Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 S ‘Doing democracy by Zoommeetingsisjust not the sameasbeing there in the House’ News THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO.1730 they’re missingoutonthecut- an ‘adaptive response,’ say experts require a‘diff Parliamentto transition, will In move from crisis management News BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS important priority, but not to set aside the other priorities,’ says former Tory Senator Hugh Segal. ‘It’s in the government’s interest andin the country’s interest to make the management ofCOVID an A briefi Defence policy going tobedealingwithCOVID- coronavirus pandemic. been centralized todealwiththe put onpauseasallattention has Liberal government have been many central policy plansofthe response” tothenew world. ner ofParliament” and an “adaptive sition willrequirea “different man- fall, andthat thenextphaseoftran- approach ina Throne Speechinthe government couldoutlineitsnew last electionwillchange, that the ties theLiberals spotlightedinthe COVID-19, expertssay thepriori- new normalinthefi BY NEIL MOSS & MIKE LAPOINTE elected inthelastelectionsay ome ofthe98rookie MPs The federal government is Over thelastthreemonths prepares to transition to a prepares totransition toa s thefederal government coming, deadly coming, deadly House ofCommons III ofIII-Part Series: Transparency, Trust & Transition Gwynne Dyer devastation devastation on climate on climate ng change’s change’s Continued onpage 6 p. 11 ght against pp. 19-27 Jenni Byrne Tories say suchpublic criticismiscausingdivisionsin the party election thiscouldbecome “the vative MPsays ifthere’sanearly federal lawmakers, andaConser- mentary experienceasCanada’s and-thrust ofOttawa’s parlia- fi and internationally recognized Canada’s homegrown, diverse, Don’t turn lightsoffof creation lm and TV industry erent manner’ and C ANADA ’ urges Conservatives to elect aninterim leader, but S P OLITICS officially declaredapandemicon the World HealthOrganization during theglobalpandemic. forgotten Parliament,” theone Because ofCOVID-19, which

AND G OVERNMENT p. 10 N EWSPAPER March 13. The Housewas suspendedon federal electiononOct. 21, 2019. for aboutsixweeks sincethelast March 11, Parliament hasonlysat e Block ontheHill. arriving attheWest May 20,2020, Trudeau, pictured Prime MinisterJustin by AndrewMeade Hill Times photograph e o d , f

The T that they were trying toexercise Conservative Caucus, alleging leaders oftheISGandSenate The Hill Times that criticizedthe day afterpublishing anop-edin November. ate forthefirst timesincelast for recognizedstatus intheSen- giving itenoughbodiestoqualify became thePSG’sninthmember, leaving theISG. Sen. Dalphond (Manitoba), who alsojoinedafter tative, andSen. Patricia Bovey previous government represen- Peter Harder (Ottawa, Ont.), the ing formerlynon-affi join thegroup this month, follow- Que.) was thethird Senator to last week tojointhePSG. Group that dominates theSenate left theIndependentSenators says Sen. PierreDalphond, who ership teamsintheRedChamber, affiliation, andweaken thelead- to Senators unhappy withtheir last week willgive morefreedom Pierre Dalphond leaders, says Sen. ‘weaken’ Senate Group will Progressive Chamber’s Revival ofUpper News BY PETER MAZEREEUW the importanceofsuspending for thisarticleacknowledge MONDAY, MAY 25,2020$5.00 Sen. Dalphond lefttheISG Sen. Dalphond(DeLorimier, The rookie MPsinterviewed reclamation ofoffi he Progressive Senate Group’s Senate Continued onpage29 Continued onpage 31 liated Sen. cial status p. 28 p. 28 2 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Indigenous Child Welfare Act passed just Carole Saab before Parliament was adjourned as the was a press last election quickly approached. secretary “I was there in 2006 for the Indian to the NDP Residential School Settlement, which was caucus Heard on the Hill about some measure of healing and justice when she for the federal government taking our chil- worked on dren away and, in doing so, trying to take the Hill by Neil Moss our languages and cultures. And in 2019 … a decade we had these two pieces of legislation that ago. were about Canada working with Indig- Photograph enous people to support and promote and courtesy ‘More Canadians are starting strengthen and revitalize our languages, of Twitter/ and put responsibility for First Nations Carole Saab children back where it belongs with First to get it’: outgoing Don Kelly Nations families,” Mr. Kelly told The Hill Times. “It’s far from full circle because there’s “Carole’s ability to generate success for refl ects on two decades at still a long ways to go, but those really municipalities and FCM is evident from her stand out as major accomplishments,” the record, which includes her pivotal roles in departing Mr. Kelly said. negotiating and securing historic investments Assembly of First Nations On the fl ip side, Mr. Kelly said there are in national infrastructure, municipal program- still outstanding issues to be addressed, ming, capacity building and more,” said FCM highlighting the need for progress on the president Bill Karsten in a statement. Don Kelly fi rst started working Mr. Kelly has worked Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Ms. Saab received congratulations from at the Assembly of First Nations for four different national and Girls and Two Spirit People, as well as many across the political spectrum on her in 1999, he later became the chiefs (and one interim forwarding legislation on the UN Declara- new position, including Infrastructure Min- organizations communications chief) as the director of tion on the Rights of Indigenous People. ister Catherine McKenna. director in the early 2000s, but communications at AFN, Bill C-262 to align Canadian federal law “Looking forward to continue working last week started a new gig as including Phil Fontaine, with the UN declaration died on the Order together with municipalities to make posi- lead program communications Matthew Coon Come, Paper in the Senate before the last election. tive investments that benefi t Canadians, and public affairs at MasterCard Shawn Atleo, and current “That will really create … a framework grow our economy, create jobs and build Foundation where he will work AFN National Chief Perry for moving forward, that will help the en- cleaner and more resilient communities,” supporting Indigenous youth and Bellegarde. tire country move forward,” Mr. Kelly said. Ms. McKenna tweeted. education driven by Indigenous A communications He said that since he fi rst joined the communities. He's also a stand-up director at the AFN since AFN in the late 1990s, there has been a rec- comedian. Photograph courtesy of the early 2000s, Mr. Kelly ognition over time among Canadians of the Red Chamber and Don Kelly was with the organization importance to advance Indigenous issues. as the federal government “I think more Canadians are starting University of Victoria reached the Indian Resi- to get it. They’re starting to understand dential Schools Settle- why acting on these priorities is good for partner to bring virtual fi xture in the Parliamentary Precinct ment Agreement in 2006 Canada [and] why not acting on them is forum on bridging divides Afor years, departing Assembly of First with nearly 90,000 Indigenous people who holding us back in so many ways—whether Nations (AFN) spokesperson Don Kelly were enrolled in residential schools receiv- it’s economically [or] whether it’s as a fair As the world charts a path of recovery from says since he started at the advocacy ing compensation in the largest class-ac- and just country.” the coronavirus pandemic, a national forum organization back in 1999 more Canadians tion settlement in Canada’s history for the “I am seeing more positive change,” Mr. will connect academics, business leaders, and understand the work that is needed on treatment they had to endure, and, more Kelly said. “Understanding there’s a long policy makers to chart a road to bridge divides reconciliation, but also says more progress than a decade later, he held the same post road ahead, I do think more people are that have been highlighted by the health crisis. needs to be made. as the Indigenous Languages Act and the understanding we need to walk that road together and then we’ll move forward a lot more quickly if we walk together.” Mr. Kelly had two hiatuses from the AFN from 2006 to 2008 and 2010 to 2013 to pursue other projects, during those periods he wasn’t far from the organization as he continued to do contract work for the assembly. On many days the life of a communi- cations director may not be a laughing matter, but Mr. Kelly’s has a different side gig than many of the spokespeople in the Parliamentary Precinct as he moonlights Independent Senator Yuen Pau Woo, the leader as a stand-up comic. of the ISG, sits on the Victoria Forum’s external “It’s all communication,” he said. “It’s advisory board with fellow Red Chamber about connecting with people on a real level.” Fish Out of members Yonah Martin and Jim Munson. The He was the host of APTN’s Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Water, which spotlighted Mr. Kelly who grew up in Winnipeg, Man., travelling outside his The 2020 Victoria Forum will be the comfort zone to traditional lands to learn result of a partnership between the Univer- the skills Indigenous people had to have to sity of Victoria and the Senate. survive far from many modern luxuries. “The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a “[Comedy is] a great way to get people spotlight on societal divisions in Canada listening,” he said. “People who won’t go and around the world,” said Senate into a lecture on Indigenous history or In- Speaker George J. Furey in a statement. digenous culture will come into a comedy “As these rifts increase in scale, so too club. So if you can sneak in a few points does the responsibility of policy-makers and make them in a way that everyone can to bridge the gaps. Together with govern- relate to then that’s a good thing.” ments, institutions and communities, Mr. Kelly started his new gig as lead pro- the Senate of Canada looks forward to gram communications and public affairs at contributing to solutions to address these MasterCard Foundation last week where he complex issues.” will work supporting Indigenous youth and The Victoria Forum will be held virtually education driven by Indigenous communities. on November 13 and 14. Topics include the pandemic’s impact on economic divides, social divides, and environmental divides. Former NDP staff er Carole “With the world facing growing po- Saab named new CEO of larization, a forum like this sets the stage for much-needed conversations and the Federation of Canadian opportunity to devise and recommend real-world solutions to global challenges,” Municipalities Victoria Forum chair Saul Klein said in a press release. Carole Saab was named the next CEO of The Senate will also partner with the the Federation of Canadian Municipalities University of Victoria to bring the Victoria (FCM) last week, becoming the fi rst female Forum in 2021. CEO in the organizations 119-year history. Senators Yonah Martin, Jim Munson, Ms. Saab has been with FCM since and Yuen Pau Woo sit on the Victoria Fo- 2010, before that she worked on Parlia- rum’s external advisory board. ment Hill as a press secretary to the NDP [email protected] caucus. The Hill Times Let’s build a more resilient Canada

COVID-19 has disrupted our 1. Invest stimulus into Canada’s tions, manufacturing electric vehicles and deploying charging infrastructure, building way of life, and immediate fast-growing clean energy and cleantech sectors and businesses and maintaining wind, solar and hydro relief has rightfully been the committed to the local production and projects, producing renewable fuels and priority of governments. But export of world-leading low- and more. zero-carbon commodities; as the conversation in Climate leadership is also enhancing competitiveness and creating new oppor- Canada evolves to one of 2. Act quickly to support clean energy tunities in other sectors of the economy. and cleantech solutions and business- economic recovery, import- These include present and future jobs in es by expanding existing initiatives and low-carbon concrete, steel and alumi- ant questions arise. programs; and num, the auto sector, sustainably What does recovery look like? How loud and clear that Canada produced mass timber, agriculture, and can we deliver a cleaner, innovative and 3. Share will continue and expand on its mining or supplying the metals and diverse economy? How do we ensure best-in-class climate and environmen- minerals used in many clean technolo- recovery measures aren’t just shov- tal policies. gies. el-ready but shovel-worthy? We can’t leave any sector or region A resilient recovery creates winners Federal and provincial government stimu- behind. That means training and retraining across the country. The time is now to lus and recovery efforts can create jobs, for Canadians whose past jobs may not invest in people and projects that will encourage economic diversification and return, in programs that can and should diversify our economy and improve our equity, spur cleantech innovation, cut both start now while unemployed workers are health and wellbeing. carbon pollution and illness-causing air sitting at home. pollution, and make Canada more resil- It’s how we build a more ient. The clean energy sector employs resilient Canada. 298,000 Canadians in a wide range of We ask Canadian governments to commit jobs: insulating homes, developing clean to a three-part recovery and resilience technologies and energy storage solu- plan:

Over 200 signatories representing over 2,000 Canadian companies have signed

on to support a resilient recovery. Add your organization at resilientrecovery.ca

Acquire Industries Ltd., AddÉnergie, AES, Ameresco Canada Inc., American Clean Energy Solutions Inc., Arterran Renewables Ltd., Atticus Financial Group, Autochargers.ca Corporation, Avalon Mechanical Consultants Ltd., Ayur Financial Strategies Inc., Barkley Project Group, BayWa r.e Solar Systems Inc., BC Bioenergy Network, Black Current, Bonlook, Building Future, Innovation, Business on Camera, C Returns Inc, Canada Clean Fuels, Canadian Association of, Physicians for the Environment, Canadian Council of Canadians, CAPSolar,, Carbon Axion, Carbon Busters Inc., Carbon Free Group, Carboniq, Cellufuel, ChargeHub - MogileTechnologies Inc., ChargeLab, Chinook Power Corp., Citoyen concerné, City Green, Clean Foundation, CoEnergy Co-operative, Collected Conscience, Consolidated Biofuels, Eavor Technolo- gies Inc., EcoGen Energy & Build, EcoSafe Zero Waste, EH2 Solar, energyhub.org, EnergyX Solutions Inc., Enersion, Enliten, Ensyn Technologies, Envigour Policy Consulting, EnviroCentre, envision SYNERGY, Equilibrium Engineering, Es design, Exactus Energy, Firefly GHG Consulting, Fluent Energy Consulting, Fort Capital Partners, Fulcrum Projects Ltd., Geotab Inc., Go Wild Solar Solutions, GOOD Company, Great Canadian Solar Ltd., Great Canadian Solar, Halton Environmental Network, Huron Clean Energy, IAQ Inc, Impact Engineering, Innoltek, InnovÉÉ, Institut du véhicule innovant (IVI), iSun Energy, JE&M CONSULTING LTD., Jupiter Hydro Inc., Konnecta, Kootenay Solar Corp., L & A Energy Consulting Ltd., LanzaTech Inc., Letenda, Light house, LINCit, Maison du développement durable des Laurentides, MANTLE314, Melka Consulting, MKB & Co., MKI, Montroc Consulting Inc., Naked Snacks, Nergica, Nerva Energy Group Inc., New Power Post, NISP Canada, Noventa Energy, Nutana Power, Okanagan Solar, Okos Smart Homes Inc., Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative, Pacific Rim Engineered Products, Pantero, Passmore Group Inc., Pisces RPM, Polaris Strategy, Posterity Group, Provencher Roy Design Intérieur, PyroGenesis Canada Inc., R & G Stategic Communications, RainGrid Inc., rareEarth Project, Marketing Ltd., Recharge Véhicule Électrique, ReFeed Canada, Renewble Energy Group, RESCo Energy Inc., Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association, SES Consulting, Signature Electric Ltd., Sketch Nanotechnologies, Sol Power Projects, Solaires Entreprises Inc., SolarShare ,Soluna Energy Inc., Somerset Foundation, Spark Charging Solutions Inc., Spectergy, Steeper Energy, Sustainable Hamilton Burlington, Sustainable Marine Energy, Sustainable Resources Management Inc., S.W.E.B, SWTCH, TBL Communications, Trottier Family Foundation, United Chargers Inc., Upswing Solutions, VadimUS, Verbio, Volta Technique, Waste to Energy Generating Inc., Water Rangers, Waterfall Group and more at resilientrecovery.ca 4 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

delegates per riding could convene He said they can also be in one location and votes on reso- pivotal in building incremental Party conventions, venue lutions would be held remotely, if support over time for policies that the threat of the pandemic hasn’t may have been dismissed as only receded by next year. supported by those on the fringes “You could have a structured of the party. After decades of for preaching to ‘the debate, [have people vote] yay or being laughed at for pushing for nay, similar to what the House of marijuana legalization, he said, in Commons is doing,” he said. 2012, young Liberals were able to build signifi cant support for the converted,’ could be in for passage of a resolution to legalize Conventions help build marijuana. Less than a quarter of those who voted opposed the incremental support for resolution. The Trudeau Liberals, revamp as parties plan for policies when they came to power in 2015, The Liberal Party is still on track had recreational marijuana le- to hold its national convention in galization as one of its signature Ottawa in November. In an email campaign promises. coronavirus contingencies response to questions about its con- For the Conservatives, one tingency plans, the party’s senior signifi cant moment in its recent communications director Braeden convention history was when of smaller, in-person gatherings certain policies that might shape Caley said the team is preparing “for the party voted in 2016 to take Even as party brass of 30 or 40 people across the the party’s future platform. a wide range of scenarios for how it its opposition against same-sex country. “An even bigger implication at is hosted in ways that are both safe marriage off of its offi cial policy plan for diff erent There’s one upside to likely this moment is bringing members and engaging, including ways to fa- books. putting off its Charlottetown con- together to create a sense of excite- cilitate greater virtual participation “That was an important step scenarios, some vention, she said. The party had ment and energy heading into the in our policy process.” He said the forward for the party,” he said. say that a virtual planned to pare back its policy next election,” Ms. Harrison said. party’s decisions on the future of all “Those are some issues that debates, to give time for the new The party has already had to in-person events will be informed conventions have been useful in convention can’t leader to introduce himself or scrap its June leadership conven- by public health guidance. coalescing people to [support a herself to the party faithful, but tion, reschedule debates, and opt Even as party brass plan for policy].” compensate for with a later convention, that for virtual fundraisers and events, different scenarios, some said The NDP, meanwhile, delayed wouldn’t be necessary. which some politicos, including that a virtual convention can’t its national convention and leader the hobnobbing, Jagmeet Singh’s (Burnaby South, B.C.) leadership review in Janu- spontaneous Prime Minister ary, long before the coronavirus dialogues, and Justin Trudeau, forced Canada to power down pictured with its economy. It cited the need networking that wife, Sophie to pay off its debts and build its Grégoire Trudeau, war chest for the next election as typically happen at and his youngest among the reasons to not hold its child, Hadrien, big meeting later this year. national conventions. at the Liberal In an email statement attrib- Party’s national uted to NDP national director BY BEATRICE PAEZ convention in Anne McGrath, the party said it Halifax in 2018. still plans to host a convention he barnstorming of far-fl ung The Liberals are in 2021. “However, we know that Tridings, posing for grip-and- still on track large gatherings, even a year grin photo-ops, and holding to hold their from now, may not be possible.” glitzy fundraisers have all been convention Ms. McGrath said there are abandoned in the face of the in Ottawa in “internal discussions on how we coronavirus. Large-scale party November, but can replicate a convention experi- conventions could be next, as are bracing for ence and fulfi ll our constitutional some parties are either working the possibility of obligations if large gatherings are to prepare for scaled-back, virtual holding a virtual not possible.” Those discussions events, or choosing to delay their gathering. The Hill “include various forms of virtual initial plans. Times photograph engagement that range in scope The Green Party, which is in by Cynthia Münster and complexity.” the midst of a leadership race, South of the border, the is likely to delay its Charlotte- Republican Party is planning town, P.E.I., convention, slated for “What we’ve shown is we’re HuffPost Canada’s Althia Raj, compensate for the hobnobbing, to plow ahead with its national October, when its federal council pretty adaptable to the circum- have said contributed in part to spontaneous dialogues, and net- convention in August, though convenes at the end of the month, stances, and the party has been an insular, sluggish race. working that typically happen at they are considering a pared- said interim leader Jo-Ann Rob- very engaged,” Ms. Roberts said “The policy convention will these gatherings. down event, including limiting erts in a phone interview with of how the race has played out. be an important moment, fi rst “So much of what conventions attendances to delegates, in the The Hill Times. The party still She pointed to candidates’ use of and last moment for the leader are about is the networking on face of lingering concerns about intends to name a new leader in video and social media to connect to actually get the pulse of the the fl oor,” said John Delacourt, the coronavirus, according to The October, with votes to be cast by with supporters in powering their membership, and put themselves vice-president of public affairs at New York Times. The Democratic mail-in ballots. campaigns. out there for the next election,” Hill and Knowlton Strategies and Party, meanwhile, is prepping for “It has, offi cially, not yet been The Greens aren’t the only she said. former Liberal staffer. “There’s three scenarios, including a full- postponed; it has to be the deci- ones regrouping. Ms. Harrison said another con- inherent value in that kind of free scale remote convention, which sion of our federal council, which The Conservative Party earlier sideration that may have played fl ow of conversation in that group hinge on how severe the outbreak has [just] gone through elections,” this month shelved its plans to into the Conservatives’ decision dialogue on policy issues.” is at the time and delegates’ will- Ms. Roberts said. “It’s highly hold a policy convention in No- to delay the convention is that it Discussions that would have ingness to attend in person. unlikely it will happen in October. vember in Quebec City, delaying tends to draw an older crowd—a organically brought a collision Those two conventions might P.E.I. still has its border closed. To it to 2021. In a press statement demographic that is more vulner- of ideas and perspectives from help provide a playbook for how get there, it would be very hard from party president Scott Lamb, able to the virus. different regions of the country, other parties approach their for a lot of members.” the party cited several reasons There are practical consider- he said, have now shifted online events in the future, with the pan- Prince Edward Island, which is for the postponement, including ations in postponing the conven- to platforms such as Zoom, which demic likely to remain a hurdle to working to prevent the importa- the “signifi cant expense” mem- tion, said Garry Keller, vice-pres- can be time-limited and regiment- holding mass gatherings. tion of the virus, has among the bers would have to incur and the ident at StrategyCorp, who noted ed. “One of the challenges we all Mr. Delacourt said that parties lowest rates of infection in the logistical challenges in holding that “even the most dedicated face is there’s an inherent struc- will have to grapple with how to country. It has signalled that mea- delegate selection meetings, as party activist” would likely be ture to our conversation now—the engage with members to ensure sures to turn away non-residents staff would be preoccupied with unwilling to make the trip. formalization of dialogue we’re there’s as much of an open forum at its border will remain in place counting ballots for the leader- Mr. Keller, former chief of all contending with,” he added. as possible, if a virtual or hy- for the foreseeable future. ship race. staff to then-interim Conservative While the incoming leader brid format becomes the default Ms. Roberts said the party is Kate Harrison, vice-president leader Rona Ambrose, said while will have his or her own policy choice. “in talks” with the venue to fi gure at Summa Strategies and a he hasn’t missed a convention in preferences, and the “nitty gritty” “Policy conventions are really out possible options for a future former Conservative staffer, said 25 years, he “isn’t in a great rush of setting the policy direction kind of quite literally churches convention, which could take that ideally, the Conservatives to hang out with thousands of of the party is often happening where you preach to the con- place next spring, so the council would be able to hold a policy people in close quarters, in hospi- within caucus, rather than on the verted, but so much of it is about can decide how to proceed. She convention ahead of the next tality suites, or in bars.” convention fl oor, Mr. Keller said, bringing everybody in under one said the party could opt for a general election, as these events Like Ms. Roberts, he raised the these gatherings also serve as a tent,” said Mr. Delacourt. hybrid event, a virtual gather- provide a “testing” ground for possibility of parties opting for a “safety valve” for contentious is- [email protected] ing combined with an assembly gauging members’ support for model in which small groups of sues like supply management. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 5 Opinion COVID and beyond: can we think big?

People, The COVID-19 epidemic pictured walking in is highlighting some real downtown strengths and weaknesses Ottawa on Sept. 16, 2019. This in Canadian society, is the time for Canadians to especially in government think about what kind of and public policy. The year society we want 2020 is a rotten one in and what kind of clear vision many respects for the whole we want to articulate. We world, but it can also be a now know that big changes good year for reimagining can be made and made and redirecting the ship of quickly when state. the need exists, writes Andrew Cardozo. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

relegated to lower-income jobs, they just recent weeks, something we should demand months ahead. The list of public policy are. For a series of reasons, which can best of all governments going forward; Canada- challenges is not short, nor simple. The be described as systemic, our system is U.S. relations, as COVID affects our coun- silver lining to this tragic pandemic is we clearly stratifi ed by demographics—that’s tries differently—the movements of people, get to redesign our society, or return to the Andrew Cardozo the euphemism for saying we have a sexist good, and services across the border; and same old, same old, if and when normal Opinion and racist system. And a funny thing hap- the status of developing countries and of the comes back. pened along the way—we suddenly real- movement of refugees around the world. Andrew Cardozo is president of the ized these are the workers who we need These are also some the key issues that Pearson Centre in Ottawa. TTAWA—This changes everything! the most—to take care of our loved ones in the Pearson Centre is focusing on in the The Hill Times OThat’s what they’re all saying. But, se- seniors’ homes; to stock our grocery store riously, how much will this change? This is shelves so we can get Clorox wipes, fl our, the time for Canadians to think about what and toilet paper; to make our cappuccinos kind of society we want and what kind of and pizzas; and to keep the gas stations clear vision we want to articulate. We now open. They are also our childcare workers know that big changes can be made and and early childhood teachers. All this time, Who is turning leading academic made quickly when the need exists. Prime we have been fi ne paying them the least Minister Justin Trudeau’s daily announce- and giving them the least job security; it’s ments are unprecedented in their mag- just part of the system. research into new companies nitude, their imagination, and their wide But here’s the thing, we can only public support. change this if the rest of us are willing to to help Canada become a Well, we have the biggest debt in Ca- pay more; pay an extra quarter for our cof- nadian history and normally that should fee, and an extra quarter for each item at hamstring governments from doing any- the grocery store, and so on. world leader in thing interesting, but these are not normal It does start with governments and times. preferably the federal and all provincial life sciences? The debate between a progressive vi- governments establishing a $15 or $16 sion of caring versus a conservative vision minimum wage, set to increase by infl ation of austerity is only just beginning. While going forward. But it’s more than wages. outgoing Conservative Leader Andrew It’s about the option for full-time hours, Scheer is often criticized for being nega- health benefi ts, paid leave, and pensions. tive, he is in fact setting the groundwork It’s about the growing gig economy and for that austerity vision. discussing whether it should be growing or The COVID-19 pandemic is highlight- shrinking. ing some real strengths and weaknesses in Various governments have studied a Canadian society, especially in government basic income system and indeed we have and public policy. The year 2020 is a rotten such a system for seniors which works one in many respects for the whole world, well. It is time to consider the various mod- but it can also be a good year for reimagin- els seriously, one that ensures a minimum ing and redirecting the ship of state. respectable standard of living for all Cana- Our biggest strength lies in our public dians, but is yet affordable and viable. health-care system, a strong economy, a The COVID era also warrants a national strong private sector, our general safety, discussion on: food production—the role and a lawful society. of foreign workers on farms, food produc- But here are some of the things that we tion, and meat processing; manufacturing of Our name is adMare. We’re building the Canadian life sciences industry need to address and to change: the standard essential goods when global supply chains from sea to sea. We do this by identifying therapeutically and commercially of living for seniors, whether in long-term break down, and, by extension, the status care, retirement residences or in indepen- of manufacturing in Canada, and how we promising research from leading Canadian academic and biotech partners dent living; the “she-cession” and how this as a society should think a bit more about to create new companies of scale, and by providing specialized expertise pandemic affects women more than men, “buying Canadian”; the public service—the which points to their general lower wages essential role public servants are playing and infrastructure to help existing companies scale-up. and lesser job security; the status of vulner- these days and will do so as the workplace able communities—Indigenous peoples, changes; the green economy—how can Why do we do what we do? Because First Nations reserves, and low-income infrastructure help; the future of green Canada has what it takes to become people; and systemic discrimination—are sources of energy; the future of the oil and a world leader in life sciences. women, minorities, and new Canadians gas sector in the short and long term; the working in greater danger of catching the future of the tourism, restaurant and travel coronavirus, and at lower wages and in sectors which have been reduced to zero To learn more visit admarebio.com more precarious working conditions? per cent activity in order to fi ght COVID; While Canada has not wilfully deter- the future of federal-provincial relations mined that women and minorities are to be which have reached a high-water mark in 6 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News III of III-Part Series: Transparency, Trust & Transition

the needed liquidity is the right approach. Mr. Segal said the govern- In move from crisis management ment should be going through a “lessons learned” process to bring together Parliamentarians, as well as experts in industry and the sci- to transition, Parliament will entifi c community, to assess what has been effective in countering the pandemic, what could be done better in the future, and how the require a ‘diff erent manner’ and government can plan for the next pandemic. “I don’t think a process that is focused on who can we blame— an ‘adaptive response,’ say experts that kind of accountability—will be seen by most Canadians as constructive or helpful,” he said. ‘It’s in the actions being taken by all levels Canada’s foreign policy is going response to a current crisis,” said of government to support work- to be affected by what happened Mr. Cappe. “What’s the adaptive ‘We are at that infl ection government’s interest ers and businesses and protect during COVID,” he said, highlight- response to the new world? Is people’s health and safety. ing that there hasn’t been such a it going to go back to the way point’ and in the country’s As the government adjusts its statement from the government it was, or are we going to build Rick Anderson, a principal at priorities, it could come forward about Canada’s foreign policy new relationships that allow us to Earnscliffe Strategy Group and interest to make with a new Throne Speech in the since 2017, when Ms. Freeland, manage through?” former chief adviser to Reform fall, Mr. Segal said, adding that a the then-foreign affairs minister, “What we need is to have a leader Preston Manning, told The the management of fi scal update shouldn’t be rushed laid out her vision of Canada in re-think of all this social pro- Hill Times that the provinces have COVID an important and could come in the fall as well. the world. gramming and how it all hangs tended to be “keener than Ottawa” He also said there could also “It was a great statement together,” said Mr. Cappe. “How to proceed towards what they cast priority, but not to be an opportunity for a “modest” when it was made, but events does EI work with social assis- as an economic recovery. cabinet shuffl e to rearrange those have overtaken it. So—a fresh tance and work with municipal “The federal government tends set aside the other ministers who have performed foreign policy statement about services in kind? That’s a big to still see the health-care crisis well during the pandemic and what we have now learned, and job—maybe what we need [is] as the dominant characteristic, priorities,’ says those who have not. what we think should change in a royal commission in a post- but I think we really are at an A COVID infl ection point about that,” said former Tory Senator Throne world to Mr. Anderson, who noted there is Hugh Segal. Speech rethink now attention being paid to the has the social next phase of the crisis, which “added service has two characteristics. virtue” of program- “One is that there is an ex- Continued from page 1 requiring ming.” pectation that there will be other 19-related effects for the next two a vote of Mr. waves of outbreaks, the size of to three years, but there is still a confi dence Cappe those, the frequency of them, need to tackle other important in the gov- also men- how long we would be in that issues, said Hugh Segal, a former ernment, tioned situation—there is a kind of ac- Conservative Senator and past he said. that one cepted wisdom that this was not a chief of staff to former Progres- “[It of the one-and-done outbreak,” said Mr. sive Conservative prime minister will] force things Anderson. “There will be future Brian Mulroney. all the par- that hap- outbreaks and they will possibly “It’s in the government’s inter- ties—not pened continue until such time there est and in the country’s interest to just the Senator Peter Harder, left, former Conservative Senator Hugh Segal, former clerk of the post-9/11 are better treatments, or more make the management of COVID govern- Privy Council Mel Cappe, and principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group Rick Anderson. and that optimistically, a vaccine.” an important priority, but not to ment—to The Hill Times file photographs hasn’t “We are at that infl ection set aside the other priorities,” he fi gure out happened point, and governments are mak- said, adding that Canada should what the now, is ing a transition—how do we move still make First Nations reconcili- right balance is going forward,” our foreign policy with respect that opposition party leaders from what we did to deal with ation, climate change, defence, he said. “The notion of a Throne to perhaps China [and] how we were sworn in as privy council- the health care and economic and foreign policy among its top Speech and then a fi scal update protect our own national interests lors, so they could receive confi - emergencies, to something that’s priorities. in the fall, I think, would strike with respect to the United States,” dential briefi ngs on security and more sustainable for, let’s say, the “The notion that we can take most Canadians as making a fair he said. intelligence matters. balance of this year for starters, COVID off the agenda at some amount of sense.” “We didn’t do that for COVID, the next six months,” said Mr. point and say, ‘Okay, that’s done. “My own view,” said Senator so they weren’t brought inside the Anderson. Let’s get back to what is normal,’ Peter Harder (Ontario), a member ‘What’s the role of tent,” said Mr. Cappe. “They were From a political point of view, is probably not realistic, because of the Progressive Senate Group, kept outside, and that may have when asked what the prime min- what COVID produced … will “is that the government of Cana- Parliament in a new been appropriate—but therefore, ister should do in the upcoming be part of federal and provincial da is going to have to do a rethink equilibrium?’ we need to think about that, we weeks and months, Mr. Anderson politics and economics for some of its priorities—taking into Mel Cappe, a former top need to think about whether we said what Mr. Trudeau should do time to come,” Mr. Segal said in account the expectations and the bureaucrat who served as clerk need a different way of operating “is more or less what he has been a phone interview with The Hill requirements of a post-COVID of the Privy Council Offi ce from with Parliament.” doing.” Times. reality as well as the fi scal capac- 1999 until 2002, told The Hill “What’s the role of commit- “My advice to him would be Making COVID-19 one of ity and priorities that the govern- Times that “in terms of the institu- tees? How open should the execu- that he should look a bit more Canada’s national priorities, and ment will have to adjust to.” tions that are both helpful and tive be to those committees? You enthusiastic about the transition not the sole national priority, will Sen. Harder, the previous hurtful, think about Parliament.” don’t want them to play a second- to the next phase,” said Mr. An- contribute to the country’s eco- government representative in “How do we get out of this? It’s guessing role as an alternative derson—one in which people can nomic recovery, said Mr. Segal. the Chamber, told The Hill Times going to require a different man- minister,” said Mr. Cappe. safely get back to work. But he added that time has not that the transition to normal ner of Parliament and playing off As the transition takes place, “Not only emphasize the in- yet come. operations of governance will be the trust that government has,” Mr. Segal said there is a place to come support programs, whether “You can’t pull the goalie out defi ned by the virus, adding there said Mr. Cappe. involve Parliament more exten- they’re for business or for indi- of the net in the second period. won’t be a single transition but He argued that the current sively than it has been, but added viduals, but also emphasize—be- You have to leave the goalie in the several. trust the public feels in govern- that he thinks the government cause I think it’s his nature—that net until you really get a sense “We will go through a series of ment is for executives, and not for has done an “excellent job” so far the income supports are going to of where the game is going,” Mr. transitions, some of which are al- elected representatives. handling the crisis. remain in place.” Segal said. ready apparent—that is to say, the “Therefore, what’s the role of While he praised the work of “He’s sending a message there, On May 22, Prime Minister opening up of some sectors—but Parliament in a new equilibrium? the NDP and the Bloc Québécois, that these things are in for the Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) I think there will not be a broad Parliament, I argue, did its job Mr. Segal said the Conservatives longer term, but he should also warned Canadians that “we are and clear defi nition to this until and did it well in the acute phase, have yet to fi nd the right balance be messaging that where it’s not out of the woods yet” as we have a better understanding of because it stopped the govern- to their role of holding the gov- possible, where cases are low, are provinces begin reopening their the virus,” he said. ment from overreaching,” said Mr. ernment to account, and their role staying low, and people can go economies, a day after he and As the government prepares to Cappe. “But by the same token, it as Parliamentarians serving the back to work safely, retail outlets Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia change its priorities for a post- didn’t impede it from passing leg- broad public interest without the can open safely, that we want to Freeland (University-Rosedale, pandemic world, Mr. Segal also islation within two days, so that overuse of partisanship. help make that happen, and we Ont.) held their tenth fi rst minis- said a foreign policy update could was a different model of opera- He added that the Conserva- welcome it,” said Mr. Anderson. ters’ call with premiers regarding be helpful. tion of Parliament than what we tives’ focus on austerity is “pretty [email protected] the pandemic. During the call “The relationship between Chi- saw in the pre-COVID period.” destructive,” saying that guaran- [email protected] they spoke about coordinated na, the United States, Europe, and “But that was an adaptive teeing that the marketplace has The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 7 News

Peter during the campaign, and roughly MacKay, $5,500 in the week before May 19. left, and However, Mr. O’Toole’s Erin O'Toole campaign has generated far are the more user activity. Mr. O’Toole’s two front- Facebook page generated runners in roughly 416,000 “engagements”— the race a fi gure tracked by Facebook to replace that includes likes, shares, and Andrew comments by users—in the Scheer as week leading up to May 22. Mr. the leader MacKay’s page generated just of Canada's more than 118,000 over the same Conservative period, according to publicly Party. The available data. race will be Both the MacKay and O’Toole decided on campaigns have been recruit- Aug. 21. The ing volunteers to like, share, and Hill Times comment on their social media photograph posts. by Andrew Meade, file photograph O’Toole ad goes after MacKay’s front-runner narrative: Allan Gates Jeff Ballingall is the digital director Both campaigns will have to for Erin O’Toole’s Conservative Party overcome the challenge of getting leadership campaign. The Hill Times the attention of party members file photograph O’Toole campaign attacks while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to paralyze Canadian society, said Allan Gates, the lead of MacKay’s leadership directly, strategist for New Brunswick- fl ipping it around and making it a based Bonfi re Communications, a negative,” said Mr. Gates. MacKay in new online ads branding and advertising fi rm. The MacKay ad “felt like a bit ‘The Liberal war room of a victory lap before the votes eral government, that are causing paign, and so we’re going to have were cast and counted,” said Mr. would eat him alive’: Peter MacKay’s great damage and harm to our to show that we have the best Gates, who watched the new ads Ballingall country, and then together put the plan for the Conservative Party from both campaigns. The O’Toole campaign will run new upbeat ad, country back on track.” of Canada and for Canadians,” he “It’s kind of a corporate digital ads on a variety of issues “Thank you to my fellow can- said. video. If the intent is to reach the through the rest of the campaign, meanwhile, has didates and their teams,” he says “It’s less about data collec- people who are already support- and “contrasting Erin with other racked up more than in the ad. tion and more about reaching the ing MacKay, it does the job very candidates is just one way we’re Mr. MacKay’s ad was viewed people that need to be reached.” well,” he said. “It might not be as going to do that,” said Mr. Ballin- 300,000 views. more than 300,000 times as of MacKay spokesperson Jordan effective to the average person on gall. Friday morning. Paquet said in a written statement Facebook.” “We’re trying to refl ect what Mr. MacKay and Mr. O’Toole about the ads that, “There’s going “It’s safe and positive; it’s Canadians care about, and Con- BY PETER MAZEREEUW are widely viewed as the front to be a lot of noise designed to kind of a classic front-runner servatives in particular are very worried about losing another rin O’Toole’s Conservative election to Justin Trudeau. That’s EParty leadership campaign Erin O’Toole’s why Conservative Party members released two digital ads attack- leadership need to know about the risks of ing rival Peter MacKay last week, campaign began electing Peter Mackay as leader,” proclaiming that he can’t beat running two he said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in different attack “I think the Liberal war room a federal election. ads on Facebook would eat him alive, and it’s es- “He just can’t handle the pres- last week sential that Conservatives know sure,” quips a male voiceover in one aimed at rival who would be the best leader to of the ads, which features clips of Mr. Peter MacKay. beat the Liberals.” MacKay reacting to questions from Screengrab from Mr. Ballingall also runs the CBC Power and Politics host Vassy Facebook’s ad Canada Proud network of con- Kapelos during a live interview in library servative websites and Facebook March, and cutting short another pages, which collectively boast interview with CTV reporter several hundred thousand follow- Heather Wright in February. ers. Those sites feature a steady A second ad features a clip of stream of posts that are harshly Mr. MacKay being grilled in March critical and sometimes mocking by CTV Question Period host of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Evan Solomon over his decision to They also include regular posts press for the leadership race to be that are critical of Mr. MacKay’s accelerated during the COVID-19 campaign for the leadership, or pandemic. It says the Liberals will positive posts about Mr. O’Toole’s “remind Canadians over and over campaign. again,” and that the next election The Proud sites also regu- “is already lost” if Mr. MacKay wins runners in the contest to replace distract in this campaign. We’re approach,” he said, adding that larly share content from The Post the leadership vote set for Aug. 21. outgoing party leader Andrew not going to get distracted. the ad runs much longer than is Millennial, a conservative media The O’Toole campaign paid Scheer. Toronto lawyer Leslyn “The stark contrast in tones typical for an online ad. website for which Mr. Ballingall to show three variations of those Lewis and MP Derek Sloan speaks volumes and we are Mr. O’Toole’s attack ads had works as the chief marketing two ads to targeted audiences on (Hastings-Lennox and Addington, focused on two goals. Unite “quite a bit of the Canada Proud offi cer. Facebook, and the ads had been Ont.) are also running for the Conservatives from across the DNA,” said Mr. Gates. Mr. Ballingall told The Hill viewed more than 65,000 times as party leadership, but so far nei- spectrum under Peter MacKay’s “It’s intended to provoke a Times that he advises The Post of Friday morning. ther has run a campaign ad. positive vision for the Party. reaction; it’s scornful. And that Millennial about social-media Mr. MacKay’s campaign The new ads from Mr. MacKay And then, and more importantly, works really well online, though best practices, but does not have released its own ad on Facebook and Mr. O’Toole were the fi rst defeat Justin Trudeau’s Liberal there is an argument that that a say over the content produced last week with a much different to be released after the May 15 government and get Canada could do damage to the party by the site. He said his company, tone.That ad runs for nearly two deadline to sign up new members back on track.” over time when the leadership Mobilize Media Group, is a paid minutes, and features clips of Mr. to the party who can vote in the Mr. MacKay’s campaign has race is done,” he said. vendor for Mr. O’Toole’s cam- MacKay campaigning, while he leadership election passed. outspent the O’Toole campaign on Mr. MacKay entered the paign, but said Canada Proud is thanks those who have volun- The O’Toole team has adjusted Facebook ads by a large margin. leadership race as a favourite, not being compensated by the teered on the campaign, and talks its strategy with that milestone The MacKay campaign has spent and portrays himself as the front O’Toole campaign. about his success raising money. behind it, said Jeff Ballingall, the more than $154,000 on ads since runner in his new ad. Mr. Ballingall declined to say “We have the momentum,” he campaign’s digital director, in an the campaign began, and nearly By claiming that Mr. MacKay who chooses the posts that are proclaims. interview with The Hill Times. $24,000 in the week running up would lose a federal election to put up on the Canada Proud sites. “The real prize is when we “Obviously, we’re more into to May 19. The O’Toole campaign Mr. Trudeau, Mr. O’Toole’s attack [email protected] defeat Justin Trudeau and his Lib- the persuasion part of the cam- has spent just more than $61,000 ads are “taking on the inevitability The Hill Times 8 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

EDITOR Kate Malloy MANAGING EDITOR Charelle Evelyn PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY BY PUBLISHERS Anne Marie Creskey, DEPUTY EDITORS Peter Mazereeuw, Laura Ryckewaert HILL TIMES PUBLISHING INC. Jim Creskey, 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 Political leaders shouldn’t Treatments and vaccines to coronavirus, squander rare opportunity once developed, should be accessible to all he COVID-19 pandemic hits people of of adequate government support and Tall income levels, however, not neces- benefi ts. sarily in an equal way. There is inequality Again, here is the effect of poverty on for big, positive changes when it comes to the privilege of pre- illness. But it doesn’t stop here: the fact venting and treating illness. In Canada, of the matter is, being sick is expensive. It he COVID-19 pandemic has claimed residents of these homes have been failed low-income households constitute an means being unable to continue work- Tthousands of Canadian lives, and during the pandemic by a system that can especially vulnerable population in terms ing and having diffi cult access to testing, thrown millions out of work. It has also barely care for them during normal times. of contracting the coronavirus and having treatment, and affordable medicine. Thus, presented Canada’s political leaders with That has to be fi xed. Requiring more staff, limited access to testing and treatment. people around the world are in situations a rare opportunity to make big changes better pay and training, and more spaces Thankfully, Canada does provide the where they continue to work to keep to the way the country is run, and that op- to isolate sick residents is one place to CERB, but its eligibility requirements are up with the cost of living which ironi- portunity shouldn’t be wasted. start, and that will cost money, one way restrictive, leading many workers to risk cally, they do so at the cost of potentially Canadians are nearly all paying close or another. their lives as they continue to work in getting sick or dying. This is why it is so attention to the same issue: the pandemic, Canada’s top public health offi cials vulnerable work settings; otherwise, they important that Canada invests its support and the shortcomings it has exposed in seriously underestimated the danger will be ineligible for CERB and make in making treatments and vaccines to the Canadian society, including governance. posed by COVID-19 in the early days of no money at all. At the same time, in coronavirus (once developed) accessible That kind of national focus is rare. what became a pandemic, and advised low-income countries around the world, to all by strengthening its global health- Political leaders across jurisdictions and Canada’s political leaders accordingly. quarantine efforts are not as rigorous as care system so that no one is left behind, ideological lines are, with a few exceptions, Rather than caving to calls for our top they should be, leading many citizens regardless of income status. willing to work together to manage the cri- experts to be fi red, our political leaders to continue working in order to sustain Dena Sharafdin sis. Partisanship, and the public’s appetite must have some frank conversations with themselves and their families due to lack Newmarket, Ont. for it, have temporarily subsided. experts and advisers in and outside of Governments at all levels are being en- government to fi nd out what can be done couraged to spend large sums of money to ensure that doesn’t happen again. to keep the economy on track, even by The federal government’s Canada fi scal conservatives. Low interests rates Emergency Response Benefi t program will make the debt accumulated by that is serving as a pilot-project of sorts for spending manageable, if the taps are creating a larger social safety net. A truly Happy to see that Canada turned off when the economy stabilizes. universal basic income likely is not fea- A green light for big spending is another sible or affordable in this country; how- rare opportunity. ever, this could be the time for a mature cares, writes reader Most of that spending and political will national conversation about doing more must be focused on curtailing the spread to keep unemployed and underemployed of the virus, and keeping people employed. Canadians out of poverty—which levies am thrilled with the announcement plans to reach the most remote and dif- However, there will be an opportunity its own costs on society, and on taxpay- I by the federal government of support fi cult places on our shrinking planet. when the end is in sight to start fi xing some ers, in ways that are often ignored when to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. If there is I am proud to hail from a country with of the fl aws that the pandemic has exposed. rhetoric is pared down to talking points. something that we have learned from the a world vision. Perhaps while we wait Canada’s long term care homes house The political leaders in offi ce now may COVID crisis, it is the need to come up with bated breath for the development of some of the most vulnerable people in the never again see a chance like the one on with global solutions to challenges such a COVID vaccine, we can develop a sense country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the horizon to make big, legacy defi ning as pandemics. of empathy for people who still await vac- Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and many changes in Canada. They shouldn’t waste it. Let’s face it, global health and eco- cines for tuberculosis and polio. Anything advocates for the sector agree that the The Hill Times nomic impact are clearly connected. is possible with political will. Let us leave Now, more than ever, it is important to no one behind. strengthen the organizations with exist- Connie Lebeau ing infrastructure and concrete game Victoria, B.C.

Why not call Old Age Security the Elder Support Program, asks regular reader

n this COVID-19 pandemic stage in my We all are called to be a joint and Iretirement, I am most thankful for the cooperative force to stop the virus, in supplementary fi nancial assistance an- thought and in action. The word “old” has nounced by the federal government. This a negative connotation and sounds like action indeed is practical and a symbolic “past,” “inactive,” or “shelved.” In this critical recognition to assist the varied seniors. period, we may try to place more emphasis By this support action, I am well on the active “elders” in society, including reminded how I am now in my “elderly” those who deserve being cared for and stage in life, to be active with my daily respected by due action. Yes, just one word contributions and, to pass on the family can make a grand difference which is why heritage, as it evolves. In that context, I would so wish to deal with the minister I prefer my dear family to view me as of elder support and cooperation. With being “elderly” rather than “old.” In that that, I again thank the government for the spirit, the Old Age Security Fund may be fi nancial assistance to the “elders.” changed to be called the Elder Support Roman Mukerjee Program. Ottawa, Ont.

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TTAWA—The latest post- retirement homes have zero infec- The Globe goes on to reveal equipment for their patients and The problem is the Omortem theory on Canada’s tions while others are rampant? another shocking headline that employees. COVID deaths is that beefi ng up The issue is not patients’ trans- “nobody is tracking deaths inside They left the decisions on absolute patchwork hospital resources fuelled the fer, but rather the level of hygiene seniors’ facilities at a national equipping homes and health-care death rate in nursing homes. and best practices in nursing level.” staff up to each retirement facil- of oversight when it That appeared to be the dubi- homes. That should surprise no one ity. Some obviously did not do a comes to long-term ous conclusion in a front-page In a good home, infection because health data is collected very good job. story last week in The Globe and isolation strategies were in and managed by provincial gov- Contrary to The Globe claim, care facilities. That Mail. place long before the pandemic ernments. the move of chronic care patients An elderly patient was trans- struck. In a retirement home, if Each province tracks its own out of hospital is actually key problem should be ferred from an Oshawa hospital a fl u bug is not properly man- seniors’ facilities deaths. to saving and supporting health into a long-term care home, aged by isolation and hygiene But the real questions were care. solved with a national where she died three weeks later. practices, it can and will spread not asked by the reporters. The problem is the absolute The inference in the article like wildfi re. Why are there some facilities patchwork of oversight when it strategy. One of the is that the transfer caused her Proper medical practices, with vulnerable patients who comes to long-term care facili- after-eff ects of the death. employed by medical staff and have managed to completely ties. But the context refl ected a su- personal care workers, prevent avoid COVID-19 infections while That problem should be solved pandemic will be a perfi cial, and misguided critique, the virus affecting a patient in others are hotbeds? with a national strategy. One of of the current triage system in one room from spreading to the What is the infection correla- the after-effects of the pandemic genuine interest in Canadian hospitals. rest of the facility. tion between publicly run fa- will be a genuine interest in For the past 40 years, critics Appropriate lockdown strate- cilities versus privately provided working collectively to upgrade working collectively have been pointing out that up gies, early in the game, while dif- care homes? the level of seniors’ care across to upgrade the level to one-third of acute care hospi- fi cult for families, have also kept What impact did the reduction the country. tal beds are being taken up by the virus out of some facilities. in inspections of Ontario nurs- Let’s not just throw money at of seniors’ care across long-term patients who would be So, the problem is not caused ing homes have on the infection the problem. We need to ensure better served in a retirement facil- by moving chronic patients out of rates? proper accreditation and real the country. ity setting. acute care hospitals. The problem What is the infl uence of dif- consequences when homes The COVID crisis prompted a is caused by lack of oversight of fering labour laws in different fail to meet the basic statutory long-overdue transfer of patients the chronic-care facilities that jurisdictions? requirements. When was the from hospitals to nursing homes house our seniors. British Columbia moved im- last time a home was shut down to free up acute care beds to The Globe report said that mediately to restrict health-care because of improper eldercare, treat patients in acute, current most patients have a preferred list workers from working in more bedsores, and infection spread, distress. of long-term care homes. Families than one facility. Quebec waited all signs of a poorly managed It appears more likely the aren’t stupid and when it comes until mid-cycle to do the same facility? reason this unfortunate death to checking the quality of care thing. Let’s tackle the real problem. happened was entirely because in a retirement facility, you only What is the correlation be- We need an end to the patchwork the long-term care home to have to look at the waiting list. tween salary scales in individual of oversight currently governing which she was transferred to The longer the wait-list, the facilities and infection rates? Canadian nursing homes. Sheila Copps was a COVID-19 hotbed, with 77 better the care. Some of the largest companies Sheila Copps is a former Jean deaths. The best long-term care fa- in the private elder care business Chrétien-era cabinet minister and Copps’ Corner But the journalists fail to ask cilities have not been hotbeds of had zero national strategy to se- a former deputy prime minister. the key question. Why do some infection. cure suffi cient personal protective The Hill Times

Get ready for the politics of misery

age can actually provide the basis Mind you, here in Canada, our It’s a good way to get people name of equity, might soon push Both the right and the for an entire political ideology? politicians have been slow to pick frustrated and angry. for an agenda that includes either left can justify their Yup, it’s true. up on this idea. Plus, this feeling of frustration a pay cut or a freeze in salaries After all, if politicians can’t al- Indeed, some of them are com- and anger can go even deeper if not only for Members of Par- policies by saying leviate the suffering of a popula- ing under fi re precisely because people get the sense that they’re liament, but also for all public tion that’s under distress, the next they’re not sharing the pain. enduring hardships, while other servants. ‘We all need to make best thing they can do is promise Most notably, Ontario Premier seemingly more privileged seg- Meanwhile, the political left that everyone will at least suffer Doug Ford recently received fl ak ments of the population are can play this game too, but with tough sacrifi ces for equally. after he admitted that, on Moth- spared. different targets. the common good.’ It’s a kind of an egalitarianism er’s Day, two of his daughters, For example, it’s more than That’s to say, socialists can of misfortune. who don’t live with him, visited possible that Canadians who are now push for massive tax hikes And right now, with the CO- his home, an act which seems to struggling right now to make on “the rich” so that more money VID-19 pandemic economic lock- contradict the province’s strict ends meet or who have lost their can be redistributed to Canadi- down fi rmly in place, there’s lots social distancing rules. jobs or seen their businesses fail, ans who are suffering economi- of misfortune out there, which And Ford is not the only politi- will react angrily when they see cally. means politicians will have plenty cian to land in hot water over how other Canadians are still My point is, both the right and of opportunities in the near future seemingly skirting social distanc- receiving full salaries while work- the left can justify their policies to make sure the pain is shared. ing rules. ing comfortably from home, or by saying “We all need to make For instance, New Zealand Recall that during the Easter worse, how some are not working tough sacrifi ces for the common Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Weekend, after urging Canadians to at all and still getting paycheques. good.” recently scored a masterful public stay home and not visit their fami- To a lot of people this will Believe me, during these scary relations victory when she an- lies, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seem unfair; this will generate re- times, that’s an emotional argu- Gerry Nicholls nounced that she and her cabinet did just that, i.e., he left his home sentment. ment which will resonate. Post-Partisan Pundit ministers would take a 20 per cent and he visited his family, who were And I predict it won’t be long So, if you’re feeling miserable, pay cut lasting six months to show staying at a cottage in Quebec. before an opportunistic politician don’t worry, it’s likely our politi- solidarity with those affected by Clearly these actions of Ford out there capitalizes on the rise of cians will try to make sure you AKVILLE, ONT.—You’re the coronavirus outbreak. and Trudeau will cause many this negative emotion for political soon have plenty of company. Oprobably aware of the expres- Such a bold action helps to Canadians to wonder why they gain. Gerry Nicholls is a communi- sion, “misery loves company.” create a “We’re all in this together” should make sacrifi ces to stop the Certainly, I can foresee how cations consultant. But did you know that old ad- mindset. virus, if their leaders won’t? a conservative politician, in the The Hill Times 10 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion A healthy dose of Canadian content

Christa Dickenson, Now is not the time executive director to turn the lights of Telefi lm Canada, left; Catherine Tait, off on one of our president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada; country’s greatest and Valerie Creighton, president and CEO accomplishments, of the Canada Media Fund. Photograph the creation of a courtesy of Jaison homegrown, diverse Empson/CBC and internationally recognized fi lm and TV industry. It’s the time to look forward to a day when we can once again say, ‘Lights, camera, action!’ and ‘Coming soon to a theatre near you.’

BY VALERIE CREIGHTON, CHRISTA DICKENSON, & CATHERINE TAIT had to forgo its theatrical release to unexpected obstacles. The To- and will not be able to return to at the Berlin Film Festival, Kim’s and was released early on digital ronto International Film Festival work until it’s safe. Convenience was the most popular t has been nine weeks since the when theatres shut down. The and Crave teamed up for Stay-at- The interruption and cancel- foreign show in South Korea, ICOVID-19 pandemic forced us cast and crew tuned in online, Home Cinema, a selection of fi lms lation of productions globally uplifting movies like The Griz- to retreat into our homes, where hosting watch parties with view- curated by TIFF, complete with has struck a brutal blow to the zlies, the true story of how lacrosse the days blur from one to the next ers. Their story is similar to many Q&As from fi lmmakers and spe- industry. And because our work saved the youth of a remote Arctic to the next. It’s easy to be worn fi lmmakers across the country cial guests. Canadian videogame is, by nature, collaborative, it will town, were reaching international down by the negatives, and there who have had to adapt when the developer The Coalition (Gears of be diffi cult to fully rebound for audiences, the digital series Hey are many. cinemas closed their doors. War) worked with the non-profi t many, many months. Lady!, with the fabulous Jayne But there are positives, too. Eastwood playing a crotchety, This has been a chance to pause, 75-year-old troublemaker, had its to re-evaluate our lives, and even world premiere at Sundance, and to see things we may have taken audiences were discovering Jeanne for granted in a new light. Leblanc’s Les Nôtres as it opened For us, one of the great salves in the last few days of moviegoing. of this pandemic has been the We won’t let a virus stop our arts, more specifi cally the Cana- momentum. dian content that has brought us Decades of public policy in together virtually when we can’t support of Canadian content has be together physically. It has worked. Today, our industry is stoked our imaginations, helped a major economic force, creat- us learn, and taken our minds off ing more than 180,000 jobs and reality for a couple of hours at a contributing $12.8-billion to time. the GDP in 2018-19. The stakes Simply put, Canadian content here are not just cultural, they refl ects the world outside our Let’s do this: Eugene Levy (Johnny Rose), Catherine O’Hara (Moira Rose), Daniel Levy (David Rose), and Annie Murphy (Alexis are economic. So now is not doorsteps in a way other con- Rose), stars of the blockbuster hit TV series Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020). Fans from around the world sought out Canadian the time to let our creators and tent can’t, and right now it’s that content when, in week three of the global pandemic crisis, the touching fi nale of Schitt’s Creek provided welcome solace, producers down. We have built world outside our doorsteps that thanks in part to Dan Levy’s visions of kindness and love, write Christa Dickenson, Catherine Tait, and Valerie Creighton. a vibrant ecosystem for content we miss the most. creation in Canada and it has Forced into isolation, Canadi- held us together during these ans have watched more TV shows Fans from around the world Gamers Outreach organization Like other industries hard dark days. and movies, more information sought out Canadian content to donate 200 gaming consoles hit by COVID-19, ours will need Now is not the time to turn the programs, have played more when, in week three of the crisis, to hospitalized kids locked down emergency support and initiatives lights off on one of our country’s videogames, listened to more the touching fi nale of Schitt’s in their rooms. And Big Bad Boo to keep workers safe when things greatest accomplishments, the podcasts and visited more news Creek provided welcome solace Studios made their children’s return to normal. We are commit- creation of a homegrown, diverse websites than ever before. Our thanks in part to Dan Levy’s vi- shows available for free. ted to delivering this assistance, and internationally recognized broadcast networks have experi- sion of kindness and love. Speak- These are just a few examples which includes $88.8-million fi lm and TV industry. It’s the time enced record-breaking audienc- ing of Levy, he was a guest on the of how we have made lemonade in emergency support via the to look forward to a day when we es, like the more than 12 million very fi rst episode of Tom Power’s from this dish of lemons. Canada Media Fund and $27-mil- can once again say, “Lights, cam- Canadians who tuned into Stron- What’re You At, a brand-new talk As the heads of Telefi lm lion by way of Telefi lm. These era, action!” and “Coming soon to ger Together, a national salute to show that premiered on CBC/ Canada, Canada Media Fund and funds are intended to keep our a theatre near you.” front-line workers by Canadian CBC Gem in early April direct CBC/Radio-Canada—the lead- country’s production companies Valerie Creighton is presi- talent from Buffy to Bieber. from the amiable Newfoundland- ing audiovisual organizations, from closing and people from los- dent & CEO, Canada Media Meanwhile, lovers of Canadian er’s living room and with a focus funders and commissioners of ing their jobs. Fund. Christa Dickenson is execu- cinema have found new favou- on community and culture during original Canadian content—we Just prior to COVID-19 we tive director of Telefi lm Cana- rites, like Jeff Barnaby’s brilliant the pandemic. are painfully aware that many of were celebrating the success of da. Catherine Tait is president & Blood Quantum, a zombie movie Canadians have shown ex- the artists who made the content Canadian series like C’est comme CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada. with an Indigenous twist that traordinary creativity in response we’re enjoying are not working ca que je t’aime (Happily Married) The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 11 Global Boiling frogs and tropical storms Interviewing a couple phoon Haiyan killed at least 6,300 of them in 2013? of climate scientists Why weren’t the survivors in the state of Orissa up in arms recently, I saw for the about India’s greenhouse gas emissions after the most intense fi rst time a graph, cyclone in history killed 15,000 of modelling the future them in 1999? Well, partly because there of a runaway warming were no data proving that the warming was making the tropical world, that explicitly storms worse. Pretty well every- body in the meteorological trade included a ‘death’ and a great many lay people as- sumed that to be the case, but the term. Mass death, that evidence just wasn’t there. Until is. It made me feel a now—and as if to celebrate its be- lated arrival, here comes another bit frog-like. monster storm. On May 17 and May 18, super- cyclone Amphan spun up quickly over the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal, going from nothing much to a Category 5 tropical storm and adding 175 kph (110 mph) to its sustained wind speed in only 36 hours. India’s meteo- rologists are predicting that the surge of water when it hits the coast could be as high as three to Gwynne Dyer fi ve metres (10-16 feet). On May 17 and May 18, super-cyclone Amphan spun up quickly over the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal, going from Global Aff airs Cyclones, typhoons, and hurri- nothing much to a Category 5 tropical storm and adding 175 kph (110 mph) to its sustained wind speed in only 36 canes (all the same phenomenon, hours. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons just in different oceans) are capri- ONDON, U.K.—I’ve never cious. Their winds drop rapidly Lreally believed the story over land, and they are most in the Proceedings of the U.S. It can only get worse, as will point may be massive cyclones climate crusaders tell to explain destructive if they move slowly National Academy of Sciences, almost every other climate impact. and fl oods that are made worse why so many people don’t get and loiter just off the coast. But at confi rms that there is a direct The average global temperature by sea level rise. For others it may the message. You know, the one best, Amphan will be bad, and it link between warmer oceans, now is 1.1 degrees C above the be intense heat and permanent where if you drop a frog into a could be very bad indeed. more water vapour in the air, and pre-industrial average, but there drought. In some places, it will be pot of boiling water it will hop People living around the Bay bigger storms. is already enough carbon dioxide famine. But at least a quarter of right out, whereas if you just of Bengal know that the storms Not more storms, but MUCH in the air to give us another half the world’s population is going to turn the heat up slowly it won’t are getting worse: 140,000 people bigger. In fact, the likelihood that degree Celsius of warming when it have to move in the next 50 years. notice. It will stay there and boil died when Cyclone Nargis struck any given tropical storm will grow delivers its fi nal load. Where to? No idea. With to death. the Irrawaddy Delta in Burma into a Category 3 or higher hur- Never mind all the extra car- almost eight billion people, the I’ve never actually tried the (Myanmar) in May 2008. So do ricane (or the equivalent in terms bon dioxide that will be dumped world is pretty full up already. experiment, but surely not even people living around the Caribbe- of cyclones and typhoons) is rising into the atmosphere next month, Interviewing a couple of cli- frogs are that stupid. And I’m an, on the U.S. eastern seaboard, by eight per cent per decade. next year, next decade. What will mate scientists recently, I saw for pretty sure human beings aren’t. and at the western end of typhoon Could it just be natural varia- just the amount that we have the fi rst time a graph, modelling So why didn’t the good people alley (the Philippines, China, tion? James Kossin, lead author already put there do to the tropi- the future of a runaway warming of Houston start campaigning Korea, and Japan). of the new study, doesn’t think cal storms? The point will come, world, that explicitly included a against global heating after Hur- But they needed hard evi- so: “We have high confi dence that as with most of the other climate “death” term. Mass death, that is. ricane Harvey in 2017 left a third dence, and now they have it. there is a human fi ngerprint on changes, when the local environ- It made me feel a bit frog-like. of their city underwater? A study by researchers at the these changes.” The data extend ment is no longer compatible with Gwynne Dyer’s new book is Why didn’t the citizens of the National Oceanic and Atmo- over four decades, which means a normal human lifestyle. Growing Pains: The Future of De- Philippines demand that their spheric Administration and the number of Category 3+ hurri- For the 500 million people who mocracy (and Work). This column country end its heavy reliance on the University of Wisconsin at canes has grown by a third since live around the Bay of Bengal, the was released on May 20. burning coal for power after Ty- Madison, published on May 18 1980. world’s biggest bay, the breaking The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Economic recovery will be slow and diffi cult

Existing jobs and businesses can disappear quickly, but Minister of Finance Bill Morneau, new businesses and jobs will take time to emerge. In the pictured March 18, 2020, at a press meantime, many Canadians will feel poorer. Not all the conference on the Hill. While the jobs lost will return—many won’t. Not all companies can Trudeau government has been rightly be saved—or should be. focused on disaster relief from the ORONTO—The lockdown is easing. But pandemic, what Tthe economic recovery will be slow and we need now is diffi cult. There will be a protracted period a clear strategy of adjustment before we have a healthy for rebuilding the economy again because it has to be a dif- economy, writes ferent economy. David Crane. The Existing jobs and businesses can disap- Hill Times photograph pear quickly, but new businesses and jobs by Andrew Meade will take time to emerge. In the meantime, many Canadians will feel poorer. Not all David Crane the jobs lost will return—many won’t. Not Canada & the 21st Century all companies can be saved—or should be. put in a paper published by the National We are weak in sectors of the economy The challenges of economic recov- Bureau of Economic Research in the U.S., that produce tradeable goods and services ery—and jobs recovery—are well set and written by three economists—Jose Maria we can sell to the rest of the world. For Barrero, Nicholas Bloom and Steven Davis. example, manufacturing took a heavy hit Its title is “COVID-19 is Also a Reallocation over this 20-year period, with a loss of Shock.” The economists argue is that we almost 400,000 positions, to just under 1.6 face “a major reallocation shift” in jobs and million jobs. And even in the mining and businesses that is necessary for economic oil and gas sector, we added only 64,000 recovery. Businesses and jobs that were jobs, for a total of just over 200,000 posi- important before the pandemic may not be tions by 2019. important post-pandemic while new post- Looking ahead, as the three economists pandemic businesses and jobs will take point out in their NBER paper, the demand time to emerge. side of the economy, which refl ects con- THANK YOU To help, we should focus on measures sumer spending and business investment, that accelerate the transition to a differ- will be weak due to loss of income and ent economy. New jobs will come from profi ts and uncertainty about the future. new activities. In the meantime, consumer This will discourage consumer spending and business uncertainty and fears of a and business investment. Weak business PARLIAMENTARIANS, future surge in COVID-19, until we get a investment would also disrupt the supply confi dence-building vaccine, will hold back side of the economy, with a negative im- consumer spending and business invest- pact on the economy’s productive potential ment. in the future, they warn. FOR HAVING For Canada, this is a big challenge. A number of factors will impact the Even before the pandemic we had a com- supply side of the economy, they stress, on petitively weak economy. Per capita GDP top of the uncertainty about the outlook growth, adjusted for infl ation, has been for future growth and product demand. EVERYONE’S BACK. growing at an average annual rate of just COVID-19 has led to cutbacks in research 1.0 per cent a year since 2010, compared to projects in universities and industry, so 2.4 per cent a year from 1997 to 2006. that the future supply of new knowledge, Canada has not been paying its way in the basis for new industries, products and the world, which is refl ected in a chronic start-ups, could slow, weakening prospects The COVID-19 pandemic has called for current account defi cit for just over a for future growth and productivity. decade. Instead, we have been building up Moreover, creating new businesses or unprecedented federal support for consumers our foreign debt. We’ve had trade defi cits planning new products takes time. Time is and businesses alike. Canada’s insurance brokers since 2009 (in 2001 we had a merchandise needed to plan a new business or product trade surplus of $70.1-billion; in 2019 we line, to navigate regulatory and permitting take this opportunity to thank you. had a defi cit of $18.2-billion). processes, to arrange fi nancing and make Our lack of competitiveness can be the capital investments to enable produc- blamed in large part on the poor innova- tion, to hire employees, develop supply tion performance by business. Multifactor networks, establish distribution networks Learn more at ibac.ca productivity, which is a proxy for innova- and build a customer base. tion, declined at an average annual rate of At the same time, consumer behaviour -0.6 per cent from 2000 to 2010 and rose at may have changed signifi cantly, with a big a small average annual growth rate of just impact on jobs. For example, the pandemic 0.7 per cent from 2010 to 2017. world has led to a signifi cant increase in We cannot expect future job growth e-commerce, including food shopping. to match past job growth. Canadians will Businesses may decide they can do without have to transition into new types of jobs. much less travel while consumers will What’s remarkable if we look back on net be inclined to reduce travel, impacting new job creation in Canada is how depen- airlines, hotels, taxis and restaurants. And dent we have become on two parts of the many marginal businesses able to survive economy. in the pre-pandemic world, are likely to The fi rst part is the largely public sec- disappear in the post-pandemic world. tor world of health and social assistance, As Bank of Canada Deputy Governor education and public administration. These Tim Lane acknowledged in a recent speech, three sectors combined accounted for 34 the adjustments brought on by the pandem- per cent of the net new employment, or 1.4 ic lockdown “are likely to result in damage million positions created between 2001 and to Canada’s productive capacity that may 2019. The post-pandemic world is likely be profound and long-lasting.” Businesses to see perhaps big changes in health and with negative cash fl ow may not survive. education while fi scal concerns will limit Households will struggle after many weeks growth in public administration. of lost income. A lot of wealth has been lost The second big group consists of those due to the stock market crash. working in retail and wholesale trade or While the Trudeau government has been in food and accommodation. Employment rightly focused on disaster relief from the in these sectors accounted for another pandemic, what we need now is a clear 24.1 per cent of the net new employees, or strategy for rebuilding the economy. 967,217 positions, between 2001 and 2019. David Crane can be reached at crane@ Long-term job losses in these industries interlog.com. could be huge and changes signifi cant. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 13 Politics

Quebec ment and private members’ bills Senator Pierre last Parliament in the Senate, that Dalphond, prevented amendments and the right, pictured adoption of bills, including 15 on Dec. private members’ bills passed by 12, 2019, the House of Commons.” at Qatar's So in leaving the ISG, why did National Day Dalphond choose the PSG as his reception at new affi liation? the Westin “I am attracted to working Hotel in with a smaller and collegial Ottawa with group, where there is no whip and Homoud every member remains indepen- Al-Saaide, dent to draw his/her conclusions, the Embassy which reminds me of the profes- of Qatar's sional culture from my days as an counsellor appeal judge. In addition, I really and chargé like the Progressives’ philosophy d'affaires. of a group that defi nes itself by an The Hill Times Algonquin word ‘Mamidosewin’— photograph by a meeting place.” Sam Garcia Dalphond says he is looking forward to “learning from” other members of the PSG, including two of the Famous 6 Indigenous Women, who helped end historic inequalities, as well as from Peter Harder, and Patricia Bovey, who also recently joined Senator Jane Cordy’s group. And then there is the PSG’s leader herself: “I also really like what I have heard from the Progressives ‘leader’ Senator Jane Cordy. She brings a positive, constructive, and forward-looking approach to the Senate, and I think she’ll be a great contribu- tion to the house leaders’ table, Like any organization having a including in fostering collegial rapid growth, it reacted by adding dynamics between groups, now structures and more top-down that the Progressives have offi cial Dalphond’s exit from ISG decision-making processes. I status.” prefer to work in a smaller group With prominent Senators leav- premised on the equality of Sena- ing the ISG, is that a sign that the tors with an open and collegial dominant group in the Senate has watershed moment for approach to discuss issues … it stepped beyond the traditional is interesting that the Canadian role of the Red Chamber and Senators Group (CSG) has put in become too activist and authori- Trudeau’s experiment with its constituting document that its tarian? membership shall never exceed “All Senators are independent, 25 in order to preserve collegial- and I respect their freedom to use ity and equality among all the the platform of the position to Senate modernization members.” facilitate or infl uence on specifi c Has the “new” Senate become issues ignored by political par- an impediment to the govern- ties. However, I do think sena- ALIFAX—Here Come the after he became convinced that ment’s agenda? tors’ primary focus is providing The point of HJudge was an iconic song in Trudeau really wanted an inde- “The Independent Senate federal legislative review and less 1968 by the Magistrates, featuring pendent body, his departure for must fi nd a balance in respecting partisan oversight of government institutional reform the voice of Jean Hillary. the Progressive Senate Group democratic will and doing its con- actions and spending. In fulfi lling was not to continue There Goes the Judge is (PSG), was interesting. Had some- stitutional job of review, including this role, we need to have a lot of the 2020 adaptation, Canadian thing gone wrong with Senate re- to represent regional interests, respect for electoral will and the the rule of fear and Senate-style. form, which the ISG is supposed protect minorities and safeguard House of Commons, particularly The judge, (former judge) in to epitomize? fundamental rights. I don’t see its primacy of fi nancial matters, favour in the Senate, question is Pierre J. Dalphond. The best way to fi nd out was to myself mostly as opposing the as well as provincial, territorial, His departure from the Inde- ask him, so I did. Here is what he government or supporting it. It and Indigenous jurisdictions. in forcing through pendent Senate Group marks had to say about the reasons he has to be the same job whatever The Senate still has work to do decisions and doling a watershed moment for Justin left the ISG: the government of the day is. in demonstrating the institution’s Trudeau’s experiment with Sen- “On March 11, ISG and Con- This role requires a measure of public value and earning Cana- out the goodies ate modernization. servative leaderships suspended restraint in bringing in amend- dians’ trust. For my part I think Senator Dalphond was ap- the long-protected Senators’ right ments, perhaps a bit more than senators should be somewhat from the top. That is pointed to the Senate in 2018, to keep their committee seats if we saw in the last Parliament. cautious about how we spend our sporting stellar credentials: they leave a group—as a check Last Parliament, there were also a collective institutional capital.” not reform. That is brilliant lawyer, graduate degree against the undue centralization few close calls on Senate over- Dalphond is too diplomatic to in philosophy, politics and law of power in Senate leaderships. reach, such as the near defeat of say it, but the fl ight of talent from regression. from Oxford University in the They replaced it by a temporary the electorally mandated North the largest Senate group raises U.K., and a former justice of the rule that states that group mem- Pacifi c oil tanker ban (C-48), a this as yet unanswered question: Quebec Superior Court. bers lose access to committee bill supported by all parties in the how long can Senator Yuan Pau Festooned with public hon- seats if they leave. Certainly, I do House of Commons, except the Woo, a political neophyte, remain ours, he has been awarded the not agree with this rule change, Conservatives.” in the job? Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the brought without debate and trans- Although Dalphond said he After all, the point of institu- Governor General’s Academic parency, as a matter of principle. believes that the shift to more tional reform was not to continue Medal. With a global reputation, In other words, like the old par- independent Senators has re- the rule of fear and favour in the he has been involved in the train- ties, the ISG wants to rely on fear sulted in “excellent” policy results Senate, in forcing through deci- ing of judges in several countries, and favour. This is not reform.” for Canadians, with success- sions and doling out the goodies including China, Brazil, and Was the current leadership of ful amendments to one-third of from the top. Rwanda. You get the picture; big the ISG part of the reason for the government bills, he raised this That is not reform. That is Michael Harris brain, lots to offer. Senator’s departure? red fl ag: “However, it is impor- regression. Harris Since Dalphond only decided “The ISG with 48 members is tant to remember that there were Michael Harris is an award- to let his name stand for an ap- a big organization that has grown incredible amounts of Conserva- winning author and journalist. pointment to the Red Chamber up in a very short period of time. tive obstruction of both govern- The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

• Terrorists are human after all, and they, Terrorist cells have been, and can continue What will terrorism too, can contract the disease. Early on, to be, local, as we have seen here in Canada. groups like the Islamic State, or ISIS, Physical distancing may ease off soon were actually passing on health tips to leading some terrorists to carry out their their members and wannabes; plans. In addition, COVID-19 has affected look like post-COVID? • As noted by U.S. terrorism scholar Brian everyone, including security intelligence Jenkins, terrorists “do not want a lot of and law enforcement agencies. This implies people dead; they want a lot of people that there are fewer protectors to keep One thing I would imagine most Canadians watching.” In an era of everything COVID, us safe. The hit to our economy may have Like COVID-19, terrorism are not so concerned about during this diffi cult who is paying attention?; longer term effects as we may not be in a time is terrorism. After all, we are relatively fi scal position to pay for those who disrupt is scary enough. It would be immune from this scourge, even if it does cross terrorism. our newsfeeds a fair bit. At least when it does Another important aspect of this is the a bad idea to overstate the transpire, it does so “over there” in places like problem of what we call far-right extrem- impact of those who intend to Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, etc. ism. The pandemic is bringing out the Suffi ce to say that average Canadians do worst in anti-immigrant, racist, and fascist do us harm in the furtherance not have to obsess about terrorism as this is groups, which seem to be keen to both what we have agencies like CSIS (my for- blame others for the disease as well as the of an ideology whether during mer employer) and the RCMP for. Counter- government for the shutdown. Many coun- terrorism is a big part of both organizations’ tries are seeing demonstrations demand- these trying times or on any mandates, and they do a very good job at ing a reopening of the economy and these other occasion. identifying and neutralizing the infrequent events are infi ltrated by the far right. plots that do develop in our land. And yet, we cannot equate terrorist But what about elsewhere? How is ter- “chatter” (online messaging) with terrorist rorism faring right now, in the midst of the action. In my experience, there really is global pandemic? The answer to that ques- no relationship between the two. Most of tion depends a lot on how you see terrorism A U.S. Special Forces Soldier, pictured Sept. those who post material of a threatening (i.e., as a crime like many others or as an 5, 2016, attached to Special Operations Task nature are posers with neither the capabil- existential threat). There’s an unfolding de- Force-Afghanistan, waits for nightfall prior to ity nor the intent to plan, let alone carry bate on whether it is indeed on the upswing, starting a nighttime operation. Afghan special out, a terrorist act. Some can, but not the especially in the aforementioned countries. forces and Green Berets partnered for a month- vast majority. It is far too early to say that terrorists are long operation. Photograph courtesy of U.S. Army To date, crime is down, not up, since “taking advantage” of COVID-19 to up their COVID-19 came to our shores. Experts Phil Gurski tempo. I am aware of no study that has gath- • And, as social distancing continues and believe this is for many of the same reasons National Security ered enough data over the last three months major events and gatherings are suspend- cited earlier. Will this continue? I have no to state unequivocally that this is actually ed, terrorists do not have the same oppor- idea nor does anyone else. Like COVID-19, happening, let alone any effort to compare tunities to kill masses of people. This may terrorism is scary enough. It would be a bad TTAWA—As we continue to live the number of recent attacks in comparison impel them to put off their plans; idea to overstate the impact of those who in- Othrough the novel coronavirus, there is to a similar period last year or the year before. • Declines in air travel and other ways of tend to do us harm in the furtherance of an certainly a lot to worry about. Will I get the Good analysis requires facts, not conjectures, getting around mean that terrorists can- ideology whether during these trying times illness? Will someone in my family? Will and we will simply have to be patient. not get from A to B as easily as they once or on any other occasion. one of them die? What about my job? Will Counterintuitively perhaps, there are did. This also has implications for supply Phil Gurski worked for 32 years in the I be able to pay the rent/mortgage? When good reasons to expect a downturn, if even chains (such as weapons). Canadian intelligence community, includ- will life return to normal? What will the only temporarily, in terrorist activity. Here Note that I am not saying we will not ing 15 years in counter terrorism at CSIS. new normal even be? are some of those reasons: see terrorism here in the coming months. The Hill Times

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2890.03 - Hill Times AD.indd 1 3/11/2020 2:32:15 PM THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 15 Opinion

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured May 7, Shifting 2020, at that day’s press conference at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. As the new COVID-19 case counts begin to gears in the decline in Canada, the immediate challenge facing the federal government will shift from health fi ght against care to economic recovery. Canadians are happy with their governments to date and surprisingly COVID-19 confi dent in their personal Canadians remain committed to fi nances. But There has been a lot a free enterprise-driven economy fears are growing with government helping busi- about sectors that of speculation about ness and holding them to account. remain closed or struggling, writes whether Canadians Greg Lyle. The Hill Where do we stand? Times photograph by are looking for a Canadians remain confi dent Andrew Meade in their personal fi nances while more interventionist rallying to governments. As we enter the third month government because of life with COVID-19, all levels of the events of the of government fi nd themselves in a strong position. A signifi cant the profi t motive as the engine work (49 per cent) or brings out ments. However, when we track past two months. We majority of Canadians in every that drives our economy. More the worst (36 per cent) is stable Canadians views on trade, only corner of the country approve than half (54 per cent) agree that as well. 23 per cent believe free trade is do not fi nd that to be of their government’s response overall, our free enterprise system 2. Canadians want govern- a dangerous threat to jobs while to COVID-19 so far. The most works pretty well with only 19 ments to play a strong role in the the percentage feeling free trade the case. Canadians common response to the ques- per cent disagreeing. Even more economy. Two thirds (67 per cent) is a good way to create economic tion of whether governments are (61 per cent) say the profi ts a believe we need a strong central growth has grown from 56 per remain committed moving too quickly or too slowly company can earn should be government to handle modern cent to 61 per cent since February. to a strong, free- in easing restrictions on business as large as they can fairly earn, economic problems. Just over half 6. The defi cit still a limited and social contact is that they are not limited by law. Both atti- (55 per cent) want government to concern. Four in ten Canadians enterprise economy getting it right. tudes are marginally higher now be an active partner to help busi- say they have not heard anything Looking close to home, our than they were in February. Our ness compete in the world. One about the defi cit over the past few with an active tracking shows that Canadians’ core tracking on the trade-offs thing that has changed in the past weeks. The defi cit is a top concern sense of personal fi nancial confi - between equal opportunity (56 three months is that fewer people for just a third of Canadians. government holding dence has bounced back after an per cent) versus redistributing agree that most government eco- Similarly, when governments initial dip at the start of the out- wealth (34 per cent) and whether nomic programs do more harm make spending decisions, just business to account break. Digging deeper into previous profi t teaches the value of hard than good (dropping from 32 per 33 per cent say they should give and pitching in as surveys suggests this may be due to cent to 27 per cent) while those priority to ability to pay over the the satisfaction Canadians feel to- who disagree have risen from 29 need for services (57 per cent). needed. wards the initial emergency income per cent to 36 per cent. and wage support programs. 3. When it comes to generat- So Where Does That However, while Canadians ing economic growth, Canadians are in good spirits following the think business should take the Leave Government Governments enter this new initial onslaught of COVID-19, lead. Just over half (56 per cent) phase of our battle with COV- longer-term economic worries are say let business have the lead on ID-19 in a strong position. People starting to grow. Almost half of economic growth, just 26 per cent The policies that will generally support the action so Canadians feel we are headed for would have government lead. This “ has shifted more towards busi- far. But our polling shows there a severe recession with most of work in the future are new challenges emerging: the rest expecting a mild reces- ness over the spring. are not likely to be • We need to do more to help sec- sion. Workers’ confi dence in their 4. No blank cheque for busi- tors that remain closed; ability to fi nd another job has policies that depart ness. We still see a healthy skepti- • We need to do more to help sec- dropped to levels last seen during cism towards business. Just over Greg Lyle tors struggling with new costs; the 2008-9 recession. Canadians strongly from the 60 per cent in both February and Opinion • We need to manage the dis- are far more concerned that their May said tax breaks for business past. In our value incentives to work within the employer will not survive today come at their expense. Half (51 CERB; than they were in the last reces- clusters, the median per cent) say government regula- ANCOUVER—As the new • We need to improve access sion, although that fear was even tion of business is necessary to COVID-19 case-counts begin to voter looks like a and deal with safety concerns in V higher in the early days of the keep industry from becoming decline in Canada, the immediate childcare and education. outbreak than it is now. Business Liberal. too powerful. A plurality (46 per challenge facing the federal gov- cent) say governments have gone The policies that will work ernment will shift from health care Someone who sees too far in allowing companies to in the future are not likely to be to economic recovery. Canadians The policy playing fi eld business as the driver operate with minimal regulation policies that depart strongly from are happy with their governments The dramatic events of the and oversight. However, these the past. In our value clusters, the to date, and surprisingly confi dent past few months have not shifted of economic growth numbers remained stable over median voter looks like a Busi- in their personal fi nances. But fears Canadians’ views on economic the spring, so the controversies ness Liberal. Someone who sees are growing about sectors that policy. and government around care homes and food-pro- business as the driver of eco- remain closed or are struggling There has been a lot of specu- as a regulator cessing plants have not created nomic growth and government with new costs. And Canadians are lation about whether Canadians a bigger problem for business as as a regulator and facilitator. A struggling with barriers to return are looking for a more interven- and facilitator. A whole. government that delivers the sort to work, according to our online tionist government because of the government that 5. Give priority to grow our of policies we might expect from survey of 1,973 Canadians, 18 events of the past two months. local companies, but do not Paul Martin is unlikely to go far years or older, conducted between We do not fi nd that to be the case. delivers the sort of abandon trade. Anyone who has wrong. Greg Lyle is founder and May 15 and May 19. Canadians remain committed to policies we might done a political poll on the trade As governments develop poli- a strong, free-enterprise economy versus domestic trade-off will not president of Innovative Research cies to deal with these challenges, with an active government hold- expect from Paul be surprised to learn that Canadi- Group Inc. Innovative Research they do so in a surprisingly stable ing business to account and pitch- ans favour replacing imports over conducted the online survey of values environment. Despite the ing in as needed. Martin is unlikely to increasing exports and encour- 1,973 Canadians, 18 years or older, dramatic changes we have expe- 1. Canadians remain com- go far wrong. aging local companies to grow between May 15 and May 19. rienced over the past few months, mitted to free enterprise and ” over attracting foreign invest- The Hill Times 16 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Politics

The fact of the matter is that profound changes are underway, and the politi- There’s a federal Conservative cal ramifi cations will not be fully felt, or understood, for years and even decades to come. What Conservatives should expect from their leadership during this time, and what leadership election on, right? Conservative leadership contenders should be doing, is setting out a thoughtful agenda for the future. What is their vision of the The party seems to be stuck country on “the day after?” What lessons As outgoing have they learned? between a rock and a hard Conservative Leader Anyone who has not changed during Andrew Scheer, this time, who has not questioned and place. On the one hand, it pictured Feb. 20, re-evaluated some of their own treasured 2020, fumbles his way assumptions, who stands infl exibly by their desperately needs a new through his last few old ideas and dogmas, is simply exhibit- leader. On the other hand, months, particularly ing their own ignorance and their own with his response personal and intellectual calcifi cation and the prospects in front of to the coronavirus, decay. (They are also, contrary to what they and the Conservative might tell themselves, not conservative in the membership, never leadership race the small-c sense). ground to its May 15 And any leadership contender who as- too exciting to begin with, membership signup pires to be leader of the party, and one day deadline, many prime minister, must be able to articulate, seem particularly bland Conservatives are at least in broad terms, how they intend and unpalatable right now. feeling quite frustrated to lead the country. Yes, they need to offer and gloomy. The Hill constructive criticism of the government It’s a tough gig being in Times photograph by response where appropriate (and in fact Andrew Meade the opposition has in a number of instanc- opposition at this time. es done just that, with real improvements in the aid packages that have come out). But they also need to start talking about the lessons they’ve learned from all this. There is clearly, for example, a great recalibration going on in how we think of global supply chains, domestic manufac- turing and agriculture, resource manage- ment, and social welfare programs. Some of these issues were already beginning to gain steam before COVID-19, and have been accelerated even more. Others are Menachum Shur wholesale changes. Opinion it desperately needs a new leader. On the Newsom of California have seen their stars All this is fertile territory for any aspir- other hand, the prospects in front of the rise, stepping up to the plate in shoring ing leader, and voters are receptive right membership, never too exciting to begin up their states’ medical supply, explain- now. People are acutely aware that this is a EW YORK CITY—As outgoing Conser- with, seem particularly bland and unpalat- ing the (sometimes quite awful) situation time of change and, although some of the Nvative Leader Andrew Scheer fumbles able right now. It’s a tough gig being in straightforwardly, and generally reassuring candidates don’t seem to believe it, real his way through his last few months, par- opposition right now. their worried constituents with their calm, thoughtful ideas can actually gain them ticularly with his response to the coronavi- There is no doubt that those who are responsible handling of the crisis. To many, credit with the Conservative membership, rus, and the Conservative leadership race in power during this crisis—and are able they now seem, especially Cuomo, to epito- and, ultimately, with the Canadian public ground to its May 15 membership signup to rise to the challenge—are ennobled in a mize good leadership. at large. deadline, many Conservatives are feeling way that is not possible in ordinary times. Contrast this to U.S. Democratic presi- The good news is there is still time. quite frustrated and gloomy. A similar phenomenon is playing itself out dential candidate Joe Biden, who, stuck in There is still time to excite the minds of The party seems to be stuck between south of the border, where governors like his basement, has had to make do with tak- the voters. There is still more than three a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, Andrew Cuomo of New York and Gavin ing low-resolution-video potshots at U.S. months until ballots need to be mailed in. President Donald Trump, and has strength- There is still time for real discussion on the ened the impression that he is out of touch country of tomorrow and the crucial role and a man whose time has passed. Even Conservatives must play in that country. with Trump fumbling epically, and emphat- It is also good news for the party, though ically not rising to the challenge, Biden not for the country, that Trudeau, although does not seem to have inversely gained the he has responded adequately to the immedi- respect of the nation. ate needs of the crisis, does not quite seem In fact, some Democrats are openly to grasp its long-term implications. (and many more not so openly) calling for Even before the virus hit, his posture Cuomo to be the party’s standard bearer in towards China left much to be desired. He November. now—belatedly— joins the U.S. call for Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the WHO to invite Taiwan as an observer, many Conservatives must quietly admit to something that Conservatives have been themselves, has managed to come across calling for for years. But this is not a real as decently competent—and perhaps more change in his approach to China and, on importantly—decent, during the last two the more fundamental questions of global- months. ism, he has shown no signs of adjustment. All of this begs the question, where does In many ways it seems to be more of a that leave Conservatives right now. With a generational than a partisan divide, with leadership election looming, for better or the younger generation taking for granted for worse, is there any point to it anyway? some of the changes I’ve been speaking of, Is there anything that a leader of the op- while the older generation—both Trudeau position can do? And there are broader and those vying to oppose him—not quite questions. What is the future of conserva- having gotten there yet. But the Conserva- tism in Canada? What is the future of the tive Party is at its core, a natural vehicle Conservative Party in Canada, already in for many of these changes. Let’s hope the fl ux before the current crisis? What shape driver of the vehicle knows how to steer. will the Conservative Party take going for- Menachum Shur, who lives in Thornhill, ward? There is no doubt that this time we Ont., is not a member of the Conservative are living through will change the face of Party but did volunteer with Conserva- the world and our nation. Many of the old tive MP Peter Kent’s campaign in the last assumptions are dead. Can Conservatives federal election. adapt? Is conservatism even adaptable? The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 17 Opinion A digital vaccination scar for the 21st century

vaccine left a scar at the site of immunity provides protection, If a vaccine for the injection and identifi ed the indi- we can create systems ensuring viduals as “immune.” certain percentages of front-line coronavirus is found, As we look towards the future workers are identifi ed to be im- of the COVID-19 pandemic, un- mune. This will create a form of we will need to have less the virus burns out or an “shield immunity” disrupting the eff ective systems in effective therapeutic intervention transmission of the virus and pro- becomes available, the only way tecting front-line workers and the place to identify those out of our current situation will people for whom they care. be immunity—either natural or A digital solution will have who are immunized. induced by a vaccine. If so, we security and privacy risks that a will need to create a digital proof paper record won’t have. However, Our existing system of immunity, a digital version of a digital solution will be agile and of largely paper the smallpox scar, to help society adaptable in a way paper records to return to normal. A digital solution for tracking who has been vaccinated for COVID-19, when a cannot be. For example, if scientifi c records will not be Ideally, a safe and effective vaccine is developed, will have security and privacy risks that a paper record evidence emerges on waning immu- vaccine will be available in the new won’t have. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade nity, digital badges can be revoked. adequate. year. If this is the case, we will need Decentralized ledgers (think block- to have effective systems in place to or be downloaded similar to a guidance for Yellow Fever vaccine chain) can facilitate the movement identify those who are immunized. boarding pass. certifi cates (Annex 7). This guid- of this information across borders Our existing system of largely pa- To enter into certain venues, ance needs to take into account the and between institutions. per records will not be adequate. such as sporting events or for in- digitization of these certifi cates. As we enter into the next stage Here is how such a system ternational travel, the digital badge More controversial is the issu- of this pandemic, we must start should work. will have to be presented. The bar ance of digital badges for natural taking steps to ensure we have the Most provincial and territorial code will be scanned and matched immunity confi rmed by antibody right technology in place when governments have repositories to an individual’s ID card, just as testing. The science and ethics of science provides us with solutions. of immunization data. For the we do for boarding passes. This will this solution are not mature at pres- I have confi dence that the combi- eventual COVID-19 vaccine, they permit entry or travel. Exemptions ent, but that should not preclude us nation of science and technology will need to ensure that this data will exist for medical reasons. from considering this option. with ethical and legal oversight can is accurate and that the individual I expect our tolerance for As for immunization, antibody accelerate our return to normal. Kumanan Wilson identifi ed did, indeed, receive the philosophical exemptions will data from credentialed labs could Kumanan Wilson is a physi- Opinion vaccine. The government could be much lower given the conse- be stored in immunity reposito- cian at the Ottawa Hospital and then issue a verifi ed credential, quences on both health and the ries and digital badges issued if a a member of the University of an immunization badge, which economy if outbreaks re-emerge. threshold of immunity is consid- Ottawa Centre for Health Law, n the 1800s, smallpox ravaged contains an easily scannable Ideally, an international stan- ered to be achieved. The most Policy and Ethics. He has been a Ithe world. Fortunately, a vac- barcode or QR code, through dard for this vaccination will be likely initial application of this consultant to the World Health cine had been developed that government portals. This can be set under the International Health solution will be front-line workers Organization on the IHR. could protect individuals. This consumable by third-party apps Regulations, which already provide where, if we are confi dent natural The Hill Times

access to emerging labour market trends. Third, workers will need Canada’s COVID-19 jobs recovery support in evaluating how their existing skills can be adapted to new and different fi elds and what entirely new skills might hinges on more insightful data be needed. Schools and training institutions must be provided with the necessary insights to help Governments have begun to set force, many will be looking for Canadians effectively transition Insightful data from in motion plans to reopen their additional training to upskill and back to meaningful employment. economies. While our collective reskill. How do we point them This will be urgently needed to machine learning and attention must remain focused on in the right direction to meet the support workers most affected by other data-mining the health and well-being of Ca- new skill and other work require- this job crisis and position them nadians, it is undeniable that we ments of our changed economy? to take part in its recovery. techniques have opened are in the midst of a job crisis un- First, we need a better un- How do we start thinking and like any Canada has seen before. derstanding of what these new planning for this now to give new approaches to Three million people have lost realities could be. In this case, pin- Canadians the best chance of their jobs in two months, accord- pointing with surgical precision recovery? Governments and poli- documenting the skill ing to the Labour Force Survey what the near- and medium-term cymakers must invest in ongoing, for April. That’s more job losses economic landscape of Canada objective labour market research requirements of jobs, than the past three recessions will look like will not be helpful. and data analysis to shed light Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough combined, and in a fraction of the Too often, our insights into the on the new normal. COVID-19 off ering Canadians says the government is looking to help time. We’re likely not done yet. future assume a simple and single has exposed our vulnerabilities. retrain unemployed Canadians so they While the high percentage of trajectory, leaving us unprepared Canadians must be able to access invaluable access to can be deployed in long-term care job losses from temporary layoffs for any deviation from the ex- comprehensive, unbiased infor- facilities that have been hit hard by the emerging labour market gives us some hope of slowly pected course. A more effective so- mation and insights to ensure that pandemic. The Hill Times file photograph returning to our previous jobs, lution is to provide more objective their decisions are well informed by Andrew Meade trends. we must confront the reality that data and insights—quantitative in pursuit of investment oppor- Canada’s job market may never and qualitative—with assumptions tunities and jobs that align with be the same again. Many will not Yet, as with past disruptions, around different possible econom- their preferences, qualifi cations, fi nd their job waiting for them. we should remind ourselves that ic scenarios. This will help prepare and skills. Some businesses will be forced to new opportunities will sprout from us for some level of uncertainty in The speed of change at which close their doors for good. Entire the ashes of economic turmoil. the job market that lies ahead. the labour market will shift in sectors such as tourism and hos- Entirely new ways of doing busi- Second, we need to develop new directions presents an un- pitality have been turned upside ness and working will generate a clearer picture of the skills re- precedented challenge. Canada’s down. There is no blueprint for jobs that didn’t exist before. The quirements of these new job reali- current and future workforce employment recovery from CO- demands of old jobs are already ties. That means working harder needs more insightful data, and VID-19. Generally, governments shifting in new and uncertain to understand employers’ needs they need it soon to navigate this Steven Tobin have done well in addressing ways. The road ahead will be and how these change in near transition. Otherwise, the current the multifaceted dimensions of bumpy, but we have a tremendous real time. Insightful data from job crisis could balloon into a Opinion this crisis in a timely way. These opportunity to plan and think now machine learning and other data- social crisis as well. efforts must continue as the about how to ensure a full and mining techniques have opened Steven Tobin is the executive economic fallout from the crisis inclusive employment recovery. new approaches to documenting director of Labour Market Infor- The months of physical dis- unfolds in the weeks and months As restrictions ease, and peo- the skill requirements of jobs, mation Council. tancing are beginning to pay off. ahead. ple begin to re-enter the labour offering Canadians invaluable The Hill Times 18 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion What would an ethical recovery look like?

TTAWA—Canadians are not In Canada, 43 Lutheran and Last September, 64 congregations standing demands for multilateral Times of great Oaccustomed to Googling the Anglican bishops (notably unac- of Canadian nuns signed a dec- debt cancellation for countries of the websites of their various houses companied by their more timid laration calling for more federal global south, now struggling to meet disruption in history of worship for scintillatingly Catholic counterparts) took a cue government ambition on climate the challenges of the pandemic as brilliant advice on how to design from the Roman Pope on May action. The sisters are not waiting well as the climate crisis. In short, have often birthed vibrant economies. That might be 3, calling upon Prime Minister around for their male counterparts signatories are “urging the Canadian life-changing as useful as asking the current Justin Trudeau to immediately to approve or join them—that’s government to join this commitment denizen of the White House for institute a “guaranteed basic clearly part of “the old normal.” and take immediate concrete actions moments when clues on hairstyling. income for all.” The bishops wrote, Catholics for Climate Action to fl atten the curve of global warm- But if faith communities are “We would extend and amplify have assembled hundreds of sig- ing and move towards a just and once-cherished places where adherents go to the Pontiff’s remarks: “This is the natures in a letter to Trudeau, to be sustainable future.” have their moral and ethical bat- time.” According to these bishops, released on May 25 (the fi fth an- Tough decisions lie before dreams have unfolded teries re-charged, what advice “GBI represents a positive nation- niversary of the Pope’s fi rst-ever Canadians as we emerge from the into new realities. is currently being offering to a building policy option for today encyclical on the environment.) COVID pandemic. How will we Canadian public under lockdown, and for tomorrow. It can become They reject bailouts of the oil and ensure the future economic cure Developing a just slowly emerging into a future the great, transformational legacy, gas industries, instead urging gov- does not become worse than the masked with uncertainty? left by this government, which ernment to “implement the com- structural disease that left so many, and ‘green’ recovery Times of great disruption in arises from this pandemic, paral- mitment to table and then pass in so vulnerable? What are we willing history have often birthed life- leling the great social gains which Parliament the Just Transition Act. to let go, in order to refuse to return strategy could very changing moments when once- arose during and after earlier This should include strengthening to the previous “climate emergen- cherished dreams have unfolded confl icts: public health insurance measures to provide oil and gas cy”? When a vaccine is discovered, well be the moral into new realities. Developing a and equal rights.” workers with direct immediate who deserves to be fi rst in line? challenge of our age. just and “green” recovery strategy In terms of the “green” recov- relief and opportunities for train- And will we be willing to share life- could very well be the moral chal- ery Canada also needs, a new ing, education and employment in saving measures with those unable lenge of our age. coalition of faith communities existing low-carbon sectors.” to pay in the global south? Will Will North American religious was launched on Earth Day, April The passage of legislation— we erect new borders for undocu- leadership emerge to guide us 22. Called “For the Love of Cre- which died in the Senate last mented migrants lining up to try to with solid ethical principles on ation: A Faith-based Initiative for year—to implement the UN Dec- save the lives of their families? Will which to base the emerging “new- Climate Justice,” the organization laration on the Rights of Indig- today’s physical distancing morph normal” Canadian society? plans to educate congregations enous Peoples, is also a priority. into tomorrow’s moral distancing Pope Francis is one leader who and to lobby the federal govern- Signatories call for increased from the vulnerable? is unafraid to call on our better ment on climate change policy. investment in renewable energy, Will faith communities be ac- instincts, even while surrounded An immediate action growing public transit, building retro- tive participants in shaping the by suffering in the European out of this resolve is an initia- fi ts, and “investing in a circular new ethical normal? Joe Gunn is the executive Joe Gunn country hardest hit by the CO- tive called “Catholics United for economy that achieves signifi cant VID-19 pandemic. As the Pope Climate Action.” The organiz- reduction of plastic waste.” director of the Centre Oblat: A Opinion wrote shortly after Easter, “This ers are principally members of Their call for change in Canada Voice for Justice at St. Paul Uni- may be the time to consider a Catholic religious communities, does not ignore international solidar- versity in Ottawa. universal basic wage.” predominantly religious women. ity, either. The letter reiterates long- The Hill Times

Ontario court’s failure to ensure safe, equitable access to sterile needles a blow to prisoners’ rights

groundbreaking case for prison- C in federal prison when a fellow But serious problems persist. A was too early to decide whether A properly designed ers’ rights in Canada. The judge prisoner used his injection equip- properly designed program would the unnecessary hurdles breach program would missed the opportunity to ensure ment without his knowledge. provide prisoners with meaningful prisoners’ constitutional rights. prisoners’ right to effective access In Steve’s own words: “In pris- access to sterile injection equipment This means governments must provide prisoners to sterile injection equipment, a on, I was shocked to see people to reduce their risk of infection while think twice before they disregard basic and evidence-based harm injecting themselves with used, also minimizing the risk of acci- evidence and public health be- with meaningful reduction measure that is es- makeshift rigs and sharing those dental needle-stick injuries to staff. cause of ideological opposition or sential health care for people who with others, again and again. However, ignoring the world’s lead- because they lack the political will access to sterile use drugs. Every injection was an infection ing experts and more than 25 years to implement programs based on This decision, which found waiting to happen, and no one of global experience implementing best practice that actually work. injection equipment the fl aws in the current needle- cared because it was happen- such programs, CSC’s unprecedent- So the fi ght must continue. to reduce their risk of exchange program were not un- ing to prisoners. Needle-sharing ed model for prison needle exchange When the prevalence of HIV and constitutional, isn’t just bad news will continue because, with this still makes it unreasonably diffi cult hepatitis C infection is many infection while also for prisoners. As the COVID-19 shortsighted court decision, pris- and risky for prisoners to participate. times higher in prison than pandemic shines a spotlight on oners still don’t have any choice. This inhibits uptake and undermines outside, when there is a history minimizing the risk the miserable state of health care They cannot safeguard their own potential public health benefi ts. of chronic resistance by CSC to in Canada’s prisons, it’s more evi- health.” And two years on, the program is harm reduction, and when the of accidental needle- dent than ever that prison health In human rights law, prisoners still only available in a handful of numerous risks to prisoners’ stick injuries to staff . is public health. Being sentenced have a right to the same standard of prisons Canada-wide. The govern- health have been exposed yet to prison shouldn’t mean being health care that exists in the com- ment is denying equivalent health again in light of recent coronavi- sentenced to preventable illness. munity. On paper, Canada agrees. care in prisons, but without adequate rus outbreaks, it is essential that Injection drug use happens on the But in reality, harm reduction be- justifi cation. our courts protect prisoners’ right inside, and without easy, confi - hind bars is criminally lagging. In our lawsuit, we asked the to essential health care. CSC’s dential access to sterile injection In 2012, when we launched court to recognize that prison prison needle exchange program equipment, prisoners in Canada our constitutional challenge, needle-exchange programs are must resume its rollout nation- are still at high risk of contracting Canada had refused to introduce essential health care, leaving no wide and be quickly reformed to HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood- any sort of needle exchange in question that prisoners have a provide effective, accessible, and borne infections. And when they prisons despite years of recom- right to sterile injection equipment confi dential essential health care. are released, needless infections mendations, including from its to protect their health. The judge And if CSC fails to protect prison- acquired in prison follow them own expert advisory committees. said that there were “compelling ers’ health yet again, the courts back to their communities. As the judge recognized in last constitutional arguments” on this should hold them to account. Sandra Ka Hon Chu & Richard Elliott This is why the Canadian HIV/ week’s decision, our court case front, implying that there is a right Sandra Ka Hon Chu, direc- Opinion AIDS Legal Network launched a spurred CSC to fi nally introduce to this program. In his words, “if tor of research and advocacy at lawsuit against the Correctional in 2018 a prison needle-exchange this were still 2012 with no PNEP,” the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Service of Canada (CSC), along- program and then to remove the arguments about Charter Network. Richard Elliott is the ntario’s Superior Court of side three other HIV organiza- some barriers initially embedded breaches of prisoners’ rights executive director at the Cana- OJustice recently released tions and former prisoner Steve in it. So the proverbial needle has would be “compelling.” As for the dian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. a disappointing decision in a Simons, who contracted hepatitis been moved. CSC’s current program, he said it The Hill Times DEFENCETHE HILL TIMES MAY 25, 2020

Defence spending Canada EU and Canada: likely to face post-COVID partners for cuts, experts say remains transatlantic security P 19 deeply P 24 engaged in the Our eff orts UN peacekeeping here in Canada Middle East works but Canada’s are saving lives P 24 contribution falls to P 22 Canadian all-time low P 26 World when Liberal Arms Forces defence policy, ‘Strong, After the Great Lockdown, far- Secure, Engage,’ was respond to sighted global cooperation will written, no longer exists COVID-19 be heralded and lauded as well P 22 P 26 P 25 20 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Defence Policy Briefi ng

In addition to Strong, Secure Canada's Chief and Engaged being an attrac- of the Defence tive target because much of the Staff General spending comes in the future, the Jonathan Vance, overall size of the department’s pictured April budget makes it an unavoidable 30, 2020, target in any kind of expenditure speaking at a review, said Christian Leuprecht, press briefi ng professor at Queen’s Univer- on the Hill sity and Royal Military Col- about the lege and senior fellow with the effects of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. The COVID-19 department accounted for just global over $22-billion in spending last pandemic. year, and historically accounts The Hill Times for around 20 per cent of federal photograph by discretionary spending. Andrew Meade Following the 1994 recession, the Chrétien government reduced defence spending leading to the “decade of darkness” in the Cana- dian Armed Forces. Bases were closed, troop size was reduced, and more. Defence spending was 1.8 per cent of GDP in 1993, and dropped to 1.2 per cent by 1997. In fi scal year 1998-99, the Chré- tien government further reduced it by 25 per cent through budget control measures, according to J. Craig Stone and Binyam Solomon in Canadian Defence Policy in Theory and Practice. promised in Strong, Secure and Following the 2008 recession, Engaged,” because of the dire fi s- defence spending also dropped. cal scenario, said Andrew Leslie, Between 2009 and 2013, defence a former longtime member of spending was reduced from 1.4 the Canadian Armed Forces and per cent of GDP to just over 1 per a former Liberal MP who now Defence spending cent, one of the lowest totals in works as a consultant for Bluesky Canadian history. Strategy. Between 2010 and 2015, the Strong, Secure and Engaged department went through three proposed raising defence spend- different rounds of effi ciency ing from $17.1-billion in 2016-17 exercises that “picked all the low likely to face to $24.6-billion by 2026-27, on an hanging fruit,” said Dave Perry, accrual basis. On a cash basis, that vice-president of the Canadian translates to raising spending from Global Affairs Institute. $18.9-billion in 2016-17 to $32.7-bil- The Parliamentary Budget lion by 2026-27. Accrual accounting Offi ce estimates Canadian GDP spreads the cost of a given asset post-COVID cuts, dropping by 12 per cent in 2020 over its useful life, whereas cash due to the pandemic and oil price accounting allocates the cost in the shocks, by far the largest drop year the expenditure was made. ever recorded. The budget defi cit “The Department of Defence could increase to more than budget is particularly attrac- $250-billion in 2020-21, account- military experts say tive now because of its planned ing for 12.7 per cent of GDP, also spending increases. Strong, the highest ever recorded. The Secure and Engaged was a long- federal debt-to-GDP ratio, which term plan to fund the depart- spending and a dramatic drop in the Liberal government touts as a BY AIDAN CHAMANDY ment,” said Eugene Lang, chief of The Liberals’ defence revenues. crucial fi scal marker, would rise staff to two defence ministers in That could spell trouble for the to 48.4 per cent, lower than the s the COVID-19 pandemic the Chrétien and Martin govern- policy, Strong, governing Liberals’ landmark de- high-point of 66.6 per cent seen in Acontinues into its third month ments and professor of public fence policy, ‘Strong, Secure, and 1996-96. Secure and Engaged, and with the federal govern- policy at Queen’s University. Engaged,’ released in 2017, which Historically, Canadian defence ment’s response growing along- It is more alluring for a is predicated on defence spending policies have “suffered the fate could be in for post- side it, defence experts anticipate government to reduce planned increasing year-over-year for the of fi scal consolidation following the Department of National spending increases because they pandemic trouble. Defence will face signifi cant cuts foreseeable future. a recession,” Mr. Lang said, and “The temptation will be for can claim the move wasn’t a cut, in the near future as Ottawa even- making it more politically palat- tually tries to deal with the fallout the government to not spend to able, Mr. Lang said Continued on page 27 of huge increases in government the amounts that were initially

Source: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Source: Strong, Secure and Engaged, Stockholm International Peace Research Insitute Setting the Standard for Future Aircrew Training

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canada.leonardocompany.com Helicopters | Aeronautics | Electronics, Defence & Security Systems | Space 22 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Defence Policy Briefi ng Our eff orts here in Canada are saving lives been there for Canadians. At to temporarily accommodate and equipment they need. It is the That is why, in addition to While all Canadians this time, Canadians and CAF returning Canadians on our base least we can do. It is why the De- the work that our members are members are mourning the tragic in Trenton. partment of National Defence is doing around the clock to protect continue to fi ght to losses in the Cyclone Helicopter To ensure CAF’s work is being stepping up to meet the challenge, Canadians against COVID-19, our and Snowbirds accidents. While completed seamlessly, we are while taking every precaution to other domestic and international slow and stop the the losses are painful, those who working in close coordination protect our personnel and civil- operations continue, with adjust- spread of COVID-19, serve are continuing to step up with federal, provincial, territo- ian Defence Team members from ments, to support our interna- for Canadians during the CO- rial, municipal, and Indigenous exposure to the virus. tional partners and allies. Whether it is more important VID-19 pandemic. partners in all parts of the coun- As the health and protection it is through our commitments to While all Canadians continue try. of all Canadians is one of the NATO, NORAD, the United Na- than ever that to fi ght to slow and stop the In these diffi cult times, we CAF’s top priorities during this tions, Ukraine, a stable Iraq, and a spread of COVID-19, it is more know that we have to support pandemic, the Canadian Rangers peaceful Asia-Pacifi c, Canada will Canada’s defence important than ever that Cana- our most vulnerable. Nowhere are supporting health authorities be a positive force in the world. policy is based on a da’s defence policy is based on is this more evident than in our in First Nations communities and As we continue to implement a long-term vision that features long-term care facilities. They are providing assistance to vulner- our domestic and international long-term vision that the fl exibility to respond to rapid home to thousands of our parents, able populations in Indigenous, operations, we continue to prog- change. In 2017, our government our grandparents and our loved Northern and remote communi- ress on multi-pronged efforts features the fl exibility released Strong, Secure, Engaged ones. ties from coast to coast to coast. to continuously improve our where the integral core of the This is why, since April, We are also assisting the operational effectiveness, includ- to respond to rapid policy was to be fi rst and fore- through the CAF response to Public Health Agency of Canada ing through implementation of most strong at home. Our focus COVID-19, called Operation LA- with warehouse management of Canada’s National Action Plan on change. on making sure that the safety SER, we have deployed over 1,600 personal protective equipment Women, Peace and Security. and protection of Canadians are members to support our loved and with contact tracing. In order Our efforts here in Canada are at the very heart of our defence ones at long-term care facilities to fl atten the curve, we must be saving lives. Our actions abroad policy allows us to respond to in Quebec and Ontario. All CAF able to identify how the virus is protect Canadians by promoting challenges when they appear. personnel have been trained in spreading. an international rules-based order No danger is more present assisting long-term care residents In addition to COVID-19 ef- where human rights, gender to Canadians right now, than and have been provided with forts, Defence team members equality and democracy lead to that of COVID-19. Since the very personal protective equipment. stand ready at all times to sup- long-term stability and peace. No beginning of this pandemic, the Conditions at these facilities and port Canadians in the face of matter the challenge, our women Canadian Armed Forces has been others across the country are be- domestic emergencies, such as and men in uniform, who proudly there. Our medical personnel ing monitored. fl oods and fi res, as we have done wear the maple leaf on their were critical in repatriating about In a world where we continu- in the past. shoulder, will always be there. Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld 650 Canadians from China and ally ask the CAF to put them- As the world adjusts to the Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld, Opinion Japan when COVID-19 fi rst began selves in harm’s way, we have COVID-19 health threat, we are who represents Ottawa-West to spread. That repatriation mis- placed our people and their also aware that some actors might Nepean, Ont., is the parliamen- sion, called Operation GLOBE, families at the centre of our de- try to use this crisis to negatively tary secretary to the minister of n times of crisis, the Canadian saw our Canadian Armed Forces fence policy by ensuring that they infl uence political and economic national defence. IArmed Forces (CAF) has always health personnel and others work have the care, support, training, stability around the world. The Hill Times

World when Liberal defence policy, ‘Strong, Secure, Engaged,’ was written, no longer exists

established sweeping emergency there are no further “dividends” home from overseas operations, importantly, it will need to be Instead, Canada must benefi t packages at substantial to cash in. shutting down borders, supply funded and delivered as a critical cost to the nation. The Parliamen- This is happening at a time of chains and economic engines— element of Canada’s economic reprioritize both the tary Budget Offi ce suggests that it unprecedented global instability provides valuable economic and recovery, not in addition to it. is not unthinkable for the federal shaped by the questioning of the security intelligence to those As a middle power and a structure of Canada’s debt to reach $1-trillion this year, strength of critical alliances such interested in achieving compet- trading nation, Canada’s fu- foreign policy and possibly bankrupting a genera- as NATO, the erosion of the cred- ing national interest gains. The ture prosperity requires strong tion. In Canada’s recovery, tough ibility and infl uence of multilater- simultaneous effects of CO- partnerships with like-minded defence and security conversations will need to be had al institutions like the UN, WHO, VID-19 on the economy, foreign and confi dent nations, devoted to on reigning in government spend- and the WTO and the rise of great policy, and national defence the protection and advancement framework to defi ne ing. If the past is indicative of the powers engaged in changing the have been profound. To attain a of our collective values. Who future, then it is likely defence global economic world order. prosperous future, Canada will we trade with is as important the core capability spending will be the fi rst casualty. With the world distracted, have to view previously mutually as who we train with. Canada’s requirements of But in the post-COVID world, focused on stopping the corona- exclusive objectives; the econo- future depends on leadership that would be exactly the wrong virus pandemic and saving lives, my, foreign policy and security, that is principled, focused, and Canada’s military. approach. adversaries are watching care- as inextricably linked. We will dedicated to the hard work of get- When national defence fully and actively pursuing their not have the luxury of cutting ting Canada back on track, and budgets were slashed in the national objectives. Reports have defence spending to balance the honouring our commitment to our 1990s under the Liberal govern- emerged of low-yield nuclear budget. Instead, we will have to allies as a trusted defence partner. ment, Canada was able in part to testing by the Chinese Commu- repair our economy and spend Security is the foundation upon benefi t from a “peace dividend” nist Party. The Russian regime, on defence to ensure Canada’s which all other successes are resulting from the end of the despite its own mounting cases of recovery and effective transition built and a post COVID recovery Cold War. However, the world COVID-19, embarked on an Arc- to post-COVID-19 life. The world must include a redefi ned foreign in 1995 is not the world of 2020. tic military exercise, unparalleled when the Liberal defence policy, policy and defence structure. Canada’s defence and security in its complexity and execution. Strong, Secure, Engaged, was Canada’s Conservatives stand capabilities have eroded, re- China’s COVID-19 initial underre- written, no longer exists. ready. sulting in diminished supply porting of cases and silencing of Instead, Canada must re- Conservative MP James Conservative MP James Bezan & ships, fi ghter jets, frigates, and doctors attempting to sound the prioritize both the structure of Bezan, who represents Selkirk- Conservative MP Leona Alleslev subsurface capacity and limited alarm potentially hampered the Canada’s foreign policy and Interlake, Eastman, Man., is his Opinion cyber-security infrastructure. Ad- speed and seriousness with which defence and security framework party’s national defence critic, ditionally, the nature of warfare Canada responded. to defi ne the core capability re- and Conservative MP Leona hile Canada is not yet in has changed, with the emergence The virus has allowed rivals quirements of Canada’s military. Alleslev, who represents Aurora- Wrecovery, now is the time to of commercial economic and in- to observe major Western na- This will represent a substantive Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, Ont., defi ne the priorities for the next formation targets. Canada’s mili- tions’ response to a global paradigm shift to respond to the is her party’s deputy leader and phase. To prevent drastic eco- tary, through no fault of those in crisis. The playbook on recalling rapidly changing nature of both foreign affairs critic. nomic collapse the government uniform, has been laid bare and aircraft carriers, bringing troops alliances and warfare. And, most The Hill Times The Baltic States, Forward Together.

his month marks a special date for the On March 29th, 2004 the Baltic States joined and enlargement of the European Union once Baltic States, the 30th anniversary of the NATO and on May 1st, 2004 joined the European the necessary criteria are met. It is a common Declaration on Unity and Co-operation Union. These two acts firmly demonstrated the interest to have stable, progressive and secure between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Baltic States emergence as western oriented neighbours. TIn 2018 The Baltic States celebrated one countries and valued participants in the Euro- The COVID-19 crisis has influenced Baltic hundred years as independent states. Our birth Atlantic security architecture. Both organizations co-operation at all levels. The Governments coincided with major changes on the political embody the values and visions we have held have agreed to work together in developing map of the world. At the end of the First World dear since the beginning of the fight for our a response. The decision to open borders on War, the empires broke up and independent own statehood. May 15th, 2020 and create the first “travel countries appeared, including Estonia, Latvia Today, the United Kingdom, Canada and bubble” within the EU was based on the similar and Lithuania. Germany lead NATO multinational battalions epidemiological situation in all three countries. The shining moment came on August 23rd, 1989 stationed in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Opening “the Baltic Schengen” - re-establishing when two million Baltic people literally joined respectively. With this deployment to the Baltic physical connections and traveling between hands to create a 675 kilometre human chain region, our NATO allies, including Canada are three countries - was an important first step in from Cathedral Square in Vilnius past the Freedom helping countries like the Baltic States to deal returning to normal life in a co-ordinated and Monument in Riga ending at the Hermann Tower with new threats and dangers aimed at the safe manner. Continued close co-operation in Tallinn. Fifty years earlier on that same day, the heart of western values such as the rule of law and exchanges of information remains central notorious Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed and democratic government. in eliminating other restrictions, and helping to between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union Centres of excellence on energy security in restore economic activity and free movement setting the stage for the Second World War and Vilnius, strategic communication in Riga and throughout the European Union. the long post war division of Europe. Fifty years cyber security in Tallinn offer their expertise and The past thirty years of Baltic co-operation created a later it was the moment for the Baltic republics to experience. All three countries achieved NATO’s shared commitment towards prosperity, safety and regain their independence for the second time in target spending of 2 percent of GDP on defence. security for all its people. To be open, transparent the 20th century. All three countries regained their NATO remains the foundation for our collective and inclusive for all, confident in its own strong independence in the early 1990s and formed the defence and the essential forum for security regional identity and focused on sustainable Baltic Council to address their common pressing consultations and decisions among Allies in the economic growth and development, while being concerns; strengthening independence, returning Euro-Atlantic area. fully aware of its ecological vulnerabilities. Our aim their countries to the international arena and The European Union membership has brought is to become a role model of ecological, economic, securing the withdrawal of Soviet/Russian troops a new quality of life and impressive economic social and security standards and policies, with a from their sovereign territories, ending the long growth. According to the World Bank, the Baltic vibrant civil society. occupation. States have become high-income economies Toomas Lukk, The current focus of our co-operation is on with very high Human Development Indices. Ambassador of Estonia regional security, connectivity and environment. The Baltic States support the EU Neighbourhood K rlis Eihenbaums, The present COVID-19 pandemic has underlined ă Policy, the outreach program to engage eastern Ambassador of Latvia the importance of digitalization as a tool to and southern European states still working strengthen the functionality of affected societies towards deeper integration with the EU. The Darius SkuseviĀius, and economies. Baltic States support NATO’s open door policy Ambassador of Lithuania 24 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Defence Policy Briefi ng EU and Canada: partners for transatlantic security

At the time when we are witnessing geopolitical shifts and a changing global political structure amid a global pandemic, ours is a partnership countries around the world are counting on to safeguard multilateralism and the rules-based international order—and counter any threats to our transatlantic and global security. Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and members of his cabinet at a Canada-EU Summit in Montreal on July 18, 2019. BY BRIG.-GEN. FRITZ URBACH of this effort to strengthen our Canada and the European Union are closer than ever. We share the same values and worldview, and our policy security and defence. objectives are closely aligned on a broad range of issues, not least security and defence, writes Brig.-Gen. Fritz Urbach. n late April, as we joined Ca- EU military and civil opera- Photograph courtesy of PMO photographer Adam Scotti Inadians across the country in tions and missions are center- mourning the loss of six young piece to the CSDP. More than Defense Fund (EDF), which aims NATO. This means that every im- We are actively refl ecting on the members of Canadian Armed 5,000 EU military and civil to give research and development provement of military capabilities implications the pandemic pres- Forces in a tragic helicopter ac- personnel and policemen are cur- incentives to European compa- initiated or funded by the EU has ents for our security and defence. cident during a NATO military rently deployed in missions and nies in the defence industry. In a positive effect for NATO too. In The aim is to be ready to confront exercise, we were reminded of the operations across the world. They addition, the European Peace different words, complementar- possible security consequences great sacrifi ces of those serving include training missions in Mali, Facility helps fund modern equip- ity, not competition, is key to this of the current pandemic and to to protect us and our way of life. Central African Republic, and So- ment and arms for the forces we success. become better prepared for the For seven decades, Canada malia, maritime operations in the train in Africa, while the EU Mili- The result is a reinforced Eu- future. What’s more, our civilian has been a reliable and respected Mediterranean Sea and around tary Mobility—a fl agship project ropean pillar of NATO, something and military missions are also NATO ally, and Canadians are the Horn of Africa, stabilization under the EU-NATO cooperation our allies are counting on. contributing to the fi ght against familiar with the work of NATO as operations in Bosnia and Herze- framework—enhances the move- This EU-NATO comple- COVID-19 outside the EU. the main transatlantic security pro- govina, as well as several civil ob- ment of military troops and assets mentarity obviously must be Canada and the European vider in Europe. There is another, servation and advisory missions throughout the EU. well structured and organized. Union are closer than ever. We perhaps less-known, dimension in the European Neighbourhood. EU-NATO cooperation is Political dialogues, information share the same values and world- to transatlantic security coopera- But we want to do more. The strong and constitutes an integral exchanges, coordinated and view, and our policy objectives tion, one provided by the European ever-changing global security pillar of the EU’s work toward parallel exercises, joint hybrid are closely aligned on a broad Union under the Common Security environment, increasing requests strengthening our security and and cyber defence measures range of issues, not least security and Defense Policy (CSDP). for more European engagement, defence. between both organisations have and defence. At the time when we In today’s multi-faceted and and the evolving nature of threats In essence, through CSDP, our become more focused and intense are witnessing geopolitical shifts ever-evolving security challenges to our stability require more aim is to reinforce the European in recent years. We should pursue and a changing global political and threats, the military compo- adapted and advanced military pillar of NATO—and by exten- this course of action vigorously structure amid a global pandemic, nent is no doubt one tool among capabilities, smarter spend- sion the transatlantic link—not as modern challenges to our joint ours is a partnership countries several others, such as diplomacy, ing and more cooperation both duplicate or compete with it. The security, including the current around the world are counting humanitarian and development among our member states and EU and NATO are two sides of global public health crisis, call on to safeguard multilateralism aid, rule of law, information, our global partners. the same coin. The EU does not for such closely coordinated and and the rules-based international economy, and fi nances. The EU To achieve these goals, the compete with NATO and its man- jointly orchestrated efforts. order—and counter any threats has taken a leadership role on EU launched several initiatives, date of collective deterrence of In Europe, for instance, the to our transatlantic and global this front, in the hope of integrat- including the Permanent and military threats. The EU does not armed forces of EU member security. ing all these tools in a coherent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), have its own military forces or as- states play a crucial role in Brig.-Gen. Fritz Urbach is EU way, under the EU Integrated which calls for better defence sets, and its operational capabili- addressing the pandemic by defence attaché in Canada and Approach. EU-NATO coopera- and security cooperation among ties depend on members states’ supporting civilian actors and the United States of America. tion represents an integral pillar member states, and the European contributions, even more so than providing cross-border support. The Hill Times

keepers in 1964. As the Cold War closed, the focus shifted with Canada remains Canada taking part in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War and indirectly supporting the U.S.-led 2003 Iraq invasion. deeply engaged in In 2011, Canada also played a leading role in the ouster of Liby- an dictator Moammar Gadhafi and the Middle East then joined the global coalition to defeat the so-called Islamic state (Daesh) in September 2014. Over a short period, our military footprint Post COVID-19, the need for Canada to in the region grew considerably, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, pictured Jan. 16, 2020, being briefed on the Joint especially our support to the Iraqi- Task Force-IMPACT and the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the Middle East by continue its engagement in the Middle East Kurdish Peshmerga. And with JTF-I Commander, Brig.-Gen. Michel-Henri St-Louis during a visit to Camp Canada Daesh on the run the prime min- at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, some 1,000 isn’t likely to abate, and the demand for our ister announced in July 2018 that Canadian military personnel were serving across the Middle East in various missions Canada would assume command in Iraq, the Sinai Peninsula, at Canada’s Operational Support Hub in Kuwait, on military expertise won’t fade away either. of a new NATO training mission in several UN assignments and in our embassies. And overall, the security situation they Iraq, a task that will now run to at face today is as bad as it ever was, writes Chris Kilford. Photograph courtesy of DND/ anada has often found itself least March 31, 2021. Cpl. Jerome Lessard Cinvolved in the Middle East in Prior to the onset of CO- one capacity or another. During VID-19, some 1,000 Canadian created in part by recent Western revenues have plunged leading the Cold War, it was largely to do military personnel were serving interventions and now fuelled by the Kingdom to introduce new with defusing confl icts involving across the Middle East in various regional powers, persist in Libya, economic austerity measures. our closest allies. The 1956 Suez missions in Iraq, the Sinai Pen- Syria, and Yemen. Millions of These days the only issue Iran, Crisis, for example, was largely insula, at Canada’s Operational people are refugees or displaced. Iraq, Syria and Turkey can seem- de-escalated by the arrival of a Support Hub in Kuwait, on sev- Others have lost their lives or ingly agree on is preventing any Canadian-led UN peacekeep- eral UN assignments and in our been wounded. COVID-19 is also move by their respective Kurdish ing force. Tensions over Cyprus embassies. And overall, the secu- Chris Kilford having an impact with Iran and populations to break free. resulted in another signifi cant rity situation they face today is Turkey both reporting very high Opinion deployment of Canadian peace- as bad as it ever was. Civil-wars, case numbers. In Saudi Arabia oil Continued on page 27 THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 25 Policy Briefi ng Defence After the Great Lockdown, far-sighted global cooperation will be heralded and lauded as wise

In an appeal released last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged warring parties across the world to lay down their weapons in support of the bigger battle against COVID-19: ‘The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war,’ he said. ‘It is time to put armed confl ict on lockdown and focus together on the true fi ght of our lives.’ Photograph courtesy of the Kremlin

creases in spending, and growing spending to absorb political atten- In an appeal released last With our allies in the United States and cycles of hostility. tion and material resources that month, UN Secretary-General Last year, the world spent could otherwise be devoted to far Antonio Guterres urged warring Europe, Canada faces an economic crisis $1.9-trillion on the military, ac- more pressing human security parties across the world to lay cording to the Stockholm Interna- challenges. down their weapons in sup- and worldwide depression; apparently long- tional Peace Research Institute’s Canada’s renewed $14-billion port of the bigger battle against term government budgets will need massive (SIPRI) latest report released last export of light armoured vehicles COVID-19: “The fury of the virus month. to the Middle East contributes to illustrates the folly of war,” he amounts of public money to boost recovery Once again, Canada ranks an arms build-up in the most mili- said. “It is time to put armed 14th highest at US$22.2-billion, tarized and confl ict-prone region confl ict on lockdown and focus in critical sectors such as basic income, which is 1.2 percent of GDP; but on the planet. The UN’s special together on the true fi ght of our over the next ten years, Canada envoy has welcomed the start of lives.” development, education, employment, energy, still plans to devote billions to the cessation of hostilities on 10 Appropriately, a mid-April and health. reach NATO’s target of two per April of a confl ict described by extraordinary meeting by video cent of GDP. The 2017 defence the UN Secretary-General in 2018 conference of NATO defence policy report, Strong Secure En- as the worst humanitarian crisis ministers decided upon coordi- signifi cant geopolitical challenges gaged promised greater increases in the world. nated military support of civilian currently facing the West and to buy equipment including for The Yemen crisis was a hu- missions to combat the virus. But Europe, this is no time to cut or combatting high-intensity war- man-made disaster, not a natural the UN chief is calling for war- under-invest in expensive defence fare in Europe. disaster like the COVID pan- ring parties to entirely pull back capabilities. They assume CO- Rather than devote more re- demic; now faced with a looming from hostilities, put aside mistrust VID-19 will likely make the world sources to research and develop- global food security crisis, we and animosity, and “silence the more unstable and insecure, ment of next-generation fi ghter must do all we can to prevent al- guns; stop the artillery; end the therefore military capabilities aircraft, battle tanks, new frigates, ready dire unemployment condi- airstrikes.” and spending must better protect lethal autonomous weapons tions witnessed around the world With our allies in the United defence investments and industry. systems in space, and killer from deteriorating into a global States and Europe, Canada faces Erika Simpson Drops in GDP in 2020 could drones to ensure our military and famine. an economic crisis and worldwide Opinion foreseeably be two and three technological edge is credible, we To ensure more effi cient use of depression; apparently long-term times higher than after the 2008 need to focus on sustaining criti- public spending, we need to redou- government budgets will need crisis, therefore during economic cal industrial and technological ble our diplomatic peacebuilding massive amounts of public money he UN Offi ce for Disarma- recovery, maintaining and in- capabilities that undergird human efforts, and leverage more spend- to boost recovery in critical sec- Tment Affairs has just released creasing defence spending should security, not militarization. ing on nurses, hospitals, medi- tors such as basic income, devel- a report, Rethinking Uncon- not return to be a high priority for Many valuable non-defence cal equipment and Indigenous opment, education, employment, strained Military Spending as North American and European sector industrial capabilities—like Peoples, not on combat-capable energy and health. a follow-up to its 2019 report leaders. We must do all we can to the airline, service and tourism soldiers, cutting-edge weaponry, After the Great Lockdown, on United Nations Efforts to Re- halt world leaders from self-rein- industries around the world—are threatening war exercises and fo- far-sighted global cooperation— duce Military Expenditures which forcing cycles of insecurity; their experiencing incredible risks and menting armed confl ict in Europe not short-sighted spending on pushes governments to move mutual suspicions and fears spur may well disappear. and the Middle East. militarization—will be heralded the money and spend taxpayers’ arms races. To mitigate devastating climate As Canada and the world and lauded as wise. funds on caring and repairing, not As the security dilemma crisis effects and preserve human- gradually emerge from the Erika Simpson is an associate preparing for combat and killing. foretells, efforts by one country kind’s long-term future, we need to pandemic, there must be no ‘new professor of international politics Yet defence experts in the or group of countries to increase learn the lessons of the pandemic normal’ based on traditional ideas at Western University, president U.S. and at NATO and the EU say their security by pursuing more and understand militaries are not about the percentage of GDP, of the Canadian Peace Research that, although we are rightfully offensive military forces creates the primary guarantor of security. and the amounts of dollars that Association and author of NATO focused on fi ghting the COVID-19 more insecurity among rivals and We should not repeat our past should be spent on defence, not and the Bomb. crisis, the reality is that with neighbours, prompting similar in- mistakes by allowing defence development. The Hill Times 26 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Defence Policy Briefi ng Canadian Armed Forces respond to COVID-19

The accumulation of Canadians including, but not Canadian Forces restricted to, the deployment of Sgt. Martin Lapalme- domestic challenges military teams to long-term care Laviolette, pictured facilities in Quebec and Ontario. May 15, 2020, at has prompted The CAF is and always has Sainte-Anne Hospital been the force of last resort dur- in Montreal as part of some to propose a ing domestic emergencies. This Operation Laser. The is the principle around which challenge of making the comprehensive review the government has designed unprecedented switch to of the domestic role for the CAF’s COVID-19 response. geriatric care (in many The military’s medical capacity cases, end-of-life care), the CAF. is not limitless and must be able in a clinical setting with to deliver on their core task—the the added stressor of preservation of combat power a lethal virus should delivered by healthy and resil- not be underestimated, ient personnel. The reorientation writes Denis Thompson. of military members from their Photograph courtesy of traditional defence responsibili- Cpl. Genevieve Beaulieu/ ties to those which were doubt- DND/Combat Camera less not on the minds of planners six months ago has stretched the CAF’s medical system. This should come as no surprise as the by Canada’s 2017 Defence Policy Emergency Management Act, sufferers. In Quebec more than 1,000 CAF’s medical focus is trauma Strong, Secure, Engaged where under which a province may ask troops and in Ontario approximately Denis Thompson care of relatively young persons the CAF’s eight core missions in- for assistance from the CAF. 250 personnel are engaged in direct Opinion in austere environments. The clude “provide assistance to civil Thus far the CAF response has on-site support. challenge of making the unprece- authorities and nongovernmental resulted in the lion’s share of support Teams of up to 50 personnel dented switch to geriatric care (in partners in responding to interna- going to Quebec and Ontario. At 25 each have been deployed, working s the government’s reaction many cases, end-of-life care), in tional and domestic disasters or long-term care facilities (known by in shifts each composed of a regis- Ato the coronavirus pandemic a clinical setting with the added major emergencies.” The CO- the acronym CHSLD) in Quebec and tered nurse, six medical technicians has rolled out, there has been stressor of a lethal virus should VID-19 crisis certainly qualifi es fi ve long-term care facilities in On- along with suffi cient personnel a very public, but measured re- not be underestimated. as a major domestic emergency. tario, military teams have provided to perform support duties (think sponse from the Canadian Armed From a policy perspective, the For the most part CAF assets relief as such centres harbour the Forces (CAF) to help their fellow CAF’s involvement is governed have been called out through the largest concentration of COVID 19 Continued on page 27

These are the kind of bold ideas that the UN needs. UN peacekeeping works but Canada’s At the Mali mission pledg- ing conference this month, Canada should offer forces for the mission, including the Quick contribution falls to all-time low Reaction Force this country promised the UN back in 2017, at the peacekeeping ministerial Pearson in 1956 to resolve the Despite the comments of skep- Canada has responded far more Canada hosted. This may be the UN peacekeeping is Suez Crisis. tics, UN peacekeeping has made promptly and generously. But last opportunity before the June This minimal contribution a substantial difference in confl ict this does not justify the lack of vote in the General Assembly for a good deal, by any does not refl ect the current gov- areas and has helped end many support for UN missions that are a Security Council seat in 2021–22 ernment’s promises, nor what Ca- wars, as described in our May known to resolve armed confl icts. that our government has been relevant measure, nadians want, which is a strong 2020 essay, Peacekeeping Works: Studies show that armed confl icts lobbying for. A convincing com- especially at a time of United Nations in a rules-based The UN Can Help End Civil Wars. are reduced by up to two-thirds mitment to UN peacekeeping is international order. UN peacekeeping is demon- compared to confl icts without the kind of contribution to inter- crisis like the present. Admittedly, the COVID-19 crisis strably cost-effective and has UN involvement, and UN forces national peace and security that provides a good reason to pause helped save and improve lives. deploy at a fraction of the cost is expected for the award of one Now is not the time to some military movements, and Multidimensional peacekeep- of other military missions (e.g., of the ten rotating UNSC seats. the UN has cautiously postponed ing operations have the most NATO). Canada has maintained deploy- step back. Missions its rotation of troops until July. positive outcomes, dealing with a Doubling UN peacekeeping ments of hundreds to the NATO are needed more than Furthermore, the UN is adjusting wide range of national problems, budgets alone would result in missions in Latvia and Ukraine and reprioritizing its fi eld activities, including epidemics like Ebola in far less human suffering, fewer for many years, so why have we ever. while still meeting mission-critical West Africa and the Democratic infant deaths, better access to so much trouble providing a few requirements. And many other na- Republic of Congo. hospital care, life-saving potable hundred soldiers and police to UN tions continue to provide substan- At least two-thirds of all mis- water, and fewer undernourished missions, even for short periods? tive contributions. Both Ireland and sions since 1956 can be judged people. Imagine the huge fi nan- It seems a sad refl ection on the Norway, our friendly competitors as mostly or partially successful. cial, economic, and other com- government. In particular, the for a Security Council seat, have Fewer, if any, were unambiguous munity benefi ts that result when performance is at odds with the un- more personnel deployed than failures. But even some of those confl icted societies end violence fulfi lled promises and lofty rhetoric Canada (Ireland: 474; Norway: 65, considered “disasters” have saved early. Now accelerate this with in support of peacekeeping. at the end of April). The European many lives. The UN Assistance Canada offering signifi cantly We can ask for more. Canada Union is committed to increasing Mission for Rwanda—led by more resources and personnel to can do better. the contributions of its members in Canadian general Roméo Dal- realize ambitious UN peacekeep- Walter Dorn is a professor the coming months. laire—saved more than 20,000 ing mandates. of defence studies at the Royal Walter Dorn The world’s success in combat- people during the genocide, de- UN peacekeeping is a good Military College and the Cana- dian Forces College. He is also a Opinion ing the virus will depend in part spite peacekeeper numbers being deal, by any relevant measure, on UN peacekeeping because of reduced to fewer than 300 person- especially at a time of crisis like consultant to the United Nations the urgent need to provide health nel on the ground. Canada, to its the present. Now is not the time on peacekeeping technology. He serves as president of the World anada’s contribution to UN services in confl ict-prone areas. credit, increased its deployment to step back. Missions are needed Federalist Movement–Canada. peacekeeping operations has Africa could become the future to Rwanda during the genocide. more than ever. If anything, C Robin Collins serves on the board fallen to only 35 personnel among epicentre of the COVID-19 pan- Canada’s current decline Canada should be promoting of various civil society organiza- the UN’s 82,000 uniformed peace- demic and a reservoir for its con- in peacekeeping began under and contributing to multinational tions, including the World Fed- keepers currently deployed. This tinued spread if an effort is not previous governments, despite standby brigades and eventually eralist Movement–Canada, the is the lowest point for Canada made now. Peacekeeping requires continuing popular support for a standing emergency capacity, Canadian Pugwash Group, and since the fi rst peacekeeping that capable UN member nations UN missions. There have been with UN-hired peacekeepers, The Group of 78. force was created at the urging commit dependably, especially to pressures to commit to alliance thereby proactively pinching off The Hill Times of (then) foreign minister Lester diffi cult missions. (i.e., NATO) priorities, to which confl icts before they escalate. THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 27 Policy Briefi ng Defence Canada Canadian Defence spending remains Armed Forces likely to face deeply post-COVID cuts, engaged in respond to the Middle COVID-19 military experts say ‘The Department of Defence budget Continued from page 26 East is particularly orderlies). In these locales, the teams assist in attractive now preparing, serving, and collecting meals, feed- because its planned spending Continued from page 24 ing residents, assisting with personal hygiene, and providing hands-on labour as required. increases. Besides defence commitments, Canada By all accounts the services rendered have Strong, Secure has always engaged in signifi cant diplo- done much to restore dignity to the residents and Engaged matic and humanitarian assistance efforts and the implicated CAF members report a was a long-term in the Middle East. And we are certainly true sense of satisfaction despite the unique, plan to fund the not strangers there either. Canada and taxing work conditions. department,’ said Turkey established diplomatic relations Organizationally, CAF domestic opera- Eugene Lang, in the 1940s and Ottawa followed suit tions are commanded from the Canadian pictured. The with most Middle Eastern countries in Joint Operations Centre (CJOC) in Ottawa Hill Times file the 1950s and 1960s. Nowadays, however, and directed on the ground by six regional photograph Freedom House’s 2019 Global Freedom Joint Task Forces (North [Yukon, North West Index lists every country in the Middle Territories, Nunavut], Pacifi c [British Colum- East, except for Israel, as “Partly Free” or bia], West [Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba], “Not Free.” Signifi cant differences have Centre [Ontario], East [Quebec] and Atlantic also led to the severing of our diplomatic [New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward relations with Iran and Syria in 2012, Island and Newfoundland]). With the excep- and more recently Canada’s interactions tion of JTF North, each of these JTFs would with Saudi Arabia have taken a turn for regularly have an Immediate Response Unit the worse. The irony, given our efforts to (IRU) of Regular Force members on short alleviate human suffering in the region, notice readiness to respond to domestic emer- is that in 2018, 70 per cent of Canada’s gencies and a Territorial Battle Group made international arms exports, excluding up primarily of reservists that can and has sales to the U.S., went to countries in the been activated. This organizational construct Middle East and Turkey, the main custom- has been retained and reinforced resulting in er being Saudi Arabia. the creation of Local Response Forces (LRF). When a department doesn’t meet its Continued from page 20 While it’s tempting to remain at arm’s The activation of community-based Canadian spending targets, Mr. Lang said, that sends length from the Middle East, Canadian Rangers in Northern Saskatchewan is an given the current fi scal situation, he said a signal to others in government and in businesses have been engaged there for example of LRF employment. he expects a similar process to happen Parliament that the money isn’t needed. a long time. The 1997 Canada-Israel Free In their patrol communities across the post-COVID-19. “If they can’t meet the spending profi le Trade Agreement (FTA), updated in 2019, North, the Canadian Rangers are providing Some national governments around the in Strong, Secure and Engaged, why was Canada’s fi rst FTA outside of North support such as wellness checks, helping world have already started cutting defence should we give them the money? That’s the America and the 2012 FTA with Jor- with transportation and distribution of local spending and are reallocating the money message that gets sent by underspending,” dan was the fi rst and only with an Arab supplies to community members, assisting to COVID-19 response efforts. he said. country. Meanwhile, growing numbers of in staffi ng municipal/community-operated On April 16, South Korea introduced a If the fi scal pressures are such that a immigrants, political refugees and students command posts and emergency centres, second COVID-19-response budget that re- reduction in defence spending is neces- have continued to fl ow in the other direc- and supporting community food security duced defence spending by just under two sary, deciding where to cut will be diffi cult tion, mostly from Iran. Plenty of Canadi- through hunting, gathering, and fi shing. per cent (approximately USD$733-million) given the several rounds of cuts over the ans also live and work in the Middle East. Additionally, in the Pacifi c HMCS Regi- from the fi rst response budget, accord- past three decades. More than 9,000 are in Qatar and 6,000 na and HMCS Brandon and in the Atlantic ing to reports. Thailand also cut defence The three effi ciency exercises be- in Kuwait. Some 35,000 live in Israel and HMCS Ville de Québec and HMCS Monc- spending by nearly USD$555-million, and tween 2010 and 2015 “picked all the low even more reside in Lebanon. In fact, the ton have been prepared for support to Indonesia by USD$588-million. hanging fruit, and all the rest of the fruit. Canadian-Lebanese community constitutes pandemic response with isolation precau- Though the pandemic continues to cre- Everything you might consider to be low the largest ethnic Arab group in Canada, tions having been made to avoid the virus ate novel problems for every part of gov- hanging fruit would all be stuff that this joined, since November 2015, by almost being present among the crews. As well, ernment, Canada’s Defence Department government created, which would make 65,000 refugees fl eeing Syria. early in the crisis the RCAF helped bring was facing spending challenges related a discussion on getting rid of it a lot more At the moment, all eyes are on how home internationally stranded Canadians to its Strong, Secure and Engaged policy diffi cult,” Mr. Perry said. “It’s a lot easier signifi cant the impact of COVID-19 will be and provided for their initial quarantine. goals prior to COVID-19. when its something the last government across the Middle East. There has been a In all, the CAF has some 24,000 members According to Mr. Perry’s annual review did.” major reduction in trade, the movement of standing by to assist when called. of the policy, the department has failed to Prof. Leuprecht said he sees this chal- people, and also Canada’s military activi- While the CAF’s previous employ- meet some of the spending targets. lenge as a good opportunity to rethink ties, the latter of which have been acting ment on domestic operations is generally In the fi scal year 2017-18, total defence some fi rst principles of Canadian defence as a much-needed pressure relief valve, recognized, in recent years there has been spending actually exceeded planned policy. especially in Iraq. But elsewhere in the a noticeable uptick including support to spending by about $2-billion, but this “We’ve cut everything there is to cut. In region, the fi ghting hasn’t stopped, despite recurring forest fi res and fl oods across was due to a nearly $2-billion, one-time terms of serious savings, there aren’t sav- calls by the UN secretary-general for a Canada brought on by climate change. pension adjustment. Since then, overall ings to be found in effi ciency exercises,” global ceasefi re in March 2020. Indeed, These threats are front of mind for military defence spending has been in line with the he said. “An effi ciency exercise this time the Syrian government is still trying to planners even in the face of the unprece- projections in Strong, Secure and Engaged, around is going to have to be an honest squeeze the Idlib pocket, the fi ghting in dented threat posed by the coronavirus. The but below the top-line numbers. conversation about what are we going to Yemen continues, and Libyan General accumulation of domestic challenges has Capital spending and the allocation of ask the military to stop doing, what do Haftar remains encamped around Tripoli. prompted some to propose a comprehensive capital funding have both lagged behind we want them to do, and what’s going to As a result, post COVID-19, the need for review of the domestic role for the CAF. The what was promised in the policy. give.” Canada to continue its engagement in the public discourse that follows on the heels of In 2017-18, DND fell $2.5-billion short He said the military, government, and Middle East isn’t likely to abate, and the the current crisis will almost certainly shine on actual capital spending compared to the public writ large will have very differ- demand for our military expertise won’t light on the CAF’s possible future roles. what was projected. In 2018-19, DND’s ent ideas on how to best address the ques- fade away either. Denis Thompson is a retired major- allocation fell $2.3-billion short of projec- tion, and reconciling those diverging views Dr. Chris Kilford is a member of the na- general with 39 years experience in the tions. is going to be at the heart of the funding tional board of the Canadian International Canadian Armed Forces and a fellow with Despite the historic shortcomings, Mr. issue going forward. Council. the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Perry’s analysis notes that capital spend- [email protected] The Hill Times The Hill Times ing is increasing. The Hill Times 28 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

handling of the COVID-19 pan- demic, including, among others, ‘Please let it go, enough is enough’: blaming Mr. Trudeau for letting “fraudsters” and “criminals” take advantage of the government’s fi nancial aid programs aimed to some MPs want Byrne and Teneycke provide support to unemployed Canadians. Ms. Kusie said it is “point- less” for senior Conservatives to to stop calling for Scheer’s removal call on the caucus to elect a new interim leader at this stage, as the party is already in the process of Mr. Scheer told reporters he rookie mistakes, failed to present events along with security that electing a new leader. ‘I fi nd it very never shared information about a viable climate change action accompanied the leader to differ- “This is not something that his dual citizenship publicly be- plan to Canadians, relied too ent venues. is without end or not fi nite,” Ms. frustrating, to be cause nobody asked him. heavily on negative campaigning, Meanwhile, following Mr. Kusie said. “We have the dates, we honest. If we’re going In 2005, when Michaëlle Jean and also because of their leader’s Scheer’s announcement that he see the change of the regime in was appointed as the governor social conservative views that would step down, Conservative sight. So, I just don’t even know to win an election, general, Mr. Scheer raised con- are not in sync with a signifi cant MPs agreed to let Mr. Scheer lead what the purpose is at this point. cerns at the time about her dual majority of urban Canadians. the party while they go through We’re in the middle of this pro- we need to win as a French and Canadian citizenships A number of senior Conserva- the process of electing a new cess, please just wait it out, step in a blog post. The Conservatives tive stalwarts within and outside leader. Originally, the plan was aside, and we will have a new team with our focus under Stephen Harper also raised of the caucus, including Harper- to elect a new leader in June, but leader in the fall.” similar concerns about dual citi- era PMO staffer Kory Teneycke, the contest extended because of Ms. Kusie said criticizing the being on the Liberals’ zenships of former Liberal leader led the charge to publicly call for lockdowns across the country leader when he’s already on his record instead of Stéphane Dion and former NDP Mr. Scheer’s resignation. They due to COVID-19. The leadership way out causes divisions and leader Tom Mulcair—both held also started a not-for-profi t orga- election process is scheduled to hurts the interests of the party. infi ghting amongst Canadian and French passports. nization called the Conservative conclude by Aug. 21. She said both Ms. Byrne and Mr. Teneycke, among others, called ourselves,’ says for Mr. Scheer’s resignation, and Conservative achieved the results they hoped Conservative MP MPs want party for, so now they should stop go- Michael Kram. stalwarts to ing after the leader. Ms. Kusie stop taking said that the party now is in the shots at Andrew fi nal stretch of the leadership BY ABBAS RANA Scheer's contest, and Ms. Byrne calling leadership for Mr. Scheer’s removal at this ormer Conservative campaign because they point does not help the party’s Fdirector Jenni Byrne wants say the public interests. Conservative MPs to elect a attacks are “Why would she [Ms. Byrne] new interim leader, but MPs say causing internal do it? It only harms the party,” there’s no such plan in place, and divisions in Ms. Kusie said. “And, I can’t see are calling on senior Conserva- the party. The why would she want to harm the tives to quit taking shots at the Hill Times party.” outgoing leader, saying it causes photograph by Rookie Conservative MP divisions in the party which could Andrew Meade Michael Kram (Regina-Wascana, be an obstacle to winning the Sask.) also echoed the same next election. views. He said the party has to “I really just think, please remain united to win the next like let it go,” said Conservative election, and that calls for Mr. MP Stephanie Kusie (Calgary- Scheer’s removal are causing Midnapore, Alta.) in an interview internal strife. with The Hill Times. “Enough is “I fi nd it very frustrating, to enough.” be honest. If we’re going to win In a tweet Sunday, May 17, Ms. an election we need to win as a Byrne, a top Conservative who Ms. Byrne was not available Victory to run a campaign calling Even after Mr. Scheer’s an- team, with our focus being on the was the party’s campaign director for an interview last week, but in for the leader to resign and to run nouncement that he would not Liberals’ record instead of infi ght- in the 2015 election and who held a popular political podcast The for the leadership again. At the lead the party into the next ing amongst ourselves,” said Mr. a number of senior positions in Herle Burly, on which she’s a time, Ms. Byrne also said that Mr. election, he has been on the Kram. the Stephen Harper PMO and the regular panellist, Ms. Byrne said Scheer should step down. receiving end of criticism from None of the Conservative party offi ce, said: “@AndrewS- that Mr. Scheer never intended For about two months after party insiders, sometimes in on- MPs interviewed for this article cheer continues to show why he to renounce his citizenship. She the election, Mr. Scheer main- the-record interviews, and other said that they had concerns wasn’t ready to be Prime Minister also predicted that the Conser- tained that he would not resign, times, in not-for-attribution-based about Mr. Scheer’s decision to and why he shouldn’t be the Of- vative caucus will get more bad but in mid-December he abruptly media interviews. The Conserva- stop the process of revoking his fi cial Leader of the Opposition. press in the coming months as announced that he was step- tive Party’s consistent slide in the U.S. citizenship. They said they “The Conservative caucus Mr. Scheer will run into more ping down. This announcement polls over the last few months accept Mr. Scheer’s explanation needs to do now what they didn’t controversies. came shortly after media reports is also making Conservatives that he changed his mind be- do in December, and put an in- “I said in December they emerged that the party was partly nervous, especially during the cause he no longer has a chance terim leader in for 3 months,” Ms. should get rid of him, and I have subsidizing the private school tu- global pandemic when people are to become the prime minister. Byrne tweeted. said [that continually], but they’re ition of four of Mr. Scheer’s chil- looking for good political leader- They also said there’s no point Attached to the tweet was not going to,” said Ms. Byrne dren. Media reports also indicated ship during this crisis. in talking about replacing Mr. the CTV Question Period clip in the podcast. “They’re going that the OLO’s budget for the fi rst In an op-ed last week for Scheer with a new interim in which Mr. Scheer (Regina- to keep him as interim leader 10 months of 2019 was $201,000, CBC, Mr. Teneycke described Mr. leader when the leadership elec- Qu’Appelle, Sask.) said that he and we’ll continue to have these but the offi ce ended up spending Scheer as a “zombie leader.” tion is in three months. halted the process of renouncing stories for the next three months, $925,000. Both of these contro- Mr. Scheer also has been “Andrew Scheer has resigned his U.S. citizenship after he an- unfortunately.” versies made national headlines blasted for failing to condemn as the permanent leader of the nounced late last year he won’t In the last election, the Conser- and did not go over well with the Conservative MP and leader- Conservative Party, and we have lead the party in the next elec- vative Party won the popular vote party’s base. ship candidate Derek Sloan’s a leadership race that is going on, tion. “Scheer says he halted the and 22 more seats than it did in A subsequent internal review (Hastings-Lennox and Addington, and we’re going to have a new process of renouncing his U.S. the 2015 election, but Mr. Scheer found that the party had been Ont.) controversial comments that Conservative leader who will lead citizenship once he stepped down still faced calls to step down from paying $18,000 annually to partly appeared to question Chief Public our party into the fall sitting, and as leader. Why? ‘Just for personal some prominent Conservatives, cover Mr. Scheer’s children’s Health Offi cer Dr. Theresa Tam’s I’m satisfi ed with that. And we’ll reasons…,” CTV Question Period who thought the party would not private school fees. The national loyalty to Canada. When Mr. move forward accordingly,” said tweeted. win the next election with Mr. council of the party was briefed in Scheer was fi rst asked about Mr. Conservative MP Michael Cooper This revelation surprised people Scheer as the party leader. March about the fi ndings of this Sloan’s comments, he declined (St. Albert-Edmonton, Alta.) in an across the country. Mr. Scheer They said that the October internal review. In the briefi ng, to take a position. But a few days interview with The Hill Times. had said during the last election election was a golden opportunity the national councillors were told later, he distanced himself and “He has indicated he’s not campaign that he had started the for their party to unseat Prime that the party provided an extra the caucus from Mr. Sloan’s com- going to be prime minister. So process of revoking his U.S. citi- Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papine- housekeeper and paid for some ments. therefore he has decided to put a zenship. The Globe and Mail fi rst au, Que.) Liberals, who ran a ter- clothing expenses for the Scheer Some MPs and other vet- halt on the revocation of his U.S. reported during the campaign that rible campaign and were mired in family’s campaign appearances. eran Conservatives have also citizenship. I understand his rea- Mr. Scheer holds dual U.S. and Ca- a number of controversies. These Also, the party helped pay for been unhappy with some of soning and I see no issue with it.” nadian citizenships, which was not Conservatives say that their party the minivan that Mr. Scheer used the comments that Mr. Scheer [email protected] public information until that time. lost the election because it made to attend pre-election campaign made about the government’s The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 29 News ‘Doing democracy by Zoom meetings is just not the same as being there in the House’

“I think it would probably be also means an election could is sitting regularly in person,” he are sitting right now are com- This could be ‘the better to have a discussion of this theoretically happen anytime as said. “And we’ve seen over the mittees that are directly related nature in July, when we would the Liberals need the support of at last several weeks, Parliament’s to the COVID response. And so forgotten Parliament’ have a better sense of [the situa- least one opposition party on every sitting virtually that is better than everything on the Environment tion],” Mr. Lamoureux said. legislation. not sitting at all, but it’s no sub- Committee has been postponed if the in-person During regular in-person Com- Considering the ongoing stitute for the real thing, to speak until we can start back up again. House sittings don’t mons sittings, MPs attend House speculation about a possible fall in-person and sitting in Ottawa in And so defi nitely, I miss being proceedings and take part in de- election, if the next election hap- the Chamber.” able to bring my constituents and return before the bates on a variety of government pens before the House returns for Moreover, he said being in Canadians’ concerns around the and private members’ legislative full in-person sittings, new MPs Ottawa offers MPs an opportu- environment to that space.” next election, says issues. The opposition MPs come could theoretically have had only nity to get to know each other As well, Ms. Collins said being to Ottawa to hold the government six weeks in Ottawa. across party lines and to build in Ottawa, rookie MPs can have Conservative MP to account in the daily 45-minute Two-term Conservative MP relationships that play a key role access to their mentors in-person Question Period and scrutinize Michael Cooper (St. Albert- in making progress in the legisla- and build a network of friend- Michael Cooper. legislative issues in one of the Edmonton, Alta.) said that if the tive process in the House and in ships. Working remotely, she said, more than 20 House committees. next election happened prior to committees. new MPs can still reach out to Continued from page 1 Every Wednesday morning, when the House returning back to the “Frankly, the opportunity to veteran MPs, but the in-person Parliament during the pandemic, the House is in session, all par- full sittings, the “current Parlia- get to know colleagues, not just meetings are easier as everyone is but also say they’re missing out liamentary caucuses hold weekly ment could be the forgotten within your own caucus, but in on Parliament Hill. on a big part of being federal regional and national meetings Parliament.” all different political parties. And “I miss kind of the informal legislators, including not attend- to discuss parliamentary strategy “Simply put, there have been that’s one of the things that is interactions with MPs across ing House committees, the daily and MPs share feedback and in- very few sitting weeks that the really lacking in terms of virtual party lines,” said Ms. Collins. Question Period, offi cial func- formation on what their constitu- House has been back with all sittings,” said Mr. Cooper. “And so you just have to put in a tions, diplomatic functions, meet- little more effort to reach out to, ing in-person with staff, other you know, I had a conversation a MPs, lobbyists, and building key couple weeks ago with one of the relationships in-person in Ottawa. MPs from the Liberals who had “Doing democracy by Zoom heard one of my questions on a meetings is just not the same technical briefi ng call. And so we as being there in the House of were able to have a conversation. Commons,” said rookie Conserva- It just takes a little more effort tive MP Michael Kram (Regina- than if you would just see them Wascana, Sask.), who unseated in the lobby or see them on the former Liberal cabinet minister Hill.” Ralph Goodale in the last election. Prior to COVID-19, an “Certainly the new opportunities overwhelming majority of the to learn are not there as much for constituency work was about the new MPs but that’s something immigration. But now MPs say we all have to deal with.” they’re mostly dealing with Rookie Liberal MP Han Dong government-related COVID-19 (Don Valley North, Ont.) said he spending programs. Close to misses his regular parliamentary seven and a half million people duties in Ottawa but under the have applied for emergency circumstances there’s no option fi nancial aid under the govern- but to work remotely. ment’s spending programs. “I do miss Ottawa, I miss sit- “My offi ce has been inun- ting in the Parliament,” said Mr. Rookie Conservative MP Michael Kram, left, Liberal MP Han Dong, and NDP MP Laurel Collins say that by working remotely, dated with requests for support; Dong. “It is what it is, the nature they’re missing out the parliamentary experience in Ottawa but understand that it’s a pandemic and are making the best of either people who are wanting of things. We just have to cope their virtual parliamentary experience by helping out constituents. Photographs courtesy of Facebook and Laurel Collins help navigating the programs with it.” are being put out by the federal In 2019, 98 rookie MPs —43 government, the support benefi ts; Conservatives, 24 Liberals, 22 ents are telling them back home 338 MPs present, a little more “You may not agree with and a lot of people who are fall- Bloc Québécois, eight NDP, and about their party’s policies. In than a month,” said Mr. Cooper. someone on an issue but you ing through the cracks of those one Green—were elected to the between their offi cial duties, MPs “So essentially, this Parliament might actually quite like [him or programs,” said Ms. Collins. House. Since the October federal also mingle with their colleagues has barely gotten off the ground her], as a person, because you Mr. Dong who represents a election, Parliament had sat for in the parliamentary hallways, and if there’s an early election, it talk to them, you’ve dealt with GTA riding said that COVID-19 only six weeks until it was sus- during lunch time, and often could go down as the forgotten them, you’ve worked with them. is still the leading subject in his pended on March 13. The House socialize after hours whether it be Parliament.” And you don’t have that same constituents’ questions. However resumed last month for virtual sit- at popular political pubs around Mr. Cooper said that the full sort of interaction in a virtual a signifi cant number of those tings and a quorum of MPs from town, restaurants, or at offi cial in-person sittings allow all MPs capacity. It’s certainly important questions still have immigration all parties has attended weekly parliamentary functions and re- the experience of engaging in in terms of being able to work component related to wait times, Special COVID-19 Pandemic ceptions in political Ottawa. the cut and thrust of politics by with your caucus. But also, in eligibility requirements, whether Committee meetings three days a In their constituencies, MPs debating and asking questions in terms of being able to fi nd com- government fi nancial assistance week in the House Chamber since meet with their constituents the Question Period. mon ground on issues. Sometimes during the pandemic would affect last month. But it’s unknown as much as possible to discuss “Certainly having the op- those relationships can make all someone’s ability to sponsor, and when the full contingency of all individual and collective com- portunity to engage in debate, to the difference in terms of mov- international students qualifi ca- 338 MPs will return to Ottawa munity issues and try to help. In give speeches, to hone the skills ing an issue forward successfully, tion for immigration, among oth- again. There are 157 Liberals, 121 normal times, they also welcome better that you develop in the such as in different ways, but, you ers, he said. Conservatives, 32 Bloc Québécois, their constituents to walk into House of Commons, in terms of know, it’s something like a private “Whether it’s processing time, 24 NDP, three Green MPs, and their constituency offi ces, even parliamentary debate and the member’s bill, for example.” whether it’s eligibility, they’re all one Independent MP. without appointments to meet back and forth,” said Mr. Cooper Rookie MPs told The Hill triggered by what’s going on with Liberal Kevin Lamoureux with their staff for help on any in a phone interview with The Times that they do miss the COVID-19,” said Mr. Dong. (Winnipeg North, Man.), who is issue. As well, MPs like to attend Hill Times. in-person parliamentary experi- All MPs interviewed said that also parliamentary secretary to community events and the larger Mr. Cooper said parliamentar- ence of attending regular House they’re using online resources Government House Leader Pablo the gathering the better as it gives ians who have quality skills to proceedings, committee meetings, such as Facebook Live, Zoom, Rodriguez (Honoré-Mercier, them more exposure and name ask pertinent questions and to weekly national caucus meetings, or regular telephone conference Que.), told The Hill Times recently recognition. analyze legislation in committees and informal interactions with calls to reach out to their con- that he does not personally ex- But these days MPs and their are absolutely essential to hold colleagues in between House du- stituents. All said they are holding pect the House to return with all staffers are interacting with the the government to account. He ties and after work. regular virtual town halls to meet MPs until early next year. constituents only online or by said he understands the reasons “In Ottawa, going to in-person with their constituents. “My offi ce “I can’t see that happening this phone. All in-person meetings why Parliament is not sitting and sessions, there is the ability to has been quite busy,” said Mr. year, personally. That’s a personal have been cancelled. added that virtual sittings are bet- talk in the lobbies with your col- Dong. “[We use] virtual platforms opinion, just based on what I see In the 2019 election, Prime ter than no sittings at all. leagues,” said NDP MP Laurel to connect with our constituents happening in the environment Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, “That’s vital to Canadian Collins (Victoria, B.C.). “For me, and local businesses.” around me,” Mr. Lamoureux told Que.) Liberals were reduced to a democracy that we have a func- I’m on the Environment Commit- [email protected] The Hill Times. minority from a majority, which tioning House of Commons that tee, and the only committees that The Hill Times 30 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES hill climbers

by Laura Ryckewaert Labour Minister Tassi now has a 15-member team

Nilani Eight political staff ers have Logeswaran is now Ms. joined the labour minister’s Tassi’s head of offi ce since late January, parliamentary including a parliamentary affairs. Photograph aff airs director, a courtesy of communications assistant, LinkedIn Labour Minister Filomena Tassi, pictured Jan. 28, 2020, speaking with reporters in the West and two new regional aff airs Block after a cabinet meeting. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade advisers. for Ontario and Atlantic regional affairs. The Huffi ngton Post Quebec, covering She’s spent the last two years working subjects like LGBT rights and policies and abour Minister Filomena Tassi has in the Prime Minister’s Offi ce, starting Canadian and American politics, Mr. Pilon Lfurther built up her offi ce since Hill as a summer intern in 2018, after which has spent the last almost half a year doing Climbers’ last dive into the team in Janu- Rounding off the late January additions she was hired on full-time as an assistant communications work for GRIS-Montréal, ary, including lining up Nilani Logeswaran to Ms. Tassi’s team are Brett Warren Mar- for special projects, working under Brett a non-profi t organization aimed at promot- as director of parliamentary affairs, and tin, who was brought on board as a sched- Thalmann, who’s since been bumped ing LGBT+ diversity. He’s also a former hiring Olivier Pilon as a communications uling assistant to the minister, ministerial up from director of administration and reporter with the Aylmer Bulletin (Bulletin assistant earlier this month. driver Daniel Rozon, and special assistant special projects to the title of executive d’Aylmer) and has a bachelor’s degree in A former director of parliamentary for policy Julia Van Drie. director of planning, administration, and political science from the University of Ot- affairs to then-science and sport minister Ms. Van Drie previously spent time as people. tawa and a master’s degree in the subject Kirsty Duncan, Ms. Logeswaran joined Ms. a special assistant to then-employment, from the University of Quebec in Montreal. Tassi’s team at the end of January. workforce development, and labour minis- Michaela Before joining Ms. Duncan’s offi ce in ter Patty Hajdu for roughly a year starting Rutherford- Olivier Pilon has January 2019, Ms. Logeswaran had been in May 2017. She went on to work as a spe- Blouin been hired as a an issues manager in Innovation Minister cial assistant in the federal Liberal caucus’ is now communications Navdeep Bains’ offi ce; she started out on research bureau and most recently was a working for assistant to Ms. that team in April 2016 as a special as- special assistant for policy and stakeholder the labour Tassi. Photograph sistant for parliamentary affairs and issues relations to Small Business and Export minister. courtesy of management. Promotion Mary Ng, who has since—as of Photograph LinkedIn Ms. Logeswaran is also a former On- the post-election cabinet shuffl e in Novem- courtesy of tario Liberal staffer, and while at Queen’s ber 2019—added on the international trade LinkedIn Park spent time as press secretary to fi le. then-education minister Liz Sandals and Hanna Kambo has been hired as senior then-consumer services minister Tracy adviser for West and North regional af- MacCharles, and as a legislative assistant fairs to Ms. Tassi; she started on the job in and issues manager to Ms. MacCharles’ February. predecessor, then-consumer services min- After serving as a deputy fi eld organiz- ister Margarett Best. er for the federal Liberal Party in Vancou- Ms. Rutherford-Blouin is also a former Colin Lalonde is working under Ms. ver during the 2015 election, Ms. Kambo constituency assistant to Kingston, Ont., Jude Welch is chief of staff to Ms. Tassi. Logeswaran as a senior adviser for par- landed a job as an assistant to then-Liberal Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen and a for- Along with those already mentioned, liamentary affairs, having started in Ms. MP John McCallum on Parliament Hill mer Eastern regional co-ordinator for the currently working as political staff in the Tassi’s offi ce as labour minister around the in February 2016. A year later she landed Ontario Young Liberals, and spent a year as labour minister’s offi ce are: Miles Hopper, same time at the end of January. a job in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s president of the Queen’s University Liberal director of policy; Shaun Govender, direc- During the last Parliament, Mr. Lalonde offi ce as a special assistant for operations, Association while studying as an under- tor of operations; Lars Wessman, director was a special assistant for operations and staying there for about a year and a half, grad in political studies at the school. In of communications; Dustin Fitzpatrick, Ontario regional affairs in Ms. Tassi’s offi ce at which point she became an operations 2017, while in university, she took part in press secretary; Melonie Fullick, commu- as seniors minister. He fi rst began work- and stakeholder relations adviser to then- Equal Voice’s Daughters of the Vote event nications assistant; and Thomas Gagné, ing for Ms. Tassi during her time as deputy intergovernmental and northern affairs as the delegate for Leeds-Grenville-Thou- senior adviser for issues management and Liberal Whip in January 2017, having left minister Dominic LeBlanc. sand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Ont. Quebec regional affairs. his old post as a deputy lobby co-ordinator Also starting in February was Michaela Finally, on to the team’s most recent [email protected] in the Government Whip’s Offi ce to do so. Rutherford-Blouin as a special adviser addition: Mr. Pilon. A former blogger for The Hill Times

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C018512 PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH DORWEILER THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 31 News

Independent Senators Revival of Upper Group Leader Yuen Pau Woo (British Columbia), Chamber’s left, pictured at a committee meeting Progressive in 2018 on the Hill with Quebec Senator Pierre Group will Dalphond. The Hill Times photograph by ‘weaken’ Senate Andrew Meade leaders, says Sen. Pierre Dalphond other Senators who made up that When asked whether the loss Group, and those three groups re; and to what he said was a con- group. of two Senators from his group then pledged to pass on some ‘If you have options, frontational approach to dealing Sen. Woo was re-elected by recently was a sign that he should of the seats that their members with the Conservative opposition ISG Senators for a second term as change his leadership style, didn’t want to non-affi liated you become more in the Senate. the group’s leader—using the title he said, ”we are in continuous Senators including the Progres- The ISG is led by a group that “facilitator”—in December. In an renewal and continuous improve- sives. independent,’ says includes Leader Sen. Yuen Pau interview with The Hill Times last ment, and that will keep going.” The leader of the PSG, Sen. Sen. Dalphond, the Woo (B.C.) and deputy leader week, he said his ISG leadership “I’m not concerned because it Jane Cordy (Nova Scotia) told Sen. Raymonde Saint-Germain group had only pressed for what is part of the ebb and fl ow of the The Hill Times earlier this month second Senator this (De la Vallière, Que.). the ISG was entitled to under the Senate that membership numbers that those groups would have “To replace party discipline Senate rules. change and people migrate to dif- had the power to take those seats month to quit the ISG by group discipline is not at all “We have followed the rules ferent groups. back from PSG members if they what I was coming for. That’s not and the practices, the well estab- “My metric in assessing these so desired. and join the PSG. reform,” said Sen. Dalphond. lished rules and practices of the developments is whether or not Sen. Woo told The Hill Times the Senators and the groups they last week that he did not inter- pret the agreement that way, and Continued from page 1 join are pro-reform, whether they also support a more independent, believed that the PSG members too much control over Sena- less partisan Senate,” he said, would have had those seats for tors within their groups, and not noting that Senators Bovey and good. working cooperatively in the Sen- Dalphond, the PSG and Canadian Now that the PSG has offi cial ate Chamber. Senators Group all support some status, Senate leaders would have Having regained offi cial status, reforms to the Senate. to “reconsider” committee compo- the PSG will now have a claim sition, said Sen. Woo. He said that to seats on Senate committees, a Senate committee deal in may not mean tearing up the old budget for research and adminis- agreement right away. tration, and more speaking time question “With the PSG now a recog- and other privileges for its leader- Like the House of Commons, nized group, we have to recon- ship team in the Chamber. the Senate has been sitting only sider committee memberships, “The more groups you have sporadically since mid-March, there’s no question about that. in the Senate, the more freedom given advice from public health But whether we want to return each Senator will have and enjoy, offi cials that Canadians avoid to negotiations now I think is a and less powers the leaders would Senator Patricia Bovey, centre, pictured in 2016 alongside then-government large gatherings amid the CO- separate question, there may not have,” Sen. Dalphond told The Hill representative, now PSG Senator Peter Harder, left, and ISG Senator Murray VID-19 pandemic. Three Senate be a rush to do so,” he said. Times in an interview last week. Sinclair. The Hill Times file photograph committees have been struck and Senate leaders may also “In the old duopoly, you had begun to meet virtually, and a eventually have to renegotiate an no choice: you were [in] one Sen. Bovey told The Hill Times Senate, and when the Conserva- small number of Senators have agreement reached this spring group, and you had to oppose the that she left the ISG because of is- tives have tried to deny us the met in the Chamber for several on how to divide up the funding other group. So now you have sues with “collaborative working” things that have been done in the single-day sittings to pass emer- for the Senate’s various groups. four groups, and every Senator is and equality in the Senate. She past, or to follow the rules, we gency relief legislation brought The PSG lost its funding for a free to go, if he wants, to another said that she wanted to advance have stuck to our guns. I don’t forward by the government. research and administrative staff group where he or she will feel her work in the Senate on issues call that confrontational, I call It’s not yet clear when the Sen- after it lost offi cial status. comfortable. related to the arts and culture, that being a good Senator.” ate will resume fully attended sit- However, the PSG could lose “I think it’s going to weaken and the Arctic. “If anything the problem we tings in the Chamber, or when the that status again as soon as this the leadership in every group, “To me that’s what we’re doing face is the minoritarian tyranny,” he remaining Senate committees will August, when PSG Sen. Lillian which means more freedom in the Senate, we’re looking at said, referring to powers and privi- be struck. Senate leaders reached Dyck (Saskatchewan) turns 75, for Senators. Because I really multiple issues that affect society, leges in the Senate rules that allow an agreement on the composi- the age for mandatory retire- believe not only in equality but we’re looking at it from multiple minority Senate groups to derail tion of committees in March, but ment from the Red Chamber. If in independence, and if you have perspectives, and I felt that the proceedings in the Chamber. have not yet formally struck any no other Senators join the PSG options, you become more inde- Progressives were a place where The ISG now has 48 seats in committees besides the Internal before then, the group will drop pendent.” I would be able to do that with the Senate, exactly half of the Economy, Finance, and Social below the nine-member threshold Sen. Dalphond said he left the greater ease,” she said. total number that are occupied. Affairs committees. Efforts to get when Sen. Dyck retires. Several ISG because its leadership had “I’ve worked with many The opposition Conservatives more committees up and running more PSG Senators are scheduled been using or threatening to use people, and I don’t have a whole hold 21 seats, the Canadian Sena- virtually have been hampered to retire in the next few years. its majority status in the Senate to lot of years in the Senate, and I’m tors Group holds 13, the PSG has by logistical and technological Sen. Cordy has been trying solidify its power in the Chamber, not prepared to give up my goals nine, and fi ve Senators remain barriers. to recruit Senators from the ISG, and control positions in the Sen- and my values and my principles,” unaffi liated. The revival of the Progressive and told The Hill Times earlier ate. He pointed as examples to a she said. Sen. Woo said the motion to Senate Group will force Senate this month that some have ex- motion passed by Senate leaders Sen. Bovey declined to say strip Senators who leave a group leaders to rejig their agreement pressed an interest in joining her in March to prevent Senators who whether or how she had been pre- of their seats was agreed to by on committee seats. Under the group. She said she will also pitch leave a group from keeping their vented from pursuing those goals all the Senate leaders, and was a agreement hashed out earlier this any newly-appointed Senators committee seats; to the leaders of during her time in the ISG. “I’m “deal-breaker” in the negotiations year, the PSG was not offi cially on joining the group. There are the ISG and other Senate groups not going to talk against a group over committee composition. given committee seats for its currently nine vacancies in the dividing up committee chair made up of members for whom I “I don’t have a particularly members because it did not have Senate that Prime Minister Justin positions between their groups; have great respect,” she said. strong philosophical attachment offi cial standing in the Senate. Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) could to the ISG’s push to control the Both Senators Bovey and Dal- to that provision at all, but it was Instead, the seats were divided up fi ll at any time. selection of the Senate’s deputy phond said they joined the PSG in necessary for the deal to happen,” between the ISG, the Conserva- [email protected] Speaker, the Speaker pro tempo- part because they respected the he said. tives, and the Canadian Senators The Hill Times 32 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES CLASSIFIEDS Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 • [email protected]

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The feds should “A lot of this leads to a big be spent by the end of March, but certain demographics over oth- by a customer in a Vancouver question mark, in terms of you Heritage allowed the group to defer ers, “because of who they are.” convenience store in March. ask jurisdictions to have this plan, you have this about 40 per cent of it to Septem- “We’re facing a bit of a Police said some comments were commitment to funding, and now, ber, said Ms. Rosenberg, as some catch-22. People on the ground linked to COVID-19. gather more data on of course, we have this global of the events had to be put on hold are experiencing a lot of acts of “The challenge in dealing with pandemic,” said Mr. Chaudhry. due to limits on gatherings. harassment and violence. The the Asian communities on matters race, language, and That funding was designed to The group was hoping to use institutions are not responding, of racism is you’re dealing with a economic status to support projects focused on re- the money in the run-up to the In- either in words or actions, and community that has historically ducing employment barriers and ternational Day for the Elimination somewhere people fall between and culturally been very quiet and better illuminate how promoting participation in sports, of Racial Discrimination on March the cracks and the data will not often reluctant to speak out and arts and culture, among other 21, but is now looking to move refl ect the situation that people report these incidents to authori- the virus is aff ecting efforts. Mr. Chaudhry’s proposal some of its events online, which are experiencing,” he said. ties, and that’s a cultural dimen- pitched creating an online tool could take place in the following According to the feds’ strategy, sion that has to be taken into certain populations, for people to access information weeks and months, she said. $6.2-million has been set aside consideration,” said Mr. Niemi. on what to do if they witness dis- While the combined $30-mil- to “increase reliable, usable, and Echoing worries that it can be says Fo Niemi, crimination in a sports setting. lion listed in the strategy for CS- comparable data and evidence diffi cult for people to “formalize” executive director “Those are the type of things MARI and ARAP is “a drop in the regarding discrimination,” by al- their experiences, NDP diversity where, prior to COVID, you’d be bucket” for a nationwide response lowing Statistics Canada to over critic Lindsay Mathyssen (Lon- of Montreal-based able to get a broader approach to outside of a pandemic, Ms. Rosen- sample and break down numbers don-Fanshawe, Ont.) said that different areas you’re observing berg said the overall strategy was by “meaningful categories of race more core funding, rather than Centre for Research- and see racial discrimination oc- a “welcome” step in recognition and/or ethno-cultural origins.” project-based funding, is “some- cur [in],” said Mr. Chaudhry. “But that there are systemic inequali- Statistics Canada is receiving thing that governments haven’t Action on Race I think in the post-COVID world, ties faced by many in the country, about $4.2-million over three years, committed to for quite some time.” it’s really important that the fund- which are being brought to the spokesperson Martin Magnon “A pandemic, if anything, really Relations. ing streams are still available to, fore thanks to the pandemic. wrote in a May 16 email, $3-million sheds light on the fact that you can have all these organizations BY PALAK MANGAT Diversity and doing good work on projects, but Inclusion when they have project-based mid reports of a rise in anti- Minister Bardish funding, they can’t turn to then AAsian racism driven by the Chagger's deal with unexpected emergencies COVID-19 pandemic, some ad- mandate letter for crises like we’re seeing now. vocates and critics are calling on charges her with Or to then switch that funding into the federal government to use its expanding the something that will have meaning- anti-racism strategy to respond to feds' anti-racism ful effects in emergency situations those threats, with experts saying strategy and like COVID-19,” she said. it should redirect funds to more ensuring that Mr. Niemi called for “concerted targeted initiatives. community action” from the federal govern- Avvy Go, a director with the programs ment, saying he has yet to see Chinese and Southeast Asian conform to the “proactive leadership” from it. Legal Clinic in Toronto, said the goals set out pandemic has highlighted the in the strategy. Anti-racism work seen as “shortcomings” in the feds’ strat- The Hill Times ‘soft’ work, says former egy, which was unveiled last June. photograph by Heritage adviser “If you look at the strategy, it Andrew Meade doesn’t have anything that could Manjot Bains, a former senior put the government in a position program adviser with Heritage and to respond to the rise of racism, current producer of the Nameless particularly anti-Chinese and Collective Podcast, which focuses anti-Asian racism during a pan- on the history of Vancouver’s South demic,” Ms. Go said. Asian community, said she did not The strategy makes explicit have input in the development of reference to tackling anti-Black, the federal strategy, but worked anti-Indigenous, Islamaphobic, on the ground to implement it at a and Anti-Semitic racism and regional level. discrimination, but, Ms. Go said, at least initially, focus on how the “The virus is demonstrating to of which will support its oversam- “The idea of working on stuff more can be done to tackle the pandemic has really exposed an us that when we have inequali- pling work for the 2020 General like anti-racism, is kind of a ‘soft’ rise in incidents across the coun- underbelly of racial discrimina- ties, the people who are made Social Survey collection, for which subject. It’s not an imperative; it’s not try in the past few months. tion that’s still occurring in our vulnerable by those inequalities work will begin “later this year.” integral to what the government is “From my perspective, after country.” are also made more vulnerable to The survey program focuses doing,” she said. “It’s more of a ‘this COVID-19, we need to look at He said he “can be mindful” if this virus,” Ms. Rosenberg said in on one core topic or question and would be nice to work on because more broadly how the different funding for such broader pro- an interview last week. gathers stats on social trends, it’s important,’ but it’s not as impor- racialized groups are being af- grams is limited to help Ottawa monitoring changes in living con- tant as getting money to small busi- fected,” said Ms. Go. “In the case redirect its funds toward tack- Canada might ‘miss the ditions, and overall well-being. nesses or students or individuals.” of the Asian and Chinese com- ling anti-Asian and anti-Chinese boat’ on data, warns In 2018, for example, the agency She said reports of incidents to munity, it’s that very ‘in your face’ sentiments, as there is need for collected fi gures on the theme police and authorities “don’t even rise of hatred towards our com- the feds to support “more direct advocate of caregiving, but it did not “over scratch the surface” of what might munities. That may persist after aspects of where people are expe- Fo Niemi, executive director sample for specifi c ethno-cultural be happening on the ground. COVID-19, as so many people riencing discrimination unfairly of Montreal-based Centre for groups in an effort to achieve the Ms. Go noted that has led have lost their jobs and they are because of the COVID-19 situa- Research-Action on Race Rela- granularity of detail that is being some groups, such as the Chinese looking for someone to blame, so tion.” tions, said that “the concern that sought out for GSS Social Iden- Canadian National Council’s we cannot assume that just be- According to Rhonda Rosen- we have is that we have not seen tity,” wrote Mr. Magnon. Toronto chapter, to begin gather- cause the pandemic is over, that berg, executive director of the much of a federal response in While the feds have signalled ing data on incident reports on that kind of racism will end.” Multicultural Council of Sas- concrete terms to this rising tide a willingness to gather more its own website in wake of the One new funding stream fl owing katchewan, the government is al- of anti-Asian violence and hate.” data, Mr. Niemi said quantita- pandemic. out of the strategy is the $15-mil- ready allowing fl exibility in some His group is one of several calling tive fi gures on hate crime remain The CCNC has set up a form lion Anti-Racism Action Program, funding in light of the pandemic. on authorities to track how the virus limited, a fact police in Vancouver that asks questions like the age, spread out over three years. Irfan Her group was awarded is affecting minority groups, as cur- acknowledged as recently as last gender, jurisdiction, time, loca- Chaudhry, director of the Offi ce $100,000 in February under the rent data focuses on age and gender, month. tion, and type of discrimination of Human Rights, Diversity, and Community Support, Multicultur- but, he said, little is available on race, In that city, 11 hate crimes faced, and a webpage notes that Equity at MacEwan University in alism, and Anti-Racism Initiative language, and economic status. were reported in March, and the project is funded through Edmonton, said his offi ce applied Program. It is not a new initiative, The feds should ask jurisdic- police say fi ve “had an anti- Heritage. Reached last week for to the program in December. A call but Ms. Mills noted the strategy tions to gather more data on these Asian element.” By comparison, comment, a spokesperson for the for proposals opened last Septem- has $15-million in funding over demographic factors, he said, there were 12 anti-Asian hate council said that it is not ready to ber and closed on Jan. 13, Heritage three years, much like the ARAP adding that Canada might “miss crimes reported for all of 2019. share any data but will be doing spokesperson Amy Mills wrote in funding. the boat” on collecting valuable This year, one incident involved so “in the coming weeks.” a May 19 email, with a decision At the time of the announce- data that can show the extent to an elderly man with dementia [email protected] expected “in the late summer.” ment, the $100,000 was supposed to which the pandemic is impacting being shouted at and shoved The Hill Times 34 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Books & Big Ideas

Tom Flanagan, pictured at the Flanagan documents how Manning Centre’s conference in Ottawa in 2012. ‘In the preceding years, I had successful First Nations done a number of specialized studies on the theme of First are achieving prosperity Nations’ prosperity, published on the websites of the Th e Wealth of First tarily choose to join Canadians in 2016 census on the characteristics Frontier Centre and seeking the benefi ts of the mod- of reserve populations were not the Fraser Centre. Nations, by Tom ern form of social organization. yet available at the time of writ- I wanted to pull Rather, that model was imposed ing. However, data from previous all this research Flanagan, published upon them by colonialism, often census years have always shown together into a with harshly coercive methods that First Nation people living on more coherent by the Fraser such as the prohibition of their reserve were less well off than whole, and that Institute, is one of this inherited languages and religious Métis or indeed than First Nations became the book.’ practices, so they are naturally people living off reserve. The Hill Times file year’s fi ve fi nalists confl icted about it. Some have So the most serious concern, photograph by Jake reacted rather like immigrants, and the focus of this book, is not Wright for the prestigious pursuing employment, education, about the prosperity of Indig- and social participation while enous people as such but about Donner Prize, the best also often trying to preserve a First Nations people living in re- modern economists call rent- the most pressing moral impera- distinctive cultural inheritance. serve communities. The question seeking—using political power tive of our time,” particularly in public policy book of Others remain outside the wider is, is it possible for people living to change the rules surrounding the highly politicized fi eld of society and are largely shut off in these circumstances, which ownership and exchange, to steer Indigenous studies. The purpose the year. Here’s an from the economic and social make it diffi cult to participate ful- the benefi ts toward a selected of the book is to provide empiri- excerpt. benefi ts that most Canadians en- ly in Canadian society as individ- group. A classic Canadian exam- cal evidence about the well-being joy. Let’s look at some numbers. uals, to participate communally in ple of rent-seeking is the supply of First Nations. Which factors In the 2016 census, 1,673,785 such a way as to achieve a stan- management of dairy products, are associated with prosperity, BY TOM FLANAGAN of Canada’s 34.5 million people dard of living similar to that of which has created a set of rules and which with poverty? The labelled themselves as having other Canadians? One answer, go- that apply nowhere else in the emphasis is on laws, policies, rior to the 19th century, the an aboriginal identity. Of the ab- ing back to the fi rst Indian Act of Canadian economy: administered and strategies that are under the Plarge majority of human be- original identifi ers, 977,230 called 1876, is no: First Nations people prices, production quotas, and control of governments—federal, ings lived in what today would be themselves First Nations, Reg- must be enfranchised as individu- high protective tariffs to reduce provincial, and, most importantly, considered poverty. In all com- istered, or treaty Indians, while als after a period of proper educa- the effect of foreign competition. First Nations themselves. The plex societies, an elite stratum 587,540 called themselves Métis, tion required to learn the arts For First Nations today, “mak- fi ndings in the book are meant to used its control of political and i.e., being of mixed aboriginal and of civilization. But First Nations ing” means earning money by be of practical assistance to politi- economic institutions to enjoy a other ancestry. communities have rejected this engaging in what I call “commu- cal leaders at all levels, suggest- varied diet, clean water, formal full-scale assimilation, as illus- nity capitalism.” A First Nation ing what is likely to contribute to education, and relief from long trated in the vehement reaction can make money and create jobs elevating the well-being of First hours of manual labour, but such to the federal government’s 1969 for its members by organizing or Nations. luxuries were not for ordinary White Paper. Those in remote lo- investing in businesses, selling The evidence presented here people. cations have also usually rejected goods and services to consum- suggests that improvement will For causes that are still the less sweeping but still drastic ers, leasing land for residential or only happen if the changes allow debated, things came together option of relocation to a site near business purposes, and licensing First Nations to become more in the 19th century to make a town or city where economic the extraction of natural re- self-determining, more able to possible a gradual extension of opportunities are more abundant. sources. This is the general way of take advantage of the economic these luxuries to the broad mass Hence arises the question of how creating wealth in a free-market opportunities around them, and of the population. A new society First Nations’ prosperity can be society, except that First Na- more agile in using their own emerged characterized by univer- achieved through collective rather tions are doing it as communities governments to promote the sal education, the harnessing of than individual participation in rather than as individuals. well-being of their people. This science to engineering, the divi- Canadian society. First Nations engage in “tak- book contains many detailed sion of labour and mass produc- ing” when they lobby for more fi ndings about laws, programs, tion, multiplication of energy Making and taking extensive government services policies and strategies, which all through use of hydrocarbon fuels, As I am using the concept of fi nanced by general tax revenues, cohere around one major conclu- the extension of private property “making” here, it includes the no- litigate to create potentially prof- sion: whatever the wrongs and rights and free markets, and in- tion of “trading.” Thus augmented, itable rights such as the duty of calamities of the past, the future clusive political institutions based The Wealth of First Nations, by Tom “making” means the creation of consultation, seek compensation prosperity of First Nations will on constitutionalism, representa- Flanagan, published by the Fraser wealth by offering for sale or for past grievances, and demand depend mainly upon their own a share of resource revenues initiatives, their own efforts, their tive government, and a widely Institute, 2019. Image courtesy of the lease something owned by the own choices. Those—not govern- distributed franchise. Fraser Institute makers. This could be the makers’ generated by others. In these in- Canada has thrived under the time, as in contracts of employ- stances, they are using the power ment transfer payments and ad- new form of social organization, A comparison between Métis ment. It could be objects that the of government, including both the ministrative reorganization—will achieving rank among the world’s and First Nations highlights the makers have fabricated, books political and the judicial process- build a genuine “Wealth of First leaders in political freedom and focus of this book. The Métis they have written, manufactur- es, to acquire more money, land, Nations.” Tom Flanagan is a professor stability, material standard of liv- were designated as an aboriginal ing processes they have patented. and property rights. emeritus of political science and ing, longevity, advanced educa- people in the Constitution Act, It could be land, buildings, or Even if making and taking are distinguished fellow at the school tion, relative equality between the 1982, but they have never been natural resources they own. In all not watertight compartments, it is of public policy at the University sexes, and many other economic separated from Canadian society cases, makers enter the economic a useful common-sense distinc- of Calgary. This excerpt was re- and social benefi ts. Immigrants in the same way as Indians. marketplace through exchanges tion. Hence this book is divided printed with permission from The from all over the world have been Except for the eight small Métis for mutual benefi t in voluntary into two parts corresponding Wealth of First Nations. The fi ve able to benefi t from Canada’s settlements in Alberta, there are transactions. Makers have things to these two main strategies of fi nalists for this year’s $50,000 achievements by participating as no Métis reserves, no Métis Act, that other people want, and they acquiring wealth. As I go along, I Donner Prize, the best book on individuals in the society—be- no history of separate legal and are willing to exchange some or will try to point out ways in which public policy are: Breakdown: The coming citizens and voting in political status. So how have they all of these things for different they may reinforce or work at Pipeline Debate and the Threat elections, earning income from done in Canadian society? things that will make them better cross purposes with each other. to Canada’s Future, by Den- employment and investment, at- Other indicators would show off. The fi rst part looks at how First nis McConaghy; Empty Planet: tending educational institutions, the same pattern: the Métis oc- “Taking,” on the other hand, is Nations have increased their The Shock of Global Population and raising children who can cupy an intermediate position be- involuntary. It means using the well-being by engaging in the Decline, by Darrell Bricker and progress even farther. Members tween First Nations and non-ab- power of the state to appropriate Canadian economy through com- John Ibbitson; Living With China: of some groups also work hard at original Canadians, often closer the wealth that others have gener- munity capitalism; the second A Middle Power Finds Its Way, retaining a distinctive religious or to the latter than the former. The ated through voluntary transac- part examines the results of their by Wendy Dobson; The Tangled cultural identity, but that doesn’t pattern has been the same as long tions. It is part of what Acemoglu attempts to secure more control Garden: A Canadian Cultural compromise their prosperity as as data have been available. The and Robinson (2012), in their over resources through politics Manifesto For The Digital Age, long as they also take part as indi- disparity between Métis and First well-known book Why Nations and legal action. by Richard Stursberg; and The viduals and families in Canada’s Nations would be even larger if Fail, call “extractive institutions.” Wealth of First Nations, by Tom wider social and economic life. we looked at the approximately Taxation for purposes of income The need for evidence Flanagan. The winner will be an- There is, however, a serious half of First Nations people who redistribution is an obvious exam- I agree with the historian of nounced in the fall. problem of prosperity for Indige- live on Indian reserves. Unfor- ple. Less obvious but sometimes science Alice Dreger that “the The Hill Times nous people, who did not volun- tunately, detailed data from the even more rewarding is what pursuit of evidence is probably THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 35 Events Feature

Former premier of British Parliamentary Columbia Christy Clark Calendar will speak at a McGill University- hosted webinar on Wednesday, May 27 about missed opportunities to prepare for the pandemic. The Hill Times Christy Clark to photograph by discuss why policy- Sam Garcia makers missed so many opportunities to prepare for pandemic on May 27 at 4:30 p.m

MONDAY, MAY 25

House Not Sitting—The House has been sus- pended until Monday, May 25, and the spring schedule is still not confi rmed due to the global pandemic. However, during this adjournment time, a Special COVID-19 Pandemic Committee has been week and to sit again from Oct. 19 until Nov. 6. It 26. The Senate was scheduled to break from June include: Robert Asselin, senior director public policy, established, composed of all members of the House, was scheduled to break again for one week and to sit 29 until Sept. 22. The Senate’s possible September BlackBerry; Paul Schulte, founder and editor, Schulte to meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. again from Nov. 16 to Dec. 11. And that would be it sitting days are Sept. 21, 25, 28. It’s scheduled to sit Research; Craig Asano, founder and CEO, NCFA; The Wednesday meeting will be in person, while the for 2020. We’ll update you once the House calendar Sept. 22-24 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1, with a possible sit- George Bordianu, co-founder and CEO, Balance; Tuesday and Thursday sessions will be held virtually. has been confi rmed. ting day on Friday, Oct. 2. The possible Senate sitting Julien Brazeau, partner, Deloitte; Alixe Cormick, As per the original sitting calendar, if the House Senate Not Sitting—The Senate has extended its days are Oct. 5, 9, 19, 23, 26, and 30. It’s scheduled president, Venture Law Corporation; Nikola Danaylov, resumes on May 25, it will sit for four weeks, until suspension due to the COVID-19 virus until June 2. to sit Oct. 6-8; it takes a break from Oct. 12-16; it founder, keynote speaker, author futurist, Singularity its scheduled adjournment on June 23, but none The June possible sitting days were June 1, 5, 8, 12, will sit Oct. 20-22; and Oct. 27-29. The November Media; Pam Draper, president and CEO, Bitvo; Justin of this has been confi rmed yet. The House was also 15, and 19. The Senate was scheduled to sit June possible Senate days are: Nov. 2, 6, 16, 20, 23, Hartzman, co-founder and CEO, CoinSmart; Peter- scheduled to adjourn again for three months and 2-4; June 9-11; June 16-18; and June 22, 23, it was 27, 30. It’s scheduled to sit Nov. 3-5; it will take a Paul Van Hoeken, founder & CEO, FrontFundr; Cynthia to return in the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, for three scheduled to break on June 24 for St. Jean Baptiste break from Nov. 9-13; it will sit Nov. 17-19; and Nov. Huang, CEO and co-founder, Altcoin Fantasy; Austin straight weeks. It was scheduled to adjourn for one Day; and it was scheduled to sit June 25 and June 24-26. The possible December Senate sitting days Hubbel, CEO and co-founder, Consilium Crypto; are: Dec. 4, 7, and 11. The Senate is scheduled to sit Patrick Mandic, CEO, Mavennet; Mark Morissette, co- Dec. 1-3; Dec. 8-10 and it will sit Dec. 14-18. We’ll founder & CEO, Foxquilt; Cato Pastoll, co-founder & also update you once the Senate calendar has been CEO, Lending Loop; Bernd Petak, investment partner, confi rmed. Northmark Ventures; Ali Pourdad, Pourdad Capital TUESDAY, MAY 26 Partners, Family Offi ce; Richard Prior, global head of policy and research, FDATA; Richard Remillard, The Implementation of CUSMA: Relevance Post- president, Remillard Consulting Group; Jennifer Reyn- COVID-19—The ratifi cation of CUSMA is experienc- olds, president & CEO, Toronto Finance International; ing delays but is still on the horizon for Canada, Jason Saltzman, partner, Gowling WLG Canada; James the United States and Mexico. Join the C.D. Howe Wallace, co-chair and co-CEO, Exponential; Alan Institute to hear Mexico’s Undersecretary of Foreign Wunsche, CEO & chief token offi cer, Tokenfunder; and Trade, Luz María de la Mora present on the new trade Danish Yusuf, founder and CEO, Zensurance. For more deal’s implementation and fostering a more prosper- information, please visit: https://fi ntechandfunding. ous relationship between Mexico and Canada. C.D. com/. Howe Institute members and their guests can register FRIDAY, AUG. 21 online for the event, which takes place Tuesday, May 26, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Conservative Party Leadership—The federal WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Conservative Party’s Leadership Election Organizing Committee, also known as LEOC, announced on April Looking Through the Retro-Scope—Former premier of 29 that Aug. 21 is the deadline for mail-in ballots, British Columbia Christy Clark will speak on “Look- after the leadership was suspended on March 26 due to ing Through the Retro-Scope,” exploring why policy the global pandemic. The party says the winner will be makers missed so many opportunities to prepare for the announced once the ballots can be safely counted. pandemic, and why governments frequently fail to learn The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. from history, hosted by McGill University, on May 27, at Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- 4:30 p.m. Register online. mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details THURSDAY, MAY 28–SATURDAY, JUNE 6 under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to Hot Docs Festival Online [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the —Hot Docs will be Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday presented online this year because of the pandemic, paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but from May 28 to June 6. Introduced at the 2017 Hot we will definitely do our best. Events can be updated Docs Festival, the $50,000 award and cash prize daily online, too. have traditionally been given to the Canadian feature The Hill Times documentary screened at the Hot Docs Festival that receives the highest average rating as determined by audience poll. This year, the award will honour the top fi ve Canadian documentaries in the audience poll Extra! Extra! and will present each director with a cash prize of $10,000. The Hot Docs Festival Online will offer more RReadead the full than 135 offi cial selections for at-home audiences to stream directly from www.hotdocs.ca on its recently ParliamentaParliamentaryry launched Hot Docs at Home TVOD platform. Although the festival wraps on June 6, a majority of fi lms will be available for extended post-festival viewing until CCalendaralendar June 24. The fi lm lineup is available at www.hotdocs. ca/festivalonline. online Government House Leader WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Pablo Rodriguez, pictured Canada’s Foremost Fintech Conference FFCON20— May 14, 2020, on the Hill. Featuring high-growth start-ups and leading industry The Hill Times photograph by experts across fi ntech sectors including digital bank- Andrew Meade ing, P2P fi nance, AI, capital markets, Wealthtech, payments, crypto, and blockchain. July 8-9. Speakers