Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 W seen procurement like it isoccurring now’ The scramble for PPE:‘This country has never News bargaining table fedsreturn to to on,’ PSAC callsfor pandemic ‘head face COVID-19 As unionmembers News THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO.1725 with provincial teachers’ unions government’s recentsettlement he said, pointingtotheOntario back tothebargainingtable,” government issoreluctanttogo not toosurewhy thefederal without afaircontract, andwe’re Hill Times. Aylward inaninterview withThe (PSAC) national presidentChris lic Service Alliance ofCanada ment’s reliefefforts,” saidPub- a needtosupportthegovern- new jobswherever therehasbeen and somearedoingcompletely up totheplate togetthejobdone, crisis rumbleson. service workers astheCOVID-19 more than140,000federal public an elusive contract settlementfor to thebargainingtablereach the federal government toreturn public serviceunioniscallingfor head ofCanada’slargestfederal claims undertighttimelines, the ing millionsoffinancialsupport penitentiaries, andby process- on” at ourborders, infederal Climbers BY MIKE LAPOINTE F BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT tracing appdetails Feds shy oncontact- home Canadians bring push to encompassing Oliphant reflects onall- “They continuetodothat “We’ve gotthousandsstepping gowns, testing kits, ventila- rom facemasks, tomedical ing thepandemichead ith unionmembers “fac- Hill COVID-19 Public Service p.12 Continued onpage11

union representing staffinterpreters on Parliament Hill. ‘We are getting too close to our worst-case scenario,’ says CAPE, the W ment’s virtualmeetings promised thequalityofinterpreta- News calls for quality controls Parliament, prompt to virtual due spike Interpreter injuries BYSAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN medical andpersonal protective to securemillionsofpieces government hasbeen working tors, andbeyond, thefederal spotty connectivity, Parlia - ith subparequipmentand Translators C p. 15 anada p. 4

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- 2 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

A one-term MP, Mr. Sohi served as the Dominic Barton to infrastructure and communities minister from 2015 to 2017 before taking over the participate in Canadian natural resources file, which he maintained International Council event until his electoral defeat in October. Heard on the Hill “During my time in public office, I have away from public eyes gained comprehensive experience [and] by Neil Moss honed my skills by successfully managing Canada’s top diplomat in China will complex issues [and] policies, divergent give the Canadian International Council stakeholder interests, intergovernmental an update on his work abroad in a private relations, Indigenous relations, [and] col- event this week. laboration with the private sector,” Mr. Sohi tweeted on May 4. Globe and Mail Alar Strategy Group is led by its princi- pal Richard Maksymetz, who is a former chief of staff to Finance Minister Bill Morneau. team wins National Mr. Sohi was victim to the Liberal shutout in Alberta during the last election, which saw four MPs who won their ridings in 2015 under the Grit banner lose their Newspaper Award for seats to Conservative challengers amid discontent over the federal government’s handling of the energy file. The former MP for Edmonton Mill SNC-Lavalin reporting Woods, Alta., lost his seat to Conservative Dominic Barton is pictured at the Special House MP Tim Uppal, who he had previously Committee on Canada-China Relations on Feb. defeated in the 2015 election by 92 votes. Robert Fife 5. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Mr. Sohi was one of two cabinet mem- was one of Since taking up the post in Beijing, bers who weren’t re-elected in 2019. The four Globe other being former public safety minister and Mail Dominic Barton has made few public ap- pearances—most notably his testimony Ralph Goodale who was named Prime reporters Minister Justin Trudeau‘s special adviser who won before the Special House Committee on Canada-China Relations on Feb. 5. to the downing of Ukrainian airlines Flight the National 752 near Tehran in January. The air disaster Newspaper According to the event description, Mr. Barton will speak on May 7 about the work resulted in the deaths of 55 Canadian citi- Award zens and 30 permanent residents. for best of the embassy to “navigate the recent political challenges while staying true to Canada’s reporting. values and protecting our interests.” Sophie Grégoire Trudeau The Hill Mr. Barton told the special committee Times file in February that the “utmost priority” of his launches mental health photograph goals and objectives as ambassador is to work for the release of Canadians Michael podcast Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who have been detained by Chinese authorities since Fresh off her COVID-19 recovery, December 2018 in apparent retaliation for Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is launching a the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wan- podcast with a focus on mental health. team of reporters headlined by Globe Ms. Nolen’s prize is her eighth National zhou, as well as the clemency of Robert Aand Mail parliamentary bureau chief Newspaper Award. Schellenberg who was sentenced to death Sophie Robert Fife and reporters Steven Chase in January 2019 after he was previously Grégoire and Daniel Leblanc won the National given a 15-year sentence for alleged in- Trudeau, Newspaper Award for political reporting Grant Mitchell bids adieu volvement in a drug-smuggling operation. pictured at the for their coverage of the pressure from The event will be moderated by Cana- Liberal Party Justin Trudeau‘s Prime Minister’s Office to to the Red Chamber dian International Council president Ben convention give SNC-Lavalin a deferred prosecution Rowswell, a former Canadian diplomat in 2018, will agreement. More than six years shy of his manda- who served as ambassador to Venezuela speak to a The team of reporters who won the tory retirement date, non-affiliated Senator from 2014 to 2017. wide-ranging John Wesley Dafoe Award also includes Grant Mitchell announced that he is leav- Embassy counsellor Daniel Koldyk, the group of Toronto-based Globe and Mail justice re- ing the Upper Chamber. chief representative of Finance Canada guests for her porter Sean Fine. in China, will also offer remarks. Former new podcast. The bombshell story that was published Grant Mitchell senior-level bureaucrat Margaret McCuaig- The Hill Times on Feb. 7, 2019, reported that the PMO had was the Johnston, a fellow at the University of photograph put pressure on then-justice minister Jody government Alberta’s China Institute, will also partici- by Cynthia Wilson-Raybould to end the prosecution of liaison in the pate. Münster engineering firm SNC-Lavalin. Senate from The virtual event will be open to Cana- At the time, Mr. Trudeau denied his 2016 to last dian International Council members only. Ms. Grégoire Trudeau will speak to a office pressured Ms. Wilson-Raybould. January. The It will be under Chatham House rules, wide-ranging group of guests on the WE But in the weeks to come, there would be Hill Times which means members aren’t allowed to Well-being podcast, including Olympians fairly damning testimony in front of the photograph by divulge any information from the meeting Silken Laumann and Tessa Virtue, academ- House Justice Committee. The fallout of the Andrew Meade with attribution to any specific speaker. ics Michael Ungar of Dalhousie University scandal included the resignation of PMO and Kimberly Schonert-Reichl of the Uni- principal secretary Gerald Butts and the versity of British Columbia, as well as for- early retirement of Michael Wernick, the Amarjeet Sohi joins mer NFL player Esera Tuaolo, who publicly then-clerk of the Privy Council. announced he was gay following his retire- “The dynamic @RobertFife and @ste- government relations ranks ment. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife will also chat with his mother, Margaret venchase investigative journalist duo are Prior to the last federal election he held The Alberta Senator has served since Trudeau, in a May 18 podcast. running out of office wall space for all their the onerous natural resources post, now 2005 following his nomination by then- “The moment I started sharing my well-deserved awards,” CTV’s Don Martin Amarjeet Sohi has joined Alar Strategy prime minister Paul Martin. story was the moment I began my journey tweeted. Group as a senior adviser. Other winners of National Newspaper “It was an honour to represent Alberta. to recovery, and it allowed others to start I am grateful to have worked with so many healing as well,” Ms. Grégoire Trudeau said Awards include the London Free Press‘ Amarjeet Randy Richmond, who was named journal- remarkable people on important issues in a statement. and challenges. I leave with a full heart, Sohi served In 2017, she revealed that she had buli- ist of the year and also received an award as the for local reporting for his coverage of the wonderful memories and the prospect of a mia as a teenager. bright future with my family,” Sen. Mitchell infrastructure “I’m excited to engage in life-affirming, fallout following the coverup of an assault and of a woman who was detained by London tweeted on May 1. important conversations. I hope this From 2016 until last January, he served communities podcast serves Canadians from all ages police. minister, The Ottawa Citizen‘s Andrew Duffy as the government liaison in the Senate. He and backgrounds. Through this podcast, announced he was stepping down from the and as the my mission is to expand the way we think, won the William Southam Award for long minister feature writing for his story on OC Trans- position at the same time as government talk, and feel about mental well-being. representative in the Senate Peter Harder of natural For those who know me, be assured there po’s Westboro bus crash that killed three resources and injured 23. signalled he would be leaving his post. will be no taboo left behind,” Ms. Grégoire Before entering federal politics, Sen. in the last Trudeau added. Geoffrey York won two awards: the Parliament. Norman Webster Award for international Mitchell was an Alberta MLA from 1986 The first podcast was released on May to 1998, including serving as the leader of The Hill Times 4 with Ms. Virtue and Ms. Laumann. It reporting for his “stories exposing the reali- photograph ties of Sudan,” and an award for business the opposition in his last four years at the addressed “overcoming the negative and Alberta legislature. by Andrew achieving self-love.” reporting—along with Matthew McClearn Meade and Stephanie Nolen—for their coverage His retirement leaves nine empty seats [email protected] of Export Development Canada’s lending. in the Senate. The Hill Times 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Ontario, your eorts to beat COVID-19 are making a dierence. To stop the spread, we need you to continue to:

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relationship and opened doors for Canadians that were very ef- Government turned travel agency: fective.” It was the same with Ethio- pia. South African airlines also grounded flights early and inside Canada’s repatriation efforts through negotiations with Ethio- pian airlines, his conversations with the ambassador in Ottawa, and due to the fact in February, Liberal MP With the operation Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Rob Oliphant, (Papineau, Que.) and several parliamentary to bring far-flung members of cabinet had travelled secretary for to the East African country (Mr. Canadians home in foreign affairs, Oliphant had visited in January), has spent most he said Ethiopia offered to do the face of COVID-19 of his days smaller flights to pick up Canadi- since February ans around the continent. about ’80 per cent’ consumed by “I think that’s because we have consular affairs done, Liberal MP Rob a good ongoing relationship with since COVID-19 Ethiopia.” prompted Oliphant reflects on Listening to case after case of a massive struggling Canadians—like that the Herculean task. repatriation effort of a pregnant woman worried from cruise ships about health care—can be trying. to chartered BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN “You get really difficult stories,” flights.The Hill said Mr. Oliphant, a United Church Times photograph t the peak of Canada’s effort minister who said that training by Andrew Meade Ato repatriate tens of thou- helps in this role. “It’s stressful be- sands of Canadians, Liberal MP cause you realize the clock is tick- Rob Oliphant’s consular respon- ing. And there are days where my sibilities filled his inbox with empathy weakens and you think, 1,600-plus emails and pushed his ‘What were they thinking?’” work days past 15 hours as the repatriation flights out of India, as tions; Brook Simpson, director bureaucrats are working on, but Especially after March 16, he go-between the government and of May 3, he said, adding 13 more of parliamentary affairs; Nour also take that data and reality said, when Mr. Trudeau urged all MPs dealing with constituents in flights that day. Kechacha, his consular advisor; check” for MPs if a case is an out- Canadians to return, saying “it is crisis abroad. Normally, a foreign affairs and Gabriel Vermette, Mr. Oliph- lier and it wasn’t feasible to send time to come home.” For the last two months, as minister would devote about five ant’s assistant. The “unflappable” in a charter flight, he said. It’s frustrating when people countries closed borders, cruise to 10 per cent of their time to Heather Jeffrey, assistant deputy MPs are a key part of that who left still expect a response ships struggled to find ports, and consular work, but he estimated minister, deserves either saint- frontline response, he said, and from the government when it’s airlines shut down, Mr. Oliphant it’s consumed 75 per cent of Mr. hood or the Order of Canada, Mr. help the government understand not possible, he said, especially (Don Valley West, Ont.), parlia- Champagne’s days. Parliamen- Oliphant said, for her non-stop unusual problems. when he said the government mentary secretary for foreign af- tary secretary duties, which come work since the start of the year. For example, Liberal MP Kevin must keep in mind that it’s tax- fairs, has been living and breath- with a 10 per Lamoureux, payers’ money funding that aide. ing consular cases. His role was cent salary boost, Minister of whose Winnipeg Global Affairs Canada has repeat- as the “interface” between MPs typically take Foreign Affairs North, Man., edly said it won’t be possible to from all parties, Foreign Affairs about 10 to 15 François-Philippe riding holds one return all Canadians who wish to Minister François-Philippe Cham- per cent of his Champagne of the largest come home. pagne (Saint-Maurice—Cham- time. It’s well is pictured on Filipino popula- “There’s a sense of invincibil- plain, Que.) and his staff, which over 90 per cent Feb. 6 during tions in Canada, ity that some people have,” he then fed into the bureaucracy of now, he said. the beginning flagged early on said, but thankfully there’s been hundreds of redeployed staff—all As part of the of Canada’s the difficulties relatively little of that. “I maintain working to support what he de- response, Mr. repatriation travellers were both my empathy and compas- scribed as a massive and compli- Champagne’s efforts, bringing facing moving sion as well as a realistic view.” cated repatriation effort. political staff Canadians from between islands The operation is about 80 per were divided into Wuhan, China, in amid a lock- cent complete, estimated Mr. Oli- geographical Better registry part of response to the down. phant, with about 26,351 Canadi- sections, and the novel coronavirus In the end, lessons learned ans returned on 212 flights from team was broad- officials spoke Mr. Oliphant said he believes outbreaks. The Hill 87 countries, as of May 3. Canada ened to include to Philippines that Canadians rarely look at Times photograph has also approved 2,669 loans borrowed staff airlines to do the travel advisories that are on by Andrew Meade totalling $8.5-million through the from the offices “sweeper flights,” the Global Affairs website, but COVID-19 Emergency Loan Pro- of International to pick people he thinks part of the new normal gram for Canadians Abroad. Development up in a variety will mean people will pay closer Now, Mr. Oliphant is “down” Minister Karina of places where attention. to about 10 to 12 hours per day Gould (Burlington, Ont.) and Almost overnight, Global Canada had people registered, Before the pandemic struck, on the file and he’s fielding about International Trade Minister Mary Affairs Canada turned into a con- and get them to Manila to get he said a very small percentage 200 to 300 daily emails. In the Ng (Markham–Thornhill, Ont.). sular affairs and travel agency, he them home. of travellers registered, making it mid-April peak, he said he was As the MP liaison, Mr. Oliph- said. The emergency call line, for Mr. Oliphant said he spoke very hard for embassies to get a working 15- to 17-hour days, ant’s days were filled by corre- example, normally had about 35 to the ambassador in Ottawa “to handle of how many people were especially with the situations in sponding with MPs, forwarding people working it, but that was open a couple of doors,” to help in a country. Peru, Ecuador, and the Philip- their constituent cases to the bumped to three eight-hour shifts get Canadian embassy staff to get “The registry is not as effective pines presenting challenges. relevant geographic desk in the with more than 100 people work- into their Philippines office. as it could be,” he said, describ- MP feedback was “critical” minister’s office, who would send ing. At its peak, it would get 5,000 ing it as “clunky,” especially given to that effort, he said, with MPs them to Global Affairs Canada, calls per day, with wait times Diplomacy makes a it was never designed to handle across party lines signalling to which would keep track of names, reaching 22 minutes. Now calls hundreds of thousands of people. him when there were problems and hand off to the embassies are in the hundreds and the wait difference It’s one of the things that he’s and the government responding, around the globe to flag if there time is one minute. Mr. Oliphant estimated he’s already working on, thinking “trying to stay one step ahead” were any vulnerabilities. He also “Literally hundreds of people made about 25 to 30 calls to about ways to improve Canada’s as the support effort transitioned sends weekly advisories to all Lib- moved from their normal jobs of ambassadors stationed in Ottawa systems “once we’re through this,” through several phases and re- eral MPs as well as the opposition writing briefing notes, preparing for help or to thank them after he said. “Were not through it yet.” gional hotspots since early March critics to forward to their respec- for meetings and conferences, the fact. There are 341,412 Canadians before COVID-19 was declared a tive parties. The lengthy emails preparing for visits, doing the Good bilateral relations make on the Registration of Canadi- pandemic on March 11. offer updates about any hotspots, various geopolitical desks, doing a difference, he said, as was the ans Abroad service, as of May 3, “The cruise ships were the first where there are problems, and intel, to being consular affairs of- case in Morocco, which became though it’s not a complete list be- signal we had to change every- direct MPs to key resources where ficials—about 600 of them.” an issue early on in March when cause it’s voluntary. It had 500,000 thing we were doing,” he said, they can direct constituents. Officials often work at a macro flights were banned in the North people on it at one point, he said. with more than 5,000 people scat- Over the last months, in con- level, in statistics and data, while African country. There were a “It’s not that the system tered on more than 100 ships. versations with The Hill Times, MPs work with people, but he couple thousand stranded tour- crashed, it didn’t, but you need “We were just getting our MPs across party lines have men- said both vantage points are ists, including many seniors. systems that are able manipulate systems up and running. Now tioned Mr. Oliphant’s work on the important parts of the response Pre-existing ties made a dif- data and pull things and are able we have a good rhythm going,” file, describing him as tireless and effort. ference, Mr. Oliphant said. Mr. to be more agile. … We’ve never he said, though officials are now a good communicator. “My job is to do the interpreta- Champagne had visited Morocco had to do this before so I don’t dealing with more complicated Working on his team from tion between those two things, in January, meeting officials think there’s anyone to blame cases, with India “by far” the most Mr. Champagne’s office were take individual cases and make and the foreign minister, so had [but] it needs to be reworked.” challenging. Canada was up to 37 Allison Chick, director of opera- sure the data is correct that the already “established a personal [email protected] THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 5 Translators News Interpreter injuries spike due to virtual Parliament, prompt calls for quality controls

‘We are getting too close to our worst-case scenario,’ says CAPE, the union representing staff interpreters on Parliament Hill.

Continued from page 1 starting with the Health and Finance com- mittees at the end of March. This creates an environment where interpreters miss words and potentially meaning, MPs were warned by a recent committee witness, and with the bulk of translation reportedly be- ing done by English speakers into French, Parliament may not be living up to its legal obligations to provide equal access to pro- ceedings in both official languages. More than 50 per cent of injuries re- ported between the beginning of 2019 and May 1 have taken place in the last three weeks, a representative of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) told the House Procedure and Af- fairs Committee (PROC) on May 4. With reports of headaches, nausea, and Tinnitus, he implored MPs to act on the union’s Greg Phillips, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Nicole Gagnon, with the International Association of Conference recommendations. Employees, says interpreter numbers are dwindling. Photograph courtesy Interpreters, worries Canadians aren’t getting equal access to proceedings “The cognitive load is much heavier,” of ParlVu screenshot in both official languages with the current problems with a virtual explained CAPE president Greg Phillips, Parliament. Screenshot courtesy of ParlVu since the House’s regular proceedings— suspended since March 13 until at least May 25—and gatherings moved virtual. them, including providing interpreters with Mr. Rota also told PROC during the May a sound check before meetings begin. Several committees, including PROC, sound-limiting headsets to protect against 4 meeting that Parliament can “eventually” go Protecting worker safety will take more have since resumed meetings through the acoustic shock. The Bureau said it requires fully virtual, if MPs decide that’s necessary than equipment, said Mr. Phillips, who video-conferencing service Zoom, and last its clients, the House of Commons in this amid the pandemic, asserting that the techni- submitted recommendations to PROC prior week Parliament made history with the case, to have in place technical measures cal issues that have so far disrupted the pace of to the meeting. first virtual sitting of its special COVID-19 that promote both interpreter health and proceedings can be easily fixed and addressed. The standards and conditions for inter- committee, which will meet twice weekly high-quality interpretation. Both Ms. Gagnon and Mr. Phillips said pretation services must be communicated online and in-person on Wednesdays. CAPE said the bureau is conducting a it’s clear MPs, the House, and the Transla- to all clerks, Parliamentarians, witnesses, “This means shorter assignments, study on those incidents, but the bureau did tion Bureau are aware of the issues and are and the technical departments in advance to shorter shifts, more interpreters going on not responsd when asked about the number. responding, but urged quicker action. meetings, according to the submission. Ses- sick leave for days or being permanently The working conditions for interpreters sion chairs must be aware of the standards redeployed to other non-virtual assign- Quality of interpretation have changed dramatically. Normally, they and hold participants to them, and should go ments at their request,” said Mr. Phillips. work in one booth as teams of three, but over the standards before each session. Par- The pool of available interpreters is undermined: AIIC now the workers are in the booths alone, liament should also improve the videocon- shrinking due to injuries, he added, from At the same meeting, Nicole Gagnon, or separated by Plexiglas, explained Ms. ferencing system so it meets international an already diminished number resulting Canadian advocacy lead for the Interna- Gagnon. That loss of teamwork has also interpretation standards for virtual meetings. from the pandemic, with 40 of the roughly tional Association of Conference Interpret- had an effect. Interpreters would jot down It’s important MPs don’t wait on these 70 staff unable to work due to childcare ers (AIIC), said it should be mandatory for numbers being said to help save time, or guidelines, he said, though he knows it and other health issues. Interpreters typi- meeting participants to have proper micro- support their colleagues in other ways, could take time. cally work six-hour shifts, but the aver- phones to ensure good sound quality—like adding another layer of difficulty on top of “My concern is their action might not age has dropped to about four hours with by using a headset—and they should not be the technology glitches. In some cases, she happen fast enough,” said Mr. Phillips. remote interpretation. using Wi-Fi because it’s too unreliable. said situations make it so they now have to PROC’s report following its study on “We are getting too close to our worst- Important principles are at stake, she do “bi-directional” interpreting, or speak- Parliament’s transition to virtual sittings is case scenario, which is that too many in- argued, when communicating a Parliamen- ing into their second language. Ideally, due on May 15. terpreters end up needing rest and healing tarian’s words accurately and in real time. interpreters are translating into their first [email protected] at the same time. We fear interpreters are Canadians have a right to hear those words language, with bi-directional translation The Hill Times getting dangerously close to being unable in both official languages, and she said that generally seen as lesser in quality. to keep up with the demand and having to cannot be set aside, especially during a crisis. Staff at the Translation Bureau have refuse assignments in too great numbers to “If you can’t hear, you can’t interpret,” covered the first five weeks of the virtual find replacements.” said Ms. Gagnon in an interview last week. meetings, and for the last week Parliament Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull (Whitby, Ont.) “Our job is not to provide the gist of what’s has also pulled from a pool of roughly 35 said he was “deeply concerned” that the being said. … In the rush to get virtual, accredited freelancers to support, she said. injuries have coincided with Parliament’s compromises have been made that under- At a PROC meeting on April 29, the move to virtual meetings, echoing the sen- mine quality of interpretation.” Translation Bureau reported on its activi- timent of most on the committee. House spokesperson Heather Bradley ties to support interpreters, including pro- With more committee meetings likely to said the administration is “working closely” viding parking spaces so they don’t have to be scheduled, Bloc Québécois MP Christine with MPs to make sure they can connect use public transit, providing tablets so they Normandin (Saint-Jean, Que.) questioned to meetings using “approved devices and can avoid handling printed documents, and whether that need could be met. equipment, including headsets.” disinfecting booths twice a day. Numbers are clearly “dwindling,” Mr. Phil- She highlighted House Speaker An- Nathalie Laliberté, vice-president at the lips replied. “There’s going to be problems.” thony Rota’s (Nipissing-Timiskaming, Ont.) Translation Bureau, also spoke of criteria Precise injury counts weren’t available, April 24 message to MPs preparing for the needed for remote interpretation, though and he told MPs it’s better tracked by the first virtual meeting, encouraging them to all measures have not been adopted. employer, the Translation Bureau. In an have one-on-one training and promising All participants must wear a headset interview after the meeting, Mr. Phillips said the House would help ensure they have with a microphone, must appear via video- at least 47 incidents have been reported since the required technological equipment. To conference so that the interpreter can see between March 31 and May 1, with the bulk address connectivity issues, he told them to their facial expressions and clearly com- coming in recent weeks. use either the House of Commons’ network municate the tone of their message, wait The Translation Bureau said by email or an Internet connection. Most constitu- their turn to speak, and follow the rules. A BASTIENPRIZANTOPTOMETRY.COM May 5 that employee health is a top prior- ency offices have reliable access and con- technician is in the room with the inter- 613.236.6066 • [email protected] ity and it has taken measures to protect nectivity. preters at all times, she said, and should do 6 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Comment For the Armed Forces, the bonds go far deeper than camaraderie

The public commentary was One of the most illustrative of just how personally inter-connected the members of common phrases the CAF are. Many serving and former service members shared uttered by civilians personal anecdotes and their when they hear of memories of time spent with the six victims. It was noted that such a tragedy is, ‘I Capt. MacDonald, one of the Cyclone pilots, was the eldest of can’t imagine what the three siblings serving in the Canadian military. All three had these families must been in the cadet program before be going through.’ enlisting. This was also the case with Sub.-Lt. Cowbrough, who For the military was a piper in the Cadets before enrolling in the Royal Military community, it’s College. Many mothers of serving something they know members wrote to express their understanding of the anxiety all too well. parents have when their children are deployed on operations. What is not widely known by the general public is just exactly how close-knit the CAF family is in its composition. There is always the official nod to the unique Crew members aboard HMCS Fredericton pay their respects to the fallen during the vigil for the deceased members of the camaraderie brought about by CH-148 Cyclone accident, in the Mediterranean Sea on May 1, 2020. DND photograph courtesy of Able Seaman Madison Cross earning the right to wear a CAF uniform, but the bonds often go far deeper. There are approximately Scott Taylor 6,000 military married couples Inside Defence within the CAF, which means almost one-in-five members are married to a fellow service TTAWA—On April 29, sourc- member. A recent study revealed Oes within the military com- that more than 40 per cent of all munity began contacting Esprit recruits who join the military de Corps magazine with informa- have either one or both parents tion that a potential tragedy was in the service. unfolding in the Mediterranean. This is why a tragedy such as Our first reaction was to treat this latest Cyclone disaster has the rumours as a possible “fake such a hard-hitting impact on the news” story, initiated by a NATO entire CAF. Even if they have no adversary to spread discrediting direct link to the victims, service disinformation about the Cana- members realize that the military dian Armed Forces. profession is never risk free. However, as events unfolded, One of the most common the Department of National phrases uttered by civilians when Defence soon confirmed that they hear of such a tragedy is, “I the initial Greek media reports can’t imagine what these families were correct: a CH-148 Cyclone must be going through.” For the helicopter had gone down in the military community, it is some- Ionian Sea, between Italy and thing they can envision all too Greece. well. Following the notification of For that reason, the families, next of kin, it was revealed that friends, loved ones and com- the body of Sub-Lieutenant Ab- rades of Cowbrough, MacDon- bigail Cowbrough had been found ald, Hagen, Miron-Morin, Pyke, at the crash site and a search and Cousins are not alone in was ongoing for her five missing their grief, the entire extended crew members; Captain Brenden military family is standing with Ian MacDonald, Captain Kevin them. Hagen, Captain Maxime Miron- In the weeks to come, DND Morin, Sub-Lieutenant Matthew will learn more about the exact Pyke, and Master Corporal Mat- cause of the crash, but for now thew Cousins. our thoughts and prayers should On May 1, the Canadian be for the families of the fallen. Armed Forces announced that the As for the six victims involved five missing were now presumed Top, from left, Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough, Sub-Lieutenant Matthew Pyke, and Master Corporal Matthew Cousins. Bottom, in the crash, we shall remember dead. from left, Captain Maxime Miron-Morin, Captain Kevin Hagen, and Captain Brenden Ian MacDonald. Photograph courtesy of DND their sacrifice. The tragic news shocked the Scott Taylor is the editor and Canadian public and devastated an outpouring of grief and em- discussed in the public postings icton, the frigate from which the publisher of Esprit de Corps the military community. Social pathy for the families and loved how hard this loss would hit the CH-148 Cyclone was operating at magazine. media platforms exploded with ones of the victims. It was widely tight-knit crew of HMCS Freder- the time of the incident. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 7 Comment

the side of caution when moving on with it, let some survival of the towards re-opening the economy fittest game play itself out.” Tough questions, and no rather than move to re-open it Canadians are not up for a quickly. big game of Survivor or callous Abacus, though, found some approaches, but they are not free public opinion has shifted. In the from economic anxiety, as Abacus easy answers, for how best to early stages of the pandemic, Aba- discovered. They want their lead- cus discovered, concern was much ers to get on with it, but with typi- more focused on whether the Cana- cal Canadian caution, prudence, dian health system could manage and pragmatism. Nonetheless, bounce back from COVID-19 the coming wave of patients and even with public opinion mov- provide the protective equipment ing in the direction of loosening Political leaders like needed for frontline workers. the strings, no politician wants Just as leaders Prime Minister Justin According to Abacus, econom- to decide to do so and later have Trudeau, pictured in ic anxiety is a rising factor. While COVID-19 bite back hard with were judged on the West Block on still well behind concerns about significant human consequences. how effectively April 30, are facing contracting the virus, perceptions A reading of the history of the tough questions over about the long-term economic Spanish Flu pandemic, perhaps the they contained the how best to bounce impacts outpaced worries about event most analogous to these cir- back after COVID-19. the health system as main driv- cumstances, suggests more waves outbreak, they have the Some political careers ers. Politicians know this all too of illness are coming. That is what may be defined by the well, and it is now dominating the makes reopening such a tough potential to be cruelly answers, particularly if national conversation. public policy and political decision. it all goes badly wrong, Canadian leaders have done a Hunkering and bunkering assessed on how they writes Tim Powers. The good job in converting people to down appears to work. But most bring us back from it. Hill Times photograph accept containment. Now, letting humans do not cope well in those by Andrew Meade us out is terrifying. Legitimate ac- settings for a prolonged period, It is an unenviable spot colades were given for how lead- and a global economy in super- ers came together for the collec- slow motion for 18 months or to be in. TTAWA—To open or not to ment for too long. A new survey tive well-being of Canadians. They longer leads to an entire other Oopen? At what pace? What from Léger and the Association got plaudits for cutting cheques kind of ruination. It also creates happens if we get it wrong? of Canadian Studies, conducted and shipping cash out the door so significant security risks. These questions on transitioning May 1-3, suggests Canadians are in the short term the wolf could be But, just as leaders were judged back to something resembling largely happy with the pace so far. kept at bay. Now, “to hell with the on how effectively they contained what we knew after COVID-19 People in most provinces already wolf, the sun is shining, and we the outbreak, they have the poten- are ones politicians and health taking steps to reopen were want out,” is a rising sentiment. tial to be cruelly assessed on how officials across the country are between 60 and 70 per cent sup- Our politicos are looking they bring us back from it. It is an asking themselves. Some politi- portive of those moves, while 16 to across the border and seeing unenviable spot to be in. There are cal careers may be defined by the 30 per cent would like to see their what appears to be a mess in the no easy answers to be found. answers, particularly if it all goes government slow down a little. reopening America. Some states, Tim Powers is vice-chairman badly wrong. Abacus Data, in a sampling like Florida and Georgia, coming of Summa Strategies and manag- Tim Powers Different polls seem to indi- completed April 24 with 2,600 back full throttle appear caught ing director of Abacus Data. He is up in the populous political poi- a former adviser to Conservative Plain Speak cate Canadians want a cautious, Canadian adults, found that 83 phased approach, but do not want per cent of Canadians want poli- son of the day, that “sure people political leaders. to be stuck in a form of contain- cymakers to go slow and err on are going to die, so let us just get The Hill Times

Now that the Isolation tips: coping with world is one big captive audience trapped with long, annoying commercials the nightly COVID-19 advisory stylings that third trip to the store in one button—per a 2019 Guardian of a man touting Remember that day that you couldn’t remember exposé that managed to expend the anti-viral the reason for once you were more than 1,000 words on the benefits of bit you used to do busted by a “Bonjour” while wan- renaissance in muting without Clorox ingestion, in the 90s about dering catatonically through the once mentioning its most obvious it’s time to bathroom fixtures at Canadian political value—at the request of adapt, by being trapped in an Tire, we didn’t need a system. his boss, Eugene McDonald, a for- becoming the Now that the world is one big mer naval intelligence officer who master of your elevator with Donald captive audience trapped with hated “long, annoying commer- mute, writes the nightly COVID-19 advisory cials.” That this is precisely the Lisa Van Dusen. Trump? It’s not funny stylings of a man touting the anti- purpose for which we have now Photograph viral benefits of Clorox ingestion, assigned the mute button a spe- courtesy of anymore. it’s time to adapt. cial therapeutic function is one of Pixabay As someone whose job re- those rare instances of historical quires her to process a weekly kismet—say, the opposite of a re- minimum of information about ality show host playing the worst workout video on your laptop, you can pull yourself together the activities of America’s first president in history comparing tablet, or handheld device. Note sufficiently to scramble over and rogue-state president, I’ve devel- himself to Abraham Lincoln. that this particular coping mecha- unplug the television. oped an avoidance technique that, I’ve taken the liberty of writing nism only works on troublesome If, like me, you need, for if you don’t happen to be profes- an algorithm that identifies which roommates or gamy relatives professional reasons, to compen- sionally chained to the rhythm of keywords in any presidential if you happen to be on a Zoom sate for your therapeutic mut- the relentless gavage of Trumpa- COVID-19 briefing should trigger call with them—an avoidance ing by relying on second-party ganda, may be useful for general your activation of the mute but- technique ably demonstrated by sources to stay abreast of any application. ton for maximum peace of mind Canadian MPs in their inaugural major, significant Trumpian policy Lisa Van Dusen Become the master of your based on data inputs gathered virtual Parliament last week. developments of any consequence What Fresh Hell mute. The mute button was from more than 6.4 minutes of In order for this system to whatsoever on a weekly basis, invented in 1956 by Robert raw Trump video and outputs work efficiently, you’ll need to just Google “Trump policy” on Adler, an engineer working for carefully curated for maximum make sure you have a secure sup- Fridays at noon and process the n this latest of my series of the Zenith Radio Corporation in efficiency and minimum margin ply of fully charged AA batteries, details in convenient pre-digested Iintermittent public service Chicago on the first commercially of error. Those keywords are, “I,” because if you find yourself with print form. columns on how to cope with life available TV remote. (Robert “We,” “And,” “The,” “Well,” “It,” “But”, an expired battery at precisely the Believe me, it won’t take long. in pandemic isolation, we’ll tackle Adler was no apparent relation “Maybe”, “You’re”, and “Jynah.” wrong mute moment on a Tuesday Lisa Van Dusen is associate the conundrum of how to man- to fellow Austrian Alfred Adler, When any of these words oc- that isn’t your quarantine-break- editor of Policy Magazine and age confinement coexistence with founder of the compensation-fo- curs at the beginning of a Trumpi- ing, bleach-foraging, designated was a Washington and New York- Donald Trump. cused Adlerian school of psycho- an sentence, hit mute immediate- expedition day, you’ll be cursing based editor at UPI, AP, and ABC. In our old-timey lives, when therapy, whose Adler button may ly and go back to watching that me for not reminding you once She writes a weekly column for escape from the hourly onslaught be more useful to this endeavour.) TikTok of Jack Black’s Topless the words keep tumbling out in The Hill Times. of Trumpian nonsense was just Robert Adler invented the mute Cossack-Cowboy 30-second an avalanche of bollocks before The Hill Times 8 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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Editorial Letters to the Editor Putting off budget planning a Don’t forget global commitment to poor way to map out the future vaccines during COVID crisis, says reader he COVID-19 crisis is wreaking havoc organizations like the Global Polio Eradi- hen Finance Minister Bill Morneau “A budget typically is an expression Taround the globe and its impact on cation Initiative and Gavi, the Vaccine Wannounced earlier this year that of what people can expect in the coming poor countries will likely be catastrophic. Alliance, by increasing risks of outbreaks the Liberals would be presenting their year, both in terms of how the economy It casts a large shadow with risks of of vaccine-treatable diseases. Minister first minority budget on March 30, there is going to unfold, what sort of measures famine, loss of income, and the failure Karina Gould has already shown the path were a great number of questions to be are going to be brought in. And in normal of fragile health-care institutions. The to follow when she announced $159.5-mil- answered. times, it’s usually pretty accurate. Right numbers are staggering according to the lion in assistance to support international How would the Liberals be attempting now, we’re in a situation where there is United Nations: 10 countries in Africa efforts to fight COVID-19. to fulfill their campaign promises? Who a tremendous degree of uncertainty as have no ventilators, and three billion peo- We need an even stronger funding would the government be talking to? What to what the economy could look like six ple at home and one-third of health-care commitment from Canada to help deal compromises was it going to have to make months from now. What the economy centres have no water for basic hygiene with this unprecedented crisis on all to ensure the budget—a confidence vote— could look like three months from now. needs, like hand washing. fronts, including support for health care, passed? Which of the opposition parties What’s going to happen in the coming Vaccine campaigns are suspended as sustainable food systems, and delivery would play kingmaker or spoiler? weeks,” Mr. Trudeau said in response. resources are diverted to the pandemic, of a safe and accessible vaccine to all When the House of Commons an- “So, while we are continuing to be and physical distancing rules stop immu- corners of the world. nounced on March 13 it was going to be open and transparent, the reflections on nizations. This can seriously hamper the Younes Boukhaffa suspending in the face of COVID-19, one at what point we might be able to pres- tremendous work done by international Ottawa, Ont. of the first questions asked was about ent a budget, or even just an economic the fate of the scheduled tabling of the update, is ongoing. We will continue to financial plan, which fell firmly within the keep everyone apprised of what we’re five weeks that the House was initially doing and what we see coming. And we’ll scheduled to be adjourned. continue to look for ways to share with With another few weeks since tacked Canadians.” on to the House adjournment (it’s now not Okay, fair enough. It’s hard to plot out supposed to sit properly until at least May a map when the roads don’t yet exist. But Van Dusen off the mark about Israel- 25), and a current agreement on the books at the very least, the government should be that no legislation aside from that related signalling that it’s working on the asphalt. Palestine relations, advocate writes to COVID-19 emergency relief be tabled Right now, only it knows what’s in the in the interim, it seems the government works, what other potential relief pro- e: “Israel/Palestine and the Pottery Since 1948, the Palestinians have had is using the extra time (when it comes to grams are being discussed, and the range RBarn rule of toponymy” ( The Hill ample opportunities to establish their budget preparation) about as effectively as of what they might cost. It doesn’t seem Times, April 29, p. 12). own independent state alongside the a co-ed who was just told their professor is out the realm of possibility that budget It is always astonishing, and not to Jewish state of Israel, first under Yasser having technical difficulties and is extend- and financial planning can be done in mention appalling, to see reputable jour- Arafat, then under his successor Mr. Ab- ing the deadline on a term paper. concert, with adjustments made based on nalists, such as Lisa Van Dusen, tout their bas. And in each opportunity presented, On May 4, Prime Minister Justin what new measures may be required or esteemed resumes reporting on the Mid- the Palestinians have opted to pursue Trudeau was asked whether his govern- implemented. dle East and the Israel-Palestine conflict, terrorism and barbaric violence, rather ment was going to be presenting a budget The work that’s being done to make to then go on to completely misrepresent than peace, prosperity, and a state of their or fiscal update by June, as supported sure Canadians can survive the next few the facts in a blatant attempt to demon- own. Nevertheless, the State of Israel has by Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, months is incredibly important. But it’s a ize the Jewish State. Rather than using always remained open and committed who earlier in the day told reporters that bad look to give off the impression that her article published on Yom Ha’atzmaut, to achieving a peaceful future for Israe- something should be tabled before the you’re not planning for what comes next. Israel’s Independence Day, as an opportu- lis and Palestinians alike, and have as summer break. The Hill Times nity to outline some of the State’s remark- recently as this year once again embraced able achievements, accomplished over its and accepted a peace proposal that would short, 72 years of independence, Ms. Van ultimately create an independent Pales- Dusen has opted to disingenuously por- tine. tray Israel using misleading statements, How can Ms. Van Dusen, in good which she construes and misrepresents conscience, solely blame Israel for past as facts. unsuccessful attempts at peace when it’s While Ms. Van Dusen is correct in the Palestinians, to quote the late Israeli pointing out the obvious fact that there diplomat Aba Eban, who “never miss an currently is no Palestinian state, she fails opportunity, to miss an opportunity”? As to appreciate that the reason for this is we have seen in the recent case of Presi- due to Palestinian rejectionism and their dent Donald Trump’s Middle East Plan, reluctance to accept the right of the Jew- the Palestinian Authority is not interested ish state to exist. This is the main impedi- in what is best for the Palestinian people. ment to progress and has put the peace The Palestinian Authority has been process in purgatory. completely unreasonable in dismiss- It is absurd, not to mention hypocriti- ing this peace plan simply because they cal for Ms. Van Dusen to assert that it is weren’t given everything they have ever the result of the “longevity” of Israel’s demanded. The Palestinians must come to democratically elected prime minister, grips with the reality and understand that Benjamin Netanyahu, that “has effectively there are consequences for turning down killed the possibility of a two-state solu- past offers, and actually must give peace tion,” while completely failing to mention a try. How many more opportunities do the longevity of Palestinian Authority they think there will be? leader Mahmoud Abbas’ reign, who is Noah Lewis now serving the 15th year of his four-year HonestReporting Canada term. Is it possible that Mr. Abbas could research analyst be part of the problem? Toronto, Ont.

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has an incentive to increase their exposure to risk because they Yas, (welfare) queen: Conservatives do not bear the full costs of that risk.” That is certainly true of the “too big to fail” corporations and revive myth in attempt to curb the CERB real estate market, resulting in a greater share of tax dollars di- rected towards corporate bailouts, even Michelle Rempel Garner and therefore less costly, than uni- not people. And that’s the differ- The lack of humanity could be bothered to stay in the versal benefits. One disadvantage, ence: moral hazard applies to, in the response and country during lockdown, given however, is that a means-tested and questions, the character and she’s buggered off to the U.S. benefit imposes an implicit mar- moral standing of the individual, rhetoric surrounding #AndrewScheer was trending ginal tax on people with earnings however, when it comes to the and that never turns out well for close to the income level at which corporation taking on more risk, COVID-19 is evident him. Turns out, he wants to kick the benefit phases out.” it is encouraged because those Canadian workers off the welfare This is what Scheer is propos- short-term gains are reflected in as leaders flounder state as soon as possible because ing: an effective marginal tax the stock market. And politicians people won’t want to work. Scheer increase on the people for whom think the stock market is the trying to express why is not a good look for Conserva- Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, this crisis is most burdensome. economy upon which to ride their millions should be tives, who ultimately are not a good pictured on April 20, was trending How can one not say that Conser- path to electoral victory—yet look for themselves. His words are this week. Turns out, he wants to kick vatives and the right wing hate another bastion of neoliberalism’s kicked off the Canada reminiscent of Mitt Romney’s com- Canadian workers off the welfare state as the poor and working class? It is market fundamentalism. ments about the 47 per cent, made soon as possible because people won’t a myth that punishes those who But the consequences of that Emergency Response with such disdain and contempt want to work, writes Erica Ifill.The Hill increasingly make up the poor moral hazard are borne by the that they lost him the 2012 U.S. elec- Times photograph by Andrew Meade and working class: women (many public. And so are the impending Benefit in the middle tion. Everything old is new again, single mothers), immigrants, bailouts, which are never conse- as Conservatives are left flat-footed, “Not surprisingly, given the lack migrants, people of colour, people quences of the moral failings or of a pandemic. defending their cruelty. of definitional clarity regarding with disabilities, and trans people. bad decisions of the corporate The lack of humanity in the ‘fraud,’ reports on its incidence It is class and demographic management (corporate executives response and rhetoric surround- vary dramatically.” warfare; it is the culling of society. are also “too big to fail”). Rather, ing COVID-19 is evident as However, this is the caricature, These people matter, so perhaps they’ve been repackaged as a Conservative leaders flounder in popularized in the 1980s and 90s, we should stop creating policy for necessary component of capital- trying to express why millions of that propelled Ronald Regan to those who can afford iPhones and ism, which they are not. Capitalism people should be kicked off the victory in 1980 (and Margaret create policy for those in the tails without failure is like the Tragically Canada Emergency Response Thatcher in 1979), and is there- of the distribution curve. In doing Hip without Gord Downie. It’s not Benefit (CERB) in the middle of a fore always in the background that, those who can afford both the same. The moral hazard argu- pandemic that has not yet ceased. of Conservative policies. It is a Apple Music and Apple News will ment as it is currently applied has This reasoning is a revival of the myth that shaped the 1996 welfare be counted and cared for. no credibility in the wake of “too myth of the “welfare queen,” who reform bill and gave us means- While “welfare queen” is the big to fail” policies that encour- Erica Ifill fraudulently lives off taxpayer- tested social programs that end up caricature, moral hazard is the age more risk-taking by corporate funded luxury, refusing to work. economic argument that goes Bad+Bitchy costing the poor more, the closer structures and has an outsized im- There is no concrete evidence they reach the threshold of earn- something like this: if you bail out pact on the individual Canadians. that welfare fraud—the assump- ings. As written in the quarterly people, they won’t want to work, Just ask Bombardier. TTAWA—Does the Conserva- tion upon which this myth is journal, National Affairs, “Means- producing “disincentives to work.” Erica Ifill is a co-host of the Otive Party of Canada actually constructed—is rampant. As a tested benefits have the advantage The broader definition of moral Bad+Bitchy podcast. like Canada, or Canadians? Not paper from Osgoode Law noted, of being more narrowly targeted, hazard is that “when an individual The Hill Times

These days the governor’s job Monetary policy in the time of COVID: has evolved into the much broader task of complementing governments’ fiscal measures with a range of other robust policy initiatives. In the CO- obscure, but vital, BofC gets a new governor VID-19 emergency, Poloz has thrown out the usual playbook in a massive expectedly huge public response former U.S. Federal Reserve chair Since then, finance ministers anti-recessionary effort. By choosing Tiff Macklem brings concerned of all things the staid, Alan Greenspan. with well-honed memories have Macklem as Poloz’s replacement, hermetic Bank of Canada. The In Canada, Mark Carney prob- exercised their final say to install Finance Minister Bill Morneau has experience in story recounted a quixotic court ably did more as the 2008-13 gov- BofC governors they thought again bypassed a heavy favourite case intended to force Canada’s ernor to popularize the BofC than would be a good fit, leading to un- in BofC senior deputy governor global-level financial central bank to fundamentally re- anyone. His high-flying perfor- expected appointments of outsid- Carolyn Wilkins. But Macklem is deliberations, interpret its mandate and become mance inspired resentment from ers. In 2001, then-finance minister of course no outsider, having spent a cut-rate lender to governments. then-finance minister Jim Flaherty, Paul Martin went outside the cen- much of his career at the central commercial The group behind it was then who didn’t expect Carney, a former tral bank to appoint David Dodge, bank. He also brings experience in headed by a 101-year old Toronto finance department official, to steal who, as finance deputy minister, global-level financial deliberations, banking, and crisis native and former Trotskyite who the national spotlight after Flaherty had helped with Martin’s historic commercial banking, and crisis was in Spain during the Spanish elevated him to BofC boss. Faced deficit-cutting crusade. Next, Fla- management—all of which Morneau management—all civil war and once stood guard with helping staunch the 2008- herty named Carney. And in 2013, must see as invaluable. of which Finance over Leon Trotsky’s corpse after 09 financial meltdown and the Flaherty stunned the markets by It’s also worth noting that the Russian revolutionary was post-recession global repair job, picking Export Development Can- Macklem has taken a role in the Minister Bill Morneau assassinated in Mexico City. Un- Carney performed well enough to ada head Stephen Poloz over the epochal United Nations-backed fortunately, this legal foray fed in be drafted by the prestigious Bank odds-on favourite—Tiff Macklem, campaign championed by Carney, must see as invaluable. part on conspiracy theories about of England. who at the time was BofC’s senior who still has a lot of influence in how the BofC is supposedly con- The role of Canada’s central deputy governor. Ottawa, to reorient the world’s trolled by evil foreign bankers. bank—and its supposedly arm’s It was assumed Macklem’s banks to use the immense power (The case did not prevail legally.) length relationship with the status as heir apparent was a of private finance to fight climate It’s not the kind of public rela- finance minister—has been a negative factor with Flaherty and change. Macklem chaired a federal tions issue Canada’s central bank source of controversy throughout Stephen Harper. But it was also government-commissioned panel, has been forced to deal with as the BofC’s 85 years. The most the case that as a senior EDC of- whose findings on sustainable a rule. In fact, in recent decades famous blow-up emerged in the ficial, Poloz had been involved in financing have laid the ground- the BofC has most often been late ’50s, when governor James the Harper government’s crucial work for possible far-reaching absorbed with trying to be more Coyne’s disagreement with John auto industry bailout and, in environmental incentives, includ- transparent and educate Canadi- Diefenbaker over the BofC’s the aftermath of the recession, ing new tax breaks to encourage ans about its important, but little interest-rate policy sparked a gov- had as EDC president worked investment in the green economy. Les Whittington understood, economic role. The ernmental crisis. Another heated closely with businesses trying to And this approach is likely to be a Need to Know need to do so no doubt arises in debate arose in the early 1990s, bounce back. And people forget major focus when the government part from the impenetrable argot when then-governor John Crow, a that Poloz broke new ground for starts looking for the big invest- of monetary policy. “Since I have patrician, abrasive figure com- a BofC governor by explicitly ments that will be needed to drive TTAWA—Covering Ottawa become a central banker, I have mitted above all to reducing the acknowledging in 2017 that the the post-COVID recovery, Macklem Ofor years, I wrote thousands learned to mumble with great in- consumer price index, doggedly Trudeau government’s stimulus recently told Reuters. of articles about economics, coherence. If I seem unduly clear rejected pressure to push down spending had helped the economy Les Whittington is a regular politics, and so forth. Of these, to you, you must have misun- interest rates for the sake of the come out of the recession better columnist for The Hill Times. one article that received an un- derstood what I said,” remarked economy. than it otherwise would have. The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Gun control ends don’t Canada justify the order-in- can take council means clean This measure gives more The decision to avoid a debate smacks of the recent aborted effort to control oxygen to the far right, who spending without resorting to parliamenta- accuse this government ry approval until 2021. This measure gives Following the 2008 financial crisis, countries more oxygen to the far right, who accuse stimulus around the world put together stimulus packages of an authoritarian streak. this government of an authoritarian streak. with varying emphasis on clean energy. The U.S., And, more than likely, it will exacerbate under then-president Barack Obama, was one of And, more than likely, it urban-rural cleavages, as hunters wonder the largest clean energy spenders, second only to if their guns are next. China. The Hill Times file photograph will exacerbate urban-rural Those of us who are “geeks” about lessons Parliament get agitated when we see its one-eighth of total spending, it packed cleavages, as hunters wonder role being diminished or disrespected. As a punch. Not only did it leverage about a public servant, I heard many senior man- $150-billion in private capital, it also cre- if their guns are next. agers express frustration with Parliament ated a significant number of jobs in the from energy efficiency and renewable energy “holding things up.” For them, it would have been so much easier if there had been no industries in a short period of time. The debate, no Parliament, just a rubber stamp. clean-energy-related programs supported They, and many Canadians need to be 900,000 job-years from 2009 to 2015, in- reminded the keystone of parliamentary su- Obama cluding new employment for workers from premacy is Responsible Government—the sectors that saw big job losses. Building Executive has to face Parliament to justify retrofits and solar panel installation pro- expenditures and changes in law. While we grams re-employed construction workers tend to ignore our history in this country, it As commentators around laid off during the housing crash. was for this principle “Les Patriotes” fought the world have noted, These investments also paid off in and died in 1837. Their legacy was followed reduced carbon pollution: since 2008, U.S. Andrew Caddell by Baldwin and Lafontaine, Georges- we have a once-in-a- wind generation has tripled, while solar With All Due Respect Étienne Cartier and D’Arcy McGee, the generation has increased more than 80 Statute of Westminster, the 1982 Constitu- generation opportunity to times. This year, renewable energy will tion, and the Charter of Rights. In short, the account for 21 per cent of total electricity TTAWA—On May 1, the prime minister evolution of democracy in Canada. build back better. We don’t used in the U.S, contributing to a 28 per Oand cabinet announced the government Because debate matters. From presiding have to go back to normal. cent fall in electricity-related carbon pollu- would ban the sale of 11 “military-style” over decisions on the use of seatbelts to pass- tion since 2005. weapons, in 1,500 versions. The response ing budgets to waging war, Parliament has As commentators around the world from most Liberals was enormous satisfac- many purposes: to strengthen a law, to elimi- have noted, we have a once-in-a-generation tion at this “swift, courageous measure.” nate egregious aspects drafters might not opportunity to build back better. We don’t Except from this corner. have considered, to be transparent, but also to have to go back to normal. We can aspire Now, as regular readers know, I sup- give popular legitimacy and weight to law. for better than normal. port some gun control. In a 2018 column, I am sure this measure was done to Let’s ask ourselves: are we building the I wrote, “Our legislators have to deal with appear to be responding to the savage mur- right projects, with the right materials, in the impact America’s gun addiction is ders in Nova Scotia three weeks ago. But a the right way? Beyond being “shovel-ready,” having on Canada. Here are a few sugges- 69-page document is not drafted overnight. what types of projects are “shovel-worthy?” tions: place restrictions on semi-automatic Paradoxically, what we know of the For federal officials tasked with wading weapons; impose severe penalties for killer in Nova Scotia is he was a psycho- through, prioritizing, and ultimately green- Dan Woynillowicz & Sarah Petrevan the smuggling of handguns; undertake path and a misogynist, whose weapons lighting the programs and projects that will stronger border surveillance; offer amnes- were obtained illegally from the U.S. These Opinion benefit from stimulus funding, clear and ties to people with changes, by con- comprehensive criteria will be needed. These restricted weapons.” trast, target legal criteria should allow for robust analysis But while I sup- gun owners and do his is a meaningful, shovel-ready while also remaining efficient, as stimulus port some of these nothing to under- “Tproject that will create jobs for local decisions will need to be made swiftly. measures, I take mine the smuggling workers.” The Obama recovery plan and its out- issue with how it of weapons. The This 2009 quote, from then-prime comes can help inform what criteria might was done: by an proposed amnesty minister Stephen Harper announcing be applied to stimulus proposals. What order-in-council from and buyback will federal stimulus dollars for a new highway questions should these criteria ask? cabinet. Initially, I cost hundreds of passing lane in Nova Scotia, pretty much First, there is the question of jobs. How was astonished a millions of dol- sums up his government’s approach to many jobs are created per dollar invested? 69-page document lars, and while the pulling Canada’s economy out of recession Are they secure jobs in sunrise industries could be put through Those of us who are ‘geeks’ about Parliament get prime minister says a decade ago: if it’s ready to go and creates with post-stimulus opportunities? without parliamenta- agitated when we see its role being diminished “you don’t need some jobs, write a cheque. Second, there is the question of long-term ry debate. Then I dis- or disrespected, writes Andrew Caddell. The Hill an assault weapon These aren’t inappropriate criteria to economic impact. Would the investment covered the changes Times photograph by Andrew Meade to take down a use, but considering the billions of dollars capitalize on or spur Canadian innovation were amendments deer,” Indigenous that governments spent a decade ago and that might give us a competitive advantage? to regulations in a 1995 gun law, allowing hunters are exempted. These weaknesses are poised to spend again post-COVID-19, Would it help create or benefit an existing for the “making of regulations prescribing could have been corrected with a thorough Canadians would be right to expect more. Canadian supply chain? What are the pros- anything that by this Part [firearms offences] debate. With a growing chorus of voices calling pects for leveraging private sector capital? is to be or may be prescribed.” The government has promised legisla- for—and more and more governments And lastly, there is the question of My friends on social media compared this tion for the amnesty and buyback provi- committing to—putting clean energy and climate change. Would the investment en- to New Zealand, where a gun-control law was sions. But, presumably, the order-in-council climate action at the heart of economic courage cleaner energy and more efficient, passed—but after debate. That was demo- will not change. recovery, one can’t help but wonder if a productive uses of that energy? Would it cratic: this is not. The government resorted to I may be the only Liberal voice in this cleaner approach has been pursued before. contribute to cutting carbon pollution in a flimsy foundation—a law from a quarter- country supporting parliamentary supremacy The answer? It has, and the outcome support of our 2030 climate target and a century ago. At the very least, they could have over rule by cabinet right now, which is a should provide encouragement. net-zero 2050? inserted this in last year’s gun legislation. shame. But even in these dark days—perhaps, Following the 2008 financial crisis, Government frameworks and datasets But they didn’t. I was told the ban is especially now—the principles of our democ- countries around the world put together already exist to help answer these types of supported by four out of five Canadians, racy must be respected. However good the stimulus packages with varying emphasis questions, though they are scattered across according to a May 1 Angus Reid study. My cause, the end never justifies the means. on clean energy. The U.S., under then- departments. A concise tool that pulls them answer: polls don’t change laws. Another Andrew Caddell is retired from Global president Barack Obama, was one of the together could quickly give us the lens argument is the government campaigned Affairs Canada, where he was a senior largest clean-energy spenders, second only through which we might see a better Canada. last year on the restriction of these weap- policy adviser. He previously worked as an to China, apportioning US$112-billion to Shovel-ready is well and good, but we have ons, and the promise was found on page 38 adviser to Liberal governments. He is a fel- its clean-energy-focused stimulus. By con- a chance now to build a shovel-worthy decade. of the Liberal platform. Page 38—certainly low with the Canadian Global Affairs Insti- trast, Canada spent only US$3-billion. Dan Woynillowicz is a policy direc- headline material. Frankly, all I remember tute and a principal of QIT Canada. He can While Obama’s clean-energy package tor and Sarah Petrevan is a senior policy of the campaign was insults, arguments, be reached at [email protected]. was just a small portion of the American adviser for Clean Energy Canada. scandals, and no clear mandate. The Hill Times Recovery and Reinvestment Act, roughly The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 11

and Scientific (AFS) group,” movement all of the other policy and implementation by the government on “one or more of the dimensions of dealing with COVID.” issues” related to call centre working condi- More than ever, we can see that these tions, and improved definitions of “family” are workers that are essential to the func- and “traveling time,” among others. tioning of our society, according to Prof. Civil Circles “We did not get everything we were ask- Ross, “and you could say that in a context ing for, but if you look at it, it’s clear that like that, those workers’ leverage might we feel there’s many positive recommen- grow, they might then have additional by Mike Lapointe dations contained in the report that if the power to use to press their own interests agency would follow, it should provide a around their working conditions, their good basis for the parties to achieve a fair wages, how they’re valued, all those ques- and reasonable collective agreement,” said tions.” As union members face Mr. Brière, who said federal employees are But Prof. Ross said although the situ- working “very well with the employer right ation may increase leverage, it may also now.” create a situation where workers are “We’ll still continue with collaboration dissuaded from using “typical tools” in col- COVID-19 pandemic ‘head and doing the great work for the population lective bargaining, like slowing down their and for the government, delivering those work to put pressure on the employer or benefits—that’s what we want to do, that’s going on strike. on,’ PSAC calls for feds to what we’re here for—I’m just saying, at the “Bargaining in a crisis, I think is really same time, we can’t just close our eyes and not great for anybody, because it means ignore the report,” said Mr. Brière. “The re- that very important things, like for instance return to bargaining table port is telling you, ‘here’s a way to get back work load, sick leave, pensions, things that to the table, here’s some recommendations,’ are really important in some ways, take a and they should acknowledge that.” backseat to the pressures of the crisis,” said PSAC national president UTE began holding strike votes on Feb. Prof. Ross. “When those pressures pass, if Chris Aylward, left, and 17, following what the union described you sign a collective agreement in the con- Treasury Board President as the government’s rejection of its wage text of a crisis, those decisions are going to Jean-Yves Duclos, right. proposal, its failure to respond with its own last two, three years, perhaps more, because Mr. Aylward says there monetary proposal, its rejection of propos- once they’re in a collective agreement, are thousands of public als to improve work-life balance, increase sometimes they’re difficult to remove.” servants 'stepping up to job security for term employees, and “Agreeing to things in the context of a the plate to get the job enhance working conditions in call centres. crisis is very fraught and full of risk,” said done, and some are doing These strike votes were also suspended on Prof. Ross. completely new jobs March 13. Larry Savage, a labour studies profes- wherever there has been The PIC report for the Program and sor at Brock University, told The Hill Times a need to support the Administrative (PA) group, PSAC’s largest that he believes PSAC and all unions are government’s relief efforts.' bargaining unit with 71,000 members, was looking at a “new reality.” The Hill Times photographs released Feb. 19, which Mr. Aylward notes “The difficulty for both the employer by Andrew Meade can be used as “the basis of our negotia- and the union, is that there’s uncertainty,” tions.” said Prof. Savage. According to Treasury Board spokesper- and above to deliver financial support son Martin Potvin, the federal government Brock University Treasury Board to millions of Canadians, and doing that has concluded agreements with 35 public labour studies in unprecedented time frames,” said Mr. service groups, and remains committed to professor Larry spokesperson Martin Potvin Aylward. reaching agreements for all groups that are Savage says says the government’s goal The task given to the CRA by the both fair to employees and reasonable for ‘whether public government is “tremendous, it’s huge, it’s Canadian taxpayers. sector unions is to take ‘constructive unprecedented,” said Mr. Brière in an inter- “As part of this commitment, we have like it or not, the view with The Hill Times. participated in the work of the Public public always steps to keep meeting and Interest Commissions and we respect the feels like it has Union of Taxation reports issued to date,” according to Mr. a stake in their to prepare for negotiations Employees (UTE) Potvin. “Our goal is to take constructive negotiations.’ when they resume.’ national president steps to keep meeting and to prepare for Photograph Marc Brière says negotiations when they resume. In ad- courtesy of he’s ‘extremely dition, we have continued to review our Twitter Continued from page 1 proud of the work human resources, IT, and financial policies that our members in the middle of the pandemic, as well as to ensure adequate measures and supports perform normally, are in place to protect the health and safety “Bargaining during the crisis, I think, the Quebec government’s ongoing negotia- but even more so tions with more than 500,000 public sector of employees and that of all Canadians carries the risk of the employer being able now during the as we remain focused on our efforts to to use the pretext of COVID-19 to possibly workers. pandemic,’ calling Canada Post also reached an agreement respond to COVID-19.” push through concessions that the union the results so far membership would otherwise never have with the federal government just last week, ‘phenomenal.’ said Mr. Aylward, who also told The Hill Bargaining in a crisis ‘not accepted,” he said, “because there is such Photograph courtesy Times he’s reached out to Treasury Board an elevated level of fear and anxiety about of UTE really good for anybody’: labour President Jean-Yves Duclos (Québec, Que.) what the future holds, and I think people on three separate occasions and has yet to studies expert are craving normalcy.” hear anything back other than a short text “I’m extremely proud of the work that Stephanie Ross, associate professor and Prof. Savage also said there’s also the message as of May 5. our members perform normally, but even director of the School of Labour Studies at sense that unions can be worried about “In all fairness to Minister Duclos, I more so now, during the pandemic. They’ve McMaster University, said we don’t have coming across as too aggressive in bar- know he’s extremely busy, he co-chairs the stepped up to the plate, faced the chal- many historical comparisons to use to gaining for fear of what that will do to its cabinet committee on COVID, of course, lenge, and the results so far are just phe- navigate what’s going to happen with col- public image when so many people are but there’s been absolutely nothing from nomenal,” said Mr. Brière. “The number of lective bargaining in this setting. unemployed or on some kind of income this government to date about getting back calls that we’re getting from the public has subsidy program. to the bargaining table,” said Mr. Aylward. been very high, the number of transactions McMaster “I think public-sector unions are very Prior to the onset of the worst of the pan- being processed for the [Canada Emer- University cognizant of how their bargaining demands demic, on Feb. 27, PSAC announced strike gency Response Benefit], for example, have labour studies will be perceived by the public because votes for Treasury Board bargaining units been phenomenal to say the least.” professor whether public sector unions like it or not, would begin March 16. At the time, PSAC Mr. Brière’s union, the second-largest Stephanie Ross the public always feels like it has a stake in noted that the government had “yet to table bargaining unit within PSAC, has been says ‘agreeing their negotiations,” said Prof. Savage. wage increases that would ensure rises in without a contract for three and a half to things in One year from now, we don’t know the cost of living are met,” and that its “Phoe- years, but the Public Interest Commission the context of what the stock market will look like, what nix compensation proposal remains meagre (PIC) released recommendations for a a crisis is very unemployment will look like, or whether and unequal across the public service,” settlement in contract negotiations be- fraught and layoffs are imminent or not, according to referring to the problem-plagued pay sys- tween PSAC-UTE and the Canada Revenue full of risk.’ the professor. tem that’s left thousands of public servants Agency on April 29. Photograph “Part of the logic of going ahead with overpaid, underpaid, or not paid at all. Public Interest Commissions are non- courtesy of bargaining in the crisis is to say if we Strike votes were suspended March 13. permanent bodies consisting of one or Twitter can get into bargaining and then out of three individuals appointed by the minister bargaining with a deal that secures our po- CRA’s task ‘tremendous, huge, responsible, according to the government’s sition for two, three years down the road, website. Their role is to assist parties to re- “On the one hand, you can see that pub- that will be the legal protection we need unprecedented,’ says UTE head solve disputes and make recommendations lic sector workers are more essential than to help us weather the storm,” said Prof. Mr. Aylward met with Union of Taxation for settlement. ever—we know that federal civil servants’ Savage. “If we believe that the bargaining Employees (UTE) national president Marc Mr. Brière said, generally speaking, work is essential to keeping society operat- context will be harder a year from now, Brière on May 4 during PSAC’s national his union is pleased with the contents of ing, keeping money flowing in the econo- then there is some urgency to get a deal strategy committee meeting, where they the PIC report, which sides with “several my, distributing government assistance,” now, even though you’re bargaining in the “primarily talked about the work that union proposals,” according to the website, said Prof. Ross. “All of the policy work and middle of a pandemic.” our members are doing, basically keep- including addressing “the wage disparity analysis that folks are doing to understand [email protected] ing this government afloat and going over with our co-workers in the Audit, Financial, not just the public health dimensions, but The Hill Times 12 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

also previously been a special assistant for Dilys Fernandes has also recently Ontario regional affairs in National Revenue joined Ms. Chagger’s office as a policy ad- Minister Diane Lebouthillier’s office. viser, focused on the minister’s youth file, Ms. Granados studied international and as regional adviser for the Atlantic. development and globalization at the Uni- Ms. Fernandes was most recently work- hill climbers versity of Ottawa. ing at federal Liberal Party headquarters. Emmaleigh Munro is now a communi- She first joined the party’s office in Janu- by Laura Ryckewaert cations assistant in the office. She’s a for- ary 2019 to prep for that year’s federal mer special assistant for communications election as senior manager of mobilization to then-seniors minister Filomena Tassi for the national field and was operations and has a joint honours bachelor’s degree and events manager for Ontario during in criminology and feminist and gender the official campaign period. She’d filled a Two new policy studies from the University of Ottawa. similar role for the party in the lead-up to Quinn Ferris is another new addition to the 2015 federal election. Ms. Jordan’s team as executive assistant Before joining party headquarters last to the chief of staff, Mr. Pike. A graduate year, she’d spent about half a year work- advisers join Fisheries of the University of Winnipeg, Mr. Ferris is ing in Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains’ a former constituency assistant to Liberal office as executive assistant to the chief of MP Jim Carr, who represents Winnipeg staff. South Centre, Man. She’s also a former aide to then-public Minister Jordan’s team Also currently working in Ms. Jordan’s services ministers Judy Foote and Carla office are: Neil MacIsaac, director of op- Qualtrough—having started under Ms. erations; Stephanie Choeurng, director of Foote in 2016 as a special assistant for Fisheries parliamentary affairs; Jennifer Kuss, direc- operations and ending in 2018 as a senior and tor of communications; Jane Deeks, press special assistant for operations and Ontar- Oceans secretary; Terri O’Neill, executive assistant io regional affairs to Ms. Qualtrough—and Minister to the minister; Alex Lightbody, ministerial a former assistant to Immigration Minister Bernadette driver; and Alexann Kropman, assistant Marco Mendicino in his capacity as the Jordan, to the parliamentary secretary, currently Liberal MP for Eglinton-Lawrence, Ont. pictured in Liberal MP Terry Beech. Along with Ms. McCargar and Ms. Fer- the West nandes, also currently tackling policy work Block on in Ms. Chagger’s office is Riley Schnurr. Dec. 11, McCargar leads policy team in Now-former senior policy adviser Meha- 2019. The Minister Chagger’s office lan Garoonanedhi has since exited to join Hill Times Diversity, Youth, and Inclusion Minis- Public Safety Minister Bill Blair’s office, as photograph ter Bardish Chagger has a couple of new recently reported by Hill Climbers. by Andrew advisers on her ministerial team as well as Humna Shaikh is another as-yet-un- Meade a new director of policy, Marilla McCargar, reported member of Ms. Chagger’s team, since Hill Climbers’ last dive into the team. having been hired on as a regional affairs Diversity, adviser for Ontario and assistant to the Youth, and minister’s parliamentary secretary, Liberal Inclusion MP Adam van Koeverden, at the beginning Minister of the year. Bardish Chagger, Meanwhile, Diversity, Youth, Aidan Strickland has also since gotten pictured a new title in Ms. Jordan’s office. Previous- exiting a and Inclusion Minister ly a special assistant for communications, Liberal caucus she’s now a communications and Ontario meeting last Bardish Chagger has installed regional adviser—or Ontario desk, as it’s year, followed commonly called—to the fisheries minister. by Liberal Marilla McCargar as director Aidan MP Mark of policy in her office. Strickland, Gerretsen. pictured The Hill Times with Prime photograph by Cynthia N APARTMENT NEAR PARLIAMENT Minister Münster AHILL— Fisheries and Oceans Minister Justin Bernadette Jordan’s political staff team Trudeau. has grown by five since Hill Climbers last Photograph took a gander in February, including the courtesy of Ms. McCargar joined Ms. Chagger’s addition of two new policy advisers, Sofia Facebook office at the end of January and was previ- Vartsakis and Alexander Craney. ously a senior policy adviser to then-science Humna Shaikh is now working in Ms. Chagger’s Ms. Vartsakis has been hired as a policy and sport minister Kirsty Duncan. Before office.Photograph courtesy of Facebook adviser covering the Prairies and Arctic joining Ms. Duncan’s office in August 2018, regions. She joined Ms. Jordan’s team from she spent a little more than a year as a poli- Ms. Shaikh worked on Mr. van Ko- the Liberal Party’s staff ranks, having spent cy adviser to Ms. Chagger in her old post as everden’s successful 2019 campaign in Mil- the last year plus as a field organizer for the minister of small business and tourism. ton, Ont., which saw the former Olympian party in Nanaimo, B.C., and later in Winni- She’s also a former senior policy unseat former Conservative MP Lisa Raitt peg, Man., during the actual 2019 campaign. Among other past jobs, Ms. Strickland adviser to then-Ontario seniors affairs with roughly 51.7 per cent of the vote. She has a bachelor’s degree in political is also a former special assistant for opera- minister Dipika Damerla, and a former She’s also a former special assistant for science and government from the Univer- tions and executive assistant to the chief of lecturer with Western University’s history outreach in the Liberal research bureau, sity of Winnipeg and is also a former sales staff in Ms. Jordan’s former office as rural department, having taught there while a former assistant to Liberal MP Marwan and later product specialist with Shaw economic development minister. That chief completing a PhD in history. Her thesis ex- Tabbara, and a former intern to Liberal Communications. of staff was Cory Pike, who followed Ms. plored “Femininity and Higher Education” MPs Patty Hajdu and Jati Sidhu. Ms. Until recently, Mr. Craney had spent Jordan to her new portfolio post-election to for women in Ontario universities between Shaikh has a bachelor’s degree in law from a little more than three and a half years continue running her ministerial office. 1890 and 1920. Ms. McCargar also has a Carleton University. working for global software company D2L Other policy and regional advisers to master’s degree in history from the school, Victor Esposito, who had joined Ms. in Toronto as a government relations and the minister, as previously reported, are Ja- and a bachelor’s degree in history and po- Chagger’s team as director of operations public affairs manager. He was previously son Rondeau, policy and Atlantic regional litical studies from Queen’s University. post-election, has recently exited the part of Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s adviser, and Jennifer Phillips, senior policy Dilys minister’s team to become a new media successful 2015 and 2019 campaigns in and Pacific regional adviser. Fernandes advance in the Prime Minister’s Office. Toronto Centre, Ont. Last fall, Mr. Morneau Allie Chalke is Ms. Jordan’s director of is a policy During the last Parliament, Mr. Esposito was re-elected with roughly 57.4 per cent policy. and Atlantic worked in the office of the federal heri- of the vote. Monica Granados has been hired as regional tage minister, first as a legislative assis- Mr. Craney has bachelor’s degree in a new issues manager to the minister. affairs tant and caucus liaison and ending as history from Queen’s University and later She’s spent the last few months working adviser senior manager of strategic planning. He studied for masters’ degrees in Asian-Pa- in Women and Gender Equality and Rural to Ms. was part of the federal Liberal campaign’s cific studies and public policy and gover- Economic Development Minister Maryam Chagger. tour advance team last fall. nance at the University of Toronto. Monsef’s office as assistant to the minis- Photograph Aside from those staffers already men- Fellow policy adviser Marianne Bris- ter’s parliamentary secretary, Liberal MP courtesy of tioned, also currently working as political son has had a tweak to her job description Gudie Hutchings. LinkedIn staff for Ms. Chagger are: Jamie Kippen, since the beginning of the year. Previously Before joining Ms. Monsef’s team post- chief of staff; Danielle Keenan, director of a policy adviser covering Quebec regional election last December, Ms. Granados had communications; Marie-Pier Baril, man- affairs, she is now also covering New been a Quebec regional adviser and assistant ager of communications and issues man- Brunswick for the minister. Before joining to the parliamentary secretary in Ms. Jor- agement; and Myriam Djossou, executive the minister’s team in January, she was dan’s old office as rural economic develop- assistant to Mr. Kippen. busy as a junior policy analyst with the ment minister. A former research assistant [email protected] Meteorological Service of Canada. with the Earnscliffe Strategy Group, she’s The Hill Times PRIVACY AND SECURITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE The Hill Times Policy Briefing May 6, 2020

Canadians shouldn’t have to give up privacy rights to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner p. 14

Feds haven’t consulted privacy commissioner on contact-tracing app details

Aidan Chamandy p. 15

Don’t let privacy concerns complicate necessary data sharing to combat public health threats

Shaza Fadel, Sara Allin, and Natasha Crowcroft p. 16

Protecting the core of Canadian values in the digital realm Aaron Shull p. 18 14 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Privacy and Security in the Digital Age Policy Briefing

in Canada’s political discourse. Canadians should not have to Canadians shouldn’t have to give up privacy just simply accept the concept that they are forced to work for free by producing valuable data rights to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for others to exploit, nearly every minute of the day. In the digital slow the spread of COVID-19, the federal privacy commissioner like these will create a lot of economy, we should not have to The government there have been increasing ques- released a privacy framework extremely valuable data for big accept that we do not have any tions about how Canada will do intended to ensure that the gov- companies. inherent rights to the ownership should be using this the same. One common acknowl- ernment upholds privacy laws in The solution to this data of the very data that we produce. edgement is that in order to lift this unprecedented context. I’ve crisis is not to simply rely on Transparency on use is also situation to improve mass isolation measures while called upon the federal govern- the government to inefficiently, an issue to be addressed. If the individual privacy containing the spread of the virus, ment to ensure these principles ineffectively, or self-interestedly government, or a private en- jurisdictions must have robust are respected. regulate this space. The right an- tity hired by the government, rights, not being systems for testing and rapid However, there are challenges swer involves giving Canadians is tracking us, we should know contact tracing. to achieving this. Canadian digi- a direct say over how their data about it. If they are collecting content to let the Globally, contact-tracing tal privacy laws were inadequate is collected and used—including our data, we should know how mechanisms have varied de- prior to COVID-19. Not only do enabling market-based solutions it is being used and stored. And, status quo continue, pending on the tradition of civil we need a framework to protect that empower citizens to protect if this is happening, we need to or worse yet, use this liberties associated with the na- privacy for COVID-19-related their data and privacy, and know that these powers must tion deploying them. In Canada, contact tracing, but we also need derive the value they place on it, be temporary in nature and as cover to allow our where the right to individual pri- new data protection laws writ from it. We need laws that give that parliamentary oversight is vacy is an entrenched value, our large. individuals the power to ensure required. Health information rights to be further civil liberties must be considered Every day, Canadians create the data they create gives them and geolocation tracking reveals first, and put at the core of any a digital footprint. And it should value, and that their right to some of the most intimate infor- eroded. contact-tracing system. Cana- be theirs to own, but it is not. Be- consent to how it is used is treat- mation about individuals and dians should not be expected to fore COVID-19, our discussions ed as a human right, while at we must ensure that it does not sacrifice their privacy in order to around data protection were fo- the same time creating a vibrant become the new normal. combat the spread of COVID-19. cused on how big tech companies market for tech innovation. We Canadians shouldn’t have It is imperative that any track- exploit our data. Every Google also need to ensure there are to give up their right to privacy ing initiative that goes beyond search, like on an Instagram post clear limits and boundaries to in order to prevent the spread what Canadians would normally or online purchase that someone what data governments can col- of COVID-19. The government accept as a reasonable invasion makes, is personal information lect, use, and store. should be using this situation to of their personal life be rooted in that is making companies, like This government has had improve individual privacy rights, a privacy protection framework, Facebook and Google, very rich many years to address this issue, not being content to let the status not the other way around. without acknowledging the value but has accomplished little. Con- quo continue, or worse yet, use Nearly a month ago, I issued of this data to the individual cre- tinued inaction and delays in this this as cover to allow our rights to Conservative MP Michelle a statement outlining privacy ating it, or their right to consent area of policy are unacceptable, be further eroded. Rempel Garner principles that any contact-trac- to how it is used. These concerns especially now, in light of con- Michelle Rempel Garner is Opinion ing system should include. Since should be amplified, given that cerns of privacy infringements in the Member of Parliament for then, the Canadian Civil Liberties stay-at-home orders mean we the pandemic context. Calgary Nose Hill, Alta., and the s governments around the Association has also been calling are living our lives online more This is why I have been Conservative industry critic. Aworld look for strategies to for privacy oversight. As well, than ever. Challenging times working to advance this issue The Hill Times

Side effects may vary: lack of evidence prompts vigilance when considering contact-tracing apps

moms will have to go without. endorsed by public health agencies. safe) development, deployment, and There are indications One defining feature of this pan- That is a tacit acknowledgment that use of apps should be developed, demic is the extent to which govern- these apps occupy a unique risk to ensure proper oversight and ac- that Canadian ments, and the public, have put category. Experts point to privacy countability. evidence in the driver’s seat. It was and other ethical concerns when It’s understandable that gov- contact-tracing apps evidence that supported the rapid listing the known risks and poten- ernments and public health agen- could hit the app call for unprecedented social dis- tial harms that could result from cies are looking to contact-tracing tancing measures, lockdowns, and rushing to deploy contact-tracing apps as a path to some sense of stores as early as this business closures. Those previously apps. For example, just like an inef- normalcy in our disrupted, and unimaginable political decisions fective vaccine, premature reliance increasingly desperate, lives. But week. That could have saved lives while exacting on an ineffective contact-tracing we would be wise to maintain our great costs on society in the form of app could lead to a new spike in deference to evidence when con- prove unwise. job losses, disruptions to education, If an app is widely endorsed by infections or other harms. sidering the broad deployment of mental health stressors, and global governments and public health What kind of evidence would contact-tracing apps. If an app is economic turmoil. Yet, even as we agencies, and if it turns out to support the endorsement of contact- widely endorsed by governments creep toward desperately wanting be ineffective, or worse harmful, tracing apps? Here is a short list and public health agencies, and to return to normalcy, evidence endorsements could certainly for starters. Specific health claims if it turns out to be ineffective, seems to be shoring up those costly undermine trust in public health should be supported by correspond- or worse harmful, endorsements trade-offs. Keep distancing—we’ll institutions at a time when maintaining ing evidence. For example, if de- could certainly undermine trust return to normalcy when the trust is paramount, writes Jason Millar. velopers claim an app can provide in public health institutions at evidence suggests it’s time to open Photograph courtesy of Pixabay effective contact-tracing, we need to a time when maintaining trust things back up, we’re told. know how effective, based on real is paramount. As with vaccines, Evidence has pumped the their efficacy or safety, bucks the data. Claims based solely on model- optimism and hope are not solid brakes on rushing COVID-19 trend. There are indications that ling should be clearly communicat- grounds for public health deci- Jason Millar vaccines to market. A vaccine will Canadian contact-tracing apps ed as unverified, and the app should sion-making. Only proper testing Opinion only allow us to return to normal could hit the app stores as early as be treated as experimental, at best. and the right kind of evidence if it works. Rush an untested this week. That could prove unwise. Additionally, algorithmic impact can tell us if a COVID-19 contact- vaccine to market, and it might Here’s why: health apps can do assessments should be conducted tracing app is effective and safe. other’s Day is fast approach- prove ineffective, leading to a harm. A recent peer-reviewed sys- prior to deployment, to identify We don’t yet have that evidence. Ming. If you’re like me—lucky spike in new infections. Worse, an tematic literature review concluded and communicate the potential Jason Millar is an assistant enough to have a loving mother untested vaccine could be both that the “safety of [health] apps is an risks (think of them as side-effects) professor in the School of Electri- who lives relatively nearby—the ineffective and directly harmful. emerging public health issue,” and associated with the use of contact- cal Engineering and Computer prospect of a hug-less Mother’s Only evidence can assure us of a that some apps “pose clinical risks tracing apps. Deployment plans Science at the University of Ot- Day, thanks to COVID-19, is your vaccine’s efficacy and safety. to consumers.” Apple and Google should include vigilant monitoring tawa, with a cross-appointment in current gloomy reality. Evidence Amid all of this reasonable understand this, and thus have cre- processes to gather evidence about the Department of Philosophy. He tells us that hugs spread CO- deference to evidence, our appar- ated special rules that only apply actual harms, including thresholds holds the Canada Research Chair VID-19, and that seniors are par- ent willingness to speed towards to contact-tracing apps. They will that would trigger pulling the app. in the Ethical Engineering of Ro- ticularly susceptible to the worst deploying COVID-19 contact-trac- only host contact-tracing apps on Finally, clear evidence-based guide- botics and Artificial Intelligence of the disease. So, many of our ing apps, without solid evidence of their app stores that are officially lines around the responsible (read The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 15 Policy BriefingPrivacy and Security in the Digital Age

Teresa Scassa, Canada Re- Federal Privacy search Chair in Information Law Commissioner and Policy at the University of Ot- Daniel Therrien tawa, said Canada should follow at a press the Australian route. conference “I am concerned about the in 2017. Mr. level of transparency we will have Therrien said in Canada around contact-tracing the government apps and their privacy impact as- should consult sessments. A PIA should be done with his office on any contact-tracing app ad- before launching opted by a government, and in my a contact-tracing view it should be made publicly app. The Hill available at the same time as the Times photograph app,” Prof. Scassa said. by Andrew Meade Alberta’s ABTraceTogether app uses Bluetooth technology to identify when two phones have been in close contact for more than 15 minutes in a 24- hour period. If someone with the app tests positive for COVID-19, they’re asked to upload the the data to Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS then reaches out to anyone who came in close con- tact with the infected individual. Using the app is not mandatory, and Alberta’s chief medical of- ficer of health, Deena Hinshaw, said that no identifiable infor- mation is shared between app Though Alberta has moved users. The data is stored locally forward and launched its app, on the phone until it is shared no privacy impact assessment with the provincial health Feds haven’t consulted (PIA) has been released. Alberta authority, and will begin to be Information and Privacy Commis- destroyed after 21 days, one day sioner Jill Clayton said her office at a time. For example, on the received a PIA from Alberta 22nd day, the first day’s data will privacy commissioner on Health early last week and that be wiped. the department will publish a In order to get into the app summary for the public. store, a prospective app must be “We have seen similar steps approved by a government health contact-tracing app details taken in other jurisdictions to authority. As health is under pro- promote accountability and vincial jurisdiction, a provincial but we have not been consulted best to move forward with digital transparency, and to build public health authority could endorse Although there have on the details of these applica- innovation as part of our effort to trust,” Ms. Clayton said in a press an app that would only operate in tions yet.” fight COVID-19. Discussions are release. that province and only be subject been high-level The Office of the Privacy Com- underway with several propo- Australia launched its CO- to the domain of the provincial missioner released a framework nents to ensure that any digital VIDSafe contact-tracing app on privacy commissioner. talks with his office, on April 17 governments can use solutions reflect Canadian values, April 26 and millions of residents Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine- as the government to assess potential privacy threats have strong privacy protections downloaded it in the first few Smith (Beaches-East York, Ont.), from COVID-19 response initia- and safeguards, and are in line days. On April 24, the government a member of the House Industry discusses with app tives. It lists nine general prin- with the strongest ethical stan- publicly released a full, 78-page Committee and a vocal privacy ciples governments should follow dards,” wrote Véronique Simard, PIA. In the United Kingdom, advocate, said in a May 1 inter- developers, Privacy when using personal information spokesperson for Mr. Bains, in an where a pilot contact-tracing view that if different contact- to fight the pandemic. email to The Hill Times. program was launched on May tracing apps are launched in Commissioner Daniel At an April 29 press confer- A federal official, who asked 4, there are few indications the different provinces, the federal Therrien says he ence, Prime Minister Justin not to be named in order to dis- government is undertaking any role should be to help provinces Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) said the cuss internal deliberations, said kind of PIA process. establish national privacy stan- hasn’t heard any of government has received “a num- a decision has not been made At the federal level in dards, but noted he is confident in ber of proposals” from “companies on whether the federal govern- Canada, PIAs are conducted ac- the strength of provincial pri- the finer points. working on different [contact- ment actually plans to endorse a cording to a Treasury Board di- vacy laws. He also said it will be tracing] models that might be contact-tracing app, or allow the rective, not a law. The guidance important to ensure the apps are BY AIDAN CHAMANDY applicable to Canada as we move provinces to take the lead and says PIAs should be submitted interoperable. forward,” but that “Canadians put approve an app for that specific to both the Treasury Board Sec- “If restrictions stay in place espite the first Canadian a very high value on their privacy” province. Discussions are also un- retariat and the privacy commis- for the foreseeable future where Dcontact-tracing app, ABTr- and emphasized the federal derway with roughly a dozen enti- sioner’s office at the same time, people can’t leave their own prov- aceTogether, launching in Alberta government’s “need to make sure ties for a potential federal app, and before the measure in question ince, then maybe that app only on May 1 and being downloaded we respect that, even in a time of that privacy protection remains a goes into effect. The OPC recom- working within that province is by tens of thousands of residents, emergency measures and signifi- top priority, the source said. mends, however, that institu- sufficient. As soon as interprovin- federal Privacy Commissioner cant difficulty and crisis.” The source did not say which tions consult it “long before you cial travel opens up, having differ- Daniel Therrien’s office has not At an April 30 meeting of entities, but a report from The finalize your report.” ent apps in different provinces is yet been contacted by the federal the House Industry Committee, Wire Report on March 31 said In the interview, Mr. Therrien a problem if they don’t speak to government on “the details of Innovation, Science, and In- both the federal and Quebec said COVID-19 requires govern- one another,” he said. contacting tracing.” dustry Minister Navdeep Bains governments were in talks with ments to act quicker to protect Prof. Scassa also highlighted “We have had discussions with (Mississauga-Malton, Ont.) said the team behind the Montreal public health and that his office the potential privacy threats from a number of federal departments in response to a question from Institute for Advanced Learning’s “will apply a flexible and con- a patchwork system. and with our provincial col- Conservative industry critic (MILA) contact-tracing app. An textual approach to privacy law,” “One province might decide leagues, provincial commission- Michelle Rempel Garner (Calgary April 9 report from The Logic but he does expect some kind of that Bluetooth contact data should ers, over the past few weeks. The Nose Hill, Alta.) that the govern- said the app, co-developed by assessment to take place before be centrally stored, either auto- conversations are at a relatively ment has been engaged with the Yoshua Beingo, MILA’s scien- an app is launched. matically or once an individual high level of generality where we privacy commissioner regarding tific director and co-chair of the “PIAs before an initiative is tests positive. Another province talk about the principles in our contact tracing. Deputy minister federal government’s AI advisory launched is the normal directive might opt for decentralized framework,” Mr. Therrien told The Simon Kennedy also said the panel, was expected to launch the and is desirable. In an emergency storage. If app users from the Hill Times in a May 4 interview. government has started looking following week. situation, the government may decentralized province travel to a “We have been consulted on a at some privacy implications and Mr. Therrien said that his proceed with a privacy-sensitive province with centralized stor- handful of technological solu- is in talks with both the Justice office has been in contact with initiative with a serious privacy age and are recorded as contacts tions, but not on the details of Department and the Office of the MILA on the details of their pri- assessment, but not necessarily of an individual in that province, contacting tracing by the gov- Privacy Commissioner, but that vacy policies. a fulsome PIA with all its usual then what happens with their data ernment yet. That is not to say the prospective policy has not “We have indicated that the de- rigour. There is some accom- may be different from what they that we will not be consulted. moved to the point where con- sign of their application certainly modation on some of the rules, were led to understand when they The government, including the crete steps are being taken. takes into consideration many of but there needs to be a serious downloaded their app,” she said. prime minister, has indicated that “We are working closely with the principles that we advocate privacy assessment before some- [email protected] they’re still considering the issue, provinces and territories on how [in the framework],” he said. thing is launched.” The Hill Times 16 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Privacy and Security in the Digital Age Policy Briefing Don’t let privacy concerns complicate necessary data sharing to combat public health threats

of Canada (PHAC) creates the com- and stopping transmission. There- the use and interpretation of results ments more feasible for timely Concerns over privacy mon elements to manage this system fore, continued expansion of test- is consistent across provinces. Infec- and consistent collection across have often complicated within a national framework to ing for the presence of virus using tious diseases often have associated provinces. Concerns over privacy standardize data collection and vol- nucleic acid technologies will stigmas and community engage- have often complicated the timeli- the timeliness and untary sharing across provinces and continue to be critical in the fore- ment is important to gain public ness and sharing of data needed territories. Provinces and territories seeable future. Serological tests trust that immune status will not be to assess risk for adverse health sharing of data have a lot of flexibility to implement are useful as a population sur- used to marginalize sub-groups. outcomes, and privacy zealots in their own policy interventions and veillance tool that could inform Canada have challenged public needed to assess risk public-health measures based on decisions around the safety of Who is at risk and health innovations, as in other their risk assessment and context. relaxing control measures. In the countries. These data are critical for adverse health Communicable diseases, includ- case of COVID-19, understanding collateral health impacts as provinces set their own plans outcomes, and privacy ing COVID-19, do not respect ad- how much of the population was PHAC’s interim case report form to relax public health measures. ministrative boundaries. Effective infected at some prior point could suggests public health authorities Strengthening national surveil- zealots in Canada have surveillance depends on a national inform models for the expected should collect risk-factor informa- lance standards will be a strong strategy to ensure that data enables waves of transmission that could tion from patients, including gender, step forward to improving timeli- challenged public the timely and accurate burden of come once measures are relaxed. age, Indigenous identity, and co-mor- ness, effectiveness, health equity, disease estimation and identifica- Serological surveillance is under- bidities. These data are often missing engagement, and transparency of health innovations. tion of those at risk of infections or utilized in Canada, despite being or lagging in provincial reporting to the FPT pandemic response for collateral health impacts. a standard approach for vaccine- PHAC. Guidance on collecting data Canada. The challenge will be to preventable diseases. The creation on collateral health impacts, those enforce uniform standards whilst of the Canadian National Immunity indirectly attributable to COVID-19, still enabling local flexibility. Case detection and burden Task force to oversee co-ordination are lacking. Steep declines in emer- Shaza Fadel is an assistant Active SARS-CoV-2 infections of country-wide serological tests gency room visits in Canada have professor, Dalla Lana School of are currently detected though and to identify vulnerabilities been reported and raise concerns Public Health, Centre for Vaccine nucleic acid-based technologies. in the population was a critical about delayed presentation to Preventable Disease, University Criteria for testing differs across step forward. Time is needed for emergency rooms for immediately of Toronto; Sara Allin is an as- provinces, making it difficult to laboratories to validate serologi- life-threatening conditions. Monitor- sistant professor, North American assess COVID-19’s burden nation- cal technologies and for improved ing, in real-time, declines in routine Observatory on Health Systems Natasha Crowcroft, Sara Allin ally. Testing blood samples (sero- understanding on immunity to immunization coverage, impacts of and Policies, Institute of Health & Shaza Fadel logical tests) to detect the pres- SARS-CoV-2 for individual and decreased primary care on health Policy Management and Evalua- ence of antibodies can provide population assessment. However, outcomes, or impacts of interven- tion, Dalla Lana School of Public Opinion evidence of an immune response it is not too early to communicate tions that increase isolation on Health, University of Toronto; and to infection. Antibodies to SARS- a proposed national strategy to mental health, particularly in older Natasha Crowcroft is director, ealth surveillance systems are CoV-2 are not detectable for at the public to alleviate individual populations, can be more challeng- Centre for Vaccine Preventable Hkey cornerstones to protecting least a week after infection, and concerns about return-to-work ing. Data will also be needed to Diseases, a professor, Dalla Lana populations from emerging public the type of antibodies that could mandates, as well as to ensure those monitor the impact of the economic School of Public Health and health threats. In Canada, these neutralize the virus are likely not who enroll in initial studies to detect crisis on population health. Laboratory Medicine and Patho- systems fall under shared respon- detectable until two weeks after antibodies are representative of Canada is not short of exper- biology, and adjunct scientist sibilities between local, federal, infection. This renders serologi- the Canadian population. It is also tise in developing appropriate ICES and senior fellow at Massey and provincial and territorial (FPT) cal tests ineffective in identifying important that clear guidance on indicators, and advances in data College, University of Toronto. agencies. The Public Health Agency potentially infectious individuals legal and ethical considerations for science now make these enhance- The Hill Times

Not all apps are created equal: privacy and ethics should impact design, adoption of contact tracing tools The pandemic Contact-tracing apps are meant to Centralized data storage makes data that could also be useful in ation for data governance. supplement often-overwhelmed some data available to authorities. modelling and analytics, pub- The pandemic context increas- context increases public health agencies. OPH is contemplating this model. lic sentiment favoured a more es the vulnerability of a popula- In Canada, Ottawa Public Health France and the U.K. are adopting a privacy-protective model. Since tion asked to use largely un- the vulnerability of a (OPH) has announced its intention centralized model. In the U.K., the contact-tracing apps require tested and unproven technologies. to adopt an app, and provincial, app will send automated notifica- substantial uptake to be useful, Contact-tracing apps are ineffec- population asked to territorial, and federal governments tions but stores data on a central public trust is essential. tive without substantial public are also considering options. The server. In Australia, data remains In Canada, a third type of uptake, and will be unavailable to use largely untested Vector Institute seems poised to on an individual’s phone until a contact-tracing app is also un- users without cell phones. There and unproven launch its MyTrace app, and Mila positive test, when it is uploaded der consideration. Since many are questions about whether such Institute is also developing an app. to a central server with consent; contact-tracing apps depend upon apps will be useful at all, either technologies. Since such apps cannot be distrib- communications with individu- users sharing information about because of poor uptake or inac- uted through app stores without als are managed by public health positive tests, and since testing is curate proximity data. AI-enabled government approval, the issue is in authorities. below optimal levels in Canada, apps also depend on experi- the hands of policy makers. With decentralized storage, the Mila Institute is developing mental algorithms to calculate Most contact-tracing apps rely deidentified contact details are an app that uses an additional COVID-19 infection risk. on a phone’s Bluetooth technol- stored on a user’s phone. App layer of artificial intelligence and Clearly, contact-tracing apps ogy, which allows app-enabled users who test positive for the dis- machine learning to calculate risk are not created equal, and their phones that are close to each ease enter this information into of infection based on a user’s pro- different privacy and ethical im- other to record the degree and the app. If an infected person then file, contacts, and places visited. plications demand close scrutiny. duration of proximity. Bluetooth shares their contact history with The app would provide advice to In Canada, where governments is not without its problems, but public health authorities, those users on what steps they should are now poised to decide which, if it is more precise—and privacy authorities can issue notifications take, based on their own calculat- any, apps to endorse, these issues Teresa Scassa friendly—than GPS tracking data. to identified contacts but these ed risks. It is an ambitious piece should be at the forefront. This Opinion Because contact-tracing apps are processed without authori- of technology, but raises serious requires transparency about per- bring together highly sensitive ties being able to identify specific privacy and ethical issues that go ceived risks and benefits of any personal health information and individuals. Those who receive beyond those raised by non-AI- app that is endorsed, including s governments world-wide location/activity data, privacy is notifications can get tested or enabled apps. To continuously im- privacy impact assessments, and, Acontemplate COVID-19 “return- a major issue. Concerns include self-isolate and monitor their prove the AI, the app developers if necessary, algorithmic impact to-normal” strategies, contact-trac- security, potential surveillance symptoms. Many EU countries need a third dataset containing assessments. ing apps have become part of the and function creep. There are two are adopting this decentralized more (de-identified) information Teresa Scassa holds Canada conversation. Tracing and notifica- basic approaches to personal data model. Although some govern- about individual users. That data Research Chair in Information tion of those who have had contact storage and sharing with these ments initially expressed prefer- will be of interest to researchers Law and Policy at the University with an infected person is a major apps: apps that use centralized ence for a centralized model, and governments. For this reason, of Ottawa. public health role in a pandemic. versus decentralized data storage. which would provide them with a “data trust” is under consider- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 17 Policy BriefingPrivacy and Security in the Digital Age With strong privacy rules, Canada and the EU could combat COVID-19 together

As governments Digital tools, from contact around the globe tracing and warning apps are considering and to telemedicine or symptom developing data- checkers, can driven solutions in really make a difference, the fight against the writes Didier Reynders. pandemic, they face Photograph courtesy of similar challenges Pixabay concerning their privacy implications.

Didier Reynders Opinion

ith the COVID-19 pan- Wdemic, we are facing an unprecedented challenge for our health-care systems, economic stability, and way of life. Technol- ogy and data have a significant role to play in combating this major crisis. Digital tools, from contact development and use of apps in well as a democratic imperative, positive one that brings new op- foster innovation and address the tracing and warning apps to compliance with data-protection at a time when the functioning of portunities and tangible benefits challenges that come with our in- telemedicine or symptom check- rules and developed a toolbox our democracy and the integrity to increase the protection of our creasingly digital world. Further ers, can really make a difference. to make effective use of techno- of our electoral process can be citizens when their data is trans- modernization of Canada’s pri- They can, in particular, help users logical solutions. Built-in privacy, threatened by the misuse of data. ferred abroad, but also to facili- vacy framework around concepts diagnose themselves, provide a for example by guaranteeing It is also an economic necessity: tate data flows and thus trade. such as strengthened individuals’ safe communication channel be- data security, transparency, and without consumers’ confidence control and increased data mobil- tween doctors and patients, alert individual control, constitutes an in the way their data is handled, ity, as proposed as part of this people of potential exposure to essential condition to ensure the in particular online, there can be Strengthening the EU- initiative, would also increase the the virus and in this way contrib- largest uptake of such tools and no sustainable growth of our in- convergence between our data ute to limiting its spread, as well therefore their reliability and ef- creasingly data-driven economy. Canada partnership on protection systems and contribute as support public authorities in fectiveness. In this fast-evolving environ- privacy to reinforcing the foundations of the implementation of success- ment, effectively protecting priva- Canada and the EU know that the adequacy decision that is cur- ful exist strategies, including the cy requires, probably more than very well. Their long-standing rently under review. gradual lifting of containment Privacy is part of the ever before, clear and credible co-operation, based on shared As the EU has in the past measures. solution “rules of the game” enshrined in values, is an example of how years gone through a similar As governments around the This crisis once again shows an overarching legislation, based strong data protection standards process of consultation with globe are considering and devel- us that privacy is part of the on a core set of individual rights, and international data flows can stakeholders and reform of its oping data-driven solutions in the solution. Contrary to what we and enforced by a robust regula- go hand in hand. The EU “ad- privacy rules, we certainly stand fight against the pandemic, they sometimes hear, this is not about tor. Modern approaches, such as equacy decision” on the Personal ready to share the lessons learned face similar challenges concern- choosing between, on the one those based on accountability, Information Protection and Elec- and further develop our dialogue ing their privacy implications. hand, the protection of personal rather than on detailed prescrip- tronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) with Canada in this area. Policy This is not just a legal issue. It is data, and, on the other hand, pub- tive rules, and on scalable obliga- from 2001, which allows unhin- makers and regulators on both about ensuring that our funda- lic health, security, or economic tions depending on the level of dered commercial data transfers sides can learn a lot from each mental values and rights will well-being. Rather than involving risk, can create new incentives for to Canada, is a reflection of the other through the exchange of not be collateral damage of this such false trade-offs, privacy is a technological innovations, where existing ties between our two pri- experience and best practices. In terrible virus. It is about protect- prerequisite for allowing citizens privacy-friendly solutions are em- vacy regimes. It has also formed our interconnected world, more ing human dignity, by notably to fully trust innovative solutions bedded from the earliest stages of the basis for a mutually enriching than ever, this type of dialogue preventing stigmatization. This and embrace them without fear. development. dialogue. When the EU started is essential if we want to address crisis is a testing and defining These considerations apply to to- Many of these elements are working on what would become challenges that are increasingly moment for the relationship be- day’s pandemic response as well reflected in a growing number the General Data Protection global in nature and scope. tween democracy and technology, as beyond, as technology contin- of new or modernized privacy Regulation (GDPR), we drew in- At a time when there is an in- in Brussels, Belgium, Ottawa, and ues to transform our lives in ways laws around the globe, as we spiration from certain principles creasing demand for international many other parts of the world. We previously unknown to us. are all facing similar challenges and approaches that were first standards on privacy, Canada and entered this crisis as a democ- In other words, privacy is a and opportunities. This is a truly developed and tested in Canada, the EU can lead by example and racy—we should exit the crisis core component of that human- universal trend, running from such as privacy-by-design that contribute to shape global rules whilst preserving our democratic centric approach, strongly Chile to South Korea, from Brazil proves so relevant in the context to the benefit of their citizens and system and fundamental rights. advocated by both the EU and to Japan, from Kenya to India— of the current fight against the businesses alike, as they did in This is why at the European Canada, to the many opportuni- just to mention a few examples. pandemic other areas with the conclusion Commission we have decided to ties and challenges of the digital In fact, in a world that is too With its proposed Digital of the Comprehensive Economic address these questions as part world, from blockchain to AI. This often characterized by different, Charter, which centres on build- and Trade Agreement (CETA). of our response to the COVID-19 is a question of human rights, if not divergent, approaches, this ing a foundation of trust, the Ca- Didier Reynders is the Euro- outbreak. We adopted, in the as recognized by our respective trend towards global convergence nadian government launched last pean Commissioner for Justice. past weeks, guidance for the safe constitutional frameworks, as in privacy standards is a very year a comprehensive strategy to The Hill Times 18 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Privacy and Security in the Digital Age Policy Briefing

powerful digital tech really is, basic goals of our society. Collec- him with establishing a new set Protecting the core how pervasive the role of private tively, these are meant to em- of online “rights,” including data companies has become, and how power individuals, create mean- portability, to know how personal potent government surveillance ingful rights, and circumscribe data is being used, and compen- can be. governmental authority through sation when personal data is of Canadian values This should force Canadians the application of strong rem- breached. to do something called a Gap edies in the event of a breach—all However, in an effort to Analysis, comparing actual of which are foundational in a design the digital society we in the digital realm performance with potential per- democracy. want more than may be re- formance. Put differently, what For private companies, it is quired. As an example, in the is the current state of the digital different. The Personal Informa- United Kingdom, there is a new OVID-19 has forced a digital society in Canada, and what is tion Protection and Electronic privacy code aimed at protect- As we seek to redefine Ctransformation, with offices the desired future state—and Documents Act (PIPEDA) is ing children using social media, sitting empty, the entire non- what is the delta between those the applicable law governing streaming services, and online digital society, essential workforce (that can two points? personal information disclosed games. This was done to ad- the foundational do so) working remotely, and Given how deeply personal or collected in the course of dress concerns of data misuse students furthering their educa- each person’s experience with commercial activities—with and access to content that could constitutional tion at kitchen tables around COVID-19 is, starting from a substantially similar legislation negatively affect the mental the country. Data is also being privacy perspective is a suitable applying in some provinces. The health of children and young principles should be used by governments to con- entry point to a much larger biggest weaknesses pointed to in adults. It has been referred to duct “contact” tracing, though conversation. In Canada there are this law are that it lacks any real as a digital seatbelt. a guide—empowering this means different things in two parallel privacy regimes, a enforcement mechanism, when As we seek to redefine digital different countries. Some states public one relating to government compared to its constitutional society, the foundational consti- individuals, are looking for only aggregated, action, and a private one relating and quasi-constitutional cousins, tutional principles should be a constraining anonymized data from telecom- to activities of private companies. and that it is built on a consent guide—empowering individuals, munications companies, in order For government, there are model—where individuals are constraining power, and creating power, and creating to better understand the spread robust limits that set the bounds required to read often lengthy meaningful rights. We should not of the disease—though this does related to individuals and their and overly legalistic terms and build it on a fiction. We should meaningful rights. raise issues with respect to the private information. While the consent to them, which most not just do what is convenient, potential for de-anonymization. Canadian Charter of Rights and people do not read. So, the no- or easy. The Canadian Charter Others, including Israel, Singa- Freedoms does not enumerate a tion of informed consent is, in elevated certain principles to pore, Taiwan, and South Korea separate right of privacy, it does most instances, a fiction. Plus, constitutional status because are taking a more aggressive include analogous rights to life, for many of the services, the al- they formed the very core of the approach—using personal data liberty, and the security of the ternative options are not appro- Canadian identity. We do not to track an individual’s location, person, and the right to be secure priate substitutes because the need small tweaks to existing law, contacts, and monitor quarantine against unreasonable search or main provider is so dominant in rather we need a robust new legal orders. seizure. the market that not consenting framework designed to protect This is fundamentally different Likewise, the Privacy Act, really equates to missing out the core of Canadian values in the from anything we have expe- which expressly governs federal entirely. digital realm. rienced before, and a different handling of personal information The federal government has Aaron Shull is the managing Aaron Shull use of the digital world. It has has quasi-constitutional status, recognized some of these de- director and general counsel at revealed four interrelated facets according to the Supreme Court, ficiencies. The mandate letter The Centre for International Gov- Opinion of technologically driven soci- making it a privileged category for the minister of innovation, ernance Innovation. ety: how connected we are, how that is meant to reflect certain science, and industry charged The Hill Times

In the last few weeks, Google must be destroyed in a verifiable We need a smart approach and Apple have announced their way as soon as it has served its plans to enable features in their stated purpose. core operating systems to allow Data ownership—Individu- for anonymous patient tracking. als must be the owners of their to using tech in patient These two companies’ operating data. This means that individuals systems power nearly all smart- should have the right to delete or phones in Canada. The patient transfer the data at their discre- contract tracking feature will use tion without any penalties or contact tracking during a system of randomized tokens disadvantages. created every 15 minutes and Awareness—Governments shared through a smartphone’s and health authorities must es- Bluetooth function. Both compa- tablish sustainable programs to public health emergencies nies have announced that only raise awareness levels about the authorized health authorities patient contact tracking feature. will be allowed to leverage this Awareness campaigns should lobally, the most effective Some countries, such as feature. also focus on creating brand Privacy and the use of Gway to flatten the corona- South Korea, have implemented However, any time digital recognition and trust among virus curve has been physical extensive automated track- tracking is enabled, it carries citizens. technology for public distancing. It slows the spread of ing systems for patient contact the potential for misuse by state Canada is at a crossroads the virus and ultimately leads to tracking. This allows for faster and non-state actors. There are a with respect to leveraging tech- health emergencies fewer deaths. In an ideal world, mapping of direct contacts and few fundamental principles that nology for public health emer- are not mutually everyone would have the op- identifying potential emerg- should be built into health-related gencies. As a country, we deeply portunity to practice physical ing geographic disease clusters. tracking functions to mitigate the value the privacy of our citizens exclusive. But we distancing as prescribed by public These currently deployed contact risks of invading citizens’ privacy and have instituted world- health officials. Unfortunately, tracking systems rely on patients’ and limit the number of people leading privacy regulations and must continue to for many people, doing so can be smartphones and those of their who opt out: public institutions. The current challenging, due to their type of contacts. The technology behind Decentralization—The col- pandemic, however, has demon- develop institutional employment, social requirements, the system is quite prevalent and lected tracking data must be strated the power of technology or awareness levels. can be enabled, in most cases, by saved in a completely decentral- in controlling the spread of a mechanisms to build Since 100 per cent physical simply downloading an app. ized system. No one entity should deadly virus and ultimately sav- a Canadian approach. distancing is impossible, the virus However, the use of smart- be able to collate the data, as this ing lives. will continue to spread. For every phones for tracking, even for may lead to invasion of privacy We believe privacy and the person who tests positive for noble causes such as patient and violation of citizens’ rights. use of technology for public COVID-19, public health officials tracking, raises serious ques- Decentralized data sets provide health emergencies are not have to go through the painful tions about privacy. Smartphone sufficient capabilities to enable a mutually exclusive. However, task of identifying and tracking tracking can potentially lead to patient-tracking function. we must continue to develop all individuals with whom the government surveillance, abuse of Anonymization—User tokens institutional mechanisms to infected patient may have come power by service providers, and must not contain any person- build a Canadian approach to into contact. This can take weeks countless other ways to invade ally identifiable information to addressing these challenges and involve thousands of indi- citizens’ privacy. China’s use of protect the identity of an indi- for future health-related public viduals. Since infected patients technologies for patient contact vidual. Patient tracking should be emergencies. can transmit the virus during tracking has undoubtedly, and strictly based on an unidentifiable Harry Sharma is the director the asymptomatic phase of the rightly, raised serious concerns device’s location. of innovation and technology at Harry Sharma disease, contact tracking becomes among Canadian privacy and Data storage—Data collected the Conference Board of Canada. Opinion even harder. health advocates. through the tracking function The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 19 Privacy and Security in the Digital Age Opinion Don’t be so quick to sign The Nobel for Trump? away privacy rights in Why not the Booker the face of the pandemic Prize for fiction instead? Other governments have of public debt and a Federal Reserve with The rapid shift toward history, and medical information, and then few, if any, instruments left for stimulat- shares information anonymously with nearby chosen to address the facts ing the U.S. economy, are not the elements automating a core public phones so users can calculate their risk levels. of economic resilience nor of increased As well, the Toronto Star obtained a confi- rather than pursue the productivity. health function involving dential document that indicates the Ontario What would have been was an economy government is considering using artificial fictional interpretations of a built to confront the challenges of the 21st sensitive health data in the intelligence and mobile phones’ geolocational century with a structure based on new data to track the spread of the virus, while president whose overriding investments in renewable energy, artificial midst of a global emergency several companies in Ontario and Quebec are intelligence, and sustainable agriculture promoting contact-tracing apps. motive is to present himself and water use, thereby creating a new and should give Canadians pause. Before rushing to implement tracing dynamic manufacturing base, and a mod- apps we should consider several important in only a positive light. ern, productivity-enhancing infrastructure. points. First, is this a case of technological This would mean an economy powered by solutionism? In other words, are we assum- a widely accessible, quality public educa- ing the necessity of technology, especially tion system—not gutted by the chimera of since app effectiveness relies upon sustained private charter schools—producing more voluntary participation by a majority of the cognitively skilled graduates who are less population? New Zealand Prime Minister subject to the vagaries of global economic Jacinda Ardern, skeptical of apps, stressed downturns and the gig economy, as well as the importance of effective contact tracing a more equal society with renewed social by public health experts. There is a risk that mobility, helping to close the real income people will over-trust apps, while minimiz- divides that today contribute to the break- Natasha Tusikov ing the importance of a well-funded public down of America’s social cohesion and to health system and the proven measures of Joseph Ingram Opinion its political stasis. testing, distancing, and handwashing. Opinion At the same time, however, Americans Second, we need to safeguard individu- need to ask themselves why, with almost n a recent Washington Post op-ed, Face- als’ privacy, as states and companies may two months lead time and examples from Ibook CEO Mark Zuckerberg declared be reluctant to dismantle health surveil- he recent roller coaster of American China, East Asia, and Europe, and with data is “a new superpower” to counter lance programs once the pandemic abates. Tstock market performance, with a much vaunted American health care, they the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically “the There’s a troubling history of emergency precipitous increase in market values com- find themselves today with one-third of ability to gather and share data for good.” surveillance measures becoming part of ing during the same week as more than 30 the world’s recorded cases of the coro- Zuckerberg and other tech giants are offer- everyday life, such as airport security mea- million Americans filed for unemployment, navirus, and one-quarter of the world’s ing their services to track the pandemic’s sures introduced after the 9/11 attacks. has starkly revealed the fiction of Presi- deaths from the virus and still rising. progression using social media data and Contact-tracing apps may be breached dent Donald Trump and his congressional This following repeated fictional reassur- trace the contacts of infected people. and may leak or share sensitive health data cheerleader’s contention that the econo- ances from the president that everything Contact tracing is a laborious process, with third parties like analytics firms or so- my’s fundamentals are strong. Nothing would be under control and that the usually undertaken manually by medical cial media platforms, as the U.K. watchdog could be further from the truth. Equating virus would be quickly dealt with by his professionals who painstakingly track the group Privacy International has warned. the high investment earnings of less than administration. Neither the World Health infected person’s close contacts. With the Facebook and Google, among other tech 10 per cent of the U.S. population—while Organization, nor previous administra- sudden boom of CO- companies, while 45 per cent of Americans were living on tions in Germany, New Zealand, South VID-19, surveillance According to a motivated to counter incomes of less than $30,000 per year, most Korea, Taiwan, Denmark, Norway, or tools and services— recent Leger poll, the pandemic, have without access to unemployment or health Canada were major factors in the rela- many of which are Canadians rated business models built insurance—with a strong economic base tively effective responses of their current relatively untested— their trust in public upon the massive was like equating the glitz and glamour governments. Instead they were guided by we should be asking health officials, like accumulation and of Trump’s Taj Mahal casino (that went science, evidence-based policies, and com- critical questions chief public health analysis of personal bankrupt pretty quickly) with a thriving, mon sense, not by the adolescent musings about privacy and officer Dr. Theresa data. COVID-19 sur- sustainable business. All noise and no of a leader recommending untested drugs security. Tam, at 81 per cent. veillance is becoming harmony. or potentially fatal ingestion of disinfec- Many countries It’s vital that Canada an industry, which Instead of the resilience to a global tants, while at the same time blaming the have mobile contact- not squander the requires government shock that healthy economic fundamen- Obama administration, China, and the tracing technology public’s high level regulation of the tals would normally provide, the Ameri- WHO for America’s current public health in operation or in de- of trust in public emerging products can economy will shrink dramatically and economic disaster. velopment, including health officials, writes and services, includ- in what is left of 2020—negative growth Indeed, it is highly likely that with Singapore, China, Natasha Tusikov. The ing effective privacy levels unseen since the great depression of much stronger public health systems and South Korea, Israel, Hill Times photograph and data-protection the 1920s—as many of its past drivers will social safety nets already in place, and Australia, the United by Andrew Meade measures. not be in a position to contribute to the with governments not faced with the same States, and Britain. Third, it’s vital jumpstart (the V curve) that Trump and his unfunded tax cuts for the wealthy investor The rapid shift to- that Canada not treasury secretary from Wall Street confi- class as the Trump treasury, the economic ward automating a core public health func- squander the public’s high level of trust in dently predict. With global warming likely impact on them will prove to be less severe tion involving sensitive health data in the public health officials. According to a re- to produce cataclysmic events during the in the medium term, especially as they shift midst of a global emergency should give cent Leger poll, Canadians rated their trust summer months of this year (temperatures resolutely to building structures for more Canadians pause. What personal informa- in public health officials at 81 per cent, in the U.S. southwest already in April are resilient 21st century economies, includ- tion or geolocational data should be col- with 73 per cent of Canadians saying they exceeding 100 F, while the frequency and ing carbon taxes to reduce fossil fuel use lected, if any, who should have access, how followed all public health advice, a stark fury of tornadoes this spring in the central and to improve the health of their public should the data be stored and used, and contrast to the United States where only 34 U.S. have been exceptional), pressure to finances. Other governments have chosen with what privacy protections? What tools, per cent reported following public health cut back demand for fossil fuels will grow, to address the facts presented by a global- technological or otherwise, are best suited advice. Automated contact-tracing tools and prices will continue to soften over ized 21st century world rather than pursue to augment our public health authorities, should augment, not replace, established time, thereby limiting the contribution the fictional interpretations of a president and what actor/s command legitimacy in medical practices and trained profession- the sector has made historically to GDP whose overriding motive, rather than the this area, including all-important public als. growth in the U.S. (which under Trump public good, is to present himself in only trust? With momentum building for auto- has been tepid at best). Combined with a positive light, no matter how disastrous In Canada, discussions are underway mated contact tracing, reliant upon the the prospect of less travel and tourism, the consequences of the ill-conceived and at the federal and provincial levels to use massive accumulation and sorting of data, demand for hotel and restaurant staff— failed policies he and his administration automated contact tracing. The federal and including sensitive health data, the proper a major contributor to the formerly low have pursued. Quebec governments, for example, are con- safeguards must be in place. Answering unemployment numbers under Trump— Joseph Ingram is the chairman of Capi- sidering adopting an app that uses artificial critical questions on data protection up will also subside, leaving a large swathe talis Partners, a former president of the intelligence to track users’ movements and front will ensure that the resulting technol- of America’s working poor in particularly North South Institute, and a former World alert them if they contact infected persons, ogy will be useful tools for Canada’s public vulnerable positions. This, too, will affect Bank special representative to the United according to The Logic. Created by the health officials. national consumption dramatically—the Nations and the World Trade Organiza- Montreal-based Mila Institute, a collabora- Natasha Tusikov is an assistant profes- principal driver of growth in the Trump tion. He is an expert adviser to the Global tion between the Université de Montréal and sor of criminology at York University and a economy. A crumbling infrastructure and Growth Dialogue and a fellow of the Cana- McGill University, the app creates a user’s former RCMP intelligence analyst. a budget deficit of 12.3 per cent of GDP, dian Global Affairs Institute. profile based on their movements, contact The Hill Times combined with the unprecedented levels The Hill Times 20 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News NAFTA 2.0

always wanted to go fast. And we The Hill Times that the support Some politicos, dairy groups say always tried to go slower because of Parliamentarians for the Aug. we thought … that there are 1 start date was across party institutions that need to take the lines. required time to study the deal,” Mr. Frigon added that the gov- the feds promised new NAFTA he said. ernment was “always confident” The opposition parties raised the deal would not come into concerns over the legislative pro- force before Aug. 1. cess of the CUSMA implementa- would start in August, while tion bill, including that the House Promised compensation Committee on International Trade only saw an economic assessment package still to come for trade experts say start date was of the new trade deal minutes dairy sector before they were set to question As the Canadian dairy sector Global Affairs officials on that preps for reduced market protec- same study. tion after the United States and being hurried by Trump “They wanted to go fast and Mexico gained access to 3.9 per now we have clear victims, cent of Canada’s supply-managed which are the dairy farmers,” Mr. industry, farmers and processors Sen. Plett’s complaint last week that Canadian Embassy in Washing- Savard-Tremblay said. still await compensation pack- Conservative Senate there was no guarantee given for the ton, D.C., and current president of Green Party MP Paul Manly ages for the loss. Leader Don Plett start date of the CUSMA. Rideau Potomac Strategy Group, (Nanaimo-Ladysmith, B.C.), Agriculture and Agri-Food Brian Kingston, vice-president said the start date is being driven his party’s international trade Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says he was given ‘a of international and fiscal policy by U.S. political considerations as critic, said in an email that his (Compton-Stanstead, Que.) at the Business Council of Can- well as a desire from the Canadian party didn’t receive any assur- was unavailable for an inter- direct promise’ from ada, said Canada was not in the government to end the economic ances from the government that view, referring comment to Ms. driver’s seat to decide the start uncertainty that has cast a shadow CUSMA would enter into force on Freeland’s office, which did not the government that date for the new NAFTA. over Canada since U.S. President or after Aug. 1. respond before deadline. “This is being driven by Wash- Donald Trump vowed to renegoti- Canada was the first of the Ms. Bibeau promised compen- the CUSMA wouldn’t ington and we have to accept that ate NAFTA in 2017. three countries to notify the other sation for lost market protection enter into force they want [entry into force on] “The Trump administration has two that it had ratified the new at a Dairy Farmers of Canada July 1 and so that’s how it’s going been quite unpredictable in terms NAFTA. It did so on April 2, ac- policy conference in February, ac- before August. to play out,” he said. of its relations with neighbours cording to a CBC report. Under the cording to a Glacier Farm Media Initially, U.S. Trade Represen- and they want to see this uncer- provision of the CUSMA, the trade report. tative Robert Lighthizer pushed tainty that has persisted for so agreement comes into force on the The government announced Continued from page 1 for a June 1 start to the new long put to rest,” Mr. Miller said. “the first day of the third month $3.9-billion of funding in the Conservative support for the NAFTA, but that was ultimately NDP MP Daniel Blaikie following the last notification.” 2019 budget for supply-managed trade pact implementation bill so pushed back. (Elmwood-Transcona, Man.), his Mexico notified its North American sectors that had lost market it would pass before Parliament “I appreciate the concern party’s international trade critic, partners it had ratified the pact on protection in the Comprehensive adjourned on March 13. being raised,” Mr. Kingston said. told The Hill Times that it was April 3 and the U.S. gave notice of Economic and Trade Agree- Bill C-4 to implement the new “But there’s frankly not a great his understanding that the new ratification on April 24. ment (CETA) with the European NAFTA was passed by unani- deal we could do. We have to just NAFTA wouldn’t come into force “I was puzzled that govern- Union and the Comprehensive mous consent in the House and prepare and make sure that on until Aug. 1. ment had surrendered their abil- and Progressive Agreement the Senate as Parliament pre- for Trans-Pacific Partnership pared to take an absence due to (CPTPP) with 10 Pacific-based COVID-19. countries. “He said, ‘you have a direct A spokesperson for the Dairy promise from [Deputy Prime Min- Farmers of Canada said in a ister Chrystia] Freeland’s office,’” statement that the association Sen. Plett noted of his conversa- is not “clear on timelines for the tion with Sen. Gold. balance of the commitment for The July 1 start date of the CETA and CPTPP, let alone com- CUSMA means that Canada’s pensation for CUSMA.” dairy sector will only have a Mr. Frigon said the compensa- month left in its year to benefit tion for CETA and CPTPP has from the advantageous first-year been “long overdue.” quota limits, before the second “We’re already dealing with year of the deal will begin on the past two trade agreements Aug. 1 (the start of the dairy … and then obviously, like other year), which drops annual quota food processors, we’re dealing limits by nearly 37 per cent for with the impact of COVID-19,” skim milk powder and milk pro- he said. “And then came this tein concentrate. Two dairy sector announcement of the coming associations say the July start into force of CUSMA on July 1 date will cause an up to $100-mil- instead of Aug. 1. These are not lion loss. happy days for dairy proces- Asked about the conversation, sors.” a spokesperson for Sen. Gold’s Sen. Plett said while he wants office pointed The Hill Times to a to see the dairy sector com- May 1 response from the Que- pensated for the loss of up to bec Senator to Sen. Plett in the $100-million, he doesn’t want to Chamber. see Canadian taxpayers having “It would be inappropriate for Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has been tasked with stickhandling the renegotiations of NAFTA and the “to pay for the government’s me to comment on any prior dis- implementation of the updated trade agreement since U.S. President Donald Trump announced his desire to see it mistakes.” cussions that I had with leaders, amended. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade “They have no choice but to but I would be remiss if I didn’t give the farmers that $100-mil- point out that since the Senate Day 1 we avoid any disruptions at “My understanding is [the ity to control the date [of entry lion,” he said, “because they prom- passed the new NAFTA in early the border and Canadian export- NDP] did have a reassurance” into force],” Mr. Blaikie said. “This ised the dairy industry something March, the world has changed a ers are ready to roll.” of the intention not to to have scenario is the one that we were [and then] they reneged on their considerable amount,” Sen. Gold He said Canada would have CUSMA start before Aug. 1, Mr. trying to avoid, which was having promise.” said last week. been taking “a big risk” if it de- Blaikie said. He added that he the agreement come into force Mr. Blaikie said the govern- “Ensuring that the deal passed layed notifying the U.S. and Mexi- wasn’t personally involved in on a schedule that would mean ment owes it to the dairy industry when it did and that protection- co that it had ratified the deal. those talks between the parties. … Year 1 was already counting to release the details as soon as ism didn’t take greater hold on “We’ve seen in the past what Bloc Québécois international ahead of Aug. 1.” possible so they can plan future this continent, if not beyond, was could happen if you get offside of trade critic Simon-Pierre Savard- The Dairy Processors Asso- business. a major accomplishment of this this administration on trade issues,” Tremblay (Saint-Hyacinthe- ciation of Canada and the Dairy “The agreement in itself is government, for which I believe Mr. Kingston said. “I would not take Bagot, Que.) said that there was Farmers of Canada said in a going to cause a massive amount Canadians, including the dairy that risk as a government, and I no formal guarantee of an Aug. 1 joint press release that they were of disruption in the industry and sector, should be grateful,” he think our government was being start date. “misled” by the government on the that will be compounded to the added. very prudent in making sure that “There was no written deal, start date of the new NATFA. They extent that dairy farmers don’t Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia they did what they had to do to get but the [government] knew,” he said they had “secured the support know what they can bank on in Freeland’s (University-Rosedale, Ont.) this thing moving and keep the ship said, of the importance of the of Parliamentarians” to have the terms of government support,” he office didn’t respond before publica- steady through a very difficult time.” Aug. 1 start date. CUSMA come into force on Aug. 1. said. tion deadline, but a spokesperson told Trade consultant Eric Miller, a “Since the beginning of this Dairy Processors Association [email protected] The Canadian Press in response to former senior policy adviser at the issue, the Liberal government president Mathieu Frigon told The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 21 COVID-19 News

ensure people are on the ground with contracting authorities up resources to focus on anything to to help with procurements and to a certain value. For PSPC, do with the virus, and everything The scramble for ensure quality controls. Treasury Board rules allow an else is, ‘well, we’ll deal with that “We are working 24/7. This “exceptional emergency con- later.’” country has never seen procure- tracting authority” allowing the He said, in turn, this could ment like it is occurring now. It is department to enter into a non- mean “repercussions” for the PPE: ‘This country broad based and aggressive,” said competitive contract worth up government down the road as Ms. Anand. to $15-million without Treasury it appears other procurements The Hill Times requested an Board approval—if it exceeds projects are being delayed. has never seen interview with Ms. Anand and $15-million, “ratification of the Then there’s the work Mr. Industry Minister Navdeep Bains contract” has to be sought from Bains is doing to oversee the (Mississauga-Malton, Ont.), who Treasury Board “as soon as pos- retooling of industry domestically is overseeing the retooling of sible.” Within 60 days of using in Canada and help co-ordinate procurement like it industries here in Canada to help emergency contracting authori- and match new and upcoming meet procurement needs, among ties, a report has to be provided to domestic supplies with identified other things, but neither was the Treasury Board outlining the needs. made available by deadline. circumstances and specifics of the On March 20, Mr. Bains an- is occurring now’ contract. PSPC did not confirm if nounced the launch of a new The goal is to be ‘over this is the process currently being online portal, as part of the gov- used. ernment’s “industry mobilization ing its best in a truly fierce com- prepared’: Minister Anand Pre-existing standing offers plan,” through which companies Deputy Prime petition to get medical equipment. On March 12, PSPC put out a and others avenues can also be submit offers and information Minister Chrystia Canada, working very closely “call to action” on its procurement used to see through swifter pro- about what resources they can with all, of course, provinces, is website, buyandsell.gc.ca, asking curements. provide. As of May 4, more than Freeland has likened working really, really hard in the companies to proactively fill out As of April 23, the federal gov- 6,000 offers from industry have international marketplace to get forms indicating what goods or ernment has reportedly ordered been received. efforts to procure all the supplies we need,” said Ms. services they can supply. Ms. almost 35 million face shields, “This country’s industrial Freeland on April 6. Anand has said the department’s almost 118.5 million gowns, just policy will be refocused for the medical supplies Along with obtaining needed goal is to be “over prepared.” under 80 million units of hand time being to prioritize the fight goods, quality checks to ensure In regular circumstances, sanitizer, 155.4 million N95 respi- against COVID-19,” said Mr. right now to the ‘Wild equipment meets Canadian speci- federal procurement is weighed rators, one billion pairs of nitrile Bains. “Funds will be deployed on West,’ and the feds fications and requirements have down by layers of vetting, quali- gloves, 32,000 ventilators, 333.5 an accelerated basis with wider to be done and means of trans- fication, and approval processes, million surgical masks, and 10.2 flexibility to be able to tackle CO- are taking a whole-of- portation secured. and in some cases parliamentary million vinyl gloves. VID-19-related problems through In turn, the massive col- scrutiny—just look to years-long The process certainly hasn’t shortened applications and faster government approach laboration effort currently being efforts to replace Canada’s aging been issue-free. There have approvals. We’re putting the full undertaken involves a range of fighter jet fleet for a worst-case been reports of planes return- weight of the federal government to pull it off. ministries—from Public Services example. ing from China empty, questions behind this plan.” to Health (in particular the Public raised over the As industry proposals come Health Agency Continued from page 1 maintenance of in, Mr. Bain’s ministerial office of Canada), to domestic PPE and department are working policy adviser to the then-named Industry, to the stockpiles and together to triage proposals minister of public works. In 2015, Deputy Prime the cause of re- and examine them against the the department was renamed Minister’s and ported shortfalls, needs being identified by Ms. Public Services and Procurement Prime Minister’s and criticisms Anand, Health Minister Patty Canada. Offices, Treasury that needed Hajdu (Thunder Bay-Superior Working to rapidly bring about Board, Finance, supplies aren’t North, Ont.) and PHAC, and Ms. government procurements in an Global Affairs, getting in the Freeland’s office, which is in emergency situation like Canada Transport, hands of front- tune with the needs of provinces finds itself in now can feel like an Public Safety, line workers fast (as Ms. Freeland is also minister all-consuming task, he said, citing and National enough, to name of intergovernmental affairs). his own experience in 2006, when Defence—and a few. In some cases, there’s a bit of war broke out between Israel and levels of govern- But, given the match-making involved—for Lebanon and the Canadian govern- ment, with the circumstances, example, as announced April 24, ment scrambled to help evacuate feds bulk-order- Mr. Brodie said Intertap Polymer, which makes Canadian passport holders in the ing on behalf of he thinks Ms. construction wraps, and Autoliv, region, ultimately helping an esti- provinces and From right to left: PSPC Minister Anita Anand, Industry Minister Navdeep Anand and team which manufactures airbags, mated 15,000 Canadians—albeit a territories. Bains, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, Treasury Board President Jean-Yves have done a “fan- have been paired and matched “relatively basic” effort compared Also part Duclos, and Health Minister Patty Hajdu are pictured addressing media in tastic job.” with Canadian apparel manu- to the one going on now, he said. of this whole- facturers, including Stanfields, the West Block on March 20. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade “Things are “We needed to get ships under of-government being purchased, Canada Goose, Yoga Jeans, and contract. There were, I think, effort is the spe- they may not be others, to create medical gowns. about 10 or 12 countries all com- cial COVID-19 cabinet committee, The process varies depend- being purchased fast enough for Letters of intent then need to peting for the same sources in the chaired by Treasury Board Presi- ing on what’s being procured, by some people, but they’re being be drafted and signed, outlining Mediterranean and procurement dent Jean-Yves Duclos (Quebec, whom, and under what circum- purchased… . I have no doubt that the government’s intent to pro- officials would come up to our of- Que.) as announced on March 5, stances, but generally, contracts people in there [PSPC] are work- vide the investments needed to fice with a piece of paper saying along with the Incident Response are normally awarded through ing night and day to try and get help companies retool, and later, we have a ship lined up in Athens Group that’s been meeting since a competitive process that takes what limited resources there are purchasing contracts are orga- who’s willing to go to Lebanon late January. a multi-chapter manual to fully out there shipped to Canada.” nized by Ms. Anand’s team. and put up Canadians but we Complicating procurement explain and requires layers of A former public servant who In addition to this work, Mr. need to let him or her know in efforts is the fact that most of the approval, including an official spent years working on govern- Bains is responsible for science the next 15 minutes, because the federal public service, along with submission to the Treasury Board ment procurement, and continues and research investments— person’s also on the phone with ministers and their offices, are Secretariat, which normally holds to in the private sector, said he through the Strategic Innovation France and the U.K.,” recalled Mr. now working from home. Aside federal contracting authorities. understands the government has Fund and other programs—and is Brodie, who was the public works from the general inconveniences “You’re always co-ordinating “redeployed a lot of resources busy identifying and announcing minister’s office point-person on that come with being physically with the Prime Minister’s Office internally” in an effort to “turn funding for such efforts related procurement at the time. distant from co-workers—turn- and [the Privy Council Office], around fairly quickly all the PPE to COVID-19. On May 3, for “The turnaround time on those ing what could have been a quick because they’re a central agency and other things that they’ve been example, Mr. Bains announced sorts of procurements were mea- pop down the hall into a chain of … as well as Finance to make out around the globe trying to get $175-million to Vancouver-based sured in minutes, whereas what I emails or a scheduled videocon- sure there’s money,” and other their hands on versus all the other biotech company Accelera would call a normal, competitive ference—network access issues departments, depending on the jurisdictions trying to do the Biologics, which is working with process at public works takes have been reported, and in turn, need at hand, explained Mr. Bro- same.” Normally, different types COVID-19 antibodies in an effort months,” he said. public servants have been encour- die. “They also integrate various of procurement are handled by to find a treatment. Procurement related to the aged to stagger work times and trade agreements that you have different groups of procurement Looking ahead, on May 3, Ms. COVID-19 pandemic is even more limit participation in virtual meet- to adhere to, and because of that specialists, who are knowledge- Anand announced the creation of competitive, with most countries ings to free up more bandwidth. they’re long and laborious, and able about the industry or subject a new COVID-19 supply council, around the world all working to Much of the global supply of that’s why I say regular procure- matter at hand, and apply that to aimed at preparing for future get their hands on large quanti- PPE is currently in China, and in ment could take months.” the process, explained the source. “phases of this crisis” and bring- ties of the same resources. turn, PSPC Minister Anita Anand In special circumstances, like “From a procurement per- ing together government and Deputy Prime Minister Chrys- (Oakville, Ont.) has also been the public health emergency spective, it’s all virus [related]. industry, including the Canadian tia Freeland (University-Rosedale, working with Canada’s Ambassa- Canada finds itself in now, federal There’s very little else happen- Chamber of Commerce and the Ont.) has likened efforts to pro- dor to China Dominic Barton and rules provide for a non-competi- ing,” he said. “Things they would Red Cross, “to provide advice on cure medical supplies right now others on the ground there—with tive procurement process to take normally have been doing, the building innovation and agile sup- to the “Wild West.” the minister having indicated on place, sole-sourced contracts can other contracting, the day-to-day ply chains from start to finish.” “This is a global pandemic and March 31 that she’s in touch with be awarded, and departments stuff, I think has almost ground to [email protected] every country in the world is do- Mr. Barton “every single day” to themselves can be empowered a halt because they’re redeployed The Hill Times 22 WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES CLASSIFIEDS Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 • classifi [email protected]

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Call to consult • 613 234 5758 For more information or to reserve your government relations [email protected] • [email protected] and public affairs advertising space, contact The Hill Times display advertising department at 613-688-8841. THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 23 Events Feature

music, theatre, and memories on the Festival’s TulipTV YouTube channel. Parliamentary WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Parties of the past Canada’s Foremost Fintech Conference FFCON20— Featuring high-growth start-ups and leading industry The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia Calendar experts across fintech sectors including digital banking, P2P finance, AI, capital markets, Wealthtech, pay- ments, crypto, and blockchain. July 8-9. Speakers include: Robert Asselin, senior director public policy, With COVID-19 putting a pause on diplomatic gatherings in Ottawa, The Hill Times BlackBerry; Paul Schulte, founder and editor, Schulte is offering a look back with (some never-before-seen) images of celebrations and special Research; Craig Asano, founder and CEO, NCFA; events that have occurred at this time in years past. George Bordianu, co-founder and CEO, Balance; Julien Brazeau, partner, Deloitte; Alixe Cormick, president, Venture Law Corporation; Nikola Danaylov, founder, keynote speaker, author futurist, Singularity Media; Pam Draper, president and CEO, Bitvo; Justin Hartz- man, co-founder and CEO, CoinSmart; Peter-Paul Van Tip toe through Hoeken, founder & CEO, FrontFundr; Cynthia Huang, CEO and co-founder, Altcoin Fantasy; Austin Hubbel, CEO and co-founder, Consilium Crypto; Patrick Mandic, the virtual tulips, CEO, Mavennet; Mark Morissette, co-founder & CEO, Foxquilt; Cato Pastoll, co-founder & CEO, Lending Loop; Bernd Petak, investment partner, Northmark with the Canadian Ventures; Ali Pourdad, Pourdad Capital Partners, Family Office; Richard Prior, global head of policy and Tulip Festival research, FDATA; Richard Remillard, president, Remi- llard Consulting Group; Jennifer Reynolds, president & CEO, Toronto Finance International; Jason Saltzman, starting on May 8 partner, Gowling WLG Canada; James Wallace, co-chair and co-CEO, Exponential; Alan Wunsche, CEO & chief token officer, Tokenfunder; and Danish Yusuf, founder and CEO, Zensurance. For more information, please Then-Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom, then- WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 visit: https://fintechandfunding.com/. Hungarian Ambassador Pal Vastagh, and his FRIDAY, AUG. 21 wife, Erzsebet Fenyvesi arrive for a reception House Not Sitting—The House has been suspended until Monday, May 25, and the spring schedule is still at the Château Laurier on April 26, 2007. Mr. Pal Vastagh and then-Senator Anne Cools. Conservative Party Leadership—The federal not confirmed due to the global pandemic. However, Conservative Party’s Leadership Election Organizing during this adjournment time, a Special COVID-19 Committee, also known as LEOC, announced on April Pandemic Committee has been established, composed 29 that Aug. 21 is the deadline for mail-in ballots, of all members of the House, to meet beginning on after the leadership was suspended on March 26 due to Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and as of May 7, on Thursdays the global pandemic. The party says the winner will be as well. The Wednesday meeting will be in person, announced once the ballots can be safely counted. while the Tuesday and Thursday sessions will be held virtually. As per the original sitting calendar, if the THURSDAY, OCT. 15 House resumes on May 25, it will sit for four weeks, PPF Testimonial Dinner and Awards—Join us at the until its scheduled adjournment on June 23, but none 33rd annual event to network and celebrate as the of this has been confirmed yet. The House was also Public Policy Forum honours Canadians who have made scheduled to adjourn again for three months and to re- their mark on policy and leadership. Anne McLellan turn in the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, for three straight and Senator Peter Harder will take their place among a weeks. It was scheduled to adjourn for one week and to cohort of other stellar Canadians who we’ve honoured sit again from Oct. 19 until Nov. 6. It was scheduled to over the last 33 years, people who have dedicated break again for one week and to sit again from Nov. 16 themselves to making Canada a better place through to Dec. 11. And that would be it for 2020. We’ll up- policy leadership and public service. The gala event date you once the House calendar has been confirmed. will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Metro Toronto Senate Not Sitting—The Senate has extended its Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto. suspension due to the COVID-19 virus until June 2. The June possible sitting days were June 1, 5, 8, 12, SATURDAY, OCT. 24 15, and 19. The Senate was scheduled to sit June Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner—The Parliamen- Then-Israeli Ambassador Alan Baker and Rabbi Reuven 2-4; June 9-11; June 16-18; and June 22, 23, it was tary Press Gallery Dinner happens on Saturday, Oct. Mr. Solyom and Prime Minister Stephen Harper Bulka show off their matching ties at an April 24, 2007, scheduled to break on June 24 for St. Jean Baptiste 24, in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Welling- meet in Centre Block. reception for Israel’s national day. Day; and it was scheduled to sit June 25 and June 26. ton Street in Ottawa. The Senate was scheduled to break from June 29 until Sept. 22. The Senate’s possible September sitting days FRIDAY, OCT. 30 are Sept. 21, 25, 28. It’s scheduled to sit Sept. 22-24 CJF Awards Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in and Sept. 29-Oct. 1, with a possible sitting day on Journalism—The Canadian Journalism Foundation Friday, Oct. 2. The possible Senate sitting days are Oct. Awards will be held on Oct. 30, 2020, at the Ritz-Carl- 5, 9, 19, 23, 26, and 30. It’s scheduled to sit Oct. ton, Toronto, hosted by Rick Mercer, former host of The 6-8; it takes a break from Oct. 12-16; it will sit Oct. Rick Mercer Report. The CBC’s Anna Maria Tremonti 20-22; and Oct. 27-29. The November possible Senate will be honoured. Tables are $7,500 and tickets are days are: Nov. 2, 6, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30. It’s scheduled $750. For more information on tables and sponsorship to sit Nov. 3-5; it will take a break from Nov. 9-13; opportunities, contact Josh Gurfinkel at jgurfinkel@ it will sit Nov. 17-19; and Nov. 24-26. The possible cjf-fjc.ca or 416-955-0394. December Senate sitting days are: Dec. 4, 7, and 11. The Senate is scheduled to sit Dec. 1-3; Dec. 8-10 and TUESDAY, NOV. 3 it will sit Dec. 14-18. We’ll also update you once the U.S. Presidential Election—The U.S. presidential Senate calendar has been confirmed. election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. U.S. A Critical Juncture in Fiscal Federalism?—The McGill President Donald Trump is the Republican candidate Institute for the Study of Canada hosts a webinar, and former vice-president Joe Biden is the Democratic “A Critical Juncture in Fiscal Federalism? Canada’s candidate. The winner is scheduled to be inaugurated Response to COVID-19,” providing insights from his- on Jan. 20, 2021. torical institutionalism with recent economic and fiscal projections to explore avenues for reform in response to The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. the COVID-19 crisis. Speakers include Daniel Béland, Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details Then-Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, McGill University; André Lecours, professor of political under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to Dalia Baker, and her husband Mr. Baker. Ms. Baker, Mr. Baker, and then-MP Herb Grey. science, University of Ottawa; Mireille Paquet, associ- [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the ate professor of political science, Concordia University; Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday and Trevor Tombe, associate professor of economics, paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but University of Calgary. This event will take place online we will definitely do our best. Events can be updated on Wednesday, May 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Advance daily online, too. registration is required. The Hill Times FRIDAY, MAY 8—MONDAY, MAY 18 Canadian Tulip Festival—The Canadian Tulip Extra! Extra! Festival, a not-for-profit charitable organization, is dedicating its programming this year to commemorat- Read the full ing the role Canadians played in the Liberation of the Netherlands 75 years ago while celebrating the Gift of Parliamentary Tulips that led to the festival, from Friday, May 8, to Monday, May 18. While the tulips will still bloom in Calendar Commissioners Park, Tulip Festival programming will be presented on virtual platforms. The public is asked not to travel to the Tulip Gardens this year, but instead online to allow the Canadian Tulip Festival to bring the tulips, Then-NDP Leader Jack Layton chats with then-South and tulip-related activities and entertainment, into The then high commissioners of Australia and New African High Commissioner Abraham Nkomo, and his the comfort and safety of their homes. Festival-goers Zealand, William Fisher, left, and Kate Lackey, right, lay wife Marjorie Nkomo at an April 25, 2007, South Africa will be asked to visit www.tulipfestival.ca to take a virtual garden tour through the 300,000 tulip blooms wreaths at an April 25, 2007, Anzac Day ceremony. national day reception. in Ottawa’s Commissioner’s Park while also enjoying Stay connected to decision-makers Inside Ottawa & Inside Canada Inside Now in stock Ottawa Directory Save time, have all political phone numbers and email addresses at your fingertips. Inside Ottawa includes: • Federal riding profiles • MP contact details, both Hill and constituency • House committee clerks and membership • Senators’ contact details and committee membership • Current photos in colour • Prime Minister’s Office and Privy Council Office staff contacts • Ministers’ offices staff contacts • Speaker’s office contacts • Committee charts with current photos • List of shadow cabinet and opposition critics • Key political, government and media contacts • Sitting calendar 2020 • Renumeration • Session tip sheet

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