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TWENTY-SEVENTH YEAR, NO. 1333 CANADA’S POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT NEWSWEEKLY MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 $5.00
NEWS BUDGET NEWS DUFFY TRIAL FEATURE JUSTICE Liberals’ fi scal House Justice direction Duff y cleared on 31 criminal Committee ‘sustainable,’ charges, reinstated as chair vows debt could be not to ‘impose’ gone, in 50 Senator, not guilty verdict personal views years: PBO on assisted- reverberates on Parliament dying law BY DEREK ABMA BY RACHEL AIELLO The Parliamentary Budget Offi ce has judged the Liberal Hill, Senate administration The chair of the House com- government’s fi scal direction as mittee tasked with studying and being sustainable with the predic- possibly amending the government’s tion that it’s on track to wipe out controversial assisted dying legisla- the federal debt, within 50 years. tion says it’s not something he would The PBO issued a new eco- ever seek or help someone do. nomic and fi scal outlook last “If you asked me person- week. It included the projection ally if I would ever want to have that the fi scal structure set up in physician-assisted suicide or want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s to help or assist one of my fam- (Papineau, Que.) fi rst budget, ily members do that, the answer released March 22, puts the gov- would be no,” Liberal MP Anthony ernment on track to completely Housefather (Mount Royal, Que.) wipe out the federal debt by the told The Hill Times during an 2064-65 fi scal year. It said this interview in his main fl oor Justice Building offi ce last week. Continued on page 6
Continued on page 22
NEWS LOBBYING Energy, NEWS TRANSPARENCY tech sectors Feds still haven’t moved dominate on opening list lobbying up secretive PM Trudeau Commons
BY DEREK ABMA Board of
Organizations from the energy Internal and technology sectors account for more than one-third of the Economy lobbyists that have made contact Senator Mike Duffy, pictured April 21 on his way into court in Ottawa, was cleared by Ontario Justice Charles Vaillan- with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau court on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT since he took power, according to the federal lobbyists registry. The Liberal government com- Communications reports mitted to opening up meetings on the registry, as of last week, BY ABBAS RANA the Senate’s vague administrative istration Committee should get of the powerful and secretive showed Mr. Trudeau (Papineau, rules that are subject to multiple in- these rules clarifi ed as soon House of Commons Board of Que.) has had contact with 28 The two-year legal ordeal for terpretations, says New Brunswick as possible because the stage Internal Economy during the 2015 different lobbying organizations Sen. Mike Duffy, which ended in Independent Sen. John Wallace. remains set for Senators to make campaign, but six months into its his exoneration on all 31 criminal He said the Senate’s Internal Continued on page 20 charges last week, is a symptom of Economy, Budgets and Admin- Continued on page 7 Continued on page 18 2 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 FEATURE BUZZ
Justin Trudeau is ON featured prominently HEARD THE HILL in the latest editions BY DEREK ABMA of GQ, left, and Washington Life magazine. Photographs courtesy of GQ Hill skin cancer and by Gina Cosentino clinic saved Grit The legislation was tabled April 14. munications strategist who, in his past life However, a Globe and Mail article written by as a Conservative staffer, helped start this Laura Stone, published online on April 12, tournament with Shiv Raj, a former PMO revealed certain aspects of the bill, such as staffer from the Harper days. MP Casey’s life, it that it would not allow for advanced consent to medically assisted dying for those suffer- ing from psychological conditions such as Nice weather comes, dementia or those people younger than 18. time to run on Hill might save others The House verbally consented to a mo- tion from Conservative MP Andrew Scheer that the matter be referred to the House Efforts are underway to recruit partici- Affairs Committee. pants in the Running on the Hill program, Cindy which is slated to run every Monday between Lamoureux, “Whoever is responsible for this must understand that we are a parliamentary de- May 2 and June 20 during the noon hour. the daughter The program will continue to be man- of Kevin mocracy and that political decisions made by staff to try to frame the debate in the media aged by Theresa Kavanagh, a staffer in the Lamoureaux, offi ce of NDP Whip Marjolaine Boutin- was elected as a are not acceptable when that infringes upon our rights and dignities,” Mr. Scheer said. Sweet, as it has for the last eight years. Liberal Manitoba MPs and House staffers of various intensity MLA last week. levels are sought. Ms. Kavanagh—a regular Photograph courtesy Trudeau: A face made participant in marathons and other competi- Liberal MP Bill Casey, left, said the death of Cindy Lamoureux tions—will lead the runners during these ses- Chuck Cadman, a former Conservative-turned campaign for magazines sions. Renée Taylor, from the offi ce of NDP MP Independent MP, inspired him to get tested for Sheila Malcolmson, will lead the walkers. skin cancer years ago, and it saved his life. The Ms. Lamoureux is just 24 years old. Her Prime Minister Justin Trudeau contin- Those that participate are asked to make Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright past working experience includes jobs in the ues to be an international media darling, $30 donations to the Workplace Charitable Senate, the Long Term & Continuing Care As- with his mug being featured prominently Campaign by April 29, the proceeds for which ext week, Liberal MP Bill Casey is sociation of Manitoba, and Blockbuster Video. in the latest issues of GQ and Washington go toward keeping children active. Those who Nhosting the kind of skin cancer clinic She was one of only three Liberals Life magazines. want to join are asked to email Ms. Kava- that saved his life a decade ago. elected in what ended up being a land- Mr. Trudeau has an electronic “lost” cover nagh at [email protected], and be He recalled how in 2006 he attended a slide victory for the Conservatives led by for the May issue of GQ, for which the main prepared to meet up for the fi rst session next skin cancer clinic organized on the Hill by Brian Pallister, which won 40 of 57 seats. theme is “The Most Stylish Men Alive 2016.” Monday at 12:10 p.m. at the Centennial Flame. Dona Cadman, a Conservative MP between The NDP, which had been in power for the The magazine explained that Mr. 2008 and 2011 and wife of the late Indepen- last 17 years, won 14 seats. Premier Greg Trudeau isn’t included in a physical cover dent MP Chuck Cadman who died of skin Selinger announced his resignation as of the magazine, as fellow Canadians Ryan Ontario Tory leader runs cancer in 2005. NDP leader on election night last Tuesday. Reynolds and Drake are also featured in “I just happened to go to it, almost by Kevin Lamoureux has been an MP for the this issue and have their own real covers. Boston Marathon accident,” Mr. Casey said. “A committee riding of Winnipeg North since 2010. He won It said “having a third Canuck cover would a byelection that year, which was called after have ma-a-a-aybe been overkill.” Patrick Brown, leader of the Ontario Pro- ended early, the only time it ever ended gressive Conservative Party, was among those early in 17 years. So, I had chance to go to the seat was vacated by former NDP MP Judy GQ states that Mr. Trudeau “has come Wasylycia-Leis. He has been re-elected in each a long way from being just a snowboard- who ran in the Boston Marathon last week. it, so I went to it.” The opposition leader for Ontario ran Mr. Casey said the physician manning of the two general elections since then. He’s ing John Mayer doppelgänger,” and that he currently the parliamentary secretary for Gov- “dresses better than any other world leader.” the marathon in four hours, 16 minutes, the clinic did a basic check of his head, and three seconds, placing him 19,869th out hands, face, and neck. Just as Mr. Casey ernment House Leader Dominic LeBlanc. Meanwhile, Mr. Trudeau along with wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, U.S. President of the 27,491 participants. was about the leave, the doctor, who wasn’t Mr. Brown, who has participated in more busy, offered to do a more thorough check. Barack Obama, and fi rst lady Michelle House Affairs Obama appear on the cover of the April than a dozen marathons, told Orillia Today that Sure enough, malignant melanoma was he was not in optimal shape for the Boston found in the middle of Mr. Casey’s back. edition of Washington Life, which uses a Committee to look into picture from the state dinner held in Wash- run, having entered at the last minute in re- He later had two operations that took care sponse to a request to participate in support of of it. Testing during that process also found ington, D.C., last month, with a headline the C-14 leaks reads, “the 2016 A-List.” The theme is about the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. he had prostate cancer, which he was also “I fi gured I had enough muscle memory able to have treated. those who are the most desirable to have as A story from guests if you’re throwing a party in D.C. from years past that I could do it without train- “I’m here today because of early diag- ing,” he was quoted as saying. “Runners are nosis, and only because of early diagnosis Globe and Mail reporter inherently competitive with themselves, and I at the clinic,” he said. “I’m grateful to Mrs. Liberals win charity think the lesson is training is important.” Cadman and, unfortunately, also to Chuck, Laura Stone broke details Mr. Brown, who was a Conservative MP because if he hadn’t have gone through basketball game between 2006 and 2015, was not about use those things, I would never have known.” of Bill C-14 before it was this as an excuse to be a couch potato for Mr. Casey will be assisted by House The federal Liberals are really on a role tabled in an extended period. Days later, he tweeted Speaker Geoff Regan in hosting the skin lately; fi rst the election and now a basket- the House. a picture of an early-morning hockey game cancer clinic next Monday, May 2, from 3 ball tournament. The Hill Times he was involved in. “Best way to get over a to 6 p.m. at 216-N at Centre Block. The team comprised of Liberal MPs and photograph by marathon is shinny!” his post said. staffers were victorious in the fi fth annual Jake Wright Parliamentary Charity Basketball Tourna- Liberal MP ment held Sunday, April 17, in Ottawa. Movie night pushed Lamoureux’s daughter The Liberals, captained by MP Raj Gre- wal, defeated the Conservatives, led by MP ahead ½ hour elected in last week’s David Sweet, in the fi nal. It was the Liber- The House of Commons last week als’ fi rst victory in this tournament, making Note, if you’re planning to go to Movie Manitoba election tasked its Procedure and House Affairs them the 2016 CLK Raj-Richardsen Cup Night on the Hill (which is actually at the Committee to look into how details of champions. The Conservatives have won Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau) Politics is becoming somewhat of a fam- assisted-dying legislation, Bill C-14, got three times and the NDP once. on Tuesday, May 3, it’s now slated to start ily business for the Lamoureux family. into the hands of reporters. The tournament also managed to raise at 7:30 p.m., not 7 p.m. as initially planned. Last week, Cindy Lamoureux, daughter House Speaker Geoff Regan said in the a record $20,000 for Christie Lake Kids, As we’ve already noted, the invite-only of federal Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux, House last Tuesday that the leaks marked which provides organized recreational op- event is being hosted by Heritage Minis- was elected to the Manitoba legislature. “a direct contravention of the House’s right portunities for disadvantaged kids. ter Mélanie Joly and features the award- “It’s surreal for me; it’s absolutely surreal,” to fi rst access.” He noted that “specifi c and “The tournament has grown gradu- winning Canadian-Irish production Room, she told reporters on election night last Tues- detailed information contained in Bill C-14 ally each year, and it’s very satisfying to featuring a performance from Canadian day. “I’ve been dreaming about being a politi- was reported in a newspaper article and see how much fun people can have across child actor Jacob Tremblay. cian since I was just a little girl. It was my fi rst elsewhere in the media before the bill had partisan lines to help kids in need,” said [email protected] run. I thought, you know, I got nothing to lose.” been introduced in the House.” Daniel Richardsen, a Finance Canada com- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 3 FEATURE ATTAWAPISKAT Suicides, fl oods in First Nations, Angus tackles big problems in big Ontario riding More than a decade NDP MP Charlie previous facility that was contami- Angus, pictured nated by a toxic diesel fuel leak. after being elected, April 19, arriving Mr. Tonelli said Mr. Angus doesn’t in Attiwapiskat visit remote indigenous communities Charlie Angus is with Attiwapiskat as much as he would like because Chief Bruce of the prohibitive air-travel costs, one of the most Shisheesh. although he’s been known to accom- vocal advocates of Photograph pany Gilles Bisson, NDP MPP for courtesy NDP MP the same area, and other provincial indigenous rights Charlie Angus’ members on their way there. Facebook Mr. Angus said he and his in the House of team rely on Facebook to inter- Commons. act with constituents in northern reserves. BY JEAN-LOUP DOUDARD “Everyday we do work on Face- book, we respond to constituents, we ARLIAMENT HILL—When sort housing applications,” he said. PNDP MP Charlie Angus was Mr. Tonelli said his staff regu- fi rst elected in the Ontario riding larly schedule all-day clinics in of Timmins-James Bay in 2004, he indigenous communities to process pledged to visit all of its indigenous things like municipality fi les and communities and First Nations. issues with utilities. He said Mr. Many of the communities Angus travels a lot during constitu- hadn’t seen their MP in years, said ency weeks, but due to the size of Dale Tonelli, who works in Mr. An- his riding, he often chooses to stay gus’ constituency offi ce in Timmins. lawmakers about the challenges Despite the new First Nations wan Cree First Nation made in and work the phones instead. More than a decade later, Mr. of living in remote northern funding, Mr. Angus has criticized the national headlines last month “The drive between Timmins and Angus is one of the most vocal reserves, something Mr. Angus lack of new funding specifi cally ear- when pictures of infants with Kirkland Lake is about two hours,” advocates of indigenous rights in actively pushed the week before. marked for mental-health services. virulent skin conditions went viral he said. “He can do 20 phone calls the House and the federal political “I don’t want it to be a photo The rash of attempted suicides on social media.Thirty children and help 20 people in that time face of the Attawapiskat suicide op,” Mr. Angus said of last week’s prompted Mr. Angus to call for an were examined by Health Canada instead of spending it on the road.” crisis that erupted two weeks ago. trip. “It’s an opportunity to show emergency debate on the ongoing medical staff and the vast major- Mr. Angus’ riding sprawls Mr. Angus, who is the NDP’s them that they matter.” suicide crisis two weeks ago. The ity were diagnosed with eczema. from the shores of the Hudson critic for indigenous and northern While he approves of the latest House of Commons convened for There were also a few cases of Bay to the Timiskaming district affairs, fl ew to Attawapiskat last government commitments, Mr. an emotionally charged discussion scabies, impetigo, and psoriasis. on the border with Quebec, an Monday with Indigenous and Angus said Prime Minister Justin on mental health services follow- The skin conditions are fully area roughly equivalent in land Northern Affairs Minister Caro- Trudeau (Papineau, Qué.), who’s ing a string of incidents in north- treatable and the children are size to Guinea. He holds two con- lyn Bennett (Toronto-St. Paul’s, also the minister of intergovern- ern reserves in recent months. receiving the treatment they re- stituency offi ces; one in Timmins Ont.) to meet with Attawapiskat mental affairs and youth, should un- The Attawapiskat suicide crisis quire, said Christina Lazarova, a and the other in Kirkland Lake. First Nation Chief Bruce Shish- lock more funds for mental health is the latest in a community that has Health Canada spokeswoman. Mr. Angus goes to his Kirkland eesh and aboriginal youth. services in First Nations reserves. been plagued by fl ooding and sev- Mr. Angus said Kashechewan, Lake offi ce two to four times a Eleven people attempted to “I think Canadians would eral housing crises in recent years. located where the Albany River month, said Felicia Scott, an Otta- take their lives in the James Bay not fault the prime minister if he Mr. Angus says he’s “lost count of meets James Bay, is still recovering wa-based staffer for Mr. Angus. Cree community of 2,000 on April changed the budget at this point,” the amount of states of emergency” from fl oods that forced the evacu- “He usually goes to the seniors’ 9, prompting the First Nation Mr. Angus said last Tuesday. “He that he’s seen in his riding. The First ation of the community last spring. home and brings his guitar and to declare a state of emergency. did it with Syria; he can do it here.” Nation has declared four states of He said he’s been involved “behind sings to residents,” she said. There has been more than 100 sui- Mr. Angus said he thinks the emergency since 2006 over housing the scenes” since the evacuations. Mr. Angus was once in a punk cide attempts on the reserve since Liberals can do more. crises and extended periods of boil- While he doesn’t conduct actual ne- rock band with former MP Andrew the month of September, many “I don’t buy the bullshit that water advisories. gotiations with the government, he Cash—before the two became including children. there’s a process,” said Mr. Angus “The previous housing crisis provides support to the band lead- politicians—called L’Étranger, and Mr. Angus said youth are the last Thursday. “All you need is we had was completely unneces- ers in dealing with house repairs. later in a more folk-oriented band key to the “large, structural change” political will.” sary,” Mr. Angus said to reporters Mr. Angus said his proudest called Grievous Angels that was that remote indigenous reserves Liberal MP Kamal Khera last week. “We had people living moment as an MP was the intro- nominated for two Junos. need to solve the suicide crisis. (Brampton West, Ont.), parliamen- in squalor, people living in tents.” duction of a motion in 2011 to im- Scott said Mr. Angus travels to “I believe in the power of young tary secretary for Health Minister Mr. Angus criticized the for- prove funding and quality of First communities such as Englehart, people, and it’s my work as an MP Jane Philpott (Markham-Stouffville, mer Harper government’s “very Nations education. The motion, Earlton, and Temagami. He also to nurture young leaders,” he said. Ont.), pointed to the Liberal gov- defensive” attitude when dealing which was unanimously adopted visits the Matachewan First Nation, After meeting with the At- ernment’s budget, which includes with the past crises, calling the in 2012, stemmed from a move- a Cree and Ojibway community 45 tawapiskat chief and council, and $8.4-billion to “improve the socio- Conservatives at the time “almost ment led by Shannen Koostachin, minutes west of Kirkland Lake. facing questions and comments economic conditions for indigenous paranoid on those issues.” an Attawapiskat youth who died “He makes sure to maintain a from youth, Ms. Bennett promised peoples and their communities” Attawapiskat is not the only in a car accident in 2010. very strong relationship with First a new youth centre and the for- when asked about providing new First Nation living in extremely In 2014, Mr. Angus inaugurated Nations,” said Mr. Tonelli. mation of a youth delegation that mental health funds by Mr. Angus poor conditions in the Timmins- a long-awaited elementary school [email protected] will travel to Ottawa to talk with in Question Period last Wednesday. James-Bay riding. The Kasheche- in Attawapiskat to replace the The Hill Times
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700-1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7 Phone 613-294-2757 Email [email protected] wazuku.ca 4 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 NEWS ACCESS TO INFORMATION CAJ urges MPs to reconsider ‘inherent’ secrecy in review of Access Act
Information ‘Secrecy is for those Commissioner people who cannot Suzanne Legault, pictured rightly explain right, has put the decisions and forward 85 recommendations actions they are to ‘modernize’ Canada’s access- taking to the public,’ to-information says Canadian system. The Hill Times Photograph by Association of Jake Wright Journalists vice- president Sean Holman.
BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT
anada’s current access-to- Cinformation system presents a “fundamental challenge” to democracy, was drafted by a po- litical culture that favours secrecy, and MPs should question this “inherent” secrecy as they con- sider changes to the Access to Information Act, Sean Holman, vice-president of the Canadian Association of Journalists, told the House committee reviewing the act last week. “We have a cultural problem when it comes to secrecy, we have a structural problem when it comes to secrecy, and fi xing the Access to Information Act is only The new Liberal government recalled, but it was a “very secretive” board when it comes to exemp- soon after used by Canadians, and one part of addressing those prob- made a commitment to update the process and the resulting recom- tion and exclusions to freedom- also due to “the lack of power that lems,” Mr. Holman, a former inves- act as part of its 2015 campaign mendations and “regressive bill” of-information requests.” individuals MPs experience under tigative journalist and currently an platform, including: “eliminating (Bill 29) led to a weeklong fi libuster Mr. Holman said less exemp- our system of government.” assistant professor of journalism all fees,” except the initial $5 fi ling in the legislature by opposition par- tions would also help decrease the But the access-to-information at Mount Royal University, told fee, for access-to-information ties. After it was passed, the “relent- long wait times faced by those who system that was created back in members of the House Access to requests; giving the informa- less public outcry” that followed led fi le access requests—a point of 1980 “conformed to” the idea that Information, Privacy and Ethics tion commissioner more powers to another review in 2013, two years concern Mr. Wudrick raised—add- cabinet necessitated “a degree of Committee last Tuesday, as part of including the power to “issue earlier than scheduled, he said. ing he’s been out of journalism for built-in confi dentiality in govern- its review of the law. binding orders for disclosure”; That review resulted in 90 the last four years but still has an ment-decision making,” as argued “More important than any undertaking “a full legislative recommendations and a new bill, “outstanding request” in process at by the Privy Council, and that such of these recommendations is review” of the act every fi ve years; which came into force last year. the provincial level. confi dentiality was necessary to the need for government and and bringing the Prime Minister’s Newfoundland’s new access-to- “Information delayed is in- ensure frank, full, and non-partisan members of this committee to be Offi ce, cabinet offi ces, “as well information system has since formation denied, especially in a advice from the civil service, said willing to challenge the assump- as administrative institutions been lauded as “head and shoul- political, democratic environment,” Mr. Holman. The system, therefore, tion that secrecy is necessary for that support Parliament and the ders above” other jurisdictions in he said. “Today, even the most was shaped “by a political culture decision-making,” he said. courts” under the act. Canada, said Mr. Murray. routine requests for information and system that has always fa- Addressing cabinet confi den- Conservative MPs on the com- Mr. Holman told the committee usually have to be fi ltered through voured secrecy over openness.” tiality exemptions under the act, mittee last week repeatedly raised that exemptions allowed under the communications departments.” Just two months after the act he said “it seems passingly odd concern that the new government current federal Access to Informa- In exempting cabinet delibera- was passed in 1980, a writer for to me that the principal decision- has already specifi ed changes tion Act and practices such as cabi- tions, Mr. Holman questioned just The Toronto Star “quipped that the making body in government is to be made, which they said was net confi dentiality “create an unac- what is being protected. Access to Information Act loop- entirely secret.” predetermining the outcome of ceptable zone of secrecy around “Are we protecting cabinet holes were so wide that a Good- The committee has been con- the committee’s review and rec- government decision-making.” ministers from embarrassment? year Blimp could fl oat through ducting a statutory review of the ommendations. In the 2016 fed- He called for a reduction in Are we protecting a fi ction that them without touching on either Access to Information Act since eral budget it also notes a “central the 75 exemptions, or “loopholes,” more than a dozen people in a side,” recalled Mr. Holman. Feb. 25. It’s the fi rst statutory website” will be created to allow allowed under the act, including room will always agree with one Mr. Holman recalled that, three review of this act since 1986, six Canadians to submit information sections that permit the govern- another?” he said. years later, the father of the act, years after it was fi rst created. requests to government institu- ment to refuse to disclose some After a Conservative MP raised former Conservative MP Gerald In February, Information and tions, with $12.9-million allocated records for 20 years after they are a point about details of procure- Baldwin, said it would “be a very Privacy Commissioner Suzanne to the Treasury Board Secretariat created and on cabinet records ment deals or trade negotiations sorry day when those obliged to Lagault testifi ed before the com- over fi ve years to create it. (sections 21 and 69, respectively). being released, Mr. Holman said: make important decisions are so mittee and published a report On Tuesday, Mr. Holman testi- Mr. Holman also said: the infor- “Secrecy is for those people who fearful of having their motives and called ‘Striking the Right Bal- fi ed on behalf of the CAJ, along mation commissioner should be cannot rightly explain the decisions their assumptions challenged that ance for Transparency,’ which with Canadian Taxpayers’ Fed- given expanded powers, including and actions they are taking to the they will make such decisions on included 85 recommendations to eration’s federal director Aaron order-making power; public of- public. There should be no reason facts given orally.” “modernize” the act, including Wudrick, and Newfoundland and fi cials should be required to docu- for secrecy … if government is actu- Mr. Holman added “however calling for a “mandatory parlia- Labrador’s Information and Pri- ment decision-making, with penal- ally able to defend why it made the that sorry day is already upon us.” mentary review of the Act every vacy Commissioner Edward Ring, ties for not; that federal employees decision, if it made a good decision.” In January, Canada’s informa- fi ve years.” along with Sean Murray, director should be encouraged to freely He said measures to limit tion commissioners, from the The Access to Information of special projects in the informa- communicate with media without information “don’t just thwart federal and provincial govern- Committee, chaired by Conser- tion commissioner’s offi ce. political or media relations staff the public’s right to know, they ments, jointly called for “respec- vative MP Blaine Calkins (Red Newfoundland recently adopted involvement; and that information, threaten our democracy.” tive governments” to require Deer-Lacombe, Alta.), will focus a revamped access-to-information including cabinet briefi ng notes, Mr. Holman also gave MPs a public entities to document mat- on its review of the act for the system after years of “turbulence” should be proactively made public. bit of a history lesson on the fed- ters related to deliberations and rest of the current parliamentary and public outcry over the prov- “Neither the public nor the me- eral access to information act in decisions, expressing concern session—aside with dealing with ince’s original access to information dia should have to go on fi shing Canada, noting discussion ramped over a trend towards “no records,” the 2016-17 main estimates in regime created in 2008. The fi rst expeditions to fi nd out what their up in the 1960s, in part after the according to its news release. early May—and is slated to issue statutory review in Newfound- government is doing,” he said, U.S. created its freedom of infor- [email protected] a report in the fall. land took place in 2010, Mr. Ring later adding, “We have gone over- mation system in 1966 which was The Hill Times SEE TRACKS? THINK TRAIN!
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He acknowledged this is not more optimistic than what private- an airtight prediction, given that sector economists have predicted this would be like someone in the and it expects more revenue from 1960s—when the internet and Crown corporations than what is smartphones were unheard of, and anticipated by the government. the Cold War had no end in sight— The PBO said its expectations trying to guess what government for defi cits over next fi ve years fi nances would look like today. is, on average, $4.5-billion a year “These are not forecasts; these less than what the government are scenarios,” Mr. Askari said. laid out in its March 22 budget. “These are what-if scenarios. … It also said the government Nobody is going to say this is likely had a small surplus of exactly what’s going to happen or $700-million for the 2015-16 fi scal this is a typical forecast. Certain- year ended this March, compared ly, there are issues. The economy to the government’s projection fl uctuates. There are shocks to of a defi cit of $5.4-billion. That the economy, always, and things would mean the government has move up and down. ran two straight years of sur- “But you do this kind of scenario pluses following its surplus of to give a framework to policy-mak- $1.9-billion in 2014-15. ers. … Now, within that framework, Finance Canada is scheduled you have to assess the risk, you have to release fi gures for last year’s to assess the year-to-year changes, fi scal balance by May 27, though and see where the economy is going, this is subject to adjustments in where the fi scal situation is going.” the government’s fall update. In this latest outlook, the PBO The PBO said the difference said that “the outlook for the between what it and the govern- global economy has deteriorated ment have projected for 2015-16 further,” since an outlook it issued “is not inconsistent with uncer- in November. It projected 1.8 per tainty surrounding end-of-year cent growth in real (factoring adjustments, different economic out infl ationary effects) GDP this and fi scal assumptions, and dif- year and 2.5 per cent in 2017. ferent fi nancial information.” “Despite this weaker external Mr. Askari said most of the dif- outlook, PBO anticipates that the ference between the government’s combination of fi scal measures in and the PBO’s fi scal forecasts Budget 2016 and accommodative comes down to the $40-billion monetary policy will help bolster adjustment the government has the Canadian economy,” said the made to private-sector forecasts, PBO report. which he called “excessive.” As for its reference to monetary “Looking at historical per- policy, the report said it expects the formances of private-sector Bank of Canada to keep its bench- forecasts, it does not justify the Assistant PBO Mostafa Askari, left, says the federal budget, as announced by Finance Minister Bill Morneau in March, mark interest rate at 0.5 per cent $40-billion adjustment,” he said. sets the stage for the elimination of the federal debt within 50 years. The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright until the latter part of 2017. In a previous report this The PBO said in its report last month, the PBO said that, since week that its own projection of 1994, private-sector forecasts 1.8 per cent growth in GDP this attained by government have year is down from its estimate of typically underestimated GDP by Liberals’ fi scal direction two per cent made in November, $10-billion in the fi rst year of a yet improved from the 1.2 per multi-year forecast and by $4-bil- cent growth Statistics Canada lion in the second. has reported for 2015. The PBO’s Addressing the PBO’s latest ‘sustainable,’ debt could forecast of 2.5 per cent growth in fi scal outlook, Finance Minister Bill 2017 is ahead of its projection of Morneau (Toronto Centre, Ont.) 2.3 per cent made in November, told reporters last week: “I was and it attributes this to “federal pleased with their report. It con- be gone in 50 years: PBO fi scal measures [that will] boost fi rmed a number of things. For one, domestic demand while monetary they talked about the challenges in policy remains accommodative.” global growth, which we’ve seen. Carleton professor said the debt will hit $633.7-billion ture—and without that change, The federal budget forecast It of course confi rms that our net at the end of this fi scal year and would’ve remained sustainable,” less growth over the next two debt-to-GDP can decline over time, Ian Lee says this rise to $703-billion by 2020-21. Mr. Askari said. years; 1.4 per cent this year and which is important.” The budgetary watchdog noted Ian Lee, a professor at Carleton 2.2 per cent next year. He added: “Our perspective is prediction should be the government’s move in this University’s Sprott School of Busi- The PBO said its economic that we’ve chosen a path of growth year’s budget to cancel the previ- ness, said it’s hard to know how to projections are largely “in line” for the economy to plan for, to taken ‘with a giant ous Conservative government’s take a prediction about the federal with those of private-sector econ- budget from, that will allow us to barrel of salt.’ plan to raise age eligibility for Old debt being gone in 50 years, and omists, for which the government make investments that will grow Age Security from 65 to 67. It said he wondered whether it was done made a downward adjustment of the economy. And I was pleased Continued from page 1 if the Liberal government had not “tongue-in-cheek to kind of poke $40-billion in projected nominal that they acknowledged that the done this, the federal debt could fun at the government.” GDP for “planning purposes” for measures that we’ve put in our “indicates that the federal fi scal have been wiped out by 2057-58— Mr. Lee said he tells his stu- each of the next fi ve years. budget will in fact help to grow the structure underlying budget 2016 seven years earlier than what the dents that, “beyond three years, any The report goes on to predict economy for Canadians.” is sustainable over the long term.” PBO currently forecasts. It said forecast is a fairy tale. … This is not smaller defi cits in the com- As for the difference between Mostafa Askari, assistant the previous government’s plan to put down the PBO, but the future ing years than the government the government’s and the PBO’s parliamentary budget offi cer, told would have saved $11.2-billion in is fundamentally unknowable. … has planned for. In 2016-17, for view on whether there was a sur- The Hill Times in an interview: 2029-30, the fi rst year the higher We don’t know what oil prices will example, the PBO is predicting a plus or defi cit last year, Mr. Mor- “What is really important is not eligibility age for Old Age Security be in fi ve years, or 10 or 15. We defi cit of $20.5-billion compared neau said: “Economists will come the annual changes in the defi cit. was to be fully phased in. don’t know what the immigration to the government’s anticipated to different conclusions. We’ve What’s important is what the situ- Mr. Askari said it’s up to policy- rate is going to be. We don’t know $29.4-billion shortfall. taken a look at the challenges of ation is over the long term, what’s makers to decide whether it would what interest rates are going to be. The PBO said about $6-billion global growth. We’ve taken a look the situation in terms of the debt, be better for the government to In other words, there are hundreds of this difference comes from not at the volatility of markets around especially the debt-to-GDP ratio” eliminate the debt earlier or keep of thousands, probably millions, of factoring in the downward $40-bil- the world and made an estimate in The PBO report’s validated old age benefi ts available for variables that all feed into the mix.” lion adjustment the government terms of growth that we believe is the government’s assertion that it people as young as 65. But either He said the prediction of elimi- made to private-sector forecasts. In a prudent estimate of growth.” is on track to reduce the debt-to- way, he said the government is not nating the debt within 50 years addition, the PBO said it has eco- [email protected] GDP ratio over the long term. The creating a “major sustainability should be taken “with a giant bar- nomic growth expectations that are The Hill Times government said in the budget issue” by cancelling the phase-in of rel of salt; not a grain of salt, but that this ratio would move from a higher eligibility age. a whole barrel of salt.” 32.5 per cent at the end of the cur- He noted that when the previ- Mr. Askari said the projection BUDGET rent fi scal year to 30.9 per cent by ous Conservative government for a debt-free federal govern- 2020-21. That’s based on a federal announced its plans for Old Age ment in 50 years in based on the OUTLOOK FOR THE BUDGETARY BALANCE debt the rises from a $648.7-billion Security in 2012, based on the assumption that “nothing changes,” to $732.5-billion over that time. argument that it could “not afford” in the sense the program spend- The PBO’s forecast is that the the system as is, the PBO issued a ing and taxes, as they are set 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 debt-to-GDP ratio will go from 31 report saying that wasn’t true. today, change only in proportion PBO $700M -$20.5B -$24.2B -$18.9B -$14.8B -$12.4B per cent and the end of this fi scal “The system was sustainable to nominal (includes infl ationary Budget 2016 -$5.4B -$29.4B -$29.0B -$22.8B -$17.7B -$14.3B year to 29.4 per cent in 2020-21. It at the time—the fi scal struc- effects) gross domestic product. Difference $6.1B $8.9B $4.8B $3.9B $2.9B $1.9B THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 7 NEWS DUFFY TRIAL Duffy ordeal shows need to clarify Senate rules: Wallace
ing issue that led to 31 criminal ‘Get the rules charges of fraud, breach of straightened out. trust, and bribery against Prince Edward Island Sen. Duffy. Last Get them clarifi ed. week, Judge Charles Vaillancourt exonerated him of all criminal Do not leave charges related to his housing, Senators vulnerable travel, and offi ce expenses. After the court verdict, the Senate Law to multiple Clerk Michel Patrice in a press release announced the “reinstate- interpretations.’ ment of Sen. Duffy as a member of the Senate in full standing with Continued from page 1 full salary and offi ce resources.” Because of the Senate expense inadvertent mistakes in fi ling issue, three Conservative-turned- their expenses, resulting in “cata- Independent Senators, including strophic consequences.” Sen. Duffy, Pamela Wallin, and “That has to be ground zero on Patrick Brazeau were suspended all of this for Internal Economy from the Senate in 2013, and and Senate leadership,” Sen. John Mac Harb resigned from the Wallace said in an interview with Senate. Mr. Harb also paid back The Hill Times. “Get the rules about $232,000. The RCMP has straightened out. Get them clari- fi led criminal charges against fi ed. Do not leave Senators vulner- Sen. Brazeau and Mr. Harb, but able to multiple interpretations.” as of last week, no charges had Sen. Wallace said Senate rules been fi led against Sen. Wallin. should be simple enough for In June 2013, the Senate Senators to understand, but some invited Auditor General Michael are not. For example, he said it’s Ferguson to undertake a compre- still unclear to him what qualifi es hensive audit of all 116 Sena- as “Senate business” or “Parlia- tors’ expenses who served in the mentary functions” when it comes Senate between April 1, 2011, to eligible expenses. and March 2013. Mr. Ferguson Sen. Wallace said that the fi led his fi nal report in June of wording used in Senate adminis- last year, in which he red-fl agged trative rules could be interpreted the questionable expense claims in different ways. He said the of 30 Senators, totalling about Senate has provided Senators $1-million. Of these 30 Senators, with some examples to explain Mr. Ferguson referred the fi les of the rules, but it’s unclear what to nine Senators to the RCMP. As do if a Senator is dealing with an of deadline last week, the RCMP issue that is not covered in those had not announced if criminal examples. charges would be laid against any “In my view that’s not adequate,” of these nine Senators. said Sen. Wallace. “If you have a sit- For the Senators who disagreed uation that is covered by one of the with the audit fi ndings, the Sen- specifi c item on the appendix, that’s ate’s Internal Economy Committee fi ne; you can look at it. But that ap- offered an independent arbitration pendix is based on the description process led by former Supreme the words that describe or defi ne Court judge Ian Binnie to give one what Parliamentary functions are,” fi nal chance to Senators to justify said Sen. Wallace. their claims. Of the 30 Senators, 14 According to the Senate chose to challenge Mr. Ferguson’s administrative rules, “ ‘Parliamen- fi ndings and took their cases to tary functions’ means duties and Mr. Binnie. Mr. Ferguson fl agged activities related to the position $322,611 in alleged questionable Duffy cleared: Sen. Mike Duffy, pictured top, arriving at the courthouse in Ottawa on April 21; his lawyer Donald Bayne, of senator, wherever performed, claims for these 14 Senators. pictured in this fi le photo; and Nigel Wright, above, former chief of staff to former prime minister Stephen Harper and includes public and offi cial After reviewing more informa- appeared as a witness in the case against Sen. Duffy. The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright and Cynthia Münster business and partisan matters, but tion and speaking with these Sen- does not include activities related ators, Mr. Binnie upheld 55 per “The Senate has to create be reviewed for more clarifi cation, told The Hill Times in January, to a) the election of a member of cent of Mr. Ferguson’s fi ndings. clear rules, educate Senators on the committee will take another that based on the recommenda- the House of Commons during an So, the total amount of money what they can and can’t do in the look and ensure that all Sena- tion of Mr. Ferguson, his commit- election under the Canada Elec- these 14 Senators were required public interest,” Mr. Bayne told tors understand these rules. She tee will announce details in the tions Act; or b) the private business to pay back was $177,898.14. All reporters outside the courthouse said some of the spending rules “coming weeks” on establishing a interests of a Senator or a member 30 Senators were given a month after Sen. Duffy was cleared. that may not be specifi c enough new independent oversight plan of a Senator’s family or household.” to pay the outstanding money “I’m sure all of you, like me, are left that way to allow Senators to review and approve Sena- Sen. Wallace said that in this back or face legal action, and could make a good argument that to pursue a diverse array of issues tors’ expenses that will make the rule, “partisan matters” are not last Friday was the deadline. All some of the things that Senators that are important in their regions. Red Chamber “the model for all defi ned and could mean different current and former Senators who are allowed to travel across the “We try to leave it open so that legislatures in Canada in terms things to different Senators. He took their cases to Mr. Binnie country for at considerable ex- Senators are free to follow inter- of accountability, oversight, and acknowledged that since late 2012 had paid back the outstanding pense, business class, may or may ests of people within their regions disclosure.” when the Senate expenses issue amounts in time. Seven former not pass the value-for-money test.” or to follow specifi c interests that Sen. Cordy told The Hill became public, the Senate Inter- Senators who did not take their Nova Scotia Liberal Sen. Jane came about because of commit- Times last week that an Internal nal Economy has made progress case to Mr. Binnie had not paid Cordy, who is the deputy chair tees that they are sitting on. Cer- Economy Subcommittee is still to further explain the rules but back the $528,000 that they owe. of the Internal Economy Com- tainly, I will bring that forward,” working on fi nalizing this plan. more work needs to be done. Sen. Duffy’s lawyer during his mittee, said that the Senate rules said Sen. Cordy. She declined to say when will this The vagueness of the Senate criminal trial, Donald Bayne, also are clear to her. She said if Sen. Quebec Conservative Sen. oversight plan be announced. spending rules was one of the key said Senate spending rules are un- Wallace and other Senators are of Leo Housakos, chairman of the [email protected] root causes of the Senate spend- clear and should be clarifi ed. the view that these rules should Internal Economy Committee, The Hill times 8 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016
Editor Kate Malloy Assistant Deputy Editor Abbas Rana Publishers Anne Marie Creskey, Deputy Editor Derek Abma Online Editor, Power & Influence Editor Ally Foster Jim Creskey, Ross Dickson Managing Editor Kristen Shane Assistant Managing Editor Marie-Danielle Smith General Manager, CFO Andrew Morrow
EDITORIAL CLEAN TECHNOLOGY Government should target real outcomes: Kazdan It’s time for action on e: “Liberals have in some spending is the risk of infl a- Rrespects ‘lost ground on tion, but since we have 1.4 fi scal transparency,’ says million people unemployed climate change, now former PBO Page,” (The and huge, unused produc- Hill Times, April 18, p. 1). tion capacity, that risk is Canada’s former parliamen- extremely low. The govern- anada’s clean technology industry, worth $12-billion on carbon, modernize regulation, update innovation tary budget offi cer Kevin ment should target real Cannually to the Canadian economy, is now stalled policies, enable take up of clean technology in infra- Page asks,”Is there a con- outcomes–full employment, for the fi rst time in six years, according to Analytica structure and facilitate fi nancing for scale-up of the solidation plan at the end of good schools, and hospitals, Advisors’ 2016 Canadian clean technology industry innovations they have encouraged.” these defi cits that will bring combating climate change, report released last week. The comprehensive report Declared Ms. Bak: “Canada should help clean budgetary balance back into and reducing income in- says Canada’s clean technology industry, which created technology advance to market scale. The absence of a balance?” His concern is cor- equality. As long as available an additional 5,000 jobs in 2014, up from 50,000 the year positive business environment domestically will leave rect within the assumptions resources can be mobilized before, needs much more support from all levels of gov- the industry vulnerable.” of his model, but that model to improve the lives of Cana- ernment and the private sector in order “to stimulate and Meanwhile, Analytica Advisors’ report shows the is based on the gold standard dians, government spending help fi nance the deployment of commercialized clean global market for clean technology has doubled from when governments could run is benefi cial and the federal technology innovation in order to succeed.” But the report $500-billion to $1.1-trillion over the same time period. out of gold and were limited budget balance is irrelevant. says the clean technology industry revenues have been The report also shows that Canada is the world’s sec- in their expenditures. Larry Kazdan declining year over year since 2014. This isn’t good. ond largest “loser” of market share in the clean technol- The practical limit to Vancouver, B.C. “Without the right support, the industry could lose an ogy sector since 2005. Only Japan fares worse. opportunity to play a key role in the global race to fi ght The new federal Liberal government has allocated climate change and help Canada meet its 2020 Paris com- $2-billion for a low-carbon economy fund to help pro- Learning the ropes of mitments. Canadian clean technology companies, many vincial and territorial governments to cut greenhouse of which have benefi tted from federal and provincial gas emissions. It has also set aside $50-million over two government innovation policies and funding, also risk years to invest in technology to reduce emissions and House committees becoming takeover targets of foreign-owned businesses $62.5-million to invest in electric vehicles and other e: “’It’s been quite a learn- role of minister responsible that could benefi t from that investment and the subse- alternative fuels. But it has to do more and quickly. ing curve,’ rookie Grit MPs for education. quent economic growth,” states the report. Ms. Bak is right. Governments should be putting a R want more House committee Former Reform Party The report also states that clean technology exports price on carbon. The federal government, now led by training, but veteran Liberal, leader Preston Manning, are down. Canada’s clean technology goods exports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, should modernize regu- opposition MPs say time’s in numerous speeches, has had increased by $3-billion in the last 10 years, but lation. It should update innovation policies. It should up,” (The Hill Times, March 28, reminded us that one needs Canada’s clean technology exports dropped from 14th enable the take up of clean technology in infrastruc- p. 1). It was with signifi cant 30 hours of training to be a in 2005 to 19th in 2014, among top global exporters. ture. And it should facilitate fi nancing for the innova- interest that I read this article. barista at Starbucks, but that Analytica Advisors’ president Céline Bak stated that tions they have encouraged. The federal government I was an MLA in the Yukon one can become a lawmaker the trend could be reversed if “governments put a price needs to walk the walk. government from 2002 until in Parliament without one 2011 and was a cabinet minis- hour of training. As a former ter from 2005 until I retired, by member of a legislative as- choice, at the general election sembly, I know that there is of 2011. much more to the experience Since then, I have returned than simply following the to school and am complet- standing orders or Marleau ing a doctorate in education and Montpetit’s Parliamen- leadership at the University of tary Practice. I wish all of Calgary. Part of my disserta- the new parliamentarians tion, which is examining the the best of luck as they climb experience of being a minister up their very steep learning of education in a Canadian curve. jurisdiction, involves examin- Patrick Rouble ing how people learned the Whitehorse, Yukon Never Forgotten National Memorial was a dumb idea
e: “Feds kill idea to erect and the child of a soldier RNever Forgotten Na- who died in the service in tional Memorial, sloppily,” WWII. I have a right to (The Hill Times, March 28). speak up when appropriate So the ex-major general about matters concerning Lewis MacKenzie is all veterans alive and dead. And bent out of shape because I objected long and hard— Canadians rejected the and successfully—about stupid statue proposed for a this absurd plan to spend national park. a whopping great sum of You know, it’s a little money, and deface a national disturbing to hear this kind asset because a few people of rant from a former mili- thought a mammoth edifi ce tary leader. We expect more would look cute staring from those to whom we out over the ocean towards have entrusted our safety Europe. and security. G. Jones I am a veteran myself Ottawa, Ont.
EDITORIAL Cardozo, John Chenier, David Coletto, Sheila Copps, David DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Steve Macdonald DELIVERY INQUIRIES Please send letters to the editor to the SENIOR REPORTERS Peter Mazereeuw, Crane, Jim Creskey, Murray Dobbin, Gwynne Dyer, Michael CORPORATE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Craig Caldbick, [email protected] above street address or e-mail to news@ Tim Naumetz, and Laura Ryckewaert Geist, Greg Elmer, Alice Funke, J.L. Granatstein, Éric Grenier, Martin Reaume, Ulle Baum 613-688-8822 hilltimes.com. Deadline is Wednesday at REPORTER, POWER & INFLUENCE ASSISTANT Dennis Gruending, Cory Hann, Tim Harper, Chantal Hébert, noon, Ottawa time. Please include your full EDITOR Rachel Aiello Jenn Jefferys, David T. Jones, Joe Jordan, Warren Kinsella, PRODUCTION name, address and daytime phone number. NEWS REPORTER Chelsea Nash Camille Labchuk, Gillian McEachern, Arthur Milnes, Nancy PRODUCTION MANAGER Benoit Deneault The Hill Times reserves the right to edit PHOTOGRAPHERS Sam Garcia, Cynthia Münster, Peckford, Kate Purchase, Tim Powers, Michael Qaqish, SENIOR GRAPHIC, ONLINE DESIGNER Joey Sabourin letters. Letters do not reflect the views of and Jake Wright Jeremy Richler, Susan Riley, Ken Rubin, Sarah Schmidt, Rick JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melanie Brown The Hill Times. Thank you. POWER & INFLUENCE ASSISTANT EDITOR Smith, Evan Sotiropoulos, Scott Taylor, Ian Wayne, Nelson WEB DESIGNER Kobra Amirsardari Wiseman, Les Whittington and Armine Yalnizyan Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 Christina Leadlay PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Michael De Adder ADMINISTRATION BY HILL TIMES PUBLISHING INC. ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPT. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Denis Calnan, Simon ADVERTISING FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION Tracey Wale 69 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A5 69 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5 Doyle, Christopher Guly, Leslie MacKinnon, Carl VP OF ADVERTISING AND BUSINESS RECEPTION Alia Kellock Heward (613) 232-5952 Fax (613) 232-9055 Meyer and Cynthia Münster DEVELOPMENT Don Turner CIRCULATION SALES MANAGER Chris Peixoto Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 CMCA 2012 Better AUDITED Newspaper COLUMNISTS Keith Brooks, Karl Bélanger, Andrew ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Amanda Keenan • www.hilltimes.com Winner THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 9 COPPS’ CORNER SEXISM IN CANADA
This empirical evidence of The challenge sexism in the workplace will only with Rempel shines change with action. Government Conservative policies can mitigate or exacer- MP Michelle bate the problem. Rempel’s In the case of boardroom sex- analysis is light in dirty, dark ism, something can be done. Sen- that sexism ator Céline Hervieux-Payette has is not just an introduced a private member’s individualized bill to tackle the lack of diversity problem.t is corners of sexism in corporate Canada. Her Boards a collective, of Directors Modernization Act societal, would require the proportion of and global But there is a That is where individuals who board members of either sex to be problem, harbour sexist views feel most at least 40 per cent. writes Sheila conundrum in the comfortable in expressing them. Without legislative changes, Copps. The But individuals don’t stomp she predicts it will take 151 years Hill Times assumption that all out sexism. Societies do. That to reach parity at the current rate. photograph by sexism is individual. happens when laws on equality Governments can play a posi- Jake Wright are strong enough to change the tive or negative role in society’s Sexism thrives in an locker room mentality that some evolution. atmosphere of gender will never shake off. Rempel was a vociferous sup- While Rempel’s articulate porter of the policies of former inequality. There is a piece on Parliament was getting prime minister Stephen Harper. reason baudy, sexist lots of ink, another, more damag- Two of his fi rst acts in Parlia- ing report speaks to the depth of ment actually contributed to the jokes usually erupt at sexism outside the Hill. culture that promotes sexism. According to a boardroom First, he eliminated the gender men-only events. diversity study by Price, Water- lens from government analysis of house, Cooper published in The public policy. okay to infantilize them. It is okay the workplace. In Canada, such Globe and Mail, women account- Second, he imposed a ban on to fondle them and make inappro- a segregated work environment ed for less than three per cent of a woman’s right to control her priate comments and rude jokes would be against the law. incoming chief executive offi cers reproductive system by prohibit- at their expense. So laws matter. They also globally last year. In Canada ing international aid to projects Sexism is not always overt. It refl ect society’s interpretation and the United States, only one that involved such choice. can express itself in subtle ways. of what constitutes a bias-free woman CEO was hired, even One cannot visit the sins And that is why the decision to view workplace. SHEILA COPPS though the job turnover rate was of Stephen Harper on another public policy through a gender lens When Harper watered down the highest it had been since 2000. parliamentarian. His departure is crucial. Those who are seriously government policies on gender, In addition, PwC’s ’|The female opens a vacuum that Rempel is interested in stamping out sexism the country took a step back- TTAWA—Conservative Mem- millennial: A new era of talent” interested in fi lling, and she will need to legislate a healthy public and wards. Ober of Parliament Michelle study where nearly 10,000 female no doubt depart from the party private workplace for women and His Conservative Party was Rempel’s op-ed piece last week millennial across all industries were line in multiple areas. men. Solutions are not just individu- the only one to refuse a challenge garnered plenty of attention. surveyed, 43 per cent indicated an We have already seen the Con- al. They are societal. to set targets for the nomination And that is a good thing. ongoing employer bias favouring servative Party, in the few shorts Collective Canadian solutions of women election candidates. Any light shone in the dirty men when it comes to promotions month in opposition; abandon a may be quite different from those Hopefully, in her potential dark corners of sexism and ha- and 30 per cent identifi ed a bias number of ill-conceived dictums in other parts of the world. leadership run, Rempel will be rassment encourages change. favouring men around career devel- of their previous leader. That is as Four years ago, a Saudi Ara- crafting ways for her party to join But there is a conundrum in opment. The majority (71 per cent) it should be. bian business woman sought and the conversation. the assumption that all sexism is also agreed that while organizations But the challenge with Rempel’s received government approval Sheila Copps is a former Jean individual. talk about diversity, they do not feel analysis is that sexism is not just an to launch a 5,000-strong women- Chrétien-era Cabinet minister Sexism thrives in an atmo- opportunities are equal for all. individualized problem. It is a collec- only business environment in the and a former deputy prime min- sphere of gender inequality. There According to PwC, the situ- tive, societal, and global problem. city of Hofuf. ister. She is a registered lobbyist is a reason baudy, sexist jokes ation has deteriorated since the It is part of a culture that says, The project was lauded as a today. usually erupt at men-only events. last major survey fi ve years ago. it is okay to bully women. It is solution to integrate women into The Hill Times
POST-PARTISAN PUNDIT ENVIRONMENT It’s not easy being a green Conservative
Or at least, this seems to be an As he once told a media My point is, by championing a It’s a losing battle. It’s a losing battle. emerging theory. interviewer, “‘Conservation’ and policy a lot of conservatives actively That’s not to say conserva- That’s not to say The argument goes something ‘conservative’ come from the detest Brown could alienate his own tives should ignore environmental like this: conservative politicians same root. You can’t demand supporters and it’s hard to win an concerns, but they should avoid conservatives seem reluctant to seriously fi ght more out of natural systems than election when your base isn’t happy. taking specifi c and controversial should ignore global warming and hence are you are prepared to put into Just ask (interim) NDP leader positions, such a carbon tax. perceived as being anti-green and sustaining them. And so I argue Thomas Mulcair. Instead, when it comes to environmental anti-green politicians will have a with conservatives, let’s extend Nor will Brown’s sudden proving their love of nature, concerns, but hard time getting elected in this the concept of living within our embrace of greenness satisfy his conservative politicians should increasingly eco-conscious world. means fi nancially to living within opponents on the left. opt for feel-good vagueness over they should avoid The trend, after all, is for our means ecologically.” In fact, shortly after Brown an- detailed substance. people to drive eco-friendly cars, And Manning has won some nounced his carbon tax idea, On- For instance Patrick Brown taking specifi c to live in eco-friendly homes and, converts. tario’s Liberal Environment and should tape a TV ad that shows and controversial one assumes, to vote for eco- Ontario Progressive Conserva- Climate Change Minister, Glenn him standing in a pristine forest friendly politicians. tive Party leader, Patrick Brown, Murray, took to Twitter to snarkily saying something like, “I love positions, such a It’s all about saving the planet, for instance, recently committed proclaim, “Climate change denier Ontario’s natural beauty and as carbon tax. right? his party to implementing a tax Patrick Brown discovers climate Premier I will do everything in This is certainly a theme former on carbon. change.” my power to keep it beautiful.” Reform Party leader and prominent Sounding an awful lot like In other words, Brown’s sup- And that’s it. That should be conservative, Preston Manning, has Green Party leader, Elizabeth port of a carbon tax will gener- his environmental policy. been driving home as of late. May, Brown declared, “climate ate resentment on the right and Sure that kind of ad won’t win Manning has argued that if change is a fact. It is a threat. It is mockery on the left. over David Suzuki, but it’s prob- conservative parties want to suc- man-made. We have to do some- This is clearly a political di- ably enough of a green-oriented ceed electorally in the future they thing about it, and that some- lemma which neither Brown nor message to soothe the concerns GERRY NICHOLLS must adopt tough pro-environ- thing includes putting a price on Manning fully appreciates. of your average voter. ment policies. carbon.” Luckily for them, I’m here to And when it comes to the envi- And yes, he says that must in- The problem with Brown turn- explain the proper way for con- ronment, that’s the best conserva- AKVILLE, ONT.—Global clude embracing a policy conserva- ing green, of course, is that many servative politicians to go green. tive politicians can hope for. Owarming is doing more than tives instinctively hate: a carbon tax. people in his own party would First off, it should be under- Gerry Nicholls is a communi- just eroding Arctic icecaps; it’s The way Manning sees it, probably see his carbon tax idea stood from the get go that con- cations consultant. also apparently melting support green activism is actually in keep- as tantamount to ideological servatives can never “out-green” www.gerrynicholls.com for conservative political parties. ing with conservative ideals. treason. left-wing politicians. The Hill Times 10 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 THE WAR ROOM MEDIA & POLITICS Trudeau shouldn’t fl y too close to the camera lights In my view, there is Gleason’s Gym is located in the backbencher, representing the lower Bronx, and it’s been around third party in a remote perch in no politician alive for nearly 80 years. Jake (The Bronx the House of Commons—and it Bull) LaMotta, Mike Belloise, Phil made him into a prime minister. who is as adept Terranova and Jimmy Carter trained The 2015 general election was a at visuals. Words there. So did Carlos Ortiz, Roberto mere formality, after that. Duran, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, The night of the fi ght, I was equal information, and a guy named Cassius Clay, who at the now-departed Sun News. but pictures equal would become Muhammad Ali, I couldn’t watch it, because readying himself to take on Sonny Trudeau was still a friend, then, power, and Justin Liston. Movie stars go there, too, and I was scared shitless he was Trudeau, grinning getting in shape to play boxers in going to get beaten up, and his the movies: Robert DeNiro, Wesley political career would be over. I out at us on the Snipes, Hilary Swank. It’s a famous could see it on the faces of the Warren Kinsella says Justin Trudeau’s 2012 winning fundraiser boxing match cover of GQ, knows place, and big names train there. Sun News stars like Ezra Levant, against Sen. Patrick Brazeau, left, transformed him from a relatively inoffensive Justin Trudeau now, too. They’ll who were on hand to broadcast backbencher, representing the third party in a remote perch in the House of that better than put his framed picture up on the every minute of that fi ght. They Commons—and it made him into a prime minister. The 2015 general election walls along with the other notables wanted to see Trudeau, who they was a mere formality, after that. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright anyone. But. after he heads back home, no doubt. hated, humiliated. They wanted to If you’re a boxer, and if you’re see him ground into the canvas, a in New York, you’d want to train smear of blood and sweat. at visuals. Words equal informa- “Yes, he did,” I said. at Gleason’s Gym. It’s the St. Pe- But he won. He won. And, for tion, but pictures equal power, and “But the pictures, the…what do ter’s Basilca of the fi ghter’s game, the fi rst time, I saw alarm—and Justin Trudeau—grinning out at us you call them?” pretty much. Hopes and dreams something approaching fear—on the on the cover of GQ, this week — “The selfi es?” and fears, played out on 20 square faces of the Sun News folks. They knows that better than anyone. “Yes, the selfi es,” he said. “They WARREN KINSELLA feet of canvas. It’s a chess game, knew the Canadian politics changed, But. make him look too young. Not using fi sts. that night, and not in a way that But are you starting to feel, serious.” Anyway. Apologies. Writers favoured their side of the debate. like me, that this stuff is getting Not serious. ORONTO—The media adviso- get carried away with boxing, yes, So, yes. Boxing helped Justin pushed a bit too far? That there is The Gleason’s Gym press Try slipped silently into email because it’s such a perfect meta- Trudeau win. And Gleason’s Gym a danger, here, that he is dancing release hadn’t gone out, yet. But inboxes on Wednesday afternoon. phor for everything else, especially is where winners go to box. Got it. too close to the klieg lights, and is if it had, I might have quoted to Prime Minister Justin politics. But here was the highest offi ce about to fall into the orchestra pit? Bruno—who has barbered the Trudeau would be in New York Justin Trudeau is keenly aware in the land, issuing an offi cial- I was unsure, so I asked my bar- heads of many a hockey and from Wednesday to Friday to of that, of course. That’s why he looking media statement beneath ber, Bruno. I haven’t seen him for a basketball player, and not a few sign the Paris Agreement on called around for days, casting the Great Seal of Canada, no less, while, because he’s been in Italy. boxers, too—the following, from climate change. While there, he about for someone to fi ght with that “The prime minister will train Bruno has been cutting hair in the Italian-American writer, would be speaking to some NYU him back in March 2012. The match at Gleason’s Gym.” No questions, and around Union Station for a Brian D’Amrosio. Here’s what students, and answering their was supposed to be a fundraiser just be there to take his picture. half-century or so, you see. He’s as D’Ambrosio said: “Boxing begins questions. for a cause that—I wager—very Don’t be late. Liberal as it gets. He bleeds Liber- in illusion and ends in real blood Oh, and this: “The Prime Min- few folks can remember. But, Holy Some of us, sitting in the cheap al red. And there he was, trimming and tears. That’s what makes it so ister will train at Gleason’s Gym.” God, they remember that fi ght. seats outside the ring, have written away, his brow furrowed. “So, your beautiful.” “Media should arrive no later That fi ght is what transformed about Justin Trudeau’s sheer mas- friend,” he said, but I didn’t correct Justin Trudeau, Master of Illu- than 1 p.m. for accreditation,” it Justin Trudeau. It transformed tery of image. In my view, there is him. “Your friend did well in the sion, take note. said. “Photo opportunity only.” him from a relatively inoffensive no politician alive who is as adept election.” The Hill Times
OPINION INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS Chrétien’s right, sometimes you have to move lometres away and it was not worth to maybe consider moving “like immense territory, each with their that any inquiry will inevitably ‘Relocation’ it to build a road to connect the two anybody else,” voluntarily, and in own mostly independent organi- fi nish with another recommenda- is considered centres, so the road just stopped in order to solve a problem other- zation, but most of them living in tion for more money? the middle of nowhere. wise not solvable. worse than Third World conditions. If, after centuries, thousands of blasphemous when I asked if the people living in We have to be mindful of the What have the governments speeches, inquiries, billions spent, the outer communities were receiv- mistakes of the past by trying not done to solve the problem? A and agreements signed but not talking about our ing assistance and if they had hos- to make them again and, at the question impossible to an- respected, women still suffer, and indigenous peoples pitals or other support services. I same time, we can’t be prisoners of swer. Can we do better? Of course young people still kill themselves, was told they had the daily necessi- the mistakes of the past by ignor- we can. To start, we need a settle- isn’t it time to think about sustain- because it stokes ties and if there was an emergency, ing the problems of the present. ment to replace the pre-Confed- able and implementable proposals they’re airlifted to Iqaluit. The problems with some of our eration treaties signed but never to put an end to this tragedy? the tragic memories But on that day, I also under- indigenous communities are real respected, and a better account- After so many years, the fi rst of the ill-conceived stood the dramatic problems of and dramatic, but if we want to ability system. time I’ve heard something coura- our indigenous peoples would solve them, we need the courage to The question is, is there geous and intelligent was when residential schools never be solved because the ap- put all the facts on the table fi rst, anybody among our leaders who Chrétien, very delicately, sug- proach of our politicians would and be ready to accept whatever understands what’s going on? gested that moving was one of the of the past. lead to a “Road to Nowhere.” the outcome is going to be. We need They promote understanding, and possible solutions. In the new era I thought so until last week, politicians, possibly not only former I believe that Canadians are very of globalization, demographic os- when I read a statement from for- politicians, who stop listing the prob- good, tolerant, and fair people, who mosis and technological revolution, mer prime minister Jean Chrétien lems and who are willing to fi nd the are ready to accept any proposal moving from one place to another referring to the dramatic situation root causes to fi nd solutions. capable to solve the problem. to improve quality of life is not a in the Attawapiskat reserve in We all know the problems. The question is whether there sin. In fact, it is a good alternative ANGELO PERSICHILLI northern Ontario: “There is no eco- There are high suicide rates, high is anybody who has the power to a “Road to Nowhere.” nomic base there for having jobs unemployment, poor infrastruc- and the infl uence and who has a Angelo Persichilli is free- and so on,” Chrétien told report- ture, contaminated drinking valid proposal other than rhetoric lance journalist and a former ORONTO—A few years ago ers, stating that, “sometimes they water, and more. and demagogy. For example, to citizenship judge for the Greater Twhen I was in Iqaluit, Nunavut, have to move, like anybody else.” But we don’t have all the infor- those asking for more money, can Toronto Area. He was also a I was looking at a map of the area “Relocation” is considered mation. they tell us how much money we director of communications to when I noticed a strange street blasphemous when talking about For example, do we know how are already spending for indig- prime minister Stephen Harper name: Road to Nowhere. I thought our indigenous peoples because it many people we’re talking about? enous peoples in the reserves? Do and is the former political editor it was a joke but a resident ex- stokes the tragic memories of the It looks like that there are 1.4 mil- we know if all the money is re- of Canadese, Canada’s Italian- plained to me that the name meant ill-conceived residential schools lion aboriginal peoples in Canada. ally spent for the natives or does language newspaper in Toronto. exactly that, road to nowhere. She of the past. But Chrétien was not However, less than 700,000 live it take a “Road to Nowhere?” Can [email protected] said the closest town with a few talking about forced relocation, on reserves in dramatic condi- we stop asking for another inqui- The Hill Times hundred people was hundreds of ki- he was talking about the need tions. They are scattered over an ry to fi nd the problem knowing THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 11 CANADA & THE 21ST CENTURY FINANCE MINISTER
cent in 2017-18 and 0.8 per cent in 2017-18, with just an additional Nothing matters more to a fi nance 60,000 jobs by 2017-18. The economy will likely be a major issue in the next federal election, and there are signifi cant minister than credibility risks. World trade could be fl at so that Canada will get only mod- est lift from exports. Oil prices Bill Morneau has got This is why it is so hard to Harper government had estab- $6-billion annually from 2016-17 to could show little upside. While understand why Finance Minister lished the offi ce, it soon turned 2020-21. In other words, Morneau Morneau’s budget assumes oil off to a poorer start Bill Morneau, in his fi rst budget, on its creation when the PBO appeared to be building an artifi - prices will rise from $40 this year got off on the wrong foot. He started to do its job. It refused to cial cushion so that later he could to $63 in 2020, the PBO assumes than need be, whether withheld important fi scal infor- supply information requested by claim that his government’s stellar they will rise from $39 to just $49. mation that was a normal part of the PBO, even forcing the PBO to performance in economic manage- The PBO assumes the dollar will because of his own past federal budgets and played a go to court to obtain information, ment had delivered smaller defi cits. rise from 75.3 U.S. cents this year misjudgment or the bit fast and loose with economic and accused the PBO of engaging Alternatively, the government to 76 U.S. cents by 2020 while forecasts. It took the Parliamen- in “partisan” activities because it could increase spending without Morneau is assuming the dollar poor advice of others. tary Budget Offi cer’s interven- cast doubt on federal initiatives. adding to the defi cit, again because will go from 72.1 U.S. cents this tion to force Finance to produce Now we need assurances that the the cushion was there. year to 83.1 U.S. cents. The good news for missing data, and more pressure Liberals will proceed with their The PBO charged that Mor- We don’t know if either will be him is that it’s not to force Finance to withdraw promise to give more indepen- neau’s adjustment to the private right. Given the volatility of the its bizarre requirement that the dence to the PBO. sector consensus forecast was “ex- global economy, and uncertainty too late to establish missing data be kept confi dential. When Paul Martin became fi - cessive.” The difference is that the of political changes in the U.K. But the bigger concern is the nance minister, to give more cred- budget defi cit this year would be Brexit referendum, the U.S. presi- credibility. The impression left that the budget’s ibility to his budgets, he based his $29.4-billion this year, in Morneau’s dential and congressional races, question is, will he? forecasted defi cits are deliber- fi scal projections not on Finance budget forecast, but $20.5-billion ongoing unrest in the Middle ately exaggerated so that by the Canada’s economic forecasts in the PBO forecast. And next year East, the outlook for China’s time of the next election, the which could be politically ma- PBO forecasts a defi cit of $24.2-bil- economy and North Korea’s Trudeau government can claim nipulated to make a government’s lion compared to $29.0-billion in nuclear brinkmanship, anything that its policies worked so well fi scal numbers work, but on the Morneau’s budget. could happen. that the actual defi cits are much consensus economic forecast of The PBO and Finance also This why Morneau’s public lower than it originally forecast. private sector economists where disagree on the growth; prospects credibility is so important. Con- DAVID CRANE Fortunately, it is getting harder the government couldn’t easily for the economy and the contri- fi dence is an important factor in for governments to get away play with the numbers. As the butions to economic growth and the state of the economy. Canadi- with this kind of thing, and one PBO pointed out, this introduced job creation resulting from the ans need a fi nance minister who ORONTO—Nothing matters reason is the establishment of the an element of independence—or government’s fi scal stimulus—tax they can trust to be above politics Tmore to a fi nance minister Parliamentary Budget Offi ce. This credibility—in a government’s cuts, increased child benefi ts and on the big questions. Morneau than his or her credibility. The doesn’t mean that the PBO’s fore- fi scal forecasts. infrastructure spending. Finance has got off to a poorer start than public must have confi dence that casts are always right and that What Morneau did was to estimates that the stimulus will need be, whether because of his the fi nance minister is delivering Finance is always wrong. But it tamper with this process, playing increase GDP growth by 0.5 per own misjudgment or the poor reliable and trustworthy pro- does mean that a second opinion politics with the private sector cent in 2016-17 and 1.0 per cent advice of others. The good news nouncements on the economy and is available. forecast. He reduced the private in 2017-18, and that the impact for him is that it’s not too late to the state of the public fi nances in In the last election campaign, sector forecast of nominal GDP will translate into 100,000 jobs establish credibility. The question budgets and other public state- the Liberals in their platform by $40-billion a year from 2016 created or maintained by 2017-18. is, will he? ments. Once credibility is lost, it promised to strengthen the inde- to 2020. The effect was to artifi - For its part, the PBO estimates the David Crane can be reached at is diffi cult to win back. pendence of the PBO. While the cially raise the size of the defi cit by stimulus will raise GDP by 0.5 per [email protected]. The Hill Times
INSIDE POLITICS BILL C-14 Assisted-dying bill exploited by all sides
The church and its of rights, a government very early In Collins’s view, it would More often than not, it merely in a muscular majority mandate appear that the religious beliefs infl ames both sides of the debate health-care providers with political capital bulging from of the institution should trump and satisfi es no one. their pockets moved so tentatively the charter rights of patients That committee recommended may see a way out. on assisted dying. suffering intolerably with death that health-care practitioners’ But it puts institutions A government that went big “reasonably foreseen.” “freedom of conscience” should be on refugees, purports to go big Collins sees no confl ict. respected, but it would have com- ahead of the rights of on climate change with a prime No hospital, chronic-care pelled an objecting practitioner “at minister given to big, sweeping facility or hospice in this country a minimum” to provide an effective dying patients. The pronouncements instead went is compelled to provide every referral for a patient. It also recom- blame for that rests small in physician-assisted dying. medical procedure and service mended that Ottawa work with the Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka of Ottawa It created a void that is rapidly available in this country, he says. provinces and territories to ensure went further, when he suggested that with a government being fi lled by progressives who He also rejects the notion that all publicly funded health-care demanding doctors terminate life or that gives the church are understandably upset that the assisted dying now becomes a institutions provide medial assis- be complicit in that act would make rights of those suffering griev- charter right. It is a legal right, tance in dying. the physician ‘complicit in murder.’ the room to take ously from mental illness, mature Collins told me, but the “charter Physicians in faith-based The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright minors, or those who wish to pro- right” argument is a construct not care institutions maintain their that road. vide advance directives have not supported by evidence, a notion Charter Rights would be violated that are contrary to their roles as been respected in this legislation, put forward by a Commons-Sen- if they were forced to even refer a “havens of hope” in this country. providing two tiers of those who ate committee that veered “wildly” patient to a consenting physician. Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka of Ot- are eligible to die with dignity. in directions unpalatable to Cana- They put forward a proposal in tawa went further, when he sug- It also left enough holes in dians, at least in Collins’s view. which an independent assessment gested that demanding doctors the legislation for conservative There could have been no team would deal with a patient terminate life or be complicit in TIM HARPER opponents, in this case, many of assisted-dying legislation intro- who may be choosing assisted that act would make the physi- Canada’s churches, to exploit duced by any government of any death. If the patient wished to go cian “complicit in murder.’’ concerns from their perspective. political stripe that would have that route, the faith-based doctor The legislation, of course, TTAWA—When it comes to They arrived on Parliament been backed by the Catholic would pass over all fi les but make clearly spells out the opposite. Ophysician-assisted dying, Hill on the eve of debate on Bill Church in this country. no referral themselves. The church and its health-care should the beliefs of a health-care C-14, intent on exploiting a weak- That parliamentary committee It may satisfy health-care providers may see a way out. But institution trump a Charter right ness in the legislation that gives that so alarmed the Catholic Church practitioners but needlessly heaps it puts institutions ahead of the of a suffering patient? them much room to manoeuvre provided a bold, progressive view of more hurdles in front of those rights of dying patients. It shouldn’t, but we may ulti- on their fl ank. what could have been in this legisla- who are dying and wish to have The blame for that rests with a mately get to that point. Cardinal Thomas Collins, the tion—which likely guaranteed much their pain alleviated. government that gives the church That is only one result of the Catholic archbishop of Toronto, ar- of it would be ignored, replaced by Collins said faith-based institu- the room to take that road. curiously timid legislation on as- gues that taxpayer-funded Catholic that most milquetoast of pledges to tions receive public funding be- Tim Harper is a national sisted dying introduced last week health institutions should maintain deliver a law that provides “balance” cause they provide much-needed affairs writer for The Toronto by the Liberals. that public funding while refusing between competing views. services, but such nursing homes, Star. This column was released on It may forever be a mystery to follow the law of the land—as- One should cringe when they hospitals, hospices or other fa- April 20. why a government that so loudly sisting those who fi t the restrictive hear about a law that claims to cilities should never be forced by [email protected] trumpeted respect for the charter criteria for such death. “balance” concerns on both sides. government to provide services The Hill Times 12 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 THE SPIN DOCTORS By Laura Ryckewaert
TUESDAY, MAY 17 NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE “The Liberal government has tabled Bill C-14 on doctor-assisted dying. What do you think of this legislation? Will it pass?”
choices and freedoms in a way that would TRAVERS protect the most vulnerable, and support the personal convictions of health care providers. KATE “From this, our government proposed the PURCHASE legislation that would give dying Canadians— DEBATES Liberal strategist who are suffering intolerably from a serious medical condition—the choice of a medically
2016 assisted death. Access would only be available “We recognize that, for all Canadians, to those who are mentally competent adults, medical assistance in dying is a diffi cult and have a serious and incurable illness, disease, deeply personal issue. or disability, and whose natural deaths have “Last year, the Supreme Court of Canada become reasonably foreseeable. unanimously decided that Canadians who “For some, medical-assistance in dying will Are your fun times running a larger suffer intolerably have the right to request be troubling. For others, this legislation will assistance to end their suffering. The Govern- not go far enough. We will continue to study ment of Canada respects that decision. the most controversial proposals, and look than expected deficit? “After extensive consultations, the minister forward to engaging all Parliamentarians, as of health and the minister of justice worked to we develop a compassionate response to the Bored with binging on Netflix? take an approach that would defend people’s Supreme Court’s ruling.” ensuring there are protections in place for Worried about your Panama account? those that need it most. It was our caucus that led the charge to ensure any legislation on CORY this includes safeguards to protect the most Help is at hand. Not only is Canada HANN vulnerable people in our society, and protect the conscience rights of physicians. Conservative strategist back – so are the Travers Debates! “We made recommendations that in- cluded stringent safeguards to protect those “While this is a profoundly sensitive issue, with mental health challenges, and made with deeply held personal beliefs on both it clear that excluding minors from the bill Join our fearless fun debate sides of the argument, I can say I’m proud was a must. Through this dissenting com- that our Conservative Members of Parlia- mittee report, we were successful in having teams as they tackle the ment will be free to vote their conscience on these recommendations included in the bill this issue. Primary amongst the concerns we saw introduced last week. And that’s question of House decorum. Conservatives have with assisted suicide is good news for our most vulnerable.”
Be there on May 17th as Scott clear this might very well be the case. The best way to proceed would be for the Government to Feschuk and Ruth Ellen refer the legislation back to the Supreme Court RICCARDO in order to determine if it does indeed fall short, Brosseau trade trenchant bon and to clarify what changes would be needed. FILIPPONE “As we study the bill moving forward, we mots with Katie Simpson NDP strategist will have to determine if the legislation ad- equately protects the vulnerable and addresses and Rodger Cuzner in key issues that many have raised such as prac- “In considering this legislation we have titioners’ objections and advance directives. arguing the pros and cons of to keep in mind that this bill is in response to “It’s diffi cult to determine how the vote the resolution “Heckling is a a Supreme Court ruling which struck down will turn out now that all parties have con- the ban on assisted dying last year. So the fi rmed they will be proceeding with a free parliamentary privilege and fi rst question is: does this legislation prop- vote (Liberal cabinet aside), but on an issue as erly address the court’s decision? complex and deeply felt as this, Parliamentar- should be maintained.” “The Liberal’s restrictive approach in draft- ians must work together, beyond partisan- ing this legislation has many advocates arguing ship, to ensure that this important legislation that the bill falls short of the Carter decision. It’s respects the Supreme Court ruling.” As for our serious debate, you won’t want to miss it. behind vague legislation that will spark Find out more – buy a ticket, and pay to play! protests and be referred back to the courts. “The concept of ‘reasonably foreseeable It’s all in aid of raising funds for the R. James Travers natural death’ proposed in the bill is so vague MATHIEU R. that even the minister seems to be unclear as Foreign Corresponding Fellowship, created to honour ST-AMAND to what it means. Introducing such vague con- cepts is a means of ensuring that the matter is Bloc Québécois strategist the late Jim Travers. The last three Travers Debates have been referred back to the courts, so that the courts “We are anxiously awaiting the fed- are forced to make a determination after years sell-outs and tickets are selling quickly again for this year. eral government’s assisted dying bill. of argument. The minister seems to lack politi- Since the Supreme Court forced their cal courage in this matter. Don’t be disappointed — buy today! hand with the Carter decision, the Harper “The federal government would do and Trudeau governments have been well to follow Quebec’s approach in ad- dragging their feet and keeping us wait- dressing this matter. Through broad, trans- ing for far too long. Unfortunately, Bill partisan consultation, and rigorous and Tickets are $125 and available C-14 will not be the end of this story. The courageous legislative work, Quebec was Trudeau government seems to want to hide able to adopt clear legislation.” only at traversdebates.ca to getting it right, and the Greens are hopeful that the government will accept amendments. “Several things must change. For starters, PRESENTED BY CAMILLE patients who request an assisted death when Take a second LABCHUK they have the legal capacity to do so must not be required to reconfi rm this request after they Green strategist lose that capacity. It’s troubling that non-termi- spring break on nal medical conditions appear to be excluded “To be frank, the doctor-assisted dying legis- from the regime, meaning that patients suffer- May 17th for the lation is a rather tepid response to the Supreme ing intolerable yet not fatal pain will be left to Court’s ruling in Carter. The Court was clear languish. It’s also unfair that mature teenagers Travers Debates! that Canadians who suffer intolerably from an are excluded from protections. incurable medical condition have a constitution- “Governments must be wary of trying al right to a dignifi ed death, yet this bill appears to please interest groups and ‘strike a bal- to deny that right to far too many of us. The ance’ when the result is infringing peoples’ committee hearings on this bill will be essential Charter rights.” THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 13 OPINION SENATE REFORM
supplanted by First Ministers Meetings and the strength of leadership in the provinces Does the Trudeau version of and territories. However the vitally impor- tant role the Senate plays in relation to the review and improvement of legislation and in committee by the study of policy issues Senate reform deserve support? cannot and should not be diminished. In his fi rst speech in the Senate, Sena- tor Harder, as government representative posed the following question; “How can One may conclude that Prime we modernize, adapt and strengthen the Minister role of the Senate to meet the expecta- the reforms coming from Justin tions of Canadians in the 21st century?” A the Greene-Massicotte Trudeau, good part of the answer to that question pictured will come from continuing and enhancing meeting and those from in this fi le the legislative and public policy role of the photo at Senate. In doing this, Harder believes that the Senate Modernization a caucus the Senate should not compete with the Committee as well as the meeting House of Commons but complement it. with his In recent days two spaces on each Trudeau reforms should MPs. The Senate standing committee have now Hill Times been designated for Senators who identify be given a chance to be photograph by themselves as Independents. Sen. Harder’s considered, implemented Jake Wright request to the Senate Internal Economy Committee for additional funds to carry and evolve. The success of out his new role is still outstanding. How- ever, as was pointed out in an April 18 Hill Senate reform is squarely Times editorial, it is incumbent on him in the hands of Senators. to explain why the funds are needed and what they will be used for. Leaving that issue aside, and while it is early days for this version of Senate reform, one may conclude that the reforms coming tutions Maryam Monsef in early December should address the role of the Senate and from the Greene-Massicotte meeting and of last year. Appointees are to have a re- how that role and the administration of the those from the Senate Modernization Com- cord of achievement, integrity, and under- Senate can be improved. mittee as well as the Trudeau reforms should BRUCE CARSON stand the role of the Senate. The fourth one With the move towards modernization be given a chance to be considered, imple- is that they be non-partisan and I suppose and the appointment of Senators who do mented, and evolve. The success of Senate that is to help with being independent as not identify with a political party, it is to be reform is squarely in the hands of Senators. TTAWA—The subject of Senate reform Trudeau appointees are to be independent hoped that the important role the Senate Bruce Carson was senior advisor from Ohas been with us since shortly after of political party affi liation. However, as has played in the study by committees of 1995-2002 to the late Senator John Lynch- Confederation with the main focus being former Senator and government leader in public policy issues and the improvement Staunton, opposition leader in the Sen- the method of selection of Senators and, the Senate, Marjory LeBreton pointed out of legislation; sober second thought, will ate and senior adviser to prime minister in recent years, the focus has been on the in a Hill Times article dated April 11, “any- continue. At the time of Confederation, the Stephen Harper from 2006-09. He publishes length of terms. In all this time, the only one who has lived has partisan views, even Senate was to provide representation of the a daily commentary on political issues: The constitutional changes brought to the if they are not active political partisans.” provinces or regions of Canada in the cen- Morning Brief. [email protected] Senate have been ones that increased the Senator Irving Gerstei,n in his retire- tral Parliament. That role has been largely The Hill Times number of Senators as Canada expanded. ment speech in the Senate, also took In 1965, by virtue of the Constitution Act, issue with this criterion and advanced the the retirement age became 75 years and proposition that the advisory panel “be free the Constitution Act in 1982 provided a to recommend qualifi ed candidates regard- suspensive veto for the Senate over con- less of their party ties.” Both Gerstein and stitutional changes. Informal changes to LeBreton argue that partisanship in the the method of selection have been most Senate has not been its major problem. successful in Alberta as Albertans elect However, as time goes on we will see how Senators to a roster from which the prime closely the lack of partisanship is followed minister may select a Senator-in-waiting as a base for appointment. Perhaps one can and appoint her or him to the Senate. Pres- be an “independent partisan.” TALENT FOR ently, Alberta elected Senator Doug Black We are now in a situation where the who occupies an Alberta Senate seat. Trudeau theory of Senate reform has been During the time of the Harper govern- put into practice with the appointment ment, nine separate pieces of legislation of seven Senators who sit as Indepen- INNOVATION were advanced dealing with Senate reform dents and Senator Peter Harder as the with no success. These changes were government representative in the Senate. aimed at limiting the length of tenure and Throughout this mandate there will be changing the method of selection through more appointments and presumably more election. The decision by the Supreme Court Harnessing independent Senators. By the end of next of Canada in the Senate reference case ren- year, the independents will outnumber dered in April 2014 effectively ended all at- the Liberals and by the end of 2017 there tempts by the Harper government to change will be more independents than there are Canada’s research the Senate by means of federal legislation. Conservative Senators. There is a certain The court held that Ottawa cannot act alone inevitability to the march of the indepen- to set term limits or change the method of dents as during this parliament there will advantage appointment as such changes would require be at least 41 appointments made. at least seven provinces, representing at To date, whether one likes the process least 50 per cent of the population section of or not, those who regularly complain about Join Mitacs and leaders from business, the constitutional amending formula. Aboli- the quality of Senate appointments have government, and academia as we examine tion would require unanimity. been silenced. It remains to be seen how the This led to three different approaches next 41 are to be judged, but this is a work strategies to effectively engage and employ to the Senate being put before voters in the in progress. Certainly the seven appointed 2015 federal election. Prime minister Ste- by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fi t in well our research innovators. phen Harper’s view was that he would not with what could be considered to be the best appoint any more Senators until the provinc- appointments of the last 30 or so years. es came to their senses in support of Senate The new Senators and those who follow reform. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair used the during Trudeau’s mandate enter a Senate Register at mitacs.ca/en/events impasse over reform and the Supreme Court where change is underway. This past sum- decision to anchor the traditional NDP view mer, Senators Stephen Greene and Paul of abolition. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Massicotte put together a questionnaire Tuesday, May 11, 2016 Forum: 1–4:30p.m. having expelled Liberal Senators from sent to all Senators seeking ideas regard- national caucus, came up with the proposal ing reform which would provide Senators National Arts Centre, Ottawa Reception: 4:30–6p.m. that potential Senate appointees would be with more input into the functioning of nominated by an independent body which the Senate. As a result of this initiative, a would be established by his government group of approximately 40 Senators met after the election. With the Trudeau victory together over three days in October to in October we are now seeing the Trudeau exchange views regarding improvements proposal in action. that could be brought to the Senate. There www.mitacs.ca The criteria for the appointments were is also a special committee of the Senate set out by the Minister of Democratic Insti- dealing with modernization whose work 14 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 ACCOUNTABILITY WHISTLEBLOWERS Time to turn a new leaf with whistleblowers
While the Liberals promised to be open by default with information and continue to reinforce this message they have recently announced that reforms to the Access to Information Act will have to wait until 2018.
ALLAN CUTLER
TTAWA—We are now about six months Ointo the new Liberal government man- date. It’s a good time to stop and take stock. From a whistleblowing viewpoint, has any- thing changed under the new regime? There are some indicators of a positive change. In November 2015, scientists were reported to have been “unmuzzled.” We’ve also heard from public servants speaking off the record about a positive change in culture inside government; impartial ad- vice is again valued. The new government has also dropped several legal cases—for example, one in which the previous gov- ernment tried to silence Cindy Blackstock and her efforts to get fair funding for aboriginal education. On the other hand, there are also negative indicators. While the Liberals promised to be open by default with information—and continue to reinforce this message—they have recently announced that reforms to the Access to Information Act will have to wait until 2018. This is a major disappointment for advocates. They believe that good recom- mendations for change already exist and simply have to be enacted. So why the wait? After 10 years of Conservative government, none of the skeletons in the closet will be- long to the Liberals. There are still signifi cant delays in obtaining information from depart- Allan Cutler says the new government, headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and its ministers should take another look at Sylvie Therrien’s case ments under the ATI. Some departments, and treat objections from senior executives with a certain amount of skepticism. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright such as Public Services and Procurement, have actually regressed since the change in government. It is diffi cult to reconcile the positive issue a marriage license to such a couple 10 years) suggest that it is a multi-million- With respect to whistleblowers, the pic- tone of this still-young government with if the law says so. The opposite is also dollar piece of window dressing. ture looks as bleak as ever. Several remain breaking its word with the reversal of its true. It is up to Parliament and the courts No senior bureaucrats have ever been locked in battle with the government, des- commitment and refusal to settle the mat- to strike down unjust laws and policies. implicated, even when the circumstances perately trying to get their jobs back. One ter. Possibly an answer lies in taking into A problem, however, emerges when the of the wrongdoing cases might reasonably is Sylvie Therrien, who blew the whistle on account the bureaucratic culture against policy or practice is secret or causes direct have invited questions about poor oversight a system of quotas for employment insur- which Therrien had to speak and the fact and immediate harm. When there is no or complicity. The scandal that led to the res- ance investigators. These quotas meant that that the public servants advising the new way for parliamentarians or the public to ignation of former commissioner Christiane investigators were being encouraged to government on the fi le probably had a know a problem exists there is also no way Ouimet also pointed at serious problems in reject EI claimants for the fl imsiest of rea- direct hand in both the policy she objected for them to fi x it. And in her case, Ther- the offi ce which have not been addressed. sons. Rejected claimants would then have to and the reprisals against her. Is the deci- rien did not refuse to reject EI claimants: Let’s hope the new government and its to navigate a long and complicated system sion based on advice from this quarter? she refused to reject legitimate claimants ministers will take another look at Therrien’s of appeals, a process that could take years. And perhaps this is the nub of the and informed the public of a secret, highly case and treat objections from senior execu- Therrien leaked information about the pol- matter: how can any government change unethical policy targeting vulnerable Cana- tives with a certain amount of skepticism. icy to the press, and was publicly called a the prevailing culture and practices of dians. This, surely, is the kind of thing the Across government, many offi cials who liar. When evidence emerged that she was an entrenched bureaucracy, particularly new government wants to stop. implemented some of the former govern- telling the truth, ministers claimed they when members are implicated in question- The other possible answer, and one we ment’s less savoury policies remain in place. were merely “targets.” Therrien was fi red, able practices? We can easily imagine a hope is not the truth, is that Liberals have Sometimes they were so enthusiastic that and, of course, her claims for EI rejected. scenario in which a senior executive tells chosen power over honour. Having the they became part of the problem, as in the While the public and opposition parties the new minister, who knows no better, power, they can do what they want, not case of the campaign against Cindy Black- weren’t fooled, the Conservatives were suc- that Therrien was a rogue employee who what they promised to do. stock. Rather than worrying about a fl ood of cessful in at least one respect: in her fi ght had it completely wrong, that reinstating As to the other avenues available to whistleblowers, it would be more construc- to get her job back, they have reframed the her or settling the case would set a bad Therrien, there were really none. Inter- tive to reform OPSIC and its mandate, and issue around her conduct, and not the fact precedent—and perhaps encourage others nal complaints such as this are typically other internal reporting mechanisms, so that she was essentially ordered to reject to copy her. There were, after all, alterna- investigated by someone considered safe, that internal whistleblowing becomes safe claimants who should have been accepted. tive avenues for Therrien to follow in the with an eye to making the matter go away. and effective (and, perhaps, make external Her case is in front of the Public Service case of real wrongdoing, and if she was This is precisely what appeared to happen whistleblowing unnecessary). As for ending Labour Relations Board, but she faces an disagreeing with a policy, well, it isn’t her in Therrien’s case. As for the Offi ce of the Therrien’s ordeal, it would simply send a uphill battle. role to object. Public Sector Integrity Commissioner (OP- message that things really have changed. With the change of government, Therrien On the latter point, there is some truth. SIC), it rejected her complaint on the basis Allan Cutler is past president of Cana- hoped for relief. Promises were made before Public servants should faithfully imple- that the law under which it operates bars dians for Accountability, a group formed to the election, after all. She had been called a ment legitimate policy no matter what their it from investigating. This excuse has worn help whistleblowers, fi ght corruption, and hero by the Liberals. In January, however, ethical stance. An offi cial who is person- thin, and the incredibly low rate of inves- an advocate for truth and transparency. she learned that this was not to be. ally against same-sex marriage must still tigations and fi ndings by the offi ce (11 in The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 15 OPINION TERRORISM Supremacist attitudes are a universal enemy permanently pin an expression of nations. There are no expecta- nationalism may disconnect us Law enforcement horror and an accompanying plea tions of press releases denounc- from others in the world, or even agencies have of solidarity on their social media ing Daesh attacks in Lebanon, within our own communities, accounts. Iraq, Turkey or a myriad of other and how it can be manipulated identifi ed right- Don’t misunderstand: the hor- places when the victims are or by agenda-driven interests and wing extremism ror, the pain, the solidarity—all of are perceived to be primarily metastasize into something more it is real and authentic. ‘brown’ or Muslim. And when the sinister as we witnessed in Brus- as a growing and But so is the frustration at the targets are brown but not Muslim, sels with the unwelcome appear- signifi cant threat expectation that when criminals the news seems signifi cantly ance of neo-Nazis at a recent commit despicable acts of terror- amplifi ed as with the horrifi c weekend memorial. to public safety in ism under the pretext of religion, Easter Sunday attack in Lahore, Consider what fuels those who Muslims everywhere should say Pakistan. We should all hurt when support such attitudes, including North America. something to assure everyone that even one human life is stolen, no what fuels them to support the This means we they don’t support those views. matter the victim’s identity. likes of Donald Trump. The head Muslims worldwide have What we seem to miss while of the U.S.-based National Policy must work even repeatedly and categorically seeking to understand these Institute and a white nationalist, harder than ever denounced all violent extrem- senseless acts of violence commit- Richard Spencer, told VICE News ism and, in particular, the terror ted in the name of any religion, last December that “[Trump’s] to challenge any group Daesh. What’s more, Is- or political ideology, is that this basically saying that if you are and all supremacist lamic scholars of all stripes have nihilistic hate is often based on a nation, then at some point you repudiated Daesh’s murderous supremacist attitudes. have to say, ‘There is an ‘Us,’ and attitudes which ideology and have shown how Instead of constant condemna- there is a ‘Them.’ Who are we? Are its horrifi c acts have no justifi ca- tions of those who say they are we a nation? In that sense, I think could potentially tion or place in Islam. And many fi ghting and killing in the name it’s really great.” Consider what fuels those who support lead to harm. Muslims will continue to do so of Islam, we must universally con- Supremacist attitudes are such attitudes, including what fuels because if they don’t, some people demn those who paint the world dangerous, not least because they them to support the likes of Donald will inevitably ask, “Why don’t in the false dichotomy of black also make it harder to engage Trump. Photograph courtesy of Michael Vadon they condemn what’s happening?” and white, good and evil, or right in meaningful discourse around Yet, as prominent American- and wrong. the drivers of violence. Our best Arab activist Linda Sarsour has Anyone who implicitly or ex- chance of fi ghting extremist ever to challenge any and all said, to expect Muslims to de- plicitly advocates the supremacy ideology is to fi nd our common supremacist attitudes which could nounce certain acts of terrorism of a particular group over another humanity and not simply rein- potentially lead to harm. “Hu- AMIRA ELGHAWABY every time they occur is itself big- should think twice about how this force false polarization within our manity should be our race. Love oted. Caucasian men aren’t called dehumanizes fellow human be- societies. The doubling of hate should be our religion” is an apt on to answer for what white lone ings around the world. crimes against Muslims over the quote in times like these. Maybe TTAWA—Is it time for a gunmen do in schools and movie We have to acknowledge that past three years here in Canada that’s what we should be posting Oblanket condemnation of all theatres, what some Christian nationalism can also be used to speaks clearly to this. to our websites, and pinning to future terrorist acts committed priests have done to children, or create and bolster a sense of righ- Furthermore, law enforcement our social media pages. in the name of Islam, occurring for what neo-Nazi groups preach. teousness and dominance in the agencies have identifi ed right- Amira Elghawaby is the anywhere in the world, to be fea- Furthermore, the condemna- minds of some. That isn’t to say wing extremism as a growing and communications director at the tured on the front page of every tions against Daesh and its ilk that being proud of one’s country, signifi cant threat to public safety National Council of Canadian Muslim organization’s website? are most often expected follow- or fellow citizens, is blameworthy. in North America. This means Muslims (NCCM). Or perhaps, every Muslim should ing terrorism infl icted on western But we should beware of how we must work even harder than The Hill Times
DIGITAL WORLD BROADBAND STRATEGY Who should lead Canada’s national broadband strategy?
If anything is self- weeks ago with a warning: even may have led to an unexpected applications including online video if an ideal speed target could be abrupt shift in tone and policy. and internet telephony (though evident, it is that identifi ed, there was no guaran- Days after the “needs” and “wants” the ability for multiple people in a federal government tee of regulatory action. Blais talk, Blais offered a second set of single household to use these ser- urged participants not to confuse remarks, this time describing the vices simultaneously is in doubt). leadership on “wants” with “needs,” a fram- vital importance of internet ac- Yet a national broadband ing that suggested the goal of cess as “self-evident” and charac- strategy must surely go beyond broadband funding the hearing was to identify the terizing the hearing as “a chance the bare minimum and the ap- and policies that bare minimum internet service to create together a coherent plications of today. Multiple users, required by Canadians. national broadband strategy.” video-based education programs, With one week still remaining in the encourage greater The remarks attracted immedi- The decision to change the focus tele-health, virtual community Canadian Radio-television and Tele- competition is a ate headlines that the commission of the hearing more than a year after meetings, interactive entertain- communications Commission hearing would not guarantee basic internet submissions began may be un- ment, 3D printing, and numer- focused on the state of internet need, not a want. speeds. The CRTC insists that only usual, but the CRTC is right. Canada ous internet-enabled devices are access in Canada, the process has comments on the public record desperately needs a national digital more than just wants. They are taken a surprising turn that ultimately count, but it is obvious that the strategy with universal, affordable the future of broadband for many cries out for leadership from Navdeep commissioners pay close attention broadband as its foundation. How- Canadians and the reason why Bains, the minister of Innovation, to media commentary and social ever, whether the Commission is the a country focused on innovation Science, and Economic Development. media postings. Within hours of the right body to lead such a strategy is cannot be content with painfully The Hill Times photograph Jake Wright fi rst media report, Blais jokingly an entirely different matter. slow, expensive Internet access. MICHAEL GEIST told one communications law pro- A strategy focused on univer- A realistic target also requires infrastructure investment in its 2016 fessor that his class might consider sal, affordable access raises two realistic funding. The CRTC has a budget, but allocated relatively little analyzing how his remarks were key questions. First, what are the relatively small pot of money avail- to the digital side of the ledger. If TTAWA—With one week still turned into those headlines. In fact, minimum targets for download and able and it may be limited to shifting anything is self-evident, it is that Oremaining in the Canadian the fi xation with press coverage upload speeds? Second, who will dollars from conventional telephone federal government leadership on Radio-television and Telecommuni- continued later in the week as Blais pay for the creation of universally contributions to the internet. That broadband funding and policies cations Commission hearing focused referenced “editorialists who never available networks that guarantee approach is unlikely to yield the that encourage greater competition on the state of internet access in show up at our hearings but appar- access at whatever target speed? necessary investment to create a true is a need, not a want. Canada, the process has taken a sur- ently have very strong views.” Some of the major telecom- 21st century digital infrastructure. Michael Geist holds the Cana- prising turn that ultimately cries out The press and public coverage munications companies have been There is a role to play for Cana- da Research Chair in internet and for leadership from Navdeep Bains, of the hearing—which unsurpris- urging the CRTC to adopt a “5 and da’s telecommunications regulator, e-commerce law at the University the Minister of Innovation, Science, ingly focused on the CRTC’s 1” approach representing 5 Mbps but it cannot replace a long-overdue of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. He can and Economic Development. seeming reluctance to adopt am- download and 1 Mbps upload. They internet infrastructure commitment be reached at [email protected] CRTC Chair Jean-Pierre bitious forward-looking targets claim those speeds are suffi cient to from the federal government. The or online at www.michaelgeist.ca. Blais opened the hearing two for universal internet access— allow for the use of many internet Liberal government emphasized The Hill Times 16 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, pictured. In U.S. human rights report still contrast to practice by previous secretaries, Mr. Kerry devoted signifi cant time to addressing human an international benchmark rights abuses when releasing the human rights report. He avoided the traditional ‘naming and lication for decades; however, He avoided the traditional “nam- shaming’ of a laundry The report stands as in many respects, it has been ing and shaming” of a laundry list list of abusers. Although overtaken by events. Continuing of abusers. Although urging action a basic benchmark urging action to resolve the catastrophe in Syria/Iraq; North to resolve the ongoing confl ict in ongoing confl ict in Syria, he for global treatment Korean and Iranian nuclear pro- Syria, he specifi cally praised human specifi cally praised human grams; Ukraine; refugee swarms rights progress in Tunisia, Nigeria, of human rights. rights progress in Tunisia, throughout Europe; the “Panama Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam, and Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Burma, It covers almost Papers”; and even the reality- Azerbaijan. He concluded with an Vietnam, and Azerbaijan. 200 entities in show politics of U.S. presidential extended passage fl atly denounc- campaigning dominate the media. ing torture (“The United States is Photograph courtesy of the U.S. 2.3 million words Thus, while the human rights opposed to the use of torture in any Department of State report was ready for its Congres- form at any time by any govern- of analysis and sionally mandated February release ment or non-state actor.”) age of leaden “legacy language,” anti-Semitic incidents while si- assessment. A in February, the exact timing was Succeeding the secretary at the leavened by greater effort to avoid multaneously reporting a decline contingent on Kerry’s availability; podium, Assistant Secretary for the passive tense. Such circum- in hate crimes. There is no refer- number of countries its “rollout” date is the secretary’s Democracy, Human Rights, and stance refl ects that detailed instruc- ence to anti-Islamic crimes. employ it as decision. This year, the human Labor, Thomas Malinowski, praised tions emphasize close adherence to The once-prominent reporting rights report release drifted past the same states touted by Kerry. previous language—unless change of anglo-francophone language one element for NCAA “March madness,” bloom- He criticized China and Russia for is signifi cant. Drafters are not to restrictions in Quebec and outside determining refugee ing cherry blossoms, the beginning “striking out” against their citizens reinvent wheels. Still there are the province is no longer in- of spring, and the opening of the (“disturbing but not surprising”) “tweaks” refl ecting greater concern cluded. claims validity. baseball season. Some substantive and ended by denouncing corrup- over “corruption” (thus greater at- And Canada’s restrictions delay factors included the presiden- tion implicitly but not specifi cally a tention to such in the text) and the on freedom of speech are noted, tial visit to Cuba and the U.S. effort reference to the Panama Papers. addition of “intersex” to the previ- but not criticized (“The Supreme to engage Moscow in restarting As is so often the case with hu- ous listing of “lesbian, gay, bisexual, Court has ruled that the govern- Syrian peace talks. Unsurprisingly, man rights, now a less prominent and transsexual” groups potentially ment may limit free speech in the HRR strongly criticized Russia concern, the HRR’s release was a subject to abuse due to sexual ori- the name of goals such as ending and Cuba, perhaps not the most one-day, non-wonder. There was entation and gender identity. discrimination, ensuring social DAVID JONES conducive background for high- brief factual comment in AP, The Canadian aboriginal peoples and harmony, or promoting gender profi le U.S. bilateral initiatives. Washington Post, The Wall Street the status and circumstances of Ca- equality”). Nevertheless, the human rights Journal, and The Los Angeles nadian workers continue to receive The HRR no longer ranks ASHINGTON, D.C.—The report stands as a basic benchmark Times. But no mention of Canada. the most extensive human rights countries individually; however, WU.S. Department of State’s for global treatment of human Specifi cally, the HRR’s Canada record coverage. The legal efforts to Canadians can be confi dent that annual human rights report (HRR) rights. It covers almost 200 entities chapter shrank slightly to 9,341 address aboriginal territorial claims even casual reading places their offi cially labelled Country Reports in 2.3 million words of analysis and words versus 9,700 words in 2014, are numerically unchanged. Oddly, country in the fi rst tier of those on Human Rights Practices is one assessment. A number of countries refl ecting general instruction to the human rights record dropped the respecting human rights. of the few residues of the Jimmy employ it as one element for deter- diet the HRRs to the extent pos- status of Métis legal claim to recog- Recent polling reports Cana- Carter administration. U.S. Sec- mining refugee claims validity. sible. Such direction is challenging nition as “Indians”—an unfortunate dians’ high satisfaction with their retary of State John Kerry quietly In contrast to practice by previ- as impulses to add special inter- omission given the recent Supreme society; the Human Rights Report noted its 40th anniversary during ous secretaries, Kerry devoted est’s “bells and whistles” are almost Court decision affi rming such status endorses such satisfaction. release on April 13. signifi cant time (14 minutes) to ad- impossible to thwart. Consequent- for Métis. David Jones is former U.S. dip- The human rights report was dressing human rights abuses when ly, a section-by-section comparative Separately, the human rights lomat who lives in Arlington, Va. touted as State’s fl agship pub- releasing the human rights report. review will reveal a heavy percent- record notes a record number of The Hill Times
INFRASTRUCTURE PRISONS
a review of the impacts, costs, and gaps arising from changes made to Build communities, not more prisons the penal system under the previous three Conservative administra- tions led by former prime minister may come in the form of new Prime Minister Justin Stephen Harper. She’s also tasked Prison expansion or refurbished jails and prisons. Trudeau has just mandated with exploring ways to decrease the diverts funds that Examples of provincial and territo- Justice Minister of Justice indigenous prison population and rial penal infrastructure projects Jody Wilson-Raybould developing reforms relating to bail could otherwise that are planned or currently being to oversee important and sentencing with her provincial- be used to address built include: new prisons slated to tasks including a review territorial counterparts. Given these open later this year in Amos, Sept- of the impacts, costs, commitments, it would only make inequality in our Îles, and Sorel-Tracy, Que.; a new and gaps arising from sense for the federal government to communities and facility that will house intermittent changes made to the penal not dedicate any of its infrastructure prisoners serving sentences on the system under the previous dollars towards human warehous- prevent social harm. weekend in London, Ont.; a new three Conservative ing going forward. replacement jail that will more administrations led by Prison expansion diverts funds than triple the capacity of the cur- former prime minister that could otherwise be used to rent Dauphin Correctional Centre Stephen Harper. The Hill address inequality in our com- in Manitoba; a new psychiatric Times photograph by Jake munities and prevent social harm. facility that will feature a unit Wright In short, by refusing to allocate dedicated to imprisoning those in federal infrastructure funds to- JUSTIN PICHÉ confl ict with the law diagnosed wards expanding the capacity of with mental health issues in North These ventures may just be the one person. Not to be overlooked the state to criminalize and pun- Battleford, Sask.; a new prison tip of the prison expansion iceberg is the fact that in 2014-2015, 57 per ish, we can build a Canada that’s TTAWA—Last month, the new near Oliver, B.C.; a new unit at the in Canada should other projects, cent of provincial-territorial prison- more equitable and safer for all. OLiberal government tabled North Slave Correctional Centre in including those put on hold due ers were awaiting judicial proceed- NOPE / National Opponents of its fi rst federal budget, promising Yellowknife; and a new prison for to budgetary constraints like the ings, not serving sentences. Prison Expansion is a Criminaliza- billions in infrastructure spending women to replace an older institu- shelved replacement facility for Beyond the expensive ware- tion and Punishment Education to stimulate the Canadian economy tion in Fort Smith, N.W.T. Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. housing of the legally innocent, Project initiative led by Tenei- and invest in our collective future. Other provincial-territorial John’s, N.L., be given an injection provincial-territorial prison ex- sha Green, Jasmine Hébert, Ana But what kind of Canada will we prison infrastructure projects of federal cash to proceed ahead. pansion is taking place at a time Kovacic, Maneesh Oberoi, Franky build going forward? include renovations at the Central While prison expansion is touted when awareness of the damage Yousry, and Justin Piché that advo- The answer to this question Nova Scotia Correctional Facility as necessary to public safety, re- of colonization increases, yet the cates for an end to the construction will largely depend on propos- in Dartmouth, the conversion of search indicates that imprisonment mass incarceration of indigenous of jails and prisons, and the reinvest- als put forward by municipalities Brampton, Ontario’s Roy McMur- is a failure, and a very costly one peoples in Canada persists. ment of justice resources towards for things like transit. Provinces try Youth Centre into an adult fa- at that. For instance, in 2014-2015 it Prime Minister Justin Trudeau community building. Justin Piché is and territories will also make the cility for women, as well as plans cost Canadian provinces and terri- has just mandated Justice Minister an assistant professor of criminology case for federal cash to fund their to renovate and expand the Baffi n tories an average of $198.50 per day of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould to at the University of Ottawa. infrastructure plans, some of which Correctional Centre in Iqaluit. or $72,452.50 per year to imprison oversee important tasks including The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 17 EQUAL VOICE WOMEN IN POLITICS
set of care-giving arrangements, none of which are ideal. It’s up to this Parliament to chart Every Friday while Parliament is sitting, Moore makes the seven- plus hour drive back to her riding in northern Quebec, often alone a different course for women and sometimes in bad weather. It’s no small feat, especially when you have a restless baby in tow, NDP Christine NDP MP Christine have just worked a gruelling week Moore, pictured in and—as a nursing mother—have Moore is asking her Confederation likely not slept through the night Building offi ce for some time. that MPs who give with her baby Moore is asking that MPs who birth or become Daphnée. Every give birth or become the primary Friday while Par- care-giver to an infant be given the primary care- liament is sitting, the capacity to largely work giver to an infant be Ms. Moore makes out of the riding for the fi rst six the seven-plus months. The ability to work from given the capacity hour drive back the riding could also apply to MPs to her riding in confronting the death of a parent, to largely work out northern Quebec, spouse or terminally ill child. Par- of the riding for the often alone and liamentary activity would have sometimes in bad to be handled remotely through fi rst six months. weather with her video-conferencing and poten- baby. The Hill Times tially electronic voting, except photograph by Jean- perhaps for confi dence motions. Loup Doudard Both New Zealand Australia have introduced a form of proxy voting for these sorts of circum- stances. While it may be easy to dis- NANCY PECKFORD miss Moore’s challenges as unique to her, with a notable number of women (and men) under the age TTAWA—Conservative MP of 40 in this Parliament, it is likely OMichelle Rempel’s article about to come up again. The question everyday sexism on the Hill in last is—will Parliament be prepared? week’s National Post is another dians have legitimately elected the Another good sign is the cur- ing the weekly commutes for MPs Without mechanisms to ensure sobering reminder of a male-dom- 88 women MPs in our national Par- rent study at the House Affairs given the size of the country, fully that women at all life stages are inated workplace in which women liament to represent their interests Committee which is examining the leveraging technology, ensuring welcome in this institution, the fear who occupy positions of power are in Ottawa. These MPs should not possibilities for more family friend- staff supports are suffi cient for the is that many will continue to take a met with varying degrees of hostil- face an uphill battle to carry out ly and inclusive measures. As one average MP—as well as making pass on standing for federal offi ce. ity and/or ignorance far too often. the mandate they’ve been given by of the less high-profi le committees accommodations for MPs who Canadians are eager to vote This is not unique to Parliament constituents because of antiquated on the Hill, it is leading the ambi- are needed for critical phases of for politicians with whom they can Hill. Gender-biased behaviour and notions of how women should tious task of dissecting 150 years care-giving at the beginning and make a connection—and who can cultural norms, which undermine look, speak or conduct themselves. of parliamentary tradition and end of life. These points were not relate to the day-to-day struggles or diminish women’s infl uence in Canadians expect far better com- fi nding new ways forward. There is lost on Liberal MP and committee we all confront. Nothing humanizes traditionally male fora, are com- portment by all MPs in the House. no doubt that it’s a daunting task chair Larry Bagnell, MP for the a person like parenting and other monplace and often quite resistant But there is hope. Beyond the for all involved. There is the risk Yukon who has a young family forms of caregiving. Most Canadians to change. And while it may be government’s appointment of a that the debate about options might and whose weekly commute can vote on the strength of a political tempting to characterize the par- gender-balanced cabinet, a radical become partisan, which would be be up to 28 hours. party’s vision for the future—and ticular brand of sexism we see on act—it seems—given that only fi ve unfortunate given that, regardless Nor were they for NDP MP future generations. To ignore the the Hill as unique, I am not sure it is. countries in the world have under- of party, women—and men—are Christine Moore who recently ap- particularities of those MPs who Fundamentally, though, it’s taken to do it, Equal Voice has been already paying a high price for a peared as a witness. Exceptional are confronted with intensive care- about respect. This is why, in 2014, encouraged by the appointment of gruelling schedule, long commutes already for giving birth during the giving responsibilities is not just an Equal Voice (EV) launched its Hill- a high proportion of female chiefs and the heightened demands of campaign and then going on to insult to them, but their children, focused campaign #RespectHer of staff to federal ministers. Rec- constituents to be visible, engaged secure her seat for the New Demo- families and thousands of constitu- inviting male and female MPs to ognizing the key role these senior and responsive in the riding. crats in Quebec (yes, Quebec), ents. It will be up to this Parliament commit to a more constructive staff play in the life of a govern- Expectations of MPs have Moore is now navigating an institu- to chart a different course. To suc- environment. Clearly, the fact that ment, the gender diversity among changed since the early decades of tion that is clearly not designed ceed, MPs need to show goodwill— women MPs and female staff- this cohort is a step forward. We Canada’s Parliament. In EV’s ap- for the mother of a young child. and respect for what their colleagues ers are not always accorded this are cautiously optimistic that, pearance earlier last week, we pro- Remarkably, the Parliament Hill are bringing to the job. respect—especially at this juncture along with more women in cabinet, posed some measures that would daycare doesn’t accept children be- Nancy Peckford is with Equal in Canada’s history—is disturbing it will contribute to a shift in the enable MPs to fully optimize their fore 18 months so Moore has been Voice. indeed. Tens of thousands of Cana- culture in the long term. performance. They include reduc- left to cobble together a piecemeal The Hill Times NUCLEAR POWER: THE CORE OF CANADA’S LOW CARBON FUTURE.
CNA HILL DAY 18 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 NEWS BOARD OF INTERNAL ECONOMY Feds still haven’t moved on opening up secretive Commons Board of Internal Economy Meanwhile, the NDP’s mentary funds for offi ces outside Ottawa the Board of Internal Economy—the group requiring amendments to the Parliament of was called a “sham process” by the NDP, responsible for regulating spending by Canada Act, namely changes to strengthen court battle with the BOIE said Mr. Walsh, but with Board of Internal Members of Parliament.” the Parliamentary Budget Offi ce and legis- Economy (BOIE) meetings and delibera- “Except in rare cases requiring confi den- lative amendments related to the function- has resumed, with two tions entirely in camera, “How was one to tiality, meetings of this group will be open ing of the Senate, as part of one bill. know whether there’s any merit to that to the public,” reads the party platform. “Then we could pass effectively and days worth of hearings accusation or not?” The BOIE is the governing body of the effi ciently a piece of legislation that would slated to begin on Sept. 13. The NDP was ultimately ordered by House of Commons and is responsible for meet the objectives of both [Chambers],” the board to repay millions of dollars to deciding both fi nancial and administrative he said. Continued from page 1 Parliament, but MPs and leader Tom Mul- matters. It allocates and sets the budgets Mr. LeBlanc and Mr. Brown are the “ap- cair (Outremont, Que.) spoke out strongly for MPs and House offi cers, sets the rules pointed spokespeople” for the Board. Last mandate, there’s still no word on when or against the decision, repeatedly calling it (bylaws and policies) around proper use of week when The Hill Times called to request how this will happen. partisan and the BOIE a “kangaroo court.” parliamentary funds, and decides whether an interview with Mr. Brown, his offi ce at The latest minutes released from the That decision is now being challenged those rules have been broken. In this role, fi rst indicated he was not able to speak House management board are from a Dec. in court by the NDP, with two days of hear- MPs on the board oversee the House of about the board and did not seem aware 10, 2015 meeting. ings scheduled starting Sept. 13. A shorter Commons’ $463.6-million budget for 2016- he had been appointed a spokesperson. He Former House law clerk Rob Walsh hearing on whether an affi davit fi led as ev- 17, as indicated in the main estimates. ultimately did not respond to the interview said it’s an “old question,” though the cam- idence should be thrown out is scheduled The BOIE meets entirely in camera and is request. paign commitment has “raised expecta- for May 13. Previously, this challenge was made up of members from all political par- The BOIE cites Standing Order 37(2)— tions” that this will actually happen. suspended to try and fi nd an out-of-court ties in the House with least 12 sitting mem- which says simply that only designated “There’s a general expectation in the settlement, but that was lifted following a bers, and refl ects the balance of seats in the spokespeople can respond to oral ques- public that they’re entitled to know what request from the board’s lawyer last year Chamber. The board meets in Centre Block tions about the board’s work during Ques- their representatives are doing when they after talks failed. “approximately every second week when the tion Period. The BOIE’s parliamentary web- spend public dollars, so it’s a moral right, Mr. Walsh said opening up the BOIE House is sitting,” according to its website. But site notes these spokespeople respond to if you like, or political expectation that this doesn’t necessarily require legislation. meeting frequency depends on how much both QP questions “and to enquiries from will not be hidden from them,” Mr. Walsh “There’s nothing in the Parliament of business is before it, and so for this Parlia- media.” The media section of the website, told The Hill Times last week. Canada Act that requires the board to meet ment it has met three times. however, directs questions to the House He said the idea of opening up access behind closed doors,” he said. “The board House Speaker Geoff Regan (Halifax Speaker’s director of communications, who to this board “been around a long time. The itself could just decide they’re not going West, N.S.) now chairs the Board, which does not sit in on board meeting. Since last only difference now is you have a party to meet behind closed doors anymore. But includes Liberal Whip Andrew Leslie Parliament, the board has specifi ed that that made a commitment in its campaign, they would want to have consultations with (Orléans, Ont.), Public Services Minister only these spokespeople can discuss deci- and now it’s in government, so I think it’s the other parties, I think, and come to an Judy Foote (Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, N.L.), sions of the board. raised expectations amongst those who agreement as to how much will be done in Conservative Whip Gord Brown (Leeds- MPs often cite the board’s “oath of think the board should open up its meet- public.” Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau secrecy” in declining to even give opinions ings, and we’ll have to just wait and see.” He noted legislative changes would be Lakes, Ont.), Conservative MP Andrew about board decisions, and in many cases Past controversy over the NDP’s use of needed to make an open-door policy at the Scheer (Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask.), and when asked to give opinions on whether Parliament-funded Householders (informa- board mandatory in future Parliaments. NDP MP Peter Julian (New Westminster- the BOIE should be opened up. tion pamphlets sent by MPs to constituents During the 2015 election, the Liberals Burnaby, B.C.). That oath of secrecy, which every board a few times a year) and its use of Parlia- committed to “end the secrecy surrounding The Senate expense scandal “contribut- member has to swear and is included in the ed to a broader public perception of want- Parliament of Canada Act, “only relates to ing more transparency in how public funds matters of security, employment, and staff ECONOMIC CLUB are spent, and it’s all part of that same relations, tenders and investigations in re- OF CANADA broad interest in greater transparency, that lations to a member of the House of Com- there’s a sense that the Board of Internal mons,” and to sharing documents related to Economy should conduct its meeting in Board business, as described in the act. Join the Economic open session,” said Mr. Walsh. The BOIE meeting minutes are now Club for an In 2013, during the last Parliament, the posted online (since last Parliament), but Procedure and House Affairs Committee they’re made public with months-long de- exclusive breakfast launched a study to review the BOIE and lays. For example, until March 11, the most panel discussion consider opening it up to the public follow- recent meeting minutes available were ing an NDP motion. The resulting commit- from June 2015. Now, minutes from the aimed at raising tee report did not recommend opening up Dec. 10, 2015 meeting are the most recently awareness meetings, but it was a Conservative-dom- available. Those minutes indicate the BOIE inated committee, and both the Liberals made a decision to grant the Government regarding the and the NDP fi led dissenting reports. House Leader a new, $100,000 annual bud- need for mental During the study, a number of differ- get, for example, among other things, but ent ways to open up BOIE meetings to the there’s no indication of the deliberations health support for public were discussed, including looking that led to this. Canadian Armed at the U.K.’s Independent Parliamentary “They’re much too slow at posting the Standards Authority or the possibility of minutes, and the minutes ought to be more Forces Personnel, creating new BOIE subcommittees to dis- informative too,” said Mr. Walsh. veterans and their cuss sensitive topics. The Senate Internal Economy, Budgets Government House Leader Dominic LeB- and Administration Committee, which has families. lanc (Beauséjour, N.B.) was not available come under the public spotlight in recent for an interview with The Hill Times last years due to its decision-making role in Featuring: week. In response to emailed questions the Senate expense scandal and resulting s 4HE (ONOURABLE Kent J. Hehr -INISTER OF 6ETERANS !FFAIRS AND !SSOCIATE -INISTER OF .ATIONAL about the BOIE, his offi ce said the minister audits, has for years been more open to the $EFENCE 'OVERNMENT OF #ANADA is “still working with his department” and public than its House counterpart. While it s Chris G. Anderson 0RESIDENT -EDACA (EALTH 'ROUP will “make announcements in due course. As typically meets in camera, on occasion it with every measure being considered by the holds public meetings—like most recently s Louise Bradley 0RESIDENT AND #%/ -ENTAL (EALTH #OMMISSION OF #ANADA House leader, he will discuss with caucus when it discussed the request from Senate s Andrew Garsch #APT 2ETIRED 0%NG 0-0 and opposition colleagues.” Government Representative Peter Harder’s s Trudi Walsh 0H$ #0SYCH #ALIAN #ONTRACTOR 0SYCHOLOGIST !CTING 0ROGRAM -ANAGER /433# “In the previous Parliament, the law clerk for an $800,000 budget. At times, it has also #&