Health Books & Big Ideas pp.39-43 policy

briefi ng Heard pp.19-35 on the Hill p.2 Hill Climbers p.46

THIRTIETH YEAR, NO. 1626 CANADA’S POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 $5.00

News House legislative agenda News Racism & politics As House Liberals and Conservatives using enters ‘ugly racism as political tool to mobilize stretch,’ 2019 budget bill, supporter bases, ‘dangerous fi eld Indigenous to play in’ for both parties: Nanos legislation Pictured on Dec. 8, front and But Liberal 2018, anti-migration and groups, including Quebec far-right group centre Conservative La Meute, protested MPs against Canada signing BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT the UN Global Compact vehemently for Safe, Orderly and he clock is ticking, with just Regular Migration, Tunder 40 sitting days left in deny their and clashed with pro- this Parliament and 38 govern- parties are immigration groups. The ment bills still on the Order Paper, document lays out a and the 2019 budget implementa- playing collaborative approach tion bill will be front and centre in to dealing with growing the House this week amid rising politics global migration. Nik partisan tempers and pre-election with the Nanos says federal posturing. politicians are playing The start of spring means the racism and a dangerous game by start of the so-called “silly season” immigration stoking racism. The Hill in the House, compounded this Times photograph by year by the upcoming federal and issues. Andrew Meade a still-smouldering political scan- dal—in turn, MPs are anticipating The Hill Times an “ugly” fi nal stretch, as Liberal BY ABBAS RANA racism as a tool to mobilize their “We’re seeing an increase in view with . MP John McKay (Scarborough- support bases for the next elec- weaponization of racism as a “If we stick with our anal- Guildwood, Ont.) put it. he governing Liberals and tion, which could backfi re result- political tool to mobilize voters ogy, if they weaponize this, like Conservatives appear un- Topposition Conservatives are ing in “mutually assured destruc- in Canada,” said Nik Nanos, in the old Cold War, basically, shaken in their resolve to use playing in a politically dangerous tion” for both federal parties, says chief data scientist and founder fi eld by using the divisive issue of a leading political analyst. of Nanos Research in an inter- Continued on page 13 Continued on page 36

Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 News Climate change strategy Focus on feds’ carbon tax hurting debate on climate change, environmentalists say Lopsided media coverage BY BEATRICE PAEZ order to avoid catastrophic conse- wedge issue in October’s vote and without a plan that meets federal quences expected in 11 years. issuing misleading claims that standards. is also in part to blame for anada’s raging debate on cli- Ottawa’s carbon-pricing the fuel charge is a tax grab by Charles Hatt, a lawyer with Cmate change has been reduced scheme has dominated the na- eschewing mention of the tax re- Ecojustice, said that the Liberals drowning out discussion to a single policy, environmental- tional conversation on climate bates in their messaging. To help appear to have also leaned into on other policy measures, ists say, but more solutions are change, with the federal Con- offset the costs for consumers, the the fi ght that the provinces and needed to engage the public and servatives and their provincial feds are sending rebates this tax environmentalists say. to cut greenhouse gas emissions in cousins seeking to turn it into a season to residents in provinces Continued on page 38 2 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES

CBC News and freedom Chrystia Freeland and of information specialist former Financial Times Heard on the Hill Dean Beeby retires colleague Hugh Carnegy to

CBC News chat about populism by Neil Moss reporter Dean Beeby retired on Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia April 25 ending a Freeland and Financial Times senior editor 36-year reporting Hugh Carnegy will speak about how the Unceded: Voices of the career. globe can address populist resentments. Mr. Beeby, Prior to joining public life, Ms. Freeland noted for his use worked with Mr. Carnegy as part of the se- of freedom of nior leadership team at The Financial Times. Land, an unprecedented After a four-decade career information laws Populist waves have led to the creation in journalism, Dean Beeby to break news of extreme movements that have swept is retiring. Photograph stories, worked unexpunexpected leaders in exhibit to debut at Canadian courtesy of Twitter at The Canadian powpower,e but some say Press from 1983 to 2014, serving as its Hali- tthehe ggroundswell has fax bureau chief from 1996 to 2003, and Ot- recereceded. Museum of History tawa deputy bureau chief from 2003 to 2014. PProceeding the “His ATIP requests will continue to ar- peapeak of the populist rive at the offi ce for years to come,” wrote ffervour,erv Ms. Free- The multimedia exhibit brings together The Globe and Mail’s Daniel Leblanc on llandand authored Pluto- the Indigenous experience of the past, pres- Twitter. cratscrats:: The Rise of the ent, and future. The Canadian Press’ Mia Robson NNewew GGloball Super-Rich Across four themed “territories,” the exhibit tweeted: “Who is going to ATIP the percent- anandd the FFall of Everyone shows the story of “Indigeneity, resilience, age drop in ATIP requests the government Else iin 2012. Its title sovereignty and colonization,” according to receives after today?” Foreign Affairs Minister suggests the obvi- a press release. Peaceful coexistence will be Over Mr. Beeby’s career, he frequently Chrystia Freeland will ous, plutocrats left highlighted in the fi rst territory, followed by led freedom of information law seminars for discuss populism six everyone behind. A disruption, healing, and then the Indigenous the Canadian Association of Journalists, as years after she warned year later in 2013, cultures strength. well as individual newsrooms. of the rise of plutocrats. Ms. Freeland wrote “I fi rmly believe that the Indigenous world In other retirement news, Jack Aubry The Hill Times an op-ed in The view, which has always sought this balance rode off into the sunset in March. He was photograph by Andrew New York Times, Unceded: Voices of the Land will launch on May Meade titled “Plutocrats vs. 2 and run until March 22, 2020. Photograph between nature, culture and technology, is 27-year veteran of the Ottawa Citizen, as Populists” where she made the case that courtesy of Unceded the path that humanity must rediscover and well as a communications director at Fi- adopt for our future,” Mr. Douglas said in a nance Canada. populists were gaining on both sides of the or the fi rst time, a Canadian exhibit that statement. “The teachings of the Elders are While at the Ottawa Citizien he served ideological spectrum. At the time a Liberal Fappeared at the celebrated Venice Archi- not the teachings of the past. They are the as the Outaouais bureau chief from 1983 to candidate, she wrote: “As this populist wave tecture Biennale will appear on home soil. teachings of the future.” 1987, as well as covered City Hall from 1987 crashes in on both sides of the Atlantic, the Unceded: Voices of the Land is the creation The multimedia elements draw from many and 1990, and Parliament Hill from 1990 to plutocrats, for all their treasure and their of 18 Indigenous architects from Canada and different Indigenous storytellers from across 2008. intellect, are in a weak position to hold it the United States, including Douglas Car- Canada and the United States to tell the story back.” dinal, who designed the Canadian Museum of Turtle Island, the name for North America. Mr. Carnegy began his reporting career of History and the National Museum of the The exhibit will debut on May 2 and re- LeBlanc diagnosed with with Reuters covering South Africa, North- American Indian in Washington, D.C. main open until March 22, 2020. ern Ireland, and the Middle East. When he cancer for the second joined the Times, he was its correspondent in Jerusalem, Ireland, as well as Nordic na- time; vows to return tions. From 2011 to 2014, he the Financial Times‘ bureau chief in Paris. Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs The event will take place on April 30. and Internal Trade Minister Dominic LeB- It is by invitation only, but it will be live- lanc announced in a statement last Friday streamed. that he has been diagnosed with cancer and was stepping aside from his cabinet duties, but said he would be back. Senator and award- “A few weeks ago, I consulted with my doctor for what began as fl u-like symp- winning author David toms. After a series of tests, my doctor has diagnosed me with a form of Non-Hodgkin Adams Richards selects Lymphoma,” Mr. LeBlanc said in a joint Dana Mills as a rising statement he released with his doctor, Nicholas Finn. Canadian writing star “I will be temporarily stepping away from my cabinet duties to focus on my Acclaimed author and non-affi liated health. I have begun my treatment and New Brunswick Senator David Adams it will last several weeks. Once I have Richards picked a Nova Scotia short story concluded my treatment, I look forward to writer to be his protegé. returning to my role in cabinet,” Mr. LeB- As part of a new Writers’ Trust of Canada lanc added. mentorship program that pairs up-and-com- He has been an MP since 2000 rep- ing writers with established scribes, Dana resenting the New Brunswick riding of Mills was selected. Beauséjour. Mr. Mills is from Annapolis, N.S., and Mr. LeBlanc was diagnosed with his work has appeared in Geist, The New chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2017. He Quarterly, and subTerrain. He is currently has previously said he is remission. writing a novel. “Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a treatable “Dana Mills is a truly exceptional writer, condition, and the minister had a positive and his short stories, brilliant and moving, response to the initial treatments. Like affi rm this in startling and profound ways,” thousands of Canadians living with cancer, the New Brunswick Senator said in a state- Minister LeBlanc looks forward to going ment. “Each story shows a grasp of his art back to work once the treatments are com- and his understanding of humanity.” pleted,” his doctor said in the statement. Sen. Richards has won both the fi ction Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made and non-fi ction Governor General’s Literary temporary chances to his cabinet following Award for Nights Below Station Street and the Mr. LeBlanc’s announcement. Lines on the Water: A Fisherman’s Life on Finance Minister Bill Morneau will the Miramichi, respectively. He also co-won temporarily takeover Mr. LeBlanc’s inter- the Giller Prize in 2000 for his critically ac- governmental affairs and internal trade re- claimed, Mercy among the Children. sponsibilities. Crown-Indigenous Relations He typically writes about the working Minister Carolyn Bennett will assume class experience in northern New Bruns- responsibility of northern affairs. Public wick. Services and Procurement and Accessibil- In 2017, Sen. Richards was nominated to ity Minister Carla Qualtrough will replace the Red Chamber by Prime Minister Justin Mr. LeBlanc’s position as vice-chair on the Trudeau. Cabinet Committee on Agenda, Results [email protected] and Communications. The Hill Times To the Prime Minister, Parliament and the Federal Government

The undersigned organizations have grave concerns about the handling of Canada’s federally-owned nuclear waste by a multinational consortium that includes SNC-Lavalin and corporate partners, some of which have faced criminal charges and/or entered into deferred prosecution agreements.*

Q Canada has no adequate federal policies and strategies for the long-term management of radioactive wastes and the consortium has been given a free hand to advocate and implement proposals that, in our view, are unequal to the task of protecting people’s health and the environment. Q Under its 10-year federal contract with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited the consortium intends to spend nearly seven billion of our tax dollars on nuclear waste disposal and reactor decommissioning projects that fail to meet even existing international safety guidelines. Q Its current plans include entombing the radioactive remains of nuclear reactors in cement next to the Ottawa and Winnipeg Rivers, against the explicit advice of international bodies and independent nuclear scientists; these “entombed reactors” would leak radioactivity into the rivers for thousands of years and contaminate drinking water for millions of Canadians. Q The consortium also plans to erect a massive above-ground mound, 5 to 7 stories high, holding more than one million tons of mixed radioactive waste, including very long-lived materials such as PCBs, arsenic, plutonium-239, and radioactive asbestos in a swampy area that drains into the Ottawa River. Q Its plans include transporting thousands of tons of radioactive waste (including extremely toxic irradiated nuclear fuel) along public roads from Pinawa, Manitoba, from Douglas Point, Ontario, and from Gentilly, Quebec, all the way to Chalk River, situated upstream from our nation’s Capital. A program of two thousand truck shipments of radioactive material from Manitoba is planned and may already be underway.

We request that the Federal Government end its “Government-owned Contractor-operated/ GoCo” contract with SNC-Lavalin and its corporate partners at the earliest opportunity.

We further request formulation of exemplary policies and projects for Canada’s radioactive waste that meet or exceed international obligations and which would:

Q be managed by independent Canadian experts, in consultation with First Nations and the public Q create many long-term, well-paying Canadian jobs Q safely secure nuclear waste in state-of-the art facilities away from sources of drinking water Q re-establish Canadian leadership in the nuclear field with world-class science-based solutions to address the growing global radioactive waste problems

* Membership in the consortium, known as Canadian National Energy Alliance, has changed more than once since the consortium assumed control of Canada’s federally- owned nuclear waste in 2015, when it received all shares of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, a wholly owned subsidiary of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. Current consortium members include SNC-Lavalin, which is debarred by the World Bank for 10 years and facing charges in Canada of fraud, bribery and corruption; Texas-based Fluor Corporation, which paid $4 million to resolve allegations of financial fraud related to nuclear waste cleanup work at a U.S. site; and Texas-based Jacobs Engineering, which recently acquired CH2M, an original consortium member that agreed to pay $18.5 million to settle federal criminal charges at a nuclear cleanup site in the U.S.

Signatories: Alliance of the Anishinabek Nation and the Iroquois Caucus National Council of Women of Canada Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility Concerned Citizens Committee of Manitoba Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Prevent Cancer Now Sierra Club Canada Foundation Watershed Sentinel Educational Society Ontario Clean Air Alliance Action Climat Outaouais Ecology Ottawa Ralliement contre la pollution radioactive Friends of the Earth Canada Concerned Citizens Renfrew County and Area Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital Old Fort William Cottagers’ Association Northwatch Petawawa Point Cottagers Association Provincial Council of Women of Ontario Coalition Against Nuclear Dumps on the Ottawa River Quebec Council of Women Esprit Whitewater Bonnechere River Watershed Project Durham Nuclear Awareness

www.ccnr.org www.concernedcitizens.net Government policies are misdirecting efforts to reduce GHGs from buildings

The construction, operation and decommissioning of our buildings and infrastructure Among its most significant findings is that current lifecycle assessment models account for approximately 40% of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions. For those do not account for biogenic carbon losses from logging and that, even taking into involved in climate policy, it is self-evident that building practices need to change – our consideration relatively high forest management standards and sustainability cer- buildings must become lower carbon and more resilient to our changing climate. tifications in Canada, these carbon releases could represent up to 72% of a wood product’s carbon footprint. In this scenario, a wood building is in fact more carbon Governments and many in the building sector are in hot pursuit of solutions. And, intensive than a concrete building (before even accounting for significant low carbon on the face of it, we’re doing a lot of things right. advances in the cement and concrete sector or the emerging evidence that concrete, First, it is generally understood that retrofitting our existing stock of relatively over its life, re-absorbs a significant portion of the carbon emitted in its production). inefficient buildings is priority number one. The unchallenged orthodox assumption that ‘wood sequesters carbon’ is enormously Second, building code processes are focused on pushing new construction toward favorable to the wood industry and to Canada’s internationally reported carbon foot- net-zero carbon as quickly as possible – through measures such as extreme print, where our suppositions about the relationships between carbon and Land Use operational energy efficiency, electrifying our buildings with non-emitting electricity Changes (LUC) make an outsized contribution to our Intended Nationally Determined sources, and by decarbonizing construction materials. Contributions (INDC) obligations. Third, there is an emerging consensus among academics, governments, procurement To be fair, the forest carbon cycle is complex, with massive variability across professionals and environmental groups that lifecycle assessment (LCA) is the best, different forest systems. In an age where climate change was not yet understood and perhaps only tool that can objectively and transparently address the complexity to be the crisis it is today, it made sense to explain away most of that complexity of designing for low carbon and climate resilience. with simple assumptions. For all this great work, governments across the country are nevertheless placing Today this complexity matters more than ever, and we are better equipped to big bets on one particular strategy: building with more wood. manage it. The atmosphere doesn’t care about our assumptions, and with growing “Wood First” in British Columbia. La Charte du bois in Quebec. A Private Member’s evidence that up to three-quarters of wood’s carbon footprint is missing from our Bill, C-354, which would see wood favoured in federal procurement. These are but a ledger, we need to do better. few examples of policies that proclaim wood’s climate benefits and they have been The cement industry in Canada, and globally, accepts that new wood products, accompanied by $100s of millions in subsidies. such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), are expanding the role wood can play in History has taught us that Governments “picking winners” is bad policy – it’s bad for the building sector. But just like concrete (with a carbon footprint that can vary widely the economy, it’s fiscally inefficient and, when it comes to transformative challenges across, for example, different mix designs) and steel (with a carbon footprint that like climate change, it disrupts natural innovation cycles that are constantly pushing varies by orders of magnitude based on technology and energy sources), the carbon competing industries to do better. In the case of favouring wood, the underlying footprint of wood also spans a wide range of values and, as the IISD study suggests, environmental rationale also turns out to be deeply flawed. offers no guaranteed outperformance on carbon compared to other materials. Flawed assumptions are misdirecting efforts to reduce GHGs The way forward: what governments can do Decades ago, the 1990s to be exact, when the models currently used by the Federal Rather than promote one building material over others, governments must get the Ministry of Natural Resources to account for forest carbon cycles were developed, best from all building materials. Low carbon building policies should secure a level the prevailing wisdom was that robust reforestation requirements on the forest sector but competitive playing field where material manufacturers and the building industry would ensure that carbon losses from logging would be fully offset by regrowth. are driven toward low carbon solutions (including the most essential but often overlooked strategy of simply using materials more efficiently). Fast-forward to 2019 and our understanding of real-world silvicultural success rates, carbon releases from soil disturbance and changes in carbon productivity between As home to the world’s largest remaining intact forest resources, not to mention old growth and replanted forests has evolved, but the models that underpin how as a country warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, Canada must also we account for a wood product’s carbon footprint have not kept pace. drive greater accountability and transparency on accounting for biogenic carbon and other LUC based GHG emissions. We must ensure that our material choices A new report by Canada’s renowned International Institute for Sustainable Develop- are truly carbon positive. If we don’t, others eventually will, and Canada may find ment (IISD), titled “Emission Omissions: Carbon accounting gaps in the built environ- itself on the wrong side of the science and with a larger carbon deficit than it ment,” should now give policy makers and building professionals reason for pause. once believed. Concrete is more Michael McSweeney than a material.

President and CEO, Cement Association of Canada It’s about life.

When it comes to reducing carbon emissions from the places where we live, work and play, innovations in cement and concrete are leading the way.

New re-planted forests store Today’s concrete is made with lower carbon cement and using lower carbon fuels recovered less carbon overall than the old from wastes. Together, these innovations help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to As little as 15 % of Carbon, including growth forests they replace, Unaccounted the carbon stored in methane gas, 30%. Our investments in transformative carbon capture, storage and utilization technologies leaving a carbon deficit Carbon Emissions a standing tree is is emitted at the promise even deeper reductions. What’s more, concrete naturally absorbs GHGs sequestered in wood product disposal throughout its life. from Wood Products building materials phase Historic durability and resilience together with low carbon innovation means concrete plays a vital role in building a sustainable future for Canadians. Up to 72% of carbon emissions from wood products could currently be unaccounted for.

COCO2 CO CO2 2 CO CO CO 2 CO 2 CO CO 2 concretebuildforlife.ca 2 CO2 2 2 6 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion The SNC-Lavalin scandal’s forgotten victim Why waste your vote in a After all, most of Bernier’s support comes from disillusioned conservatives, protest, conservatives will ask those who either believe Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer is simply not repre- themselves, when your side now senting a true form of conservatism, or that has a chance to win the game. he’s not exhibiting an aggressive enough style of leadership. So the odds are now good that In other words, conservatives who opt to conservatives who don’t like support Bernier, see Scheer as too pragmat- ic, too boring, too weak. Andrew Scheer will now likely Plus, all those supposed defi ciencies hold their noses and vote for him. were, until recently, certainly amplifi ed by public opinion polls which consistently showed Scheer trailing Trudeau, who seemed to be heading for another majority victory. So essentially, parking their support in Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier. If polls continue to the Bernier camp was an easy way for an- favour Mr. Scheer, it means Bernier will now have a much harder time raising donations, he’ll now gry and frustrated conservatives to protest have a much harder time attracting candidates and volunteers, most importantly he’ll now have a how Conservative Party “elites” were run- much harder time winning votes, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade ning the show. And the potential impact of this angry to seeing electoral victory come within Bernier will now have a much harder time conservative protest was not insignifi cant their grasp. raising donations, he’ll now have a much for Scheer. Unfortunately for Bernier and his party, harder time attracting candidates and vol- Gerry Nicholls In fact, with the emergence of the this sudden shift in electoral fortunes will unteers, most importantly he’ll now have a Post Partisan Pundit People’s Party, Scheer faced the unhappy most likely alter the political calculations much harder time winning votes. possibility that Bernier’s fl edging movement for many anti-Scheer conservatives. In terms of overall grand strategy, it might erode his support just enough to cost Simply put, with his seeming rise in means Scheer will likely no longer have to AKVILLE, ONT.—Whenever a juicy him a few tightly contested races. public support, Scheer maybe won’t look fret about “right-wing” vote splitting, as he Oscandal ricochets throughout a political Indeed, soon after Bernier left the Conser- so bad. can now probably count on winning over ecosystem it can sometimes infl ict severe vative ranks, a poll showed that 17 per cent Or to put that another way, I suspect nearly the entire conservative voter base. collateral damage on innocent bystanders. of Canadians were open to the idea of voting the chance to topple Trudeau and his much Mind you winning over his own base For instance, while the SNC-Lavalin af- for a new conservative party led by him. despised Liberal government will over- doesn’t necessarily mean Scheer will win fair has defi nitely hurt Prime Minister Jus- So things were looking pretty good for come any ideological or stylistic objections the next federal election, but it’s certainly a tin Trudeau’s brand, it has also at the same Bernier and a little worrisome for Scheer. conservatives might be harbouring for the key precondition to winning. time undermined the hopes and dreams of a But then the SNC-Lavalin scandal hap- Conservative leader. At any rate, my point is the SNC-Lavalin certain other federal politician, one who had pened and that, as we all know, changed Why waste your vote in a protest, con- scandal has been a godsend for Scheer. absolutely nothing to do with this scandal. everything. servatives will ask themselves, when your Not only has it hobbled his main oppo- I’m talking about People’s Party Leader Suddenly, Trudeau went into a polling nose side now has a chance to win the game? nent on the left, it’s also damaged his only Maxime Bernier. dive; suddenly Scheer was taking the lead. So odds are now good that conservatives opponent on the right. Yes, the SNC-Lavalin scandal has indeed Hence in a quick order of time, con- who don’t like Scheer will now likely hold Gerry Nicholls is a communications hurt his cause. servatives went from despair to optimism, their noses and vote for him. consultant. And it’s easy to see why this is the case. from looking like they were going to lose, If I’m right about this then it means The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 7 Opinion Unlike Joe Biden, Trudeau has lost the narrative He is unlikely to acquire a like who he is, and they like him way more and his minions pressuring Wilson-Raybould and whose family didn’t have any wealth— than Donald Trump. He’s competitive with dozens of times to give help to a corrupt Trudeau will likely appear privileged new one in the dwindling multiple demographics: African-Ameri- Quebec company avoid a prosecution—has and out-of-touch. Scheer worked as a cans, older Democrats, Independents, the laid waste to the Liberal leader’s claim to the waiter and a salesman. Trudeau, mean- number of weeks that true working class. moral high ground. while, wears a $15,000 watch and drives a Biden has what the advertising guys call What, now, is Trudeau’s USP? Unlike Mercedes-Benz. remain between now and a USP—a Unique Selling Proposition. That is, Biden, Trudeau has lost the narrative. He is Third and fi nal reason: traditional assump- the election. he can say things that his 19 Democratic com- unlikely to acquire a new one in the dwin- tions about politics are long gone. petitors can’t. Experienced, likeable, scandal- dling number of weeks that remain between You’re not guaranteed a second term any- free, Hell Of A Guy. now and the election. more. You’re not going to win simply because Trudeau, meanwhile, no longer has a Two: Biden has what it takes to win, your candidate is more charismatic and more USP. In 2015, he was the self-proclaimed femi- because he never forgot his roots. He never photogenic. You don’t win if you have the nist. He isn’t any more. His expulsion of Jody stopped boasting about his hardscrabble slickest social media. Wilson-Raybould, Jane Philpott, and Celina Scranton, Pa., youth. He grew up in a big If the 2016 presidential race taught me Caesar-Chavannes, Irish Catholic family anything else, it’s this: everything in politics is coupled with his in Scranton—in a different, now. Hillary had the best-organized, decision to keep Kent crowded apart- best-funded, best-staffed, best-led campaign Hehr in his caucus— ment—and the I have ever been part of. But it didn’t matter: have obliterated his Bidens were forced she still lost. Warren Kinsella “feminist” credentials. to move to Delaware Politics has been upended, everywhere. So, Th e War Room In 2015, he was when Joe was 10, traditional assumptions about campaigns— the Indigenous rec- where his father se- whether Biden is too old, too politically-incor- onciliation guy. No cured a job as a used rect, too centrist—are kind of irrelevant, now. ORONTO—Joe and Justin? longer. He demeaned car salesman. He Trump showed that. T There’s a connection. Stay with me, here. Wilson-Raybould, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former U.S. got into law school Running the 2016 campaign again will get In 2015 and 2016, I proudly volunteered the most prominent vice-president Joe Biden, who announced his only because he got Democrats another 2016 result, and Biden for Hillary Clinton in two states, and at her Indigenous leader bid for the U.S. Democratic presidential contest a scholarship. He knows it. He will therefore be at the centre of Brooklyn headquarters. I’m going to be in our collective on April 25, have big differences, writes Warren participated in a decidedly un-Hillary-like campaign. proudly volunteering for Joe Biden in 2019 lifetimes. And, as the Kinsella. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew anti-segregation sit- Trudeau, meanwhile, is still fi ghting the and (if he’s the nominee) in 2020. former attorney gen- Meade and courtesy Wikimedia Commons ins. He struggled for last war. He’s using against Scheer the same The reasons are threefold, and all of eral pointed out in a everything he got. stuff he used against Harper: that Scheer is them—coincidentally—are quite relevant to widely-reported speech last week, Trudeau’s Trudeau, meanwhile, is the guy who likes mean and has a hidden agenda. While he’s Justin Trudeau’s political predicament in 2019. government “has fallen back into a pattern to talk a lot about the middle class—but has the middle-class, feminist, ethical para- One, we know why Joe Biden is running of trying to manage the problem.” And the never experienced the middle class. Trudeau gon. Blah, blah, blah. again. With Justin Trudeau, we don’t. problem is colonialism. has never had to worry about paying the rent, As the Canadian and American national Biden commenced his campaign in a And Trudeau. or the next mortgage statement. He has never races edge ever-closer, we all know who comparatively low-key way: he released a Trudeau was the guy who promised to wondered where he’ll get the money to pay a Biden is, and what he wants to do. video on YouTube. He said he’s running to bring back ethics to government. He said he’d hydro bill. His life has been one of mansions, With Trudeau, we just don’t. beat Donald Trump, because he’s the only be open and transparent and not at all like the private jets, and hanging out with celebrities. Warren Kinsella is a former provincial and candidate who can. Successive polls have secretive and autocratic Stephen Harper. But Against Andrew Scheer—who, like federal election campaign war roomer. shown that Americans know who is, they the LavScam scandal—which saw Trudeau Biden, grew up in a big Catholic family, The Hill Times

DATA FOR GOOD

At SFU, we’re putting data to work to deliver insights, innovation and impact. We’re leveraging the power of big data so Canada can lead in a digital world.

Algorithms to make sidewalks safer. Machine learning to detect banking fraud early. Neural networks to fight fake news.

We’re empowering people to unlock data to grow a competitive economy and CANADA’S ENGAGED UNIVERSITY solve global challenges.

Find out more at sfu.ca Outside thinking with tomorrow in mind. 8 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES

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

Editorial Letters to the Editor Trudeau’s Liberals and Scheer’s Kenney’s knowledge of federal equalization and transfer system will play to his favour: Fletcher Conservatives need to fi nd a middle anadians watched a turning point in on his many years of expertise as a fed- Cinternal diplomacy last week. The newly eral cabinet minister, combined with the ground on race and immigration issues elected premier of Alberta wisely decided to lacklustre results achieved by recent Alberta speak directly to the most powerful govern- premiers. Their naive assumption that Al- .S. President Donald Trump’s election in of the Liberal side implies that anyone who ment in this country, Quebec. Even better, he berta was going to get a fair shake in Ottawa U2016 has yielded many unintended con- disagrees with their party’s views on im- chose to speak in the language that is most produced no results. sequences, not only for his own country, but migration, and race, is a “racist,” Mr. Nanos effective at the federal level, French. Quebec Premier François Legault has also for people around the globe, including said. Albertans can rejoice, their newly elected stated last week that the Energy East pipe- Canada. One such is the prevalence of open On the other side, the Conservatives are premier knows the national political real- line will not fl y in Quebec, this, despite the expression of racist comments in public tapping into economic anxieties of Canadi- ity too well; Canada is and always will be fact that there are oil-hungry refi ning opera- gatherings and on social media. ans and the impact that new immigrants or Quebec’s economic foe. Ottawa is in reality, tions in Quebec, and even to a greater extent Since he launched his presidential asylum seekers will have on an average Ca- just the head waiter. Any movement forward in New Brunswick. Indeed, Saint John, the campaign, Mr. Trump has never been shy nadians’ concerns about their economic se- in Alberta’s energy development must fi rst proposed end of the Energy East pipeline is about making controversial and divisive curity, jobs, personal security, and the future be approved by the supreme political power, home to the second largest refi ning opera- comments about new immigrants and of the generations to come. By implication, Quebec. This is not surprising. tion in North America, dwarfi ng any other blaming them for the economic woes of Conservatives are suggesting anyone who Since Confederation, Canada’s system refi nery operation in Canada, including average Americans. Here in Canada, MPs disagrees with their position on this, doesn’t of governance has shamelessly favoured Quebec. Since Confederation, Saint John, as and political insiders say ever since Mr. care about Canadians and Canadian jobs. La Belle Province. Currently, in the House a sea port, has been effectively abandoned Trump’s election, a number of groups have Both parties need to fi nd the middle of Commons, 78 of the 338 Members of and its population severely under-employed been emboldened and mobilized to rise up ground between the two positions, and Parliament represent Quebec. This is more by any relative measure. It is the result of against immigration and stoking racism. should stop using this as a “dog whistle” representation than Alberta, Saskatchewan years of federal decisions infl uenced by This has also given rise to grassroots issue. Orderly immigration is critical for the and Manitoba combined. Moreover, in the Quebec politicians. Saint John, once one of movements in Canada and other countries future economic strength of the country, Senate, Quebec controls 24 of the 105 seats. the wealthiest cities in pre-Confederation who don’t see anything wrong in express- and a balance is needed between being Anyone who argues this level of represen- times, has been an economic and social ing racist, and anti-immigrant rhetoric. compassionate and the economic needs of tation is not relevant in Ottawa has been wind-down since 1867. These issues are expected to be key topics the country. It’s the job of the government to drinking too much federal Kool-Aid. The Mr. Kenney’s knowledge and renegotia- of discussion in the October federal election create the conditions and opportunities for political reality is that all federal decisions tion of the federal equalization and transfer in Canada. hardworking Canadians to be able to earn must fi rst get the blessing of Quebec politi- system will play to his favour. Alberta’s Pollster Nik Nanos told The Hill Times enough money to afford a decent middle- cians if they are to have a chance at becom- strategy is to threaten the fi nancial Achilles that both the Liberals and the Conservatives class life style and provide for his or her ing national policy or law. Politically speak- heel of Quebec. Let the Energy East pipeline are using this as a political tool to mobilize family. ing, our prime minister of Canada does not happen or no more money from Alberta. their support base, which he added is a “ NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh told The Hill go to the bathroom without fi rst consulting Simplicity is genius. The alternative is no very dangerous fi eld to play in.” He warned Times that both the Liberals and Conserva- with Quebec politicians. more Canada as we know it. it could backfi re on both parties. tives are failing to address the crux of the Jason Kenney’s preference to deal with Peter Fletcher On the one side, the Liberal brand is issue of racism and immigration. the real power in Ottawa is smart. It’s based Baie d’Urfé, Que. built on openness to more immigration, new “They’re both missing the point, because Canadians, and compassion for asylum the Conservatives are blaming people who seekers. Immigration has been a signature are not at fault and that’s dividing the com- issue which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s munities,” said Mr. Singh. “And the Liberals Big thanks to Canadian Armed Forces Liberals campaigned on in the last elec- are just calling out the language or racism tion. They pledged to bring in 25,000 Syrian and they’re not doing anything to stop it.” personnel monitoring fl ooding: Mukerjee refugees to Canada and delivered on the He’s right. Both parties need to stop promise within a few months after winning playing dangerous and puerile political n the signifi cant Christian “prayer and cele- literally join hands with the civilians who are the election. Now, the rhetoric coming out games with these issues. Ibration” of Easter where “giving” of presents threatened by the fl oods. Unquestionably, the and full sharing are much expressed, it is ap- Canadian Armed Forces’ support was much propriate to commend the Department of Na- needed and it is most deeply appreciated. For tional Defence to send troops to help counter- their responsive and effective service, I say a act the critical fl oods of Quebec, Ontario, and big Canadian thanks. New Brunswick. This is true Canadian action Roman Mukerjee where our dedicated and most helpful troops Ottawa, Ont. We need to defend Bill C-69, says reader s a young Ottawa resident watching govern how major industrial projects like Acommunities in the Ottawa Valley dams and mines are assessed, is a step in grapple with year after year of increased the right direction. For the fi rst time, a proj- fl ooding, I am extremely worried about ect’s impact on climate change will need to climate change.A couple of years ago, I be considered before a project is approved. tried to participate in the environmental Concerned Canadians like me will be given assessment hearings for the Energy East the opportunity to have their voices heard. pipeline. This project would have a huge Bill C-69 made it through the House and impact on climate change: the emissions is now before the Senate. But an organized involved in producing Energy East’s oil campaign from the oil and gas industry is would be equivalent to putting seven mil- trying to gut the bill by spreading lies about lion new cars on the road. We all know that Bill C-69. Canadians deserve stronger en- climate change will affect us all. Still, under vironmental laws that consider a project’s the current environmental laws, I was impact on our health and our environ- denied the opportunity to participate in the ment—before shovels hit the ground. We hearings since, according to the National need to defend Bill C-69. Energy Board, I’m not ‘directly affected’. Julia Levin Bill C-69, the proposed new law that will Ottawa, Ont.

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATION Please send letters to the editor to the above SENIOR REPORTER Laura Ryckewaert VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Tracey Wale street address or e-mail to [email protected]. NEWS REPORTERS Emily Haws, MULTIMEDIA SALES Steve MacDonald DIRECTOR OF READER ENGAGEMENT Chris Rivoire Deadline is Wednesday at noon, Ottawa time, for Neil Moss, Samantha Wright Allen DIRECTORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT the Monday edition and Friday at noon for the PHOTOGRAPHERS Sam Garcia, Andrew Meade and Craig Caldbick, Martin Reaume, Ulle Baum Wednesday edition. Please include your full name, The Hill Cynthia Münster ADVERTISING MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Peixoto DELIVERY INQUIRIES Published every Monday and address and daytime phone number. Times reserves the right to edit letters. Letters do EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Michael De Adder [email protected] Wednesday by Hill Times not reflect the views of The Hill Times. Thank you. COLUMNISTS Cameron Ahmad, Andrew Caddell, Andrew 613-288-1146 Cardozo, John Chenier, Sheila Copps, Éric Couture, David Crane, Publishing Inc. PRODUCTION Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 Jim Creskey, Murray Dobbin, Gwynne Dyer, Michael Geist, Dennis PRODUCTION MANAGER Benoit Deneault RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN Gruending, Phil Gurski, Cory Hann, Michael Harris, Joe Jordan, SENIOR GRAPHIC, ONLINE DESIGNER Joey Sabourin 246 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E4 ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPT. Warren Kinsella, Rod Leggett, Alex Marland, Arthur Milnes, Nancy DESIGN MANAGER Serena Masonde (613) 232-5952 246 Queen Street Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E4 Peckford, Tim Powers, Mélanie Richer, Susan Riley, Ken Rubin, GRAPHIC DESIGNER Fax (613) 232-9055 Marie-Louise Meunier 2012 Better Evan Sotiropoulos, Scott Taylor, Lisa Van Dusen, Nelson Wiseman, WEB DESIGNER Jean-Francois Lavoie Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40068926 CMCA Newspaper AUDITED and Les Whittington. ASSISTANT WEB DESIGNER Ian Peralta www.hilltimes.com Winner THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 9 Opinion For sure, not everyone is happy with the slow pace of reconciliation But no one can deny that Former justice For sure, not everyone is happy with the minister slow pace of reconciliation. But no one can Justin Trudeau has been Jody Wilson- deny that Justin Trudeau has been more Raybould committed to action than any predecessor. more committed to action and former A week earlier, The Globe published a Treasury scathing op-ed rebuke of Wilson-Raybould, than any predecessor. Board written by the founding chair of the Cana- president dian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers. Jane Philpott, Past president of the Criminal Lawyers pictured April Association Brian Greenspan, wrote: “The 3, 2019, on reputation and integrity of the adminis- the Hill after tration of criminal justice in Canada has speaking with recently been challenged by critics who reporters. The betray a fundamental misunderstanding Hill Times of the responsibilities of key participants photograph in our justice system. Regrettably, these by Andrew misconceptions have been fuelled by our Meade former attorney general, Jody Wilson- Sheila Copps Raybould. The attorney general’s power to Copps’ Corner superintend prosecutions is an important aspect of our system. The former attorney general treated the [director of public TTAWA—There has always been a prosecutions] as essentially unreview- Olove-hate relationship between politi- able. Politically accountable oversight in cians and the media. limited shifts rather than transforming the As Indigenous services minister for al- ensuring that the public interest is properly As a young reporter for The Hamilton status quo.” most three years and then head of Treasury taken into account isn’t anathema to the Spectator, I was accused of going over to Many believe the former minister’s dis- Board, Philpott herself could have funded rule of law. The attorney-general’s power the dark side when I resigned to run for satisfaction with the reconciliation agenda the Grassy Narrows project. to superintend prosecutions is an integral offi ce. was the real reason she quit cabinet. In 2017, she promised in writing to do part of our justice system.” Reporters and politicians need each When Philpott resigned in solidarity, so but her promise came with zero funding. This criticism comes from someone other, but there is a chasm of skepticism she claimed her only disagreement with As Treasury Board president, she wrote with deep knowledge of the criminal jus- that separates the two. the leader was on the deferred prosecution Canada’s cheques. So if the country’s moral tice system and zero political agenda. I say that because it has been my dis- agreement. Philpott repeated that state- compass has been compromised, she bears Politicians usually blame media when tinct recent impression that some journal- ment multiple times. some responsibility. How does she square things are going badly. But when front- ists are lining up to shape the outcome of But last week, she too, joined her friend her criticism with previous public state- page news is so blatantly one-sided, they the next federal election. in the attack on the government’s Indig- ments that her sole disagreement with the may not be wrong. Take a recent, screaming front page enous agenda. She accused Canada of prime minister was the SNC-Lavalin fi le? Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien- Globe and Mail headline on April 24, say- needing adjustment in “moral compass” if it In the 20-paragraph Globe story, only era cabinet minister and a former deputy ing that the government used partisan lists could not fund a Grassy Narrows treat- one paragraph provided a viewpoint criti- prime minister. to screen judicial appointments. ment centre. cal of the pair. The Hill Times The article claimed that one-quarter of judicial appointments had been party donors in previous years. That meant three-quarters of appointees to the bench had not supported the party. Statistically speaking, there was no story there. The headline was so mislead- ing that an associate professor of psychol- We make work life ogy wrote a letter to the editor, saying: “Clearly, the facts overwhelmingly sup- ported the statement by Justice Minister David Lametti’s offi ce that political lean- ings were not taken into consideration for judicial appointments. Your article’s tone âñƢñřąľřİđĨĨđľijŞ and presentation, however, present quite a different picture.” It is highly probable that Liblist, the of Canadians. party tracking tool, screened out candi- dates who had been big donors to the gov- ernment, for fear of a public backlash. All donations are a matter of public re- cord and, of course, parties use every tool See our made-in-Canada payroll and at their disposal to avoid criticism about appointees tied too closely to the govern- ment. HR solution at OpenCeridian.ca That explanation does not square with The Globe narrative that the Liberals are improperly tinkering with the justice system. The story also appeared to breathe life into claims by former minister Jody Wilson-Raybould that PMO had improp- erly handled fi les within her jurisdiction. The former Liberal made the Globe front page again on April 25, taking direct aim the government’s reconciliation agenda at a gathering of British Columbia First Nations. Why is a one-sided speech from a for- mer minister a front-page story? In a lengthy article that largely repeats her speech verbatim, the former minister accuses colleagues of “a pattern of trying to quote, manage the problem with Indig- enous peoples and make incremental and 10 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

ing a riot in Derry, the British Irish freelance journalist province’s second city. It was a Lyra McKee, 29, a mistake, of course: the terrorist promising young Irish A funeral was probably trying to kill one freelance journalist of the police offi cers who were who fought for LGBT standing nearby. equality, was killed by The funeral was held in the New IRA on Good in Ireland Belfast’s main Protestant Friday while covering a cathedral, St. Anne’s, although riot in Derry, Northern McKee had grown up Catholic. Ireland. Ted Talks The ‘dissidents’ who formed Gwynne Dyer Both Catholic and Protestant screen capture image Global Aff airs clergy conducted the funeral courtesy YouTube the Real IRA in 2012 are service, in a joint rejection of nationalists who never the sectarian violence that is nance they once enjoyed in Northern Ireland). ONDON, U.K.—On April 24, the Taoise- creeping out into the open again in Northern The Catholics were “nationalists” who looked accepted the truce. They Lach (prime minister) of the Republic of Ireland. That is why the prime ministers and forward to the day when they would be the Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and Prime Minister other high dignitaries were there too—but it majority in Northern Ireland (thanks to a have been waiting for an Theresa May of the United Kingdom, both may be too late. higher birth rate), and then to the great day showed up in Belfast in Northern Ireland for Lyra McKee described herself as a “cease- when all of Ireland will be united and the opportunity to reopen the the funeral of a young woman named Lyra fi re baby.” She was only eight years old when “Prods” of the North are reduced to a tiny and McKee. So did the president of the Republic, the Good Friday Agreement was signed in helpless minority. revolutionary liberation Michael Higgins and U.K. opposition leader 1998, ending 30 years of “The Troubles,” a They fought each other to a standstill, war that they imagine was Jeremy Corbyn. It’s quite possible that none terrorist civil war between Protestant and and in 1998 they signed the Good Friday of them had even heard of her a week ago. Catholic extremists that killed more than Agreement, which created a power-sharing betrayed by the Good Friday She was a promising young journalist, 3,000 people in a province whose population government in Northern Ireland and put an already well known in the small world of is less than two million. But the war wasn’t end to the killing. Most people realized it was Agreement, and Brexit is Northern Ireland for her political journal- actually about religion. a truce, not a fi nal peace settlement, but many ism and her LGBT activism. She was killed a The Protestants were loyal to Britain (and hoped that, given enough time, it could grow giving it to them. week ago by a New IRA terrorist while cover- resentful about losing the absolute domi- into something more. Generational turnover has solved a lot of the world’s problems. In the meantime, the deal allowed a gen- eration of young people like McKee to grow up in a relatively peaceful place. It might still be a place with a hopeful future today if the English had not voted to leave the European Union three years ago in the ‘Brexit’ referen- dum. (I say ‘English’ deliberately, because both the Scots and the Northern Irish voted for the United Kingdom to stay in the EU.) The problem with Brexit is that the Good Friday Deal depends on a completely open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. In fact, an invisible border: no police, no checkpoints, little visual evidence that it even exists. That, plus the right to have an Irish passport instead of a British one if they chose, was what persuaded the North’s Catholic nationalists to settle for a draw in the war. Everybody in Ireland saw the problem with Brexit: if the U.K. withdraws fully from the EU—no customs union, no “single mar- ket”—then the “hard” border will have to reap- pear in Ireland. The more extreme nationalists will see that as a betrayal, and the guns will come out again. But the insular idiots promot- ing Brexit in England weren’t even aware of the problem. They’re aware of it now. The Republic of Ireland remains a member of the EU, and it got the other members to insist that protect- ing the “soft” border must be part of the British withdrawal agreement. Last November, Theresa May signed that agreement, which says that all of the United Kingdom must stay in the customs union until some U.K.-EU trade agreement is signed that still allows free movement of goods (and people) across an invisible border. That could be a long time from now, or even never, in which case the U.K. never really leaves the EU. It just loses any say in the EU’s policies. So the outraged British Parliament has spent the last two months rejecting not only the withdrawal agreement May signed, but every other proposal for leav- ing (or staying) that has been put before it. Pathetic, really. Meanwhile, the fi rst terrorist attacks are getting started again in Northern Ireland. The ‘dissidents’ who formed the Real IRA in 2012 are nationalists who never accepted the truce. They have been waiting for an opportunity to reopen the revolutionary liberation war that they imagine was betrayed by the Good Friday Agreement, and Brexit is giving it to them. There was a car bomb outside the court- house in Derry in January, and last week the New IRA tried to kill a police offi cer and shot Lyra McKee instead. As Will Francis, her liter- ary agent, said (quoting William Faulkner): “The past isn’t dead. It’s not even past.” Gwynne Dyer’s new book is ‘Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work)’. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 11 Opinion

action? By the inscription on the ‘weapon’ one assumes the wielder is Christian/Jewish—do those Keep the faith and let others keep theirs faiths okay, condone or call for vandalism? I do not think so. At least 321 people violence: any number of Islamist I do not want to make this And for those were killed in extremist plots, both successful incident more than it was, if for contemplating churches and hotels and foiled, an attack on a mosque no other reason than not to give on Easter morning in in Québec City, the Air India at- the perpetrator more attention violence in the name Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan tack, the list goes on and on. To than she or he deserves. The offi cials say the this we have to add a recent series whole thing seems to be just a of their creed, do attacks were made by of minor events at a Buddhist stupid act of property damage by the National Towheed monastery in the southern part of a very stupid person. At the same us all a favour and Jamaath, a local Ottawa. Over the past few years, time, however, we do see ramped Islamist organization, this community has seen a Bud- up rhetoric by groups on all sides and the Islamic ask yourself: What claiming to be carrying out ‘god’s State later claimed dha statue ‘decapitated’ and just would Jesus, Buddha, responsibility for the other week the same statue will’—who gave them that author- the Sri Lanka terror was hit with a stick. The vandal ity by the way? Muhammad, or attack. Photograph who wielded the instrument had What we need instead is more courtesy of Dr. written “Thou shalt have no other dialogue: interfaith, inter-com- whoever, do? Probath Jayatissa’s gods before me,” the fi rst of the Old munity, whatever. We need to be Twitter handle Testament’s Ten Commandments. able to celebrate our own belief Now I am not equating hitting a systems as we want and to allow the religion of the ruled.” In other hate, there is still far too much statue with a stick with terrorism. others to do likewise. Canada is a words, if the king was Catholic, extremism justifi ed and carried This incident strikes me as nothing big country and the Earth is a big so were all his subjects. It made out in the name of whatever god more than petty vandalism. Simi- planet. There is more than enough deciding which church to go to on you believe in (I treat this theme in larly, I have pushed back against room for us all. Sunday easier, I guess. my forthcoming book God Made those who say that we have seen a And for those contemplat- Europe, of course, was plagued Me Do It). The attacks on Catholic huge spike in right-wing extrem- ing violence in the name of their by religious wars for centuries. churches in Sri Lanka on Easter ism in Canada in recent years. Yes, creed, do us all a favour and Somewhat hypocritically, those Sunday are just the most recent right-wing terrorism is a worry, but ask yourself: What would ______who followed one Christian faith manifestation of this horror. One painting swastikas on gravestones (Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, Phl Gurski had no problems killing those group of believers—likely Islamist or synagogue walls is vandalism, whoever) do? The answer may Terrorism who followed another, despite the extremists—killed another group not terrorism. surprise you and convince you to founder’s frowning on such action. of believers—Catholics at mass— At the same time, what drives drop your sticks. The continent is thankfully over possibly in retaliation for what someone to seek out a statue of Phil Gurski is the president of TTAWA—In the Middle most of that, but religious hatred one believer did to a bunch of the Buddha for this kind of treat- Borealis Threat and Risk Consult- OAges, there was in Europe has alas not disappeared. Whether other believers in mosques in New ment? What did the statue ever do ing. His forthcoming book ‘Gods the concept of cuius regio eius we are talking about Islamist Zealand a month ago. to him/her? For that matter what Made Me Do It’ will be published religio—Latin for the concept of extremism, Hindu terrorism, Closer to home we have wrong did the community ever this fall. “the religion of the ruler dictates Buddhist violence, or Christian had our own cases of religious commit to warrant this kind of The Hill Times More genocide education needed in Canada most peaceful of nations. Like a fi re, Holocaust, as a means to prevent By studying the massacres are fuelled by hate and future atrocities, while helping Human skulls at the Nyamata Genocide Memorial. To hear consequences of ignorance, and are spread—and the next generation to become the stories of survivors of the Armenian genocide, the now broadcast— through social responsible citizens who value Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, and the Holocaust, is to truly unchecked hate, media, with dozens of hate crimes human dignity. While this is a understand the chilling effects of racist propaganda that reported daily around the world. step in the right direction, the leads to dehumanization and, ultimately, genocide, writes students will be There is a chilling similarity challenge remains translating Heidi Berger. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia to the underlying motives behind theory into practice. equipped with the these global violent acts. Igno- Shockingly, our foundation’s rance of “the other,” be it a racial or experience demonstrates that critical thinking skills religious minority group, is often many Canadian students currently to better understand cited, leading to an unfounded fear graduate high schools with little to of being “invaded” and overtaken no knowledge about past or pres- racism and by foreign cultures and values. ent genocides. Some don’t even Fear then devolves into a convic- know the defi nition of the word. intolerance. We must tion that the foreign invader must Teachers across the country be eliminated. This is justifi ed by have told us that they lack the not let another year dehumanizing the community, resources, time and confi dence to labelling it as criminal and evil, or effectively educate their classes go by without passing plotting a “White Genocide.” about this sensitive subject. While to signifi cantly build on the basic Poland. My mother saw her own on this essential While we must denounce this eight countries to date have made concepts of genocide already mother killed by machine gun in senseless violence, we must do the study of genocide compulsory in place in the curriculum. We the squalid ghetto where Jews knowledge to our more than react. Ignorance and as part of their high school cur- believe that teachers need to be were forced to live before being fear must be prevented through riculums, no Canadian province supported and equipped with the deported to mass killing concen- youth, the leaders of education of the next generation, has yet done so. knowledge, resources and skills tration camps such as Auschwitz. before racist beliefs take root How can we expect our chil- required to teach about genocide My family’s story is tragically not tomorrow. and destroy lives. As the founder dren to recognize the dangers of and human rights, and this guide unique, and today’s students will of the Foundation for Genocide intolerance and racism without accomplishes that. undoubtedly benefi t more from Education—made up of represen- proper education? How can they With this and next month’s learning about these accounts than tatives from the Jewish, Rwan- identify and react to online racist commemoration days of the from the messages that are com- dan, Armenian and First Nations propaganda if they are unaware Armenian, Jewish and Rwandan municated by crazed white nation- communities—I am convinced that of how the media has been used genocides, now is an opportune alist manifestos and live-streamed by teaching high school students historically by extremist groups time to reinforce the message of shooting of innocent victims. about the consequences of hate, to spread hate and violence? the devastating impact of un- By studying the consequences fear and discrimination, future The Foundation for Genocide checked hate. To hear the stories of unchecked hate, students will be atrocities can be avoided. Our Education is now partnering with of survivors of the Armenian equipped with the critical thinking mission is to ensure that the study the Quebec Education Ministry to genocide, the Tutsi genocide in skills to better understand racism of all recognized genocides, and create a comprehensive, universal Rwanda, and the Holocaust, is and intolerance. We must not let Heidi Berger the steps leading to genocide, are guide on teaching genocide—a to truly understand the chilling another year go by without passing Opinion made a permanent part of the high fi rst initiative of its kind in North effects of racist propaganda that on this essential knowledge to our school curriculum across Canada. America. Once test-piloted by leads to dehumanization and, youth, the leaders of tomorrow. My organization is not alone teachers beginning September ultimately, genocide. Heidi Berger is the founder of he tragic March 14 massacre of in recognizing the value of learn- 2019, the guide will be available As a daughter of Holocaust the Foundation for Genocide Edu- T50 Muslim worshippers in two ing about genocide. In 2018, in every high school in Quebec survivors, I know all too well that cation, fi lm producer, Concordia mosques in New Zealand is one UNESCO published a policy by 2020. Introduced with accom- we cannot afford to be complacent. University teacher, and daughter more horrifi c incident that confi rms guide on the importance of teach- panying training workshops and My parents survived the Holocaust of Holocaust survivors. mass murder has spread to even the ing genocide, specifi cally the educational videos, it will serve by hiding in attics and barns in The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion If voters decide to get serious about climate change, May might get a late wedding present in October

If, as the BBC reports, Cana- bad as new premier Jason Kenney, The only person who da’s North is warming twice as an aggressive, infl exible cheer- has never discounted fast as the rest of the planet, the leader for the oil and gas sector. political hot air from the Liberals Shutting coal plants isn’t much of the ticking time bomb might be part of the problem. The an accomplishment if you replace government has recently taken to them with fracked natural gas. of climate change, claiming that Canada leads the And in British Columbia, NDP world in the battle against climate Premier Colin Horgan has alienated and who continues change. In fact, we are laggards environmentalists with approvals to be the class of who will not meet the commit- for the controversial Site C Dam, ments made in Paris under cur- and the province’s $40-billion deal environmentalists rent policies. with LNG Canada for a massive That said, the Tories are even project at Kitimat. The NDP govern- sitting in the House worse. Andrew Scheer is dead on ment used a cabinet order to bypass arrival with his environmental debate in the provincial legislature, of Commons, is policy. On this fi le, the Conserva- and also exempted LNG Canada tive Party remains in the Pleis- from paying sales tax during the Elizabeth May. She’s tocene Age. Though the Cons construction phase of the project. got the battle scars to have a new leader, its plan is still PM Justin Trudeau attended the based on the corporate myopia of event, and praised the deal as the prove it. Stephen Harper: economy fi rst, biggest investment ever in Canada, environment an afterthought. and—here’s the baloney sandwich, Has Harper learned anything consistent with the Paris climate since his government set a Guin- agreement. ness Book of Records for most Provincial Green Party leader Elizabeth May, pictured March 6, 2019, on the Hill. The only person who has Fossil Head Awards in a G-7 na- Andrew Weaver boycotted the never discounted the ticking time bomb of climate change, and who continues tion? Apparently not. The former affair, which was billed as being to be the class of environmentalists sitting in the House of Commons, is PM recently said that people were as momentous as the “moon land- Elizabeth May. She’s got the battle scars to prove it, writes Michael Harris. “losing faith” in Canada. ing.” Weaver blasted the NDP as The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade He was speaking at a hush- world-class hypocrites for saying hush meeting of business dudes in one thing about LNG while in op- How I love wishful thinkers. The party has elected members in London. The former PM was not position, and turning into former Michael Harris Far away, on the other coast, on British Columbia, New Bruns- referring to regular people “losing premier Christy Clark in power. Harris an island very different from the wick, and Prince Edward Island. one where May and Kidder were Now the Greens are the married, another fairy tale was government-in-waiting in Cana- ALIFAX—Could a storybook about to play out, a fairy tale of da’s smallest province. Is this a Hwedding turn into a Cinderella politics. The day after May’s “Great portent of good things in store political tale in 2019 for the Green Big Fat Green Wedding,” Prince for May in the federal election—a Party of Canada? Edward Island elected a Conser- kind of Liz of Green Gables mo- vative minority ment? government. That is yet to be decided, The history- but one thing is certain. All the making event mainstream parties have fumbled wasn’t that yet the ball on climate change and another Conser- opened the door for the Greens. vative premier Despite great expectations, the had been elected Trudeau government has largely in Canada, followed the same path on the though that is environment and climate change surely a bad sign as other Liberal governments— for Justin Trudeau rhetoric without results. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May was a happy bride on Earth Day, April 22, and the Liberals Regardless of the PR spin, 2019. Screen capture image courtesy CTV News Vancouver Island heading into a and apart from putting a price on Progressive Conservative Leader Dennis King won a federal election. carbon pollution 25 years after faith” in Canada. He was refer- Minus the oily, greasy, and minority government in Prince Edward Island on April It was the nature Sweden, this is what the Trudeau ring to the people he cares about; gassy shenanigans of politicians, 23, 2019, the fi rst Progressive Conservative government of the offi cial op- Liberals stand for: Stephen foreign investors and oil and gas here is the adult message. Accord- win since Pat Binns won in 1996. Screen capture image position: for the Harper’s emission targets; expan- executives. ing to the most recent report of courtesy CityNews Toronto fi rst time ever, it sion of the tar sands; burdening And Harper was talking the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel was Green. taxpayers with a decrepit pipeline about the only subject that really on Climate Change, world leaders Don’t bet against it. For May, it had to be a tri- (and getting fl eeced in the process interested him when he was Big have perhaps as little as 12 years to Sitting in Christ Church Ca- umphant moment. Up until very by a Texas company); dishing out Banana on the federal scene; busi- fi x carbon pollution. thedral on April 22, in the heart of recently, she has been the Green billions in subsidies to the oil and ness, and in particular, the energy The National Observer is now downtown Victoria, it was easy to Party in Canada. Not an easy gig. gas sector; pretending that LNG sector. reporting that scientists have picture how it might happen. As a federal candidate, May is not a fossil fuel; and permitting That’s the sector that Harper learned that four major oil sands Despite the rain, every pew has lost three times and won three failed to regulate facilities in Northern Alberta are in the cavernous church, where times. From her fi rst unsuccessful after nearly ten emitting far more pollution than Winston Churchill personally laid run at politics as an Independent, to years in offi ce, they have admitted to—a whop- a stone in the North Tower in 1929, her more recent crushing victories even though the ping 64 per cent more. As usual, was fi lled. as the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, world’s scientists Environment Minister Catherine The palpable joy in the place she has fought for every centimetre have reported McKenna has been quick to dis- was not restricted to the faces of of political territory along the way. that fossil fuels count the gravity of these fi ndings Elizabeth May and John Kidder, the Despite her true grit, May has are leading the as only being “one report.” celebrants of the hour. never had an elected colleague planet towards The only person who has never The Green Party leader with the beside her since she arrived in the brink. discounted the ticking time bomb 100-watt smile, and the hops farmer the House of Commons in 2011. Think about of climate change, and who con- from central casting in a cream, lin- Despite that, despite often being it this way: if you tinues to be the class of environ- en suit, had the congregation abuzz. excluded from nationally tele- care about the mentalists sitting in the House of The couple zapped each other with vised leaders’ debates, the limited planet, these guys Commons, is Elizabeth May. She’s eye-cupids like giddy teenagers. number of questions she can ask are not for you. got the battle scars to prove it. Jody Wilson-Raybould was in Parliament and at committees, As for the If Canadian voters decide that smiling so broadly, one might have and inadequate budgets, May has party of Jack it’s time to get serious about the she thought that was the one getting soldiered on. Prince Edward Island Green Party Leader Peter Bevan- Layton, Jagmeet planet, this newlywed might be get- married. My seat-mate in pew two But slowly, very slowly, after 13 Baker won offi cial opposition status for his party last Singh has been ting a late wedding present come was David Suzuki. Gazing at the years of leading a party of one in Tuesday. Screen capture image courtesy CityNews Toronto dealt a tough October. newlyweds, he observed that “This Ottawa, the tide has begun to turn. hand by his NDP Michael Harris is an award- might be the country’s new power The Greens are popping up like exploratory oil and gas drilling in brethren on climate change policy. winning author and journalist. couple.” crocuses in provincial legislatures. the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In Alberta, Rachel Notley was as The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 13 Politics & racism News

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Liberals and has been blasting Conservative Party Leader Conservatives Andrew Scheer, not pictured, accusing him of not being tough using racism as enough on racism issues. But, pollster Nik Nanos political tool to says, both the Liberals and the Conservatives should be mobilize supporter careful not to play politics with racism. The Hill Times bases, ‘dangerous photograph by Andrew Meade

fi eld to play in’ for years ago. The report specifi ed to bring 25,000 of the Syrians “Is that leadership? Is that that police reported 2,073 hate fl eeing civil war in their country someone who will govern for all crimes in 2017, compared to 1,409 to Canada as refugees, which won Canadians?” in 2016. national and international praise Rookie Liberal MP Iqra Khalid both parties: Nanos Conservative MP Marilyn for the leader. After winning the (Mississauga-Erin Mills, Ont.), Gladu (Sarnia-Lambton, Ont.) election, the governing party who tabled the Islamophobia disagreed with Mr. Nanos’ sugges- said in an interview with The Hill delivered on the promise and motion M-103 in late 2016, has Continued from page 1 tion that their parties are using Times that the Liberals are play- brought those people to Canada. received numerous racial insults, it’s mutually-assured destruction, racism as “dog whistle” or playing ing politics with this issue, but not NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh hate mail, and death threats on- where if either or both of those politics with the issue. her party. She said Prime Minister (Burnaby South, B.C.) said that line and in person since the time parties go too far, not only could “This is not a dog whistle issue Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) racism has been a problem that the motion was presented in the they destroy their enemy but they in my riding, it’s a real issue,” had wrongly accused Conserva- minorities have faced for decades. House. could destroy themselves in the said seven-term Liberal MP Bill tive Party Leader Andrew Scheer At the same time, he said, Cana- The Yellow Vests Canada process. So, it’s a very dangerous Casey (Cumberland-Colchester, (Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask.) of dians have legitimate fears about movement aligned with the fi eld to play in.” N.S.), who represents a rural rid- not taking a tough stance against their future, which includes not so-called Yellow Vest protests Mr. Nanos said both political ing, in an interview with The Hill racist individuals and alt-right having an adequate number of in France, boasts about 100,000 parties are using this issue as a Times last week. movements. well-paying jobs, about affordable followers on Facebook, and of- “dog whistle” where, by implica- Using a specifi c example, he “It’s the Liberals that are really housing, not being able to main- fi cially encourages civility, but its tion, Liberals are saying that mentioned that one of his constit- raising this issue forward and try- tain a middle class life style, and Facebook page contains dozens anyone who disagrees with their uency offi ce staffers is African- ing to call out my leader as a white uncertainty about the future well of nasty and vicious comments stance of open immigration, Canadian, a woman who was supremacist, when clearly he’s being of their children. Mr. Singh against Mr. Trudeau, some en- including “irregular” immigration, born in Canada but has received not, and he has discounted any said these problems are here couraging his death. is a “racist.” And the Conservatives numerous “nasty” racist com- people that support that kind of because both the Conservatives In September, dozens of are using this to tap into Canadi- ments from some of Mr. Casey’s extreme attitudes,” said Ms. Gladu. and the Liberals in their times in protesters that called themselves ans’ anxiety about the impact of constituents since 2016. Faced As for raising questions about government “neglected” to adopt the “Canadian Coalition of Con- new immigrants on their eco- with this situation, he invited the illegal or irregular immigration, policies to address these issues. cerned Citizens” gathered on Par- nomic security, jobs, and personal Liberal black caucus to his riding Ms. Gladu said her party wants Now, he said, Conservatives are liament Hill to protest against the security. The “subtle implication” to meet with constituents, and a fair and compassionate sys- “blaming new Canadians” for Trudeau government’s policies, from the Conservatives, he said, talk about the issue of racism. tem where people wait for their these problems and the Liber- which they said would result in is that anyone who disagrees with He said he’s been a Member of turn so that their cases could be als, being the governing party, imposition of Sharia law and end them doesn’t care about Canadi- Parliament for more than two- processed. She said her party is should be undertaking concrete the freedom of speech in Canada. ans and Canadian jobs. He said decades, and was elected for his critical of thousands of people steps to address these issues in a A Conservative online advo- social media platforms have made seventh term in the 2015 election, who are entering the country meaningful way, but instead are cacy group called Ontario Proud, the politically-polarized situation but had never encountered this illegally, and this is costing tax- only engaged in rhetoric with the which played an active role in the even worse, where now people kind of racism, saying it began payers a billion dollars a year. Ms. Conservatives. last Ontario election that unseated have numerous outlets where they after the election of Donald Gladu pointed out that her party “They’re both missing the Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne as can express their frustrations by Trump as the U.S. president in is in support of granting immigra- point, because the Conservatives premier, has recently announced using racist language, openly or 2016. During the visit, members tion to people outside of Canada are blaming people who are not they will be working federally by remaining anonymous. of the black caucus met with who have the skill sets that are in at fault and that’s dividing the as well in the upcoming election Mr. Nanos said the best way to students and the general public, short supply in the country. Also, communities,” said Mr. Singh. to defeat the federal Liberals in address the issue of racism is by shared their own stories about the Conservatives are in support “And the Liberals are just calling October. Jeff Ballingall, a former making a case to Canadians that how they tackled racism, and of allowing entry to those seeking out the language, and they’re not Conservative Hill staffer who more immigrants are good for the had a frank conversation about asylum because of genocide, or doing anything to stop it.” previously led the Ontario Proud, future strength of the economy. it. He said everyone who was in people from war-torn countries. Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Scheer and now is leading the Canada Also, he said, the political leader- attendance found those meetings “Canadians know that we need have said publicly in recent Proud advocacy group, told The ship needs to create an environ- very helpful. a fair and compassionate immi- months that the October federal Hill Times in November that his ment where hard-working Cana- Last week, Mr. Casey said, he gration system,” said Ms. Gladu. election is going to be one of the organization’s online content was dians can earn a decent living to met some members of the black “We need people to fi ll the skill nastiest in Canadian history. In viewed 63.4 million times on Face- take care of their families. community in his riding who said gap, we have lots of Canadians fact, in speeches at party gath- book, and tweets were viewed 2.1 “The reality is that probably that racism is a real issue there, who want to bring their families erings, and the daily Question million times. At the time, he also the best policy is somewhere in and that the black caucus should and reunite with their children, Period in the House, the sniping said that Ontario Proud sent out the middle, where we can balance visit their riding more frequently. their husbands, their grandpar- has already started between the more than one million text mes- Canadian economic interests and In the coming weeks, Mr. Casey ents, and we also want compas- Conservatives and the Liberals. sages against the Ontario Liberals, anxiety with our needs of the said, he would be attending some sion in the world in places where At a party fundraiser earlier made 2.5 million phone calls, and country,” he said. community meetings in his riding people are really suffering in this month, Mr. Trudeau blasted 15,000 brochures were distributed Liberal-turned-Independent on how to eradicate racism. He war-torn countries, places where Mr. Scheer for not being tough at transit stations. MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes disagreed with Mr. Nanos that there’s genocide.” enough on alt-right conspiracy According to a poll by Ekos (Whitby, Ont.) recently tweeted Liberals are using this issue as According to statistics com- theories, and accused him of Research, about 40 per cent of that she received a newspaper a “dog whistle,” and invited the piled by the Immigration and speaking at the white nationalist Canadians think that “too many” article in the mail about her leav- pollster to come to his riding to Refugee Board, 38,646 “irregular” rallies. of the immigrants coming to ing the Liberal caucus on which meet with people in person who border crossers made asylum “Andrew Scheer conveniently Canada are visible minorities. the sender had written hateful have faced racism. He said this is claims between February 2017 fails to call out alt-right con- And about 43 per cent said the comments including “dumb nigger a “very real issue” that affects a lot and December 2018. Of these, spiracy theories. Andrew Scheer number of Canadians emigrating with attitude.” Ms. Caesar-Cha- of people across the country. about 9,300 have been processed, fought against a non-binding to Canada were “about right,” and vannes left the Liberal caucus two According to a report by Sta- with a little less than 50 per cent motion to denounce Islamopho- around 12 per cent described “too months ago because of her dissat- tistics Canada released late last been determined as valid, and the bia. And Andrew Scheer has few.” The poll of 1,045 Canadians isfaction with how the government year, hate crimes went up 47 per others either rejected, withdrawn, proudly spoken at the same ral- was conducted between April 3 handled the SNC-Lavalin affair. cent in 2017, the largest increase or abandoned. lies as white nationalists,” said Mr. and 11. Liberal and Conservative MPs in a year since the agency started During the last federal elec- Trudeau in his speech, on April [email protected] in interviews last week, however, to collect such data about 10 tion, the Trudeau Liberals pledged 12, according to Canadian Press. The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Richard Stursberg

of who gets to qualify for the tax In one chapter, you fl oated the Richard Stursberg, credits/subsidies, is the proposal idea that Canada should consider former head of worth defending if it can stave off the U.K.’s approach to content English Services the decline of news outlets? production, in which more points at CBC, pictured “The proposal, as it stands, is to qualify for subsidies are given April 24, 2019, inadequate. to shows that have identifi ably in The Hill Times’ “If you were to compare what British characters and are clearly offi ce, says he’s we spend on fi nancing TV or set there, and abandon this a ‘bit surprised’ movies, in fairness, we should industrial, employment-based ap- there hasn’t been give the same amount of money proach, which doesn’t necessarily more outrage to the news, then it’s probably not lead to the production of shows in communities $130-million, it’s not $150-million, that look and feel Canadian. Why about the decline it’s probably closer to $200-mil- would there be resistance to such of the local news lion. We give $240-million away an approach? industry. The Hill every year [for U.S. studios] to “I don’t know that there will be Times photograph come and shoot movies in Cana- resistance, because it’s never been by Andrew Meade da. The most profound part of the discussed publicly at any length. If problem is it’s going to involve you anticipate that more and more bureaucrats or worthy people of Canadian production ultimately one variety or another deciding will have to be commissioned by what is acceptable and what is the big international streaming not acceptable by way of subsidy services, by Netfl ix, by Disney, in journalism. I think that’s com- then the danger you’re going to pletely wrong-headed. However a fi nd yourself in is that you can say, subsidy is structured, it has to be well you have to commission a structured in a way that the news- certain amount of Canadian con- paper retains complete editorial tent. They’ll say fi ne. But the way independence. the rules work, now is the content “I think anything is better than can be about anything. It could be nothing, but having said that, U.S. stories, as long as it’s made it’s so inadequate that it needs a by Canadians.” complete overhaul.” Why has it taken a while for that Why is there a case to be made approach to be even considered? for news and TV news to be “A lot of the guilds like the treated on the same footing as current arrangements because feature fi lms and TV shows as it’s really about employing their cultural products? members. The second thing is to “It’s just a question of equity, be able to fi nance a show right what’s fair. I don’t know how now in Canada is very expen- you build a standard of fairness, sive. The easiest way is to get a except to say if we’re going to big, pre-production buy from an buy down the labour costs associ- American operator. If you can get ated with making a TV show, we that, what you can do is raise the Stursberg issues rallying cry to say we’ll give you a tax credit for budget signifi cantly. But the price the writer, the director, the actors, of getting that is a show that’s we’ll buy down the costs of their either American in focus, or is fo- protect Canadian media amid salaries. It seems to me that just cused nowhere. Even if you look as a matter of simple equity, we at a great hit like CBC’s Schitt’s should do more or less the same Creek, you can’t tell where it’s thing when it comes to newspa- set. It’s set in nowhereland. It just encroaching U.S. tech giants pers. doesn’t seem to me that’s consis- “Underlying the equity issue tent with having shows that look Canada’s cultural policy, from case for extending tax credits that is, when we subsidize content, we and feel like us.” In Th e Tangled the fertile Mulroney years to the have historically benefi ted TV don’t want the government to say drought during the Harper era to productions to the news industry this content is worthy, that con- Back then, there was a con- Garden: A Canadian the dashed expectations under as it makes the digital transition. tent is not worthy. Cooking shows cern that distinctly Canadian the Trudeau government. The report was championed are worthy of subsidy, but news is shows would be a hard sell to Cultural Manifesto Figuring out how to provide a by the media executives in their not. That seems to me unwise as a U.S. studios. Have the econom- for the Digital Age, counterweight to the U.S.’ cultural lobbying efforts. It would eventu- matter of policy.” ics changed—and can that be in infl uence has been an age-old di- ally inform in part the feds’ plan part attributed to Netfl ix, which, Richard Stursberg, lemma that has preoccupied suc- for assisting the news industry. In Do you get the sense that there’s through its vast library, has cessive Canadian governments. the 2018 fall economic update, the public support for putting them increased exposure to foreign- the former head of In the early 1990s, the threat feds announced they would set on the same footing? language fi lms and shows? came in the form of direct-to- up a $595-million package of tax “I don’t know, because the “I do think that’s true. If we English Services at home satellites, which could credits for the sector. Ottawa’s in- debate has hardly begun, and in actually have an arrangement CBC, looks at how broadcast U.S. shows without tervention has been widely polar- fact, it surprises me a bit. We’ve where Netfl ix is required to licences in Canada. Today, it’s izing within the industry, particu- had almost 200 newspapers close commission shows at the same Canada can provide the so-called FAANGS—Face- larly as it calls for an independent in this country, and the places rate and at the same value right book, Amazon, Apple, Netfl ix, panel to decide who qualifi es as they’re closing are in the small now as CTV or Global, then that a counterweight to and Google. His manifesto takes a journalistic outlet, which many markets, small- and medium- could have a very good result. aim at the so-called FAANGS for journalists have argued threaten sized markets. They can bring in bigger budgets the U.S.’ huge cultural not ponying up their fair share to undermine editorial inde- “I’m a little bit surprised there for Canadian shows. They put to help fund the production of pendence. Under the proposal, hasn’t been a higher level of them on their global platforms so infl uence. Canadian shows, as traditional which was fl eshed out in the 2019 outrage among Canadians saying, Canadian shows can then be seen broadcasters have been mandated federal budget, qualifying news ‘How’s this right? We’re losing around the world.” BY BEATRICE PAEZ to do. Mr. Stursberg lays blame organizations would be given tax this connective tissue in our com- at the feet of regulators and credits to subsidize labour costs. munities, and nobody seems to be You argue that if tech companies anadians are increasingly at policymakers for maintaining the In his interview with The Hill doing anything about it.’” fall under the same rules that Crisk of checking out of the status quo in declining to treat Times, Mr. Stursberg talks about apply to traditional broadcast- national conversation with the the FAANGS on the same footing the news media’s predicament, Have Canadians not awakened to ers, they should, in the name of decline of the news industry and as Bell Media and CTV and other the case for producing shows this reality? fairness, be entitled to the same the arrival of American streaming broadcasters. In the case of the that are distinctly Canadian, and “I don’t think it’s that so much. subsidies. Is it realistic to expect services, argues Richard Sturs- Liberal government, he calls it why Netfl ix and other tech giants I think there’s a certain reticence, that that will be acceptable to berg, a former CBC executive, in out for punting study of potential should have access to subsidies if which I understand, on the part Canadians, given these are com- his new book. regulations to a panel, whose re- they produce Canadian content. of newspapers to cover their own panies with big pockets? In The Tangled Garden: A port won’t be released until 2020, The following Q&A has been problems because it looks like “I don’t think that’s the issue. I Canadian Cultural Manifesto for after the election. edited for length and clarity. special pleading, so the issue think the issue is that people will the Digital Age, Richard Sturs- Tangled Garden also pulls has not become as visible. But it want Canadian shows to be made. berg, the former head of English back the curtain, giving readers Ottawa’s proposed media bailout seems to me that if you want an We’ve always recognized that for Services at CBC, issues a rally- an insider account into the room makes the news industry a ripe issue that’s fundamental to the a very small market like ours, it’s ing cry for ushering in reforms where it happened: how Canada’s target for the Conservatives, social tissue of the country and important to provide subsidies. to protect Canadian media amid “press barons” convened, in 2016, who are already testing out their its sense of its self, it’s got to be It’s subsidies to the show, rather the increasing encroachment of for a private confab to discuss a attacks and using it to fundraise. news. If we don’t have news, it’s than to Netfl ix or Disney itself.” U.S. tech giants. It’s a breezy, yet report Mr. Stursberg authored Despite concerns that the govern- not clear to me that we have a [email protected] deeply informative chronicle of for Rogers in which he made a ment would be an indirect arbiter country.” The Hill Times MAY 2TO7 2019 16 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Feature Spin Doctors By Laura Ryckewaert “Albertans have voted. What do you make of the election result? Are there any federal lessons to be learned?”

CAMERON CORY MÉLANIE ÉRIC ROSIE AHMAD HANN RICHER COUTURE EMERY Liberal strategist Conservative strategist NDP strategist Bloc Québécois strategist Green strategist

rom the very start of his t should be quite the wakeup n this election, outgoing premier et’s be honest: everyone n a climate emergency, the “Fmandate, the prime min- “Icall for the Justin Trudeau “IRachel Notley talked about the “Lhas been treating Jason “IAlberta election result offers ister and his government have Liberals. The NDP campaigned issues. She laid out a detailed and Kenney as if he was Alberta’s little comfort. Neither the NDP nor worked closely with Albertans completely on fear and smear, and bold policy agenda on diversifi ca- premier for years already. With the UCP seem particularly con- to advance their priorities— the voters showed them the door. tion, health, education—the big chal- all due respect, Rachel Notley has cerned about any crisis save their from supporting workers in The Liberals are following the same lenges facing Alberta—while Jason always been a lame duck, and own. And while the word ‘climate’ the natural resources industry, model right now, with PMO sending Kenney ran on a big tax cut for big no one should be shocked to see popped into Rachel Notley’s lexicon to fi ghting climate change and marching orders to cabinet minis- corporations paid for with deep cuts Albertans go back to the Conser- occasionally, she betrayed any sense protecting the environment, to ters and those with cabinet aspira- to public services. In a time when we vatives, whom they supported for of environmental responsibility from making unprecedented invest- tions to tweet incessantly at or call need to come together to solve the four decades straight before that the get-go. Her ‘cap’ on emissions ments in infrastructure that out Conservatives and our support- challenges we face, it will be impor- NDP experiment. entailed a 30 per cent increase in make life better for Albertans ers as some kind of unimaginable tant for Mr. Kenney to unite instead “Of course, it’s still bad for oil sands emissions and production. in their cities and communities. boogeyman that can’t be supported of divide Albertans. Justin Trudeau, who lost another Her phase-out of coal-fi red electric- “That work will continue by any person with a conscience. “The Alberta NDP government ally and might not have one left ity was to be replaced with fracked with Jason Kenney and his new “It’s unfortunate to see them accomplished so much in the last at the fi rst ministers’ conference natural gas, burned ineffi ciently. So government, as it does across stoop this low. Justin Trudeau four years and brought in changes table. no actual reduction in GHG. the country with all orders used to be the self-appointed that have fundamentally changed “For Quebecers, the Alberta “Kenney will be no better, but mea- of government, regardless of poster child against politics of Alberta for the better. Federally, we election means one thing: Energy sured in GHG reductions, not rhetoric, electoral outcomes. As the prime fear and division, and now is its can take a few lessons from their East is back on track. So far, Mr. Alberta will be the same serious con- minister said when he congratu- greatest spokesperson. Four years leadership to bring in change to Kenney has been polite towards tributor to global warming that it was lated Mr. Kenney last week, he in, and so desperate is Justin help people from coast to coast to Québec, even asking for more under the NDP. That’s why we need looks forward to working with Trudeau to cling to power, so coast in the same way. pipelines in French. serious federal action, including use of him to create more good jobs, desperate is he to talk about any- “The Alberta NDP stabilized “But François Legault’s the regulatory powers under the Cana- build more infrastructure, and thing but his own failures and the funding for health care, killed answer didn’t change: there is dian Environmental Protection Act. keep Alberta’s economy strong corruption around him, he’s trot- the conservative health levy and no social acceptability for oil “The good news is that 32 Green and competitive. Our ministers ting out a tired tactic we’ve seen reversed cuts to schools, introduced pipelines in Québec. We’ll see candidates fanned out across Wild are already working closely with from far-left politics elsewhere, an aggressive and forward-looking how this relationship develops, Rose Country, each one of them offer- the new government to support and resorting to frankly disgust- energy diversifi cation plan, brought but Québecers must realize that ing voters a progressive, constructive canola workers and fi nd new ing claims that his opponents are in a long-overdue Climate Lead- the Energy East menace is as real message. A vibrant, healthy, economy markets for Alberta’s resources. racist, or supporters of extremist ership Plan that phases out coal at it ever was, despite Québec’s does not depend on a bitumen pipeline. “The prime minister has also views, or whatever other unsa- pollution, puts a price on carbon opposition. We need to stay alert In fact, the sustainable economy of the long made it clear that it is impos- voury character assassinations he and invests in energy effi ciency and and be ready to fi ght for our right 21st century will create more good jobs sible in the 21st century to have a can say with a straight face. renewables, raised the minimum to decide what goes through our than any pipeline ever could. Greens plan for the economy without a “Kudos to Jason Kenney and his wage to 15 dollars an hour, and so land. And what doesn’t.” have long understood that this is an plan for the environment.” team for staying above the fray.” much more.” all-hands-on-deck moment.”

Meet the dedicated people of Canada’s defence and security industry and discover how their work and their passions create innovative ideas that keep Canadians safe. My job mynorthmyhome.ca is managing the Maritime Helicopter Program My passion is using technology to build more efficient, sustainable working environments

Deborah MacKinnon, CAE Our Canada – it’s all our duty THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 17 Opinion

The Senate Legal and Consti- factions readily signed off on Bill tutional Affairs Committee did, C-58’s fi rst-place fi nish before Judges win, Bill C-58 gets to top however, despite passing judges’ national tax day, April 30, 2019, in expenses anti-disclosure amend- their recent agreement. ments and defeating the Butts- The Trudeau government may Wernick amendments, offer a few think it can go to the electorate and of Senate list for quick passage good amendments (fee restrictions, say it passed Bill C-58 and that it certifi able orders, time-extension had much support in Parliament Entering the secrecy This was all done reputedly in what they say, if they bother put- restrictions, disallowing ill-intent and that all this shows is it’s more the name of judicial independence ting it in writing. name codes). This does not mean transparent. club: judges, the PM, and for the safety and protection Yet the public cannot fi nd out all amendments will be accepted But the opposite is true. Bill C-58 of individual judges, and because about those offi cials’ bonuses or by the House. does not even pretend to narrow and the PMO head the judges cannot speak out if their other perks, let alone the severance What can be said is that the the long list of exemptions down or expenditures look bad. and separation pay given to such Senators spent many hours of ef- raise any expectations that lengthy list in Bill C-58. Judges already had last year notables as former PMO supremo fort and did try to improve on an delays preventing getting some successfully negotiated with the Gerald Butts and former PCO clerk essentially regressive bill, had good government data will end. Library and Archives Canada for Michael Wernick, all are judged chairmanship and membership If too the Trudeau government a 50-year exemption from public to be “personal information.” The that offered well-intentioned, if not thinks that Canadians will buy access to their notes. Butts and Wernick severance and at times, naive input. into creating a weak information The result is that you might as separation pay disclosures were There was at times partisan- commissioner system with limited well now just remove the public defeated when put forward as ship that creeps in, most visibly in order-making powers, forget it. getting such vague judiciary costs amendments under Bill C-58 at the the Conservative Party Senators’ Their new information com- altogether. Otherwise, taxpay- Senate Legal and Constitutional striking a minority report on their missioner model and current ers will be paying in perpetua Affairs Committee. defeated amendments that will be seven-year term occupant that the for useless “pro-active” quarterly The special favours, exemptions attached to the committee’s report government sees as the crowning information. and or exclusions found in the on Bill C-58. What was apparent, achievement in Bill C-58, will do Ken Rubin Some expect the Trudeau gov- Access to Information Act limiting but less obvious at times was that little to help revolutionize gov- Opinion ernment will now battle Senators public access extend to the busi- the Liberal leadership and coop- ernment secrecy and disclosure for this fl agrant anti-transparency ness community, law enforcement eration from Independent Senators practices. If anything, the “new” of- move done. Methinks the govern- and security intelligence agencies, came across as wanting to support fi ce and regime will add barriers to TTAWA—Judging from ment secretly is relieved it was and, of course, to politicians. and believe in the Trudeau govern- quick access, which has burdened OSenators’ recent, orchestrated the Senators and not them who Take the business community— ment’s Bill C-58. the offi ce with too many adminis- cave-in removing the public can be blamed for obscuring they even get notifi ed and have the Most disconcerting, but not trative tasks and not enough tough from being able to see individual judges’ expenses. right to object every time someone unexpected, was, at various powers to review undocumented judges’ expenses, Canada’s Ac- But doing this favour for in the public asks about their gov- points, the lack of corporate decision and “pro-active” govern- cess to Information Act is well on judges is minor in Bill C-58’s ernment supplied information that memory on past transparency/se- ment publicity efforts. its way to being irrelevant. scale of special reverse freedom usually has some public incentives crecy initiatives and reviews; and Canadians are wise to the What the judges’ lobby orga- of information moves. breaks and monies from govern- the-not-so-subtle bureaucratic Trudeau government’s promises to nizations succeeded in doing, Top of the list is Bill C-58’s pro- ment behind it. Some commercial and information offi cials’ inter- do government better when they without having to go in-camera to visions that result in the permanent pubic Crown corporations like ventions that conspired to get all are like all past governments when twist arms, was to remove from exclusion of the prime minister and Canada Post, Export Development thinking that Bill C-58 was not all it comes to not getting Canadians’ Bill C-58 any traceable idea of ministers’ offi ces and the House Canada, and Via Rail even have that regressive. quick and easy public disclosure. what individual judges spend. and Senate themselves from ever sweetheart deals giving them extra Just to show how little thought The electorate will be the ones In its place, a Senator intro- being subject to review under the commercial exemption protection. was given to the truly landmark re- to pass judgment on Bill C-58. duced a series of amendments that Access to Information Act. So do not judge what the judges’ pressive nature of Bill C-58, it came Ken Rubin has a long non replaced any access to individual Think too of how offi cials writ- lobby groups did to subvert public out as the very fi rst and easiest bill corporate memory on government judges’ expenses with aggregate ing “modernization” access bills access as an extraordinary one- in the Senate that was deemed able secrecy moves and is reachable at costs-only for each court of how tend to look after themselves fi rst time occurrence or an entitlement to go back to the House for quick kenrubin.ca judges spend taxpayer funds. and foremost, always protecting that only they now would have. treatment. All the various Senate The Hill Times

Indigenous Affairs impacts of infrastructure such as Minister Seamus roads. While roads can bring prices Report, like northern O’Regan, pictured. down and open up opportunity, they The House Standing can also bring social, cultural, and Committee on health impacts that need careful infrastructure, does Indigenous and planning, monitoring, and adaptive Northern Affairs report management. comes at a critical Almost as important as the time; the government’s impacts are the lost opportunities not go far enough new Arctic Policy that could be derived from infra- Framework is set to be structure. The report notes that the last week. The House Standing released in the coming new highway to Tuktoyaktuk in the We hope and expect Committee on Indigenous and weeks, writes Ryan Northwest Territories increased Northern Affairs report comes at a Danby. The Hill Times tourism two-fold. However, once that the government critical time; the government’s new photograph by Sam the tourists arrived, they discov- Arctic Policy Framework is set to Garcia ered that there was no restaurant will ‘go the extra be released in the coming weeks. in which to buy coffee, and no mile’ and remedy The future of northern infrastruc- northerners. We have heard much developments, and even ports in hotel in which they could stay. ture, including roads, ports, pipe- of this before. It is all fi ne and good, the sensitive calving grounds have The report uses the incident as an those inadequacies lines, airports, electricity transmis- but stops far short of the promised all been proposed. The government example of a lack of infrastructure. sion, broadband communications comprehensive analysis. of the Northwest Territories draft It missed the more important con- in its response to the and more, defi nes the future of the Where the report fails is in what Bathurst Caribou Range plan notes clusion that infrastructure planning north. There is no sovereignty with- it fails to mention. The biggest of that “…the need for careful planning needs to be better integrated to report. out the infrastructure to support it, those failings is that it does not processes for road development will maximize local opportunity. and the northern economy and the mention that northerners do not become paramount.” Overall, the report makes a well-being of northern peoples are want infrastructure that is likely to Nunavut’s draft land use plan case for more infrastructure for both heavily dependant on infra- cause irreparable harm to northern goes even further in its consider- the North, but it does not make the structure decisions. ecosystems, especially to species ation of the impacts of infrastruc- case for the right infrastructure Now we have the committee relied on by northern peoples. ture on caribou, banning mines, for the North. It is hard to disagree report. Disappointingly, the report Nowhere in the report is there a hydro developments, and all-weath- with the assessment of a dissenting is good as far as it goes, but like recognition that infrastructure er roads in the sensitive habitat report added at the end; “The re- northern infrastructure it doesn’t go needs must be balanced against around calving grounds. Despite port, while not being substantially nearly far enough. It identifi es the their impacts. readily available information on the incorrect, is woefully inadequate.” need for better northern infrastruc- Consider the Bathurst cari- impacts of infrastructure on a spe- We hope and expect that the ture, earmarked northern infra- bou herd, for example. The herd cies vitally important to northern- government will “go the extra mile” Ryan Danby structure funding, and an approach numbered more than 450,000 in the ers, caribou impacts don’t rate a and remedy those inadequacies in Opinion to prioritizing how to spend that 1980s and has since declined by mention in the committee report. its response to the report. money that “ought to engage with 96 per cent. The remnant animals The report also fails in its Ryan Danby is chair of the Ca- northerners, including Indigenous are not nearly enough to supply assessments of the impacts of nadian Arctic Resources Commit- House of Commons commit- peoples.” It also talks of transition- all the people who have tradition- infrastructure on communities. This tee, and associate professor at the Atee report intended to take a ing from diesel power, and of ensur- ally relied on the herd for food, and means not only the impacts of in- School of Environmental Studies, comprehensive look at northern ing that climate change measures stringent hunting restrictions have frastructure on wild foods relied on Queen’s University. infrastructure needs was released don’t place an excessive burden on been put in place. Roads, hydro by northerners, but also the direct The Hill Times 18 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Institute, the Ford government’s climate plan The Ford government also reneged on an means Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions earlier commitment to Ontario municipalities World transitioning to a would be 27 per cent higher in 2030 than what to double their share of revenues from the the Wynne government had promised. gasoline tax, money that municipalities had The Ford government has cancelled some been counting on to improve public transit low-carbon economy, but 50 climate initiatives. These include Ontario’s and reduce urban congestion. electric and hydrogen vehicle incentive pro- Now, in Alberta, we have the incoming Conservatives make us laggards gram that had been designed to encourage the government of Jason Kenney that has made transition to electric vehicles, claiming cancel- the oil sands, along with natural gas, the cen- lation would save the province an estimated trepiece of his Alberta First strategy, regard- climate change. $1-billion over four years. It also has cancelled less of the impact on Canada’s Paris Accord This is fi rst of all a moral issue—we have the electric vehicle-charging incentive program commitments. a responsibility to pass on a global environ- that had helped underwrite the cost of install- Yet he is creating unrealistic expectations ment that does not imperil the future lives of ing electric charging stations for vehicles. for an oil-led Alberta rejuvenation. With the today’s young children. Yet, we are in danger These steps have cost Ontario jobs and world transitioning to a low-carbon economy, of leaving a world where in the future life will investment. For example, according to the last world oil demand could peak in the near fu- be much harsher than today. report of the Ontario environmental com- ture. This is why fi nancial markets are already But it is an economic issue as well. As the missioner Dianne Saxe (fi red by Ford last pushing back against costly oil investments. climate becomes on average much warmer, November), the world’s largest electric vehicle In addition a growing number of pension and it will mean weather becomes more volatile, manufacturer, Warren Buffet-backed BYD of endowment funds are ditching oil stocks as David Crane with the risks of drought or fl oods and food China, announced plans to build an assembly part of their low-carbon investment strategies. shortages, climate mass migration, threats to Canada & the 21st Century plant in Ontario following the announce- What Alberta needs, like Ontario, is an water supply and rising sea levels that could ment in 2017 of Ontario’s Green Commercial aggressive economic diversifi cation strategy, overrun coastal cities. The economic and Vehicle Program. When the Ford government one that would wean it off oil and expand in social costs of inaction will soar. Choosing ORONTO—Are Conservative parties, fed- cancelled the plan, BYD cancelled its plan for the low-carbon world. There are hopeful signs. between climate action and the economy is a Teral and provincial, sacrifi cing Canada’s an Ontario assembly plant. Questor Technology and Western Hydrogen false choice: failing to act will impose higher long-term interests for the prospect of short- In the all-important automotive sector, are two Calgary hydrogen fuel cell companies costs in the future than acting now. term political gains? Rather than seeking to leadership, instead, is coming from Quebec, and, based on data on Industrial Research As- Ontario, Saskatchewan, and now Alberta, create a Canadian advantage in the transition where the Legault government, in its fi scal sistance Program (IRAP), there is a large and are fi ghting federal carbon pricing through to an innovative low-carbon world, they seem update in December announced an additional growing number of tech companies in Calgary the courts, while federal Conservative Leader to be stuck in an older economy where fossil $21-million for its Drive Electric Initiative and Edmonton. This is where Kenney should Andrew Scheer has promised to abolish car- fuels will continue to be king, calculating that which provides rebates of up to $8,000 for be focusing. bon pricing should he win the October federal public concerns about the costs of that transi- individuals, businesses, organizations and mu- But by putting short-term fossil-fuel election. tion can be exploited for votes. nicipalities purchasing or leasing new electric politics fi rst, Ford and Kenney, like Scheer, are The federal Conservatives say they support Make no mistake about it—the world is or hydrogen vehicles. Starting on May 1, the in danger of themselves becoming political Canada’s Paris commitment (they should transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Some federal government will provide, at a cost of fossils. If Conservatives want to demonstrate since it was the Harper government that made countries will be leaders, others laggards. $300-million over three years, incentives of leadership for our future, they should halt it), but they have failed to come up with an Conservatives would make us laggards, los- up to $5,000 for purchasers of new electric or their opportunistic political grandstanding alternative climate plan. They have promised ing out on the jobs and investments that will hydrogen vehicles, and this will be on top of over carbon pricing and show they have a one, but won’t tell us what it is. They may be go to the leaders. the Quebec incentives. better way, if they have, of helping transition holding back until the fall election so that it Today, there is not a conservative party— At the same time, Quebec is working close- Canada as one of the world’s leading nations will not be subject to close scrutiny. Like the either at the federal or provincial level—that ly with Toyota to provide hydrogen facilities in in a low-carbon world. That is where we have climate plan unveiled by the Ford government supports carbon pricing or has offered any Québec City and Montreal to encourage the to be headed. in Ontario, it could be largely aspirational kind of credible alternative to help Canada use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in municipal David Crane can be reached at crane@ rather than setting out specifi c actions. meet its international commitment to help and private sector fl eets, while Ontario sits on interlog.com. For its part, according to the Pembina the world head off costly and life-threatening its hands. The Hill Times

What are you doing in celebration Featuring: of Mental Health Week?

Celebrate with us at the

The Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor Minister of Health, Keynote Speaker

Ottawa | May 7th National Arts Centre

An initiative of: Presented by: Tickets available at camimh.ca Traci Melchor Learn more at mentalhealthweek.ca ETalk Senior Correspondent, Emcee HEALTHTHE HILL TIMES, MONDAY APRIL 29, 2019 POLICY BRIEFING

20 National dementia strategy ‘a step 28 Closing the mental health gap: in the right direction,’ but critics expanding coverage as next step concerns it’s underfunded toward mental health parity 22 The Global Fund calling on feds to 29 Edible cannabis: countdown to increase funding by ‘at least’ 15 per cent, the rocket launch as development observers criticize Liberal foreign assistance 30 Can you predict a drug overdose? 25 Budget misses the mark on 31 What if we measured government addressing health needs success by health outcomes? 26 New breast cancer screening 34 The building blocks of drug guidelines put women at risk coverage reforms in Canada 20 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

National dementia The details are expected to surround a bers, critics say the government is really few key pillars, including those announced missing the mark when it comes to federal in the budget document, but also improv- research dollars on dementia. ing the skills and knowledge of staff According to the 2016 Senate Com- strategy ‘a step in the working in health-care settings, integrat- mittee report, the government should be ing supports across primary, community, investing about $100-million annually into and home care, developing better data, and dementia research — a number that would right direction,’ but critics investing in research and innovation. be it into compliance with a World Health The provinces and territories are key Organization recommendation that says partners in making the strategy a success, about one per cent of health spending say observers, but all seemed to suggest should go into research. concerns it’s underfunded they know it’s a pertinent public health is- One can really see how underfunded sue and are on board to work together. the strategy is when they consider that Alzheimer’s Society CEO Pauline Tardif, the global number should be about According to the Alzheimer’s Society, who chairs the ministerial board on the strat- $100-million for research alone, yet the Health Minister Ginette about 600,000 Canadians currently live egy, said there is a federal-territorial-provincial strategy in total is capped at $10-million with dementia, and that number is expect- table set up to discuss that aspect of it. Overall, annually. Petitpas Taylor said, in ed to grow to about one million over the she said the society is supportive of the strat- “The more that we understand about next decade. Canada is the only G7 coun- egy, calling it a “very important fi rst step.” it’s causes, and potential ways that we can an emailed Q&A, that her try that doesn’t have a strategy, said McGill The society asked for $150-million over either slow…or eliminate it entirely [the University doctor Serge Gauthier. But government is committed fi ve years in its pre-budget consultation, but better,]” he said. “Research is an invest- while that puts Canada behind the game, Ms. Tardif said she wasn’t discouraged by only ment, not a cost.” it also gives the government a chance to to dementia as a public receiving $50-million. She said she believes Ms. Gladu said there is definitely learn from other’s mistakes, he said. the government will make further investments room to improve on dementia research health issue, which is why The budget committed $50-million once it starts to see the strategy’s outcome. funding front. Some research is cur- over fi ve years for the strategy, which is “I often hear people talk about the rently being done on delaying the onset it launched the fi rst ever aimed at increasing awareness of dementia tsunami of dementia,” she said. “What I like of dementia, which she said she’s sup- through targeted campaigns to increase national dementia strategy, to remind people is that if you want to use portive of. prevention, as well as reduce risk and that analogy, fi ne, but please recognize that In 2015-16, the government invested stigma; develop treatment guidelines and among other initiatives. the wave is on the beach at this point.” $42-million over fi ve years to establish best practices for early diagnosis; and im- Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu the Centre for Aging and Brain Health prove the understanding of prevalence and (Sarnia-Lambton, Ont.), her party’s health Innovation (CABHI). It “funds projects BY EMILY HAWS effects of dementia on communities. critic, agreed the need for action is urgent, to develop, test and scale up products The funding is in addition to the 2018 but called the strategy “too little, too late”— and services to support brain health and budget’s $20-million fi ve-year commitment he government unveiled some funding pointing out specifi cally that the Alzheim- aging, including dementia,” said depart- for dementia community supports, which Tdetails of the fi rst-ever national demen- er’s Society received only one-third of its ment spokesperson Anna Maddison in had a particular focus on senior women. tia strategy its latest budget, but already ask. A national strategy isn’t that helpful an emailed statement. She reiterated the The 2018 budget also announced $4-million it’s getting heat from critics, who say that or concrete, she said, and the Alzheimer’s government’s $50-million and $20-million per year ongoing. while it’s a step in the right direction, the Society is already doing work on the issue commitments too. Details on the strategy are expected $50-million over fi ve-year investment isn’t across the country. “Between 2013-14 and 2017-18, the to be announced in late May or the fi rst going to have the impact needed to address NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver King- Government of Canada, through the week of June, as is required by Bill C-322, the growing public health issue. sway, B.C.), his party’s health critic, said Canadian Institutes of Health Research, which became law in June 2017. The Public Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline while he’s supportive of the strategy, he invested close to $200-million in dementia- Health Agency of Canada didn’t have any in mental ability, but Alzheimer’s is the most agreed it’s underfunded. related research,” she added. “This funding more specifi c timelines when asked. commonly diagnosed form of dementia. In terms of funding, a 2016 Senate com- has supported a broad range of research, mittee report on the strategy suggested covering the biomedical, clinical, health $30-million in annual federal commitments. services, and population health aspects of Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor dementia.” (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, N.B.) said That works out to about $40-million in an email Q&A with The Hill Times that annually, which Dr. Gauthier said wasn’t the government is committed to making enough in a 2017 opinion piece, especially nuclear a difference on the fi le, which is why it when compared to what other countries launched the fi rst-ever strategy, hosted the are spending. fi rst national dementia conference, and Responding to the idea that the gov- launched the ministerial advisory board, ernment needs to more heavily invest in technology among other initiatives. dementia prevention care, Health Min- “These are big, unprecedented steps ister Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Moncton- and we will continue the work to better un- Riverview-Dieppe, N.B.) said in an email derstand dementia and support Canadians interview with The Hill Times that the saves lives living with it,” she said. government is giving $20-million to the No matter what the outcome of the fall Public Health Agency to support communi- through the use of radioisotopes election, it seems that dementia will con- ty-based projects. tinue to have some kind of support. “I understand that a project proposal for diagnosing and treating Mr. Davies said that an NDP govern- was submitted by the Alzheimer’s Society ment would not only continue the strategy, of Canada and is under consideration. I various medical conditions. but improve it in key areas, such as home look forward to hearing the results,” she care and prevention strategies. said, adding that the government also Ms. Gladu was more vague, but noted funded the Centre for Aging and Brain that the Conservatives yet-to-be-released Health Innovation. platform would include supports for men- Ms. Tardif didn’t directly criticize the Every year in Canada: tal health, which includes dementia care. government for not making the $100-mil- Doctors interviewed by The Hill Times lion research target, but said broadly that said the strategy is a step in the right direc- her organization supports the WHO’s tion, but also said the investment is modest, recommendation. 1,500,000 given how many people are expected to be When money is invested into research nuclear diagnostic scans impacted by dementia. and innovation, it helps countries get the are performed But the $50-million doesn’t include pro- outcomes they need, she said, as in the vincial funding, said McGill University doctor case of cancer, heart disease, and HIV/ Howard Bergman, who also said that it’s not AIDs. 15,000 so much the money fi gure as targeted intent Dr. Gauthier said he strongly supports and investment that will make a difference. the $100-million research recommenda- therapeutic doses Dr. Gauthier said one aspect that Austra- tion. There’s no cure for dementia, he are administered lia seems to be missing is targeted outcomes said, but preventative care could use more to determine if the strategy is working. study. Ms. Tardif suggested that measures to For example, that money could go into track outcomes of the strategy are in the helping stroke research, he said, as those works—a move that is consistent with who have strokes are more likely to de- other national strategies the current Lib- velop dementia. eral government has introduced. Queen’s University doctor Chris Simp- son said he’s not sure why the government More research funding needed, has backed away from a specifi c commit- ment to research, especially given demen- cna.ca say observers tia has no cure. While the government is overall taking [email protected] some heat for the strategy’s funding num- The Hill Times

22 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

The OECD Global Fund calls has criticized the Canadian government’s decline in on feds to increase foreign aid spending, despite increases funding by ‘at promised in the 2015 election. Maryam least’ 15 per cent, as Monsef is the minister of International Development development observers and minister for Women and Gender criticize Liberal Equality. and spoke about having her mother and Canada’s Feminist International Assistance brother die of AIDS-related illnesses. In Policy, as he said investments in global 2004, when she was 12, she was diagnosed gender equality will yield “signifi cant ben- foreign assistance with HIV and tuberculosis. Ms. Maturu efi ts,” and he added there is disappointment said she would not be alive today if it was in the development community that there not for the support she received from the hasn’t been more political will to fund it Former NDP MP Svend “hopeful” that the Canadian government Global Fund. more fully. will meet the Global Fund’s call for a Liam Swiss, a political sociology pro- “[The Liberals] struck a sort of bold Robinson called the funding increase, as he said Canada has fessor at Memorial University of New- policy direction, but didn’t really resource regularly increased its contribution to the foundland and a development expert, said it any differently than any of the previous Liberals’ foreign aid funding Global Fund each time it has asked for new Canada’s contribution is “good bang for governments,” Prof. Swiss said. “There’s money. the buck,” as it is one of the organizations been a meagre increase this past year, but ‘totally unacceptable.’ Global Fund representatives briefed the where the funds will go the furthest and really the Trudeau government has been House of Commons Foreign Affairs and involve few barriers to entry. He said Ca- pretty dismal in terms of making Canada a BY NEIL MOSS International Development Committee on nadian NGOs would not be able to achieve generous donor again.” April 4. the same success, but there is political Mr. Robinson called Canada’s foreign multinational humanitarian organi- “We would very much hope … Canada reluctance to steer money to an initiative aid funding “totally unacceptable,” and said Azation is looking for the Canadian would be able to step up and provide an that isn’t solely Canadian. Canada should be committing to meet the government to increase its funding by 15 increase of at least 15 per cent to be able to “Hopefully … Canada will act on re- 0.7 per cent global foreign assistance fund- per cent to fi ght global epidemics of AIDS, make up for the overall needs,” Françoise sponding to the request for an increased ing target, arguing that if the Conservative tuberculosis, and malaria, at the same as Vanni, Global Fund’s director of external commitment,” Prof. Swiss said. “We can government in the United Kingdom can the Liberal government’s foreign assis- relations, told the committee. certainly afford it, so the reasons for not meet the commitment, Canada can do the tance funding is being questioned. The Global Fund is focused on combat- doing it are pretty limited.” same. The Global Fund is seeking $14-billion ing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria In 2018, an OECD report lambasted Mr. Robinson said the next Global Fund from its donor countries in October to cover epidemics, as well as strengthening and Canada’s international foreign aid funding, replenishment will be crucial, as it will the next few years of its operations, 15 per sustaining health care systems in the same which had fallen below the funding levels reinforce the global commitment to fi ght- cent more than it received during its last target countries they are providing assis- offered under the previous Conservative ing the AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria funding replenishment in 2016. The last time tance to. government. epidemics. around, Canada pledged $785-million towards Since its inception in 2002, Canada has Canadian foreign assistance is 0.28 per “There is a huge risk that we could ac- the $12.2-billion total, which was a 20 per cent pledged over $2.3-billion to the fund. cent of the gross national income, below tually start sliding backwards,” the former increase from its previous contribution. The investments into the Global Fund the 0.32 average of Development Assis- MP said. “The Global Fund has been and should are being used to anchor some of the tance Committee countries, and the 0.7 He said it would be ideal for Canada to continue to be a central pillar of Canada’s sustainable development goals outlined per cent global target.In the 2019 budget, announce its pledge at the global Women international assistance support,” said by the UN in 2030 Agenda for Sustainable the federal government allotted $700-mil- Deliver Conference in Vancouver in June. Svend Robinson, a former NDP MP and Development, such as eliminating the three lion in 2023-24 to the International As- He added the Global Fund’s role in advanc- past consultant with the fund working on diseases as epidemics. sistance Envelope, which is an addition to ing gender equality has been “absolute key,” parliamentary outreach. Loyce Maturu, a Zimbabwean advo- the $2-billion pledge to the envelope in the fi tting with the government’s vision. Mr. Robinson, a current NDP candi- cacy offi cer at the Global Fund, appeared 2018 budget. Mr. Robinson said he didn’t think the date in the upcoming election, said he was before the committee earlier this month Prof. Swiss said he is supportive of timing of the replenishment—in October during the election campaign—would threaten Canada’s pledge, as the fund has had the support of all parties in the past. Prof. Swiss said pledges to the Global Fund isn’t something that should be politi- CBD is a Natural cized. Disappointing private contributions to the Global Health Product Fund: Robinson The Global Fund was constructed as a government and private sector joint project NOT a recreational drug to combat epidemics of those diseases. But more than 93 per cent of the funding comes . only from governments. đƫ* %*/3*00+1/!"+.%0/health benefits “If I had one big regret … during my ƫ  +!/ *+0 #!0 5+1 $%#$ċ time there was that the original premise, the original hope of the Global Fund was đƫ* %*/3*00+!.! +#*%6! "+.3$0%0.!((5%/č that at least 10 per cent of the funding would come from the private sector, but a Natural Health Product. with a few exceptions that hasn’t been the case,” Mr. Robinson. đƫ* %*/ 3*0 high-quality, safe CBD 00$!%.$!(0$"++ .!0%(!.. He said a lot more “can and should” be done by the private sector to support the Government should introduce smart regulations for CBD products, which Global Fund. Prof. Swiss said there is strong rheto- protect consumers while creating opportunities for Canadian businesses. ric around public and private fundraising partnerships, but too much focus is put on attaining private sector commitments, thinking it will solve funding shortages. #smartregulations #naturalhealthproduct #getwellnothigh [email protected] The Hill Times The Canadian way, with state-of-the-art Learn more at: technology and science — safely and reliably. cannabis-council.ca 24 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

importantly—Terry Foxers across Canada, so that no matter where they live in Canada, Terry Fox’s legacy met with their Members of Parliament last cancer patients will have access to precision summer to say, “there is a vision to cure medicine—so the right treatment can be cancer, and we need your support.” given to the right patient at the right time. On March 18, 2019, Finance Minister I am thrilled that the $150-million inspires federal Bill Morneau tabled the budget in the pledge is the largest commitment to health House of Commons and said, “To help give research in the federal budget. This is a more cancer patients and their families transformational investment in cancer help and hope, we will provide the Terry research that brings us one step closer government to pledge Fox Research Institute with up to $150-mil- to ending cancer. It will be matched with lion to establish a national Marathon of funds raised by the network partners, their Hope Cancer Centres network.” I broke foundations and the Terry Fox Foundation. $150-million to create down in tears when I heard those words, Thanks to funding from the Terry Fox Re- knowing that this federal investment could search Institute and regional partners, pilot be leveraged with matching funds to make projects for precision medicine are already this transformative vision a reality. underway in British Columbia, Ontario, Marathon of Hope Inspired by the legacy of Terry Fox, the and Quebec. Terry Fox Research Institute and partners In 2017, approximately 206,200 Cana- launched the new national network to dians were diagnosed with cancer and bring together, for the fi rst time, leading approximately 80,800 Canadians died from Cancer Centres Network cancer hospitals and research universi- cancer. Every year, Terry Fox Runs are held ties across Canada to accelerate precision in more than 9,000 communities across medicine for cancer patients. Canada and around the world to raise ’ve said it to people before that I’m go- The announcement was made in St. funds for cancer research in an effort to The $150-million pledge “Iing to do my very best to make it; I’m John’s, N.L., at Mile Marker 0 on the same change those numbers. To date, more than not going to give up. But I might not make day and at the exact spot where Terry Fox $750-million has been raised worldwide is the largest commitment it…if I don’t, the Marathon of Hope better began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, in Terry’s name. The Terry Fox Foundation to health research in the continue.” Terry Fox 1980. Thirty-nine years later, we are one works directly with the Terry Fox Research On April 16, 2016, Dr. Victor Ling, presi- step closer to realizing Terry’s dream. At Institute to strive for the best outcomes for federal budget. dent and scientifi c director of the Terry Fox the announcement in St. John’s, Dr. Ling cancer patients. Before he died, Terry said, Research Institute, walked in to my offi ce told the crowd, “We are at the start of a mo- “I want to try the impossible to show that it in Ottawa with a dream—the Marathon of ment. We are creating the Team Canada of can be done. I believe in miracles—I have Hope Cancer Centres. After he explained cancer research.” to.” This new network of excellence will try the concept to me and asked if the federal When it’s fully operational, the network the impossible every day, in research labs, government would support the project, I will bring cancer research institutions hospitals and institutes across Canada to said, “Well, it won’t be easy.” He just smiled from across British Columbia, Ontario, realize the miracle Terry dreamed of when and said, “What Terry did wasn’t easy Quebec, the Prairies, and Atlantic Canada he set off from St. John’s 39 years ago—a either. But we need to dream and together together to ensure patients across Canada cure for cancer. we can do this.” have access to the same treatment proto- Liberal MP Pam Damoff, who repre- That dream will now become a real- cols regardless of where they live. In the sents Oakville North-Burlington, Ont., is ity. In the three years since Dr. Ling fi rst network, research teams from coast to coast parliamentary secretary to the minister Liberal MP Pam Damoff shared his vision with me, we held a will share data, harmonize resources and of health. She is also chair of the Oakville reception for Parliamentarians on the Hill, apply new technologies such as genomics, Terry Fox Run.. Opinion talked to ministers and offi cials and, most advanced imaging and artifi cial intelligence, The Hill Times National Physicians’ Day Celebrating Canada’s Physicians cma.ca/celebratingphysicians Journée nationale des médecins Hommage aux médecins canadiens amc.ca/hommageauxmedecins THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 25 Policy Briefi ng Health Budget misses the mark on addressing health needs

a tsunami of need. Factor in that the original costly, but there is an existing pilot to try to And, to my personal disappointment, there request was for $150-million over fi ve years, do the approval for the current three organi- was no additional funding announced for pal- and you begin to see how the Liberals are un- zations in parallel, to reduce the cycle time. liative care, even after the national framework dercutting Canadian medical innovation and It will be worth assessing the results of that was announced. our own future well-being, all in one. before disrupting the approval process. Due One additional criticism of the budget Likewise, with a shortage of doctors, to the extreme lack of details given by the concerns actions to address other mental nurses, personal support workers, and a host Liberals in the budget on anything closely re- health issues. of medical practitioners across the country, sembling an actual pharmacare plan, we must First, there is the opioid crisis, which was there does not appear to be any plan to ad- be quick to scrutinize any further movements on track to have killed more than 4,000 Ca- Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu dress this fundamental need. from the Trudeau government to keep it ac- nadians last year and is getting worse under Opinion There was a lot of hype about pharmacare countable on this fi le as we near election time. the inadequate actions of this government. before the budget. It includes two action items: In terms of chronic disease, it was disturb- Instead of investing more dollars in recovery one, to come with a standard list of covered ing to see that there was no announced fund- to get addicts off drugs, the government will he Liberals’ budget delivered their “solu- medications across provinces and territories; ing in response to Diabetes Canada’s budget spend $6-million per year buying safe drugs Ttions” to the issues facing health care in and, two, to add another national drug-ap- ask, despite 11 million Canadians living with for those who suffer from addiction. This is a Canada today. But did it hit its intended mark? proval organization to the existing three (the diabetes or pre-diabetes. The Health Commit- negligent response to the crisis. Canada is facing a systemic health crisis. Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, Ca- tee recommended support for the Diabetes Then the government announced $5-mil- Canadians are living longer—a good thing, nadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Canada 360° plan. lion per year for suicide prevention. Consid- on its own—but increasingly with chronic Health, and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical A rare-disease funding election promise ering the epidemic nature of suicide across diseases such as diabetes or dementia. This Alliance). But the reality is that this does not was contained in the budget with spend- the country and especially in the North, this places a genuine burden on Canadian care- help those without prescription drug coverage, ing beginning in 2022, but as the Liberals again seems like an acknowledgement of givers, who are often loved ones like family and thus, is not pharmacare. have kept only a quarter of their previous the problem, without much of a solution. members. With one in six Canadians now That is not to say that there is no benefi t promises, this too is uncertain. Regardless, The bottom line is that so much more needs seniors, growing to about one in four over the from having a standard list, yet readers must the Liberal budget does nothing to meet the to be done beyond what the Liberals have next 10 years, a plan to address the increasing recognize this will be a long conversation, basic expectations of Canadians who cope proposed on these urgent issues. demand on health-care services is urgently as some provinces have very short lists of with chronic illnesses like diabetes. These Unfortunately, the 2019 budget did required. Solving the health-care crisis could approved prescriptions compared to others, taxpayers question how the Liberals make nothing to come with a real plan to ad- provide economic incentives to both taxpay- and can’t necessarily afford to add to the their priorities, and I fi nd myself increasingly dress the challenges facing health care in ers and governments alike across provinces list, whereas those who have a longer list are sharing the same concern. Canada. There was no real plan to address and territories, but it is hard to believe such unlikely to want to give up coverage. Cost The autism plan of $12-million over three the aging population, nothing to address ingenuity will occur under Prime Minister savings through bulk buys beyond what is al- years is also inadequate at a time when we chronic disease, the shortage of health-care Justin Trudeau’s current regime. ready occurring in Canada could be negligi- have seen such a heightened level of public workers, and no pharmacare plan. With It’s fair to say that the 2019 budget did ble. And one must caution that we have heard awareness and debate provincially around the the impending election in Oct. 21, perhaps very little to address these unmet needs. multiple independent reviews that whatever real need for enhanced autism supports for Canadians can hold out hope that better is Take a look at what was included in the plan is brought could end up costing the caregivers. I wish the uproar we have heard always possible. budget. For example, the $10-million per year federal treasury tens of billions of dollars a against certain provinces on autism funding Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu is the to develop a strategy for dementia does not year—an unsustainable ask of Canadian tax- was levelled at the Trudeau Liberals federally Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, address the woefully underfunded organiza- payers in already fi scally-demanding times. when they voted against my colleague Mike Ont., and the health critic of the offi cial op- tions like the Alzheimer’s Association, which Simply put, the drug approval process Lake’s autism funding initiative, the Canadian position Conservatives. are doing a valiant job while trying to meet needs to be streamlined to be faster and less Autism Partnership. The Hill Times

The Patient’s Medical Home (PMH)—Better Health Care for Canadian Communities The PMH 2019 vision meets evolving primary health care needs in Canada through: • More accessible care for patients and communities • Continuous care based on strong doctor-patient relationships • Appropriate use of emergency rooms • Timely access to care The PMH benefits patients and providers alike. patientsmedicalhome.ca 26 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

36,000 family doctors in their interactions women losing their lives unnecessarily with nine million women aged 40 to 74. every year. New breast cancer screening Contrary to established practice, the A recent letter signed by more than 130 new guidelines advise against mammogra- breast cancer experts states that “the Task phy for women aged 40 to 49 and recom- Force has ignored copious data published guidelines put women at risk mend that women aged 50 to 74 only have in peer-reviewed journals on the effec- mammograms every two to three years. In tiveness of screening mammography in addition, they recommend against per- reducing mortality.” The letter further notes No Canadian woman should reast cancer is the second leading forming clinical examinations and self- that it is dangerous to recommend against Bcause of death from cancer in Canadian examinations to screen for breast cancer. screening women aged 40 to 49 since these ever lose her life simply women. On any given Experts in breast women represent 24 per cent of the life- day, 72 Canadian women cancer screening and years lost to breast cancer, and thus have because she wasn’t screened are diagnosed with patient advocates have the most years of life gained when screen- breast cancer and 14 Ca- responded to these new ing is performed. for breast cancer in time. nadian women will die guidelines with tremen- The Canadian Association of Radiologists from it. Over the course dous alarm. (CAR) has also called for a review of the new of a lifetime, one in eight A strong consensus guidelines because they relied on outdated re- Canadian women will has developed that the search and lacked input from breast-imaging develop breast cancer new guidelines will experts. The CAR supports evidence-based and one in 31 will lose It’s inaccurate for Health Minister Ginette result in many cancer recommendations that average-risk women their life to it. Petitpas Taylor to say that the federal diagnoses being made aged 40 to 49 should have yearly mammo- In December 2018, government has no responsibility for the later than they would graphic screening, and average-risk women the Canadian Task Force new breast cancer screening guidelines, have been under the pre- aged 50 to 74 should have mammographic on Preventive Health writes NDP critic Don Davies. The Hill vious guidelines, causing screening every one to two years. Care (CTF) issued new Times photograph by Andrew Meade needless suffering and Breast cancer experts are clear: screen- NDP MP Don Davies guidelines on breast preventable deaths. ing tests help detect breast cancer before cancer screening for women of average Worse, the new guidelines are pro- symptoms develop. Screening can fi nd breast Opinion risk. These recommendations are used by jected to result in more than 400 Canadian cancer when it’s in its early stages, less likely to have spread and more likely to be treated successfully. And the most reliable way to fi nd breast cancer early in women is mammogra- phy—a low-dose x-ray of the breast. In addition, the new guidelines ignore the risks of breast density. According to Dense Breasts Canada, women with dense breast tissue have a much higher chance of being detected late because their dense tissue might mask the cancer. Perversely, while women in the highest category of breast density are at increased risk for breast cancer, the CTF classifi ed them as average risk. And while there is signifi - cant evidence supporting the effectiveness of supplementary ultrasounds in detecting cancers missed by mammography in women with dense breasts, the CTF ignored this data. Given these grave concerns, I recently called on the minister of health to put these new guidelines on hold, advise health profes- sionals not to follow them, and launch an evidence-based review under the direction of subject-matter experts. Unfortunately, the minister refused to act on this request. Instead, she responded by saying the guidelines were “independently established by experts,” and that “these are not offi cial government guidelines.” This position is troubling for several reasons. It is incorrect for the minister to call the Task Force members “experts” in this area because the CTF has no breast cancer screening experts in its membership. Of the fi ve doctors on the breast cancer screening working group, two are nephrologists, one is a gastroenterologist and two are family doctors. The chair of the CTF is a psychologist. Give her a It is inaccurate for the minister to claim that the federal government has no responsibility for the new guidelines. In fact, the CTF was created by, and receives support from, the healthy start Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The Task Force is supported by PHAC’s prevention guidelines division in the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention Control, which provides scientifi c and technical support for the devel- The journey to a woman’s empowerment begins opment of clinical practice guidelines. Finally, by distancing her government from with her right to health. This starts with Canada’s the new guidelines—instead of fi xing them— the minister has left family doctors and other recommitment and continued support for women primary health professionals without reliable and children around the world. guidance for breast cancer screening. This abdication will cost women’s lives. No Canadian woman should ever lose her life simply because she wasn’t screened for breast cancer in time. The federal government must therefore act immediately to ensure that Canada’s breast cancer screening guidelines adhere to the 1000dayjourney.ca doctrine as old as medicine itself: “First, do no harm.” Don Davies is the NDP’s health critic and Member of Parliament for Vancouver King- sway, B.C. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 27 Policy Briefi ng Health Mental health: doing more of the same isn’t good enough

ize parity in all aspects related to mental We need to focus on health. This should be achieved by blend- improving Canadians’ ing the right to health with the evidence needed to ensure that what is implemented mental health literacy. will accomplish the necessary goals to im- prove the quality of life for Canadians. As we move forward, it is essential that we start by improving the mental health literacy of Canadians. A fundamental component of health literacy, mental health literacy provides the foundation for mental health promotion, prevention, and care. It includes: the understanding of how to obtain and maintain mental health; the understanding of mental disorders and their treatments; decreasing stigma; and ISG Senator Stan Kutcher enhancing help-seeking effi cacy. Approaches designed to improve mental Opinion health literacy need to be developmentally appropriate and contextually consistent. ith the approach of Mental Health Studies of mental health literacy embedded WWeek (May 6 to 12) and the 13th anni- into school curriculums have shown a wide Studies of mental health literacy embedded into school curriculums have shown improvements versary of the Senate of Canada report Out range of signifi cant and sustained improve- in meaningful outcomes for students and educators alike, writes Sen. Stan Kutcher, an expert in of the Shadows at Last, this is a good time ments in meaningful outcomes for students adolescent mental health. Photograph courtesy of WoodleyWonderWorks to refl ect on what has been achieved and and educators alike. In the workplace, men- what still needs to be addressed in the area tal health literacy could be used to improve health and that negative emotions indi- learn how to build resilience to engage in of mental health. While much has been done, work environments as well as enhancing cate poor mental health. Nothing could ever-changing environments. we have far to go to reach the fundamental the workplace success of those who live be further from the truth. As a result, We know what we need to do. To goal of ensuring rapid access to effective with a mental illness. Improving mental many people seek products and interven- achieve parity in all areas related to mental mental health care for those in need. health literacy of all Canadians could be an tions that promise to help them feel “well,” health, we need to move quickly to improve We need to move beyond awareness initiative undertaken by the federal govern- thus fuelling a hugely profi table wellness the mental health literacy of all Canadians. and work hard to ensure that the best ment. It cannot be left to revenue-generat- industry that promises optimization of the We need to solve the challenges of improv- available evidence-based interventions are ing third parties to address. human experience, at a price. It also has ing rapid access to effective care for those effi ciently and cost-effectively provided to One important component of mental negative consequences. Those who believe who need it by ensuring that the best avail- all people regardless of geography, ethnic- health literacy is that it can help people to dis- that only positive feelings count for health able evidence guides us on this journey. ity, socio-economic status, or additional tinguish the normal and resilience-promoting label negative emotions as signs of poor Dr. Stan Kutcher is a member of the Inde- factors. It is essential that the barriers are negative emotions of everyday life from the health. Those who do not recognize that pendent Senators Group representing Nova removed for Canadians who have been signs and symptoms of mental illnesses. negative emotions are often a healthy and Scotia. He is a psychiatrist and professor marginalized to allow for access to good A popular misunderstanding is that necessary signal needed to address chal- with expertise in adolescent mental health. mental health care. It is time that we real- only positive emotions denote good mental lenges and opportunities, frequently do not The Hill Times

2019 NATIONAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Healthcare innovation: Advancing better outcomes and economic growth

Canada’s largest gathering of health system leaders is the chance for patients, policymakers, pundits and others to dig into the health issues of our nation. With an election coming this fall you won’t want to miss this chance to learn about how advances in technology are driving disruptive innovation and improving patient care on the frontlines. Register today!

JUNE 10-11, 2019 | TORONTO, ON | WWW.NHLC-CNLS.CA 28 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

Closing the mental health or decades, governments have seriously un- Ontario Health Minister Fderfunded mental health, falling far short of Christine Elliott, pictured the ideal of parity of mental health with physi- speaking in Ottawa in cal health. With its 10-year $5-billion mental February 2018, as an gap: expanding coverage health transfer, the federal government should Ontario Progressive be congratulated for taking a signifi cant bite Conservative leadership out of the mental-health funding gap. The ad- candidate. Ontario signed ditional $500-million per year it will provide a bilateral agreement with as next step toward makes up about one-sixth of the $3.1-billion the federal government required to bring mental health’s share up for health transfer money from seven per cent to nine per cent of public in 2017. The Hill Times mental health parity spending on health, as recommended in the photograph by Andrew Meade 2012 Mental Health Strategy for Canada. This marks the fi rst time that mental Supported by this infl ux of targeted fund- health has been the benefi ciary of a tar- ing, provincial and territorial governments geted transfer that actually has some teeth. have continued to implement and launch Despite recent gains from Bilateral agreements with 11 provinces and mental health and addictions reforms, from the government, mental territories are now in place specifying how psychotherapy pilots in Ontario and Quebec, transfer funding will be allocated, with at to e-mental health initiatives in Newfound- health parity remains an least some alignment with shared federal/ land and Labrador, and recovery teams in provincial/territorial priorities such as New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. elusive target, not helped improving access for children and youth. Despite these gains, mental health These agreements are available to the parity remains an elusive target. Beyond by the transfer system’s public, while at the same time the Cana- the fact that the new transfer only takes Howard Chodos & Mary Bartram dian Institute for Health Information is set us one-sixth of the way towards more eq- scattershot approach. to begin reporting in May on the fi rst of six uitable funding, there are other important Opinion high-level indicators negotiated with the limits. In the fi rst place, it will be challeng- provinces and territories. ing to really know to what extent the new funding actually represents a real boost to provincial and territorial spending. Governments facing serious fi scal chal- lenges may fi nd it all too easy to increase funding here while decreasing funding there, with no net gain for mental health and addic- tions. It is next to impossible to connect the dots between the federal transfers, the range of initiatives covered under the funding agreements, and provincial budgets. A possible solution would be to require the use of provincial and territorial auditors general to report on whether the new mon- ey was used as intended (as recommended by senator Michael Kirby in the landmark 2006 report Out of the Shadows at Last). Accountability would be strengthened by having provincial and territorial govern- ments report back to their own electorates. Furthermore, the scattershot approach inherent in the new transfer also limits its im- pact. Without a single coherent rallying point it will be challenging to sustain the attention of the population that is essential if we are to continue to narrow the parity gap over time. Moreover, there is a serious risk of missing the opportunity to address the most pressing parity issue—the extent to which access to proven psychotherapies remains based on ability to pay rather than on need. Medicare only covers access to psychotherapies when they are delivered by physicians, so the many thousands who seek identical therapies from other quali- fi ed professionals must either have private insurance, pay out of pocket or queue for publicly funded services that are available in the community. This structurally ground- ed disparity contributes to a situation where many Canadians—and particularly lower income Canadians—do not receive ap- propriate care for common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Over the past decade, both Australia and the U.K. have implemented publicly funded programs that have greatly expanded access to psychotherapy. We could do the A strong healthcare ecosystem same thing here and cover the services of psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and regulated psychothera- is vital to our economy. pists to help meet pressing need and reduce the parity gap. With federal, provincial, and Cutting-edge treatments are developed by a strong life sciences sector. territorial leadership, it would be possible The federal government is proposing changes to drug regulations that to ensure that there is national coherence to psychotherapy reforms and true equity of will reduce the fl ow of investment, jobs and research in Canada. access to services across the country. The new federal transfer demonstrates Learn more at innovateforlife.ca that it is possible for all levels of government to cooperate on achieving shared goals. We need to take this to the next level with a clear focus on improving access to psychotherapy. Mary Bartram and Howard Chodos are former directors of the Mental Health Strategy for Canada, which was released by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in 2012. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 29 Policy Briefi ng Health

Loaded with different potencies of THC and CBD, a dark chocolate bar may pack a Edible greater punch than several joints or bong hits. A small gummy bear could easily be more potent than several blunts. Domestic cannabis: confectionery infused with 80 per cent to 90 per cent THC concentrate could easily hit the body harder, or discharge a mental rocket higher than a 15 per cent THC joint. countdown The edible consumer may be oblivious until between 30 minutes and three hours after use. One may be heading home sober to the rocket after a party when the high hits, leaving METRO TORONTO one experiencing perceptual changes and paranoia. On long road trips, impairment CONVENTION CENTRE may not manifest upon departure, but the launch effects may be felt 250 kilometres later AUGUST 12-13, 2019 despite the traffi c police offi cer’s vigilance. Health Canada has proposed regulat- Health Canada has ing edibles that allow a maximum of 10 mg of THC per portion. However, it will take proposed regulating edibles considerable literacy and self-awareness to that allow a maximum of gauge individual dose responses. With pre- 2 inspiring days rolled, government-approved cannabis, my 10 mg of THC per portion. research identifi ed up to 65-fold difference in milligram potency between low potency However, it will take joints (1/3 gram) and high potency joints (one 25+ influential speakers gram). What is the equivalence of a joint, considerable literacy and chocolate bar, cannabis beer, vape or concen- trate extract? Messaging will require skilful self-awareness to gauge application of solid, liquid, and gaseous can- individual dose responses. nabinoid science in generally understandable 700+ connected attendees terms, using adroit educators and knowledge translators across multiple media. Preference for edibles has increased from 34 per cent to 42 per cent between 2017 and 2018, along with a reduction in smoked can- Registration for the second annual nabis from 94 per cent to 89 per cent over the same period, according to the government’s Canadian Cannabis Survey. Perceived risk CMA Health Summit is now open. of harm (66 per cent) is also lower than for smoked cannabis (72 per cent). There is no recognized and generally We will ignite discussions through Oyedeji “Deji” Ayonrinde accepted etiquette for edible consumption. Opinion “Start low and go slow” has been a well- panels, networking opportunities, rehearsed mantra, encouraging safe and re- sponsible use of cannabis products. Practical ess than a year ago, cannabis was application of this approach to edibles will keynotes, a special policy discussion Llegalized for recreational consumption. be a challenge, given the range of products. This was a measured, calculated legisla- With alcohol, drinking vessels and tive and policy change that passed under etiquette have evolved over centuries to on virtual care, and more. the world’s watchful gaze. Canada did not refl ect alcohol strength and to temper blow up in an incandescent ball of fl ames consumption, through the use of small and smoke. Neither did the nation walk liquor shots, wine glasses and beer mugs. around in a stoned zombie trance of can- Likewise, inhaled cannabis has a loose Special pricing available until May 31 nabis intoxicated citizens. But there is no degree of equivalence to joint sizes and room for complacency. bong bowls. Do we have any equivalence Cannabis for edible cannabis? literacy has been No. This still has to inconsistent among evolve, and many critical knowledge lessons will be Let’s get groups, whether for learned. employers, health If edibles pose a professionals, or panoply of options within families. for experienced CONNECTED IN CARE While licensed cannabis users, we products provide a should spare a thought for young supply of tested and Cannabis literacy has been inconsistent among this August in Toronto! children with quantifi ed cannabis, critical knowledge groups, whether for employers, developing brains the labels indicating health professionals, or within families. experimenting with “THC, total THC, Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons milligrams and per- sweet products and centages” are confusing to consumers. presenting with cannabis intoxication to Consider THC as the car, “total THC” is emergency rooms. While Health Canada the maximum achievable speed under the will ensure responsible and unattractive REGISTER NOW AT optimal driver, weather, and gas conditions. packaging, the onus will be on parents to A heating process—decarboxylation—is ensure homemade “treats” are out of reach. CMAHEALTHSUMMIT.CA required to activate THC from buds to Likewise, the growing elderly population achieve the total. In the absence of clear using ingestibles alongside medication for evidence, “CBD” has also become a sexy age-related ailments poses a specifi c risk. panacea for all manner of ills and ailments With edibles, the advice would be to start known to mankind and their pets. with a small nibble, served with a large por- Edibles, infused beverages, and can- tion of knowledge in bite-size chunks, which nabis extracts are the next cannabis allow time for it to percolate around the body legislative hurdle. Before their legalization, and brain while learning from the feeling. a number of people would have already We are in dynamic times, and future can- experienced the “Trojan horse” effect of nabis consumption may require a conver- edible cannabis. For the unsuspecting or sion app for edibles and a THC test kit as inexperienced consumer, the delicious and consumers patiently and mindfully pause, benign chocolate bear, gummy bear, or but- look, and listen to their body and mind. ter spread may be full of surprises. Oyedeji “Deji” Ayonrinde is an associate Unlike smoked or vaped cannabis professor at Queen’s University’s depart- with a close-to-spontaneous effect on the ment of psychiatry and psychology. He is brain, and the familiar waft of terpenes also the medical director of Heads Up, an (unique cannabis aromas), the edible does early psychosis intervention program. not give early-warning “smoke signals.” The Hill Times 30 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng Can you predict a drug overdose?

The To further reduce the combination of different likelihood of an overdose, substances can produce and off er people who use reactions drugs an opportunity many times more severe to better cope with than a drug used in their addiction, serious isolation, making consideration should it hard to predict be given to managing a drug the supply of drugs they overdose. Photograph consume. courtesy of Pixabay BY JAMIE MUCKLE, JEFFREY TURNBULL & WENDY MUCKLE

he rate of illicit drug use and over- Tdose in Canada is not slowing down. Overdose deaths and hospitalization from opioid poisoning are increasing at an alarming rate. In recent years, governments at every level have implemented a range of initiatives to negate the impact on their communi- ties. Supervised consumptions sites, detox spaces, treatment centres, counselling, and drug-replacement therapy are empirically proven interventions to manage the problem and have all been deployed. Each offers an effective, person-centred way to mitigate the effects of drug use and accidental overdose. However, none have been able to contend with how to stop the drug overdose itself.

With substances like cigarettes and Even if they were taking what they thought alcohol, it is relatively easy to predict what were the same drugs. Because of the un- will happen: we know that by reducing predictable nature of what’s actually being or stabilizing consumption, the poten- taken, users are left with hugely different tial harms from that substance’s use are consequences. It’s like playing a game of lowered. When it comes to reducing the Russian roulette. harms of illicit drugs, it is much more com- There are clear justifi cations for the plicated. There is never certainty of what expansion of harm reduction programming drug is being used, and the combination of in communities impacted by the opioid different substances can produce reactions crisis. By every signifi cant metric, they many times more severe than a drug used offer effective prevention and intervention in isolation. It is, therefore, almost impos- measures to reduce death from opioids. sible to predict a drug overdose. However, to further reduce the likelihood Results from the analysis of drug of an overdose, and offer people who use samples from across the country illustrate drugs an opportunity to better cope with this fundamental problem—that drugs are their addiction, serious consideration either laced with other substances (usually should be given to managing the supply of fentanyl) or simply not the drugs the user drugs they consume. thought they were buying. That’s akin to Research on the prescription of heroin going into a bar, ordering the same drink and methadone suggests that people with over and over, but being unsure if what chronic opioid dependence will reduce you’ll get is water, liquor, or turpentine. their use to access a safer supply under a While safe consumption sites are able physician’s supervision. Access to a safe to save lives through overdose interven- supply mitigates risk of overdose, adulter- tion, and programs like pipe and needle ated street drugs, exposure to communica- exchanges reduce ongoing harm from ble diseases, and other social risk factors. ollowing an director of research, vaccines for several wounds, infection, and communicable dis- Canada’s existing harm reduction international has headed numerous respiratory diseases. eases, the likelihood of an overdose occur- strategies are centred around the belief searchsearch, Dr. VolkerVolker internationalinternational scientificscientific We congratulatecongratulate ring remains the same because the drugs that a person’s well-being can satisfy the Gerdts was selected projects, led the team Volker on this achieve- being taken produce uncertain outcomes. need for a specifi c legal exemption. It’s to lead the University that developed a vaccine At Ottawa Inner City Health, one of somewhat like Portugal’s approach, where ment and look forward Ottawa’s three still-funded supervised an individual’s drug use is considered a of Saskatchewan’s for porcine epidemic to his vision of developing consumption sites, an analysis of nearly health matter, without the broad-based Vaccine and Infectious diarrhea virus—a viral vaccines that will protect 60,000 injection records showed no predic- decriminalization of drugs. While there is Disease Organization- disease in pigs that has the health of Canadians tive variables for why an overdose oc- no single solution to reduce the risk from International Vaccine cost the North American and the world. curred. The user’s gender, reported type of taking drugs, safe supply offers a strategy Centre (VIDO-InterVac), swine industry hundreds drug, age, number of injections per visit, to lessen opiate-related harms by reducing a world-leader in of millions of dollars—and or previous number of overdoses failed drug-related overdoses. It also offers an op- Protecting Canada to explain why an overdose happened. Of portunity—through a physician’s—to have vaccine development. established a neonatal and the world from those who experienced an overdose, a one- treatment and clinical monitoring in place Dr. Gerdts, who was vaccine platform that is third experienced it for the fi rst time. Users as a default, something which is lacking in previously VIDO-InterVac’s being used to develop infectious diseases who accessed the service more often, or Canada. had had a previous overdose, were no more Jamie Muckle is a research co-ordinator likely to overdose than newcomers were. at Ottawa Inner City Health. Dr. Jeffrey The factor that most likely impacted Turnbull, is a medical director at Ottawa the chance of an overdose, the nature Inner City Health, and a member of Uni- www.vido.org and concentration of the drugs they were versity of Ottawa’s faculty of medicine. injecting, wasn’t measured. Overall, those Wendy Muckle is the executive director at who experienced an overdose exhibited the Ottawa Inner City Health. exact same behaviour as those who didn’t. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 31 Policy Briefi ng Health

and local governments work together to What if we measured government develop healthy policies. In Canada, there are examples of this starting to happen across the map. On the north shore of Lake Erie, in success by health outcomes? neighbouring Chatham-Kent and Elgin-St. Thomas, community leaders’ cabinets are facilitating collaboration on a range of local issues with local government, First transit from a public health and commu- proposals might stimulate the economy and Nations peoples, public health organiza- The key metrics of reducing nity well-being standpoint. government revenue through increased al- tions, the chamber of commerce, the school Take public policy decisions on alco- cohol sales and taxation, they will also will board, police, and social service providers. defi cits and GDP growth hol, for example. In Ontario, the previous lead to even more alcohol-related health is- In Quebec, the provincial government don’t matter if Canadians provincial government started the expan- sues. Older people with alcohol dependence has made changes to the Public Health sion of alcohol sales to grocery stores and and people of lower socioeconomic status Act that give the medical offi cer of health have worsening health and corner stores in 2015. The new government are most at risk. the power to delay the adoption of new is intensifying this trend. That will increase the burden on the policy proposal where health outcomes are mental health outcomes, They’re promoting buck-a-beer. They health care system at the same government threatened, resulting in a system that is plan to let municipalities designate public is trying to end “hallway medicine.” slowly growing healthier public policies. or if we don’t have proper areas for alcohol consumption (like parks), A health-in-all-policies approach helps Yes, the economy still matters to these and to allow alcohol to be served as early as us connect the dots. It helps us think governments. But they’re adopting new supports when we hit hard 9 a.m. in licensed establishments. And more. beyond the next fi scal quarter or the next practices that take into account health and times. Newly published research by the Univer- election cycle. It helps us plant the seeds well-being. And that’s good for everyone. sity of Ottawa shows how expanded alcohol for long-term success, saving governments Ketan Shankardass is a social epidemi- sales led to a nearly 20 per cent increase in money down the road and helping Canadi- ologist at St. Michael’s Hospital and Wil- alcohol-attributed emergency department ans live up to their full potential. frid Laurier University. Trish Hennessy is visits in Ontario over 2016-17. This, and oth- A health-in-all-policies approach works executive director of Upstream Institute. er evidence, suggests that while the current best when federal, provincial/territorial, The Hill Times

Ketan Shankardass & Trish Hennessy 1.9 million lives saved, Opinion and counting... n Canada, a small proportion of adults Idisproportionately interact with our health care, criminal justice, and social welfare systems. The symptom? Poverty. Children in poverty live in more crowd- ed, noisier, and lower-quality housing. They have fewer social supports and poorer family dynamics. Their neighbourhoods have more pol- luted air and water quality, more crime, and are more physically deteriorated, with inferior schools, and less access to munici- pal services. Research shows that the impact of growing up in poverty can trail people for the rest of their lives, resulting in lower so- cial attainment and even an earlier death. Breaking the link between poverty and health is a “wicked problem” because of the many drivers at work, and it’s one reason why a growing number of governments in Canada and globally are implementing a health-in-all-policies approach to decision making. It’s an approach that places health out- comes at the centre of governments’ goals for success and it can help us address a range of market failures, such as poverty reduction, but also including increased sustainability, better adaptation to climate change, and smarter employment policies for a more precarious labour market. But it does require a change in mindset. Right now, many Canadian governments For the have it backwards: their key measures of success are keeping taxes at historic lows, past 20 years, cutting public services in the name of re- MMV and partners ducing defi cits, and GDP growth. None of those metrics matter if Cana- have been discovering, dians have worsening health and mental developing and delivering health outcomes, if we don’t have proper We will supports when we hit hard times, or if new antimalarials climate change is making our communities not stop less liveable. to save lives. What if we measured government suc- until malaria cess by health outcomes? is defeated. It would shift the priority from politi- cians purposely keeping taxes low for political advantage to a focus on what residents need to be healthy, happy, and resilient. It would shift the “cost” frame that has Defeating Malaria Together politicians focused on tax cuts to a “values” www.mmv.org frame, where we measure the long-term value of early learning investments in our children or the value of affordable public 32 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

TB cure didn’t prevent reinfection, of the disease, according to article The Inuit TB Elimination some people just contracted TB in the American Journal of Respira- Framework recognizes the need to Canada’s again making the years of separa- tory and Critical Care Medicine. improve social and economic condi- tion pointless. Currently, TB treatments are provid- tions to eradicate TB, but the dollars And if you think this was the ed to individuals, while known risk put toward Inuit housing, health, ed- price of good medical care, it factors such as overcrowded hous- ucation and economic development Arctic needs leaves unexplained why the Inuit ing, contact with other TB-infected do not even meet the current needs, death rate from TB was 30 times individuals, and weakened immune let alone the needs of a growing as high as the non-Indigenous systems due to poverty and lack of population. Most Inuit communi- rate in the very same Hamil- healthy food remain unchanged, ties have no homeless shelters, and investments in ton hospital. Non-Inuit in these priming them for reinfection. staying outside if you don’t know hospitals were known by their The individualized western what you are doing is certain death. name. Inuit patients were known approach to treating TB does Many Inuit families take in friends by their Eskimo-disc number, and not work in Inuit communities. and relatives who would otherwise infrastructure, poor records were kept. Health policy is not just a matter of be homeless because of the severe Some Inuit were sent to health services and treatments. It shortage of housing. Sometimes, Charles Camsell Indian Hospital is about healthy public policy that there are up to 20 people living in in Edmonton, which apparently compensates for Canada’s histori- one small home. health, economic practised research and steriliza- cal discrimination based on race And for those racists who say, tion without consent until the and geography, and catches Inuit why don’t they just go back to live 1980s, and where Inuit graves up with the investments made in in igloos, I would ask, do you live went unmarked until 1990. In health, education, culture, economic like your ancestors did, in houses development, 2019, Prime Minister Justin development, and housing for other of straw and mud? Is that some sort Trudeau apologized to Inuit Canadians over the past 70 years. of precondition to maintaining your for the way the Government of Most people infected with TB, culture and language? In one of Canada handled TB among Inuit. like myself, are carriers who do the richest countries in the world, education should anybody be living in literally unhealthy housing that contributes Europeans and Euro-Canadians. to fatal disease epidemics? The Inuit TB Other communities suffered ter- Inuit come to the table with 35 rible losses. Sometimes, TB spread per cent of Canada’s landmass and Elimination when the Government of Canada 50 per cent of Canada’s coastline, thought it was doing the right lands, and waters they are entitled to Framework recognizes thing. As Shelagh Grant’s book under international law. Inuit have the need to improve Arctic Justice documents, in 1923 given Canada and the world their an Inuk called Nuqallaq from Pond innovations and technologies (such social and economic Inlet (now in Nunavut) was called as the kayak), their culture, their re- on by the community to end the life sources, helped build the DEW Line conditions to eradicate of a fur trader who seemed to have across the Arctic, and today make up lost his mind and was bullying and the majority of Canadian Rangers in TB, but the dollars put threatening Inuit. Nuqallaq did so. vast regions, Canada’s eyes and ears toward Inuit housing, The Canadian government had in the Arctic. no police or courts in the eastern Shouldn’t they in return at The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organizations representing Inuit in Arctic, and wanted to make an least receive the same investment health, education and Canada, and headed by president Natan Obed, pictured, has long advocated for a example of Nuqallaq to estab- in infrastructure, health, economic holistic, Inuit-centred approach to TB. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia economic development lish administrative control over development, education, and ser- the Arctic. Nuqallaq was sent to vices that other Canadians have do not even meet the Stoney Mountain Penitentiary in However, preventable deaths not have the active, contagious enjoyed over time and that pulled Saskatchewan where he con- from TB are still occurring. These form of the disease, and experi- their own forebears out of poverty current needs, let tracted TB. Although the doctor are real people’s lives, like 14-year- ence no symptoms. However, if we that was common in Canada be- alone the needs of a there advised against sending old Gussie Bennett, a popular ac- reach a point where are immune fore the Second World War? him home because of the risk the tive minor league hockey player in systems are weakened, the disease Inuit were not even allowed to growing population. TB would spread among Inuit, Nain, Nunatsiavut (Labrador) who may emerge. Active TB spreads vote when other Canadians made offi cials released Nuqallaq early died of TB in 2018 in a hospital very easily through the air. That is decisions about building an East- and sent him home to die. On the 1,000 km from his home. why part of TB prevention must be West railway to open up lands to ship there, he was not allowed in The fi rst time he showed up to overall healthy conditions. white settlement and prosperity, and the cabin because he could spread the local clinic coughing up blood, To eliminate TB, every Inuk had limited power when decisions the disease to the white people he was turned away and told he was would have to do TB treatment were made to build an east-west on board. He endured all weath- fi ne. In 2017, the Nunavut coroner at the same time throughout Trans-Canada highway and the ers alone on deck, night and day. released a report into the avoidable Canada, which does not seem St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as Nuqallaq did spread TB among the death of Annie Kootoo from toxicity manageable and would require other major economic development people of the Pond Inlet area, re- caused by her TB medication. It consent. In addition to TB treat- projects that brought prosperity to sulting in many Inuit deaths from made 11 recommendations about ment, Inuit communities, if prop- mainly white people. Isn’t it time to that “compassionate” decision. the system, and found that lack of erly resourced, could make great invest in the North, including the Marika Morris From the 1940s to the 1960s, a medical services offered in Inuktitut strides in preventing TB from people of the North, so that they may and a low standard of care were ever becoming active through enjoy health and prosperity too? Opinion government medical ship visited Inuit communities. If someone factors in Kootoo’s death. adequate housing, good nutrition, History shows us that there is was thought to have TB, they Kootoo had approached the and mental health resources so a right and a wrong way to invest. nuit survived and thrived in one would not be allowed to leave the health-care system several times that people who think they are The wrong way is to impose some Iof the harshest climates on Earth ship. If it was a mother, her baby about unusual pain, but the con- worthless come to believe they model that may work elsewhere, using the innovations they made would be handed to someone to nection was never made to isonia- are worth caring for. but that may not work for Inuit. from the environment such as the take to shore. If it was a child, that zid toxicity. Kootoo had contracted Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), The right way is for Inuit to man- qajaq (kayak), iglu and the world’s small person would be separated TB when she was 10, in residential the national organizations repre- age their own lands and resources. fi rst waterproof clothing. They from their parents. They would be school, and it emerged virulently senting Inuit in Canada, has long Canada talks an awful lot about and their predecessors discovered taken to sanatoriums in southern later in life. Before her death, she advocated for a holistic, Inuit-cen- the importance of the Arctic, but and successfully navigated the Canada thousands of kilometres was turned out of hospital and told tred approach to TB. Finally, the Canada’s Arctic is less developed Northwest Passage thousands of from home where no one spoke there were other people who were Government of Canada listened than Russia’s, Norway’s or the U.S.’. years ago, a feat that killed many their language or understood their sicker. The mistreatment of Inuit to Inuit, and formed a partnership Governments tend to respond to non-Inuit who tried. Today, Inuit life culture. Many died there, and their with TB is unfortunately not just with ITK to eliminate TB among calls for investments with an- expectancy is 72, compared with relatives never informed. The Na- ancient history. Inuit by 2030. ITK’s plan, the nouncements about what they al- 83 for the rest of Canada. The TB nilavut initiative is trying to fi nd Tuberculosis usually affects Inuit TB Elimination Framework, ready invested, but that is the wrong rate is for Inuit is 300 times higher out where Inuit are buried, and the lungs, but can also affect the includes enhancing TB care and measure of success. The proof is in than that of other Canadians. The fi nally informing their families brain, spine, bones, kidneys and prevention programming and the stats on Inuit health, prosperity Inuit infant mortality rate is 12.3 after 50 or more years. lymph nodes, and can be fatal. The capacity, developing regional and well-being, and whether Inuit per 1,000 infants, compared with About half of the Inuit popula- treatment is six to nine months of Inuit-specifi c solutions, empower- feel like real partners in Canadian 4.4 for non-Indigenous Canadians. tion of the Eastern Arctic were tak- a strong antibiotic cocktail, which ing and mobilizing communities, Confederation. That is the true mea- From the state of health of many en away to these hospitals at some must be taken daily exactly as pre- ensuring accountability, and re- sure of whether Canada is serious Inuit, one would not know that they point. Of those who survived, some scribed. The antibiotics affect the ducing poverty, improve the social about Inuit health, and partnering are supposed to be Canadian too. who were children when taken did person’s whole system, particu- determinants of health and create with Inuit for a bright Arctic future. Marika Morris, PhD, is an TB was an unknown disease not know where they were from or larly the digestive system and gut social equity. The latter is crucial adjunct research professor at the among Inuit. When the fi rst white how to get back. Many adults did microbiome. “Curing” the TB does in eliminating TB in Canada, but School of Indigenous and Canadi- people came to Inuit communities, not have the resources to go home. not prevent reinfection. I fear that the resources set aside an Studies at Carleton University some whole communities were Those who did get home often If the person comes into contact are wholly inadequate to make up in Ottawa. wiped out from this and other found that after years away, they with TB again, they are even more for 70 years of underinvestment The Hill Times unknown diseases common among no longer “belonged,” and since the likely to develop the active version and active oppression of Inuit. THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 33 Policy Briefi ng Health

social conditions of these popula- tions. Housing is one underlying Ending TB among problem infl uencing TB transmis- sion, and major investments are needed to address housing short- ages and resultant overcrowding, Canada’s Indigenous as well as air-circulation issues. We congratulate the government for its $640-million investment in its 2017 and 2018 budgets for Inuit peoples: treat the housing. It’s important that this funding be deployed as soon as possible. Natan Obed, left, pictured with Prime Minister Trudeau April However, true health equity for 3, 2019, in Ottawa, is president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, fundamental causes, Canada’s Indigenous populations which has been working with the federal government to help is needed, where life expectancy, wipe out tuberculosis among Inuit in Canada’s North. The infant mortality, and other basic Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade measures of health status are the same for Indigenous populations a holistic vision and sustained investment—in not just the disease as the general population. This truly ambi- many areas—to achieve true equity in health tious vision would need to include training to for Canada’s Indigenous populations. create a cadre of Indigenous health profes- Dr. Dick Menzies is a professor of medicine housing, and general health. Underlying sionals and health researchers. at McGill University and director of the World To wipe out TB in Canada’s problems must be tackled at the same time The government’s commitment of approxi- Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre as TB-specifi c measures like vaccination and mately $5-million a year over only fi ve years, for Tuberculosis Research. Dr. Marcel Behr is Indigenous populations, preventive treatment. focused only on TB, will not be enough. The a professor of medicine at McGill University we need a big boost in their Eradication of TB in Canada’s Indigenous investments in housing are a good step for- and co-director of the McGill Interdisciplinary populations will only happen with a substan- ward. However, the long-term eradication of a Initiative in Infection and Immunity. general health and social tial improvement in the general health and disease fuelled by health inequities will require The Hill Times conditions. HEALTH

Dick Menzies & Marcel Behr Opinion

ast year, the federal government an- Lnounced it would spend $27.5-million over fi ve years on an ambitious plan to end prescription opioids cannabis nutrition tuberculosis (TB) across Inuit Nunangat, Inuit regions of Canada, by 2030. The plan’s drugs specifi c objective was to reduce rates of TB to levels lower than are seen currently in the rest of Canada. This is an important investment to- ward a very worthwhile goal, but we question whether $27.5-million will be enough. In the early 1960s, the government mental digital launched an intensive program to combat TB Indigenous among Indigenous peoples, who had seen the health health highest rates ever recorded. A multifaceted health strategy that combined vaccination with mass screening and provision of both preventive and active TB treatment resulted in the fastest decline in TB incidence ever recorded. By the mid-1980s, TB was considered “beaten” and resources were turned to other health problems. But TB was anything but seniors organ/tissue beaten. The last 20 years witnessed a dramatic resurgence in several Indigenous populations, donation particularly the Inuit in Northern Canada, who now experience rates of TB akin to those seen in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Rates of TB in Nunavut are now more than 100 times higher than those in the general Canadian population. How can TB be brought back under We declutter your workspace by control again? While the experience from the 1960s suggests that a broad, multifaceted program may be effective, we view this as providing you a single daily report on treating the symptoms of the epidemic rather than the fundamental causes. We cannot simply re-deploy the strategies employed a half-century ago to address the current TB what has happened federally in health. epidemic. Furthermore, the approach used in th the mid-20 century often involved imposi- tion rather than engagement, leading to social disruption and distrust. Bringing TB to levels similar to those in And we do it at a price you can afford. the rest of Canada will require an ambitious and long-lasting effort. For centuries, TB has been recognized as a disease of poverty. Long before effective antibiotic treatment Start a free trial today for TB was available, the medical profession and social scientists noted that TB declined HillTimesresearch.ca • 613-232-5952 ext 264 • [email protected] in countries in North America and Western Europe coincident with advances in hygiene, 34 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

Second, we need a national list of reim- The building blocks of drug bursed drugs. This second recommendation is not only a matter of equity, it is a mat- ter of having better institutional tools to negotiate drug prices and obtain value for money while streamlining access to drugs coverage reforms in Canada in Canada. In a system where the amount of waste is currently mind-boggling, these recommendations make sense. solve the problem, but ultimately, the core The third recommendation is to invest In the fragmented system, problem is that it is a patchwork. in information technology systems and Canadians pay among the highest cost data collection. This is a crucial point. we don’t even have access per capita for prescription drugs, with Drug coverage is a tool to not only tackle among the highest rates of cost-related the problem of underprescribing drugs to data on prescribed drugs non-adherence. Rising costs are making the for people who cannot afford them, but system unsustainable. Major reforms are also the problems of overprescribing and to assess if physicians’ inevitable, and the Advisory Council for the inappropriate prescribing. In the frag- prescribing habits are in Implementation of National Pharmacare mented system, we don’t even have access was asked to provide recommendations on to data on prescribed drugs to assess if line with best medical Marc-André Gagnon how to reform drug coverage in Canada. physicians’ prescribing habits are in line Opinion In an interim report published March 6, with best medical evidence, or if they are evidence, or if they are the council laid out principles for imple- simply the results of drug companies’ pro- menting national pharmacare and provid- motional campaigns. Let’s not forget that simply the results of drug anada’s current system of prescrip- ed three recommendations. First, Canada the current opioid crisis emerged because companies’ promotional Ction drug coverage is a patchwork of needs a national drug agency that will of unchecked misleading claims by drug policies, an inequitable, ineffi cient, and un- evaluate the therapeutic value of drugs and companies while drug plans reimbursed campaigns. sustainable patchwork without coherence negotiate prices in order to eliminate waste anything without asking questions. or purpose. Some think more patches can and make sure that we get value for money. These recommendations can serve as building blocks for a comprehensive drug policy by ensuring access to appropriate prescription drugs while providing value for money. However, these recommenda- tions would change very little if they just THREE THINGS PARLIAMENT “fi ll the gaps” of the patchwork without re- structuring current drug coverage. It must apply to the whole Canadian population. SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIABETES Private insurers will fi ght tooth and nail against universal public coverage, but em- ployers are more ambivalent. They could Diabetes is a disease that is well known, but not known well. That is particularly true for still offer supplemental drug coverage, and savings from drugs covered by a universal policy makers, which is why if I had a few minutes to speak to Parliament, I’d want to public plan would allow them to reduce emphasize three key things about diabetes. labour costs, or increasing wages, profi ts, or other benefi ts. Ottawa’s budget announcements on 1) Diabetes hurts ALL Canadians March 19 seem to follow the council’s Diabetes is an epidemic, affecting 1 in 3 Canadians, 5 million of whom live with diabetes and recommendations by creating a Canadian 6 million of whom have prediabetes. And having diabetes doesn’t just mean they take a pill Drug Agency and by engaging on the creation of a national drug formulary. It once a day: for many people with diabetes, it is a challenging, costly, debilitating illness that kills also announced the implementation of a up to 30,000 Canadians annually and costs our healthcare system nearly $30 billion a year to national strategy for rare diseases. What treat. It has a huge impact on our economy as well, costing employers an estimated $7.5 billion does that mean? The budget does not offer in added benefits costs and lost productivity. The number of Canadians living with diabetes has details, but there’s a lot at stake. doubled in the past 12 years alone and future growth curves are exponential. Something must Many stakeholders would like to see a change, or our health care system AND our citizens will be crippled by this disease. national strategy to ensure producing and providing access to drugs for rare diseases for all Canadians. Private insurers, how- 2) Canada has a failing grade in diabetes care ever, would like to instrumentalize such Canadians are justifiably proud that insulin was discovered here, saving the lives of millions of policy according to their interests. Because people with diabetes. In 2021, the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of that discovery, of the high price of drugs for rare diseases, and the world will look at how Canada is faring at addressing diabetes. Today, we’d get a fail- many private drug plans, which pool ing grade: we’re among the worst developed countries for cost and prevalence of the disease. risk on the workplace, have become time But if we implement a proven, comprehensive strategy in partnership among governments, the bombs. Let’s say that, within a company Dr. Jan Hux of 200 employees, there’s one employee private sector and civil society, we’ll have a lot to brag about in 2021. President and CEO, Diabetes Canada whose daughter is diagnosed with a rare disease that requires treatment that costs $700,000 a year. At the end of the year, the 3) All parties agree on the solution drug premiums would increase by $3,500 Recently, the diabetes community in Canada banded together to develop just such a per employee. solution: Diabetes 360˚ and the all-party Standing Committee on Health recommend- Because the current private plans are ed its implementation. Building on the successful model to tackle HIV/AIDS, Diabetes becoming unsustainable despite massive 360˚ is a nation-wide strategy to enhance the prevention and management of tax subsidies, private insurers call for a diabetes in Canada. It requires $150 million federal funding over seven years for a national public plan for expensive spe- cialty drugs, which would allow them to taskforce to implement its recommendations, all of which will improve health outcomes offl oad riskier employees on public plans. for people with or at risk of diabetes. If implemented, in just ten years Diabetes 360˚ Essentially, private insurers want to main- could prevent more than a million cases of type 2 diabetes and save our healthcare tain a highly subsidized, inequitable, and system and Canada’s employers more than $18 billion each. The UK and Denmark ineffi cient system that would allow them to have implemented national strategies to tremendous effect, which is why they are rec- only cover “non-risks.” Let’s be clear, such a ommended by the World Health Organization. It is hard to imagine many issues that system does not qualify as health insur- ance, it would simply be institutionalized 11 million Canadians care about, all of whom are united in their view that Canada’s corporate welfare. current response to this epidemic is insufficient. We cannot afford to wait any longer We are setting the fi rst building blocks to act. In fact, every three minutes another Canadian is diagnosed with diabetes, of drug coverage reforms. Let’s make sure so by the time you finish reading this editorial, yet another fellow citizen will have that these building blocks serve maximiz- received a diagnosis of this lifelong disease. Parliament has an opportunity during this ing health outcomes for all Canadians in session to act to implement a Diabetes 360˚ strategy, which will measurably improve a cost-effective way. Let’s make sure that our economy and the lives of countless Canadians. If I had a minute to address Parlia- national pharmacare does not become a “risk dump” serving commercial interests. ment, I would urge them not to miss the opportunity to do just that. Let’s stop being a wasteful anomaly, and let’s make universal pharmacare a reality. Marc-André Gagnon is an associate This advertorial is proudly supported by Novo Nordisk with all content developed by Diabetes Canada. professor at the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 35 Policy Briefi ng Health Where asbestos kills and the feds won’t help

mesothelioma, and almost always optimism that asbestos deaths In order to prevent this second government to let only the Quebec For the Trudeau prompts fatal cancer of the lining and diseases would decline. How- wave of asbestos exposure, it is government regulate the digging government and its of the lung. Workplace compensa- ever, something happened. New necessary to adopt and apply up of asbestos mine tailings. tion agencies in Canada received chemical extraction technologies stringent rules that will minimize Quebec simply does not have ‘ban’ on asbestos in approximately 5,600 death claims appeared. These technologies added exposure to the population, enough regulatory controls in for asbestos-related diseases were not being used to extract of asbestos. There was hope that place to suffi ciently manage the Canada, it is still okay between 1996 and 2014. asbestos, but rather to extract this might happen when in 2016, risks associated with the use of This is particularly evident in the magnesium content from the the federal government proposed asbestos mining residues. Virtually to dig up millions Quebec. Because of our history mountains of asbestos mine tail- to adopt regulations to ban the no routine ambient air sampling is of tons of asbestos in mining, processing, and using ings that loom over Asbestos and use, the import, and export of done is the asbestos towns. asbestos, more than 90 per cent of Thetford. asbestos in Canada. Until now, Quebec regulators tailings that will emit all occupational deaths in Quebec Serpentine ore, which con- In December 2018, federal have refused to act, even though (118 deaths in 2015) are asbestos tains asbestos fi bres, has a high regulations on the prohibition of the current human exposure billions of toxic fi bres exposure related. magnesium content. Magnesium asbestos and products contain- standard in Quebec of one as- In 2004, asbestos fi ber con- use is on the rise, as a light, ing asbestos were published. bestos fi bre per ml of air is ten into the air. centrations were measured in the strong metal, used in alloys and But, and this is the “but” that may times higher than the new federal air of Quebec’s asbestos mining auto parts. To get magnesium kill people; the new regulations standard of 0.1. How can the feds towns of Thetford and Asbes- from asbestos mine tailings excluded asbestos mining wastes claim that Quebec can protect its tos where most of asbestos was means digging up millions of tons in Quebec. citizens against asbestos disease mined until 2012, when the mines of tailings, still containing up With just eight words: “These from asbestos mine tailing emis- shut down. Asbestos fi ber counts to 40 per cent of deadly asbes- regulations do not apply to sions, when the province accepts were at least seven times higher tos fi bres, and re-milling them. mining residues,” the feds have that Quebec lungs can be exposed in the asbestos mining towns than Hence my fear that exposure to rendered toothless the new asbes- to ten times more asbestos than in Montreal and Québec City. asbestos, and the ensuing death tos regulations from preventing the lungs of the rest of Canada? There is a much higher rate of and disease, may well begin to a new wave of asbestos- related For the Trudeau government asbestos-related disease in Quebec increase once again in Thetford diseases in Quebec. and its “ban” on asbestos in Can- asbestos mining towns than the rest and Asbestos. During the 2017 comment ada, it is still okay to dig up mil- Green Party of Canada Deputy of Quebec. While it is mostly men There are more than 800 period on the proposed regula- lions of tons of asbestos tailings Leader Daniel Green (many who worked in the asbes- million tonnes of asbestos min- tions, the Quebec Asbestos Victims that will emit billions of toxic fi - Opinion tos mines), that have high rates of ing residues in the many waste Association (AVAQ) and a group bres into the air and subsequently asbestos-related diseases, women mountains that dot the towns of of Quebec public health doctors into the lungs of the inhabitants e should all know this: asbes- living in these asbestos towns also Asbestos and Thetford, situated asked that Quebec asbestos mine of Asbestos and Thetford. Then Wtos fi bres in your lungs will appear to have a much higher rate southeast of Montreal. The un- tailings be regulated under the again, the dead don’t vote. make you sick and may kill you. of asbestos-related diseases than regulated use of mining residues new federal rules. But lobbying by Daniel Green is the deputy Asbestos inhalation causes women living elsewhere in Quebec. for magnesium extraction will the mayors of the asbestos towns leader of the Green Party of Cana- life-threatening diseases, such When the asbestos mines result in more asbestos fi bres be- and from magnesium extraction da and the party’s health critic. as asbestosis, lung cancer, and shut down in Quebec, there was ing inhaled by humans. companies convinced the federal The Hill Times

Vaccine hesitancy: individual choice, public threats Canadians need a A vaccine record. developed world—this is a serious In most Canadian provinces Due to signifi cant cause for concern. and territories, parents are not vaccination policy data gaps, Patient advocates and physi- required to provide schools with Canada’s overall cians’ associations are calling on their children’s immunization that is consistent vaccine coverage the government to do more to records. Moreover, there’s no is unclear, making support doctors and clinicians national online registry of vac- across all provinces the process as they work to correct misin- cinations; records don’t carry of identifying formation and change minds. over when people move or travel and territories, as and addressing Better training and tools beget across provincial boundaries; well as a national problem areas better intervention and educa- and paper records are still being very diffi cult. tion outcomes. Experts agree that used to varying degrees in some database that allows Photograph increasing public trust in health regions. Researchers found that courtesy of professionals is integral to over- in one province it can take as for vaccination rates Wikimedia coming the misinformation that many as four data sources to get Commons fuels vaccine hesitancy. a complete record of a child’s im- to be collected, It is equally important to use munization status. increase from 2017 levels. vaccine hesitant. It is that hesitan- available regulatory and legislative Due to signifi cant data gaps, recorded and At the root of this problem is cy—which may manifest in delayed tools to address individuals who— Canada’s overall vaccine coverage monitored from coast vaccine hesitancy. immunization or outright refusal to outside the scope of their expertise is unclear, making the process of Vaccine hesitancy refers to a vaccinate—that threatens to reverse or in contravention of their profes- identifying and addressing problem to coast to coast. reluctance or refusal to vaccinate, decades of progress. sional designations—are perpetuat- areas very diffi cult. despite the availability of vaccines. In the face of the World Health ing false claims and disseminating Vaccine hesitancy has existed Around the globe, and especially Organization listing vaccine hesi- misinformation through private in our society for decades, even in the developed world, vaccine tancy as one of the top 10 threats to practice, traditional avenues or with our best efforts, it will take hesitancy has been on the rise, fuel- global health in 2019, it is important social media. time to weed out. Individual ing concerns amongst public health to appreciate how a small decrease Vaccine hesitancy is a threat choices will continue to put the agencies—such as the World Health in vaccination rates can have major that must be addressed but cannot public at risk, and as such, we Organization—about a resurgence implications for public health. be corrected overnight. must improve our ability to col- of the threat once posed by infec- Vaccination protects the individ- In the near-term, we must un- lect, monitor and respond to data tious disease. ual as well as the community due derstand where threats exist to ad- on vaccination rates. The dangers of infectious to a process called herd immunity. dress the possibility of outbreaks, Canadians need a vaccination diseases, such as measles, slowly In order to create a herd immunity which means better understanding policy that is consistent across all Senator Rosemary Moodie faded from public consciousness as toward measles, vaccination rates areas of under vaccination, increas- provinces and territories, as well as Opinion effective vaccines became widely must be at or above 95 per cent. ing targeted support and prepar- a national database that allows for available and rates of infection Falling too far below the 95 per ing health workers to respond to vaccination rates to be collected, dropped. More recently though, cent threshold allows the disease emergency situations in high-risk recorded and monitored from coast ore Canadians contracted false information shared via tradi- to more easily spread through the regions and demographics. to coast to coast. It takes time to Mthe measles by March 30 of tional media and social media has population and infect those who This is easier said than done. rebuild trust, change minds, and this year than in all of 2018. led some to fear the vaccine more cannot be vaccinated for health Canada does not have a national stamp out sources of misinforma- Globally, incidence of measles than the disease. reasons; think cancer patients or framework to collect, record, and tion, but preparing for the next infection jumped by 50 per cent While only two per cent to fi ve newborn children. monitor vaccination rates. With outbreak can start today. last year. Europe alone experi- per cent of Canadians are strongly Unfortunately, the vaccination health-care being primarily a pro- Ontario Senator Rosemary enced more than 83,000 cases opposed to vaccination, as many rate for Canadian children sits at vincial and territorial responsibility, Moodie is a member of the Inde- and just south of the border, the as 20 per cent to 30 per cent of about 90 per cent, which amounts there are inconsistent vaccination pendent Senators Group. United States saw a 500 per cent Canadians could be classifi ed as to one of the lowest rates in the policies across the country. The Hill Times 36 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News House legislative agenda As House enters ‘ugly stretch,’ 2019 Indigenous legislation front and

Government it comes to democracy, but I will claim in certain other countries, House Leader always encourage them to allow including the U.S. Bardish Chagger. for meaningful debate as well as “We’ll continue, as the NDP The clock is for legislation to be called to a always has, to offer very thought- ticking, with just vote … I think we can fi nd a way ful and meaningful amendments under 40 sitting to make it all possible.” to improve legislation, and in days left in this The government has moved cases where it’s simply toxic like Parliament and time allocation on six bills so far this BIA [budget implementation 38 government in 2019, most recently on bills act] is and ignores actually what bills still on the C-92 and C-93 on April 11. The Liberal commitments were to the Order Paper, and others are: Bill C-88, the Macken- public back in 2015, then we will the 2019 budget zie Valley Resource Management oppose with all the rigour that we implementation Act; Bill C-91; Bill C-78, which can,” said Mr. Julian, referring to bill will be front amends the Divorce Act, Family the Liberal Party’s commitment and centre in Orders and Agreements Enforce- not to use omnibus bills. the House this ment Assistance Act and others; Members of Parliament are week amid rising and Bill C-83, which seeks to bracing for a raucous fi nal stretch. partisan tempers amend the Corrections and Con- Mr. McKay said the “wind- and pre-election ditional Release Act and others. down of any government is not posturing. The While speaking to the govern- particularly pretty,” and this time Hill Times ment’s time allocation motion to around, he thinks “it’s reasonable photograph by end second reading debate on to anticipate” further opposition Andrew Meade Bill C-92 on April 11, NDP Whip delays over the SNC-Lavalin Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier- controversy, which has put “wind Maskinongé, Que.) said it was the in their sails.” MPs are bracing for a we maximize the productivity we The House returns on April 29 62nd time the Liberals had done so As to whether this fi nal stretch can have every single day in the and will sit for three weeks before this Parliament. is shaping up to be the most raucous fi nal stretch, House, and we will utilize the lim- a two-week break ahead of the last Respective House commit- acrimonious he’s seen since fi rst ited tools we have if the opposi- four sitting weeks of this Parlia- tees have already agreed to begin being elected in 1997, Mr. McKay with the opposition tion doesn’t want to fi nd a better ment. It’s currently set to rise on study the subject matter of bills recalled the hammering Jean vowing to continue way forward.” June 21, while the Senate is sched- C-92, C-93, and C-97 starting Chrétien’s Liberal government, Conservative House Leader uled to sit until June 28. The federal April 29, ahead of their offi cial and, in particular, then-human re- to press on the SNC- Candice Bergen (Portage-Lisgar, election is scheduled for Oct. 21; passage at second reading. Bill sources minister Jane Stewart, re- Man.) was not available for before the offi cial writ is drawn C-91 has already cleared the ceived in the winter and spring of Lavalin scandal and an interview last week, but in up, Parliament is dissolved and the committee stage and a report on 2000 over $1-billion in question- the government eager an emailed statement said her Order Paper is wiped clear. recommended caucus remains committed to With seven sitting weeks left, amendments is NDP House to get its legislative pressing the government on the there are 38 government bills on now before the Leader Peter SNC-Lavalin controversy. the Order Paper: 23 at various House. Julian said agenda passed. During the last two-week sitting stages before the House of Com- NDP House the House stretch, on April 1, Conservative mons and 15 before the Senate. Leader Peter could be Continued from page 1 MP Pierre Poilievre (Carleton, Ont.) This week kicks off with an Julian (New set for an launched an ultimately almost NDP opposition day in the House, Westminster- ‘acrimonious the procedural tools available 15-hour fi libuster in the House in set to focus on corporate infl u- Burnaby, B.C.) next seven to press the government on the an effort to pressure the Liberals ence. On April 25, an NDP oppo- said the House weeks’ if the SNC-Lavalin controversy, which on SNC-Lavalin. That came after sition motion was tabled, aimed could be set for government tries to ‘ram has beleaguered the Liberals the Conservatives brought about at “corporate executives and an “acrimoni- since news fi rst broke on Feb. 7, a similarly aimed and ultimately their lobbyists” having “too much through bad ous next seven legislation.’ but Government House Leader roughly 30-hour vote marathon on access to and infl uence over” weeks” if the Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Ont.) the estimates at the end of March. the federal government, in part The Hill Times government tries photograph says she too will use the tools at Ms. Bergen said Mr. Trudeau seeking to have the government to “ram through by Andrew has been “more “immediately” recover $12-million bad legislation” Meade consumed with given to Loblaws to install more without proper saving his own energy-effi cient fridges and rein- scrutiny and political skin vest it “to the benefi t of working refuses to accept than with ad- Canadians and their families.” “improvements dressing issues First up on the government’s on some legislation that may be a able employment program grants. facing Canadi- agenda on April 30 is the 2019 fair fi rst step but needs to be made That resulted in Ms. Stewart fi eld- ans,” highlight- budget implementation bill, C-97, better,” like bills C-91 and C-92. ing an estimated 8,000 questions ing the fact the with debate at second reading set Over the coming weeks, the in the House on the fi le. Liberals have to continue. NDP will focus on spotlighting is- “I don’t think we’ve quite threatened to Along with wanting to see sues around affordability, national reached that scale yet,” said Mr. sue Mr. Scheer C-97 advance, Ms. Chagger pharmacare, tax loopholes and McKay. “Let’s hope we don’t.” for defamation highlighted Bill C-91, the Indig- havens, and the environment, and Seven-term Conservative MP over his com- enous Languages Act; Bill C-92, contrasting that with “a range of Deepak Obhrai (Calgary Forest Conservative House Leader Candice Bergen: ‘We remain ments about on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis government scandals” from SNC- Lawn, Alta.) said “when the warm committed to using the tools at our disposal to get the Mr. Trudeau on child welfare; and Bill C-93, on Lavalin to the neglect of every- weather approaches, it gets pretty full truth’ on SNC-Lavalin. The Hill Times photograph by SNC-Lavalin. pot possession pardons, as among day Canadian families, said Mr. hot” fi guratively, and literally, in Andrew Meade “We are not those the government is particu- Julian. On April 18, NDP Leader Parliament, as MPs get “fi dgety” and intimidated. Rath- larly eager to see move forward Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, “very anxious” to return to their con- her disposal to ensure key gov- er, we remain committed to using in the next few weeks. She called B.C.) announced the fi rst element stituencies, even more so this year ernment legislation gets passed the tools at our disposal to get to the these bills “instrumental and es- of his party’s 2019 environmental with an election on the horizon. before the clock runs out in June. full truth,” she said in the statement. sential” pieces of legislation, and platform, committing to retrofi t all “Staying in Ottawa will not “It’s their choice whether they “In the fi nal weeks of this Par- said she’s hopeful there “will be housing stock in Canada by 2050. make you win an election, you want to see us actually have a liament, we will present Canadi- a willingness and desire” from Also in the NDP’s sights is the need to get home,” said Mr. Obhrai. productive Parliament, but based ans with a Conservative alterna- the opposition to “see them move government’s 392-page omnibus “Tempers are shot and you can on their actions, it’s clear that tive to the Trudeau government forward rather quickly.” 2019 budget implementation bill, see people getting upset, more they will ensure that the govern- that is mired in scandal, buried in “They [the opposition] will said Mr. Julian. partisan, so you have short fuses ment’s not able to advance legis- debt, and making life more and have to choose whether they want Along with enacting measures happening all the time because lation, at the cost to Canadians,” more expensive for Canadians.” to be, I would say, on the right side announced in the 2019 budget, it the desire is to go.” said Ms. Chagger in an interview Ms. Bergen fl agged the “canola of these policy decisions or on a The Hill Times includes a number of immigration- Over in the Red Chamber, on with last week. crisis and the rising cost of living” disruptive side,” said Ms. Chagger. related reforms, including changes April 4, Senate leaders negoti- “We’re going to continue as issues that will be in the Con- “I understand that they have to that would prevent asylum seekers ated a scheduling agreement on working for Canadians, we are servative caucus’ crosshairs in the raise certain points and they have from making refugees claims in going to continue ensuring that coming weeks. an important role to play when Canada if they’ve made a similar Continued on page 37 THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 37 Dufferin-Caledon News budget bill, Removal of Conservative candidate Khattra from centre Duff erin-Caledon leaves “a Continued from page 36 ing vote on the other three bills. A total of 65 government bills timelines to tackle 13 government have received royal assent since the bills currently before it: C-48, mess,” unclear how the party Trudeau Liberal government took which proposes an oil tanker ban power in November 2015; four of along part of B.C.’s north coast; these originated in the Senate. An- C-55, which would amend the other 21 private members’ bill have will choose new candidate: Oceans Act and Canada Petro- been passed so far this Parliament. leum Resources Act related to Looking at the government bills marine protected areas; C-58, on passed since the Liberals formed access to information reforms; government—excluding the 18 ap- Conservative MP Tilson C-59, which proposes major propriation acts passed due to their changes to Canada’s national se- unique nature—completion of the Harzadan Khattra, left, curity laws; C-68, which proposes legislative process took an average won the Conservative amendments to the Fisheries Act, of 317 days, calculated based on Party nomination among others; C-69, which would calendar days from the day of intro- contest in mid-March, revamp the environmental as- duction to the day of royal assent. but was blocked sessment process; C-71, which re- The fastest was Bill C-89, from running for the forms fi rearms rules including to back-to-work legislation to end a Conservatives last week expand background checks; C-75, then-ongoing postal workers strike by the party. Kevin the government’s justice reform which took just fi ve days to fully Weatherbee, centre, package; C-77, which seeks to pass. The slowest was Bill C-21, came in second place amend the National Defence Act, which amended the Customs Act in the nomination including by adding a Declaration to create an entry/exist border meeting. Conservative of Victims Rights; C-78; C-81, the program and enabled the Canada MP David Tilson, right, Accessible Canada Act; C-83; and Border Services Agency to share has represented the C-85, which amends the Canada- information it collects with Employ- riding for 15 years Israel Free Trade Agreement ment and Social Development between 2004 and Implementation Act. Canada—something that raised 2019. The Hill Times The agreed-upon schedule in- privacy concerns—and took 912 fi le photo, courtesy of cludes timelines for a third reading days to fully pass. Helping to bring Kevin Weatherbee, and vote on 10 of the 13 bills, with the down the overall average are the Facebook fi rst—on C-58, currently before the fi ve budget implementation acts Senate Committee on Legal and passed to date, which have taken an Jeremy Williams. Following the Derek Clark, the riding nomi- Constitutional Affairs—set for April average of 56 days to fully pass, The Conservative contest, Ms. Shaughnessy fi led nation chair, did not respond to 30, and the last—on C-77, currently the fastest at 19 days and the an appeal with the party raising an interview request from The at second reading in the Senate— slowest at 87 days. Party’s executive Hill Times set for June 6. No agreement was [email protected] a number of questions, including . reached on timing for a third read- The Hill Times director Dustin Van whether some of the newly signed Meanwhile, Mr. Tilson, 78, said up supporters of Mr. Khattra paid he had stayed neutral throughout Status of Government Bills Vugt informed the their own $15 membership fee, the nomination contest and would and whether they resided in the not take any position now as to HOUSE OF COMMONS Petroleum Resources Act riding association riding. Ms. Shaughnessy told The what process should the party Second reading: Report stage: Hill Times last week that to sup- use. He said he would support • C-5, An Act to Repeal Division 20 of Part 3 of • C-91, Indigenous Languages Act late last week that port her complaints, she provided any process the party chooses. the Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No. 1 Third reading: Harzadan Khattra affi davits and also other relevant Mr. Tilson said the party had • C-12, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces • C-82, Multilateral Instrument in Respect of Tax material to the party. not consulted him and he would Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Conventions Act (now at third) has been removed After considering the evi- prefer it this way. He however Compensation Act • C-84, An Act to amend the Criminal Code dence, the party decided to disal- raised a concern about the cost • C-27, An Act to amend the Pension Benefi ts (bestiality and animal fi ghting) as the candidate in low Mr. Khattra as the candidate, of holding a new nomination Standards Act, 1985 a decision that the then-nomi- contest, saying it cost the riding • C-28, An Act to amend the Criminal Code SENATE Duff erin-Caledon. (victim surcharge) Second reading: nated candidate unsuccessfully association about $10,000 in the appealed to the National Council last nomination meeting. • C-32, An Act related to the repeal of Section • C-77, An Act to amend the National Defence BY ABBAS RANA 159 of the Criminal Code Act to make related and consequential of the Party. “I don’t know who is going to • C-33, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act amendments to other Acts Late last week, Dustin Van pay for that, the last nomination • C-34, An Act to amend the Public Service • C-83, An Act to amend the Corrections and he Conservative Party is stuck Vugt, executive director of the cost $10,000,” said Mr. Tilson. Labour Relations Act Conditional Release Act and another Act Twith a “mess” in Dufferin- Conservative Party, informed Mr. Tilson denied that the dis- • C-38, An Act to amend an Act to amend the Committee: Caledon, and it’s not clear what the riding association in writing appointed supporters of Mr. Khat- Criminal Code (exploitation and traffi cking in • C-48, Oil Tanker Moratorium Act process it will use to fi nd a new that the party has rejected Mr. tra would likely not vote for the persons) • C-58, An Act to amend the Access to Informa- candidate there after it rejected Khattra’s nomination. He did not new candidate and this could hurt • C-39, An Act to amend the Criminal Code tion Act and the Privacy Act and to make the nomination last week of specify any reasons, and did not the Conservative party’s chances (unconstitutional provisions) consequential amendments to other Acts Harzadan Khattra, following say what process the party will of winning this riding again. He • C-42, Veterans Well-being Act • C-59, An Act respecting national security complaints of irregularities in the use to fi nd a new candidate. Mr. conceded there would be some • C-43, An Act respecting a payment to be made matters March 19 nomination contest that Van Vugt, however, said the party unhappy people in the riding, but out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to • C-68, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act he won to represent the Tories in would take a few days to fi nd the said that based on his conversa- support a pan-Canadian artifi cial intelligence • C-69, An Act to amend the Impact Assessment the Ontario riding. best way forward to choose some- tions in the riding, a majority of strategy Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to “The situation is a mess,” said one to carry the party’s banner in people would vote for his party. • C-52, Supporting Vested Rights Under Access amend the Navigation Protection Act outgoing fi ve-term Conserva- the October federal election. The Dufferin-Caledon riding is to Information Act • C-75, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, tive MP David Tilson (Dufferin- Some of the party’s options a safe Conservative riding where • C-56, An Act to amend the Corrections and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and other Acts, Caledon, Ont.) who is not seeking Conditional Release Act and the Abolition of and to make consequential amendments to include holding a new nomi- Mr. Tilson was fi rst elected in 2004, re-election, in an interview with nation contest, or naming the and has been re-elected in the four Early Parole Act another Act The Hill Times • C-87, Poverty Reduction Act • C-78, An Act to amend the Divorce Act, the . second-place fi nisher in the subsequent federal elections. Even • C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement “We’ll see what the party does March 19 nomination contest as in the 2015 election when the Lib- Métis children, youth, and families Assistance Act, and the Garnishment, Attach- [to choose a new candidate].” the candidate. Mr. Weatherbee, eral red wave swept the country • C-93, An Act to provide no-cost, expedited ment, and Pension Diversion Act Mr. Khattra, an international who came in second place, was and propelled the Liberals from record suspensions for simple possession of • C-81, Accessible Canada Act medical graduate who is the CEO not available for an interview af- third place to winning a majority cannabis • C-85, An Act to amend the Canada-Israel Free of a local cab company, won the ter Mr. Van Vugt sent the letter of- government, Mr. Tilson still won by • C-94, An Act respecting certain payments to be Trade Agreement Implementation Act and to nomination meeting last month fi cially confi rming Mr. Khattra’s a margin of 4,334 votes. However, made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund make related amendments to other Acts by a margin of about 200 votes. removal to the riding association. the 2004 election was a nail biter, • C-97, Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1 Report Stage: In the nomination contest, Mr. Before that, Mr. Weatherbee de- when then-incumbent Liberal MP Committee: • C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Khattra faced off against former clined a comment saying he had Murray Calder lost the riding to • S-6, Canada-Madagascar Tax Convention Regulations in relation to fi rearms riding association president Kevin only heard rumours, and was still Mr. Tilson by a margin of only 3.8 Implementation Act, 2018 Third Reading: Weatherbee, former Caledon awaiting to see what the party’s per cent of the votes. • C-88, An Act to amend the Mackenzie Valley • C-55, An Act to amend the Oceans Act and the councillor Barb Shaughnessy, decision was about Mr. Khattra’s [email protected] Resource Management Act and the Canada Canada Petroleum Resources Act and former Orangeville mayor appeal. The Hill Times 38 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Climate change strategy Focus on feds’ carbon-pricing scheme hurting debate on climate change, environmentalists say

Environment sion on other policy measures. Minister “Because of the polarized Catherine rhetoric around carbon pricing McKenna, right, right now, it can be a really at- pictured with tractive nugget for news stories Employment to be hung on,” Ms. Abreu said. Minister Patty “But while we do need our gov- Hajdu on the ernments to be telling us better Hill on April stories, to be giving us the full 2, 2019, has picture, we also need the media to sought to reporting on that fuller picture.” defend the Dale Marshall, national feds' marquee climate program manager at climate policy, Environmental Defence, said that the carbon- discussion needs to be expanded pricing regime, to consideration of what the jobs by arguing of the future for those in the en- that rebates ergy sector will look like. will help In the U.S., for example, the offset costs Green New Deal, which is backed consumers by a contingent of congressional will bear in Democrats, seeks to link action the face of on climate change to the issue Conservatives' of inequity—with low-income claims that it's households expected to be worse a tax grab. The off than those with more means— Hill Times fi le and jobs, he said. “We’re going photograph by to need a lot of people to retrofi t Andrew Meade homes; we’re going to need a [new] workforce that is only at the nascent stage right now.” A recent Abacus Data poll suggested that many Canadians— thing Canadians will be exposed Within fi ve years, revenues are getting [enough] play in terms of around 61 per cent surveyed—sup- Continued from page 1 to on a regular basis. It’s because expected to climb to $6.2-billion, climate action,” Ms. Bérubé said, port or somewhat support the offi cial opposition are drawing of that visibility that makes it an before falling as the economy tran- citing the money it’s spending principles of the Green New Deal, them into. “Both the Liberals and easy political target,” she said. (Ot- sitions to a lower-carbon future. on renewable technology and its which calls for massive government Conservatives want to have a fi ght tawa delayed rollout of the clean Ottawa has pledged that the regime pledge to quit coal by 2030. “We spending on “clean energy, green about carbon pricing. They seem fuel standard regulations by up to will be revenue neutral, meaning equate addressing climate change technology, and electrifi cation.” to perceive it as a fi ght that they a year in response to industry’s that the levies collected will be with putting a price on carbon, Mr. Hatt noted the government think they will motivate their base concerns about the timeline.) remitted back to the provinces. which is not the case at all.” has been working on outlining and one they can win on,” Mr. Hatt When asked if a consequence The carbon levy is intended to said. “What it does is use up all of this focus on the carbon price have different impacts based on Federal the space in the media, and in the has given Canadians the impres- income level. It operates under environment public imagination, about what we sion that they’re bearing the brunt the assumption that higher-in- commissioner, need to do about climate change.” of the costs for addressing climate come households have bigger car- Julie Gelfand, The feds’ focus on promot- change, Ms. Abreu said that ap- bon footprints than lower-income earlier this ing its carbon price as a tool for pears to be the case. “I hear all households, and as such, will bear month said that curbing emissions—introduced at the time that all that’s happening more costs. Canada won’t a time when the Trudeau govern- is carbon pricing, and therefore There are signs that the Con- hit its 2030 ment had provincial allies in On- we’re trying to address climate servatives will be getting a little target to curb tario and Alberta, among others— change in Canada by only making help from industry in building op- emissions. may have been by design. Unlike consumers pay for it,” she said. position to the carbon tax and the The Hill Times other measures in its climate In a report released last week, Liberals’ climate agenda. Oil and photograph by agenda like its clean fuel standard the parliamentary budget offi cer gas industry executives convened Andrew Meade for various industries or methane estimated that Ottawa will reap for a closed-door strategy session earlier this month in Alberta’s Oil and gas industry Rocky Mountain Foothills, where executives convened for they heard from Conservative a closed-door strategy Leader Andrew Scheer (Regina- session earlier this month Qu’Appelle, Sask.), Hamish in Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Marshall, the party’s national Foothills, where they heard campaign director, and Mark Spiro, from Conservative Leader a Conservative organizer who dis- Andrew Scheer, pictured, cussed efforts to energize the base At the same time, while credit the steps for a “just transition” for Hamish Marshall, the with help from like-minded interest is due to the Trudeau govern- workers in the coal industry, for party’s national campaign groups, according to a Globe and ment for taking steps to curb example, but that message seems director, and Mark Spiro, Mail report on April 25. Though emissions, Mr. Hatt said, Canada, to be lost amid the government’s a Conservative organizer one of the attendees insisted that based on the trajectory it’s on calls for pipeline expansion. who discussed efforts to the meeting was not partisan, the right now, isn’t close to meeting The feds’ decision to buy the energize the base with help presence of Mr. Scheer and his the targets required to avoid the beleaguered Trans Mountain from like-minded interest operatives seems to signal there’s catastrophic consequences that pipeline from Kinder Morgan groups, according to a an effort to make it a wedge issue were detailed in the UN’s Inter- nearly a year ago has also made Globe and Mail report on in the upcoming campaign. governmental Panel on Climate it more challenging to broaden April 25. The Hill Times In the face of growing opposi- Change’s (IPCC) report last fall. the conversation around climate photograph by Andrew tion to its climate agenda, the fed- In the 2018 report, scientists change, said Mr. Hatt. Its message Meade eral government needs to make warned that countries have only on climate action is incongruous a bigger push to tout its other 12 years left to act to prevent the with its assertion that the pipeline regulations, the carbon price is $2.63-billion in carbon-pricing policy measures under the Pan- atmosphere from warming to 1.5 is necessary for the economy, relatively easier for Canadians to revenues in 2019-20 from Mani- Canadian Framework on Climate degrees Celsius. Federal environ- he added. “It doesn’t mean the understand, said Catherine Abreu, toba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Change and Clean Growth, said ment commissioner, Julie Gel- oil sands needs to shut down executive director at Climate Ac- Saskatchewan, which have failed Annie Bérubé, director of govern- fand, earlier this month said that tomorrow,” he said. “But we need tion Network Canada. “It’s also to offer plans to curb emissions ment relations at Équiterre, in Canada won’t hit its 2030 target to think about a future where more visible. It’s something that that pass muster under federal a phone interview with The Hill to curb emissions. oil and gas industry becomes a Canadians are going to see show standards. In Saskatchewan, for Times. “There’s lots of measures Lopsided media coverage, en- sunset industry.” up in their daily lives, whereas example, households, on average, out there that are getting bigger vironmentalists say, is also in part [email protected] methane regulations aren’t some- can expect to pay $425 this year. returns for your buck that are not to blame for drowning out discus- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 39 Books & Big Ideas

Indigenous nations so he can forge a dif- A Mind ferent, respectful path forward? Though his Elliott takes a raw, Spread crafty pro-Indigenous PR makes his poli- Out on the Ground, cies appear different from his predecessor, if the effects are ultimately the same, how by Alicia different are they? Throwing glitter on the fi erce deep-dive into Elliott, same old fairy tale doesn’t suddenly make Doubleday Canada, it new.” 240 pp., Coming to terms with the legacy of the lasting legacy of $25. colonialism certainly doesn’t seem to be a major national priority if the prime minister can get a laugh from party faithful when sarcastically “thanking” Indigenous colonialism in Canada protesters for a donation to the Liberal Party, or a sitting former Conservative Senator can insist “there is no racism in book’s title “A Mind Spread out on the Canada” and suggest that the Truth and ‘A Mind Spread Out on Ground” comes from the Mohawk phrase Reconciliation Commission should have for depression, and the book begins with a been “focusing on the good” rather than the Ground’ comes from piece on mental health that highlights the spotlighting the 6,000 children who died fact that self-infl icted injuries are the lead- What makes this book so diffi cult due to malnourishment or disease in Resi- the Mohawk phrase for ing cause of death for Indigenous people and so very compelling is Alicia Elliott’s dential Schools. depression, and the under the age of 44. honesty and her willingness to interro- “Capitalism forever positions itself as In the context of more than 150 years of gate the entire suite of systemic, cultural, the solution to the problem of capitalism. book begins with a piece gas-lighting and paternalistic half-measures, and internalized racism that First Nations Colonialism forever positions itself as the it’s encouraging that Indigenous voices are citizens are subjected to. The sections on solution to the problem of colonialism. on mental health that fi nally being amplifi ed. This is why, hot on sexual assault and Canada’s criminal jus- As though shovelling more of what we the heels of Tanya Talaga’s 2018 Massey Lec- tice system are among the most harrowing: are currently choking on into our mouths highlights the fact that self- ture Series, titled All Our Relations: Finding “If we aren’t required to give consent or would ever actually help us.” infl icted injuries are the the Path Forward, I was so primed to dive allowed to refuse consent when it comes to While it would be a mistake to call this into Alicia Elliott’s stunning new book, A recounting our own trauma, what is left for a hopeful book, I do think it is safe to say leading cause of death for Mind Spread Out on the Ground. us? The men who carry out this violence that it is, by its very nature, an act of hope This invaluable text–raw, fi erce and, I against us don’t have to testify in their own and an emblem of the hard-won self-respect Indigenous people under would argue, essential read–is a deep dive defence, yet we have to relive our trauma that must be at the heart and centre of any into one woman’s experience, and through to prove our innocence. Our innocence meaningfully post-colonial future. As Alicia the age of 44. her, into the lasting legacy of colonialism is always what’s really on trial, not these Elliott writes, “I’m proud to say I’m no one’s in Canada.“As much as it made me sick to men’s guilt.” Noble Savage and I’ll continue to write admit it, internalized racism had warped While much of the book is focused on what I please. Though maybe I will learn me so much that I was actually relieved the very personal, she also takes time to how to powwow dance–alone, in the privacy that my child didn’t look like my father, my tackle political events head-on, including a of my living room. It looks like good cardio.” aunts, my uncle, my grandmother…. But brief overview of the indignities of the In- A Mind Spread Out on the Ground, by at the same time, while my baby’s white- dian Act and a report card for the current Alicia Elliott, Doubleday Canada, 240 pp., ness gave them a shield, it also created a federal government: “Is Trudeau critically $25. Sean Wilson is the co-founder of the barricade between them and their people. interrogating Canada’s national ideas of Ottawa International Writers Festival and They didn’t look like kin; they looked like Indigenous peoples? Is he honestly exam- is its artistic director. an enemy.” ining Canada’s historic relationship with The Hill Times Sean Wilson Books & Big Ideas

TTAWA—A couple of years ago, my Thursday, May 2nd will mark the one year Oyoung son asked me if there was a anniversary of MP Gord Brown’s sudden passing. difference between Ottawa and the settle- ments in the occupied territories. Aren’t both, he asked, communities built on stolen We will be having a small reception land? I didn’t have a good answer then, and Thursday, May 2nd 2019 5-8pm at the still don’t. Here in “progressive” Canada, we are rarely asked to consider what it means Metropolitan Brasserie with a toast to Gord’s life that Parliament itself sits on unceded Al- and memory at 5:45pm. We hope you can join us. gonquin, Anishinabek territory. Author Alicia GORDON KEITH BROWN Elliott. Photograph 1960-2018 courtesy of her Twitter handle Generous, thoughtful, funny and kind Not in my life time your equal I’ll find. Genuine and dedicated in all your ways, Loving and caring to the end of your days. Loved and respected by all whom you knew, One in a million that husband was you. Many of us have gotten used to land acknowledgements at cultural and civic One year has passed, our hearts still sore, events, but there’s a difference between As time moves on we miss you more. hearing a stock phrase and a real con- A loving father gentle and kind, templation of what “unceded” means. How de we reconcile that simple land claim What beautiful memories you left behind. with our nation’s unwillingness to comply with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples? What does reconcili- Forever in our hearts ation mean in the context of boil-water Your loving wife and son advisories, mould infestations, and chronic Claudine and Tristan underfunding for Indigenous health and education? Politics is always personal: “I was 16 when I wrote my fi rst suicide note.” The 40 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Books & Big Ideas

Some of the stories are in- tion. For instance, Chrétien was sightful. I particularly enjoyed rookie a MP in 1964 when he an account about the policy sponsored a private member’s infl uence of Aline Chrétien, bill that succeeded in renaming nicknamed “Rock of Gibraltar” Trans-Canada Airlines as Air by her husband (p.12 and p.150). Canada. Other stories are of the It is reasonably well known that transactional variety: dealing they were a formidable team. But with a police offi cer when caught it is rare to see prime ministers speeding to get to Ottawa for a give such open credit to a spouse state funeral; why Chrétien was for policy advice. The story of attracted to federalism; how the her encouragement being a Chrétiens have adjusted to life thrust behind the prime minister after politics. In between, is a seeking, and winning, a third dollop of personal stories about majority government in 2000 is Chrétien’s acquaintances, his retold. What intrigued me was a family and his ancestors—and detail about the Chrétiens having yes, remarks about defending Ca- dinner with a couple in 1995. nadian honour when playing golf The prime minister revealed a with U.S. president Bill Clinton. planned budget measure con- A big reason for Chrétien’s cerning old age pension calcu- success is that he under-promised lations. The two women were and over-delivered. This book incredulous. The next day he delivers on what it says it is: a You know, for me: Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured April 12, 2016, in a Hill scrum. When a former prime instructed the fi nance minister collection of stories as told by minister shares insights, it is a tremendous gift to the rest of us, including for students decades from now. Information to drop the provision. Needless Jean Chrétien. I spotted some that challenges journalistic accounts or the versions of other actors is especially welcome. The Hill Times fi le photograph to say this sort of nuance is not minor English translation errors taught in public administration that could appear in any book, Chrétien’s book entertaining, courses. such as referring to the Maritimes informative, worthwhile Heart (Key Porter Books, 1985), and informative is worthwhile. In- My Stories, My Times and then resigned from serving in deed, Chrétien says in the preface Parliament. The bestseller stands that he is “not writing my mem- is a fun read for those the test of time because it weaves oirs, or a history book. In fact, I’m storytelling with advice about having fun,” (p.XIX). Some of the interested in the how to navigate party politics. stories come across as journal subject matter. You More than two decades later, entries with dates of entry, com- Chrétien wrote about the govern- ments on the weather and interac- can almost picture ment he led in My Years as Prime tions with grandchildren. In the Minister (Alfred A. Knopf, 2007). conclusion, he indicates that the Jean Chrétien talking That book is an account of the ins original plan was to document and outs of a decade of Canadian stories for his family. to you. He regales in politics that has historical value. The book adds to the canon stories about political Recently, Chrétien published of knowledge about Chrétien the a third book, one whose style person, about his experiences over Mr. Chrétien, pictured April 2, 2019, at the Library and Archives Canada’s battles, shares the reminded me of Don Cherry’s many decades of public life, and launch of its new foundation and looking at the Prime Ministers and the Arts books where he offers a smatter- about various Liberal governments. exhibition in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Jean-Marc Carisse details about what ing of hockey stories from days When a former prime minister of yore. The snappy style allows shares insights, it is a tremendous Other stories have historical instead of the Atlantic region really happened, and the reader to weave in and out, gift to the rest of us, including for signifi cance. Chrétien confronts (p.19). The choice of some stories perusing whatever yarns are of students decades from now. Infor- the night of the long knives is a bit unusual, such as one off ers some amusing interest. There is no particular mation that challenges journalistic myth that Quebec premier René about 1890s religion in Quebec. I anecdotes. timeline to follow. It’s almost as accounts or the versions of other Lévesque was backstabbed in think it is a major disappointment though you’re sitting on a couch actors is especially welcome. 1981 when other governments’ when Canadians pay attention listening to the wisdom and war My Stories, My Times is orga- representatives negotiated a to American politics at a cost of stories of someone who reached nized as 49 short stories about compromise to patriate the Con- paying attention to Canadian the pinnacle of his occupation. anything and everything. You get stitution. During the terrorism federal, provincial and municipal the feel that its author events of Sept. 11, 2001, Chrétien politics, so it was unsettling to wrote in spurts when- authorized shooting down a see Chrétien take pot-shots at My Stories, ever the mood struck. non-responsive Korean passen- U.S. President Donald Trump. His My Times , One moment you are ger plane that was approaching stories about heads of govern- by Jean transported to 1955 British Columbia. Fortunately, ment with whom he engaged Chrétien, when a young Chré- 15 minutes later, contact was while in offi ce—Bill Clinton, Random tien is handing over established with the pilot; crisis Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair—are Alex Marland House a fi stful of margarine averted. Among the many other more appropriate, as are the Canada, to Quebec premier historical moments covered in- stories about interactions with the Books & Big Ideas 2019. Maurice Duplessis in clude French president Charles British Royal Family or tales from order to raise concern de Gaulle’s “vive le Québec libre” international conferences. T. JOHN’S—Why do Canadian that the province’s comment and the 1980 Quebec Of course, Jean Chrétien’s Spoliticians write books? The butter laws are not referendum. trademark humour is sprinkled motivation is presumably not fi - being followed. The Sometimes the small details through, including jokes and nancial. For those seeking higher next, it is 1971 in make political memoirs fascinat- quips from politicians he has en- offi ce, an autobiography can be Siberia. You are drink- ing. For instance, there is a quirky countered. It is fi tting that in the an image-shaping tool, as with ing vodka as a bunch tale of a Senator-designate who book’s conclusion he writes that Justin Trudeau’s Common Ground of Russians dare found some land for sale for “it’s possible to take one’s work (HarperCollins, 2014) or Jagmeet Canadians to jump in $2,500. Senators are constitution- seriously without taking oneself Singh’s recently released Love the frigid Lena River. ally required to own $4,000 of too seriously” (p.243). He signs off & Courage (Simon & Schuster, All eight men strip to property. Consequently a sur- with his familiar trademark “Vive 2019). For those who have left their underwear and prised farmer received more than le Canada!” It is clear through- politics, a book is a way to tell someone fi res a gun the asking price. I particularly out his latest book, as it was in the inside story about what really to signal it is time to liked the following pithy observa- his political career, that the 20th transpired. It is an opportunity to My Stories, My Times (Ran- jump. The four Canadians take tion about Pierre Elliott Trudeau: prime minister of Canada loves set the record straight. As well, dom House, 2019) is a fun read the plunge—only to look up at the “Trudeau loved silence” (p.160). his country and his family. taking a trip down memory lane for those interested in the subject four Russians, still dry, gleefully Insights about how his predeces- My Stories, My Times, by Jean can be cathartic. matter. You can almost picture laughing at the drenched foreign- sor preferred tranquility and was Chrétien, Random House Canada, Jean Chrétien, prime minister Chrétien talking to you. He ers. The water, Chrétien recalls, intolerant of laziness add to our 2019. Alex Marland is a professor of Canada from 1993 to 2003, has regales in stories about political was extremely cold. There are understanding of one of Canada’s of political science at Memorial penned both types of books. After battles, shares the details about approximately 50 photographs in most accomplished leaders. University of Newfoundland. He the veteran MP was runner-up in what really happened, and offers the book, including two of the fi sh Some stories will be known to is currently writing a book about the 1984 Liberal leadership race, some amusing anecdotes. A politi- caught on that Siberian trip, but people with long memories, but party discipline in Canada. he published Straight From the cal book that is both entertaining none of that frozen swim. will be new to a younger genera- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 41 Books & Big Ideas

police chief Bill Bratton in a rare moment of candour during a 2015 speech at a Black church. “Since Force is not just what comes out of then, the stories of police and Black citizens have intertwined again and again…The unequal nature of that relationship cannot the barrel of a police offi cer’s gun and must not be denied,” he said. North of the border, the found- ing in 1873 of the North-West The following is Mounted Police, precursor of an excerpt from today’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was very specifi cally Excessive Force: intended to provide armed sup- port to expansion and deal with Toronto’s Fight to the restive “native.” When local Reform City Policing policing developed, it was a bit , of a hodgepodge. We imported the constable from England in by Tim Harper and the nineteenth century, originally Alok Mukherjee, to have somebody in the com- munity to protect and safeguard one of fi ve books property. And we armed this person. In Toronto, for example, nominated for this it was a group of fi ve wealthy citizens—including the mayor and year’s Donner Prize, the magistrate—who created the the best public policy fi rst system of policing. In 1834, a full-time High Constable was book written by a appointed for the city of Toronto. According to Michael Sale’s his- Canadian. The winner tory of the Toronto Police Services Board, one year later, a full force will be announced on was formed consisting of a High Constable, fi ve constables and May 1 in Toronto. Police, pictured on June 26, 2010, at the G20 in Toronto when riots broke out after some protesters vandalized several fourteen special constables. downtown businesses. Some 1,000 arrests were made over the course of the two-day summit. The Toronto Police Service This original police contingent BY ALOK MUKHERJEE & and the Integrated Security Unit of the G20 summit were later criticized for brutality. At its peak, there were 10,000 was formed for the protection of TIM HARPER protesters and more than 20,000 police, military and security policed the protests. The Hill Times fi le photograph property and the lives of the privi- leged. Its mandate has expanded orce is not just what comes ring in Toronto only; it is hap- 5. The ever-ballooning costs of police offi cer from constable to since then, but the basic model Fout of the barrel of a police of- pening in many cities in Canada policing. chief is required to re-certify in of relying on authority, attained fi cer’s gun. It certainly is that, but and indeed throughout North 6. National security and anti- use of force. There is no compa- through the legal right to carry and it also takes many other forms: America. So, what’s the matter terrorism policing at the local rable emphasis on other policing use arms, has not changed. Policing intimidation; arbitrary actions with our police? Policing in North level, and our drift into the sur- skills. To me, this model of polic- remains heavily armed, dependent that criminalize or harass ordi- America is not merely at a cross- veillance state. ing is the direct consequence of on the use of force, ill-equipped nary people, especially if they are roads. When it comes to maintain- 7. Police chiefs and police a North American model being to deal with non-criminal social Black, brown, Indigenous or poor; ing the confi dence and trust that union/association leaders cross- grafted onto the use of the collective power of they need for their legitimacy, our ing into the political realm to try British model of Alok Muherjee, unions and professional associa- police organizations are teetering to infl uence public policy. modern policing pictured in tions to resist local and provincial at the edge of a cliff. These challenges stem from credited to Sir a CTV News efforts to change or modernize If we are to move forward to government decisions based on Robert Peel. Toronto policing; ability to escape or match a new way of policing to political, economic, and social In Peel’s interview. avoid accountability when there the changing needs of our com- considerations driven by a neolib- model of profes- ‘There is a has been wrongdoing. The list munities, it is time to toss out the eral agenda; an amorphous and sional policing, signifi cant gap goes on. duct tape and the Band-Aids that diffi cult-to-defi ne police culture; offi cers were but in the public’s have always societal, systemic and individual members of the knowledge of the been used to discriminatory ideas and practic- public, with the world of policing; Excessive give the illusion es (conscious and unconscious); exception that a world which Force: of change by and an ineffective system of ac- they performed faces serious Toronto’s police chiefs countability that is more symbolic their duties and constant Fight to and police than substantive. What we are left on a full-time questions.’ Reform union leaders. with is a model of policing that basis and were Image courtesy City Tweaks have to is obsolete and out of sync with given addi- of CTV News Policing, give way to true today’s reality. tional authority. Toronto by Tim transforma- There is a history of legislation However, their Harper tion. And our and policies being written—or not success and ef- and Alok political leaders written—to suit the preference of fectiveness—and indeed, legiti- or personal situations without Mukherjee, have to make the police. Never mind that the macy—depended on receiving resorting to use-of-force options, Douglas & some tough public interest has suffered as a and maintaining public consent McIntyre, and trained to use threats over decisions, even result. This collusion—or to put it at all times. This was obtained by 288 pp., empathy, negotiation and commu- $22.95. if police chiefs charitably, lack of will—on the part treating all members of the public nication. This armed response to and police of our political leaders has added equally and without giving undue crises is more of a North American union leaders to the inability or failure of local favour to any one segment. These policing phenomenon, not one do not like it. police governing bodies—the Po- concepts are widely considered that is embraced worldwide. This Society pays lice Services Boards and commis- to lie at the heart of community- is a model at odds with itself. On those chiefs sions—to bring about the transfor- based policing. In this framework, the one hand, it pays lip service to and union mation that our system of policing a police organization can never community-based policing. On the leaders well for so sorely and urgently needs. behave or be regarded as an occu- other, it trains police offi cers to be their profes- * * * pying force. something akin to an occupation sional services Responding to what consti- Overlaid on this framework is force. This contradictory model and expert ad- tutes violent crime in the conven- the North American model of po- gets the individual offi cer into vice; it does not tional sense makes up less than licing, the history of which lies in trouble. The consequence is that This book is about the ways pay them to dictate public policy. 30 per cent of police work. As Jus- the use of an armed group to pro- police do not receive the public in which excessive force has Here are seven challenges that tice [Frank] Iacobucci said in his tect the interests of the privileged. legitimacy or consent they require. been used by members of police must be overcome if our forces report [on handling of people in In North America, policing is What is needed is a serious ex- forces in Toronto—and elsewhere are to be equipped for the future: crisis by Toronto police], police of- inextricably tied to the settlement amination of the model of using a in North America—to challenge 1. Police shootings and the use fi cers are social workers. It is con- of America, the onward push of uniformed police offi cer equipped and even undermine attempts to of lethal force. ceivable that a large segment of a the frontier and the resulting con- with an arsenal of force options transform the model of policing 2. Police handling of people in police force will not need to draw fl ict with the Indigenous popula- to deal with the policing needs we have today. They represent all mental health crisis. a gun—ever. And yet, by law, tion. The gun-toting American of a community. We also need to ranks, from the chief on down. 3. Relationships with racial- we train every police offi cer to sheriff, chosen by the wealthy and question why every police offi cer is We examine over a decade of ized and Indigenous communities. shoot to kill. This constitutes the powerful members of a communi- equipped with lethal force. this fi ght in Toronto, which has 4. Lack of confi dence and trust largest component of the training ty, symbolized law and order. The What is needed is a consid- Canada’s largest municipal police from all members of the public, provided to new offi cers. In many early duties of police included service. But the fi ght is not occur- whom police are sworn to protect. forces in Canada, every year each “slave-catching,” noted New York Continued on page 42 42 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Books & Big Ideas

Two questions for Tim Harper: What drew you to this topic initially? Force is not just what comes out of “I knew of Alok through his reputation and I admired his progressive views and kept abreast of his battles through media reports. When I learned he was seeking a the barrel of a police offi cer’s gun collaborator to tell his story of a decade atop the Toronto Police Services Board, I Tim Harper, the only book on po- jumped at the opportunity. After a lifetime Continued from page 41 a former licing written by an writing about politics, I relished the chance eration of the consequences of taking a Toronto ordinary citizen who to learn about another subject and my militaristic approach to community safety, Star staff rose to spend more education came from hours of conversation one that is based on maintaining and columnist. than 10 years inside with Alok as we discussed the challenges promoting the perception that every police ‘This book that world, but was facing police forces in this racially diverse offi cer is at mortal risk each of his or her should be not of it. It is written country in the 21st century. I believe trust in days on the job. read by all from the perspec- police is at a tipping point and without real Excerpted from Excessive Force: To- those who tive of someone who transformation that trust will be formally ronto’s Fight to Reform City Policing, by believe engaged with, and severed. I don’t believe we, as a society, can Alok Mukherjee with Tim Harper. © 2018. there must sometimes clashed allow this moment to arrive.” Published by Douglas & McIntyre. Re- be a path with, this world in a printed with permission of the publisher. to a better struggle to further Why is this book important and who Alok Mukherjee is a distinguished visiting relationship the public interest. should read it? professor at Ryerson University in Toronto between “It is not a purely “Toronto is the most diverse city in the and was chair of the Toronto Police Services citizens and academic or theo- world, but this diverse population is too Board from 2005 to 2015. Tim Harper is a their law retical work, though often ill-served by its police force. Racial- former Toronto Star staff columnist and cur- enforcement its analysis, conclu- ized citizens—Blacks, visible minorities rently a freelance contributor for The Star. offi cers.’ The sions and proposals and the Indigenous population—have Hill Times fi le are offered through disproportionate contact with police and photograph a theoretical and are far more likely to be arrested, harassed Questions for Alok Mukherjee: critical framework. or even killed in their dealings with those What drew you to this topic initially? Toronto Police Services Board gave me the During my tenure who are expected to be there to protect and “There is a signifi cant gap in the pub- opportunity to oversee Canada’s largest at the helm of the police services board, I serve. Those with mental health challenges lic’s knowledge of the world of policing; municipal police force during a period became acutely aware of the public’s inter- have become a police problem and are a world which faces serious and constant in which it had to deal with the gravest est and concerns about policing and the too often in contact with offi cers who do questions. It is a deeply conservative world, challenges of any force in recent memory. enormous power police wield over the lives not have the training to deal with those in resistant to change. I sought to explore At the same time, we tried to transform of ordinary people, including the power to mental health crisis. the deeply-ingrained police culture, the the way we police ourselves. I felt that a deny liberty and to take lives. “This book should be read by all those willingness of police leaders to use force comprehensive account of key moments “The book is deliberately written in who believe there must be a path to a better in all its forms and the impact this has in this momentous decade from my unique a manner that makes it accessible to the relationship between citizens and their law on political and social decisions from my point of view could fi ll that gap in public general public, but with enough theoretical enforcement offi cers. It should particularly perspective as a civilian governor who understanding of policing.” rigour that it is a valuable resource for the be read by those like me—white, middle- came to my post as a community member, academic researcher, the students of social class Canadians who do not realize they without the perspective of a career police Why is this book important and who sciences, the journalist and the policy have a comparative place of privilege when offi cer, journalist or academic. should read it? maker. In short, this book is meant for the it comes to dealing with their police forces.” “My decade-long stint as chair of the “Excessive Force is, to my knowledge, widest possible readership.” The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 43 Books & Big Ideas

people holding hands in a chain to encircle ‘I was instantly struck their bases; Sitka spruces so tall that their tops would rival towers of a city by the power that this core; and Doug- las fi rs so old they would outlive more than a dozen human one image held and generations. In the wet valleys would grow the epitomes of their respective spe- how much emotion cies—great, hulking masses of nature. These trees would come to attract the was wrapped up in this attention of loggers, who would put axe and saw to trunk to harvest the warm picture of a single giant wood that could be cut and manipulated for innumerable uses. tree alone in a clear cut’ These trees would be surrounded by protestors fi ghting Big Lonely Doug, by Harley to open. The warm season had caused the for their protection, cone’s colour to gradually turn from green seeing more value in Rustad, has been shortlisted and sticky with sap to brown and papery keeping them alive dry, its thumbnail-shaped scales to sepa- than in their immedi- along with four others rate, and the species’ telltale trident-like ate utility. And these bracts to curl—the fi nal stage in the cone’s trees would attract for the Writers’ Trust of year-and-a-half cycle to maturation. visitors who wanted Canada’s 2018 Shaughnessy As the temperature fl uctuated between little more than to feel the early autumn’s hot days and cool awe and wonder in nights, the cone responded accordingly, Cohen Prize for Political the shadow of one of A calm wind ruffl ed the branches of some of the largest trees in opening and closing so slightly it would nature’s giants. the world. It twisted and turned through the forest, picking up be nearly imperceptible to the eye. One Writing. The winner will be The seedling grew scents of cedar and spruce—even a faint tinge of salt, this close degree of seasonal difference could spell into a sapling—and to the Pacifi c Ocean. Late afternoon sun had burned off any disaster for the precious seeds held within announced in Ottawa on May then it grew into a lingering mist, leaving a clear blue sky, writes Harley Rustad. the cone: too hot and they might dry out; tree. 15 at the Politics and the Pen. too cold and wet and they might rot. This excerpt is taken from Big Lonely As the sun began to drop behind the Doug, copyright © 2018 by Harley Rustad. Two questions for Harley Rustad forested hills, and when the moisture in the Reproduced with permission from House air was just right, a seed dislodged from of Anansi Press, Toronto. www.houseofan- Why did you want to write this book? between the scales and began tumbling ansi.com “Being from British Columbia, I grew up hiking and exploring earthwards alongside the great trunk of its The Hill Times the West Coast’s forests and was exposed from a young age to the issues around environmental conservation, the timber parent tree. Its feathery tail twirled slightly industry, and the confl ict over protecting old-growth forests. in the freefall towards a dense under- The Writers’ Trust of Canada’s A few years ago, when I came across a photograph of Big growth of salal, sword fern, and huckleber- 2018 Shortlist for the Lonely Doug, I was instantly struck by the power that this one ry—a fall where the randomness of nature image held and how much emotion was wrapped up in this would determine its fate. Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for picture of a single giant tree alone in a clear cut. For me, the The vast majority of the 50,000 seeds Political Writing story of a logger—someone you wouldn’t expect—saving Harley Rustad that fell from each tree that year would die. one of our country’s biggest trees was the perfect way in to tell Books & Big Ideas They would be eaten by birds or squirrels Homes: A Refugee Story, by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah and the story of modern conservation movements in B.C. and the or would simply not be lucky enough to Winnie Yeung, Freehand Books, 2018. different perspectives on how we value our resources.” fi nd the optimal conditions to sprout. But calm wind ruffl ed the branches of this one survived. This one landed softly Breaching the Peace: The Site C Dam and a Valley’s Why is this book important and who should read it? Asome of the largest trees in the world. It on a patch of moist, green moss growing Stand against Big Hydro, by Sarah Cox, On Point Press, “This story is important because we are a country that, on twisted and turned through the forest, pick- on the rotting bark of a tree that had been 2018. the surface, places great value in our natural resources. We ing up scents of cedar and spruce—even a blown over by a fi erce wind a century are known for our big nature, but I hope that this book asks faint tinge of salt, this close to the Pacifi c before. Feeding o nutrients in the log, the Boys: What it Means to Become a Man, by Rachel Giese, a simple but challenging question: how much do we really Ocean. Late afternoon sun had burned off seed pushed through the moss and into Patrick Crean Editions, 2018. value our natural environments? Enough to protect them or any lingering mist, leaving a clear blue sky. the light. The seedling, barely an inch tall, enough to exploit them? I think it’s an important question for Pipe Dreams: The Fight for Canada’s Energy Future, Nearly every branch on nearly every spread its fi rst pair of glossy green needles. readers who are interested in how we manage and protect by Jacques Poitras, Viking Canada, 2018. our environments, for those who are interested in ecotourism tree held cones that dangled like orna- In time, the seedling would enter an and ecology, and also for those who care about the future of ments. On one tree, a Douglas fi r growing exalted arboreal pantheon, which included Big Lonely Doug: The Story of One of Canada’s Last our resources and an industry that has been, and continues to in a valley on Vancouver Island, a cone some of Canada’s biggest trees: western Great Trees, by Harley Rusted, House of Anansi Press, 2018. be, so important for British Columbia.” shook and bounced in the breeze. It began red cedars so wide that it would take ten

BROKER C. 613-889-3457 RE/MAX HALLMARK REALTY GROUP O. 613-236-5959 JOSH EYKING [email protected] 610 BRONSON AVENUE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AND RESIDENT REALTOR EYKINGOFHOMES.COM OTTAWA, ON. K1S 4E6

Josh of Eykingofhomes will help make the most of your Selling/ Buying experience.

Specializing in all your real estate needs in the capital region.

#1 INDIVIDUAL AGENT RE/MAX BRONSON* 1% Remax Hallmark 2018 44 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES MIGRAINES ARE NOT FOREVER! CLASSIFIEDS Newer drugless therapies Information and advertisement placement: 613-688-8822 • classifi [email protected] Can solve the mystery RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR RENT CONDOS FOR RENT LAC BRASSARD. PRIME ALTA VISTA LUXURIOUS 2 BEDROOM 2 ATTENTION FOREIGN BATHROOM GOVERNMENTS OR INDUSTRY LEADERS!!

minutes to the Hospitals Sun filled, Call to consult Beautiful 3 bedroom Post & Beam spacious main rooms with fireplace, home on over 3 private acres with hardwood floors and high ceilings, condo for rent at prestigious Call to sunset view just 35 minutes from beautiful large kitchen,private terrace 700 Sussex in the heart of the If you require Oversized Parliament Hill! Spacious home and garden. Main floor powder room. Byward market. 3900$ monthly. while Intimate, office, deluxe kitchen, cathedral Two huge bedrooms with ensuites ) Justin Millette Royal Lepage 613 875 2654 ceiling, Livingroom with wood- plus a den and finished lower level rec Realty 613-799-6894 Entertainment spaces, mak- stove, screened porch. Quiet ing a Statement of Grandeur room/ bedroom.Double car garage / SOHO LISGAR – HEART OF or 234 5758 motor-free lake. $739,000 Danny private laneway. Snow removal includ- w/ Pronounced Presence, Sivyer Remax Direct 613-769-4884 DOWNTOWN OTTAWA’S this Manor can be Your ed in rent. Call Julie 6138596599 FINANCIAL DISTRICT [email protected] Castle in Canada. Located on a Premium Street on HOMES FOR RENT CONDOS FOR RENT unique 75' lot, offering 7 bdrms, 7 baths (3 ensuites), EXECUTIVE BRAND 85 BRONSON AVE. 7 prkg. w/ dbl. garage, NEW SINGLE HOME staff quarters and guest apartment. Rarely avail- BLEEDING GUMS? able. This is 'The One'! Call Clarence to schedule your Discreet Viewing- cell) 613- 795-9000 or csheahan@ OttawaLuxuryHomes.com BAD BREATH ? Luxury 1 bedroom condo + balcony, 14th floor. Walk to Parliament, L’Esplanade Available now. This is a hidden gem Laurier, World Exchange, and a must see newly renovated luxu- EDC. 24-hour concierge, 4-BD, 2.5-Bath, insulated rious condo, 2bed, 2 bath + office, on pool, gym, and many other 2-car garage, SS appliances the 12th floor with spectacular view amenities. $2,150 monthly New painless therapies stop gingivitis for rent in Orleans. Great of the Ottawa River and within walk- includes underground park- location. Contact: 613-986- ing distance to Parliament Hill. $2800 ing, storage locker and 2106 incl heat, water, gym, parking & locker. Email: ottawacondos4rent@yahoo. hydro. 613-868-9866 http:// Unhealthy gums can cause unhealthy hearts ca Website: http://ottawacon- soho-lisgar do4rent.webs.com/

Imposing & Palatial in ‘The Glebe’!!

Call to consult

613 875 2654 or 234 5758 [email protected] SNORING DISTURBING YOUR SLEEP??

Your new Ambassador ’s Residence? If someone close to you snores This Premier offering captures you from your 1st approach with its size, Stateliness and Grace!! Enter to the Oversized Principle rooms, Solarium, Sunroom and Entertainment We can reduce or stop snoring sized Living & Dining rooms!! 7 bdrms, 7 baths & 7 parking w/ separate Staff and Guest apartments. The 2nd level offers 4 large bedrooms (2 w/ ensuite), 3 baths and an additional Sunroom. The L/L offers a full 1 bdrm apartment w/ensuite and full kitch., as well as Laundry Rm.,Gym, Pwd. rm. and massive storage. Fabulous kitchen prep area w/ Butler’s pantry, breakfast nook. Finished w/Exterior courtyard/piazza for more intimate entertaining. Call Clarence today for your personal viewing. Of fered at $2,799,000.

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group. Brokerage Clarence M.J. Sheahan Call to consult Specializing in Sales Representative Discreet 613.563.1155 (Office) Acquisitions for 613 875 2654 613.795.9000 (Cellular) Foreign or 234 5758 [email protected] Governments [email protected] www.OttawaLuxuryHomes.com THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 45

Working with men who: FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES LOWER Acknowledge their anger issues, and who are YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS AND Have a house to rent or sell? committed to working to change at the core; no CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW! lip service, real lifelong change. 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES Debt Consolidation Refinancing, What is it costing you not to deal with your anger? Renovations Tax Arrears, No Items or products to sell? CMHC Fees $50K YOU PAY: $208.33 / MONTH (OAC) No Mike Taylor, MA Income, Bad Credit Power of Sale Stopped!!!BETTER Advertise them in The Hill Times' Professional Anger Management for Men OPTION MORTGAGEFOR MORE Speaker, Facilitator, Coach, Educator INFORMATION CALL TODAY TOLL- ‘Speaking from Experience’ FREE:1-800-282-1169 www.mort- Classified section. gageontario.com (Licence # 10969) professionalangermanagentformen.com 1st & 2nd MORTGAGES from 2.25% 5 year VRM and 2.84% 613-219-4333 5 year FIXED. All Credit Types FOR INFORMATION, CALL OR EMAIL: Considered. Let us help you SAVE thousands on the right mortgage! [email protected]• 613-688-8822 Purchasing, Re-financing, Debt Consolidation, Construction, Home CONDOS FOR RENT ARTICLES FOR SALE/WANTED FINANCIAL SERVICES Renovations. CALL 1-800-225- THE CONTINENTAL - 1777, www.homeguardfunding.ca WESTBORO WANTED: OLD TUBE AND FREE CONSULTATION (LIC #10409). STUDIO EQUIPMENT. $$ MONEY $$ • 1ST, 2ND GET UP TO $50,000 FROM 40 years or older. Amplifiers, & 3RD MORTGAGES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF Stereo, Recording and Theatre ANY PURPOSE • DEBT CANADA. Sound Equipment. Hammond CONSOLIDATION • BAD Do you or someone you know Organs, any condition. CALL CREDIT • TAX OR MORTGAGE Have any of these Conditions? Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393 / ARREARS • DECREASE ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, 519-853-2157 PAYMENTS UP TO 75% • RESEARCH & Cancer, COPD, Depression, SELF-EMPLOYED • NO PROOF Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, EMPLOYMENT OF INCOME. We Can Help! Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Even in extreme situations Overweight, Trouble Dressing... DAVISON INVENTORS WANTED! of bad credit. FOR MORE and Hundreds more. ALL Ages 820 sq ft, 2 bd room/2 bath INFORMATION OR TO APPLY Do you have a new product & Medical Conditions Qualify. condo with River View. $2,100 NOW BY PHONE OR ONLINE: idea, but you’re not sure where CALL ONTARIO BENEFITS monthly include parking, hydro. 1-888-307-7799. www. Contact philip 613-301-8366 to start? CALL DAVISON TODAY: 1-(800)-211-3550 or Send ontario-widefinancial.com. 1-800-256-0429 OR VISIT US AT: a Text Message with Your INNOVATION APPT IN NEW EDINBURGH ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL. Inventing.Davison.com/Ontario Name and Mailing Address to 1801347inc. FSCO Licence Available from April 1st to August and get your FREE Inventor's (647)560-4274 for your FREE 31 please contact mp174Stanley1@ #12456. !! WE ARE HERE TO Guide!! benefits package. gmail.com HELP !! MEDIA SAY NO TO FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can't tell the dif- ference between real and fake news. Junk Removal for Ottawa since 1981 Now more than ever Canada needs truthful LOCAL journalism. Add your Anything, Anytime, Anywhere name to the list of supporters who want to keep reliable LOCAL news • We are an independent, locally alive at www.newspapersmatter.ca. owned and operated company PERSONALS • Residential, commercial industrial, LOVE IS OUT THERE WAIT- government ING FOR YOU ... MISTY RIVER INTRODUCTIONS can • Committed to professional, help you find someone wonder- conscientious service seven ful to spend your life with. Choose Ontario's Top Matchmaker. CALL days a week (416)777-6302, (705)734-1292, 613-257-3531, (519)658-4204 AMANANDHISTRUCK.COM • 613-860-1111 www.mistyriverintros.com. Teskey / Cartwright

In The Hill Times’ Research and Innovation Policy Briefi ng, we’ll look into whether or not research chairs are funded appropriately; whether university research is being given enough funding and if Corporate Canada is stepping up; echo dr. Single home we’ll look into the development and use of advanced Iconic Rideau Canal Location. wireless technology; the support for advanced research Fully and tastefully renovated executives home with 3 lovely outside terraces to enjoy.The home trainees, cash awards, fellowships, and scholarships; and is bright and stylish blended with a sense of elegance. The gourmet kitchen comes fully equipped. we’ll look into whether the government should be providing The master suite includes a Canal terrace and an impressive ensuite bathroom. Asking $1.395,000.00 funding to develop a diverse and inclusive pool of research Call for a private viewing. talent and skilled workers within all sectors of the economy.

Be a part of it.

/ 344 o’connor st. ottawa ont. 6135631155 ont. ottawa st. o’connor 344 REgroup REALTY Hallmark MAX Publication date: May 6, 2019

experienced home marketing and sales representatives Advertising deadline: May 1, 2019 [email protected] [email protected] For more information or to reserve your government 613.859.6599/ 613.296.6708 relations and public affairs advertising space, www.teskey.com contact The Hill Times display advertising department at 613-688-8841. 46 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES

David Taylor is director of communica- Jason Kenney will be offi cially sworn tions to the justice minister, while Rachel in as the new premier of Alberta on April Doran is chief of staff. 30, after his United Conservative Party Meanwhile, Infrastructure and Com- unseated Rachel Notley’s NDP to form a hill climbers munities Minister François-Philippe majority government in the provincial elec- Champagne has a new special assistant tion April 16, but he got the ball rolling last for operations and communications in his week by announcing a number of staffi ng offi ce, with Hillary Morgan having taken hires, including one former federal staffer. by Laura Ryckewaert over the role on March 20. Jamie Huckabay, Mr. Kenney’s chief of She was previously working on the Hill staff as opposition leader since Septem- as a parliamentary assistant to now-In- ber 2018, will continue in the same role, dependent MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes, now in the premier’s offi ce. He previously Rappaport lands press who represents Whitby, Ont. was head of convention for Mr. Kenney’s Ms. Caesar-Chavannes announced she successful 2017 Progressive Conserva- had decided to quit the Liberal caucus on tive leadership campaign, which included secretary gig in Justice March 20 after openly criticizing Prime a pledge to merge with the right-leaning Minister Justin Trudeau amid the SNC-La- Wildrose Party to form the UCP, and is a valin scandal, saying she no longer wanted former director of enterprise services for to “distract” from the work of her col- Taplytics. Minister Lametti’s offi ce leagues. She is now one of seven Indepen- Howard Anglin has been named princi- dent MPs in the House, a list that includes pal secretary to Mr. Kenney. fi ve other former Liberals, among those Howard former Liberal ministers Jane Philpott and Anglin has Jody Wilson-Raybould. been tapped Ms. Morgan had been working for Ms. as principal Caesar-Chavannes since 2016 and also pre- secretary to viously spent time working for Liberal MP incoming Adam Vaughan, who represents Spadina- Alberta Fort York, according to her LinkedIn premier profi le. Jason Alexandra Howell, previously a special Kenney. The assistant for communications in the offi ce, Hill Times fi le was promoted to the title of director of photograph operations and tour at the beginning of the year. Alexandra Howell is director of operations A former federal political staffer, Mr. and tour Anglin previously spent almost two-and- to the a-half years as chief of staff to Mr. Kenney Here comes the justice minister: Justice Minister David Lametti, pictured at a House Justice and infrastructure as the then-federal citizenship and im- Human Rights Committee meeting in February where he appeared to answer questions on the minister. migration minister. In the spring of 2013, SNC-Lavalin scandal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Photograph he joined then-prime minister Stephen courtesy of Harper’s offi ce as a senior adviser and Rachel LinkedIn Plus, Infrastructure Rappaport the next year became Mr. Harper’s deputy is now chief of staff. Minister François-Philippe press Mr. Anglin has a background in law and secretary to previously worked as an associate with Champagne has a new special the justice a number of fi rms, including Wiley Rein minister. LLP in Washington, D.C. Until recently, assistant for operations and Photograph She too is a former Hill assistant to Ms. he’d been busy as executive director of the Caesar-Chavannes, and during the last Par- communications in his offi ce. courtesy of Canadian Constitution Foundation based LinkedIn liament was an aide to now Crown-Indige- in Calgary. nous Relations Minster Carolyn Bennett in Katy Merrifi eld will be executive direc- ustice Minister David Lametti was quick her capacity as the Liberal MP for Toronto- tor of communications and planning to Mr. Jto get a new press secretary in place in St. Paul’s, Ont. Ms. Howell fi rst joined the Kenney. She’s a former senior adviser to his offi ce, with Rachel Rappaport offi cially infrastructure minister’s offi ce in May 2017 the B.C. Liberal party and served for a time stepping into the role as of April 23. under then minister Amarjeet Sohi. as director of communications to then- Ms. Rappaport was previously press Joseph Pickerill is chief of staff to Mr. premier Christy Clark, amongst other past secretary to Indigenous Services Minister Champagne. roles. Seamus O’Regan, having started in that mentary assistant to now Foreign Affairs The minister’s offi ce also currently Christine Myatt is deputy director of offi ce under then-minister Jane Philpott Minister Chrystia Freeland in her capacity includes: Mathieu Bélanger, director of communications and press secretary. She in April 2018. She left that post as of April as a Liberal MP, and is a former communi- policy; Brook Simpson, director of issues was previously communications director 5, as previously reported by Hill Climbers, cations adviser to then-Canadian heritage management and parliamentary affairs; for the Progressive Conservative caucus in and is now returning to the cut and thrust minister Mélanie Joly, among other past Pierre-Yves Bourque, director of commu- Alberta’s legislature and prior to the elec- of Parliament Hill after a couple of weeks roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in politi- nications; Ann-Clara Vaillancourt, press tion was director of strategic communica- off. cal science from McGill University. secretary; Sriram Raman, policy adviser; tions for the UCP caucus, amongst other A former intern with Prime Minister In Mr. Lametti’s offi ce, she replaces Chike Agbasi, policy and regional affairs past roles. Justin Trudeau’s 2013 Liberal leadership Célia Canon, who exited as communica- adviser for Ontario; Olivier Duhaime, David Knight Legg is Mr. Kenney’s campaign’s Quebec team, Ms. Rappaport tions adviser earlier this month and is policy and regional affairs adviser for Que- head of transition team. He recently re- has also previously interned in then-Lib- working for Global Affairs Canada, as bec; Galen Richardson, policy and regional turned to Canada from Hong Kong where eral MP Judy Foote’s offi ce, was a parlia- reported. adviser for Western Canada and the Terri- he’s been busy in recent years working tories; John Hearn, senior special assis- for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, tant and Atlantic regional affairs adviser; most recently as global head of strategic Johanne Chartrand Pigeon, executive as- initiatives and partnerships. sistant to the minister and offi ce manager; Other former federal players involved and Jennifer Lawrence, executive assistant in Mr. Kenney’s recent win include cam- to the chief of staff. paign director Nick Koolsbergen, director of election readiness Andrea Smotra, and Anglin among incoming Alberta senior strategic adviser Dimitri Pantazo- poulos. Premier Kenney’s fi rst hires Mr. Koolsbergen was communications director to Mr. Kenney during his time as Jason federal employment minister, was later is- Kenney will sues management director in Mr. Harper’s offi cially PMO, and more recently was chief of staff Certificate & Advanced Certificate in Lean for the public sector be sworn-in to Mr. Kenney as leader of Alberta’s offi cial as premier opposition, amongst other past roles. Ms. of Alberta Smotra is a former regional adviser for the on April prairies in Mr. Harper’s PMO and a former Alpen Path Solutions 30. The regional affairs director to then-agriculture Hill Times Lean Training Centre & Micro Lab minister Gerry Ritz. For his part, veteran photograph strategist Mr. Pantazopoulos has previ- alpenpathsolutions.com/training • 613.680.2953 by ously been the federal Conservative Party’s Samantha offi cial pollster. Wright Allen [email protected] OVER 25 YEARS OF GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 47 Events Feature Famous 5 Speaker Series to celebrate Rosemary Speirs on Monday

Relationship in Times of Uncertainty. May 4, Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St. 1 p.m. Ticket prices Parliamentary vary from free (for members) to $25. writersfestival.org. Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner—The 2019 Cana- dian Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner promises to be a gathering that Liberals, Conservatives, New Democrats, Calendar and Greens can all get behind. The annual gala is always a terrifi c night of political wit, in the grand setting of the Canadian Museum of History. The 2019 dinner, coming just fi ve months before the federal election, is set to be the political bash of the year. The Liberal government of Justin Trudeau will be nearing its end, or gearing for its revival. With Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh angling for the top job, this year’s dinner is a chance for good-spirited, lighthearted barbs before the gloves come off in the real campaign. MONDAY, APRIL 29 MONDAY, MAY 6

House Sitting—The House will resume sitting again Inaugural Lecture Launching the Right Honourable on April 29 and will sit for three consecutive weeks, Herb Gray Lecture Series—This lecture will be on The April 29-May 17. The House will break again, from May Weaponization of Culture: The Rise of Identity Politics, 20-24, and is then scheduled to sit from May 27-June featuring NBC’s and MSNBC’s Ali Velshi. Monday, 21, the fi nal four weeks before the House adjourns May 6, Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington and Parliament is later dissolved for the October 2019 St. Cocktails at 5:30 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m. $10 per election. person. Register online at https://payments.carleton.ca/ Famous 5 Speaker Series Celebrates Rosemary Taking care of business: The newly renovated Senate Building, pictured last week, awaits for the Senators advancement/the-right-honourable-herb-gray-lecture/. Speirs—Renowned political journalist, longtime to return to Ottawa and to get down to legislative business. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Spring Transport Outlook Conference—The Chartered women’s rights activist, and founder of Equal Voice, Institute of Logistics and Transport North America will Rosemary Speirs will be joined by a panel of journalists Bloc Québécois Meeting—The Bloc Québécois cau- Centre at 11:30 a.m. Winners of the 21st press freedom hold its annual Spring Transport Outlook Conference on at this event, including Chantal Hébert, Carol Goar, and cus will meet on Wednesday morning starting at 9:30 award and the 19th cartoon contest will be announced May 6, 2019, 7:15 a.m.-4:20 p.m. at the Rideau Club, Susan Delacourt, who will highlight Speirs’ career and a.m. in Room 241A in the West Block. at the luncheon. Tickets are $65 each and $2,000 for a 99 Bank St., Ottawa. The event will feature prominent activism and speak to their own journeys. Monday, April The Home Depot Canada Foundation Parliamentary table, and can be ordered through Eventbrite. members of the shipper, transport, and logistics commu- 29, Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert St., Ottawa, 5:30-7:30 Reception—On May 1, the Home Depot Canada Foun- Reception to Remember MP Gord Brown—Claudine nity under the theme “Capacity Challenges & Solutions p.m. Tickets: $25 via Eventbrite. dation will host its annual parliamentary reception. Courtois, the widow of Conservative MP Gord Brown, Facing Canada’s Airports, Ports, Railways, and their Sup- TUESDAY, APRIL 30 Committed to ending and preventing youth homeless- invites his friends and colleagues to a reception to ply Chains.” Keynote speakers are Gary Fast, FMA chair ness, the foundation is raising awareness about the remember him on the one-year anniversary of his death. and vice-president of transportation with the Canadian Launch of 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer—Edelman active role Canadians are taking to help vulnerable and Come to say hello, share stories, and remember. May 2, Tire Corporation, and Tim McMillan, president and CEO Canada’s CEO Lisa Kimmel will present the global and homeless youth realize brighter futures. By invitation Métropolitain Brasserie, 700 Sussex Dr., 5-8 p.m., with of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. For Canadian fi ndings of the 2019 Trust Barometer, followed details, go to ciltna.com for program and registration. only. Begins at 5:30 p.m. (or after votes) until 8 p.m. a toast to his life at 5:45 p.m. Party Under the Stars 2019 by a panel discussion featuring: Minister of Democratic at the Métropolitain Brasserie, 700 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. Defending Democracy, with Michael Adams and David —Featuring Juno award win- Institutions Karina Gould; Nik Nanos, chair, Nanos The Donner Prize—The Donner Prize, which rewards Moscrop—The Ottawa International Writers Festival pres- ner Alan Frew from Glass Tiger and his band. This annual Research; Joe Lockhart, vice-chairman of public affairs, excellence and innovation in public policy writing by ents this discussion hosted by Hill Times columnist Su- non-partisan event will be held at City Hall in Ottawa on Edelman Washington, and former adviser to former U.S. Canadians, will host its annual awards gala on Wednes- san Riley, featuring pollster and social values researcher Monday, May 6, 6-10 p.m., and will gather members of president Bill Clinton; former federal cabinet minister day, May 1, 2019, at 6 p.m. at The Carlu (444 Yonge Michael Adams and journalist and author David Moscrop the military, front-line responders, Members of Parliament, James Moore, senior adviser, Edelman; and a media pan- Street, Toronto). The 2018/2019 shortlist titles, chosen whose new book is Too Dumb for Democracy?: Why We and the business community in support of PTSD wellness ellist. April 30, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., lunch included. from a fi eld of 70, are: Indigenous Nationals, Canadian Make Bad Political Decisions and How We Can Make programs such as service dogs and the Project Trauma Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington St., Citizens: From First Contact to Canada 150 and Beyond, Better Ones. Thursday, May 2, Christ Church Cathedral, Support program. Global News’ Mercedes Stephenson will Room 100. Invitation only. Spaces are limited. by Thomas J. Courchene; Population Bombed! Exploding 414 Sparks St. 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary from free be co-emceeing alongside Conservative MP John Brassard. Hugh Carnegy and Chrystia Freeland on the Rise of the Link Between Overpopulation and Climate Change, (for members) to $25. writersfestival.org. Greetings will be delivered by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Populism—Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland by Pierre Desrochers and Joanna Szurmak; Basic Income FRIDAY, MAY 3 Liberal MP Andrew Leslie, Conservative MP Leona Alleslev, will join Hugh Carnegy, senior editor of the Financial for Canadians: The Key to a Healthier, Happier and More and Ottawa’s deputy mayor, Matt Luloff. VIP reception to be Times, will discuss constructive responses to the global Secure Life for All, by Evelyn L. Forget; University Com- Fridays for Future—Students across Canada, hosted by Michelle Rempel and her fi ancé, Master Sergeant challenge of rising populist grievance. Hosted by the mons Divided: Exploring Debate & Dissent on Campus, including on Parliament Hill, will be protesting against Jeffrey Garner Sr., (ret’d), alongside James Bezan. PTSD vid- Global Centre for Pluralism, “The Rise of Popular by Peter McKinnon; and Excessive Force: Toronto’s Fight climate change on Friday, May 3. eo presentation by Kerri-Lynn Tadeu, founder of the Highway Discontent and What We Can Do” will draw on the to Reform City Policing, by Alok Mukherjee with Tim of Heroes. Net proceeds go towards post-combat wellness for journalistic and political insights of these two former Harper. The winner receives $50,000 while each other Author and our troops and front-line responders. A special 10-year award colleagues at the Financial Times. nominated title receives $7,500. journalist will be given to the International Firefi ghters Association as WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 The Grizzlies: Special Ottawa Screening—Opening Steve Maher well as Air Canada for their 10-year participation. Tickets are Remarks by ITK President Natan Obed with special only $40 and include an open bar, food, entertainment in is set to addition to an Air Canada trip for two that will be raffl ed off. Stephen J. Adler, editor- guest Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan, speak at Minister of Science and Sport, Wednesday, May 1, Tickets can be purchased through the website tothestanan- in-chief at Reuters, 2019, 7 p.m., Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa, 2385 City the Ottawa dback.com. For further information, please contact Cheri whose reporters are Park Dr., Gloucester, Ont. Invitation only. Please RSVP International Elliott at 613-240-5582. facing imprisonment Writers to [email protected] The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. and intimidation around THURSDAY, MAY 2 Festival on Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- the world, will be the May 3. The Bacon and Eggheads mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details keynote speaker at —The Partnership Group for Hill Times fi le under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to this year’s 21st annual Science and Engineering (PAGSE) presents Innova- photograph [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the World Press Freedom tion Prospects for Canada: The Industry Perspective, Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday a panel discussion with Jill Green, Allan F. Miranda, paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but Day Luncheon on and David Ross, moderated by Satyamoorthy Kabilan. May 2 at the National we will defi nitely do our best. Events can be updated Sir John A. Macdonald Building, Room 100. Thursday, daily online too. Arts Centre at 11:30 May 2, 7:30-8:45 a.m. Free for Members of the House The Hill Times a.m. Boris Baldinger of Commons, Senators, parliamentary staff, and media. photograph courtesy Others: $25. Breakfast included. Pre-registration is Crime and Punishment, with Steve Maher and Ausma of the World Economic required by April 30 by contacting Meghan Johnson at Extra! Extra! [email protected] or 613-868-7437. Zehanat Khan—The Ottawa International Writers Festi- Forum Unceded: Voices of the Land—The Canadian val presents this discussion with author and journalist RReadead the fufullll Museum of History is holding a media preview of the Stephen Maher, a Hill reporter whose latest fi ction book Liberal Caucus Meeting—The Liberals will meet in exhibition, Unceded: Voices of the Land, on Thursday, is Social Misconduct, a thriller about a young woman ParliamentaParliamentaryry West Block on Parliament Hill. For more information, May 2, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., Four Seasons Salon, Ca- who is the target of a social-media smear campaign, please contact Liberal Party media relations at media@ nadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, and author Ausma Zehanat Khan, who wrote A Deadly CCalendaralendar liberal.ca or 613-627-2384. Que. Dougls Cardinal and several of the architects and Divide, a new crime thriller. Friday, May 3, Christ Conservative Caucus Meeting—The Conservatives designers featured in the exhibition will be in atten- Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St. 9 p.m. Ticket prices will gather for their national caucus meeting in West dance at the media preview. Please confi rm attendance vary from free (for members) to $40. writersfestival.org. online Block. For more information, contact Cory Hann, direc- by April 29. [email protected] SATURDAY, MAY 4 tor of communications with the Conservative Party of World Press Freedom Day Luncheon—Stephen J. Canada, at [email protected]. Adler, editor-in-chief at Reuters, whose reporters are The Art of Diplomacy, with Bruce and Vicki Heyman— NDP Caucus Meeting—The NDP caucus will meet facing imprisonment and intimidation around the world, The Ottawa International Writers Festival presents this from 9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. in West Block. For more will be the keynote speaker at this year’s 21st annual discussion with former United States ambassador to information, please contact the NDP Media Centre at World Press Freedom Day Luncheon and 19th interna- Canada Bruce Heyman and his wife Vicki, authors of 613-222-2351 or [email protected]. tional cartoon competition on May 2 at the National Arts The Art of Diplomacy: Strengthening the Canada-U.S. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 8pm; Saturday by appointment only; Sunday closed Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-8pm; Now offering Yoga Therapy Sat. by appointment only; Our expert team can help. Sun. closed Concussion & Sports Clinical counsellor on site.

Telephone: 613.714.9495 Injuries Rehabilitation Website: physiocarephysiotherapy.com

Now serving at 3 locations: 1400 Carling Ave - 6130 Hazeldean Rd - 289 Greenbank • Free Parking The Hill Times covers the people, the policy, and the politics, for the insider.

Don’t miss an issue. Don’t miss our online coverage. hilltimes.com/subscribe

To subscribe, call 613-288-1146 or email [email protected] To advertise, call 613-688-8841 or email [email protected]