former prime minister. unless there are specifi c goals in retain its non-partisanship. questions but noted he seemed and others have been calling for This shift, coupled with de- mind. The clerk would still be a Overall, the former DM, who “bristled” at certain points. Mr. his resignation, Mr. Page said mands on the clerk’s time, means non-partisan senior bureaucrat, asked not to be named so as to Wernick also effectively ad- he thanks Mr. Wernick for his the role of the clerk is ripe for he added, so it wouldn’t change speak frankly, said he thought Mr. dressed a conversation last fall service. debate, said Prof. Savoie, who has much in the SNC-Lavalin contro- Wernick’s testimony was “really with former clerk Kevin Lynch, [email protected] over the years advised various versy. edgy” and he seemed stressed and who is now chair of the SNC-La- The Hill Times 14 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Politics

stalled reconciliation fi le, or abandoning electoral reform,” he said, “[Mr. Singh] will SNC-Lavalin aff air ripe for opposition start on budget week with a great opportu- nity to contrast his vision with Trudeau.” to capitalize on, say politicos, but Other polling results An Angus Reid poll, conducted prior to Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s Feb. 27 testimony before the Justice Committee, found all Scheer, Singh poll numbers still fl at three major party leaders polled unfavour- ably by a majority of those asked. Out of the three, Mr. Scheer had the Continued from page 1 smallest net favourability gap, with 46 Abacus’ polling, for example, indicates per cent having a positive opinion about Mr. Scheer’s (Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask.) him compared to 54 per cent who do not. positive voter impression has hovered Six in 10 Canadians had an unfavourable around 30 per cent throughout the last opinion of Mr. Trudeau and 64 per cent two months, although he is the only major had a negative opinion about Mr. Singh. party leader to poll more positively than Fifty-nine per cent of Canadians said negatively. Twenty-six per cent of those their opinion of Mr. Trudeau over the last polled March 2 to 4 hold a negative impres- month had worsened. That’s compared to sion of him. 25 per cent who said that of Mr. Scheer Mr. Singh’s polling numbers, mean- and 29 per cent of Mr. Singh. In that poll, while, suggest almost 30 per cent of voters 38 per cent of respondents also said they have a negative impression of him, which intended to vote Conservative, 31 per cent have remained relatively constant in the Liberal, and 14 per cent NDP. The online last couple months. Only 21 per cent held survey canvassed a representative sample positive views about him, the March 2 to 4 of 1,009 Canadian adults from Feb. 21 to numbers suggest. 24. Angus Reid says a probability sample But 46 per cent of voters, as of March 4, of this size would carry a margin of error had a negative impression of Mr. Trudeau of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 compared to 33 per cent who saw him posi- Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick and Department of Justice deputy minister Nathalie Drouin times out of 20. tively. His numbers have swung from net appear at the House Justice Committee on March 6. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Nanos Research’s polling, conducted positive to negative in the last two months. over separate three-day spans right before called on Mr. Trudeau to resign while Mr. political and bureaucratic staffers inappro- and after Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s testi- Forty eight per cent also disapprove of his Singh has only demanded a public inquiry. priately pressured Ms. Wilson-Raybould to government compared to 34 per cent who mony, shows that Mr. Trudeau’s likability Mr. Powers said Mr. Scheer may have reverse a decision by the director of public fi gures took a four-point hit although 58 approve. been “premature” to call for Mr. Trudeau’s prosecutions to not negotiate a deferred Recent polling conducted by the Angus per cent of respondents still saw the prime resignation in the hours after Ms. Wilson- prosecution agreement with SNC that minister in a positive light. The polling Reid Institute and Nanos Research fi rms Raybould’s testimony. would allow the engineering giant to avoid also show similar shifts in voting prefer- was done by phone and online surveys “It put him in a bit of a bit of a box criminal charges and a 10-year ban on bid- of 1,000 adult Canadians between Feb. ence over the last month. because there’s nowhere to go after you ding for federal contracts. While polling indicates Mr. Trudeau’s 23 and 26 and a second survey of 750 say the prime minister must step down,” he Mr. Trudeau’s principal secretary Gerald numbers have taken a hit, Tim Powers, Canadians between Feb. 28 and March 1. said. Butts, Treasury Board president Jane Phil- managing director of Abacus Data and a The margin of error for a random survey Mr. Bélanger agreed that it was “too pott (Markham-Stouffville, Ont.), and Ms. former Conservative adviser, cautioned of 1,000 Canadians is plus or minus 3.1 far, too fast” for Mr. Scheer’s demand for Wilson-Raybould herself have all resigned that it takes time before all the impacts of percentage points, and of 750 Canadians Trudeau’s head. “It’s a big swing and miss,” from their roles since the story fi rst broke. a major controversy can be fully refl ected is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points, 19 he said. The two former ministers remain in the in polling. times out of 20. But Mr. Powers said Mr. Scheer has Liberal caucus. At the Justice Committee “At fi rst people focus on the story at Mr. Scheer’s likability numbers slightly improved by launching a web campaign on Feb. 27, Ms. Wilson-Raybould told MPs hand and then they begin to assess how decreased from 46 to 43 per cent during calling on Mr. Trudeau to allow Ms. that she was subject to inappropriate pres- people are performing. And often the as- Wilson-Raybould to freely speak on the sure and veiled threats if she did not act on sessment starts with the central character,” SNC matter, something that would ap- said Mr. Powers, who is also vice-chairman the SNC matter. pear more measured and fair. While she’s Mr. Trudeau, Mr. Butts, and other fi gures of Summa Strategies. “In this case it’s the spoken on some aspects of the matter to prime minister.” including Privy Council clerk Michael the House Justice Committee, Wernick have all denied that inappropri- she says cabinet confi dence ate pressure took place. Mr. Butts and Mr. still prevents her from speaking Trudeau said their actions were in the in- on what happened while she terest of preserving SNC-Lavalin’s nearly was veterans minister for about 9,000 Canadian jobs. a month in the lead-up to her The controversy has raised questions Feb. 12 cabinet resignation. about the ethics of decision-making in Mr. Powers said Mr. Singh, federal politics, judicial independence, and the incoming MP for Burnaby whether corporations are truly accountable South, B.C., has handled the for their actions or have special infl uence affair the best out of the main in Ottawa, among others. party leaders by calling for a public inquiry. He said an inquiry is the most “sensible Opportunity for the NDP? and safe” option to properly Pollster Frank Graves, president of Ekos NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, right, alongside veteran MPs scrutinize all accounts. Politi- Research, said the SNC-Lavalin affair Charlie Angus, centre, and Murray Rankin, left, outside of the cally, it can drag out the affair could be wrapped into larger issues of judi- House Justice Committee room on March 6. The Hill Times cial fairness and corporate accountability, Former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould over time and present a boon speaks to reporters following her testimony at photograph by Andrew Meade for the opposition. which can be a driving populist force. He said the NDP would most benefi t the House Justice Committee on Feb. 27. The “Singh has done reasonably Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Karl Bélanger, a former interim NDP well here and given himself off-ramps if from pairing the controversy with a broad- national director, said the declining sup- er message of corporate accountability, but the story changes,” he said. that same period, while Mr. Singh’s lik- port for Mr. Trudeau is the key indicator as it stands, the election remains a two-way He added that both parties were smart ability fi gures saw a minor boost from 49 right now because of how the Liberals race between the Tories and Liberals. Both to deploy “experienced parliamentary to 51 per cent. have over relied on his leadership brand. parties lack a credible track record on that hands” such as Conservative MP Lisa Raitt Mr. Graves said he doesn’t think ap- “The fl ip side of that is both the Con- issue, he said. (Milton, Ont.) and NDP MP Murray Rankin proval ratings are predictive of election servatives and NDP are basically doing (Victoria, B.C.) to do the questioning at the “It would benefi t the NDP in a normal better than their own leaders,” said Mr. outcomes, citing Ontario NDP Leader An- Justice Committee. world, [but] the NDP are on the mat,” he drea Horwath’s strong approval numbers Bélanger. “It shows that the voters aren’t Mr. Bélanger said the opposition can said, adding that in his polling, the SNC- motivated by the personalities of their re- compared to now-Premier Doug Ford in politically capitalize on the SNC-Lavalin Lavalin affair briefl y resulted in decline the 2018 Ontario election, as well as for- spective leaders, but more about the need affair by keeping it in the public spotlight. in voter intention for the Liberals but the for change.” mer prime minister Stephen Harper hold- He said the Liberals will try to “turn a drop since disappeared. ing weak approval ratings yet winning corner” with their March 19 election-year Farouk Karim, a former NDP press three elections as Conservative leader. Leaders’ performances so far budget. secretary, said the party’s success lies in “What you need is an approval rating Both the Conservatives and NDP have “The challenge for the opposition is to attracting members of the “Trudeau coali- where at least the number of people that pressed the Liberal government for more fi nd new information and to keep the story tion”—namely progressives, millennials, you need to form government approve [of] answers, with their leaders jointly sign- alive, and to not get bored with it,” Mr. and women—who have been left disap- you, and the rest buys you vanity but not ing a letter that unsuccessfully pushed for Bélanger said. “And to keep the newsrooms pointed by the Liberal government. necessarily government,” he said. recalling the House of Commons in order interested in it as well.” “Whether it’s political interference in [email protected] to debate the SNC-Lavalin affair. But what The SNC-Lavalin controversy centres a criminal case, failing to meet climate [email protected] sets them apart is that Mr. Scheer has around whether Mr. Trudeau and his senior change targets while buying a pipeline, a The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 15

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer is pictured hill climbers speaking to media outside by Laura Ryckewaert the House Chamber in the West Block building Ministers Duclos, last month. He recently hired a new media Goodale, and Bains add monitoring offi cer. The Hill Times to political staff teams photograph by Andrew Meade

He’s got a master’s degree in comparative Mackenzie Radan to work part time in her politics from the London School of Eco- ministerial offi ce. nomics and Political Science, and a bach- Mr. Radan was press secretary to Natu- elor’s degree in political science, econom- ral Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi up ics, and history from McGill University. until last August, having left to study law David McFarlane is director of policy to at the University of Ottawa. While back on Mr. Bains, while Parvinder Sachdeva and the Hill part time, he remains a student. Javid Dharas are senior policy advisers, Jason Easton is chief of staff to Ms. Ng. and Hilary Travis and Celine Caira are policy advisers. Gianluca Cairo is chief of staff to the New media monitor for CPC minister. Leader Scheer Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has Jobs, jobs, jobs: Families, Children, and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, left, Public Safety Minister Bennett down a policy a new set of eyes scanning the headlines and Minister Ralph Goodale, centre, and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Minister Navdeep social media feeds, with Nathaniel Dueck Bains, right, have all recently hired on new political aides. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade director hired on as a media monitoring offi cer. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Mr. Dueck joined Mr. Scheer’s offi ce as is in need of a new direc- the leader of the offi cial opposition (OLO) post-election. Previously, from 2011 to tor of policy following Daniel Pujdak’s exit last month and before then was busy on Plus, Crown-Indigenous 2012, she was an assistant to then-NDP MP at the end of February. the Hill as an assistant to Conservative MP Françoise Boivin, who represented Gatin- , who represents Provencher, Man., Relations Minister Carolyn eau, Que., fi rst as a Liberal from 2004 to since October 2017. 2005 and later as an New Democrat from He became a reservist infantry offi cer Bennett is in need of a new 2011 to 2015. with the Canadian Armed Forces in June director of policy after Along with bidding farewell to Ms. 2015, according to his LinkedIn profi le, and Harris, Ms. Hajdu recently hired on a new was stationed with the Governor General’s Daniel Pujdak’s recent exit. executive assistant, Helena Kojo. Ms. Kojo Foot Guards. He studied for a bachelor’s is serving as executive assistant to both degree in politics and philosophy at the amilies, Children, and Social Develop- the minister and her chief of staff, Sabina University of Manitoba. Fment Minister Jean-Yves Duclos has a Saini. Senior communications offi cer Kelsie new senior adviser in his offi ce, Jean-Luc Innovation, Science, and Economic Chiasson (née Corey) was promoted to Lavoie. Development Minister has the title of associate director of communi- A former Quebec Liberal staffer, Mr. two new special assistants in his offi ce. cations for media relations and issues man- Lavoie started on the job in Mr. Duclos’ of- agement in the OLO earlier this year. fi ce on Feb. 25. He previously spent a num- Nathan A former director of communications ber of years working for Quebec Liberal Bessner and issues management to then-minister of Member of the National Assembly Sébas- is one of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities tien Proulx, starting as political adviser two new Agency , Ms. Chiasson has been to Mr. Proulx as the MNA for Jean-Talon, special Daniel Pujdak has exited the Crown-Indigenous working in the OLO since early 2016. Que., in June 2015. assistants relations minister’s offi ce. Photograph courtesy In more news, late last year Mey Fung In early 2016, he became deputy chief in of LinkedIn switched roles to became a new press of staff to Mr. Proulx after he was named Innovation secretary for the Conservative shadow Quebec’s minister of families, and for Minister Mr. Pujdak is now working off the Hill, cabinet. She’s been working in the OLO roughly a year up until last October—when Navdeep albeit a stone’s throw away, as policy lead since the fall of 2017 and until recently was now-premier François Legault’s Coalition Bains’ with the Public Policy Forum, as indicated an assistant manager of digital communi- Avenir Québec party unseated Philippe offi ce. on his LinkedIn profi le. cations in the offi ce. Couillard’s Liberal government—Mr. Photograph He’d been working for Ms. Bennett She’s now working alongside fellow Lavoie was a special adviser to Mr. Proulx courtesy of since February 2016, starting off as a policy press secretaries Mathew Clancy and Kar- as the minister of education and higher LinkedIn and regional affairs adviser, focused on ly Wittet. There’s also communications of- education. Northern and Arctic policy, infrastructure, fi cer Julie Pham, strategic communications Olivier Duchesneau is chief of staff to lands, and economic development policy. adviser Anton Sestritsyn. Still working on Mr. Duclos. He was promoted to lead Ms. Bennett’s the digital side is Harrison Ruess, associate Public Safety and Emergency Prepared- Nathan Bessner joined Mr. Bains’ team policy team in April 2018. director of digital media; Ingrid Neubert, ness Minister Ralph Goodale recently on Feb. 21 as a new special assistant for Before coming to Ottawa to work for manager of digital media; Leslie Kelles- recruited a new communications adviser, operations. He’s a former parliamentary the then-new Liberal government, Mr. Puj- tine, assistant manager of digital media; Emily Harris, from Employment, Work- assistant to Liberal MP , dak was working for the Chiefs of Ontario Paul Dagenais, new media developer; Marc force Development, and Labour Minister who represents Eglinton-Lawrence, Ont., in Toronto, last as a senior adviser for stra- Lemire, manager of digital production; ’s offi ce. in the House of Commons. Mr. Bessner tegic policy and intergovernmental affairs. Erika Lee, digital production coordination; Ms. Harris began working in Mr. Goo- studied political science at York Univer- He’s also a former senior policy analyst and Kristin Ariss, digital media assistant. dale’s offi ce on Feb. 25. Before then, she’d sity’s Glendon College, which sits just with the Assembly of First Nations. Brock Harrison is director of communi- been a senior communications adviser to outside Mr. Mendicino’s riding. While at With his exit as of Feb. 28, and no new cations to Mr. Scheer, and Virginie Bon- Ms. Hajdu since December 2017, and in school, he volunteered in Mr. Mendicino’s policy director yet hired, the minister’s neau is an associate director of communi- August 2018 went on leave. constituency offi ce, as noted on his Linke- remaining policy team is picking up the cations and French press secretary. Ms. Harris is a former special assis- dIn profi le. slack. That includes policy and regional Marc-André Leclerc is chief of staff tant in the Liberal research bureau and a Lewis Krashinsky is another new addi- affairs advisers Annie Aningmiuq and Em- to Mr. Scheer. Kenzie Potter is principal former executive assistant to Liberal MP tion to Mr. Bains’ offi ce and started on the maline English, and policy adviser Jessica secretary and deputy chief of staff to the Michel Picard, overlapping with his time job as a special assistant for policy on Feb. Morrison. leader, while Martin Bélanger is deputy as parliamentary secretary to Mr. Goodale. 25. Sarah Welch, who preceded Mr. Pujdak chief of staff, chief strategist and senior She worked on now-Liberal MP ’ Mr. Krashinsky is a former co-president as policy director in the offi ce, is chief of Quebec adviser to Mr. Scheer, and director successful 2015 candidate nomination and of the United Nations International Labour staff to Ms. Bennett. of operations and caucus services. subsequent election campaign, and helped Organization’s intern board and former in- Meanwhile, Small Business and Export [email protected] the rookie MP transition into his offi ce tern with its Future of Work initiative team. Promotion Minister has recruited The Hill Times 16 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES MIGRAINES ARE NOT FOREVER!

Newer drugless therapies CLASSIFIEDS Can solve the mystery Information and advertisement placement: 613-688-8822 • classifi [email protected]

18 Lakeview Terrace CONDOS FOR RENT Incredible vistas of Dow’s Lake TWO BEDROOM CONDO SUITE Call to consult Location 10+++, 500sqft patio, surrounded by gardens on the lake. Three storeys, renovated Call to kitchen with 613 875 2654 heated floors, generous or 234 5758 bedrooms, master [email protected] suite on third floor. List price 1,775,000.00 One year lease January 1st 2019 to December 31st Call Lanna at 613-296-6950 for addtional information 2019. ** Available January 1st 2019 : Note: If person BLEEDING GUMS? (s) would like to be "Home for Christmas" the Landlord RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE is willing to extend an ear- lier move in date: December FABULOUS SEMI-DETACHED GRAND HOME IN 22nd, 2018 (0ne week BAD BREATH ? LAC IN WESTBORO BEACH. WELLINGTON VILLAGE FREE) although responsibil- ity and accountability are ST-CHARLES immediate. Charming large fully furnished (optional) 2 bedroom, 2 bathrooms condo in a quiet executive condominium building. Great New painless therapies stop gingivitis location downtown. Walking distance to Parliament Hill, Unhealthy gums can cause unhealthy hearts and Byward Market. Close to buses-OC Transpo tran- sit & STO. Apartment layout includes: eat-in kitchen, Open concept living perfect An exceptional home, extensively den/office space, open for entertaining. Second level renovated and boasting over Lac St Charles! First opportu- concept dining room/living features 3 bedrooms, 2 full 4500 sq’. Designed for enter- room. Furnishings optional: nity to purchase on this lake baths & laundry. Pre-wired taining with dramatic great-room in 10 years! Beautiful, pro- furnished or unfurnished. for latest automation tech- and adjoining 22’ dining-room Carpeting.Rental includes: tected spring fed trout lake nology. Close to Richmond leading to a generous patio and 1 hour from Ottawa. Large ensuite washer/dryer; one Road, schools, parks & private backyard. Period details (1) indoor parking space. Full private lots, 9.9HP limit, no Transit. MLS ®1141207. abound in this 5 bedroom, 5 hydro. 3BR open concept, access to Recreation Room Contact Rocco Manfredi of bathroom home with 5 car under- and gym, as well as indoor west facing on 10 acres. Royal LePage Team for view- ground garage! Ron Boulet, Sales $449,000. Danny Sivyer 613- swimming pool. Storage ings 613-552-5300. Representative, Faulkner Real locker available.Rent $ 2000 769-4884 Re/Max Direct Estate Ltd. 613-231-4663 Ron@ Broker p/mo utilities not included. Call to consult HomesInOttawa.com, http:// References.NO AGENTS. NO homesinottawa.com/listings/40- PETS. NO-SMOKING. Contact harmer-avenue-n-20251836/ 647-231-0519 613 875 2654 or 234 5758 [email protected] AGRICULTURE SNORING DISTURBING POLICY BRIEFING YOUR SLEEP?? In this timely policy briefi ng, we’ll look into: • the latest on proposed federal compensation for farmers in supply-managed sectors, given the new NAFTA and CPTPP deals; If someone close to you snores • the effects of trade troubles with China on Canadian crops such as soybeans and We can reduce or stop snoring canola; • the federal carbon pricing plan’s effect on farmers; • potential changes to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act; and • coming one day after the last pre-election federal budget is released, we’ll run down what’s in it for agriculture.

Call to consult Read all that and more in this briefi ng. Publication date: March 20, 2019 Educate, Infl uence, Engage. 613 875 2654 Advertising deadline: March 15, 2019 or 234 5758 For more information or to reserve your government relations [email protected] and public affairs advertising space, contact The Hill Times display advertising department at 613-688-8841. THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 17

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL OR EMAIL: [email protected] • 613-688-8822 18 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Defence minister all smiles at Diplomatic Circles Ukrainian thank-you event for

by Samantha Wright Allen Canadian military The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia Tensions with China highlight need to work with Indo-Pacifi c states Mr. Sajjan and Lt.-Gen. Anatolii Petrenko, Ukrainian deputy with shared values: analyst minister of defence for European integration.

anada can seize on great economic seawall in the form of the rule of law” and Copportunity in the fast-growing Indo- a shared-value mindset of people with the Pacifi c region, but by boosting partnerships capability to enforce such rules. there the country also risks alienating At no other point in history have the China, according to academics and diplo- political and economic interests of Canada Defence Minister and Vice Chief of the Defence mats with interests in the region speaking and Japan “been so closely aligned,” added Staff Lt.-Gen. Paul Wynnyk were among the guests at a at a panel discussion this week in Ottawa. Mr. Ishikane, who started his remarks Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Evening hosted by Ukrainian Ambassador Andriy Shevchenko, centre, in “It is a fair risk that we have to look at recognizing the 18 Canadians among 157 the Ukrainian Embassy on Feb. 26. Canada has about 200 conversation with European Union Ambassador Peteris and manage the perceptions…if we’re go- people who died aboard an Ethiopian Air- soldiers in Ukraine training Ukrainian security forces. Ustubs, left, and Slovak Ambassador Vit Koziak. ing to tilt our focus more to an Indo-Pacifi c lines fl ight March 10 en route to Nairobi, lens versus Asia-Pacifi c, how will that be including Carleton University Department perceived in China?” said Jonathan Berk- of English professor Pius Adesanmi, who shire Miller, director of the Ottawa-based was director of the university’s Institute of Council on International Policy, speaking African Studies. on a March 11 Carleton University panel Like Japan, Australia sits in the middle during a daylong symposium about re- of the region, said its high commissioner, gional perspectives and Canada’s role. and the Indo-Pacifi c isn’t discussed “any- United States presidential national where near enough in Ottawa.” security adviser Lt.-Gen. H.R. McMaster “There’s a real sense that Canada is a Hanna Siromakha, left, and her husband, Ukrainian expressed that same thought in his April Pacifi c nation, but that’s much easier to feel defence attaché Col. Viktor Siromakha, right, with Parliamentary secretary for defence , Mr. 2018 outgoing statement that the country’s when you’re in Vancouver,” than in Ottawa Mr. Sajjan. Shevchenko, Mr. Sajjan, Lt.-Gen. Petrenko, and Col. Siromakha. approach toward regional powerhouse China or Toronto, said Ms. Smith, stressing the im- recognizes that “we must compete to counter portance of “shining a light on what is one China’s economic aggression as we promote of the most dynamic regions of the world.” a free and open Indo-Pacifi c region.” She also emphasized the need to consid- DM attends Kuwait’s packed The Indo-Pacifi c area, which panel- er smaller countries in the Pacifi c Islands— lists described as deeply divided, spans like Fiji, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—as nations countries touching the Pacifi c and Indian that “may be small but actually command National Day Oceans, including the 10 Association of great economic zones” and have seats at Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) mem- the United Nations. bers, as well as others as diverse as Japan, Calling the Comprehensive and Pro- New Zealand, Australia, India, and North gressive Agreement for Trans-Pacifi c Korea. Setting the stage for the discussion, Partnership (CPTPP), which Canada Mr. Miller said the region is home to 10 of ratifi ed and came into force last year, the the 20 fastest growing economies and con- “gold standard” of trade deals, Ms. Smith tains more than a third of global GDP. suggested more agreements in the region In her introductory remarks, Australian could follow that lead. The deal includes Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdulhamid Alfailakawi and deputy High Commissioner Natasha Smith also 11 countries, not including China, while minister of foreign affairs Ian Shugart at Kuwait’s Feb. 25 noted “very substantial power shifts under- another regional trade pact, the Regional National Day party. Mr. Alfailakawi and Immigration Minister . way,” both with China and India. Comprehensive Economic Partnership, has In an “increasingly competitive and been seen as China’s response to the U.S.- contested part of the world” she said there’s led CPTPP. a “real need to focus on working together, to protect the region, but also rules-based order.” Prosperity and security are “inextri- Canada ‘stuck in a trench’ with cably” linked in the Indo-Pacifi c, where China: Miller there’s both “great opportunity” and It’s a “fundamentally diffi cult” time for “great challenges,” she told an audience relations between China and Canada, said of about 40 people, including members of Mr. Miller, referring to the escalating ten- the diplomatic community, like Taiwanese sions following the arrest of Huawei chief A large crowd of guests watched dancers and musicians perform at the event at the Westin hotel. Representative Winston Chen of the Taipei fi nancial offi cer Meng Wanzhou in Van- Economic and Cultural Offi ce in Canada. couver based on a U.S. extradition request, “My approach is very much one of risk and the Chinese “arbitrary” detainment of management. Risk is both hazard and op- two Canadians. Estonia marks Independence portunity,” she said, “but we have to do that “This relationship goes through its in a way that also allows us to address very traditional hills and valleys…but I really real security and instability challenges.” think that we are now stuck in a trench. It Day at the Chateau The focus should not be on Chinese per- doesn’t mean we can’t get out of it,” he said. ceptions, Mr. Miller said, but on working It’s a “deep concern and underscores the Photographs courtesy of Kevin Benloss with like-minded partners with common need to work more closely with partners respect for the rule of law. that share the same values and respect for It’s “increasingly important” to see the the rule of law.” Asia-Pacifi c region and the Indian Ocean He cautioned against placing too much region “as one strategic domain,” said Japa- focus on India as part of this regional strat- nese Ambassador Kimihiro Ishikane. egy, and said it’s possible to counter the “It is by maintaining free and open seas, idea that an Indo-Pacifi c focus is “allergic promoting free trade, and enhancing con- to China” nectivity that the development of the re- “We can do this but we need not focus gion can be continuous,” said Mr. Ishikane. everything on Chinese perceptions,” he The “highly connected network” of coun- said, adding that doesn’t mean Canada tries must be resilient against natural, eco- refuses to engage with China but should do Estonian Ambassador Toomas nomic, and security threats. As one builds so “with our eyes wide open and manage Lukk and his wife, Piret Lukk, at robust seawalls to protect against tsuna- the risks” with partners. mis, Mr. Ishikane said to protect develop- [email protected] Estonia’s Feb. 25 Independence Moldovan Ambassador Ala European Union deputy head of mission ment “against external impacts, we need a The Hill Times Day party at the Chateau Laurier. Beleavschi and Ms. Lukk. Brice de Schietere with Mr. and Ms. Lukk. THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 19 Events Feature

the National Press Theatre, 150 Wellington St., Ottawa, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019. The agenda Parliamentary will include reports from the president and treasurer as well as the results of offi cers and directors elected. National Manning Networking Conference—The 11th Calendar annual National-MNC will be held from March 22-24 at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa. This yearly gathering of conservatives typically features speakers including MPs, political strategists, and commentators. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 Progress Summit 2019—Just months before the federal election, the Broadbent Institute’s Progress Summit will bring together thought leaders, movement builders, elected offi cials, and frontline activists. March 27-29, The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr. Speakers will include B.C. NDP Leader John Horgan, author Tanya Talaga, and MoveOn.org executive director Ilya House Justice Sheyman. broadbentinstitute.ca/summit2019. SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Committee to debate Four members of the House Justice Committee, including Conservative Michael Cooper, left, and New Democrat Murray Rankin, right, forced an emergency meeting of the group this week to discuss Hard Truths and Fake News—A timely bootcamp for users of democracy and defenders of press freedom. having the former attorney general return to testify. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade bringing back Jody 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT, Carleton University, Richcraft Atrium, 9376 University Dr., Ottawa. Join us March 30 TUESDAY, MARCH 19 and $125 for non-members. Tax receipts will be is- at the Carleton School of Journalism and Communica- Wilson-Raybould sued. To order tickets, please send an email to Melina tion for frank talk and urgent collaboration as we ready Budget Day—The federal budget is expected to be Vacca-Pugsley at EmbassyConcert@FRiendsOfNACO. ourselves for the 2019 federal election campaign. 9 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 released after Question Period at 4 p.m. on March 19, ca, or purchase online at www.FriendsOfNACO.ca a.m.: Doors open and coffee is served! 9:30 a.m: Begin 2019. under Events, Embassy Concerts. The Friends of the the day with BuzzFeed editor Craig Silverman and a House Not Sitting—The House is on a two-week WEDNESDAY MARCH 20 National Arts Centre Orchestra raise funds to support frontline briefi ng on the world of fake news and online break from March 4-March 15. It will sit for one week, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, music, and music misinformation. 11 a.m.: Get a preview of what’s to March 18-March 22, will break again for one week, Liberal Caucus Meeting—The Liberals will meet in education. come in 2019 from academics, pollsters and close March 25-29. The House will resume sitting April 1-12 West Block on Parliament Hill. For more information, Journey to Running in a Federal Election—iVote-jeVote observers of the political and digital landscape. Lunch: and will take a two-week break from April 15-26. It will please contact Liberal Party media relations at media@ and the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy Grab a boxed lunch and hear Fergus Bell of Pop Up sit again on April 29 and will sit for three consecutive liberal.ca or 613-627-2384. (IFSD) at the University of Ottawa are collaborat- News explain how news organizations around the weeks, April 29-May 17. The House will break again Conservative Caucus Meeting—The Conservatives ing with Elections Canada to explore the Journey to world are collaborating to fi ght disinformation. 1:15 May 20-24, and is then scheduled to sit from May will gather for their national caucus meeting in West Running in a Federal Election on Wednesday, March p.m.: Close the day with CBC’s Rosemary Barton and 27-June 21, four consecutive weeks before the House Block. For more information, contact Cory Hann, direc- 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Speakers include: Kevin Page timely talk about how we can prepare for the coming adjourns and Parliament is dissolved for the October tor of communications with the Conservative Party of (president and CEO of the IFSD); Michele Austin (head campaign. In a lightning round, newsroom leaders will 2019 election. Canada, at [email protected]. of government, public policy and philanthropy at Twit- discuss strategies and solutions. Susan Delacourt, The Justice Committee meeting—The House of Commons NDP Caucus Meeting—The NDP caucus will meet ter Canada); Allan Rock (president emeritus and profes- Toronto Star; Mike De Souza, National Observer; Murad Justice Committee will meet March 13 at 1 p.m., fol- from 9:15-11 a.m. in West Block. For more informa- sor of law at the University of Ottawa, former Liberal Hemmadi, The Logic; Michelle Richardson, Ottawa lowing a request from Conservative and NDP members tion, please contact the NDP Media Centre at 613- cabinet minister); Elizabeth May (leader of the Green Citizen; Lindsay Sample, The Discourse. The Canadian to hold an emergency meeting to discuss inviting 222-2351 or [email protected]. Party and MP); Ian Wayne (former director of policy Committee for World Press Freedom operates with the former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould back Bloc Québécois Meeting—The Bloc Québécois cau- and issues management, NDP); Jenni Byrne (former patronage of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO before the group to testify about the SNC-Lavalin affair. cus will meet on Wednesday morning starting at 9:30 political adviser to the Conservative Party); and John and sustaining sponsorship from the Canadian Bankers The committee will meet in the Wellington Building, a.m. in Room 241A in the West Block. Akpata (candidate of the Marijuana Party). Desmarais Association. Eventbrite. room 415. Senate Open Caucus: International Francophonie Day Hall (University of Ottawa). This is a non-partisan, free THURSDAY, MARCH 14 2019—Open Caucus on March 20 will focus on the event. Due to limited seating, however, we ask that you International Day of La Francophonie together with register to attend, via Eventbrite. Ottawa Valley Farm Show—MPs, Senators, and the 50th anniversary of the Offi cial Languages Act and Fifth Security and Defence Symposium—The staff members are invited to join a tour at the Ottawa the recent challenges faced by offi cial language minor- European Union Delegation to Canada will host this Valley Farm Show, set for Thursday, March 14, 2019. ity communities. This day will also provide us with an conference, The 5th Security & Defence Symposium: A Meet innovative farmers leading their sectors towards opportunity to refl ect on the continued development Stronger EU for a Stronger Trans-Atlantic Alliance. At higher environmental standards, and meeting the needs and vitality of the French language and French commu- a time when long-standing global peace and security of Canadian consumers. Further details available at nities in the Canada of 2019. The event will take place paradigms are in fl ux, this half-day session will address www.letstalkag.ca or on Facebook and Twitter. from 8-10 a.m. at 1 Wellington St., Room W110. the emerging defence challenges on both sides of the Annual Reception: Canada’s Credit Unions—Canada’s Atlantic and examine how the EU and Canada can work MONDAY, MARCH 18 credit unions and the All-Party Credit Union Caucus are more closely together. The symposium will highlight the House Sitting—The House will sit for one week, hosting their annual reception on Wednesday March 20 EU’s Permanent Structure Cooperation (PESCO) initia- March 18-March 22, and will break again for one week, from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. in Room 410 Wellington Build- tive. Panel sessions will address the impacts of PESCO March 25-29. The House will resume sitting April 1-12 ing. All Parliamentarians and their staff are invited to on NATO-EU co-operation, and PESCO’s Cyber Rapid and will take a two-week break from April 15-26. It will attend. Please RSVP to [email protected] Response Teams and Mutual Assistance in Cyber Secu- sit again on April 29 and will sit for three consecutive Joint Annual Reception—Chicken Farmers of Cana- rity Initiative. Wednesday, March 20, 2019, 8 a.m. to weeks, April 29-May 17. The House will break again da, Egg Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, 12:30 p.m. Luncheon and reception to follow. Rideau May 20-24, and is then scheduled to sit from May and Canadian Hatching Egg Producers are hosting their Club, 99 Bank St., 15th fl oor, free. www.eucanada. 27-June 21, four consecutive weeks before the House Joint Annual Reception on Wednesday, March 20 from eu. Register online via: weezevent.com/5th-european- adjourns and Parliament is dissolved for the October 6 p.m.-9 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Chateau Laurier. union-security-and-defence-symposium. 2019 election. Parliamentarians, their staff, and industry friends are THURSDAY, MARCH 21 2019 Bell Lecture Presented by Senator Kim Pate— invited to come enjoy delicious, high-quality Canadian Independent Sen. Pate will present this talk on: What chicken, turkey, and eggs, and share a drink with Bacon and Eggheads—Thursday, March 21, 7:30 Should Canadians Know and Do about Criminal Justice the farmers who raise them. RSVP before March 8 to a.m.-8:45 a.m. “Toxic algae—a growing threat to Reforms During this Election Year? Pate was the long- [email protected]. Canadians,” with Frances Pick. University of Ottawa is Susan Delacourt, parliamentary bureau chief for time executive director of the Canadian Association of Anniversary Concert—The Friends of NACO is a talk presented by the Partnership Group for Science the Toronto Star, is one of the panellists at the Elizabeth Fry Societies. She has dedicated her career pleased to invite music lovers to a concert to celebrate and Engineering (PAGSE). Sir John A. Macdonald Hard Truths and Fake News bootcamp hosted to working with some of society’s most marginalized, the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Canada relations at (SJAM) Building, Room 100. Free for Members of the at Carleton University on March 30 by the victimized, criminalized, and institutionalized—par- the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada. Come and House of Commons, Senators, Parliamentary staff, and Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom. enjoy an evening of music featuring Judy Ginsburg ticularly imprisoned youth, men, and women. Monday, media. Others $25. Breakfast included. Pre-registration The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade March 18, 2019, 7 p.m., second fl oor atrium, Rich- on piano, Kathy Baerg on fl ute, Nathan Bredeson on is required by March 18 by contacting Meghan Johnson craft Hall, Carleton University. This event is open to the classical guitar, and Steve Smith on cello. A buffet at [email protected] or 613-868-7437. public. Registration is available online. The lecture is reception hosted by Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia Goût De France/Good France—Celebrate the sustain- The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. hosted by the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs will follow the concert. Date: Wednesday, March 20, able seafood movement at this cocktail reception Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- in the Faculty of Public Affairs at Carleton. from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 for members, and four-course Ocean Wise seafood seated meal mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details with champagne and wine pairings. Food prepared by under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to chef Laurent Provence of the French ambassador’s [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the Former Reform residence, Ocean Wise executive chef Ned Bell, and Le Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday Party leader Cordon Bleu Ottawa. Proceeds support the Ocean Wise paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but sustainable seafood program. Tickets available online. we will defi nitely do our best. Events can be updated Preston daily online too. Manning’s March 21, 2019 at 7 p.m. French Embassy, 42 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. $350. The Hill Times eponymous Breaking Barriers, Shaping Worlds: Women and the Manning Search for Global Order, 1919-2019—The Historical Networking Section at Global Affairs Canada is presenting a free Conference will two-day conference on the history of women and for- Extra! Extra! begin its three- eign policy. It will run 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m., March 21 and RReadead the full day run at the 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m., March 22, 2019, in the Robertson Westin Hotel on Room at 125 Sussex Dr. Speakers will explore the roles Canadian women have played in foreign affairs, ParliamentaParliamentaryry March 22. The diplomacy, and international development. The primary Hill Times fi le focus will be historical, with researchers from several CCalendaralendar photograph disciplines refl ecting on the changing roles of women in shaping global policy. The program is available here. online As space is limited, we ask that you register in advance on Eventbrite. FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Parliamentary Press Gallery Annual General Meeting— The annual general meeting of the members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery will be held in