Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 C T ‘it’s knock anddrop.’ services, UPSand Amazon: out of the book ofdelivery politics could take a page lives. He alsosays retail government inpeople’s economy and the role of policy issues,suchas the views ofCanadiansabout and reset established the political dynamics change coronavirus will Pollster Nik Nanos says the according toexperts, aspoliti- policy issues,say pundits andMPs dynamics andestablished views on in politics will reshape political COVID-19 ‘revolutionary moment’ News BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS BY MIKE LAPOINTE THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO.1728 say experts, asCanada moves from crisisintorecovery Recent surgeofpublic trust ingovernment hard to maintain, News world, what comes next? post-pandemic In the DAVID CRANEONMARKCARNEY'SVERYGOODADVICE CORONAVIRUS: and weshouldkeepitthatway Women leadersarerunningthiscountry, Michael crisis hastransformed federal he unprecedentedCOVID-19 has surgedinrecentweeks, anadians’ trustingovernment Harris Part IIofIII-Part Series: Transparency, Trust & Transition Politics &COVID-19 p.4 like deficits ortherole ofgovern- Canadians onmajorpolicy issues reset theestablishedviews of politics inprofound ways, has MacEachern, seniorvicepresi- ity, andaccessibility,” says Greg levels of “transparency, availabil- the publicwithunprecedented cians andofficials have provided

how Canada canstrengthen its health diplomacy C ANADA ’ S P OLITICS MPs. ics inthefuture, say punditsand and willreshapepoliticaldynam- ment inthelives ofCanadians pandemic recovery willbemuch “phase two” oftheCOVID-19 gies. dent ofstrategy at Proof Strate-

But moving intoandthrough p. 13

AND G OVERNMENT p. 12 AMERICA: U.S. INTERFERENCE IN LATIN N EWSPAPER as anexample? The general, The nextfourtosixweeks is according topollsterNikNanos. more difficult forpoliticians, after that what? it’s damning,but The caseagainstChina: “Why don’twe usethedefi Continued onpage 16 Continued onpage17 nothing newthere Canada. pandemic in global the COVID-19 response to government's of andthe the effects briefi day's media into that on herway 14, 2020, pictured May Freeland, Chrystia Minister Deputy Prime Andrew Meade photograph by Hill Times ng on ng cit The A diplomat former UN impact, says have limited but theycould world leaders, with calls to Council bid UN Security of Canada’s taking charge Trudeau News which have populations ofaround like Fiji, SaintLucia, and Tuvalu, ing withsmallislandnations the presidentofGhana, includ- minister oftheNetherlandsto national leadersfrom theprime has held12phonecallswith government offi ers since April 29, according toa has hadwithotherworld lead- calls Mr. Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) discussed insomeofthe12recent Security Councilcampaignwas priority, thetopicofCanada’s VID-19 remainsthegovernment’s leaders mightbelimited. impact ofhiscallstootherworld dian diplomat at theUNsays the rity Council. ButaformerCana- push foraseat ontheUNSecu- ling anothercrusade—Canada’s Rideau Cottage, heisalsotack- the coronavirus pandemicfrom BY NEIL MOSS MONDAY, MAY 18,2020$5.00 Since April 29, Mr. Trudeau While thefight againstCO- Trudeau works toaddress s PrimeMinisterJustin UN Security Council Continued onpage 18 cial.

p. 15

p. 15 p. 12

2 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

The Supreme Court will be hearing four cases in June by video. The Heard on the Hill Hill Times photograph by Andrew by Neil Moss Meade Maple syrup, maple chocolate, maple lollipops: a look inside Canada’s gifts to UN diplomats

cause included House of Commons “I’m thrilled to announce I’m joining Speaker Anthony Rota, Liberal MP and The Globe and Mail as a reporter for their nurse Kamal Khera, Innovation Minister Thunder Bay bureau,” Ms. Fiddler tweeted Navdeep Bains, Liberal MPs Kirsty Dun- earlier this month. She starts her new gig can and William Amos, as well as Conser- on May 19. vative MP Cathy McLeod. The Globe and Mail opened a bureau in Provincial and municipal politicians the remote northern Ontario city last year across Canada also joined in on the following a report fi nding that systematic campaign, such as Ontario Premier Doug racism existed in the city’s police force. Ford, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Ms. Fiddler, a member of the Sandy Dwight Ball, as well as Ottawa Mayor Jim Lake First Nation, has been a video Watson, and many others. journalist for APTN, where she has been So far, the campaign has raised $1-mil- nominated for three Canadian Association lion, with 15,000 T-shirts sold. of Journalists awards. “Five years ago, I was in college prepar- ing to start my journalism career. I toured Supreme Court to resume The Globe’s Front Street location [and] hearings online in June met [with] senior editors. The next day I A bottle of Canadian maple syrup sits alongside a bag of Colombian coffee on the Sri Lankan desk emailed the editor-in-chief to suggest hir- ing Indigenous reporters to fairly represent at the UN General Assembly on Oct. 12, 2010. Maple products have long been a gift of choice for For an institution as time-honoured as Canadian diplomats. Photograph by Evan Schneider, courtesy of the United Nations Indigenous [people] and their stories,” she the Supreme Court, there have been a lot tweeted on May 4. of changes recently. Last year, it had hear- At The Globe, Ms. Fiddler will cover hen keeping up the tradition of dip- Donning a T-shirt honouring frontline ings outside the national capital for the northern Ontario and Manitoba. Wlomatic gift-giving, Canada’s mission workers, MPs showed their support for fi rst time in its history, and now it will hold to the United Nations takes cues from its those most directly battling the spread of hearings online. fl ag—handing out an assortment of maple- the COVID-19 pandemic. The court announced last month that Some Canadians want related items to envoys from across the “My mother is a nurse,” Natural Re- four hearings will take place through world. sources Minister Seamus O’Regan said in a videoconference as Canada’s top bench government restrictions Maple syrup, maple cookies, maple but- Twitter video. “You say ‘is’ a nurse, because adapts to the coronavirus pandemic. Hear- ter, maple chocolate, and maple lollipops I don’t think you ever stop being a nurse.” ings over the last three months had been relaxed permanently after are some of the items that Canadian diplo- adjourned for safety reasons. mats in New York City gift to their counter- The hearings will be live-streamed for COVID-19, a new poll parts from other countries. the general public, and a copy of the video suggests Canada’s UN gift registry was released will be made available on the Supreme last month in response to a January Order Court’s website as is normal practice. In order to curb the spread of COVID-19 Paper question from Conservative MP The court also announced last month and encourage social distancing, federal and John Nater, who asked about the gifts that Ontario and Saskatchewan’s carbon provincial governments have relaxed some being given to foreign diplomats as part tax appeals will be heard in September, but restrictions, including allowing pharmacists of Canada’s campaign for a seat on the no formal date has yet been set. to extend customers’ prescriptions as well UN Security Council (UNSC). Canada is as allowing home delivery of beer and wine competing for a spot on the council with with food delivery orders. A new poll sug- Ireland and Norway in an election set to Willow Fiddler joins gests some Canadians want those measures take place on June 17. The Globe and Mail’s to continue even after the pandemic is gone. “The Permanent Mission of Canada A Léger poll commissioned by the think to the United Nations in New York has Thunder Bay bureau tank Second Street has found that a major- maintained a small gifts inventory as per ity of Canadians want health care-related customary practice in the conduct of diplo- Willow Fiddler is joining The Globe and restrictions relaxed, including allowing matic affairs for several years, pre-dating Mail’s bureau in Thunder Bay, coming to medication to be delivered to homes and Canada’s UNSC campaign,” the Global Af- the national newspaper after four years to be able to meet with a doctor through fairs response read. “The gifts are selected reporting for APTN. videoconferencing. to profi le Canadian products or Canadian Among the more than identity.” Willow 1,500 respondents in the The gift registry also includes key Fiddler has May 1 to 3 poll, 45 per chains that feature a duck or goose, as well been an cent felt there was an ap- as ice wine, Purdys chocolate bars, Roots APTN video propriate level of restric- House Speaker Anthony Rota is pictured Canada gloves, and goodies from Peace by journalist in tions overall in Canadian in front of Centre Block donning a t-shirt Chocolate—which was founded by Tareq Thunder Bay society, while 23 per cent in support of frontline workers. Photograph Hadhad, a Syrian refugee who settled in for the past said there were too many courtesy of Twitter/Anthony Rota Nova Scotia. four years. restrictions. The items added to the registry since Photograph Those polled in West- “I grew up with nurses all around me. I 2018 cost a total of $24,170. courtesy ern Canada were more grew up knowing their skill, and knowing of Twitter/ likely to say that Canada their professionalism, and knowing their Willow has too many regulations, MPs take part in health- heart.” Fiddler especially those in Alberta care fundraiser on “And knowing to be scared to death of and Saskatchewan. In them,” Mr. O’Regan said. “As I got older that the West, 27 per cent of International Nurses Day has changed to a very heartfelt and deserv- respondents felt the re- ing respect for what they do.” strictions were too strict, MPs from all partisan stripes took part Mr. O’Regan encouraged Canadians to compared to 21 per cent in in a fundraiser in support of more than buy a T-shirt to support those nurses on Eastern Canada. 150 hospital foundations across Canada on International Nurses Day. [email protected] May 12. MPs showing their support for the The Hill Times Let·s build a more resilient Canada

COVID-19 has disrupted our 1. Invest VWLPXOXVLQWR&DQDGD·V tions, manufacturing electric vehicles and way of life, and immediate fast-growing clean energy and deploying charging infrastructure, building cleantech sectors and businesses and maintaining wind, solar and hydro relief has rightfully been the committed to the local production and projects, producing renewable fuels and priority of governments. But export of world-leading low- and more. zero-carbon commodities; as the conversation in Climate leadership is also enhancing competitiveness and creating new oppor- Canada evolves to one of 2. Act quickly to support clean energy tunities in other sectors of the economy. and cleantech solutions and business- economic recovery, import- These include present and future jobs in es by expanding existing initiatives and low-carbon concrete, steel and alumi- ant questions arise. programs; and num, the auto sector, sustainably What does recovery look like? How 3. Share loud and clear that Canada produced mass timber, agriculture, and can we deliver a cleaner, innovative and will continue and expand on its mining or supplying the metals and diverse economy? How do we ensure best-in-class climate and environmen- minerals used in many clean technolo- UHFRYHU\PHDVXUHVDUHQ·WMXVWVKRY- tal policies. gies. el-ready but shovel-worthy? A resilient recovery creates winners :HFDQ·WOHDYHDQ\VHFWRURUUHJLRQ Federal and provincial government stimu- behind. That means training and retraining across the country. The time is now to lus and recovery efforts can create jobs, for Canadians whose past jobs may not invest in people and projects that will encourage economic diversification and return, in programs that can and should diversify our economy and improve our equity, spur cleantech innovation, cut both start now while unemployed workers are health and wellbeing. carbon pollution and illness-causing air sitting at home. pollution, and make Canada more resil- ,W·VKRZZHEXLOGDPRUH ient. The clean energy sector employs resilient Canada. 298,000 Canadians in a wide range of We ask Canadian governments to commit jobs: insulating homes, developing clean to a three-part recovery and resilience technologies and energy storage solu- plan: Over 200 signatories representing over 2,000 Canadian companies have signed on to support a resilient recovery. Add your organization at resilientrecovery.ca

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Senator voters wouldn’t be competent be- Marilou cause their brains, specifi cally the McPhedran, prefrontal cortex, is still undergo- pictured on ing major development during the April 29, teen years. 2019, at a I would counter with the quote Standing dubiously attributed to Winston Senate Churchill: “The best argument Committee against democracy is a fi ve-min- on National ute conversation with the average Security and voter.” Defence It is inaccurate as well as inso- meeting. The lent to suggest that young people Hill Times don’t have the maturity, knowl- photograph edge, or brain power to make by Andrew good choices in politics. Meade I would point out that our adult cousins to the South re- cently voted in the fi rst operating dictatorship in American history. Interestingly, a 2018 poll from The Atlantic found that 81 per cent of Americans oppose lowering the voting age to 16. What are they afraid of, being shown up? Remember, a majority of adult Republicans in that country believe that Donald Trump knows more about the public health aspects of the current pandemic than Dr. Anthony Fauci—even after the president advised them to inject disinfectant to fi ght COVID-19. Consider the experience in Austria, which lowered the vot- ing age to 16 in 2007. According Markus Wagner, a social sci- ences professor at the University of Vienna, studies of elections held since 16 year olds could vote show “the quality of these [younger] citizens choices is simi- Two thumbs up for lar to that of older voters, so they do cast votes in ways that enable their interests to be represented equally well.” And then there is the issue of getting more people out to the polls. How could it be a bad thing Senator McPhedran to engage 16 year olds in the process? Research shows that if end up with her own political par- demonstrating against the deci- you get a person to vote in just Senator Marilou McPhedran, one of the so- ty under proportional representa- sions of their elders. one election, there is a 13 percent tion. Canada could experience Their great issue is the en- greater chance that they will vote called ‘activist’ Senators, recently sent out a a fringe binge. He used Leitch vironment, a fi le that has been in a future election. So the earlier as his example because she had horribly bungled by the older they form the habit of voting, the letter to her Senate colleagues asking them to once proposed testing immigrants generations that govern them. greater the chance of increasing support a new initiative towards a more just for “Canadian values.” But they also have a big stake in voting turnout in anemic democ- But just because the Trudeau a wide variety of public policy racies like ours. and inclusive Canada. She wants to table a bill government has walked away issues: education, criminal justice, Finally, there is the arrogance from democratic reform, doesn’t and government spending. In the of refusing 16 year olds the vote. to lower the federal voting age in Canada from mean everyone has. Senator Mar- end, they will be the ones who Current leaders with the help of ilou McPhedran, one of the so- will have to pick up the tab for current voters pose a threat to 18 to 16 years old, as soon as possible, when called “activist” Senators, recently Boomer Bungles. this non-voting class on several sent out a letter to her Senate col- Senator McPhedran isn’t the fronts. Foolish gun laws make Parliament returns to regular sittings. leagues asking them to support a only public fi gure who wants to them targets in school shootings. new initiative towards a more just get 16 year olds in on the political Asinine environmental policies government once championed and inclusive Canada. In part, her action, the same way 18 year olds are a clear and present danger to that cause but has since cast it May 11 email read: “I am reaching were enfranchised in Canada for them and any children they might aside. The PM’s failure to replace out with exciting news! I intend the 1972 federal election. have, as thinkprogress.org wrote Canada’s archaic fi rst-past-the- to table a bill to lower the federal Calgary City Councillor on May 29, 2018. post system with a more rep- voting age in Canada from 18 to George Chahal proposed a mo- Until 1970, the voting age in resentative voting model, still 16 years old, as soon as pos- tion to explore the idea of lower- the United States was 21. But 18 stands as his biggest broken sible, when Parliament returns to ing the voting age in municipal year-olds were being drafted to promise. regular sittings. I am heartened elections to 16 from 18. He argued fi ght, and by the thousands, die in Trudeau didn’t hold a referen- by the collegial and cooperative that a person can enlist in the Vietnam. It was that anomaly, and dum on the issue because he said responses I am receiving from military at 16, hold a job and thousands of young protesters in Michael Harris he did not see a general clamour- MPs and the NDP, Green, Bloc, pay taxes. Sixteen year olds in the streets denouncing the war, Harris ing for electoral reform. He and Liberal parties. … My youth Alberta can also drive cars and that led to the 26 Amendment, accounted for his change of heart advisers and I are launching our give their permission whether or which enfranchised 18 year-olds. by saying that the country would #Vote16 online campaign Satur- not to have sex. As reported by And this: “We live as if we have ALIFAX—Not everyone be hurt by proportional represen- day, May 16, 2020, to promote and Global News, the motion passed the resources of 4.2 planets.” The Hmight agree on the fi x, but tation, the system recommended consult young Canadians from by a 7-6 vote. words of 17 year-old Greta Thun- most Canadians would admit that by the all-party committee that across the country.” The most commonly used berg, who can’t vote in Sweden. democracy is ailing in Canada. studied the issue. The Senator’s logic is diffi cult argument against giving 16 year Two thumbs up for Senator A sense that something is The PM explained that people to argue with. As she points out, olds the vote is that they simply McPhedran. wrong, something is missing, is like former Harper cabinet min- today’s youth are more politically don’t know enough to cast a Michael Harris is an award- the key driver behind the demand ister and Conservative leadership engaged than ever. Often though, responsible ballot. Some social winning author and journalist. for electoral reform. The Trudeau candidate, Kellie Leitch, could it is from the outside looking in, scientists contend that youthful The Hill Times Moving Canada’s Grain

Committed to getting farmers’ grain to market. $2.9B 21.55 MMT PLANNED CAPITAL SHIPPED CROP YEAR TO-DATE INVESTMENTS IN 2020 TO AS OF APRIL (2% HIGHER THAN SUPPORT SAFETY AND CAPACITY THE 3-YEAR AVERAGE) 6.59 MMT 800 MOVED IN Q1 (SECONDͯBEST NEW HOPPER CARS AND Q1 WESTERN CANADIAN 260 NEW HIGH-HORSEPOWER GRAIN MOVEMENT RESULT) LOCOMOTIVES BETWEEN 2018 AND THE END OF MARCH 2020

CN salutes all those who are serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic – Thank you!

Moving_Canadas_Grain_COVID_ad.indd 1 2020/05/14 18:42:53 6 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Vancouver Vancouver transit authority wants ‘several hundred million’ from feds to keep going

Transport Action Canada, another New federal cash for group representing public transit users, called on the government to send emer- transit projects could free gency funds to VIA Rail and other long- distance bus and train operators earlier up money for operating this month. expenses, says CEO of The B.C. government agreed earlier this month to pay TransLink for the cost Vancouver’s public transit of maintaining staff and service levels through the summer. TransLink had an- authority Kevin Desmond. nounced in April that it would lay off 1,500 staff and cut back on service to stem its fi nancial losses. The agreement with B.C. BY PETER MAZEREEUW means it won’t have to. Like most public transit authorities, he CEO of Vancouver’s public transit TransLink’s income from rider fares has Tauthority is asking the federal gov- dropped dramatically amid the COVID-19 ernment for a bailout of several hundred pandemic public shutdowns, as people million dollars to offset losses from the have been forced to work from home, and COVID-19 shutdown. TransLink has been forced to limit rider- The Hill Times Kevin Desmond told that ship on its buses and trains, and in some TransLink—which runs metro Vancou- cases stop asking passengers to pay a fare ver’s public buses, trains, and commuter so that riders and transit operators can ferries—is on track to go into the red by maintain distance from one another and roughly $500-million this year, even after slow the spread of the virus. promised fi nancial relief from the B.C. Mr. Desmond said the provincial government. government had not promised a specifi c Mr. Desmond warned that could result amount of funding, but to cover costs that in big cutbacks to transit service in the Mr. Desmond estimated would run between Vancouver area in the coming years, which $80- and $120-million. would undermine the Liberal government’s Mr. Desmond said he has raised the green agenda. issue of federal relief funding with Envi- “We believe that the federal government 'The federal government will be there to work with the provinces, including supporting them in their ronment Minister and B.C. MP Jonathan and the province have a policy interest in areas of jurisdiction': Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured holding a press conference in Ottawa on Wilkinson (North Vancouver, B.C.) person- helping to close a signifi cant portion of May 12, 2020, wouldn't promise or rule out sending extra cash to struggling public transit agencies as ally, among others in government. that gap, so that we don’t start 2021 off part of the COVID-19 relief package last week. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Mr. Wilkinson’s offi ce did not respond with grievous red ink that would funda- to a request for comment by deadline last mentally require us to reconsider our ser- week. The federal government has long sought couver’s “10 Year Vision” plan for expanding vice levels from the pre-COVID world, and/ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Pap- to avoid funding the operating budgets of its public transit system. or begin to reconsider cancelling certain ineau, Que.) didn’t say, when asked during municipal transit services, and instead pro- Mr. Desmond also suggested sending capital projects,” he said. a May 13 press conference, whether or not vides capital funding for new infrastruc- extra money through the Gas Tax Fund and “We believe that from a public policy the government would send more money ture, both through the Gas Tax Fund and relaxing rules that require that money to be standpoint, neither of those outcomes to public transit agencies. He noted that infrastructure grants, said Mr. Desmond. spent on capital investments. TransLink cur- would be appealing, for either the Brit- public transit is a provincial and municipal The federal government could help rently spends the money it receives through ish Columbia government or the federal responsibility, but also said he recognized TransLink without breaking from that con- the Gas Tax transfer on new buses, he said. government.” the impact the pandemic and public shut- vention if it agreed to pay a larger share TransLink is one of several municipal Mr. Desmond said he expected that downs have had on transit systems. of the cost of Vancouver’s current transit transit organizations that are calling for fi - TransLink would have to make cuts and “We’re going to have to adjust, and the infrastructure projects, said Mr. Desmond. nancial relief from the federal government. dig into its cash reserves to pay for part federal government will be there to work That would allow TransLink to divert some The industry lobby group, the Canadian of that roughly $500-million defi cit. He with the provinces, including supporting of its own spending toward its operating Urban Transit Association (CUTA), asked said the transit authority would still need them in their areas of jurisdiction in many budget instead. for more than $1-billion in emergency “several hundred million dollars” from the cases,” he said. The federal government has already fi nancial relief in late March. Mr. Desmond government to maintain its regular opera- Infrastructure Minister Catherine committed $2-billion to cover part of Van- sits on CUTA’s executive committee. tions in the future. McKenna (Ottawa Centre, Ont.) is work- ing with transit associations, as well as provincial and municipal governments, to “assess their immediate needs and priori- ties,” according to spokesperson Chantalle Aubertin. “Operation of transit is a municipal and provincial responsibility and we encour- age provincial governments to step up and support this essential service. The federal government is always looking to be a part- ner in helping out in terms of economic relaunch wherever we can,” Ms. Aubertin said in a written statement. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Marc Garneau (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce— Westmount, Que.) suggested that TransLink would benefi t from the wage subsidy and the Large Employer Emergency Financ- ing Facility programs rolled out as part of the government pandemic relief pack- age. However, TransLink says it wouldn’t qualify for those packages, since it is a public organization. The government webpage for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy says public institutions do not qualify for that program. The announcement for the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facil- ity program said it was intended to cover for-profi t businesses and some non-profi ts, including airports. [email protected] The Hill Times Committed to Canadians. Here’s how.

Over the last two months, we’ve spoken to millions of Canadians and small business owners. Many are facing fi nancial uncertainty, and there is anxiety about not knowing what might come next. We know it’s been a challenging time, and we are working hard as your banks to bring you personalized and meaningful solutions to those who have been impacted.

Helping Canadians with immediate relief With payment deferrals, we’ve freed up $4.6 billion in mortgage payments, plus deferrals on over $2.7 billion in credit cards and loans to date, to help millions of Canadians feel more secure and use their money where they need it most. We have also made $48 billion in additional credit available to businesses to help them stay operational and keep people employed.

Personalized advice to ease uncertainty If you are experiencing hardship, we’re here with one-to-one guidance to help navigate your options and fi nd the right solutions to get you back on your feet. We’ve also been assisting our clients with digital channels to bank from home, for more convenience and to keep them safer.

Working closely with government To fulfi ll much needed federal support plans, we rapidly implemented direct deposit CERB payments to more than 2 million Canadians, and to date have facilitated more than 400,000 CEBA loans to help small businesses with $16 billion in much needed credit.

Doing more for those who need it most Working with partners in the public and private sectors, we identifi ed communities most in need and followed up with signifi cant donations to support healthcare and local-based community organizations across Canada. Additionally, we have implemented practices to protect our clients and our frontline employees delivering essential banking services.

We’ve been through challenging times before, and as this situation evolves, so will we. Canada’s banking industry will continue to work to bring solutions to Canadians across the country. Together, we will get through this.

If you are in need of advice and support, please reach out to your advisor who is ready to help. cba.ca/committed-to-canadians 8 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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

Editorial Letters to the Editor Time for Morneau to open the books Everyone needs universal access anada’s government is spending Fair enough, but Canadians deserve a to quality broadband services Cmoney faster than ever before, as it look at the books anyway. rolls out a broad relief package designed Just as the government released its he House of Commons recently held its The federal, provincial and territorial govern- to prop up the economy amid the COV- modelling of the spread of COVID-19 Tfi rst-ever and historical virtual Parliament ments have designated broadband internet as ID-19 crisis. It’s time for an update on the cases in April, so too should it show its through the all-Member of Parliament Spe- an essential service during this current pan- government’s fi nances. latest estimates of the fi nancial toll the cial Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. demic; however, more government support The money being spent has been bor- virus, lockdown, and relief spending are The session used video conferencing, just is needed to ensure that service is available rowed, as the government was already having on government fi nances. As with like thousands of Canadians have been doing to Canadians living in our rural and remote running regular defi cits before the crisis. the modelling fi gures, the important over the past few weeks to connect with fami- communities. The debt belongs to all Canadians. thing isn’t that the fi nancial projections ly and friends, to access online education and As governments look at ways for Canada The spending itself is not contro- are precisely accurate; what’s important emergency services and to continue working. to recover both fi nancially and socially from versial. Some economists and policy is that the public see what information For its part, this session brought together our the COVID-19 pandemic, making expedited experts say the government will have our elected representatives are working hundreds of federally-elected offi cials for a investments into rural broadband must be to spend even more than it has so far to with as they make decisions about our true test of virtual democracy. high on their list. Increased and expedited keep Canada from falling into a severe future. Unfortunately, the virtual session was not government investments in Canada’s broad- and prolonged recession. The public has Budgets have become as much politi- without its issues. Over the three hours, sev- band infrastructure will advance the ability a right to know, however, the details of cal position papers as they are spending eral participants had trouble hearing the MP of all Canadians to participate in our digital how the government is spending the projections; that’s not what is needed speaking and many had diffi culty accessing economy, which will be crucial for stimulating money, how it will carry and pay back now. What is needed is a realistic estimate the simultaneous interpretation. As a result, economic recovery by generating employment the debt, and what that could mean for of the government’s fi nancial standing there may never have been so many points opportunities and promoting business growth. taxpayers. now, and by the end of the year. of order within one sitting. Nevertheless, the Hundreds of locally-based, independent So far, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Parliamentary Budget Offi cer Yves event was an overall success as it allowed internet providers in this country are keeping and Finance Minister Bill Morneau have Giroux told MPs last week that he now our MPs to debate as they were elected to do; Canadians connected through this current announced details about how the govern- believes the government’s annual defi cit albeit, confi ned to their homes like the rest of crisis. They also seek to expand their networks ment is spending the money, but little in- will be greater than his estimate from just us. The prime minister and cabinet minis- so they can connect even more, but the reality formation about Canada’s expected debt, a few weeks ago, $252-billion. Canadians ters were able to provide updates and were is that low population densities in the areas defi cit, or revenue, as the economy sags. should know what the government’s own presented with questions posed on behalf of they serve means it will be uneconomic to do Mr. Morneau refused to answer a projections are. constituents across the country. so without government help. With the right series of straightforward questions from Conservative Senator Elizabeth That being said, the ability of an MP to amount of funding, properly allocated, and Conservative critic Pierre Poilievre in Marshall, who served as Newfoundland fully participate in the session was largely de- partnerships with government, however, they the House on May 13 about the federal and Labrador’s auditor general for a pendent on where they live—that is because will be able to reach many more of Canadi- government’s assets and debts. That is decade, said during a committee meeting the quality of their internet connection is ans, and do it soon. For Canada, the return on unacceptable. last week that it was “incredible” that the dependent on where they live. For example, this kind of government investment is clear: When Mr. Trudeau was asked when Finance Department couldn’t make public Minister of Natural Resources Seamus with universal access to quality broadband Canadians would know how much the its balance sheet when other entities like O’Regan, joining from Newfoundland, could services, more Canadians will be able to fully crisis is costing them that same day, he the Bank of Canada had done so recently. barely be understood due to a poor internet participate in and contribute to our modern replied that “a budget is usually some- The government is “in the process of connection. Conservative MP Kyle Seeback, economy and help to get us quickly back on thing that projects what’s going to hap- beginning” work on a fi scal update, an from southwestern Ontario, also complained our feet. And no Parliamentarian, regardless pen in the Canadian economy for the next offi cial from the Finance Department about connectivity issues. And eastern of what riding they represent across this vast 12 months, and right now we’re having said in the same meeting. For the sake Saskatchewan’s Conservative MP Cathay and great country, will again be deprived of a lot of diffi culty establishing with any of transparency, the government should Wagantall found herself sidelined from the the ability to fulfi l their democratic duties certainty what’s going to happen in the release that information as soon as it can. virtual proceedings after several unsuccessful because of a problem connecting. The Hill Times next 12 weeks.” attempts to join in from home. Chris Allen, board member, British While the majority of Canadians live in Columbia Broadband Association (BCBA) urban centres with good broadband con- Jonathan Black, executive director, nections, millions of others outside those Canadian Association of Wireless Internet centres continue to have issues connecting. Service Providers (CanWISP) The trouble MPs had participating in their Jonathan Holmes, executive director, recent virtual parliamentary session serves Independent Telecommunications Providers as a perfect illustration of Canada’s short- Association (ITPA) comings when it comes to universal access Jay Thomson, CEO, Canadian to high-quality, broadband internet service. Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) Let’s not leave anyone behind OVID-19 is a global crisis, and without pennies per dose, that many people do Cdoubt, requires a global solution. Who- not have access to. Every year, 1.5 million ever gets sick, in any town or country, can children die of vaccine-preventable dis- transmit the virus to others. The virus high- eases. Canada supporting Gavi, the Vac- lights our collective interdependence and the cine Alliance, will help with this tragedy. profound interconnectedness of our world. And supporting GPEI, the Global Polio And yet, every year, many millions will Eradication Initiative, can help wipe out continue to succumb to poverty because another devastating disease from the face of health problems in the family. of the Earth. Together with other nations, Canada Talk about worthwhile goals! Now is needs to work on strengthening health sys- the time for action—please advocate to tems in low-income countries, so that when our federal government leaders on the a vaccine becomes available for COVID-19, role Canada can play to make our planet everyone in the world can have access to it. a safe and healthy place for all. Similarly, there are currently available, Nora Hagen, MD life-changing vaccines which cost literally Cochrane, Alta.

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addition, Quebec’s health-care system is missing 11,600 workers We need a national strategy to who are either sick, quarantined, or unwilling to show up. So, the notion being fl oated by the Bloc Québécois that Ottawa restore confi dence in long-term care should hand over money with no strings attached is a non-starter. Face creams and rejuvenat- by a number of potential employ- faces have been appointed in the Almost 40 years ago, the The debate about ing emollients do not target older ers but in the fi nal analysis my last cabinet shuffl e by a more Canada Health Act solidifi ed the woman, they seek to infl uence the advanced age was a factor in wizened prime minister facing a role of the federal government in that strategy could buying power of 20-year-olds. their decision to go elsewhere. minority government. establishing standards for institu- well decide the next The spike in plastic surgery and Ageism is not only alive and There is a nation-wide consen- tional hospitalization. Botox enhancement procedures well in the workforce, it is par- sus about the problem. Something That move is a model that election. amongst young people is a direct ticularly prevalent in politics. needs to be done to secure safe could be considered in any at- result of the value we place on the This is the only area where the living accommodations for vul- tempt to reform the patchwork of superfi ciality of looking young. more experience you get, the more nerable people in long-term care. care standards currently in place Trendsetters include the people want to get rid of you. But consensus on the solution will across the country. Kardashians whose only claim to When Justin Trudeau was be much harder to reach. The New Democratic Party fame appears to be what they can elected in the sweep of 2015, The Bloc Québécois has made proposition to shut down all pri- wear and who they can sell it to. the majority of his caucus and it very clear, that it wants cash vate nursing homes is completely Just try getting a job when cabinet were under the age of 45. with no conditions. unworkable. you reach middle age. At the ripe There were a few experienced The prime minister promises There are thousands of Cana- old age of 50, it is not uncommon ministers, like Lawrence MacAu- to respect the Constitution, which dians living in non-contaminated to lose your job, whether on a lay, Ralph Goodale, and Carolyn clearly designates the provinces circumstances in homes across shrinking assembly line or be- Bennett. But the general feel- as responsible for delivery of the country and the Canadian Sheila Copps cause of a business failure or sale. ing amongst most Liberals was care but determines it is a shared government cannot afford to na- Copps’ Corner It matters little that you might that the Prime Minister’s Offi ce responsibility. tionalize their living quarters. have multiple years of experi- preferred to work with those who Of all the provinces, COVID The fact that NDP Leader Jag- ence in your fi eld. Experience is had little political experience, but containment in long-term care meet Singh is promoting nation- TTAWA—The prime min- generally not considered an asset. met the age demographic. facilities in Quebec has been the alization is proof that his party’s Oister’s admission that we Employers want younger people After all, having an attractive least successful. The number of last-place status is not about to are not doing well by our most whose wage rates are lower. young minister in front of the deaths there is almost equal to all change any time soon. vulnerable seniors should come The survival of many companies camera looks good for the party deaths in the rest of the country. We need a national strategy to as no surprise. actually depends on hiring less expe- and the caucus. According to an article in The restore confi dence in long-term care. In reality, we live in a culture rienced people at reduced wage rates. The second term has brought Globe and Mail, as of May 7, 2,114 The debate about that strategy obsessed with the fountain of Just look at the pay differen- more wisdom to the job, with of the 2,631 Quebecers who died could well decide the next election. youth. tials between an employee of Air ministers who are older and wiser of COVID-19 lived in an elder-care Sheila Copps is a former Jean Media messaging is mostly Canada and Tango. by all accounts. facility. That’s nearly twice as Chrétien-era cabinet minister and about how to look young, stay When I left politics at the ripe Some have learned on the many as in Ontario, where 1,111 a former deputy prime minister. young, be young. old age of 52, I was headhunted job and other newer, but senior long-term care residents died. In The Hill Times

the public with a pure ideological argument likely won’t persuade a lot of people; not many of us will The two species of politics: read a 500-page thesis on Karl Marx’s economic theories. To successfully sell an idea you need to package it properly, so that it’s concise, simple, and pragmatists versus idealists easy to understand. In short, the consultant must persuade ideologues to adopt man Justin Amash who plans to The other species in politics, pragmatic communication strate- Good political consultants need to understand run for the U.S. presidency on the which I refer to as “Power People,” gies—sometimes referred to as Libertarian ticket. tends to believe in the old adage “dumbing down the message”—so what motivates both these species and they In case you haven’t heard of usually attributed to legendary that they can actually win over also need to understand how to make sure him, Amash is a former Repub- football coach Vince Lombardi, hearts and minds. lican who gained notoriety in i.e., “Winning isn’t everything; it’s Meanwhile, when working for their clients, whether ‘Advocates’ or ‘Power the media for his public clashes the only thing.” “Power People,” a political consul- over principle with U.S. President For this species, promoting tant must remind their clients that People,’ don’t go too far down the road in Donald Trump principles plays second fi ddle to the ends don’t justify the means, Now I strongly sus- gaining and then holding onto meaning they must make sure following their instincts. pect Amash realizes he hasn’t political power. their clients don’t break the ethi- got a hope in heck of actu- To put it simply, it practises the cal rules of engagement. One of those species—I call ally winning (in fact, he might politics of pragmatism. For example, a political con- “Advocates”—has as its main goal not even win the Libertarian Of course, I’m sure it won’t sultant must ensure a campaign is the promotion of ideals, values nomination) but he realizes his shock you to learn that this spe- always based on honest messag- and ideologies, which they con- candidacy will provide a high- cies basically encompasses just ing. tend must never be compromised. profi le pulpit from which he can about every mainstream political That doesn’t mean you can’t This species, in other words, push the libertarian philosophy party. be creative; it just means you practises the politics of purity. to a wide audience. At any rate, in my view, good must be factual. Typically, “special interest Sure, he might not win the political consultants need to Keep in mind, when urging groups” fall into this category— battle of votes, but he might help understand what motivates both clients to adopt the right course taxpayer advocates, environ- win the war of ideas. these species and they also need in this way, political consultants Gerry Nicholls mental organizations, Christian Here in Canada a politician to understand how to make sure will often face serious push back Post-Partisan Pundit groups—which basically pressure who I would put in the “Advocate” their clients, whether “Advocates” from both advocates and power politicians and governments into camp is Leslyn Lewis, a candidate or “Power People,” don’t go too far people. adopting a particular ideological for the Conservative Party lead- down the road in following their So, I guess “push back” is AKVILLE, ONT.—Anyone agenda. ership, who is advocating for a instincts. another thing aspiring political Owho aspires to become a Sometimes, however, politi- number of issues, but is bascially For instance, a consultant consultants must learn to deal political consultant needs to learn cians can also be among the running to be the standard bearer working for an “Advocate,” with. how to deal with the two basic “Advocates.” for the pro-life cause. whether that be a politician or Gerry Nicholls is a communi- species which inhabit the crazy For instance, I’d include among You might also lump the entire an organization, needs to convey cations consultant. ecosystem known as politics. that group American Congress- Green Party into this species. the idea that simply bludgeoning The Hill Times 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Ontario, your efforts to beat COVID-19 are making a difference. To stop the spread, we need you to continue to:

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least, both men will have a veto on Pompeo’s mission: a deal in Jerusalem? any proposed legislation—with one important exception. From July 1, Netanyahu can propose a law January, endorsed the unilateral by this calculation, so Donald annexing part of the West Bank Donald Trump would be content to have Israel imposition of Israeli sovereignty Trump cannot trust him to do the without fear of a veto by Ganz. on 30 per cent of the West Bank. annexation—and Trump really Netanyahu fought hard for annex only a few chunks of the West Bank near Netanyahu has made endless needs him to do it before Novem- that exception, because Trump is promises to Jewish settlers in ber, because of the U.S. election. his ally and he needs to be able the Israeli border—say Gush Etzion, Maale the West Bank, an important “For Trump’s evangelical and to deliver for Trump on the an- Adumim, and Ariel. Most of his evangelical part of the voting support for his right-wing, Jewish base, Israeli an- nexation. But how much of the various coalitions, to annex their nexation—and the last rites it will West Bank should Israel seize? supporters wouldn’t notice the diff erence, settlements to Israel. So why was administer to the dying two-state Mike Pompeo is there to help the Pompeo’s visit necessary? solution—is wildly popular,” wrote unwilling partners decide, and because they’re not good on the geography of It’s because everybody knows Daniel Shapiro, a former U.S. here’s what he’s probably selling. Netanyahu can’t be trusted—and ambassador to Israel, in the Israeli Trump would be content to modern Israel (although they are pretty solid he has reasons not to go ahead newspaper Haaretz. Trump will have Israel annex only a few on Old Testament geography). with the annexation as planned. need the enthusiastic support of chunks of the West Bank near the The bigger Arab states are all those voters to win in November, so Israeli border—say Gush Etzion, resigned to the end of Palestinian he has to nail Netanyahu down now. Maale Adumim, and Ariel. Most It obviously wasn’t the de- hopes for a state, but there would That is tricky, because the gov- of his evangelical supporters clared agenda of coordinating still be negative consequences for ernment that has just taken power wouldn’t notice the difference, American and Israeli policy on Israel in the region. Jordan has a in Jerusalem is far more compli- because they’re not good on COVID-19 and Iran. Many Ameri- long border with Israel, and popu- cated than the usual Israeli coali- the geography of modern Israel can lives would have been spared lar protests against the annexa- tion. It is a two-headed monster in (although they are pretty solid on if Trump had followed Israel’s ex- tion (the country’s population is which Netanyahu’s Likud bloc and Old Testament geography). ample on the coronavirus threat over half Palestinian) might force Benny Ganz’s Blue-and-White bloc Benny Ganz would settle for (Israeli deaths per million 30, U.S. the king to end the peace treaty (which was originally founded with that too, because it would be less deaths per million 252), but it’s with Israel in order to survive. the explicit goal of driving Netan- likely to trigger the collapse of too late for that now. And there’s The Palestinian Authority, an yahu from offi ce) will not share the Palestinian Authority or the Gwynne Dyer nothing very urgent about Iran at unelected body that effectively power, but exercise it separately. abrogation of the 1994 peace Global Aff airs the moment. runs the occupied West Bank (ex- It says so right in Article 2 of treaty with Jordan. The real purpose of Pompeo’s cept the Jewish settlements) on the 14-page coalition agreement: And Netanyahu? He would lightning visit to Israel was to behalf of Israel, would probably “The government will be a two- still have the annexation of the ONDON, U.K.—Israel’s new make sure that Netanyahu actu- collapse. That would leave Israel bloc government.” Netanyahu and other Jewish settlements in the Ltwo-headed government, with ally goes ahead with the annexa- with the diffi cult task of main- Ganz will each appoint half the West Bank to dangle before the Benjamin Netanyahu as prime tion of part of the occupied West taining direct military rule over ministers, and they will have no settler voters of the next genera- minister, was supposed to be Bank, thus killing off the pos- three million Palestinians. power to change or dismiss those tion. Even if he’s convicted of cor- sworn in on May 13. Then sudden- sibility of a “two-state solution” Even worse, if Netanyahu ac- appointed by the other man. ruption in his forthcoming trial, ly the inauguration was postponed that includes a Palestinian state. tually annexed the West Bank he Netanyahu and Ganz will each he’s only 70. by one day to accommodate a But surely that’s what Netanyahu would lose the ability to dangle be prime minister for 18 months, Gwynne Dyer’s new book is quick visit by U.S. Secretary of wants to do anyway. that promise endlessly before the and every government committee ‘Growing Pains: The Future of State Mike Pompeo. What brought U.S. President Donald Trump’s settler voting bloc. He is quite will be equally divided between the Democracy (and Work)’. Pompeo so far for so short a time? “Vision for Peace,” released in cynical enough to be guided blocs. For the fi rst six months, at The Hill Times

COVID-19, conspiracy theory, and terrorism?

going on. As in most things, there or organization is the highly What do we make of this, I doubt that the Crown would Despite all these best are good and bad sources of in- unlikely cause of events when far aside from dismissing it as the ever go down the terrorism rabbit formation and it is incumbent on more mundane explanations offer actions of some not very bright hole in this instance for several eff orts, the world all of us to look for, consume, and themselves readily is not new, but people? I’d like to go a little out reasons. There are undoubtedly rely on solid data. it is new to the mainstream. on a limb and speculate whether other parts of the code which of ‘fake news’ and Our government has done a Apparently, there is also an- it constitutes an act of terrorism can be used to press charges and conspiracy theories good job so far in its efforts to other “counter theory” where CO- under Canadian law. No, these prosecute. Secondly, we have a communicate with Canadians. VID-19 was created to distract us two would not be the “A” team hard enough time successfully is still with us and it Scientists and health profession- from the 5G rollout, which is the of terrorism, but there are some gaining convictions on real ter- als have been at the forefront of bad thing. Incredibly, we even interesting angles to this. rorism cases and one as “margin- may seem as if both messaging, providing us with the have some who are convinced that Recall that under Canadian law al” as this would not be a priority. best advice, based on real data Microsoft founder and billionaire (Sec. 83.01 of the Criminal Code), Lastly, does the Government of are in overdrive. and not speculative fi ction. philanthropist Bill Gates unleashed terrorist activity is defi ned as a Canada really want to call this Despite all these best efforts, the the coronavirus upon the world so serious act of violence (including hapless pair “terrorists” and thus world of “fake news” and conspiracy that he could make everyone get “substantial property damage” give them far more attention than theories are still with us and it may a “vaccine,” which is really just a and “serious interference with or they deserve? Probably not. seem as if both are in overdrive. “digital certifi cate” that is in fact a serious disruption of an essential We will most likely see more There are all kinds of crazy ideas microchip implant which in turn service”—anyone want to argue out in left-fi eld ideas when it out there on where COVID-19 came will enable him to gather all our that wifi /cellphone service is not comes to the coronavirus and 5G/ from and, more dangerously, how personal information. an essential service in 2020?) wireless technology. It seems that to cure it. We have all heard stories Those who consume all this perpetrated “in whole or in part for the propensity to concoct bizarre where people have tried ‘remedies’ drivel may be odd at best, but this a political, religious or ideological paradigms and spread them on- that in the worst-care scenario may fl ood of information has had some purpose, objective or cause.” line is something we will continue injure or even kill those who ingest repercussions that are violent in na- The fi rst part seems clear to to have to live with. As if surviv- Phil Gurski these “cures.” ture. The Sûreté du Quebec arrested me, but is the second? Does be- ing the COVID-19 lockdown was National Security Among all the odd ideas now Justin-Philippe Pauley, 28, and Jessi- lieving in an internet conspiracy not hard enough. making the rounds is the notion ca Kallas, 25, in Sainte-Adèle, a town theory constitute an “ideology?” I Phil Gurski is a former strate- that 5G wireless technology is about 80 km outside of Montreal, admit that this is a stretch, but it gic terrorism analyst at CSIS and TTAWA—There is clearly somehow causing COVID-19. early on May 7, after two cell towers is important to stress that these is currently the director of the Ono question that the ongo- Really? We have the resources in nearby towns were lit on fi re: the are not random crimes carried security, economics and technol- ing novel coronavirus crisis is for this? two are suspected to be connected to out for kicks. After all, an idea, al- ogy program at the University of sending all us scurrying here and The idea that some ultra-pow- a total of seven cell tower fi res in the beit a very bad one, led these two Ottawa. there for information on what’s erful and mostly invisible enemy area over the past week. to set fi re to the cell towers. The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Politics

Michael Spavor, left, and Michael Kovrig, right, The case against China is have been detained by Chinese authorities since December 2018. Consular offi cials haven't damning, but after that—what? been able to access the two Canadians since virus on an unsuspecting world— Ottawa. They regularly scold our Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, Balancing Canada’s a proposition even Donald Trump government, or anyone who dares respectively. Photographs rejects—Canadians are not criticize their country, for being courtesy of Twitter and the relationship with pleased with China. And for a lot anti-Chinese—even racist. International Crisis Group an impetuous, of good reasons. China also stands accused by Chief among them is the Amnesty International Canada, protectionist-minded continued detention of the two in a recent report, of intimidating been serious ruptures, too. Canada (more vocally when in opposition, Michaels—Michael Kovrig and and bullying domestic activists recently received a shipment of than when in government) and U.S. president may Michael Spavor—who continue who protest Beijing’s treatment of eight million masks from China, they have been taking up the old to languish in Chinese jails, with Hong Kong, the Uyghur Muslim some of which are defective. There war cry. Last week, Alberta Pre- look like child’s play no consular access for three minority, Tibetans, and Falun are also reports of counterfeit N95 mier Jason Kenney insisted “there months, no trial date, and no Gong, the religious sect. Despite masks originating in China and must be some kind of reckoning; when the pandemic credible evidence that either is Canada’s tolerance of peaceful unscrupulous attempts by Chinese there must be some accountabili- ends and it is time guilty of charges of spying on protest, pro-democracy Chinese- middle-men to corner the market ty” for the “signifi cant role” China China. They’ve been imprisoned Canadians have found themselves on necessary equipment and then has played in the pandemic. for the Trudeau for 17 months. They were arrested targeted online and even threat- resell it to desperate governments He also echoed calls in the nine days after Canadian offi - ened with violence by counter- for infl ated prices. U.S.—including from American government to deal cials detained Huawei executive protesters—in at least one case, As to why it took China so long trade ambassador Robert Ligh- Meng Wanzhou, in response to paid protesters—at rallies in to alert everyone to the virus—the thizer—to bring back manufac- with China. Anger a demand from the U.S. that she Toronto and Vancouver. bellicose braying of Trump aside— turing capacity that has moved answer charges related to her At the same time, China ex- the fact that Chinese doctors to China in recent decades, is easy; eff ective company’s dealings with Iran. pects Canada to embrace Hua- who fi rst raised the alarm were so-called “onshoring” or “reshor- diplomacy is hard. She is free on bail and living wei’s 5G network, despite fears arrested and otherwise silenced ing.” Kenney wants to start by in her Vancouver mansion, where that the system could be used by does not inspire confi dence. Nor ensuring crucial medical supplies, she is fi nding time to reconnect Chinese security apparatchiks does the absence of a free press in including masks, ventilators and with her creative side and, ac- to spy on commercial competi- China help get to the truth. respirators, are built in Canada cording to her recent statement, tors and governments. Senior Little wonder a recent Angus from now on. almost enjoying the forced retreat Chinese offi cials have hinted that Reid poll reported that 85 per cent Lighthizer would go farther, ar- from her hectic corporate life. if Canada says no to the Huawei of Canadians say China hasn’t guing in a New York Times column, Understandably, the disparity in bid, there will be more and worse been honest or transparent about that American companies were treatment rankles. repercussions. Already, Canadi- the virus. The poll, of 1,518 respon- lured to China by cheap labour, Her case triggered the increas- ans trying to do business in that dents, also found that only 14 per avoidance of labour and environ- ing deterioration of Chinese-Ca- country are reporting increasing cent of Canadians have a positive mental regulation and low tariffs. nadian relations over the last two obstacles and delays. view of China, compared to 29 But, he wrote: “The era of refl exive years, but it is not the only irri- On top of this, a pandemic that per cent six months ago. And four offshoring is over, and with it, the Susan Riley tant. China has also taken retalia- originated in China—and was of fi ve want Canada to say no to old overzealous emphasis on effi - Impolitic tory swipes at Canadian agricul- apparently hidden from the world Huawei’s bid to build this country’s ciency and the concomitant lack of ture products, including canola, for a time—has soured relations 5G network. The technology has concern for the (U.S.) jobs lost.” pork and beef, and the hardline with the West, generally. While already been rejected by some of So far, Prime Minister Justin HELSEA, QUE.—Whether or government of Xi Jinping has there has been some cooperation Canada’s security partners, includ- Trudeau has been characteristi- Cnot they subscribe to con- dispatched increasingly arrogant between Ottawa and Beijing, with ing Australia and the United States. cally cautious, wisely avoiding spiracy theories claiming China and disagreeable representa- both sides providing the other with Conservative politicians have deliberately loosened the corona- tives to the Chinese Embassy in medical equipment, there have always been suspicious of China Continued on page 23

goods and services the world wider opportunities for workplace needs. It is through a productive training, and skills upgrading. In the post-pandemic and innovative economy that we The goal should be an active will create the jobs and wealth society, one pursuing an inclusive for a better society. This will have policy to enable all who want to to be done in a world that will be work to be able to get a living- world, what comes next? fraught with risks and uncertain- wage job, rather than a passive ties that can also produce nasty system that simply pays the un- cerns include the extent to which surprises. employed or disadvantaged just A lot is at stake— economies are experiencing The COVID-19 crisis has enough to keep them alive and supply destruction, not mere dis- clearly exposed the fi ssures in out of sight. ultimately it’s about ruption. How many once-viable our society; and just how vulner- In its most recent labour force companies will be permanently able a signifi cant proportion of survey, for April, Statistics Cana- the kind of Canada impaired? And how many people Canadians is now and perhaps da found that vulnerable workers we want to build in a will lose their jobs and their at- even more so as we emerge from have seen the biggest job losses in tachment to the labour force?” the pandemic. the pandemic so far. While in the post-pandemic world. The answer to these ques- Data from Statistics Canada two months since February, some tions, more than the scale of any demonstrate this unequivocally. 17.8 per cent of all paid employ- It is about trust and David Crane short-term plunge in the GDP, This why reliable and timely ees have lost their jobs, some 38.1 data are an essential public good, per cent of those with low-paying Canada & the 21st Century Carney contends, “will be the true ambition, and about measures of the effectiveness of because all this information will jobs (jobs paying less than $16.03 the links between social the responses of governments, be necessary for informed debate an hour, which is two-thirds of the ORONTO—There are the im- companies, and banks.” and sound policy-making. 2019 median hourly wage ) lost success and economic Tmediate concerns about the Recovering from the pandemic The vulnerability of so many their jobs. The survey data also pandemic. But as Mark Carney, and restoring economic growth, Canadians, in contrast to the showed that 30.2 per cent of those success, and how the the former governor of the Bank while addressing the excesses of share of national income and with temporary jobs lost their of Canada argues, there are also the market economy (including wealth going to the top one jobs, along with 29.5 per cent of two are linked. This is the deeper concerns about the share buy-backs to boost share per cent, will add to pressures those employed for a year or less, post-pandemic world and about prices and high executive com- for changes in social support, and 25.1 per cent of those who the opportunity—our what comes next. pensation) will require attention liveable minimum wages, wider are paid by the hour. potential. Now we have Writing a guest column in The not only to ways to create a fairer access to workplace benefi ts and This refl ects big declines Economist magazine recently, and more inclusive society, but programs, including vacation pay, in accommodation and food to go about realizing it. Carney tells us that “deeper con- also with the need to ensure that paid time-off, worker protection, Canada can produce the tradable improved childcare programs, Continued on page 23 THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 13 Opinion Women leaders are running this country, and we should keep it that way Monica Ell-Kanayak, vice-president of ITK and Assembly of First president and vice-chair of Inuit Circumpolar Political parties should be Nations regional Council, top left; Aluki Kotierk, president of chiefs Kluane the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, top right; legislated to hire diverse Adamek (Yukon), Rebecca Kudloo, president Pauktuutit Inuit Women left, Marlene Poitras of Canada, above left; Crystal Martin Lapenskie, female staff ers, including (Alberta), and president National Inuit Youth Council, above right, Indigenous women. Political RoseAnne Archibald are the four women on ITK’s eight-member board, (Ontario) are the which is the national voice of Canada’s 65,000 parties should also be three women on Inuit. Photographs courtesy of ITK AFN's 11-member legislated to support diverse executive committee. because it was important stepped up. Brit- Photographs courtesy ish Columbia’s Dr. Bonnie Henry, Canada’s women to run, including of the Assembly of Dr. Theresa Tam, and Alberta’s Dr. Deena First Nations Hinshaw even have T-shirts to honour their Indigenous women. leadership. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern from New Zealand and Tsai Ing-wen in TTAWA—One really couldn’t say I’m Even before COVID-19, we were not Taiwan have led in effective, domestic Oa raging feminist, but I am Tlingit, and really functioning well as a society in this COVID-19 responses. Finland, Iceland, in my culture, women lead. That’s the way country. It’s diffi cult to see how Canada Norway, Germany are all led by female it has always been. Women are essential put community’s interests front and centre. leaders. in leadership because good decisions can’t Decisions were made to protect money, Colonization and the church negatively be made without them. The reverse is also capitalism, and making more money; as if impacted the number of Indigenous wom- true in a fully functioning society; good capitalism would solve the community’s en leaders. Following Canada becoming a decisions can’t be made without men. problems. Men have had most of the lead- country, it took 70 years until a First Na- Leadership and decision-making were ership roles, and the number of women in tions woman was elected chief: Elsie Marie traditionally done with good processes, in- senior positions in politics had been lower Knott in Curve Lake. In the last couple of Rose LeMay cluding checks and balances to ensure the than it was just a few years ago. years, a record number of First Nations Stories, Myths, and Truths community’s interests were always front Enter COVID-19, and suddenly the and centre. women who were quietly doing their thing Continued on page 23

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2890.03 - Hill Times AD.indd 1 3/11/2020 2:32:15 PM 14 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

three months that I felt sadness Former and anger when each day I read Nova Scotia of the gross injustices and intrin- Senator sic unfairness in the treatment of Donald COVID-19 three distinct groups of Canadi- Oliver says ans: our seniors, including some the prime with special health needs in nurs- minister ing homes and long-term care should also facilities where the death rate is immediately and African totally unacceptable; people of establish a colour or African-Canadians, par- new federal ticularly front-line essential work- government ers and the poor and disabled; Department and other front-line health-care of Diversity workers, doctors, nurses, order- headed Canadians: lies, janitors. by an Our seniors are entitled to the eminently same medical treatment and care qualifi ed and social equity as other Cana- African dians, notwithstanding their age Canadian. and pre-existing medical condi- The Hill a festering, tions. The other two groups are Times putting their lives on the line for photograph us every day and, regretfully, by Andrew thousands of them across Canada Meade are testing positive to the virus, and don’t even have the funda- unresolved mental protective equipment for doing the job properly. I’m refer- can. In the U.S., the so-called demic we need to respond to the ring to basic gowns, gloves, face front line is disproportionately lack of representation in high-lev- masks, shields, and sanitizers, Black and Latino. el decision-making specifi c health all known as PPEs. In Canada, it is likewise dispro- risks among Black communities, The COVID-19 pandemic is portionate Black and visible mi- racial discrimination and im- problem not over yet, but in this period of nority, particularly for our front- plicit bias that may pervade and post-pandemic planning all levels line essential workers. I’m not just continue to pervade in pandemic of government must pick up the referring to cleaners and janitors policy-making.” reins and help design, develop, inside a hospital. I refer to front In a recent, powerful op-ed by We’ve all changed. No more and implement some forward- line: public transportation workers Paul Deegan and Kevin Lynch, Prime Minister Justin handshaking. No more hugs of looking, creative public poli- in buses, trains, subways; building headlined “A Roadmap for Cana- Trudeau should sympathy and condolence. We cies that will ensure these gross and cleaning services, garbage da after the Pandemic,” they rec- must now observe a two-metre injustices will stop, and cease to collection, grocery and conve- ommended inter alia the federal establish, this June, a social distancing. And we’ve exist. These public policies must nience store workers, courier government set up committee of likely spent more time at home go to the root of the problems services, postal services, food respected commissioners across committee under either alone or with family than that seniors face, and embrace delivery services, etc.; areas where the political spectrum under the any other times in our lives. And substantial, fundamental change so many of our Blacks and visible Inquiries Act, to investigate, in a the Inquiries Act to that, too, was something very even to the structure, architecture, minorities are such a signifi cant comprehensive way, fi ve special different. When our economies and internal layout of long-term part of the workforce, and that, topics, including taxation and the study the various reopen, what will it look like and nursing facilities that can accom- during the pandemic has been economy, but nothing specifi c to systemic problems what must be done to treat all modate concepts such as social- starved of essential PPE’s. The the systemic racial problems fac- citizens fairly? distancing. best contemporary example is the ing African Canadians. I recom- in Canada that make Our new, somewhat challeng- I am delighted to see that visible minority, essential, front- mend that Prime Minister Justin ing, reality is the result of the sud- many groups in the three lev- line workers in Cargill plants in Trudeau establish, this June, a African Canadians den eruption and spread of CO- els of government in Canada Alberta. The infection rate and committee under the Inquiries VID-19, and so we are now facing have already made very extensive deaths are astounding. Act to study the various systemic more vulnerable to one of the most contagious and systemic changes into their long- Why is it that African Canadi- problems in Canada that make deadly viruses our modern soci- term planning for the protec- ans suffer long-standing health African Canadians more vulner- COVID-19. ety has ever met. Thousands have tion of the front-line health-care and socio-economic dispar- able to COVID-19. died and, sadly, it will be months workers, by warehousing excess ity? What are the three levels The inquiry could be headed BY DONALD H. OLIVER before the carnage subsides in masks, gowns, gloves, etc. of government planning to do by eminent Black jurist, Justice Canada. But stockpiling PPEs is only about it? Well, I have seen little, if Michael Tulloch of the Ontario LEASANT RIVER, N.S.—CO- This is a new coronavirus, part of the solution for African- any, government interest or initia- Court of Appeal. It could include PVID-19 has bluntly shown and very little is known about Canadians and visible minorities tive to make the systemic changes other eminent Canadians, like all of us that African-Canadian it and its behaviour. But we do on the front lines. Reliable Cana- required to interrupt the struc- Rona Ambrose, Jean Charest and front-line essential workers have know for certain that it is lethal dian race-based data and statis- tural racism that confronts our John Manley, in addition to an been disproportionally affected and that there is no known tics are hard to come by, but our Black front-line workers. Where equal number of eminent African with this highly contagious and cure. Leading medical experts Canadian circumstances are akin were their masks, gloves, and Canadians and visible minorities, deadly virus, even without sup- around the world willingly admit to our American brothers and other protective gear required for including Candace Thomas and porting comprehensive scientifi c they are learning on the job each sisters. We share long-standing their employment? Where are the Sharon Ross. Their preliminary data. We now know that visible week as they observe things, health and socio-economic rules and government regulations report must be provided to the minority researchers throughout like the COVID-19 massive disparities that make us highly that make it mandatory that Afri- government no later than Jan. Canada have been demanding infl ammation in certain patients’ vulnerable to pandemics like can-Canadians can participate in 31, 2021. The research division the collection of race-based and lungs that even the best venti- COVID-19. the social equity that is part of the of the inquiry commission must socio-economic data for years, be- lators cannot manage. But the Consider this. One-third of the Canadian mosaic? include the fi nest researchers cause it is required to determine good news is that thousands of people who have died from the As I said earlier, commu- available in Canada. This inquiry future public policy and, specifi - Canadians who have tested posi- coronavirus in the United States nity and national groups have is my personal vision for how we cally, now for the containment of tive are now fully recovered. so far have been African Ameri- been lobbying governments for can eventually prevent so many COVID-19. The pandemic has raised can, and they only represent 14 years about the need for some innocent African Canadians from And throughout North many fundamental, but painful per cent of the U.S. population demographic race-based data dying in such staggeringly high America, as we now sit in the questions for me and I trust for today. When I began writing this that could now include questions numbers from this and other con- shadow of another serious wave all our governments, provincial piece, there were 2,900 deaths in on the number of deaths; the tagious diseases. in which thousands more people and federal. These questions Michigan, just to the south of our number of hospitalizations; the Prime Minister Trudeau should will likely die, we have no more include: have all Canadians had border. Some 40 per cent of those number of those testing posi- also immediately establish a time to waste before collecting equal access to our health-care deaths were African-American tive for COVID-19; and data to new government Department of the requisite demographic race- system to fi ght COVID-19? Is so- even though they represented demonstrate African-Canadians Diversity headed by an eminently based data, and then formulating cial equity in short supply? Have only 14 per cent of the population. disproportional medical access qualifi ed African Canadian to public policies that will build the poor and the homeless had And in St. Louis, 21 deaths and challenges. oversee and implement the more socio-economic equity into equal access to hospitalization, 64 per cent of those COVID-19 OmiSoore Dryden, the James various recommendations of the Canada’s health-care system and treatment, and cures? Are any Ca- deaths were African-Americans. R. Johnston Chair in Black Stud- above commission and others that thereby save precious lives. Many nadians being sidelined because The U.S. Centers for Disease Con- ies at Dalhousie University, was may report. This pandemic will be enlightened political leaders— of issues of gender, geography or trol’s report on race-based data quoted recently by the CBC with us for some time, so we must from the governor of New York race? that was just released specifi cally to have said, referring to the act now to save more lives. state, to the premier of Ontario— I try to keep current with the pointed out a wide racial dispar- United Nations Working Group Donald H. Oliver is a former are now demanding that accurate efforts our excellent scientifi c ity: 83 per cent of patients with of Experts on People of African Nova Scotia Senator who retired scientifi c race-based data be col- researchers and medical teams. COVID-19 in hospitals it studied Descent, that: “they specifi cally from the Senate in 2013. lected and analyzed. There were times over the last in Georgia were African Ameri- mentioned that during this pan- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 15 Opinion

Canada and other U.S. allies with humanitarian aid. Coronavirus: how Canada can If Canada intends to re-estab- lish itself as a prudent middle- power, the Trudeau government must consolidate its international reputation as a leading global strengthen its health diplomacy power in confronting COVID-19. Further investment in COVID-19 related foreign aid will also sup- thousands killed and millions Nations COVID-19 humanitarian to the EU’s foreign aid strategy, plement Canada’s campaign to This global crisis infl ected, the pandemic has also response plan. This announce- Canada must provide funds and successfully secure a bid for the crippled the global economy. Gov- ment included $8-million, which assist the most hard-impacted United Nations Security Council. demands more ernments around the world are was allocated to the World Health countries. One example was the Canada faces serious competition cooperation among scrambling to import desperately Organization, the Pan American union’s particular response to from Ireland and Norway. The needed medical equipment while Health Organization, the United Iran’s struggle with the pan- two countries spend far more on world powers. The struggling to keep their econo- Nations High Commissioner for demic, the most affected country international development to poor mies afl oat amid widespread Refugees, and the International in Western Asia. Last month, EU countries and have contributed a U.S. has failed to lead, lockdowns. Instead of increasing Federation of Red Cross and Red foreign policy chief Josep Borrell higher number of military person- € international cooperation, the Crescent Societies. announced that it will send 20 nel to UN peacekeeping efforts. In hence making it a pandemic has sparked ruthless The EU has also been work- million in humanitarian aid to the addition to increasing its fi nancial strategic imperative competition among states to ing on a joint European approach sanctions-hit country. assistance to humanitarian orga- gather humanitarian aid. One in helping the most vulnerable In addition, Canada must nizations and states suffering the for Canada to help disappointing example was the states, particularly in Africa and increase its funding of the WHO most from the pandemic, Canada Trump administration’s decision around the world. The union has following the U.S.’ decision to can compensate for its low troop fi ll the leadership to not only halt the export of N95 reoriented funds from its total halt its contributions. Member- contribution to UN-led missions respirators to Canada, but also budget, allocating an astounding state donations make up 51 per and pledge military assistance € vacuum and putting the World Health Orga- 20-billion foreign aid package cent of the WHO’s funding. U.S. to countries struggling from nization (WHO) funding on hold to distribute among its global contributions accounted for about COVID-19. Canadian troops are strengthen its health due to its political disagreements partners to better handle the 20 per cent of the organization’s already engaged on the domestic diplomacy. with China. pandemic. To accommodate the budget, having pledged more front, assembling to help contain Global stability is at risk, and costs, the package will consist than $57-million for January the pandemic in multiple provinc- responsible powers are acting to of European Investment Bank 2021. Canada has only pledged es. They can utilize their experi- preserve it. Canada and its allies, (EIB) and European Bank for more than $6.5-million for next ence at home to help Canada’s particularly, the European Union, Reconstruction and Development January, along with its recent global pandemic efforts. have stepped up their foreign aid (EBRD) loans and member-state emergency contributions to the This global crisis demands initiatives to manage the pan- contributions. While Canada has organization. more cooperation among world demic in other hard-hit countries. limited resources compared to the Meanwhile, the U.S. with- powers. The U.S. has failed to On Feb. 11, Canada provided EU, it can engage in multilateral drawal has created a budget lead, hence making it a strategic $2-million to the World Health discussions to get involved in col- vacuum. More funding will imperative for Canada to help Organization to help vulnerable laborative aid programs. translate to more political infl u- fi ll the leadership vacuum and countries prepare and respond to Canada has so far been suc- ence, and as expected, China is strengthen its health diplomacy. COVID-19 events. In March, the cessful in managing the virus’ taking advantage. While China’s Fortunately, we have the global Pouyan Kimiayjan Trudeau government rolled out spread, effectively fl attening its funding already accounted for 12 legitimacy and the necessary Opinion foreign aid to combat COVID-19 curve. The federal government is per cent of WHO’s total budget, fi nancial and medical resources in developing countries. Inter- well-positioned to put more focus Beijing has pledged to increase to do just that. national Development Minister on Canada’s health diplomacy its fi nancial support for the global Pouyan Kimiayjan is a re- ANCOUVER—COVID-19 Karina Gould announced that and fi ght the pandemic on a glob- health body. The country has also search associate at the Institute Vhas triggered an unprec- Canada has earmarked $50-mil- al scale to prevent its resurgence become a global leader in provid- for Peace and Diplomacy. edented humanitarian crisis. With lion amid the launch of the United within our own borders. Similar ing humanitarian aid, supplying The Hill Times

U.S. interference in Latin America: nothing new there

In some ways, it looks crisis-riddled Venezuelan govern- Venezuelans who quashed the is the participation, if any, of Maduro still has the fi rm backing ment of Nicolás Maduro. ill-considered operation before it Venezuelan opposition leader, of the all-powerful Venezuelan a lot like April 1961 all From the little we know so far, actually got off the ground. or legitimate president to many, armed forces. the whole sordid affair—code- Venezuelan offi cials have been Juan Guaidó. There is some Of course, it is possible that over again. named “Operation Gideon”— adamant that the armed incursion speculation that Guaidó, though the fi ngerprints of the Trump looks remarkably similar to the was a blatant attempt by the U.S. he has denied it, was informed administration are not on the disastrous April 1961 Bay of Pigs to overthrow a sitting government of the plot beforehand and was Operation Gideon fi le. It could invasion of Fidel Castro’s Cuba. at odds with Washington. “The strongly backing it. One needs be that this failed operation was That failed adventure ended up United States government is fully to remember here that there is simply motivated by the US$15- costing the U.S. considerable and completely involved in this considerable pressure on him to million bounty that Washington diplomatic standing in the region defeated raid,” Maduro remarked, change the political landscape in has put on Maduro’s capture. I’m and only served to strengthen and maintained that the plan Venezuela. less convinced of that. Castro’s rule in Cuba. was orchestrated by a group of If an incontrovertible con- I obviously don’t know for Interestingly, the Venezuelan U.S.-trained “mercenaries” and nection can be made, Guaidó sure. But I have to admit that this “invasion” involved a Miami- “terrorists.” Eight people were will most assuredly have a great debacle has a certain Trumpian based private security contrac- reportedly killed in what Maduro deal to answer for. And the Lima feel to it—namely, thoroughly Peter McKenna tor engaged in training retired claimed was a plot to assassinate Group, of which Canada is a key ad hoc, ill-conceived and poorly Opinion Venezuelan military defectors him and other members of his player, may wish to revisit its un- executed. Indeed, it seems totally in neighbouring Colombia, a government. conditional support for him. consistent with Trump’s way of botched beach landing in a fi sh- Like U.S. president John F. What does seem clear is that conducting foreign policy based HARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.—It ing village and mostly uncoopera- Kennedy in the early 1960s, U.S. Trump was growing increas- on his gut instincts. Cappears that the United States tive, captured intruders. And like President Donald Trump was ingly impatient with the ongoing But like past U.S. administra- is at it again in Latin America— the doomed Bay of Pigs fi asco, quick to deny any U.S. knowledge stalemate in Venezuela. (There tions, he forgot to properly con- interfering in the internal affairs Operation Gideon went terribly or involvement in the failed incur- have also been whispers that he nect the objective of the mission of governments in which it ve- sideways from the get-go. sion. “We’ll fi nd out. We just heard has turned sour on Guaidó as his (to remove Maduro) to the means hemently disapproves. The latest Evidently, a rag-tag group of about it. But it has nothing to do man in Caracas). It also seems required for its success. It also incident reinforces the point that 60 rebel troops trained by former with our government,” he said likely that Trump was trying to displayed a gross misunderstand- the U.S. often fails to remember U.S. Army special forces soldiers perfunctorily. take advantage of the COVID-19 ing of the situation on the ground the painful lessons from the past. were supposed to capture the U.S. Secretary of State, Mike pandemic to pull a fast one in the in Venezuela and the loyalty of the In the post-1945 period, Wash- capital city of Venezuela, Caracas, Pompeo, maintained that the U.S. oil-rich South American country. Venezuelan military to Maduro. In ington frequently inserted itself, and the nearby military airport. government was not “directly Rumours have been circulat- some ways, then, it looks a lot like typically deploying substantial As one of the captured U.S. involved” in the incursion. For good ing for months that Washington April 1961 all over again. military force or orchestrat- special forces soldiers acknowl- measure, though, he noted unapolo- was looking for a way to remove Peter McKenna is professor of ing secretive CIA black ops, in edged: “I was helping Venezu- getically: “If we’d have been involved, Maduro from power. The punish- political science at the University countries like Guatemala, Chile, elans take back control of their it would have gone differently.” ing U.S. sanctions on Venezuela of Prince Edward Island in Char- Nicaragua and Panama. Today’s country.” But they were met by a One of the critical ques- have had a devastating impact on lottetown. target is the left-leaning and number of military units and local tions swirling around all of this the country and its people, but The Hill Times 16 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Politics & COVID-19

tion in 2017 and was re-elected in October, said new MPs are frus- COVID-19 ‘revolutionary moment’ trated because they have not been able to have the parliamentary experience that they hoped to get. She said they are frustrated in politics will reshape political that they’re not able to sit in the House Chamber, attend in person committee and caucus meetings, or interact with their colleagues dynamics and established views on in person. “They are not having the experience that they thought they would get when they won, and policy issues, say pundits and MPs not having the capacities to rep- resent in the ways that they had hoped,” said Ms. Kusie. “It’s just frustrating: they economic programs. More than something has been left on their Pollster Greg Lyle of Innova- worked so hard to get elected to Pollster Nik Nanos seven million Canadians have ap- doorstep for them to pick up tive Research said that politics is do this job. And here they are, says the coronavirus plied for emergency relief funding that’s important for the election.” all about human interactions, and you know, tethered in their homes from the federal government. But, Clive Veroni, a Toronto- communicating with the masses. essentially, to do this. Being in will change the Once the crisis is over, the gov- based author and expert on Not being able to meet people in the Chamber is such an honour, it ernment is expected to announce marketing and brand position- person is posing a key challenge really is, and having the oppor- political dynamics measures to help Canadians and ing, predicted that the changes for political parties and politi- tunity to have access to just the businesses as the economy recov- to political work because of the cians, he said. most fascinating people in every and reset established ers. The Trudeau government has outbreak will be a short-lived “The ability to sit down with fi eld.” not said so far publicly how much phenomenon. He said once the someone and hash out your dif- Ms. Kusie also said that these views of Canadians money it is planning on spending outbreak is over, political ac- ferences, it’s not the same thing days she’s relying mostly on so- about policy issues, in its fi ght against the coronavi- tivities will gradually and slowly when you do it over zoom,” said cial media and the phone to reach rus. But Parliamentary Budget Of- return back to the way that they Mr. Lyle, president of Innovative out to her constituents. such as the economy fi cer Yves Giroux told the House have been conducted over the Research. Six-term NDP MP Charlie Finance Committee last week that past decades. “That’s a challenge. It’s as Angus (Timmins-James Bay, Ont.) and the role of the defi cit could go well beyond much an organizational challenge told The Hill Times he is focusing $252-billion this year, and the na- for parties in the government, as only on helping and reassuring government in tional debt could hit $1-trillion. it is communications challenge, constituents in these uncertain people’s lives. He also The COVID-19 crisis has and how they deal with their times. He said this is an opportu- fundamentally changed the way stakeholders. So a lot of cues that nity for MPs to further strengthen says retail politics federal politicians have tradition- we get in person get missed when their relationship with constitu- ally interacted with Canadians. we’re not in person.” ents by providing them with what could take a page out The need for social distancing Conservative political strate- they need in their everyday lives. between people to avoid spread- gist Tim Powers said that the “COVID presents challenges, of the book of delivery ing the virus is a key reason for pandemic has changed the tone but it also presents opportunities,” this change. Before the pandemic of political relationships even said Mr. Angus, who was fi rst services, UPS and started, it was a routine for MPs amongst arch rivals. He cited elected in 2004. Amazon: ‘it’s knock to go door knocking in their the examples of Ontario Premier “COVID is an opportunity to constituencies, attend community Doug Ford and Alberta Premier remind people their local MP is and drop.’ events and large gatherings, and Jason Kenney, who were both the person that’s there for them meet with people face to face in highly critical of the federal and is able to open doors to the ridings, constituency and Hill of- government prior to the outbreak, government to talk to ministers to Continued from page 1 fi ces. Fundraising was also a part but now have a smooth working try and fi nd solutions.” established point of view among and parcel of every MP’s political Pollster Nik Nanos told The Hill Times relationship in the war against Mr. Angus also said that this all the parties is that large defi cits work. But, since the start of the that the coronavirus will change coronavirus. crisis has proved to Canadians are things that are generally to be crisis, all federal politicians have the political dynamics and reset He said the coordination be- how important the government’s avoided,” said Nik Nanos, founder retooled their political operations established views of Canadians about tween both levels of government role is in their everyday lives. and chief data scientist for Nanos by ceasing any physical contact policy issues, such as the economy has showed a “greater spirit of The key question, he said, that all Research, in an interview with with constituents, and conducting and the role of government in people’s cooperation.” politicians must pay attention to The Hill Times. almost all of their work virtually. lives. The Hill Times fi le photograph Mr. Powers said that because going forward is how they can all “They are necessary in certain Most of the MPs and their staff of social distancing, politicians work together to further improve circumstances, but obviously, are working remotely and are “In the short term, certainly have not been able to interact Canada in the post-COVID-19 era. in the ideal world governments relying heavily on technology to there’s going to be a change,” said with their constituents, but once “COVID has made very, very would not run large defi cits. And undertake their work. Mr. Veroni. “But eventually we will things get better, these interac- clear that the government has that conventional traditional wis- Much of the parliamentary revert back to our natural human tions will get back to normal. enormous capacity, enormous dom now is being smashed into work including Question Period, behaviours. We’ve been through “Politics is a human business,” power to infl uence lives for the little bits as Canadians look to the committee meetings, and caucus pandemics before; we’ve been said Mr. Powers, vice chairman of better and people are looking to government to help them pay the meetings has been conducted on- through plagues of signifi cant Summa Strategies. “So I think it will government right now,” said Mr. rent and pay their mortgage and line. No one knows yet how long death rates. And what happened take a little bit of time, but I don’t Angus. “This has been a revolu- put food on the table. Canadians will this go on. It’s anyone’s guess afterwards, people eventually see people not wanting to engage tionary moment. …The question will [now] be looking for help when a vaccine will become avail- went back to being human be- with others in the settings where that we really need to grapple with from the government, big govern- able, or whether there will be a ings. We eventually went back to they used to engage [before].” is, what will the new Canada look ment will not necessarily be a bad second or third wave of COVID-19. gathering with each other and Mr. Powers said that a key part like after COVID, and what would thing when it comes to supporting Mr. Nanos said that we’re shaking each other’s hands and of parliamentary experience is be the role of politicians to help us Canadians and direct fi nancial going to see an even more ac- being in large groups together. It’s the interaction amongst MPs from get there to where we need to be?” transfers to them,” said Mr. Nanos. celerated use of technology in the a natural human instinct to gather, the same and different caucuses, Eight-term Liberal MP Wayne By deadline last week, there coming weeks and months, to the to be close to one another, to be during offi cial duties and after- Easter (Malpeque, P.E.I.) told were a total of 72,536 confi rmed point that in the not-too-distant physically close with one another hours get togethers. The new MPs The Hill Times he has never had COVID-19 cases nationwide, and future politicians’ door knocking, to be interacting, but I don’t know who were fi rst elected last Oc- as much interaction with his 5,337 have died of the disease, or in person fundraising could how long that will take, that might tober have not had an adequate constituents as he has in the last according to the Public Health become a thing of the past. take a couple of years.” amount of time to mingle with two months. He said he prefers Agency of Canada. “We’re probably going to see Mr. Veroni said that, from a their colleagues, he said, because to meet people in person, but Since the start of the pandemic, retail politics take a page out of political perspective, the social Parliament sat only for about six because of the social distanc- Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) the book of delivery services, a distancing phenomenon has weeks between October and the ing requirements he is talking to government has been focused UPS and Amazon: it’s knock and worked out well for the Liberals. suspension of in person House his constituents over the phone. singularly on responding to the drop,” said Mr. Nanos. He pointed to Prime Minister Jus- sittings in mid March. Mr. Easter also said he cannot pandemic as it has affected the “They don’t wait to say hello. tin Trudeau’s daily press confer- “You had a whole new class of remember any time in the past lives of all Canadians. All other Basically, what they do is knock ences, where he makes funding MPs that were elected in No- when the government consulted policy issues, including those the on the door, buzz the doorbell, announcements to help out Cana- vember, who really have not had all MPs as much as they have Trudeau Liberals promised to ad- they leave their package or their dians dealing with job losses. that opportunity to live the full since the pandemic hit Canada. dress when they won their second pamphlet and away they go. “In times of crisis, politics is parliamentary experience and “I don’t think you’ve ever seen mandate, have gone on the back So we may see similar types of about taking action that people build the relationships that are so as much input into policy mak- burner. To help Canadians cope strategies for campaigns, where feel is addressing their most basic vital as you try and have a career ing from Members of all parties with the economic and health there’s no expectation or wish needs,” said Mr. Veroni. “And that’s in Ottawa,” said Mr. Powers. as you’ve seen in the last two effects of COVID-19, the govern- even to interact face to face. But actually more important than Conservative MP Stephanie months,” said Mr. Easter. ment has been regularly announc- they want to make sure that that being seen, being heard, pressing Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, Alta.), [email protected] ing billions of dollars worth of prospective voter knows that the fl esh, if you will.” who was fi rst elected in a byelec- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 17 Part II of III-Part Series: Transparency, Trust & Transition News

said Mr. Graves. “There are some unique features to each country, Recent surge of public trust in but I do think that in general, citi- zens have turned more to govern- ment in this crisis and may have thought that, not only the private sector was not really equipped to government hard to maintain, help them with this, but I think there is a sense that maybe the whole economic model that we’ve built in the last 50 years is partly responsible for the mess and our say experts, as Canada moves inability to respond that well.” According to a May 12 release from EKOS Politics, the Liberals have a 14-point lead over the Con- from crisis into recovery servatives, “which would produce a massive majority in the unlikely event of an election in the near future.” of need and in times of crisis, and of the Great Depression,” said Mr. MacEachern said the daily ‘We’re going to hit the people at the top are at odds, Mr. Nanos. “We will see historic press conferences may “have been an economic wall it’s pretty hard to build trust and levels of unemployment, historic a bit of an eye opener for a lot of Coming up on an ‘infl ection look forward.” levels of public debt, and historic Canadians.” point,’ says managing that will probably be “Hats off to the Liberal disruption in the workplace, and “In the early days of the government and their offi cials there’s not going to be any kind pandemic, the ratings for news director of Macdonald- the equivalent of the for working and collaborating of spending that’s going to get us coverage during the day rose as- Laurier Institute together, because that’s where the out of this.” tronomically,” said Mr. MacEach- Brian Lee Crowley, manag- Great Depression,’ Trust Index has been that high,” “As long as the government ern. “Canadians were consuming ing director of the Macdonald- said Mr. Walsh, who also said the continues to pump billions and a huge amount of news every day, Laurier Institute, told The Hill said pollster Nik next four to six weeks will be billions of dollars into the Cana- and these are people that proba- Times that he thinks “in the early Nanos, who predicts “critical.” dian [economy], I would hazard bly weren’t in front of a television stages, deference to leadership “We’ve sort of started mov- to say the views of government during their work day.” is quite normal and indeed, quite historic levels of ing out of that crisis period, and are probably going to continue “I think Canadians under- sensible.” we’re moving into recovery,” to be good,” said Mr. Nanos. “The stand, more than ever, the “I think there is an object les- unemployment, public said Mr. Walsh. “The challenge question is, the day the spigot is requirements and expectations son here—in times of crisis, if you will be to make everybody turned off or the cupboard be- of being in public life now,” said happen to be the person in charge debt, and disruption happy, which is going to be a comes fi scally bare, that’s when Mr. MacEachern. “We quite often and if you can project a sense of really hard task.” we’ll have a political reckoning easily deride politicians, but the calm, resolution, of taking the in the workplace. According to pollster Nik in terms of the mood potentially reality is, especially for those of best advice and following it, peo- ‘There’s not going Nanos, “phase two is going to be changing.” us in Ottawa, we know how hard ple who can feel quite powerless in the face of something rather to be any kind of Prime frightening are going to have a Minister tendency to defer to you,” said Mr. spending that’s going Justin Crowley. to get us out of this.’ Trudeau, But Mr. Crowley also said he pictured on believes we’re starting to come up May 7, 2020, on an “infl ection point.” Continued from page 1 during a “Even with the provinces, daily media which I think were rather defer- “critical” for the government as ential to the prime minister in the we move from crisis into recov- availability at Rideau early days—the prime minister ery, according to Darcy Walsh, has not been in favour of this senior vice president and general Cottage in Ottawa move that’s going on in the prov- manager of Edelman Canada’s inces to get things going again,” Ottawa offi ce. to update Canadians said Mr. Crowley, who was one of According to the Edelman many signatories of an open letter Trust Barometer Spring Update, about government's to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released May 12, Canadians’ (Papineau, Que.), urging the trust in government has surged response to the COVID-19 federal government “to achieve 20 points since January, the a better balance in protecting second highest trust gain for a pandemic. The Hill Times both the health and prosperity of government in the world after Canadians.” the U.K. photograph by Andrew Meade “What is needed from you [Mr. Eighty one per cent of those Trudeau] now is a clear indication surveyed believe that pandemic- of how we can move to normality related restrictions on people’s and what we can expect to see as a freedom of movement are reason- result,” reads the letter. “Any easing able and appropriate, with 60 of the lockdown is going to increase per cent of Canadians saying the infection rate—the crucial ques- business leaders (CEOs) should tion is how we can do it without take the lead on addressing the increasing the death rate.” pandemic. “The government must trust “This government, I believe, much more diffi cult, because, Maintaining trust Members of Parliament work and and empower Canadians to move has done a really good job com- although it’s easy to tell people the amount of time it takes—and prudently back to something municating every single day, to stay home, sequencing them requires understanding that’s at the best of times, we are approaching normal by giving us where we are, what we need to back within a federation, and of how trust is earned, certainly not in the best of times clear, non-technical statements of do, and now what they’re doing also a federation with a diverse right now.” the best available information on for Canadians,” said Mr. Walsh in economy, with diverse health “I think Canadians have The Hill Times says Greg MacEachern which to base our decisions and an interview with impacts—the impact in New Greg MacEachern, senior had the opportunity to see our then allowing and indeed encour- on May 15. “We also see a rela- Brunswick is very different vice president of strategy at politicians in action,” said Mr. aging us to take responsibility for tionship between our offi cials and than the impact in Ontario and Proof Strategies, said part of MacEachern. ourselves and get back to work,” our elected offi cials.” Alberta—sequencing that is go- maintaining trust is understand- Frank Graves, president and reads the letter. The government’s relationship ing to be much more diffi cult for ing how trust is earned in the founder of EKOS Research As- [email protected] with scientists and doctors—the politicians.” fi rst place. sociates, told The Hill Times that The Hill Times “most trusted category,” accord- According to weekly track- “What is it that government trust and approval ratings for This is the second of a three- ing to Mr. Walsh—stands in stark ing from Nanos Research, or governments in Canada most of the provincial and fed- part series entitled Transparency, contrast to what is going on in the released on May 12, coronavi- have done that has created this eral leaders “have gone up pretty Trust, and Transition, a look into United States. rus as a top national issue of increase, what’s different right signifi cantly,” with some of those government accountability and “You see a president who’s at concern is on the decline as the now? Obviously we’re in the ratings “starting to come back to public trust around policy-making odds with his medical offi cials, importance of jobs/economy is middle of a pandemic, but what’s Earth a little bit.” as the COVID-19 pandemic has his scientists, and that erodes on the rise. different right now about the way “In the United States, Presi- put public health authorities to trust,” said Mr. Walsh. “If you’re “The other thing is, we’re go- government is dealing with Ca- dent Trump’s numbers went up the test, created economic havoc needing government, and govern- ing to hit an economic wall that nadians is a level of transparency, a bit, but not much, and now from coast to coast and changed ment takes care of people in times will probably be the equivalent availability, and accessibility.” appear to be coming down again,” politics in Canada. 18 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News UN Security Council Trudeau taking charge of Canada’s UN Security Council bid with calls to

Like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne, world leaders, but they pictured, will be working the phones with those counterparts who he has built relationship with in order to garner support for Canada’s Security Council bid, former diplomat Gilles Rivard says. could have limited impact, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade normal operations—including work on the Security Council campaign—to COVID-19 and the global recovery. Despite the pandemic, Mr. Blanchard says former UN diplomat said the Canadian mission was ready for the June vote, but wouldn’t say if he thought Canada had enough votes to win a spot on the Security Council. He called In some of the 12 calls with Prime Minister the race “very competitive” with “the great Justin countries … competing together.” various world leaders Prime Trudeau, Mr. Rivard said he thinks that Norway pictured May has one of the spots won. Minister Justin Trudeau has 12, 2020, “Norway is such a model player at the had since April 29, he has has made a United Nations,” he said, citing their inter- temporary national development investments. Norway raised the topic of Canada’s spot for is one of the top donors of international aid Canada on the as a percentage of its GDP. UN Security Council UN Security The race is between Canada and Ireland Council a key for the second seat, Mr. Rivard said. campaign, according to a pillar of his He said when Canada announced its foreign policy campaign back in 2016, Ireland had an government offi cial. vision. The edge over Canada because it had been Hill Times campaigning since 2005 for the seat. “What is going to happen? It’s very hard Continued from page 1 photograph by Andrew Meade to say,” Mr. Rivard remarked. “I think that 926,000 182,000, and 11,000, respectively. we have an honest chance, but we are com- Although not listed in the Prime Minis- peting against two very tough candidates.” ter’s Offi ce’s readouts of the call, the topic Prof. Chapnick told The Hill Times last of the campaign was raised, The Hill Times month that Canada may have an advantage has learned, as the government believes over Ireland because of the recent Irish that the current international crisis has put election in which Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s an even greater emphasis on the role Cana- government fell to a third party in the da could play in multilateral organizations. country’s legislature reducing his ability A spot on the UN Security Council has to make bilateral deals with UN member been a cornerstone of the Liberal gov- states in exchange for support. But Mr. ernment’s foreign policy dating back to Royal Military College defence stud- said if Mr. Trudeau was not making the Varadkar’s strong response to the pandem- a campaign promise in 2015. It was also ies professor Adam Chapnick, author of calls, it would mean he was not serious ic may have boosted his country’s chances, highlighted in Foreign Affairs Minister Canada on the United Nations Security about winning a seat on the council. Prof. Chapnick said. François-Philippe Champagne’s (Saint- Council: A Small Power on a Large Stage, In Canada’s last campaign when it Mr. Rivard said African and small island Maurice-Champlain, Que.) mandate letter, said historically the prime minister has became clear a win was not guaranteed, nations will serve as important backers if and was included in the Throne Speech last been brought into UN Security Council Prof. Chapnick said then-prime minis- Canada is going to win the seat, noting the December. campaigns to fi nalize support from a spe- ter Stephen Harper became personally work Canada has done with small island The UN Security Council election is cifi c country or if Canada is losing support engaged in the campaign. In the end that nations on climate change. set to take place on June 17 with Canada from a country that had previously said it engagement wasn’t enough, as Canada lost “You have to keep in mind that an competing with Ireland and Norway for would endorse Canada’s bid. the election to be on the Security Council. island like Nauru that has about 10,000 two non-permanent seats in the 2021 and “This isn’t an unusual thing for a prime Mr. Rivard who was posted to the UN at people has the same vote [as] the United 2022 term in the Western Europe and Oth- minister,” Prof. Chapnick said, adding that the time said Canada had been promised States at the United Nations,” he said. “This ers bloc. it is happening a little earlier than has nearly 140 votes, but only received 117 is why you should not neglect these very Former Canadian diplomat Gilles Ri- taken place in previous elections as there votes on the day of the election. small countries because [it is] one country, vard, who served as Canada’s deputy per- is another month where countries can Canada’s UN Ambassador Marc-André one vote.” manent representative at the UN, told The change their support. But he said current Blanchard told The Hill Times last month Mr. Blanchard said that both African Hill Times that given the long campaigns times aren’t normal times as a prime min- that his work at the UN has shifted from countries and small island nations have that exist for the Security Council the im- ister typically would be meeting with other noted their appreciation for Canada’s work pact of last minute calls could be limited. world leaders in person to garner support, stressing the importance of economic secu- “At the United Nations—getting the sup- but that isn’t possible due to COVID-19. Justin Trudeau’s Conversations rity in confl ict prevention. port of a country for a seat—it could start “Time permitting, an engaged prime with Leaders of UN Member Canada’s campaign for the UN Security fi ve, six, seven years before because you minister is extremely helpful to the cam- Council seat has focused on fi ve objectives, make trade offs with countries,” he said, paign,” he said about the continued lobby- States (since April 29) involving peace, climate change, economic adding that countries could garner support ing from Mr. Trudeau. “People have very World Leader Country Date security, gender equality, and multilateralism. for their campaign in exchange for voting Mr. Robertson said countries have noted short memories so a call a week before [the Boris Johnson United Kingdom May 15 the work Canada has done supporting mul- for that nation’s UN General Assembly election] is even more helpful than a call a Allen Chastanet Saint Lucia May 13 resolution years before. month before, [but] there does come a point Frank Bainimarama Fiji May 11 tilateralism, including reforming the World Mr. Rivard added that just because a where a call looks desperate and then it’s Iván Duque Márquez Colombia May 11 Trade Organization, with the G20, and with UN member state says it will support one not a good thing,” said Prof. Chapnick. Nana Akufo-Addo Ghana May 8 the Lima Group to address the Venezuelan country’s campaign doesn’t mean it actu- Former Canadian diplomat Colin Rob- Kausea Natano Tuvalu May 6 crisis, as well as building an international ally will. ertson said Mr. Trudeau’s phone calls rep- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Qatar May 6 coalition following the downing of Flight “This is why the prime minister at this resent a “normal ramp-up” in a campaign in Abdalla Hamdok Sudan May 5 752 by Iranian authorities earlier this year. moment is on the phone and making several its last weeks. Mark Rutte Netherlands May 4 “I think our efforts differentiate us from calls to leaders that he may know person- Mr. Robertson, who in a more than Imran Khan Pakistan May 3 Norway and Ireland, but will it be enough?” ally or not,” he said, adding that Mr. Cham- 30-year career in Canada’s foreign service Jacinda Ardern New Zealand May 2 [email protected] pagne would be doing the same thing. was posted to Canada’s mission at the UN, Scott Morrison Australia April 29 The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 19 House of Commons News

more meaningful than the Tues- day and Thursday exercise.” MPs from far-fl ung ridings wary Most MPs have the ability to hop on the Zoom call, but not all are able to pose questions to the ministers on hand. “Those of us who are not of reuniting as a whole in June [actively] participating are watch- ing it like everyone else,” he said. “What is the point of being there, Government House if you’re not going to participate? Liberal MP John Leader Pablo … Right now, we’re engaged in Rodriguez, left, virtual Parliament, where 300 McKays says he hopes pictured with House people are watching fi ve people Clerk Charles Robert have a two-minute exchange.” negotiations among and House Speaker He suggested shortening those House leaders ‘would Anthony Rota on May committee meetings, which vary 13, 2020, during a in length from four to six hours, lead to something a skeletal in-person to two in order to keep the parti- sitting in West Block. san posturing to a minimum. little more meaningful Mr. Rodriguez's Mr. McKay also said he’s been offi ce says the “beating the drum for the [full] than the Tuesday and current hybrid resumption of committee work,” Thursday exercise.’ plan 'increases because it allows for far more accountability' and engagement. conforms to public- Ms. Kusie agreed with Mr. BY BEATRICE PAEZ health guidelines. McKay that the virtual sittings & PALAK MANGAT The Hill Times are an imperfect substitute for photograph by Andrew the face-to-face verbal volleying ith Canada’s provinces and Meade that happens when MPs meet in Wterritories still at varying Chamber. stages of lifting lockdown mea- “I don’t have a household sions with his counterparts were ing, having opposition days.” Ms. “I really like our Speaker sures, several MPs representing there,” she said. “I would be reli- expected to begin “in the next day Bergen took aim at the NDP and Anthony Rota. … He’s well in- far-fl ung ridings remain wary ant upon hotels and restaurants, or two” around plans beyond May Bloc Québécois who voted with tentioned. He’s doing everything of commuting back and forth to if that’s not available, then that 25. the Liberals in agreeing to the he can to make this as similar as Ottawa in June, when the House makes it more challenging.” “I don’t think any medical current arrangement. “They’ve an environment to the House of typically rises for the summer, Ms. Kusie said while it’s hard offi cer would advise 338 MPs to tied our hands behind our backs,” Commons as possible,” she said. amid lingering concerns they to predict the trajectory of the come together in Ottawa for May she said. “[But] it’s lacked the same in- could be vectors of the COVID-19 virus, it’s unlikely the House will 25,” Mr. Julian said. “We are far tensity. I equate Question Period virus. reunite as a whole until at least from being in a situation where Virtual sittings an to an athletic game, like hockey. The agreement to temporarily the fall. we don’t have to worry about the It’s just so intense. You can feel suspend Parliament expires on Routine proceedings have virus.” imperfect substitute the emotion with each question, May 25. Unless all parties agree been suspended, but MPs have Asked about Liberal MP Kevin Some MPs in the past have response; everyone is so invested.” to extend the deal for a hybrid been participating in virtual Lamoureux’s (Winnipeg North, noted that increasing the number Still, many are consigned to of virtual and smaller in-person sittings twice a week, while Man.) remarks the other week of in-person sittings over virtual the notion that virtual sittings will sittings—which was not backed those in or close to Ottawa take that he can’t personally “see” the sessions would undermine the likely be the prevailing compro- by the Conservatives—a skeletal part in in-person sittings once a House resuming its sitting in per- privileges of MPs who live far mise for at least the next several sitting will be held that day to week. Parties will have to decide son with all 338 MPs for the rest from Ottawa and would be unable weeks. vote on a new motion. The current whether this hybrid format will of 2020, Mr. Julian said he will not to participate. There are also con- Rookie Liberal MP Patrick parliamentary calendar indicates have to suffi ce until public-health make any such predictions. cerns about increasing the risk Weiler (West Vancouver-Sunshine the House is scheduled to break offi cials deem it relatively safe “I don’t even think we can of exposure for the support staff Coast-Sea to Sky Country, B.C.), June 23. to hold more in-person frequent predict with certainty what next who help maintain parliamen- who hasn’t been in Ottawa for Liberal MP Larry Bagnell gatherings. month is going to look like, let tary operations, as PROC heard nearly two months, said it would (Yukon) said a trip to Ottawa can in previous committee meetings be “irresponsible” for all 338 MPs take about 28 hours on any given during its study of the transition to head back later this month. weekend, taking into account the to virtual sittings. Asked if MPs may have to time difference and layover for Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal sacrifi ce being in the same room connecting fl ights between three (Surrey-Newton, B.C.) said he for the rest of 2020, Mr. Weiler and four airports. prefers virtual sittings, as there is said Parliament has been able to “Those 28 hours would be bet- a need for a “safety-fi rst attitude.” demonstrate it can operate with ter served helping constituents,” “A huge reduction in the the interim framework in place. he said, adding that fl ights to the number of MPs in the House Steve Chaplin, a former North can be limited. He pointed means that only those people that parliamentary counsel with the out those returning to the territo- are within driving distance are House of Commons, said if all ry would have to self-quarantine the ones able to participate,” he MPs decide to eventually return upon arrival for 14 days. added. to the Chamber, there will have to Yukon had at least 11 viral Conservative MP Karen Vec- be a “much more robust occupa- infections, as of May 15, all chio (Elgin-Middlesex-London, tional health and safety regime to of which have been resolved. Ont.), who lives about eight hours protect the entire staff.” Ontario, in contrast, had nearly MPs gather on May 13 for an in-person sitting of the House to pass the feds’ away from Ottawa, said she’s Noting there are both union- 22,000 cases, with more than relief measures for the dairy sector. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade enlisted her husband to drive ized and non-unionized workers 16,000 people having recovered. her back to the capital when the on the Hill, he said staff “have Canada’s most populous province Government House Leader alone to the end of the year,” he House starts meeting in person, in the right to refuse to work in an is cautiously inching towards Pablo Rodriguez (Honoré-Mer- said. “On March 8, I had abso- a reduced form. unsafe workplace,” but not in a the fi rst stage of reopening the cier, Que.) was unavailable for lutely not the least inkling that “We can’t start to increase the way that interrupts proceedings. economy, and has yet to largely an interview. In an email to The we’d be suspending on March 13. numbers yet; we need to lead by But MPs who might feel unsafe scale back physical-distancing Hill Times, responding to ques- The rapidity with which the virus example,” she said, noting that travelling during the pandemic restrictions. tions about whether the hybrid came and the impact that was felt there are parts of the country, are a different story. “I don’t think Yukoners would parliamentary model will be the that week that led to the suspen- including the Atlantic Canada “The House of Commons is be happy if I were to go into an format for the foreseeable future, sion of Parliament, nobody really provinces and Manitoba, that are not an MP employer, the House area where there are a lot of spokesperson Simon Ross said foresaw.” trying to prevent a spike in cases. of Commons is its members,” said cases, or in airports or airplanes,” the current plan “both increases Outgoing Conservative “I don’t think it would be appro- Mr. Chaplin. “That membership Mr. Bagnell, who also belongs to parliamentary accountability and Leader Andrew Scheer (Regina- priate [to return in full] in June.” gets to decide—and it is the only the more at-risk demographic for respects the advice given by our Qu’Appelle, Sask.) on May 15 In her area, she said, there’s thing constitutionally and legally contracting the virus because he’s public health experts.” renewed his push to resume still a concern that people coming that can decide—whether or not 70, said. “Canadians across the country regular sittings, but with a limited from Toronto to visit their cottages members are excused from at- Conservative MP Stephanie Ku- are adapting and so should Par- number of MPs. would bring the virus with them. tending, or what the consequenc- sie (Calgary Midnapore, Alta.) said liament with virtual sittings,” Mr. Conservative House Leader “We have had no new cases in two es of non-attendance are.” she had not offered to return to Otta- Ross wrote. “There is currently Candice Bergen (Portage-Lisgar, weeks, so excited about that,” she Such consequences, he sug- wa for a potential May 25 sitting, but more time for questions and Man.) was also unavailable for an said. “[But] we worry about people gested, might be in the form of could go back in June if the House answers than in a regular week’s interview, but, in a YouTube video coming to their cottages.” losing one’s position or spot on a leadership asks for volunteers. sitting.” on May 12, said her party is not in For his part, Liberal MP John committee. At the same time, she said, NDP House Leader Peter Ju- favour sticking with the current McKay (Scarborough-Guildwood, [email protected] that would depend on where On- lian (New Westminster-Burnaby, format. “We’d like to have a full Ont.) said he hopes negotiations [email protected] tario is at in its recovery. B.C.) said on May 13 discus- Parliament … in terms of debat- “would lead to something a little The Hill Times 20 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Books & Big Ideas

Question for Dennis Breakdown lays out a fulsome McConaghy Why did you want to write this book? “The reason for writing the set of policy recommendations book was to try to catalyze common ground within Can- ada to have both a credible Breakdown addresses period, the Canadian Parliament Consider if at some point in and unemployment abounded, the and proportionate national has not clarifi ed this language. 2019, after the Trudeau govern- outcome was far from certain. As climate policy, while sustain- arguably one of the Court decisions created, most no- ment engages in further consulta- I write, one thing is clear: private ing the economic contribution tably, the Crown duty to consult, tion as prescribed in the Aug. 31 capital can no longer abide this risk of its hydrocarbon production most contentious and the federal fi duciary obligation to Federal Court of Appeal decision of endless after-the-fact litigation, sector. That is as concisely as I Indigenous peoples, and deci- regarding TMX, that process as if it ever could. Meanwhile, those can express.” consequential set of sions prescribing on what terms culminates in a second approval who seek to disable all hydrocarbon aboriginal title can be infringed. from the federal government. growth and related infrastructure Why is your book important? policy issues facing The courts have been especially Presumably, the government will for whatever reason fi nd obvious “The book remains im- Canada today—the prescriptive in their interpretation have determined that adequate synergy with certain First Nations portant because the lack of of the “duty to consult,” confl ating consultation has occurred, along unwilling to make any accom- national consensus endures nexus of resource that phrase with an expectation with the requisite “grappling,” to modation with such projects and on climate and hydrocarbon that industry proponents and gov- use the Federal Court of Appeal’s prepared to assert their rights, such policy. Canada’s hydrocarbon development, climate ernments engage with Indigenous word, and that the government as they are, to the extreme. production sector represents peoples to the point of accom- has offered suffi cient compensa- The saddest irony is that the 10 per cent of the national change, Indigenous modating critical defi ciencies tion or project adjustments to vast majority of First Nations have GDP. To lose that economic rights and Alberta through adequate consultation. First Nations proximate to TMX, come to consensual agreements on contribution in a world that As importantly, the courts have whether they explicitly agree both TMX and LNG Canada. Call has yet to demonstrate that alienation. It presents established a standard by which or not. If certain First Nations it consultation; call it accommoda- it can materially reduce its aboriginal title, or even the claim remain unwilling to accede to the tion: it was a fundamental part of hydrocarbon consumption the history of four to such title, can justifi ably be in- approval they will certainly move the business-development process. over the short and medium fringed, that is, when land can be on to the courts yet again, with These two projects have not yet term should be a constraint pipeline projects and used for certain purposes where claims of unjustifi ed infringe- achieved consensual agreements on national climate policy, a consensual agreement between ment and endless injunctions in with certain coastal First Nations but Canada remains commit- overlays the political proponents and First Nations the interim, until, presumably, the proximate to the project. Whatever ted to implausible emission decisions that have does not exist for that use. highest courts in Canada rule on regulatory process Canada uses for reduction targets. How much According to the Supreme those claims. All the while, the future federal approvals, after-the- economic value is Canada resulted in many Court ruling in Tsilhqot’in Nation project could remain frustrated if fact litigation from First Nations prepared to lose?” v. British Columbia (2014), for the courts provide injunctions while at odds with projects that achieve projects not being Crown to override aboriginal title adjudicating the entire case—a approval remains an untenable Why should people read your in the public interest it must have case that renders the preceding risk. Parliament must clarify, and book now? supported or being done the following: regulatory process pointless since legislate, that the approvals of “Recent elections have left 1. The Crown must have carried it failed to accede to the unac- Canadian regulators sanctioned by the country more fractured. delayed signifi cantly. out consultation and elected Members of Par- Fundamentally different It’s also one of fi ve accommodation. Dennis McConaghy, liament represent justifi ed policy is needed. Breakdown 2. The Crown’s actions author of Breakdown: infringement. This is a rea- lays out a fulsome set of policy books nominated for must have been sup- The Pipeline Debate sonable expectation, re- recommendations. Moreover, ported by a compel- and the Threat to gardless of whether such post COVID-19, will hydro- this year’s prestigious ling and substantial Canada’s Future. 'The law is subsequently tested carbon production remain a objective. reason for writing in the courts. But Cana- key element of the Canadian Donner Prize, the best 3. The Crown’s action the book was to try dians should expect the economy? Will hydrocarbons must have been to catalyze common highest courts in Canada be relied on to accelerate the public policy book of the consistent with its fi - ground within Canada to interpret the law in the world’s economic recovery? year. This is an excerpt. duciary obligation to to have both a credible broadest context possible If either are to be answered the aboriginal body and proportionate when adjudicating con- in the affi rmative, then those in question. national climate policy, stitutional questions that recommendations deserve BY DENNIS MCCONAGHY The proponent must while sustaining the go to the heart of what it even more public scrutiny and provide compensation for economic contribution means to be a Canadian, debate within Canada.” n untenable risk for any this infringement, akin to of its hydrocarbon and all Canadians should Afuture major development of the compensation it must production sector. That receive equal treatment We should remain duly skepti- resources or related infrastruc- provide to any Canadian is as concisely as I can under the law. Addition- cal that any future parliament ture must be confronted. Do the landowner whose land is express.' Photograph ally, the Canadian govern- will clarify this visceral and very Indigenous Peoples of Canada expropriated for a project courtesy of Dundurn ment should legislate real back-end risk. TMX will play currently possess a de facto veto deemed in the public objective standards of out against it, as may yet LNG or not on major infrastructure interest. But of course, what constitutes adequate Canada. Going forward, the risk projects in Canada? At the end of in actual cases where the project commodated demands of the consultation, all in the context that is untenable. Can the Canadian 2018, this issue remained unre- proponents fail to obtain consen- implacably opposed. Indigenous groups do not have a polity recognize the situation for solved, and it may yet undo TMX, sual agreement from Indigenous If Canadian courts do ulti- veto on project development. what it is, and seriously set out to despite the Trudeau government’s groups, these cases end up in the mately validate the determina- Now, some may expect or fi x it? efforts to remedy the consultation courts, which decide after the tions of the Canadian regulatory demand that project developers Dennis McConaghy is a Ca- defi ciencies cited by the Federal fact whether the proponent has process sanctioned by democrati- simply concede that they require nadian energy executive who has Court of Appeal. consulted adequately, whether in- cally elected governments, how the consent of all concerned First nearly 40 years of industry experi- Not unlike the endlessly de- fringement is justifi ed, and wheth- long will it take to get to that Nations, regardless of a project’s ence in infrastructure develop- bated second amendment to the er the proponent has proposed point? How many months or quality, economic value, and ment and is the author of Dys- Constitution of the United States adequate compensation. These de- years? And if the courts do not impact (including the extent to function: Canada after Keystone (the right to bear arms), Sec. 35 of cisions are made in the courts long provide that ruling on TMX, what which it can be mitigated). In XL.Copyright © Dennis McCo- the Canadian Charter of Rights after the regulatory boards have is Canada left with? A suspended that case, one implacable Indig- naghy. Used with permission from and Freedoms is deceptively recommended approval and those project? A project built but not enous group could undo a project the publisher, Dundurn Publishing. simple: recommendations have achieved yet allowed to operate until such regardless of the consequences to The fi ve fi nalists for this year’s 1. The existing aboriginal and political sanction. litigation is resolved? Or a project the rest of the country, including $50,000 Donner Prize, the best treaty rights of the aboriginal The Government of Canada built and operating but subse- other Indigenous groups. If we book on public policy are: Break- people in Canada are hereby has two options here. It can leave quently suspended? take this reasoning to its logi- down: The Pipeline Debate and recognized and affi rmed. every future project to deal with The fate of TMX is not hypo- cal conclusion, then aboriginal the Threat to Canada’s Future, 2. In this act, “Aboriginal claims of unjustifi ed infringement, thetical, and we cannot dismiss the title becomes absolute, so that by Dennis McConaghy; Empty Peoples of Canada” includes and allow accumulated case law to potential for further litigation, even an Indigenous group requires Planet: The Shock of Global the Indian, Inuit, and Métis eventually establish some practi- if the Trudeau government at some no rationale or explanation for Population Decline, by Darrell Peoples of Canada. cal standard—with the expecta- point in 2019 reapproves the project. shutting down a project. Other Bricker and John Ibbitson; Liv- 3. For greater certainty, in tion that any project development As 2018 closed, no one could predict commentators argue that the ing With China: A Middle Power subsection (1), “treaty rights” without complete unanimous precisely how TMX would play out, federal government, rather than Finds Its Way, by Wendy Dobson; includes rights that now exist consensual alignment from all af- or whether we would see the matter legislating, should negotiate with The Tangled Garden: A Canadian by way of land claims agree- fected Indigenous groups will face resolved in 2019 before the October Indigenous groups to defi ne the Cultural Manifesto For The Digi- ments or may be so acquired. after-the-fact litigation—or it can federal election. But once approved, extent of their jurisdiction over tal Age, by Richard Stursberg; What Section 35 means in attempt to create objective legisla- the project may face this litigation. their own land, regardless of how and The Wealth of First Nations, practical terms has been defi ned tive standards on what constitutes Even as Alberta suffered under long that process might take to by Thomas Flanagan. The winner since 1982 by the decisions of suffi cient consultation and justifi - discounts driven by inadequate complete, and regardless of what will be announced in the fall. Canada’s courts. Over that same able infringement. pipeline capacity, defi cits increased, value must be lost in the interim. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 21

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, hill climbers pictured May 6, 2020, by Laura Ryckewaert arriving in the House of Commons for a meeting of Associate Finance the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Minister Fortier The Hill Times photograph by Andrew names Cheesbrough Meade as policy director

Atlantic regional affairs adviser in the Lib- Mr. Capaldi worked for Ms. Freeland eral caucus’ research bureau, and a former throughout the last Parliament, starting as assistant to the parliamentary secretary a special assistant for Ontario in her offi ce to then-government House leader Bardish as international trade minister and later as Chagger. a regional adviser in her offi ce as minister Along with Ms. Hargreaves, Ms. Chees- for foreign affairs. brough, and Mr. Hearn, also currently working as political staff in Ms. Fortier’s ministerial offi ce are: Graham Milner, di- rector of parliamentary affairs; Blue Knox, director of operations; Kyle Fox, opera- tions assistant; Émilie Gagnon, director of communications; Daniele Medlej, press secretary; Michelle Kapadia, ministerial aide; Veniecia Laylor, executive assistant to the chief of staff; and Serge Laramée, ministerial driver.

Updates to Deputy PM Freeland’s team There are a few more staff to note in Deputy Prime Minister and Intergovern- Associate Finance Minister Mona Fortier, pictured Dec. 17, 2019, with Finance Minister Bill Morneau at a mental Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland’s meeting of provincial and territorial fi nance ministers in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade offi ce, including Stephen Bateman, who’s been hired on as a special assistant for op- Ms. Cheesbrough is also a former policy erations since Hill Climbers last checked in Plus, there are a few adviser in the Liberal research bureau and on the offi ce at the end of January. a former assistant to then-Newfoundland more staff to note in Liberal MP Judy Foote. Deputy Prime Minister Refl ecting her deep ties to the Liberal André Capaldi is Ms. Freeland’s senior regional affairs fold, among current and former staff alike, adviser for B.C. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn Chrystia Freeland’s offi ce, two confl ict of interest screens have been put in place as part of “preventative compli- Before coming to work on the Hill in including special assistant ance measures” set by the federal confl ict of the summer of 2016, Mr. Capaldi had been interest and ethics commissioner, as noted working as a political operations offi cer for for operations Stephen on the commissioner’s website. Specifi cally, the federal Liberal Party in Toronto. He’s Ms. Cheesbrough has agreed to “abstain also a former legislative assistant to then- Bateman. from any discussion or decision” related to Ontario fi nance minister Dwight Duncan. government relations fi rms StrategyCorp Ms. Pennell joined the deputy PM’s iddle Class Prosperity and Associate and Hill + Knowlton Strategies, or “any team in February and before then had been MFinance Minister Mona Fortier has stakeholder represented” by either fi rm, a regional affairs adviser for the West and tapped longtime staffer Elizabeth Chees- with both “screens” being overseen by Ms. North to Innovation Minister Navdeep brough to serve as her director of policy. Fortier’s chief of staff, Lucy Hargreaves. Bains since July 2018. She’s also a former Ms. Cheesbrough was previously a Her “screen” related to StrategyCorp is special assistant for Western and Northern senior policy adviser to then-public safety due to her friendship with Danya Vered, a regional affairs to then-employment minis- minister Ralph Goodale during the last former aide to then-Liberal MP and interim ter Patty Hajdu, and a former assistant to Parliament. She had joined Mr. Goodale’s leader Bob Rae who is now vice-president then-Liberal Dan Ruimy. team in October 2018, before which she’d of StrategyCorp, while her Hill + Knowl- Stephen Bateman is a special assistant for Jeremy Broadhurst is chief of staff to been an assistant to Spadina-Fort York, ton “screen” is a result of her friendship operations to the deputy PM. Photograph Ms. Freeland, supported by deputy chief Ont., Liberal MP Adam Vaughan. with former veteran Liberal staffer Kevin courtesy of LinkedIn of staff Andrée-Lyne Hallé. Also currently A staffer on the Hill since the late 1990s, Bosch, who is now vice-president of public working in the DPMO, as it’s colloquially Ms. Cheesbrough previously spent roughly affairs. Both screens are aimed at “pre- Mr. Bateman is a former special assis- called, are: Vincent Garneau, director of fi ve years working for then-Liberal MP venting any opportunity … to further the tant in the foreign affairs minister’s offi ce, policy; Bud Sambasivam, senior policy ad- Andy Mitchell, starting out as a special private interests” of her friends “or to give having started there in March 2019 under viser; Jagmeet Sra, policy adviser; Michael assistant in his offi ce as secretary of state preferential treatment” to their fi rms. Ms. Freeland. After the November 2019 Ingoldsby, policy adviser; Alex Lawrence, for parks, and later following the minister Similar screens were put in place when post-election cabinet shuffl e, he stayed on director of communications; Michael Den to his subsequent posts as secretary of Ms. Cheesbrough joined Mr. Goodale’s for a time under Ms. Freeland’s successor, Tandt, senior communications adviser; state for rural development and minister of offi ce. current Foreign Affairs Minister François- Katherine Cuplinskas, press secretary; Indian affairs and northern development. John Hearn is also now working in Ms. Philippe Champagne. Hallie Stacey-Sullivan, special assistant In 2004, she switched over to then-Liberal Fortier’s offi ce as a policy adviser. A McGill University political science for communications; Farees Nathoo, is- minister Joe Volpe’s employ, starting out in Mr. Hearn ended the last Parliament as undergraduate, he’s also a former assistant sues manager; Shannon Zimmerman, his offi ce as the then-human resources min- a senior special assistant and Atlantic re- to Ontario Liberal MP James Maloney and senior adviser; Jill White, senior adviser ister. After Mr. Volpe was shuffl ed into the gional affairs adviser to then-infrastructure in 2017 was a summer intern in then-Liber- for the Prairies; Maaz Yasin, community citizenship and immigration portfolio, Ms. and communications minister François- al MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj’s offi ce. and stakeholder outreach adviser; Vasken Cheesbrough followed, and after the Liberal Philippe Champagne, having joined the Two other staffers working in Ms. Free- Vosguian, legislative assistant; Sason Ross, government was defeated in the 2006 federal minister’s team in late February 2019. land’s offi ce who have gone unmentioned special assistant for operations; and Adam election, she became an executive assistant Before then, Mr. Hearn was a parlia- to date are senior assistant for operations Grech, executive assistant to Ms. Freeland. to Mr. Volpe in his capacity as the (now-for- mentary affairs adviser to then-science André Capaldi and senior B.C. regional [email protected] mer) Liberal MP for Eglinton-Lawrence, Ont. minister Kirsty Duncan. He’s also a former affairs adviser Laura Pennell. The Hill Times 22 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES CLASSIFIEDS Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 • [email protected]

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In this important and timely defence policy briefing, The Hill Times looks into how the military is helping with the COVID-19 global pandemic. With all eyes on this global crisis, we take a look at what’s going on with the federal government’s procurement of ships, jets, and ice breakers. We also take a look at NATO and how it’s holding up with present realities.

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 | MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 23 Events Feature Opinion

Parliamentary Women The case In the post- Calendar leaders are against China pandemic running this is damning, world, what country, but after comes next? Special COVID-19 and we that—what? Continued from page 12 committee meets in services and wholesale and retail trade, Continued from page 12 where wages tend to be low. Even so, House on May 20 as nearly 600,000 Canadians in April worked should keep another confrontation in the midst of a in vulnerable jobs in retail and whole- scheduled adjournment pandemic. When pressed by reporters, he sale trade, or accommodation and food would only venture that China will have services—deemed to be essential busi- end looms it that way questions to answer “around origins and be- nesses—while exposing themselves to the haviour in the early days of the pandemic.” risk of contracting the virus. Yet many WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 He also risked the ire of China when—again of these jobs could disappear once the under pressure from the media—he explic- House Not Sitting—The House has been suspended Continued from page 13 pandemic is over as businesses accelerate until Monday, May 25, and the spring schedule is still itly thanked Taiwan for a recent shipment automation in everything from automated not confi rmed due to the global pandemic. However, women took elected positions in Manitoba, of medical equipment. The day before his checkouts, and meal ordering, to robotics, during this adjournment time, a Special COVID-19 Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Three First foreign affairs minister, François-Philippe and e-commerce. Pandemic Committee has been established, composed Nations regional chiefs are women. Fully Champagne, hewing to our traditional One Housing is a big issue, with renters, for of all members of the House, to meet on Tuesdays, half of the board of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami China policy, refused to even utter Taiwan’s the most part, worse off than home owners, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Wednesday meet- are women. name when expressing his appreciation. according to Statistics Canada. Yet among ing will be in person, while the Tuesday and Thursday So it is disheartening to look at Canada’s This exceptionally mild posture will Canada’s large metropolitan regions, 26.2 sessions will be held virtually. As per the original sitting political parties, both provincially and feder- calendar, if the House resumes on May 25, it will sit for not satisfy increasingly anti-China senti- per cent of households are apartment four weeks, until its scheduled adjournment on June 23, ally, holding true to the old boys’ club. Aside ment—not when even Canada’s ambas- renters. During the past year, 30 per cent but none of this has been confi rmed yet. The House was from Caroline Cochrane in the Northwest sador to China, Dominic Barton, privately of apartment renters have experienced also scheduled to adjourn again for three months and to Territories, all the premiers are men. We expressed his exasperation at the Beijing fi nancial diffi culties. Moreover, refl ecting return in the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, for three straight deserve better balance. It’s long past time for regime’s increasingly heavy-handed ways the poor or dated quality of many apart- weeks. It was scheduled to adjourn for one week and to change. Canada made all sorts of promises in a teleconference last week. At the same ment buildings, close to half say they are sit again from Oct. 19 until Nov. 6. It was scheduled to in 1995 at the Beijing Fourth Global Confer- time, all leaders must beware of feeding the concerned over their ability to control tem- break again for one week and to sit again from Nov. 16 ence on Women. Short story: some things to Dec. 11. And that would be it for 2020. We’ll update anti-Asian prejudice and xenophobia that peratures during summer heat and about you once the House calendar has been confi rmed. have improved, and some things have stayed is already emerging and has stung even 45 per cent say they are concerned about Senate Not Sitting—The Senate has extended its the same. So women are more likely to be in Canada’s chief public health offi cial, Dr. affordability. suspension due to the COVID-19 virus until June 2. The the service industries rather than in deci- Theresa Tam. In another report, Statistics Canada June possible sitting days were June 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, sion-making roles in our country, and now If Trudeau’s primary motivation in not found that without government-COVID- and 19. The Senate was scheduled to sit June 2-4; June are disproportionately impacted by the eco- poking the tiger is fear of losing a seat on the 19-income supports, lone mothers, recent 9-11; June 16-18; and June 22, 23, it was scheduled to nomic downturn resulting from COVID-19. UN’s National Security Council, as some crit- immigrants, Indigenous peoples living off- break on June 24 for St. Jean Baptiste Day; and it was Here are some thoughts for the futur- scheduled to sit June 25 and June 26. The Senate was ics suggest, it is not good enough. And why reserves, and individuals living in families scheduled to break from June 29 until Sept. 22. The Sen- ists wondering how we could do things hasn’t Canada joined its allies in demanding where the main income earner has limited ate’s possible September sitting days are Sept. 21, 25, better post-COVID. an investigation of the WHO’s response to the education “would be highly vulnerable fi - 28. It’s scheduled to sit Sept. 22-24 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1, First, do we actually want to do things pandemic and its alleged fealty to China? nancially during temporary work interrup- with a possible sitting day on Friday, Oct. 2. The possible better? Do we want to improve politi- But what does Trudeau do about China tions.” In fact, they would lack the fi nancial Senate sitting days are Oct. 5, 9, 19, 23, 26, and 30. It’s cal decision-making and the selection of when the pandemic is over—apart from the resources to make ends meet for even one scheduled to sit Oct. 6-8; it takes a break from Oct. 12- political leaders and insiders infl uenc- symbolic gesture of withdrawing funding 16; it will sit Oct. 20-22; and Oct. 27-29. The November month of joblessness. possible Senate days are: Nov. 2, 6, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30. ing decisions? Diversity makes for better from China’s Asia Infrastructure Investment Another Statistics Canada survey found It’s scheduled to sit Nov. 3-5; it will take a break from decisions, so why is the fi eld of political Bank, as Andrew Scheer has long demand- that 34.5 per cent of workers in March Nov. 9-13; it will sit Nov. 17-19; and Nov. 24-26. The insiders so lacking in diversity? Don’t we ed? If Canada says no to Huawei, what hap- feared they might lose their jobs over the possible December Senate sitting days are: Dec. 4, 7, and want to do better? pens to the two Michaels? Their fate must next four weeks, with 61.6 per cent who 11. The Senate is scheduled to sit Dec. 1-3; Dec. 8-10 If the answer is yes, then let’s change weigh heavily on any prime minister. had already been absent from work due to and it will sit Dec. 14-18. We’ll also update you once the some structures so that any change we And, appealing as it sounds to re-patri- COVID-19 having this fear. Young Canadi- Senate calendar has been confi rmed. make doesn’t become a “pilot,” an exercise Keeping Food on the Table—The C.D. Howe Institute ate manufacturing jobs, how will consum- ans under 25 had the greatest fear. hosts a webinar on “Keeping Food On the Table: to prove that it is possible, but then snap ers react to the inevitable rise in prices for A lot is at stake—ultimately it’s about COVID-19 and the Canadian Food Supply Chain,” back to the status quo immediately after everything from dollar store Christmas the kind of Canada we want to build in a featuring Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor, food because systems were not forcibly changed. decorations to the latest tech-toy? How will post-pandemic world. It is about trust and distribution and policy, Dalhousie University; Keith Political parties should be legislated Canadian universities respond if they lose ambition, and about the links between Currie, president, Ontario Federation of Agriculture; and to hire diverse female staffers, including some 200,000 Chinese students, who pay social success and economic success, and Barry Sawyer, national council vice-president, United Indigenous women. Political parties should elevated tuition fees—and often bring ex- how the two are linked. Food and Commercial Workers of Canada. C.D. Howe also be legislated to support diverse wom- Economist Institute members and their guests can register online ceptional brainpower, to institutions always In his essay, Carney notes for the event, which takes place Wednesday, May 20, en to run, including Indigenous women. looking for both. While China stands to lose that we have moved, dangerously, from from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Canada should follow the model of more in an all-out trade war with Canada, “a market economy to a market society. Hawaii and its feminist economic recov- The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. given its exports are triple ours, Canada Increasingly, to be valued, an asset or Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental ery model, which is a real game-changer. remains a relatively minor partner to the activity has to be in a market” so that “the event in a paragraph with all the relevant details under the Hawaii’s plan is to value and compensate second-largest economy in the world. price of everything is becoming the value subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to news@hilltimes. women as the foundation of economy, and Untangling the relationship will not be of everything.” This has created a widened com by Wednesday at noon before the Monday paper or by it strengthens health care, childcare and easy or painless. Last week, for instance, gap between what markets value and what Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We can’t guaran- education. Canada also needs to add on the the National Research Council announced it people value. As he says, we attach value to tee inclusion of every event, but we will defi nitely do our imperative for reconciliation; so let’s rebuild is partnering with a large Chinese company best. Events can be updated daily online, too. Amazon as a company, but not the Amazon The Hill Times our economy based on women and Indig- to test a coronavirus vaccine. Should that rain forest. enous contribution. Now is our generation’s promising research be halted? And, for all “This crisis could help reverse that rela- time to rebalance resources and our voice. the controversy over Huawei, major domes- tionship, so that public values help shape Extra! Extra! Oh, here starts the outraged response, tic companies like Bell, Rogers and Telus private value. When pushed, societies have just like in 1918 when women wanted the already use some of the telecommunication prioritized health fi rst and foremost, and RReadead the full vote, but that big change for inclusion also giant’s technologies. And China remains a then looked to deal with the economic came during the throes of a pandemic. growing market for Canadian resources. consequences. In this crisis, we know ParliamentaParliamentaryry There’s a pattern here. Doesn’t Kenney hope to sell them Alberta that we need to act as an interdependent Rose LeMay is Tlingit from the West oil, shipped via the TransMountain pipeline. community, not independent individu- CCalendaralendar Coast and the CEO of the Indigenous Balancing Canada’s relationship with als, so the values of economic dynamism Reconciliation Group. She writes twice an impetuous, protectionist-minded U.S. and effi ciency have been joined by those online a month about Indigenous inclusion and president may look like child’s play when of solidarity, fairness, responsibility and reconciliation. In Tlingit worldview, the the pandemic ends and it is time for the compassion.” stories are the knowledge system, some- Trudeau government to deal with China. This is the opportunity—our potential. times told through myth and sometimes Anger is easy; effective diplomacy is hard. Now we have to go about realizing it. contradicting the myths told by others. Susan Riley is a veteran columnist who David Crane can be reached at crane@ But always with at least some truth. writes regularly for the Hill Times. interlog.com. The Hill Times The Hill Times The Hill Times Stay connected to decision-makers Inside Ottawa & Inside Canada Inside Now in stock Ottawa Directory

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