Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 ‘burden,’ says PCO Bigger workload, shorter timelinesagrowing News News TWENTY-EIGHTH YEAR, NO.1419 Times photographbyJakeWright Bill MorneaudeliverhissecondbudgetspeechintheHouseof Commons.Seehilltimes.comforfullcoverage. Stakeholders andjournalistswillemergefromaday-longbudget lockupat4p.m.Wednesday tohearFinance Minister day on the Hill action: budget Lights, camera, the cabinetunder growing strain, public service’s hubofsupportfor and hisministershave putthe Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau BY PETER MAZEREEUW New prioritiescreated by Machinery ofGovernment 2017 Budget Tim Powers,p.10 wrong comms go When Meredith: Beyak, Offi ce’s(PCO) departmentalplan a sectionofthe PrivyCouncil ing resources andexpertise,” says creasingly heavy burden onexist- shorter timelinesmeansanin- according toitsannualreport. An “increased workload and ‘Outrageous’ repairs in2009for$373,000,p.3 that underwent$9-millionin NDP slamsfedsforsellingship C ANADA ’ S P OLITICS our plansandresults.” could affectourabilitytoachieve heading, “Key risks:thingsthat for thecomingyear, underthe

AND G Continued onpage 7 OVERNMENT The Hill says minister says minister For asylum-seekers, Trump Trump Don’t blame p. 5 N EWSPAPER News membership fraud in2010 Nuttall was accusedof membership chairMP Bernier’s national News critic, saidhehasrepeatedly called Que.), hisparty’s offi ciallanguages MP François Choquette. Parliamentary Precinct, says NDP cess tobilingualservicesinthe responsibility fordefending ac- Joly needstoshouldergreater MARCO VIGLIOTTI BY security staff, says NDPMP complaints aboutHill Feds musttracklanguage News budget boosttobattle backlog with complaints, despite30percent Information czarbarelykeeping up ing; theoffi ceofcommissioner commissioner’s offi ceshow. earlier thisyear, statistics from the budget increaseforthat purpose despite receivinga30percent of accesstoinformation requests, about thegovernment’s handling a dentinthebacklogofcomplaints sioner hasbarelymanagedtoput of usingsimilartacticsin2010. his membershipchairwas accused denies, up members, which Mr. Bernier campaign fraudulently signed that MaximeBernier’sleadership BY CHELSEA NASH Mr. Choquette(Drummond, Heritage MinisterMélanie It hasn’tbeenforlackoftry- Canada’s information commis- Amid unproven allegations Parliamentary Protective Service Conservative LeadershipRace Transparency The Hill Times The haslearned WEDNESDAY, MARCH22,2017$5.00 fall underhermandate. only respondedby saying itdoesn’t languages commissioner, butshe has staff, asrecommendedby theoffi cial the languageabilitiesofHillsecurity track andaddresscomplaintsabout the creation ofareportingsystemto for offi ciallanguages, topushfor on theminister, who isresponsible lease documents, refusedtodoso, agency hastaken toolongtore- after agovernment departmentor access requests—typicallymade the fl ow ofnew complaintsabout did inallofthelastfi scal year. But complaints, oldandnew, thanit aged toprocess 60 percentmore Suzanne Legaulthasalready man- membership chairlastfall. Bernier appointedhimcampaign the Conservative Party. Mr. (Beauce, Que.)leadershipfor fi rstMPstosupportMr. Bernier’s Medonte, Ont.)was oneofthe Nuttall (-Springwater-Oro Conservative MP Alex ConservativeMP Alex Continued onpage 21 Continued onpage4 Continued onpage6 2 WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna was in attendance HEARD ON THE HILL Friday for the formal announcement by Marco Vigliotti of an outdoor hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and Butts, Byrne laugh Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa’s TD Place in off place in dubious, December. Photograph courtesy of Catherine grammatically-impaired McKenna’s Twitter account list of the richest prompted staff at the Canadian Embassy A major force in Quebec since its in Washington to make a rush order for a inception in the early 1990s, the Bloc has similar cutout to use in their Canada Day seen its share of the vote and seat totals celebrations, emails show. swiftly erode during the past two federal According to the emails, the cutout was elections. After nearly being wiped out in Canadian politicians purchased for $147.79, including $72.80 for the NDP “Orange Wave” in 2011, the Bloc next-day delivery. rebounded from four to 10 seats in 2015, A dubious, However, Global Affairs Canada has two short of offi cial party status, but non-sourced, now ordered its overseas missions to found its share of the popular vote in the poorly-worded stop using the Trudeau cutouts, the CBC province decline to its lowest level ever at story online reported. 19.3 per cent. listed Trudeau The cardboard cutouts aren’t unique Then-leader Gilles Duceppe resigned adviser Gerald to Canada. During the Doors Open event after failing to win back his former riding Butts as the in Ottawa last June, attendees welcomed in east Montreal. country’s at the U.S. Embassy were invited to pose richest for photos with cutouts of then-president politician, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, Catherine McKenna despite the along with offbeat props, including U.S.- fact he’s fl ag sunglasses. touts outdoor NHL game never served in Ottawa in elected Martine Ouellet acclaimed offi ce. Decked out in Sens garb, Environment toprichests.com Bloc chief Minister Catherine McKenna (Ottawa screenshot Centre, Ont.) was on hand for Friday’s announcement that the Ottawa Senators would face off against the rival Montreal Canadiens outdoors at Ottawa’s TD Place Stadium in December. The local Liberal MP was also there to announce that the Stanley Cup had been offi cially declared a national historic event, and unveiled a Historic Sites and Monu- ake news may be one of the most Ms. Byrne’s write-up is no better. ments Board of Canada plaque commemo- Fcontentious concepts percolating in the “Jenni Byrne is the Canadian politician rating the trophy. media landscape, but there appears to be and served as the political advisor to the The Stanley Cup, the oldest of the bipartisan agreement in Canada on a bad PM Stephan [sic] Harper from the conser- championship trophies in the four major example of faux reportage. vative political party of Canada,” it reads. North American sports leagues, was com- Jenni Byrne, who managed the Conser- “She is involved in politics at the age of missioned in 1892 and is named after then- vative Party’s campaign in the 2015 elec- 16 and joined the Reform party in 1993 and governor general Lord Stanley of Preston. tion, mockingly tweeted out a link earlier she is also the president of the student’s It was originally awarded to Canada’s this month to a poorly worded story on reforms club in the Ottawa University.” top-ranking amateur ice hockey club, but the website TopRichests.com (yes, spelled Former prime minister Martine Ouellette was acclaimed Saturday as has been exclusively handed out to NHL wrong) to Gerald Butts, principal secretary also made the list, though his name is the new leader of the Bloc Québécois. Photo teams since 1926. to the prime minister, that listed their net incorrectly spelled Stephan throughout the courtesy of the Bloc Québécois The idea of an outdoor hockey game in worths of being in the millions of dollars. article. the nation’s capital has been in the works In the story, which is rife with spelling The late is also on the The Bloc Québécois has a new leader. for months, with the Senators and City of errors and cites no sources for the informa- list, as are Prime Minister Martine Ouellet was named the leader of Ottawa tying the event into the year-long tion presented, Mr. Butts’ net worth is listed (Papineau, Que.), NDP Leader the sovereignist party on Saturday after no celebrations of the 150th anniversary of as $23-million, while Ms. Byrne is valued at (Outremont, Que.), and Conservative MP other candidates appeared to challenge her. Confederation, as well as centennial fes- $18-million. The two might be infl uen- and ex-cabinet minister A former Parti Québécois cabinet tivities for the NHL, founded in 1917. tial behind-the-scenes fi gures, but would (Carleton, Ont.). minister, Ms. Ouellet currently represents The Senators franchise was pushing to hardly classify as politicians. Former Conservative MP and one-time in- a Montreal-area riding in the Quebec pro- host the game on the front lawn of Parlia- “Hey @gmbutts - I guess our secret is dustry minister James Moore also made the cut. vincial legislature. She has sat as an inde- ment Hill with spectators to be housed in out,” Ms. Byrne sarcastically tweeted to Oddly enough, multi-millionaire pendent since announcing her intention to a pop-up stadium. But federal politicians Mr. Butts’ account along with a link to the Finance Minister (Toronto seek the top job for the Bloc. squashed that plan in October, citing issues story. Centre, Ont.) didn’t make the list. Ms. Ouellet fi nished third in the 2016 with logistics and security. “Hilarious. If only,” Mr. Butts replied. PQ leadership race where she was the only Originally, the Senators maintained The massive net-worth totals attached to Trudeau cutouts spread candidate to promise that, if elected pre- that Parliament was the sole venue under the backroom fi gures are hardly the most mier, she’d hold a sovereignty referendum consideration for the game, despite the egregious woes in the clickbait article. across the U.S. during her fi rst mandate. apparent suitability of TD Place, located in The photo that accompanied the sixth- She has previously said she plans to Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood, which will place fi nisher, Ray Novak, a former chief Whether in fl esh or cardboard, Prime keep sitting in the Quebec legislature while already have additional seating on hand of staff to prime minister Stephen Harper, Minister Justin Trudeau is a big attraction serving as Bloc leader, according to the from hosting the Grey Cup in November. is actually of a different Harper chief of stateside. Canadian Press. Talks to host the game at TD Place ap- staff, Nigel Wright, walking past as- Emails obtained by the federal Conser- Shortly after being acclaimed leader, peared to be gaining traction in the weeks sembled members of the media during the vatives under the Access to Information Ms. Ouellet announced who would serve in preceding Friday’s announcement, with Mike Duffy trial. Act show that life-sized, cardboard cutouts the chief parliamentary roles for the party. word leaking out on Thursday that the Then there’s the horrendous grammar: of the prime minister were being put on She named Xavier Barsalou-Duval game would be played at the stadium. “Gerald Butts is the richest politician of display by some Canadian diplomats in the (Pierre-Boucher-Les Patriotes-verchères, Also on hand for Friday’s press con- Canada and he recently appointed as the United States to promote the country south Que.) the party’s House leader, and appoint- ference were Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, senior political adviser to Justin Trudeau of the border, reported. ed Gabriel Ste-Marie (Joliette, Que.) leader, a former Liberal MPP, and NHL who is become the Prime Minister of For example, a cutout of the prime and Marilène Gill (Manicouagan, Que.) whip. commissioner Gary Bettman. Canada in 2015,” the painfully-worded minister was used by the consulate general (Bécancour-Nicolet-Sau- [email protected] article reads. in Atlanta at an event last June, which rel, Que.) will continue to serve as caucus chair. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 3 News Coast Guard ship that underwent $9-million in repairs in 2009 sells for $373,000

for purchase, The Hill Times reported last But Mr. Weir argued that the $9-million NDP procurement critic month. The minimum bid was listed as $250,000. investment in repairs only makes sense The sale comes after the former Conserva- if it could be recouped in a higher selling Erin Weir slams the sale tive government awarded Quebec-based ver- price, or through signifi cantly extending reault Navigation Inc. a $6.8-million contract in the lifespan of the vessel, neither of which as ‘outrageous,’ saying the 2009 to conduct “major repairs” to the ship. occurred in this case. Liberals are only recovering Richard Beaupré, the fi rm’s president and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Dominic chief operations offi cer, said in an interview LeBlanc (Beauséjour, N.B.) did not respond to a little more than a nickel that the number was actually just over $9-mil- messages seeking comment before press time. lion, a fi gure the Coast Guard confi rmed. Conservative MP Alupa Clarke (Beauport- for every dollar put into The Coast Guard in 2009 expected that the Limoilou, Que.), his party’s critic for public ser- repairs would keep the vessel in service for the vices and procurement, accused the Trudeau repairing the vessel. following 10 years. But only four years later, it government of refusing to tell the public the The federal government has sold a former removed the CCGS Tracy from service. reasons behind the decision to sell the CCGS Coast Guard vessel, known as CCGS Tracy, for Mr. Weir blamed poor management Tracy, and if they have a “strategy to meet $373,000. It was repaired for millions only BY MARCO VIGLIOTTI for failing to recoup a larger share of the operational needs moving forward.” eight years ago. Photograph courtesy of GCSurplus.ca repair costs, saying fault either lies with Instead of selling off Coast Guard ships, decommissioned Coast Guard ship that the former Conservative government for he said the Liberals should be developing a the buoy-tending program is delivered, he Aunderwent $9-million in repairs in 2009 wasting millions on repairs for an aging, plan to deliver replacement vessels, and roll said, which provided “more ship time” to only to be permanently docked four years later unsalvageable vessel, or with the Liberals out fl eets based on the end of the anticipated perform buoy tending, leading to the Tracy has been sold for $373,000 after being offered for selling it at a fraction of its cost. life cycle of the ships still operating. being declared surplus. for sale on the government’s surplus website. “There’s no scenario in which it makes Mr. Pelletier said the Tracy was put out of He added that while the Coast Guard is “It’s outrageous,” NDP MP and party to spend $9-million repairing a vessel only commission as part of cost-cutting measures in need of more vessels, the Tracy did not procurement critic Erin Weir (Regina-Lew- to sell it for half-of-a-million dollars,” he introduced in 2012 by the former Conservative meet its need for adaptive, “multi-purpose” van, Sask.) told The Hill Times. said, adding that taxpayers “deserve some government to trim the federal budget defi cit. ships that can escort other ships through “The current Liberal government is only sort of explanation.” The vessel is a buoy tender, which are the ice and deliver other programs. recovering a nickel for every dollar the Mario Pelletier, deputy commissioner responsible for maintaining and replacing However, Mr. Weir insists that the entire former Conservative government put into of the Canadian Coast Guard, told The Hill buoys, navigational fl oating devices. ordeal suggests poor long-term manage- repairing the vessel.” Times the repairs were necessary to ensure As part of orders to fi nd cost effi cien- ment of government assets. The vessel, named CCGS Tracy while the vessel met Transport Canada operating cies, Mr. Pelletier said the Coast Guard “To have $9-million of investment in commission, was sold to an unspecifi ed requirements. He placed the cost of a re- explored the concept of contracting out depreciate down to less than half-a-million buyer on March 1, according to the Cana- placement ship for the Tracy at $300-million. buoy-tending services to the private sector, dollars in eight years, it strikes me a pretty dian Coast Guard. “It’s a large number, but in the context but discovered the cost was far greater poor return, and not what we would expect It was offered for sale on the GCSurplus of marine industry, it’s the cost of doing than performing the service in-house. from a Coast Guard vessel,” he charged. website, where1867_CMA_HillTImes_PrintAndDigital_Ads_P2A_Print_Maia.pdf government-owned assets no business,” Mr. Pelletier 1 16/03/17Mar16 said of the 11:15$9-mil- AM But as part of the study, the Coast [email protected] longer deemed necessary are made available lion repairs in an interview. Guard discovered new effi ciencies in how The Hill Times Canadians want action now

Ensure that patients can get the support they need

“I want to be able to easily access the health history of my patients, communicate readily with them and their care providers, and be able to direct them to the support they need without having them face barriers to access – be it cost, administration, or geography.”

Maia von Maltzahn, ON

#SeniorsPlan | stories.demandaplan.ca 4 wednesday, march 22, 2017 | the hill times News

wards dealing with its backlogged research director for the Canadian requests, according to a statement Taxpayers Federation. by CRA spokesperson Lise New- Mr. Bowes, who files several ac- Information czar ton, responding to questions. cess to information requests to the The Canada Revenue Agency government each week, said staff has historically been one of the at Ms. Legault’s office have “been top complaint-generating federal much quicker about acknowledg- barely keeping up institutions by access to information ing complaints” and trying to clear requesters, with 271 aimed its way up old complaints, even if only by in 2015-2016, according to Ms. Le- asking Mr. Bowes if he still wants gault’s annual report for that year. to fight for what is now out-of-date with complaints, The Canada Border Services information in some cases. Agency, another in the top five While the Canadian Taxpayers of complaint-generating institu- Information Commissioner Suzanne Federation lobbies for restrained tions in 2015-2016, is planning to Legault urged government institutions government spending, Mr. Bowes despite 30 per hire more staff to process ATIP to ‘develop innovative approaches to said government transparency is requests in the coming year, providing access’ to documents and a cause worth funding, provided according to a statement from datasets as more are created and used, the money is spent wisely. spokesperson Patrizia Giolti. in her plan tabled in Parliament for the Ms. Legault has previously It isn’t just complaints that are coming year. The Hill Times photograph stated to the House Ethics Com- cent budget boost increasing; the number of total by Marie- mittee that the temporary nature of access to information requests the funding to her office this year made to federal institutions has the information commissioner’s has forced her to hire consultants, risen steadily over the years. office had jumped after 2013, instead of cheaper full-time staff, to to battle backlog Immigration, Refugees, and when the office had its budget process complaints. Citizenship Canada typically slashed by the previous Conserva- The office has also hired on ly redacted access to information receives the most requests each tive government and the volume casual staff, according to Natalie It hasn’t been for requests shouldn’t be growing in year, and led all federal institu- of complaints simultaneously Bartlett Hall, a spokesperson for lack of trying; the a government where information tions with 41,660 in 2015-2016, a rose sharply, Ms. Legault told the her office. is “open by default,” said Mr. Kelly, 22 per cent increase from the year House Ethics Committee last year. Ms. Legault’s most recent de- commissioner’s office referring to a commitment in prior, according to the depart- partmental plan indicates she will Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ment’s annual report on the act. Temporary staff more continue to seek additional funding has already managed to (Papineau, Que.) mandate letters IRCC did not hire any ad- to manage the growing flow of to his ministers. ditional staff to process access expensive complaints to her office, as well as process 60 per cent more Ms. Legault’s office “continues to information requests this past There has been a clear improve- to “target groups of complainants to be challenged by the rate at year, and whether it does in the ment over the past several months and develop specialized expertise in complaints, old and new, which information and datasets next year will depend on the fed- in the service provided by the in- those areas,” among other tactics. than it did in all of the last are generated and used, sound- eral budget, said a statement from formation commissioner’s office to [email protected] ing the call for governments to spokesperson Faith St-Jean. complainants, said Jeff Bowes, the @PJMazereeuw fiscal year. But the total develop innovative approaches to providing access to such records Office couldn’t manage number of complaints is and to ensure that access legisla- tion supports such releases when its workload rising. appropriate,” said her forward- The Liberal government Federal access to information looking Departmental Plan for the awarded Ms. Legault’s office an Continued from page 1 coming year, released March 9. additional $3-million through requests, 2015-2016 Ms. Legault declined to be supplementary estimates this year or heavily redacted them—is also interviewed for this story. so it could reduce a backlog of Institution Number of Percentage of on pace to hit its highest level for at The Liberal government has 3,000 old complaints that had not requests received requests received least the past six years. pledged to overhaul the access to yet been dealt with. Ms. Legault Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 41,660 55.3 As a result, the information information framework to make the had asked for temporary funding Canada Border Services Agency 5,532 7.3 commissioner’s office has managed government more transparent, in- to deal with the backlog during a RCMP 3,854 5.1 to process just 52 more complaints cluding through a full review of the February 2016 appearance before so far through the first eleven Access to Information Act in 2018. the House Ethics Committee. Canada Revenue Agency 3,139 4.2 and a half months of this fiscal Treasury Board President Scott Bri- “It was very clear in all of our National Defence 2,189 2.9 year—2,081—than it has received, son (Kings-Hants, N.S.) has already requests for funding that the office Employment and Social Development Canada 1,572 2.1 despite hiring 16 extra staff and 17 instructed government institutions simply could not—and it still can- Environment and Climate Change Canada 1,558 2.1 extra consultants to begin tackling to make information available in not—manage its workload,” she Health Canada 1,222 1.6 more accessible formats, and has told the committee at the time. a backlog of what was 3,000 com- Global Affairs Canada 1,086 1.4 plaints. Those staff are in addition to promised to open up ministers’ of- As of late November, after the 93 full-time equivalent positions fices to access requests. Ms. Legault’s office had received Transport Canada 1,032 1.4 already in the office. However, the government has the extra funding, the backlog of Other 12,543 16.6 At its current rate, the office will now delayed some of its promised complaints included 22 made in Source: Treasury Board Secretariat also fall just short of a target set access to information reforms, 2008-2009, and 27 from 2009-2010, for it by the Treasury Board when with no timeline for deliver- Ms. Legault told the House Ethics it was awarded the extra money, ing them, the Canadian Press Committee in November. More $3.1-million, earlier this year. Ms. reported earlier this week. than half of backlogged complaints Complaints to the Office of the Legault told the House Ethics Com- Promised moves to open were made in the past two years. mittee in November that her office up ministerial offices to access At that time, Mr. Legault told was “required” to process 2,361 requests, and give Ms. Legault the committee she expected to Information Commissioner complaints in total this year. If the the power to order that govern- pare down the backlog of old office continues to process requests ment records be made available complaints by 500 by the year’s 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17* at the rate it has so far this month to her, have been postponed, with end, to a total backlog of closer to Complaints made 1,465 1,596 2,081 1,749 2,047 2,029 until March 31, it will close out a the office of Mr. Brison saying it 2,600. Without the extra money, Complaints closed 1,495 1,622 1,789 1,605 1,281 2,081 needs more time to “get it right,” and the extra staff that came with total of 2,214 complaints this year. Difference 30 26 -292 -144 -766 52 “This is exactly what we didn’t the Canadian Press reported. it, Ms. Legault said the backlog *As of March 17 want to see happen,” said Conserva- likely would have grown to more Source: Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada tive MP Pat Kelly ( Rocky CRA tackling backlog than 3,600 complaints, as new Ridge, Alta.), who sits on the House The increase in Ms. Legault’s complaints would have come in Ethics Committee, which he said staff, who work to get departments much faster than her office could supported the extra money laid out and agencies to release information process them. for the commissioner’s office in the that has been improperly withheld, Ms. Legault’s office is current- Complaints by institution, supplementary estimates last fall. or to move quicker to respond to ly on pace to reduce the backlog Mr. Kelly had expressed con- old requests for information, has by 92 complaints by year’s end. cern during that November meet- coincided with at least one federal The extra money and staff 2011-12 t0 2015-16 ing that the extra money and staff institution boosting its efforts to provided to Ms. Legault’s office could become the norm for the deal with requests made under the through the second set of supple- 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 information commissioner’s office, Access to Information Act. mentary estimates is only good CRA 324 336 283 221 271 increasing the resources consumed Since June 2016—the month until the end of this fiscal year, RCMP 68 125 185 178 235 by the office without clearing away April 1. Barring extra funding an- Ms. Legault’s office was offered IRCC 66 109 305 246 181 the backlog of complaints. the extra $3-million by the Liberal nounced in Wednesday’s federal The shortfall wasn’t the fault of budget, the office’s budget will CBSA 36 63 106 78 161 government—the Canada Revenue PSCC* 8 7 3 1 115 Ms. Legault, but was a “symptom of Agency has hired 20 staff and two drop from $15.2-million this year, *Public Service Commission of Canada a cultural problem within govern- consultants to help process new including the mid-year fund- ment institutions,” Mr. Kelly told and backlogged ATIP requests, ing boost, back down to about Source: Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada The Hill Times on Monday. and allotted an extra $500,000 to- $11.2-million in 2017-2018. Does not reflect the proportion of complaints to requests Complaints over late or unfair- The backlog of complaints in THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 5 News Don’t blame Trump for asylum- seekers, says immigration minister

Immigration Many of those crossing Minister , the border spent very pictured earlier this year, once little time in the U.S. again defended Canada’s Safe before heading to Canada. Third Country Agreement with the U.S. in an BY PETER MAZEREEUW appearance before The wave of asylum-seekers crossing the House from the United States into Canada was Immigration not spurred by the immigration policies of Committee the Donald Trump government in the U.S., on March 20. says Canada’s immigration minister. The Hill Times Asylum claims began rising in 2015. Mr. photograph by Trump won the presidential election late Jake Wright last year and was inaugurated earlier this year. A survey of those who crossed into Manitoba from the U.S. last month found that 97 per cent had spent less than two months in the United States before heading North, Ahmed Hussen (york South-Weston, Ont.) told the House Immigration Commit- tee on March 20. “This is defi nitely not specifi c to the incoming U.S. administration,” he said. Mr. Trump has repeatedly attempted to institute a travel ban for several Muslim- majority countries, and has moved to 1867_CMA_HillTImes_PrintAndDigital_Ads_P2A_Print_Nancy.pdf 1 16/03/17Mar16 11:14 AM Continued on page 19 Canadians want action now

Increase funding for those with chronic diseases and lack of support

“I have worked as a family physician for many years. I’ve seen many patients with chronic diseases being denied or given woefully inadequate support because of insufficient funding. So, instead of being able to be cared for in their homes, patients are sent to nursing homes or assisted living situations that often separate them from their families.”

Nancy Naylor, ON

#SeniorsPlan | stories.demandaplan.ca 6 wednesday, march 22, 2017 | the hill times News Bernier’s national membership chair MP Nuttall

was accused of MP , left, was one of the first MPs to sign on to ’s leadership campaign, and was assigned the role of national membership chair. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia and The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

reports alleging that Mr. Bernier’s knew they were members. happen. Whether they’re true or membership campaign has been registering “Anybody can submit lists of not, you never really know.” fake, or paid-for, memberships. people to the party with money. In Mr. Jackson said when “aggres- “I don’t have any inside infor- order to vote, you’ve got to show up sively” trying to sign people up, pol- mation,” she said, “but clearly that’s by a certain time, verify that you are iticians have a team of sometimes fraud in 2010 where my brain went because of who you say you are, and if there are hundreds of volunteers working the experience I had with Alex.” any issues with your address you for them. “Sometimes people get An Ontario PC party While Mr. O’Leary did not name could be challenged,” he said. The a little overzealous, or say things names, cited What happened in 2010 nomination meeting for Barrie that that are not representative of the organizer investigated unnamed sources pointing the According to local media reports year was “smoother than anticipated” campaign. I would venture to say finger at organizers connected to Mr. at the time, a report was conducted in that regard, he said. when you really want to get down his team for phoney Bernier, and Huffington Post Canada by John Spink, who was then a re- Mr. Zeise wrote a letter to the to the nitty-gritty if it, everybody also reported a link to Mr. Bernier’s gional organizer for the Ontario PCs. main complainant, local nomination has someone who has paid for memberships in a campaign. The Huffington Post re- The report concluded that Mr. committee chair Jack Garner, reject- someone’s membership.” ported that the “alleged scheme Nuttall had paid the membership ing his request to have Mr. Nuttall But for Ms. Campbell, who 2010 nomination involves Tamil field co-ordinators fees for some new party mem- removed from the race, writing, “the said she still believes Mr. Nuttall race, but the party in the Toronto-area submitting bers, and determined at least 111 four candidates for the Barrie nomi- did produce falsified membership large lists of names taken from the signatures on membership forms nation continue to have the Party’s forms, the experience put her off cleared him and membership list of the Ontario Pro- had been forged. full confidence going forward.” pursuing a political career. gressive Conservative Party, likely In addition, the report said a won the nomina- “I have major concerns about allowed him to run. without their knowledge, and using “great many” of the $10 bills at- tion and went on to become the MPP what happened in 2010. I don’t pre-paid credit cards to sign them up tached to the membership forms, for Barrie. Mr. Nuttall stayed on as feel it was addressed in a way that Bernier’s camp says for federal party membership.” as per the $10 membership fee, a municipal councillor and went on would ultimately change the way Mr. Bernier denied any mis- were in serial-number sequence. to become an MP in 2015, winning people are nominated. The nomina- it’s confident there conduct within his campaign, and At that time, memberships could against Liberal Brian Tamblyn by 86 tion process is really very insular was no wrongdoing. issued a press release of his own still be paid for in cash. In the federal votes, after a recount. and it’s something that definitely in which he called Mr. O’Leary a leadership race today, memberships Mr. Jackson’s assessment of the needs some revamping,” she said. “loser.” On Sunday evening, The have to be purchased via credit card 2010 controversy was that Mr. Nut- Mr. Jackson said if one thing Continued from page 1 Globe and Mail reported that Mr. or personal cheque. The allegations tall “was just doing what he thought comes out of Mr. O’Leary’s al- Bernier’s campaign had provided against Mr. Bernier’s campaign are he needed to do to win,” and charac- legations, it’s that political parties In 2010, Mr. Nuttall, then a mu- it with a sworn affidavit alleging that memberships were being pur- terized it as “not malicious,” though should fix the system. nicipal councillor, ran unsuccessfully an organizer for Mr. O’Leary’s chased with pre-paid credit cards. he did admit it “looks funny.” “The system of finding a new in the nomination contest for the team was offering to pay for party “One must assume that the Nut- Mr. Jackson said he has been leader and finding candidates for Ontario Progressive Conservative memberships within the Sikh-Ca- tall campaign paid for the vast ma- involved in six nomination races all parties is broken,” he said. Party in Barrie. He was under fire nadian community, a breach of the jority of the memberships submit- over the course of his career. In all [email protected] for allegedly fraudulently signing up campaign rules. The Globe later re- ted on Nov. 26. In order to procure except one, he said, “these things @chels_nash party members. The local PC nomi- ported that Mr. Bernier’s campaign such a large volume of crisp, new nation committee asked the party had not given proof to the party to $10 bills in serial number sequence, to disqualify Mr. Nuttall. Mr. Nuttall allow it to investigate the claim. they must have been purchased denied the allegations and the party, Meanwhile, the Conserva- from a financial institution during Status of government bills after looking into the concerns, al- tive Party, after “an expedited” re- the week prior to the membership lowed his candidacy to continue. view on March 17, cancelled more deadline, since the nomination date The president of the Barrie riding than 1,300 memberships paid for was only announced on Nov. 18,” House of Commons • C-33, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act the report, as printed in The Barrie • S-2, Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for (second reading) association at the time, Fred Hame- anonymously through two IP ad- Canadians Act (second reading) Examiner in 2010, reads. • C-34, An Act to amend the Public Service Labour link, resigned from his role after dresses, which the party deemed • C-5, An Act to Repeal Division 20 of Part 3 of the Relations Act and other Acts (second reading) not to have been paid for by indi- Mr. Spink declined a request disagreeing with then-PC president Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No. 1 (second • C-36, An Act to amend the Statistics Act Ken Zeise over the matter, citing vidual members, which is against to comment for this story. reading) (committee) Mr. Nuttall at the time countered his “personal ethics.” Mr. Hamelink the rules. It did not blame any one • C-7, An Act to amend the Public Service Labour • C-38, An Act to amend an Act to amend the said after reading a report conducted campaign in particular. that the sequential bills were submit- Relations Act, Public Service Labour Relations and Criminal Code (exploitation and trafficking in by an Ontario PC staff member, that “Those purchases were made ted as such because his campaign Employment Board Act, and others (RCMP union persons) (second reading) bill) (consideration of amendments made by the the party shouldn’t have dropped anonymously through the Conserva- had to make change for members • C-39, An Act to amend the Criminal Code Senate) its investigation. Mr. Zeise said the tive Party of Canada website. Over the organizers were signing up. He (unconstitutional provisions) (second reading) allegations were unfounded. the course of the last six months, the said by the membership deadline at • C-12, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Senate Kory Teneycke, speaking for Mr. Conservative Party of Canada has the time, he was left with a lot $50 Compensation Act (second reading) and $100 bills, so he deposited them • S-3, An Act to amend the Indian Act (elimination of Bernier’s federal Conservative Party received 1,233 pre-paid credit card • C-17, An Act to amend the Yukon Environmental sex-based inequities in registration) (committee) into the bank and withdrew the leadership campaign, said this week transactions through our website. We and Socio-economic Assessment Act (second • S-5, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act and the they were aware of the 2010 incident, have examined each of those trans- $10 bills to attach to the individual reading) Non-smokers’ Health Act (committee) and were “satisfied that no wrongdo- actions and roughly half have been memberships. • C-21, An Act to amend the Customs Act (second • C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, ing occurred.” traced to the mentioned IP addresses He also said the numbers Mr. reading) Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, Mr. Nuttall’s office said this purchasing memberships,” stated the Spink produced did not add up. • C-22, National Security and Intelligence Public Service Labour Relations Act, and Income week he was unavailable to speak party on March 17. Mr. Zeise, who was president Committee of Parliamentarians Act (third reading) Tax Act (third reading) and written questions sent to the Mr. Nutall also worked on On- of the PC party at the time, said in • C-23, Preclearance Act (committee) • C-6, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (third reading) office Monday were not answered tario PC Leader Patrick Brown’s an interview with The Hill Times • C-24, An Act to amend the Salaries Act and the • C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Human by press time Tuesday afternoon. campaign for PC leadership in this week that “the local nomina- Financial Administration Act (second reading) Rights Act and the Criminal Code (committee) On March 16, Conserva- 2015, and Mr. Bernier’s campaign tions committee in Barrie clearly • C-25, An Act to amend the Canada Business • C-18, An Act to amend the Rouge National Urban tive leadership candidate Kevin has employed organizers who did not like Alex’s candidacy.” He Corporations Act, Canada Cooperatives Act, Park Act, Parks Canada Agency Act, and Canada worked on Mr. Brown’s campaign. said he considered the allegations Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, and National Parks Act (second reading) O’Leary issued a press release Competition Act (committee) alleging there are “backroom Greer Campbell, who also to be unfounded. • C-30, Canada-European Union Comprehensive Mr. Zeise said the party “did • C-27, An Act to amend the Pension Benefits Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation organizers who are committing ran unsuccessfully for the Barrie Standards Act, 1985 (second reading) Act (committee) randomly call people on the list.” widespread vote rigging and nomination in 2010, said she “auto- • C-28, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (victim • C-31, Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement potentially breaking our electoral matically” made the connection be- He said about two-dozen random surcharge) (second reading) Implementation Act (committee) and financing laws to try to buy a tween what happened in the Barrie calls were made to verify that • C-32, An Act related to the repeal of section 159 C-37, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and leadership victory.” nomination contest in 2010 and the those on the membership list of the Criminal Code (second reading) Substances Act (committee) THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 7 News

appointments policy; supporting the demo- created to work on the national inquiry. The cratic institutions minister, currently Karina inquiry itself is to be run independently, but Bigger workload, shorter Gould (Burlington, Ont.); and “bolstering the PCO provides government support. capacity of the Offi ce of the National Secu- The new hires in the coming year are a rity [Adviser] to respond to evolving threats,” response to the 2016 budget, and “will en- according to the statement from Mr. Rivet. hance PCO’s internal capacity, strengthen timelines a growing Former Vancouver Sun reporter Pe- security, and support investments in infra- ter O’Neil recently joined the PCO as a structure,” wrote Mr. Rivet. speechwriter for Ms. Gould. The PCO is expecting to spend about The PCO departmental plan also identi- $182-million in the coming year, up $15-million ‘burden,’ says PCO fi es aging technology, “accidental or inten- from this past year, which in turn featured a tional dissemination of sensitive material,” $44-million increase from the year prior. and demographic changes in the offi ce The higher spending this coming year will among the list of potential risks. It provides be driven by costs tied to the national inquiry, The head of the public service is juggling resources to short and broadly-worded summaries of the an increase in severance and separation pay, PCO’s plans to counter each threat, such as more spending on an employee benefi t plan, support last year’s budget commitments. upgrading the IT infrastructure and improv- the creation of the new “merit-based” appoint- ing cyber security training for employees. ment systems for Senators, and more. The PCO is planning to manage the heavier guru Michael Barber, who has delivered Continued from page 1 workload and demographic changes—the pub- Preparing for the next governor remarks to Mr. Trudeau and his ministers lic service in general is aging, with many baby The PCO is a non-partisan collection of during several Liberal cabinet retreats. boomers near retirement—in part by focusing general secretariats atop the federal public service, Matthew Mendelsohn was appointed as a on mental health in the workplace and recruit- The PCO is also preparing for the ap- providing advice and logistical support deputy secretary to the cabinet in the PCO and ment, according to Mr. Rivet. pointment of a new governor general this for the cabinet, including by helping to co- put in charge of the Results and Delivery Unit The offi ce is hoping to strengthen its year, the report says. ordinate cabinet committees, shaping gov- last year. The move was criticized by former “security culture” this year through “in- Current Governor General David John- ernment policy, and making sure cabinet Conservative cabinet minister , creased awareness and training,” he wrote. ston’s term is set to expire in September, decisions are properly implemented. who claimed the government was politicizing “The goal is to ensure that personnel keep after it was extended by former prime The PCO, along with all other depart- the public service by appointing Mr. Men- security top-of-mind when planning and car- minister Stephen Harper in 2015. ments and agencies, issued its departmental delsohn, who had taken leave of his position at rying out departmental activities and ensuring The PCO will prepare background docu- plan—in past years, titled Report on Plans the head of the University of Toronto’s Mowat that employees are prepared to react appropri- ments to help inform Mr. Trudeau’s decision and Priorities—for the coming year March 9. Centre think tank to help write the federal Lib- ately in an emergency situation,” he wrote. on appointing the next governor general,

The heavier burden for the PCO, led by Privy eral 2015 campaign platform. The PCO did not including historical information about the Council Clerk , comes from respond to that criticism in the Ottawa Citizen More money, more staff position, and information about the nature of new responsibilities for the offi ce outlined in the report in which it was published last March. The PCO added 95 full-time equivalent staff the work performed by the governor general, 2016 budget, according to an emailed statement this past year, including 10 to work on the Na- according to Mr. Rivet, who did not confi rm from PCO spokesperson Raymond Rivet. Security a concern tional Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indig- or deny whether extending Mr. Johnston’s Those include the creation of a new Results The PCO has also been tasked with: es- enous Women and Girls, which began work last term once again was a possibility. and Delivery Unit within the PCO, which was tablishing a new youth Secretariat to support summer, and 65 to provide advice and support The offi ce is also continuing the roll-out announced in the budget along with a new Mr. Trudeau in his alternate role as minister to the cabinet, pushing the offi ce’s total number of what it calls its “e-cabinet” pilot project, an cabinet committee on agenda, results, and of youth; updating its IT and security sys- of staff to 967 full-time equivalents, preliminary attempt to digitize cabinet documents and communications—which the PCO must also tems; improving its digital communications; numbers in the departmental plan show. communications. The PCO hopes to have the help support—in order to “ensure that the gov- ramping up its engagement with provinces The offi ce is also planning to hire 79 addi- program put in place by all cabinet ministers ernment delivers on its commitments.” and territories, municipalities, and indige- tional full-time equivalent staff over the next by the end of the year, wrote Mr. Rivet. The focus1867_CMA_HillTImes_PrintAndDigital_Ads_P2A_Print_Vanessa.pdf on “results and delivery” mir- nous groups; expanding 1 16/03/17Mar16 its Senior Personnel 11:13 AM year—boosting its total to 1,046—though [email protected] rors the preachings of British “deliverology” Secretariat to support the government’s new many of those will be temporary positions @PJMazereeuw Canadians want action now

Support community initiatives

“A national seniors strategy would mean support for community initiatives that allow seniors to be leaders in their own wellness and the wellness of their communities.”

Vannessa Hammond, BC

#SeniorsPlan | stories.demandaplan.ca 8 wednesday, march 22, 2017 | the hill times

Editor Kate Malloy Assistant Deputy Editor Abbas Rana Published every monday and wednesday by Publishers Anne Marie Creskey, Deputy Editor Derek Abma online Editor, Power & Hill Times Publishing Inc. Jim Creskey, Ross Dickson Managing Editor Kristen Shane Influence Editor Ally Foster 246 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E4 General Manager, CFO Andrew Morrow Deputy Editor Peter Mazereeuw

Editorial Letters to the Editor Enough talk, time for action Canada should lead in getting rid of polio magine a world with smallpox. are paralyzed by this disease. It is highly I Now imagine a world without polio. In infectious and has no cure. The only way 2016 fewer than 40 children were infected by to address polio is through prevention. on transparency promises polio during the entire year. This is amaz- In 2015, it was assessed that an addi- ing progress from the thousands infected in tional US$1.5-billion would be required to rime Minister Justin Trudeau’s govern- The same could be said of nearly any years earlier, and we are actually poised to eradicate polio by the turn of the decade. Pment was elected in 2015 on a plat- act of governing, and it’s no excuse. The eradicate this disease from the face of the Canada should take a leadership role and form of “sunny ways” promises, a winning implied nature of election promises is that earth, such as we did with smallpox. provide an additional pledge of $150-mil- formula with many voters fatigued by a they will be kept before the next election, However, every child that has polio lion to ensure we finish this job once and less-than-sunny image of former prime and with the government’s review of the poses a threat, and it will take political for all. I call upon International Develop- minister Stephen Harper built up by Access to Information Act delayed until will and financial commitment to reach ment Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau to years of his no-holds-barred approach to 2018, and no timeline for the delivery of the hardest to reach and isolated. help make this happen, as I would like to politics and governance, and lip service to those promises, it seems to be an open Polio can lead to irreversible paraly- be part of the generation that eradicates government transparency. question whether the government will sis and the immobilization of breathing polio. Wouldn’t you? The Liberal government, however, has make good on them before it battens muscles, which results in the death of Connie Lebeau taken a rather casual approach to living down the hatches for the pre-election five to ten per cent of individuals who Victoria, B.C. up to some of its promises, particularly 2019 campaign. those related to transparency. Mr. Ferland told the Canadian Press “Government data and information the government remains committed to its should be open by default,” was one. That planned reform of the access to infor- Taylor has it wrong on Latvia, ambassador says is, let’s say, a work in progress, with Par- mation regime. The Liberal government liamentarians from all parties complain- made similar assurances on its electoral e: “It isn’t disinformation if it’s true,” facts mixed with pulp fiction. ing that federal institutions are unfairly reform promise, until close to the time it (The Hill Times, March 15, p. 9). Scott To appreciate the history at stake, you redacting, withholding, or denying the informed the public it was not going to be R Taylor unfortunately is again offering his must investigate the details enough to existence of documents and information kept. idiosyncratic views on Latvia and Canada. understand. Even better, visit Latvia and those lawmakers had requested. The previous government certainly More than ever before, people seeking judge for yourself. “We will expand the role of the infor- didn’t keep all of its campaign promises; news and information must do their own Latvians no more celebrate the Nazis mation commissioner, giving them the indeed, none have. Casting aside prom- analysis, and sift with care. This article than they celebrate the times their coun- power to issue binding orders for dis- ises is a temptation available to whoever requires more sifting than most. try was in Soviet hands. Who celebrates closure,” read another promise. “We will is in power, not a failing of any one party Both Canada and Latvia, and the gov- criminal oppression? ensure that access to information applies or political philosophy. Sometimes, exter- ernments of our countries, are treated in Each of these totalitarian regimes in to the prime minister’s and ministers’ nal forces, such as a dip in the economy, a derogatory manner. turn through conscription and by force offices, as well as administrative institu- or change in the international political On Latvia, the author points to the took Latvians into their armed forces. tions that support Parliament and the scene, make keeping campaign promises plight of marginalized immigrants, un- Latvians fought and died in the Second courts,” was another. impossible or impractical. able to vote, purportedly discriminated World War wearing foreign uniforms According to the office of Treasury This isn’t one of those times. The against due to their language and origins. against their will. Board President , those Liberals have full control over whether He fails to note that in Latvia immigrants It is vital that a difference be drawn pledges have now been put off until they grant more power to the information identified by the author have themselves between those who perpetrated crimes and further notice. Changing the relevant law commissioner, and whether they open up opted to avoid taking the simple straight- soldiers that fell in combat at the battle front. would be “complex,” and the government ministers’ offices to access to information forward citizenship tests. These people As a veteran himself, I would have expect- needs an undefined amount of addi- requests. They promised to get it done, could go back home to Russia but realize ed greater sensitivity from the author; yet he tional time to “get it right,” Mr. Brison’s and Canadians should demand that they they have a better opportunity to pursue a brushes aside this important dichotomy and spokesperson, Jean-Luc Ferland, told the do before fielding another batch of prom- career and enjoy life in Latvia. considers the commemorative ceremonies on Canadian Press. ises to woo voters in 2019. The article, for reasons that we are March 16 held in support of the principle of left pondering, avidly defends typical freedom of assembly as a sign of something narratives promulgated by the Russian amiss. The article does not mention that regime: the West is encroaching upon senior officials and members of the Latvian Russia, encircling it, badgering it. Russia government do not take part. is misunderstood and maligned. Latvia has strongly and consistently con- In this line of reasoning, in viewing demned the terrible crimes against humanity Russia’s recent acts of aggression (such committed by both Nazi Germany and the as the invasion into Ukraine in Crimea Soviet Union. We do not treat the crimes and Donbas) as a threat to the rules- lightly and anyone guilty of such crimes can based international order and respond- and should be brought to justice. Latvians ing with an enhanced forward presence, mourn and honour the victims of Nazi war allies in Europe and North America are crimes. Latvia’s leaders do take part in the guilty of such deep hypocrisy that they annual ceremonies to commemorate victims cannot see it themselves. of the Nazis, and Latvia is active in the Inter- Fascists, neo-fascists, and closet Nazis national Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. abound in the woodwork. Those peoples We also do not hesitate to mourn the victims who forget the debt owed to their Soviet of Soviet communism. communist liberators are the most fertile Light should be shone in all the dark ground for this insidious fascism that corners of history. Being candid with the could still haunt us unless it is acknowl- truth is the path to a stronger international edged and stamped out. community. Not through finger-pointing, Ungrateful Latvia fits the bill perfectly. name-calling, and seeing Nazi sympathiz- It’s a country, the author proposes, with a ers where there are none, and not through lingering nostalgia for Hitler passed down glossing over of the nuances of history. from the time of its Nazi German occupa- Karlis Eihenbaums tion. Regrettably, these are also run-of-the- Ambassador mill lines for the state-controlled Russia Embassy of Latvia in Canada Today, commonplace disinformation, pulp Ottawa, Ont.

Geist, Greg Elmer, Riccardo Filippone, Alice Funke, Dennis Production Please send letters to the editor to the above Editorial Gruending, Cory Hann, Chantal Hébert, Joe Jordan, Warren street address or e-mail to [email protected]. senior reporter Laura Ryckewaert Production Manager Benoit Deneault Kinsella, Gillian McEachern, Arthur Milnes, Dan Palmer, Nancy Deadline is Wednesday at noon, Ottawa time, for REPORTER, POWER & INFLUENCE ASSISTANT Senior Graphic, Online Designer Joey Sabourin Peckford, Angelo Persichilli, Kate Purchase, Tim Powers, Jeremy the Monday edition and Friday at noon for the EDITOR Rachel Aiello Graphic Designer Melanie Brown Richler, Susan Riley, Ken Rubin, Sarah Schmidt, Rick Smith, Evan Wednesday edition. Please include your full name, News Reporters Chelsea Nash, Marco Vigliotti Web Designer Jean-Francois Lavoie Sotiropoulos, Mathieu R. St-Amand, Scott Taylor, Paul Wells, address and daytime phone number. The Hill Photographers Sam Garcia, Andrew Meade, Cynthia Published every Monday and Münster, and Jake Wright Nelson Wiseman, Les Whittington and Armine Yalnizyan Times reserves the right to edit letters. Letters do Wednesday by Hill Times not reflect the views of The Hill Times. Thank you. POWER & INFLUENCE ASSISTANT EDITOR administration Christina Leadlay Advertising Finance/Administration Tracey Wale Publishing Inc. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 Editorial Cartoonist Michael De Adder vice president marketing and Circulation Sales Manager Chris Rivoire Return undeliverable Canadian Contributing Writers Denis Calnan, Christopher multimedia sales Steve MacDonald 246 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E4 Addresses to: Circulation Dept. Guly, Leslie MacKinnon, Cynthia Münster Directors of business development Craig (613) 232-5952 246 Queen Street Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E4 Columnists Keith Brooks, Karl Bélanger, Andrew Cardozo, Caldbick, Martin Reaume, Samim Massoom, Ulle Baum, François Moreau Delivery Inquiries Fax (613) 232-9055 2012 Better John Chenier, David Coletto, Sheila Copps, David Crane, Jim advertising marketing director Chris Peixoto [email protected] Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 CMCA AUDITED Newspaper Creskey, Darryl T. Davies, Murray Dobbin, Gwynne Dyer, Michael classified sales coordinator Sarah Wells-Smith 613-288-1146 www.hilltimes.com Winner THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 9 Comment

election campaign promises. cent of GDP defence spending ob- occupied and annexed Crimea to In delivering his fi rst budget jective for Canada. This is of course secure Russia’s Black Sea naval base. As Trump’s defence last week, Trump sought to boost the same arbitrary percentage that Russia is also fl exing its muscle discretionary defence spending by NATO members have agreed to by propping up embattled Syrian a whopping US$54-billion, which aspire to, but which only a handful President Bashar al-Assad, again spending plans amounts to roughly a 10 per cent of members actually meet. with the clearly stated intention of increase to the current expenditure. Canada currently spends roughly securing Russia’s Tartus naval base To realize these additional funds, one per cent of its GDP on defence. in the Mediterranean. Trump plans to cut from the budgets To meet NATO’s goal would require However, if Putin is indeed put pressure on of the U.S. State Department and the a 100 per cent increase in funding, embarking on a campaign of world Environmental Protection Agency, translating to spending an additional domination, as the fear mongers among other areas. Cut back on $21-billion a year, approximately, on would have us believe, he has just diplomats, buy more weapons, and defence. This would mean the loss of taken a very unusual course of action. Canada to boost its to hell with the environment. a hell of a lot of essential government Lost amid the swirling specula- Trump also wants to increase services beyond defence. The two per tion caused by Trump’s fi rst budget funding for border security, includ- cent fi gure also does not factor in the was the little-reported news that the ing money for the wall he intends actual dollars that we spend. Kremlin has slashed Russia’s military own, Russia slashes to build along the Mexican border. Canada happens to be blessed budget by 25 per cent. Due to low These funds are, of course, only a with an enormous GDP proportion- oil prices and a slumping economy, temporary expenditure until Trump ate to our relatively small population. Putin has reduced the defence budget If the biggest fi gures out how to make the Mexi- If we were to heed the hawks’ advice from approximately US$65-billion to cans pay for it. and follow Trump’s dictates to reach just US$48-billion, approximately. perceived threat to Also included in Trump’s bud- the arbitrary goal of two per cent of That’s right, folks. Trump’s 10 get was a more than a billion dol- GDP, Canada would be among the per cent increase to the U.S. mili- world security is lars to help refurbish and renew top-spending NATO countries. tary is now greater than Russia’s America’s nuclear arsenal. Then again, you have to ask your- entire defence budget. drastically downsizing Nothing makes a country great self why we require such a massive If the biggest perceived threat to its military, does again better than its enhanced increase in military capability. The world security is drastically downsiz- capability to destroy the planet. current storyline is of course to con- ing its military, does it make sense for it make sense for Scott Taylor For Canada, Trump’s prioritiza- tain those nasty old Russians. That is Canada and the rest of the non-com- Inside Defence tion of defence spending means why Canada is sending 200 trainers pliant NATO member states to boost Canada to boost its that we will be under enormous to Ukraine and will soon deploy a their defence budgets by tens of bil- pressure to boost our own defence 450-strong detachment into Latvia, lions of dollars to reach that arbitrary budget to meet an TTAWA—you can call Donald budget. The usual military pundits right along the Russian border. objective of two per cent of GDP? arbitrary NATO goal? OTrump many things, but after and tub-thumping cheerleaders We know that Russia is bad be- Scott Taylor is editor and pub- his fi rst few months in power it are like broken records, repeating cause after the civil uprising in 2014 lisher of Esprit de Corps magazine. appears that he intends to keep his the same old mantra of the two per destabilized Ukraine, vladimir Putin The Hill Times

State in the form of the Syrian the authoritarian and impulsive and Erdogan has threatened to Kurds, who are Sunni, but more President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, use them if the Iraqi army abuses Trump must interested in a separate Kurdish a mini-Trump who sprays abuse Sunni Muslims during the recon- state than a Sunni-ruled Syria. at anybody who crosses him (he quest of Mosul. Iraqi Prime Min- That collaboration worked recently called the Germans “Nazis” ister Haider al-Abadi replied (in choose a side in the well too. With U.S. training and and the Dutch “Nazi remnants and November): “We do not want war air support, the Syrian Kurds fascists”). with Turkey...but if a confrontation drove Islamic State steadily back, In 2015 Erdogan deliberately happens we are ready for it.” and are now closing in on Raqqa, restarted a war against Turkey’s Erdogan has gone rogue, and Sunni-Shia war its capital in Syria. And in all own Kurdish minority in order to Turkey’s recent, quite fragile recon- that time, Obama avoided taking attract right-wing votes and win a ciliation with Russia is not restrain- United States President Don- sides between Shias and Sunnis close election. Now he has sent the ing him. The two countries, together Into the vicious ald Trump may get in bed with the in what many Arabs now see as a Turkish army into Syria, alleg- with Iran, are jointly supervising the Russians and the Shias eventu- Shia-Sunni war. edly to help destroy Islamic State, shaky ceasefi re in Syria, but they do complexity wanders ally, but he doesn’t seem to have Obama even managed to main- but in fact mainly to smash the not share the same goals and they the boy-man Donald given the matter much thought tain America’s traditional alliances embryonic state that the Syrian are not really allies. yet. So for the moment U.S. policy with Saudi Arabia and Turkey de- Kurds have been building across Into the midst of all this vi- Trump, with his full- follows the line laid down by spite the fact that donors in those northern Syria. Those Syrian Kurds cious complexity wanders the Barack Obama. two countries, both ruled by devout have been America’s closest allies boy-man Donald Trump, with his spectrum ignorance. Ex-president Obama was de- Sunni regimes, were sending mon- against Islamic State for years. full-spectrum ignorance, short at- termined not to send American ey and arms, at least indirectly, to There are even Turkish troops in tention span, and shorter temper. Will he go with Russia troops into another Middle the extremists of Islamic State and northern Iraq (without permission), His appointee as national security Eastern war. Even as the Sunni the Nusra Front. He successfully adviser, General Michael Flynn, and Iran, or Turkey extremists of Islamic State (also walked a fi ne line in the Middle doubtless advised him to support and Saudi Arabia? known as ISIS, ISIL, and Daesh) East for six whole years. Turkey’s ambitions, but then he and the Nusra Front (al-Qaeda It’s doubtful that Donald resigned and it was revealed that under another name) expanded Trump has the skill, knowledge, Flynn had previously been paid to their control in Syria and then and patience to go on walking represent Turkey’s interests. seized much of Iraq, Obama that line. His instinct is to treat If Trump cozies up to the Rus- restricted the U.S. intervention to Iran as America’s most dangerous sians instead, he will have to accept training local troops and deploy- enemy in the Middle East, which a close relationship with Assad’s ing American air power. would certainly please Saudi Ara- brutal regime in Syria, and also In Iraq the local government’s bia. But Iran is Russia’s close with Russia’s main ally in the troops were mostly Shia (as is most ally in the Syrian war, and Syrian war, Iran (potentially big of the population), and US support Trump’s instinct is also to problem there). But various was suffi cient without committing get very close to vladimir latent confl icts are likely American troops to ground com- Putin. to burst into fl ame as Gwynne Dyer bat. The Iraqi army is now in the There’s a similar the big civil wars in fi nal stages of reconquering Mosul, Global Aff airs problem with Turkey. Iraq and Syria stagger Islamic State’s capital in Iraq and On one hand, Turkey to an end. Trump will an almost entirely Sunni city. yet is an important have to jump one way ONDON, U.K.—The Sunni-Shia there have been no massacres NATO ally and it or another quite Lcivil wars in Iraq and Syria are of Sunnis, and only a handful of has now sent its soon. both nearing their end, and in both American casualties. army into Syria, Gwyn- cases the Shias have won—thanks In Syria, the United States ostensibly to ne Dyer in a largely to American military help in strongly opposed the Shia-domi- help destroy United King- Iraq’s case, and to a Russian mili- nated regime of President Bashar Islamic State. While ex-U.S. president Barack Obama walked a fi ne line between allying dom-based tary intervention in Syria. yet Russia al-Assad, but it did not fi ght him. On the with the regional Sunni and Shia powers in the Middle East, his successor independent and the United States are not allies Obama found local allies to wage other hand, Donald Trump, pictured, will have to decide soon which side he’ll take. journalist. in the Middle East. At least not yet. a ground war against Islamic Turkey is ruled by Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Comment Senators Meredith, Beyak textbook examples of communications gone wrong Their lame apologies and distorted attempts at blame tion’s ethics code by engaging in a sexual relationship with a young woman that last week are nausea inducing. started when she was a teenager. Perhaps this week or next, his colleagues will be able to boot him from the Senate. We’ll see. TTAWA—For a second week in a row, Then they can go about modernizing the Omy focus is going to be on the Senate. Senate’s human resource policy. Not for some of the good work they have Beyak found herself in hot water when done recently on challenging bills that she spoke in the Senate of the “well-inten- have come from the House of Commons or tioned” religious teachers who were over- initiating reform to end genetic discrimi- shadowed by negative reports documented nation. No, instead it is to look at two bad by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission apples whose lame apologies and distorted report on residential schools for indigenous Independent Senator Don Meredith and attempts at blame cause nausea. peoples. Miles and miles of historical re- Conservative Senator Lynn Beyak were both If you guessed the attention was on Don search make it hard to argue that there was taking heat last week for perceived misdeeds. Tim Powers Meredith and Lynn Beyak, you’d be right. anything “well-intentioned” about residential Their responses dug them deeper into a hole, Meredith’s mess has been well explored, Plain Speak schools. Beyak has been encouraged to step argues Tim Powers. The Hill Times photograph by as the Senate’s ethics watchdog found down from the Senate’s Aboriginal Peoples Sam Garcia, and photo courtesy of the Senate of Canada the Ontario Senator breached the institu- Committee for that tone-deaf comment; but as of yet, no movement. Meredith and Beyak might take heart that Conrad Black has taken to defend- ing them against a push for expulsion. The headline of a column he wrote last week was, “Pull yourselves together, Sena- tors—Don Meredith and Lynn Beyak don’t deserve to be kicked out.” Having such a credible source on appropriate behaviour may in fact push their peers over the edge. What was really irksome about Meredith and Beyak’s behaviour last week was their respective lack of contrition and desire to distort what each of them did. In Meredith’s case, while he did apologize and spoke about a moral lapse in judgment, he went on to say he was a victim of racism in relation to the coverage of his misdeeds. Any individual of whatever race or creed would be experiencing the same intense criti- cism Meredith is had they done the same thing. Beyak put out a statement for which Columbo would be needed to fi nd an apol- ogy. The closest she came to saying sorry was when she noted halfway through her ramble that “one can never excuse or minimize the suffering that victims have experienced.” She claimed that she has indigenous people among her colleagues, advisers, and friends—as if that somehow excuses her asinine remark. In a separate press release, she blames her trouble on fake news and exaggeration. While the gravity of actions varies between Meredith and Beyak, certainly the pathetic way they have responded does not. Sadly, rather than actually own up to anything that they have done, like legions of other politicians, they slither into a mucky place and throw out their own mud. It is entirely disheartening and it is gener- ally bad communications strategy. By behaving in the way they have in re- sponding to the accusations against them, they sound defensive and come across as guilty. Humans have a tremendous capac- ity to forgive. And depending on the error made, respect is often shown to someone who acknowledges a mistake. Beyak could be a benefactor of that sentiment if she had chosen a straight-up apology. Instead, she comes across as some sort of kooky conspiracy theorist and denier. Public offi cials who clearly make griev- ous errors ought to think twice before they come out swinging and use blame as a shield. Never mind all the energy wasted trying to change the story arc when it’s not going to move. If Conrad Black is practically the only one who will man the barricades on your behalf, just wave the surrender fl ag now and do us all a favour. Tim Powers is vice-chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data. He is a former adviser to Conservative political leaders. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 11 Comment Jimmy Breslin: not an enemy of the people

For reporters not just of a in America’s story when the Prize in 1986 for, in the words of Reporters bear witness and Donald Trump’s certain generation, but of a few president of the United States the Pulitzer board citation, “col- provide society with a baseline of attack on the media of them, Jimmy Breslin embodied has called journalists enemies of umns which consistently cham- truth, whether you try to under- the romance of the profession the the people. Of all the stupefying pion ordinary citizens.” mine that role by branding it “fake is a reminder that way Bob Woodward and Carl Ber- things Donald Trump has said, Jimmy Breslin was not an news” or not. Those are both func- nstein represented the craft. The associating that label with what “enemy of the people.” tions worth protecting, especially journalism is worth journalists who knew and worked Jimmy Breslin did for a living Not all journalists are Jimmy at a time when they also seem to with Breslin, some legends in seems especially egregious. Breslin, and journalism, like be worth attacking. protecting. their own right, have eulogized At what, at least so far, still so many of the cru- Lisa Van Dusen, associate the larger-than-life character; the stands as America’s darkest cial components editor of Policy Magazine, cigar-chomping curmudgeon with post-war moment, Breslin had of democracy, was a Washington col- a heart of gold, a nose for bullshit, the heart to drift away from the isn’t what it umnist for The Ottawa and an unfailing respect for the herd and talk to Clifton Pollard, used to be. Citizen, Washington human beings who weathered who was performing the historic But there are bureau chief for Sun unprotected the consequences of task of digging John F. Kennedy’s two other Media, and interna- decisions made in offi ces they’d grave after he was murdered by words that tional news writer for never see but that Breslin was a real enemy of the people. He came to Peter Jennings at ABC read in. wrote about the death of Eduardo mind when I World News Tonight, For those of us who grew up Gutierrez, a young illegal im- was reading as well as an editor at outside of America, he repre- migrant accidentally and avoid- his obituar- AP in New York Lisa Van Dusen sented that, too, particularly New ably killed on a construction site ies: “witness” and UPI in What Fresh Hell york. Jimmy Breslin was living, in 1999, then wrote a book about and “truth.” Washington. barking proof that New york was it. He wrote the story of David a place where a reporter could Camacho, a gay man losing both ONTREAL—I was reminded be a smartass and maybe even his life as he knew it and his MSunday of an applause line a pain in the ass and, as long as physical life to AIDS in 1985, Joe Biden used during the 2012 they did the job well, not end up humanizing the acronym at a presidential campaign to sum up on Rikers Island or as a binding time when the stigma around the the state of America: “Osama bin agent in a divider on the New disease was still so potent that it Laden is dead and General Mo- Jersey Turnpike. Speaking truth would be another six years be- tors is alive.” Pondering the news not so much to power as about fore Princess Diana would make coming across my Twitter feed, it power was a role that was not just worldwide news by shaking the seemed the line required updat- tolerated but valued. There were hand of an AIDS patient. ing. “Jimmy Breslin is dead and many reasons to fall in love with He dignifi ed the pain of the Donald Trump is president.” New york, and Jimmy Breslin was powerless and wrote history Jimmy Breslin was a New york one of them. through the eyes of its victims Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jimmy Breslin, pictured here at the 2008 City tabloid columnist for years, no- So, it seems only fi tting that instead of chronicling the glory of Brooklyn Book Festival, died on Sunday at the age of 88. David Shankbone tably for the New York Daily News. Breslin should die at a moment its architects. He won a Pulitzer photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Few signs of life for Canada’s dead money

widespread concern about under- ‘The level of The lack of whelming business investment in caution could business investment machinery and equipment. be viewed as Such investment is crucial to excessive,’ in productive improve economic growth, job said Mark creation, and productivity—the Carney, resources is part of latter being the determining fac- then head tor in an economy’s competitive- of Canada’s the decline of well- ness and a country’s standard of central bank, living. of corporate paying, secure jobs Ever since Carney’s 2012 bosses’ and decent middle- remark, economists and his suc- inclinations cessor at the Bank of Canada, to hoard their class incomes. Stephen Poloz, have been talking fi rms’ money, up the possibility of a change in in 2012. corporate Canada’s stockpiling The Hill Times of cash, which was running in the photograph by $700-billion range not long ago. Jake Wright But business investment is still dead on arrival. In the aftermath of the 2008-09 slump, the recovery in non-resi- dential fi xed capital investment credit, low borrowing costs, and share of earnings, under-invest- and decent middle-class incomes. in Canada has been the weakest strong corporate profi ts. ment in long-term opportuni- It fans the income inequality that since the early 1980s. Generally it’s been concluded ties for expansion and, in some has become the most glaring fea- Les Whittington And this isn’t just confi ned the trend refl ects a kind of vicious places, stock manipulation. ture of the economic landscape in Need to Know to the Canadian oil patch, which circle where corporate manag- In Canada, it has, among other the past few decades. suffered a steep drop in prices be- ers are holding back because of things, played a role in the emer- The Bank of Canada said ginning in mid-2014. Investment uncertainty about future global gence of an economy with a very recently that business investment TTAWA—It’s been fi ve years intentions have fl agged across a developments and projected eco- unhealthy dependence on the real intentions in Canada were looking Osince Mark Carney kicked up range of manufacturing sectors. nomic demand. estate sector. more positive, but added uncertain- a storm with his suggestion that Mediocre business investment But there is also increasing While few people in the political ty about the outlook under United for the sake of the economy Can- is usually one of the culprits—in concern about the impact of fi - establishment want to offend cor- States President Donald Trump ada’s corporations should start Canada and other rich coun- nancial markets and intensifying porate Canada, the time has come makes future trends unpredictable. spending some of the huge piles of tries—when analysts talk about pressure on corporate executives for the country to face the fact that Anything Finance Minister Bill “dead money” they were hoarding. what Poloz calls the “serial to maximize short-term profi ts the changing activities and motiva- Morneau can do in the budget “The level of caution could be disappointments” recorded by the and share values, which are tions of business have potential to encourage business to take a viewed as excessive,” Carney, then economy in recent years. linked to senior managers’ often long-term implications for the larger role in helping build up the head of the central bank, said of Extensive efforts have been astronomical compensation. country’s economic prosperity. economy would at this point be corporate bosses. undertaken globally to get to the This dynamic appears to lead Besides creating structural im- highly valuable. Carney, who was frustrated bottom of what some term the to offshoring of jobs, reduced balances in the economy, the lack Les Whittington is an Ottawa at that point over the slow pace “investment puzzle” that has seen investment in the equipment of business investment in produc- journalist and a regular contribu- of recovery from the 2008-09 weak global business investment needed to make workers more tive resources is part of the de- tor to The Hill Times. recession, was expressing a since 2010 despite better access to productive, a decline in labour’s cline of well-paying, secure jobs The Hill Times SPONSORED CONTENT

NO MONEY FOR HEALTH CARE? TRUST YOUR

Shannon (CHP’s Chair), PHARMACIST, POLICY moderator in the Panel.

Shannon MacDonald (J&J) and MAKERS CAN SAVE BILLIONS Walter Robinson (Purdue Pharma).

By Patrick Langston

The numbers are arresting. Canadians not having ready access to annually. That includes $146.3 million in and Australia by six to seven years By switching just three classes of a family doctor, and a wave of aging enhanced labour productivity because when it comes to prescription to OTC commonly prescribed drugs to over-the- and medically expensive baby boomers of earlier treatment resulting from the switches. What the Conference Board counter status, Canadians could slash sweeping ever closer, the prospective relative ease of visiting a pharmacy com- of Canada report shows is that this is the annual value of visits to doctors’ of- benefi ts of switching are alluring. pared to booking a doctor’s appointment. costing our health-care system and Andrew Jones (GSK) & Steeve fi ces by $290 million, save $458 million “When you take a conservative set of Hormonal contraceptives are another our economy billions of dollars,” said CHP Opens the debate at the Economic Club Event. Azoulay (Pendopharm). Bill Dempster (3sixtypublicaffairs). in spending on medicine, and realize assumptions and get to $1 billion, then I big-ticket item, with Canadian women Gerry Harrington, Consumer Health $290 million in increased work pro- would say of the big issues out there with spending $459 million in 2012-2013, Products Canada’s Vice President of ductivity and reduced absenteeism. All low-hanging fruit, this is one of them,” about three-quarters of that being for Policy & Regulatory Affairs and one of together, it comes to just over $1 billion. said Louis Thériault, Vice-President, oral contraceptives. The study calcu- the panellists at the report’s release. That’s chief among the compelling Public Policy at The Conference Board lates the annual value of shifting to OTC “It’s time for Canadians to have more conclusions of a new report from The and one of four panellists discussing the at $222.2 million. That includes $98.2 self-care choices.” Conference Board of Canada. The Value report at its release. “It’s not too often we million in workplace effi ciency and pro- Like the study, the panellists addressed of Consumer Health Products: The Im- can actually … chip away at health-care ductivity gains because patients would issues other than the economic ones. pact of Switching Prescription Medica- reform, and that’s a really nice one.” not be booking off time to get doctor-is- In terms of drug safety, for example, tions to Over-the-Counter was fi nancially The study notes that, in the case of sued prescriptions. Quebec would net Dr. Peter Lin of Canadian Heart Re- supported by Consumer Health Products proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), some the bulk of economic benefi ts from search Centre and LinCorp Medical Inc. Canada and released at a recent Eco- treatments have already been switched fewer primary care visits (almost $25 said that these three drugs, like many nomic Club of Canada event. to OTC in Canada. As well, oral contra- million annually), while P.E.I. would gain others used in “straightforward” medical The report exam- the least (just over a situations, are already well-understood. ines the persuasive quarter of a million The report reinforces this assurance fi nancial and health dollars). by pointing out that, with a Rx-to-OTC Dr. Nardine Nakhla (UoWaterloo) and Dr. Dr Nardine Nakhla, Gerry Harrington, Jean Francois Lemieux services impacts Not that family switch, pharmacists could screen Peter Lin (Canadian Heart Research). (Pendopharm), and Karen Proud (CHP). of switching proton doctors will be scram- for contraindications, provide patient pump inhibitors, bling for business: the support and refer those with atypical which reduce excess patient queue to see symptoms to physicians. stomach acid that can them is too long, and Nardine Nakhla, who teaches in Louis Theriault(CBoC), Gerry Harrington (CHP), Dr. produce ulcers and women might still see the University of Waterloo’s School of Nardine Nakhla (UofW), Dr. Peter Lin (CHRC), and gastroesophageal re- a doctor for the initial Pharmacy, pointed out that students in Shannon MacDonald (J&J). fl ux disease (GERD), prescription, which pharmacy programs today are keenly oral contraceptives, would then be taken aware when something “is inside your and erectile dysfunc- over by a pharmacist. scope and when it’s outside.” tion drugs from being However, as with other The report, in addition to analyzing available only with Rx-to-OTC switches, the economic benefi ts of switching, a doctor’s prescrip- this one could help en- considers some of the risks such as tion (Rx) to being hance the delivery of misdiagnosis, misuse, and adverse accessible as over- primary care services events, all of which are reviewed by the-counter (OTC) in Canada including Health Canada before it approves indi- drugs prescribed wait times to see a vidual medication switches. and dispensed by family doctor. Moving drugs from Rx to OTC pharmacists. When it comes to means that those with drug bene- It focuses The Panel: Shannon MacDonald, Louis Theriault, Gerry erectile dysfunction fi t plans will have to pay for those Harrington, Dr. Nardine Nakhla, and Dr. Peter Lin. Anne-Marie Creskey (The Hill Times) Patrick Langston on time savings treatments in Canada, medicines themselves. However, (Reporter), Steve MacDonald (The Hill Times), and realized by patients they rank 25th in pre- falling prices – calculated at up to 63.8 Walter Robinson question the Panel. Louis Theriault presents key points. Louis Theriault (Conference Board). through fewer pri- scription drug volume per cent for the three drug classes mary care visits, greater effi ciency in the ceptives and erectile dysfunction drugs but still accounted for $238 million in studied - will help mitigate that. As well, health-care system, and improved work- are being considered for a switch to spending in 2012-2013. The study Harrington said that Rx versions of place productivity. The report examines OTC in some other countries or have estimates the annual economic value of many drugs will also still be available the proposed changes to the trio of already been switched. Rx-to-OT C switching at $106.2 million. and therefore paid for by plans. People drug categories, which are used as an The potential benefi ts of the switch, That includes almost $50 million from a on fi xed incomes and without a drug illustration of Rx-to-OTC switching, from which is part of a growing move to medical lower over-the-counter price compared plan will clearly benefi t medically by the perspective of the public health-care self-care by Canadians, vary depending on to the prescription price thanks to mar- having greater access to lower-cost system, private drug plan sponsors, the drug category and other factors. ket dynamics like the generally greater treatments, contributing to the overall individuals, and employers/society, not- In the case of proton pump inhibitors sales volume of OTC compared to Rx improvement in population health antic- ing that the public health-care system (PPIs), for example, roughly 5 million drugs. ipated in a Rx-to-OTC switch. stands to save the most: over $500 Canadians suffer from GERDs. In 2012- With current annual expenditures on This Conference Board of Canada Francois Moreau (The Hill Times), million in the case of the three drug 2013 they spent about $1.25 billion on these three classes of drugs alone at report is the fi rst of two. The second Natasha Morano (Economic Club), classes. It also considers the potential acid-reducing drugs, with PPIs compris- over $1.7 billion, the Rx-to-OTC switch will explore implications of the Rx-to- increased cost burden for some. ing the bulk of sales. The Conference seems a natural. OTC policy landscape in Canada, with Dr. Nardine Nakhla and Phil Emberly and Steve MacDonald (The Hill With provinces spending 40 per cent Board concluded that switching PPIs “Canada lags behind countries like a focus on scheduling and barriers to The Conference Board releases the report. (Pharmacists Association). Tom Herlihy (ASC Canada). Times). of their budgets on health-care, many from Rx to OTC would save $709.9 the United States, United Kingdom switching. SPONSORED CONTENT

NO MONEY FOR HEALTH CARE? TRUST YOUR

Shannon (CHP’s Chair), PHARMACIST, POLICY moderator in the Panel.

Shannon MacDonald (J&J) and MAKERS CAN SAVE BILLIONS Walter Robinson (Purdue Pharma).

By Patrick Langston

The numbers are arresting. Canadians not having ready access to annually. That includes $146.3 million in and Australia by six to seven years By switching just three classes of a family doctor, and a wave of aging enhanced labour productivity because when it comes to prescription to OTC commonly prescribed drugs to over-the- and medically expensive baby boomers of earlier treatment resulting from the switches. What the Conference Board counter status, Canadians could slash sweeping ever closer, the prospective relative ease of visiting a pharmacy com- of Canada report shows is that this is the annual value of visits to doctors’ of- benefi ts of switching are alluring. pared to booking a doctor’s appointment. costing our health-care system and Andrew Jones (GSK) & Steeve fi ces by $290 million, save $458 million “When you take a conservative set of Hormonal contraceptives are another our economy billions of dollars,” said CHP Opens the debate at the Economic Club Event. Azoulay (Pendopharm). Bill Dempster (3sixtypublicaffairs). in spending on medicine, and realize assumptions and get to $1 billion, then I big-ticket item, with Canadian women Gerry Harrington, Consumer Health $290 million in increased work pro- would say of the big issues out there with spending $459 million in 2012-2013, Products Canada’s Vice President of ductivity and reduced absenteeism. All low-hanging fruit, this is one of them,” about three-quarters of that being for Policy & Regulatory Affairs and one of together, it comes to just over $1 billion. said Louis Thériault, Vice-President, oral contraceptives. The study calcu- the panellists at the report’s release. That’s chief among the compelling Public Policy at The Conference Board lates the annual value of shifting to OTC “It’s time for Canadians to have more conclusions of a new report from The and one of four panellists discussing the at $222.2 million. That includes $98.2 self-care choices.” Conference Board of Canada. The Value report at its release. “It’s not too often we million in workplace effi ciency and pro- Like the study, the panellists addressed of Consumer Health Products: The Im- can actually … chip away at health-care ductivity gains because patients would issues other than the economic ones. pact of Switching Prescription Medica- reform, and that’s a really nice one.” not be booking off time to get doctor-is- In terms of drug safety, for example, tions to Over-the-Counter was fi nancially The study notes that, in the case of sued prescriptions. Quebec would net Dr. Peter Lin of Canadian Heart Re- supported by Consumer Health Products proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), some the bulk of economic benefi ts from search Centre and LinCorp Medical Inc. Canada and released at a recent Eco- treatments have already been switched fewer primary care visits (almost $25 said that these three drugs, like many nomic Club of Canada event. to OTC in Canada. As well, oral contra- million annually), while P.E.I. would gain others used in “straightforward” medical The report exam- the least (just over a situations, are already well-understood. ines the persuasive quarter of a million The report reinforces this assurance fi nancial and health dollars). by pointing out that, with a Rx-to-OTC Dr. Nardine Nakhla (UoWaterloo) and Dr. Dr Nardine Nakhla, Gerry Harrington, Jean Francois Lemieux services impacts Not that family switch, pharmacists could screen Peter Lin (Canadian Heart Research). (Pendopharm), and Karen Proud (CHP). of switching proton doctors will be scram- for contraindications, provide patient pump inhibitors, bling for business: the support and refer those with atypical which reduce excess patient queue to see symptoms to physicians. stomach acid that can them is too long, and Nardine Nakhla, who teaches in Louis Theriault(CBoC), Gerry Harrington (CHP), Dr. produce ulcers and women might still see the University of Waterloo’s School of Nardine Nakhla (UofW), Dr. Peter Lin (CHRC), and gastroesophageal re- a doctor for the initial Pharmacy, pointed out that students in Shannon MacDonald (J&J). fl ux disease (GERD), prescription, which pharmacy programs today are keenly oral contraceptives, would then be taken aware when something “is inside your and erectile dysfunc- over by a pharmacist. scope and when it’s outside.” tion drugs from being However, as with other The report, in addition to analyzing available only with Rx-to-OTC switches, the economic benefi ts of switching, a doctor’s prescrip- this one could help en- considers some of the risks such as tion (Rx) to being hance the delivery of misdiagnosis, misuse, and adverse accessible as over- primary care services events, all of which are reviewed by the-counter (OTC) in Canada including Health Canada before it approves indi- drugs prescribed wait times to see a vidual medication switches. and dispensed by family doctor. Moving drugs from Rx to OTC pharmacists. When it comes to means that those with drug bene- It focuses The Panel: Shannon MacDonald, Louis Theriault, Gerry erectile dysfunction fi t plans will have to pay for those Harrington, Dr. Nardine Nakhla, and Dr. Peter Lin. Anne-Marie Creskey (The Hill Times) Patrick Langston on time savings treatments in Canada, medicines themselves. However, (Reporter), Steve MacDonald (The Hill Times), and realized by patients they rank 25th in pre- falling prices – calculated at up to 63.8 Walter Robinson question the Panel. Louis Theriault presents key points. Louis Theriault (Conference Board). through fewer pri- scription drug volume per cent for the three drug classes mary care visits, greater effi ciency in the ceptives and erectile dysfunction drugs but still accounted for $238 million in studied - will help mitigate that. As well, health-care system, and improved work- are being considered for a switch to spending in 2012-2013. The study Harrington said that Rx versions of place productivity. The report examines OTC in some other countries or have estimates the annual economic value of many drugs will also still be available the proposed changes to the trio of already been switched. Rx-to-OT C switching at $106.2 million. and therefore paid for by plans. People drug categories, which are used as an The potential benefi ts of the switch, That includes almost $50 million from a on fi xed incomes and without a drug illustration of Rx-to-OTC switching, from which is part of a growing move to medical lower over-the-counter price compared plan will clearly benefi t medically by the perspective of the public health-care self-care by Canadians, vary depending on to the prescription price thanks to mar- having greater access to lower-cost system, private drug plan sponsors, the drug category and other factors. ket dynamics like the generally greater treatments, contributing to the overall individuals, and employers/society, not- In the case of proton pump inhibitors sales volume of OTC compared to Rx improvement in population health antic- ing that the public health-care system (PPIs), for example, roughly 5 million drugs. ipated in a Rx-to-OTC switch. stands to save the most: over $500 Canadians suffer from GERDs. In 2012- With current annual expenditures on This Conference Board of Canada Francois Moreau (The Hill Times), million in the case of the three drug 2013 they spent about $1.25 billion on these three classes of drugs alone at report is the fi rst of two. The second Natasha Morano (Economic Club), classes. It also considers the potential acid-reducing drugs, with PPIs compris- over $1.7 billion, the Rx-to-OTC switch will explore implications of the Rx-to- increased cost burden for some. ing the bulk of sales. The Conference seems a natural. OTC policy landscape in Canada, with Dr. Nardine Nakhla and Phil Emberly and Steve MacDonald (The Hill With provinces spending 40 per cent Board concluded that switching PPIs “Canada lags behind countries like a focus on scheduling and barriers to The Conference Board releases the report. (Pharmacists Association). Tom Herlihy (ASC Canada). Times). of their budgets on health-care, many from Rx to OTC would save $709.9 the United States, United Kingdom switching. 14 WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

el in the context of the EU. Some UN secretary- eastern European governments general António are rejecting accepted norms of Guterres will need R2P needs a pluralism. Imminent elections in some help as he France and Germany threaten to tries to foster accelerate this inward-looking international tendency, driven by political cooperation and champion in leaders who are exploiting fears multilateralism. of immigration. And the Trump Photograph by administration is threatening Eskinder Debebe drastic reductions in its fi nancial courtesy of the UN. contributions to all aspects of UN today’s global operations, including peacekeep- ing, child protection, and global public health. We look to the new secretary- for answers that would enable mission in Libya, authorized by political scene general to promote an interna- the international community to the Security Council, was improp- tional order grounded in the rule provide protection for civilians erly used by NATO as a pretence of law and human rights, with a at risk within the borders of a to effect regime-change. That Promoting the foremost multilateral institution. renewed commitment to fi nd- single sovereign state, while still over-reach angered many mem- Guterres established a reputation ing collective solutions to tough recognizing sovereignty as the ber states who viewed it as a be- protection of for courageous leadership and global issues. In that effort, he is cornerstone of the international trayal. Canada can take the lead skillful management during his entitled to expect Canada’s help. system. in promoting safeguards against civilians is a good decade as chief of the UN refugee Prime Minister Trudeau’s declara- The current crises in South such abuses in the future, helping agency, and demonstrated his tion that “Canada is back” signals Sudan, Myanmar, and Burundi to restore R2P’s momentum and way to show the political acumen while serving a return to our accustomed role are prime and urgent examples of regain the trust and confi dence as a successful prime minister of as a champion of constructive the need for R2P. that was lost. world that ‘Canada Portugal. multilateralism. The need for R2P was unanimously adopted On Wednesday a forum in is back.’ Those skills will be put to the our good global citizenship has by UN member states in 2005, vancouver sponsored by the test in today’s fractious inter- never been greater. Among its thereby changing the concept of Simons Foundation will bring national environment, where a fi rst priorities, Canada must try sovereignty forever. Mass atrocity policy makers and practitioners growing trend among many mem- to persuade Trump that reduc- crimes within a single state are together to examine strategies to ber states towards anti-interna- ing support for the UN is not in now seen as legitimate subjects of strengthen and promote R2P, and tionalist attitudes is undermining America’s interests. international, not just domestic, to ensure that it survives both the norms of global cooperation. One important tool for collec- concern. The prerogatives of the unhappy experience in Libya and Some even question whether tive action has its origin in Cana- sovereign state are now regarded the current tendency to fragment the global order and its institu- dian policy innovation. The “re- as earned, based on whether it the international order. tions, methodically constructed sponsibility to protect” initiative, protects its citizens, an unprec- It is a crucial effort, and one in since 1945, can survive this hos- or R2P, grew out of a recognition edented departure from centuries which Canada is well-positioned tile climate. The current frame- in the late 90’s that a way had to of unconditional loyalty to the ab- to play an important part. , work is far from perfect, but it be found to respond collectively solute nature of state sovereignty. Lloyd Axworthy was Canada’s Responsibility to protect has enabled decades of stability, to atrocities like those in Rwanda, The logic of R2P is increas- foreign minister from 1996-2000. increasing prosperity and relative Srebrenica, and Kosovo. Civilians ingly being applied to a wider He is chair of the board of direc- peace. It is based, however, on a were being murdered with impu- range of issues including climate tors of CUSO International. Allan n his fi rst three months in of- commitment by each state to col- nity by their own governments, or change, migration and the protec- Rock is a former Canadian am- Ifi ce, UN Secretary-General An- lective decision-making and bur- by others that their governments tion of cultural heritage. bassador to the United Nations. tonio Guterres has made clear his den-sharing that may now be in were unable or unwilling to stop. The emergence of R2P as an He is currently a visiting scholar intention to pursue an activist and question. Brexit signals Britain’s Canada established an inter- accepted norm suffered a set- at Harvard Law School. ambitious agenda for the world’s repudiation of the collective mod- national commission to search back in 2011 when a protective The Hill Times

Although, it was probably the Foreign most cost-effective of all of the Minister foreign ministry’s small-scale Chrystia We are missing programs, it was cancelled by the Freeland Stephen Harper government and would be wise has not yet been reinstated by to restart the Justin Trudeau’s government. Understanding the boat on Managing the Canada-U.S. Canada relationship, with its extraordi- program to narily complex networks, remains reinforce our primary diplomatic challenge. Canada’s image public diplomacy While attention focuses on the role in the U.S. as played by political leaders and an invaluable diplomats in Washington and Ot- partner, the Canada needs to bring back the tawa, Canadians understand that authors argue. the country’s interests can also be The Hill Times Understanding Canada program to fund advanced outside the two capi- photograph by Jake tals. In addition to the embassy, Wright international Canadian studies. Canada maintains 12 consulates general and three trade offi ces American academics were been seriously undermined by the unpredictability. This begs the throughout the United States. able to leverage these investments previous government’s decision question: are we doing all that we Although their need to “message” with their own administrations, and now by further delay. reasonably can to reinforce our their constituencies has probably often obtaining dollar-for-dollar There is some resentment in image as an invaluable partner? never been as acute as it is now, matches. Although the program the global Canadianist academic The answer is no. We are missing these offi ces have been handi- cost Canadian taxpayers about community, but, above all, incre- the boat on public diplomacy. capped by the loss of the Under- $5.5-million worldwide, the return dulity. Inevitably the erosion is A key element in Canada’s standing Canada program. on the expenditure to the Cana- ongoing. There is a need to move public diplomacy program was In the past, Canada’s efforts at dian economy has been estimated quickly—and in the United States, called Understanding Canada. In public diplomacy actively enlisted at many times that amount. In the very quickly—before the network the United States, as elsewhere, local academics. In the United United States, this program was suffers grievously from further John W. Graham, Munroe Eagles Canada’s interests are best served States, hundreds of academics seen as a huge asset by past am- neglect and attrition. The biggest Canadian studies abroad when the citizens know about and located in every corner of the bassadors and consuls general. victim of further neglect would be appreciate our signifi cance. Efforts country accessed modest funds Recreating from scratch the Canada’s self-interest. to raise our profi le south of the bor- available through embassy and Understanding Canada (Cana- Munroe Eagles is president he prime minister and his team, der are not made any easier by the consulate programs to conduct dian Studies) program in the of the Association for Canadian Twith a little help from former very closeness of the relationship. research and develop courses U.S. and around the world with Studies in the United States and prime minister , have Americans tend to benignly regard that introduced thousands of a network of several thousand a professor of political science mounted a smart and, so far, suc- Canadians as very much like them- university students—the coun- scholars knowledgeable about at the State University of New cessful campaign with United States selves. As a result they are often ill- try’s future opinion leaders and Canada and communicating their York (SUNY), Buffalo. John W. President Donald Trump and his as- equipped to understand situations decision-makers—to Canada. interests to widening segments Graham was a Canadian ambas- sociates to sustain civil dialogue and where Canada’s interests diverge The academics also served as of their populations would be sador and chair emeritus of the the fl ow of bilateral trade. from their own. The Understanding media resources to help interpret inconceivable without the expen- former Canadian Foundation for yet, as we are reminded daily, Canada program was designed to Canada-related developments for diture of huge sums. Much of this the Americas. we live at a time of unparalleled address this need. the general public. network survives. However, it has The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 15 Comment Welcome to the Great Disruption

will disrupt societies. Sea-level rise, ocean U.S. intelligence acidifi cation, glacial melt, and pollution community advisers in a will change living patterns. Tensions over climate change will grow. Increased travel new report map out shifts and poor health infrastructure will make infectious diseases harder to manage.” over the next fi ve to 20 As it stresses, “the silent, chronic threats of air pollution, water shortage, and climate years in everything from change will become more noticeable, leading the nature of work to more often than in the past to clashes, as diagnoses of and measures to deal with these demographics. issues remain divisive around the world.” The report’s bottom line, as it puts it, is that “these trends will converge at an unprecedented pace to make governing and co-operation harder and to change the nature of power—fundamentally altering the global landscape.” If there is good news in the report, it is that the world doesn’t have to fall into a vicious cycle of growing threat of confl ict, stagnant living standards, growing hostil- ity between winners and losers or between Girls line up at a feeding centre in Mogadishu, Somalia, on March 9 amid a severe drought different religious or ethnic groups, a dete- David Crane threatening famine in the country. More extreme weather, water, and soil stress, and food riorating environment and increasing risks insecurity will disrupt societies into the future, according to the Global Trends report. UN Canada & the 21st Century of pandemics. The future is in our hands. photograph by Tobin Jones But it will take visionary and determined leadership—especially in the major powers ORONTO—It is correct to call the times creating huge pressures on governments to societies, for example through cyber attacks including the U.S., China, Germany, Japan, Tin which we live the Great Disruption. provide services and infrastructure while and suicide terrorists from within. and India—to set the world on a better It is hard to think of many periods in hu- aging populations put pressure on health • Climate change, environmental chal- path. The downside is that today, that’s man history where such a combination of care and pensions. Globally, the fl ow of lenges, and global health threats will all where there is the biggest gap. disruptive trends has threatened the very international migrants will persist, putting require greater attention. “A range of glob- David Crane is an award-winning jour- foundations of society and the global order. more pressure on destination countries. al hazards pose imminent and longer-term nalist with special interests in the econom- This is not only a time when govern- • The global economy is shifting, with threats that will require collective action ics of globalization, innovation, sustain- ments at home are faced with change that is weak growth in the near future. Major to address—even as co-operation becomes able development, and social equity. He moving more quickly than societies can ad- economies face shrinking workforces and harder,” it says. “More extreme weather, can be reached at [email protected]. just to, exacerbating deep divisions between diminishing productivity growth, while water, and soil stress, and food insecurity The Hill Times winners and losers. It’s also a time when still coping with recovery from the 2008 the need for global co-operation has never fi nancial crisis, high levels of public and been greater, since our biggest challenges consumer debt, weak demand, and a back- are global. And it’s a time when the com- lash against globalization and trade. mitment to co-operation in an international • Rapid technological advance is increas- NOW AVAILABLE rules-based system is at signifi cant risk. ing the pace of change. While this will create This is the carefully considered warn- new opportunities, it will worsen divisions ing from the United States intelligence between winner and losers, as artifi cial CanCon Contributions & Quotas In a Digital Age community in a report to President Donald intelligence and automation may change A complete guide to the regulations on the Trump’s administration on the key trends industries and jobs faster than economies affecting our futures. Its warnings have can adjust. “Competition for good jobs has table in Heritage Canada’s review implications for all of us, including the become global, as technology, especially Canadian government. mass automation, disrupts labour markets,” it Every four years, for a returning or new warns. Countries will “be pressed to identify CanCon Contributions & U.S. administration, the National Intelli- new services, sectors, and occupations to gence Council produces its Global Trends replace manufacturing jobs that automation Quotas In a Digital Age report. It takes both a fi ve-year near-term and other technologies will eliminate—and look and a 20-year long-term look at what to educate and train workers to fi ll them.” the future holds—the threats, challenges, • Growing global connectivity at a time and opportunities—as a guide to aid the of weak economic growth is increasing administration in its strategic planning and tensions within and between societies, with priority setting. The council supports the ideas and identities driving exclusion and a director of national intelligence in his role political populism that is hostile to immi- as head of the U.S. intelligence community grants or the religion or values of others. “A and is the intelligence community’s centre more interconnected world will continue to for long-term strategic analysis. increase—rather than reduce—differences The report, Paradox of Progress, de- over ideas and identities.” livered earlier this year for the incoming • Governing is getting harder. “Publics Trump administration, contends that the big will demand governments deliver security trends it sees need not spell a doom-fi lled and prosperity, but fl at revenues, distrust, po- future, but warns that it will take a high larization, and a growing list of emerging is- A complete guide to the regulations on the table in Heritage Canada’s review level of domestic and global leadership and sues will hamper government performance,” co-operation to avert a scary future. while technology will expand the range of The report identifi es seven big trends players who can block or circumvent various that defi ne the major risks we face and that political actions. Managing global issues provide an important framework for planning will also become tougher. Indeed, it warns, In a constantly changing industry where companies can be streaming services, our own and the world’s collective futures: “democracy itself can no longer be taken for ISPs and traditional broadcasters and TV service providers all at once, the • The rich are aging; the poor are not. granted” as the gap between popular expec- impact of such changes will be complex. We cover the issues of Heritage Working-age populations are shrinking tations and government performance grows. Canada’s review of Canadian content in a digital age such as the “Netflix Tax.” in wealthy countries and soaring in the • The nature of confl ict is changing, with This report is the most comprehensive primer you’ll find on the subject. poorest regions. “Demographic shifts,” it the risk of confl ict increasing as interests warns, “will stress labour, welfare, and among major powers diverge, the terrorist social stability.” The world will add 1.5 bil- threat grows, weak states represent continu- lion people between now and 2035, with ing instability, and lethal, disruptive tech- most of that increase in Africa and South nologies spread. It will become easier to dis- BOOKS Asia, which are poorly equipped to provide rupt societies through cyber attacks, threats needed jobs and economic opportunity. to infrastructure, the use of long-range hilltimes.com/HT-books Growing automation will make it tougher precision weapons such as drones, and for developing countries to grow through with more accessible technology to create low-skilled manufacturing. At the same weapons of mass destruction. Warring will For more information, please contact Mark I [email protected] I 613-688-8821 time, millions more are moving into cities, likely shift from the battlefi eld to disrupting 16 WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Business before politics: Why Canada needs a national business plan for China A trade deal might lower investment and retooling to Chinese Premier ral economies of scale and the service the Chinese market, in Li Keqiang and Chinese government’s support hurdles for Canadian the form of a national business Prime Minister for a Made in China 2025 strategy exporters, but as a stand- plan. This plan should be market- Justin Trudeau make competing in the manufac- driven but at catalytic points in Parliament’s turing sector diffi cult. alone solution, it will not supported by the best practices of Centre Block wave A meaningful redesign of trigger a big boost to a public-private partnership. This during Mr. Li’s government trade support that practical blueprint should build visit to Canada last includes triaging of the number of Canadian exports to China. on conceptual studies by the Con- September. The Hill companies that receive assistance ference Board and the Canada Times photograph by and human resources is long China Business Council. A private Jake Wright overdue. Part of BDC’s advisory sector-led task force that includes services should be based on the rail companies as well as invest- ground in Canada’s top export ment fi rms should prepare the destinations to support only blueprint. China as a customer its own clients. Global Affairs should provide guidance. Canada and BDC should expand Initial government support engagement of locally based re- with prudent fi nancial assistance sources or expand postings to fi ve to develop the infrastructure to years to improve industry- and Amy Karam and John Gruetzner service commercial development sector-specifi c experience. This Trade of resource projects and process- approach dovetails with the lead- ing is required. Across Canada ing exporter growth funds being there are signifi cant commodities considered by Canadian banks. he Canadian government had like copper, coking coal, lique- A better economic partnership Tits fi rst round of exploratory fi ed natural gas, chrome, and with Beijing will not be easy, po- talks with China last month as the wood fi bre in the pine beetle litically or tactically, to negotiate. a precursor to potential negotia- forests that require infrastructure To take the pain but still not create tions for a free trade agreement. to be able to develop. A business this fi nancial risk. A capital pool BDC, and the Canadian Commer- greater prosperity for Canadians But before Canada executes a plan will better allocate federal or a joint line of credit between cial Corporation. would be a major policy mistake. new economic arrangement with infrastructure funds to address the China Development Bank and Canada should also be build- For Team Canada to maximize its China, the fi rst step should be the recent concerns being raised EDC could provide capital with ing on its pending position as a relationship with China, a proac- completion of a national busi- by the Parliamentary Budget Of- better market-driven principles shareholder in the Asian Infra- tive business-to-business partner- ness plan to signifi cantly increase fi ce and the Fraser Institute. that is customer-driven. structure Investment Bank, imple- ship will be required. exports of goods and services, as To be able to better execute Future Canadian corporate menting a marketing strategy John Gruetzner is the manag- well as attract investment. this national business plan, a re- development is at risk if globally to maximize its participation in ing director of Intercedent Lim- A bilateral trade agreement view of the federal government’s qualifi ed capital partners, man- China’s independent “One Belt, ited, an Asian-focused business might reduce some of the irri- trade fi nancing and market- agement, and boards of directors One Road” infrastructure invest- advisory fi rm. Amy Karam is the tants and obstacles to Canadian support teams is needed. Industry cannot be organized. The Ca- ment globally. author of The China Factor and exporters. As a stand-alone solu- Canada, Export Development nadian government must set an A separate high-end manufac- principal at Karam Consulting. tion, however, it will not actually Canada, the Business Develop- example by adding international turing strategy is required, but She has worked for Cisco and at trigger signifi cant improvements ment Bank of Canada, and, if es- board members based in China there are better multilateral trade Apple, Visa, and other leading of Canadian exports to China. tablished, the national infrastruc- with business experience to key protocols to use to secure a fair companies. Expansion of exports will require ture bank must prudently share Crown corporations such as EDC, playing ground. China’s natu- The Hill Times

Notwithstanding the Canada- ambitious multilateral agenda neither the capacity nor willingness Europe trade deal success story faces unprecedented challenges to provide that leadership globally. and the fact that Canada has from Trump, who prefers to negoti- Because of that, it could become the Canada’s proven capable of striking deals ate bilaterally because it more architect of its own demise. with small economies in emerg- clearly exploits American leverage Faced with a recalcitrant and ing markets such as Colombia and over weaker partners. reluctant U.S., Canada’s leaders Honduras, working with the likes In contrast, Canada counters are at a loss on how to develop a foreign policy of China and the new U.S. adminis- American infl uence through a multi- coherent strategy to kick-start mul- tration presents more daunting and lateral agenda with its emphasis on tilateral renewal. Despite the Cana- unanticipated challenges. the establishment and enforcement dian government’s desire to seek The collapse of the TPP is es- of collective rules guiding state con- a seat on the UN Security Council, choices in an pecially problematic for a country duct. To be sure, defence and border there are countries such as Ireland realizing migration patterns deeply security co-operation between the and Norway that have done more infl uence its trading relations, two countries are deeply interwoven, to justify membership. specifi cally in regards to China and but on collective global issues such If peacekeeping was the path era of disruption India whose peoples are increas- as climate change, Canada is more that would put Canada back on the ingly calling Canada home. While multilateral. council, that strategy appears to now we are historically dependent on It is through multilateralism that be on hold. Commitments to training Trump’s election is president, Canada fi nds itself in trade with the U.S. and Europe, Canada has typically addressed Ukrainian soldiers and deploying an exciting position. Trump is both our multicultural population and questions of peace and security. several hundred of our own in the implicitly cajoling disruptive and catalyzing; implic- its well-organized diaspora com- Unfortunately, the world is seeing a Baltic states under NATO command Canada’s leaders to, itly cajoling Canada’s leaders to, munities hold the key to Canadian decline in the coherence and effec- are meagre substitutes for fi xing a reluctantly and hesitantly, reluctantly and hesitantly, embrace prosperity. If Canada’s changing tiveness of such organizations. broken system. A solution to weak- change. If there is discomfort in demography portends future policy An example is the potential ened global governance remains embrace change. that, it comes largely from the stark choice, then surely there is merit in for bilateral free trade arrange- elusive. At the same time, uncertain- choices Canadians must confront in looking beyond North America. ments to weaken the World Trade ty in the global order represents an reacting to Trump’s policies. But the demand for change is Organization. Another example is important opportunity for Canada Consider, for example, trade. fuelled by more than these demo- the United Kingdom’s Brexit vote to strike a new path and embrace Renegotiating NAFTA is inevitable. graphic considerations. By mid-cen- and its implications for European change openly and willingly. If we That’s not necessarily a bad thing tury it’s estimated that Asia, led by Union integrity and coherence, succeed we may well end up thank- if it means Canada becomes more China, along with Brazil and South along with a perceived deteriora- ing Donald Trump for that. prosperous (though that strengthen- Africa, will have a combined gross tion of the UN system. David Carment is a Canadian ing will likely come at the expense national product larger than the G8. The real purpose of such institu- Global Affairs Institute fellow and of a weakened relationship with The brief moment with the U.S. as tions is to sanction, monitor, and co- editor of the Canadian Foreign Policy Mexico). But the Trump administra- the pre-eminent world power at the ordinate the management of public Journal. Joe Landry is with Carleton David Carment and Joe Landry tion has also negated the Trans- turn of the 20th century, is now a goods and to ensure harmonization University’s Norman Paterson School Geopolitics Pacifi c Partnership, a deal that multipolar system, dominated by ris- among states to overcome collective- of International Affairs. Portions of would have provided access to 40 ing giants that dwarf Canada militar- action problems such as climate this op-ed will appear in a volume cel- per cent of the global economy as a ily, economically, and politically. change and security. But without ebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary TTAWA—With Donald Trump’s rules-based regime for expanding To add uncertainty to the mix, leadership, such efforts will continue from UBC Press edited by Philippe Oelection as United States Canada’s trade into the Asia-Pacifi c. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s to fall apart. The U.S. appears to have Tortell and Max Cameron. THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 17 Opinion

fi nding processes did it start see- ing success in resolving disputes. If human rights ombudsman is The op-ed authors also argue that the CSR counsellor’s new mandate has not worked, cit- ing this as a main reason why it created, learn from experience should be replaced by an ombuds- man with investigative powers. The issue with this conclusion an ignorance of its proven track is that there is insuffi cient evi- A joint fact-fi nding record as a dispute-resolution tool. dence to support it. In fact, there process is a dispute- Joint fact-fi nding is not a pro- have been no new cases brought cess where both parties undertake forward since the new mandate resolution tool that separate investigations and battle was established. Those pushing it out. Rather, it is a methodology for an ombudsman keep point- works. that brings parties together to agree ing to the same four cases, three on the issues that will be investi- of which are currently working gated; the methods, resources, and their way through the Canadian people that will needed to conduct court system (Hudbay, Nevsun, the investigation; and the way that and Tahoe) and would see no information generated from the benefi t from the establishment of process will be used by the parties. an ombudsman. The fourth case Experience has shown that unilat- involves Barrick Gold, which has eral investigative processes are inef- acknowledged the harm and has fective in a non-judicial context. been working with the victims to The authors also wrongly sug- provide remedy. John Ruggie, pictured in 2009, has said Canada is the only country that gest that a case involving China Despite this, MAC has sup- imposes a penalty on mining companies that decline to participate in dispute Pierre Gratton Gold is evidence that the OECD- ported further expanding Canada’s resolution processes. UN photograph by Jean-Marc Ferré dispute resolution mechanisms by Mining companies mandated National Contact Point mechanism, which was strength- establishing an ombudsman mod- ened in 2014 along with the role processes. Canada is also the only tion’s (IFC) compliance adviser/ elled on the IFC CAO and focusing TTAWA—In a recent op-ed in of the CSR counsellor, remains country that has gone beyond the ombudsman (CAO) found that on resolving disputes between Othis newspaper, several profes- ineffective because the company OECD’s requirements to imple- “complaints often represent situ- companies and communities by us- sors call for the creation of a min- “did not even bother to show up.” ment a National Contact Point ations where two or more parties ing joint fact-fi nding investigatory ing ombudsman, but dismiss the When they stated this, the authors with the CSR counsellor. have become stuck in a cycle of processes. We also believe Cana- Mining Association of Canada’s failed to mention that, as a result The Mining Association of confl ict. Lack of trust, respect, da’s leadership in this space would recommendation that it employ of the company choosing not to Canada has recently advocated and imbalances of power often be enhanced if this approach a joint fact-fi nding process. The participate, the Canadian govern- for Canada to go a step further lay at the heart of the problem, applied to all industries, as there authors wrongfully conclude that ment made a public statement by creating a multi-stakeholder rather than evidence presented by is growing evidence of confl icts such a process would be ineffective withdrawing its support for the advisory body to oversee these one side or the other, or the qual- in other sectors including textiles, on the basis that companies would company and made clear recom- mechanisms. Switzerland has a ity or quantity of data.” construction, and even renewable not opt to participate, ignoring re- mendations of what it must do to similar body in place, which Rug- In this context, focusing on energy. For cases involving more cent changes to Canada’s recently regain its support. gie identifi ed as a leading global how to bring people together to serious allegations of human rights strengthened corporate social As Professor John Ruggie, au- practice. The combination of resolve disputes was much more abuses, Canada’s court system is responsibility (CSR) strategy that thor of the UN Guiding Principles multi-stakeholder oversight and effective than imposing judgment. increasingly open to hearing these compel companies to participate on Business and Human Rights, penalties for non-participation In fact, the CAO realized early on types of cases. with serious consequences if they points out: Canada is the only would further establish Canada that by imposing judgments, it Pierre Gratton is president don’t. The authors also demon- country that imposes a penalty as a global leader. became part of the problem. Only and CEO of the Mining Associa- strate a lack of understanding of on companies that decline to In a 10-year review, the when it started focusing on being tion of Canada. how joint fact-fi nding works and participate in dispute resolution International Finance Corpora- a neutral facilitator of joint fact- The Hill Times

corruption mean for Canada’s ghanistan have laid the foundation fi nal rotation of Canadian Armed engagement in Afghanistan is for Canada’s continued develop- Forces members closed the mis- Canada should uncertain, but continuing to ment initiatives in the country. sion, packed-up, and returned commit to the reconstruction of While Canada does not military equipment to Canada. Afghanistan’s education system provide funds to relevant Af- Not only should Canada reas- without security sector reform is ghan ministries, it contributes sess its objectives in Afghanistan, misguided. Moreover, the security signifi cantly to the World Bank- but it should shift from support- jump back situation around the country has led Afghan Reconstruction Trust ing economic development and sharply deteriorated, so there is Fund, formed in 2002 to support improving the education system a risk more aid money will be the institutional functions of the to reinforcing the original NATO wasted. Afghan government. mandate of security stabilization. into Afghan vital provinces including Kun- A recent report by the Special It should also focus on allocating duz, Kandahar, Helmand, Uruz- Inspector General for Afghani- the bulk of its already-committed gan, and Farah, with major roads stan Reconstruction prepared fi nancial aid to relevant security connecting the country north to for the United States Congress ministries in order raise the mo- security picture south, are heavily contested by concluded that the government rale of our Afghan partners and seasoned Taliban insurgents. of Afghanistan has uncontested improve security outcomes. In the past few weeks, Taliban- control over less than two-thirds Without a strategic shift, affi liated fi ghters have carried of its territory, signifi cantly less Canada’s taxpayer-funded fi nan- Without deeper involvement in the country, out audacious attacks in Afghani- than it did in 2015. cial contributions to Afghanistan Canada’s taxpayer-funded fi nancial stan’s major cities, including The precipitous loss of terri- could continue to be embezzled a bomb blast outside Supreme tory is due to the strategic shift by or wasted. Canada should support contributions to Afghanistan could Court in Kabul which killed at NATO members, including Can- the entire process of security sec- least 20 people, many employees ada, in partnership with Afghan tor reform, rather than frivolously continue to be embezzled or wasted. of the Ministry of Justice. Another National Security Forces. Afghan spend money on more economic well-planned attack in the south- troops receive very limited direct development and education with were embezzled, pointing to ern city of Kandahar killed fi ve military and tactical training from little oversight and where the rule large-scale corruption inside the senior diplomats from the United the U.S. and NATO-led contin- of law is essentially non-existent. country’s education department. Arab Emirates, as they met with gency trainers because the core of Once basic security structures Despite a World Bank initia- Afghan offi cials to discuss the the alliance’s mandate has shifted are established in post-confl ict tive to establish an international potential of restarting peace talks from security stabilization to situations, then accountabil- trust fund to minimize corruption, with the Taliban. counter-terrorism. ity, development, human rights, Canada’s funds may have been The Canadian government The Canadian government reconstruction, and transparency misappropriated. The Canadian renewed $150-million per year in should commit to kick-starting can be achieved. government is “undertaking due funding, totalling approximately a training role in Afghanistan to Sakhi Naimpoor is a PhD candi- diligence” to ensure that, if that $465-million over three years, for support the process of security date in the political science depart- Sakhi Naimpoor turns out to be the case, “such aid, education, and reconstruc- sector reform by re-engaging the ment at Western University. He Middle East funds are recovered and that the tion projects in Afghanistan after Afghan National Security Forces. specializes in international security guilty parties are held to account,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Since March 2014, Canada has policy and NATO-led capacity- Global Affairs Canada spokes- met with Afghan President Ashraf not engaged Afghanistan from a building initiatives. He is a registered llegations have surfaced that person Jessica Séguin told the Ghani in July 2016. Since 2001, military perspective. We have tak- business executive member of Asia- Aaid funds intended to help Ottawa Citizen. Canada’s and the international en our hands off without a single Pacifi c Economic Cooperation. Afghan children return to school What these allegations of mass community’s efforts to rebuild Af- Canadian soldier there since the The Hill Times 18 WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

well as access to Canadian courts man rights commitments obligate for non-nationals who have been the government to take action. harmed by the international op- More than once, the United Na- How Canada eration of Canadian companies. tions Committee on the Elimina- The current situation in the tion of Racial Discrimination has Philippines offers a compelling recommended that Canada adopt case for Canada to take action. new measures to hold transna- Philippine laws and the armed tional corporations registered in can better its forces tend to protect and promote Canada accountable for negative international trade and invest- impacts they cause overseas. ments at the expense of its citizens’ An extractive-sector ombuds- civil, socio-economic, and political man would be able to independently brand in the rights. On the resource-rich Philip- investigate complaints, seek judicial pine island of Mindanao, state support if companies fail to pro- security and paramilitary forces vide pertinent data to help with the are driving people from their lands, investigation, and make recommen- Philippines depriving them of their livelihoods, dations to corporations and the gov- and destroying their food sources. ernment of Canada—including the Those who choose to stand their withdrawal or termination of gov- Communities in the Philippines ground may be killed. ernment support, subsidy, promo- Foreign Minister , When representatives from tion, or protection. It would replace pictured earlier this year, when in would benefi t from the appointment Canadian civil society groups vis- the Offi ce of the Extractive Sector opposition in 2014 voted in favour of ited Mindanao in 2014 as part of Corporate Social Responsibility a private member’s bill to establish of an independent extractive-sector a KAIROS-led learning tour, they Counsellor, which has been largely an extractive-sector ombudsperson. reviewed credible evidence of nu- ineffective since it was established Author Connie Sorio writes that she ombudsperson to monitor Canadian merous human rights violations by the federal government in 2009. should re-introduce the bill this year. allegedly associated with Cana- There are hopeful signs. In The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright mining operations overseas. dian-linked mining operations on 2014, when in opposition, Chrys- the island, including displacement tia Freeland, now foreign affairs government could offer much- and on Parliament Hill to help and lost livelihood. minister, voted in favour of a needed diplomatic support—as a Canadians understand how hu- For people living in these com- private member’s bill to establish key trade partner—for the formal man rights violations and confl ict munities, many who are indige- an extractive-sector ombudsper- peace talks currently underway be- in their country are linked to nous, accessing a just and acces- son (Bill C-584). We encourage tween the Philippines government, resource extraction, including sible judicial system is not possible. the minister and her colleagues in NDFP, and other liberation groups. by Canadian companies. They Making matters worse, viola- Global Affairs Canada to re-intro- As a public champion of will also take their message to tions of economic, social, and cul- duce the bill this year. international peace and security, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, tural rights have worsened confl ict We also encourage legisla- and a key political and fi nancial Toronto, and Montreal. in the region that has been ongoing tion that gives non-nationals, who backer of Canadian extractive According to the Canadian for decades, and which has driven claim to be harmed by Canadian companies, Canada has the power Connie Sorio Chamber of Commerce of the displaced persons to take up arms extractive companies, access to to improve the human rights and Mining companies Philippines, there are close to under the banner of militarized Canadian courts. While there have environmental performances of 200 Canadian companies in the organizations such as the New been landmark cases in Ontario and companies overseas. Philippines. With this economic People’s Army, a member of the where courts have By doing so, the government anadian mining companies presence, Canada can play an National Democratic Front of the agreed to hear plaintiffs who claim will help ensure that Canada’s in- Care often the face of Canada important role in ensuring corpo- Philippines (NDFP). abuse linked to Canadian mining ternational face projects an image in the Global South. For those rate accountability. Communities Clearly a legal and fair pro- companies, enshrining this access in that better refl ects how Canadi- affected by these companies, this in the Philippines would benefi t cess is required to address serious Canadian law will help foster greater ans wish to be perceived. face may be a far cry from how from the appointment of an in- allegations related to extractive corporate accountability in countries Connie Sorio is KAIROS Canadians like to see themselves. dependent extractive-sector om- industries on Mindanao and in with lax judicial systems. Canada’s Asia-Pacifi c partner- This week a delegation from budsperson to monitor Canadian other regions and countries. In- In addition to legislating open- ships co-ordinator. the Philippines will be in Ottawa mining operations overseas, as deed, Canada’s international hu- for-justice policies, the Canadian The Hill Times

crises, Israel is now providing de- salination solutions for close to 40 Israeli innovation a model countries. In perpetually drought- stricken California, Israel’s IDE Technologies is building a $1-billion ocean-water desalina- for World Water Day tion plant in San Diego, slated to provide 50 million gallons of water daily. Canada can learn cubic metres of renewable inter- witness a scramble for water. To its credit, Canada is no nal fresh water per capita in 2014, Climate change, responsible for latecomer to recognizing Israel’s plenty from its Israel had just 91. And yet today, melting ice and glaciers, is mak- leadership in water technology. Israel—a desert nation—is a water ing a scarce resource ever scarcer. The University of Waterloo’s partner in the superpower and leading exporter By 2030, demand for water will Water Institute has an agree- of best practices in water manage- outstrip supply by 40 per cent, ment with Israel’s Technion in Middle East when ment and technology around the with governments forced to spend water treatment, and Dalhousie world. Canada’s natural bounty in $200-billion annually to make up University is a program part- it comes to water water should not cause us to over- the difference. To prevent po- ner with Israel’s Interuniversity management. look the opportunity to strengthen tentially catastrophic shortages, Institute for Marine Sciences to bilateral ties with Israel in this vital action needs to be taken now increase joint research in water. area of research and development. to develop technology that will The government of Manitoba has Wednesday is World Water increase supply and enable more also established a symposium on Day, and that should remind us responsible water usage. water in partnership with Israel, that access to clean, fresh water So what does one of the world’s bringing together experts from Climate change will exacerbate what remains one of the world’s most smallest, driest countries have to both countries to discuss wet- is already a global water shortage. pressing challenges. Nearly 800 teach Canada about water? Despite lands reclamation, wastewater Photograph by JC McIlwaine courtesy of the million people—more than one in being a country that is 60 per cent management, and other topics. United Nations 10 worldwide—lack access to clean desert, Israel is now a net exporter These are important initia- drinking water. Regions such as of fresh water. It’s no coincidence tives, but they represent just the We can’t afford to let a world California have experienced succes- that Israel, as one of the world’s tip of the iceberg when it comes to water shortage take us by sur- sive years of drought. Large swaths hubs for water tech and research, Canadian-Israeli cooperation in the prise. Israel has demonstrated Matthew Godwin of the Middle East, particularly Iran, also exports over $2.2-billion worth area of water. Our shared commit- that with the right mix of sound International co-operation are experiencing rapid desertifi ca- of water technology. ment to excellence in technology public policy and innovation, tion through overconsumption. And One of its great successes has and research, combined with our water sustainability is possible in in Somalia and elsewhere, tragi- been water desalination. Israel dual experiences with water—from the most unlikely of places. mong Canada’s many bless- cally, water shortages have led to operates fi ve desalination plants, extraordinary plenty to extreme Matthew Godwin is Associate Aings are our extraordinary devastating famine, with more than which produce over 25 per cent of need—make the two countries Director, University and Provin- water resources, which alone half of the country now desperately the country’s water needs and 80 unique partners in this fi eld. cial Government Relations, at comprise 20 per cent of the world’s in need of food aid. per cent of household water sup- Government and academia alike the Centre for Israel and Jewish fresh water. In stark contrast, while Affairs (CIJA). If global consumptionst contin- ply. As many parts of the world should explore ways to expand Canada had more than 80,000 ues apace, the 21 century will continue to grapple with water bilateral research in water. The Hill Times The Hill Times | wednesday, march 22, 2017 19 News

Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Don’t blame argues the Liberals have emphasized the number of refugees they’ve Trump for brought into Canada rather than being transparent about the cost asylum- required to integrate the newcomers. The Hill Times photograph by seekers, says Jake Wright 90 per cent unemployment for The week ahead in committees immigration government-backed

Syrian refugees Thursday, March 23 Authority, the Canadian Air Transport Security • The House Foreign Affairs and Development Authority, the Canadian Transportation Agency, Via Under questioning on the sta- Committee will meet at 8:45 a.m. in room 415, Rail Canada, and Marine Atlantic. It will hear from tus of Syrian refugees, Mr. Hus- Wellington Building to discuss the situation in Transport Minister , officials minister sen told the committee that just Eastern Europe and Central Asia 25 years after the from the Office of Infrastructure of Canada and 10 per cent of those who had been end of the Cold War. It will hear from officials from Transport Canada, and members of Marine the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Edgars Atlantic, the Canadian Transport Agency, the Conservative MP David Tilson sponsored by the government had Continued from page 5 found jobs so far. Rinkevics, the foreign minister of Latvia. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, Jacques- (Dufferin-Caledon, Ont.) kicked meeting will be televised. Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated, That matters because the fed- ramp up deportations of illegal off the meeting by requesting a • The House Government Operations and Estimates the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, and PPP eral government stops financially Canada. It will be televised. immigrants. separate appearance from Mr. Committee will meet at 8:45 a.m. in room 315, supporting government-assisted Wellington Building to continue its review of • The Subcommittee on International Human Rights Most of the asylum-seekers Hussen in May to study the main estimates, instead of try- refugees one year after they the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act. It of the House Foreign Affairs and International who crossed into Manitoba in arrive, and more than 15,000 gov- will hear from officials from the Public Servants Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in room 315, February were male, and most ing to cover the main estimates, Disclosure Tribunal and the Office of the Public Wellington Building to continue its study on the supplementary estimates, and the ernment-backed Syrian refugees never filed asylum claims in the have now been in Canada for at Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada, human rights situation in South Sudan. It will hear ministerial mandate letter for Mr. including commissioner Joe Friday. from Unicef Canada’s president and CEO David U.S. before coming to Canada, least that long. Hussen all in one meeting, as had • The House Indigenous and Northern Affairs Morley and Jonathan Pedneault, a researcher in said the minister. Of 143 claim- Mr. Hussen told the committee the Africa division of Human Rights Watch. ants, 65 were originally from been scheduled. Committee will meet at 8:45 a.m. in room 420, that the seemingly low employ- Wellington Building to study default prevention • The House International Trade Committee will Somalia—from which Mr. Hussen Liberal MP Borys Wrzesnews- kyj (Etobicoke Centre, Ont.), the ment rate was actually typical and management policy. It will hear from officials meet at 3:15 p.m. at room 268, Valour Building himself came to Canada as a from the First Nations Financial Management to discuss the Canadian steel industry’s ability to committee chair, responded that for government-assisted refugees refugee in 1993—another 60 were after their first year. Board, First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations compete internationally. It will hear from officials from neighbouring Djibouti, and it was at his discretion to set the Finance Authority, MNP LLP, and BDO Canada. from ABB Canada, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ADF agenda for committee meetings. The provinces and territories Group, and Tenaris. five were from Ghana, he said. shoulder the cost of providing • The House Industry, Science, and Technology After more polite squabbling and Committee will meet at 8:45 a.m. in room 425, • The House Access to Information, Privacy, and Mr. Hussen also confirmed social assistance to government- that, as reported earlier this a lengthy staredown over the tim- Wellington Building to study Bill C-36, An Act to Ethics Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m in room ing of motions and who held the assisted refugees who have run amend the Statistics Act. It will hear from officials 420, Wellington Building to discuss the Personal month by the Canadian Press, past the one year mark. Mr. Hus- from , including Anil Arora, chief Information Protection and Electronic Documents many of the asylum-seekers floor, Mr. Tilson called for a vote statistician of Canada. It will also consider a draft Act. It will hear from Jennifer Stoddart, Tamir on the chair’s decision, that was, sen told The Hill Times he had crossing north into Manitoba and not received any complaints from report on its study of the manufacturing sector. Israel, the staff lawyer at the Canadian Internet predictably, in the chair’s favour Policy and Public Interest Clinic, and Suzanne into Quebec held U.S. visas. the provinces so far about those • The House Status of Women Committee will meet “That is definitely a concern along party lines. at 8:45 a.m. in room 235-D, Centre Block to Morin, vice-president, privacy and access law costs. section, with the Canadian Bar Association. for us, and it shows us that there discuss the main estimates for Status of Women Ms. Rempel, however, criti- Canada and for a briefing by Status of Women Afterwards, it will meet in-private to consider a needs to be more conversations cized the government for not Minister . It will also hear draft report on its study of the Security of Canada had with our American counter- “If we eliminate being upfront about the costs that from officials from Status of Women Canada. It Information Sharing Act. parts to address that,” he told the were likely to come with bringing will be televised. • The House Canadian Heritage Committee will committee. [the Safe Third in government-assisted refugees, • The House Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee meet at 3:30 p.m. in room 315, Wellington Building to consider a draft report on its study Mr. Hussen told The Hill Times who typically don’t fare as well will meet at 11 a.m. in room 425, Wellington he didn’t know why people with Country Agreement] Building to hear amendments to the health of of the media and local communities. It will meet for the first decade in Canada as in private. U.S. visas were coming to seek animals regulations. It will hear from officials from or suspend that those who are privately spon- the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Association • The House National Defence Committee will meet asylum in Canada. sored by Canadians. They tend to Québécoise des transporteurs d’animaux vivants, at 3:30 p.m. in room 410, Wellington Building “It’s something that we’re agreement, we will have poorer language skills. Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and the to consider a draft report on its study of force working with our American coun- “The Liberals have always Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. protection. It will meet in private. terparts to figure out, and we are have disorder.” made this about the quota num- • The House Health Committee will meet at 11 • The House Natural Resources Committee will meet very hopeful that they will work ber of people that are coming into a.m. in room 268, Valour Building to study at 3:30 p.m. in room 425, Wellington Building to —Immigration M-47, Public Health Effects of Online Violent and continue its study on clean technology in Canada’s with us to sort of provide more the country, rather than being analysis and information,” he said. Degrading Sexually Explicit Material on Children, natural resource sector. It will hear from officials Minister transparent with Canadians on Women and Men. It will hear from researchers from Canada Action Coalition, CarbonCure Mr. Hussen again held firm in the cost of the plan that’s re- Kathleen Hare, Jacqueline Gahagan, Mary Anne Technologies, Swirltex, and eCamion. the meeting to the government’s Ahmed Hussen quired to integrate,” she told The Layden, and Sharon Cooper, executive director of support for the Safe Third Country Developmental and Forensic Pediatrics. Hill Times. Monday, March 27 Agreement with the United States, More than half of privately • The House Human Resources, Skills, and Social • The Senate Official Languages Committee when asked by NDP MP Jenny sponsored Syrian refugees have Development and the Status of Persons with will meet at 5 p.m. in room 257, East Block, Mr. Hussen came under fire Disabilities Committee will meet at 11 a.m. Kwan (Vancouver East, B.C.), her now found employment, Mr. Hus- to consider a draft report on its study on the party’s immigration critic, to re- next from Conservative MP Mi- in room 228, Valour Building to study Bill challenges associated with access to French sen told the committee. C-243, An Act respecting the development of a consider suspending the deal that chelle Rempel (Calgary Nose Hill, schools and French immersion programs in B.C. It A July 2016 study released national maternity assistance program strategy will consider a draft agenda. It will meet in private. requires that Canada turn back Alta.), her party’s immigration and amending the Employment Insurance Act critic, who, reminding the minis- by Immigration, Refugees, and those who seek asylum at an offi- Citizenship Canada showed that, (maternity benefits). It will hear from Kingston cial border crossing, but provide a ter of the limited time allotted to and the Islands MP and officials Tuesday, March 28 between 2002 and 2012, about 40 • The Senate Aboriginal Peoples Committee will hearing to consider refugee status her, repeatedly cut him off when from the Department of Employment and Social his answers didn’t come straight per cent of government-assisted Development. meet at 9 a.m. at room 160-S, Centre Block for those who sneak across into to discuss its study on the new relationship refugees had found jobs after 12 • The House Official Languages Committee will to the point, prompting all man- between Canada and First Nations, , and Canadian territory without going months in Canada, versus about meet at 11 a.m. in room 410, Wellington Building ner of gavel-banging and calls for Métis peoples. It will hear from University of through an official crossing. to study Air Canada’s implementation of the 70 per cent of privately sponsored Saskatchewan history professor J.R. Miller. There “If we eliminate that agree- decorum. Official Languages Act. It will hear from officials Mr. Hussen later got similar refugees. Government-assisted will be an audio broadcast. ment or suspend that agreement, refugees are often more vulnera- from Air Canada and the Air Canada Component we will have disorder,” he said. treatment from Ms. Kwan, who of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local • The Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee interrupted the minister to ask ble and have less community sup- 4901. will meet at 5 p.m. or later (whenever the Senate rises) at a yet-to-be determined location in port than those who are privately • The House Transport, Infrastructure, and another question when he didn’t Centre Block to discuss its study on the potential sponsored. Communities Committee will meet at 11 a.m. answer the first quickly enough. impact of the effects of climate change on the Points of disorder After a decade, employment in in room 235-D, Centre Block to discuss subject “Welcome to the committee agriculture, agri-food, and forestry sectors. It will The soft-spoken Mr. Hussen matter in the supplementary estimates relating both groups sat at around 55 per hear from officials with the Canadian Federation got a rough ride from the opposi- Mr. Minister, I hope you’re enjoy- to the Transport Department, the Office of cent, the study showed. of Agriculture, the Canadian Horticultural Council, tion in what was one of the more ing yourself today,” said Mr. Tilson Infrastructure of Canada, the Federal Bridge [email protected] and the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. when it came to his turn, to laugh- Corporation Limited, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge spirited meetings of the House @PJMazereeuw There will be an audio broadcast. Immigration Committee. ter from around the table. 20 The Hill Times | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Classifieds Information and Advertisement Placement: 613-232-5952 • [email protected]

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all PPS members to review the agency’s ‘The main problem in standard operating procedures outlining the process of providing services in both my opinion is the lack official languages, ongoing reminders during daily operational briefings and of leadership from the by email of its “commitment and obliga- minister,’ says NDP MP tion to full compliance with the Official Languages Act,” and the “diverse array” of François Choquette. official language training options available to all PPS employees, including online and Continued from page 1 classroom options. Ms. Rusk also cited the “strategic de- “The main problem in my opinion is ployment” of unilingual PPS members to the lack of leadership from the minister, ensure that a bilingual resource is readily because when I asked her this question available, the distribution of an official she told me this is the responsibility of languages resources card to members that the minister of security, or the minister detail basic responses in both official lan- of [something else],” he told The Hill guages, and an upcoming series of aware- Times. ness campaigns promoting the importance “She’s not taking responsibility.” of bilingualism within the PPS. When reached for comment, Pierre- Currently, 98 per cent of the PPS work- Olivier Herbert, a spokesperson for force is bilingual, she said. Minister Joly, reiterated the government’s Liberal MP Denis Paradis (Brome-Mis- commitment to supporting Canada’s two sisquoi, Que.), chair of the House Official official languages and the importance Languages Committee, said he has noticed of ensuring Canadians can access a considerable improvement in the number government services in the language of of Hill personnel able to communicate in both official languages since he returned their choice. NDP MP François Choquette wants Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly to take a more forceful role to He also noted that the Heritage Min- to Parliament in 2015 after a nine-year ensure that language complaints about security services on the Hill are properly addressed. The absence. istry would be presenting its first official Hill Times photograph by Marco Vigliotti languages action plan this year. “I think that they really improved here. A complaint investigation report from [There are] more and more bilingual posi- the Office of the Commissioner of Offi- tions on the Hill,” he said. PPS, told The Hill Times that the agency police service’s academy, to meet opera- cial Languages in 2016 found that RCMP “There’s been a big improvement over has processes in place to handle language tional needs, but instead identifies and officers stationed in the Parliamentary the last years.” complaints that align with recommenda- recruits permanent bilingual staff as part Precinct were failing to meet the national Mr. Paradis represented the same tions in the commissioner’s report. of measures to address concerns about police service’s obligations to communi- southwestern Quebec riding for almost Any complaint received by the agency language services on the Hill. cate in both official languages, deeming nine years before losing his seat in the immediately prompts an investigation, and As a result, 87 per cent of RCMP regular four complaints relating to Hill security as 2006 election. He unsuccessfully sought to the findings of the investigation “define” the members deployed to the PPS were bilin- founded. reclaim the seat in the 2008 and 2011 elec- necessary measures and steps to be taken gual as of last October, he said, noting that All four complaints related to the tions before handily winning in 2015. to address the complaint and resolve any unilingual officers are either paired with a failure of officers to provide services in Mr. Choquette said he hasn’t run into contributing factors, she said. bilingual officer or strategically positioned French, the CBC reported. Complaint any issues with unilingual officers on the Mr. Choquette, though, said if the PPS so they have no contact or interaction with investigations are not made public by the Hill, but worries that without a reporting does indeed have in place a system to track the public. Office of the Commissioner of Official system, complaints won’t be properly ad- complaints, he wants to see what it consti- Furthermore, Ms. Rusk noted that the Languages. dressed. tutes and how it’s implemented. PPS is pushing forward several initiatives The Parliamentary Protective Service “If you don’t have this, how can you Scott Bardsley, a spokesperson for to “formalize procedures in support of, and (PPS) is the agency mandated to provide manage to be sure that if there is a com- Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale increase awareness surrounding, our of- security in the Hill precinct. The agency plaint, that there is then a solution?” he (Regina-Wascana, Sask.), said the PPS ficial language obligations” in response to operates under the auspices of the National said. no longer relies on recent graduates from the commissioner’s report. Division of the RCMP. [email protected] the RCMP’s Depot Division in Regina, the She highlighted initiatives requiring Under the Official Languages Act, the The Hill Times RCMP is mandated to offer services in both French and English on the Hill. RCMP representatives cited in the report claimed that between 72 and 83 per cent of of- ficers on the Hill were bilingual when the complaints were rendered in 2015, the CBC reported. The commissioner’s report raised pointed concerns about the ability of the Mounties on the Hill to provide instruc- Canadian Meat Industry Welcomes New President and CEO tions to staff and visitors in the case of an emergency, such as the October 2014 Le secteur canadien de la viande accueille un nouveau directeur général shootings that paralyzed the capital. “It is critical that members of both The Canadian Meat Council is pleased to announce the Le Conseil des viandes du Canada est fier d’annoncer la official language communities be able to appointment of Christopher White as the organization’s new nomination de Christopher White au poste de directeur général. understand the instructions given,” reads President and CEO. « Je suis ravi de l’arrivée de Chris White au sein du Conseil des the report, according to the CBC. “I am delighted to welcome Chris White to the Canadian viandes du Canada, s’est exprimé le président du CVC, Troy Warren. The commissioner’s report recommend- ed the PPS draft and implement biannual Meat Council,” said CMC Chair Troy Warren. “Chris will draw Chris cumule plus de 20 ans d’expérience dans des rôles de premier reminders to officers about their official on his more than 20 years of successful experience in top tier plan dans la sphère politique, au public, et au privé, une expérience language obligations and to establish political, public, and private sector roles in the development qu’il mettra à profit pour élaborer une nouvelle vision et un nouveau a monitoring mechanism by the end of of a new vision and strategic plan that will focus our plan stratégique qui fera de notre organisation une association August 2016 that will make it possible to organization on becoming a best in class trade association,” commerciale de premier rang », ajoute-t-il. confirm that language services are avail- added Warren. La vaste expérience de M. White transcende les organisations able at all times on Parliament Hill. Chris White has extensive industry organization, government industrielles, les relations avec le gouvernement, et les affaires Mr. Choquette said he’s spent the past relations, and public affairs experience. Previous positions have publiques. Il avait auparavant occupé le poste de chef de cabinet pour year calling for the creation of a reporting included Chief of Staff for five federal cabinet ministers and cinq ministres fédéraux et le titre de vice-président des relations avec le mechanism to manage complaints as per Vice-President of Government Relations in the finance, insurance, and auto sectors. gouvernement dans les domaines des finances, de l’assurance, et de l’automobile. the commissioner’s report. “The commissioner asked for a way to Chris has a master’s degree in political science from the University of Windsor, M. White est titulaire d’une maîtrise en science politique de l’Université de look at the complaints and to have solu- as well as a bachelor’s degree in political science and a graduate diploma in Windsor ainsi que d’un baccalauréat en science politique et d’un diplôme de cycles tions...[but] there is no process,” he said. international development from the . supérieurs en développement international de l’Université d’Ottawa. Melissa Rusk, a spokesperson for the 22 WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 | THE HILL TIMES Feature Events

21-23 at the Library and Archives Canada for a two-day Author Jamie PARLIAMENTARY conference. With participation from the Offi ce of the Swift, pictured, Information Commissioner of Canada, the Department will speak about of Justice, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and CALENDAR Library of Archives Canada in collaboration with the The Vimy Trap: Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom, the Or, How We Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the Library of Learned to Stop Parliament, and with a Canadian leading expert in open Worrying and government. The conference themes will look at key Love the Great issues and how they affect a wide range of Canadians War, which he including aboriginal peoples, journalists, historians, wrote with Ian librarians, youth, and national security experts. http:// transparencyconferencetransparence.ca. McKay at an Federal Budget Day—Finance Minister Bill Mor- event Monday, neau will release the federal budget in the House of March 27 from Commons at 4 p.m. on March 22. 5-7 p.m. at Book Launch: ’s Triple Crown— the Royal Oak, Second NDP Throughout his career, the late Jim Prentice was Canal branch, devoted to energy, environment, and indigenous issues. 221 Echo These themes resonate in the book, Triple Crown: Win- leadership ning Canada’s Energy Future, written before his tragic Dr., Ottawa. death in October. The Public Policy Forum is hosting Photograph debate this this book launch, Wednesday, March 22, 5:30-7:30 courtesy of Jamie p.m. Rideau Club, 99 Bank St., 15th fl oor, Ottawa. Swift Free. Karen Prentice will provide opening remarks, weekend and Triple Crown collaborator J.S. Rioux will provide some context before a panel discussion, featuring Ailish Campbell, chief trade commissioner, Global THURSDAY, MARCH 23 Norm Gagnon’s Retirement Shindig—Illustrious Par- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 Affairs Canada; Leah Lawrence, president and CEO, liamentary Press Gallery guru Norm Gagnon is retiring. Sustainable Development Technology Canada; Chief Trade Experts Roundtable: The New Security Dimen- Celebrate Mr. Gagnon’s career with the gallery. Three Liberal Caucus Meeting—The Liberals will meet in Jim Boucher, Fort McKay First Nation; and Christopher sion of Global Commerce—This symposium, hosted by Brewers, 240 Sparks St., 6 p.m. Room 237-C Centre Block on Parliament Hill. For more Henderson, president, Lumos Energy. Public Policy the School of Public Policy and information, please call Liberal Party media relations at Forum president Edward Greenspon will moderate. the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, will examine SUNDAY, MARCH 26 [email protected] or 613-627-2384. Register via eventbrite.ca/e/book-launch-jim-prentices- issues confronting exporters and policy-makers operat- NDP Leadership Debate—The second bilingual NDP Conservative Caucus Meeting—The Conservatives triple-crown-tickets-31965767471?aff=erellivmlt. ing at the nexus of trade, commerce, and security. leadership debate will take place in Montreal, focused will meet for their national caucus meeting. For more Chicken, Egg, Turkey Farmers Host Reception— Speakers include: former CSEC chief John Adams, on youth issues. A new leader will be selected no later information, contact Cory Hann, director of commu- Chicken Farmers of Canada, Egg Farmers of Canada, Chamber of Commerce president , former than Oct. 29, 2017. nications, Conservative Party of Canada at coryhann@ Turkey Farmers of Canada, and Canadian Hatching Egg national security adviser to the prime minister Richard conservative.ca. Producers are hosting their Joint Annual Reception Fadden, and former CBSA president Luc Portelance. MONDAY, MARCH 27 NDP Caucus Meeting—The NDP caucus will meet on Wednesday, March 22, 6-9 p.m. in the ballroom of Barney Danson Theatre, Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy House Not Sitting—The House is not sitting this week, from 9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. in Room 112-N Centre Block, the Chateau Laurier. Parliamentarians, their staff, and Pl., Ottawa, Ont. 9:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m.-4 but sits again April 3-April 13. It breaks again April on Wednesday. Please call the NDP Media Centre at industry friends are invited to come have delicious, p.m. program. Registration fee: $89. Register via goo. 17-April 28 and resumes sitting May 1-May 19. It breaks 613-222-2351 or [email protected]. high-quality Canadian chicken, turkey, and eggs, and gl/Wd0zi3. For more information, please contact sp- May 22-May 26 and resumes sitting again May 29 and is Bloc Québécois Caucus Meeting—The Bloc Québé- share a drink with the farmers who raise them. [email protected]. scheduled to sit every weekday until June 23, but it could cois caucus will meet from 9:30 a.m. in the Fran- Exhibition: Jewish Soldiers on the Isonzo Front— Forum for Young Canadians MP Receptions—The Fo- adjourn earlier than scheduled. The House will break until cophonie room (263-S) in Centre Bock, on Wednesday. The Slovenian Embassy in co-operation with the rum For Young Canadians will be celebrating Canada’s Monday, Sept. 18. As for the Senate, it will sit March For more information, call press attaché Julie Groleau, Wallenberg Citation Initiative and the Centre for Israel 150th anniversary by welcoming 350 secondary 28-April 13, then break until May 1, resuming sitting 514-792-2529. and Jewish Affairs presents this exhibition dedicated students from across Canada to Ottawa in 2017. It will until May 19, breaking May 22-26, and then sitting again Transparency for the 21st Century—More than to Jewish soldiers in the Austro-Hungarian army who be holding a reception on Thursday, March 23 at the May 29-June 30, though it could break earlier. 200 Canadian and international experts and advo- fell on the Isonzo Front of the First World War in the Marriott hotel at 100 Kent St., Ottawa, Victoria North cates in access to information, open government, and territory of present-day Slovenia. Ottawa Public Library, Ballroom, 4:30-7 p.m. RSVP by email to ssawers@ Continued on page 23 government transparency will meet in Ottawa March 120 Metcalfe St., second fl oor. Open until March 31. forum.ca or by phone at 613-233-4086.

Canada’s largest progressive policy conference

April 5 - 7, 2017 | Delta Ottawa City Centre broadbentinstitute.ca/summit2017 THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAy, MARCH 22, 2017 23 Events Feature

challenges reporting on the refugee crisis. CBC’s Europe correspondent Margaret Evans; Globe and Mail’s Mark Swedish ambassador hosts Nordic- PARLIAMENTARY MacKinnon; Foreign Policy and OpenCanada contribu- tor Michael Petrou; national security reporter CALENDAR Michelle Shephard; and freelance writer Naheed Mustafa Baltic Ski Day will be talking at the Canadian War Museum, Barney Danson Theatre, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, April 3, 5:30-7 p.m. Recep- The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia tion to follow. Register via cigionline.org. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 Liberal Caucus Meeting—The Liberals will meet in Room 237-C Centre Block on Parliament Hill. For more information, please call Liberal Party media relations at [email protected] or 613-627-2384. Conservative Caucus Meeting—The Conservatives will meet for their national caucus meeting. For more informa- tion, contact Cory Hann, director of communications, Vimy Trap Conservative Party of Canada at [email protected]. NDP Caucus Meeting—The NDP caucus will meet from 9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. in Room 112-N Centre Block, Helena Anderson of the Swedish Embassy takes off, author to speak on Wednesday. Please call the NDP Media Centre at followed by Swedish Ambassador Per Sjögren at the Mr. Sjögren and Norwegian Ambassador Anne Kari 613-222-2351 or [email protected]. event Mr. Sjögren hosted at his home on March 17. Hansen Ovind. Bloc Québécois Caucus Meeting—The Bloc Québécois at Royal Oak- caucus will meet from 9:30 a.m. in the Francophonie room (263-S) in Centre Bock, on Wednesday. For more informa- tion, call press attaché Julie Groleau, 514-792-2529. Canal March 27 The 15-Year Experiment: An Update on the Afghanistan Reconstruction Effort—The University of Ottawa presents a conversation with John Sopko, SIGAR (Special Inspector Continued from page 22 General for Afghanistan Reconstruction) for the United States. April 5. 1-2:30 p.m. 120 University Pvt., Faculty MONDAY, MARCH 27 of Social Sciences University of Ottawa FSS 5028. Book Talk: The Vimy Trap—Join author Jamie Swift THURSDAY, APRIL 6 for a presentation on The Vimy Trap: Or, How We Bacon & Eggheads Breakfast—The Partnership Group Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Great War, for Science and Engineering presents a talk, ‘Building a which he wrote with Ian McKay. Monday, March 27. Climate-Smart World: How Development Research Helps 5-7 p.m. Royal Oak, Canal branch, 221 Echo Dr. the Global Population Adapt to Climate Change,’ with Co-sponsored by the Group of 78, Rideau Institute, Robert Hofstede, International Development Research Citizens for Public Justice, and Peace Quest. Centre. Thursday, April 6, 7:30 a.m., Parliamentary Victor Hansen Ovind, son of the Norwegian ambassador, Norwegian minister-counsellor Else Kveinen, Victor’s brother TUESDAY, MARCH 28 Dining Room, Centre Block. No charge to MPs, Senators, Oscar Hansen Ovind, and Ms. Hansen Ovind, with Mr. Sjögren. and media. All others, $25. Pre-registration required Information Session for Veterans and Their Families— by Monday, April 3, by contacting Donna Boag, PAGSE Veterans and their families are invited to hear more about [email protected] or call 613-991-6369. Veterans Affairs benefi ts and Veterans Review and Appeal Investing in Canada: A Long-Term Infrastructure Plan Board hearings. Organized by 5P Legal Services. Tuesday, to Build the Canada of the 21st Century—The Economic Myanmar celebrates national day at NAC March 28, 1:30 p.m. Free. Unit 3, 158A McArthur Ave. Club of Canada presents Infrastructure Minister Ama- (Chateau Vanier), Ottawa. Free parking, accessible venue. rjeet Sohi. Thursday, April 6. 7:45-9 a.m. Chateau For more info: 613-729-9983. Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa. Breakfast will be served. Ambassadors Speakers Series—This public lecture Members $89 per seat; guests $110. economicclub.ca. will feature Ambassador of Argentina Marcelo Suárez Broadbent Institute Progress Summit—The Broad- Salvia. Tuesday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. Carleton Univer- bent Institute will host its annual conference, with the sity campus, Senate Board Room, 6th fl oor, Robertson theme “Change the Game.” Speakers include journalist Hall (room 608). A reception will follow in room 617. and activist Desmond Cole; Sandy Hudson, co-founder Limited seating. RSVP by March 27 to: ambassa- of Black Lives Matter-Toronto; and more. April 5-7. Del- dor-argentina.eventbrite.com. ta Ottawa City Centre, 101 Lyon St. N. For registration Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s Great Debate—Should Cana- details, see: broadbentinstitute.ca/summit2017. dians be ashamed of their country’s history? Jack Granatstein Newly arrived Chinese Ambassador Lu Shaye with and Noah Richler will hash out that question as part of SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Pakistani High Commissioner Tariq Azim Khan and Khin Myint Kyi with her spouse, the ambassador of another Great Canadian Debate, 7 p.m. March 28, at the 2017 CFHS National Animal Welfare Conference—The Indonesian Ambassador Teuku Faizasyah at the March Myanmar, Kyaw Myo Htut, as they greet Jamaican Barney Danson Theatre, Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl. annual Canadian Federation of Humane Societies Na- 13 event. High Commissioner Janice Miller. in Ottawa. To buy tickets, visit macdonaldlaurier.ca. tional Animal Welfare Conference features speakers and THURSDAY, MARCH 30 dozens of different animal welfare topics, helping to further professionalize the sector, build knowledge and Ikebana 2017: The Art of Japanese Floral Design—Ikebana set the agenda for Canada’s humane movement for the International Ottawa Centennial Chapter 120 will present its year to come. April 8-11, 2017. The Westin Ottawa, 11 annual Ikebana Exhibition from March 30 to April 2 at the Colonel By Dr. conference.cfhs.ca. Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa. En- try to the exhibition included in regular museum admission. TUESDAY, APRIL 11 FRIDAY, MARCH 31 Life and Health Insurance Industry Advocacy Day—CEOs representing Canada’s life and health insurance industry The Relationship Between Parliament and the Agents of Par- will be in Ottawa to meet with Parliamentarians about liament—Agents of Parliament are meant to be independent issues of importance to Canadians, such as access to from the government, but it is the government that gives and affordable prescription drugs, investing in Canada’s infra- sometimes diminishes their power, their independence, and structure and international trade. For more information, their funding. Some say that we have too many agents of contact Susan Murray ([email protected]). The ambassador and his spouse with Cesar Remis, from the economic division at the Mexican Embassy. Parliament, and others say that we need more. This seminar Michael Healey’s 1979—Canada’s Shaw Festival will bring together current and former agents of Parliament, is set to co-produce a new production of 1979 by Parliamentarians, and academics who will share their views Michael Healey with Ottawa’s Great Canadian Theatre on that mysterious relationship between Parliament and Company. The play takes us back to the eve of former agents of Parliament. This half-day seminar is presented by prime minister ’s minority government’s defeat Blanchfi eld’s book launch draws a crowd the Canadian Study of Parliament Group. 8:15 a.m.-12:15 in a non-confi dence motion. It’s a fast-paced satire p.m. Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington St., incorporating political heavyweights and infl uencers of Photographs courtesy of Ulle Baum room 100. Buffet lunch included. $150 for members, $200 the era. The production will rehearse at Shaw Festival, non-members. For more information, visit studyparliament. premiere in Ottawa at GCTC and tour back to Shaw as ca, or contact the CSPG Secretariat at 613-995-2937 or part of its 2017 season. The Ottawa component will [email protected]. run from April 11 to 30, 2017. Tickets for Ottawa’s Nature Nocturne: Picture Perfect—Friday, March 31, 8 production on sale: 613-236-5196 or gctc.ca. p.m. to 12 midnight. The not-to-be missed event on every Hill staffers’ social calendar celebrates the Junos this month. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 On the theme of Picture Perfect, the evening includes a mix Bank of Canada Release—The bank is expected to of eclectic activities, photo booths, selfi e stations and more, make its latest interest rate announcement as well as with a bit of natural science mixed in. Plus, last chance publish its quarterly Monetary Policy Report. 10 a.m. to experience the Reptiles: Beautiful and Deadly, special Former Parliamentarians—The Canadian Association exhibition and sneak preview of ikebana, a fascinating th of Former Parliamentarians’ 12 annual Douglas C. Frith Mike Blanchfi eld, right, shakes hand with display of traditional Japanese fl ower arrangement. Tickets Dinner will take place on Wednesday, April 12 in the and information available at: nature.ca. ballroom of the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel from 6 to Nimrod Barkan, ambassador of Israel. MONDAY, APRIL 3 9:30 p.m. The guest speaker, , will speak about “The future of Globalization and Canada’s Place in House Sitting—The House is sitting April 3-13. It the Emerging World Order.” For additional information, breaks April 14-28 and resumes sitting May 1-19. The please call the CAFP offi ce at 613-947-1690. Senate sits until April 13 and is then off until May 1, The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. Send at which point it will sit until May 19. in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental event Five Byelections—There will be fi ve byelections held in a paragraph with all the relevant details under the subject today in: Ottawa-Vanier, Ont.; St-Laurent, Que.; and line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to [email protected] by Markham-Thornhill, Ont.; Calgary Midnapore, Alta., and Wednesday at noon before the Monday paper or by Friday at David Ljunggren of Reuters, Mr. Blanchfi eld and Paul Hannon, Calgary Heritage. For more information, media may call noon for the Wednesday paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion Fuad Didic of the Bosnian Embassy and executive director of Mines Action Canada. The CP journalist the PMO Press Offi ce at 613-957-5555. of every event, but we will defi nitely do our best. Nurzhan Aitmakhanov of the embassy of launched his book, Swingback, on Canadian foreign policy at the Reporting The Refugee Crisis—A conversation with some [email protected] Kazakhstan. Métropolitain restaurant on March 8 of Canada’s top journalists about their experiences and The Hill Times