Big Canadian challenge: the world is changing in Health disruptive + powerful + policy transformative briefi ng ways, & we better get HOH pp. 13-31 a grip on it p. 12 p.2

Hill Climbers p.39

THIRTIETH YEAR, NO. 1602 CANADA’S POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 $5.00

News Liberals News Election 2019 News Foreign policy House sitting last Trudeau opportunity for Liberal base ‘less than ‘masterful’ at Trudeau Liberals soft power, to highlight enthusiastic’ as PM falling short on achievements, hard power, says control the Trudeau prepares to ex-diplomat agenda and the Rowswell message, says a defend four-year record BY PETER MAZEREEUW

leading pollster rime Minister Justin Trudeau Phas shown himself to be one to ‘volatile electorate,’ of the best-ever Canadian leaders BY ABBAS RANA at projecting “soft power” on the world stage, but his government’s ith the Liberals and Con- lack of focus on “hard power” servatives running neck W is being called into question as and neck in public opinion polls, say Liberal insiders Canada sits in the crosshairs of the 13-week sitting of the House the world’s two superpowers, says is the last opportunity for the The federal Liberals are heading into the next election with some members of the a former longtime diplomat. Continued on page 35 base feeling upset that the party hasn’t recognized their eff orts, while it has given Continued on page 34 special treatment to a few people with friends in the PMO, say Liberal insiders.

Prime News Cybercrime Minister News Canada-China relations Justin Trudeau will RCMP inundated be leading his party into Appointing a the October by cybercrime election to special envoy defend his reports, with government’s a chance for four-year little success in record before ‘moral suasion’ a volatile prosecution, electorate. to China, The Hill committee hears Times photograph experts say by Andrew BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT Meade BY JOLSON LIM & NEIL MOSS he House Public Safety Com- ispatching a special envoy

Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 mittee recently launched a to Beijing amid the Huawei T being taken for granted by the ably NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, D study into cybercrime in the Ca- BY ABBAS RANA dispute could contain tensions leadership, say Liberal insiders and neither of whom has been on the nadian fi nancial sector, and chair between Canada and China he federal Liberals made his- a leading pollster. ballot as a party leader before. John McKay says he expects it and may lead to some form of tory by leaping from third place The next federal election will Based on the results of most will do “useful work” in exposing T lenience for the two Canadians to winning a majority in 2015, but serve as a referendum on the of the recent public opinion polls, the depth of the problem in Can- currently detained, experts say, the upcoming October election will Liberals’ four-year record, Darrell the Liberals and the Conserva- ada, with the Canadian security although one former diplomat have totally different dynamics Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Global Pub- tives are tied in a statistical dead establishment itself still coming warns such a move could sow than the last, including a volatile lic Affairs, told The Hill Times. Mr. heat, and it’s hard to predict if “to grips with the all-pervasive more confusion about Canada’s electorate, new party leaders and Trudeau will also be facing fresh Canadians feel they are better off nature of the threat.” messaging in the icy affair. positions, and a lack of enthusiasm opposition faces in Conservative now than they were under the last Already, RCMP offi cials have There has been much specula- amongst some key players in the Leader Andrew Scheer (Regina- Continued on page 33 Liberal Party base who feel they’re Qu’Appelle, Sask.) and presum- Continued on page 36 Continued on page 37 2 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES

Some MPs and some members of the public gathered around the Heard on the Hill Centennial Flame on Jan. 29 to remember the six Muslims killed and by Neil Moss the 19 injured during the Québec City mosque attack on Jan. 29, 2017. MPs remember six Photograph courtesy of Twitter ‘victims of hate’ murdered in Québec City mosque attack

wo years ago, six Muslim men were Tmurdered during prayers at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec. Last week, MPs of all political stripes came together to honour their memory. “Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, Abdelkrim Hassane, and Azzedine Soufi ane Alberta—delves into the politics of public record during the campaign and advocating were all killed. A father, a son, a brother, a policy and public administration, as well as for change that addresses the critical need husband, a friend, and a colleague were all offers tips on career progression. to responsibly address chronic and growing victims of hate,” Liberal MP Frank Baylis told “There is an unmistakable need for a problems in health, education and economy.” the House on Jan. 29. book to guide public servants, aspiring The newspaper’s editorial vice-president, Before Question Period that day, MPs ob- public servants and students of government James Wallace, recently joined Doug Ford‘s served a moment of silence for the six men. at a time when public sector institutions are premier’s offi ce as the deputy chief of staff. “Two years after the terrible terrorist at- being challenged on all fronts,” Donald J. Mr. Furey was also scheduled to appear at tack in Sainte-Foy, the mosque, we take this Savoie, Canada research chair in public ad- a Nepean Conservative Association event in moment to continue to mourn the deaths of ministration and governance at the Univer- August 2017, but that event was postponed. loving fathers and husbands and brothers Hugh Segal has been diagnosed with cancer. sité de Moncton, wrote in review. “Marland and sons,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told The Hill Times fi le photograph and Wesley have answered the call with a reporters. “Cry for their families, support their well-written and comprehensively docu- Famous 5 to honour families and continue to stand together as mented contribution to the literature.” Canadians against violence and hatred, and from 1992 to 1993. He was appointed by For job applicants, the book offers some fi ve Ottawa volunteers remember that we need to work every day to then prime minister Paul Martin to the Senate, and served in the Red Chamber for likely job interview questions including: create a stronger community for us all.” A group that celebrates today’s trail- nearly nine years from 2005 to 2014. “What’s the one area you hope to develop Conservative MP Scott Reid wrote on blazing women is honouring fi ve Ottawans, Conservative MP Rob Nicholson hon- through your next work experience?,” Twitter that MPs placed lit candles at their including some current and former Hillites, oured Mr. Segal in members statements which seems to be the bureaucratic version windows to show solidarity with all victims for their volunteer work. on Jan. 30, calling him a “kind, decent and of “what’s your biggest weakness?” of “anti-religious violence.” Famous 5 is celebrates the women that honest man, whose love for his country The 128-page book is being published That night, some MPs gathered around inspire generations to come, in the same and family is unparalleled.” by the University of Toronto Press and will Parliament Hill’s Centennial Flame to re- way that the original ‘Famous Five’ did in “As a columnist and political pundit, be on sale Feb. 10 for $19.95. member those who were murdered. 1929 with the “Persons case.” Hugh always provides a balanced view and “We reaffi rmed our commitment to stand Mary Jessop, Tiffany Glover, Maria profound insight into Canada and our world up against Islamophobia and all forms of McClintock, Kathleen Walsh, and Anne beyond,” Mr. Nicholson told the House. Is Anthony Furey a Tory hate, ignorance, stereotyping, and discrimi- Dawson are being honoured. “We all know cancer can be beaten,” he nation!” tweeted Liberal MP Omar Alghabra Ms. Jessop is a former fi nance director ended. “If Hugh’s history is any indication, fundraiser? He says nope about the Centennial Flame gathering. for the Liberal Party from 2009 to 2015. it does not stand a chance.” “In the face of tragedy, this community Last week, an Ottawa West-Nepean She currently is the fi nance director for the Mr. Segal, who was dubbed “The Happy came together and showed that we will Conservative Association event was being Métis Nation of Ontario, according to her Warrior,” and authored the 1996 book, No never let fear divide us,” Tourism, Offi cial Surrender: Refl ections of a Happy Warrior publicized as “An Evening with Anthony LinkedIn profi le. Languages and La Francophonie Minister Furey.” Toronto Sun columnist Anthony Working at Justice Canada, Ms. Glover in the Tory Crusade, currently is the princi- Mélanie Joly tweeted. Furey called the event a “misunderstanding.” is a counsel. pal of Massey College. A human rights and anti-racism activist, Tickets to the event were being sold for Ms. McClintock was a reporter for Sun In his early 20s, he twice stood as the Fareed Khan, said in a statement that Jan. $150 each, according to the now deleted Media from 1987 to 2005, where she spent Progressive Candidate for Ottawa Centre, but 29 should be marked as a national day of event webpage. some time covering federal politics. She was unsuccessful both times, fi nishing second remembrance and action against Islamo- “To clarify: I’m actually not speaking at was also a political staffer to Belinda Stro- to Liberal Hugh Poulin in 1972 and 1974. phobia and other forms of bigotry. this event, there was a misunderstanding,” nach and a communications consultant at “The hate-motivated murder of six Mus- Mr. Furey tweeted on Jan. 31. the Liberal Research Bureau, and currently lim men and the injuring of 19 others while A new guide for The Toronto Sun has come under the works at Carleton University as a commu- they were praying by a white supremacist microscope for its close ties to the Tories. Can- nications manager. gunman on Jan. 29, 2017, should have been Canada’s public service adaland reported in April that the tabloid had At Compass Rose, Ms. Walsh is a public a wake up call to the federal government a plan for its coverage of the 2018 Ontario affairs counsellor. that forceful action is needed to push back For would-be, election that included “exposing the Liberal Ms. Dawson is the chief of staff for Sci- against the growing tide of hate in Cana- newly, or experi- ence and Sports Minis- da,” said Mr. Khan, a prominent member of enced public ser- Toronto Sun ter Kirsty Duncan. She the Ottawa-Gatineau Muslim community. vants, there is a new columnist, was formerly a Ottawa reference guide on left, with bureau chief, as well as the operation of gov- then-Ontario a Queen’s Park bureau ‘Kind, decent, and ernment. Progressive chief during her 16-year honest,’ Hugh Segal, The Public Ser- Conservative tenure at Sun Media. Ms. vant’s Guide to Gov- leadership Dawson also worked for National Post the Happy Warrior, ernment in Canada— candidate the as its written by political Doug Ford, chief political correspon- diagnosed with cancer scientist professors right, on dent from 2002 to 2006. Alex Marland of Feb. 10. The The event is taking Hugh Segal, the well-known former The Public Servant’s Memorial University Hill Times place at the Rideau federal political pundit and a former chief Guide to Government of Newfoundland photograph by Club on Feb. 12 from of staff to prime minister Brian Mulroney, in Canada will be out (and book reviewer Andrew Meade 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registra- has been diagnosed with cancer. on Feb. 10. Book cover for The Hill Times) tion is free. A noted Red Tory, Mr. Segal was Mr. image courtesy of the and Jared J. Wesley [email protected] Mulroney’s fourth chief of staff serving University of Toronto Press of the University of The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 3 Opinion Afghanistan: seventeen years too late 'The Taliban Now they are fi nally have committed, to our negotiating the very same satisfaction, to do what is deal with the Taliban that necessary that could probably have been would prevent Afghanistan from made in 2001. It would have ever becoming a platform for saved a lot of time. international terrorist groups or individuals,' said Zalmay Khalilzad, left, the U.S. offi cial in charge of Afghanistan peace talks, on Jan. 29. So why didn’t the United Gwynne Dyer States have this Global Aff airs discussion with the Taliban 17 years ago, in ONDON, U.K.—“The Taliban have commit- October 2001, Lted, to our satisfaction, to do what is neces- writes Gwynne sary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever Dyer. Photograph becoming a platform for international terrorist courtesy of groups or individuals,” said Zalmay Khalilzad, Wikipedia the U.S. offi cial in charge of Afghanistan peace talks, on Jan. 29. So why didn’t the United States have this discussion with the Taliban 17 years ago, in October 2001? The American representative has just That assumption was almost certainly (The actual planning was mostly done in but many of the younger leaders were really spent six days negotiating with the Taliban wrong. The Taliban had come to power in 1996 Germany.) not looking forward to being bombed out of in Qatar, and he has their promise that they after a 10-year war against the Soviet invad- Did Mullah Omar have anything to do the cities and chased back into the hills. will never let terrorist groups like the al- ers and the seven-year civil war that followed. with the attacks? Did he even know about And if they don’t listen right away, Qaida or the Islamic State use Afghanistan They had been a long time out in the hills, and them in advance? Try to imagine the tele- spread some money around. You can’t buy as a base. The Taliban are Islamists and they were really enjoying power. phone conversation. (Bin Laden didn’t speak religious fanatics, but you can sometimes nationalists (despite the incompatibility of What the Taliban did in power was both Pashto, but Omar did speak Arabic.) rent them if you fi nd the right words to go these two principles), but they were never ridiculous and atrocious. They drove women “Omar, habibi, it’s Osama. How are the with the money. international terrorists. from public life and closed girls’ schools. wives and children?” Why wasn’t it at least tried? Probably The next steps are setting dates for the They made men grow beards and women “Not bad, thanks. Yours?” because there was a strong need to ‘kick ass’ fi nal American withdrawal from Afghani- wear burqas. They banned music, movies, “Listen, Omar, I’m giving you a heads- in the United States. Such a horrible crime stan (in around 18 months) and opening di- and television. up. Next week, my guys are going to attack couldn’t be answered with mere diplomacy rect talks between the U.S.-backed Afghan They mutilated people for small of- the United States and kill a few thousand and legal proceedings. What was needed government and the Taliban. There is still fences and executed them for slightly big- Americans, and I’m afraid they’re going was bloody vengeance and catharsis. So Af- much to do, but this could work. ger ones (most of which were not offences to blame you too. So you’ll get invaded ghanistan got invaded, and several hundred So congratulations to Donald Trump— at all in other Muslim countries). And they and overthrown, and your Taliban guys thousand people died in the next 17 years. and shame on the Washington analysts and took absolutely no interest in the rest of will have to spend another ten years in the And since it has always been very easy experts who could never bring themselves the world. Under the Taliban, Afghanistan hills being hunted by gunships. But it’s in a to invade Afghanistan (though almost im- to recommend just ending America’s lon- really didn’t have a foreign policy at all. good cause. I hope you’re okay with that.” possible to stay there), one invasion didn’t gest-ever war. Some of them are the same But the leader of the regime, Mullah “Sure, Osama. Good luck with it.” provide enough catharsis. Thirty months people who didn’t realize 17 years ago that Omar, was a personal friend of Osama bin I’m pretty sure that conversation never later, George W. Bush also invaded Iraq, al- these talks should have happened then. Laden, whom he had met in Pakistan in the happened. Why would Osama bin Laden though there were no terrorists there (and The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in Oc- 1980s. (Both men were then involved in the tell Mullah Omar about the attack in ad- no “weapons of mass destruction”), and tober 2001 was always about 9/11 and noth- war against the Soviet occupation.) vance, and run the risk that he wasn’t okay hundreds of thousands more died. ing else. The country was targeted because So when bin Laden was forced out of with it? Most of the Taliban would certainly And now they are fi nally negotiating the Taliban, who had come to power fi ve his refuge in Sudan by the Clinton admin- have been outraged by the mortal danger the very same deal with the Taliban that years before, had allowed Osama bin Laden istration in 1996, Omar let him set up camp bin Laden was exposing them to. could probably have been made in 2001. It and his band of Islamist extremists to set in southern Afghanistan—and told him not Could the U.S. have persuaded the Tali- would have saved a lot of time. up a base in Afghanistan, and they were to carry out political activities on Afghan ban to hand bin Laden over in order not to Gwynne Dyer’s new book is ‘Growing assumed to be implicated in the horrendous soil. Bin Laden abused that hospitality, be invaded and driven from power? Maybe Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work)’. attacks on New York and Washington. and approved the 9/11 attacks from there. you couldn’t have persuaded Mullah Omar, The Hill Times 4 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer shouldn't stay away from social media even though they're not the savviest, writes Warren Kinsella. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

works, Andrew. There are no youngsters in a dark subterranean lair at Google’s head- quarters, drinking fi zzy pop and giddily coming up with search results designed to outrage the perpetually outraged. Social media and politicians: The Khadr result comes from Wikidata, which came from a Wikipedia entry, which came from a troll who lives in—wait for it!—Russia. let’s do a roundup, shall we? Yes, the man who would be prime min- ister was tricked by an internet troll named “Ghuron” in St. Petersburg, Russia. ORONTO—Social media and politi- Scheer’s tweet illustrated, pithily, why But should they all stop Tcians: let’s do a roundup, shall we? so many Canadians believe the dimpled The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Tory leader is unworthy of high offi ce: he using social media, given Trudeau, was apparently watching TV be- is terrifi ed that his base will disapprove of fore Christmas. A charity thing came on. It him and remove him. how completely, and how was raising money to help teach kids in the So he comes up with juvenile, frat-boy regularly, it proves how Third World. Noble cause. memes that appeal to his meat-eating base, Trudeau was in a good mood. He picked and no one else at all. He remains focused, unworthy they are? No. We up his iPhone, and thumbed out a message laser-like, on the trivial stuff. He can work to the host of the event, a comedian named at Rebel Media or Breitbart when he loses should be grateful to social Warren Kinsella Trevor Noah. the next election, one supposes. Th e War Room “Hey Trevor Noah—thanks for every- His fellow NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh media. thing you’re doing. … Sorry I can’t be is going to lose, too. with you—but how about Canada pledges Why? Because the mere suggestion that $50-million to support education for wom- the New Democratic Party leader makes en and girls around the world?” Trudeau dumb mistakes is no longer news, sadly. It wrote. “Work for you? Let’s do it!” happens a lot. It is accepted truth. Work for you? Not really. Didn’t “work” for Like Trudeau and Scheer, Singh’s several million other Canadians, either. mistake was captured in cyber-amber for In just a single tweet, Trudeau captured ev- all to see. A little while ago, Singh tweeted erything Canadians dislike about him, pretty that Canada should side with Venezuelan much. You know: a preference for American President Nicolas Maduro. celebrities over ordinary Canadians. A will- Here’s what he said: “The question of ingness to toss around other people’s money, who is to lead Venezuela should be in the in a manner that would shame the drunk- hands of Venezuelans. All countries should est drunken sailor. A glib, cloying, puerile be free to make their own democratic approach that is in no way prime ministe- decisions through free and fair elections, rial. Oh, and a false belief that he is the master independent of authoritative pressure.” of all social media. That too. He isn’t. All well and good, except for this: In that regard, Trudeau is like his principal Nicolas Maduro is venal, vicious, human- antagonist, Andrew Scheer. Scheer thinks he’s rights-violating thug. He is a monster who good at this internet stuff, too. He isn’t. has intimidated, persecuted and prosecuted Take, for instance, the Conservative any Venezuelan who dares to criticize him. leader’s apparent belief that Google is run Independent human rights bodies have by a gaggle of Bolsheviks in a boiler-room accused him of torturing dissidents, and somewhere, maliciously manipulating starving his own people. Amnesty Inter- search results to create the impression that national has reported that 75 per cent of terrorists are military heroes. Venezuelans suffer from weight loss and Seriously, he believes that. Last week, malnutrition due to lack of food. Scheer did a Google search for “Canadian Why would Singh defend such a creep? soldiers.” That returned pictures of ac- Why would he say Canada should support tual Canadian military heroes; so far, so a cruel dictator? God knows. But that sin- good. But then the Google elfl ords offered gle tweet, once again, makes clear that Jag- up a photo of Omar Khadr. Khadr, as you meet Singh lacks judgment, lacks insight, may recall, is the youthful al-Qaida and and lacks what it takes to be a Member of Taliban enthusiast who killed a U.S. medic Parliament, let alone prime minister. while the medic was tending to wounded At the end of all this cyber-stupidity, Cana- people during a battle in Afghanistan. dians might reasonably ask: are any of these Scheer was outraged by that. He men fi t to be prime minister? And why, pray tweeted his outrage to Google, along with tell, do they all continue to use social media? a screen-cap that helpfully pointed to “Ca- Good questions. Canadians themselves nadian soldiers” and “Omar Khadr.” will determine who is fi t, and who is not, Scheer huffed that Omar Khadr “is not soon enough. a victim, nor should he be portrayed in But should they all stop using social this way alongside real Canadian heroes.” media, given how completely—and how Conservative trolls and pundits, often regularly—it proves how unworthy they are? interchangeable, were similarly outraged. No. We should be grateful to social media. How dare Google do such a thing! Better that we know how unfi t they all Except: Google didn’t. Google’s algo- are, so we can choose better when next rithm did. given the chance. It’s amazing, really, that it needs to be Warren Kinsella is a former Jean Chrétien- said to a guy who could actually become era cabinet staffer and a former federal and prime minister of Canada and all that, provincial election campaign war roomer. but here goes: that’s not how the internet The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 5 Opinion Why terrorist movements seldom ever

really go away The IRA terrorism may not be as rampant as it was decades ago, but it is still around. In fact, a car bomb exploded in Derry on Jan. 19, 2019, pictured. No one, thankfully, was killed or injured and the event was treated with a shrug by many people, if they even knew it took place. The group, which TTAWA—When we think of the major police think was behind the explosion, is called the New IRA, writes Phil Gurski. Image courtesy of CNN We fool only ourselves when Oterrorist threats facing us today, we tend to think of phenomena like Islamist extrem- we try to say that terrorism ism (the Islamic State, al-Qaida, and the like). And as for Sikh extremism, not only What then does all this mean? It is actu- If we want to sound more avant-garde we are there frequent attacks in India by those ally quite simple. Terrorism is the attempt is defeated. Yes, groups might say far-right extremism (neo-Nazis, seeking to carve out an independent Kha- to seek some kind of political, religious, may surrender or may be white supremacists, etc.). And if you want to listan through acts of violence, but even or ideological goal through the use of vio- sound positively Nostradamusian, you would Canada mentioned Sikh terrorism as a lence. Sometimes the goal is achieved and eff ectively downgraded to say watch out for the wave of left-wing ter- threat to monitor in the 2018 Public Report groups morph into regular political actors rorism, driven by inaction over global warm- on Terrorism. That the government chose (the African National Congress might be the extent where they are ing and environmental degradation. an example of this). More often, the goals If, on the other hand, I were to ask you are not obtained and groups fade away no longer very eff ective what you thought about the IRA or Sikh (ETA in Basque country would illustrate in what they are trying to terrorism, you may be tempted to say, “Oh, this, although this terrorist group could those old things?” The Irish Republican easily join the third group described next). do. Ideas, however, are a Army terrorism is seen as a threat of the And then there are cases where the fi ght 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Sikh terrorism had never really ends. Actors might change, diff erent beast: they do not its pinnacle with the Air India attack in but the overall goal remains, as does the 1985. Surely these two are not something conviction that desires can only be satis- tend to lay down and give we need to worry about in 2019, are they? fi ed through violent means. Enter the IRA Well, you would be wrong for thinking and its various manifestations and Sikh up as easily. that way. Starting with Irish Republican terrorists. Army terrorism, it may not be as ram- We fool only ourselves when we try to pant as it was decades ago, but it is still Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, pictured. say that terrorism is defeated. Yes, groups around. In fact, a car bomb exploded in As for Sikh extremism, not only are there may surrender or be effectively downgrad- Derry (a.k.a. Londonderry) on Jan. 19. No frequent attacks in India by those seeking to ed to the extent where they are no longer one, thankfully, was killed or injured and carve out an independent Khalistan through acts very effective in what they are trying to do. the event was treated with a shrug by many of violence, but even Canada mentioned Sikh Ideas, however, are a different beast: they people, if they even knew it took place. The terrorism as a threat to monitor in the 2018 do not tend to lay down and give up as group, which police think was behind the public report on terrorism, writes Phil Gurski. easily. There will always be those willing to explosion, is called the New IRA–now I The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade kill and die for a cause. It would be wise to should have your attention. The original IRA remember that. dates back to the years after WWI and was to include this threat led to all kinds of Phil Gurski is the president and CEO of Phil Gurski responsible for the deaths of close to 2,000 protests by Canadian Sikhs of kow-towing Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting and a Terrorism people in England and Ireland and regular- to Indian pressure and making stuff up. So former strategic analyst at CSIS. ly featured in the headlines for decades. no, it is not quite dead yet either. The Hill Times 6 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Former Conservative MP Rick Still waiting for Scheer’s Dykstra represented St. Catharines, Ont., from investigation into 2006 until 2015. The Hill Times fi le Dykstra’s candidacy photograph Andrew Scheer 8, 2015, about the sexual assault As well, Novak told Maclean’s candidate, an opinion he modifi ed Dykstra mess, participants were allegations against Dykstra. magazine that it would be “mis- after new developments. allowed to speak to Nielsen on announced the Nevertheless, Dykstra was leading and false” to suggest the “Recently, much more infor- a “voluntary basis.” That didn’t allowed to remain a candidate, Dykstra issue was taken lightly mation has come to light, includ- work out too well in Elections inquiry on Jan. 31, despite the strong objections of by the Conservative campaign ing information to the effect that Canada’s investigation of robo- Conservative campaign manager staff. “During the 2015 campaign, the original investigation may calls, where a senior member at 2018. But a year later, Jenni Byrne. Byrne had been sent we learned that police had inves- not have been complete,” he said. CPC HQ simply refused to speak the party has still back to CPC HQ in Ottawa during tigated a complaint against MP “In my view, it is essential that to investigators and that was that. an embarrassing and diffi cult Rick Dykstra the previous year, criminal allegations, including And what about Harper? not made good on its time for the campaign. Conserva- and that the investigation was this one, be fully investigated and Did Nielsen interview him? tive candidate Jerry Bance had closed without any charges have prosecuted if warranted.” If so, did she ask him what promise. just been captured on camera On March 13, 2018, the Conser- independent steps he took to fi nd urinating into a coffee mug in vative Party announced that Carol out why the police fi le was sup- a family’s kitchen. He was later Nielsen, a lawyer specializing in posedly closed and sealed? dropped as a candidate. management-side labour relations Did she ask him if he thought Both Ray Novak and Guy and employment law, was chosen that there was an ethical compo- Giorno gave carefully scripted to investigate former Conservative nent to the story? responses to Byrne’s objections MP Rick Dykstra’s candidacy dur- Did she ask if he ever reached to keeping Dykstra. They stressed ing the 2015 election. out to the complainant to hear that they had no knowledge or Nielsen was to examine how what she had to say, or at least to evidence that an assault had the Conservative Party handled read her lawyers’ letters to senior happened—possibly anticipating allegations of sexual misconduct Conservatives written before the a court case. As Giorno wrote to levied against Dykstra. The party election? Michael Harris Novak, “This is correct. I am aware Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, also said the mandate for the Did she ask him if he ever Harris of no evidence either. However, I pictured recently on Parliament review would include “obtain- spoke directly to Dykstra? do think there is a case for Arthur Hill. The Hill Times photograph by ing information that will aid the Did she ask him if he ever or other counsel to be asked to Andrew Meade Conservative Party of Canada in spoke to Purchase? ALIFAX—Andrew Scheer review and report on the matter.” establishing protocols that ad- And did she ask him if he ever Hneeds to get his ass in gear. “Arthur” was Conservative been laid,” he said in an email to dress and appropriately respond spoke to Byrne about her strong If he is much later in releasing Party lawyer Arthur Hamilton. Maclean’s and said in retrospect to circumstances such as those opposition to keeping Dykstra as the “independent” investigation After reading their “no evidence” the campaign made the wrong subject to this review.” a candidate? into former federal Conservative emails, Byrne replied, “Great, you call. “This was an extremely But Scheer’s inquiry soon ran At the time of Nielsen’s ap- candidate Rick Dykstra, he will guys are protected legally. That diffi cult decision that ultimately aground. pointment, this is what Scheer have to bring a note. makes everything better. Sleep turned on whether a closed inves- By May 4, 2018, Giorno said about her inquiry: “It’s im- Scheer announced the inquiry well at night. Cheers/Jenni.” There tigation without charges was suf- claimed the independent investi- portant that we have an environ- on Jan. 31, 2018. At the time, he was an ethical and moral side to fi cient grounds for fi ring. Certain- gation was a “sham,” that he had ment where victims can come said: “My job is to make sure that the Dykstra dilemma, not just a ly, with the benefi t of hindsight “no confi dence in the results,” and forward and have their allega- those types of mistakes can’t hap- legal one, and Byrne knew it. and additional information, Rick that Nielsen was “biased” against tions investigated fully.” pen going forward.” Giorno wanted to drop both Dykstra should have been fi red as him. Nielsen publicly rejected The alleged victim, Ms. X, and A year later, the party has still the sneaky widdler and the al- a candidate. But campaigns don’t that characterization. everyone else is waiting to see not made good on its promise to leged assaulter as candidates get do-overs. To this day, I have But by November 2018, Giorno what the Conservative leader publicly reveal how then-prime if the allegations were proven. By- hoped, particularly so in light minister Stephen Harper signed rne sarcastically replied that even of recent media reports, that the the nomination papers of a can- though Ms. X had fi led a police alleged victim presses charges so didate accused of sexual assault. report, and sworn an affi davit, “we this matter can be fully investigat- Dykstra has denied the allegations. don’t think that’s enough to drop ed and prosecuted by the police The young parliamentary someone as a candidate. We’ve and the courts.” staffer involved, Ms. X, reported dropped [people] for a lot less.” Dykstra told Hamilton that he the incident to police two weeks But Giorno also later emailed to went to the police station and was later, and signed an affi davit. Ulti- Byrne: “Jenni I saw your other email interviewed by the Ottawa police. mately, she asked them not to lay as I was typing and my answer Dykstra was fully cooperative, charges for personal reasons. would be drop them both, or drop and denied the accusation. At the time, Ms. X also told both as each allegation is proven,” He said that fi ve days later, the several of her friends what had according to the Maclean’s. police called to say the matter was allegedly happened. She spoke to Giorno also told Maclean’s: “I being closed and the records sealed. her employer about the incident— was the one who proposed dump- But the story lingered. and to Kim Purchase, then-chief ing him and propose investigating Kim Purchase had heard from of staff to Conservative party further so we could dump him,” a friend of the alleged victim that whip John Duncan. and said he believed Dykstra the woman had made serious al- The alleged assault came to the should not have been allowed legations the previous weekend. attention of the Harper campaign to run under the Conservative Purchase met her for coffee later Former top Conservative staffers Ray Novak, Jenni Byrne, and Guy Giorno. The after the young woman’s lawyers banner. “He should have been that morning. Hill Times fi le photographs sent a series of fi ve letters to dropped. He should have been The woman asked Purchase senior Conservatives commencing dropped. Not getting charged is for her word that she would take agreed to speak to Nielsen, claim- means by those words, #MeToo, in August 2015, and ending just not the criteria by which the party no further action. She was afraid ing his major concerns had been or just #Me. days before the federal election in or Canadians would expect their the information would become resolved. Michael Harris is a writer, October of that year. elected offi cials to be judged. public, and her career in the Con- Giorno may have found his com- journalist, and documentary Did the campaign handle the There should be a higher bar than servative Party of Canada would fort level, but big questions remain. fi lmmaker. He was awarded a matter appropriately, both for the the police closing the fi le.” be ruined before it got started. The biggest one is why doctor of laws for his “unceas- alleged victim and the party? That Giorno suggested that the After the Maher article, former Scheer hasn’t released the report ing pursuit of justice for the less is the heart of the mission of the case “should be raised with the prime minister Stephen Harper focusing on an event that alleg- fortunate among us.” His nine “independent” inquiry announced PM in a smaller group, again, acknowledged that he knew edly took place Feb. 11, 2014. books include: Justice Denied, by Scheer. and maybe he should do what about the allegations before sign- After all, this isn’t exactly the Unholy Orders, Rare Ambition, There was intense disagree- Trudeau did”—a possible refer- ing Dykstra’s nomination papers: Mueller probe and Nielsen her- Lament for an Ocean, and Con ment on how to proceed in the ence to an internal investigation “I understood that the matter had self says her report was almost Game. His work has sparked four Dykstra Affair at the time. In into whether two Liberal MPs had been investigated by the police ready last November. commissions of inquiry and three early February 2018, Stephen allegedly sexually assaulted two and closed a year prior,” Harper From the very beginning of of his books have been made into Maher reported in Maclean’s female MPs from the NDP. Giorno said in a statement. this process, there has been a movies. His book on the Stephen magazine that Stephen Harper’s also suggested that Hamilton Given this understanding, the fatal fl aw. Harper government, Party of One, top aides had exchanged tense might grill the incumbent candi- PM did not believe he was justi- Although Scheer claimed he was a No. 1 bestseller. emails between Sept. 6, 2015, to date about the allegations. fi ed in removing Dykstra as a wanted to get to the bottom of the The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 7 Opinion

it is all other wine producing countries from around the world. This challenge has little to do with trade, Canada is Australia’s fourth largest export market, and it is clear that Canadian governments, provincial/ When friends fi ght territorial liquor retailers, and consumers from across Canada have been very gener- As Foreign Affairs ous in supporting the growth of Australian With tariff s about to be Minister Chrystia wine sales in Canada. Freeland most Consumer interest and consumption removed under the CPTTP, elegantly stated in of wine is rising across Canada, but with Australian wine sales have a recent article, 'We a liquor monopoly wholesale and retail do not want to live market in most provinces and 100 per the opportunity to grow in a world where cent Canadian wines capturing only 10 two or more powers per cent of wine sales, the opportunity for across Canada, but when it carve up the spoils Australian wines has and will remain very for themselves, attractive, if they can meet the demands of comes to this trade dispute, leaving the rest Canadian consumers. no choice but to The real competition for Australian business success, longevity, choose sides and wines are fast growing import sales from and consumer generosity will be satisfi ed with New Zealand and the U.S. which have the scraps.' The Hill experienced fi ve-year sales growth of 302 be tested. This has nothing Times photograph by per cent and 123 per cent, respectively. Andrew Meade With tariffs about to be removed under the to do with sour grapes, but CPTTP, Australian wine sales have the op- portunity to grow across Canada, but when everything to do with ongoing it comes to this trade dispute, business retailer and consumer TTAWA—Our Commonwealth ally sales in Canada are up 246 per cent since success, longevity, and consumer generos- Oand close partners from Australia have the year 2000, capturing 18 per cent of total ity will be tested. This has nothing to do interest in Australian wines. formally lodged a complaint and requested import wine sales growth. with sour grapes, but everything to do with a WTO Dispute Settlement Panel against Our close working relationship have ongoing retailer and consumer interest in what it claims are discriminatory practices supported the growth of Australian wine Australian wines. As Foreign Affairs Minis- that are restricting the sale of Australian sales across Canada, while saving Aus- ter Chrystia Freeland most elegantly stated wines in Canada. tralian producers millions of dollars in in a recent article, ”We do not want to For the past 20 years, both the Cana- compliance costs and tariffs. The trade live in a world where two or more powers dian and Australian industry and govern- returns have been far from balanced. carve up the spoils for themselves, leaving ments have worked closely as partners in Today, Canada exports virtually no wine to the rest no choice but to choose sides and the World Wine Trade Group (WWTG) to Australia, while the Australian wine indus- be satisfi ed with the scraps.” support trade in wine. Canada has signed try has become the fourth largest exporter Dan Paszkowski has been president agreements which have supported accep- of bottled wine and the largest exporter of and chief executive offi cer of the Cana- tance of Australian wine-making practices, bulk wine to Canada, with exports of 61 dian Vintners Association (CVA) since 2006, representing wineries across Canada Dan Paszkowski harmonization of wine labelling practices, million litres, valued at $217-million. and most recently the complete elimination With new and expanding sales channels responsible for more than 90 per cent of Opinion of import tariffs on Australian wines under across Canada, the Canadian wine indus- annual wine production. the CPTPP. As a result, Australian wine try is not Australia’s competitive challenge, The Hill Times

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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 Want to inspire, engage Jagmeet Singh’s naivety, lack of political acumen surprising, says Calgary reader Canadians? Drop the ederal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, he displayed his total obliviousness of a ma- Fwho is currently running in the upcom- jor Canadian and international news story ing Burnaby South, B.C., byelection spoke regarding China’s ambassador to Canada with the CBC’s Rosemary Barton on The who had accused Canada of “white suprem- written scripts, MPs National recently where he again doubled acy,” could spell the demise of Mr. Singh’s down on his commitment to abandon the political career before it ever begins. oliticians are supposed to be champi- subject matter at hand, fi nd time to prac- Trans Mountain pipeline if consultations Meanwhile, in pursuance of the release Pons of the people they wish to repre- tise their delivery, and treat us to a Ques- fail to satisfy all Indigenous stakeholders. of the two Canadians currently being de- sent, and who doesn’t want a champion tion Period showdown, sans-notes. Some Mr. Singh’s intransigence on this issue tained by China, the Trudeau government with some fi re in his or her belly? already do—Conservative MP Pierre points to his naivety and his serious lack desperately needs to recruit credible and Members of Parliament are well Poilievre being one example—but they of political acumen, considering that Ca- experienced individuals with proven diplo- aware that some voters look kindly on need more company to make Question nadians are calling the lack of the new oil matic acumen who can command respect politicians who are, to paraphrase How- Period worth its while for the public. pipeline capacity in the country a “crisis,” from the Chinese government. Consider- ard Beale, mad as hell and not going to As always, regular Canadians and according to fi ndings from a recent survey ing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s un- take it anymore. With the next federal political junkies alike would no doubt by the Angus Reid Institute. The institute ceremonious and hasty exit from the 2017 election nine months away and just 13 appreciate more frequent government an- surveyed 4,024 Canadian adults between trade talks in Beijing in which he received more weeks of exposure in the House of swers to opposition questions. Answering Dec. 21 and Jan. 3, and found that 58 per the bum’s rush for lecturing Chinese of- Commons, they will doubtless fi nd op- a loaded question carefully is one thing, cent affi rmed that the lack of new oil pipe- fi cials on the environment, human rights, portunities to put their passion on display, spewing unrelated talking points another, line capacity constitutes a crisis. gender equality, etc., he would not be the particularly during Question Period. and the latter serves no purpose whatso- This latest interview, coupled with his best choice. The rhetoric and the roaring falls a bit ever for anyone paying attention. horrendous gaffe a week ago on CTV’s Wally Lee fl at, however, when delivered with speak- MPs who don’t have the fl oor can do Question Period with Evan Solomon when Calgary, Alta. ing notes in hand. Members of Parlia- much better as well. Heckling drowns out ment from all parties can no doubt fi nd most of the answers, and even some of legitimate causes for concern, perhaps the questions during QP. The only thing even fury, to take up in the House, but it’s worse than heckling is bad heckling, and hard to imagine how that fury bubbles up that is is no short supply when Mem- Singh faces more experienced Liberal inside an MP who must refer to a sheet of bers have been cooped up in the Ottawa paper to remember what has gotten them bubble for too long. so hot under the collar. If Members must heckle, perhaps candidate, it ain’t over until it’s over Likewise, we can’t be blamed for they can hold off until they can think of wondering just how authentic a Member’s something particularly clever to say, at e: “NDP taking ‘nothing for granted’ campaign. With Richard T. Lee, an expe- scorn for a subject can be when it is ex- the very least. Rin Burnaby South as top Hill staffers, rienced politician replacing Karen Wang, pressed in the form of talking points, in- Members of Parliament have a few B.C. MPs working to get Singh elected,” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh may be facing The Hill Times eloquently crafted and passed down by a short months to make an impression on ( , Jan. 21). Well, as they say, a more formidable challenge with both research bureau, PMO, or leader’s offi ce. Canadians watching Question Period, it ain’t over until it’s over, a lesson deliv- parties unabashedly playing politics. Better writing and acting, at a minimum, directly or through the snippets clipped ered during the Ontario election when Kope Inokai will be needed if Canadians are to join for TV news and partisan ads. MPs should Patrick Brown was ousted virtually mid Toronto, Ont. in the outrage, based on clips taken from use those opportunities to have some- Question Period alone. thing regular folks could recognize as a Better yet, MPs can bone up on the real debate, one worthy of their attention. In world of high-speed and high-capacity computing, how about all-inclusive pricing

n this world of high-speed and high- reveals the total price at the start but at Icapacity computing, is it possible to have the counter you are also charged vari- all-inclusive pricing? Now that the penny ous taxes and recycling fees, and then, it is extinct and the nickel is on the endan- seems like, rounded up. gered species list, requiring rounding up If we can have all-inclusive pricing and down, would it not make sense? at the gas pump, at vending machines, The pumps and the signs at the gas newspaper boxes, for lottery tickets for station say the all-inclusive price as do example, why not for everything else? vending machines and lottery tickets. If a You can set the price differently in dif- vending machine can tell me a can of pop ferent areas like gas stations. Gas station is $1.75, why can’t the store? franchises charge more for gas in Red Everyone complains about airlines Deer than the same franchise, let us say, advertising prices without mentioning all the in Blackfalds and the fuel probably came extra fees and taxes and would like to see all- from the very same truck. inclusive pricing advertised. Why not stores? Stores with loyalty cards keep track of Include the GST, provincial taxes, recycling my purchasing trends, I am sure they can fees, and any other fees that are needed. determine taxes owed. Computers are so effi cient that they can All I am asking for is the price adver- keep track of every item, every style, every tised whether it be in an ad or on the shelf, size, every colour sold I am sure they can be the price not be the price plus, plus, compute the taxes needed to be remitted. plus. Is that too hard? Besides airline tickets, soft drinks are Garfi eld Marks an obvious example. The vending machine Red Deer, Alta.

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, Jolson Lim, Neil Moss, MULTIMEDIA SALES Steve MacDonald DIRECTOR OF READER ENGAGEMENT Chris Rivoire Deadline is Wednesday at noon, Ottawa time, for 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, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 9 Opinion

The players may change, but the argu- The tax system was also instrumental ments remain the same. in encouraging foreign companies to hire Michael Geist, a longtime cancon op- local by offering tax relief for employment Netfl ix should play ponent, holds the Canada research chair in of Canadian workers. internet and e-commerce at the University Geographic proximity to the United of Ottawa law faculty. States and the relative discount of the Ca- He has built a career on opposing Can- nadian dollar make Canada an ideal desti- by the rules that con, and was a key critic when as minister; nation for Hollywood productions looking I pushed for more regulation and the estab- to maximize their return on investment. lishment of a national television fund which Industrial productions are thriving. But morphed into the Canada Media Fund. they should not be mistaken for Canadian govern everyone else Just last week, Geist penned a dooms- content. day scenario for The Globe and Mail in The beauty of Netfl ix’s fi nancial model which he claimed that broadening the is that it fi lms universal stories that are casting. Included in the study was a recom- defi nition of Canadian broadcaster would designed to avoid highlighting a single, Netfl ix insists that it should mendation to align television’s technical force consumers to pay for a digital wall identifi able country. not be subject to the same signal requirements with those of the United consisting of new taxes and regulations. Exempting Netfl ix from the rules that States, opening the door to the fi rst cross-bor- Nothing could be further from the truth. govern everybody else makes no sense. regulations as other content der exchange of program signals in the world. Geist built his argument on the fact that Geist claims consumers would be vic- The Broadcasting Act was passed with a the Canadian content industry is alive and tims in a Netfl ix Cancon world. carriers. The usual suspects are mandate to “safeguard, enrich, and strength- well and making plenty of creative product On the contrary, consumers will benefi t lining up on both sides of the en the nation of Canada from sea to sea.” for viewers. from more content. Throughout its history, the fi ght be- But he neglects to point out the health Netfl ix should play by the rules that Canadian content issue. The tween supporters and opponents of CAN- of the domestic industry is prompted by the govern everyone else. CON has been eerily repetitive. same regulatory framework he denounces. Those rules have obviously been working. debate on Cancon is almost as Supporters point out the need for Cana- Contributions from cable and television Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien- old as the beginning of radio. dian spaces to tell Canadian stories while providers and government subsidies meant era cabinet minister and a former deputy opponents say we should not interfere with the fund invested $352-million into Cana- prime minister. the role of the free market. dian content this year. The Hill Times

Sheila Copps Copps’ Corner

TTAWA—Netfl ix just hiked its Cana- Odian prices by three dollars a month. That represents an increase of almost 30 per cent and it barely made a ripple on the consumer outrage meter. Can you imagine the public pushback if Rogers or Bell were to hike their prices by almost 30 per cent? There would be parliamentary inquiries de- manding that the big broadcasting behemoths stop their greedy exploitation of Canadians. But the biggest behemoth of all is Netfl ix, and it is fi ghting tooth and nail to remain outside the Canadian media regula- tory framework. Netfl ix insists that it should not be sub- ject to the same regulations as other content carriers. The usual suspects are lining up on both sides of the Canadian content issue. The debate on Cancon is almost as old as the beginning of radio. Back on Sept. 11 in 1929, the Royal Commission on Canadian Radio Broad- casting issued a report that established the fi rst blueprint for how the public airwaves would remain in public hands. Known as the Aird Report, its conclu- sions, as follows, have survived the test of time. “The commission therefore empha- sizes the idea of broadcasting as a ‘public service’ and recommends that Canada establish a national broadcasting company that will produce programs of ‘high stan- dard.’ It also advocates setting up a chain of high power stations which will be funded by revenues from receiver licence fees, advertising sales and government money.” In 1932, the fi rst regulatory body was es- tablished by law, the Canadian Radio Broad- casting Commission, which was accorded the authority to control all broadcasting and to set up a national radio service. Four years later, a new Canadian broadcasting act abolished the CRBC and established the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The act gave the CBC the power to issue licences and also set up a bilingual radio service. Fast forward two decades and the ar- rival of television prompts another update of the regulations. In 1951, the Royal Commission on Na- tional Development in the Arts, Letters and Sciences chaired by Vincent Massey, extended the examination of radio to television broad- 10 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

servative, non-partisan advocacy group called the National Citizens Alberta ‘gag law’ to get tested in court Coalition, which battled for years and years against “gag laws.” Indeed, as far back as 1984 the NCC convinced an Alberta judge to much of our political speech the The idea I suppose there declare a federal election gag law, government should regulate. behind the passed by the then Liberal govern- On one side of this debate, billboard will always be ment, to be unconstitutional; then we’ve had people consistently ar- message, of about 10 years later it convinced governments seeking guing that political speech should course, was another Alberta judge to declare be tightly regulated, restricted, to criticize another federal election gag law— to impose new and controlled to ensure the Alberta Premier this one passed by a Progressive “rich” don’t unfairly infl uence our Rachel Notley’s ways to restrict free Conservative government—to be democratic process through paid decision to unconstitutional, then in 2001 it advertising. impose a political expression convinced yet another Alberta On the other side, we have carbon tax, judge to declare yet another federal people consistently arguing that writes Gerry and there will gag law to be unconstitutional. any restrictions on free political Nicholls. The In each of those cases the NCC always be people speech seriously undermine our Hill Times made the argument that gag laws democratic rights and freedoms. photograph by had no place in a free and demo- willing to resist. (Full disclosure: I’m fi rmly in this Andrew Meade camp.) cratic society. At any rate, I’m bringing this But unfortunately for the up because these two sides are NCC, its judicial winning streak currently clashing in Alberta. Anyway, this billboard kicked At issue, says the group, is a came to an end in 2004 when What’s happening is the off a legal battle because under key democratic principle. the Supreme Court of Canada Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Alberta law it’s illegal for a group As CTF President Scott Hen- overturned that 2001 Alberta a scrappy, non-partisan, conserva- or for an individual to spend ning recently put it in an op ed, court ruling, thus reinstating the tive advocacy group, is going to more than $1,000 on political ad- “Requiring Albertans to register gag law, which is why it’s in place court to challenge what it calls the vertising without fi rst registering with the government before they today at the federal level. Alberta government’s “gag law.” with the government, which also express their opinion on a politi- Yet, as the CTF’s current court The story started in the sum- necessitates disclosing how much cal issue is the antithesis of what challenge against the Alberta gag Gerry Nicholls mer of 2018 when the CTF put up is going to be spent and from it means to be Canadian … Our law proves, that wasn’t the fi nal Post-Partisan Pundit a billboard in the province which whom you’re getting the money. governments require the consent word on the issue. declared in great big letters, “You On principle, the CTF never of the people, the people do not re- I suppose there will always be can’t buy ‘social licence’ when it’s registered its billboard ad and quire the consent of governments.” governments seeking to impose AKVILLE, ONT.—Some politi- not for sale.” thus now faces a $6,000 fi ne. Again, there’s nothing new new ways to restrict free political Ocal battles in this country seem The idea behind the bill- So the stage is set for a legal about this contest between advocacy expression and there will always like they’re never going to end. board message, of course, was to confrontation, as the CTF says groups and governments over the be people willing to resist. A case in point, for instance, criticize Alberta Premier Rachel it’s determined to take its case to question of free political expression. Gerry Nicholls is a communi- is the ongoing fi ght we’ve been Notley’s decision to impose a court to test the gag law’s consti- I know this because I used to cations consultant. having for decades now over how carbon tax. tutionality. work for another scrappy, con- The Hill Times

resources to cope well with work and life stresses. Building mentally healthy Invest in employee mental health and workplaces with tools like the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the give your business a competitive edge Standard ) doesn’t just benefi t the one in fi ve employees living with a mental health problem. Canadian businesses It provides guidance on how to promote psychological health are increasingly and prevent psychological harm looking at meaningful due to workplace factors for all workers and includes tools ways to address these and resources applicable to any organization, regardless of size challeneges. The or sector. Creating a culture where job good news is that the functions are tied to organiza- tional goals, where leadership best path forward promotes diversity and employ- makes not only good ees are valued and contributions acknowledged, benefi ts every- business-sense but one. In Canada, we’re losing over also good people- $50-billion to mental health prob- lems and illnesses every year, or sense. nearly $1,400 for every person liv- That is where 338 Conversations comes into play. This critical effort is to encourage all 338 MPs, pictured Dec. 12, 2018, ing in Canada in 2016. In terms of and their local Chambers of Commerce to bring the mental health conversation to Canadians where they spend most of their human cost, in Ontario alone, the waking hours: at work, write Michael Wilson and Perrin Beatty. Photograph courtesy of House of Commons Twitter disease burden of mental illness and addiction is 1.5 times higher of electricity, and a protectionist effort is to encourage all 338 MPs protect mental health. Replacing than all cancers put together. This stance from our closest trading and their local Chambers of Com- silence and stoicism with disclo- includes years lived with less partner, we need to get creative to merce to bring the mental health sure and support is an important than full function and years lost achieve economic success. conversation to Canadians where step towards erasing the stigma to early death. Addressing mental illness in they spend most of their waking that has prevented people from Canadian businesses are the workplace is inarguably part hours: at work. seeking the help they need. increasingly looking at meaning- of the solution—the World Eco- Every week, 500,000 people Collectively we can reshape ful ways to address these chal- Michael Wilson & Perrin Beatty nomic Forum estimates mental miss work due to a mental health a healthier, more competitive leneges. The good news is that Opinion health problems will cost the problem— ignoring this reality is economy. Embracing inclusivity, the best path forward makes not global economy some $6-trillion short-sighted. valuing emotional intelligence, only good business-sense but also by 2030. What’s more, research In fact, improving mental and fostering skills like resiliency, good people-sense. n today’s global economy, if Ca- has shown that half of Canadians health in the workplace can de- are as important as pursuing Michael Wilson is the board Inadian businesses are to enjoy wouldn’t tell friends or co-work- crease losses to productivity by as excellence in science, technology, chair of the Mental Health Com- a competitive edge, they need to ers they have a family member much as 30 per cent. Integrating engineering and mathematics. You mission of Canada and Perrin dig deep and look inward. With with a mental illness. psychological health into the poli- cannot thrive in your chosen fi eld, Beatty is the president and CEO, Canadian wages among the high- That is where 338 Conversa- cies that frame an organization’s regardless of your intelligence, if Canadian Chamber of Commerce. est in the OECD, the rising cost tions comes into play. This critical culture and values is a means to you don’t have access to tools and The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 11 Opinion

For women and girls, their families, and communities, invest- Dear Canada: we need sustained ing in critical sexual and repro- ductive health services saves lives. This also results in cost- savings across health systems and leads to benefi ts in education, leadership on global sexual and employment, and gender equality and empowerment. More investment in sexual and reproductive health means basic reproductive health and rights access to contraception and men- strual products in emergency set- tings, like for Rohingya women in health, and be treated with ment assistance are all fueling a 2018, Canada invested $43-mil- refugee camps in Bangladesh. It Our leadership is dignity and respect is driving looming crisis for sexual health lion on family planning, which helps those on the frontlines care economic, social, and political and reproductive rights. helped 1.4 million women and for the most vulnerable women vital and the world’s progress around the world. The Trump administration’s couples access contraception and and girls around the world and it women and girls are There is enormous demand Global Gag Rule has slashed prevented 387,000 unintended is vital for maintaining the prog- for services related to sexual and access to comprehensive health pregnancies. ress that has been made over the counting on us. reproductive health. Every year services like access to safe abor- That is why this month, over last two and a half years. 214 million women in developing tion and put life-saving care out 100 organizations around the This is a time of both hostil- countries want to prevent preg- of reach for many communities. world signed a statement ap- ity and progress for women’s nancy but don’t have access to Preliminary studies from Uganda, plauding Canada for its leader- rights—and human rights. The modern contraception. A lack of Senegal, and Nepal show that the ship. But the Government of world needs Canada now more access to sexual and reproductive Global Gag Rule has already led Canada still needs to increase its than ever. Sexual and reproduc- health services means that every to less access to contraceptives investment in global sexual and tive health and rights are the day 830 women die from prevent- and scaled back delivery of criti- reproductive rights if we want to cornerstone of gender equality, able causes related to pregnancy cal services. Vulnerable popula- see long-term change. strong economies, and healthy and childbirth and most of these tions—rural and hard-to-reach As part of the 100 plus orga- lives. This must remain at the deaths occur in fragile states, communities, refugees, LGBTQI+ nizations, we are calling on the heart of Canada’s global leader- many of them affected by war people, and youth—are the most Canadian government to double ship. Sandeep Prasad & Julie Delahanty and natural disaster. affected by these cuts. down on its commitment to We’ve heard from those on the Opinion Despite the obvious and press- It is against this backdrop sexual and reproductive health frontlines who witness everyday ing need, the last year has been of shrinking global leadership and rights by investing $500-mil- the fallout of attacks on sexual marred with setbacks for sexual that Canada has emerged as a lion a year over 10 years to the and reproductive health and hen it comes to standing up and reproductive health and champion for women’s rights neglected areas of sexual and rights. As a country, we have Wfor sexual and reproductive rights. and gender equality on the world reproductive health as part of a taken a bold step. Now is the time health and rights, Canada is back. From the fallout of Trump’s stage. Since 2017, Canada has $1.4-million renewed commitment to show the world that Canada There is a crisis of leadership Global Gag Rule, to the crack- introduced its Feminist Interna- to global health beyond 2020. is here to stay. Our leadership is on global development and no- down on the LGBT community in tional Assistance Policy, commit- By deepening its commitment, vital and the world’s women and where is that more evident than Tanzania, the pushback against a ted $650-million to sexual and Canada can help empower 18 mil- girls are counting on us. in the area of sexual and repro- person’s autonomy to make deci- reproductive health and rights, lion women and adolescents—the Sandeep Prasad is executive ductive health. sions about their own bodies and and will host the Women Deliver same number of girls and women director of Action Canada for Canada’s support for women sexuality is being felt around the Conference in Vancouver in June in Canada today—by supporting Sexual Health and Rights, and and girls to exercise their rights world. Stigma, the rise of regres- of 2019. access to comprehensive sex-ed, Julie Delahanty, executive direc- to bodily autonomy, make choices sive and populist movements, and These actions have already safe abortion, and contraceptive tor of Oxfam Canada. about their own reproductive major funding cuts to develop- had an immense impact. In 2017- care. The Hill Times Canada’s global feminist leadership matters

man rights leader at a time when Yet, the policy opens doors for a International For those of us trying rising populist governments and women’s empowerment organi- Development the United State’s reinstatement zation like CARE to champion Minister Marie- to end the most of the “Global Gag Rule”—which women’s rights. For instance, our Claude Bibeau limits funding to non-U.S. organi- Southern Africa Nutrition Initia- has consistently egregious eff ects of zations that do any work related tive in Malawi, Mozambique and brought up the to abortion—threatens these Zambia, is improving woman’s extreme poverty and importance of rights around the globe. right to food through a woman- access to safe and Now, more than ever, women centred approach. Over three bring human dignity affordable abortion need support to make their voices years, CARE aims to work with services, which to everyone, feminism heard. more than half a million people to are desperately The Canadian government’s fem- build local knowledge and capac- needed. The Hill is not just smart inist leadership has made Canada a ity for sustained change. FIAP is Times photograph donor of choice. CARE Canada has the catalyst for these advocacy politics, it is smart by Andrew Meade witnessed growing interest from col- efforts, allowing us to focus on global development. leagues throughout CARE Interna- women’s rights at all levels of tional and other international NGOs policy and programming in these to engage with and support feminist countries. policies and programs. To be sure, many questions But it is worth noting that this around the policy’s implemen- shift started before the current tation remain. Canadians will government came into power. Sub-Saharan Africa are the result with the Government of Canada on need to continue to hold Global Canada has been a leader in of unsafe abortions. women’s voice and leadership and Affairs Canada accountable to ending child and early forced- International Development women’s health programs. its commitment to deliver the marriage since co-sponsoring the Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau Canada’s Feminist Interna- aspirations of Canada’s Feminist fi rst UN resolution on the topic has consistently brought up the tional Assistance Policy is also International Policy. And to see in 2013. The Harper government importance of access to safe and shining a light on other neglected real results, we need these com- Marnie Davidson then made a signifi cant program- affordable abortion services, areas of health including adoles- mitments to gender equality to Opinion matic investment to put an end to which are desperately needed. cent sexual health, sexual and continue well beyond the next child and early forced-marriage. Indeed, Canada’s feminist gender-based violence and sexual electoral cycle. The policy builds on this and policy’s greatest infl uence has orientation. It places LGBTQ2 Yet, for those of us trying to year and a half in, Canada’s the work done by Canadian been on work related to women’s rights fi rmly as a development end the most egregious effects of AFeminist International Assis- NGOs in the area of women’s sexual and reproductive rights. Its issue, whereas previous soft extreme poverty and bring hu- tance Policy is providing a strong rights, but shifts from previous evidence-based policy has been diplomacy approaches kept this man dignity to everyone, femi- vision for Canadian aid. Canadian government policies welcomed by many Canadian civil issue mostly in the closet. nism is not just smart politics, it is While critiques about pro- relating to women’s sexual and society organizations and inter- Canada’s global feminist lead- smart global development. gramming and funding are reproductive rights. national partners. CARE has been ership matters. Marnie Davidson is head of well-founded, the policy positions It’s a sad fact that more than working hard to support the policy’s Increasing gender equality global health at CARE Canada. Canada as a women’s and hu- 50 per cent of maternal deaths in objective through its partnership in societies is a formidable task. The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Prime Minister tual property they create will be owned Justin elsewhere. We are attracting R&D branch Trudeau, plants, not building Canadian companies. pictured There is another consequence as last month well—smaller Canadian companies cannot in Ottawa. compete in wages and benefi ts with these How do we superstar fi rms, so have a tough time get- succeed in a ting the talent they need to scale up. Yet world where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indus- our traditional try Minister Navdeep Bains seem much natural more at home with the global superstars resources are than with the Canadian tech community. less important A growing portion of global trade is and our ability also digital—Netfl ix and Spotify are good to compete examples in entertainment, selling content in a digital over the internet. Electronic commerce is economy is impacting retail trade since consumers can much more now tap into retailers around the world. important, Cloud computing will offer pay-as-you-go asks David models for storage and software. Crane. The Our declining rate of productivity Hill Times growth refl ects our biggest economic chal- photograph lenge, but improvement depends on much Andrew Meade more innovation. Labour productivity in Canada, output for each hour worked— rose at an annual average rate of just 0.9 per cent in 2000-2016, compared to 1.6 per cent in 1981-2000. Over the 2000-2016 This is the big Canadian challenge period, Canada ranked 24th out of 33 OECD countries in labour productivity growth. We sources are less important and our ability intellectual property for use elsewhere. were a productivity laggard, not a leader. The world is changing in to compete in a digital economy is much They will not be creating Canadian goods It is the output for each hour worked disruptive, powerful, and more important? and services to sell to the rest of the world. that plays the crucial role in determining The world is changing in disruptive, For a stronger economy, Canada should how much wealth a society has to raise transformative ways and powerful, and transformative ways and be doing much more to promote Canadian incomes and to fund public goods such as Canada can’t escape the consequences. tech, with the goods and services we can education, health, and infrastructure. This Canada can’t escape the Change will impact countries, communi- develop to sell to the rest of the world, is how we create a larger economic pie for ties, industries, and jobs—how we organize generating good middle-class jobs and the the country to share. consequences. Change ourselves to deal with change, how we wealth needed for public goods such as One reason for our poor productivity will impact countries, create wealth and how we live. Better to education and health care. performance, as the Centre for the Study of understand and prepare for change, rather A prime example of a misplaced prior- Living Standards in Ottawa has contended, communities, industries, than fi ght it. ity is the federal commitment to Sidewalk is the weak and declining level of business These forces, the McKinsey Global Labs, a subsidiary of Alphabet/Google, to investment in research and development, and jobs—how we organize Institute spelled out recently, include “the be the lead contactor in devising the sys- a key source of productivity growth. In shifting locus of economic activity and dy- tems and technologies for smart cities of 2000, business in Canada was investing the ourselves to deal with namism to China, India and other emerg- the future, using the Toronto waterfront as equivalent of 1.2 per cent of GDP in R&D, ing economies; the world’s growing con- its test-bed. This experience will help Side- well behind the world’s innovation leaders. change, how we create wealth nectedness through movements in capital, walk Labs win smart city contracts around But by 2016, this had fallen to just 0.7 per and how we live. Better to people, and information; the acceleration the world. What the Trudeau government cent of GDP. Yet as McKinsey underlines, in the scope, scale and impact of technol- should be doing instead is helping to create “for all advanced economies, public and understand and prepare for ogy; and the aging global population.” a Canadian consortium of leading-edge Ca- private R&D spending is essential to main- The days of cheap labour as an advan- nadian companies to develop a Canadian- taining an edge in exports.” change, rather than fi ght it. tage are over with less than 20 per cent based advantage in the design, planning, In this time of disruptive change, Canada of world trade in goods dependent on low and technologies for urbanization, one of should be putting much more emphasis on labour costs; today, the advantage increas- the great growth industries of the future. building a future Canadian advantage, improv- ingly comes from talent, knowledge, intel- The same can be said in artifi cial ing our talent and research base, pushing tech- lectual property, scale, and scope and in- intelligence which, along with advanced nology diffusion, using public procurement to vestment in intangibles; from research and automation, represents the next wave of advance Canadian capabilities and creating development and software to branding, transformative innovation. Canada has markets in which Canadian companies can de- training and organizational innovation. developed a strong talent base yet it is velop and scale new technologies, such as on The Trudeau government is struggling to foreign corporations—from Microsoft and the Toronto waterfront. Foreign investment can respond. But in some ways, it seems to have Alphabet/Google, to Samsung, and Uber, bring benefi ts to Canada but what we really given up fi nding a Canadian solution. Its and now Nokia (with $40-million from the need are stronger Canadian companies that business growth strategy depends heavily on Canadian government)—that with their can compete in the global marketplace. David Crane attracting foreign investment more than en- deep pockets are hiring our top talent, lur- That is how we will cope with disruptive Canada & the 21st Century hancing a Canadian advantage for the future. ing away our best professors and linking change, create middle-class jobs and gener- But these companies, while they can up with our university research centres to ate the wealth for a sustainable and equi- bring some benefi ts, are here to advance create intellectual property for their parent table society. This is where we must focus. ORONTO—This is the big Canadian their own interests, not ours, by tapping companies. This is a different kind of brain David Crane can be reached at crane@ Tchallenge: how do we succeed in a into our university-trained talent and drain—our talent is staying in Canada interlog.com. world where our traditional natural re- professors to conduct research that create and paying taxes here, but the intellec- The Hill Times Mini-MBA in Ottawa Begins March 27, 2019

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Visit executive.mcgill.ca/mini-mba for more information. McGill Executive Institute | 1 888 419 0707 | [email protected] The Hill Times Policy Briefi ng Monday, February 4, 2019 HEALTH National food policy, Petitpas Taylor talks about not Food Guide, could be Canada’s Food most important change to Guide, opioid crisis, feds’ approach to nutrition, pharmacare, by Jolson Lim p. 17 and more, by Emily Haws, p. 14-15 Personalized medicine is the future of Concessions in health care, renegotiated NAFTA by Philippe Gros & will lead to 'extra cost' Mark Lanthrop, p.28 for Canadians, by Neil Moss p. 21 Canada’s new Food Guide gives Canadians the tools they need Dental care in to eat healthy, Canada: by Liberal MP John Oliver, p.20 it’s time, by NDP MP Don Davies, p. 24 Climate change is a health emergency, by Green Leader Elizabeth May, p.24

Addressing autism requires extraordinary collaboration, policy innovation, by Grit Senator Jim Munson, p.30 If we’re serious about changing dietary habits, Could Canada’s health-care we must start with our system be healthier? young Canadians, by ISG Senator Josée Forest-Niesing, p.31 by ISG Senator Marty Deacon, p. 26 14 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

Petitpas Taylor says new Canada’s Food Guide

of suggesting a certain number of servings food experience, we certainly recognize “When I think of food, I think of my child- Health Minister Ginette of four food groups, the guide suggests that that food is more than just what we eat. It’s hood memories. Being the youngest of a huge Canadians fi ll half their plate with fruits and really about spending time with family. It’s family, my mom used to bake bread all the Petitpas Taylor talks vegetables, a quarter high-protein foods, about encouraging people to, you know, get time, and I can remember very well waking and a quarter with whole grain foods, and to back to the basics, cooking, and also there is up in the morning to the aroma of freshly about the government’s drink plenty of water. It radically overhauls great information with respect to going out baked bread. I mean, who doesn’t want that? Healthy Eating Strategy, the government’s advice to Canadians on to restaurants. Just perhaps some healthy “So those are the types of experiences how to eat healthy, suggesting plant-based tips to consider. that, you know, that it makes me kind of go its response to the opioids diets and less emphasis on meat and dairy. “And also just the whole issue of shop- back to... A lot of families, we realize, are Ms. Petitpas Taylor said the goal was to ping and looking at food labels and all the really busy and just don’t have a lot of time. crisis, and how she’s make the Canada Food Guide, which has rest of it. Last weekend, when I was home, But we really want to encourage them to mostly looked the same over the last 40 I actually even found some time to make make sure that you can kind of get back to looking forward to the years, as inclusive as possible and to refl ect a recipe. I tried a broccoli cheese muffi n those basics, cooking more at home. Those the realities of many Canadians. recipe, and I’ve been eating those all week, are the experiences that are going to be giv- national pharmacare “There’s some people who are vegetari- actually. en to your children as well, and it’s almost ans, there’s some people who don’t eat milk “But we just really wanted to make sure intergenerational. I know what I learned strategy report to be products. So we wanted to make sure that that we could provide a practical tool to from my mom, I still practise nowadays. the the food groups really refl ected, you Canadians. If we look at the Food Guide and “I don’t have time to make bread. Don’t get released in the spring. know, some options for all Canadians,” she what it looked like in 2007, to 2019, we can me wrong, I’m not there. But I’ve cooked with said. “It’s in no way indicating for people see that we’ve certainly, you know, we’ve re- my mom. And as a result, I’ve learned a lot not to consume cheese and dairy products, ally modernized it. The Food Guide, as it was and I incorporate that in my everyday life. BY EMILY HAWS or meat products—quite to the opposite. in the past, was pretty static. With this one, “Even some of my staff, they laugh at me, But we certainly wanted to make sure really, we’ll be able to update it, we’ll be able because, you know, I oftentimes will bring ealth Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor says there was a variety of foods included in to provide it with up-to-date information and my lunch to work, but the more that I can Hshe was lobbied by industry groups on the categories and I think the Food Guide, up-to-date recipes. make meals at home, I really do that.” the newly-released Canada Food Guide, but as it is now, really refl ects the needs of all “We just wanted to make that experience says the people who created it were not. Canadians.” just a whole lot more interactive for Cana- What are your focuses before the 2019 election? “The people who put together the Food Ms. Petitpas Taylor also talked to The Hill dians and I really feel that we’ve really, you “Well, I’ll have to be very frank, there’s Guide did not receive any meetings from Times about the national pharmacare strat- know, been able to deliver that. And again, still a lot of work that continues to be done. lobby groups at all,” Ms. Petitpas Tay- egy, climate change as a health issue, and many of the Canadians who I’ve spoken to “Between now and the election, I will lor (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, N.B.) said her priorities ahead of the 2019 election. The over the last week-and-a-half have shared continue doing the good work that Canadi- in a wide-ranging sit-down interview with interview below has been edited for clarity with me very positive reviews of the Food ans are expecting of us. My priorities with The Hill Times last week on the Hill. “I, and length. Guide. respect to our department are continuing on the other hand, as the health minister, “And even I have to say, a lot of the the good work of the Healthy Eating Strat- certainly met with many individuals, many The Food Guide just came out, and I wanted Parliamentarians are saying, ‘Ginette, like egy; certainly work that is underway as we stakeholders, many industry stakehold- to start with that. It’s been well-received. I’m at a restaurant now or even when I’m had the launch last week, but we are still ers, as well as health stakeholders. It’s my What’s your reaction to that reaction? Are cooking, I really just look at that plate and looking at continuing and promoting our responsibility to meet with Canadians.” you excited about it? think, ‘geez, do I have half my my fruits and Healthy Eating Strategy. According to a 2018 analysis of federal “Absolutely. We’ve been hard at work vegetables?’ and I’m like, ‘Well that’s great.’ “Another big priority for myself is to lobbying records, Ms. Petitpas Taylor was when it comes to the healthy eating strategy That’s mission accomplished for me and continue the work on the opioid crisis. We mentioned in 92 communications reports for over a number of years now, and this is people are doing that, so it’s easy, we’re certainly recognize that this crisis is affect- about a variety of issues, although industry certainly one of the key pillars, the Cana- not dealing with portions, we’re just really, ing Canadians from coast to coast to coast. groups also met with her staff. dian Food Guide. you know, looking at the plate and basic So we’ll continue to work with the provinces “But for the ones who actually put to- “As you know…it has been extremely information.” and territories, frontline service providers, in gether the Food Guide, the researchers, in well-received, really from all Canadians. order to do all that we can to turn the tide on no way were they infl uenced by [lobbying],” “When we look at the number of down- And I know you kind of pointed before to this national public health crisis. said Ms. Petitpas Taylor. loads and the numbers of hits on social the cultural aspects of food, but looking at “Aside from that, we continue to work on The new Canada Food Guide, which media and on our web. It’s been really quite, it, it got me thinking of mental health due to a number, again, of different fronts. In early was unveiled on Jan. 22 and is a part of quite amazing. not eating alone, for example. Is that some- December, I met with the Advisory Council the government’s larger Healthy Eating “I think we’ve really been able to strike thing that was specifi cally in your mind on the Implementation of the National Phar- Strategy, includes simple rules and easy-to- a balance that we’ve really been able to when you created it? macare Program. I’m looking forward to follow graphics. It’s also a big change from really provide Canadians with the right “It’s really as we’ve said, with respect to receiving their report in the spring of 2019. previous Canada Food Guides, and the fi rst information with respect to nutrition, but food, food is more than what we consume. It So again, stay tuned to that. We’ll see what major change in more than 12 years. Instead also more than that, when we look at the really the whole experience. that report is going to hold.” THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 15 Policy Briefi ng Health

Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, pictured last week in her Hill A summary of the offi ce, says the new Canada Food Guide commitments in is more modern. ‘We’ve been hard at work when it comes Ginette Petitpas to the healthy eating strategy for over a Taylor’s mandate number of years now, and this is certainly letter one of the key (released in pillars, the Canadian Food Guide.’ The Hill October 2017) Times photographs by Andrew Meade • Complete provincial/territorial agreements outlining the specifi c ac- tion plans and performance indica- tors that will be used to improve ac- cess to mental health and addiction services, and home and community care. The agreements will respect the arrangement agreed to with Quebec. • Work with provincial and territorial partners to advance collaboration on health innovation and the adoption of digital health technology to improve access, effi ciency, and outcomes for patients; improve access to necessary prescription medications (including joining to negotiate common drug prices, and exploring the need for a national formulary); develop a long term vision for blood services that en- sures safety and non-discrimination in donation policies; and collaborate on an organ donation system that creators not infl uenced by industry gives timely and effective care access. • Work closely with other partners Are there going to be any big initiatives in the understand you’re getting Dr. Eric Hoskins’ I became Canada’s health minister, it’s very to ensure Canada’s response to the budget that are related to the health fi le? report in the spring. Otherwise, what’s the clear that a part of my responsibility is to opioid crisis is robust and effective, “Well, your guess is as good as mine. We latest on that fi le? enforce the Canada Health Act. Canadians including ensuring that Canada certainly did our budget submission, and “When it comes to a pharmacare model, should not have to pay for the medically nec- has a timely surveillance system; we’re looking forward to seeing what we’re it’s truly important to make sure that we can essary medical services that they need. work with Public Safety Minister going to be getting in the budget. meet the needs of all Canadians. Canadians “So as a result of that, we certainly have Ralph Goodale to review Canada’s “Finance Minister Bill Morneau has a should not have to choose between buying to monitor and police the Canada Health framework for dealing with public huge job and we’ll fi nd out in the budget as groceries and paying for their medication. Act. In the past, there has been some mon- health emergencies; consulting with to what’s going to be there.” “We’ve asked Dr. Hoskins and all the ies that have been taken away from prov- appropriate stakeholders to introduce committee members to really have a na- inces because Canadians were paying for appropriate prescribing guidelines In terms of the provinces, can they expect tional conversation with Canadians about services that should qualify under the CHA. to curb opioid misuse and track any kind of boost in health-care funding what a pharmacare program should look “So, as such, Quebec and B.C. have, in prescriptions appropriately; and use before the election, or increases in transfer like to meet their needs. the past, monies have been deducted from regulatory powers to ensure com- payments, anything like that? “It took a bit of time for us to put the them. But as soon as the problem has been munities don’t face undue barriers in “Well, with respect to the transfer pay- council members together. And I’m in no fi xed, or that they have a plan that the mat- introducing effective opioid substitu- ments, the negotiations were done in 2016, way apologetic for that, because we really ter is being fi xed, we have provided them tion programs and treatment options. and we’ve seen that this last year, we’ve pro- wanted to make sure that we chose the right the money again. … I always like to stress, • Promote and defend the Canada vided $38-billion still again, an increase from people to do the work. … A former health at the end of the day, the last thing that Health Act to make it clear that year-to-year over the health-care transfers. minister, we have a former fi nance minister, I want to do is to take away money from extra-billing and user fees are il- “We’re very proud that in 2017 we were the list goes on because they can provide us provinces and territories when it comes to legal, and develop policies with able to reach historic agreements when with the valuable information that we need.” health-care funding. provincial and territorial partners it comes to mental health and home-care “Because we know that it costs a lot to to improve verifi cation and resource services, and an additional $11-billion was There was a recent Globe and Mail story provide health-care services. But at the end mechanisms when instances of non- added to the budgets. about the data gaps that people are fi nding of the day, we certainly want to make sure compliance arise. “We’re just in the process of fi nalizing the in Canada. Some examples included how that we don’t have a two-tiered health-care • Promote public health by increas- bilateral agreements with the provinces and much doctors are paid by drug companies, system. ing vaccination rates, introducing territories to ensure that those monies can get how many people are immunized on a “Canadians are proud of their medicare restrictions on the commercial mar- out to the provinces and territories. And above national level, the level of lead in children’s system. And we certainly want to make sure keting of unhealthy food and bever- and beyond that as well, we’ve also continued blood. So I’m wondering, what do you say that it remains intact. And that is why that ages to children, bring in tougher to provide additional assistance when it comes to people who suggest we don’t have a clear the CHA has been in place and that is why I regulations to eliminate trans fats to the emergency treatment fund. picture of people’s health in the country was mandated to enforce it.” and reduce salt in processed foods, “Earlier, I talked about the opioid epi- because we don’t have this data? improve food labels to give more demic that we’re faced with, we wanted to “Well, we certainly have made signifi cant The NDP is saying dental health should information on added sugars and make sure that we could provide additional investments in the area of data collection, but be covered by health insurance. What are artifi cial dyes in processed foods. funding to the provinces and territories. So we certainly know that if we want to provide your thoughts on that? • Work with cabinet partners to imple- in the 2018 budget, an envelope of money good public policy, we need to have good data. “Well, with with respect to the pharma- ment a pan-Canadian concussion was provided so we could provide addition- “So those are certainly areas that we care program that we’re bringing forward… strategy. al funding to the provinces and territories to continue, you know, to make signifi cant that is not something that we’re considering • Complete the introduction of plain match the funding to provide direct services investments in. at this time.” packaging requirements for tobacco to people on the ground when it comes to “There’s certain areas that I think that products. substance misuse issues. we do a very, very good job and there are The Green Party also said that climate • Work with cabinet partners to ensure “So, again, we’re in the process of fi nal- other areas I’m sure that we can do better, change is now a health concern. What are the timely passage of bills related to izing those agreements as well.” but if we want to provide good public policy, your thoughts on that? the legalization of marijuana. we certainly need to make sure that the data “I think it’s very, it’s very fair, actually, • Work with cabinet partners to make Do you expect to have all of the bilateral collection is key.” if we look at the issues of climate, when we systemic change in the government’s agreements wrapped up before the election? look at some medical conditions that arise provision of health care services to “Yes, absolutely. And again, I just got the In August, Ottawa threatened to cut federal as a result of climate change. We certainly Indigenous peoples, and reduce the fi nal tally this morning, where most of the health transfers to Quebec specifi cally recognize it, it has an impact and I think it’s health inequities between Indigenous mental health and long-term care or com- because it was considering a more priva- something that we have to talk more about and non-Indigenous Canadians. munity care agreements are done…We’re tized, two-tiered model. Have you actually as well, to make sure that Canadians are very well on our way.” withheld any of that funding yet? What’s aware of the health implications when it — Source: Ginette Petitpas Taylor’s the latest on that? comes to climate change.” mandate letter, on the Prime Going to pharmacare, because I know that “If you look at my mandate later, that was [email protected] Minister’s Offi ce website that’s sort of the biggest topic right now, I provided to me by the prime minister, when The Hill Times THIS IS OUR SCIENCE. IT’S CANADA’S TIME.

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A stack of fresh fruit at The national food a Farm Boy supermarket in Ottawa. The new Canada’s policy, not food Food Guide recommends more guide, could be the fruits and vegetables, although many Canadians most important struggle to access nutritious foods. The change to the Hill Times photograph by feds’ approach Andrew Meade

food with a broader lens. Food there are a patchwork of existing partments and agencies, “we are to nutrition is a policy fi le spread between local and provincial programs. taking the time to get it right.” Health Canada, AAFC, and a The United States has the Nation- Ms. Bronson would like the number of agencies such as the al School Lunch Program, which food policy to be released prior to Ms. Bronson points to the Public Health Agency of Canada, was fi rst created in 1946. the 2019 budget, which could pro- While many experts potential a national policy could making for siloed approaches and Bad hospital and school food vide an injection of funding for have in addressing food insecu- confl icting priorities. and children going to school its implementation. She believes have applauded the rity, and other food-related policy Divisions are often clearest in hungry—which has been linked a food policy could fi nd appeal new Canada’s Food questions such as how to support revamps of the food guide, with to poorer learning outcomes—are among Liberal-leaning voters, a sustainable food system as it’s federal politicians and bureau- “counter to the objectives of the making it a good investment in an Guide, a national food confronted by climate change. crats subject to intense lobbying institutions themselves,” she said. election year. The development of the by advocates and the food indus- Household food insecu- In the meantime, the revamped policy with programs country’s fi rst food policy, called try. This time around, the Liberal rity affects one in six Canadian Canada’s Food Guide will remain A Food Policy for Canada, was government shut out industry children, according to PROOF’s arguably the most signifi cant addressing food fi rst announced in Agriculture from direct consultations. analysis. A 2017 UNICEF report piece of food policy from this gov- access by the poorest Minister Lawrence MacAulay’s Ms. Bronson expects the cre- card also ranked Canada 37th out ernment. While its recommenda- (Cardigan, P.E.I.) mandate letter ation of a national food advisory of 41 wealthy countries on food tions do not directly address the Canadians may do in November 2015, which called council that would bring together security. issue of access (although there for more healthy, food experts, in- Philippe Ozga, director of is a section about eating on a more to improve high-quality dustry, advocates, government and advocacy at Food budget) it does advise that people food to be eaten and government Banks Canada, said if the federal eat fewer processed foods, meat, people’s health. in Canada and offi cials from government is serious about tack- and dairy products and eat more to be produced different depart- ling food insecurity, it must set plant-based foods. BY JOLSON LIM by domestic ments. Such a its sights on addressing the core Notably, the guide also encour- ranchers and council could rec- causes of why 860,000 Canadians ages Canadians to eat culturally- he new Canada’s Food Guide is farmers. oncile competing seek food banks each year. diverse and traditional foods, as Ta step forward in getting Cana- Evan Fraser, priorities and “To address food security issues, well as to better consider the im- dians to eat healthier, experts say, director of the unite stakehold- you have to go to the root, and the pact of product marketing. Eating but the Liberal government’s up- Arrell Food ers in providing root is not necessarily related to with others is also recommended, coming national food policy could Institute at the the best advice, food policy itself,” he said. “The root acknowledging that seniors, in pack more punch in improving the University of she said. is really related to poverty.” particular, often eat alone and country’s nutritional health. Guelph, said She added “Until those issues are ad- that can result in feelings of lone- Advocates are hopeful that that while food that the policy dressed, it’s very hard to to make liness, a growing public health a national food policy set to be is often a health must acknowl- progress on that front.” concern itself. edge “the social Mr. Ozga pointed to guaranteed Health Canada spokesperson released this year can tackle the and industry- The new ‘plate’ format of the determinants income as a way for the federal Geoffroy Legault-Thivierge said issue of food insecurity, which is focused policy Canada’s Food Guide, which removes defi ned as being without reliable matter—ad- of health, that government to tackle poverty, but his department took into consid- serving suggestions. Photograph poverty costs said it has to roll out affordable access to a suffi cient quantity of dressed through courtesy of Health Canada eration factors such as the cost of affordable, nutritious food. initiatives such our healthcare housing funding much quicker. and access to food when the guide Poor nutrition, chronic dis- as the food guide and Canada’s system a ton of money.” The policy will likely give was developed. He said “cost was eases, and food insecurity are of- agricultural partnerships—it’s also “We’ve got to get out in front a nod to efforts underway to an important consideration in ten problems for people living on a social matter intersecting with is- of diet-related chronic disease,” improve food security in the choosing which foods to depict on lower incomes and those belong- sues of poverty, equity, and access. she said. “Our healthcare budgets North, a major theme found in the the plate. Many of the foods select- ing to marginalized populations. “The policy can speak to that are sinking under that weight. consultation report. The 2018 fall ed were dried, frozen or canned to Food insecurity is a challenge dimension,” he said, adding that It is the primary cause of rising economic update announced new refl ect lower-cost options.” experienced to some level by four it could have a bigger impact on health care costs.” funding and a continued overhaul The food guide also includes million Canadians, according to food security than the popular of the Nutrition North program, dietary guidelines for policymak- PROOF, a University of Toronto- food guide. “Up till this point I Opportunity for new which has so far failed to make ers and health professions, which based research group studying would say it’s been neglected. food in the North affordable. includes a section exploring the policy choices to reduce the prob- We’ve got major policy initia- programs The federal government may issue of access. lem. It is especially common in tives for the other aspects…but Prof. Fraser said the food offer a similar approach to its In addition, Mr. Legault- Canada’s North, where food costs we don’t have a major policy that policy could include new pro- Poverty Reduction Strategy re- Thivierge said Health Canada are much higher. speaks to the social and food gramming. For example, the leased in August, which contained was “committed to working with While Canada’s Food Guide, security aspects.” strategy could propose a national no new programming but takes Indigenous partners” to support which was released on Jan. 22 to In late October, Agriculture school lunch program, an initia- a wider lens by acknowledging developing “distinctions-based much praise, provides the most and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) tive tackling food waste, or new poverty’s connection to food inse- healthy eating tools over the com- up-to-date eating guidelines for released its consultation feedback efforts to promote sustainable curity, health problems, and bad ing years.” all Canadians, lower-income report, which highlighted a need farming practices. housing. It also set the fi rst-ever The department will release new people are unlikely to follow it as for the policy to lay out a clear “If we can hit both the gover- income poverty benchmark. online resources and tools to help closely as those on high incomes vision for suffi cient access to safe, nance platform and a couple of Canadians use the food guide, as who can afford fresher, nutrient- nutritious and culturally appro- targeted areas with programming, Goal set for 2019 release well as tools for health professions rich foods. priate food, sustainable growing then I will be a very happy stake- A date for the launch of the operating in schools, hospitals, and “We can’t ask the food guide practices, and growing Canada’s holder,” he said. food policy hasn’t yet been set, long-term care facilities. to do everything,” said Diana agricultural sector. Ms. Bronson said government according to AAFC spokesperson “We’ve managed for the fi rst Bronson, executive director Almost 45,000 Canadians procurement could be used to get Cameron Newbigging, although time to insert a little bit of con- of Food Secure Canada, who submitted feedback online, and Canadians to eat healthier, particu- the goal is to have it released sideration around food insecurity praised the changes in the new six regional town halls were held larly through supplying nutritious by the end of this government’s into the food guide,” Ms. Bronson food guide. “We can’t ask it to during the consultations. foods to hospitals and schools. mandate. said. “So door is open, but there’s support all sectors of the agricul- Ms. Bronson and Prof. Fraser Canada remains the only G8 He said it’s still too early to a whole lot more work to do.” tural economy. We can’t ask it to said the food policy must address country to lack a fulsome national say what the policy will include, [email protected] solve poverty.” the need to tackle the issue of school meal program, although and working alongside other de- The Hill Times 18 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

Pallium Canada ‘The time for action is CEO Jeffrey Moat said he expects his organization now’ stakeholders and to play a big role in the government's upcoming opposition critics await palliative care action plan, which will implement the government’s next palliative care framework. The Hill Times photograph by move on palliative care Andrew Meade

Petitpas Taylor isn’t giving any hints about recently, B.C. paramedics received just leadership role” on improving access to the One of the fi rst steps is when their appointment will be made or under $1-million to put toward training. service, taking “into account the geograph- appointing the person the implementation plan announced, only Pallium Canada CEO Jeffery Moat said his ic, regional, and cultural diversity of urban saying it will be soon. organization expects to be a key contributor and rural Canada.” heading Health Canada’s “It’ll be this year for sure,” said Ms. Pe- to implementing the framework, which was “With an aging population, living longer, titpas Taylor (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, tabled by Ms. Petitpas Taylor in December. this is an urgent health care priority,” Mr. palliative care secretariat N.B.) in a wide-ranging interview with The “I think the framework refl ects the key Davies said, a sentiment echoed by all sides. Hill Times last week. priorities that were communicated to them, The framework uses the World Health and announcing the action Ms. Gladu (Sarnia-Lambton, Ont.) said but the key will be turning this framework Organization’s defi nition of palliative care, plan, which Health Minister she hasn’t heard anything yet about who into action,” he said. “The time for action is with the vision being that all Canadians will head the offi ce, but has already seen now. We know what needs to be done, we with life-limiting illness live well until the Ginette Petitpas Taylor said funding announcements to give palliative know that the priorities are, it’s time for all end of life. The framework outlines goals care training to paramedics, who can per- of us to see an action plan pulled togeth- and priorities, including training and educa- will happen before the end form the services needed while waiting for er…that results in true change.” tion for healthcare providers; measures emergency calls. In February 2018, the government an- to support palliative care providers and of the year. “They can do pain control for palliative nounced funding for the organization to caregivers; research and data collection on patients, especially for those who have dif- increase the capacity of health care provid- palliative care; and measures to make sure BY EMILY HAWS fi culty traveling into the hospital,” she said. ers to deliver palliative care in communi- there is equitable access across the country. Ms. Petitpas Taylor said she’s pleased ties across the country. According to the framework, the Health national advocacy group and Con- with the investments to provide training to The organization’s Learning Essential Canada secretariat could coordinate the Aservative health critic Marilyn Gladu paramedics, adding they’re one group of Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) implementation of the framework, connect are anxiously waiting to fi nd out who will people who are found in both rural and ur- program, which provides learners with the governments and stakeholders on pallia- head Health Canada’s new palliative care ban Canada. The funding is a part of agree- essential, basic competencies of the pallia- tive care activities across Canada, serve as secretariat, but Health Minister Ginette ments with provinces and territories—most tive care approach, was considered a “best a knowledge centre for best practices, align practice” for training healthcare providers messaging to support adequate public in palliative care. awareness, and work with stakeholders to The framework itself, which came as a facilitate consistent standards. result of Ms. Gladu’s Bill C-277, dictates Although Ms. Gladu seems to be gener- that there needs to be at least once person ally supportive of the government’s work in the secretariat, although there can be on the fi le, she said that the government is more. When asked, Ms. Petitpas Taylor spending the palliative care money “too slow- - didn’t indicate how many people might oc- ly for my liking.” Only about $400-million of SELF CARE cupy the offi ce. the $6-billion over 10 years announced in the “When there’s a need…additional 2017 budget for home, community, and pal- resources can be pulled in there easily,” liative care has been spent, she said, and she she said of Health Canada staff. “I’m re- would like to see as much of it as possible be ally pleased that we will be able to have a “spent wisely” before the election. secretary in order to provide some support “If they put a program out there to start that is needed for the actual action plan training different kinds of caregivers on and the framework as it rolls out.” palliative care, that’s going to be an imme- Palliative care is an approach to medi- diate gain in the amount of palliative care cine that focuses on improving the quality treatments that can be provided,” she said. of life for patients and their families who The government is working to fi nalize are facing the symptoms associated with the provincial and territorial agreements an illness. It tends to have more of a ho- that will allow it to announce where the listic approach, and can range from being money is going and outline indicators to prescribed medicine for pain management determine if goals are met. Ms Petitpas Tay- to spiritual support. lor said the agreements should be signed Canadians Achieving Palliative care is often associated with with all partners by the 2019 election. death or end-of-life care, often taking place She added she is looking forward to Better Health, Naturally in hospices, but it’s not solely for those rolling out the action plan, which will in- facing their fi nal days, said Mr. Moat. It can clude training and making sure that Cana- When we choose natural health products and organic food, also be used while someone is undergoing dians are aware of palliative care services. cancer treatment, for example. Ms. Gladu also noted that other issues we support an industry devoted to: Unlike most political issues, pallia- come into play when discussing pallia- tive care seems to be something keenly tive care. For example, it’s diffi cult to use U Supporting the health of Canadians supported by all three major parties. Bill virtual palliative centres, which act as U Sustainable environmental practices C-277, which received royal assent in De- a resource hub, when many rural areas cember 2017, set out the requirements for across Canada don’t have access to high U Making healthy choices easier a palliative care framework, which looks to speed internet. standardize Canadians’ access to palliative “That would really accelerate palliative U Promoting local Canadian businesses care across the provinces and territories, care across the country,” she said of the vir- as palliative care is currently delivered in a tual centres, adding that infrastructure for patchwork fashion. building hospices to increase the number Ms. Petitpas Taylor said that “work is of palliative care beds is another key issue. well underway” on the framework’s imple- The Hill Times asked Ms. Petitpas Taylor mentation action plan as “palliative care to respond to this idea in a follow-up email, is an area of great interest and of great but her offi ce didn’t respond by deadline. concern for all Canadians.” Rural broadband internet infrastructure is Both Ms. Gladu and NDP health critic deemed a priority in the mandate letter for Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, B.C.) newly-minted Rural Economic Develop- said they pleased with the framework, with ment Minister Bernadette Jordan’s (South Supporting the best in healthy living. chfa.ca Ms. Gladu noting that it contained all of Shore-St. Margaret’s, N.S.). the elements that she recommended. Mr. [email protected] Davies said the government must “take a The Hill Times

20 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

The familiar image Canada’s new Food Guide is only the tip of the iceberg. Canada’s new Food Guide is really an extensive gives Canadians the tools set of resources that every Canadian has access to online; from they need to eat healthy information for health professionals to fun recipes we can all It puts more focus on what, enjoy. While previous Food Guides were when and how we eat, and 'static' documents, this one will continue less on food groups and to be updated with the latest dietary servings. It gives clear, knowledge over the concise advice that everyone coming years, writes Liberal MP John can easily apply to their Oliver. Image courtesy Liberal MP John Oliver of Health Canada everyday lives—things like Opinion cooking more often, eating with others and limiting s one of the most recognizable items saw it in school, or when their parents put a lot more fun than those). As such, updat- Athe government publishes, Canadians it up on the fridge. It is now the second ing it was not a responsibility we took highly processed foods. have a special affi nity for Canada’s Food most downloaded government document, lightly. Guide. Many remember the fi rst time they behind only the income tax forms (and it’s Although Canada’s Food Guide has been revised eight times before, most recently in 2007, this round was different. This time we took a step back, and asked ourselves what the purpose of the Food Why do some diseases get treatment, Guide really is. The result is the fi rst Food Guide in history that takes a holistic view while others get judgement? of healthy eating. It refl ects a simple, yet powerful philosophy—healthy eating is more than the food you eat. Recent data shows over 30 per cent of Canadian adults are now living with obesity - a fact that Canada’s new Food Guide gives Cana- Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, has defined as quite concerning. According dians the tools they need to eat healthy. to the Canadian Medical Association, Obesity Canada and the World Health Organisation, obesity It puts more focus on what, when and is now considered a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes or hypertension and needs to be treated how we eat, and less on food groups and as such. servings. It gives clear, concise advice that everyone can easily apply to their every- While the federal government is exploring restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy day lives—things like cooking more often, food and beverages to children, levying taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and is about to eating with others and limiting highly release an updated Food Guide, these prevention efforts will not be enough to decrease the processed foods. While these may seem disease burden on the over 5 million Canadians living with obesity today. obvious to some, in today’s busy world Current research shows that once obesity is established, trying to lose weight and keep it off is a they’re becoming more and more diffi cult constant (life-long) uphill battle. This is due to powerful biological neuroendocrine mechanisms for many Canadians. that serve to protect the body against weight loss and promote weight regain. Studies show that In the nearly eight decades since the behavioural interventions alone will generally result in a rather modest sustainable weight loss of “Offi cial Food Rules” were fi rst published, only 3-5% - not enough to substantially improve health and well-being in the majority of Canada has changed dramatically. We’ve Canadians living with obesity. welcomed new Canadians from all corners of the world with their vibrant culinary tra- In contrast, new medications, surgical treatments and behavioural strategies for obesity have now ditions and watched new foods emerge in been proven to be safe and effective in helping patients lose and sustain significant weight loss every region of our country. Canada’s new with marked improvements in health over time. Unfortunately, very few Canadians have access to Food Guide celebrates our culinary diver- these treatments. sity. It refl ects the Canada of today, while keeping an eye to the Canada of tomorrow. Canada’s new Food Guide is a beautiful Obesity will Only Expand in Canada Unless We Act Now – While obesity rates are not growing, many Canadians are moving from Stage 1 to and thorough tool. But that means more more severe levels of obesity. Clearly, achieving and sustaining weight loss is not as simple as ‘eat less and move more.’ According to an April 2017 than just a colourful page. It’s a powerful Obesity Report Card report released by Obesity Canada, Canadians living with obesity are gravely underserved by Canada’s public health systems resource. While it might be hard to believe, and private benefits plans. That means that patients aren’t getting the resources, support and medication they need to manage their disease. There is no one solution to obesity that will work for everyone. We need a comprehensive approach to disease management. Only 20% of the last time the Food Guide was updated Canadians have access to the medications currently approved by Health Canada for obesity treatment. there was no such thing as an iPhone. Since then, technology has transformed What can we do? How can the government continue into 2019 with a greater focus on improving the lives of Canadians living with obesity? our world, and it has also transformed our Start paying attention to the millions of Canadians who require help. Canada needs a National Obesity Strategy that includes treatment Food Guide. That’s why this edition was options for Canadians living with obesity and the federal government can lead the way. The first step - recognizing obesity as a chronic updated not just with the latest nutritional disease. This year, Obesity Canada will release updated Clinical Practice Guidelines to help inform best practices for obesity management across science, but the latest technology. our country. It’s time for our governments to address obesity now. The familiar image is only the tip of the iceberg. Canada’s new Food Guide is really an extensive set of resources that For more information on Obesity Canada visit ObesityCanada.ca or join us at our full-day public workshop on April 27 th at The Westin Ottawa, 11 every Canadian has access to online; from Colonel By Drive, featuring several keynote speakers and our inaugural Parliamentary Reception for MPs and staff on April 29 th from 5-7PM, room 330, Wellington Building. To confirm attendance, please RSVP @ [email protected] information for health professionals to fun recipes we can all enjoy. While previous This advertorial is proudly supported by Novo Nordisk with all content developed by Obesity Canada. Food Guides were “static” documents, this one will continue to be updated with the latest dietary knowledge over the coming 1 Report Card On Access To Obesity Treatment For Adults (2017). Obesity Canada. years. https://obesitycanada.ca/publications/canadians-lack-access-obesity-treatments-support-report-card/ I’m heartened by the overwhelming 2 Report Card On Access To Obesity Treatment For Adults (2017). Obesity Canada. response that our new Food Guide has https://obesitycanada.ca/publications/canadians-lack-access-obesity-treatments-support-report-card/ received since being launched by federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor on 3 Report Card On Access To Obesity Treatment For Adults (2017). Obesity Canada. https://obesitycanada.ca/publications/canadians-lack-access-obesity-treatments-support-report-card/ Jan. 22. It appears Canadians are as excit- ed about their new Food Guide as we are. I look forward to seeing its impact over the coming years, particularly among young people. It all comes back to one basic idea, By Dr. Arya M. Sharma, MD, DSc (hon), FRCPC which I think all Canadians can agree on: eating should be a pleasure. Bon appetit! Clinical Co-Chair of the Alberta Health Services Liberal MP John Oliver, who represents Obesity Program Founder and Scientific Director of Obesity Canada Oakville, Ont., is parliamentary secretary to Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 21 Policy Briefi ng Health

U.S President Concessions in Donald J. Trump, middle, with then Mexican renegotiated NAFTA President Enrique Pena Nieto, left, and Canadian will lead to ‘extra Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, at the cost’ for Canadians USMCA signing ceremony on Nov. 30, 2018, in and a potential Buenos Aires, Argentina. The renegotiated trade pact pharmacare plan, increases protection on biologics from but an expert says it eight to 10 years. Photo by Shealah Craighead/ could’ve been worse White House

said McGill University intellectu- At this point, it’s unclear if Concession in trade that opportunity,” Mr. Keon said, A generic drug al property law professor Rich- Canada gave the concession in or- but he added that he wouldn’t ard Gold, of the extra two-year der to get a trade deal, to protect agreements are a ‘death advise the government whether it industry association protection. But he added that the non-pharmaceutical industries, or by a thousand cuts’ for should enter into re-negotiations generic—or biosimilar—competi- in order to protect the ability to or not. head says concessions tion isn’t as great for biologics, as have a pharmacare plan, such as the generic industry: Mr. Keon added that with the in free trade pacts it is for chemical-produced drugs. price controls and the PMPRB. association head concessions given under CETA— Generics tend to be around 25 Some experts said it was too patent protection was extended “Delaying access to com- per cent of the cost of the original early to know the impact of the two years from 20 to 22 years have been ‘death by petitive products is a step in the drug, he said, but biosimilars are USMCA changes on pharmacare, of security—the generics and wrong direction if you are trying a thousand cuts’ for far higher percentage. until more is known about a na- biosimilars are facing “death by a to fund a national pharmacare Jim Keon, president of the Ca- tional plan. thousand cuts.” plan,” said Mr. Keon. the industry. nadian Generic Pharmaceutical The government is projected “With respect to the frustra- Under the USMCA, Canada Association, said biosimilars are to propose a “limited expansion” tions [of generic drug companies], and Mexico have up to fi ve years BY NEIL MOSS priced between 15 to 45 per cent to Canada’s health-care system, we can empathize with them, but to implement to put the exclu- less of the equivalent biologics. according to a Reuters report, so at the end of the day, we certainly sionary measure in force after the ncreased protection of innova- Tanya Potashnik, director of it could partially cover prescrip- had to look at what was best for trade pact’s ratifi cation. tive drugs will lead to an added the policy and economic analysis tion costs for those without Canadians,” Ms. Petitpas Taylor I Mr. Keon is calling on the gov- cost for Canadians, but the trade branch of the Patented Medicine coverage. told The Hill Times last week. concession doesn’t infringe on Prices Review Board (PMPRB), A House Health Committee The House Canada’s ability to implement a told the House Health Committee report from April of last year on of Commons national pharmacare plan, says in April 2016 that Canadian spend- national pharmacare recommend- Health an industry expert. ing on biologics had increased by ed the government to look into Committee Since the United States-Mexico- double digits since 2014. opportunities to promote reduced recommended Canada Agreement (USMCA) was The question, Prof. Gold said, costs of drugs through competi- the drafted at the end of September, is what the concession gave tion—both through patented and government generic drug manufactures. look into “Canada pays amongst the opportunities highest drug prices in the world,” to reduce drug Prof. Gold said. “It is an increasing prices through part of our health care budget.” competition He said getting control over in an April costs with an aging population is report. The “critical.” Hill Times “In the medium term,” follow- photograph by ing the upstart costs, pharmacare Sam Garcia will “more than pay for itself.” A national pharmacare plan ernment to wait for the full fi ve may give Canada a “slight advan- An association for Canada’s years before the regulation is put tage” in negotiations over if they innovative pharmaceutical into effect. will procure the protected drugs, industry called the intellectual During the renegotiations of Prof. Gold said, but he added the protections an “important step NAFTA, Mr. Keon said his as- extra two years won’t be a “trig- forward” in fostering investment sociation did not miss an opportu- ger” for pharmacare given how in Canada’s life sciences industry. nity to tell the government that it much is spent already on pre- “It is too early to estimate needed to push back on accepting scription drugs. what business impact, if any, they an increased exclusivity period. Health Minister Ginette Petitpas will have,” Sarah Dion-Marquis, Mr. Keon said the current U.S. Taylor (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, a spokesperson for Innovative Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said the USMCA ‘could’ impact drug House Democrat push to reopen N.B.) said the changes in the Medicines Canada, said in an prices. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade negotiations could be an oppor- USMCA “could” impact drug prices. email. “These changes will only tunity for Canada to take another there have been questions on how the Canadian government in “However with that being said come into effect many years after look at the exclusivity. intellectual property changes will exchange. that’s why our government has the ratifi cation of the treaty by all Although, a Canadian offi cial impact Canadian drug prices, espe- “There’s no direct benefi t to Ca- been working over the past couple three nations.” in the embassy in Washington cially as the government looks into nadians from this,” Prof. Gold said. of years in making sure we make Ms. Dion-Marquis added that told The Hill Times in January a national pharmacare plan. “If it saved [Canada] from regulatory changes to decrease much can happen from now and that “negotiations are done.” The renegotiated NAFTA something worse, it was good,” the price of drugs,” she said when the earliest date of impact, which U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pe- extends market protections for bio- Prof. Gold said, but he added that the USMCA was announced. Innovative Medicines Canada losi has called for the signed, but logics from eight to 10 years from the government has remained Asked what role generics will projects to be around 2032. yet-to-be-ratifi ed agreement to be the date of market approval. Biolog- tight lipped about the reason play in a national pharmacare Trade observers are undecided reopened as it lacks “real enforce- ics are among the most expensive behind the concession. plan Ms. Petitpas Taylor told The when the USMCA will be brought ment” on labour and environment drugs, and involve living organisms He said nothing in the USMCA Hill Times last week: “We’ll have to a vote in the U.S., as American protections. that make them more complex than would prevent Canada from to wait to see what the recom- political infi ghting could see the “This measure is costly, if chemically produced drugs. implementing a national pharma- mendations are going to bring. agreement pushed down the road. there’s an opportunity to change “It’s an extra cost because care plan, even though it might And we’ll have more information [email protected] it and not go forward with it, there’s no generic competition,” irk the Americans. to share in due course.” The Hill Times the government should take 22 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

a message that needs to get to everyone. The solutions must work to eliminate Canadians need to be aware that even the source of the drug. While fentanyl is coming mainly from China, police have reported that the methamphetamine crisis just one use of crystal meth can cause an in the prairies is tied to the drug trade with Mexican cartels and other organized crime groups as discussed in recent national media reports on the issue. addiction, ruin your life, or end your life Most importantly, we must put in place suffi cient recovery spaces with enough nation. The primary reason is the cost—at Arrests for meth traffi cking have in- time to get people off drugs, and with sup- I look forward to working $5 to $10 for a point that will give up to a creased by more than 300 per cent in the port systems that allow them to remain 12-hour high, it is much cheaper than the city, and police as well as social supports drug free. In most places across the coun- with stakeholders in 2019 opioid alternatives. Canadians need to be are struggling to deal with the crisis. try, the wait times for recovery spaces is to address this and other aware that even just ONE USE of this dan- The story was similar in many cities and more than six months, and some have time gerous drug can cause an addiction that towns across the prairies, and into Calgary limits of 28 days, which has been shown important issues in the can end your life or bring it to ruin. and Vancouver. Sadly, due to an insuffi cient to be inadequate in making a permanent This is a drug that is be- amount of treatment and change to stay on a path towards recovery health portfolio. ing used by young and old, recovery spaces, there is no from addiction. professional, and homeless. off ramp, even for those who Prevention and recovery are the long- In many cases, people who want to get off this drug. term solutions to this crisis that, combined think they are buying a dif- Worse, the methadone and with the opioid crisis is killing more Cana- ferent drug, like cocaine, are suboxone treatments that dians than homicide, suicide, and traffi c ac- in fact receiving meth and are used to wean opioid cidents combined. We need to understand becoming addicts. This drug is addicts off drugs are not how urgent of an issue this is for Canadi- often accompanied by violent effective for those addicted ans in both rural and urban communities, psychotic episodes. As a result, to meth. and policy makers need to take action to medical workers are increas- Other side effects from address this emerging crisis. ingly experiencing violence, meth use include nega- While shows like Breaking Bad may and police and paramedics tive physical effects such Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu make methamphetamine production a in Winnipeg are devoting an as the potential for heart subject for entertainment, the reality is that Opinion increasing proportion of their attack and stroke, dental the lives destroyed by this drug, the fami- resources to deal with meth damage, HIV, and Hepa- lies ravaged, and the communities where calls. Individuals cannot be put titis B and C (often from crime to support drug habits has skyrock- While shows like Breaking Bad t was just two months ago that I visited into police cars while on meth, needle sharing). eted has become an urgent and tragic issue may make methamphetamine IWinnipeg to learn more about the meth- due to the potential for heart This meth crisis is just that must be addressed by co-operation production a subject for amphetamine epidemic being experienced and other medical issues. How- part of a larger overall between governments, medical service entertainment, the reality is there. The House Health Committee had ever, paramedics cannot be left issue with drug addiction providers and law enforcement. that the lives destroyed by this begun a study on the subject and several to deal with these individuals in Canada. The solutions I look forward to working with stake- drug has skyrocketed, writes MPs from the area had spoken about the who may become violent en needed must address holders in 2019 to address this and other Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu. urgent crisis taking place. route to hospital. Winnipeg mandatory education important issues in the health portfolio. Methamphetamine or crystal meth as police reported that at times, 80 Image courtesy of Breaking Bad about the harms of drugs. Conservative MP MP Marilyn Gladu, it is called, has been around for years, but per cent of their police cruis- This is especially impor- who represents Sarnia-Lambton, Ont., is is now overtaking opioid use in the Prairie ers are involved in meth calls, leaving less tant where meth is prevalent; the message her party’s health critic. provinces and in communities across the resource to address other crime. that even once can make you an addict is The Hill Times HEALTH NOW.

BEATING INSOMNIA We develop new tech to treat brain waves that keep you up all night.

CONCORDIA.CA/NEXTGENHEALTH T19-53298 24 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

ture birth and low birth weight. fi nancing for dental care among In 1964, there was one dentist And numbers cannot quantify OECD countries. for every 3,108 Canadian patients. Dental care in the pain, social impacts and It seems plainly defi cient to The commission projected that a economic losses suffered by have a public health system that ratio of 2,671 patients per dentist those with untreated dental provides care for every part of could be reached by 1981 in order problems. our bodies except the mouth, to form the basis of a universal Canada: it’s time Yet 32 per cent of Canadians but this is the present state of system. have no dental insurance at all, Canadian medicare. In order to We have achieved that and hen Tommy Douglas came and six million Canadians avoid close this illogical gap, it’s worth more. Today, there is one dentist Canadians have Wto Ottawa as the Member visiting the dentist every year due examining why dental care was for every 1,622 patients in Can- of Parliament for Burnaby- to cost. excluded from our public system ada, according to the Canadian waited long enough. Coquitlam, B.C., he understood Unsurprisingly, this hurts poor to begin with. Dental Association (CDA). that medicare was a project that and marginalized Canadians the The 1964 Royal Commission By turning Canada’s dentist Access to medically would transcend his own lifetime. most. Canada’s most vulnerable on Health Services formed the shortage into a surplus, we have necessary dental care Although he successfully se- people have the highest rates of original framework for our public resolved the original impediment cured universal coverage for hos- dental decay and disease, but the health care system. The commis- to implementing universal dental should be a right in pital and physician services, he worst access to this much needed sion’s fi nal report called for the care. The most signifi cant barrier knew that the task of expanding service. inclusion of dental services, while that we face today is a lack of this country, not a and improving medicare would According to the Canadian noting that the shortage of den- political will. fall to future generations. Academy of Health Sciences, 50 tists was so acute at the time that Clearly, work will have to privilege. It’s time to That’s why, at the NDP’s most per cent of lower-income Cana- it would be impossible to imple- be done to determine how we recent policy convention, del- dians have no dental coverage, ment a universal system without can best fi nance this initiative. roll up our sleeves egates from across our nation along with a majority of seniors training a substantial number of However, through our experience and begin the work were challenged to dream boldly over the age of 60. Indigenous new dentists. with Canadas’s public medicare once again. They looked beyond populations have nearly twice as Nevertheless, the commission system, Canadians know that de- necessary to make pharmacare and toward including much dental disease as non-In- believed that it was imperative livery of health services through dental care as part of our univer- digenous Canadians, and income- to immediately establish a public a public, single-payer model is this overdue health sal health care system. related inequalities in oral health system for children, expectant the most effective and effi cient This is not just an aspiration. are greater in women than men. mothers, and public assistance way of doing so, rather than care service a reality As with prescription medication, Given these stark disparities, recipients that could be scaled through a private, patchwork the omission of dental coverage what is the federal government up as resources expanded. They system. for all Canadians. from our universal health-care doing to tackle this crisis of called this program “one of the Canadians have waited long system is both a pressing pub- neglect? highest priorities” among all of enough. Access to medically lic health concern and a social Unfortunately, nothing at all. their proposals. necessary dental care should justice issue. When these issues were put to The commission envisioned be a right in this country, not a Many would be surprised federal Health Minister Ginette that by 1980, all children up to privilege. to learn that the most common Petitpas Taylor at a recent appear- the age of 18 would be entitled It’s time to roll up our sleeves noncommunicable diseases are ance before the House Health to public dental services in and begin the work necessary to oral diseases. Studies have also Committee, she confi rmed that Canada. Moreover, if the dental make this overdue health care linked poor dental health to se- “with respect to investments in resources of the nation were service a reality for all Canadi- rious health conditions, includ- that area, no federal investments expanded as recommend, the ans. ing cardiovascular disease, de- are being made.” Commission concluded that it NDP MP Don Davies, who This was a deeply disappoint- would also be possible to imple- represents Vancouver Kingsway, NDP MP Don Davies mentia, respiratory infections, diabetic complications, renal ing answer since Canada cur- ment universal coverage for B.C., is his party’s health critic. Opinion disease complications, prema- rently ranks second last in public adults thereafter. The Hill Times

Beijing. That can lead to cancelled surgeries, as the hospitals cannot Climate change is a health emergency provide suffi cient fresh air inside operating theatres. One surprising health chal- an increased number of extreme become the fastest growing But Lyme disease is not the lenge from heat waves is that our Without a massive heat waves. Globally, and within infectious disease. The warnings only health threat slated to hospitals do not have suffi cient Canada, extreme heat is forecast of scientists have been clear that increase due to climate change. air conditioning capacity to keep investment in to kill far more people with every vector-borne diseases, including One aspect of climate change that the hospitals within an accept- coming year. The impact on our Lyme disease, will increase if we I had never even considered was able range of temperatures for adapting our respiratory health from increasing fail to address the climate crisis. the gap in our health care system safe surgeries. Without a mas- hospitals to extreme forest fi res is something we are In the case of Lyme disease, we in coping with new climate sive investment in adapting our already experiencing in my riding have a national epidemic. extremes. I learned about it from hospitals to extreme temperature temperature and of Saanich-Gulf Islands. The law to create a Federal Robert LePage, a professional and other climate extremes, our Since that IPCC report in Oc- Lyme Disease Framework was engineer and PhD candidate at health-care system can be further other climate tober 2018, more evidence can be one I drafted and successfully University of Victoria. He was compromised. found in the pages of the January Back to the call for climate extremes, our health- 2019 New England Journal of Medi- change to be understood as a care system can be cine. Lead authors, Haines and Ebi, health emergency, I want to close set out a litany of health threats with a surprisingly robust call further compromised. due to climate change in the lead to action from the editors of The article, “The Imperative for Climate New England Journal of Medi- Action to Protect Health.” The cine: “We, like others, are fright- Journal editorial accompanying ened by the unfolding climate the Haines-Ebi study describes the crisis, with its implications for situation as “a health emergency.” health of our communities and “Disruption of our climate the future of our children. Rather system, once a theoretical con- than being paralyzed with despair, cern, is now occurring in plain we choose to focus our efforts on view—with a growing human where our voices are most power- toll brought by powerful storms, ful—for instance, by working fl ooding, droughts, wildfi res, and One surprising health challenge from heat waves is that our hospitals do with medical students on climate Green Party Leader Elizabeth May rising numbers of insect borne not have suffi cient air conditioning capacity to keep the hospitals within an action, supporting the under- Opinion diseases. Psychological stress, acceptable range of temperatures for safe surgeries, writes Green Party Leader graduate divestment movement, political instability, forced migra- Elizabeth May. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay joining forces with like-minded tion, and confl ict are other unset- health professionals, and speak- he recent Intergovernmental tling consequences. In addition, got passed through Parliament in part of a team commissioned to ing with our legislators. There are TPanel on Climate Change particulate air pollutants released 2016. Unfortunately, even with the examine the climate vulnerability currently more than one million (IPCC) special report on 1.5 de- by burning fossil fuels are short- passage of my bill, there is still an of the Nanaimo General Hospital. physicians in the United States, grees warned that failing to reach ening human life. People who are unacceptable gap in diagnosing Their report concluded that our and our actions matter. When the Paris targets would cause health poor or sick will suffer the most,” and treating Lyme. We need to existing hospital infrastructure next generation asks us. ‘What did crises in many parts of the world. the authors wrote in the Jan. 17, press the medical community to “is already unable to meet current you do about climate change?,’ we Globally, we can expect an in- 2019, issue. take up the challenge of training climate loads.” Due to forest fi res want to have a good answer.” crease in malaria and dengue fever, Across Canada, we have far more Lyme-literate physicians. and smoke blanketing southern Green Party Leader Elizabeth as well as a shift northward in the direct experience with the havoc No Canadian should have to go to Vancouver Island, this summer May represents Saanich-Gulf geographic range of those diseases. wrought by the insect-borne the United States to seek treat- on some days in Victoria, we had Islands, B.C. The IPCC report also warned of disease—Lyme disease. It has ment for Lyme. air quality that was as bad as The Hill Times

26 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng Applaud feds, but if we’re serious about changing dietary habits, we must start with our young Canadians

to change them is to prevent families can’t afford it, or it is not Canada is falling them from forming in the first a family priority. place. To really change how our Nor is it only low income behind in getting the country eats, we need to focus families who would benefi t. One right kind of food on our young Canadians. One recent Canadian study showed way of doing so is through a that 90 per cent of our students onto the plates of national children and youth nu- in Grades 6 to 12 are not eating trition program. Such programs enough fruits and vegetables. It’s our youth, and there have the dual effect of not only easy to understand why. Dual in- ensuring every young Cana- come families are now the norm, remains no better way dian has access to at least one and many parents are simply to change this than nutritious meal a day, but also too pressed for time to prepare teaches them healthy eating healthy, nutritious meals for their through a universal habits that will stay with them kids day in and day out. A univer- into adulthood. sal nutrition program would take children and youth This is not a novel idea. In one more task off their plate, so 1997, a House of Commons to speak. nutrition program. committee recommended the There is an educational com- creation of a national school nu- ponent as well. Our youth learn trition program. In 2015, a Senate by example, and what better committee suggested the same. way to do this than to demon- Most recently, my now retired strate to them what healthy colleague Senator Art Eggleton eating looks like. Such programs introduced a motion in the Sen- would also teach them how to ate that urges the government to eat sustainably. consult with the provinces, terri- In Brazil for instance, school tories, and Indigenous peoples in food programs are required to developing a national cost shared obtain 30 per cent of their food universal nutrition program. The from small scale local farmers, ISG Senator Marty Deacon motion remains on the Order boosting local economies in the Opinion Paper, and it is my hope to see it process. Having our children passed soon. grow up healthy is good; hav- Some might be surprised to ing them grow up healthy in an or many of us, diet is often learn that Canada is an outlier ecologically sustainable manner Ftop of mind when our calen- in this regard, as we are the only is better. dars change over. But what and G7 nation without some kind of I applaud this government for how we eat has been in the news national youth nutrition pro- committing to a national healthy for reasons beyond new year’s gram. Perhaps this is one reason eating strategy, but if we are seri- resolutions these past few weeks. why in 2017 UNICEF ranked ous about changing dietary hab- For instance, 37 scientists from Canada 37th out of 41 high in- its, we must start with our young the EAT-Lancet Commission on come countries when it comes to Canadians. This is an endeavour Food, Planet, Health recently juvenile access to nutritious food. that requires not just federal outlined a diet that will not only The repercussions of this are leadership, but the cooperation help us live longer, but also al- readily apparent. According to of provinces and municipalities lows for sustainability as the a 2016 Senate committee study, to be implemented in an effi cient global population grows. More- one out of every fi ve Canadian and effective manner. We all un- over, the federal government children is overweight; over one derstand the importance of daily recently released its revamped in 10 are obese. physical activity, yet that is only Canada Food Guide which, There are many ways a na- one piece of the puzzle for a hap- among other things, encourages tional program can go about re- py and healthy lifestyle. Canada Canadians to eat more fruits and versing these numbers. The most is falling behind in getting the vegetables, and to get more of obvious advantage is seeing to right kind of food onto the plates their protein from plant based it that every young Canadian is of our youth, and there remains Food, glorious food: In 1997, a House committee recommended the creation sources, rather than the animal provided with at least one nutri- no better way to change this than of a national school nutrition program. In 2015, a Senate committee based sources we have grown tious meal a day. It seems incon- through a universal children and suggested the same. Most recently, my now retired colleague Senator Art accustomed to. ceivable that in a country as rich youth nutrition program. Eggleton introduced a motion in the Senate that urges the government to But changing our food guide as ours any child should want for ISG Senator Marty Deacon is consult with the provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples in developing is just one piece of a broader food, yet every day nearly one an Ontario Senator for the Water- a national cost shared universal nutrition program. The motion remains on dietary puzzle. Habits are hard in six Canadian children lacks loo region. the Order Paper and it is my hope to see it passed, writes ISG Senator Marty to break, and the best way access to food because their The Hill Times Deacon. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade She counts on her medicine to breathe. Let’s make sure it’s there when she needs it.

Learn more about how potential changes to drug regulations could impact Canada at: innovateforlife.ca 28 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

More effective treatments, Health Service in England has tive companies, Canada boasts Personalized emerging from personalized med- decided to sequence the entire great networks experienced in icine, will reduce healthcare costs genome of all pediatric cancer bringing together stakeholders and keep Canadians healthier patients, as well as adults with and overcoming challenges that and more productive throughout certain diseases, in order to accel- can help accelerate the cre- medicine is the their lives. Cancer treatment, for erate tailored treatments. In 2017, ation of a national strategy. For example, has seen very signifi - the Swiss government launched example, Quebec has CQDM, a cant improvements from person- a National Support Initiative in consortium that funds the devel- future of health care alized medicine. Personalized Medicine to harmo- opment of new technology for Pharmaceutical companies nize genomics data, with the goal drug discovery and NEOMED, certainly see long-term benefi ts of accelerating targeted therapies. a network of SMEs involved in ore than 90 per cent of new of personalized medicine, though France has invested 670 million the creation of new medicines. The foundation is in Mpharmaceutical compounds they also worry about shrinking euros in the fi rst fi ve years of The Canadian Distributed In- don’t make it out of clinical trials. markets for drugs in the short its genomic medicine 2025 plan frastructure for Genomics, led place, but we need The stratospheric failure rate, term. Transitions to a new way and aims to sequence 235,000 by McGill University and the plus the need for rigorous safety of operating are diffi cult, but we genomes of patients by 2020. Hospital for Sick Children (Sick- more coordinated regulations, makes drug devel- encourage industry to lean into Finland is sequencing a major Kids), specializes in analyzing strategies to opment expensive—more than the change. Genomic medicine portion of its population. The list nation-wide data from dispa- $2.8-billion for each new drug, promises to fi nd new purposes of such national endeavours is rate local sources, and has just become the world according to some research. for already approved drugs by ever growing. announced a partnership with It’s small wonder that buying analyzing the infl uence of ge- With so many stakeholders African and EU researchers. The leader in this drugs is expensive. The federal netic variants, and fi nding other involved and a plethora of valu- Canadian Genomics Entreprise, government is consulting on diseases where the progression able but independent initiatives, a an academic consortium of fi eld. Personalized whether a national pharmacare or outcome is also infl uenced by national strategy on personalized Canada’s major genome centres medicine is the program can reduce costs, while these same variants. In addition medicine for Canada is critical. (UBC, SickKids, McGill) has providing coverage to vulnerable to expanding uses for existing Elements could include funding world-leading capacity in DNA future of health populations. But there is a com- drugs, personalized medicine also for whole genome sequencing for analysis. Many other collab- plementary avenue to be explored will shorten drug discovery time patients with certain diseases, orative ventures exist that can care—a win-win for that promises to lower healthcare and open up a vast new era in regular fora to connect Cana- contribute expertise. costs and revitalize Canada’s diagnostic testing. dian stakeholders, and increased The foundation is in place, government, industry pharmaceutical industry—person- Canada has a critical mass of harmonization of data and digital but we need more coordinated alized medicine. expertise in genomics, big data, health systems, as the report strategies to become the world and Canadians. Personalized medicine tailors artifi cial intelligence, medical from the federal government’s leader in this fi eld. Personalized health care to an individual’s ethics and a network of col- Economic Strategy Tables recom- medicine is the future of health genomic “blueprint,” which along laborations among industry, mends. While it is essential that care—a win-win for government, with lifestyle and environment, academia and healthcare, both these initiatives are led by the industry and Canadians. determines the risk of specifi c nationally and internationally. public sector to respond to health Philippe Gros is deputy vice- diseases and their outcomes. Ad- Yet some key elements to help needs, continuing the govern- principal, research and innova- vances in big data and artifi cial the country transform healthcare ment’s efforts to help SMEs in tion, McGill University, and is intelligence allow researchers to and reap the economic benefi ts this fi eld scale up are also crucial, an Offi cer of the Order of Cana- mine huge datasets of genomic are missing. so that innovative start-ups da. Mark Lathrop is a professor of information. They then link these Provincial and federal govern- have the option to partner with Human Genetics, and director of to medical records to determine ments can play a crucial role in academics and large corporations the McGill and Genome Quebec Philippe Gros & Mark Lanthrop what treatments and disease realizing the benefi ts of personal- instead of being acquired. Innovation Center at McGill ized medicine, as examples from In addition to world-leading University. Opinion preventions work for individuals with specifi c genetic variants. other nations show. The National academic research and innova- The Hill Times

nents must therefore develop and put forward an alternative policy Pharmacare bound to be an animating that preserves the strengths of the current model and targets those in need. One such option is to redesign issue in forthcoming federal budget the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) to help those without harmacare is bound to be an justify a broad-based interven- insurance through their employ- employer-provided insurance to The CPP experience Panimating issue in the forth- tion. The debate went back and ers. Another roughly 10 million choose their own insurance and coming federal budget Canada forth for years in Parliament, at people have coverage through defray the premium costs. A new, shows that we must Pension Plan (CPP) and the sub- federal-provincial meetings, and a combination of public plans. refundable tax credit could be sequent election campaign. on the opinion pages of newspa- There are roughly 3.5 million set, for instance, at $5,000 per also put forward It raises the question: are there pers such as The Hill Times. CPP Canadians who don’t have insur- household or $2,500 per indi- constructive analogous issues from the past proponents ultimately outlasted ance and are faced with out-of- vidual. There would also be room that can help us think about the their opponents and an expansion pocket costs and poorer access to to adjust these amounts based alternatives that impending debate about drug of premiums and benefi ts was medicines. on income or health status. This coverage and the role of public enacted in 2017. The fi rst two groups, which, of approach would provide substan- respond to the needs policy? I still believe that a CPP ex- course, represent the vast major- tial public support for individuals The closest comparison may pansion was unjustifi ed. Research ity of Canadians, are generally and families to purchase differ- of those poorly- be the protracted debate about by Jack Mintz, Phillip Cross, and well served by the current hybrid ent forms of private insurance retirement income adequacy and others showed at the time that of public and private insurance. ranging from basic plans to more served by the status whether to expand the Canada concerns about the so-called The third group, by contrast, enhanced benefi ts. And, most quo. It isn’t enough to Pension Plan (CPP), which started retirement savings “crisis” were would benefi t from policy reform. importantly, it would be targeted in earnest in 2009 and culmi- overblown. Only a small sub- Yet proponents of a single-pay- rather than comprehensive. discourage the use of nated in fi ve-year increases to section of the population—mainly er pharmacare scheme (including Pharmacare critics are correct CPP premiums last month. This widows with minimal work recently The Globe and Mail’s to spotlight the weaknesses of a sledgehammer. We experience shows the limits of experience—were facing income editorial board) would have Ot- a single-payer model including being merely oppositional and adequacy challenges. tawa impose a “comprehensive” its exorbitant costs and poorer need to pick up the the need to put forward construc- But the problem is critics of solution to solve a narrow prob- access to medicines. But these scalpel. tive alternatives to wrong-headed a CPP expansion focused most lem. Disrupting drug coverage for critiques are a necessary yet in- ideas. The lesson should pro- of their attention on challeng- 90 per cent of the population to suffi cient response to the growing vide guidance for how critics of ing the premise that there was a better serve the other 10 per cent calls for sweeping pharmacare pharmacare engage in the current broad-based problem and spent seems highly counterproductive. reforms. The CPP experience debate. little time developing constructive It amounts to the public policy shows that we must also put Readers will recall that the solutions to better support the equivalent of wielding a sledge- forward constructive alternatives retirement income debate ulti- cohort that is under-saving. The hammer instead of a scalpel. that respond to the needs of those mately hinged on whether there upshot is that one side of the ar- It’s not enough, however, to poorly-served by the status quo. It was widespread savings gap. gument put forward solutions and merely point out the fl aws in a isn’t enough to discourage the use Proponents for a CPP expansion the other side did not. The former pharmacare proposal. The CPP of a sledgehammer. We need to believed that there was signifi cant predictably won the debate. experience demonstrates that pick up the scalpel. problem necessitating a sweep- Which brings us back to the such an oppositional poise is a Sean Speer is a Munk senior Sean Speer ing policy response. Opponents pharmacare question. strategic mistake. There’s a good fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier argued that the problem only in- Presently more than 23 million chance that it leads to a poor Institute. Opinion volved a small cohort and did not Canadians are receiving drug policy outcome. Pharmcare oppo- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 29 Policy Briefi ng Health

Among all OECD countries, Canada ends up with the highest prices for patented drugs, behind the United States and Switzerland. We pay on average 25 per cent more on the price of patented drugs as compared to the median of OECD countries in the hope to attract investment in research and development (R&D), writes Marc-André Gagnon. Image courtesy of Pixabay

ing capacity. PMPRB does not for money and budget impact, have access to these opaque con- which would shift the incentives fi dential rebates. Let’s this sink towards the production of thera- Just price for drugs: in: our watchdog for drug prices peutic breakthroughs at afford- does not know the real price of able prices. drugs. But more profi ts means more It has been almost four years R&D? Right? Well, massive since the Prime Minister Justin profi ts in the pharmaceutical the eleventh hour Trudeau issued a mandate letter sector have been used instead to the health minister directing for industrial concentration her to lower prescription drug through mergers and acquisi- People should make profi t by (R&D). It means that Canadians prices for Canadians. Since 2016, tions, barring the way to new For Canadians, it serving others, not by abusing willfully accept to pay an ad- PMPRB entered into a long await- innovative companies. Share should be a reminder them. ditional $3.6-billion every year ed reform process to modernize buy-backs are also at all-time In 1987, Canada extended for patented drugs. The total its regulations. All the reforms high. For example, the company that we need to intellectual property protection economic impact of the patented on the table made a lot of sense: Alexion ranks among the largest for pharmaceuticals. In order to drug industry in Canada (payroll provide PMPRB access to real global 500 companies in terms of modernize our PMPRB make sure that drug companies and investment) is $3-billion. drug prices; change the basket of market value while it only has a do not abuse these new privi- Let’s let this sink in: in addition comparator countries to better re- handful of products for ultra-rare watchdog to achieve leges, the reform of the Patent to the just price for our drugs, fl ect the Canadian reality; include diseases. Its success is based on Act also established the Patented Canada gives away $3.6-billion new criteria for excessive pricing making colossal profi ts by de- ‘just prices’ and get Medicines Price Review Board to support an industry, which like budget impact and value for manding astronomical prices or rid of our irrational (PMPRB), an independent quasi- total economic contribution is money. otherwise patients die. Its CEO, judicial body whose role is to $3-billion. However, the process has Leonard Bell, was the most well policies that serves ensure that the price of patented There is no reason to allow stalled, and it is now the eleventh paid pharmaceutical executive in drugs is not excessive. such infl ated prices, especially hour before the reform dies on 2014 with total compensation of corporate welfare However, the PMPRB regula- considering that Canada is one the order paper. Drug companies $227-million. tion is very generous for drug of the OECD countries with the and patient groups fi nanced by For scholastic thinkers, to the detriment of companies in order to better highest rate of cost-related non- drug companies are opposing the Alexion would be a clear case attract investment. Patented adherence (rate of people not reform. Their argument is simple: of caristia inducatur: exploit- patients. drug prices in Canada must not fi lling a prescription for fi nancial if drug companies make less ing other people’s misery by be higher than the median of a reasons). profi t, patients will have access inducing dearth. For Canadi- basket of seven countries, which The PMPRB is also regulating to less new drugs. However, the ans, it should be a reminder BY MARC-ANDRÉ GAGNON include the world’s four most only the offi cial price of drugs. argument is fl awed. Predatory that we need to modernize our expensive countries. That was not an issue 20 years pricing provides incentives for PMPRB watchdog to achieve he concept of “Just Price” Among all OECD countries, ago when the price of drugs was drug companies to shift their “just prices” and get rid of our Tgoes back to medieval scho- Canada ends up with the high- transparent (like the price of business models towards thera- irrational policies that serves lastic economic thinking, which est prices for patented drugs, gas at the gas station). However, peutically insignifi cant drugs at corporate welfare to the detri- was dominant for 500 years. To behind the United States and the game has changed and the astronomical prices. Currently ment of patients. ensure that the price is just, au- Switzerland. We pay on average market for pharmaceuticals is 83 per cent of new (and expen- Marc-André Gagnon, PhD, thorities had to determine that 25 per cent more on the price of now submerged with confi dential sive) patented drugs marketed in is an associate professor in the merchant was not exploiting patented drugs as compared to agreements. Offi cial drug prices Canada do not provide additional the school of public policy and other people’s misery by charg- the median of OECD countries are now like the price of a car at therapeutic value as compared administration at Carleton ing excessive price and induc- in the hope to attract investment a car dealer, and the fi nal price to what already exists. PMPRB University. ing dearth (caristia inducatur). in research and development simply depends on your bargain- reforms would focus on value The Hill Times 30 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Health Policy Briefi ng

one psychiatric disorder and many will meet ing the phenomenon of brain plasticity, also criteria for multiple conditions. known as neuroplasticity, and its potential Addressing autism Addressing such issues as a society to reverse some of the effects of autism. requires innovative policy development and Researchers and therapists are developing evi- multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships dence-based approaches and solutions. We are among federal, provincial/territorial players. beginning to see the transformational power of requires extraordinary When a group of Canadians experiences combined research and practice so that autistic an 80 per cent unemployment rate such as Canadians can lead integrated and productive adults with autism, that group deserves to get lives in a more tolerant society. Great things attention and action. When a group of autistic are happening in isolated places. Great things collaboration, Canadians experiencing a 50 per cent rate of need to happen everywhere in Canada. mental health challenges, that group deserves Yet, more must be done! The federal gov- to get attention and action. When Indigenous ernment, the provinces and territories, and communities identify that their participa- their policy thinkers must be on the same policy innovation tion in ASD related services is blocked by page. If you have a lower income, if you live systemic racism and social isolation, autistic away from urban centers, if you live in the Autism is now the fastest circles of relationships, families, neighbour- Canadians deserve our attention and action. North, or if you live in Indigenous com- hoods, workplaces, communities, we are As a Canadian Senator, my journey along munities, you cannot dream of a promising growing and most commonly touched by the crushing reality of mental the autism policy road began a little over future. Services and assistance to autistic illness and the need for services and care. a decade ago with the Senate inquiry “Pay individuals and their families during early diagnosed neurological To Canadians in the autism community, this Now Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis.” childhood, school age, in later adolescence, disorder in Canada. Autism reality packs a double punch: a diagnosis of Stakeholders in the large autism community as young adults, and as seniors are not ASD (ASD—Autism Spectrum Disorder) very came together and created the Canadian there. You are alone. Throughout your life. occurs in all racial, ethnic frequently is accompanied by a mental health ASD Alliance (CASDA) to make change hap- Every spring, CASDA hosts a Canadian diagnosis thus presenting a complex set of pen and to inspire the development of a Na- Autism Leadership Summit and brings togeth- and socio-economic groups. barriers for services and care. In Canada, there tional ASD Strategy. Since then government er ASD leaders from across Canada to share are no federal and provincial set standards and policy has evolved. The federal government information and research fi ndings and to ad- best practices for clinicians to follow. has launched a number of initiatives: the vance a national strategy. At the next summit We know that one in 66 Canadians has Public Health Agency of Canada has estab- this coming April 2 and 3, mental health will be some form of autism, that ASD is the most lished a National ASD Surveillance System front and centre. One of the discussion panels common neurodevelopmental disorder and is working with provinces and territories will focus on understanding and embracing diagnosed among children today. Autism to collect and track prevalent data, compare the complexities of an autism diagnosis: be- is now the fastest growing and most com- patterns and began to report on their fi nd- havioural, biological, social, and mental health monly diagnosed neurological disorder in ings starting in 2018. Through the Canadian dimensions to fi nd pragmatic and solution- Canada. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic Institutes of Health Research, the federal approaches to intervention and care. and socio-economic groups. Autism is a life- government invests $8-million annually in All this work requires extraordinary long spectrum disorder. We know that early areas of ASD research. The Opportunities collaboration and policy innovation. Liberal Senator Jim Munson intervention is critical to a child’s chances of Fund for Persons with Disabilities has led Liberal Senator Jim Munson (Ottawa/ Opinion reversing some of the effects of autism. To add to the creation of the employment program Rideau Canal) is a vocal advocate for indi- to the complexity, co-occurring mental health Ready, Willing and Able. These are the build- viduals with an autism spectrum disorder. His conditions such as anxiety and depression ing blocks of a National Autism Strategy. leadership in Parliament led to the adoption he “Bell Let’s Talk Day” brought again to are common in individuals with ASD. Mental Public awareness of autism has increased of An Act respecting World Autism Aware- Tthe attention of Canadians the crisis and health problems in youth with autism is four exponentially. People are understanding more ness Dayand the landmark Senate report Pay stories of mental health. Almost all of us are to fi ve time greater than in the larger popula- about autism, neurodiversity and its manifes- Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis. affected one way or the other. In each of our tion: 70 per cent will meet criteria for at least tations. Science and research are demystify- The Hill Times

Overall, Canada would see a a year on average, although net savings of $6.1-billion a year employers likely wouldn’t be so by reducing the cost of drugs and happy seeing their net costs go up Prescription for savings: administration, while providing far more than their savings from all Canadians with access to the lower drug insurance premiums. prescription drugs they need. Other options, using payroll how the feds can make But a public program would also taxes or a combination of corpo- involve a large shift in costs from rate income taxes, personal in- households and employers to come taxes, and closing loopholes governments. would save lower- and middle- So what is the best solution? In income households $300 to $500 pharmacare work for A Prescription our recent report more a year in lower drug costs for Savings, published in Decem- than they’d pay in higher taxes. ber, we considered seven ways Employers would also share households and employers the federal government could pay $1-billion to $2.5-billion in sav- for its part, including increases in ings a year, even after accounting the GST, personal income taxes, for new taxes. We have a historic BY DAVID MACDONALD ties. This untenable choice dispro- corporate income taxes, payroll These savings will only be AND TOBY SANGER portionately affects young people, taxes, closing tax loopholes, and achievable with a single-payer, opportunity to low-income residents and those combinations of these (we didn’t universal and public pharmacare ecent polling has revealed a without insurance. It poses sig- consider user fees or co-payments program. A diluted or fi ll in the signifi cantly improve Rgrowing proportion of Cana- nifi cant challenges for Indigenous because even modest ones create gaps approach won’t achieve dians are $200 or less away from people and reinforces gender barriers to access). the same benefi cial outcomes or our health-care fi nancial insolvency at month- inequality, as women have more The potential savings are so degree of savings. system with the end, inching up six percentage diffi culty paying for medications signifi cant that under most rev- We have a historic opportu- points to 46 per cent in the last than men. enue scenarios lower- and middle- nity to signifi cantly improve our introduction of quarter of 2018. An additional Both the federal Liberals and income Canadian households health-care system with the intro- 45 per cent of those surveyed by NDP have committed to a national would be better off in net terms duction of a national public phar- a national public Ipsos on behalf of insolvency fi rm pharmacare program, with the by an average of $300 to $500 per macare program, and also save MNP Ltd. indicated that, to pay federal advisory council led by year, even after including any billions a year by doing so. But it pharmacare program, their living and family expenses, former Ontario health minister Dr. additional taxes paid. On top of is important that it be designed and also save billions they will need to incur more debt. Eric Hoskins due to report back that, employers save $1-billion to properly, and progressively. This Addressing these pocketbook on the issue soon. Amid ongoing $3-billion annually. would not only be politically ap- a year by doing so. But concerns of families across the discussions around buy-in during The worst option for house- pealing, but will also result in a country, from rates of fi nancial in- an election year, it’s important holds is a GST increase. In this healthier population. it is important that it solvency to people struggling on know there are ways forward that case, employers capture $5.6-bil- David Macdonald is senior a daily basis to make ends meet, can provide a win-win-win solu- lion in savings a year from phar- economist with the Canadian be designed properly, is sure to feature prominently in tion for households, businesses macare and households end up Centre for Policy Alternatives and the lead up to federal election and health system outcomes. worse off. The top half of Canadian Toby Sanger is executive direc- and progressively. this fall. Implementing a national Research shows that a federal, households end up paying more. tor of Canadians for Tax Fairness. This would not only be pharmacare program will help universal single-payer pharma- The bottom half of households They published A Prescription for make that happen. care program would save house- don’t see much savings but at least Savings: Federal Revenue Options politically appealing, In 2017, nearly one million holds $10-billion annually and aren’t worse off on average. for Pharmacare and Their Distri- Canadians sacrifi ced food and reduce costs for employers by The best option for households butional Impacts on Households, but will also result in a heating to pay for prescription $6.5-billion, but would increase is if a corporate income tax pays Businesses and governments in drugs, according to research from costs for the federal government for pharmacare. Then middle- December. healthier population. a number of Canadian universi- by $10.4-billion. class households save over $600 The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 31 Policy Briefi ng Health

Canada's federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, pictured. As the holder of the purse strings, the federal government could develop such a population-based, integrated and integrative model of health care. Not a bad national health-care strategy as we head into the next election, writes ISG Senator Josée Forest-Niesing. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

the existing provincial systems. Such community clinics would Could Canada’s health- need to be both integrated and integrative. An integrated health care system is one where effi ciency is the main objective. Medical care care system be healthier? providers from support staff, to nurses, physicians and specialists work together as a team, com- municating frequently, with each edicine is not my area of of pills, lots of doctors, lots of Canadians could also ben- member attending to their specif- The federal government Mexpertise, but I have often confusion. efi t from standardization of the ic area of competency to deliver should take leadership joked that I almost feel ready Where does the federal gov- health-care system based on best care in the most collaborative and to take some of the med-school ernment come in? practices. Furthermore, the tre- effi cient manner. Essentially, it is in developing, exams. Why? I acknowledge that it is dif- mendous advancements in tech- a “one-stop shop” for the patient. I have taken ownership fi cult for most Canadians to nology would allow for electron- The benefi t for the members of funding, and ensuring of and responsibility for my sort out what is specifi cally of ic record keeping being shared the health-care team is that they implementation of health and in the process, I provincial or federal jurisdiction by health-care providers and have clear roles and can deliver have learned so much. Having in matters of health care. could conceivably be accessed only what is necessary with the standardized integrated struggled with serious health Each province is responsible by patients themselves, thereby assurance that the patient will problems since a rather ominous to legislate and operate its own increasing the engagement of benefi t from a comprehensive and integrative health- diagnosis in March of 2007, health-care regime. As a result, patients in their own care. It is plan of care. care systems across (spoiler alert—this story has a each province’s system was insti- proven that involvement of the An integrative health care happy ending) I have evolved tuted at different times, is admin- patient in a plan of care has the system is one where the com- Canada, thereby over the last almost 12 years istered and operates differently very positive effect of increasing prehensive plan of care is the from the typical “my-doctor- leading to signifi cant differences transparency, education as well main objective. Over the past ensuring delivery of knows-best” patient approach from one province to the other as that patient’s participation several years, so much has been health-care services to a person who knows every- as each deals with its particular and compliance leading to better learned about the benefi ts of thing there is to know about her demographic and geographic outcomes. Better outcomes lead alternative medicine. I recall a to the populations condition, its symptoms and the challenges. to effi ciencies. time when patients were faced everyday decisions that impact The role of the federal gov- In a perfect world, we could with the need to choose between for which it has my health outcomes. ernment is to provide leadership even consider a patient-based a conventional medical plan of It is estimated that more and set the big-picture goals with health-care system where hos- care or an alternative plan, such jurisdiction, but also than two million Canadians are a view to achieving best prac- pitals have their purpose, but as naturopathic, osteopathic, including patients affected by autoimmune dis- tices across the country. It is also primary and out-patient care is traditional Indigenous and an- eases. Of the approximately 50 responsible for legislating and provided by community clin- cient Chinese medicine. We now currently underserved different types of autoimmune providing health care to specifi c ics that are connected through know that alternative medicine diseases that have been identi- groups that fall with federal ju- electronic access to records and modalities can be complemen- by the existing fi ed to date, in Canada, the most risdiction, including First Nations where health-care professionals tary to a plan of care. Most pa- provincial systems. prevalent ones include lupus, living on reserves, Inuit, RCMP, of all fi elds are on-site to provide tients, if given the choice would rheumatoid arthritis, multiple and Canadian Forces, federal pen- multi-disciplinary health ser- want access to the full gamut of Such community sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and itentiary inmates, to name a few. vices, from conventional west- methods to treat their symptoms Sjögren’s syndrome. In each of As it is responsible for funding, ern medical practices to other while attempting to identify and clinics would need to these, the over-active immune the federal government provides modalities that complement address the root cause of their be both integrated and system becomes confused and long-term, sustainable funding and improve management of a ailments. Better still, much could attacks healthy cells and tissues models and manages federal-pro- patient’s case. be done by way of preventive integrative. within the body instead of work- vincial relations through funding Without wanting to over medicine to manage existing ing to destroy the bad ones. For and conditions imposed upon that simplify an incredibly complex conditions and even avoid ill- a patient with an autoimmune funding. bi-jurisdictional situation, my ness altogether. disease that has targeted one Because of the staggered simple solution is this: the federal As the holder of the purse or more vital organs, the illness and irregular method by which government should take lead- strings, the federal govern- becomes life-threatening. In all it was created, the Canadian ership in developing, funding ment could develop such a cases, however, patients suffer health-care system could benefi t and ensuring implementation population-based, integrated from a wide range of symptoms from some review and improve- of standardized integrated and and integrative model of health in differing degrees of severity. ment. For example, most experts integrative health-care systems care. Not a bad national health- The cause is not known and to agree that an increase in primary across Canada, thereby ensuring care strategy as we head into date, there is no cure. Patients care is much needed across the delivery of health-care services to the next election. ISG Senator Josée Forest-Niesing affected by one of these condi- country to lessen waiting times the populations for which it has ISG Senator Josée Forest- tions must learn to live with it and expand access to remote jurisdiction, but also including Niesing is an Ontario Senator. Opinion and despite it. The result? Lots and underserved communities. patients currently underserved by The Hill Times 32 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Legislation

The Parliament of Canada Act explicitly recognizes the govern- ment and opposition leaders in ‘Where’s there’s a will, there’s a the Senate in a few ways: laying out increased salaries for them, compared to other Senators; giv- ing them powers to change the way’: can Trudeau entrench his membership of the Senate’s In- ternal Economy Committee; and requiring that they be consulted before certain federal appoint- ments, including the Senate Eth- new Senate before the election? ics Offi cer and the Parliamentary Budget Offi cer. ber, Senate leaders typically The Senate will decide when the government’s representative The leaders of the government Sticking the changes negotiate to pass the govern- it returns at the end of February in the Senate, Sen. Peter Harder and opposition in the Senate— ment’s top priorities, sometimes whether to ask the Rules Com- (Ottawa), have declined to clarify currently Sen. Harder and Con- in an omnibus budget resulting in lower priorities being mittee to draw up recommended whether the government is con- servative Senator Larry Smith sidelined. changes to the Parliament of sidering that option—Sen. Harder (Saurel, Que.), respectively—are bill would, once Conservative Party Leader An- Canada Act—to be passed on in the Senate Chamber during also given special rights and again, break a Liberal drew Scheer (Regina-Qu’Appelle, to the government—that would Question Period, and Ms. Chagger privileges under the Rules of the Sask.) has pledged not to appoint make it refl ect the new makeup in an emailed statement to The Senate, including more speaking promise to stop that independent, non-partisan Sena- of the Senate. The committee Hill Times last week. time in the Chamber. The Senate tors if he wins the next election, will also likely be asked to study can change the Rules of the Sen- practice. It’s also though it would take years under changes to the Rules of the Change the act, change ate itself, but changing the Parlia- a Conservative government Senate to accommodate the new, ment of Canada Act, particularly one of few ways the before the Conservatives regain a multi-group dynamic, which can the rules the portion dealing with salaries, government could majority in the Senate. be dealt with without involving Changing the Parliament of is more complicated; because the House of Commons. Canada Act would put pressure it deals with spending money, short-cut through No need for long debate: Sen. Joyal said he couldn’t on the Senate to change its own the bill will have to originate in speak to whether there was an rules for debate, to refl ect the the House. The government has another Senate study Sen. Joyal appetite in the Senate for put- new multi-group Senate, said Sen. deferred to the Senate, however, Government House Leader ting a time constraint on a Rules Joyal. on how the changes should be and packed legislative Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Ont.) Committee study of changing the “Once the Parliament of Cana- structured. is in charge of introducing the Parliament of Canada Act. da Act would have been changed, The Senate tasked its Modern- schedule. bill to change the Parliament of “It’s not a new subject on the the law is the law,” he said. “We ization Committee with examining Canada Act, but the Senate will fl oor of the Chamber. On the con- cannot ignore the Parliament of potential changes to the Parlia- BY PETER MAZEREEUW effectively drive the process, fi rst trary, it’s a subject for which the Canada Act. And I can expect cer- ment of Canada Act, and that com- by studying—not for the fi rst Senators are very well aware. So tainly that once the amendments mittee issued a report in Decem- he Liberal government may time—and proposing changes to I don’t think that there is a long would have been adopted at third ber that laid out which parts of the Thave to get its hands dirty if the act, then dealing with the bill debate to take place,” he said. reading in the Chamber, and they act must be changed to refl ect a it wants to enshrine into law the once it has been introduced and “It’s up to the Chamber to de- receive royal sanction, that at that multi-group Senate, based in part new, multi-group dynamic in the progressed to the Senate. cide what priority to give that.” time there is no other way than to upon a briefi ng from the Senate Red Chamber before the next law clerk. However, the report— federal election. which still has to be concurred in Prime Minister Justin by the Senate—also recommended Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) told that another Senate committee, The Canadian Press in Decem- the Rules, Rights and Procedures ber that he would try to change of Parliament Committee, study the Parliament of Canada Act the issue once again to draw up to better refl ect the presence more specifi c proposed amend- of more than two groups, and ments to the act. non-political groups, in the Sen- The Senate Rules Committee ate. “We’re going to try to do it is chaired by Conservative Sena- before the election,” he told the tor Leo Housakos (Wellington, news wire. Que.), a former Senate speaker Mr. Trudeau expelled Liberal and enthusiastic critic of the Senators from his caucus in 2014, Liberal government. Sen. Housa- and set up an advisory panel kos declined to comment on the system to recommend Senators recommended Rules Committee for appointment to the Chamber. study of changes to the Parlia- Nearly all of the Senators he has ment of Canada Act, as the Sen- appointed to the Chamber now ate has not yet accepted the sit in the Independent Senators Modernization Committee report Group, which requires that its that suggested the Rules Commit- members not operate as politi- tee take on the task. cal partisans, and does not whip Sen. Smith was not available votes. for an interview last week. Changing the law to refl ect Sen. Joyal, a deputy chair the new Senate makeup won’t be of the Rules Committee, said a easy, however. The government second study of the matter by the has 13 more sitting weeks to pass Rules Committee is necessary any legislation it wants in place because it is the “proper body” to before the fall federal election. Government House Leader Bardish Chagger and Government Senate Representative Peter Harder, centre, will be tasked study procedures and rights in That includes several priority with introducing and shepherding legislation to change the Parliament of Canada Act, which Prime Minister Justin the Senate. Once the Rules Com- bills in both Chambers covering Trudeau has said he wants passed before the summer. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, fi le photograph mittee fi nishes its study, it would environmental assessments, gun likely send its recommended safety, poverty reduction, divorce The Parliament of Canada Act The Independent Senators adjust the rules, either [the Senate changes to Sen. Harder to refer and custody, solitary confi nement, could be changed in time for the Group has so far not used its Administrative Rules] or through to the government in the House, national security, justice reform, election if the Independent Sena- majority in the Senate to ram bills the Rules of the Senate.” he said. and ocean protection, as well as tors Group (ISG) fl exes its major- or studies through the Chamber The leaders of the Indepen- When asked about the impor- bills that have yet to be intro- ity muscle in the Chamber. quickly, at least partly because it dent Senators Group, which tance of changing the Parliament duced on Indigenous languages, “Where there’s a will, there’s does not whip its members. holds a majority of the seats in of Canada Act before the next child welfare services, and imple- a way,” said long-serving Senate Stuffi ng the changes to the the Senate but is not afforded election, Sen. Joyal pointed to menting the 2019 budget. Liberal Serge Joyal (Kennebec, Parliament of Canada Act into status under the Parliament of the fact that composition of the Time will be especially tight Que.). an omnibus budget implementa- Canada Act, have both said the Senate—which does not presently in the Senate, which is return- “If a majority in the Chamber tion bill would solve the timing act should be changed. Inde- have any empty seats—would ing from the winter break later comes to a conclusion it is the problem, as the Senate would pendent Senator Yuen Pau Woo not change signifi cantly after an than the House of Commons this thing to do, for obvious reasons, be under pressure to pass the (B.C.), the ISG facilitator, has election. year. Conservative Senators will there is a possibility for a com- bill, and quickly. The Liberals said so repeatedly, including to “The Senate works best when have little incentive to facilitate mittee to be instructed, within promised during the last election the Senate Modernization Com- there is [a] consensual basis of an changes to the Parliament of a reasonable period of time, to campaign not to use omnibus mittee back in April, and deputy initiative,” he said. Canada Act to entrench a new come forward with changes,” bills to pass multiple, unrelated ISG facilitator Sen. Raymond “We don’t cross the bridge dynamic in the Senate that they said Sen. Joyal, who also serves legislative changes, but have Saint-Germain (De la Vallière, when we’re not there.” have, generally, opposed. When as the deputy chair of the Senate done so at times over the past Que.) said so to The Canadian [email protected] time gets tight in the Red Cham- Rules Committee. four years. Both Ms. Chagger and Press in December. @PJMazereeuw THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 33 Cybercrime News RCMP inundated by cybercrime reports, with little success in prosecution, committee hears we have no idea how big this tiger Communications ‘Unfortunately, there’s is and I think the committee will Security do useful work in trying to expose Establishment a lot of cybercriminals to the Canadian public at large head Scott Jones getting away [that] this is massive,” he told The appeared before Hill Times. the House Public with what they’re In a fi nancial context, cyber- Safety and crime takes a range of forms, National Security doing,’ says Chris from phishing schemes and Committee romance scams to fake online on Jan. 30 Lynam, acting banking portals or banking to discuss Trojans to data breaches to cyber cybercrime director general of ransom and more. These crimes threats to the RCMP’s new can lead to fi nancial losses and/ Canada's or information breaches, from fi nancial sector. national cybercrime the individual to the large-scale. The Hill Times The Canadian Chamber of photograph by coordination unit. Commerce has estimated that Andrew Meade cybercrime costs Canada roughly $3.1-billion a year. Continued from page 1 To commit these cybercrimes, testifi ed that, despite chronic perpetrators can take advantage on Jan. 30. At the end of the day, Chief Supt. Flynn estimated it’s a “Stealing personal and fi nan- underreporting, their force re- of a range of vulnerabilities: in our fi nancial system is based on “small percentage, fractional per cial information is lucrative for ceives an overwhelming number network systems, from human us- confi dence, and affecting that can cent probably.” cybercriminals and is very likely of cybercrime reports—close to ers, or through the actual devices affect markets, he said. “So basically what you’re to increase,” reads the report. 28,000 in 2017—very few of which and equipment used. In turn, Chris Lynam, acting direc- saying is this is a pretty low-risk Cybercrime perpetrators can it’s able to prosecute, as it strives Scott Jones, head of the Com- tor general of the RCMP’s new crime,” said Mr. McKay. come in a variety of forms, from to catch-up to and keep pace with munications Security Establish- national cybercrime coordination Responded Mr. Lynam: “Yes, individuals looking for a chal- developments in cybercrime. ment (CSE) said there’s a need unit, said almost 28,000 cyber- unfortunately there’s a lot of lenge to hacktivists to nation- “The biggest challenge that we not only for public education, but crimes were reported in 2017, an cybercriminals getting away with states, said Mr. Kabilan. have today in those reports is the for businesses to be conscious of 83 per cent increase from 2014. what they’re doing.” In terms of nation-states, sheer volume of the victimization potential supply-chain risks, from Despite this, underreporting The multi-jurisdictional nature absent a major international that’s occurring and the fact that outsourcing services to device of cybercrime is a “key concern” of cybercrime “brings into sharp confl ict, Mr. Jones said the threat the anonymization that’s avail- manufacturing. for the RCMP, said Mr. Lynam, focus the need for a coordinating of disruption to Canadian infra- able on the internet and taken ad- The fi nancial sector has “excel- caused in part by the “stigma” mechanism,” he said. structure is “very low.” vantage of by the cybercriminals lent capabilities in terms of fraud attached, as many organizations The new RCMP unit will act as “But there is some nation-state makes it much more diffi cult to detection etc., and in fact it’s one or corporations don’t report being a “coordination hub” for cybercrime interest in private information track them down,” RCMP chief su- of the areas where we’re hoping the victim of cybercrime because investigations between forces and some of the other informa- perintendent Mark Flynn, direc- to learn from them,” he said. they’re concerned about reputa- across Canada and with interna- tion that’s out there. There’s tor general of the force’s fi nancial tional damage. Adding to report- tional partners, said Mr. Lynam. certainly nation-states that use crime and cybercrime operations, ing problems is the existence of It’s set to “achieve initial op- cyber crime tools…especially for told the committee on Jan. 28. multiple reporting mechanisms, erating capability” in April 2020, sanctions etc., to get around sanc- “The relatively low cost of which can be “confusing for the he said, with its work to “ramp tions,” he said. these attacks has enabled both public,” he said. up” and be fully operational by Last October, Statistics Canada malicious individuals and new “The underreporting of cy- 2023. Setting it up requires hir- released a report on the impact of organized crime cyber groups to bercrime prevents law enforce- ing, training, establishing new cybercrime on Canadian busi- undertake these attacks on an ment from connecting the dots partnerships with police services nesses in 2017, fi nding $14-billion unprecedented scale,” he said. and responding to cybercrime across Canada, as well as with was spent trying to prevent, detect, Chief Supt. Flynn said the in a larger, coordinated, and the private and non-governmental and recover from cyber security force is working to combat the more targeted scale. It also organization sectors, and imple- incidents that year, with roughly 21 challenges posed by the often hampers governments in un- menting a new information man- per cent of all Canadian businesses anonymous and “borderless” derstanding the magnitude and agement IT system, he said. reportedly impacted by a cyber se- nature of cybercrime through extent of the problem that we A “key” takeaway from consul- curity incident. Around 26 per cent national and international col- are facing,” Mr. Lynam told the tations undertaken in setting up of businesses reported they did not laboration, and developing “much committee. the new unit is the need to be able have employees focused on cyber closer relationships” with the fi - Last year, Parliament passed to “constantly evolve,” said Mr. security. Among other things, the nancial sector, including integrat- changes to the Personal Infor- Lynam; in turn, they’ve pushed to report also found that in 2017 only ing the cyber security resources mation Protection and Elec- build a “culture of being adaptive” about 10 per cent of businesses im- of large banks and fi nancial tronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and ensure the unit has enough pacted by a cyber security incident institutions and the private sector including new requirements for IT developers on staff to be able reported it to police. into its investigations. House Public Safety Committee chair companies and organizations to quickly respond to new threats. The Senate Banking, Trade, and He recounted that on his fi rst and Liberal MP John McKay. The Hill to report data breaches to the “It will constantly be a chal- Commerce Committee completed day on the job in cybercrime, Times photograph by Andrew Meade federal privacy commissioner and lenge to try and even just keep its own study into cyber security he requested a report on “every notify affected individuals. But pace with cybercrime environ- last October. The resulting report, possible technological attack that But Mr. Jones warned that there’s no arrangement in law for ment,” he said. “From a culture titled “Cyber assault: It should was going just against govern- cybercrime techniques can be such reports to be shared with perspective, we’re going to do all keep you up at night,” paints a ment of Canada systems.” “incredibly sophisticated.” police; an example of siloing that we can to really make sure it’s stark picture. In 2017, 10-million “It overwhelmed my email “Even for me, who, this is my NDP MP Matthew Dubé (Beloeil- not a bureaucratic structure that Canadians were victims of cyber system,” he said. “So the volume is daily business, I could make a Chambly, Que.) said is concerning can’t respond.” crime, according to fi gures cited in too much there, so we have to col- mistake, and so you have to hope and problematic. Mr. Dubé said it was a “sur- the committee’s report. laborate in our response to that.” for education but rely on further Chief Supt. Flynn noted the prise” to hear the new RCMP unit “To date, Canada has offered Cybercrime goes far beyond measures layered in the security new Canadian Centre for Cyber wouldn’t be in operation until only limp responses to this real the fi nancial sector—from elec- approach,” he said. Security, launched in October, 2020. He suggested it could be and rising threat,” reads an execu- tion interference to national de- Satyamoorthy Kabilan, vice- will have its own public report- an “indicator” that, while there’s tive summary of the report. “Po- fence—but the Public Safety and president of policy at the Public ing portal. The new centre is “clearly a need to deal with cyber lice, too, are relatively powerless National Security Committee’s Policy Forum, said people pursue among the cyber security initia- security issues,” authorities aren’t against the relentless and creative new study is focused squarely such cyber attacks because it’s tives announced as part of the “quite there yet” in terms of hav- onslaught of cyber scams.” on cyber security in the fi nancial relatively “easy” and can be done 2018 federal budget and was ing adequate capacity, in par- Among the committee’s 10 sector as a national economic from anywhere in the world. allocated $155.2-million over fi ve ticular when it comes to human recommendations are calls for security issue. Mr. McKay, the Essentially everything, at one years and $44.5-million per year resources. the federal government to create Liberal MP for Scarborough- point or another, fl ows through a ongoing. The new RCMP unit The CSE’s new cyber secu- a new minister of cyber security, Guildwood, Ont., said he expects country’s fi nancial system, and in was given $116-million rity centre released its fi rst-ever create a federal expert task force the study will be the committee’s the context of “new hybrid war- over fi ve years for its establish- national cyber threat assessment to draft recommendations, and focus for the remainder of this fare options,” useful information ment, and $23.3-million per year report in December. It indicated develop a “rapid and responsive Parliament. and insight into a country’s inner going forward. that cybercrime is the “cyber national cyber security informa- “I think everybody has kind of workings can be gained through Pressed by Mr. McKay about threat most likely to affect Ca- tion-sharing framework.” a pervasive sense that we might attacks on the fi nancial sector, how many of the 28,000 reported nadian and Canadian businesses [email protected] have a tiger by the tail here, but Mr. Kabilan told the committee cybercrimes resulted in charges, in 2019.” The Hill Times 34 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Foreign policy Trudeau ‘masterful’ at soft power, falling short on hard power, says ex-diplomat Rowswell

The Liberal prime minister Mr. Trudeau started off his term in 2015 with a strong foreign policy strat- started off strong on the egy and garnered momentum that lasted for several years, said Mr. Rowswell. The world stage, but has fallen picture has looked less rosy since the end of the USMCA trade negotiations with the out a global leadership role in U.S. and Mexico in the fall, however, as the past few months, says the Canada has become embroiled in a dispute between the U.S. and China after arrest- president of the Canadian ing Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. The United States is seeking her extradition International Council. on allegations she helped her company to violate sanctions against Iran. Continued from page 1 Defence, aid don’t live up to “This is now where you’re seeing criticisms of us not having invested in hard Liberal hype Mr. Rowswell was Canada’s repre- power, because in this much more dangerous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping environment, many Canadians are looking sentative in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2009-2010 under the previous Conserva- have lead their countries during diplomatic feuds and trade wars concerning all three during the to our position to the world and thinking, ‘My past few years. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Gage Skidmore God, we have great powers now—obviously tive government. “I had a pretty good view, in much more of a confl ictual situation with up close and personal, of what Canadian Diplomats energized by 2015 a lot of credit for that,” he said, noting each other—but they are also being quite military power can be mobilized to ac- that Canada was at a disadvantage in the adversarial with us,’” said Ben Rowswell, complish,” he said. policies negotiations, up against a much larger the president of the Canadian International “With the 3,000 troops that we had, all Mr. Trudeau ran on the strongest foreign trading partner in the U.S. that had shown Council, a Toronto-based foreign affairs concentrated in one single province in one policy platform of the leaders in the last itself willing to overturn the table of trade think tank, and a former high-level Canadian single country, compare that with now,” he election, said Mr. Rowswell, and started off law norms that it had built in decades past diplomat in Venezuela, Afghanistan, and said, pointing to the fact that the roughly his term in 2015 with a bang by agreeing to under the Trump government. Iraq, and adviser in the PCO. 2,000 Canadian Forces personnel cur- accept 25,000 Syrian refugees in relatively The Trudeau government deserves “China is really openly hostile to us now, rently deployed abroad are spread across short order, a move that “caught the world’s some credit for fi nishing off the CETA and and even Donald Trump himself, the presi- missions throughout the world, including imagination” and gave Mr. Trudeau momen- TPP trade agreements with Europe and a dent of the United States, looks on Canada Ukraine, Latvia, Iraq, and Mali. tum on the world stage that lasted through host of Pacifi c countries, he said. On the as an adversary. So can we really rely on “In military terms, you’re not projecting the next two years. other hand, Mr. Kronby said he believed the rules-based international order as the a tremendous amount of power by dividing Respondents in a 2017 Ipsos poll of the government has allowed its response principal strategy for Canada?” he said. your forces in that way,” he said. 18,055 people in 25 countries named Cana- to U.S. steel tariffs to be dictated too much Canada needs to draw up a new strategy David Perry, a military analyst and vice da at the top of the list of countries they saw by domestic political pressures—though for foreign affairs that takes into account the president with the Canadian Global Af- as having a positive impact on world affairs he acknowledged he represented some cli- shift in its relationship with the world’s two fairs Institute, however, said the Canadian at the time, with 81 per cent saying they ents with a stake in that matter—and said superpowers, and the way both of those pow- Forces have been deployed by the Trudeau thought Canada fi t that description. Austra- the Trudeau Liberals may have been naive ers have challenged the international rules government in much the same way they lia, Germany, and the United States were in trying to force China to accept progres- and norms that form the basis of the soft were under the previous Conservative the next countries down on the list. Canada sive language around gender and labour power that Mr. Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) government after the Afghan war, and for was given the same 81 per cent score in a rights in trade talks, though the latter is Liberals have yielded so well, he said. much of recent Canadian history. similar Ipsos poll in 2016 that asked which now a moot point with the two countries Mr. Trudeau’s government has enjoyed “Under this government, there has been countries would have a positive impact on at odds. “remarkable stability” compared to those far more continuity in our engagement in world affairs in the next decade. Former Conservative defence and atop other Liberal democracies, said Mr. the world,” he said, noting the Liberals have Mr. Trudeau started his term by telling foreign minister Peter MacKay said Mr. Rowswell, pointing to the daily drama in carried on missions they inherited from the Canada’s top diplomats they were free to Trudeau’s handling of foreign affairs, and the U.S. under Mr. Trump, the Brexit para- last government in Latvia, Ukraine, Iraq, speak their minds when warranted, and trade in particular, had put Canada in a lyzing the U.K., German Chancellor Angela and naval missions in support of NATO. called them all to a meeting in Ottawa. worse position than it was before the Lib- Merkel’s fi ght to hold onto power, protests The Mali peacekeeping mission is the “There was a real sense of energy at the erals took power in 2015. besieging French President Emmanuel one notable Liberal military venture, he time” among Canadian diplomats, said Mr. “We’re kind of at the back of the room Macron, and the political gamesmanship in said. “The radical degree of change that Rowswell. now for a lot of these countries who we Australian federal politics. this government has promised has not “Trudeau came in with this really quite were attempting to improve our relationship The new strategy is needed to decide, been delivered upon.” traditional, but coherent approach to for- with,” he said, listing China, Saudi Arabia, “who do we band together with, and with The Liberals promised during the last eign policy, which was to embrace the role India, and the United States as examples. what objectives?” election campaign to ramp up Canada’s that Canada had played in the rules-based Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland “There is now I think a bit of a sense contribution to international peacekeeping. international order. It was one that was very (University-Rosedale, Ont.) and Global Af- that, where Trudeau had been leading The one-year mission in Mali, involving familiar to foreign policy practitioners such fairs Canada started a diplomatic spat with on foreign policy issues, now events are eight helicopters and about 250 members as myself.” the Saudi government last year by tweeting starting to get out ahead of him, and his of the Canadian Forces, is the only major Soft power, in international rela- in protest of the arrest of Saudi women’s government is perhaps following a bit peacekeeping mission Canada has involved tions, means being able to convince other rights activist Samar Badawi. Canada’s more,” he said. itself in since the Liberals came to power. countries to line up behind international government had courted Saudi business Mr. Perry said Mr. Trudeau has seemed commitments or objectives in your interest. and investment before the feud. Trudeau a master of soft power to be less personally involved with the Mr. Trudeau’s work on the Paris Climate Canadian Forces, visiting Canadian troops Agreement, Syrian refugee crisis, his per- “I think that Justin Trudeau really excels Election puts climate rhetoric, less often than other prime ministers, and sonal involvement in Canada’s bid for a UN at exercising one form of power: that’s the that could affect the way his government is Security Council seat, and his government’s record to the test power to convince other countries to want perceived when it comes to its enthusiasm role hosting the upcoming Feb. 4 Lima Mr. Trudeau has been among the most to work with us; the power that gives us the for military might. Group international meeting on Venezuela vocal champions of curtailing greenhouse benefi t of the doubt; the power that reinforces “That gives the appearance of this gov- are all examples of the Trudeau government gases among world leaders, even if his the rules-based international order,” he said. ernment not being as interested in those wielding its soft power, said Mr. Rowswell. own policies haven’t always lived up to his “There has rarely been, in Canadian his- types of hard power activities, even if, in The Trudeau government also took rhetoric. With the Liberal government’s tory at least….someone who is so masterful substance, they’re not as different,” he said. the right approach with its pragmatic carbon tax shaping up as a key election at wielding that kind of [soft] power,” he said. Canada’s foreign aid budget has re- all-hands-on-deck effort to managing the issue, Mr. Trudeau has a chance to win a “[Mr. Trudeau] has a clear vision for what mained relatively stagnant as well, limiting U.S.-Canada relationship after President mandate to push even further on that front Canada’s interests are, he’s got an ability to another form of hard power, said Mr. Row- Donald Trump was elected, he said. abroad, said Mr. Rowswell. communicate that vision, he’s got an ability swell. Spending money in other countries The Trudeau government did well in the “If he wins a new mandate from the to line up what Canada does in the vari- is a direct way to pull on economic levers deal it struck after Mr. Trump forced a rene- citizens of Canada on what many outside ous crises that were dealt with, whether it’s there in a way that benefi ts Canada, he said. gotiation of the NAFTA trade agreement, said of Canada would see as relatively ambi- Saudi Arabia, China, Venezuela.” Canada spent about 0.26 per cent of its Matthew Kronby, trade lawyer with Borden tious climate change policies, that’s going “He does not excel at hard power. He gross national income on foreign aid in Ladner Gervais and former top trade lawyer to really invigorate his potential role on the doesn’t invest a lot of time, effort, or resourc- 2017, about the same as the year before ad- for the Canadian government who oversaw international stage. And I think the ques- es into building up Canada’s hard power justed for infl ation, well below UN targets the Canada-Europe Comprehensive and Eco- tion at that point will be, is he willing to assets,” said Mr. Rowswell, including not just and Canada’s aid spending from previous nomic Trade Agreement negotiations. don that mantle, and what will he do with military spending, but the way Canadian decades, according to statistics from the “It’s not materially worse than the that leadership?” forces have been deployed, and the govern- OECD and an analysis by University of Ot- existing NAFTA, and in some respects it’s [email protected] ment’s stagnant foreign aid spending. tawa professor Stephen Brown. actually an improvement. So I give them @PJMazereeuw THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 35 Liberals News

and the House will reconvene only at the small business taxes; the Trans Mountain House sitting last end of the year, or early next year after the pipeline, which has angered people on election with all the newly-elected and re- both sides of the issue; the prime minister’s elected 338 MPs. There are only 64 sitting India gaffe-fi lled trip; and the mishandling days left in the House before it’s scheduled of the most recent cabinet shuffl e. opportunity for Trudeau to adjourn on June 21. Liberal insiders said Jody Wilson- The federal Liberals announced at their Raybould’s (Vancouver Granville, B.C.) biennial Halifax convention in April that move from Justice to Veterans Affairs could Liberals to highlight the next election campaign was on. have been handled much better because Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papine- it was clear she was unhappy about the au, Que.) and Conservative Leader Andrew demotion which made national headlines Scheer (Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask.) have and became a serious distraction for the achievements, control the said the next election is going to be one government. of the nastiest in history. After the House “All of these fi les could have been han- adjourns, the campaign activities will go dled in a better way, but now we’ve given a agenda and the message, into high gear. lot of ammunition to our opponents,” said According to the weekly rolling poll by a former senior Liberal, who did not want Nanos Research released last week, the to be identifi ed in order to be candid, in an Liberals and the Conservatives were locked interview with The Hill Times. says a leading pollster in a statistical dead heat with 38 per cent Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg for the Liberals and 37 per cent support for North, Man.), parliamentary secretary to Some Liberal MPs say the caucus Mr. Bricker said before the start of the the Conservatives. The NDP had the support Government House Leader Bardish Chagger election campaign, the governing party of 13 per cent of Canadians and the Green (Waterloo, Ont.) in an interview with The Hill mood is a ‘B-’ but Liberal MP controls the agenda and therefore gets Party support was at eight per cent. Times conceded that the Liberals did make more media coverage than the opposition Meanwhile, Liberal MPs and former some mistakes that could have been avoided. Kevin Lamoureux says his caucus parties. But, once the election campaign senior Liberals interviewed for this story But, he argued, that all governing parties suf- starts, all parties get almost equal media rated the caucus mood as “B-,” citing a fer setbacks and the Liberals have learned colleagues are excited about spotlight. So, until that time, the Liber- number of reasons, including their inabil- lessons from their mistakes. this session and are working als can make their case by highlighting ity to offer input in the party’s policy and Mr. Lamoureux described the mood of their accomplishments to Canadians, and political strategies. They complained that the caucus as “excited” and said if the Liber- hard to win another majority contrast that with the previous Stephen even in weekly national caucus meetings, als work hard in the lead-up to the election Harper government. numerous backbench MPs feel they don’t and communicate their accomplishments government in October. “Once we go into the election campaign, really have a frank conversation about properly, they can win another majority. everybody is equal,” said Mr. Bricker. “Right policy or political issues because they get “There’s an expectation that if we can the feeling that the leadership doesn’t want communicate how we’ve emphasized the Continued from page 1 now, the Liberals have an advantage be- cause they control the agenda. The govern- their feedback. Some of the other reasons, importance of the middle class and work- governing Grits to highlight their achieve- ment gets much more heavily covered than MPs and insiders pointed out, include a ing hard that we will be allowed to return ments and to control the agenda before the the opposition parties get covered.” sense of nervousness about the upcoming as government at the end of the year, but campaign gets into high gear in the sum- Because of the fi xed date election law, election campaign and the self-infl icted there’s got to be a lot of hard work between mer, says a leading pollster. the next federal election is scheduled for wounds by the party leadership includ- now and the election,” said Mr. Lamoureux. “It’s their last chance to really con- Oct. 21 and is expected to be called in ing ethical mistakes by Prime Minister “I don’t think any government ever hits trol the message and to show Canadians mid-September at which time Parliament Trudeau, Finance Minister Bill Morneau perfection as of yet. I’m very happy with how they made that improvement [in will be dissolved. According to the House (Toronto Centre, Ont.), Intergovernmental where we’re at. In any mandate, there’s their lives],” said Darrell Bricker CEO calendar, the last sitting of the House is Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc (Beausé- always going to be room for improvement. of Ipsos, in an interview with The Hill June 21. After that, MPs will go back to jour, N.B.) and other top offi cials; the diplo- Ours is no different,” Mr. Lamoureux said. Times. their ridings to prepare for the election, matic spat with China; the mishandling of The Hill Times Manning Networking Conference 2019 March 22-24, 2019 | Ottawa, ON Westin Hotel

To learn more and register go to: www.MNC2019.ca “Ideas That Lead” www.manningcentre.ca 36 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES News Election 2019 Liberal base ‘less than enthusiastic’ as PM Trudeau prepares to defend four-year Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, and People’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade record to ‘volatile nority government with support “You don’t have your A team he served as principal secretary to from the Green Party. [without these players],” said a then-Ontario premier Dalton Mc- Some veteran Liberals who second former senior Liberal who Guinty. Sen. Dean was appointed electorate,’ say spoke to The Hill Times on a also didn’t want to be identifi ed to the Senate through the new not-for-attribution basis said that in order to be candid. “You’re not Independent Senate appointment compared to the last election, going to win an election using a process overseen by an advisory they see a lack of enthusiasm computer program. You’ve got to board. Prior to the Senate appoint- Liberal insiders amongst key players in the Lib- have boots on the ground.” ment, Mr. Dean was a senior distin- eral Party base, who have been Sources said the disappointed guished fellow at the Munk School raising funds and organizing in folks were not expecting govern- of Global Affairs, and before that played important roles in past Continued from page 1 the ridings across the country for ment positions for money, as secretary to the cabinet and head Liberal election wins referred to years. The key reason, sources they are already making enough of the Ontario public service. Conservative government. the “volatile electorate,” with re- said, is those people feel their money, but they wanted to feel the Some also mentioned Mary “It’s ambiguous,” said Mr. cent provincial election victories contributions have not been ac- party respects their work. Us- Ng, a former PMO director of ap- Bricker. “That’s why you’re seeing by right-of-centre and left-of- knowledged, or that they’ve been ing an example to illustrate their pointments, and a close friend of the race is as close as this. The centre provincial parties, as a key taken for granted, and they feel point, they said, it’s like demanding PMO chief of staff Katie Telford, consensus is that this is currently challenge for the federal Liberals their affi liation with the party is a that employees work very hard who was given what they see a pretty close race. It’s not obvi- in the October election. negative factor when it comes to and achieve success, while those as preferential treatment in the ous we’re better off, it’s not obvi- Last year, in a stunning turn political appointments within the employees know they won’t get a Liberal nomination in the safe ous we’re worse off.” of events, the CAQ won a major- country or for diplomatic posi- promotion or recognition no matter Liberal seat of Markham-Thorn- The 2015 election was a “change” ity government in Quebec. It was tions. Some of these disappointed how hard they work. hill, and who is now a cabinet election, when Canadians threw the fi rst election in the last half Liberals also include potential After forming government, Mr. minister. Prior to working in the out the Harper Conservatives after century when the province didn’t candidates, or former party Trudeau, who had kicked out all PMO, Ms. Ng served as a ministe- about nine years of keeping them in elect either the provincial Liber- candidates, and their supporters the Liberal Senators from the Grit rial staffer at Queen’s Park. power, and the Red Wave empow- als or a separatist party. who were not allowed to seek the caucus before he became prime “You have to oil the system,” ered by progressive voters propelled In 2016, Brian Pallister’s party nomination in 2015, and in minister, later abolished the tra- the source said. “Every organiza- the Trudeau Liberals to win a major- Progressive Conservatives won this election cycle. ditional appointment system for tion needs that. You have to have ity government. in Manitoba. Last June, Doug “Parties are like any other different government positions, hope. Some of these people are In the 338-seat House, the Ford’s Progressive Conserva- organizations that need to be including for Senate appoint- not looking for anything, these winning party needs 170 MPs to tives won a thumping majority nurtured, you have to make them ments. Instead, the government are qualifi ed people with a lot of form a majority government in government in Ontario. The PCs feel good,” said one former senior has now set up a system overseen professional experience. You know October. The Liberals won 184 in New Brunswick have formed Liberal who did not want to be by independent outside experts, what they are looking for? Just to seats in 2015, the Conservatives government after a close election identifi ed in order to speak can- or advisory boards, to make rec- be involved, a little bit of respect.” 99, the NDP 44, the Bloc 10, and on Sept. 24 yielded no clear win- didly and for fear of retribution. ommendations to the government But rookie Liberal MP Marc the Green Party one seat. ner, and Jason Kenney’s United “People who are very involved, on who should be appointed to Serré (Nickel Belt, Ont.) said in an In comparison, the Harper may not be as enthusiastic.” different positions. interview that his party abolished Conservatives won a majority Sources said that before the But disappointed party the traditional political appointment government in 2011 with 166 election, some party organiz- members use the examples of process to take partisanship out of seats in the 308-member House, ers and fundraisers were “led” to Rana Sarkar, a friend of PMO the appointments process, and use the NDP won an unprecedented believe by the leadership that, principal secretary Gerald Butts, instead a merit based, transparent 103 seats and held the offi cial op- like previous Conservative and who was appointed as Canada’s process so that the most qualifi ed position status, the Liberals won Liberal governments, their work consul general to San Francisco people get the appropriate jobs. He 34 seats, the lowest number in the would be acknowledged in some in 2017. The regular salary of a said, in his view, the Liberal Party party’s history, the Bloc won four, fashion, which hadn’t happened diplomat holding the same posi- base is energized, and he hasn’t and the Green Party one seat. until now, with some exceptions. tion would be between $120,000- heard any complaints. Unlike many elections, where These disappointed individuals $140,000, but Mr. Sarkar received “Canadians were fed up with each party wants to campaign on point out that some who were a salary boost and is earning the ultra-partisan approach. I a separate issue, the carbon tax personal friends with top PMO between $221,300 and $260,000. believe in what we’ve done, and appears likely to be a focal point offi cials, however, still got ap- Mr. Sarkar, who ran unsuccess- there’s a balance,” said Mr. Serré, for both the Liberal and Conser- Small Business Minister Mary Ng pointments, or lucrative positions fully for the Liberal nomination parliamentary secretary to the vative campaigns this summer. It worked in the Prime Minister’s Offi ce as within or outside the country, in Don Valley North, Ont., is a new Minister of Rural Economic remains to be seen if Canadians director of appointments before getting while others were left out. former senior executive at KPMG, Development Bernadette Jordan will endorse the government’s elected to the House in 2017. The Hill Grassroots party members are former president and CEO of the (South Shore-St. Margaret’s, N.S.). plan to price carbon dioxide emis- Times photograph by Andrew Meade the ones who play a key role in Canada-India Business Council, In the past, the Conservatives sions, or the Conservative posi- helping a party win an election. and a former senior fellow at the and Progressive Conservatives tion that carbon pricing is just Conservative Party is enjoying They are the ones that raise funds, Munk School of Global Affairs at also appointed their parties’ another tax on Canadians. overwhelming support in public organize riding work like nomina- the University of Toronto. fundraisers, organizers, and other Suburban voters in the 905 opinion polls in Alberta, ahead of tions, and get-out-the-vote activi- Similarly, Liberal insiders party faithful to lucrative patron- area bordering Toronto and an election this year. And, in 2017, ties at election time. It’s important, mentioned the name of Ontario age positions within and outside around other major urban centres the B.C. Liberals lost power to the sources said, that they feel involved, Ind. Sen. Tony Dean, a former the country. will be a critical voting block on NDP after winning four elections embraced, and being looked after senior Ontario public servant, who [email protected] that issue, said Mr. Bricker. and staying in power for about 16 by the party leadership. had worked with Mr. Butts when The Hill Times Former senior Liberals who years. The NDP has formed a mi- 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.

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ton’s spokesperson said the fi rm was unable to provide comment. Appointing a special envoy a chance for The Canada-China dispute be- gan in early December, when Ms. Meng, Huawei’s chief fi nancial offi cer, was arrested in Vancouver ‘moral suasion’ to China, experts say at the request of U.S. authorities, who want her extradited to face There is speculation Foreign Affairs trial for fraud, money laundering, Minister and obstruction of justice. in political circles Chrystia In a likely tit-for-tat response, Freeland China detained Mr. Spavor and that the Liberal addressing Mr. Kovrig. Canada has con- reporters in demned the detentions as po- government may the new House litically motivated and said Ms. foyer on Jan. Meng’s case is a legal proceeding. appoint a special 29. During the The Huawei affair is compli- envoy to China. scrum, she did cated by the ongoing trade war not rule out between the U.S. and China, appointing a American efforts to curb Hua- Continued from page 1 special envoy wei’s activities in Western coun- when asked tries, as well as the confusion tion in Ottawa that Canada would about it. The sowed by comments made by Mr. appoint a special envoy to China, Hill Times McCallum. with a several former diplomats photograph by The Conservatives have been speaking in favour of the idea, Andrew Meade urging Mr. Trudeau since mid- including Canada’s ambassador December to pick up the phone to China from 2012 to 2016, Guy and speak with senior leadership Saint-Jacques. in Beijing. Since late December, Foreign Affairs Minister Ms. Freeland has made public calls Chrystia Freeland (University- for support from allied countries to Rosedale, Ont.) didn’t shoot down reasoning in proactively attempt- After two days of negative reac- dia, and Laos from 2012 to 2016, express concern over the detention the idea of a special envoy when ing to defuse tensions. tion to his comments from politi- said if Ms. Freeland fl ew to Beijing of the two Canadians in China. asked by reporters on Jan. 29 In a December interview, for- cians and the Canadian diplomatic to meet with her counterpart, Wang Ms. Freeland and Mr. Trudeau if Canada would appoint one. mer ambassador Saint-Jacques community, he told StarMetro Van- Yi, there would be less confusion have spoken to their counterparts She acknowledged that Lib- told The Hill Times that the couver that it would be “great” if the over Canada’s position in its spat over the arbitrary detentions of eral ministers had discussed the Liberal government should be Americans dropped the extradition with China. Ms. Freeland hasn’t Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor and government’s options for dealing communicating with senior Chi- effort. A day later, on Jan. 26, Prime spoken to Mr. Wang since before the death sentence handed to with the Huawei dispute at their nese leaders in Beijing in order to Minister Justin Trudeau (Pap- Ms. Meng’s arrest on Dec. 1. Canadian Robert Schellenberg, cabinet meeting—something fed- try to “lower the temperature” of ineau, Que.) fi red him. Mr. Nickel, “At some point” a leader-to- who was recently handed a death eral ministers don’t often speak the dispute and present Canada’s a career diplomat with previous leader conversation needs to hap- sentence for acting as an acces- publicly about. concerns. postings in Asia, was tapped as his pen, Mr. Calvert said, but it has to sory to drug smuggling. “The best approach for the He also told CBC News follow- interim replacement. be staged at the foreign minister- The U.S., United Kingdom, government to take is something ing the fi ring of John McCallum as Prof. Burton also said a special level fi rst. He said if Canada were Germany, France, the European we’re also constantly actively ambassador to China that Canada envoy may be convenient given to send Ms. Freeland to Beijing, Union, NATO, and more allies considering inside the govern- the timing of the detentions. it also must manage expectations have also released statements in He said if Chinese legal cus- that a release of the two men support of the Canadians de- toms are followed, which isn’t wouldn’t be guaranteed. tained. Mr. Trudeau has said over always the case, the two will the last month that high-level

be interrogated within a 60-day talks are not yet the most appro- threshold by the Ministry of State Who could be named? priate option. Security, which will then present One name circulating in Ot- On Jan. 29, the U.S. Justice its fi ndings to Chinese judicial tawa and among foreign policy Department levelled 23 charges authorities so charges could then observers as a good fi t to be a against Ms. Meng, alleging a 10- be laid. special envoy: former prime min- If the two detainees, under ister Jean Chrétien. duress, confess to espionage As prime minister from 1993 crimes—as people detained in to 2003, Mr. Chrétien visited China have in the past—it “could China six times while in offi ce open a window to the possibility and led two “Team Canada” trade that once the Chinese are satis- junkets. Under his leadership, fi ed that they’ve confessed, and Canada and China increased therefore, their interrogation in their trading relationship despite Chinese terms has been justifi ed, the lingering international fallout Canadians detained: Michael Kovrig, left, and Michael Spavor. Photographs that they respond to an appeal for from the 1989 Tiananmen Square courtesy of the International Crisis Group and Twitter clemency by a special envoy and massacre. release the two men.” Since his retirement from ment. It’s something that we dis- should appoint a special envoy to He said Canada would likely politics, he’s worked for Denton’s Former ambassador to China John cussed this morning in Cabinet,” Beijing while it searches for a new need some indication that a spe- law fi rm and travelled to China to McCallum, is pictured at a press she told reporters. permanent replacement. cial envoy would be received well pursue his own private interests. conference in the House foyer in May Lynette Ong, a professor at Charles Burton, former coun- by Beijing if Canada’s govern- Chinese premier Li Keqiang 2016, when he was still a cabinet the University of Toronto and a sellor at the Canadian embassy ment were to send one. spoke highly of him in April minister. The Hill Times fi le photograph China expert, said dispatching a in Beijing and now a professor at But Philip Calvert, a former 2016, saying his relationship with special representative could calm Brock University, said since Mr. deputy head of mission at Cana- China as Canada’s leader were down nerves in Beijing, clarify McCallum’s fi ring, “the urgency da’s Beijing embassy from 2004 “golden years.” year effort to steal trade secrets and Canada’s position, and present an to get a senior special envoy to to 2008, said appointing a special Prof. Ong said her criteria circumvent U.S. sanctions on Iran opportunity for “moral suasion” to China becomes greater.” envoy could sow confusion as to for a special envoy would be: an through a Hong Kong-based com- tell China that it’s also being hurt “The chargé d’affaires [Jim who really speaks on behalf of understanding of how Chinese pany actually owned by Huawei. by its detention of Canadians Mi- Nickel] does not have access at the prime minister. power and political institutions That day, Ms. Freeland also chael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. the same high levels of the Chi- “[The government] wants to be work, being highly regarded in spoke about “different approach- “We should be able to tell them nese regime as an ambassador certain that the person speaks for Beijing, and preferably if they es” in trying to remove Mr. Schel- intensely that your multinational does,” he said. “So in the absence the prime minister,” he said. understood Mandarin. lenberg off of death row. companies, Huawei being the of an ambassador, we just need Being clear in its messaging— She said an appropriate “Of course, as we always do, prime example, are paying for the someone to keep engaging at the especially in the aftermath of Mr. person for the role would be in we object to the use of the death cost of your tough actions detain- higher levels. A special envoy McCallum’s ouster—is even more the mould of former Australian penalty against all people and ing foreigners,” she said. “Because would be the appropriate choice.” important, Mr. Calvert said. He prime minister Kevin Rudd, who particularly against Canadians, look at the backlash against Hua- Mr. McCallum’s departure added that a distinction must be is himself a respected fi gure in so that is our absolute focus,” she wei [from Western countries] and followed his press conference to made between diplomatic channels China, researches on the country, said. “When it comes to securing there’ll be more to come.” Chinese-language media on Jan. and the role of a special envoy. and can speak Mandarin. While that objective, we are working on Prof. Ong said we would have 23, in which he said arrested Hua- Mr. McCallum’s comments had no one would match the qualifi ca- many, many different fronts, on to go in with a “strategy of appeal- wei executive Meng Wanzhou had confl icted with the government’s tions of Mr. Rudd, Prof. Ong said many, many different levels. We ing to their senses” rather than a a strong chance of successfully public talking points that Ms. Mr. Chrétien “would be close.” She are constantly actively consider- set list of demands. She said the fi ghting extradition in Canadian Meng’s arrest was based on the said in that case, it may make ing different approaches.” United States might be displeased courts, and it would be good if the “rule of law.” sense to appoint multiple people. [email protected] if someone was dispatched to U.S. dropped efforts to have her Mr. Calvert, who was Canada’s Attempting to reach Mr. Chré- [email protected] Beijing, but Canada has a strong stand trial. ambassador to Thailand, Cambo- tien through his law fi rm, a Den- The Hill Times 38 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Feature Spin Doctors By Laura Ryckewaert “Amid ongoing tensions, what do you think of the federal government’s response to China to date? Should it do anything diff erently?”

CAMERON CORY MÉLANIE ÉRIC ROD AHMAD HANN RICHER COUTURE LEGGETT Liberal strategist Conservative strategist NDP strategist Bloc Québécois strategist Green strategist

ver since two Canadian t’s been misstep after mis- he Liberals’ response has anada is a mouse sharing t’s deeply disconcerting to realize “Ecitizens in China were “Istep from these Liberals on “Tbeen pretty weak. And on “Ca bed with two elephants. “Ithat miscommunication of this arbitrarily detained and a third this. It was just a few years ago many fronts. I heard someone say On one side, the Americans; on magnitude can occur on such a crucial citizen was arbitrarily sen- the prime minister was boast- this the other day and it summed the other, China. It’s not a good fi le. John McCallum is a smart man tenced to death, our govern- ing his admiration for China’s it up well, ‘The father opened the place to have a nap. We may say who has made important contribu- ment has been working around basic dictatorship. More recent- door, and the son closed it.’ that Canada should have done tions to business and politics, but the clock to secure their ly, it was a month of indecision “Their diplomatic work with this or that, but in reality Canada somehow he dropped the ball on this release and ensure their rights from the prime minister before Chinese counterparts has been is stuck in the middle of a fi ght one—that, or he couldn’t decipher the are upheld. Our deep concerns he acknowledged the deten- more than a little confusing and between giants and the only thing government’s signalling. have been raised at the highest tions of Canadians in China astounding to watch. And then to do is to be very careful. The “Without diminishing the damage to levels with the Chinese gov- were ‘completely politically Trudeau’s former minister and am- choice of John McCallum was a Canada’s international reputation caused ernment. motivated.’ bassador made a number of state- bad one. Mr. McCallum has too by this blunder, we were always in a “Canadian diplomats, For- “Of course, his handpicked ments that were inappropriate. Not much of a politician’s mind to diffi cult spot. On one fl ank, we’re coping eign Affairs Minister Chyrstia ambassador for China, who only did the Liberal government be able not to express opinions. with a regime whose immense power de- Freeland, and Prime Minister happened to be his former confuse Canadians detained and Staying quiet was the good thing rives from a blasé attitude toward human Justin Trudeau have been con- Liberal cabinet minister, travelling abroad, they complicated to do; he didn’t, he got fi red. It rights and a state apparatus that coerces ducting outreach with our al- bungled as well, giving a press things rather than helping the situ- was necessary. its population daily. On the other, there’s lies around the world to ensure conference one day about ation on the ground. And at a time “Now, Canada needs partners, America, led by an erratic president we speak with one, unifi ed, how Huawei’s executive has where Canadians’ lives are at risk, fi rewalls. It needs to be backed promoting his own brand of economic clear voice as an international a case to be released. That led this chaos was absolutely unac- by European countries. Alone, nationalism. The situation reminds us community demanding the to Andrew Scheer calling for ceptable. the cost of standing up to China that we are indeed a middle-power with release of our citizens and ex- John McCallum to be fi red. “Justin Trudeau and his Liberal is too high and the cost for China untapped leverage in international affairs. pressing unwavering support So the embattled ambassador government should have been at to make Canada angry is too low. “Consequently, we should pursue our for the rule of law. Minister blamed misspeak, put his com- the top of their game, but it was Chrystia Freeland has to take the own priorities as we did when, thanks Freeland and the prime minis- ments into reverse the next day, the complete opposite. From here phone and call all the partners to Elizabeth May fi rst raising it in the ter have each personally raised only to take a mulligan on the on out, it is crucial that the legal she can, including the United House, we blocked the takeover of Cana- this issue with more than a ‘misspeak’ shortly after and process concerning Meng Wan- States. One message: ‘Canada dian construction giant Aecon by China’s dozen of their counterparts. repeated the comments again. zhou follows its course without any has done what it was supposed state-owned CCCC International Holding “Our diplomatic outreach “Now there’s no ambassador political interference. The Liberal to do according to the interna- Ltd. The federal government must realize has resulted in public stands and Trudeau has yet to even call government must ensure Cana- tional agreements our (present that China’s interest in Canada is more of solidarity by our clos- the Chinese president to ad- dians continue to have consular and previous) governments strategic than commercial, and so secu- est allies, including the U.S., dress this escalating diplomatic access and call on China to respect signed. Please back us!’ rity, not to mention America’s apprehen- EU, Germany, France, U.K., dispute. It’s led to stories about their due process rights. This kind “And what about Meng sion over both security and trade, must Spain, Netherlands, Australia, it being amateur hour in our of tit-for-tat and war of words has Wanzhou? That sucks. Huawei remain at the forefront of our thinking. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and foreign policy, and judging by the potential to degrade the rule of is a legal company in Canada (if “This does not solve the problem of NATO. how things have rolled out so the law around the world. we have the proof that they spy how to handle the detention of Huawei “Canada is a country that far, that sounds pretty accurate. “No trade relationship or eco- on us, make them illegal) and executive Meng Wanzhou and the Cana- respects, upholds, and pro- “Conservatives are going nomic benefi ts are more important Ms. Wanzhou has done noth- dians jailed in retaliation by China. The motes the rule of law. As a to continue to urge the Prime than the safety of Canadians. Ev- ing illegal in our country but next ambassador must be someone with country, it’s one of our most Minister to do everything in his ery action this Liberal government when she came to Canada, she deep knowledge of the People’s Republic important and foundational power to resolve the ongoing takes should be based on interna- should have known that we she of China, contacts within the regime, principles. We will continue dispute with China. The safety tional law and protecting human was risking deportation. No one language, and diplomatic skills, and able standing up for our values, of the Canadians detained and rights. Trudeau’s Liberal govern- should ignore the law. She made to establish Canada as a mature partner while doing everything pos- securing their release needs to ment must stand up to China to a mistake and Canada is paying in some pursuits, such as climate action, sible to secure the release of be a top priority for the prime make sure that those are followed.” for it.” but aware and attentive to managing the our citizens in China.” minister.” threats.”

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Jones, who represents West Vancouver- Moira Kelly Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, B.C. is now Mr. Grewal recently reversed his an issues previous pledge to resign his seat in the manager hill climbers House of Commons, having fi rst signalled to the his intention to resign for “personal and environment medical reasons” in late November. The minister. by Laura Ryckewaert Prime Minister’s Offi ce later indicated Photograph Mr. Grewal was undergoing treatment courtesy of for gambling problem and had incurred LinkedIn “signifi cant personal debts.” The Globe and This just in: Rebecca Mail later reported that “millions of dollars in transactions” by Mr. Grewal, who was already under investigation by the Confl ict Caldwell joins Finance of Interest and Ethics Commissioner over an invitation he extended to a company to attend receptions during the PM’s trip to India last year, were being monitored by minister on LGBTQ2 issues since Novem- Minister Morneau’s team the RCMP, and that the MP had on occa- ber 2016. sion been trailed by the RCMP during vis- She started out working for Ms. Bois- its to Gatineau’s Casino du Lac-Leamy. He sonnault in May 2017, as his lead for Finance Minister left the Liberal caucus as of Dec. 1, 2018. communications. She’s previously also Bill Morneau, Ms. Mouhamou has previously been a been a communications assistant with the pictured leaving freelance writer, with much of her writing old department of Indigenous and North- a federal caucus focused on China, for publications includ- ern Affairs Canada and has a bachelor’s meeting in ing The Nanjinger, an English-language degree in environmental studies from the Ottawa late last news website covering Nanjing, China, and University of Alberta. Hong Kong publication, Harbour Times, month, has hired Kurtis on Rebecca and spent time as a junior policy analyst and research assistant with Western Eco- Layden is Caldwell as a another new senior adviser nomic Diversifi cation Canada’s strategic policy and advocacy division. hire in the in his offi ce. environment The Hill Times Her LinkedIn profi le also indicates she helped out the NDP during the 2006 federal minister’s photograph by offi ce. Andrew Meade election; in 2007, she spent a few months as an intern in then NDP MP Alexa Mc- Photograph Donough’s offi ce, having been placed there courtesy of through an internship program. LinkedIn Ms. Mouhamou studied for a bach- elor’s degree in political science, with a concentration in international relations, at Carleton University, and during her last year took part in the Ontario-Jiangsu Ex- change Program, through which she spent a semester at Nanjing University. Rheal Lewis is chief of staff to Ms. Chagger. Kurtis Layden is another new face in Over in the Veterans Affairs and Associ- Ms. McKenna’s offi ce, and has been hired In other staffi ng news in Mr. Morneau’s ate Defence Minister Jody Wilson-Ray- on to replace Savannah DeWolfe as the At- Government House Leader offi ce, press secretary Pierre-Olivier Her- bould’s offi ce, special assistant for opera- lantic regional affairs adviser and assistant Bardish Chagger recently bert has stepped up to act as the minister’s tions and stakeholders Bernard O’Meara to the minister’s parliamentary secretary, director of communications on a day-to- recently made his exit to follow his old Sean Fraser. hired on MP Raj Grewal’s day basis. Jeni Armstrong technically boss, Seamus O’Regan, to his new offi ce as Ms. DeWolfe recently switched over to remains in the post, but she’ll be focused the Minister of Indigenous Services. serve as Mr. Fraser’s executive assistant former assistant. on budget-related communications work Mr. O’Regan took over that post as in his offi ce as the Liberal MP for Central in the near future. In the meantime, Mr. part of the cabinet shuffl e on Jan. 14. The Nova, N.S. She’d been working in Ms. inance Minister Bill Morneau has made Herbert will fi ll in. minister quickly brought over his chief of McKenna’s offi ce since last September, Fsome changes to his ministerial staff- Ben Chin is chief of staff to Mr. Mor- staff from veterans affairs, Cyndi Jenkins, and is also currently in the midst of a law ing roster, including recently hiring on neau. Leading budget-drafting efforts is to take charge in his new offi ce degree at the University of Ottawa. Rebecca Caldwell as a new senior adviser. Justin To, deputy chief of staff and director Mr. O’Meara started out as a ministe- Previously, Mr. Layden had been work- of policy to the minister, aided by deputy rial driver to then-veterans affairs minister ing as an executive assistant to Liberal MP Rebecca director of fi nancial sector policy Ian Kent Hehr before being made a special as- John Aldag, who represents Cloverdale- Caldwell Foucher. Also currently focused on policy sistant in the minister’s offi ce in early 2017. Langley City, B.C. in the House of Com- is now work in the minister’s offi ce are: senior A number of special assistants remain mons, since November 2017. Before then, a senior policy advisers Allie Chalke and Dev in place in Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s new he spent more than a year as a Hill assis- adviser to Saxena, and policy advisers Amitpal Singh offi ce: Sarah Cozzi, special assistant for tant to Liberal MP Matt DeCourcey, who the fi nance and Emily Yorke. commemorations and policy; Benjamin represents Fredericton, N.B. minister. Government House Leader Bardish Sparkes, special assistant for communi- Mr. Layden has a bachelor’s degree in Photograph Chagger has hired on former-Liberal- cations and operations; Christian Dicks, leadership studies from the University of courtesy of turned-Independent MP Raj Grewal’s Hill special assistant for Atlantic regional New Brunswick. LinkedIn assistant, Shahnaz Mouhamou, to work as affairs; Cameron McNeill, special assistant Both Ms. Kelly and Mr. Layden are now a new special assistant in her offi ce. for Ontario regional affairs; and Emilie Si- working under Ms. McKenna’s director of mard, special assistant for Quebec regional parliamentary affairs, Kyle Harrietha. Mar- Shahnaz affairs and assistant to the minister’s par- lo Raynolds is chief of staff the minister. Mouhamou liamentary secretary, Liberal MP Small Business and Export Promotion is now There are now less than two weeks left Minister Mary Ng recently tweaked her working under Treasury Board Secretariat rules, for communications staff set-up. for the ministers affected by the recent shuffl e to Corinne Havard, who joined the minis- Government fi nalize staffi ng decisions—that is, whether ter’s offi ce in last fall as a Quebec regional House to re-hire existing staff in the portfolio or affairs adviser and assistant to the minis- Ms. Caldwell was previously chief of Leader. hire on new ones. ter’s parliamentary secretary, has taken staff to Women and Gender Equality Min- Photograph on new press secretary duties, focused ister Maryam Monsef. She was recently courtesy of Two new hires for Environment on English media. She’ll also continue to replaced in that role by former Google Facebook provide advice to the minister on Quebec Canada head Leslie Church, who was Minister McKenna regional affairs. previously chief of staff to then-heritage Environment and Climate Change Allen Alexandre continues to also minister Mélanie Joly, as reported by Hill Minister Catherine McKenna has brought tackle press work for the minister, but Climbers. a couple of new staffers onto her ministe- focused on French media, and has also In turn, Ms. Caldwell has now landed rial staff team, including Moira Kelly as an now taken over as assistant to the minis- in the fi nance minister’s offi ce—at a busy issues manager. ter’s parliamentary secretary, Liberal MP time too, with the offi ce focused on 2019 Ms. Kelly fi lls Sabrina Kim’s old post; Richard Hébert. Mr. Allen joined Ms. Ng’s budget consultations and drafting the last Ms. Kim, who’s been working for the min- team around the same time as Ms. Havard federal budget before October’s election. Ms. Mouhamou was previously working ister since May 2018, offi cially took over as last fall as a press secretary and issues As a senior adviser, she’s focused on on the Hill as a legislative assistant to Mr. press secretary to the minister last month. manager. gender and other fi les in the minister’s Grewal, who represents Brampton East, Until recently, Ms. Kelly was busy work- Mallory Clyne remains director of com- offi ce. Ms. Caldwell had started out as a Ont., having started in the MP’s offi ce in ing on the Hill as a parliamentary assistant munications to Ms. Ng, while Jason Easton director of policy to Ms. Monsef, and was November 2017, according to her LinkedIn for Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault, who is chief of staff. previously tapped to run the minister’s of- profi le. Before then, she spent time work- represents Edmonton Centre, Alta. and [email protected] fi ce in March 2018. ing for Liberal MP Pamela Goldsmith- has been a special adviser to the prime The Hill Times 40 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES CLASSIFIEDS

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It’s true its, fi lm shorts, live performances, and inter- that there will always be a need for civil active activities showcasing the transforma- society organizations and grassroots initia- tive work that is being done by Canadians tives to combat the injustices that exist in and local partners around the world. our world—but this is no reason to think As Canadians, we don’t often take the that nothing is changing. In fact, we have time to recognize our own individual ac- INNOVATION plenty to celebrate. complishments. So I want to take a moment Publication date: February 13, 2019 Life expectancy continues to rise in de- to say thank you: to your neighbours, your veloping countries, and despite seemingly friends, your family members, your co- Advertising deadline: February 8, 2019 consistent reports of violence, interstate workers, and to you. Whether you’re volun- confl ict has decreased signifi cantly. 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But The Hill Times 42 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Investing in Indigenous conservation delivers major social and environmental benefi ts

BY VALERIE COURTOIS & DENIS ROSE With provinces and territories, Canada has similar approach could help Canada meet Together, Canada expressed a strong commitment to work its conservation commitments and renew with Indigenous communities, many of relationships with Indigenous Peoples. and Australia can ustralia may be half a world away and as whom are eager to create Indigenous Pro- The Australian Indigenous Protected Ahot and dry as Canada is cold and snowy, tected Areas managed through Indigenous Area network started in 1997 to partner demonstrate to the but when it comes to looking after the land, Guardian programs. As part of the Canada with Indigenous landowners who wanted world that respecting our two countries have plenty in common. Nature Fund, the federal government com- to dedicate some of their land to Austra- Both are committed to protecting vibrant mitted $175-million towards these efforts lia’s protected area system while remain- Indigenous conservation landscapes, restoring species at risk and ad- over the next four years, in addition to a ing in control of management. There are dressing the impacts of climate change. And $25-million pilot project announced in 2017 now 75 Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) and leadership is both recognize the leadership of Indigenous for Indigenous Guardians. accounting for more than 45 per cent of peoples in helping achieve these goals. These are powerful fi rst steps, but Australia’s National Reserve System. In vital to strengthening Australia has also demonstrated that Australia shows how much more can be 2007, Australia developed a national fund- making long-term investments in Indige- achieved when governments make long- ing approach for Indigenous Rangers—lo- communities and nous-led conservation and stewardship not term investments in Indigenous Protected cal people who lead conservation manage- only protects more land, but also creates Areas and Indigenous land management. ment through traditional knowledge and protecting the lands, major social, cultural and economic benefi ts. This week, a delegation of Indigenous contemporary science. Now Canada is poised to deliver similar land managers from Australia will meet In Canada, many Indigenous Nations waters, animal and plants results. The country pledged to protect at with Indigenous communities and gov- are also identifying protected areas, such we all depend upon. least 17 per cent of lands by 2020 as part of ernment offi cials in Ottawa, Victoria and as the newly established Edehzhie Na- the global effort to conserve biodiversity. Yellowknife. They will discuss how a tional Wildlife Area/Dehcho Protected Area and the proposed Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve. And from the Haida Gwaii Watchmen who protect the land and waters of their West Coast nation, to the Innu Nation Environmental Guardians who manage all environmental programs of Inside Ottawa Directory the Innu Nation in Labrador, Indigenous Peoples are already caring for the land. 2019 With added support their proven leader- Edition ship will help protect and sustain more going forward. This is a pivotal moment for Canada and an opportunity to demonstrate global Have Parliament Hill at your leadership. By investing in Indigenous planning, protection and management, the fingertips, save time while federal government can advance two key policy goals: conservation and reconcilia- searching for phone numbers tion with Indigenous Peoples. Polling by Earnscliffe Strategy Group and email addresses. shows that 87 per cent of Canadians sup- port protecting at least 17 per cent of land by 2020. And about three-quarters support EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT (ends 2019/03/31) Indigenous communities creating and man- aging IPAs. And there’s a good return on the 2019 The handy reference guide includes: investment. Australian researchers found that each $1 invested in integrated IPA • Riding profiles and Indigenous Rangers programs can • MPs by province generates $3 in conservation, health and economic benefi ts. These include reduced • MP contact details, both Hill and constituency spending on social and justice programs, • Committee contacts and membership more job opportunities in remote commu- • Senators' contact details and committee nities, a sense of empowerment contribut- ing to individual and community wellbeing membership and greater sense of pride and purpose for • Current Photos Indigenous youth. • Prime Minister's Office and Privy Council Office Here in Canada, an analysis of two emerging Indigenous Guardians groups staff contacts showed they already deliver similar social, • Ministers' offices staff contacts cultural and economic benefi ts. • Speaker's office contacts Working with Indigenous communities and others, Canada can protect more land • Committee charts with current photos and secure the country’s biodiversity for • List of shadow cabinet and opposition critics future generations. Current funding com- • Key political, government and media contacts mitments will go a long way to meeting the 2020 commitment. But there’s opportunity to go even further. By extending funding for Indigenous stewardship, Canada can The 2019 edition includes special election accelerate toward the next round of inter- national biodiversity targets and support tip sheet: the aspirations of Indigenous communities • The safest seats in the country into the future. Together, Canada and Australia can • The most vulnerable seats in the country demonstrate to the world that respecting • The bellwether ridings Indigenous conservation and leadership • Ridings targeted by the AFN is vital to strengthening communities and protecting the lands, waters, animal and • The closest ridings plants we all depend upon. Valerie Courtois is a member of the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh and is the director of the Indigenous Leader- Order Now ship Initiative. Denis Rose is Gunditjmara www.hilltimes.com/inside-ottawa-directory-2019-edition traditional owner and project manager for the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners [email protected] • 613-688-8821 Aboriginal Corporation, South West Victo- ria, Australia. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 43 Events Feature Scheer to hold a town hall Feb. 11 at legion in Windsor, N.S

changes to the Plant Breeders’ Rights regulations. This world-class mineral exploration and development at the Rideau Club (99 Bank St.) on Feb. 12, 5:30-7 year’s lobby day will be led by board president Todd Hyra industry in advance of the 2019 PDAC International p.m., in recognizing the contributions of: Mary Jessop, and executive director Dave Carey. CSTA will also be Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange. Feb. Tiffany Glover, Maria McClintock, Kathleen Walsh, and Parliamentary hosting a dinner at the ARC Hotel on Feb. 5 for invited 6, 2019, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. p.m. Room 200, Sir John A. Anne Dawson. Register via Eventbrite. industry stakeholders. CSTA is the national voice for the Macdonald Building. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13 Calendar seed industry, representing more than 130 company Challenging Power Structures in the Context of Global and association members. Please contact Lauren Martin Change—In the context of the many emerging and on- Town Hall with Andrew Scheer—On Wednesday, at [email protected] for more information. going socioeconomic and environmental changes world- Feb. 13, Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer will Canada Cares: International Development Week 2019 wide, IDRC-invited panelists will share their observa- host a town hall in Windsor, N.S. Registration: 5 p.m. Celebration—Canadians are invited to celebrate IDW tions and experiences challenging established power Cost: None. Windsor Legion, 35 Empire Ln., Windsor, 2019 with this fl agship event at Canada’s National structures and fostering transformational approaches N.S. conservative.ca/townhall/en/register. Arts Centre on Tuesday, Feb. 5. This free, public event for socially inclusive resilience. The discussion will brings together Canada’s international development focus on successful approaches and solutions that THURSDAY, FEB. 14 community for a full day of interactive activities, have helped women and girls, improved community The Gift of Jazz: From Africa to New Orleans to The workshops, and performances, 12-5 p.m., followed by resilience, transformed food systems, and enhanced True North Strong and Free—This event is a celebration a reception 5-7 p.m. with International Development the livelihoods of some of the most vulnerable commu- of and tribute to Black History Month. From the cotton MONDAY, FEB. 4 Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. nities in the Global South. Feb. 6, 2019, 5:30 p.m.–7 fi elds to the early roots of gospel music to the more World Cancer Day—Monday, Feb. 4 is World Cancer Medavie Health Foundation Parliamentary Reception— p.m. Social Sciences Building (room 4007), University contemporary jazz sounds of today, this 90-minute bi- Day. On this important day the Canadian Cancer Society Hosted by Bernard Lord, CEO of Medavie, the Medavie of Ottawa, 120 University Private, Ottawa. Register at lingual musical history celebrates the courage, determi- says it works together to raise awareness of cancer and Health Foundation will host a reception on Feb. www.idrc.ca/power-structures. nation, grace, and unrelenting spirit of men and women to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. 5, along with experts from SATURDAY, FEB. 9 who overcame incredible challenges and refl ects their House Sitting—The House will sit weekdays from within our military, veter- history and contributions to the world of jazz. Join Deb- Jan. 28-Feb. 8, will break for one week (Feb. 11-18), ans, fi rst responder, and Winter Celebration at orah Davis and Segue to Jazz, with special guests: will resume sitting again on Feb. 19, and will sit again mental health communities Rideau Hall—Rideau Hall Canadian Olympic hurdler Sekou Kaba, CTV News for two weeks (Feb. 19-March 1). It will break for two who are working together is hosting its annual Winter weekend anchor Stefan Keyes, Ottawa English poet weeks and will sit only one week in March, from March to address post-traumatic Celebration public event laureate Jamaal Jackson Rogers, jazz vocalist Michael 18-March 22. It will break again for one week (March stress. By invitation only. on Saturday, February 9, C. Hanna, and former world tap-dancing champion 25-March 29). It will sit for two weeks, from April Begins at 5:30 p.m. (or 2019, from 12:30 p.m. to Darin Kyle. Thursday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. National Gallery 1-12, will break for two weeks (April 15-April 26), will after votes) until 8 p.m. at 4 p.m. This year, Winter of Canada auditorium. Tickets: $40 regular admis- sit from April 29-May 17, will break for one week (May the Métropolitain Brasserie, Celebration is offi cially part sion, $25 seniors/students. 613-321-2066, www. 20-May 24), and will sit for the fi nal four-week stretch 700 Sussex Dr. of Winterlude. We hope to odysseyshowcase.org, or via Eventbrite (https://tinyurl. from May 27 to June 21 before the next election. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 have thousands of people com/yczt66vr). Meanwhile, the occupants of Centre Block have moved on the grounds. The clas- TUESDAY, FEB. 19 to the West Block, the Senate of Canada Building, Liberal Caucus Meeting— sics are back: skating on and other buildings in the Parliamentary Precinct. The The Liberals will meet in Rideau Hall’s outdoor rink; Senate Resumes Sitting—Though Senate committees Centre Block is expected to be closed for at least 10 Room 025B in West Block Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer will kick sledding; giant ski have already resumed, the Senate will resume sitting years for a massive rehabilitation and renovation proj- on Parliament Hill. For more host a town hall in Windsor, N.S., on Feb. race; curling, snowshoeing on Feb. 19 at its interim location at the Senate of Can- ect, so that’s until at least 2029, folks. The Senate will information, please contact 13 at the Windsor Legion at 5 p.m. The Hill and cross-country skiing; ada Building (formerly known as the Government resume sitting on Feb. 19 at its interim location at Liberal Party media relations Times photograph by Andrew Meade snacks and hot beverages Conference Centre). the Senate of Canada Building (formerly known as the at [email protected] or 613- from various participating Government Conference Centre). 627-2384. embassies; tours of the The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. Can Big Data Analytics Motivate Media To Achieve Conservative Caucus Meeting—The Conservatives residence. A free shuttle bus will run from the corner Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- Gender Equality in Public Discourse? We’re About to will meet for their national caucus meeting. For more of Sussex Drive and Clarence Street (in the ByWard mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details Find Out—Join in for the launch of this powerful new information, contact Cory Hann, director of com- Market) to Rideau Hall every 25 minutes. under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to tool and a lively armchair conversation on advancing munications with the Conservative Party of Canada at MONDAY, FEB. 11 [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the women’s equality, featuring Women and Gender Equal- [email protected]. Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday ity Minister Maryam Monsef and Dr. Joy Johnson vice- NDP Caucus Meeting—The NDP caucus will meet Town Hall with Andrew Scheer—On Monday Feb. 11, paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but president, research and international, Simon Fraser from 9:15-11 a.m. in the Wellington Building. For Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer will host a we will defi nitely do our best. Events can be updated University, and facilitated by Shari Graydon, founder more information, please contact the NDP Media Cen- town hall in Fredericton, N.B., 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Fred- daily online too. and catalyst, Informed Opinions. Feb. 4, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. tre at 613-222-2351 or [email protected]. ericton Inn (Bicentennial Room), 1315 Regent The Hill Times Rideau Club, 99 Bank St., 15th fl oor, Ottawa. Bloc Québécois Meeting—The Bloc Québécois caucus St., Fredericton. Register online via conservative.ca/ #VideoGamesOnTheHill—Join the Entertainment will meet on Wednesday morning starting at 9:30 a.m. nb-townhall/en/register. Software Association of Canada as it hosts its annual Library and Archives Canada media preview of TUESDAY, FEB. 12 showcase for Parliamentarians and staff. Play some of new exhibition: Prime Ministers and the Arts: Creators, Extra! Extra! the best new video games for VR, consoles, and mobile Collectors and Muses—Library and Archives Canada Ottawa Conference on Defence and Security—The devices and learn more about this vibrant industry invites members of the media to a preview of its newest Conference of Defence Association Institute presents ReReadad tthehe ffullull in Canada at one of the Hill’s most interactive and exhibition Prime Ministers and the Arts: Creators, Col- this annual conference. Feb. 12-13. Chateau Laurier anticipated events. Feb. 4, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at lectors and Muses. The exhibition features published Hotel, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa. ParliamentaParliamentaryry the Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington and archival items from across Library and Archives Canada’s Agriculture Day Networking Reception— St., Ottawa. RSVP: [email protected]. Canada’s collection. The material reveals the intriguing, Canada’s Agriculture Day is the perfect time to come CCalendaralendar TUESDAY, FEB. 5 informal, and often unexpected side of Canada’s prime together to showcase pride in Canadian agriculture and ministers. Learn more about the artistic interests and create a closer connection to where our food comes online Canadian Seed Trade Association Annual Lobby Day— impacts of Mackenzie King, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Sir from and the people who produce it. Celebrate with lo- The Canadian Seed Trade Association board of directors John Sparrow David Thompson, and other Canadian cal farmers, agricultural leaders, and other stakeholders will be in Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 5 for its Annual prime ministers. Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Library and at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building, Feb. 12 from Lobby Day, which will include nearly 30 meetings with Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Register at AgDay.ca/ Members of Parliament, Senators, ministers, and senior Annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Ottawa. Enter code CAD2019_AMTE before checkout. regulators and bureaucrats. Advocacy efforts relate to Canada (PDAC) Reception—PDAC invites Parliamentar- Famous 5 Volunteer Appreciation Evening—Famous ongoing intellectual property consultations on potential ians, staff, and invited guests to celebrate Canada’s 5 Ottawa celebrates fi ve fabulous women. Join them

Historical moment in time: The 528 men who helped rebuild Centre Block pose for a massive group photo, thought be taken on July, 1917. The photograph hung in the basement of Irene’s Pub in Ottawa for years and was later gifted by former Irene’s landlord Ron Bujold to parliamentary history buff Debbie Murphy. Centre Block is now closed for at least 10 years for renovations. Harold A. Briggs photograph courtesy of Ron Bujold & Debbie Murphy