Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 I THIRTY-SECOND YEAR, NO.1780 Climbers spoken’ ‘democracy has of concession: Trump’s lack Sgro slams Trump, and of ‘chaotic’ fourafter years with Canada relationship’ working revive ‘mature, expectBiden to Liberal MPs News Committee, inaninterview with lic SafetyandNational Security chair ofthepowerful HousePub- (Scarborough-Guildwood, Ont.), term Liberal MPJohn McKay will beworked out,” saideight- civilized people, disagreements will bedisagreements, butlike ing partnershipwhere there a chaoticregimewithwork- Liberal MPs. ship style, say someseasoned Canada, withhis “chaotic” leader around theworld, including shocked andthreatened allies and who over thelastfouryears he lostthepresidentialelection Trump, who stillwon’t concede Republican PresidentDonald a starkcontrast tooutgoingU.S. Canada andtheU.S., andwillbe and “mature relationship” between expected torevive a “predictable” BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS hammered by COVID Transportation sector pp. 17-25 president-elect Joe Bidenis ncoming U.S. Democratic “I thinkthat we willreplace Hill p.30 Continued onpage 26

- S in theSirJohnA.MacdonaldBuilding ontheHill. Prime MinisterJustinTrudeau, picturedNov. 9,2020,alongwithhis securitydetailonthewaytoapressconference News response to COVID-19 crisis federal-provincial-municipal increase callsfor coordinated politicos, pollsters and top docs a coordinated, nationalplan’: ‘A national emergency requires worst week of the ‘second wave’ of BY MIKE LAPOINTE day seasonand following the ix weeks outfrom theholi- for Inuit critical Infrastructure gaps C anada ’ s P oliti says what thecountry needs right the NDP’shealthcriticDonDavies many provinces across thecountry, skyrocketing new casenumbersin COVID-19 inCanadathat’s seen c s Michael

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er future fiscal our about serious Feds need to get Continued onpage 28 MONDAY, NOVEMBER16,2020$5.00 - p. 14 G H U.S. election lessons from break down strategists campaign Canadian News bested incumbentU.S. President helped toleadfederal campaigns. dian politicalstrategists who have month’s U.S. election, say Cana- federal partiescan learnfrom this are someofthelessonsCanada’s downplaying policy platforms bill “legally-binding,” however, and that’s how itshouldbe. wards anet-zero economy in2050— targets foreachstepoftheway to- include specificcarbonemission upcoming climate changebillto News change bill change bill from feds’ climate experts expect ideas’: whatour very interested in ‘They’ve been BY PETER MAZEREEUW BY PETER MAZEREEUW U.S. president-electJoe Biden Despite promises tomake the not expectthegovernment’s reen policy expertssay they do ting outthevote early, and osting drive-in rallies, get- Continued onpage 15 Continued onpage27 HOH p.2

2 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

der fire for his management of the pandemic. Former NDP Ontario reported 1,368 new cases on Nov. MP Georgina 10, a figure that jumped the following day to Jolibois, 1,575 cases. pictured in The Toronto Star reported on Nov. 11 that March 2018, Heard on the Hill Mr. Ford’s government ignored its own pub- is returning to lic health agency’s advice when it announced the mayoral role its new colour-coded system to guide restric- for La Loche, by Palak Mangat tions. Mr. Ford defended the plan, saying his Saskatchewan. cabinet signed off on what was ultimately The Hill Times brought forward by his province’s chief photograph by medical officer of health, David Williams. Andrew Meade ‘This is a national crisis, He also slammed the idea of the feds in- voking the federal Emergencies Act, which Churchill River, Sask., riding in 2015 over would deem the pandemic a “public welfare Liberal Lawrence Joseph, was elected emergency” and allow it powers to help curb mayor of La Loche, Sask., last week. not a series of provincial the spread. Mr. Ford said it would be akin to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted his “the nanny state telling us what to do.” congratulations to Ms. Jolibois, who was unable to retain her federal seat in the 2019 pandemics,’ says columnist vote when she lost it to Conservative MP Hill + Knowlton hires former Gary Vidal, who won with 42 per cent of the vote to her 28 per cent. Harper staffer, McMillan “Congratulations to my dear friend and Gilmore, urging PM to take Vantage hires former Trudeau former colleague @GeorginaNDP on being elected the Mayor of La Loche. The people PMO aide of La Loche have chosen a strong and com- ‘national response’ Hill + Knowlton Strategies announced passionate leader to champion their cause,” it had hired former Stephen Harper aide wrote Mr. Singh. Jason MacDonald, who was his director of The name is Gilmore: Maclean’s columnist and entrepreneur This is not Ms. Jolibois’ first crack in the communications. mayoral post. It’s a return to her roots; be- Scott Gilmore, a Scott Gilmore wrote in a Nov. 10 piece that Mr. MacDonald also worked for then- columnist with Mr. Trudeau “mostly side-stepped responsibil- fore she came to Ottawa, she spent 12 years aboriginal affairs minister Bernard Valcourt as mayor of La Loche, from 2003 to 2015. Maclean’s magazine, ity and decided 10 different provincial pre- and ran unsuccessfully in the provincial is among those miers should manage a national pandemic.” riding of Ottawa South for the Ontario Pro- who think Ottawa “They in turn passed on responsibility gressive Conservative Party in 2011. U.S. Embassy ‘under new needs to step in and to mayors and local health authorities. The Accord- carry out a 'national result has been incompetence, chaos, and management’ ing to his Someone had a bit of fun at the U.S. response' to the death,” he added. LinkedIn pandemic, instead Mr. Gilmore’s piece was published Embassy in Ottawa last week, after Joe account, Mr. Biden and his running mate, Kamala Har- of 'scolding premiers the same day that Mr. Trudeau implored MacDonald from the sidelines.' premiers and mayors “to please do the right ris, were finally declared the winners on was a senior Nov. 7, four days after the Nov. 3 vote. Photograph courtesy thing, act now to protect public health.” His vice-president of Scott Gilmore government has repeatedly urged Canadi- A passerby in Ottawa snapped a of corporate photo of the site that had a cardboard sign ans to follow their local public health guide- communica- ecent high infection rates of COVID lines, which have varied across the country. wedged between its doors, reading “under tions with new management,” much to the delight of Racross Ontario and across parts of the Mr. Trudeau added that “if [premiers] the firm from country sparked calls for a “national re- think something is missing in the support some social media users. Jason MacDonald, former Harper- March 2015 sponse” last week for Prime Minister Justin we’re offering your citizens, tell us. We will A passerby noted era PMO staffer, was recently to January Trudeau to “stop scolding premiers from work with you.” His comments came shortly the doors of the hired by H+K. The Hill Times file 2018. He then the sidelines.” before Ontario Premier Doug Ford came un- U.S. Embassy in photograph by Jake Wright served with the Canadian Ottawa carried Chamber of Commerce for just under two with it a note to years, and is the founder of communica- visitors that it tions agency Bailey & Bedford. was ‘under new He will now guide the firm’s corporate management’ after communications and brand and reputation the U.S.’ Nov. 3 management. vote. Photograph “I’m excited to return to H+K, one of courtesy of Jamie Canada’s leading public relations and Anderson’s Twitter public affairs firms,” said Mr. MacDonald in a Nov. 12 release. “Corporate communica- “Ottawa’s pretty quiet, but people are tions has never been more important than putting up funny signs at the US Embassy,” it is today with companies and organiza- remarked one user, in response to another tions faced not only with the COVID-19 who wondered how the rest of Canada was pandemic but also with seismic shifts reacting to the news. related to sustainability and social justice.” “Toronto is noisily celebrating. Pretty Over at Mc- sure Vancouver’s 3pm rally will be replaced The College of Family Physicians of Canada Millan Vantage, with a dance party. We’re already teasing is pleased to announce the team is we bankrupted & evicted our Trump Tower welcoming months ago,” said another user. Catherine Cervin, MD, CCFP, FCFP, MAEd Amreet Kaur, The embassy houses the U.S. ambas- who served as sador to Canada, a post that was last 2020-2021 President a media rela- occupied by Kelly Craft, who departed tions aide in Dr. Cervin, from Sudbury, Ontario, brings a wealth of experience in family medicine last summer for her new duties as the U.S. Mr. Trudeau’s ambassador to the UN. practice, education, and leadership to her role as the College of Family Physicians Prime Minis- Mr. Trump’s new pick, Aldona Wos, has of Canada (CFPC) President. She has been involved with the CFPC for many years ter’s Office for not yet been confirmed by the Senate, but including terms as Chair of the Board of Examinations and Certification, Chair of the almost four given the election results, the new administra- years before Honours and Awards Committee, and Chair of the Foundation for Advancing Family Former PMO staffer Amreet tion will usher in a new pick from Mr. Biden. leaving in Feb- Medicine. Dr. Cervin has served on the CFPC’s Board of Directors since 2018. Kaur is now a principal at The image made its way onto Radio- ruary. McMillan Vantage. Photograph Canada parliamentary correspondent We welcome Dr. Cervin to her new role! “Here, she’ll courtesy of Amreet Kaur’s Twitter Christian Noël’s radar, who noted the bring to life “impromptu poster” should come with a Le Collège des médecins de famille du Canada communications plans, raising profile & man- disclaimer of “from January 20.” aging risk. Lucky to have this proud Mississau- a le plaisir de présenter Days after ballot counting, Mr. Biden and gan on the team!” tweeted the firm. Ms. Kaur Ms. Harris claimed the president-elect and said she is “excited to start my new chapter MD, CCMF, FCMF, MAEd vice-president elect roles, respectively, in a Catherine Cervin, with this all star team!” Nov. 7 speech. They will replace incumbent Présidente, 2020-2021 During her time in the PMO, Ms. Kaur U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice-Presi- was one of four press secretaries but the dent Mike Pence, who are set to remain in the Dre Cervin, de Sudbury (Ontario), assumera le rôle de présidente du Collège des médecins only one focused specifically on multicul- White House until the January inauguration. de famille du Canada (CMFC), où elle mettra à profit sa riche expérience du leadership, tural communications and outreach. She Mr. Trump has promised multiple legal arrived at the office after working for the de la pratique et de l’enseignement de la médecine de famille. Impliquée au sein du challenges in wake of the Nov. 3 election Ontario Liberals at Queen’s Park. CMFC depuis de nombreuses années, elle a entre autres présidé le Bureau des examens et and spent much of his time after election de la certification, le Comité des prix et bourses et la Fondation pour l’avancement de la day baselessly alleging voter fraud. His remarks have called into question the pos- re Former NDP MP returns to médecine familiale. D Cervin siège au Conseil d’administration du CMFC depuis 2018. sibility of not witnessing a peaceful transi- re Nous sommes ravis d’accueillir D Cervin dans ses nouvelles fonctions ! mayoral post tion of power come January. Former NDP MP Georgina Jolibois, who [email protected] narrowly won the Desnethé—Missinippi— The Hill Times

Hill Times ad_Cervin_2021.indd 1 2020-09-28 4:50 PM FPAC_RD_10.375X13.5"_FINAL_OUT_no11.indd 1 2020-11-11 10:30 AM 4 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

The outskirts of Iqaluit, pictured. The federal government, along with the Government of Nunavut, have taken steps recently to put a dent in infrastructure gaps in Iqaluit. Perhaps bogged down in bureaucracy, things are moving slowly. It seems nothing will be changed in time for Inuit children in kindergarten today: they will live their childhoods restricted by the lack of necessities, writes Rose LeMay. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia Infrastructure gaps for Inuit are critical dent in infrastructure gaps. Per- Iqaluit, which is a Canadian capital city, lacks haps bogged down in bureaucracy, things are moving slowly. It seems stable electricity, its power is diesel-based nothing will be changed in time for and the oil has to be shipped in, and it doesn’t Inuit children in kindergarten to- day: they will live their childhoods have a stable water source. The next first restricted by the lack of necessities. The Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. ministers conference should be held here so report gently names the colonial legacy of treating Inuit as wards of premiers can see it for themselves. the state rather than citizens and partners, as an underlying con- or a 24-hour Tim Hortons, traf- tribution to these glaring gaps in fic lights, Costco, Home Depot infrastructure. Is this one of the rea- or pretty much any of the retail sons why investment, urgency, and choices that southerners take for action are all subdued for Inuit? The granted. I admit it is a southerner’s fact is that Indigenous communities perspective. It turns out that these simply don’t get the attention that things are simply niceties when any other Canadian community one doesn’t have necessities. receives, despite all the rhetoric. Let’s consider something else Let’s put it another way. If missing in Iqaluit: stable electric- there was another provincial or Rose LeMay ity. It’s a thing that the city goes The city of Iqaluit, pictured June 17, 2011. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia territorial capital suffering these Stories, Myths, and Truths dark at about 5 p.m. on some NHL glaring gaps in infrastructure, it game nights as everybody turns would be considered a serious on their stoves at once to cook cal equipment, service availability). rural Canada. That is true, but it issue at the next first ministers TTAWA—Did you know that dinner. Another fun fact: Iqaluit Nunavut housing includes 41 per certainly is not true in any other conference. Alberta becomes a Oinfrastructure gaps for Inuit power is diesel-based and the cent of homes that need major provincial/territorial capital, nor “have-not” province? Quebec com- are critical? oil has to be shipped in. Iqaluit repair, whereas in southern Canada for a whole province or territory. plains about its share? As a southerner, I have been doesn’t have a stable water source; the estimate is seven per cent. Waste Imagine if Edmonton suffered Please. Have you been to Nun- honoured to travel to Nunavut part of the city is on piped-in wa- management is really just physical these infrastructure gaps. avut? Hold the next first ministers numerous times to support Inuit ter and the pipes routinely freeze dumps on the pristine land, and Limited water, outdated waste conference in Iqaluit, and then we capacity and leadership devel- up and crack, the rest of the city is there is no recycling. management, aging infrastruc- can talk. opment. Just like every other on trucked-in water to residential There is no high-speed inter- ture, horrible housing conditions, Rose LeMay is Tlingit from the southerner, I was wide-eyed and houses. net over 25 Mbps. Think about it. a health system, which is more West Coast and the CEO of the awestruck the first time. The Arc- Is the gap really that bad across The most remote communities in easily measured by its gaps than Indigenous Reconciliation Group. tic has that effect on all newcom- Nunavut? Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Canada cannot access consistent its outcomes, no university close She writes twice a month about ers. I also experienced an ironic Nunavut’s Inuit political organiza- video conferencing, image-heavy to home, overcrowded jails, high Indigenous inclusion and recon- warp of perspective: I was so tion, recently released a report websites, or today’s bandwidth- levels of food insecurity, and no ciliation. In Tlingit worldview, the overwhelmed with the landscape titled Nunavut’s Infrastructure heavy online learning. There is no dedicated marine rescue units stories are the knowledge system, that I overlooked the inequities. Gap: Executive Summary, and it hardline connection to the south so at all. This is the life lived by our sometimes told through myth Iqaluit does have land and basically shows that, yes, it’s really the internet is carried over satellite, neighbours in Nunavut. and sometimes contradicting the views and waterscapes and beauty. that bad. Health infrastructure is after blocked by snowstorms. The federal government along myths told by others. But always As a southerner, I realized quickly perhaps about half of southern Some might argue that low- with the Government of Nunavut with at least some truth. that Iqaluit doesn’t have Starbucks Canada (human resources, techni- speed internet is not unknown in have taken steps recently to put a The Hill Times How Google supports news

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None 3 6 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News House Justice Committee expected to vote on Bloc motion to study ‘political vetting’ of judicial candidates, says Bloc MP Fortin

Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) Liber- cial appointment. It raises some Liberals and cabinet ministers are judicial appointments either does Anyone who raises als revamped the judicial appoint- concerns,” Mr. Landry, now a alleged to have played a role in the not fully understand the process ment process in 2016 by making former staffer, wrote on February appointment process. He named or is playing “shameless politics.” questions about the appointments through an open 18, 2019, according to the email specific judges in New Brunswick, Before getting elected as an Liberal government’s application process, and only on obtained by CBC. suggesting that their connec- MP in 2015, he said, he worked the advice of Independent Advi- “I think we need to be more tions with Intergovernmental as a litigation lawyer. He said he judicial appointment sory Committees. But La Presse cautious considering what is Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc was confident that Canadians are reported on Oct. 31, based on happening. I want to protect the (Beauséjour, N.B.) may have been well served by top quality judges. process is either ‘ill internal documents obtained by minister … and myself.” the reason for getting these posi- Mr. Maloney said that every single the newspaper, that advice from Former justice minister Jody tions. But, Mr. Lametti vehemently judicial appointment that the informed’ or playing senior Liberals and the informa- Wilson-Raybould (Vancouver denied the claim, adding that all Trudeau government has made tion from the party database are Granville, B.C.), now an Indepen- judicial appointments are made is based on merit, not any other ‘shameless politics,’ still used in the vetting process of dent MP, recently told the CBC without considering political as- reason. He said it’s not unusual for says Liberal MP James candidates. According to the sto- that when she held the portfolio, sociations of individuals. lawyers to have affiliations with ry, Mathieu Bouchard, a former she felt political pressure when “Our appointments are made different political parties, but that Maloney. Quebec adviser to Mr. Trudeau, she was appointing judges. based on merit after they are was not a factor for someone to be in the past made inquiries about “During my time as minister, studied by an independent judi- appointed to a judicial position. the status of appointments of there were people in the centre, cial advisory committee,” said Mr. “It’s [judiciary] well respected BY ABBAS RANA specific candidates with the Mr. the Prime Minister’s Office, other Lametti on Nov. 5 in the House. and the process that we use now, Lametti’s office. The story alleged ministers, Liberal partisans, who “In their work, JACs [Judicial should be viewed with admira- The House Justice Committee that he still informally advises Mr. would take great interest in the Advisory Committees] follow a tion,” said Mr. Maloney. “So, this is expected to vote this month on a Lametti’s office on the appoint- appointments process,” Ms. Wil- transparent process based on [criticism] is coming from a Bloc Québécois motion calling for ments. son-Raybould told CBC. “There the quality of the candidates and political place, not a not a place a probe into “political vetting” of Mr. Bouchard, now chief of is a sense that some people still diversity. I am very proud of the of real concern, in my opinion. We judicial candidates, and all opposi- staff to Heritage Minister Steven carry that appointments, whether results. We have appointed judges are proud of the high-quality of tion parties are saying they have a Guilbeault of all political jurists that have been produced “favourable view” of the motion. (Laurier- Justin Minister stripes.” under our reformed system, and In an interview with The Hill Sainte-Marie, David Lametti, In an email the positive feedback that we con- Times, Bloc MP Rheal Fortin Que.), was not pictured in the to The Hill tinue to receive from the broader (Rivière-du-Nord, Que.), vice chair available for House, denies Times, Rachel legal community across Canada.” of the House Justice Committee, an interview opposition Rappaport, Conservative MP Michael said the committee is currently with The Hill parties' press secretary Cooper (St. Albert-Edmonton, studying C-7, the assisted dying Times last accusations to Mr. Lametti Alta.) in an interview said that legislation, that will likely be com- week. The La that the Liberal said that all there’s nothing wrong with a pleted by next week. After that, he Presse story government judicial ap- lawyer getting involved in the said, the committee will examine also men- makes judicial pointments are political process. But, he said, he’s his motion, and he will know tioned that appointments made based concerned about the perception before the end of this month if the former Que- based on on merit and that appointments are based on study will be launched or not. bec Liberal political on the recom- political considerations and not “Hopefully, we’ll be discussing MP Nicola Di considerations. mendation of on qualifications of candidates. about my motion in the Justice Iorio offered a The Hill Times Independent “What is concerning is that Committee before the end of No- negative opin- photograph by Judicial Ad- there is a concerted effort to polit- vember,” said Mr. Fortin (Rivière- ion about a Andrew Meade visory Com- ically [interfere], that candidates du-Nord, Que.), in an interview potential can- mittees. Upon [are appointed] based upon their with The Hill Times. didate for the receiving the support for the Liberal Party, and The 12-member Commons appointment, recommen- the fact that there’s direction; it Justice Committee consists of six describing her dations, she appears to be coming from the Liberal MPs and six opposition as a “separat- wrote, the min- PMO,” said Mr. Cooper. “It smacks MPs. There are four Conserva- ist.” Mr. Di ister evaluates of blatant political interference in tives, one NDP, and one Bloc MP Iorio did not the credentials traditional appointment process.” on the committee. To get the mo- respond to an interview request they be to the bench or otherwise, of recommended candidates and NDP MP Alistair MacGregor tion passed, all opposition parties with The Hill Times last week. that you can curry favour if you takes into consideration a number (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, would have to vote together. According to the stories in La are a partisan or if you have done of factors, including the needs of B.C.), his party’s deputy justice In the motion tabled on Nov. 3, Presse and Radio Canada, Liber- something to benefit the party.” the court, diversity of the bench, critic, also said that even the Mr. Fortin called on the commit- als seek feedback from their own After these stories came out, and each candidate’s expertise perception of political interfer- tee to examine the role of political MPs, cabinet ministers and staff- the Canadian Bar Association, in among others. ence in the judicial appointment interference in the judicial ap- ers about these appointments. The an open letter, said that the judi- After the minister finalizes the process is problematic. He said pointment process. The motion Globe and Mail and other news cial appointment process should names to recommend to cabinet, that his party has not made a has also called for at least six organizations have also reported be “open and transparent.” The the staff conducts research, using final decision on how to vote on meetings to study the issue and in the past that the Trudeau gov- statement also said that political publicly available information, on the Bloc motion but is looking at file a report with the House. The ernment uses Liberalist, a party affiliation with a specific political a candidate’s past political dona- it “favourably.” motion asks that Justice Minister database of donors, volunteers, party should not be the grounds tions, media interviews, social “I have to echo what the David Lametti (LaSalle-Émard- and party members, and the Lib- for qualification or disqualification. media activity, previous lobby- Canadian Bar Association said, Verdun, Que.) be called before the eral Research Bureau to check if The statement however did not say ist activity and any history of that anytime you have a process committee as a witness. specific candidates have ties with that political considerations played government grants and contracts. that can be suspected of having The motion states: “The com- the Liberal Party. any role in the appointments under This information is collected, Ms. even the slightest bit of political mittee undertake a study of the Based on internal emails, CBC the current Liberal government. Rappaport said, to answer any interference, that’s a big problem,” federal judicial appointment reported last month that a senior “The CBA does not believe questions that may come up in said Mr. MacGregor. “I don’t have process and that it examine, in former adviser to Mr. Lametti that prior political involvement cabinet discussions, in the House problems with individual judges particular, the use of information raised concerns about the PMO in- should exclude a prospective ap- or from the media. supporting a political party of about political activities, dona- volvement in the judicial appoint- plicant from the bench—in fact, “All candidates must undergo their choice. That’s the right and tions to political parties and the ment process. François Landry, a it‘s one indication of community a comprehensive assessment by freedom that every Canadian party affiliation of candidates; political aide to Mr. Lametti, who engagement that may point to an independent Judicial Advisory citizen should enjoy. I think the That, as part of its study, the worked directly on the judicial ap- a good judge,” said Canadian Committee and receive their rec- problem is that when the gov- committee invite the minister of pointment process, wrote an email Bar Association president Brad ommendation in order to become ernment of the day starts using justice to appear and any other last year to chief of staff Rachel Regehr, in the statement on Nov. eligible for appointment,” wrote that information, or if there’s a witnesses it deems relevant; That Doran warning her about the 6. “It is when partisan activity Ms. Rappaport. perception of using that infor- the Committee dedicate at least PMO involvement in the appoint- becomes the deciding factor in Liberal MP James Maloney mation to favour one candidate six (6) meetings to this study and ment process, adding that it has an appointment that we have a (Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Ont.), a over another, that’s a very real that it issue recommendations in created a “potential for a scandal.” problem.” member of the Justice Commit- problem.” the form of a report to the House.” “Need to talk about what PMO Mr. Fortin questioned in the tee, said that anybody who says [email protected] Prime Minister Justin requires us to do prior to a judi- House two weeks ago why senior there’s anything wrong with the The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 7 Opinion

Rather, the argument goes that since Trump’s supporters tend to distrust the mainstream media, they are much less likely to participate in polls, hence they essentially The perils of polling “self-select” themselves out of surveys. My own theory is that while public polls might be good at telling us what people are Well, there’s lots of theo- saying, they’re not necessarily so good at Be wary of public opinion ries floating around right telling us what people are actually think- now seeking to answer such ing, since they often provide only a superfi- polls; all sorts of variables questions. cial glimpse of public attitudes. can cloud their meaning. Some argue, for instance, To take one example to show you what that the methods pollsters use I mean, a poll might accurately tell us In short, skepticism is to measure public opinion are that “Candidate A” has more support than actually flawed, which they “Candidate B,” but it might not reveal the warranted. contend throws polling into intensity of voter feeling. the realm of pseudoscience. And that matters. A friend of mine, who Maybe the supporters of “Candidate B,” advocates this particular though smaller in number, are more deter- position, half-jokingly refers mined and energized, than the supporters to polling as the modern of “Candidate A.” equivalent of phrenology. This could have an impact on Election Day. Others, meanwhile, Indeed, I suspect this is why the Ameri- U.S. vice-president-elect Kamala Harris and U.S. president- assert that certain flaws in can results surprised those who were fol- elect Joe Biden, pictured Nov. 10, 2020. Photograph courtesy of polling methodology might lowing public polls. Joe Biden's Twitter actually be deliberate. As those polls indicated, Biden’s sup- For example, Republican porters might have been more numerous, Gerry Nicholls For two presidential elections in a row, pollster, John McLaughlin, but they may also have been less motivated they seriously underestimated Donald (a former colleague of mine) has come out Post Partisan Pundit than Trump’s supporters. Say what you will Trump’s support among voters. and bluntly accused major polling compa- about Trump, if nothing else, he’s good at In 2016, pollsters confidently pre- nies of deliberately boosting Democratic energizing his base. AKVILLE, ONT.—If there was a poll dicted Trump would lose, but he ended up presidential nominee Joe Biden’s polling Anyway, the takeaway from all this is Ogauging American attitudes towards winning; in 2020 they predicted he’d get numbers in the hopes that this would sup- be wary of public opinion polls; all sorts of polling, I bet it’d show that a lot of Ameri- crushed in a Democratic landslide, yet he press Trump’s supporters. variables can cloud their meaning. cans are skeptical about the accuracy of nearly eked out a win. Noted McLaughlin: “they (pollsters) went In short, skepticism is warranted. polls. On top of that, pollsters didn’t foresee out of their way to under-poll Republicans be- Yes, public polls provide interesting And that would lead to an interesting the Republican Party’s success in Congres- cause they knew that the president gets 90 per data to help us comprehend the political philosophical question: would people who sional races. cent of his support from Republicans. And if world, but they shouldn’t be regarded as are skeptical about polls believe a poll that MSNBC anchor Chis Hayes, likely spoke you lower the percent of Republicans in a poll fortune-telling tarot cards. says people are skeptical about polls? for many when he said: “It was a bad night … you know you’re hurting the president.” Besides, it’s the unpredictability of poli- At any rate, the reliability of opinion for polling—an enormous polling miss.” Another theory concurs with McLaugh- tics that makes it fun. polls is a hot topic these days because once So, what’s going on here? Are poll- lin’s view that Republicans are under- Gerry Nicholls is a communications again, American pollsters seemed to have sters just incompetent or is it something counted in polls, but this one doesn’t pin consultant. got it all wrong. else? the blame on anti-Trump pollsters. The Hill Times

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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, Leslie Dickson, 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 All federal parties should support Bloc Nicholls’ advice for O’Toole on Québécois’ Justice Committee motion carbon tax diminishes quality of to study judicial appointment process political discourse, says letter writer n 2016, the Justin Trudeau Liberals may have gotten their positions because Ireformed the judicial appointment of connections with Intergovernmental e: “For O’Toole, a carbon tax should belief might be about the merits of process. As part of the new system, the Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc. In Ralways be a bad idea,” (The Hill Times, carbon pricing. Rather, Mr. Nich- government established independent response, Justice Minister David Lametti Nov. 9). Columnist Gerry Nicholls advises olls advises Mr. O’Toole that politics Judicial Advisory Committees to make denied categorically in the House that Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole to keep should trump (pun intended) prin- recommendations to the government on political associations played any role in opposing carbon pricing. The reason? Not ciples. Not only does this approach who should be appointed to vacant judi- the process. He said that he fills va- because carbon pricing is necessarily a bad diminish the quality of political cial positions across the country. It was cancies in the judiciary based only on idea (Mr. Nicholls acknowledges there are discourse, it also prevents reasoned a laudable step on the part of the Liberal individual candidates’ personal qualifica- many solid arguments for it), but rather discussion of the important role that government to take politics out of the tions. because supporting carbon pricing is bad carbon pricing can play in addressing process, as it’s critical for any civilized Mr. Lametti may be right that po- politics for a conservative politician. climate change. country to choose judges solely on the litical associations did not play a role in Mr. Nicholls seemingly treats as Jeffrey Levitt basis of a candidate’s qualifications, not deciding those judicial appointments the irrelevant what Mr. O’Toole’s personal Toronto, Ont. on political connections. Trudeau Liberals have made. But the me- Recently, there have been a num- dia stories tell a very different story, and ber of news stories, based on internal this casts serious doubt over the process. Etobicoke letter writer doesn’t follow documents obtained by different news Early this month, Mr. Fortin tabled a organizations, that create a perception motion in the Justice Committee asking Nicholls’ advice for O’Toole on a carbon tax that political interference in the judicial for a study of the process. It’s hoped that appointments process is still alive and the committee members will undertake e: “For O’Toole, a carbon tax should doesn’t keep the money; and Canada well. this study, as serious questions have been Ralways be a bad idea,” (The Hill will have no feasible choice after the Last month, Radio Canada reported on raised about that process. Times, Nov. 9). Among the zillions of U.S. gets its own carbon pricing, along an email from François Landry, a senior The Liberals oppose the study, arguing possible rebuttals, the following flashed with carbon border adjustments pe- staffer in Justice Minister David Lametti’s that the Bloc is playing politics with this into my head: as the anti-carbon tax nalizing nations that are (to quote the office in which he informed Rachel important issue. But, based on the media base becomes too small to win an elec- Biden Plan) “failing to meet their cli- Doran, the chief of staff to the minister, stories and Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s com- tion in Canada, Conservative Leader mate and environmental obligations”— that senior Liberals’ involvement in the ments, it’s important that Liberals clear Erin O’Toole needs to expand his base like failing to meet their emission appointment process could potentially the air. The study must provide answers to into more enlightened territory; it targets, perhaps? produce a scandal. Based on internal Canadians who are wondering whether shouldn’t be hard to explain to folks John Stephenson documents, La Presse also reported late the Liberals are interfering or not. If the that it’s not a tax if the government Etobicoke, Ont. last month that senior Liberals, including Liberals continue to block this study, then staffers, MPs, and cabinet ministers still one will have no option but to conclude play a role in judicial appointments. they have something to hide. Jody Wilson-Raybould, now an It is to be hoped the Liberal reform Independent MP, has told CBC that as of the judicial appointment process will GST can hardly be held up as a minister, she felt pressure when she made not turn out be another charade, like Mr. these appointments. Trudeau’s commitments to hold open and reason for Conservatives to reject In Question Period, on Nov. 5, Bloc fair nominations in his own party and to MP Rhéal Fortin pointed to specific judg- empower backbench MPs. es in New Brunswick who he believed The Hill Times all taxes, writes Ajax letter writer e: “For O’Toole, a carbon tax should Conservatives present themselves as Ralways be a bad idea,” (The Hill Times, frugal stewards of the public purse, and Nov. 9). The GST can hardly be held up as no climate policy is more frugal than the a reason for the Conservatives to reject revenue-neutral carbon tax. The GST all taxes, much less the revenue-neutral would have been perceived as a play by carbon tax. It is true that the GST was a corrupt administration to reduce an deeply unpopular, but this is only one out of control deficit. The carbon tax is reason why Mulroney’s campaign failed. a cheap, effective, market-based instru- Being a sitting prime minister during the ment. Voters can understand the differ- worst recession since the Second World ence, and will support a party that does War certainly didn’t help. Nor did the as well. devastating picture of corruption painted Patrick Salmers by the Airbus affair. Ajax, Ont.

Feds should proceed with caution on bailing out airlines, says Calgary letter writer appreciate the airlines have been devas- try is volatile and the government has Itated. Handing over funding, financed already sunk billions into supporting a ultimately by our grandchildren, to near risky industry (Bombardier for one). Who bankrupt corporations should be done else would risk it? with great care. When we bailed out the I think we need to proceed with cau- auto industry in 2008, I believe we took tion. shares. I think this approach should be Ivor Green repeated. Let’s face it; the airline indus- Calgary, Alta.

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10 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion When does ‘bold’ start? The Trudeau (rather than defaulting to weaker slowdown in plan-making is Liberal party resolutions, prime only $75-million left until 2022. provincial oversight), especially being blamed on the coronavi- ministerial speeches, previous Nor is there any sign of a 2019 government has after a recent report by federal rus—which will likely accomplish Throne Speeches and campaign Liberal campaign promise to scientists revealed that emissions more than a library-full of federal documents going back to Paul offer rebates for used, and more shown it can move of the powerful greenhouse gas plans in terms of lower emissions Martin’s days as Jean Chrétien’s affordable, EVs. are probably two times previous (however briefly). environment critic. Transport Minister Marc quickly, and mostly estimates. Still, it is possible that Wilkin- They include that old chest- Garneau recently noted how “in- But, a year later, not a single son’s “government-wide effort” will nut—national energy efficiency credibly popular” the EV rebate effectively, when tree has been planted—who could yield a plan by Dec. 12 (lightening- standards for new commercial program has been. Asked if it will faced with a health oppose baby trees?—and, more fast by bureaucratic standards), and residential buildings. So be getting more money, he re- seriously, no money has been just in time for an international sensible, yet so curiously unat- plied: “Its something that I would crisis. Wasn’t climate budgeted for the program. As to online summit to mark the fifth tainable. Another favourite: hopefully like to see continued, those damaging, newly discov- anniversary of the Paris climate incentives for homeowners to but its something that we are change supposed to ered methane emissions, so much accord. Needless to say, neither retrofit old, leaky houses (if looking at.” There you have the for the already-delayed federal Canada, nor the majority of signa- lower energy bills aren’t incentive federal approach in a nutshell: a be a crisis, too? target of halving emissions, most- tories, have come close to meeting enough.) This one comes and goes burst of enthusiasm followed by ly from oil and gas operations, their original Paris pledges. So depending on the ideological bent a cloud of vagueness. As to his within five years. time for new ones, clearly. of various federal and provincial government’s previous plan to

So far Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 'bold,' green, post- pandemic Susan Riley recovery plan appears Impolitic to lack boldness. And detail. HELSEA, QUE.—So far Prime And CMinister Justin Trudeau’s deadlines, “bold,” green, post-pandemic writes Susan recovery plan appears to lack Riley. The boldness. And detail. And dead- Hill Times lines. In fact, it is in danger of photograph disappearing altogether this win- by Andrew ter as all available political and Meade media space is occupied by the pandemic and the other political contagion down south. Historically, Liberal environ- mental promises have tended to surge, overlap, recede, and then reappear, like a restless surf. But a few months ago, in the midst of an unprecedented global pan- demic, there was talk of using the There has been a similarly (Meanwhile, a Bloc Québé- governments, while the construc- have 10 per cent of Canada’s pas- crisis to create a cleaner, fairer, sluggish approach to the govern- cois MP has introduced a private tion industry increasingly offers senger fleet electrified by 2025—a even more prosperous new world. ment’s oft-repeated pledge (most motion that, essentially, insists green alternatives—but at a pre- modest four to six percent is Environmental spending would recently in the September Throne the Trudeau government fol- mium price. now looking more realistic, say be the “cornerstone” of recovery, Speech) to exceed current 2030 low through with its legislated Then there is government sup- analysts. said the prime minister. With bil- emission reduction targets (30 reviews of progress towards net- port for electric vehicles, another To summarize, the federal lions flying out the door in social per cent below 2005 levels) and to zero by 2050. We’ll see how that frequently re-announced bullet government’s “bold” approach has and business support, why not legislate interim five-year targets vote goes.) point. This includes rebates for produced this: an increasingly re- throw some of that cash at clean towards the ultimate goal of Not that targets aren’t good consumers who buy cleaner vehi- mote chance of meeting methane energy, transformative technolo- net-zero emissions by 2050. It is and plans aren’t necessary. They cles, more charging stations, and reduction targets; badly lagging gies and green jobs? another promise first made a year are. Also, climate change is a incentives for the auto industry targets for conversion to electric But here we are. The only ago, as emissions continued to global phenomenon that requires to start building commercial and vehicles; a year-long delay in immediate carbon reductions we increase; three months ago, in the a global response—and agree- passenger EVs, and components, plans to better existing 2030 emis- are likely to see are temporary Throne Speech, legislation was ment on a problem that affects including batteries. sions targets, never mind getting and involuntary—the result of promised “immediately.” everyone living on earth, but is Some of this is already hap- to net-zero by 2050. And not a the economic slowdown caused Pressed to explain why there caused primarily by oil-exporting pening—although hardly enough, single tree planted. by the global health emergency, is still no action, Environment nations and wealthy consumer given the transportation sector Some will blame the back- notably declines in air travel and and Climate Change Minister societies, is difficult. overall contributes 25 per cent sliding on the intense demands, commuter traffic, on top of the Jonathan Wilkinson recently told It helps that U.S. president- of greenhouse gas emissions, a bureaucratic and political, posed market-driven retreat by the oil opposition MPs that his depart- elect Joe Biden intends to rejoin portion of which is generated by by the pandemic. Others point industry. Federal government ment is “leading government-wide the Paris Accord; this is, at least, ordinary cars and trucks. It is no to the limitations of minor- policy has been, with rare excep- work to develop further plans to an acknowledgement from the accident that the still tiny electric ity government, to recalcitrant tions, incidental to any progress. exceed Canada’s 2030 emissions world’s largest economy that vehicle market ( fewer than one premiers still banking on oil, to Not that the federal govern- reduction goal and firmly put the climate change needs to be ad- per cent of vehicles on the road) federal opposition parties (all ment hasn’t been recycling like country on a path to net-zero by dressed, not ignored. But Biden is centred in Quebec and British of them, except the tiny Green mad, but mostly old environmen- 2050.” has long been a mainstream, Columbia, where provinces have caucus) that give scant priority tal promises. This, in fact, appears to be the consensus politician and was only offered rebates for some years. to climate. It has been a year, for ex- main work of Canada’s environ- pushed to include a green plan Premier Doug Ford eliminated a But the greatest obstacle may ample, since the government ment department and has been in his campaign by Democratic similar program in Ontario and be the Trudeau government’s promised to plant two billion for years: creating plans, that Party “radicals.” So we’ll see how EV sales immediately dropped. wavering commitment to its own trees by 2030, a natural remedy supersede previous plans, based serious he is about confronting In May 2019, the federal “bold” vision. It has shown it can for rising emissions. Easier, you on targets, that over-shoot previ- his own country’s powerful fossil government offered a three-year, move quickly, and mostly effec- would think, than challenging ous targets, all with the goal of fuel sector. $300-million incentive to consum- tively, when faced with a health the Alberta government’s recent creating the illusion of progress. While the international com- ers to buy new, non-luxury EVs. crisis. Wasn’t climate change sup- decision to re-open parts of the Eventually, normal people tune munity continues to dither, there The rebates range from $2,500 posed to be a crisis, too? foothills to open-pit coal mining. out. What does 30 per cent below are many useful steps the Cana- for hybrids to $5,000 for zero- Susan Riley is a veteran politi- Easier by far than actually enforc- 2005 levels even mean? dian government could take to emission vehicles. But, as of the cal columnist who writes regu- ing federal methane reductions To underscore the absurdity mitigate domestic emissions. They end of September, some $255-mil- larly for The Hill Times. in Saskatchewan and Alberta of federal rhetoric, this latest are outlined in decades-worth of lion had been claimed, leaving The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 11 Opinion

in a judicial recount. In the end, I ended up gaining one vote in the recount, legally los- ing the election by 14 votes. America’s losing its lustre as The chance of turning thousands of votes around in Georgia is virtually impossible. Back in 2000, the difference in the American presidential vote in Florida was global beacon of democracy little more than 500 votes. The finalized counting process took more than a month, and ultimately did not displace the initial The parody of the Trump-Biden stalled was immediately attacked by name, by the victor, George W. Bush. The silence hovering over transition started off as a bit of a joke. president. But Trump is not about to let the facts stand Most people thought the Republicans were But Schmidt did not back down. Instead he in the way of a good lie. And his legion of sup- the Republican Party into the simply willing to give U.S. President Donald publicly questioned why people would so eas- porters in the Republican Party are listening. second week after Donald Trump a few days to let the defeat sink in. ily swallow lies about a fraudulent election. Polls show that 70 per cent of Re- But his promotion of the notion of a Local Republicans like Schmidt and publicans now doubt the outcome of the Trump’s loss may be working rigged election is shining a light into the those who are distant from Washington election. That number has doubled since inner workings of the Republican Party. seem the most likely to throw cold water election night. The vast majority of them in Washington, but in the All senior members of the party are on Trump’s illegality claims. refuse to concede that the Democratic U.S. backing the president’s bizarre lie about Former U.S. president George W. Bush president-elect was chosen by the majority rest of the world, it is simply who won the election. congratulated Biden on his victory shortly of voters and the electoral college. Four years of Trump’s isolationism may after the result was called by several media The truth may be starting to set in. At exposing the country’s claim to have made a negative mark on the world, but organizations on Nov. 7. press time, only four Senators from the democracy as a sorry charade. it has not affected his popularity at home. But the silence on Capitol Hill was deaf- Republican Party had broken with the Like president-elect Joe Biden, Trump in- ening. Mitch McConnell led the revision- majority by tweeting their congratulations creased his own vote, and continues to claim ism charge, claiming that Trump had every to president-elect Biden. They included that he won the election, but that officials reason to refuse to concede as long as the independent-minded Susan Collins and stole the result by refusing to end the count. results had not been certified. Trump enemy Mitt Romney. The code of silence hovering over his par- But almost two weeks after the vote, Within the White House, some are ty into the second week after the loss may courts have found zero evidence of wide- already speculating about the pardon be working in Washington but in the rest of spread fraud. Last week, the Republican process, which is one of the last acts of an the world, it is simply exposing the country’s lieutenant-governor of Texas offered a outgoing president. claim to democracy as a sorry charade. million-dollar reward for any evidence of Trump is allegedly considering a list of The president’s attack on Fox News and malfeasance. This is the same politician who pardons, including one for Jared Kushner’s his claim of a stolen election has pen- said grandparents were willing to die dur- father, a billionaire convicted of witness Sheila Copps etrated his base, with supporters across the ing the pandemic in support of the economy. tampering, illegal election contributions country brandishing signs demanding that The Georgia recount is automatic since Copps’ Corner and tax evasion. Trump is also considering officials “stop the steal.” the margin of victory is less than 0.5 per cent. an unprecedented self-pardon. Trump continues to claim illegality in But with 99 per cent of the vote in, Biden was That should not surprise. TTAWA—America is losing its lustre states like Pennsylvania and Georgia even ahead on Nov. 12 by 14,005 votes even though Nothing about the Trump presidency Oas the global beacon of democracy. when their Republican officials deny any the vote differential was only 0.3 per cent. has followed precedent. It could be difficult to promote demo- illegitimacy. In my own political life, I underwent Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien- cratic principles elsewhere when most se- Republican Philadelphia City Com- a recount in my first provincial election era cabinet minister and a former deputy nior Republican politicians do not respect missioner Al Schmidt was adamant that which was lost by 15 votes. In those days, prime minister. it at home. there was no skullduggery in his city. He a difference of less than 25 votes resulted The Hill Times

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Ditto for the stark warning U.S. Intelligence that Russia had U.S. President Donald Trump offered to his White House interfered in the 2016 election. Trump, pictured Oct. 30, staff: anyone caught applying for In case anyone hasn’t noticed, 2020. America’s worst a job elsewhere would be fired Donald Trump now has what reality TV show, featuring immediately. amounts to personal control of the Kardashians of But some of Trump’s rage the U.S. military through the politics, the Trump brood, agenda borders on the ominous. elevation of his enablers. Since is finally on the brink of It is flatly ominous that this de- everyone knows that he is endan- being cancelled, writes feated president is messing with gering U.S. national security by Michael Harris. Photograph the Defence community, including getting rid of the pros, the ques- courtesy of Flickr its intelligence operations—imme- tion is why would he do that? diately after an election result he Here is a worrying possibility. does not recognize. What if Trump is planning to It started with the firing of use American military force in Defence Secretary Mark Esper, some new and perhaps uncon- who refused to go along with stitutional way? Trump could Trump’s demand that the military trigger massive civil unrest across be employed to quash protests in America if he makes good on his U.S. cities like the ones associated threat to take the election result with Black Lives Matter. all the way to the U.S. Supreme Trump likes the idea of forc- Court. Like the military, that ibly putting down peaceful pro- court is now his Court—or so he testers as he proved in Lafayette believes. With his yes-men firmly Square. There, he had authorities in control at the Pentagon, would use tear gas and flash grenades he use, or try to use, the U.S. to disperse crowds, for the high military to sustain him in office— purpose of getting a presidential against the facts of a loss in both photo-op with a bible at historic the popular vote and the electoral St. John’s Episcopal Church. college? Esper, who took his oath to the And what would happen if Constitution, not the president, Trump ordered a military strike would not replace the eagle with in the dying days of his tenure? a banana as the symbol of the Re- A strike, based for example, on public. And he left with a warn- bogus intelligence from his De- ing, “God help us” if his replace- fence Department that a country ment is a “yes man.” Americans like Iran had suddenly become an Trump’s White House will soon know if Christopher imminent threat to U.S. allies and Miller fits that bill. But everyone interests in the Middle East? Who knows, appointing yes men is could stop him, or verify that the Donald Trump’s specialty. intelligence was accurate? Then key Pentagon officials And what if his spandex attor- gig coming to a slow, who didn’t drink the Trump Kool- ney-general were to come back Aid were dumped. These included with a report that after conduct- the undersecretary of defence ing an “investigation,” which is for policy, the undersecretary of now underway, the Department of but inexorable end defence for intelligence, and the Justice agreed with the president chief of staff to the secretary of that the election had been stolen? defence. What did it all mean? That situation could become a lot else seems to be catching on. But don’t be fooled. In politi- Admiral James Stavridis (Ret.) worse should Trump also remove But don’t be fooled. A multitude of world leaders, cal distance, Jan. 20, 2021, is as said Trump had “decapitated” the Gina Haspel and Christoper excluding, of course, most of the far away as Mars. There is plenty operational civilian leadership of Wray, the respective heads of In political distance, thugs and dictators, have doffed of time for the man who is still the military. the CIA and FBI, as it has been their hats to Biden’s victory. president until he isn’t, to make These experienced operators reported he might. Jan. 20, 2021, is as far To his credit, Prime Minister mischief. And make mischief he were replaced by a dubious troika It’s worth remembering as a away as Mars. There Justin Trudeau was one of the already has. of Trump loyalists. It is inter- collective sigh of relief goes up in first. It was a welcome change is plenty of time for form his tepid response to some the man who is still of Trump’s worst excesses. U.S. vice-president- Saudi Arabia, which did the election Kamala president until he sword dance with Trump, is now Harris, pictured Oct. swaying to the diplomatic disco of 27, 2020, in Reno, the Biden beat. isn’t, to make mischief. Nevada. Photograph Though a week late, China too courtesy of Flickr And make mischief he has finally congratulated presi- dent-elect Biden. already has. Even the Bobsy Twins of hypoc- risy, Republican Senators Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham, are moving towards their col- leagues. Several Republicans have been broadly hinting it’s time for Trump to throw in the towel, the duvet, and the tarpaulin. Graham has even gone so far as to declare that Joe Biden should be getting the intelligence briefings that all incoming presi- Michael Harris dents receive before formally Harris assuming office—the ones Trump is refusing to share with the man who beat him. Given his penchant ALIFAX—America’s worst for bending in whatever political Hreality TV show, featuring winds are blowing (remember the Kardashians of politics, the when he thought Trump was a Trump brood, is finally on the bullying bigot?), Graham’s words brink of being cancelled. speak volumes about where this Their White House gig is com- disputed election is going. ing to a slow but inexorable end, The only ones still backing the Some of it is merely the flail- esting to note that one of those the U.S. and around the world at with the firing of Donald Trump president are the Christian right, ing of a drowning man before he “political commissars” is Anthony Trump’s defeat: a cornered cat as president. While this lame- and a handful of reliably wrong disappears beneath the waves. Tata. Tata is the former Fox News, makes strange jumps. duck “leader” disappears into the sycophants and hangers on—AG That category includes his nasty pro-Trump pundit who once And this cat is as strange as empty space of his alternate uni- Bob Barr, and the oleaginous tweets directed at Fox News for called President Obama a “terror- they come. verse, the one where he retained Mike Pompeo, masquerading as its failure to do enough to shore ist leader.” Another is Kash Patel, Michael Harris is an award- the presidency, and COVID-19 is secretary of state for a few more up his Lie Power during the cam- who earned his spurs with Trump winning author and journalist. no worse than a cold, everyone painful months. paign. by undercutting the assessment of The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 13 Opinion Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh war

Armenia is in shock, but what remains of the Armenian enclave in western Azerbaijan would quickly be overrun if the Russian troops were not there. As Arayik Harutyunyan, Nagorno- Karabakh’s separatist leader, admitted on Nov. 10, 'had the hostilities continued at the same pace, we would have lost all of (it) within days,' writes Gwynne Dyer. Screen image courtesy of Al Jazeera, Nov. 10, 2020

able, and neither Armenia nor and the Azerbaijanis, Armenia 18, the Jews in Nazi-ruled Europe will stay in their hands. Most Why Armenia couldn’t Azerbaijan will challenge them. proper, also newly independent, in 1941-45). Armenians have already fled the Armenia is in shock, but what sent troops and weapons to help However, both Armenia and enclave, and only a minority are exploit its diaspora remains of the Armenian enclave them. Israel are supported by very large likely to return given the precari- in western Azerbaijan would That war ended in an Ar- ‘connected’ diasporas: around ous lifeline through the Lachin more effectively quickly be overrun if the Russian menian victory in 1994, after seven million people in each corridor and the fact that Azer- is a mystery, but troops were not there. As Arayik Armenian troops drove all the case, the great majority living in baijani troops will remain within Harutyunyan, Nagorno-Kara- Azerbaijanis not only out of relatively prosperous countries five kilometre of Stepanakert, the that’s the difference. bakh’s separatist leader, admitted Nagorno-Karabakh, but also out like the United States, France, capital. on Nov. 10, “had the hostilities of three times as much territory Canada, and Russia. So how did Why such dramatically dif- The military defeat continued at the same pace, we to the north, south and west of it. they fare in terms of holding onto ferent outcomes? The obvious would have lost all of (it) within Armenia wound up with a large their lands? answer is that Azerbaijan is oil- was the eventual, days.” territory extending about 50 km Both countries have held rich and was spending nine times Azerbaijanis are jubilant east from its own eastern border. their core territory as defined at as much Armenia on ‘defence.’ inevitable result of a about their victory, but they The analogy with Israel’s independence. They are likely to But the Arab world is oil-rich too. long-running political will abide by this ceasefire. It’s situation immediately after the do so indefinitely thanks to great- How did Israel manage it? enough: about three-quarters of independence war in 1948-49 is power guarantees, for Armenia By mobilizing the support of failure. the Armenian-occupied territory irresistible. by Russia and for Israel thanks its diaspora a great deal better. in Azerbaijan has fallen into their There were only 800,000 Jew- to French guarantees until 1968 Immigration has grown Israel’s hands already, or will be handed ish Israelis in former Palestine in and subsequently by the United Jewish population from 800,000 over by Armenian forces by the 1949, surrounded not only by a States. to seven million since indepen- end of this month. Besides, the million Palestinian Arabs but by Israel conquered quite a lot dence. In contrast, the population Russians would be very cross if another 50-100 million Arabs in more territory in 1968, some of of the Republic of Armenia has they broke their word. other countries within military which (the West Bank) it is busily actually fallen by a quarter-mil- Armenia won all that territory reach of them. settling with Jews and will prob- lion, and there was no big influx in a war that was almost inevi- There were 3.3 million people ably keep forever. Armenia also of Armenians from overseas table after the Soviet Union col- in the Republic of Armenia in conquered extra territory in 1994, to Armenia proper, Nagorno- lapsed in 1991. Both Armenia and 1994, and another 145,000 Ar- but it is losing most of it right Karabakh or the empty occupied Azerbaijan were ‘republics’ dur- menians in Nagorno-Karabakh. now. territories. ing the Soviet era, but the borders There were no Azerbaijani mi- The ceasefire lines will prob- As with immigrants, so also Gwynne Dyer that Stalin had drawn for them norities left in Nagorno-Karabakh ably become de facto borders. All with money for defence. Why Global Affairs left a significant ethnic Armenian nor in the large occupied ter- the formerly occupied territories Armenia couldn’t exploit its dias- population inside the Azerbaijan ritories around it, but there were around Nagorno-Karabakh will pora more effectively is a mys- Soviet Socialist Republic. about 75 million Turkish-speaking be repopulated by Azerbaijani tery, but that’s the difference. The ONDON, U.K.—This time, the The Armenians living in the Muslims in Azerbaijan and Tur- refugees, including the one road military defeat was the eventual, Ltruce will last. The 2,000 Rus- ‘Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous key who saw the outcome as an linking it to Armenia proper (but inevitable result of a long-running sian troops flying into Armenia Oblast (Province)’ accounted outrage. Russian peace-keeping troops political failure. this past week and fanning out for about four-fifths of the local That was worrisome, especial- will hold it open). Gwynne Dyer’s new book is to police the ceasefire lines in population. They declared their ly for people who were survivors About a quarter of Nagorno- ‘Growing Pains: The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh are being independence in 1991, and when of a recent genocide (the Arme- Karabakh itself was also cap- Democracy (and Work)’. sent there for five years renew- fighting broke out between them nians in Ottoman Turkey in 1915- tured by Azerbaijani forces, and The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion We need to get serious about our future

And we need to Deputy Prime Minister have the fiscal resources to do this. and Finance Minister Taxing millionaires more may be hear from Finance Chrystia Freeland, justified but this will not be enough pictured Sept. 15, to pay for new social programs. Minister Chrystia 2020, on the Hill. Conservative Leader Erin Canada needs a clear O’Toole may like to believe that Freeland—and the and credible fiscal boosting the oil industry will de- sooner the better. update, followed early liver stronger growth but it won’t. on by a budget, writes Low investment in the oil sands David Crane. The Hill is not due to federal government Times photograph by policy but a lack of capital as Andrew Meade investors move away from oil. So the opposition parties, as well as the governing Liberals, need much clearer—and more realistic and hence better—ideas for a more successful Canada. In a sobering paper for the C.D. Howe Institute, Don Drummond calls for a national debate over our David Crane economic and fiscal future, warn- Canada & the 21st Century ing that with a projected federal deficit of $380-billion this year and $120-billion next year we have to ORONTO—We are still wait- start planning now on how to avoid Ting for a serious statement a situation where debt servicing from the Trudeau government costs take on a much greater share on the country’s road forward, of tax revenues. Drummond is a on how it plans to rebuild the former senior official from Finance economy and put the country’s Canada and former chief econo- finances on a stable and sustain- mist for the TD Bank. His paper able path in the future. Most economic analysis assumes table and pay the rent, as well as priorities lie. Debt has to be ser- sets out four scenarios but points We had a vague and unhelpful that the government is needed in the provide some support to the many viced and repaid so that, without to the one setting a goal to bring fiscal update from then finance immediate future in order to boost small businesses that lacked the a more productive economy with deficits down to an annual level minister Bill Morneau on July 8, demand in the economy, while over financial resources to manage the followed by an anodyne Throne the longer-term raise the potential lockdown on their own. New Speech on Oct. 20 that led no- growth rate of the economy, and do That spending is not over and Democratic where, and complaints since then this in a way that brings about the more may be needed as we head Party Leader by the Parliamentary Budget Of- structural changes necessary to pro- into the dark winter months. All Jagmeet fice on the government stonewall- duce a more productive, more com- of this has necessitated a massive Singh, ing financial data. petitive, and higher-value economy. increase in federal spending and pictured Nov. an increase in the deficit and debt 5, 2020, on that one would normally associ- the Hill. The Conservative ate with a world war. Hill Times Leader Erin I suspect that a majority of Ca- photograph O’Toole, pictured nadians would agree that govern- by Andrew Nov. 3, 2020, on ment will continue to have a central Meade the Hill. The Hill role in rebuilding the economy for Times photograph some time. But that role should by Andrew Meade be centred on productive invest- ments—for example, in infrastruc- ture, the transition to a low-carbon economy, the reskilling of the workforce, investments in child care and early childhood development, research and development, in inno- vation supports including intangible assets and a financial system to scale up our best tech companies. These are activities that can a higher potential growth rate, we of $25-billion a year by 2030-31 as strengthen the economy, create can, as a country, afford to do all perhaps the most feasible. opportunity, and encourage busi- the things we would like to do. This would mean a federal ness by rebuilding confidence to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh can program spending equivalent to hire and invest. keep demanding the government 14.1 per cent of GDP in 2030-31, But the government must bring in a wide range of new social compared to 13.1 per cent in the recognize it must become much programs, but this is meaning- pre-pandemic plan. And it would more disciplined in where its less unless we, and the provinces, mean 9.8 cents of every $1 of fed- After all this, we are really This is why we need a clear and eral revenue would go to interest none the wiser on where the credible fiscal update, followed payments, compared to 6.9 cents country is headed, how the gov- early on by a budget, from Finance In a sobering paper for under the pre-pandemic plan. The ernment plans, to use its words, Minister Chrystia Freeland. We the C.D. Howe Institute, higher debt payments mean an “rebuild better,” what the priori- don’t need more statements on Don Drummond, extra annual cost of $15.3-billion, ties are, or the strategy to ensure how “we-are-all-in-this-together” pictured, calls for a which is money not available for that we achieve fiscal health bromides on Canadian values, or national debate over spending on new programs. so that today’s necessary fiscal aspirational, or boastful statements our economic and Drummond acknowledges that spending isn’t pushed down the about Canada being a world leader fiscal future, warning his assumptions are conservative, road for future generations to pay. in (fill in the blank). We need to get that with a projected with low growth averaging 1.5 per This lack of an economic and fis- serious about our future. federal deficit of cent a year, and acknowledges cal plan feeds into the existing lack Most Canadians understand $380-billion this year that interest rates may not rise as of confidence and further weakens that we have been dealing in un- and $120-billion next much as he expects. He also seems our economic prospects—a lack of charted territory and have accept- year we have to start to rule out any future tax increase. confidence by consumers to spend ed that government cannot get ev- planning now on how to Nonetheless, his paper is impor- and a lack of confidence by busi- erything 100 per cent right in such avoid a situation where tant because it provides a sobering nesses to invest. This means there an environment. A response to the debt servicing costs basis for public discussion. is less demand in the economy and COVID-19 virus demanded fast take on a much greater But now we need to hear from hence weaker consumer-led growth and wide action, which included a share of tax revenues. Freeland—and the sooner the better. and less incentive for businesses to shutdown of much of the economy Photograph courtesy of David Crane can be reached at invest in new activities so there’s and necessary financial support to Don Drummond [email protected]. less investment-led growth. enable families to put food on the The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 15 News

have also been contacted this fall failed to fulfill its duties could ‘They’ve been very and summer by several organi- also be taken to court, said Ms. zations registered to lobby on Croome. the climate targets legislation, Bloc Québécois MP Kristina according to the federal lobbyist Michaud (Avignon-La Mitis- registry. Lobbying records don’t Matane-Matapédia, Que.) intro- interested in our ideas’: disclose what was discussed dur- duced a short private member’s ing those meetings. bill into the House of Commons Ms. Croome said that the in February that would essentially carbon budgets rolled out along require Canada to fulfill the net- what experts expect from the path to 2050 should include a zero 2050 promise, and includes firm figure for the total amount of many of the terms described emissions that can be produced, by Ms. Croome. Her bill, C-215, instead of a more ambiguous remains at first reading in the feds’ climate change bill commitment to reduce emissions House. by a certain percentage in com- Several organizations have parison to a previous year, as in registered to lobby the govern- The Grits promised ing with the 2050 net zero target, Instead, the legislation should the Paris Agreement. ment on the net-zero pledge or one that includes setting five year lay out clear obligations for The government’s bill should the implementing legislation. The to make their climate carbon budgets along the way. the government to set five-year also include clearly defined roles Canadian Association of Petro- “I think the model for this, re- carbon budgets regularly along and obligations for specific minis- leum Producers (CAPP), which targets ‘legally ally is the U.K.,” he said. the way to 2050; to enshrine ters, she said. lobbies for oil and gas compa- The U.K. government passed those budgets into regulations, or nies, was among them; it has not binding,’ but public a law in 2008 that committed its orders in council; and to report made a formal submission to the government to reducing GHG regularly and transparently on its ‘It’s a test of credibility’ government on the matter, but embarrassment will emissions significantly by the year progress towards each five-year Creating a net-zero emissions has an interest in how “net zero” likely remain the 2050, and set in place a “carbon emissions budget, she said. economy would require balancing is defined by the government, and budgeting” system to keep it on The bill should also include a out any greenhouse gas emissions which strategies will be used to biggest threat to a pace to meet that goal. Last year, definitive commitment to reach produced in Canada by plant- get there with “the least impact the U.K. government replaced its that 2050 net zero end target. ing enough trees, or taking other to society,” according to CAPP government that emissions target for 2050 with a Language requiring the govern- measures, to remove an equiva- executive Terry Abel. pledge to create a net-zero emis- ment only to make its “best effort” lent amount of carbon dioxide Other oil and gas companies ditches the plan, sions economy by the same date. to reach the goal, for example, from the atmosphere. It will and associations are registered Leaving the specific carbon bud- would be a red flag, she said. almost certainly require a steep to lobby on the subject, as is Mr. say green policy get totals out of the government’s Ms. Croome said members of reduction in the volume of GHG Bernstein’s Clean Prosperity, and advocates. forthcoming legislation would the Liberal government had been gases emitted as well. the Canadian Renewable Energy The Liberal campaign prom- Association (CREA). Putting an ise to reach net-zero by 2050 was emissions target into legislation the latest in a series of climate Continued from page 1 would be a boon to the renewable change goals that the Canadian business in Canada, providing political embarrassment will likely government has set since the late confidence to potential investors remain the biggest consequence 1990s. Canada abandoned its 2012 that Canada is going to follow for a government that fails to live target set by the Kyoto Protocol; it through with its climate prom- up to the terms of the legislation, will miss its 2020 target; and it is ises, said CREA president Robert they said, though lawsuits could currently on pace to miss its 2030 Hornung. be an additional deterrent, de- Paris Agreement target as well, Businesses on the Prairies will pending on how the law is worded. though the Trudeau Liberals have no doubt be reading the legisla- The Liberals promised before pledged to meet and exceed it. tion and any resulting regulations the last election to introduce leg- Former prime minister Ste- closely. Alberta produces the islation to create legally-binding, phen Harper also signed onto an greatest share of Canada’s emis- five-year emissions targets that international pledge in 2015 to sions among the provinces, and will set Canada on the path to stop the use and production of the Business Council of Alberta having a net-zero greenhouse gas fossil fuels in Canada entirely by (BCA) is registered to lobby on emissions economy by the year 2100. the climate target legislation. 2050. Environment Minister Jona- Mr. Wilkinson and his cabinet BCA president Adam Legge than Wilkinson (North Vancouver, colleagues have provided few said it is “highly unlikely” that B.C.) told Maclean’s magazine in details of how they will achieve Alberta can become a net-zero October that he was planning to a net-zero economy, or how the province. It is home to a large introduce that legislation before five-year target legislation they oil and gas production industry, the end of this year. have promised to deliver will fit and natural gas and coal are the The government has been into that plan. He told MPs on primary sources of energy for the quietly consulting experts about the House Environment Commit- province, according to Natural the content of the bill, and lobby- tee on Nov. 4 that the five-year Resources Canada. Mr. Legge ists have signalled their desire to targets would be “informed by said some kind of carbon “equal- shape its contents. advice from experts,” and that the ization” program, taking into On Nov. 13, the CBC reported government would create “trans- account differences between the that the government would intro- parency mechanisms” that would provinces, could be a part of the duce the bill as early as this week, serve as “enforcing functions for path towards a net-zero Canadian and that it would include manda- all future governments” that will economy. tory five year targets for cutting inherit the 2050 pledge. “We need to then ask other emissions in Canada. The CBC Making the terms of the law provinces to step up from a car- did not attribute the source of that Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has promised to introduce “legally binding,” as the Liberals bon equalization frame of mind,” information. legislation before the end of the year that will enshrine in law his government's have promised, is murkier than he said. commitment to creating a carbon neutral Canadian economy by the year it may seem. The law could be Flavio Volpe, the president of U.K. law a model for 2050. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade amended or taken off the books Canada’s Automotive Parts Man- entirely by a future government ufacturers Association (APMA), Liberals: Bernstein with enough support in Parlia- said he had discussed the net-zero “It has been hard to get de- be the right decision, said Julia speaking with her and the re- ment. Even if it isn’t, the legal legislation with the government tails about how this legislation Croome, an environmental lawyer port’s other authors and seemed penalties for a government that in the past year. He said he urged is going to work,” said Michael with the advocacy group Ecojustice, “very interested in our ideas.” fails to fulfill its legal duties are policymakers not to set vehicle Bernstein, the executive director and the lead author of a May 2020 The government has not held a not straightforward. emissions standards that are of Canadians for Clean Prosper- report produced with five other large-scale formal public consulta- Public embarrassment is the stricter than those in the United ity, a non-profit organization that Canadian environmental NGOs that tion on its forthcoming legislation, key pressure point that the law States, warning that automakers advocates for carbon taxes, and outlined a “legal foundation” for the and Moira Kelly, Mr. Wilkinson’s could apply to this or future would rather pull up stakes than has lobbied the government on its government’s net-zero 2050 goal, spokesperson, said the government governments that don’t do the design vehicles especially for the 2050 goal. titled, “Policy Brief: A New Cana- will wait until the bill reaches com- legwork to set or meet their Canadian market. However, Mr. Bernstein said he dian Climate Accountability Act.” mittee stage to gather feedback. targets, said Ms. Croome and Mr. The APMA launched a did not expect the government’s Trying to nail down those But Environment and Climate Bernstein. showcase project in response to forthcoming legislation to include emissions budgets in law now Change Canada spokesperson Sa- “It’s a test of credibility and a the net-zero 2050 goal, pulling a specific number or amount wouldn’t be sensible, said Ms. mantha Bayard confirmed that the test of public disappointment that together its members to produce of greenhouse gases that could Croome, in part because the gov- government had “met with groups will probably drive the need to hit a prototype, zero-emissions, be emitted under each five-year ernment hasn’t yet had the time who have offered their expertise on the target,” said Mr. Bernstein. Canadian-made vehicle, dubbed phase of the government’s plan. to strike a panel of experts to such legislation.” Depending on the wiggle Project Arrow. Instead, he said he expects the bill give it advice on what the targets Top Liberal ministers and room in the language of the law, [email protected] to set a “framework” for comply- should be. staffers and senior bureaucrats however, a government that The Hill Times 16 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Feature Remembrance Day in Ottawa, in a pandemic The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Usually thousands attend, but only 100 people were allowed to publicly pay their respects at this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, including the prime minister, Gov.-Gen. Julie Payette, Chief of Defence Staff Jonathan Vance, Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay, House Speaker Anthony Rota, and other notables. There was no veterans’ parade and no CAF parade. There were four armed sentries and one sentinel, posted at the National War Memorial by the Canadian Armed Forces.

An RCMP officer and three members of the CAF, all armed, march past the National War Memorial. There was also a trumpeter and one piper at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. The armed sentry standing guard by the War Memorial. Wednesday’s ceremony who played the Lament.

Veterans lay wreaths at the War Memorial. The prime minister lays a wreath. An RCMP officer marches past the War Memorial. Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay. The Hill Times | Nov. 16, 2020 TRANSPORTATION Policy Briefing

Stakeholders, experts split Electric We must innovate on how effective Garneau’s today, so that we can fly been during pandemic vehicles alone tomorrow p. 20 are not a p. 24 panacea Air passenger protection p. 23 Public transit’s during and beyond the pandemic in crisis p. 20 p. 23 Canada’s The future of sustainable Canada is slowly rolling urban environmentalists aviation sector towards low-carbon after COVID-19 needs a plan transport p. 24 p. 22 p. 23 18 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Transportation Policy Briefing Mixed reviews for government’s transportation sector response, with hardest work ahead

“The department in the last tifications that would be logisti- Conservative MP Stepha- than the Large Employer Emer- The aviation sector eight months has done an amaz- cally onerous, Mr. Gooch said. As nie Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, gency Financing Facility (LEEFF) ing job in terms of policies, regula- the pandemic continued, however, Alta.), her party’s transport critic, and the wage subsidy, but there’s is anticipating a tions and flexibility to deal with some frustration set in. praised Mr. Garneau for how nothing there yet.” relief package after this pandemic. They’ve done work Mr. Gooch said the work on open he has been with sharing ISG Senator Donna Dasko that normally would not be done introducing COVID testing at air- information and collaborating (Ontario), a member of the Sen- Transport Minister in years,” said Serge Buy, senior ports has not moved fast enough. with the opposition. Ms. Kusie ate Transport Committee, said partner at Flagship Solutions and On Oct. 22, the Alberta provin- was named to the position after she thinks announcing a relief Marc Garneau’s Nov. CEO of the Canadian Ferry Opera- cial government and the federal Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) won package took longer than other tors Association. Mr. Buy has lob- government announced a pilot the Conservative leadership race countries because “they just didn’t 8 announcement. bied dozens of Parliamentarians program to test whether introduc- and shuffled the critic roles. know exactly what to do.” and Transport Canada bureaucrats ing a rapid testing and monitor- “The minister has been more Ambarish Chandra, an eco- While much work has since the onset of the pandemic, ing regime at airports could help than gracious with me. We nomics professor at the Rotman been done to ensure according to the lobbyist registry. reduce the 14-day quarantine for actually had a really nice per- School of Management at the Mr. Buy cited relaxing the international travellers. sonal conversation to kick off the University of Toronto who spe- airlines are safe and regulation that forced ferry riders cializes in aviation, echoed Sen. to leave their cars during the voy- Dasko’s comments. continuing—albeit age as a key example. “I think they were waiting to “Right at the outset they see, and I don’t think that was a limited—operations, enabled passengers to remain in bad thing to do. A lot of sectors the hardest work is closed car decks. That enabled needed attention. I’m glad they ferry operators to make sure pas- didn’t prioritize airlines as early as still ahead. sengers would not go on bridges other countries. They needed time and spread COVID,” Mr. Buy said. to get more information about the That regulation was intended long term survival of key players BY AIDAN CHAMANDY to make it easier for ferry opera- in the sector,” Prof. Chandra said. tors to ensure a safe and orderly He added that there is still a takeholders, experts, and Par- evacuation, should that come big potential risk to providing Sliamentarians are split on how to pass. On March 17, Transport support given that the “competi- effective Transport Minister Marc Canada and the Canadian Ferry tive nature of the industry might Garneau and his department have Association announced the regu- look very different” because of been at managing the diverse lation would be suspended so that the pandemic. He said there is set of issues that have plagued passengers could stay in their a risk of providing support to a the sector since the onset of the cars and effectively maintain a certain company that might have pandemic. distance from each other. monopoly power in the future. Some stakeholders praised the On Sept. 30, however, the “So what you don’t want to be minister and the department for regulation was put back into doing is bailing out a firm that’s collaboration, and moving fast to place because adequate safety going to be a monopolist in the implement, or relax, certain regu- measures had been put into future, which is then going to just lations that have allowed opera- place to ensure passengers could extract monopoly rents,” he said. remain COVID-19-safe outside tions to continue in a COVID-19– Transport Minister Marc Garneau and his department has been quietly working Prof. Chandra said that it will their cars, and remaining in one’s safe fashion. The bulk of their behind the scenes on a myriad of regulatory issues to help keep the transportation likely be very difficult for the gov- criticism stems from the lack of car still presented a safety risk system COVID-19-safe. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade ernment to actually ensure airlines sector-specific financial support, in the event of an emergency, the continue to adhere to the condi- particularly for the aviation in- release said. tions set on a relief package, like dustry, which has seen a dramatic Mr. Buy said there are legiti- In September, before the relationship. There is a respect continuing to fly regional routes. drop in revenue since March. mate questions to be asked around government-sponsored pilot proj- and an understanding that both “It’s difficult to encourage Now, with Mr. Garneau (Notre- whether this was the right deci- ect began, airports and airlines parties have a job to do. His staff carriers to fly regional routes. The Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount, sion, especially during the second had taken matters into their own has also been incredibly helpful only way to do it is if you provide Que.) promising a relief package wave of the pandemic, but that he hands, partnering with universi- to me, they’ve given me briefings,” straight out subsidies for these targeted at airlines, airports, and understands the need to balance ties to get testing done at airports she said. “I really have no com- routes or write it into the condi- the broader aerospace sector, all COVID safety measures with to collect data to see if the 14-day plaints about the minister at all in tions. They could do that, but it’s the stakeholders who spoke with regular ferry safety measures. quarantine could be reduced. regards to the access to informa- a difficult thing to micromanage,” The Hill Times agreed that the For Green Party MP and par- These trials are currently under- tion.” he said. “What I would rather see hardest and most important work liamentary caucus leader Eliza- way in Toronto and Vancouver. However, that praise only ex- is, like we’re seeing in Europe, is about to begin. beth May (Saanich-Gulf Islands, Currently, Calgary Interna- tends to information that is actu- for the government to take direct Mike McNaney, president and B.C), reimposing the regulation tional Airport is the only airport ally available. What has frustrated stakes in these companies.” CEO of the National Airlines was the wrong decision, calling it in the country running the pilot Ms. Kusie and many stakeholders, He acknowledged this would Council of Canada, which rep- a “huge mistake.” project, which began on Nov. 2. they say, is the lack of informa- spark huge opposition from the resents Canada’s larger airlines, “People clearly are safer in Upon arrival, international travel- tion on a financial support plan industry, but argued the industry praised Transport Canada’s work their cars than mingling with lers get a test and are still required for the aviation sector. has scant leverage. Prof. Chandra helping to develop the interna- other passengers on the upper to quarantine, but if the test comes “Anything else I would want to said it would probably be easier tional standards for safe air travel decks,” she said. She said she back negative they are allowed to see they haven’t done or thought for the government to ensure through the International Civil understood “that people shouldn’t leave quarantine if they commit to about, like a plan for the aviation compliance with the terms in the Aviation Organization (ICAO), a be in their cars if a boat is sink- taking a second test six or seven sector,” she said. years down the road if they had a UN agency. ing” but argued the B.C. water- days later at a pharmacy. Individu- On Nov. 8, Mr. Garneau issued seat at the table. In May, the ICAO released a ways in question are very calm, als are also monitored through a press release announcing the Karl Moore, professor of strat- framework through the ICAO Avia- and a departmental risk assess- daily symptom checks. federal government is drafting a egy and organization at McGill tion Recovery Task Force for air- ment could be done to figure out “What we’ve seen is bookings relief package for airports, airlines, University, said there are lessons lines and airports to follow to keep whether people remaining in their have really gone up,” Mr. Gooch said. and the aerospace sector, follow- to be learned from the German COVID-safe, including temperature cars actually does present such a “Since Calgary put that in, there is ing a Nov. 5 Reuters report that government taking a stake in screenings, increased ventilation, safety risk, even on calm waters, demand. People want to travel, they Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland Lufthansa. He said once the in- and much more. Mr. McNaney said that it justifies forcing people out want to feel safe about it, and they (University-Rosedale, Ont.) was dustry returns to some semblance the federal government, through of their cars during a pandemic. don’t want to be shamed for it.” considering a package after being of pre-pandemic operation, the Transport Canada, “played a lead Daniel Robert-Gooch, presi- “We want to see it expanded,” pressured by “key” ministers. German taxpayers “will gain from role in developing” the standards, dent of the Canadian Airports he said. Ms. Kusie said the announce- their investment in theory, and which have informed several other Council, praised the department Ontario Premier Doug Ford ment is months late and that she hopefully in practice” and that countries’ return-to-flight plans, in- for its “tireless” work and “mov- said on Nov. 9 that he is inter- is not convinced the government this is made more likely by the cluding the Europe-wide European ing quickly in the spring” to help ested in doing a similar project in will live up to its word. German government agreeing to Aviation Safety Agency’s return to airports on regulatory matters his province. “It really looks like just a be a “silent partner.” flight plan. as they grappled with the onset “I want to start getting people further delay tactic. In talking to “In the ownership position, the While most attention has been of the pandemic. Certain airport tested as they’re coming off my stakeholders, there’s not even challenge is, can the federal gov- focused on the airline sector, workers with specific technical rather than isolating for 14 days. a meeting set up to have these ernment be a silent partner? I think Canada’s ferry operators were skills need recurrent training, but Let’s get them tested immediately discussions that were outlined in it would be tempting for politicians also impacted by COVID and the department has been flex- when they come off the plane, the statement,” she said. “I think to not be a silent partner,” he said. have worked well with the depart- ible in allowing them to continue and test them again five or six they’re starting to think maybe [email protected] ment. working without the normal cer- days later,” Mr. Ford said. we should do something other The Hill Times CN wants to build a world‑class, environmentally advanced intermodal facility — in Milton, Ontario

The proposed shovel‑ready, privately‑funded Shipping by rail is four times more fuel‑efficient Milton Logistics Hub would support Canada’s than trucking alone. A single intermodal economic recovery from the COVID‑19 train removes approximately 300 long‑haul pandemic, while benefiting the environment. trucks from our clogged highways. Since it would receive four trains daily, the The purpose‑designed CN Milton Logistics Milton facility would in effect remove more Hub would be a world‑class, environmentally‑ than 400,000 long‑haul diesel trucks annually advanced intermodal facility, with leading from Ontario roadways, significantly reducing edge technology at every stage, and served by greenhouse gas and other air emissions. Canadian‑made, electric, zero‑emission trucks.

CN is investing in a strong, sustainable future for Canada. It’s why we want to build the Milton Logistics Hub.

cn.ca

Milton_Ad_Hill_Times_V2.indd 1 11/12/2020 5:30:19 PM 20 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Transportation Policy Briefing

The global collapse of air travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is without precedent in the century since the dawn of international commercial aviation. Many passengers have experienced frustration, including, for some, exasperation about not getting refunds for cancelled flights. Airlines, meanwhile, have curtailed operations, mothballed aircraft, and laid off tens of thousands of employees. All this happened just months after new Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) fully came into effect on Dec. 15, 2019, writes Scott Streiner. Image courtesy of Pixabay Air passenger protection during and beyond the pandemic

control but required for safety, or If passengers think an airline cent of complaints end up in The Canadian Transportation Agency has been outside the airline’s control. hasn’t respected the APPR or its adjudication. For delays and cancellations tariff and can’t resolve the issue Thanks to these efforts, we’ll hard at work implementing the Air Passenger in the first category, airlines must directly with the airline, or if they soon be able to begin processing Protection Regulations, and CEO Scott pay compensation for inconve- believe tariff terms aren’t reason- complaints submitted after the nience if passengers arrive at able, they can complain to the pandemic struck, half of which Streiner writes that ‘consideration should their destination three hours or CTA. We deal with every com- concern refunds for cancelled more past the scheduled time. plaint on its merits. flights. It’s possible some of the be given to expanding airlines’ minimum For both the first and second Over the last 11 months, Ca- refund-related complaints will be categories, passenger entitle- nadians have filed complaints in resolved in short order if recently obligations when flights are disrupted for ments include, depending on the record numbers. About 11,000 did announced negotiations between circumstances, things like food, so in the three months between the government and airlines on reasons outside their control, to ensure that drink, accommodation, and—of the day the APPR fully took ef- financial assistance result in the no passenger is ever again at risk of losing particular interest in the current fect and mid-March, when the issuance of more refunds. That circumstances—refunds if flights pandemic threw air travel into would, of course, be welcome news the value of a cancelled flight when rebooking are cancelled and rebooking turmoil. Another 10,000 have for passengers. We’ll be monitoring doesn’t meet a passenger’s need. submitted complaints since then. developments closely and check- doesn’t meet their needs.’ But for the third category— By way of comparison, the CTA ing with each complainant to see if when a flight’s delayed or received just 800 complaints in they’ve received a refund or want cancelled for reasons beyond all of 2015. Such a massive surge to proceed with their case. All this happened just months an airline’s control—the legisla- in volumes is almost unheard of Looking forward, consider- after new Air Passenger Protec- tion only allows inclusion of one for any tribunal. In the interests ation should be given to expand- tion Regulations (APPR) fully airline obligation in the APPR: of fairness, the CTA generally ing airlines’ minimum obligations came into effect on Dec. 15, 2019. to ensure passengers complete processes complaints on a first- when flights are disrupted for The APPR were made by the their itineraries. Perhaps the law in-first-out basis. reasons outside their control, to Canadian Transportation Agency was framed this way because at About 3,000 of the complaints ensure that no passenger is ever (CTA)—an independent, quasi- the time it was passed, disrup- made in the months immediately again at risk of losing the value of judicial tribunal and regulator— tions outside airlines’ control after the APPR came into force al- a cancelled flight when rebooking pursuant to authorities given to were expected to be localized and lege that airlines failed to respect doesn’t meet their needs. If the it by Parliament. The APPR set short-term. Regardless, the CTA their communications-related CTA is provided with authority to Scott Streiner out airlines’ minimum obligations works within the authorities and obligations under the APPR. The amend the APPR to address such Opinion towards passengers for a range resources Parliament gives it. CTA launched a major inquiry to situations, we’ll act quickly. of common concerns, including Alongside the APPR, pas- examine these allegations, and re- This has been a difficult time communications, tarmac delays, sengers get entitlements through cently published the report of the for passengers and airlines, but he global collapse of air travel flight disruptions, denied board- each airline’s individual tariffs— Inquiry Officer assigned to collect better days lie ahead. Eventually, Tas a result of the COVID-19 ing, lost baggage, and the seating the contracts of carriage outlining evidence on them. conditions will allow growing pandemic is without precedent of families together. the terms and conditions of its In addition, despite telework- numbers of Canadians to fly. in the century since the dawn Of course, flight disruptions service. Tariffs address matters ing since the start of the pan- Through and beyond the pandem- of international commercial have been the air travel issue beyond those covered by the demic, the CTA’s dedicated public ic period, the APPR will be there aviation. Many passengers have most on people’s minds since APPR and, if the airline chooses, servants have dealt with thou- to protect travellers —and the experienced frustration, includ- March. Consistent with the leg- can go further than the APPR in sands more complaints through CTA will continue making sure its ing, for some, exasperation about islative framework, passengers’ the areas it does cover. For ex- efficient, informal facilitation and requirements are understood and not getting refunds for cancelled rights under the APPR when ample, a tariff might provide for mediation services, avoiding the respected. flights. Airlines, meanwhile, have flights are delayed or cancelled refunds for cancellations outside need for more formal adjudica- Scott Streiner is the chair and curtailed operations, mothballed depend on whether that occurs the airline’s control, especially tion. Less than two per cent of the CEO of the Canadian Transporta- aircraft, and laid off tens of thou- for reasons fully within the air- when passengers pay extra for a complaints on our books predate tion Agency. sands of employees. line’s control, within the airline’s refundable ticket. Dec. 15, 2019, and only one per The Hill Times PDQ Laurentia_WEEKLY PAPER__10,375x13,5-EN-6_HR.pdf 1 2020-10-01 12:13

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K 22 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Transportation Policy Briefing Canada’s aviation sector needs a plan

Canada cannot expect a full economic recovery without support for the aviation sector.

Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie Opinion Canadians are unfortunately no longer anada’s aviation sector has as interconnected as they once were Cbeen on the front lines of this before the pandemic. Due to a drastic pandemic since the very begin- decrease in revenues, Air Canada ning. With the effects of the virus was forced to suspend 30 regional still very much unknown, airline routes, and WestJet, pictured, made workers stepped up to the chal- the difficult decision to stop servicing lenge and focused on repatriat- Atlantic Canada altogether. Image ing Canadians from abroad and courtesy of Commons Wikimedia delivering PPE. If the planes were not carrying the 10,673 Cana- dians home from abroad, they economic proponents for small to international service, as it is regional routes is not an easy fix for one per cent of Canada’s were transporting face masks and communities, generating 25,000 a proponent of tourism beyond and could have a lasting impact international trade by volume, medical equipment to Canada indirect jobs nationwide. Small major cities. Our carriers have on transportation in Canada. it can represent as much as 25 from around the globe. However, communities rely on these been working hard for years to Canadian airlines are also per cent of exports outside of the in the months following the start regional routes, as they need to build regional networks across struggling to compete interna- United States by value. It is clear of the pandemic, flight attendants receive and transport essential the country, connecting small tionally. In October 2020, the that air transportation is critical and baggage handlers were goods and services. Regional communities to larger hubs. main carriers in the United for international trade. Travel furloughed, pilots struggled to get service is also directly linked Unfortunately, restoring these States were operating at ap- restrictions from COVID-19 are flight hours, passengers’ flights proximately 50 per cent of their expected to result in drastic were cancelled, air traffic control- typical capacity whereas Cana- decreases to Canada’s GDP by up lers were laid off, and service da’s airlines are only operating to 1.7 per cent. We can also expect jobs in airports became virtually at approximately 25 per cent. to see permanent job losses of up non-existent. As a result, there are substan- to 500,000 people, almost three COVID-19 has been devas- tial concerns about our airlines per cent of total employment in tating for aviation in Canada remaining competitive. Concerns the sector in 2019. Unfortunately, and around the world. Since the around competitiveness are not the longer travel restrictions are pandemic hit eight months ago, just with the United States. In in place, the slower the economic we have seen Canada’s largest October of 2019, Canadian air- recovery will be for the aviation airlines face catastrophic finan- line carriers held an approximate sector. cial losses and cut dozens of 64 per cent capacity share of The aviation sector has been routes across Canada. The sector transatlantic service while Eu- calling on the government for continues to suffer from a lack ropean carriers held 36 per cent, months to develop a plan, but the of passenger demand largely due and by October 2020, Canadian government continues to keep to current travel restrictions and and European carriers each held us waiting. Our aviation workers advisories, with no immediate 50 per cent. Canadian carriers were there for us since the begin- end in sight. The devastation to are forced to compete with for- ning of this pandemic, and now the industry is not only impact- eign carriers who have received it is our turn to assure them that ing the aviation workers but will substantial government sup- they will have a viable aviation lead to severe consequences for port. These foreign carriers will sector to return to when the fight Canada’s economy. ultimately be better equipped to against COVID-19 is behind us. Canadians are unfortunately increase their levels of service, Our airlines and airports needed no longer as interconnected as increase flight frequency and to see federal action months ago they once were before the pan- secure additional market shares. and as a result of this delay our demic. Due to a drastic decrease This is also something that is aviation sector and economy will in revenues, Air Canada was not easy to be regained by our face lasting impacts. forced to suspend 30 regional airlines. Conservative MP Stephanie routes, and WestJet made the A failing aviation sector will Kusie represents Calgary Mid- difficult decision to stop servic- International arrivals inside the Vancouver International Airport, pictured July inevitably have a detrimental ef- napore, Alta., and is the Conser- ing Atlantic Canada altogether. 20, 2019. COVID-19 has been devastating for aviation in Canada and around fect on Canada’s overall economy. vative critic for transport. Regional airports are large the world. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia While air cargo may only account The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 23 Policy BriefingTransportation

lish a statutory foundation and ensure VIA is managed in order to meet a fundamental need across Canada—passenger rail service. Public transit in crisis Meanwhile, remote areas are also losing regional air service. Just as in the case of bus service, focuses on urban centres. The real Halifax). But riding economy does the private sector is walking When we talk about transportation, we need to crisis in Canada’s public transit allow relatively affordable travel away from obligations to meet the apply a climate and a social justice lens. Safe, system is in rural and remote between remote and little serviced needs of Canadians living outside areas. It was a clear finding of communities. VIA Rail crew mem- more profitable areas. reliable, convenient, zero-carbon public transit, the Inquiry into Missing and bers have told me the so-called Can we meet the Speech from Murdered Indigenous Women “Greyhound effect” has created the Throne commitment to climate whether for urban or rural Canadians, is within and Girls that Indigenous women, new stresses to meet increased action and the commitment to in- marginalized and two-spirit demands in the economy cars. vest in air service? It will not hap- our reach, writes Green MP Elizabeth May. people are put at risk by the lack Since early spring these pen over-night, but perhaps we can of affordable and available public routes have been suspended due achieve it with a commitment to the last year for which figures transit. Across most of Canada’s to COVID-19. Only Vancouver to move to zero emission flights. This are available). vast geography getting from A to Winnipeg service is to be partially is no longer a pipe dream. Harbour Eliminating the internal com- B requires a personal vehicle or restored with one trip a week by Air, the first carbon neutral airline bustion engine to move to zero- a flight. The alternative, hitch- December 11, with no word on in the world, is now aiming to be emission vehicles is key. Infra- hiking, puts marginalized people the Montreal to Halifax route or the first electric battery powered structure discussions now include at risk. Toronto to Winnipeg. airline with zero-emissions. It took the need for electricity corridor In the last few years, private In 2016, a very disturbing its first electric flight in 2019 and is connectivity between provinces, sector bus service has disap- recommendation was made by the now gearing up to convert its fleet more inter-ties and smart grids. peared from much of Canada. Bus Canada Transportation Act Review, of seaplanes. Electrification could The House Environment Com- service is no longer available in chaired by David Emerson. Among meet short-haul flights and 75 per Green Parliamentary Leader mittee has been hearing evidence remote and rural areas of British many recommendations was the cent of all flights world-wide are Elizabeth May on the need for charging stations Columbia, Saskatchewan, and proposal to eliminate VIA Rail’s under 1600 km. An investment in Atlantic Canada. The need to transcontinental lines, reducing Opinion and ancillary issues of costs electrified flight could be a world- and jurisdiction. But as positive focus on VIA Rail as a key part service to only the Windsor-Quebec beater for Canada. reens have long called for as those moves are, moving to of Canada’s public transit system corridor. In the context of loss of When we talk about transporta- Gsignificant investments in zero-emission vehicles only deals has never been greater. bus service, this is a non-starter. tion, we need to apply a climate and public transit. The reasons are with some of the downsides of With the loss of bus service, No modern society should kill its a social justice lens. Safe, reliable, obvious. Transportation, move- dependence on the personal auto- people of limited income are passenger rail service, but I fear we convenient, zero-carbon public ment of goods and people, mobile. It leaves out people who turning in increasing numbers to may be close to doing so. transit—whether for urban or rural is a huge chunk of Canada’s cannot afford a car. And it allows VIA Rail’s quite limited service Unlike in the United States Canadians—is within our reach. contribution to global warm- cars to continue to occupy vast outside the Windsor-Quebec Cor- where Amtrak has a statutory Elizabeth May is the MP for ing. Second only to oil and gas, amounts of space, dominating ridor. Only three days a week are obligation to provide passenger Saanich-Gulf Islands, B.C., and transportation at 186 mega- urban design. trains available on the transcon- rail service, VIA has no legislative the Green Party parliamentary tonnes is 25.5 per cent of our As well, most discussion of tinental routes (from Toronto to framework. That is why I have leader. total emissions (729 MT in 2018, public transit almost invariably Vancouver and from Montreal to introduced Bill C-251 to estab- The Hill Times

Electric vehicles alone are not a panacea

Battery EVs, such as the Tesla electrification pace, will they capacity of renewable energy are one way to do this, but they Electrifying Canada’s Model 3—the best selling EV in happen fast enough to hold the sources and transmission lines are not the only way—or even the fleet must be pursued Canada in 2020—have no tailpipe increase in global temperature to would need to be installed, and to best way. Yes, we should electrify emissions. But they are not zero- well below 2 °C above pre-indus- be coordinated with the EVs. our fleet, but EVs must be pur- alongside support for emission vehicles. Their electric trial levels, as pledged by world This analysis provides lessons sued alongside strong support for batteries are energy intensive to leaders in 2015? that are applicable to Canada. We buses, trains and bikes. The latter other, less carbon- produce and predominantly come We asked this question for the have among the highest average can also bring additional benefits from China, a heavily coal-based United States in our latest study. energy consumption per vehicle— in terms of equity, access, commu- intensive forms of economy. The electricity to charge And the results were worrying. higher than in the U.S., because nity and healthy living. We need transportation like EVs is not burden-free; 18 per cent We found that following current we love large and heavy vehicles— larger, safer, and more reliable of Canada’s electricity is produced trends in travel behaviour and and one of the highest per capita infrastructure for public transit busses, bikes, and from fossil fuels with important rapid electricity decarbonization, private vehicle ownership rates in and active modes like cycling and associated greenhouse gas emis- the U.S. would need 90 per cent of the world. And the current policy walking. And we need to electrify trains. sions. Even low carbon sources private light-duty vehicles to be pathway falls short even to meet all cars and buses. like nuclear and hydro have some EVs in 2050. That would require all Canada’s official target of 100 per Unfortunately, this message is BY ALEXANDRE MILOVANOFF, I. emissions associated with fuel new vehicles sold starting in 2035 cent EVs by 2040. easily lost amid the excitement DANIEL POSEN & HEATHER L. processing and plant construction. to be EVs, just 15 years from now. Maybe it is time to rethink over easy technological solutions. MACLEAN To compare EVs fairly with In comparison, EVs currently our priorities and ask a critical Prior to the COVID-19 pan- conventional internal combustion represent only about 0.3 per cent question: Do we need so many demic, we have seen decreases in lectric vehicles (EVs) are find- vehicles, researchers like us com- of the U.S. fleet, and the most vehicles on the road? public transit ridership in North Eing their way onto our roads. pare the emissions over the full optimistic projections from the In a nutshell, strategies to America. At the same time, ve- But are they coming fast enough vehicle lifetime with a tool called International Energy Agency sug- reduce carbon emissions fall into hicle ownership and ride-hailing to help us reach our climate Life Cycle Assessment. When gest that this number could reach three main categories: avoid the (Uber, Lyft) have gone up. And the goals? And do they free us from we do so, EVs have about 60 per 50 per cent in 2050, far below our need for travel, shift to lower pandemic has, understandably, the need to fundamentally rethink cent lower carbon emissions than 90 per cent projected requirement. carbon transportation modes, and worsened the trends. our transportation systems? conventional gasoline vehicles on Faster EV adoption requires improve the technologies. EVs If we truly want to solve our Unfortunately, the answers are average in Canada. But the reduc- us to rapidly overcome many only deal with one aspect of the climate problems, governments likely “no.” tions can reach 75 per cent with challenges: range anxiety, higher problem, the technological one. need to massively invest in public For EV enthusiasts like us, low carbon hydroelectricity, such purchase price for EVs, and Private vehicles are more transit, cycling and walking in- these are exciting times: Canada as in Quebec, or can potentially limited availability of charging energy intensive to operate per frastructure, and in EVs. And we aims for all new sales to be zero- disappear (at least compared to infrastructure. And the current passenger than buses, trains or need to drive less, in smaller cars. emission vehicles by 2040, the efficient conventional vehicles) in policy pathway in the U.S. is far bikes. And, in many jurisdictions, Dr. Alexandre Milovanoff is federal and Ontario governments a heavily fossil fuel-based elec- from adequate. EVs do not decrease the carbon a researcher, Dr. I. Daniel Posen have invested $500-million in the tricity system such as the 2019 But even if we overcome these emissions per passenger com- is an assistant professor and Dr. production of EVs, and about 350 grid in Alberta or Nova Scotia. challenges, more technical chal- pared with public transit, even Heather L. MacLean is a profes- new EV models could appear on On balance, EVs have sub- lenges lie ahead of us. A massive compared with internal combus- sor in the Department of Civil & our roads in the coming years. stantial climate (and air quality) electrification of the fleet will tion engine buses. Mineral Engineering at the Uni- Of course, the term zero-emis- benefits compared with conven- create unprecedented stresses to In the end, we must not lose versity of Toronto. Their research sion vehicles paints a rosy picture tional vehicles. Policies encourag- the supply chains of many critical sight of the primary need: to re- focuses on the environmental that overlooks some important ing EVs are thus necessary and materials—such as lithium, cobalt duce the number of conventional evaluation of energy systems. challenges. advisable. But, given the current and manganese. And vast new private vehicles on the road. EVs The Hill Times 24 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Transportation Policy Briefing

conditions. First, it prioritizes the ongoing renewal of public transit by investing in both strategic cap- The future of sustainable urban ital projects and operations. These investments need to continue being tied to integrated planning and quality urban design. Second, a recovery plan for environments after COVID-19 sustainable cities can capitalize on the popularity of cycling and active transportation. During of automobile-centric sprawl. The work and public health concerns the inequalities of living and the pandemic, these modes have The time to support second leverages a post-pandemic have led to much sharper reduc- working in a pandemic. Although benefited from a decline in traffic recovery plan to support our re- tions in the use of public transit. three-quarters of transit com- and the unlocking of urban space. a vision for public newed ambitions for low-carbon Less than one-quarter of people who muters have made other arrange- This is an opportune time to cre- transportation is now. urban transformation. commuted to work by transit before ments, those who continue to rely ate a national active transporta- Realizing this second vision the pandemic are still doing so. If on public transit tend to have tion strategy. will require a continued com- this persists, public transit could be lower incomes and are employed Finally, this recovery vision mitment to transit-supportive condemned to secular decline. in front-line sectors where remote supports public transit agen- development, creating a national Where does this leave us? work is not an option. This re- cies as they innovate and adapt. active transportation strategy, and Over the last 15 years, gov- minds us of the critical role public In a post-pandemic context, for supporting public transit agencies ernments have invested tens of transit plays in a sustainable vi- example, agencies may focus less as they adapt to new and uncer- billions of dollars in improv- sion for our cities. attention on the problem of peak- tain environments. ing the quality of public transit. These are uncertain times hour commuting and evolve to There are early warnings Combined with smart land use for urban transportation. The become managers of more expan- of the first vision coming true. planning, these investments are pandemic is magnifying the sive shared-mobility ecosystems. Public transit ridership in Canada encouraging more sustainable potential impacts of technological It is impossible to know exact- in June was almost 75 per cent patterns of urban development disruption. Innovations in shared Jesse Steinberg ly what the future holds for cities. lower than last year. Operating and mobility. We should not turn mobility, micro-transit, and au- Nevertheless, we should navigate Opinion revenues were down by 77 per our back on these hard-won tonomous vehicles will continue this uncertainty guided by prin- cent. Fortunately, this crisis has gains. We should remain focused posing deep questions about the ciples of sustainability. These are been acknowledged by federal, on creating cities that are envi- future of sustainable transporta- principles rooted in shared ideas he pandemic has highlighted provincial and territorial govern- ronmentally sustainable and con- tion. It is here where we see the about the kinds of cities we want Tthe role of public transit in ments. Public transit funding tributing to Canada’s low carbon outlines of the second vision. to build and the kind of urban sustainable urban centres, and was prioritized through the Safe transition. Sustainable cities are The resources of a post-pan- life we want to return to after the two visions of the future are tak- Restart Agreements and this vibrant, foster opportunities for demic recovery plan should sup- pandemic. ing shape. The first sees increas- infusion of funds is helping to active civic engagement, are ef- port our renewed ambitions for Jesse Steinberg is a research ing remote work, changing con- stabilize transit operations. ficient, economically productive, low-carbon urban transformation. associate for urban transforma- sumer behaviour, and continuing However, commuting patterns equitable and inclusive. This vision affirms a commitment tion at the Conference Board of ambivalence towards crowds and during the pandemic are strongly Changes in recent months to sustainable mobility while Canada. public spaces. In short, a future favouring driving vehicles. Remote prompted by COVID-19 highlight adapting to new and uncertain The Hill Times

We must innovate today, so that we can fly tomorrow

travel schedules, rigorous medical COVID-19 continues to have devastating standards, and a lack of gender and ethnic diversity. impacts on the air transport sector. Early in the Before the pandemic, there was a looming shortage of avia- pandemic, approximately 80 per cent of the tion professionals in Canada and world’s passenger airline fleet was grounded. across the globe (pilots, mainte- nance engineers, and others). At In a matter of months hundreds of thousands that time, aircraft operators were increasingly reporting cancella- of airline employees worldwide were dismissed tions of flights due to a lack of available crew. or furloughed (on unpaid leave). Although there is no shortage Federal petition e-2867 has been brought forward to support Canada’s aviation of aviation professionals during sector, collecting more than 14,000 signatures thus far. This petition requests impacts is also a critically impor- the pandemic, we must look to the federal support for aviation financial sustainability, a national aviation strategy tant challenge that needs to be future and recognize that recover- to support pandemic recovery, and a sustainable border control approach, writes addressed. However, this pandemic ies follow downturns. We began Suzanne Kearns. Image courtesy of René Rauschenberger/Pixabay has highlighted the lack of social 2020 with pre-existing aviation sustainability in aviation, which personnel shortages. When this and ready workforce, this recov- IATA estimates that in normal should be a principal element of our is coupled with thousands of ery will be difficult. Therefore, I times, air transport supports national recovery strategy. Social aviation professionals leaving the propose that a national aviation 633,000 Canadian jobs and ac- sustainability considers aspects sector mid-pandemic, and youth strategy include the following ele- counts for 3.2 per cent of our of quality of life, equity, diversity, being discouraged from joining ments with an explicit emphasis GDP. Aviation has played a vital and connectedness, and has sadly the field, international aviation on the three pillars of economic, role in supporting Canadians Suzanne Kearns received little attention relative to will face desperate personnel environmental, and social sus- during the pandemic, deliver- tainability: ing life-saving medical goods Opinion economic and environmental con- shortages in the years ahead siderations in aviation. without support. Countries that Research—to support the and ensuring the global supply It’s challenging to grasp the invest in innovation and cross- development of a competent and chain continues to deliver time- ederal petition e-2867 has been far-reaching economic and social sector partnerships during this ready aviation workforce, we need sensitive cargo. Air transport Fbrought forward to support harm this pandemic has caused to time are likely to emerge as lead- to catalyze and grow science-based will also be critical in the timely Canada’s aviation sector, collect- aviation workers and the sector at ers supporting the future, more approaches to attract, educate, and distribution of an eventual CO- ing more than 14,000 signatures large. Not seeing a future in avia- sustainable, air transport sector. retain the Next Generation of Avia- VID-19 vaccine. thus far. This petition requests tion, many aviators are choosing Boeing’s recently updated tion Professionals (NGAP). NGAP Without swift action, Canada’s federal support for aviation to leave the industry altogether to ‘Pilot and Technician Forecast’ research is multidisciplinary, for air transport sector is unsustain- financial sustainability, a national pursue professions in other fields. predicts between the years 2020 example, using modern learning able. Yet, this downturn presents aviation strategy to support pan- In October of 2020, hundreds of and 2039, 763,000 pilots, 739,000 technologies (such as virtual-reality an opportunity to analyze and demic recovery, and a sustainable Canadian aviation workers dem- maintenance technicians, and flight simulators), machine learning, resolve some of the critical chal- border control approach. onstrated outside Parliament Hill 903,000 cabin crew members will and artificial intelligence to improve lenges facing aviation pre-pan- A key theme in the petition is to ask the federal government to be needed internationally. After the efficiency of pilot training. demic, innovate towards a better supporting the sustainability of the release a plan to restart aviation, long-bouts in quarantine, travel Air & Space Centre of Excel- future, and support Canada’s air transport sector. Sustainability is bringing awareness to this issue. and tourism demand will be high lence—our national aviation continued role as an innovation made up of three pillars: economic, Setting aside the passion that once society can return to a new strategy should include the leader in international aviation. environmental, and social. Without aviators share for flight—there normal. development of a ‘think tank’ that Suzanne Kearns is an associ- question, Canadian aviation’s most are various challenges inherent in A sustainable air transport brings together strategic cross- ate professor of geography and pressing need is financial support aviation careers, including finan- sector will be a critical compo- sector partnerships to address the aviation at the University of to help our operators survive this cial barriers to entry, low starting nent of post-pandemic economic challenges facing aviation and Waterloo. crisis. Managing environmental pay, challenging training and recovery. Yet, without a competent aerospace in Canada. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 25 Policy BriefingTransportation Canada is slowly rolling towards low-carbon transport

If Canada wants to get serious about climate change, it needs to amp up on ambition, investment, and regulatory action within the transport sector specifically.

Ryan Katz-Rosene Opinion Transport Minister Marc Garneau, pictured May 1, 2019, using the charging ast year, the federal govern- station for electric ment recognized climate L vehicles in the West Block change as an “emergency,” yet parking lot to mark the one doesn’t get much of a sense coming-into-effect of the of urgency when reviewing the Incentive for Zero-Emission government’s efforts to curtail Vehicles Program. If the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions climate emergency is in the transport sector. While to be addressed within every other sector of Canada’s the transport sector, the economy has seen emissions government will have to reductions since 2005, emis- redouble its financial sions from transport have grown commitments to urban substantially over this time (by transit—there is simply no +14 per cent). It is the transport way around this, writes Ryan sector that is most responsible for Katz-Rosene. The Hill Times keeping Canada from meeting its photograph by Andrew Meade international commitments under the Paris Agreement. If Canada wants to get serious about climate change, it needs to amp up on we’re facing a climate emergency Quebec-Windsor corridor more supporting the development of low- hydrogen fuel production, third- ambition, investment, and regula- why are car companies allowed polluting on a per passenger basis carbon urban transit infrastructure, generation biofuels, etc., there is tory action within the transport to produce and sell conventional than flying, but even within the in part by supporting the procure- tremendous potential for Canada sector specifically. gas-burning vehicles in the first corridor VIA Rail’s environmental ment of electric buses and urban to be a global leader in provision- True, the government has en- place, when hybrid and fully performance is orders of magni- rail projects. However, policy-mak- ing these supply chains. But gov- acted some tools to help manage electric models offer perfectly tude worse than the international ers must recognize just how signifi- ernment has a crucial role to play emissions growth in the transport suitable alternatives? The federal average rail emissions factors. cant the COVID-19 pandemic has in helping to get from the R&D sector—perhaps the most promis- government is currently aim- Meanwhile, long distance coach been in terms of decimating urban phase to manufacturing. Electric ing of these is the proposed clean ing for only 10 per cent of the bus services have been decimated transit operators. Like intercity vehicle batteries offer a poignant fuel standard, which is supposed light-duty vehicle sales per year in recent years, and plummet- coach services, urban transit example: a hodgepodge of small to be rolled out before the end of to be electric by 2025. While ing demand as a result of the “is in grave danger of entering a targeted investments hasn’t result- this year, and requires fuel suppli- other jurisdictions like Califor- COVID-19 pandemic has placed death spiral” in Canada (as Marco ed in any new industrial capacity, ers to reduce the emissions inten- nia or Norway have already met this sub-sector on life support. In D’Angelo of the Canadian Urban leaving experts to demand “bold sity of the fuels they sell. Yet these that threshold and implemented short, the situation is critical, as Transit Association recently put and comprehensive action” from tools, while helpful, amount to zero-emissions vehicle mandates, there is almost no way to travel it). If the climate emergency is to the federal government. far too little as they remain mired Canada is wasting precious time between urban areas in Canada be addressed within the transport Canada is rolling towards by incrementalism and place too and cowing to pressure from the without generating a very large sector, the government will have to low carbon transport at a snail’s much faith in the power of market auto sector to delay ambitious carbon footprint. Governments redouble its financial commitments pace. The incremental and mostly forces. Here are four main areas action. Readers may recall that ought to intervene and invest in to urban transit—there is simply no market-based mechanisms intro- where the government needs to the government of Canada bailed supporting low-carbon options way around this. The post-COVID duced thus far have yet to show step up in a way that comple- out the auto sector to the tune of for long distance travel, whether recovery is the perfect opportunity dividends. If the Government of ments the clean fuel standard and billions of dollars in 2008; it then it’s supporting the development to make those ambitious invest- Canada truly believes that climate carbon taxes through additional wrote off much of the outstanding of alternative low-carbon fuels, ments, which tend to pay dividends change present a genuine emer- regulations and investments: loans a decade later—why does it buying new rolling stock and in the long run, through a long list gency—and there’s good reason Place mandatory zero-emis- not seek to use that as leverage to improving VIA’s access to rail of social, economic, and environ- to believe so—then it needs to sion vehicle production targets make more ambitious demands infrastructure, or supporting re- mental benefits. step up ambition and put the on big auto. First off, it is time for from vehicle producers? gional projects aiming to connect Develop manufacturing capac- pedal to the metal. Canada to take a more aggressive Develop a strategy for long- Canada’s largest cities with both ity in low-carbon transport supply Ryan Katz-Rosene is an assis- regulatory approach to the big distance transport. Canada is a proven and experimental low- chains. The Canadian government tant professor at the University car companies. One of the main big country, and right now there carbon transport technologies. could be doing much more to of Ottawa’s School of Political drivers of transport emissions are very few options for low-car- Make low-carbon urban transit facilitate the transition from R&D Studies, and the president of the growth in Canada is an increas- bon transport for long-distance part of the COVID-recovery. In late in nascent low-carbon industries Environmental Studies Associa- ing number of light-duty passen- intercity travel. Not only are 2019, the newly formed Trudeau through to actual manufacturing. tion of Canada. ger trucks. But we need to ask, if long-distance trains outside of the government took a step forward in Be it in batteries, ‘green’ or ‘blue’ The Hill Times 26 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Liberal MPs expect Biden to revive ‘mature, working relationship’ with Canada after four years of ‘chaotic’ Trump

est and weak,” and said the U.S. Once the Biden would not endorse a G7 commu- niqué. administration takes Meanwhile, Mr. McKay said over in January, the that once the new administra- tion takes over, the regular regular channels of channels of communications between the two countries communications would open up and trade irri- tants would be resolved through between Canada proper negotiations. “I would imagine that once and the U.S. are Biden settles into the White expected to open up House, secretaries [cabinet ministers] are all briefed up and and trade irritants to that the restoration of channels of communication will be priority be resolved through No. 1, and the channels will look much more normal than what has proper negotiations. happened in the last four years,” said Mr. McKay. “So a classic Also, Grit MPs U.S. President Donald Trump, left, has refused to accept that U.S. president-elect Joe Biden, right, won the election on example of the on-again tariffs say they expect Nov. 7, but a number of world leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have already congratulated Mr. Biden on on steel and aluminum and off- his election win. Allan Lichtman, a distinguished professor of history at the American University in Washington, D.C., told again, and then threats to be back disagreements to The Hill Times that Mr. Trump's unprecedented refusal to accept the results is creating uncertainly about U.S. relations on and off again; I don’t expect with international leaders. The Hill Times photographs Andrew Meade and photograph courtesy of the White House the Biden administration to resort be worked out ‘like to the security exemption in order vote on Nov. 7, Mr. Trump, in an have died and more continue to Canada was about to announce to be able to willy-nilly impose civilized people.’ unprecedented move, has refused die from COVID-19 and as the na- its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. tariffs. So, it doesn’t mean that to concede and has been mak- tional and international economic exports to Canada. you won’t have softwood lumber Continued from page 1 ing baseless claims about vote downturn continues to damage Since Mr. Trump became disputes, doesn’t mean that there rigging without providing any economies around the world. As president, the Trudeau govern- won’t be border issues. It just The Hill Times. “It’ll be a return evidence. His campaign has also of Thursday, Nov. 12, there were ment has been careful to not means that people will act like to something closer to a mature taken the allegations of voter 10.5 million confirmed cases of say anything that would annoy adults.” relationship.” fraud to courts. coronavirus in the U.S., the high- him, fearing that if anyone in his Eight-term Liberal MP Judy est in the world. government did, then Mr. Trump Sgro (Humber River-Black Creek, “The problems become much could retaliate with trade tariffs Ont.) said that Mr. Biden’s election more severe the longer this goes,” or do something that would strain as president means more stability Max Stier, president of the non- the relationship between the two in the government compared to partisan Partnership for Public countries. Even during the recent- the “chaotic” style of governance Service, which assists on presi- ly concluded presidential election of Mr. Trump. She said over the dential transitions, including the campaign, the Liberals made sure last four years it was always a current one, told The Washington not to say anything about the concern for people to anticipate Post, last week. “Our government campaign as there was always a what the president would do if he is the biggest and most complex possibility that Mr. Trump might did not like something or what he organization, not only in this get upset. would do on any given issue, as country, but probably in the world and probably in history. So, taking Liberal MP it over effectively is a huge task.” John McKay, It’s unclear how an orderly chair of the transfer of power from the Trump powerful House to the Biden administration will Public Safety take place if the incumbent re- and National fuses to accept the results. Security Since running for the Republi- Committee, told can Party candidacy for the 2016 The Hill Times: presidential election, Mr. Trump ‘I think that we has been blasting a number of will replace a Liberal MP Wayne Easter, pictured left in this file photo with U.S. Iowa countries, including Canada, for chaotic regime Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, who is today the longest serving Republican taking advantage of the U.S. on with a working in the Senate and who last week joined the call for U.S. president-elect Joe Biden trade issues. Even before becom- partnership to receive daily intelligence briefings. The Trump administration is refusing to ing president in 2016, Mr. Trump where there acknowledge Mr. Biden won the election. Photograph courtesy of Twitter vowed that should he win the will be election, his administration would disagreements, With Mr. Biden’s win in the Mr. Trump has ordered his renegotiate the North American but, like Nov. 3 presidential election, the officials not to cooperate with the Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). civilized people, tumultuous Trump era—marred Biden transition team, including After Mr. Trump came to power, disagreements with domestic and international refusing to provide intelligence Canada, U.S., and Mexico pro- will be worked controversies—will officially briefings to the U.S. president- duced the new United States-Mex- out.’ The draw to a close on Jan. 20, 2021, elect, refusing to release the funds ico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Hill Times when the new president will take necessary for the transition pro- that came into effect this summer. photograph by the oath of office. As of deadline cess, refusing to provide a secure Throughout the four years of his Andrew Meade last week, three states—Ari- telephone line for Mr. Biden to government, Mr. Trump threatened zona, Georgia and North Caro- talk to international leaders, and to impose tariffs on Canadian lina—were still too close to call. refusing to release international exports to the U.S., and citing After the 2018 G7 meeting in his opinions changed frequently. But Mr. Biden has already met congratulatory messages to Mr. national security reasons, imposed Charlevoix, Que., Prime Minister Ms. Sgro said that stability is criti- the threshold of winning 270 Biden. After the election, Mr. Trump hefty tariffs on the Canadian alu- Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) cal in any bilateral relationship, electoral college votes needed to asked the U.S. Justice Department minium and steel in 2018, which was specifically on the receiving especially between Canada and win the U.S. presidency. How- to find evidence of voter fraud. were lifted in 2019. In August, end of a personal insult from Mr. ever, despite being declared All this is happening as more the U.S. again imposed levies but Trump when on Twitter, he called Continued on page 27 the winner four days after the than 242,000 people in the U.S. backed off a few weeks later, as the prime minister “very dishon- THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 27 News Drive-in rallies and scrapping platform announcements? What Canadian campaigns can learn from the U.S. election

‘I can’t think of an election where your advanced polls [are] going to be so integral Liberal MP Judy Sgro said U.S. president-elect Joe Biden will be a ‘calm and to your ultimate result steady hand,’ and she criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for not accepting the election result, which she said is detrimental for democracy. The Hill Times as the next one,’ said photograph by Steve Gerecke John Delacourt. Senate will be or who will be Continued from page 26 in president-elect Biden’s new Continued from page 1 the U.S., which was missing under administration. Also, he said, the Mr. Trump. She added that, unlike pandemic has overshadowed ev- Donald Trump in an election that the outgoing president, the incom- erything and the first priority of was held Nov. 3, but in reality ing president will bring American the new administration will be began weeks earlier, when voters people together and not divide to bring this spread of the virus began mailing in early ballots by them. under control. Mr. Easter said he the millions. Some ballots are still “It’s always been challenging does not know when the mem- being counted, and Mr. Trump dealing with President Trump,” said bers of the Interparliamentary has refused to concede, but Ms. Sgro, a former cabinet minister Group will hold their first meet- major U.S. news agencies are all Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump, left, was defeated by Democratic in the Paul Martin government. ing, but said it will be held once projecting a victory for Mr. Biden, challenger Joe Biden on Nov. 7, 2020, in this month’s U.S. election, after “And so I think now having Presi- the results of the Senate are fi- with the associated press report- the two ran campaigns with very different messages about the severity of the dent Biden at the helm, he’s a calm, nalized, the new administration ing on Nov. 7 that he had won 290 COVID-19 pandemic. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons steady hand. And it’ll be a salvation takes over, and the COVID-19 electoral college votes, 20 more for the United States, the people of comes under control. than is needed for victory. Former Liberal strategist John going to be so integral to your the United States, to have some- “I don’t think you’ll see much Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump Delacourt, who ran now-public ultimate result as the next one,” body that rather than incite them happen on that side [interparlia- campaigned for the presidency safety minister Bill Blair’s (Scar- he said. looks to try to bring them along in mentary meetings] until we get while the COVID-19 pandemic borough Southwest, Ont.) 2015 Mr. Delacourt and Mr. Reyn- a peaceful way.” out of COVID,” said Mr. Eas- ravaged the United States. In election campaign, said the big olds both said they did not expect Ms. Sgro said that the current ter. “The bottom line is that both Canada, the second wave of the parties are likely thinking about the discrepancy in the use of scenario where the incumbent our countries’ wealth and pros- pandemic is continuing to grow, it already. mail-in ballots between Demo- president has lost the election, perity is at stake, in terms of what and an unstable minority national “It may be too early to say, but crats and Republicans to carry but is not accepting the outcome, we can do together to make North Parliament could trigger a federal given the curve of the pandemic, I over to Canada’s right and left- is detrimental for democracy. She America competitive with the rest election campaign on this side of would think that all parties are seri- leaning parties. said this approach undermines of the world.” the border before it subsides. ously weighing this option,” he said. “I think the reasons Democrats the credibility of institutions in Allan Lichtman, a distin- Mr. Trump held more than 300 Door-to-door canvassing did it and Republicans didn’t is the eyes of the worldwide popula- guished professor of history public rallies during his cam- during a pandemic would be a that they were just smarter,” said tion. This situation is especially at the American University in paign, packing tens of thousands challenge, but not impossible, Mr. Reynolds. alarming because of the deadly Washington, D.C., who has cor- of people at times into close said Mr. Sears. Campaigns should pandemic which is wreaking rectly predicted the outcome quarters, contrary to the advice develop a plan to knock on doors ‘The platform is written havoc on the health and economic of all 10 presidential elections of public health officials around that won’t make voters uncom- well-being of people in the U.S., months before the election day, the world who have warned that fortable—for example, secur- for the convention’ and around the world, Ms. Sgro beginning in 1984, told The Hill large gatherings are spreading ing phone numbers and texting The simple communica- said. To deal with this deadly Times that it’s unprecedented for the virus quickly. ahead of time for permission to tion strategy employed by Mr. virus, everyone needs to come to- a U.S. president to refuse to ac- Canada’s federal political come knocking, wearing masks, Biden and Mr. Trump during the gether, accept the election results cept the results of an election. As parties are unlikely to imitate Mr. and staying a safe distance away, campaign is another lesson for and let the new administration a consequence, Mr. Biden is not Trump’s campaign rallies during he said. the managers of the next federal come up with an effective strat- receiving the support from the a pandemic, said Robin Sears, a Mr. Biden’s victory was ce- campaign in Canada, said Mr. egy to deal with the pandemic, administration in the transition lobbyist at Earnscliffe Strategy mented by his large edge among Sears. she said. process, which means he will not Group in Ottawa who has run voters who mailed in their ballots “Biden basically gave the very “Democracy is democracy, be properly prepared like other four national campaigns for the in swing states like Pennsylvania. same speech for a great number democracy has spoken,” said presidents when he comes to the NDP. Getting out the vote early, by of days, and Trump did his sort of Ms. Sgro. “And we need to move office officially. Prof. Lichtman Canada’s parties may, how- mail or through advanced polls, rant, with different components forward, we’ve got a pandemic said this unprecedented response ever, copy Mr. Biden’s drive-in will likely be crucial for Canadian in different orders, but there was to deal with. And that pandemic is creating uncertainly about rallies if the pandemic has not federal parties if the pandemic very little reference to policy out is affecting Canadians as well; U.S. relations with international subsided during the next cam- is still a threat when the next of the mouths of the candidates affecting our ability to travel, leaders. paign, he said. election campaign is underway, on the road,” said Mr. Sears. the business [sector], the travel “We don’t have kings and Mr. Biden took to stages to and Canadians look for a way to Canadian campaigns have in sector is hurting. If they care queens. We don’t have that many speak to crowds of a few hundred avoid the election-day crowds, the recent years tried harder to shape about the economy, then every- rituals, but [we do have] the people at a time, all of whom strategists said. the media narrative with a new body needs to come together, peaceful transfer of power, the stayed inside their parked cars, a “People could look at the next policy announcement each day, wear their masks and follow the concession by the losing can- safe distance from one another. election and say, ‘hey, we’d better he said. leadership of President Biden at didate, the gracious concession The smaller rallies were less do a massive get-out-the-vote in Mr. Sears said it is “arrogant” this point.” speech, and the orderly transi- risky, but could not accommodate advance for people who may or for campaigns to assume that Eight-term Liberal MP Wayne tion is one of the most crucial nearly as many supporters. may not be able to get there.’ You they can convince the press to Easter (Malpeque, P.E.I.), chair democratic traditions in the Drive-in rallies would be could win an election on that,” bend their coverage each day to of the Canada-U.S. Interpar- United States,” said Prof. Licht- the “conventional response” to said Mr. Reynolds. reflect the policy issue that the liamentary Group, said there man. “And not only does Donald the pandemic by every party in To win the mail-in and ad- campaign has chosen to high- will be significant differences Trump’s direct attack on our Canada, said Mr. Sears. vanced polling battle, local cam- light. between the substance and style democracy, but his failure to John Reynolds, a former Re- paign teams will need to be able “I’m not sure that makes as of the outgoing and incoming adhere to the normal processes form and Conservative Party MP to contact supportive voters and much sense as repeated ham- presidents. But, he said, it will of transition also undermine who served as the co-chair for “walk them through the process” mering home—with different take six months to a year to get faith in American democracy, as former prime minister Stephen of voting early, said Mr. Dela- anecdotes or stories to underpin a good understanding of what well as weaken the ability of the Harper’s successful 2006 election court. If they don’t, voters could it—what your message is.” the new administration means incoming Biden administration campaign, agreed that drive-in be too confused to vote early, and “The platform is written for for Canada. The reason, he to govern.” rallies would be a “good idea” for too scared to vote on election day. the convention,” said Mr. Sears. explained, is it’s unclear what [email protected] Canadian parties during a mid- “I can’t think of an election [email protected] the final makeup of the U.S. The Hill Times pandemic election. where your advanced polls [are] The Hill Times 28 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News ‘A national emergency requires a coordinated, national plan’: politicos, pollsters and top docs increase calls for coordinated federal- provincial-municipal response to COVID-19

authorities made the move to limit social ‘You don’t have a lot of lead contacts to only those in your household, discouraging non-essential travel, and time—this is our lead time limiting capacity in grocery stores and pharmacies to 25 per cent capacity. to prepare and to recognize Modelling released by Ontario’s science that things are not going table on Nov. 12 shows that the province could see more than 6,000 new cases of CO- well,’ said medical director VID-19 by the middle of December, news that came on the same day Ontario reported 1,575 of infection prevention new cases. 1,396 new cases were reported on Nov. 13. As of press deadline, Ontario Premier and control at Toronto’s Doug Ford’s cabinet was scheduled to meet University Health Network with the province’s top public health official Dr. David Williams to hear his recommenda- Dr. Susy Hota, six weeks out tions for next steps. NDP MP and his party’s health critic Don Davies And in Quebec, 1,365 new cases were Sara MacIntyre, pictured Dec. 11, 2019, with from the holiday season. says he thinks it’s ‘fully time to embrace and reported on Nov. 12, prompting Premier Kory Teneycke. The Hill Times photograph by apply’ the ‘precautionary principle’ when it comes François Legault to indicate that the prov- Andrew Meade to the pandemic, and that the federal government ince is considering shutting down schools Continued from page 1 should be telling Canadians that coming together to get a better handle on the outbreak. can become out of control very quickly. for the holiday season is ‘not a good idea.’ The pandemic will have on holiday planning— “You don’t have a lot of lead time—this is Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade messaging that should come from Prime our lead time to prepare and to recognize that Minister Justin Trudeau—with Green Party things are not going well,” said Dr. Hota in an Leader Annamie Paul calling for the estab- interview with The Hill Times following interview with The Hill Times on Nov. 12. lishment of an intergovernmental task force her call on Nov. 12 for the creation of an “In the GTA area, there are already during a national emergency that requires a intergovernmental COVID-19 task force of hospitals that are facing problems and “coordinated, national plan.” federal, provincial and city health officials higher volumes of patients coming, and the “To me, the ideal responsible party on Twitter. “What we’re doing now clearly system does not have a lot of cushion,” said for that [messaging] would be the federal is not working, it is sending mixed mes- Dr. Hota. “I think that with that trajectory, government,” said Mr. Davies (Vancouver sages, it is confusing people.” the only thing that will stop it is aggressive Kingsway, B.C.), who noted that one of the “Every day, people have multiple restrictions at this point.” major lessons of Canada’s experience with sources of information that they need to Despite ongoing restrictions, the Peel SARS more than 15 years ago is that gov- go to in order to try to get a clear picture and Toronto regions are among the major ernments should look closely at adopting of what they are being asked to do and to drivers of COVID-19 case count increases the “precautionary principle.” not do, and so this is exactly what national in the province. “That was the considered, studied, governments were created for,” said Ms. “If that’s not working, it’s not enough,” strong message that came out of a bad Paul, who also said “this is not a question said Dr. Hota. “It means that people aren’t experience,” said Mr. Davies. “Here we are, of anyone imposing their will “or riding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Nov. actually following it or it’s just at that point barely six weeks away from the holiday roughshod over any other jurisdiction.” 13, 2020, is facing political pressure to in turn of the curve of exponential increase that season, and policy-makers have a decision “It’s a question of showing the leader- put more pressure on the provinces to do more it’s not limiting contact enough.” to make—do they want to apply the pre- ship to bring all of the actors together, all to decrease the COVID infections. The Hill Times Dr. Hota said modelling exercises done cautionary principle and take a cautious of the stakeholders, to create a national photograph by Andrew Meade within the province “have been pretty spot on.” approach or do they just want to wing it strategy so people in Canada can see that “And I would say if anything, they’re a governments are speaking with one coordi- bit conservative,” said Dr. Hota. “It’s always and see what happens.” “We see that the second wave is very nated voice with coordinated messaging on harder to stop it, the steeper the curve is. “To me, I think it’s time to fully embrace strong elsewhere in the world—right now, the pandemic.” The steeper the slope, the harder it’s going and apply that very important principle, so it’s much less strong here than in the Unit- British Columbia surpassed 20,000 cases to be to actually bring it down and the that would mean a clear, consistent mes- ed States and Europe—and that’s because on Nov. 12, with new daily case counts dou- quicker we’re going to get overwhelmed, sage right now to err on the side of caution of all your efforts, so I would like to thank bling every 13 days, according to provincial and nobody wants to see the situation that for the upcoming holiday season,” said Mr. all Quebecers for this,” said Mr. Legault. health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. we’re continuing to hear about in Europe Davies. “We can see what’s coming on the “But we have to be very careful—it’s the Alberta reported over 850 cases on Nov. horizon—this is certainly one of the pre- same virus, and we see that our numbers 12, prompting the province to restrict rec- eminent times of year where people gather are starting to increase—we need to pro- reational sports, bars and licensed restau- and come together—and you have to ask tect our health system and we need to do rants in a bid to get through what Premier yourself this question on Nov. 12, is that a that in order to be able to treat everyone Jason Kenney called a “dangerous juncture” good idea? And I would say that it’s very and save lives.” for the province. clear right now that it’s not a good idea “The next few weeks will be difficult,” Following a letter from more than 300 and we should be telling Canadians and said Mr. Legault. preparing them now.” doctors in Saskatchewan calling for fur- “And I think that should come from the ther steps to battle COVID-19, the province prime minister,” said Mr. Davies. reported 111 new cases of the virus on Nov. 12, bringing the total to just over 4,400. ‘There’s just too many hotspots’ Ms. Paul said “this is a national emer- Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an expert in infec- Manitoba moved into “code red” gency, and a national emergency requires a tious disease at the University of Toronto, province-wide restrictions on Nov. 12, as coordinated, national plan,” in a follow-up said he thinks its completely unrealistic at this point to expect that Christmas, Han- Green Party nukah, New Year’s, and Diwali celebrations Leader are going to be remotely close to what we Annamie remember them to be before COVID-19. Paul says “The cases in most of the country are ‘what we’re too high for any public health unit to doing now greenlight large family gatherings and Dr. Susy Hota, medical director of infection clearly is travel to large family gatherings,” said prevention and control at Toronto’s University not working, Dr. Bogoch. “It’s not just restricted to Health Network, says she thinks COVID-19 it is sending hotspots—there’s just too many hotspots.” modelling in Ontario ‘has been pretty spot on.’ mixed “I think that message needs to be [com- Photograph courtesy of Twitter messages, municated] now, because clearly people it is need to be aware that that’s going to be the and different parts of the world of an over- confusing expectation, and that it’s unlikely, if not whelmed system.” people.’ The close to impossible, that we’ll be able to get “It’s too fragile to do that,” said Dr. Hota. Hill Times cases to such a low level where that can be “I think the messaging should happen before photograph conducted safely,” said Dr. Bogoch. this whole concept is allowed to fester—you’ll by Andrew Dr. Susy Hota, who is the medical direc- get a lot of anger and lack of faith in the sys- Meade tor of infection prevention and control at tem and in our leaders if we let it fester.” Toronto’s University Health Network, said the challenge with the rising case numbers Continued on page 29 amidst the pandemic is that the situation THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 29 News ‘A national emergency requires a coordinated, national plan’: politicos, pollsters and top docs increase calls for coordinated federal- provincial-municipal response to COVID-19

certainty, whether it’s good or bad news, so as well as they think about the health of Continued from page 28 they can move forward with their lives and their economy and that’s why I’m confident can plan. That could include having a differ- we’re going to be able to continue to work ent type of Christmas. But dangling them on together well and do the right things.” Canadians ‘want to hear a message a rope until the last minute is not a sure-fire In an interview with Global News Radio of calm and peace and leadership’ way to create confidence that our leaders on Nov. 13, Mr. Trudeau said Christmas People are feeling vulnerable and are in control of the situation.” “depends on what people do right now. scared, said Sara MacIntyre, who worked Mr. Nanos said that if there was ever We’re seeing those numbers spike in the as former prime minister Stephen Harper’s a time for the federal government to use wrong direction and if people act now, we press secretary from August 2009 to Febru- it’s convening power to bring the premiers can stop that.” ary 2012. together and “hammer out a plan for the “It’s going to get a little worse, at the “They’re tired of being told what to do next year, for the next pandemic, whenever very least, before it gets better,” said Mr. and what not to do, they’re missing human it will happen,” that time is now. Trudeau. “But then it can start trending bet- contact and socialization, they’re uncertain “Canadians are not experts—what they Pollster Frank Graves from EKOS Research has ter pretty quickly after that in the coming about their jobs, their future, their country, need to know is that governments are been following the numbers and the medical weeks. But it means that people need to doing everything research closely since the outset of the pandemic, realize: now is the time to act,” according to Canada’s they can possibly and said he thought there is a tendency for Global News. Chief do, and they need the public to misunderstand the severity of the [email protected] Public to know that there problem. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade The Hill Times Health is a plan, but right Office now it seems like Theresa it’s week-to-week, Tam, where Canadians Coronavirus cases worldwide, top 40 pictured in different prov- Nov. 6, inces might not countries: source Worldometer, Nov. 12, 2020 2020, at know what’s open that day’s and what might Country Total Cases New Cases Total Deaths New Deaths Total Recovered press be closed, and conference whether closures or USA 10,749,383 +40,655 247,681 +283 6,658,115 on the a stricter lockdown India 8,723,270 +39,231 128,559 +394 8,105,400 Hill. The are going to be Hill Times encouraged, and I Brazil 5,751,485 +2,478 163,492 +86 5,064,344 photograph think that’s a recipe France 1,865,538 42,535 133,696 by Andrew for creating a very Meade disgruntled and dis- Russia 1,858,568 +21,608 32,032 +439 1,388,168 satisfied electorate,” Spain 1,484,868 +19,511 40,461 +356 N/A said Mr. Nanos. Pollster Frank UK 1,290,195 +33,470 50,365 N/A Graves from EKOS Argentina 1,273,356 34,531 1,081,897 Research has been following the Colombia 1,165,326 33,312 1,070,423 numbers and the Italy 1,066,401 +37,978 43,589 +636 387,758 their neighbours, their trading partners, and medical research closely since the outset of Mexico 986,177 +7,646 96,430 +588 731,468 they want to hear a message of calm and the pandemic, and said he thought there is peace and leadership,” said Ms. MacIntyre. a tendency for the public to misunderstand Peru 928,006 35,031 853,208 “That’s key for Christmas, for Hannukah, the severity of the problem. South Africa 742,394 20,011 686,458 for Kwanzaa, and for every spiritual human “Human minds don’t normally work being right now, is to hear a message of with notions of exponential growth, they Germany 739,686 +13,510 12,182 +100 467,800 peace and that it’s going to be okay.” work with linear growth,” said Mr. Graves. “It may not be right now, but if we do “Secondly, they don’t really understand Iran 726,585 +11,517 40,121 +457 541,566 the work—which is why I think it was that the effects from the stage of testing to Poland 641,496 +22,683 9,080 +275 254,349 smart for Ottawa, Peel and Toronto to hospitalization to morbidities and mortali- do a 28-day continuance of a lockdown, ties are all lagged, and they tend to look at Chile 526,438 +1,634 14,699 +66 502,475 because by the time that’s lifted, we’ll things in the present frame.” Belgium 515,391 +7,916 13,758 +197 31,130 have gone through two 14 day cycles—and “And [people] are concerned—our maybe you’ll be able to see your niece and research suggests that the highest numbers Iraq 511,806 +3,298 11,532 +50 439,228 nephew.” think the worst is still ahead of us,” said Mr. Ukraine 500,865 +11,057 9,145 +198 227,694 Nik Nanos, chief data scientist and Graves, which was a sharp reversal from founder of Nanos Research, said he thinks early March when people thought it would Indonesia 452,291 +4,173 14,933 +97 382,084 what Canadians want to hear is that the be over within three to six months. Czechia 443,113 +4,308 5,708 +138 285,957 federal and provincial governments are Mr. Graves said his sense was that there Netherlands 430,453 +5,634 8,304 +89 N/A working together. needs to a “blunter message” around the “They need to see it, they need to come notion that we’re looking at 20 or 30,000 Bangladesh 427,198 +1,845 6,140 +13 344,868 up with a common message and a com- deaths in the next two months, many of Turkey 404,894 +2,841 11,233 +88 346,794 mon concerted national approach to this,” which could be avoided with safe behaviour said Mr. Nanos. “Canadians basically want and includes a holiday season not spent Philippines 402,820 +1,407 7,721 +11 362,417 with people outside of your household. “It’s an awful message, but guess what, Saudi Arabia 352,160 +311 5,605 +15 339,114 there’s a lot of lives to be saved and here’s Pakistan 349,992 +1,808 7,055 +34 320,849 what else: by Easter we should be good Romania 334,236 +10,142 8,510 +121 224,916 to go if everyone behaves and the vaccine arrives, as it will,” said Mr. Graves. “We Israel 321,684 +358 2,700 310,605 should be out of the woods and see this Canada 280,001 +2,940 10,745 +60 224,960 monster in the rear-view mirror—not en- tirely, but really disappearing at that time.” Morocco 276,821 +6,195 4,570 +64 226,040 On Nov. 10, when asked about the emer- Switzerland 250,396 +6,924 3,168 +55 141,000 gencies act by a reporter during a press conference in Ottawa, Prime Minister Jus- Nepal 204,242 +1,913 1,189 +15 164,592 tin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) said the issue Portugal 198,011 +5,839 3,181 +78 113,689 has come up a number of times in multiple conversations with First Ministers, and Austria 181,642 +9,262 1,608 +44 107,875 that “he’s continued to reassure them that I Ecuador 177,513 +883 12,946 +26 154,956 Nik Nanos, chief data scientist and founder of don’t see it as being necessary right now.” Nanos Research, said he thinks what Canadians “I know that all Canadians are united Sweden 171,365 6,122 +10 N/A want to hear is that the federal and provincial in wanting to fight this pandemic,” said UAE 146,735 +1,136 523 +3 141,215 governments are working together. The Hill Mr. Trudeau. “I know that all premiers are Times photograph by Jake Wright thinking about the health of their citizens Bolivia 142,776 +112 8,818 +10 115,718 30 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

in the Quebec Government Office in Wash- ington, D.C., and spent two years prior to that working in its office in New York as a director of its accelerated growth centre. He’s also worked in the Quebec govern- hill climbers ment’s offices in Paris, France, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is a former spokesperson and senior adviser to Michaëlle Jean as by Laura Ryckewaert then-secretary general of La Francophonie in Paris, among other things. Mr. Champagne bade Mr. Hamann farewell on Twitter on Oct. 23, writing that his “expertise, humour and dedication have Champagne hires left their indelible mark.” His replacement, Mr. Landry, is a former CBC correspondent and has spent the last year running Mr. Wilkinson’s communica- tions shop. PMO issues adviser Sabrina Kim has stepped new comms director Mr. Landry’s career as a political in as acting communications director to Mr. staffer began at the end of 2018, when he Wilkinson. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn was hired as director of communications to then-tourism, official languages, and environment minister, starting in May 2018 from environment La Francophonie minister Mélanie Joly. as a special assistant for issues manage- Before then, he’d spent a little more than ment and Ontario regional affairs to then- three years as communications lead for the minister Catherine McKenna. She was Canadian Olympic Committee. promoted to press secretary to the minister minister’s team in January 2019. Ricky Landry She’s been busy as an issues manage- is now ment adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office communications since the beginning of this year, taking director to the leave from that post to fill in for her old minister of boss. foreign affairs. In Mr. Wilkinson’s office, she’ll be Photograph working closely with the minister’s press courtesy of secretary, Moira Kelly and senior commu- LinkedIn nications adviser Jocelyn Lubczuk. Along with Ms. Kim, another familiar

Marjory Loveys is back in the environment minister’s office as a policy Prior to his work with the COC, Mr. adviser. Landry spent almost two decades work- Photograph ing for the CBC/Radio-Canada, starting courtesy of Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured left on Sept. 14, and Environment and in 1998, according to his LinkedIn profile. Twitter Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, pictured on Feb. 24. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade Over the years, he was a regional reporter in Vancouver, Fredericton, and Louis Hamann recently Charlottetown, and later a TV cor- respondent in Moncton, Halifax, exited his role as director of and London, Ont. He also spent a year starting in September 2011 communications to Foreign as a freelance correspondent for Affairs Minister François- the broadcaster based in London, face has returned to the environment min- U.K., during which time he cov- ister’s office: Marjory Loveys, who’s back Philippe Champagne. ered the 2012 London Olympics. as a policy adviser after a year away. Daniel Lauzon is chief of staff A longtime staffer, Ms. Loveys previ- oreign Affairs Minister François- to Mr. Champagne. Also tackling ously worked in the office under Ms. McK- FPhilippe Champagne has a new director communications work in the for- enna for two years starting in the fall of of communications in his office, having eign affairs minister’s office right 2017. First joining as an interim director of recently scooped up Ricky Landry from now are Syrine Khoury as press policy and Indigenous affairs (while Jesse Environment and Climate Change Minister secretary and Marianne Blondin McCormick, who’s now director of rights Jonathan Wilkinson’s office. as a special assistant for social implementation to Justice Minister David Mr. Landry marked his first day on Mr. media. Lametti, was on paternity leave), she later Champagne’s team on Nov. 11 and replaces With Mr. Landry’s exit, Sabrina stayed on as a senior adviser. Louis Hamann, who has left the minister’s Kim has returned to the environ- Ms. Loveys was a ministerial staffer on office. ment minister’s office to fill in as the Hill during Pierre Trudeau’s second Mr. Hamann had been director of com- acting director of communications term, and later spent a decade as a senior munications to Mr. Champagne for just to Mr. Wilkinson as of this week. adviser for economic development to under a year, having started in the role in Ms. Kim previously spent then-prime minister Jean Chrétien from February. Before then, he’d been a director almost two years working for the 1993 to 2003. Along with past work in the private sector, she’s twice run (ultimately unsuccessfully) as the Liberal candidate in the former riding of Leeds-Grenville, Ont., going up against the late Conservative MP Gord Brown in 2008 and 2011. She’s also a former board member for the Canadian Institute of Environmental Law and Policy, amongst other experience. Leading policy work in Mr. Wilkinson’s office are Jamie MacDonald as director of nature conservation and Erin Flanagan as director of climate, energy, and regula- tory affairs. Their team includes: Randi Anderson, senior policy adviser and lead We provide full service corporate, Indigenous liaison; Matthew Geraci, policy and Ontario regional affairs adviser; government and social catering in Kurtis Layden, policy and parliamentary the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region. affairs adviser; Conor MacNeil, policy and Atlantic regional affairs adviser; and Fiona Reserve your next event today! Simons, policy and B.C. regional affairs adviser. Providing great food, staff and party planning since 1984! Marlo Raynolds continues as chief of BASTIENPRIZANTOPTOMETRY.COM staff to the environment minister. [email protected] www.goodiescatering.com • 613-741-5643 • [email protected] 613.236.6066 • [email protected] The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 31 Parliamentary Calendar

Vacation; and Maria Reva for Good Citizens MONDAY, NOV. 16 Need Not Fear. Watch the premiere or view House Sitting—The House of Commons House and Senate back this week the show afterwards at your convenience on is sitting in a hybrid format right now dur- Facebook, YouTube and Twitter writerstrust. ing the pandemic, with most MPs connect- com/WTAwards ing remotely. The House is scheduled to sit What’s Canada’s Climate Plan?—The Uni- every weekday from Nov. 16-Dec. 11, and in last legislative push for 2020 versity of Toronto presents the Douglas Pimlott that’s it for 2020. Memorial Lecture on “What’s Canada’s Climate Senate Sitting—The Senate has ap- Plan? Fairness, Safety, Justice, and Resiliency proved a plan for hybrid sittings during Government in a World on Fire.” Dr. Tzeporah Berman will the pandemic to allow Senators to connect House explore the social policy implications of climate remotely. The Senate is scheduled to sit Leader change and fossil fuel conflicts in Canada. Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 24-26. Nov. 16, 20, Pablo Berman is a professor at York University, 23, 27, and 30 are all possible sitting days Rodriguez, international program director at Stand.earth, for the remainder of the month. and chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation pictured Treaty Committee. Wednesday, Nov. 18, from Moyra Davey: The Faithful—National Gallery Nov. 5, of Canada host this new exhibition, Moyra 4-6 p.m. Register via Eventbrite. Davey: The Faithful, featuring the work of one 2020, Book Launch—McGill University hosts of Canada’s most innovative conceptual artists, waving to the launch of Dr. Paul W. Bennett’s new on now until Jan. 3, 2021. National Gallery of a security book, The State of the System: A Reality Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. This new ex- guard as Check on Canada’s Schools, exploring the hibition features 54 photographs and 6 films he walks to nature of the Canadian education order in by Davey, along with more than a dozen works all its dimensions. Daniel Béland, director the West of the McGill Institute for the Study of from the Gallery collection. Developed by the Block on a artist and curator Andrea Kunard, the exhibi- Canada, will speak with Bennett about the tion explores the artist’s trajectory from early beautiful, book. Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 5-6:30 images of family and friends, through portraits sunny day p.m. Registration required, at mcgill.ca. of the detritus of everyday life, her mailed in Ottawa. Security of Research in Canadian Univer- photographs, and films examining the work of The Hill sities—The University of Saskatchewan and authors, philosophers and artists. https://www. Times the Canadian Security Intelligence Service gallery.ca/whats-on/exhibitions-and-galleries/ (CSIS) host a public talk on “Security of photograph Research in Canadian Universities” with moyra-davey-the-faithful by Andrew Equal Voice National Campaign School— Tricia Geddes, deputy director of policy and Equal Voice hosts its first online National Meade strategic partnerships at CSIS. She will Campaign School, designed to equip wom- focus on CSIS’s efforts during the past few en and gender-diverse individuals with the months to work with medical and scientific skills, knowledge, and resources they need researchers across the country to sensitize to run for political office in Canada. The Association of Canada hosts a virtual week Tuesday, Nov. 17, at noon PT. Register at ling command of tone, narrative, style, and them to threats of foreign interference and school will consist of eight online courses on the Hill. From Nov. 17-20, AIAC will boardoftrade.com. technique. This year’s finalists for non-fic- espionage targeting their research, data, (Nov. 3-27) including a mix of group host an opportunity for Canada’s aerospace iPolitics Hosts Panel Discussion on Head tion: Lorna Crozier for Through the Garden: and other intellectual property. Wednesday, exercises, guest speakers, and networking industry to connect with members of Parlia- and Neck Cancer—iPolitics is hosting a A Love Story (with Cats); Steven Heighton Nov. 18, from 6-8 p.m. ET. Register via opportunities. Registration is full, but visit ment, cabinet ministers, and government panel discussion on head and neck cancer for Reaching Mithymna: Among the Vol- Eventbrite. equalvoice.ca for information about being officials. Industry will have the chance to on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 12 p.m. Conserva- unteers and Refugees on Lesvos; Jessica The Parliamentary Calendar is a free added to the wait-list. engage with leading Canadian policy mak- tive MP Peter Kent and Liberal MP Jean J. Lee for Two Trees Make a Forest: In events listing. Send in your political, Global Conference for Media Freedom— ers and influence policy discussions on the Yip, Life-Saving Therapies Network’s CEO Search of My Family’s Past Among Taiwan’s cultural, diplomatic, or governmental Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe issues affecting the aerospace sector. and throat cancer survivor John-Peter Mountains and Coasts; Tessa McWatt for event in a paragraph with all the relevant Champagne will co-host the second Global The WHO, Canada, and the Way Ahead—Dr. Bradford, and medical oncologist Dr. John Shame on Me: An Anatomy of Race and details under the subject line ‘Parliamen- Conference for Media Freedom with Bo- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general Hilton will discuss opportunities to raise Belonging; and David A. Neel for The Way tary Calendar’ to [email protected] by tswana. Michelle Bachelet, United Nations of the World Health Organization, will speak on awareness of this disease and how to Home. As well, recognizing Canadian writ- Wednesday at noon before the Monday pa- High Commissioner for Human Rights, will “The WHO, Canada, and the Way Ahead,” in a improve cancer care. For more information ers of exceptional talent for the year’s best per or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday deliver the keynote address. The High-Level webinar hosted by the Empire Club of Canada. and to register, see https://www.livemeet- novel or short story collection. Congratula- paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, He will discuss the global effort to defeat ing.ca/profile/ipolitics/. tions to this year’s fiction finalists: Gil every event, but we will definitely do our chaired by Lord Neuberger and deputy- COVID19, the agency’s long and productive Adamson for Ridgerunner; Zsuzsi Gartner best. Events can be updated daily online, chaired by Amal Clooney, will also provide partnership with Canada, and where we need WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 for The Beguiling; Michelle Good for Five too. an update on its work. to focus our cooperative efforts in the months The 2020 Writers’ Trust Awards Have Little Indians; Thomas King for Indians on The Hill Times Landon Pearson’s 90th Birthday—Carleton to protect and promote the public health of all Gone Digital—Join the Writers’ Trust online University hosts a special celebration to mark citizens. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at noon. Register at Wednesday, Nov. 18 for the digital premiere former senator Landon Pearson’s 90th birth- empireclubofcanada.com/drtedros of the 2020 Writers’ Trust Awards: Books day. She will offer reflections on 60 years of U.S. Election 2020: Impacts and Op- of the Year Edition, hosted by author Kamal HOUSE FOR RENT advocacy, and release the 2020 issue of the portunities—The Vancouver Board of Trade Al-Solaylee. The Writers’ Trust will be cel- Canadian Journal of Children’s Rights. This hosts a webinar on “U.S. Election 2020: ebrating the finalists and announcing the LOVELY 2BED 2BATH@1000CAD year’s theme is “Respecting Children’s Rights Impacts and Opportunities,” taking a deep winners of two of Canada’s most notable in Schools” and includes youth submissions dive into the election results and to discuss literary prizes: the $60,000 Hilary Weston This Turnkey home is ready and waiting for you based on their experiences of the COVID-19 their impact on the Canadian economy Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction and to move right in and start living. @1000CAD. pandemic. Monday, Nov. 16, from 3:30-4:30 and specifically B.C. industries. Panel- the $50,000 Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. Contact: [email protected] p.m. Join in via events.carleton.ca. lists include former Conservative cabinet 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2 p.m. ET TUESDAY, NOV. 17 minister James Moore, now senior business / 3 p.m. AT / 3:30 p.m. NT. Given for the adviser at Dentons; former U.S. ambassa- year’s best work of Canadian non-fiction, Aerospace Industries Association of Cana- dor to Canada Bruce Heyman; and Shachi this prize spotlights books with a distinctive da Lobby Week—The Aerospace Industries Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute. voice, as well as a persuasive and compel-

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