Nicholls p.9 Why we need an Michael Indigenous Party Harris p.7

O’Toole’s built- Gwynne Dyer How the Tories can win in advantage p.12 LeMay p.10 back Muslim voters p. 18

Hill Climbers p.17

THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO. 1760 Canada’s Politics and Government Newspaper MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 $5.00

News News Saks and Unanimous consent motion can Gladstone restore committees in one swoop, entering hotly contested but Trudeau Liberals could Liberal nomination ‘monkey wrench’ effort, says NDP race in York NDP House Another lengthier Leader Centre Peter Julian process would have says a BY ABBAS RANA PROC report back unanimous consent ith the addition of Ya’ara to Parliament with motion WSaks and Gary Gladstone, would allow at least five candidates, as of last committee assignments committees, week, have either now confirmed within 10 sitting days. including those that Continued on page 16 were tasked BY BEATRICE PAEZ with probing the deal he Liberals may not have with WE, Tthe numbers in a minority to pick up News Parliament to overwhelm the op- where they position’s push to revive stalled left off. The committee probes in the WE con- Hill Times ‘Combatting a troversy and other matters, but photograph parliamentary experts say there by Andrew pandemic requires are a few ways they can “monkey Meade wrench” the effort. mobilizing With Parliament prorogued until Sept. 23, most committees intelligence’:

Continued on page 13 former PCO clerk calls for reforms News to emergency Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 preparedness Short timelines, mail-in voting coming for Tory BY MIKE LAPOINTE

nominations in unheld ridings, say top Conservative sources ore than half a year into the Mgovernment’s unprecedented BY ABBAS RANA pre-election nomination contests in The Conservative Party’s com- the 20-member national council, commitment of time, money the 217 ridings not held by Conser- munications office was not avail- the highest elected governing and resources to deal with the onservative sources are pre- vative incumbents, amid ongoing able to comment for this article body of the party, is working on COVID-19 pandemic, a former Cdicting “compressed timelines speculation that an election could last week. Senior Conservative and mail-in ballots” for the party’s come this fall or next spring. sources told The Hill Times that Continued on page 14 Continued on page 15 2 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Late Liberal MP Ralph Ferguson, right, is pictured Heard on the Hill with current Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, by Palak Mangat whom he mentored in 1984. Photograph courtesy of Mike A tale of two Erins: Bradley’s Twitter

Colorado radio host ier, a Quebec-based clinic that works with Foundation will name the winning book military families. for its 2019/20 Donner Prize for Public Policy. The program will start at 11 a.m. and talks shop with new Former Liberal Ralph Ferguson honour the best public policy thinking, passes writing, and research by a Canadian Former Pierre Trudeau-era cabinet min- author, a Sept. 1 release notes. The five ister Ralph Ferguson died on Aug. 30 at the shortlisted works were chosen from 74 age of 90. A farmer by trade, Ferguson first submissions, and include: Empty Planet: Conservative leader The Shock of Global Population Decline by won as a Liberal in 1980 under Mr. Trudeau and went on to serve a short stint as agri- Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson; Living culture minister under John Turner in 1984. With China: A Middle Power Finds Its Way, He operated his farm near Alvinston, by Wendy Dobson; The Wealth of First Ont., producing cash crops, eggs, beef, Nations, by Thomas Flanagan; Breakdown: and pork. He leaves behind four sons, The Pipeline Debate and the Threat to including Doug Ferguson, who is a former Canada’s Future, by Dennis McConaghy; president of the Liberal Party of Canada. and The Tangled Garden: A Canadian Speaking to CTV News London, Mr. Fer- Cultural Manifesto for the Digital Age, by guson counted ushering in a move toward Richard Stursberg with Stephen Arm- ethanol as one of his father’s biggest ac- strong. complishments. The Prize would have been announced “He ran in 1980 driving a truck run- at a gala dinner in Toronto in May, but it ning on ‘gasohol,’ which was a gas/ethanol was postponed because of the COVID-19 blend. He wanted to make the fuel cleaner pandemic. The program will include burning and eliminate the heavy metals remarks from the shortlisted authors and like lead, while the production of ethanol a tribute to longtime DCF chairman, the provided a huge market for corn,” he said. late Allan Gotlieb, who died in April from Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, who was cancer and Parkinson’s disease. an aide to former Liberal MP Bud Cullen, made an unsuccessful 1984 bid for the Sarnia-Lambton seat that Mr. Cullen was Gurratan Singh welcomes about to vacate. Ferguson, he said, took daughter 'Like I'm looking in a mirror': newly minted Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, right, chatted with him under his wing at the time. “He was NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh‘s younger his name doppleganger Erin O'Toole, left, who says she plans to stay out of Canadian politics, last a good man,” tweeted Mr. Bradley about brother, Gurratan Singh, and his partner week. Photograph courtesy of KUNC, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Ferguson’s passing. “In 1984 he mentored a Satvir Lachhar welcomed a newborn last very young ‘green’ federal candidate. Ralph week. was ahead of his time on conservation, the ust over a week into the new gig, Con- “We are pleased to announce that on environment and renewable energy.” Jservative Leader Erin O’Toole joined August 29, General Dallaire and Marie- Ferguson also served as deputy whip forces with his name doppleganger, Erin Claude Michaud married in love and joy,” and joined Mr. Trudeau on a number of O’Toole, a host with Colorado-based radio read the tweet. “This intimate wedding trade missions in 1983. He was inducted station KUNC last week to discuss the took place on the magnificent site of the into the Ontario, Middlesex, and Lambton confusion their shared moniker has sowed Seigneurie des Aulnaies in the company of Agriculture Halls of Fame, and co-founded in many Canadians. family. We send them our best wishes for the Lambton Pork Producers Association. In what became a viral tweet after happiness.” He was also credited for his work as an Mr. O’Toole was named the party’s leader opposition MP on his “compare the share” on Aug. 24, Ms. O’Toole joked that she’d study, considered by many a manifesto for gained some new Canadian friends the consumers that details prices at the farm morning after the results were announced. compared to those at the processing and The pair met on Skype in an interview retail level, his obituary notes. posted to the station’s website on Sept. 1, and Mr. O’Toole was a good sport about his Donner award winner to be newfound American twin. “I’ve never been interviewed by myself! named Sept. 16 In many ways, it’s like I’m looking in a mir- In a Sept. 16 program on its YouTube ror,” he said, adding his director of commu- and Facebook page, the Donner Canadian nications, Melanie Paradis, told him about it a day or so after his victory. “I found it hilarious. I felt like saying, ‘… Is there any way we could send all the trolls on Twitter to the Erin O’Toole Ontario NDP MPP Gurratan Singh, younger in Colorado, as opposed to me?’ But I brother to federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, wouldn’t do that to you. You don’t deserve welcomed a baby girl with his partner, Satvir that,” he joked. Lacchar last week. Photograph courtesy of Former Senator Roméo Dallaire made the Mr. O’Toole recalled encountering other Gurratan Singh’s Twitter name doppelgangers as a political newbie plunge last month and married Marie-Claude when he began buying domain names, Michaud in Quebec. Photograph courtesy of “Through the will of the universal en- most of whom appeared to be women. If Roméo Dallaire’s Twitter ergy that connects us all, Satvir and I have the name mix-up wasn’t strange enough, welcomed a new force into this world—our the pair also share the same Jan. 22 birth- Mr. Dallaire was named to the Senate baby girl,” tweeted the younger Mr. Singh, day. The politician joked there could be a as a Liberal in 2005 by then-prime minis- who represents the NDP in the Brampton follow-up interview if he finds his way to ter Paul Martin. Though he could sit until East riding in Ontario’s legislature. Colorado for the first time, before the two he turned 75 in 2021, he resigned in 2014 Ms. Lacchar previously worked on tour exchanged invitations to tour each other’s to focus on international work with child and outreach for the federal NDP caucus local craft beer scene. soldiers and post-traumatic stress disorder, services in 2017. She and the younger Mr. and further his efforts to prevent genocides Singh married in October 2018, shortly af- Dallaire gets hitched and crimes against humanity. Now in his ter the older Mr. Singh married his partner, Humanitarian, former Senator, and 70s, Mr. Dallaire was previously married Veteran Globe and Mail journalist John Ibbitson Punjabi fashion designer Gurkiran Kaur retired Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire and has three kids and multiple grandchil- is among the finalists for the Donner Prize Sidhu, in February 2018. got married last month, his official Twitter dren. Ms. Michaud is a former executive for Public Policy this year. The Hill Times [email protected] account announced Sept. 2. director at the Center de la famille Valcart- photograph by Andrew Meade The Hill Times Committed to a strong, sustainable future Driving the future of intermodal container service, CN has committed to purchase 50 zero-emission, zero-noise pollution Lion Electric trucks for our intermodal terminals and container delivery fleet to be used in metropolitan urban areas such as Greater Toronto and Hamilton. This is Lion’s largest order to date. 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LionElectric_Hill_Times_ad_09_03_final.indd 1 2020/09/04 12:03:07 4 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion A new leader, a new script and a chance for progressive government

Canada’s federal party leaders have another chance to deliver much-needed social reforms, if they can ignore the temptations of partisan politics.

Susan Riley Impolitic

HELSEA, QUE.—Some ardent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh can help their parties and the country if they can find Liberals must have felt a fris- C common ground on issues like childcare, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade son of concern as they watched Erin O’Toole’s debut as the new Conservative party leader last week. tre and talk reasonably. He just Yves-Francois Blanchet abruptly cessible child care was only and regulated. If he defeats Lib- This was a mature, confident has to hope the clownish antics of changed tone a couple of weeks barely affordable for all but upper eral attempts again—if the perfect leader who declared himself pro- some of his most prominent MPs ago, demanding the resignation middle-class families. The system becomes the enemy of the good— choice and welcoming of LGBTQ (Pierre Poilievre, Michael Cooper of Trudeau, Bill Morneau (already is also administered by provinces, parents across the country will not and radicalized minorities with and others), along with signs of gone) and Trudeau senior advi- so quality and availability differs thank him. almost his first breath—hopping intolerance from his backbench, sor Katie Telford in return for the radically across the country, from “Our goal isn’t to grandstand nimbly over the pothole that don’t remind nervous centrists of Bloc’s continued support. Quebec’s $8 to $22-a-day program or to push for an election for no engulfed the socially conservative Stephen Harper’s party’s poten- After meeting with his to around $2,000 in monthly fees reason,” Singh has said. Andrew Scheer. O’Toole sounded tial for nastiness, narrowness 32-member caucus, who reported in many urban Ontario neigh- By the same token, if Liber- more serious than peevish, too, and dishonesty. And he urgently no appetite for an election among bourhoods. als don’t park their usual ar- focusing on the looming post- needs a coherent, marketable constituents, Blanchet softened In 2005, then-prime minister rogance and deal honestly and pandemic economic challenge climate policy. his threat. But this fall he is ex- Paul Martin’s minority Liberal openly with other parties—show rather than the latest ripple in the For now, however, the big- pected to be an unreliable ally, at government negotiated agree- the same flexibility they did in receding Liberal WE scandal. He gest threat to Justin Trudeau’s best, (although unlikely to oppose ments with provinces for a improving, even temporarily, the sounded, in short, like someone electoral fortunes remains Justin enhanced social funding as long $5-billion federal cash infusion to rigid and unhelpful employment more in tune with the concerns of Trudeau. He has escaped a couple as Quebec gets to decide how to create more child care spaces and insurance regime and in respond- ordinary Canadians than another of low-budget embarrassments— spend the federal largesse.) hire more early childhood educa- ing, in part, to NDP calls for paid opposition leader caught up in the the Aga Khan vacation, the India So attention will focus on the tors. That deal broke down when sick leave—they will fairly be feverish, often inconsequential, trip, blackface (far more serious, relationship dynamic between the NDP voted with Stephen accused of thwarting the social partisan side-shows on Parlia- but a while ago)—not to mention Jagmeet Singh and Trudeau Harper’s Conservatives to defeat progress they like to boast about. ment Hill. his stunning blindness over the post Throne Speech. Singh has the Liberals. That said, anything could hap- That positive first impression WE saga and his scary disregard already laid down markers—the Although time had run out on pen. The Green Party will have its could fade. Scheer also presented for prosecutorial independence in most detailed being a demand for the Martin government for other new leader in October, and there a friendly face when first elected, the Jody Wilson-Raybould affair. an immediate $2-billion more in reasons, that failure to establish a will be another political dynamic promising to work for all Cana- Neither the voting public, nor, federal money for child care, with national child care system, along at play, especially if that leader is dians and to introduce positive one assumes, Trudeau’s caucus $10-billion more in coming years. with the concurrent failure of Annamie Paul, an energetic Black energy into a negative political and cabinet, have the stomach This is not an impossible ask; the $5.1-billion Kelowna accord, international law specialist from environment. That didn’t last long, for more ethical lapses. If he can indeed, affordable universal child aimed at fairness for Indigenous Toronto. The Bloc could overtake as his increasingly shrill accusa- discipline himself and seek advice care has been Liberal party policy people, is a textbook example the federalist parties in Quebec, tions of Liberal “corruption” and outside his protective bubble, he over 20 years and there are hints an of political ambitions trump- leading to truckloads of trouble. general perfidy, along with his may be able to limit his party’s enhanced child care package is com- ing the common good. In this With federal Conservative leader- final, graceless speech as leader, reputational damage before an ing in the Sept. 23 Throne Speech. case, Jack Layton’s desire to be ship moving east, Alberta could underscored. expected spring election. If not, The debate will centre on how much prime minister led to the Harper spawn another separatist-adja- While O’Toole appears less O’Toole could be moving into the Liberals say they can afford and government and a much-inferior cent party. driven by grievance than Scheer, Rideau Cottage. how quickly money will flow. The program of monthly cheques and But, at this moment, the signs his recent campaign proves he is Meanwhile, Trudeau’s survival feds have already allocated $1-bil- tax rebates for child care which are promising for progressive and willing to use the harsh, hard- depends on cultivating a produc- lion towards child care for this fiscal helped wealthier parents a little much-needed social reform—for right language much in vogue tive and honest relationship with year, but, given disruptions caused and still left everyone scrambling the ambitious and bold reset the among American conservatives— the New Democratic Party. The by the pandemic, this will scarcely for too-scarce spaces. prime minister talks about and talk of “cancel culture”, defunding NDP has only 24 seats, but it is make a dent in demand. Singh hasn’t been a strong the pandemic suddenly makes CBC television, “taking Canada enough, with Trudeau’s 154, to Meanwhile, women’s par- presence on the federal scene, and necessary. It will only happen if back” (from whom?), and so on. amount to a comfortable ma- ticipation in the workforce has only partly because the pandemic Liberal and NDP leaders show an He isn’t the only politician ready jority. While the pandemic and diminished to a 30-year low, as forced a ceasefire on all parties. uncommon degree of selflessness, to pander to “the base” to curry economic uncertainty continue, many mothers struggle to work He risks becoming a footnote if he humility and political skill; if they favour, but rarely has a pivot—in the Conservatives are unlikely and care for young children from brings down the Trudeau govern- bury the hatchet, and, this time, this case, back to O’Toole’s calm- to push for an election, but nor home, while others have no jobs ment prematurely, rather than not in one another’s skulls. er, centre-right rhetoric—been so will they endorse Liberal plans. to return to and, even if they working for an ambitious national Susan Riley is a veteran head-snapping. As for the Bloc Quebecois, after could return to jobs, not enough child care system aimed at afford- political columnist and regular O’Toole could be a boon to his helping Liberals in the initial income to cover child care. Even able and accessible care in every contributor to The Hill Times. party if he continues to tack cen- months of the pandemic, leader pre-pandemic, regulated, ac- province, provincially delivered The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 5 Opinion The value of data, the values of privacy

The federal government, meanwhile, is recognize privacy as a fundamental human Canada needs to reform also looking at ways to increase digitiza- right, but one that is not absolute. Laws tion. This includes initiatives to promote should permit the use of personal infor- its laws, and recognize data-driven decision-making, greater data mation in the public interest. Responsible sharing, and making data more accessible. processing of personal information can privacy as a fundamental, There is no doubt that technology and serve public goods such as health, eco- but not absolute, human data have been very helpful, and that nomic growth, and better public policies they will play a major role in a successful and programs. right, writes Privacy recovery. They can, and do, serve the public Open government can and must be good. Yet, as the pandemic underscores achieved while respecting privacy and Commissioner Daniel the relevance of these factors, we must protecting personal information. This means urgently consider how to derive the value considering both the benefits and risks of the Therrien. of data while respecting our democratic release of public datasets, including aggre- values and fundamental rights. gate data. There must be particular attention While videoconferencing and telemedi- for sensitive data such as health and location cine platforms allow us to work, socialize Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos is information and in cases where there is an and receive health and education services responsible for overseeing Canada's Privacy impact on vulnerable populations. online, these technologies also create Act. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Unfortunately, our current federal laws important new risks to our privacy. For do not provide a level of protection suited example, telemedicine creates risks to to do it safely. They want to participate and to the digital environment. Too often, we doctor-patient confidentiality when virtual develop in a digital society without fear of have seen rights violated in the pursuit of platforms involve commercial enterprises. the watchful eyes of technology firms or interests far removed from the public good. E-learning platforms could capture sensi- government. So the question becomes, how Canada has fallen behind, while many of tive information about students’ learning do we extract the benefits of technology our trading partners have spent the past Daniel Therrien disabilities and other behavioural issues. while addressing citizens’ lack of trust? decade building up robust protections for Opinion And as we turn to data-dependent The benefits of drawing value from data. artificial intelligence to improve decision- data should not come by ignoring privacy Respect for privacy rights should not making, we must give serious thought to its or giving it a secondary role, as a sug- be a suggested best practice left to the he pandemic has made clear the impor- impact on equality and other fundamental gested best practice that can be too easily goodwill of government officials or big Ttance of science, data, and technology rights. Risks to privacy and other rights are set aside to achieve other goals. On the tech. It should be a clearly codified and in addressing a public health crisis and its heightened by the fact that the pandemic contrary, I firmly believe that privacy and enforceable requirement. We need a legal many social and economic consequences. is fuelling rapid societal and economic innovation brought about by new technol- framework that will allow technologies It has accelerated the digitization of our transformation in a context where our laws ogy are not conflicting values and can be to produce benefits in the public interest, lives, moving more of our activities online fail to provide Canadians with effective achieved at the same time. while also preserving our fundamental in an effort to remain safe. protection. A recovery based on innovation will right to privacy. This is an opportune mo- Recent contributors to The Hill Times have Surveys tell us up to 90 per cent of only be sustainable if it successfully pro- ment to demonstrate to Canadians that advocated for digitization as the way forward Canadians have lost confidence that new tects the interests and rights of all citizens. they can have both. and out of the pandemic. Health scientists are technologies respect their privacy. Canadi- These can, and should, be reflected in our Daniel Therrien is Canada’s privacy also calling for increased use of data to sup- ans want to—and need to—enjoy the ben- laws. My office has proposed an approach commissioner. port public health and better health care. efits of digital technologies, but they want to reform our laws that would formally The Hill Times CONSTRUCTION IS ONE OF CANADA'S ECONOMIC CORNERSTONES

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VALUE ON DISPLAY. EVERY DAY. W W W . B U I L D I N G T R A D E S . C A #RaisingCanada

THREATS TO ThreatsCHILDHOOD to Childhood IN CANADA

AND THE IMPACT OF COVID-19

There are 8 million children in Canada, access to health and social services, a good and their future is in your hands. quality education, and healthy interactions with others to survive and thrive. One-third of children in Canada do not enjoy a safe and healthy childhood, one in As challenging a time as this pandemic three Canadians has experienced abuse is for children, we must remember that before the age of 15, one in five children live along with their vulnerability they have in poverty, and suicide is now the leading incredible strength, resilience and wisdom. cause of death for children aged 10 to 14. Children must be able to freely express Childhood is threatened for millions of their views, and adults have a duty to listen children, but the odds are particularly stark to and involve children in decisions that for Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Métis affect them – within their family, schools, and Inuit) and other racialized children. communities, public institutions, and public policy making and judicial procedures. In recent months, the harsh realities facing young Canadians have been Children and youth are ready to partner exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. with us, to work together as we continue to Children and their families are now facing move towards action. The development of unprecedented challenges due to the crisis true child-centred policies can only happen and ongoing restrictions. when we act with children, rather than acting for them. Children’s most basic rights to life, survival and development are in jeopardy and their To learn more about the Top 10 best interests must be given paramount Threats to Childhood and how you consideration in Canada’s recovery efforts. can join in Raising Canada – which Children need and have a right to a safe launched on September 1 – go to and stable home and family, the support childrenfirstcanada.com of trusted adults outside of their homes, THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 7 Opinion O’Toole’s deficit promise needs a reality check

Conservative politicians are notorious for talking mock-war on the deficit while in opposition, only to discover the joys of deficit spending when they get their hands on the cash.

Michael Harris Harris

ALIFAX—How fitting that Han absurd CPC leadership convention, where the party that wants to run the economy Erin O’Toole, then the Conservative foreign affairs critic, pictured with Conservative MP Luc Berthold holding a press conference in December, 2019. Now the demonstrated that arithmetic is Conservative Party Leader, Mr. O'Toole has promised to wipe out the federal deficit in a decade.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade a problem, should be followed so rapidly by a ludicrous promise from the winner. fell completely out of touch with tional debt, an accomplishment more points off the GST? More of ning tankers from British Colum- Even without the dead-on- Canadians in its zeal to impose that was more than wiped out by those useless meat inspectors? bia’s northern coast, C-48, and arrival victory of Erin O’Toole at an unwanted, northern Republi- Harper’ decade of deficits. There is always a short hon- another making review changes the end of a flawed and dismal can ideology. And where did O’Toole get the eymoon for new political leaders for large projects, C-69. Coinci- process, to make one of your first Third, how dumb does O’Toole target of 10 years to dump the and Erin O’Toole is no excep- dentally, both pieces of legisla- promises to erase the federal think people are? Conservative deficit? It just so happens that tion. For a few months, he will be tion are strongly disliked by the deficit in “about a decade” is com- politicians are notorious for talk- was the target of the Republican fluffed up by the usual suspects in energy industry, whose T-Shirt edy in hot pursuit of farce. Not a ing mock-war on the deficit while Party in the United States, a tar- the Conservative-leaning media. this politician likes to wear when decade, mind you, but “about” a in opposition, only to discover the get whittled down to eight years They will cast the appropri- jogging. decade. Nonsense. joys of deficit spending when they by Cadet Bone Spur, Donald ate lights and shadows over his Erin O’Toole voted for the For one thing, your average get their hands on the cash. Trump, back in 2016. career to date, and stick rhetori- Harper government’s infamous politician has trouble projecting The Harper government, Instead of keeping his prom- cal pins in PM Trudeau. But the Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Prac- what will happen in the next 10 where O’Toole had a senior role, ise, what did this fiscal conserva- fact is this: until O’Toole shows tices Act. The question he must months, let alone 10 years. How is a classic case in point. Harper tive do? Trump put the deficit on he has undergone a real conver- answer is, where was his progres- much would a promise from inherited a $13.8-billion surplus steroids—a whopping $984-billion sion on the road to 24 Sussex, he sivism and inclusiveness back Andrew Scheer have been worth from the Liberals in 2006-2007. in 2019, and $1.02-trillion in 2020. has an indisputable record as a in June of 2015? That’s when he touching on matters 10 years out? In just two years, the Conserva- He also added over $3-trillion to faint carbon copy of the guy he supported legislation that placed As the great Rafe Mair once put tives had turned that into a deficit the national debt, which is the once called boss. Erin O’Toole sat already marginalized communi- it, “the square root of bugger all.” of $5.8 billion. Prime Minister real giant sucking sound coming around the cabinet table when ties under clouds of suspicion, Reality check? Neither Erin Harper also added $150-bil- from our neighbours to the south. Stephen Harper kept democracy- and encouraged Canadians to O’Toole, nor anyone else, has a lion to the national debt. In nine Never mind the Russians, it’s critical information from the report on their neighbours like clue what Canada will be fac- years, the Harperites ran only the Debt Clock that’s coming for political opposition, including the child-informants in Orwell’s ing in 2030. Given his party’s two surpluses—one inherited Trumpland. basic info on his budget cuts and dystopian masterpiece, 1984, who swallow-the-leader proclivities, from former PM Paul Martin, and It is telling that Erin O’Toole spending programs. turned in their parents to the it would be a minor miracle if the other the bogus product of would raise the prospect of bal- O’Toole mimics Harper’s Thought Police. O’Toole is even around in 10 creative accounting going into an ancing the budget, when no one decades-long fawning over the As for O’Toole’s pledge to get years. And it is irresponsible fan- election year. even knows how large the deficit fossil fuel industry, captured in tough on China, I wonder where tasy economics to trot out such a Compare that to the Liberals. will be before COVID-19 runs its his continued opposition to a car- that grit was when “Chairman” hackneyed promise of slaying the Back in 1994-1995 the federal course, and without saying how bon tax. Even Deutsche Bank has Harper sold off Nexen, a Cana- deficit—the kind only an ideo- deficit was was 4.7 percent of he proposes to do it. more vision than that, announc- dian company, to the China Na- logue could love. GDP. By 1997-1998, the Liber- In the U.S., Trump paid for his ing it won’t finance any new oil tional Offshore Oil Corporation Second, O’Toole bases his als balanced the books. Pain- top-heavy military spending and sands or coal projects. Along with back in 2012? promise on 10 years in power, in ful stuff, to be sure, including ludicrous tax-cut for billionaires Jason Kenney, who is now eye- But of course that was all other words, back-to-back victo- controversial cuts to transfer by slashing Medicare, and the ing coal projects in the Rockies, about Big Oil and free trade, ries. Cheeky stuff for someone payments. But after getting rid budgets of the Environmental O’Toole has his head buried in the right? Now he’s for human rights. who has never won an election as of the deficit, Liberal govern- Protection Agency, Health and tar sands. Right? leader, and who is a member of a ments then ran surpluses for Human Services, the Centre for O’Toole also wants to dump Michael Harris is an award- party which has suffered back-to- the next nine years. They also Disease Control, and Education. two of the Trudeau government’s winning journalist and author. back losses nationally because it retired $90-billion from the na- What would O’Toole cut? Two key environmental bills, one ban- The Hill Times 8 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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

Editorial Letters to the Editor It is past time to Don’t let COVID-19 drive decriminalize drug more people into poverty Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna dons a mask on Aug. 13, while announcing possession and use new federal support for local governments early 100 years after hard drugs were simple drug possession cases unless they and community Noutlawed in Canada, a stubborn opioid involve a major threat to public safety. partners amid the crisis is taking Canadian lives every day. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Lib- COVID-19 pandemic. Enforcement of penalties for drug eral government has clearly recognized The rapid spread possession and use has waxed and waned the problem at hand: it has supported safe of the new disease over the intervening decades, but it has not consumption sites, and funded the provision has demanded the proven effective at stopping the drug trade. of safer opioids. But it has not heeded the attention of politicians Canadian policymakers have been advice of the experts who arrest, charge, and around the globe, and told, time and again, that criminalizing treat Canadians who are addicted to drugs. strained economies drug users isn’t helping, going back at Mr. Trudeau dismissed the idea of and social safety least as far as the 1970 Le Dain report, decriminalization again last week, saying nets. The Hill Times which recommended fines for possession there was no “silver bullet” to resolve the photograph by Andrew of small amounts of drugs. opioid crisis. He’s right: decriminalization Meade The voices calling for an end to alone won’t make the problem go away. criminal penalties for users include It may not be a silver bullet, but it is those witnessing the destruction of the one tool that experts have said for decades ncome inequality results in unequal impacts a person’s future ability to earn, opioid crisis first hand. The Canadian is needed to deal with addiction. As more Iaccess to necessities that should be further rooting them into poverty. Association of Chiefs of Police called for of them air their concerns in public, the available to everyone. Due to income One way to help these people who decriminalization in July; the president policy rationale for maintaining criminal- inequality, people are hesitant to accept are stuck in this loop of inequality is of the Canadian Medical Association, ization that Canadian politicians use as a the fact that they deserve better and are for Canada to donate one per cent of its Gigi Osler, called on political leaders to fig leaf is growing smaller and smaller. disadvantaged. COVID-19 response towards a global have an “open and courageous” debate Decriminalization of use and small- Imagine not only having to deal with response. That would allow countries to on the subject back in 2018. B.C. Premier scale possession does not mean giving a the COVID-19 pandemic but its effects fight COVID-19 directly, and also man- John Horgan has advocated for decrimi- free pass to dealers or importers of hard on your health and your livelihood. The age its indirect effects, such as economic nalization as well, as part of a solution drugs. It doesn’t have to be politically- World Bank predicted in June that an ad- instability. COVID-19 has affected so to a crisis that killed more than 170 B.C. contentious, if politicians are ready to ditional 71 million people will be pushed much already we should not let it affect residents per month over the summer. lead on the issue and frame it honestly. into poverty due to COVID-19. This the future as well. Canada’s chief public health official, More than 15,000 Canadians have died causes a ripple effect, because COVID-19 Nimesha Elanko Theresa Tam, told reporters in late August from opioids since 2016. It’s time for the affects education and health, which Mississauga, ON that it was time to have a public discus- Liberal government and the federal op- sion about decriminalization. position parties to get on the right side of The leader of Canada’s criminal pros- history, and decriminalize the possession ecutors, Kathleen Roussel, ordered her of small amounts of drugs. charges last month to avoid prosecuting The Hill Times New COVID-19 vaccine deal in Canada may flop again new deal with Johnson and John- Canada’s election system is not fully Ason and with Novavax to supply ready since there is no law yet avail- Coronavirus vaccines to Canadians was able to justify e-voting. Mail voting has announced last week by the Liberal gov- traditionally been used by citizens who ernment, a political move that could help live outside of Canada, though Canadians them win if an election is called at the who live in the country can apply to vote end of September. by mail once an election has been called. After six months of lockdown, Canada’s government should hold increased deaths, and closures of busi- China’s officials to account for allowing the nesses and schools, the Liberal govern- spread of the virus around the world, since ment in Canada announced that vaccines the first COVID-19 case came from Wuhan. would be available in the near future. Previously, coronavirus vaccines that were Many Canadians have died and many developed in China did not get to Canada more diagnosed with the disease waiting due to political tensions, creating a fiasco. for cure. Today, Canada is juggling with a politi- Meanwhile, the political situation is cal crisis and as well a struggling econo- also unstable in Canada since there could my, which may jeopardize the COVID-19 be an election called later this month, and health situation further. that COVID-19 deal may just be another Meladul Ahmadzai flop. Ottawa, ON

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the Conservatives decided the best they could do in creating a persona for Scheer was to stress how he O’Toole’s built-in advantage was a regular, every day, middle- class dad. Does he or she look competent Conservative Not exactly an inspiring nar- Erin O’Toole’s or inept? Do their mannerisms Leader Erin rative, is it? Nor did it convey the exude confidence or uncertainty? O'Toole, pictured sense that Scheer was a leader- military background It’s a widely held belief, for with daughter in-waiting. Most importantly, it will lead voters to instance, that in 1960, John Ken- Mollie following didn’t trigger any positive sub- nedy trounced Richard Nixon in a the 2018 conscious biases. draw conclusions televised debate, mainly because Army Run in Contrast that to O’Toole; if Kennedy looked tanned and Ottawa. Mr. they play up his military experi- about his leadership energetic, while Nixon appeared O'Toole served ence, the Conservatives would tired and pale. Interestingly, polls as an air force have a head start when it comes chops, many of them showed that people who listened navigator and to convincing Canadians that to the debate on radio believed then worked as they have a leader who’s ready positive. Nixon won. a lawyer before to lead. So, my point is, when it comes entering politics. Mind you, there’s also some to electing officials, we can be a Photograph possible drawbacks to O’Toole’s superficial lot. courtesy of built-in military persona. If Ca- Good political strategists, of Erin O'Toole's nadians instinctively view him as course, understand the work- Instagram tough, they might also instinctive- ings of this basic human bias account ly worry that he lacks compas- and will take full advantage of sion or sensitivity. However, this it. For instance, I suspect Con- to conclusions about him—he So basically, O’Toole’s brand is not necessarily an insurmount- servative strategists will rely on must be decisive and brave; he is already baked into his back- able problem. the public’s tendency towards must be hardy and resourceful; he ground—just add water. Surely, other politicians with making superficial judgements to must be patriotic and disciplined. For the Conservatives this a military background have man- Gerry Nicholls help brand their new leader, Erin Aren’t these all qualities we usu- will be extremely helpful since aged to project themselves as Post-Partisan Pundit O’Toole. ally associate with people in the O’Toole is otherwise an unknown “moderates”; the late Republican Indeed, they can use O’Toole’s military? quantity for Canadians. Certainly, Senator John McCain, a bona fide past service in the Canadian Additionally, O’Toole’s military the Conservatives will have an war hero, comes to mind. AKVILLE, ONT.—One of the Armed Forces to project an image background will probably lead easier time creating a brand for It seems O’Toole has already Otruisms of politics is that vot- packed with powerful subliminal Canadian voters to make assump- O’Toole than they did for his taken a step in this moderating ers will often judge books by their messages. All the Conservatives tions about his policy stances. It’s predecessor, Andrew Scheer. direction with his “pro-choice” covers. have to do is air TV ads showing likely, for example, they’ll assume Remember his situation? stance on abortion. At any rate, That’s to say people will (usu- off photos of O’Toole decked out O’Toole is tough on crime, that Like O’Toole, Scheer was rela- O’Toole’s got an attractive “cover;” ally on a subconscious level) in his military uniform. he’s against excessive gun con- tively unknown, but unlike O’Toole, now he just has to fill in the pages make snap decisions about politi- When Canadians see O’Toole trol, that he’s a hawk on foreign Scheer lacked any sort of interest- of his book. cal candidates based simply on dressed up like an officer and policy and that he’ll want to build ing backstory. He was basically just Gerry Nicholls is a communi- how they look: is the candidate a gentleman, that imagery will up our military. In short, they’ll a career politician. Hence, without cations consultant. physically attractive or plain? cause them to immediately jump assume he’s a tough guy. anything really juicy to work with, The Hill Times

ning the Wexit Canada party, the Conservatives must guard their right flank. But the only way they O’Toole’s CERB stumbles a tough can become government is by broadening their reach across the country. O’Toole may have won the way to make a first impression majority of Quebec votes in the leadership but his main opponent, Peter MacKay, had the support of dumb. It cast O’Toole in the image The program was not perfect. conservative Candice Bergen as most of the Members of Parlia- Fiscal conservatism of a born-again tight Tory. But it was delivered in a timely deputy leader. The photogenic ment. “Tory times are tough times” fashion to a desperate nation. Manitoba member was specifical- That was because the social may be a Tory badge is a refrain that has haunted the The government is now con- ly tasked with tackling the issue conservatism wave that carried of honour, but Erin party since forever. Fiscal con- sidering a Guaranteed Annual of western alienation. O’Toole to victory is a non-start- servatism may be a Tory badge of Income to replace the panoply of Bergen also happens to hail er in la belle province. O’Toole O’Toole’s challenge is honour, but the O’Toole challenge support programs that currently from the part of the party that he was smart enough to downplay is to reach beyond those members. litter the national and provincial has to distance himself from if his right-wing roots during the to reach Canadians in Most Canadians find them- landscapes. The conversation on he has any intention of becom- French debate. That was obvi- selves in the moderate middle. a guaranteed income has been ing prime minister. According to ously enough to assuage his the moderate middle. The current government has seen circulating in social policy circles Campaign Life Coalition “Candice Quebec supporters. But an open- its popularity grow because of a for decades, but it took a real-life has a perfect voting record in ing week focused on Western robust financial response to an crisis to thrust the government the House of Commons on life & alienation and opposition to unprecedented pandemic. But in into a temporary guaranteed family issues.” That is code for the emergency COVID assistance is his first post-convention inter- income. fact that every time she has had hardly a compelling appeal to view, O’Toole attacked the CERB, And It worked. With millions a chance to vote on abortion and Quebecers. saying it undermined the employ- of Canadians applying for the gay rights issues, she has turned O’Toole’s mistakes were er wage subsidy program set up benefit, computers did not crash, them down. hardly fatal, but they do impart a at the same time. and benefits were distributed Notwithstanding her vot- flavour of just what kind of advice The amount of money paid out broadly and quickly. Why O’Toole ing record, Bergen has spoken he must be getting. A Conserva- to unemployed Canadians was would choose to attack that pro- positively about LGBTQ rights, tive spokesperson said he had only $500 a week, but O’Toole felt gram in his first media interview suggesting that she celebrates incorporated some players from Sheila Copps it undermined employers who demonstrates a clear lack of homosexuality, pansexuality and the MacKay team amongst his Copps’ Corner might have otherwise wanted to political antennae. transgenderism. So, her viewpoint senior advisors. But he may not keep their employees on. Much was written about his has been muddied by realpolitik. have been open to their advice. That interview reinforced the surprising victory against veteran But the next Tory convention The “stinking albatross” comment TTAWA—You never get a impression that the Conservative Peter MacKay and many ascribed will undoubtedly face a push to may have cost MacKay his party’s Osecond chance to make a first leader will be there for the money his win to political acumen. He approve the re-criminalization of leadership. impression. Erin O’Toole should guys but not for ordinary citizens. certainly had the acumen to at- abortion. And where will Bergen But the albatross in the have remembered that last week. How could he possibly attack tract social Conservatives in his be on that issue? O’Toole room is not going away O’Toole has won the Conserva- a $500 a week payment that party, but that does not neces- Bergen’s appointment was any time soon. tive leadership. It is now his job literally kept food on the table in sarily translate into a capacity to also introduced as a way to Sheila Copps is a former Jean to win the country. The decision millions of Canadian households resonate with the general public. reach out on the issue of Western Chrétien-era cabinet minister and to attack the Canada Emergency during an unprecedented world His second move last week alienation. With a former Tory a former deputy prime minister. Response Benefit was downright pandemic? was the appointment of social Member of Parliament now run- The Hill Times 10 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Demonstrators supporting the Wet’suwet’en nation against the building of the Coastal Gasoline pipeline through its traditional territory march in Ottawa on February 24, 2020. A federal Indigenous Party could strengthen the voice of Indigenous people in the House of Commons, writes Rose Lemay. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

ence. Ms. Turia advocated for ernance, the Hill seems foreign involvement in national politics and just a bit ineffective. But here to make the systems changes we are. through practical partnerships. In politics there is the ideal The case for We discussed how to maintain and then there’s the practical. Indigenous identity in a system We shouldn’t have to negotiate that historically criminalized or fight for the basics that other Indigeneity, the opportunity and Canadians receive. But if we don’t limits of influence in opposition, do it, who will? and the pride of a party which is Would Indigenous peoples based in culture. have a stronger voice with a fed- an Indigenous Can a party exist in Canada eral Indigenous Party? There are based in identity? Obviously yes, too many moving parts to predict. the precedent is set in Quebec. So Perhaps we should try it. Change why don’t we have an Indigenous it up. Take our space and use it. Party to strengthen our voice, to An Indigenous Party would organize influence in the House, need to build a tent that doesn’t Party in Canada and to support Indigenous candi- give up Indigeneity but also is in- dates to succeed? clusive for all Canadians. Imagine Except there are some seri- a party that is about community the myth that things change with- ous questions. Do Indigenous cohesion instead of individual We shouldn’t have to negotiate or fight for the in one political term), and people people want to engage in the white fame, protecting the land along started to grumble. Both Maori government in order to influence with an economy that rebalances basics that other Canadians receive. But if we and Pakeha (white New Zealand- change, and what would we have roles of women and men? The ers) were not satisfied, although to give up to achieve it? Why platform matters. In current poli- don’t do it, who will? for very different reasons. The should Indigenous peoples be ex- tics, my bet is that party structure Maori Party was wiped out in the pected to negotiate for their rights is just as important. An Indig- The federal Maori Party in last election. Some say internal which are already enshrined in enous party has an opportunity New Zealand started in 2004 party discipline contributed, or international law, sometimes even to ditch the “party leader is god” on the spectrum close to the perhaps the partnership with the Canadian law? Why do we need structure and institute a circle of Greens, plus Indigenous rights. National Party was strained. The to carve out our space, sometimes leaders who share responsibil- It hit a recent peak of influence Maori Party has always played through conflict? How would the ity, and that alone might be the in 2011-2015 when it partnered in the opposition aisles, so the tent be built when Indigenous game-changer in Canada. with the National Party (centre- internal debate was whether to peoples vote across the current Rose LeMay is Tlingit from the right) to complete over 50 treaty partner with the Nationals or the political spectrum? West Coast and the CEO of the settlements, and protection of Labour Party (centre-left), with The cynic says that’s exactly Indigenous Reconciliation Group. shore and seabed environments. tones similar to some discussions what politics is: conflict about She writes twice a month about Rose LeMay It started Whanua Ora, in which here in Canada: which party will resources and rights. The theorist Indigenous inclusion and recon- Stories, Myths, and Truths health and social funding was do the work to support Indig- says politics in a democracy is ciliation. In Tlingit worldview, the carved out of federal budgets to enous peoples’ wellbeing? terrible but it’s the best we have stories are the knowledge system, go directly to Maori providers— A number of years ago I had right now. Because we have a sometimes told through myth TTAWA—What about a new similar to B.C.’s First Nations the opportunity to sit with the first-past-the-post Westminster and sometimes contradicting the Opolitical structure to bring Health Authority. All great steps. party’s co-founder Tariana Turia type system which is very differ- myths told by others. But always about change—the Indigenous But Maori wellbeing did not to receive a post-graduate lecture ent from First Nations traditional with at least some truth. Party? improve as expected (based on on politics, identity and influ- modes of consensus-based gov- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 11 Opinion

This is a big challenge for Canada. For all the hype of Canada as an innovation nation, the data tell a different story. Rather than a global superstar— which is the branding delusion of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Cana- da—we are falling behind oth- ers. While Canada ranked 14th in research and development spending in 2001, we rank 20th today as other countries have leaped ahead of us and business in Canada, with some excep- tions, has cut back spending on innovation. In fact, we don’t even monitor innovation activity in Canada outside of Statistics Canada surveys. ISED has even published a document on its innovation strat- egy which it claims will make us fifth in the world in innovation. But when I questioned ISED, the department was unable to explain how we would know when we were in fifth spot, explain how long it would take to get there, or even explain where we stood today. The new Global Innovation Index ranks Canada in the 17th spot, putting us in the ninth spot in innovation inputs, such as our political and regulatory envi- ronment, quality of education, financial markets and general infrastructure, but much lower, in the 22nd spot, when it comes Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains. His Innovation, Science and Economic Development department has cast Canada as a rising innovation superstar, but the to innovation outputs such as data tells a different story, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade knowledge creation (including patents), high-tech exports, cre- ative outputs such as intangible assets and creative goods and services. The Council of Canadian Inno- vators, which speaks for Canadi- an-owned high-tech companies, Time for a bold changes has published a report with some ideas on how to advance innova- tion for a post-pandemic recovery. These include deliberate steps by government to ensure Canadian tech companies play a bigger role to foster innovation in the future Canadian economy, including post-pandemic recovery programmes, so they can scale up significant focus on social policy. In Canada the potential al Property Organization in con- their operations and win valida- We should, as Barry Prime Minister Justin Trudeau growth rate has been declining junction with Cornell University tion as reliable suppliers when and his new Finance Minister, for some time. But it matters and INSEAD, the French business marketing to to other countries. Eichengreen suggests, Chrystia Freeland, are said to be because with a low potential school. It urges policymakers to The Council also urges Ottawa use the current of one mind on this. growth rate we will have increas- “make innovation central after to pull back from its fascination We should aim for a fairer and ing difficulty meeting the needs the transition from containment with helping foreign multination- economic crisis to more inclusive economy, with of an aging society and the other to recovery.” While the immedi- als build up R&D branch plants in greater opportunity for all, and public goods we value, such as ate focus has been on providing Canada and work instead to help spark and accelerate indeed smart social policies can education, health, infrastructure the necessary emergency relief Canadian companies become help build a stronger economy. and a clean environment, as well to households and businesses bigger players. For example, a transition, to However, without clear policies as funds for national security and injecting liquidity into the while Canadian fintech compa- to increase economic growth— and good global governance. This financial system, we should be nies helped governments in other replace what has which means a stronger and more means we have to be a much bet- planning new measures that countries deliver stimulus aid, been destroyed and dynamic business sector—we will ter innovation nation. finance and accelerate innovation they were blocked from doing so lack the means to deliver more So we should, Eichengreen and start-ups and develop the in Canada. improve our potential and better jobs and generate the suggests, use the current cri- needed new skills for a different Government can also do more tax revenues to support a fair and sis to spark and accelerate the economy. to help young Canadian compa- growth rate. prosperous country. transition, to replace what has Yet so far, “ensuring innova- nies own and profit from public So how to generate that been destroyed and improve our tion and R&D is not yet a priority and private intellectual property growth? Barry Eichengreen, a potential growth rate. In the spirit of current stimulus packages,” developed in Canada. Likewise, highly respected U.S. econo- of Schumpeter, we should create except for money to fund re- the Council urges Canada to stop mist, suggests we look to Joseph the impetus for the new industries search for coronavirus vaccines, dithering and come up with a co- Schumpeter, who after the Great that will replace the old ones. This the innovation index report says. herent digital strategy on owner- Depression described the process also means helping workers move Will research and development, ship of data generated in Canada of “creative destruction” as the to new industries from old ones— venture capital and intellectual as well as data privacy. engine of prosperity. This is the for example, helping workers in property, and the political deter- As the report on the global in- process through which entrepre- weakened industries like retail, mination to foster innovation, novation index underlines, “crises neurs, innovators and new indus- restaurants, travel and accom- also slump, the report asks, even are often a source of creativity tries replace old and redundant modation get the training to work though “the potential for break- and innovation, and, at times, David Crane industries. in seniors’ residences, home care through technologies and innova- industrial renewal.” The forthcom- Canada & the 21st Century The focus, then, should be on and healthcare. It means beefing tion continues to abound”? ing Throne Speech and subse- raising what economists call the up apprenticeship and other pro- As it says, “unleashing the quent budget should seize this potential growth rate of the econ- grammes for needed new skilled potential is now essential and opportunity for a more prosper- ORONTO—Much of the omy, which determines the speed trades. requires government support as ous and fairer Canada. Tspeculation over the forth- limit for growth—how much This idea is at the heart of the well as collaborative models and David Crane can be reached at coming Throne Speech suggests growth we can have without trig- latest Global Innovation Index, continued private sector invest- [email protected]. the Trudeau government plans a gering shortages and inflation. published by the World Intellectu- ment in innovation.” The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

tight on dissent that more than a hundred people have burned themselves to death in protests China’s residential schools since 2009. You cannot avoid seeing it in Xinjiang, where more than a mil- Last week, in China’s Inner and many of these Mongolian- All of those unlucky people got lion Uyghurs have been sent to China’s ruling Mongolian Autonomous Region, speakers are urbanised people the kind of residential schools concentration camps that operate ethnic Mongolian parents began who are fully bilingual and in- that aimed at cultural assimilation like residential schools for adults, elite have become holding rallies and keeping termarry freely with their ethnic and religious conversion. trying to separate the residents impatient to stamp their children home from school Chinese neighbours. The core of The children spent most of the from their religion, language and in protest of new measures to the unrest is among the million year in boarding schools, not with values. out differences and reduce teaching in the Mongolian or so who still pursue a modi- their families. They were taught And you can detect it in a language, in favour of Chinese. fied version of the old nomadic the religion of the settlers, not minor key even in Inner Mongo- deviations from the Under the new rules, history, poli- culture. that of their native culture. They lia, in a needless, destabilizing tics, language and literature will They are traditional steppe- were forced to use the language attempt to force Mandarin down norm. be taught in Mandarin Chinese, dwelling people who follow their of the dominant European group the throats of loyal, innocent not in Mongolian. herds on horseback (or in ATVs) and forbidden to speak their own. people who pose no threat what- It has not been reported in through their seasonal rounds. And most of them were subjected ever to the State. Chinese media, of course, but Unlike aboriginal languages, to violence and sexual abuse. What drives President-for- the BBC reports that students at Mongolian has been written in (Yes, most.) Life Xi Jinping and his advisers one demonstration chanted “Our its own script for many centuries, Many of the adults who to such ridiculous and counter- language is Mongolian, and our and Genghis Khan’s empire once emerged from this ordeal were productive extremes? The only homeland is Mongolia forever!” briefly ruled about a quarter of the tormented men and women, and plausible answer is fear that his- At another school, only forty stu- world, but the nomadic Mongols their legacy of alcoholism, drug tory will repeat itself. dents registered for the autumn do depend on boarding schools. abuse, child abuse, nihilism and China’s rulers are all Commu- term instead of the usual thou- Such schools are simply a despair is still being passed down nists in theory (though how many sand—and most of them left after practical necessity for people who the generations. Nothing of the still really believe it is another Gwynne Dyer the first day. live in small groups and move sort has happened to the Mon- matter), and so they rightly worry Global Affairs It should be noted that in Inner frequently, and in the Chinese gols of Inner Mongolia, so far as that what happened the com- Mongolia, ethnic Chinese (Han) case they were not originally con- is known, but something bad is munist parties of Europe in 1989 people are a four-fifths majority ceived as instruments of cultural starting to happen to them now. could also happen to them. ONDON, U.K.—Residential of the 25 million residents. The genocide. Until recently, in fact, Chinese culture has always However, two years after Lschools were a common fea- province is beyond the Great Wall they operated entirely in Mon- been patronizing towards the that the Soviet Union broke up ture of European settler societies and was once almost entirely golian, with Chinese taught as a minorities living within China’s as well. It’s really unlikely that until quite late in the 20th century, Mongolian, but it was already second language. borders, but it didn’t usually China will ever do the same, and their purpose was not just to majority Han before the current Chinese policy towards tribal see them as threats. They aren’t because more than 90 per cent of educate but to deracinate their Chinese Communist regime came minorities has traditionally been threats now, either, but there is a the population is ethnic Chi- Aboriginal pupils: that is, to cut to power in 1949. more tolerant than U.S. or Ca- growing sense of insecurity in the nese—but the guilty flee where them off from their roots. The Most of China’s five million nadian policy towards “Indians,” ruling elite that makes it impa- none pursue. Chinese government would reject Mongols are concentrated in Australian policy towards Aborig- tient to stamp out differences and Gwynne Dyer’s new book is the analogy with its last breath, three eastern districts of Inner ines, Scandinavian policy towards deviations from the norm. Growing Pains: The Future of but it is now doing the same Mongolia, but even there they are Sami (“Lapps”) or Russian policy You can see it in Tibet, where Democracy (and Work). thing. not a majority of the population, towards Siberian native peoples. the screws have been turned so The Hill Times

Canada must rethink its strategy for aid to Mali

overestimate the level and impact year: the price of five kg of rice present to mainstream develop- does Canada take seriously and If donors like of Canadian influence. in Mali’s markets. It is hard to ment thinking. integrate these concerns into Since the previous coup of overemphasize the necessity of Mali shows the need for stra- cooperation approaches? Mali’s Canada want to 2012, Canadian official develop- clear (and likely discomfiting) tegic, innovative, and long-term partners need to support emer- walk the talk about ment assistance (ODA excludes thinking about what scale and thinking about the effects that gent visions and accompany military cooperation spending) depth of structural transforma- international cooperation can these struggles—not because doing development has ranked Mali as a priority (by tion is the appropriate ambition have on power relations and con- they bring obvious and ready- spending) between 13th (in 2014) of Canada’s development and flict dynamics. Cooperation that made solutions to profound and differently, then we and fourth (in 2018), hovering military cooperation in Mali, or disregards these dynamics can longstanding problems. Rather, if around fifth. With this two per anywhere. actually worsen marginalization, donors like Canada want to walk need to listen, and try, cent of aid spending Canada is Although donors might and thus deepen conflict-prone the talk about doing develop- among Mali’s top four bilateral fruitfully target the most visible social divisions (like farmer- ment differently, then we need and fail, and learn— donors, after France, Germany, symptoms of state fragility, they herder relations in the central to listen, and try, and fail, and differently. and the United States. A recent do not address structural condi- Malian regions, or inter-rank learn—differently. increase in 2019 to $140-million tions inherited from legacies of relations in the military). Further, Pursuit of status quo incre- raises Canada’s annual average colonialism and the persistent cooperation that is insensitive mental adjustments has produced flows since 2012 to $120-million postcolonial cycles of instabil- to climate impacts risks under- concrete if modest impacts, but and raises the 15-year annual ity and state fragility. Funding mining the desired stability and as the Malian situation suggests average to $108-million. and emphasizing quick impact livelihoods necessary to make it has also sustained fragile and Yet, Canada’s sense of Mali projects will produce relatively peace durable and wellbeing risk-prone institutions and prac- being an important aid recipient immediate and reportable results, sustainable. Indeed, livelihoods tices. Malians want and deserve clouds our understanding of how but most often at the margins that are at significant risk from better. Mali’s partners can do important Canada is to Mali. This of adaptive national and global climate impacts need innova- better. is not to under-appreciate the structures and transnational tive and responsive development For Canadian cooperation to service of thousands of Canadi- networks. Within these structures cooperation investments. Such do other than accompany crises, ans and relationships built with and networks are Malian and responsive innovations need to Canada has an opportunity in Bruno Charbonneau & Jonathan Sears Malians and Malian organiza- global elites who often prefer be nearer to the centre of donors’ Mali to rethink, retry, and relearn Opinion tions over decades. These efforts only small adjustments to the activities, and not only at the its relations with fragile and have enabled successes on the status quo, or none. under-funded margins of core conflict affected states, and the ground for individuals and com- Status quo means that Mali’s programming. people who live in them. he August 18 coup d’état in munities from north to south and most vulnerable and marginal- Malians are calling and Bruno Charbonneau is an as- TMali was an embarrassing east to west. ized populations live under condi- struggling for structural changes sociate professor of international failure for the international com- However, beyond the many tions that are hard to envision to their political economy and studies and the director of the munity. In Canada, this failure success stories, it is crucial that transforming in anything short society. The August coup fur- Centre for Security and Crisis has raised questions about the Canada not deceive itself about of multiple generations—given ther underscores and amplifies Governance at Royal Military impact and responsibility of the significance of what we the current scale and limitations these calls. When citizens across College St. Jean. Jonathan Sears Canadian military and develop- do through development and of development cooperation. And Mali explain that business-as- is an associate professor of in- ment cooperation. Let us be clear: military cooperation. Canada’s that is without considering the usual cooperation benefits an en- ternational development studies Canadian cooperation cannot be annual aid spending is about setbacks of armed conflict or trenched political class, sustains and an associate dean at Menno held responsible for the coup. To eight per cent of Mali’s total aid coup d’état, or the challenges that political crisis, and exacerbates Simons College. make that connection is to greatly and represents $6 per person per climate change and pandemics social divisions, to what extent The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 13 News Unanimous consent motion can restore committees in one swoop, but Trudeau

Former NDP MP David Christopherson Liberals could says the Liberals can delay the committee reconstitution process by deliberately failing to submit committee assignments to PROC. The ‘monkey Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

interview, as was the new Con- days, pointing to 2013, the last the Quebec engineering company servative Whip Blake Richards time Parliament was prorogued. a deal to avoid prosecution on wrench’ effort, (Banff-Airdrie, Alta). PROC reported the committee corruption charges. At the same time, the other assignments “within about a week “Everybody is going to be complicating factor may be how of the Throne Speech.” watching for undue delays by Parliament will continue sitting Former NDP MP David Chris- the government,”said Mr. Chris- says NDP amid the pandemic. Mr. Julian topherson, who had been a long- topherson adding the opposition said while it’s not clear whether time member of PROC, said the can alert the public if all parties a hybrid format for House sit- government can “drag” out that except for the governing Liberals with WE Charity Foundation. The tings—including MPs meeting in process by holding off on submit- have“ponied up their names.” Another lengthier government has consistently said person and participating on- ting its committee assignments, In a majority Parliament, he that the bureaucracy was respon- line—will be adopted, it’s highly but that would risk inflaming the said, it’s easier for the govern- process would sible for recommending that WE unlikely that all 338 MPs will be situation. Committee assignments ment to filibuster. For example, be selected to dole out $500-mil- sitting “in close quarters.” themselves do not tend to be too the government can prolong have PROC report lion of government grants. politicized, he said. the resumption of activities by back to Parliament Prorogation also led to the “The guiding politics here is spreading out housekeeping disbanding of the special Canada- PROC has to report how much they can get away items on the agenda. The first with committee China Committee, which was committee assignments with,” said the former Hamilton, order of business is usually the in the midst of writing a report Ont., MP. “They could drag that election of chairs and vice-chairs. assignments within 10 that would set out recommenda- within 10 sitting days out, but at some point, if the Those elections tend to be “Soviet” tions in response to the Chinese The lengthier route to revive opposition can paint a picture in style, he said, with members sitting days. government’s encroachment on committees is through the House that shows the public that all simply ratifying the party’s cho- Hong Kong’s independence, and Procedure and Affairs Committee, they’re doing is hiding, that’s sen candidates. alleged human rights violations in otherwise known as PROC, the not helpful. It would be a stupid “I’ve seen majority govern- Continued from page 1 the territory. only committee that isn’t disband- strategy.” ments end the meeting after they are unable to meet. Committee “Our perspective is, it was ed during prorogation. But, Mr. Christopherson said, do one piece of business, and find work that was underway has been deplorable for the government to Michael Morden, interim execu- the government may make the po- a reason why the next meeting left in limbo, but could be revived shut them down in a transparent- tive director of Samara Centre for litical calculation that it would be should be delayed, etc.,” said Mr. if MPs agree when the House ly partisan fashion. We were look- Democracy, said that, according to better to take the heat by delaying Christopherson. “However, there’s returns to reconstitute the com- ing to have them tackle a variety the Standing Orders, PROC has 10 the process than having the oppo- less ability for the government mittees as they were. of issues,” said Mr. Julian. “It just sitting days to report back to the sition digging into its affairs. [now] to do that.” If the government is co- shows a real inability for him [Mr. House with the list of members for Mr. Julian suggested that the As “masters of their destiny,” operative, a unanimous consent Trudeau] to do the ethical and each committee. opposition would have sought committees, particularly in a mi- motion would be enough to transparent thing, which is what In the pre-pandemic era, the to open a committee probe into nority Parliament, are able to set give committees the ability to he promised to do in 2015.” parliamentary calendar plots out allegations of improper lobbying their agenda, with “no one caucus” resume meeting, said NDP House Mr. Trudeau had pledged he the sitting days, but now there’s by Rob Silver, the husband of Mr. controlling the topic of debate, Leader Peter Julian (Westminster- would not resort to prorogation to a degree of uncertainty around Trudeau’s chief of staff, who Vice but instead each relying on “allies” Burnaby. B.C.) in an interview “avoid difficult political circum- whether MPs will stick to that News reported had not been reg- at the committee table. last week. stances,”as he had accused the schedule, he said. If the calendar is istered as a federal lobbyist when While it’s not a given that all “Normally, they could be re- Harper government of doing on followed,the 10th sitting day would he reportedly appealed to then- committees will pick up where constituted by unanimous consent numerous occasions. be on Oct. 6, and if takes that long, finance minister Bill Morneau they had left off, especially if immediately,” said Mr. Julian. “If If unanimous consent is given the committees would have just to make changes to rules for the there are different members as- [the government] wants to mon- to the motion, Mr. Julian said, it’s three days to resume business, wage subsidy program that would signed, he added, what tends to key wrench [things], they simply possible to “re-establish every- before Thanksgiving weekend. benefit the insurance company he happen is committees move to don’t offer that unanimous con- thing on the basis that it was at Last week, Mr. Julian wrote works for. MCAP told CBC that carry over the work that had been sent. If they don’t, it becomes a prior to prorogation.” A separate a letter to his Liberal counter- the company and its employees interrupted with one motion. much more complicated process. I motion to revive special commit- part, Pablo Rodriguez (Honoré- “have strictly compiled” with the “A simple motion [at committee] hope that’s not the case.” tees would have to be adopted. Mercier, Que.), asking him to re- “letter and spirit” of the lobbying to bring everything forward would Withholding that unanimous Requests for comment from call Parliament earlier in order to rules. carry, and in my experience, if you consent isn’t without political Chief Government Whip Mark address concerns about pandemic In the last Parliament, in have a good co-operative commit- risk. Holland (Ajax, Ont.) and from relief benefits. which the Liberals had a majority tee, it’s assumed,” he said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau parliamentary secretary to the “Those 10 sitting days can take of the seats, the Liberal-dominat- The Conservatives, under the (Papineau, Que.) faced blowback government House leader, Kevin up a long calendar period, given ed Justice Committee was able to new leadership of Erin O’Toole from opposition parties when he Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, how intermittently the Commons curtail committee proceedings on (Durham, Ont.), are expected to abruptly prorogued Parliament Man.), were not returned by has been sitting,” he said. “A lot the SNC-Lavalin affair, in which reshuffle critic assignments this on Aug. 18, effectively shutting deadline. depends on how the Commons is ex-Liberal MP Jody Wilson- week, which could change the down committees that had tasked The Bloc Québécois’ House going to look.” Raybould (Vancouver Granville, makeup of some committees. themselves with probing the gov- leader, Alain Therrien (La Prairie, Mr. Morden said they don’t B.C.) accused the government of [email protected] ernment’s since-cancelled deal Que.), was unavailable for an have to exhaust those 10 sitting improperly pressuring her to cut The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

mail their ballots to Ottawa, or to months, MPs and political parties set up multiple locations that will scaled down their fundraising ac- Short timelines, mail- receive the ballots—either in each tivities, in respect of the fact that individual riding, or for broader many Canadians were struggling regions of the country. financially. Conservative sources also told Meanwhile, the Liberals have in voting coming for The Hill Times that they expect not held any nomination meetings that the schedules for the nomina- as of last week. Party spokes- tion meetings will be compressed. person Braeden Caley told The During nomination contests, Hill Times that the nomination candidates get a certain number rules will be “announced soon.” Tory nominations in of days during which they can He however did not say how the sign up new members after the party is planning on holding process officially opens up. Now, nominations in the midst of the considering that the leadership pandemic or whether they will election just wrapped up last allow party members to vote via unheld ridings, say top month and the membership is mail-in ballot. relatively high, candidates will “Final nomination rules will be get fewer days to sign up new announced soon, and every step members. will be taken to ensure that nomi- Conservative sources The Conservative Party an- nation meetings and processes all nounced in April its nomination move forward in a manner that rules for the 121 ridings currently is safe and in accordance with election because the Liberals votes, Canadians will go to the polls. held by Conservative MPs. public health guidance,” said Mr. Conservatives sources are doing well in national public If an election is triggered by According to the party’s nomi- Caley, senior director of commu- opinion polls and would want the vote on the Throne Speech, nation rules for incumbent MPs, nications for the Liberal Party, in expect the party to capitalize on this popularity. the Conservatives will not have if an election were to be triggered an email last week. “With every will allow members With the economy expected to time to hold nomination contests between now and June 2021, all passing day, the Liberal Party of get worse in the coming months for the ridings not held by their MPs would be able to carry the Canada is being approached by a to vote by mail in because of COVID-19, it will MPs. In that case, new party party’s banner in the next elec- whole host of talented community become more challenging for the Leader Erin O’Toole (Durham, tion, in their respective ridings leaders interested in running as nomination contests governing party to win an elec- Ont.) would have the prerogative without any contest. If an election new Liberal candidates, and of- tion, they said. to appoint candidates. is called after June of next year, fering their ideas and leadership for the next election. According to a poll by Leger, If the Throne Speech is passed MPs can still run without fac- to the work of moving Canada if an election were to be held in the House, the Conservatives ing any challenge if they raise forward.” Continued from page 1 now, 35 per cent of Canadians are looking at spring 2021 to $15,000 by Dec. 31, 2020. Liberal MP Ken Hardie (Fleet- would vote for the Liberals, 29 complete the nomination process, If any Conservative MP fails to wood-Port Kells, B.C.) told The changes to the nomination rules for the Conservatives, 21 for the sources said. raise the required money by that Hill Times that MPs are expecting to make it possible to hold the NDP and five per cent for the Figuring out the logistics of deadline, they would have to then nomination rules for held ridings contests in the midst of the CO- Green Party. The online poll of the voting process during the raise $25,000 by April 30, 2021. similar to those used prior to the VID-19 pandemic. 2019 election. The Hill Times is not identi- Before the last election, the fying the sources because they Erin O'Toole, Liberals protected their cau- were not authorized to discuss pictured with cus members from the divisive confidential conversations about Conservative MP nomination process, provided nomination rules. James Bezan, won they fulfilled certain conditions Sources said the party wants the Conservative related to fundraising and signing to complete the nomination Party's leadership up members for their respective process as soon as possible, last month. Now, riding associations. The party considering the possibility that an the Conservatives announced those conditions in election could happen at any time are making January 2018. in a minority government. They preparations for the To be acclaimed as a candidate also said the rules will likely be nomination process for the last election, MPs were released in the next few weeks. for 217 unheld required to participate in at least “I would say fastest would be ridings. The Hill two “voter contact day of ac- the end of this month and, you Times photograph by tion” door-knocking events in the know, slowest would be end of Andrew Meade last 12 months in their ridings; October,” said a Conservative attempted to at least knock on source. 3,500 doors or make 5,000 phone “Be prepared for compressed calls; raised funds equivalent to timelines, because of the way our 50 per cent of the expected elec- world is changing how voting is tion expense limit for 2019, and conducted.” submitted a written plan to raise Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the other half; signed up at least (Papineau, Que.) prorogued Par- 30 new donors based on the Jan. liament on Aug. 18 and now the 1, 2016, or Jan. 1, 2018, numbers, House will come back on Sept. whichever is less; and secured 23 with a Throne Speech that signatures of support from at will lay the out the government’s least 150 registered Liberals in plan to help the economy recover the riding. from the recession caused by the All Liberal MPs were able to pandemic. meet these conditions. Mr. Trudeau has said that he 1,521 Canadians was conducted pandemic is a key challenge for If an MP still is not able to meet It’s unclear what threshold the prorogued Parliament to get a between Aug. 28 to Aug. 30 and the national council, sources said. either of the two deadlines, they party will set for the next election new mandate from Parliament. had a margin of error of plus or The council will most likely allow will have to run for the nomina- in the changed political landscape The last Throne Speech was minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 voting by mail in most ridings tion to be the party’s candidate. where COVID-19 has affected delivered after last fall’s election, times out of 20. across the country, they said. The fundraising requirements politicians’ ability to raise funds before the pandemic arrived and “I think we’re heading into a “[The national council] is set by the party are low, and it’s and go door knocking. dramatically altered the govern- period that’s very difficult for all considering options to deal with expected that all Conservative Mr. Hardie said that MPs ment’s priorities. He denied he governments to get re-elected, COVID because the traditional in- MPs will be acclaimed as party talk about the nomination rules wants an election. which is a bad long lingering re- person voting is maybe difficult,” candidates for the next election. frequently outside of the caucus “No. We do not want an elec- cession combined with recurring said one source. Some Conservative sources meetings, but declined to say for tion. But it is obvious that the waves or outbreaks of COVID,” The Conservative Party re- told The Hill Times in April that confidentiality reasons if there’s Throne Speech we gave eight said David Herle, a veteran cently elected their new leader the national council set these been any discussion about it in months ago is no longer relevant Liberal political insider on CBC’s last month using mail-in ballots. nomination requirements based the caucus meetings. Mr. Hardie to the reality Canadians are liv- Power & Politics program, last About 175,000 members cast their on the recommendation of the also declined to say if the Liberals ing,” Mr. Trudeau said last month. week. “I don’t think people are go- vote by mailing their ballots to national caucus, without making will allow mail in ballots in nomi- “We need a mandate from this ing to be in as good a mood…as the party office in Ottawa. About any change. Conservative MPs nation meetings in unheld ridings. Parliament to move forward on they are today about how things 270,000 party members were eli- told The Hill Times that the pan- NDP spokesman George Soule implementing these ambitious have been managed.” gible to vote and the voter turnout demic was the chief reason the told The Hill Times that all deci- ideals and it’s important now that The Liberals have said that the was around 65 per cent. nomination requirements were sions related to party nomina- we have an opportunity to debate vote in the House on the Throne For the nomination contests, so easy to meet. Since the start of tions for the New Democrats will it.” Speech will be a confidence vote, the national council will have to the pandemic, all political parties be decided in mid-September. Some political insiders and which means if the government fails decide whether to ask party mem- have raised less money than they [email protected] pundits are predicting a fall to get 50 per cent plus one of the bers in the 217 upheld ridings to were able to before. For a few The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 15 News

in a way, and therefore an institu- to have been a “complacent view tional committee on emergencies that everything was fine” with is actually, potentially very valu- the system that had been created able,” said Mr. Cappe. “Then you post-SARS that led to problems can do exercises and games.” with the government’s initial Mr. Cappe said nobody’s ever response to the pandemic, accord- questioned the existence of an ing to Prof. Wark. economic committee or a social Prof. Wark also argued that committee of cabinet. most nation states, including “They’ve gone through differ- Canada, were not using their ent terminological characteriza- security and intelligence capabili- tions, but there’s always one,” ties to monitor health issues, and said Mr. Cappe. “At various times that these were left to other agen- we’ve had a planning committee cies of government as well as the of cabinet, we’ve had emergency World Health Organization. committees of cabinet, but they “The security and intelligence are usually there to deal with a system, with all its different kinds particular emergency.” of collection and assessment “I think that the institutional capabilities, was kept completely capacity can be improved,” he apart from many of these prob- said. lems,” said Prof. Wark. “That’s one Another of Mr. Cappe’s rec- of the things that has to change; ommendations is that the PCO we have to devise a different should institutionalize a “security- kind of system to monitor differ- based capacity on health issues,” ent health outbreaks, and what which would work to integrate COVID has shown very starkly is Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, Transport Minister Marc Garneau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Health Minister public health and security intel- that the system that was created Patty Hajdu, Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos, and moderator and Toronto Star reporter Bruce Campion-Smith, ligence through the Intelligence after SARS was deeply flawed pictured on March 16, 2020, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Assessment Secretariat, which and inadequate.” would “also ensure interdepart- mental and interagency coordina- Risk assessment process tion in planning for and during crises.” ‘failed abysmally’ ‘Combatting a pandemic “No minister in this govern- According to Prof. Wark, the ment had [been in office] through key is to understand why the SARS or Ebola, etc.,” said Mr. system that was created failed to Cappe. “The institutions have give the government an adequate dealt with this before. You can do early warning about the pandem- requires mobilizing scenarios and you can game these ic, and why risk assessments were things and do exercises on them.” “so badly done” until mid-March. “In the security and intelli- “From January to February gence world, that’s very common. into the middle of March, the risk intelligence’: former PCO In the military world, that’s very assessment process failed abys- common. It’s not that common mally, and that’s not unique to in the health business, or in the Canada, but the fact that it’s not income support business,” he said. unique to Canada isn’t an excuse clerk calls for reforms to for us not getting it right,” said Prof. Wark. ‘Urgency drains away’ in “That raises the question: why inter-pandemic periods, were these risk assessments so says security and bad? [And] it’s a bit paradoxi- emergency preparedness cal, but the risk assessments that intelligence expert [the Public Health Agency of “There is always a kind of Canada] were producing were intelligence: medical, economic, “The Incident Response Group lapse of attention to crisis issues not risk assessments,” said Prof. With no social and security intelligence,” was really set up for a different when they seem to disappear over Warke. “They were essentially just and that in the case of COVID-19, purpose,” he said. the horizon,” said security and in- daily snapshot reports of what ‘institutionalized’ “the response infrastructure On March 4, the prime minis- telligence expert and professor at the existing situation for COVID emergency response adapted over time.” ter announced the creation of a the University of Ottawa Wesley was globally and nationally, and In an interview with The Hill new cabinet committee on CO- Wark in an interview with The the only question that was being group, the capacity Times last week, Mr. Cappe al- VID-19, designed to complement Hill Times last week. asked in those risk assessments, luded to the work of the Incident the work of the Incident Response In pandemic planning, the was, has COVID arrived in a ma- for ministers to Response Group early in the Group. In his report, Mr. Cappe “inter-pandemic” planning phase jor way in Canada? And as long crisis, a group which was first recommends that this committee includes measures meant to be as the answer to that seemed to tackle pandemics is created by Prime Minister Justin should be turned into a standing taken to ensure Canada is ready be ‘no,’ then the risk assessment Trudeau in 2018 and convened committee on emergencies. for the next global diseases out- level that was arrived at point- ‘woefully lacking,’ on Jan. 27 of this year to discuss “In less than two decades, we break, according to Prof. Wark, ing to the threat was consistently says Mel Cappe. “actions taken to keep Canadians have experienced SARS, Middle who was one of two editors as maintained as ‘low’ until mid- safe and prevent the spread of East respiratory syndrome, Ebola well as an author on CIGI’s publi- March.” the virus,” according to the Prime and H1N1,” writes Mr. Cappe. cation entitled, “Security, Intel- “There’s just a terrible failure Minister’s Office. “Being prepared for the next Continued from page 1 ligence and the Global Health of risk assessment practice here At the time, the group included natural disaster, terrorist act or Crisis.” that I think had a huge impact clerk of the Privy Council Office Health Minister Patty Hajdu, health crisis is the objective. The “But the reality is, urgency for Canada in the slow response, argues that improvements can Canada’s Chief Public Health committee would ensure the plan- drains away in that inter-pandem- initially, that we had to prepar- be made to fix “woefully lacking” Officer Theresa Tam, Clerk of ning function gets done during ic period unless certain things ing ourselves for COVID-19,” said capacity at the ministerial level the Privy Council Ian Shugart, quieter times and the emergency are done to make sure sufficient Prof. Wark. “We wasted two-and- for dealing with emergencies—in- Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, response is robust during crises.” attention being paid to what a-half months getting ready for cluding beefing up security and Foreign Affairs Minister François- Mr. Cappe alluded to prepara- might be coming,” said Prof. Wark. COVID-19, basically.” intelligence mechanisms in both Philippe Champagne, Public tions for Y2K leading up to the “If you want to make sure that Mr. Cappe wrote in his Aug. the public health agency and in Safety Minister Bill Blair, and year 2000, something which he you have a reasonable level of 24 CIGI piece that “PHAC can the PCO. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia called “the most important prepa- readiness for the next pandemic, apply a public health lens to the Another security expert Freeland, among others. ration” he had for responding to then you engage in exercises and intelligence, but CSIS, Global argues that “what COVID has “My impression is that with the 9/11 terror attacks. simulations and you keep the Affairs Canada (GAC) and other shown very starkly is that the the Incident Response Group “The preparation for a contin- institutions that are responsible intelligence agencies can strategi- system that was created after having been created, that was uation of government in the pres- for these things in the federal, cally supplement the information SARS was deeply flawed and an important and valuable step,” ence of a crisis like the prospect provincial and territorial govern- available.” inadequate.” said Mr. Cappe, who is now a of Y2K meant that we understood ments engaged and talking about “However, as far as one knows In a recent publication with professor at the University of how to govern through a crisis it and thinking about it, but we publicly, there are no PHAC of- the Centre for International Gov- Toronto. “Having said that, the because we had prepared for it,” weren’t doing any exercises or ficers abroad, as the US Centers ernance Innovation, Mel Cappe, capacity of the ministerial level said Mr. Cappe. “Literally in the simulations, and I don’t think we for Disease Control and Preven- who previously served as clerk of the government of Canada is summer before 9/11, we had done had done any since SARS to be tion maintains, that could be of the Privy Council, secretary woefully lacking, in the sense a live exercise of a terrorist attack honest.” useful sources of public health to cabinet and head of the public that we don’t have an institu- against Canada.” It was this absence of regular intelligence,” writes Mr. Cappe. service, argues that “combatting tionalized emergency response “It would be really useful to threat assessments and exercises, [email protected] a pandemic requires mobilizing group.” have ministers prepared for this combined with what he argues The Hill Times 16 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Saks and Gladstone entering hotly contested Liberal nomination race in York Centre Ya’ara Saks and Gary Gladstone want to be the next Liberal MP for York Centre. They may have to win three straight elections, and defeat a confident Conservative opponent, to claim the seat.

Continued from page 1 or are seriously considering running for the coveted Liberal Party nomination in York Centre. Ms. Saks, a small business owner who has political experience in Canada and Israel, and Mr. Gladstone, a fundraising executive, confirmed to The Hill Times last week they’re seeking the Liberal nomina- tion in the riding. Bobby Walman, a veteran party fundraiser, told The Hill Times three Ya'ara Saks and Gary Gladstone confirmed to The Hill Times they are seeking the Liberal nomination in York Centre. The riding has opened up after weeks ago he’s seriously considering a run Michael Levitt's (right) resignation as an MP. Photographs courtesy of Gary Gladstone, Ya'ara Saks and The Hill Times file photograph for the nomination in the GTA riding. Jay Rosenzweig, founding partner of Rosenz- weig & Company, an executive head-hunt- realities of where there are gaps in the cent of the vote, Ms. Wilson garnered 36.7 Ms. Saks agreed: ing company, and Yoni Goldstein, editor of system, and I’ve seen it with my own team per cent, NDP candidate Andrea Vasquez “She’s [Ms. Willson] done her work in Canadian Jewish News, are also said to be at the mental health charity…what we’re Jimenez carried 9.8 per cent, and Green trying to connect with the riding as much testing the waters to enter the nomination dealing with and helping move people candidate Rebecca Wood won 3.2 per cent. as she can. And as a community member contest. forward through the pandemic. And I feel I According to Elections Canada, Prime in the riding, who both works actively in More candidates are expected to enter have a lot to contribute in that lens for the Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) a charitable organization and also with a the race in the coming days. community and the caucus.” has six months to call a byelection in York fairly active local business and active in Mr. Gladstone ran unsuccessfully in A dual citizen of Canada and Israel, Centre, starting Sept. 1, when Mr. Levitt’s their community, I’ve also worked my net- Thornhill, Ont., in 2019, and unsuccessfully Ms. Saks in the past worked in the mayor resignation came into effect. works and made my connections and feel sought the Liberal nomination in King– of Jerusalem’s office as deputy advisor for If a snap election is called this fall, the pretty comfortable and moving forward,” Vaughan in 2015. He said last week he has special projects. byelection may not take place at all. If there said Ms. Saks. put together a team and has started signing The riding of York Centre opened up is no federal election this fall, the next MP “The Liberals have done a tremendous up new members for the York Centre contest. for a nomination after Liberal MP Mi- for York Centre may have to run in three amount, as has Michael over the years to “I’m absolutely running,” Mr. Galdstone chael Levitt announced recently that he elections in the span of what could be only a really connect with the constituency here told The Hill Times. was stepping down to take up the position few months: a nomination contest, a byelec- and to make them feel confident in what “I have to tell you, not only that I want of the president and CEO of Canadian tion, and a federal election, if one is instead the Liberal Party can do and will continue to be the Member of Parliament for York Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, a triggered in the spring as some expect. to do.” Centre, I know the riding well, I know the Jewish Human Rights organization. His The date of the next federal election is Besides York Centre, the riding of constituents, they need to be represented resignation became effective September 1. not yet known because an election in a mi- Toronto Centre has also opened up after by someone great.” As of last week, no party had officially nority government could be called at any the resignation of former finance minister Mr. Gladstone said he believed that the opened up the nomination contest. time. The average life of a minority govern- Bill Morneau. As of last week, no candidate byelection could be called quickly. Based on the riding’s close to 120 year ment in Canada is relatively short—only 18 had said publicly that they were throwing “Someone who’s got the experience to electoral history, York Centre is a relatively months. It has now been about 11 months their hat in the ring. Some insiders how- run needs to be there. And my whole life… safe Liberal riding. It was created in 1903, since last October’s federal election. ever speculated that former Hill staffer and if you look at my background, is com- and the Conservatives won the riding three Meanwhile, Ms. Willson told The Hill now investment banker Vincent Gasparro munity, charities, non-profits, helping the times before 1962, and once after, in 2011. Times two weeks ago that it would be a was interested in Liberal nomination in vulnerable, helping the citizens, making In every other election, Liberals have car- mistake to think that York Centre is a safe the riding. He, however, told The Hill Times sure that there’s a strong voice at the table. ried York Centre. Liberal riding. She said, based on her that he “currently” has no plans to run for That’s what I’m there for.” In 2011, Conservative Mark Adler won interactions with constituents, this is a elected office. Ms. Saks, who has worked in advisory the riding, but he lost to Mr. Levitt in 2015. winnable riding for the Conservatives. She “I am honoured that there are those roles for policy, communications and The 2011 election under Michael Ignatieff said Liberals won the last election because who want me to run and serve our party project management in Canada and Israel, was the worst in the Liberal Party’s history, of Mr. Levitt, but now that he’s not running, and country,” said Mr. Gasparro. “But I also confirmed to The Hill Times that she’s and it was relegated third place. In 2015, Conservatives can win the riding. currently have no plans to run for elected running for the nomination and has put Mr. Levitt defeated Mr. Adler by only 2.9 Last week, Mr. Gladstone and Ms. Saks office.” together her team to start working on the per cent of the vote. Mr. Levitt garnered told The Hill Times that despite the fact When asked if his plans could change nomination campaign. 46.8 per cent of the vote while Mr. Adler that the electoral history of the riding has in the coming weeks, he repeated the same “I’ve been a community advocate for got 43.9 per cent. The third place NDP been favourable to the Liberals, they would answer. many, many years on key issues includ- candidate Hal Berman won 7.3 per cent, not take anything for granted. Mr. Gasparro is managing director of ing mental health, green policy and other and the fourth place Green Party candidate “The people, the voters are never wrong corporate development and clean energy matters,” said Ms. Saks. “And I felt it was the Constantine Kritsonis received 1.8 per cent in the riding, and I know the riding well, finance at Vancity Investment Bank. In right time to put my voice in alignment with of the vote. and I resonate well with the riding,” said the past, he also served as an adviser to where the country should be going,” she said. Mr. Adler did not run in 2015. In his Mr. Gladstone. “And if I’m fortunate to be Toronto Mayor John Tory and served in the “It was just that the opportunity made place, Rachel Willson ran as the Conserva- the candidate, working hard, God willing, I Paul Martin PMO as his Ontario assistant. itself available. I feel that the pandemic tive candidate but lost to Mr. Levitt by 13.5 will win, but nothing is guaranteed. Noth- [email protected] has really exposed for a lot of families the per cent of the vote. Mr. Levitt won 50.2 per ing is ever safe.” The Hill Times

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special assistant for outreach. In May 2018, great things must come to an end.” she left the LRB to become a special assis- A former Ontario Liberal staffer, Ms. tant for Western and Northern regional af- Kaur was part of the 2015 campaign team fairs to then-families minister Mr. Duclos. that first got Mr. Morneau elected to the She was promoted to her most recent title House as MP for Toronto Centre, Ont., hill climbers roughly one year later. after which she came to Ottawa to work in Amongst other past campaign experi- his ministerial office, starting as a senior by Laura Ryckewaert ence, Ms. Chughtai spent the 2019 elec- special assistant for operations. tion as campaign manager to the Lib- As of the cabinet shuffle, Elder Marques eral candidate in Calgary Skyview, Alta., was chief of staff in the finance minister’s Nirmala Naidoo. Conservative MP Jag office, which, aside from Ms. Proteau and Sahota ultimately won the seat, which had Ms. Kaur, also included: former MP Matt previously been held by former Liberal MP DeCourcey as senior adviser; Tyler Mer- Patel joins PMO, turned independent Darshan Kang, with edith, director of policy; Ian Foucher, direc- Ms. Naidoo coming second. tor of appointments and special adviser on Meanwhile, in Mr. Mendicino’s office, the economy and financial sector; Marion Minister Monsef names Mathieu Genest has been lured back to fill Pilon-Cousineau, director of parliamentary in as acting press secretary to the minister affairs; Pierre-Olivier Herbert, director of following Mr. Lemkay’s exit. communications; Christina Rettig, se- Up until the end of 2019, Mr. Genest, nior adviser; senior policy advisers Aneil new operations director who is now also busy studying medicine at Jaswal and Mary-Rose Brown; Amitpal Université Laval, had been press secretary Singh, policy adviser; Ninu Forrest, special to then-immigration minister Mr. Hussen. assistant for policy; Salman Arif, special ubair Patel has joined Prime Minister A former constituency assistant to He’s also a former strategic communica- assistant for Ontario regional affairs; ZJustin Trudeau’s office as acting direc- Toronto Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, Mr. tions co-ordinator and later issues manag- Laurel Chester, legislative assistant; Mat- tor of outreach, temporarily stepping away Lemkay joined the Liberal Research er to Ms. Joly during her time as heritage thew Barnes, special assistant for commu- from his post as chief of staff to Families, Bureau (LRB) as a special assistant for minister. nications and issues management; writer Children, and Social Development Minister Ontario in the fall of 2017. He left to work Marie-Pierre Richard continues as di- Bronwen Jervis; Bianca Hossain, executive Ahmed Hussen to do so. for then-border security minister Bill Blair rector of communications to the immigra- assistant; and Emily Gale, assistant to the He’s as a communications and Ontario regional tion minister. parliamentary secretary. filling in for affairs adviser about a year later. Nicholas Bransfield has also recently Ms. Freeland’s team as deputy prime Vandana In other PMO staffing news, Quebec been hired on to Mr. Mendicino’s ministe- minister heading into the shuffle was led Kattar-Mill- regional affairs adviser Jonathan Kalles rial staff team as a special assistant for by chief of staff Jeremy Broadhurst, and er, who’s exited the office in July after almost a year operations. included: Andrée-Lyne Hallé, deputy chief away on and a half on the job. A former Liberal staffer at New Bruns- of staff and operations director; Vincent maternity He’s a former senior adviser to Mr. wick’s provincial legislature, Mr. Bransfield Garneau, director of policy; Bud Sam- leave. Blair as then-border security minister and previously spent a little more than two and basivam, senior policy adviser; Jagmeet Mr. Patel a former Quebec adviser to then-heritage a half years as a constituency assistant to Sra, policy adviser; Michael Ingoldsby, has been minister Mélanie Joly. then-Liberal MP Matt DeCourcey, up until policy adviser; Alex Lawrence, director running Mr. Anson Duran remains in place as Que- his defeat by now-Green MP Jenica Atwin of communications; Michael Den Tandt, Hussen’s bec regional affairs adviser in the PMO, in the 2019 federal election. senior communications adviser; Katherine ministerial now covering that desk solo after a few Olivier Cullen is director of operations Cuplinskas, press secretary; Hallie Stacey- office since months of overlap with Mr. Kalles. and outreach to Mr. Mendicino, whose Sullivan, special assistant for communi- Zubair Patel has temporarily Novem- With Mr. Patel’s exit to the PMO, direc- office is headed by chief of staff Cyndi cations; Farees Nathoo, issues manager; joined the PMO as acting ber 2018, tor of communications and parliamentary Jenkins. Shannon Zimmerman, senior adviser; outreach director. Photograph starting affairs Mike Maka has stepped in as acting Jill White, senior adviser for the Prairies; courtesy of LinkedIn when Mr. chief of staff to Mr. Hussen until his antici- Minister Freeland’s team still in Laura Pennell, senior adviser for B.C. re- Hussen was pated return. gional affairs; Jeff Kovalik-Plouffe, senior minister of immigration, refugees, and A former senior planning manager to transition adviser to the PM”s special representative citizenship. Before then, he’d been director Mr. Trudeau, Mr. Maka first joined then- The team behind Deputy Prime Minister for the Prairies; Maaz Yasin, community of operations and outreach in the office, families, children, and social development and now Finance Minister Chrystia Free- and stakeholder outreach adviser; Vasken which he’d first joined as a senior special minister Jean-Yves Duclos’ office as direc- land was still very much in transition when Vosguian, legislative assistant; Sason Roos, assistant under then-immigration minister tor of operations and strategic planning in Hill Climbers checked in late last week. special assistant for operations; and Adam John McCallum in February 2016. March 2018, having switched roles after Ms. Freeland took over the finance Grech, executive assistant to the minister. Mr. Patel is a former communications Mr. Hussen took over the portfolio after the portfolio on Aug. 18, a day after former As per Treasury Board rules, after a assistant to then-Ontario health minister 2019 federal election. minister and Toronto MP Bill Morneau an- shuffle ministers have 30 days to decide on Deb Matthews and a former manager In other office news, communications nounced his resignation from both cabinet staffing, after which any staff not re-hired of community relations to then-Ontario assistant Jessica Eritou has officially been and the House of Commons following are deemed laid off. premier Dalton McGuinty. He also previ- promoted to the title of press secretary, controversy over the government’s since- ously spent time as an assistant to former after handling press secretary duties since reversed decision to grant the WE Charity New assistant for Trade Liberal MP Arnold Chan, and did outreach the start of the year. a contract to run the more than $500-mil- and community engagement work for the A former executive assistant to then- lion student grant program. Minister Ng federal Liberal campaign in Toronto during veteran affairs minister Seamus O’Regan, Ms. Free- Small Business, Export Promotion, and the 2015 federal election. Ms. Eritou joined the families minister’s land now has International Trade Minister Mary Ng has a He’s not the only recent addition to office under then-minister Mr. Duclos in two ministe- new special assistant for communications the Prime Minister’s Office, with Leslie October 2018, starting as a special assis- rial teams to in her office, with Alice Hansen having O’Leary having returned to 80 Wellington tant to the chief of staff and information merge, with started on the job in mid-July. St. in mid-July as a special adviser tackling manager. A few months later, in April 2019, both offices Ms. Hansen previously worked on multiple files for the top office. she swapped the latter title for that of digi- packed with contract as a public policy co-ordinator for Before joining the PMO, she’d been tal communications co-ordinator. experienced the Alzheimer Society of Canada, hav- chief of staff to Women and Gender Equal- Last senior staff. ing been hired on after interning with the ity Minister Maryam Monsef, a role since week, se- Tw o organization over the summer of 2019 after taken over by Christopher Evelyn, as pre- nior policy moves were completing her undergraduate degree at viously reported by Hill Climbers. and west- certain as of the University of Toronto. Ms. O’Leary previously spent 2019 serv- ern region- Maéva Proteau is now last week, Before then, she’d spent the summer of ing as director of issues management in the al affairs communications director to with finance 2018 tackling communications and con- PMO, exiting at the end of the year to take adviser Economic Development Minister press secre- stituency relations in the riding office of charge of Ms. Monsef’s team. She’s also a Ayesha Mélanie Joly. Photograph courtesy tary Maéva Liberal MP Chris Bittle, who represents St. former director of issues management and Chughtai of LinkedIn Proteau, for Catharines, Ont. later chief of staff to then-infrastructure made her one, having Amongst other past campaign experi- minister Amarjeet Sohi, and, like Mr. exit from exited to become director of communica- ence, Ms. Hansen volunteered on the 2019 Patel, previously worked at Queen’s Park, Mr. Hus- tions to Economic Development Minister federal Liberal campaign, serving as a including as director of communications to sen’s office Mélanie Joly. social media officer, and also lent a hand to Ms. Matthews as then-deputy premier. Ms. to take over Ayesha Chughtai is now operation Ms. Proteau had been serving as press Mr. Bittle’s ultimately successful campaign O’Leary is also a former associate press as director director to Gender Equality secretary to Mr. Morneau since February, for re-election. secretary to Mr. McGuinty as premier, and of opera- Minister Maryam Monsef. prior to which she was working at Que- Laurel Sallie, who previously held the a former press secretary to then-Ontario tions to Ms. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn bec’s national assembly, last as press aide title of special assistant for communica- revenue minister John Wilkinson, among Monsef to the province’s Minister for International tions, has in turn been promoted to senior other past roles. as minister for women and gender equal- Relations and La Francophonie Nadine communications adviser. Kevin Lemkay is another new face in ity. Previously, Mr. Evelyn filled this role in Girault. During Quebec’s 2018 election, A former constituency assistant to Ms. the halls of the PMO, having joined its Ms. Monsef’s office, but, as already men- she’d worked on Ms. Girault’s successful Ng as the Liberal MP for Markham-Thorn- issues management team led by execu- tioned, he was promoted to chief of staff to campaign as the Coalition Avenir Quebec’s hill, Ont., Ms. Sallie has been working in her tive director Brian Clow, who also heads the minister in July. candidate in Bertrand, Que., after which ministerial office since September 2018. parliamentary affairs and Canada-U.S. After graduating with a bachelor’s she joined her ministerial team. Eleanore Catenaro is director of com- relations work for the office. degree in political science and government Mr. Morneau’s longtime staffer and di- munications to Ms. Ng, aided by press Until recently, Mr. Lemkay had been from the University of Calgary in 2017, Ms. rector of operations Sharan Kaur tweeted secretary Ryan Nearing. Jason Easton press secretary to Immigration, Refugees, Chughtai came to Ottawa to intern in the the news of her exit on Aug. 17, writing, continues as the minister’s chief of staff. and Citizenship Minister Marco Mendicino Liberal Research Bureau over the summer, among other things, that she had “never [email protected] since January. subsequently getting hired on full-time as a planned on saying goodbye so soon, but all The Hill Times 18 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Erin O’Toole must CLASSIFIEDS make amends to Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 • [email protected] garner Canadian HOUSES FOR RENT FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Muslim votes in COZY HOME AWAY ATTN: ONTARIO INVENTORS!! FROM HOME Need Inventing Help? Call Davison!! ONE BEDROOM HOME in Ideas Wanted! CALL DAVISON Chelsea, QC. 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However, for the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, Erin O’Toole, these four additional issues should be top of mind as it relates to Canadian Muslims: One, a commitment to a true big blue If you washed your hands Sharaf Sharafeldin tent that builds an inclusive, diverse party Opinion and offers a platform for a better Canada without anti-Muslim rhetoric and politics and your hand bled of division. leadership campaign is an opportunity Two, the party must recognize growing Afor political parties to re-introduce Islamophobia and combat all hate with You would think themselves to the electorate. With the 2020 tangible, implemented policies. The party federal Conservative Party leadership race must not permit white supremacy groups behind us, it’s important to reflect on the and far-right extremists to continue to “THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF” direction the party has taken in the last de- stoke anti-Muslim sentiments that directly cade, and how this has affected its relation- threaten the freedoms and safety of minor- Why are bleeding gums when ship with Canadian Muslim voters. ity groups, including Muslim Canadians. Canadian Muslims went to the polls in Three, demonstrate a vision for Canada ever larger numbers in 2015 as the Conser- that unites us all around a sense of nation- you floss any different?? vatives attempted to whip up anti-Muslim al purpose while protecting civil liberties. hatred using tactics such as the “barbaric Police and security agencies must be held cultural practices” hotline and anti-immi- accountable for discriminatory and unlaw- grant and anti-refugee discourse. In 2011, ful practices. Bill 21 must be condemned 46.5 per cent of the Canadian Muslim and religious liberties of faith groups in community voted; that number jumped to Quebec must be defended. 79 per cent four years later, with the sole Four, Canada’s place in the internation- purpose of keeping the Conservatives out al community must be based on a foreign of office. Canadians broadly rejected these policy that is not only better for our econ- cynical and divisive ploys and the Conser- omy but repositions Canada as a world vatives were out. leader that applies a consistent values- This is remarkable because even Mus- based stance on human rights around the lims who share conservative values—rang- world. Persecution of Muslims in Kashmir, Call to consult • 613 234 5758 ing from fiscal responsibility to compas- Burma, and China must be condemned. [email protected] • [email protected] sionate social policy—voted Liberal for Our relations with oppressive and occupy- the first time. Stephen Harper introduced ing regimes must be conditional on their Canada to “fear and smear” politics, while respect of human rights. simultaneously threatening religious free- It is time for Erin O’Toole to reclaim doms, particularly of Canadian Muslims. true conservative values. Divisive anti- The 2019 election was equally concerning, Muslim politics should never find a place with Andrew Scheer allowing candidates in the Conservative Party of Canada’s who had expressed anti-Muslim views to ideology. The revival of progressive-cen- run. trist leadership has caught the attention Have a house to rent or sell? The recent leadership race presented a of Canadian Muslims, and could shape different approach, especially to Canadian the outcomes of the next election, with Muslims. Erin O’Toole and Peter MacKay Muslims voting on political belief, not fear. both built campaigns with outreach to Canadians deserve political representation Items or products to sell? Muslim leaders. MacKay visited a mosque that stands for the rights of every citizen for Eid celebrations. Senator Salma Ataul- and respects their dignity, no matter their lahjan, the only Muslim in the Conserva- religion. Advertise them in The Hill Times tive caucus, endorsed him. O’Toole’s cam- Sharaf Sharafeldin is executive director paign chair Walied Soliman is a prominent of the Muslim Association of Canada, a Canadian Muslim. The inclusive discourse national non-profit organization provid- attracted many conservative Muslims to ing religious and educational services for For information contact Kelly: their campaign teams, and their outreach the Muslim community in Canada. MAC efforts recruited as party members Mus- serves more than 50,000 Muslims across [email protected] • 613-232-5952 lims who have a renewed sense of hope the country. that a future Conservative opposition or The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 19 Parliamentary Calendar

Aug. 18. The government will lay out its TUESDAY, SEPT. 8 priorities in a throne speech. The Future of Global Humanitarianism— Politics and the Pen 2020: Digital The Canadian Centre for the Responsibility Allan Rock, UN special rep. Edition—Politics and the Pen will hold a to Protect hosts an online panel on “The virtual event on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Poli- Future of Global Humanitarianism.” Panel- tics and the Pen is a highlight of political lists include former Canadian ambassador Ottawa’s social calendar and an important to the United Nations Allan Rock; Dr. Karen annual fundraising event benefiting the Smith, UN Secretary-General’s Special Karen Smith, and former Writers’ Trust. The in-person event regularly Representative on R2P; and former prime attracts 500 guests from Canada’s political minister of Hungary, Dr. Peter Medgyessy. and literary circles. The 2020 digital event Dr. Tom Axworthy, Secretary-General of the will feature a special presentation of the InterAction Council, will moderate the Q&A 20th Shaughnessy Cohen Prize as well as session that follows. Tuesday, Sept. 8, from Hungarian PM Medgyessy memorable moments from past galas. To noon to 1 p.m. Registration required, via date, Politics and the Pen has raised more Eventbrite. than $4.5-million to support the programs Redefining Fragility and Resilience of of the Writers’ Trust. This year’s finalists Nation-States—Queen’s University hosts to talk on future of ‘global are: Canada on the United Nations Security a webinar, “Redefining Fragility and Council: A Small Power on a Large Scale, Resilience of Nation-States: the cases of by Adam Chapnick; Peace and Good Order: Italy, the United States, Ethiopia, Germany, The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada, and Cuba.” Abdelkerim Ousman, associate by Harold R. Johnson; Claws of the Panda: professor of political science at the Royal humanitarianism’ Beijing’s Campaign of Influence and Intimi- Military College, will explore how COVID-19 dation in Canada, by Jonathan Manthorpe; reveals that countries’ income levels and Truth Be Told: My Journey Through Life and type of political regimes are not indicators the Law, by Beverley McLachlin; and Cana- of resilience or fragility in coping with the dian Justice, Indigenous Injustice, by Kent pandemic. Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 4-5 p.m. Roach. For information and sponsorship, Register at queensu.ca. contact Julia Yu, events manager, at jyu@ Nerve with Eva Holland—Join the Ottawa writerstrust.com International Writers’ Festival for a conver- FRIDAY, SEPT. 25 sation about facing and conquering fears, hosted by CBC’s Lucy van Oldenbarneveld. Examining the Options—ISG Senator In 2015, Eva Holland was forced to Diane Bellemare will take part in a panel confront her greatest fear when her mother discussion on “Examining the Options,” had a stroke and suddenly passed away. part of a four-day online conference on After the shock and grief subsided, Holland “Choosing the Right Target: Real Options began to examine the extent to which her for the Bank of Canada’s Mandate Renew- many fears had limited her, and wondered al,” hosted by McGill University. She will whether or not it was possible to move past be joined by former Bank of Canada gover- them. The live, online event is Tuesday, nor David Dodge; Evan Siddall, CEO at the Sept. 8, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. RSVP at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; writersfestival.org. David Andolfatto, professor of Economics at Simon Fraser University; Kevin Carmi- WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9 chael, journalist at the Financial Post; and The Politics of a Pandemic: What To Ex- Angela Redish, professor at the Vancouver pect From Ottawa This Fall—Parliament Hill School of Economics, University of British has been far from quiet this summer. From Columbia. Friday, Sept. 25, at 3 p.m. the WE Charity scandal, to Bill Morneau’s Conference registration available at mcgill. resignation and the proroguing of Parlia- ca/maxbellschool. ment, there is a lot to unpack. With so Vulnerable: The Law, Policy and Ethics many recent changes at the federal level, of COVID-19—The five editors of the new organizations are left with many unan- open-access book discuss a range of topics swered questions when it comes to budget on the impact of the pandemic and take consultations, the government’s long-term Q&A in a free webinar for all audiences. pandemic response and the potential of a Registration is required for the zoom link at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vulnerable- fall election. Join Santis Health’s political Allan Rock, former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, is among the panellists discussing ‘The Future of Global and health policy experts on Wednesday, the-law-policy-and-ethics-of-covid-19-tick- Sept. 9, from 10-11 a.m. as we dive into Humanitarianism’ at an event hosted by Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect on Sept. 8. The Hill Times file photograph ets-117933635679. 12:00 PM – 2:00 those questions and more. Register online PM EDT at santishealth.ca. Maria Ressa who has been threatened and new opportunities arising for self-exami- edmonton-the-future-of-canada-u-s-trade/. SUNDAY, SEPT. 26 jailed by President Rodrigo Duterte and is nation, structural reform, reconciliation, THURSDAY, SEPT. 10 now battling legal charges related to critical alliance, and justice. Thursday, Sept. 17, FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 Green Party Leadership Online Voting China and The World: The Road Ahead— investigative journalism in her online pub- from 11 a.m. to noon. Register at balsil- National Forum on Canada-China Eco- Begins—Online voting to choose the next The Balsillie School of International lication Rappler. She will then be joined lieschool.ca. nomic Policy—The University of Alberta’s leader of the federal Green Party begins Affairs hosts a webinar on “China and The by Irwin Cotler, former justice minister A National Project: Syrian Refugee China Institute hosts its 10th National today and will continue until Oct. 3. World: The Road Ahead,” part of its Global and chair of Montreal’s Raoul Wallenberg Resettlement in Canada—The Balsillie Forum on Canada-China Economic Policy SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 Insights series. A yet-to-be-announced Centre for Human Rights and Rachel School of International Affairs hosts the on the theme “50 Years of Evolving Eco- panel of experts will discuss the significant Pulfer, executive director of Journalists for launch of a new book, A National Project: nomic Relations.” Speakers include (among Commanding Hope with Thomas Homer- implications and possibilities of China’s Human Rights, for a discussion of possible Syrian Refugee Resettlement in Canada. others) Peiwu Cong, China’s Ambassador Dixon—Calling on history, cutting-edge relationship with the world and suggests responses by democratic governments. The book’s editors and immigration experts to Canada; Dominic Barton, Canada’s research, complexity science, and even possible scenarios ahead. Thursday, Sept. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10:30 am ET. To will discuss the experiences of refugees Ambassador to China; Lloyd Axworthy, Lord of the Rings, Thomas Homer-Dixon 10, from 11 a.m. to noon. Register at join the event register on the worldpress- and receiving communities during Canada’s former Canadian foreign affairs minister lays out the tools we can command to balsillieschool.ca. freedomcanada.ca website. Operation Syrian Refugee from 2015- and current chair of CUSO International; rescue a world on the brink. Journalist Canada-China Friendship Society Webi- WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16 2016. They also offer key lessons to be and Guy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian John Geddes sits down with the bestsell- nar—Peiwu Cong, China’s Ambassador to learned from Canada’s program. Speakers ambassador to China. Friday, Sept. 18, ing author and thinker to discuss his latest Canada, will deliver remarks on China-Can- Donner Prize to be Presented Online—the include Leah Hamilton, associate professor, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT. Register via book, Commanding Hope: The Power We ada Relations in a webinar hosted by the winner of the 2019/2020 Donner Prize for Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal Eventbrite. Have to Renew a World in Peril. The free, Canada-China Friendship Society. A ques- Public Policy will be revealed during an University; Luisa Veronis, associate profes- SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 pre-recorded event is Sunday, Sept. 27, at tion-and-answer session will follow. Thurs- online program at 11:00 am ET, sor and research chair in immigration and 2 p.m. RSVP at writersfestival.org. day, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Registration on the Donner Prize YouTube channel and Franco-Ontarian communities, University Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies SATURDAY, OCT. 3 is required for this Zoom webinar event at Facebook page. The Prize was created to of Ottawa; and Margaret Walton-Roberts, with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson—Ac- this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/ honour the best public policy thinking, professor of geography and environmental claimed Algonquin Anishinaabe novel- Green Party Leader Announcement—The register/WN_6OTX5BQfT6iqyt73CPkyJQ. writing and research by a Canadian. The studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the ist Karen McBride talks with Leanne Green Party of Canada is set to announce Please register early to avoid disappoint- 2019/2020 shortlist titles were chosen Balsillie School of International Affairs. Betasamosake Simpson, the award-winning its new leader in a virtual event at 8 p.m. ment, as there is a limited number of from a field of 74 submissions. The winner Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5:30-7 p.m. Nishnaabeg storyteller and writer. Her lat- EST. spaces for this event. receives $50,000, while each other nomi- Register via Eventbrite. est book, Noopiming: The Cure for White TUESDAY, SEPT. 15 nated title receives $7,500. The Future Of Canada-U.S. Trade—The Ladies, is a bold reimagination of the novel, The Parliamentary Calendar is a free THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 Canadian International Council’s Edmonton one that combines narrative and poetic events listing. Send in your political, International Day of Democracy—Accord- chapter hosts a webinar on “The Future Of fragments through a careful and fierce cultural, diplomatic, or governmental event ing to the United Nations, the International Racism, Anti-oppression, and Internation- Canada-U.S. Trade,” featuring Dr. Greg An- reclamation of Anishinaabe aesthetics. The in a paragraph with all the relevant details Day of Democracy provides an opportunity al Affairs—The Balsillie School of Interna- derson, professor in political science at the free, pre-recorded event is Sunday, Sept. under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Cal- to review the state of democracy around tional Affairs hosts a webinar on “Racism, University of Alberta; Carlo Dade, director 20, at 2 p.m. RSVP at writersfestival.org. endar’ to [email protected] by Wednes- the world. Anti-oppression, and International Affairs,” of the Trade and Investment Centre at the WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23 day at noon before the Monday paper or by Assault on Press Freedom Threatens part of its Global Insights series. A yet-to- Canada West Foundation; and Dr. Meredith Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We Democracies—live virtual event with victims be-announced panel of experts will discuss Lilly, associate professor at Carleton Uni- Return of Parliament and Speech from the can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, and advocates hosted by the Canadian how the study of politics and international versity. Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6-7 p.m. Throne—The House of Commons will return but we will definitely do our best. Events Committee on World Press Freedom, featur- affairs have come under scrutiny for their MDT. Members can register for the free from the first mid-mandate prorogation can be updated daily online, too. ing keynote address by Philippine journalist racialized assumptions and biases, and the event online at https://thecic.org/event/cic- called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on The Hill Times

More at hilltimes.com/calendar SPONSORED BY THE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU AND CABINET: The Case for the Milton Logistics Hub

By Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

CN is essential to the economy, and to Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company is making significant investments across the country, with more than $1-billion in Ontario alone by the end of 2022.

CN’s commitment includes the purchase of 1,150 new generation grain hopper cars from National Steel Car Ltd. of Hamilton, 50 zero-emission trucks from The Lion Electric Co. of Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, as well as its ongoing annual capital investments – and more than $250-million allocated for the construction of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub, a transportation infrastructure project that’s critical to the economic future of Ontario and Canada.

(Increasingly, CN will be using electric trucks to serve its intermodal terminals, Milton included, reducing CO2 emissions and noise.)

The pandemic has emphasized the importance of a robust supply chain, and the urgent need for inland intermodal capacity to serve the rapidly-growing Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. CN’s Brampton Intermodal Terminal is nearing capacity. A second facility is needed in the GTHA.

Our prosperity depends on strong transportation infrastructure to maintain our competitive position in North America, and as a global trading nation. All the links in the supply chain need to play a role in meeting the demands of a growing Canadian population.

Strategic investments in our ports The Government of Canada, along with CN and other private sector companies, have strategically invested billions to ensure that our ports have the capacity to efficiently process ever-increasing volumes of trade. However, if our inland capacity doesn’t match up, Canada will lose out.

A supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

While an inefficient supply chain has real economic consequences for Canadians, a strong system supports our communities and our standard of living. For the very future of our country, we need to strengthen our supply chain.

The proposed Milton Logistics Hub can be an important part of the solution, facilitating the delivery of everything Canadian families need to live their lives – from food products and medical supplies, to cars and electronics – and ensuring that Canadian manufacturers can efficiently access domestic and international markets.

An environmentally-advanced facility CN announced plans to build the environmentally-advanced intermodal facility on 400 acres of its own land in south Milton, with its own money, in March, 2015. We’re now five years into a comprehensive environmental review, a process which CN has welcomed – indeed, embraced.

From both an economic and environmental perspective, the Milton Logistics Hub would generate major benefits, locally and nationally.

It would create more than 130 direct and more than 1,000 indirect jobs in strategically-located Milton, already well-established as a thriving supply chain and logistics cluster.

Wide and strong support In addition to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the project has been strongly endorsed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Toronto Region Board of Trade, all four Chambers in Halton Region, where Milton is located, the Board of Trade in Brampton, where CN has a major intermodal facility, and business groups, ports and companies across the country.

Perrin Beatty, the President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber, urged the federal government to approve the Milton Logistics Hub in a letter to the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, last month. “This is a shovel-ready project that has significant benefits for rebuilding Canada’s economy. In our export-dependent country it is important to our collective prosperity that this private sector investment proceed.”

Removing more trucks from Ontario roadways Then there’s the congestion factor.

A single intermodal train removes approximately 300 long-haul trucks from our clogged highways. Since it would serve four trains daily, CN’s Milton facility would in effect remove more than 400,000 trucks annually from Ontario roadways, significantly reducing greenhouse gas and other air emissions, leading to environmental and health benefits at a regional and provincial scale. (As a result of CN’s network, more than two million trucks are removed annually from Canadian highways.)

In January, 2020, an expert Joint Review Panel, which conducted hearings on the Hub in June and July, 2019, issued a report which recognized that the negative direct project effects are relatively small. And CN has proposed extensive measures to mitigate any potential environmental effects brought about by the Hub.

“With these measures in place,” wrote Mr. Beatty in his letter to Mr. Wilkinson, “the project can be built with due regard for both the natural environment and the needs of local communities.”

It’s time to build In our August 7th submission in support of the Milton facility, the Ontario Chamber concluded that it “would provide much- needed intermodal capacity to ensure the Ontario transportation system and the national supply chain stay strong, for the benefit of Ontario businesses and the Canadian economy.”

If Canada is going to compete and thrive in a post-pandemic world, a world that promises to be much leaner and tougher than the one we knew just months ago, we need to strengthen the supply chain that carries the products we depend on, connects us to the markets that want to buy Canadian goods, and continues to support our prosperity.

We need to build the Milton Logistics Hub for Canada.