Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 C THIRTY-SECOND YEAR, NO.1768 for conservative-leaning provincial governments duringpandemic,say pollsters Incumbency, ‘cooperation, anda multi-partisan approach’ electoral advantages News Stewart Elgie. executive director Prosperity Institute says Smart really important,’ be carbon will the focus on low- and that’s where the new economy, or it can kickstart the old economy either kickstart ‘Government can W COVID-19 pandemicwillbethe leaders either heading to the polls leaders eitherheading tothepolls in reshaping economy, say top experts in-a-decade’ investment opportunity our leaders’: feds can’t falter on‘once- ‘There needs to bereal honesty from News BY MIKE LAPOINTE BY MIKE LAPOINTE Briefi Policy Health Mental pp. 19-27 Michael Harris nomic fallout from the ongoing nomic falloutfrom theongoing onfronting theimmediate eco- servative-leaning provincial ith anumberofpopular, con- p.13 ng Leader JagmeetSingh,andGreenParliamentaryElizabethMay. Prime MinisterJustinTrudeau, ConservativeLeaderErinO'Toole, BlocQuébécoisLeaderYves-François Blanchet,NDP wave’ islikely toflatten any econom- economists, especiallyasthe ‘second come, according toexpertsand ment intheweeks andmonths to primary focusofthefederal govern- pollsters, andpoliticalinsiders say particularly highapproval numbers, call anearlyelectionwhile riding election win, orfacingpressureto in thenearfuture, freshoffarecent HOH p.2 LeMay C Rose ANADA p.10 ’ S P OLITICS major country situation staringpolicy-makers economy inthesummer. the reopeningofmajorparts ic growth Canadahasseenfollowing to judgetheirhandling ofthecrisis. demic andarepreparedforvoters this pointintheCOVID-19 pan- are at anadvantage politicallyat incumbent provincial governments But even withableakfi

AND Germany’s Germany’s right now G possibly possibly OVERNMENT the best the best Gwynne DyerG p.15 w y The HillTimes photographsbyAndrewMeade scal quite quite N EWSPAPER investments inthelow-carbon, face, withoutmakingtargeted and Canadianssquarelyinthe vative Party andrecentpolling at thehelmoffederal Conser- But withanew leaderfreshly good that’s back, and Bob Rae’s Doug Rochep.14 Continued onpage 17 Continued onpage4 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5,2020$5.00 C T Times, Jay Hill, theinterimleader seats totheNDP orLiberals. party’s leadersays won’t risklosing gins in2019, inanoffensive that the Conservatives won withwidemar- ridings inthenextelectionthat the News margins’ bywon very wide Conservatives election, ‘where Canada in the next ridings in Western Conservative strongtarget 49 Maverick Party to MLA Sims MLA Sims NDP B.C.provincial very diff ‘very weird andit’s during COVID-19 is Campaigning News hands, and gettingclosetopeople. from goingdoorknocking, shaking requirements now barpoliticians ers inanera when socialdistancing new toolsofengagementwithvot- is over, andpoliticiansshouldlearn the “new normal” untilthepandemic different” experience, butit’salso BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS In aninterview withThe Hill erick Party willtry totarget49 he upstartright-of-centreMav- COVID-19 isa “very weird and ampaigning inthemidstof erent,’ says Continued onpage 16 Continued onpage6 2 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Green agreed: “For the record the Doritos always say, remember Arthur, tell our cus- and Crunchie Bars would defi nitely have to tomers and our employees that we could go in our Collective Agreement.” not do it without them and always thank MPs being hit with the munchies them for the business.” while on the job isn’t unheard of; snack Mr. Savoie, one of the country’s leading Heard on the Hill afi cionados and on-the-run Hill report- experts on the machinery of government, ers will remember the great controversy holds the Canada Research Chair in Public that erupted when Prime Minister Justin Administration and Governance at the by Palak Mangat Trudeau admitted to eating a chocolate bar Université de Moncton and has written 47 last year, while taking part in a marathon books, including Federal-Provincial Col- voting session in January 2019 and being laboration: The Canada-New Brunswick called out by Conservative MP Scott Reid. General Development Agreement; Break- Mr. Reid mistakenly called it at bagel at the ing the Bargain: Public Servants, Ministers, Crunchie bar and time. and Parliament; Governing From the Cen- tre: The Concentration of Power in Cana- Justin Ling at Ottawa dian Politics; Thatcher, Reagan, Mulroney: In Search of a New Bureaucracy; What Doritos: NDP MP Green International Writers’ Festival Is Government Good At? A Canadian Journalist Justin Ling will talk about Answer; Visiting Grandchildren: Economic his new book, Missing From the Village: Development in the Maritimes; Whatever shares how he got by The Story of Serial Killer Bruce McArthur, Happened to the Music Teacher? How Gov- the Search for Justice, and the System ernment Decides and Why; Democracy in That Failed Toronto’s Queer Community, Canada: The Disintegration of Our Institu- on Monday, Oct. 5. The live online event tions; Harrison McCain: Single-Minded during Wednesday’s early will be hosted by Matthew Pearson and Purpose; Looking for Bootstraps: Econom- runs 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Those interested ic Development in the Maritimes; and The morning House vote can register at Eventbrite. Politics of Public Spending in Canada. Savoie’s new book highlights HOC staff gets shoutout from MP ‘homegrown business success’ The inevitable perils of a hybrid vir- NDP MP Matthew Don Savoie has a new book out, tual House led one MP to give a special Green, pictured at “Thanks for Conservative a House Access the Busi- MP Michelle to Information, ness”: K.C. Rempel Garner, Privacy, and Irving, Arthur pictured in Ethics Committee Irving, and Ottawa on meeting on July the Story of Sept. 9, 2020, 23, 2020, was Irving Oil , paid thanks bag deep in some published to a House Doritos last week, by Nimbus IT staffer last thanks to a early Publishing. week. The morning vote on In his Hill Times the Liberals' latest 342-page photograph by pandemic-aid book, Mr. Andrew Meade bill. The Hill Times Savoie, the photograph by 2016 Donner Andrew Meade Prize-win- shoutout to a House of Commons IT whiz ning author last week, delivered in true parliamentary of What fashion. “Thanks For The Business”: Is Govern- “Mr. Speaker, let the record show that pparently, politicians love their Doritos, which have also earned a nod K.C. Irving, Arthur Irving, ment Good Joshua Lind from House of Commons IT Doritos, the fl avoured tortilla chips from Yukon Liberal Premier Sandy Silver and the Story of Irving Oil, At, Services, king of his craft and fi rst of his A by Donald Savoie, is out now. takes invented in a Disneyland restaurant in in the past, weren’t the only snack on Mr. a detailed line, has, since March, repeatedly saved the 1960s, and thanks to a 3 a.m. House of Green’s mind: “the next vote isn’t until Photograph courtesy of Nimbus my life through various forms of electronic Publishing look at the Commons vote Wednesday night on the 2:25am and I’m about to crush a Crunchie famous New ensorcellement and I thank him for it,” federal government’s latest pandemic-aid Bar as I eat my emotions,” he added. Brunswick Irving family, business tycoons tweeted Conservative MP Michelle Rempel bill, Hill watchers got a taste of where NDP Conservative MP James Cumming opted Arthur Irving and K.C. Irving and the story Garner, who recently got handed the hefty MP Matthew Green lands on the great for some sea salt and malt vinegar fl avoured of Irving Oil. health critic role in Conservative Leader Doritos debate. chips, courtesy of Ms. Vickie’s, while Mr. The biography traces the controversial Erin O’Toole’s cabinet. No stranger to when hunger strikes, Green’s NDP colleague, Mumilaaq Qa- Irving family’s roots back to Scotland and The MP followed her remarks with Mr. Green tweeted at around 1 a.m. that, qqaq, said she was coping with “anti tox tea looks at Irving Oil’s success, “born in Bouc- jokes about her camera not working, “after 8 weeks of *really* watching what and yogurt/mixed nuts/fruit in front of me. touche and grown from Saint John, New scrambling to get in order for late-night and how much I eat … this late night HoC Healthy foods for healthy thoughts fam.” One Brunswick, and which now operates Cana- meetings, and memories of the good ol’ voting has me all up in the Doritos.” MPs user chimed in with some tasteful advice for da’s largest refi nery, along with more than days of 2005, “the last time I did any sort of hunkered down overnight on Sept. 29 to politicos and journalists, alike: “My friend, a thousand gas stations spanning Eastern IT training.” debate a massive government Bill C-4, that I’m going to paraphrase what my diabetes Canada, New England, and Ireland.” “In short, Joshua, you and every House of was unanimously passed at 3 a.m., mark- dietician told me yesterday: do your best but Mr. Savoie says he wrote the book for Commons IT person is the best,” she wrote. ing the fi rst test of confi dence the Liberals approach your health holistically—if your two reasons: “First, as a Bouctouche na- After being tagged by a colleague on passed in the new session. The bill, which mental health needs it, eat the chocolate.” tive, I have always been fascinated with the post, Mr. Lind joked that “this is what replaces the $500-a-week Canada Emer- Sonia Theroux, a co-executive direc- K.C. Irving’s accomplishments. … Second, happens when you represent satisfaction.” gency Response Benefi t, authorizes new tor with LeadNow, added that “someone I want to see more Maritimers celebrate According to his LinkedIn, Mr. Lind has benefi ts for the jobless and underemployed should unionize that place. Those are homegrown business success… I leave the Continued on page 30 by the COVID-19 pandemic. medieval working conditions,” to which Mr. last word to Arthur Irving, ‘My dad would

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cially because of the next phase country’s economy. which we’re going to hit in three “If you think about Canada’s ‘There needs to be real to six months. economic future, our economic “Immediately, the challenge past was based on two pil- we face is combatting COVID-19 lars—the resource sector and and dealing with those who are manufacturing,” said Mr. Drum- honesty from our leaders’: economically affected by the mond, who served as assistant COVID-induced slowdown,” said deputy minister of fi scal policy Mr. Elgie in an interview on and economic analysis while Oct. 1. “We’re deliberately cool- in the public service as well as feds can’t falter on ‘once- ing large parts of the economy senior vice president and chief down, and we’ve got to deal economist for TD Bank from with income support by people 2000 to 2010. “With the resource who are affected by cooling the sector, one hates to extrapolate a in-a-decade’ investment economy down. That’s people current situation into the future, in face-to-face workplaces— but it’s been down in the dumps service, retail, tourism, restau- since 2014.” rants—there are big parts of “And in a very short period of opportunity in re-shaping the economy that have taken a time, discussion of peak oil sup- big hit, because of the COVID ply has been replaced by discus- restrictions and the ability of sion of peak oil demand,” said largely women to participate in Prof. Drummond. “It will come economy, say experts the workforce as they are home back in some fashion, but it’s dealing with kids.” hard to imagine that being the pil- Given this, we’re still in the lar of the economy it has been in policy-makers with an unprec- “We have seen a really quick income support phase, said Mr. the past. And employment in our ‘Government can edented avenue to show leader- recovery since the closures that Elgie, and not in the economic manufacturing sector is half the ship in green energy investments we saw in March and April,” said recovery phase quite yet. proportion of the total economy either kickstart the and in transforming the economy, Mr. Antunes. “As we started to We’ve cooled things down, that it was 20 years ago.” Prof. Homer-Dixon said “abso- re-open the economy, a lot of we’re trying to help business and “So I think you can ask the old economy or it lutely it is” and that this moment the sectors that we intentionally households stay afl oat as we cool question, where does the growth can kickstart the new represents a “high leverage inter- shut down, which was a policy down,” said Mr. Elgie. “During that come from? And I think that vention point.” decision, they re-opened, and of phase, there is a limited amount draws your eye to how clean [in- economy, and that’s “This is basically where you course we got ‘unprecedented that you can do to promote low dustry] growth is a good thing to can pull a lever, push a button, growth.’” carbon growth.” have for its own sake, but maybe where the focus on turn a screw, and produce very “But when you’re coming off “But as we begin to get COVID it’s the only thing. These histori- substantial gains in the way so- rock bottom, it’s really not that more under control, and we can cal pillars are probably not going low-carbon will be cieties are working and the path- impressive really.” look to heating the economy to carry the day into the future,” really important,’ way that they’re going along on According to recent data from back up again, there is inevitably said Mr. Drummond. “I think if something like the green energy Statistics Canada, the country going to be the need for the kind you look at it from an industrial says Smart Prosperity transition, where we can produce was at a 6 per cent gap from of economic stimulus that there structure perspective and look at a real shift.” where we were in February, with always is coming out of an eco- where jobs and growth are going Institute executive “We’re looking for those high estimates that we may see an- nomic downturn,” said Mr. Elgie. to come in the future, it bears leverage intervention points,” said other 1 per cent growth in August. “When that time comes, govern- looking at that sector from that director Stewart Elgie. Prof. Homer-Dixon. “Prior to the “In other words, we’re still ment can either kickstart the old perspective, never even mind the pandemic, it was almost as if ev- in a recession, that is one of the economy or it can kickstart the benefi ts for the environment.” erything was locked up and very deepest, where we’re 5 per cent new economy, and that’s where Former parliamentary budget Continued from page 1 the focus on low-carbon will be offi cer Kevin Page told The Hill rigid, and then with the pandemic below where we in February, this Times green-energy economy and sup- and the shock that occurred, all of is a huge recession even with really important.” that he agrees with the porting the continued growth of the pieces are moving simultane- the recovery we’ve had,” said Mr. Describing the next phase of Conference Board on the short- its associated workforce whenev- ously.” Antunes. investment as a “once-in-a-decade” term economic outlook. er the smoke clears, Canada risks “We don’t actually know how The Conference Board of opportunity, Mr. Elgie said we’re “Policy-makers will likely face being left behind once the world they’re going to reconfi gure Canada has been very open to not going to have that kind of a signifi cantly slowing in the truly begins rebuilding from the themselves, how they are going government support through money to spend on the economy economic recovery in the fourth global crisis that’s rocked the to come back together, but it’s al- this crisis period, according to again for another fi ve to ten years. quarter. As the recent PBO report global economy and changed most certain the public will be put Mr. Antunes, who also said he “You want to be generating highlighted, it could be 2022 when business and industry forever. back together to create a picture recognized that “all bets are on” the jobs and economic growth we see real output return to pre For that to happen, Canada that’s quite different from what following the support of every that we’re going to have in fi ve to COVID-19 levels assuming we will need strong, honest leader- we had before,” said Prof. Homer- political party for continued sup- ten years, you don’t to be put- are months away from vaccina- ship, according to one of Cana- Dixon. “We don’t know what port for households through this ting a bunch of money into stuff tion,” said Mr. Page in a written da’s leading public intellectuals that’s going to look like, so there period which will likely last until that’s going to become outdated statement. Thomas Homer-Dixon. is a real opportunity for changing the summer of next year. in a few years,” said Mr. Elgie. Mr. Page, who now teaches “Canada faces an enormous how those pieces come together “It could be even longer,” said “Regardless of how much you at the University of Ottawa, said challenge here, and I think in and re-confi guring things within Mr. Antunes. “The reason the care about climate change, I think that in recent discussions with terms of leadership, there needs our economy.” government can keep stimulus this is smart economics, it isn’t his students on the topic, they to be real honesty from our lead- spending is that there is absolute- just smart environmental policy, were “strongly in favour of public ers,” said Prof. Homer-Dixon in ly no sentiment that this can be in it’s smart economic and fi nancial investments in green energy to an interview with The Hill Times Economic recovery any way infl ationary, because the policy.” support growth and employment.” Virtually every major business “From their perspective (next on Oct. 1, following the recent likely to ‘fl atten, if not economy is so hard hit that the release of his book Command- demand for things is so low.” leader and economic think-tank generation of leaders), the [Eu- ing Hope: The Power We Have to stall, between now and But in terms of medium-term around the world agrees we are ropean Union] is showing us the Renew a World in Peril. moving to a low carbon future. path forward: green and digital,” mid-2021, according to risks, the issue surrounds a build- “Honest leadership—and this up of debt that is substantive and “They’ll debate the pace of that said Mr. Page. “Canada must is part of what I would call honest Conference Board will bring us back to debt levels change, but no one debates the keep pace or risk falling behind hope—requires our leaders to The Conference Board of that we were in during the mid direction of the change, and the both in respect to our interna- be very clear about the need to Canada forecasted that although 1990s. world is moving to a low-carbon tional climate change commit- restructure our economy in a way Canada’s economy has “bounced “And that’s where we had all future, said Mr. Elgie. “There will ments and our global competitive that’s as just and as fair as possible, back in recent months following of that fi scal restraint that we had be a fundamental shift in our en- standing.” especially for those groups who are the economic plunge sparked to impose at one point, because ergy systems that will affect every “The trade-offs are real—fu- going to be hit very hard,” he said. by the pandemic shutdowns in the debt fi nancing costs were sector of the economy, from agri- ture vs. past energy systems. Prof. Homer-Dixon, who now March and April,” according to a getting out of control,” said Mr. culture to resources to manufac- However, there are signifi cant leads the recently-established Sept. 30 press release, “the pace Antunes. turing to technology, and we’ve current impacts already in output Cascade Institute, whose mandate of recovery is expected to peter got to get our economy ready to and job impacts because of low is to examine the full range of out over the autumn and winter compete in that future.” oil prices,” said Mr. Page. “Prices humanity’s converging envi- as the arrival of colder weather, ‘Inevitable’ need for are expected to remain weak ronmental, economic, political, coupled with a rise in the number economic stimulus ‘Where does the growth which will naturally depress pri- technological, and health crises, of COVID-19 cases, further dis- vate investment.” acknowledged this is a exceed- rupts Canada’s economic activity.” coming out of an come from?’ Transition—change—is expen- ingly diffi cult environment for In a subsequent interview with economic downturn Don Drummond, professor at sive, said Mr. Page. leaders—and a tough environ- The Hill Times, Pedro Antunes, Stewart Elgie, executive chair the School of Policy Studies at “If we are going to use defi cit ment in which to give people chief economist at the Conference of the Smart Prosperity Institute, Queen’s University and involved fi nance, we should use it wisely to hope—as most don’t want to hear Board of Canada, said although a national research network and with the C.D. Howe Institute, ensure there are real investments we may not ever return to the Canada is still seeing economic policy think tank based at the told The Hill Times it’s hard to to go along with the debt to help world we knew before. growth following the re-opening University of Ottawa, told The imagine Canada’s resource and the next generation.” But when asked if the CO- of the economy in the summer, Hill Times that there’s an immedi- manufacturing sectors will return [email protected] VID-19 pandemic has provided growth is indeed declining. ate short-term challenge, espe- to their earlier prominence in this The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 5 Opinion

A Shell Oil gas station near the interchange of Why does Shell pay oil and California State Route 46 and Interstate 5 near Lost Hills, Calif. CAPP has supported gas lobby to do its anti- developing low-carbon technology and selling natural gas, but it has climate action dirty work? been opposed to a carbon tax and hasn’t offered a complete this be true when Shell says in its Industry endorsement of the CAPP has proven unwilling Associations Review Update that it gives Paris Climate accord. to adapt to the realities of between $500 and $1-million to the Cana- Photograph courtesy of dian Association of Petroleum Producers Wikimedia Commons climate change or address each year, which consistently tries to eat climate policy for lunch? A fact underscored recently when a it is for Shell to restore a diminished public the growing fi nancial risks In 2019, Shell published its Industry leaked memo to eight members of the fed- trust and strengthen social licence. Why Association Climate Review, in which it eral cabinet during the COVID-19 crisis then does Shell not act on the substantial for those companies that committed to reviewing industry associa- called for the government to kill or delay evidence that continued membership in tion memberships based on alignment with a myriad of climate actions, and even to CAPP undermines climate solutions in fail to embrace climate Shell’s climate-related policy positions. The gift CAPP a delay in meeting its require- Canada and Shell’s reputation as a respon- ambition. climate-related policy positions outlined ment to publicly report its own regressive sible and forward-thinking company? Shell are described as support for: the goal of lobbying. has told us that, despite all the evidence of the Paris Agreement on climate change; Despite CAPP’s actions, all Shell has CAPP’s aggressive anti-climate political government-led carbon pricing mecha- done is acknowledge “misalignment” activity, it has no current plans to leave the nisms; policy frameworks for low-carbon with CAPP’s view on carbon pricing and association. technologies; and the role of natural gas in support for the Paris Agreement. But it Some might say that it is certainly a the energy system. is still writing cheques. Shell tells the convenient arrangement. Shell gets to But how is it that Shell continues its public that, rather than withdrawing from speak publicly in generalities about sup- CAPP membership when CAPP fi ghts CAPP, they are continuing to engage with port for climate action, and then unleash against a carbon tax, and relies on projec- the association in the interest of seeking their well-paid attack dog any time a tions of continued growth in oil produc- improvement and alignment. However, government tries to actually implement the tion, which would almost certainly lead to the evidence shows that CAPP is mak- laws and policies that would make these an increase in emissions from Canada’s ing no change, and, in fact, is deepening commitments real. Tim Gray largest-emitting sector? its dangerous anti-climate action efforts. If Shell wants to avoid accusations of hy- Opinion In fact, our recent research report, the CAPP has proven unwilling to adapt to pocrisy and convince the public—and decision- Biggest Barrier to Climate Action: the Oil the realities of climate change or address makers—that its rhetoric will be matched and Gas Lobby, shows how CAPP pursues the growing fi nancial risks for those by action, it needs to put its money where its oyal Dutch Shell is the world’s second- deeply regressive actions and has actively companies that fail to embrace climate mouth is. Shell should immediately and pub- Rlargest oil and gas company and likes sought to prevent, dilute, or delay many ambition. licly withdraw its membership in the Canadian to assure its investors, regulators, the of the effective climate policies at the Royal Dutch Shell global CEO Ben van Association of Petroleum Producers. media, and the public that it is making Canadian federal and provincial levels. Beurden has also been a vocal public advo- Tim Gray is the executive director of strides towards addressing the serious (The report is available on Environmental cate for transparency and ethical corporate Environmental Defence. threats posed by climate change. But can Defence’s website.) behaviour, acknowledging how important The Hill Times

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didates across the country but did That’s not to say that there aren’t Maverick Party to target 49 not win even one seat. Party leader voters in my riding, who, if present- Maxime Bernier lost his own seat ed with that option might give the in Beauce, Que., which he had won Maverick Party consideration,” said strong Conservative ridings as a Conservative MP four times. Mr. Cooper. “But I have not been Mr. Hill said his party would hearing anything specifi c about the like to win enough seats to hold Maverick Party in my riding.” the balance of power. Two-term Conservative MP in Western Canada in the next “That would be an ideal situa- Mel Arnold (North Okanagan- tion for Western Canada and it’s Shuswap, B.C.) told The Hill a scenario that I and others will Times that it would be “unfortu- election, ‘where Conservatives be talking about in an election nate” if the Maverick Party fi elded campaign,” said Mr. Hill. “The pos- candidates in the next federal sibility of holding the balance of election, as the right-of-centre power, not unlike what’s happen- vote would be divided amongst won by very wide margins’ ing right now—you have a minor- the Conservatives, Peoples Party ity Liberal government, with of Canada, and the Maverick [NDP Leader] Jagmeet Singh Party. He also echoed Mr. Coo- ‘We would encourage that they are not getting a fair and Saskatchewan, which re- keeping them in power.” per’s view that if Canadians want deal from the central government, sulted in more than 100,000 job Mr. Hill said if the Conserva- an alternative to the Liberals, the everyone to remain but that alienation was being felt losses. Some Western Canadians tives ended up with a minority Conservative Party is their best most strongly in Alberta and Sas- also say they are unhappy with government after the next election, option. Mr. Arnold’s riding is also united on the katchewan. Alberta has 34 ridings the equalization formula, and his party would work with them. in the list of 49 ridings the Maver- in the House of Commons, and want Senate Reform so that they “You can easily foresee where icks are planning on targeting in Conservative values Saskatchewan has 14 ridings. The get more infl uence over the gov- if it was a close tie between the Lib- the next election. Liberals were not able to win any ernment’s legislative priorities. erals and Conservatives,” said Mr. “We would encourage ev- behind the one party seat in the two provinces in 2019. Many Albertans also consider Hill. “And there was—choose your eryone to remain united on the that has a chance The only seat that the Conserva- the federal government respon- number 10 Maverick Members of Conservative values behind the tives lost in Alberta is Edmonton- sible for some of the devastation Parliament—that they would work one party that has a chance of of defeating Justin Strathcona, which was previously in the province’s oil sector, in part very closely with the Conserva- defeating Justin Trudeau, and held by former three-term NDP because more progress hasn’t tives, just as Jagmeet Singh is in that’s the Conservative Party of Trudeau, and that’s MP Linda Duncan, who did not been made on pipelines to export bed with Justin Trudeau.” Canada,” said Mr. Arnold. stand for re-election. In the last Alberta oil, and many feel they’ve The Maverick Party’s strategy [email protected] the Conservative Party election; the NDP’s Heather been short-changed and are un- of running candidates in ridings The Hill Times McPherson carried the riding. represented in the government. where only right-of-centre can- of Canada,’ says two- didates would likely win comes term Conservative MP 'We're across as “sophisticated,” said Ridings Where the strongest in the pollster Frank Graves of Ekos Re- Maverick Party Plans Mel Arnold. Conservative search. However, he cautioned that ridings won by it remains to be seen if the strategy to Run Candidates in wide margins,’ will work in the next election. Continued from page 1 in the 2019 Mr. Graves predicted that the the Next Election: next election will be a close one. of the Maverick Party, said that election, says Jay Riding Name; MP; Share of the vote the left-leaning parties won’t Hill, left, interim He said it will be interesting to won in 2019 win in those ridings even if the leader of the see how the vote will split for the Conservatives and the Mavericks, Alberta right-of-centre vote splits in half. Maverick Party, Banff-Airdrie, Blake Richards, 60.3% He said that the Maverick Party’s pictured in 2012 and what that means for the Lib- Battle River-Crowfoot, Damien Kurek, 80.4% support is the strongest where the with former erals and the NDP. Bow River, Martin Shields, 78.2% Conservatives won with whop- Reform Party “Well, it’s a pretty sophisti- Calgary Centre, Greg McLean, 29.7% ping margins, especially in rural leader Preston cated strategy, it’s good in theory,” Calgary Confederation, Len Webber, 32.5% ridings of the western provinces. Manning. The said Mr. Graves. “I’m not sure, Calgary Forest Lawn, Jasraj Hallan, 37.8% Mr. Hill said he’s basing this Hill Times fi le I’d have to look at how the splits Calgary Heritage, Bob Benzen, 56.8% claim on his conversations with photograph work. Because many of their Calgary Midnapore, Stephanie Kusie, 63.2% western Canadians and public [Maverick Party] potential voters Calgary Nose Hill, Michelle Rempel, 54% Calgary Rocky Ridge, Pat Kelly, 49.9% opinion polls in which a signifi - would not want to inadvertently Calgary Shepard, Tom Kmiec, 63.9% cant chunk has expressed their In Saskatchewan and Alberta, Mr. Downing stepped down as elect a Liberal or an NDP. So if Calgary Signal Hill, Ron Liepert, 54.7% willingness to separate from the Conservatives won 47 of the party leader in June and Mr. Hill they can design it in a way where Edmonton Griesbach, Kerry Diotte, 26.2% Canada. 48 seats with very comfortable took over as the interim leader that possibility is largely elimi- Edmonton Manning, Ziad Aboultaif, 34.4% According to an Abacus Data margins. In both provinces, there the same month. A former Re- nated, that’ll help them.” Edmonton Riverbend, Matt Jeneroux, 34.5% poll released in July, 34 per cent are 13 seats the Conservatives form Party MP, Mr. Hill was fi rst Two-term Conservative MP Mi- Edmonton West, Kelly McCauley, 40.8% of British Columbians described won with 70 per cent or more elected as an MP in 1993 and was chael Cooper (St. Albert-Edmon- Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, Mike Lake, 60.1% separation from Canada as a of the vote. In some ridings, the re-elected in the fi ve subsequent ton, Alta.) told The Hill Times that Foothills, John Barlow, 76.3% Fort McMurray-Cold Lake, David Yurdiga, 70.3% “good idea” or something they Liberal and the NDP share of the federal elections. He also served he and the Conservative Party are Grande Prairie-Mackenzie, Chris Warkentin, 77% could “live with,” while 66 per cent vote was in single digits. as the House leader in prime min- watching the rise of the Maver- Lakeland, Shannon Stubbs, 77.4% described it as a “terrible idea.” In British Columbia, the Con- ister Stephen Harper’s cabinet. ick Party closely and are taking Lethbridge, Rachael Harder, 51.1% In Alberta, 35 per cent described servatives won 17 seats, the Liber- Mr. Hill told The Hill Times that potential consequences seriously. Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner, Glen Motz, 70.4% separation from Canada as a als and the NDP won 11 each, the the party will likely have its leader- He said that for Canadians who Peace River-Westlock, Arnold Viersen, 73.1% positive or palatable idea, and 65 Green Party won two seats, and ship convention in the spring, but want to oust the Liberal govern- Red Deer-Lacombe, Blaine Calkins, 70.9% per cent considered it a terrible one Independent MP was elected. that things could change because ment, their best chance is to vote Red Deer-Mountain View, Earl Dreeshen, 73.1% idea. In Saskatchewan, those In Manitoba, the Conservatives of COVID-19. He said that he will Conservative. St. Albert-Edmonton, Michael Cooper, 41.5% fi gures were 36 per cent and 63 Mr. Cooper won 60.7 per cent of Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, Garnett Genuis, won seven seats, the Liberals four, neither run for the party leader- 61.2% per cent. In Manitoba, 35 consid- and the NDP three seats. ship nor will be a candidate in the the vote in the last election, while Sturgeon River-Parkland, Dane Lloyd, 67.4% ered separating from Canada as Of the 104 seats in the four next federal election. Instead, Mr. the second place Liberal candidate Yellowhead, Gerald Soroka, 75.2% a “good idea” or something they Western provinces, the Liberals Hill said, he and some other former Greg Springate won 19.2 per cent Saskatchewan could “live with,” and 65 per cent won only 15 seats in the last elec- MPs are helping the Maverick of the vote. The riding of St. Albert- Battlefords-Lloydminster, Rosemarie Falk, 66.8% said it was a “terrible idea.” tion—11 in B.C. and four in Mani- Party lay the groundwork to get the Edmonton is one of the 49 ridings Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek, Kelly Block, 66.2% Of the 49 ridings the Maverick toba. In comparison, the Conser- party ready for the next election. the Mavericks are planning on Cypress Hills-Grasslands, Jeremy Patzer, 71.5% Party is planning on targeting vatives won 71, the NDP 15, the He declined to share the names targeting in the next election. Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan, Tom Lukiwski, next time around, 30 are located Greens two, and one Independent of the other former MPs involved, Mr. Cooper said that he will 54.1% Prince Albert, Randy Hoback, 50.3% in Alberta, nine in Saskatchewan, MP was elected. but said those names will be an- run again regardless of who runs Regina-Qu’Appelle, Andrew Scheer, 43.3% and fi ve each in British Columbia In November of last year, Peter nounced in the coming days. against him. He said that no one Saskatoon-Grasswood, Kevin Waugh, 27.6% and Manitoba. Downing, a former RCMP offi cer, Mr. Hill said that a number of in his riding had specifi cally Souris-Moose Mountain, Robert Kitchen, 76.7% “The ridings that we would founded the Wexit Party, which strategic decisions for the next raised the rise of the Maverick Yorkton-Melville, Cathay Wagantall, 63.9% be targeting would be the 49 rid- changed its name to the Maverick election, like where and how many Party with him. British Columbia ings in Western Canada where Party last month. candidates to fi eld, depend on the Mr. Cooper also acknowledged Abbotsford, B.C. Ed Fast 29.8% Conservatives won by very wide The Liberal Party’s progres- timing of the election. If the next that the feelings of western alien- Cariboo-Prince George, B.C. Todd Doherty 32.7% margins,” said Mr. Hill. “And if sive policies on climate change, election happens in the very near ation in Alberta are deep seated, but Chilliwack-Hope, B.C. Mark Strahl 29.4% you even split the vote right in said that Conservative Party Leader North Okanagan-Shuswap, B.C. Mel Arnold 26.1 such as the carbon tax, are a future, “like six months or so,” the Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, B.C. half, between a Maverick, and a source of frustration for thou- Maverick Party will run candidates Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) is the Bob Zimmer 58.2% Conservative, you still would not sands of Canadians living in all where they are most confi dent they best choice to address the concerns Manitoba have this scenario where one of four western provinces. Those can win, meaning they will focus of Canadians living in the West and Brandon-Souris, Larry Maguire, 49.4% the other parties could, as they policies were brought in follow- on quality not quantity. He cited the rest of the country. Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa, Dan Mazier, 50.2% say, come up the middle.” ing a dramatic drop in oil prices the example of the People’s Party “I have not heard anyone in Portage-Lisgar, Candice Bergen, 60.1% Mr. Hill said that all Western internationally that caused an of Canada, which was started be- my riding specifi cally bring up the Provencher, Ted Falk, 52.7% Canadians are feeling frustrated economic slowdown in Alberta fore the last election and ran can- Maverick Party to me, personally. Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, James Bezan, 44.8% NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION, OCTOBER 10, 2020

MovingMoving ForwardForward

When Taiwan celebrates Double Tenth National Day, the people can reflect on a blessed year. Despite coronavirus, the country’s economy remains on the growth track under the farsighted leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen.

Momentum is set to be carried into the post-pandemic new life via the six core strategic industries plan for transforming Taiwan into a critical force in the global economy. Building on the government’s five-plus-two industrial innovation program, it sets out a vision to develop the nation’s information and digital; cybersecurity; biotech and medical; national defense and strategic; green and renewable energy; and strategic stockpile industries.

The enterprising spirit of the people guarantees successful realization of this vision. From world-renowned industry leaders such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. down to neighborhood shops, a belief in hard work and ingenuity means the country is well placed to achieve economic growth and stability while seizing next-generation opportunities.

Photos: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Presidential Office

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada 8 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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

Editorial Letters to the Editor Joyce Echaquan’s degrading The easy fi x for climate breakdown is off the table, says Ottawa Valley letter writer treatment a national disgrace he easy fi x for climate breakdown is all, Indigenous-restorative, intelligent, Toff the table. Greenland’s ice sheet and climate positive resolution. There oyce Echaquan’s degrading treatment provincial public services, including police has passed the melting mark of no return is no time left. All levels of government Jbefore she died in a Joliette, Que., hos- services. Back in June, Mr. Legault said and will disintegrate remarkably sooner must address our climate emergency and pital last Monday is a national disgrace. Quebec “didn’t want to import the climate than projected. Climate scientists esti- act urgently for the chance to curtail cata- Echaquan, who turned on her phone in of confrontation,” from the U.S., referring to mate that world sea levels will eventually strophic nature collapse. her hospital bed and broadcast a Face- the massive protests after George Floyd, a rise about six metres (20 feet). What will Local governments would serve book Live video before she died on Sept. Black man, died after he was pinned down be the collective effect of such fl ooding? citizens best by immediately shifting to 28, appeared to show her being insulted by police offi cers in broad daylight. Climate disruption in its various forms is green friendly, energy and ecology based and sworn at by hospital staff. It’s unclear Meanwhile, a year ago, retired Superior here for nations. Greenland’s ice sheet is a systems. Here, in the Algonquin Nation/Ot- how she died, but her husband, Carol Court justice Jacques Viens released a damn- shocking “game-changing” example of an ac- tawa Valley, community leaders must rise Dubé, told Radio-Canada that his wife ing report on the province of Quebec’s sys- tivated climate tipping point. We can’t reverse with a rare courage and begin the disturb- went the hospital on Saturday and “two temic racism problem towards First Nations this event. Over the last century, the burning ing conversation of climate breakdown. days later, she died.” Her death is now the people and Inuit. Mr. Viens said the Quebec of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and oil has We must radically act with empathy and subject of two investigations, a coroner’s government should apologize to First Na- increased the concentration of our atmo- wisdom and leave no species behind. This inquiry and an administrative probe. But tions and Inuit for the systemic racism and spheric carbon dioxide (CO2). This happens won’t be easy by any stretch of imagina- the mother of seven children, who died treatment. The report, which is 520 pages because the coal, petroleum, or oil burning tion. We must accomplish the impossible. in the Montreal hospital 25o kilome- and makes 142 calls to action, outlines the process combines carbon with oxygen in the Every thought must be climate focused. tres away from her home community in harmful treatment of First Nations people air to make CO2 and blocks the Earth’s dis- We are all alive at just the right mo- Manawan, clearly wanted people to see and Inuit through provincial laws, policies sipation of heat. This is making our biosphere ment to change everything for the con- what was going on at the hospital and she and practices, and public services. unliveable for nearly all species. tinuation and safety of all life. We require wanted people to see how she was being “The unequal relations that have been I’ll be direct: everyone knows human sweeping decolonized climate justice and treated. established have deprived Indigenous activity amplifi es climate breakdown and across- the-board Algonquin Nation/Ot- In the video, Echaquan is seen and heard people of the means to allow them to everyone knows colonial and capitalist tawa Valley climate action, and indeed, screaming, while hospital staff are heard fulfi l their own destiny and have, in the environmental practices are not fi t for world climate action before 2021. saying in French: “Are you done messing process, given certain mistrust of public purpose to slow climate breakdown. We Mike Mackey around? Are you done? [expletive]”; “You are services,” Mr. Viens said when he released have a situation that demands a fair-for- Renfrew Country, Ottawa Valley, Ont. stupid as hell.”; “Well you made some bad his report on Sept. 30, 2019. choices, my dear.”; and “What would your It’s clear the province does have a kids think of you seeing you like that?”, ac- systemic racism problem, as Canada does. Feds shouldn’t fund private fossil fuel cording to Radio-Canada’s translation of the Mr. Legault should be dealing with Joyce video. One nurse has been fi red. Echaquan’s death as a top priority. She was It’s clear hospital staff were degrading a victim of racism at a public hospital and expansion, East Coast letter writer says Echaquan who was in distress. she was degraded personally in the care of s California, Oregon, and Washington to its advantage by Husky Energy. Quebec Premier François Legault denies hospital staff because she was an Indig- Asuffer through wildfi res of apocalyptic “A doubling of carbon dioxide is estimat- Echaquan was mistreated because of sys- enous woman. Mr. Legault must take serious proportions as well as temperatures of nearly ed to be capable of increasing the average temic racism. “I really don’t think that we action and leadership on this right now and 55 C being reached in southern California, global temperature by 1 C to 3 C with a 10 C have this kind of way of dealing with First he must help end this scourge against First here on the East Coast, Husky Energy is rise predicted at the poles.” This is from an in- Nations people in hospitals in Quebec. Yes, Nations people and Inuit in the province. The pressuring the federal government into buy- ternal report on climate published by Exxon there is racism in Quebec. We’re working on whole country does. Canadians are smug ing a stake in its oil business. researcher James Black in 1978. (Current that,” he said last week at a COVID-19 press about racism in the U.S., but we should be Husky’s woes are caused by the coronavi- record atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide conference, referring to a group he set up in looking at ourselves fi rst. rus, the slowdown of the economy, price wars are at 415 ppm, up from 280 ppm in the 1950s June to look at ways to stop racism across The Hill Times among oil exporting nations, an oversup- with the rate of increase accelerating.) ply of oil, and competition from alternative While West Coast forests and towns go energy sources. The solution, according to up in smoke, the industry that chose denial Husky Energy, is for the Canadian govern- and profi ts over responsibility is demanding ment to invest billions more in off-shore that our government fund its expansion. Bob drilling. Of course the infusion of Canadian Dylan famously wrote, “Money doesn’t talk, tax dollars won’t make any of the above fac- it swears.” That statement doesn’t get much tors disappear, but it will deepen Canada’s truer or uglier than it is today. reliance on the fossil-fuel industry to provide Michael Pagé jobs, a situation that can be further exploited Montague, P.E.I. Canada has opportunity to restore hope worldwide, says reader e are all in this together” and “leave nutritious foods, provide psycho-social sup- “Wno one behind” have been com- port, and escape potential child marriages. monly used phrases during the ongoing In order to truly believe in the phrase pandemic. In Canada, we will navigate the “we are all in this together,” Canada must second wave through long wait times at invest at least one per cent of its national COVID-19 testing centres, adapting to on- budget towards a global response to end line learning, and hoarding of disinfectants the pandemic everywhere and stop the and non-perishable items. However, we humanitarian and development crisis it has forget we are not the only ones deprived of created. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has normalcy. An estimated 1.6 billion children an opportunity to restore hope in not just in 190 countries are out of school, and this Canadians, but all individuals worldwide. loss is greater than education as the school Nina Huynh provides a safe environment to access Ottawa, Ont.

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to Republican spin doctors. There aren’t many left, but the party has Twists and turns in upcoming deep pockets and the Trump family also has plenty of access to cash. Since he spends so little in taxes (according to The New U.S. election never-ending York Times in 2016 and 2017 his federal tax bill was $750 annu- Couple that with the confusion ized in a speech which ultimately ally) he should have some money The COVID-19 story could spawn sympathy about whether Trump will even cost her the presidency. to fl ood the airwaves. accept the outcome of the election In retrospect, she was probably The newspaper plans to pub- for the president. More likely, it will simply if he loses, and you have a recipe right. People who refuse to wear lish his tax returns for 2018 and for chaos, something that world masks, say the coronavirus is a 2019 later in the campaign, send- reinforce Donald Trump’s disastrous response markets always reject. hoax perpetrated by political elites ing more bad news in the direc- to a world pandemic that has killed more than Everyone knows how nasty and Bill Gates, and claim that tion of the Trump campaign. Trump is but even his usually China created the virus to attack Unlike Canada, there is no 200,000 of his fellow citizens. demure partner Melania was the United States, are the most limit on American advertising negatively in the news last week. ardent supporters of the president. spending during a campaign. She was quoted in a series of And he returns the favour, ig- And in the United States, a bare centre to the national agenda, tapes, aired Thursday, claiming noring health protocols on mask- majority of the voting population which is just where the Demo- that migrant children who were wearing to the point where his voted in the last general election. crats would like it to be. separated from their parents were entourage pointedly removed their With the social isolation re- The markets reacted badly to receiving better care in detention masks during last week’s debate. quired by the pandemic, and the the news of White House conta- than they got at home. Trump also went so far as to huge spike in mail-in ballots, elec- gion, but that may have as much The tapes were purloined by promote not-so-subtle support for toral college votes can be decided to do with pre-election confusion a former aide to the fi rst lady, white supremacists during the by very small margins. as confi dence in U.S. President promoting release of her self-ex- broadcast. When he was asked Trump supporters appear to be Donald Trump’s economic prow- planatory book entitled, Melania to call them out, he claimed they the most motivated. ess. and Me: The Rise and Fall of My were only working to fi ght the far Biden is running ahead, but Sheila Copps If any American tuned into the Friendship with the First Lady. left, which was really responsible no one is excited by his ticket, Copps’ Corner fi rst offi cial presidential debate The book written by Stephania for the racial division and vio- with the possible exception of the last week, they could be forgiven Winston Wolkoff joins tomes that lence plaguing the United States. nomination of Kamala Harris as for feeling distressed about the have been penned recently by But there is another twist on vice-president. TTAWA—The twists and state of the American body politic. Trump family members and well- the road to the Nov. 3 election The COVID-19 story could Oturns in the upcoming Ameri- Borrowing from his television known journalists. whose outcome we cannot predict. spawn sympathy for the president. can election are never-ending. experience on The Apprentice, All are highly critical of the Because the president will be More likely, it will simply rein- Just when we thought we had Trump hectored and bullied Joe president, but nothing seems to under a two-week quarantine, it force Trump’s disastrous response seen everything, the president, his Biden, but for the most part the dent his popularity with the all- could free up his team to manage to a world pandemic that has spouse and high-ranking staffer, wily Biden did not bite. important base. the messaging by targeting elec- killed more than 200,000 of his Hope Hicks, have all tested posi- Trump himself had created By all accounts, Trump follow- toral districts where a 1,000-vote fellow citizens. tive for the COVID-19 virus. such low expectations for “Sleepy ers are motivated, even messianic. switch could make the difference. Sheila Copps is a former Jean Not only will this stop the Joe” that a measured, passing per- They may well represent the “bas- While he still has access to his Chrétien-era cabinet minister and Trump campaign in its tracks, it formance by Biden was viewed as ket of deplorables” that Hillary Twitter account, the quarantine a former deputy prime minister. will return COVID-19 front and a win across the country. Clinton unfortunately character- may provide some breathing space The Hill Times

My all-time favourite movie on politics, Ides Ryan Gosling’s lesson on of March, provides a good lesson in political communication. I’m talking about a scene in that movie political communications where a political consultant, played sultant, played by Ryan Gosling, Indeed, over the past few days, by Ryan Gosling, There’s an old axiom learns that his candidate’s rival I’ve noticed a couple of news pictured, learns that in a Democratic presidential pri- stories in the American press his candidate’s rival in politics, ‘if you’re mary race may have invested in a which, while seemingly written in a Democratic denying you’re Liberian diamond mine. up to defend public fi gures, prob- presidential primary Not knowing whether the ably ended up doing more harm race may have invested dying.’ In other mine story is true or false, than good because they employed in a Liberian diamond Gosling’s character still releases negative language. mine. Photograph words, using negative the information to the media, For instance, I saw a story courtesy of Flickr justifying this action by saying, “I recently in The Washington language when want to hear him denying it …. let Post which debunked a hoax defending yourself is them spend the next day telling video circulating in social media “Joe Biden is using a TelePrompt- In responding to those attacks the Post that he doesn’t own a which seemed to show Democrat- er in an interview” and when it and accusations, he must main- rarely persuasive. diamond mine in Liberia.” ic presidential nominee Joe Biden comes to Vox’s tweet on Barrett, tain positive language. Why would that be a good using a teleprompter during a the subconscious mind will reg- That’s to say, O’Toole must ploy? media interview. ister it as “Amy Coney Barrett’s refrain from saying something Because, there’s an old axiom The headline for this debunk- religious group was an inspiration like, “No, I’m not anti-Quebec,” in politics, “if you’re denying ing piece declared, “No, Joe Biden for The Handmaid’s Tale.” or “No, I’m not a callous heartless you’re dying.” is not using a teleprompter in an Hence, from a commu- person who would gut our social In other words, using negative interview.” nications point of view, nei- programs,” or “No, I’m not anti- language when defending your- Another example involved ther the Post headline nor immigrant.” self is rarely persuasive. Amy Coney Barrett, a nominee the Vox tweet are helpful to Biden Instead, he must say something The reason for this has to do for the U.S. Supreme Court, and Barrett. positive, along the lines of, “My op- with human psychology; more whose links to a secretive Catho- If you want to turn this into a ponents are unfairly attacking me, specifi cally, it has to do with lic group, called “People of Praise,” rule, it would be, when defend- so let me set the record straight; Gerry Nicholls the mysterious workings of our is coming under close scrutiny. ing yourself, avoid starting off a I believe in goodness, I believe in Post-Partisan Pundit subconscious minds, which, for In dealing with this story, the sentence with the word “no.” doing what’s right, I believe in all some reason, tend to fi lter out internet news organization Vox, There’s a lesson in all this, of sorts of niceness.” negatives. tweeted, “No, Amy Coney Bar- course, for Canadian politicians, Then O’Toole should accuse AKVILLE, ONT.—My all- So, if a politician says, “I’m rett’s religious group was not an especially for Conservative Party Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Otime favourite movie on not a crook,” people will subcon- inspiration for The Handmaid’s Leader Erin O’Toole. wrongdoing, hoping he will deny it. politics, Ides of March, provides a sciously hear “I’m a crook.” Tale.” I’m certain, after all, that, in Maybe we could call this, the good lesson in political commu- This is why the people who The problem is when a person the coming weeks, months, and “Ryan Gosling strategy”? nication. write headlines and tweets for reads the Post headline about years, O’Toole will face more than Gerry Nicholls is a communi- I’m talking about a scene in media outlets wouldn’t make for Biden, his or her subconscious his fair share of attacks and ac- cations consultant. that movie where a political con- great political spin doctors. mind will absorb the message cusations. The Hill Times 10 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Failure and success in Indigenous health tries has already been documented in the There is a humility in the way Marion When we discuss the Public Inquiry Commission on relations refl ects on her life and contributions to between Indigenous Peoples and certain Indigenous health. She says she is “privi- heartbreaking challenges public services in Quebec in 2019. Quebec leged to hear the stories of resiliency” from Premier François Legault was quite simply First Nations health directors from across facing Indigenous peoples, wrong when he refused to admit systemic the country. we also need to refl ect on racism is alive and well, and the refusal to But Marion’s story is unique. She is the acknowledge racism is actually supporting fi rst Indigenous person on the board of the resilience of Indigenous racism. governors of the Ottawa Hospital. She is Provincial and territorial health sys- also the vice-chair of the Ottawa Hospital peoples because we have tems, professional colleges, and health Research Institute. education programs are responsible for As one of the most infl uential Indige- some serious and urgent eliminating systemic racism against Indig- nous leaders in health in Canada today, her work to do to ensure enous peoples. But the health-care system voice is supporting the change needed in can also look to Indigenous health orga- the health-care system. Indigenous youth we don’t lose another nizations for examples of how to provide look to her for hope, and her advice is to culturally competent health services. Marion Crowe is the CEO of the First Nations “own your space at the leadership tables.” Indigenous life to racism. One health organization has excelled Health Managers Association, and a much- For the fi rst time in Canada, Indigenous in the world of Indigenous community needed success story in Indigenous health care, youth have role models at tables like the health. The First Nations Health Managers writes Rose LeMay. Photograph courtesy of the Ottawa Hospital, and it builds hope that Association (FNHMA) supports the leader- First Nations Health Managers Association change is actually possible. ship and networking of health managers One may wonder why I’m focusing on working in First Nations. The association’s dedication of health managers working in success here, in such a diffi cult week for In- 10-year anniversary this September is First Nations communities. digenous peoples. There is a shared value of an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous Marion Crowe is the CEO of the balance across Indigenous cultures. When success. The FNHMA offers workshops FNHMA. From Piapot First Nation in we discuss the heartbreaking challenges in health management and leadership, Saskatchewan, she traces her life through facing Indigenous peoples, we also need COVID-19 briefi ngs and information some of the most diffi cult challenges that to refl ect on the resilience of Indigenous sharing, and certifi cation for First Nations First Nations face. Marion was a foster peoples because we have some serious and health managers. The health manager in a child, and at the age of 15 she decided to urgent work to do to ensure we don’t lose Rose LeMay First Nations community is responsible for make her own way and started working. another Indigenous life to racism. Stories, Myths, and Truths public and preventative health programs, She says her fi rst job in the federal govern- Rose LeMay is Tlingit from the West social programs and mental health, a key ment was pushing a mail cart in Regina. Coast and the CEO of the Indigenous role in community. (For transparency, I am When asked about her success, Marion Reconciliation Group. She writes twice a TTAWA—On Monday, Sept. 28, Joyce a certifi ed First Nations health manager.) credits her drive and desire to contribute month about Indigenous inclusion and rec- OEchaquan from Atikamekw died in the FNHMA board members refer to it as to community, and to support the strength onciliation. In Tlingit worldview, the stories Joliette Hospital while nurses taunted her more of a family rather than an organiza- and resilience of Indigenous peoples. “My are the knowledge system, sometimes told with racism. tion, and perhaps this is due to the fact that story isn’t unique—hundreds of thousands through myth and sometimes contradict- Joyce was expecting to experience in First Nations communities the health live this reality every day,” she told me, ref- ing the myths told by others. But always racism; that is why she took the video. director is focused on family well-being. erencing the statistics of Indigenous kids in with at least some truth. Systemic racism across provincial minis- The organization refl ects the passion and foster care. The Hill Times

Why are Canadians funding big oil?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in Canada have committed at least $16.49 billion to supporting fossil fuel energy, and only $4 billion to clean energy. (energypolicytracker.org) And that’s just since the pandemic. Canada’s annual fossil fuel subsidies would be enough to pay for:

Education for nearly Job training for Annual health care costs 235,000 students. 300,000 workers. for 470,000 people. (Canada’s average annual (Canada Job Grants provide (Canada spends $6,383 spending per student is up to $10,000 to help work- per person on health care $12,791)* ers gain the right skills)* each year)*

*International Institute for Sustainable Development Canada: Support Canadians, not big oil. Read more about Canada’s fossil fuel subsidies at environmentaldefence.ca/report/federalfossilsubsidies2020

20-67 Hill Times Half Page Ad EDC_v3.indd 1 10/1/20 12:41 PM THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 11 Opinion

Prime Minister but that compares to 95 per cent Justin Trudeau, for traditional lab tests, hardly a pictured on Oct. yawning gap. 1, 2020, walks One of Health Canada’s most from the West vocal critics was Ontario Premier block with his Doug Ford, but, while he has com- security detail. municated empathy and urgency Yes, the federal in his daily press conferences, his government made government is not without sin. mistakes, but it In 2018, it the eliminated annual, is probably more unannounced inspections of the useful right now province’s long-term care homes for opposition as an austerity measure—in- parties, bereaved spections that were replaced by families, and complaint-driven, and far less frustrated parents thorough, investigations. to focus urgently This—along with low wages, on correcting past over-crowding and the general mistakes rather shabbiness of many Ontario se- than marinating niors’ homes—played a major role in resentment or in the tragedy that unfolded there. hurling vitriol, A recent comparison between writes Susan long-term care homes in British Riley. The Hill Columbia, which saw 156 deaths, Times photograph and Ontario, where there were by Andrew Meade 1,817 as of early this month, is instructive. B.C.’s long-term care homes are simply better—better fi nanced, with better wages for staff, fewer shared rooms and more rigorous inspections. Ford must also bear some responsibility for the massive failure of testing in his province— those long line-ups compounded by unacceptably long waits for Save the COVID blame test results. The province has been playing catch-up lately, deputizing pharmacies to test asymptomatic individuals while municipal public health units belatedly impose some organization on those long queues. game for happier times But the underlying problem is a shortage of lab technicians to pro- cess the thousands of tests daily. months late in taking the virus largely because foreign travel has ditor general. Meanwhile, another The underfunding of public labs, Why waste any more seriously, for insisting into March radically slowed. Yet, despite that, potential mistake has come to along with deplorably low salaries that the threat was “low”? Health and despite now-routine tempera- light: a specialized Canadian mili- for technicians, pre-dates the Ford time and emotional Canada for its dilatory approach ture tests and mandatory masking tary intelligence unit reportedly government, but will take precious to approving rapid COVID tests? on all airplanes, over 50 interna- started issuing warnings—based time to resolve as the province energy blaming People with iPhones too old to tional and domestic fl ights reported on American information—about tries to fi nd and train new recruits. anyone, or everyone, download the COVID-Alert app? cases of COVID-19 between Sept. the emergence of a potentially The only place that makes Or how about China, which 15 and Sept. 25. Maybe the belated deadly virus in China as early as Ontario’s pandemic response look when we need visited this disaster on the world introduction of rapid tests, an- February. No one can say if that half-way reasonable is Quebec. It by failing to shut down live nounced only last week, will help. information was ever passed on continues to lead the country in governments, political animal markets? Or our closest Then there was Public Health to the Public Health Agency, or to cases and is currently leading us neighbour, and the braying char- Agency’s Dr. Theresa Tam’s initial the minister. into a second wave, with severe leaders, school latan who leads it, for downplay- reluctance to recommend the use Also in the cross-hairs is restrictions newly placed on boards, and public ing, denying and ignoring the of masks, although they have Health Canada, which only ap- Montreal and Québec City. Premier pandemic until it was too late? since proven to be the most ef- proved a rapid-testing device for François Legault has not helped his health agencies to Nor should we excuse the World fective single protection against COVID-19 last week, months after province’s image, or its case rate, Health Organization, which rec- transmission (provided everyone other countries had adopted them with contradictory, or vague, pan- start fi xing what went ommended against travel restric- is wearing them). Tam was simply and after growing pressure from demic advice. For example Quebec tions in the early days, for fear of following advice from the WHO, the public and premiers. Only schoolchildren are required to wrong? There are offending China, a major funder, and public health gospel, which recently, as line-ups at COVID as- wear masks to school, but not in according to well-placed critics. held that wearing a non-medical sessment centres in Ontario and (often crowded) classrooms. By many places to begin, But here’s another question: mask would not screen out all Quebec stretched into hours with contrast, Ontario children must be as it happens. why waste any more time and germs and could create a false the predictable return of school, masked from grade four on. emotional energy blaming any- sense of confi dence. A forgivable Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia The other culprit, of course, is one, or everyone, when we need error, perhaps, given how little Freeland insisted the government human nature. We have a tendency governments, political leaders, was known about transmission was “respecting the independence to forget emergencies once they school boards, and public health early on, but one that Canada’s of our regulatory authorities.” pass, to become complacent again. agencies to start fi xing what went public health offi cials appeared Then, suddenly, the govern- It is impossible to live on high wrong? There are many places to slow to acknowledge. ment ordered 7.6 million of the alert for a long period. Even some begin, as it happens. There are also growing com- rapid tests from the American political pundits (guilty!) dismissed First, the federal government’s plaints from intelligence experts manufacturer, Abbott Diagnos- the COVID threat when it was fi rst slipshod and amateurish early who accuse the Trudeau govern- tics—even though Health Canada reported, noting that the earlier attempts to control international ment of curtailing the operations had not yet approved them. A day SARS epidemic only took 44 lives, travel to and from Canada. In of the little-known Global Public later, Health Canada’s approval while seasonal fl u kills an aver- the early weeks of the pandemic, Health Intelligence unit less than a arrived—completely independent- age 3,500 yearly. Those numbers Susan Riley arriving passengers were handed year before the pandemic hit. The ly of growing political pressure, look almost positive in hindsight. Impolitic a printed page of questions about unit was established 20 years ago we are expected to believe. So Suffi ce to say, humility can temper possible symptoms and left to iso- to track disease outbreaks, relying why the delay? Respect for the our outrage at the fl awed offi cial late, or not, with no incentive to not only on offi cial, but also, on regulator, or a regulator with a response to this unprecedented, if HELSEA, QUE.—Who is tell the truth. Why would they, if informal sources, i.e., friendly spy rather unhurried approach to a not unforeseen, calamity. Cto blame for the ineptitude, they would could be denied entry, agencies. When it was sidelined, public health emergency? Meanwhile, it is probably delay, and confusion that has or forced into 14-day quarantine, senior public health offi cials were And while caution is recom- more useful for opposition parties, marked Canada’s response to if they reported symptoms? left to rely on offi cial briefi ngs, in- mended when it comes to ap- bereaved families and frustrated par- COVID-19? Border control is still far from cluding from China and the WHO, proving new drugs—as anyone ents to focus urgently on correcting The provinces (insert pre- seamless. If imported cases have which initially downplayed the who remembers thalidomide past mistakes rather than marinat- mier’s name here) for car- declined since early March—when seriousness of COVID-19. will know—the supposed danger ing in resentment or hurling vitriol. ing more about keeping bars, hordes of travellers returned to There are currently two inves- posed by rapid tests, namely too Forgive, if possible, but do not forget. restaurants and schools open Quebec from March break sojourns tigations into this costly bureau- many false negatives, is hardly Susan Riley is a veteran than keeping citizens safe? That in France, Florida and New York, cratic mis-step—one ordered as dire as other drug approval political columnist and regular all-purpose scapegoat, the fed- sparking the country’s largest and by federal health minister Patty miscalls. The tests are only cor- contributor to The Hill Times. eral government, for being three most persistent outbreak—it is Hajdu, and the second by the au- rect 80 to 90 per cent of the time, The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

tune $295-million in 2020 alone and that an estimated $1.49-billion has been generated To make the recovery ‘green’ and in Indigenous employment and contracting income over the last 10 years. Supporting the construction of what is ‘inclusive,’ we need to level the playing already an existing portfolio of renewable energy projects with Indigenous ownership across Canada is an opportunity that can- not be ignored. fi eld for Indigenous communities Investing in renewable energy projects makes good economic sense. As our focus turns to how we can dig our way out of the stimulus package, which includes additional Clean energy employs nearly 300,000 recession caused by the pandemic, we need As we move forward, let’s measures towards the climate targets set Canadians. As a job generator, the sector is to take advantage of the many “shovel- for 2030, including proposed legislation to growing 60 per cent faster than the Cana- ready” renewable energy projects across be optimistic about the achieve zero net emissions by 2050, high- dian average. According to a 10-province Canada that are owned by or meaningfully opportunities that lie ahead. lights how important it is for Canada to re- survey conducted by Navius Research, the partnered with Indigenous communities. main ambitious in implementing these goals. report shows Ontario leading the country These projects are ready to go and can Let’s build a better world The commitment to base our recovery in clean energy activity, with 138,460 jobs, deliver immediate economic benefi ts, gen- on “green,” but also “inclusive” policies is $13.6-billion in annual investment, and erate hundreds of jobs and go a long way that promotes a responsible to be welcomed. To make that happen, $21.7-billion in economic activity, or three towards meeting both our climate objec- however, means we need to level the play- per cent of provincial GDP. tives and our commitment to make the growth that balances ing fi eld for our Indigenous communities if Renewable energy projects have also recovery an inclusive one. they are to be allowed to participate fully proven to be a powerful lever for growth in As chief Patrick Michell, member of the people, our planet, and and on an equitable basis. Indigenous communities. Over the past two Nlaka’pamux Nation, said: “Clean energy prosperity. We know that the environmental crisis decades, many Indigenous communities is a game changer for First Nations. Our is the greatest challenge we will face in our across Canada have demonstrated entre- involvement with the clean energy sector is lifetime with the promise to continue to preneurial leadership and foresight by an exercise in our power of self-determina- shock and challenge Canada’s economy if initiating renewable energy projects that tion. It’s an achievable and sustainable use we don’t accelerate climate actions. This is act as a catalyst for sustained prosperity of the land and a viable economic develop- a timely opportunity to invest in our clean and economic independence. ment opportunity.” energy future by implementing solutions to We know that Indigenous communities As we move forward, let’s be optimis- fi ght climate change while focusing on jobs can benefi t from the positive, long-term tic about the opportunities that lie ahead. and growth. impacts of renewable energy projects. Let’s build a better world that promotes a As Canada’s economy adapts to the Across Canada, such projects have responsible growth that balances people, realities of climate change and the impera- brought socio-economic benefi ts to Indig- our planet, and prosperity. A world where tive of meeting GHG emissions reductions enous communities in the form of revenues, abundant renewable energy promotes targets, we know that renewable energy is investments in community infrastructure healthier communities and creates shared Michel Letellier a key component. We know how renewable projects, skills training and job creation, con- prosperity. Let’s have the courage to see Opinion energy projects can make positive, long- tracting opportunities for Indigenous-owned this as an opportunity that cannot be term impacts on society, economies and the businesses, building capacity for future proj- passed up and collectively work together environment. Deploying market-ready and ects and employment. A recent study com- to move our country forward. he recent Throne Speech reiterated highly competitive wind, solar and storage missioned by the Indigenous Clean Energy Michel Letellier is president and chief Tthe urgency of taking strong action technologies will not only reduce Canada’s (ICE) network estimates that clean energy executive offi cer of Innergex Renewable on climate change while maintaining a GHG emissions, but also effectively stimu- projects brought net annual returns to In- Energy Inc. focus on creating jobs. The government’s late local economies across the country. digenous communities across Canada to the The Hill Times

MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY. Canada’s airports are in distress.

Our airports connect Canadians to the world, and the world to Canada. Today, more than ever, travellers expect and deserve a safe, healthy, and respectful journey. While Canada’s airports are working hard for travellers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time for the government to help.

One way to support Canada’s airports is to expand national transportation infrastructure programs and support border modernization efforts to help Canada’s airports meet safety and security requirements and adapt to the new realities of COVID-19.

Find out more about the ways to help Canada’s airports as they work for travellers and communities at www.canadasairports.ca/mayday. THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 13 Opinion COVID-19’s the least of Trump’s maladies

cause panic. He didn’t want to So Trump and his followers Now that he himself has CO- major treat for the viewers of An- Donald Trump didn’t frighten the Great Unwashed, or turned politics into a maskless VID-19, Trump will turn to the usual derson Cooper’s show on CNN, just ‘downplay’ so he said. It’s a good thing Paul beach. In so doing, they risked people to pull him out of the swamp. the fi rst mass audience to hear it Revere had a different view of spreading COVID-19 like but- But there’s a problem. Several of hot off the tape-recorder. COVID-19. No, he lied raising the alarm. ter on hot toast. Howard Cain, them are no longer available for Another person who won’t be Here’s the thing. a former presidential candidate the job—and I don’t just mean the there to help Trump is former cam- his brains out in a Trump didn’t just “downplay” for the Republicans in 2012, fol- former close aides who are in jail. paign manager Brad Parscale, the COVID-19. No, he lied his brains lowed Trump’s lead. He refused Melania Trump, the other half of digital guru behind the president’s way that put millions out in a way that put millions of to wear a mask at the president’s this Not-Camelot White House, also surprise victory in 2016. Americans at risk. They needed infamous Tulsa rally. Less than has COVID-19. So he can’t trot her This past week, Parscale, who of Americans at a warning, and he gave them a two weeks later, Cain died of out to glamorize a press conference had recently been replaced by Bill risk. They needed a sleeping pill. He publicly dis- COVID-19. or two until her quarantine is over. Steppien, barricaded himself in missed the pandemic as though And while Trump was blow- But that is only part of the his Florida home with a cache of warning, and he gave it were nothing worse than the ing off the deadly virus like a reason the president’s wife can’t weapons and threatened to “harm sniffl es—just like Jair Bolso- minor political irritant, a hoax be Trump’s cavalry. Melania was himself.” Fort Lauderdale Police them a sleeping pill. naro, that other macho idiot who being used against him by scur- caught on tape using some not extracted the unfortunate man and temporarily runs Brazil, and who rilous Democrats, America had very First Lady-like language. In took him to Broward Health Medi- also contracted the virus. (The 208,000 of the loneliest funerals fact, she sounded like a truck- cal Centre. Parscale later resigned Brazilian Congress recently man- in the country’s history. Mostly driver with road rage. as a senior adviser to the president. dated mask-wearing, overturning just a cold body, disproportion- Facing criticism over her fail- Nor can Trump expect more Bolsonaro’s senseless veto of the ately Black or brown, going into ure to save the children Trump had than a virtual helping hand from measure.) the ground or furnace. Little or put into detainment cages after the Chairwoman of the Republi- can National Committee. That’s Donald Trump because Ronna McDaniel has told Americans to also contracted Covid-19, and will go to work during likely be under quarantine for the pandemic. half of what is left of the presi- Michael Harris Trump told the dential campaign. Harris states to open up You can count on the Lie Fac- without a vaccine tory in the West Wing to put it into in hand. Trump overdrive. They will airbrush every ALIFAX—I don’t know what wanted football report about the president’s condi- Hall the fuss is about with and basketball tion in an effort to turn him into Donald Trump. back with fans. the superhuman COVID-19 victim. So he’s got COVID-19. That’s Trump bullied as Up and jumping any day now. In the least of his maladies. He’s got many governors total control. Pouring over those a bad case of Hep-C-ish Hyper- as he could into briefi ng books. New health care bole, Malarial Mendacity, and fully opening plan just over the horizon. Cheque Bubonic Bullying that could be schools. (Kids on the way from Mexico to pay for terminal. In the recent debate, he are pandemic the non-wall. You get the picture. looked like an angry ape stomp- proof, right?) And The trouble with people like ing Joe Biden like Biden was a all those seniors White House spokesperson Kay- grape at the annual grape harvest. who actually died leigh McEnany and her ilk, is that Besides, all Trump has to do from the virus? their sincerity diploma comes to knock out that pesky virus Not to worry, from the Bernie Madoff school is mainline disinfectant, right? they were half- of the straight goods. You believe Never mind that COVID-19 has dead anyway. them at your peril. already killed a million people Everything If they can still count to ten worldwide. A little jolt of Javex said and done, frontwards, this is what Americans will do the trick, right? masks were for now know. Donald Trump has been In medicine, by the way, the wusses like Joe a juggernaut of lies on every front. term used to describe injecting Biden, not real America is not greater after disinfectant into a human being is Americans, writes four years of Trump, just deeper embalming. Ergo, all the presi- Michael Harris. in debt. The Mexicans won’t pay dent has to do is embalm himself. Image courtesy of for the wall, and there is no wall. Judging by appearances, it looks Pixabay Blacks and browns are not want- as if adviser-son-in-law Jared ed on the voyage, just suburban Kushner already has; the calm whites. The Administration’s mas- and embalmed look. sive tax-cuts reduced the quality How can any American who of life of average citizens, while can play checkers now vote for Trump has been Bolsonaro’s no allowance for a last goodbye separating them from their par- bloating the already obscene this man? Trump is, after all, the role model. Trump told Ameri- from grieving families. A virtually ents at the southern border, Me- fortunes of the super-rich. The guy who told his fellow citizens cans to go to work during the anonymous farewell as they all lania was frustrated that no one President of the United States is a that COVID-19 was nothing to pandemic. Trump told the states slipped into eternity. appreciated other useful things dead-beat, who pays taxes about worry about—just 15 cases, you to open up without a vaccine in Did the president forget this she was doing—like decorating as regularly as he tells the truth. see. In the tumble-weed of his hand. Trump wanted football and pitiful and terrifying number of the White House for Christmas. And now he has COVID-19. mind, the pandemic went from basketball back with fans. Trump dead Americans when he took “I’m working my ass off on It all adds up to this: the Unit- being a hoax, to something that bullied as many governors as he to Fox News to give himself an the Christmas stuff, that you ed States will only have one king would disappear on its own like a could into fully opening schools. A-plus for his handling of the know, who gives a fuck about the after Nov. 3 or thereabouts, and “miracle.” (Kids are pandemic proof, right?) pandemic? The only way he could Christmas stuff and decorations. his name is Stephen, not Donald. And all the while, as he admit- And all those seniors who actu- actually say at a recent rally … Give me a fucking break,” she Which is not to say, the latter ted to Bob Woodward in his new ally died from the virus? Not to that COVID-19 “affects virtually railed to her former assistant, hasn’t been a horror story worthy book, Rage, the president knew worry, they were half-dead any- nobody,” is if it didn’t affect him Stephanie Winston Wolkoff. of the former. he was dealing with a planet- way. Everything said and done, emotionally. And it didn’t. This Wolkoff forgot to tell her boss Michael Harris is an award- threatening plague. So why did masks were for wusses like Joe guy came from the factory with a that she was secretly recording winning author and journalist. Trump lie? He didn’t want to Biden, not real Americans. few parts missing. Melania’s rant—which led to a The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Bob Rae has arrived on the scene

June, I thought a foreign policy review I don’t mean to present the from top to bottom was the solution to get Canada back on track internationally. But new Canadian ambassador I’ve changed my mind for two reasons: the world is in multiple crises revolving to the UN as a world around COVID-19 that need to be acted on saviour, but Bob Rae has now, and Bob Rae has arrived on the scene. I don’t mean to present the estimable quickly established himself new Canadian ambassador to the UN as a world saviour, but he has quickly estab- as a champion of the UN lished himself as a champion of the UN hu- manitarian agenda, which centres around humanitarian agenda, reducing the grotesque economic inequali- which centres around ties that the pandemic has worsened. Rae told a world audience last week reducing the grotesque that he wants “bold, imaginative, creative and adequate” solutions to the COVID-19 economic inequalities crisis. Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group’s representative at the UN, that the pandemic has calls Rae a “big beast” (defi nitely meant as a compliment to his political clout) and worsened. applauds Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for sending such a dedicated ambassador. If you study Trudeau’s speech on Sept. 25 to the UN General Assembly—”we are facing a global humanitarian crisis … the system is broken … things are about to get much worse unless we change”—you can see Rae’s fi ngerprints all over it. In August, just as he was taking up his ambassadorial post, Rae delivered his report to the prime minister on his fi ndings Douglas Roche as Canada’s special envoy on humanitarian Bob Rae recently briefed the cabinet and presumably repeated to ministers what he said in his Opinion and refugee issues. COVID-19 is a global report: Canada’s response cannot be limited to amounts budgeted well before the pandemic, writes problem, he said. “If we fail to act now, it Douglas Roche. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade is a certainty that a rapidly deteriorating DMONTON—When Canada lost its condition facing a great many countries Ebid for a seat on the UN Security will become even worse, with catastrophic social programs deteriorating, and econo- resolve one of the greatest challenges of Council the second successive time last consequences in lives lost, hard-fought mies laid waste. At some point, the world our time can serve to resuscitate the very will wake up to this, and then the costs of notion of collective action over unilateral- response will be even greater. This is not a ism.” guess or a prediction. It is a certainty.” Perhaps Rae feels he has pushed the Ot- The Trudeau government was well tawa system far enough—for the moment. aware of the COVID-19 gravity before Rae But at the UN, whose thinking processes arrived. In May, Trudeau co-hosted, with Rae is now immersed in, the analysis goes Jamaica, a UN “High-Level Meeting on Fi- deeper. The UN Department of Disarma- nancing for Development in the Era of CO- ment Affairs points out that a 10 percent VID-19 and Beyond” to advance concrete cut in world military expenditures of $1.9 solutions to the development emergency, trillion annually would make $190-billion such as boosting liquidity and debt relief. available for the UN’s Sustainable Devel- At the time, Canada committed $159.5mil- opment Goals program. “Reducing military lion, plus airlifting supplies to support spending and diverting the saved resources international efforts to fi ght the pandemic. towards socioeconomic development is At a further meeting of this process on one of the fi rst and most important steps in Sept. 29, Trudeau pledged an additional addressing human needs,” the department $400-million. Rae had meanwhile briefed says. the cabinet and presumably repeated to Canada’s current defence budget is ministers what he said in his report: Cana- $22-billion and is programmed to rise to da’s response cannot be limited to amounts $32-billion by 2027. The government’s budgeted well before the pandemic. “We plan to spend $553-billion on defence in must do substantially more,” he wrote. The the next 20 years, much of this to buy 88 “more” also now includes $220-million to fi ghter jets and 15 warships, dwarfs our purchase COVID-19 vaccines for low-and contribution to sustainable development. middle-income countries. Is high military spending in the new age of With Trudeau and Rae both leading in COVID-19 really what Canadians want? sync, Canada is showing the world that it The virus has taught us that human October 7, 2020 is rebounding from its Security Council security does not come from weaponry. defeat and able to take on a big UN task— Could Canada do with a few less fi ghter as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres jets and move more money into human described it, “integrating the principles of security? When asked this very question, Find out how you sustainable development and social and Canada’s Defence Minister, Harjit Sajjan, economic inclusion into fi nancial decision- said Canada’s planned defence spending making.” is “secure,” adding, “We’re not just going to can support Rae is promoting a stronger Canadian make a knee-jerk decision on where we’re presence in the international aid fi eld, going.” The powerful Canadian Associa- and now that Canada has provided close tion of Defence and Security Industries, to a billion dollars in COVID-19 relief, Canada’s own military-industrial complex, Canadian brewers. Trudeau’s credentials in pushing other will doubtless back him up. wealthy countries to do more are greatly Since Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia strengthened. The ambassador wants more Freeland wants “hard power” as a basis of than money. The crisis, he says, “is also Canada’s foreign policy, Bob Rae will not about a clarity of vision and a willingness have an easy time persuading cabinet to canadianbeerday.ca to put our shoulders to the wheel.” concentrate less on militarism and more on In his report to the prime minister, development even if Trudeau is willing to Rae reached into the depths of the global move in this direction. Maybe we’ll fi nd out turmoil: “At a time when many are claiming if Rae really is a “big beast.” that the idea of a rules-based international Douglas Roche is a former senator and order and collective action is a relic of former Canadian Ambassador for Disarma- history, demonstrating the ability of the ment. international community to collaborate to The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 15 Opinion

It has worked out very well. There are It’s not paradise, but sad people and even wicked people in when you compare it Germany, like everywhere else, but as a so- with the incompetent, ciety it radiates contentment. Unfl ustered belligerent populism competence lubricated by a general tone that prevails in formally of goodwill make minor daily transactions democratic countries like less of an ordeal, and the strident nation- the United States, the alism that now disfi gures so many other United Kingdom, Brazil countries is conspicuous by its absence. and India, it looks pretty In the place of that the Germans have good. ‘Wir schaffen das” a dedication to the European project: like (We can manage this), ‘Amens’ in a church, invocations of ‘Europe’ said Chancellor Angela punctuate political conversations. And if Merkel when more than you say this is a defensive reaction against a million mostly Muslim Germany’s terrible history in the two refugees arrived in generations before 1945, I would probably Germany in 2016, and agree—but what’s wrong with that? four years later it looks Even the economic contrast between the like she was right, writes formerly Communist-ruled east and the rest Gwynne Dyer. Photograph of the country, to the great disadvantage of courtesy of Flickr the former, is gradually eroding: average in- comes among ‘Ossis’(easterners) are now up to almost 90 per cent of ‘Wessi’ earnings. All the ‘coolest’ cities, the magnets that attract the young, are in the former east: Berlin, Dresden, and now Leipzig. It’s not paradise, but when you compare it with the incompetent, belligerent popu- lism that prevails in formally democratic countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil and India, it looks pretty good. ‘Wir schaffen das” (We can manage this), said Chancellor Angela Merkel when never have been pulled. But it was actu- more than a million mostly Muslim refu- ally in the hands of the East Germans gees arrived in Germany in 2016, and four themselves, and in 1989 they brought down years later it looks like she was right. Germany’s quite their oppressors without a shot being fi red. ‘Mutti’ (Mommy), as Germans call her, All the other Communist states of eastern has been chancellor for half of the past 30 Europe followed suit. years, so there will be a collective holding There was great joy in both parts of of breath when she retires next year. But possibly best major Germany—the street party after the Berlin the world would be a better and safer place Wall came down was probably the best and if there were more countries like Germany. certainly the longest I have ever attended— Plus there’s no speed limit at all on the but there was considerable trepidation autobahns. Where else can you drive at 160 elsewhere. However Mikhail Gorbachev, kph and have cars whooshing past you all country right now the reformist Soviet leader, reassured ev- the time? erybody by declaring that Moscow had no Gwynne Dyer’s new book is ‘Growing objection to German reunifi cation, and the Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work)’. That wasn’t true 30 years ago, and it The Hill Times Angela Merkl has been may not be true 30 years hence, but it’s deed was done thirty years ago this week. worth noting because Oct. 3 marks the 30th chancellor for half of the past anniversary of the unifi cation of Germany 30 years, so there will be a in 1990, just one year after the Berlin Wall CAREERS came down. Compared to what happened collective holding of breath after the fi rst time it was unifi ed, it has all worked out rather well. when she retires next year. But The fi rst unifi cation of Germany, in 1871, was achieved by war, and led to more the world would be a better and much bigger wars—not entirely Ger- many’s fault, of course, but certainly the and safer place if there were consequence of the sudden appearance of more countries like Germany. a highly nationalistic new great power in >U the heart of Europe. After the Second World War, Germany was divided into three. The eastern third ^)8)>! ZQU was emptied of Germans and given to Poland (in compensation for the eastern third of pre-war Poland, which was kept by the Soviet Union). The middle part, also ^>)D>U )U &)Q)>! under Soviet occupation, became Commu- nist-ruled ‘East Germany,’ while the rest, with most of the population, became ‘West uµu‡uÎ ٞ®‡žµ– ZÊu‡‹Î ^µž¼µÎ žÎ Z^ žÎ Germany.’ The ‘two Germanies’ became the cockpit ®¼¼«žµ– •¼Ê u U‹µž¼Ê O¼®žè µu®èÎÕ Õ¼ ›‹®Ç Gwynne Dyer of the Cold War, with huge armies of tanks •¼Ê´Ù®uՋ Ǽ®žè Õ¼ €‹ÕÕ‹Ê žµ•¼Ê´ ՛‹ •‹‡‹Êu® Global Aff airs ready to roll and nuclear weapons not far behind them. Many people understood that –¼ä‹Êµ´‹µÕ uµ‡ –¼ä‹Êµ´‹µÕ uÕ u®® ®‹ä‹®Î this could not go on forever, that someday u€¼ÙÕ žÎÎًΠ՛uÕ u••‹Õ ¼ÙÊ ´‹´€‹ÊÎ Z^ ONDON, U.K.—I have just spent two the country would have to be reunited—but Lweeks driving around Germany inter- they were terrifi ed by the prospect. They žÎ uµ u••ž®žu՞¼µ ¼• óö ¼µÎÕÊف՞¼µ ÕÊu‡‹Î viewing people (mostly climate scientists, feared that the process of reunifi cation since you ask), and I have come to the might trigger a war, and they also feared a Ùµž¼µÎ ʋÇʋ΋µÕžµ– øòòòòò Êu•Õå¼Ê«‹ÊÎ conclusion that it is the best-run—and reunited Germany. •Ê¼´ ¼uÎÕ Õ¼ ¼uÎÕ Õ¼ ¼uÎÕµ‡ å‹Ê‹ quite possibly just the best—major country Lord Ismay, the British general who in the world right now. became the fi rst secretary-general of the ®¼¼«žµ– Õ¼ –ʼå¼ÙÊ Õ‹u´ Z¼ ®‹uʵ ´¼Ê‹ Some small countries are absolute NATO alliance (which included West Ger- äžÎžÕ ååå€Ùž®‡žµ–ÕÊu‡‹Îu jewels, of course, but it’s easier if you’re many), put it bluntly: “NATO exists to keep small. Big powers fi ght more wars, contain the Russians out, the Americans in, and the more divisions, suffer nastier and more Germans down.” French journalist and poet ridiculous delusions of grandeur. But if you François Mauriac said it more elegantly: “I only consider countries with more than love Germany so much that I’m glad there i8^ D> )UO8m iQm jjj^)8)>!ZQU 50 million people, then Germany today is are two of them.” the fairest, the least confl icted, the most If the trigger to end the East German m peaceful, actually the nicest major country Communist regime had been in British, on the planet. French, and American hands, it might 16 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Campaigning during COVID-19 is ‘very weird and it’s very diff erent,’ says NDP B.C. provincial MLA Sims

started his minority government in 2017, Compared to British Columbia, New One key issue to follow he signed a written power sharing agree- Brunswick has had signifi cantly lower cas- ment with the Green Party and promised es of COVID-19. As of deadline last week, in this campaign is how not to call the provincial election prior to there were a total of 200 confi rmed cases B.C. NDP MP Jenny Kwan, with Liberal MP Elections B.C. and political the fi xed election date in the fall of 2021. of the pandemic. Of these, 192 had recov- Rob Oliphant, said she’s closely watching how But, enjoying a huge wave of popularity ered, six were active cases and two had Elections B.C. and political parties facilitate the parties facilitate people’s because of his government’s effective han- died. In comparison, there were 9,220 total mail in ballot voting process for people who lack dling of COVID-19, Mr. Horgan reneged confi rmed cases of COVID-19 in British technological skills and have language barriers. ability to cast their votes, on his agreement and pulled the plug in Columbia. Of these, 7,695 have recovered, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade the hopes of winning a majority govern- 1,290 are active cases and 235 have died. says NDP MP Jenny Kwan. ment. The opposition parties are now us- So, all MPs and provincial legisla- in person holding the Green Party sign, as ing this against the premier and are rais- tors across the country are watching the well as campaigning on social media for ing questions about his trustworthiness B.C. election very closely as to how this Continued from page 1 her provincial party candidates. and about being opportunistic for calling campaign is being run in the midst of “I’ve done some video endorsements “We have to learn how to do everything the election in the midst of the pandemic. COVID-19. and that sort of thing, but I’ll certainly do differently,” said B.C. NDP MLA Jinny It remains to be seen if this gamble pays Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) Liber- whatever my colleagues invite me to do Sims, a former B.C. cabinet minister, in an off for the NDP. als are also running a minority govern- and want me to do,” said Ms. May. The Hill Times interview with , last week. “I This is the second provincial election ment and the next federal election is only NDP MP Rachel Blaney (North Island- have a great deal of faith in human spirit. to be called during the ongoing COVID-19 one confi dence defeat away. At the federal Powell River, B.C.) told The Hill Times that When a challenge is put before us, we rise pandemic. The fi rst one was in New Bruns- level, both the Trudeau Liberals and the there are three provincial ridings within her to it, look at what we’ve been through over wick that concluded last month winning Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) Conservatives federal riding and all three are held by the the last eight months. And so I think it’ll be a majority government for the incumbent are running neck and neck in the national NDP. She said all three MLAs helped her fi ne.” Blaine Higgs PCs. Prior to the election, Mr. public opinion polls. out during her own election federally, so B.C. NDP Premier John Horgan called Higgs was heading a minority government. Ms. Sims, who served as an MP from she’ll be making phone calls to constituents the snap election on Sept. 21 with voting Saskatchewan is heading to the polls on 2011-2015, told The Hill Times that she’s to help provincial candidates. So far, she to take place on Oct. 24. When Mr. Horgan Oct. 26. not getting any support from federal MPs, said, all candidates are campaigning virtu- as all Surrey MPs are Liberals. In each ally instead of going door knocking, and are B.C. federal riding, there are two to three busy talking on the phone with people. provincial seats. Also, she said, whenever “The normal practice of getting out, CAREERS MPs support a provincial MLA, they do knocking on doors, and having conversa- it discreetly as they want to keep a good tions or being out in public events and working relationship with their provincial having those informal conversations, that’s counterparts. a huge loss to any politician’s role, because B.C.’s chief public health offi cer Dr. it’s an opportunity to meet with people,” Bonnie Henry has provided strict guide- said Ms. Blaney. “But on the other hand, lines for social distancing by candidates airy Farmers of Canada is the national policy, lobbying and during COVID, of course, more people are who spent the fi rst week of the campaign contacting our offi ces than normal because promotional organization representing Canadian dairy getting their offi ces ready to meet the they’re dealing with a huge change. So producers. DFC strives to create stable conditions for the dairy specifi cations and started campaigning in that’s also provided a new opportunity for D the second week. us to meet with people on the phone or sector in our country. It also seeks to maintain policies that promote Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. through different technology to have dis- the sustainability of Canadian dairy production and promote dairy Sims said, she is relying mostly on social cussions that we may have had in informal products and their health benefits. media tools such as Facebook, WhatsApp, ways historically.” TikTok, and Instagram to run her campaign, Liberal MP Ken Hardie (Fleetwoods- and is making phone calls to constituents Port Kells, B.C.) said that compared to seeking their support. Ms. Sims predicted door knocking, social media is his second SENIOR DIRECTOR, that this time, voters will be more knowl- favourite way of campaigning. He said that edgeable about different parties’ electoral even with COVID-19, candidates can go platforms and issues, as a lot of people are door knocking while still observing social PUBLIC AFFAIRS working from home and will have more distancing requirements. Like other federal time to follow the election. parties, he said, the Liberal Party is also “Quite honestly, nothing’s going to beat following the B.C. election closely and will the good old picking up the phone and have recommendations for MPs and candi- We are currently seeking a bilingual Senior Director, Public Affairs phoning, which is going to be the next best dates about best practices for campaigning to join our Executive Team based in Ottawa. The Senior Director thing to door knocking,” said Ms. Sims. in the next election. is accountable for the development and execution of DFC’s public “I love door knocking, I used to be able “I would not necessarily assume that to go out and stay out till 9:30 p.m. at night people are as plugged into social media as communications and federal government relations strategy. The and door knock. You learn so much, and we like to think they are,” said Mr. Hardie. Senior Director will assess opportunities and risks in these areas, you engage so much.” “The in-person contact is far more effec- bring a strategic focus and discipline, and ensure alignment with Two-term Conservative MP Mel Arnold tive than social media.” (North Okanagan-Shuswap, B.C.) told The NDP MP Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, the respective department and overall organization’s purpose and Hill Times that he’s staying neutral in the B.C.) said that like other politicians she’s strategic plan to reach the optimum results. The Senior Director will provincial campaign and would work with keeping a close eye on what alternative whoever wins. But he’s watching with in- ways of engagement B.C. provincial candi- lead the respective Directors responsible for the execution of advocacy terest how candidates run their campaigns dates are using to reach out to people. She communications and government relations, with an eye to supporting in this unprecedented situation. said that in-person contact is always the ongoing professional growth and development. “It’s certainly going to be interesting best, but because of COVID-19, politicians to see how this provincial election unfolds have to fi nd different ways to reach out to and how the campaigns and candidates people. Also, she’s watching how political adapt to the new limits on gatherings, parties and Elections B.C. facilitate the public engagement, and so on,” said Mr. vote casting process. Ms. Kwan said that Arnold. “I’m watching, as I always am, to mail-in voting is one of the key ways to Candidates are invited to send see what candidates do and how their cam- cast ballot in the current situation, but for their coverletter and resume to paigns are successful.” a lot of people who have language barriers [email protected] Green Party parliamentary leader Eliza- or lack the skills to use technology to re- beth May (Saanich-Gulf Islands, B.C.) told quest ballots from Elections B.C., it might The Hill Times For additional information on that she’s already recorded be a challenge. video messages endorsing Green candi- our organization, please visit “So, there would be lessons, I would dates which have been sent out to support- hope, that we can learn from that how to our website at ers. Going forward, she will do whatever better facilitate people’s ability to vote,” https://www.dairyfarmers.ca/ the provincial Green Party will ask her to said Ms. Kwan. do to help them in this campaign. This will [email protected] include standing on a busy street corner The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 17 News

extremely well in B.C., and obviously that’s an NDP minority government,” said Mr. Incumbency, ‘cooperation, and a multi- Graves. “So I think what’s going on, is that it may be that the public are saying, ‘Let’s stick with the safe choice,’ and they’re not partisan approach’ electoral advantages trying to rock the boat in the midst of the pandemic—maybe, that’s speculative.” But Mr. Graves said he didn’t suspect for conservative-leaning provincial there was as much of a change going on federally, and that they tested whether or not the election of Mr. O’Toole made a dif- governments during pandemic, say pollsters ference. “People who [tend] to vote Conserva- tive were more likely to vote Conservative,” from the pandemic, and incumbents that on their response, but they’re banking on said Mr. Graves. “So I don’t think there’s ‘It’s more about leadership don’t have an issue with going to the polls the collegiality with other premiers and been any disruption of the federal land- and being prepared to be judged based on the federal government to get through the scape at this stage, but I do know that the than partisanship, and for their pandemic response.” pandemic, and they are looking to try to clear majority of Canadians, in the neigh- those provincial premiers “We saw that in New Brunswick, we’ve reap the benefi ts of that.” bourhood of 70, 75 per cent, don’t think we seen it in British Columbia, now Sas- “For most Canadians, when they think should be having an election right now— that want to go to the polls, katchewan, and even though Ontario is of their provincial governments, they give it’s just the wrong time.” not slated for an election for quite a while, most of them—not all—but most of them a “The only ones that are offside on that they’re not only banking on rumblings in some parts of the Progressive tip of the hat because they have worked co- are Conservative supporters who say, ‘Yes, Conservative tribe in Ontario are saying operatively with other provinces and with let’s have an election,’ they are sick of be- their response, but they’re that, ‘Maybe we should have an election the federal government,” said Mr. Nanos. ing in opposition, sick of Mr. Trudeau, but banking on the collegiality too,’ even though they are in majority terri- There are conservative-leaning govern- it’s not the broader sentiment,” said Mr. tory,” said Mr. Nanos. ments in most provinces in Canada, includ- Graves. “I believe they would be punished with other premiers and the But Mr. Nanos also said he doesn’t ing in New Brunswick, where the Progres- by the voters at the federal level. The public “necessarily see this as a movement to the sive Conservatives won a majority earlier are pleased, for the most part, with both federal government to get right.” this month under Premier Blaine Higgs, senior levels of government federally and Among committed Liberal support- in Ontario under Premier Doug Ford who provincially.” through the pandemic,’ says ers nationally, 26 per cent would consider reduced the three-term majority provincial voting for Conservatives, according to Mr. Liberals to a handful of seats in 2018, and pollster Nik Nanos. Nanos, who also said “what we’re seeing is in Quebec under Premier François Le- Cooperation ‘much more that these are the types of voters the Liber- gault’s Coalition Avenir Québec party that consistent with the temper of Continued from page 1 als may be starting to lose.” leans right. “It’s kind of like Progressive Conserva- Saskatchewan will be voting on Oct. 26 our time’ data showing the Conservatives making tives entertaining going back to the current after popular Saskatchewan party leader “Partisanship has never been particular- up ground against the governing Liber- Conservatives,” said Mr. Nanos. “I think Scott Moe asked Lt.-Go.v Russ Mirasty to ly valued by Canadians,” said Allan Gregg, als, insiders say conservative popularity what a lot of this has to do with, is that dissolve the legislative assembly on Sept. 29. principal at Earnscliffe Strategy and a provincially, particularly in Saskatchewan, Erin O’Toole, in the fi rst four weeks of his Mr. Ford, who is riding high in the polls former Brian Mulroney-era Tory strategist. Ontario, and New Brunswick, should not leadership, for all intents and purposes has in Ontario, recently dismissed suggestions “They’ve always valued compromise, and be viewed as a larger sign of the country said all the right things—that he’s open for that his party will call an early election to I said years ago that Aristotle would be moving in a more conservative direc- business, that he’s welcoming of Canadi- take advantage of his popularity, reiterating elected prime minister of Canada year- tion, generally, but that voters are more ans, that he wants to defeat the Liberals.” the next election will be held in June 2022 after-year because Canadians value the interested in collegiality, cooperation and Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole (Dur- rather than in the spring of 2021—despite golden mean. compromise between different levels of ham, Ont.) won the party’s leadership on Aug. signs all parties are racing to have candi- “They don’t like extremism, they don’t government as Canada continues to deal 24 over former Conservative cabinet minis- dates in place in the province’s 124 ridings. like confl ict, they try to avoid it, and as with its response to the pandemic. ter Peter MacKay, political ‘outsider’ Leslyn Alberta is an outlier—despite Premier faith in politics has diminished, the role Pollster Nik Nanos told The Hill Times Lewis, and Conservative MP Derek Sloan Jason Kenney’s strong win in 2019 over of partisanship just seems more and more that his fi rm’s weekly tracking has found (Hastings-Lennox and Addington, Ont.). former premier Rachel Notley’s NDP out of place for the average voter,” said Mr. there’s been a positive trajectory for the Mr. O’Toole’s party won the popular government. Mr. Kenney, who had a 61 per Gregg. federal Conservatives over the last six vote nationally in 2019 under former Con- cent approval rating in June 2019, has fallen Mr. Gregg also said he believes the weeks, and that there’s a statistical tie at servative leader Andrew Scheer (Regina— dramatically amid the crisis, according to a recent behaviour of Mr. Ford corresponds 34 per cent support between the Conserva- Qu’Appelle, Sask.), but failed to unseat Sept. 14 Angus Reid poll. The poll found 38 to that notion. tives and the governing Liberals. the governing Liberals, who were reduced per cent said they would support the UCP if “He wakes up every morning and says, “To put this into context, at the height of to a minority under Prime Minister Justin an election were held today. ‘Holy shit, this compromise stuff really the pandemic, the Liberals had a 10 to 12 Trudeau (Papineau, Que.). works.’ Being forthright, transparent, and point advantage,” said Mr. Nanos. “Now, if “[Mr. O’Toole] has looked more prag- honest actually has some benefi ts,” said Mr. there was an election, we’re probably look- matic and less dogmatic. I think, realisti- ‘Clear majority of Canadians Gregg. “I don’t see there’s much politically ing at a repeat of the last election, where cally, that’s the winning franchise for the don’t think we should be having to be gained in provinces following the old it’s possible for the Conservatives to win Conservatives—not to focus on social maxim that the best opponent is one less the popular vote, but for the Liberals to win conservative values, but to be pragmatic, an election right now’ popular than you—which isn’t on the bal- the greatest number of seats, because the and I think that explains why the Con- Pollster Frank Graves of EKOS Re- lot—which is typically the federal govern- distribution of seats for the Liberals is much servative brand has been improving in search echoed Mr. Nanos’ thoughts on the ment.” more effi cient at converting into ridings, the last six weeks, and also explains why recent incumbent advantage provincially, “Cooperation and a multi-partisan ap- where they have big margins in the West.” the Conservative ballot support has been surmising “it may well be more of an in- proach to things I think is probably much “The interesting twist in all of this—es- improving federally,” said Mr. Nanos. “It’s cumbent bounce rather than a left or right more consistent with the temper of our pecially when we look at what I’ll call the more about leadership than partisanship, bounce.” time,” said Mr. Gregg. pandemic election fever—is that it’s [pro- and for those provincial premiers that want “We know that the reason [Adrian] Dix [email protected] vincial] incumbents that are benefi tting to go to the polls, they’re not only banking has called an election is that he’s doing The Hill Times

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aspirations are not Gov. Gen. Julie Climate action, the Throne enough. Climate Payette, pictured action, the Throne on Sept. 23, 2020, Speech said, ‘will be the Speech said, “will be reading the Throne cornerstone of our plan to the cornerstone of Speech. Pursuing our plan to support the green economy support and create a million and create a million is the right way for jobs across the coun- Canada to go. But we jobs across the country.’ But try.” But how will this need much clearer happen? What is the priorities—including how will this happen? What strategy? Is there a the development of is the strategy? Is there a plan? Canadian companies— It makes a great and ongoing review plan? deal of economic and improved sense to use the tran- transparency to track sition to a low-carbon the value that various world as an oppor- policies are supposed tunity to create new to deliver. We don’t sources of good jobs, see that today, writes new export poten- David Crane. Image tial, and the wealth courtesy of CPAC screen needed to fund valued capture public goods such as health care and education. Since its One sign of whether policies are deliv- ernment favoured turning the project over David Crane election win in 2015, the Trudeau govern- ering value for Canada is whether many to Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Alphabet/ Canada & the 21st Century ment has boasted of its plans for a green of these green policies are leading to the Google in the U.S. economy—a world leader, no less—and has creation or scaling up of Canadian-owned Hydrogen fuel cells provide another committed billions of dollars to the project. companies so that production of innovative example. The Trudeau government is plan- ORONTO—It is quite a promise. But in its But while many of the measures may green technologies also occurs in Cana- ning a hydrogen/fuel cell strategy, fi nally Trecent Throne Speech the Trudeau govern- make sense, we have little idea of what da—rather than facilitating R&D branch recognizing the possibilities of this tech- ment pledged it would “ensure Canada is the this spending is accomplishing overall, or plants for foreign companies that will use nology as part of the green transformation. most competitive jurisdiction in the world for whether we are getting good value. There the intellectual property for production Yet this is catch-up. Canada, in the mid- clean technology companies.” It didn’t spell appears to be no overarching strategy— elsewhere. 1990s, had a lead on much of the world. out how we would know it had kept its prom- and no set of technology priorities or For example, while reiterating the But our public policy was not supportive ise. Until we know, it’s just a boast. innovation milestones which would allow government’s worthy goal of achieving while other countries invested and Cana- While promises come easy, achiev- Canadians to see whether programs were net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the da’s early lead was lost. Ballard Power’s ing success is quite another matter. Bold working or not. Throne Speech stated that “a good example major shareholder today is a Chinese com- of adapting to a carbon-neutral future is pany while Hydrogenics, the other leading building zero-emissions vehicles and bat- Canadian player, was recently taken over teries.” This should mean that Canadian by a U.S. multinational. For both compa- companies are developing and producing nies, almost all of their revenue came from some of the technologies. foreign sales. While the decision by the Ford Motor Accelerating the green economy means Co. to convert its Oakville, Ont., factory moving fast on innovation and by scaling into an assembly plant for electric vehicles, up the most promising Canadian technolo- with generous subsidies from government, gies and companies if we are to benefi t. is welcome because it means the plant will Smart environmental policy is the starting not be shut down, it’s not clear if new Ca- point because this creates the market for nadian technology, including batteries, will green innovation. be in these vehicles. As carbon pricing pushes up gasoline Yet the Throne Speech gives the impres- prices, for example, this create the incen- sion that Canada will soon be producing tive for automobile companies and other batteries for electric vehicles. “Canada innovators to create electric vehicles or has the resources—from nickel to cop- alternatives, such as Uber and Lyft. per—needed for these clean technologies. But governments also have many other This—combined with Canadian exper- tools at their disposal. They can provide tise—is Canada’s competitive edge,” it says. grants and loans, or other incentives, to While we have mineral resources, this is develop and use clean-energy technologies, not the same as actually making Canadian- including support for research and devel- designed batteries. opment and demonstration projects. They In fact, there is little capacity in Cana- can use procurement policies and dem- Experiencing Anxiety? Burnout? dian companies to design and build bat- onstration projects that favour innovative teries, while our leading university centre Canadian companies. They can set stricter Struggling in your relationships? for lithium battery research—Dalhousie building codes. They can provide tax in- University—is tied into a research and centives to buy electric vehicles or install development commitment with Tesla, help- solar panels. They can set energy effi ciency ing the U.S. company advance its battery standards. The challenge is to employ these We can help. technology. This is another example of how tools in the most strategic way. foreign corporations use Canadian talent Canada is doing a number of these and universities to develop intellectual things, but we don’t know how well We are a select group of mental health professionals skilled property that will be used to create jobs they are working. And in some ways the at helping you live the life you envision. and wealth elsewhere. Trudeau government has been slow to see It is also another example of a bigger the role of government as fi rst customer, Times are hard right now: the world is unpredictable, work is bleeding problem—our failure to use public policy using public procurement and demonstra- to build Canadian companies that have tion projects to help innovative young into home life, and relationships are the intellectual property to provide good Canadian companies test or scale up their under pressure. Therapy can help jobs at home and export sales abroad for technologies. you move through these challenges, a higher-value economy. Too much of our Pursuing the green economy is the knowledge is used to benefi t workers and right way for Canada to go. But we need grow from them and build resilience wealth creation in other countries. much clearer priorities—including the for the future. Get in touch with us You could see this in the Trudeau gov- development of Canadian companies—and ernment’s approach to development of the ongoing review and improved transpar- WR¿QGRXWKRZ Toronto waterfront as a smart and green ency to track the value that various policies city-within-a-city. Rather than using this are supposed to deliver. We don’t see that as an opportunity to build up Canadian today. Contact us today 613-750-1000 companies to lead the project and develop David Crane can be reached at crane@ evolvepsychotherapy.ca clean and smart technologies for urban interlog.com. development worldwide, the Trudeau gov- The Hill Times The Hill Times Policy Briefi ng | Oct. 5, 2020 Mental Health

New mental health Traditional mental measures welcomed, but health practices Parliamentarians and for Indigenous experts urge more action university students p. 20 p. 26 Increase front- line services for Our COVID-19 those in need journey seems p.22 infi nite, but remember to check in on mental health Addressing mental of others illness: what is to be p. 25 done for our youth? p. 23 Consider the Canada needs to bring accountability costs of not to suicide prevention acting on p. 26 mental health Stigma and the p. 24 opioid epidemic p. 27 Improved mental health access tied to workforce capacity p. 27 20 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Mental Health Policy Briefi ng

pressure on the medical system” Health Minister Patty Hajdu, by dealing with problems earlier. on Sept. 15, 2020, speaking Conservative MP Matt Jen- with reporters at the fall eroux (Edmonton Riverbend, Liberal cabinet retreat in Alta.), an outspoken advocate Ottawa, is tasked with leading for mental health who served as Canada's mental health policy his party’s health critic under response to the pandemic, former leader Andrew Scheer which the World Health (Regina Qu’Apelle, Sask.), said Organization warned could be his interpretation of the signals a ‘shadow pandemic’ affecting the government has sent in the Canadians. The Hill Times Throne Speech and recovery photograph by Andrew Meade bill suggest mental health isn’t as big a priority as he says it should be. “A simple passing reference in this Throne Speech, I think, really doesn’t show any sort of serious priority from this government,” Mr. Jeneroux, also a member of the parliamentary mental health caucus, told The Hill Times on Sept. 29. The federal government “seems to be comfortable with investments made in the past. I would argue this is the No. 1 issue facing many Canadians. There’s so many people struggling with mental health that it needs to be addressed urgently.” “Now, across the country, kids are back to school, which has cre- ated a whole new level of anxiety not just for kids, but for parents as well. Why do we still have no the parliamentary mental health idea where exactly this money is caucus, said the latest investment going to help Canadians? It’s a MPs, experts welcome in Bill C-4 is good for a fi rst step mounting frustration,” Mr. Jener- but can’t be the only money going oux said. to mental health. “I’m pleased to see any new mental health recognition of the importance of mental health and additional resources, but that’s not nearly enough. Canada’s mental health spending, but urge feds to funding levels consistently rank at the bottom of the OECD. So $116-million doesn’t begin to put a dent in that level of underfund- ing,” Mr. Davies told The Hill take more decisive action Times in a Sept. 30 interview. A 2014 OECD analysis of men- tal health spending showed that government to take this moment mental burden has fallen more the estimated $15.8-billion spent The federal to expand public mental health heavily on racialized and gender- by the public and private sectors coverage to address the issues diverse people. on non-dementia-related men- government’s latest that predate the pandemic and The federal government has tal health care accounted for a those that’ve been exacerbated made a number of targeted little more than seven per cent of COVID response bill by it. investments over the past six Canada’s nearly $220-billion total has $116-million to health expenditure. The United NDP MP Don Kingdom dedicated around 13 per expand virtual care Davies arrives cent of its total health expendi- at the south tures to mental health. Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux in 2017. and mental health entrance to West The 2012 Mental Health Strat- Mr. Jeneroux is no longer the CPC’s services. While Block before egy for Canada recommended health critic but remains an outspoken Question Period a nine per cent fl oor for mental advocate on mental health issues. Photo Parliamentarians on Sept. 30. Mr. health spending. courtesy of Mr. Jeneroux’s offi ce Davies says the Mr. Davies said he thinks welcome the $116-million Canada has much to learn from For Independent Senator Stan is a good fi rst the U.K., where services like Kutcher (Nova Scotia), a psychia- investments, some step, but more psychotherapy are covered by trist and professor emeritus of investment is the government, whereas many psychiatry at Dalhousie Uni- are saying it doesn’t needed. The Hill Canadians have to rely on insur- versity, “the best way to address match the scale of Times photograph ance coverage or out-of-pocket mental health care needs of Ca- by Andrew Meade payment. nadians is through enhancing the the mental health “I think this is an opportu- capacity of the primary health- nity for us to make substantial care system to do so,” he told The problem facing leaps forward in our health-care Hill Times on Sept. 30. The Speech from the Throne months for virtual and remote system. Let’s make mental health “I think we have a golden Canadians. promised to “further increase ac- mental health tools, such as Kids services core parts of our public opportunity now,” he said. The cess to mental health resources.” Help Phone and Wellness Togeth- health-care system. You shouldn’t pandemic has shown the need The COVID-19 Response Mea- er Canada, and have made fund- have to pay out of pocket, you BY AIDAN CHAMANDY “to actually enhance the capacity sures Act, Bill C-4, which permits ing available through its $19-bil- shouldn’t have to have access to in primary health care to meet spending from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, lion Safe Restart Agreement mental health services dependent mental health care needs, so that s the federal government has $116-million dedicated to ex- with provinces and territories to on job-based benefi ts. It leaves seeks to turn the Throne you can go to a primary health- A panding “virtual care and mental bolster services. The $685-million millions of people without access,” care setting and get your diabetes Speech from rhetoric into reality, health tools for Canadians.” Indigenous Community Support Mr. Davies said. some Parliamentarians say they dealt with or your depression Canadians’ mental health has Fund, which can be used for men- Margaret Eaton, national CEO dealt with, your acne or your are frustrated with the level of taken a hit during the pandemic, tal health supports and initiatives of the Canadian Mental Health investment and lack of associated anxiety. There shouldn’t be any with 47 per cent of men and among other things, has been Association, agreed that now is differentiation,” he said. information dedicated to mental 57 per cent of women telling allocated to more than 850 Indig- the time to expand public access health in the government’s latest Sen. Kutcher said the disasso- Statistics Canada in late April enous communities and organiza- to services like psychotherapy, ciation of mental health care from COVID relief bill, which unani- and early May that their mental tions across the country. psychology, and counselling. mously passed the House on physical health care dates back to health had worsened since physi- NDP MP Don Davies (Vancou- She said an investment in these the 18th century when “people who Sept. 30. MPs and mental health cal distancing began. Disaggre- ver Kingsway, B.C.), his party’s services will pay huge dividends advocates are urging the federal gated statistics also show the health critic and one of 10 MPs in down the line because “it prevents Continued on page 28

22 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Mental Health Policy Briefi ng Increase front-line services for those in need

the country exist—they often Though mental have long waitlists and short funding sources; which limits health issues are their ability to do this life saving becoming increasingly work. If the current government is destigmatized, looking for a starting point, they could look no further than psy- Canadians still don’t chotherapy treatment. More often than not, psychotherapy is not have access to adequate available to low income clients outside of publicly funded hospi- frontline mental tals. Access to this service outside health support like the public system is diffi cult to fi nd, but even when it is avail- psychotherapy. The able, the cost is so high (upwards of $150 an hour), it becomes federal and provincial prohibitive to those with little or no income. Publicly funded hos- governments, along pitals are not equipped to meet the ever-growing need and are with the federal often forced to limit their services political parties, based on eligibility criteria that exclude many in need. Working can and should with our provincial counterparts, it would be great to see supports work together to get made available to provide clients on provincial disability insurance Canadians the help Mental health and wellness should be a non-partisan pursuit. Working together, we can affect positive change that will with the means to access psycho- they need. have a lasting impact on both people in need of service and the frontline workers providing this important care, writes therapy services. Conservative MP Todd Doherty, pictured right in 2017. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Mental health and wellness should be a non-partisan pursuit. for help, we have a responsibility feel more comfortable asking for at affordable and sliding-scale Working together, we can affect to create a safe and understand- the help that the deserve. rates, case management services positive change that will have a ing environment of acceptance. However, even if we can suc- and treatment of complex mental lasting impact on both people in It is simpler to support when you cessfully create that safe space, health issues will require more need of service and the frontline see someone exhibiting physi- help is often not readily avail- funding to meet the needs of workers providing this important cal signs of illness; a cough, a able, even for people who do people who are suffering. Groups care. Conservative MP Todd fever, someone in a cast. It’s reach out. But we need to start that have fi rsthand experience Doherty, who represents Cariboo- not so simple when those signs focusing resources on organiza- providing life changing assis- Prince George, B.C., is his party’s are not immediately apparent, tions and groups that provide tance are in the best position to special adviser to the leader of Conservative MP Todd Doherty or when people who are suffer- front line support for clients. continue providing this assis- the offi cial opposition on mental Opinion ing are doing their best to seem Organizations that provide crisis tance, and to expand their ser- health and wellness. “okay.” Changing the discourse to support, walk-in and short-term vices with increased resources. The Hill Times include mental illness in a non- counselling services, therapy Many such organizations across oney and resources for judgemental way is an important Mawareness have, and con- step along the road to recovery; tinue, to play an important role however, it’s not the only step, Statistics Canada’s mental health-care needs, 2018 in mental health wellness, but the and we still have miles to go. Key Findings • New Brunswick (35.9%) time to shift our focus and pro- Until we can have conversa- • In 2018, roughly 5.3 million people in Canada mentioned they needed • Quebec (38.9%) vide more funding for front-line tions with family and friends, some help for their mental health in the previous year. clinical resources is upon us. As coworkers and employers, about • Almost half of these Canadians either had their needs partially met with The proportion of residents who reported an unmet or only partially met lawmakers, we can signifi cantly real and signifi cant mental health some help (1.2 million) or had needs that were fully unmet (1.1 million needs in the past year was higher than the national average in: improve access to timely and af- experiences, without fear of people). • Ontario (46.1%) fordable mental health services judgement, reprisal or rejection, • Canadians who needed help for their mental health, but were without a • British Columbia (51.1%) for everyone who needs it. there will be more to do. Employ- regular health care provider were more likely to report unmet or partially Awareness of the importance ers promote the importance of met needs (60.3%), compared to those who did have a regular health care The proportion of residents who reported unmet or partially met mental of mental health and wellness provider (41.2%). health care needs in the past 12 months was mental health awareness publicly, • The most frequently reported reasons for having unmet or partially met similar to the national average in all other provinces. has improved signifi cantly over but, when it comes to action with- needs were related to not knowing where to go, being too busy or not Unmet needs for mental health care also varied by income, as people in the last decade. National cam- in, often revert to past practices. being able to afford to pay. households from the lowest income quintile were more likely to report paigns raising awareness have These frequently include denial • Almost one-quarter of respondents (22.6%) who had unmet or partially unmet or partially met needs (50.5%) compared to Canadians in the highest helped bring mental health issues or willful ignorance, complicated met needs reported that they preferred to manage their needs on their own. income quintile (37.8%). to the forefront of our collective and convoluted HR and disabil- For many Canadians, the fi rst point of contact for medical care is their conscious. ity practices that place an undue The perception of needs for mental health care in the Canadian population, regular health care provider. In 2018, those without a regular health care Bell Let’s Talk Day, the Cana- burden on individuals who are the degree to which those needs are met, and any perceived barriers to care provider were more likely to report unmet or only partially met needs dian Mental Health Associations’ already struggling physically are key elements in understanding help-seeking behaviour and treatment (60.3%) compared to those who did have one (41.2%). needs for mental health issues. The 2018 Canadian Community Health Suicide Prevention campaign, and emotionally, and not equip- Survey included questions about different kinds of mental health care that Perceived barriers to mental health care the Canadian Alliance on Mental ping management to appropri- respondents received or felt they needed. The 2.3 million Canadians who reported unmet or partially met mental Illness’ Faces Campaign—these ately support and address mental health care needs were asked to indicate the reasons why they didn’t get initiatives have all successfully health issues in the workplace. In 2018, 17.8% of Canadians aged 12 and older (roughly 5.3 million the help they needed. Overall the most frequently mentioned barriers were built recognition of mental health My offi ce has received numer- people) needed some help with their mental health, including for their use related to personal circumstances (78.2%), such as not knowing where to as an important public health ous requests for assistance from of alcohol or drugs, in the previous year. Among the 5.3 million Canadians get help or not being able to afford to pay. Language problems and help not issue. Governments—federal, pro- police, paramedics, fi re fi ghters, who reported needing some mental health care in 2018, 56.2% (around being readily available were cited as a barrier by 19.5% of those with an vincial and municipal—have all nurses, and people on the front 3 million people) reported that all of their needs were fully met, that is unmet mental health care need. Almost one-quarter of respondents (22.6%) reported that they preferred to manage the need on their own.Respondents set aside funding to help promote they received some form of care or help and did not report needing any lines who have mental health more. The remaining 2.3 million Canadians (43.8%) felt that their needs who preferred to manage their needs themselves were asked to elaborate mental health awareness. This issues that are not being taken were either unmet (some care was needed but none was received), or only on the reasons why. The most commonly reported reasons were they relied money has helped normalize the seriously by employers. Despite partially met (some care was received but was not suffi cient). Unmet needs on family and friends (21.6%), they did not feel ready to seek help (16.8%), discussion to a certain extent, but the increase in social awareness, were reported by 1.1 million Canadians, and a similar number (1.2 million) or they were uncomfortable talking about these problems (17.2%). it has yet to change the underly- they still face an undue burden reported partially met needs. ing systemic discrimination often of proof for this illness—they Summary experienced by those suffering must prove they’re sick, suffering, In terms of the type of care needed, the need for medication was the most Almost one-in-fi ve (17.8%) Canadians needed mental health care in 2018, with mental illness. and in need of help. As we are likely to be met (85.4%). The need for counselling was the most likely to be and half of them felt that their needs were fully met. Medication needs were In order to provide the neces- fully unmet (34.1%). the most likely to be fully met, while needs for counselling or therapy were all aware, you can’t always see the most likely to be unmet. Residents of Ontario and British Columbia were sary treatment and support, we the effects of mental illness. It’s Among the 5.3 million Canadians who received or felt they needed some more likely to report unmet or partially met needs compared to the national need to know when someone is not the same as a broken arm, it help with their mental health, the number who reported unmet or only rate. When Canadians didn’t get the help they needed, the main reasons suffering. We need individuals to doesn’t present with a fever and partially met needs varied by province, household income, and access to a reported were because of personal circumstances, such as not knowing feel safe and comfortable speak- you can’t test for it with a nose regular health care provider. where to go or being too busy, or not being able to afford to pay for care. ing up about their own mental swab. It is, nonetheless, real. We health and recovery journey. For need to do more to create safety The proportion of residents who reported unmet or only partially met mental Source: Statistics Canada, Oct. 7, 2019 people to feel comfortable asking and understanding so that people health care needs was lower than the national average (43.8%) in: THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 23 Policy Briefi ng Mental Health

frequently delivering dust. Much money can be spent with little return realized on Addressing mental illness: the investment. Furthermore, there is no national regulation of these products. Their health claims are not being appropriately evaluat- what is to be done for our youth? ed and Canadians do not know if they are effective or even safe. The federal govern- ment can both increase funding for rigor- be the greatest. We have not ensured that the capacity of this system to effectively ous, non-vendor driven research and at the While previous decades all young people who require treatment meet mental illness treatment needs same time develop a regulatory framework for a mental illness, have rapid, barrier for young people remains problematic. within Health Canada to set standards and have seen some success in free access to care. Awareness building Improving treatment delivery in primary approve electronic products, similar to alone does not help improve outcomes for health care through enhancing identifi ca- what is done for prescription medications. us better addressing the Canada’s youth. It is time to focus attention tion, diagnosis and therapeutic skills of all Mental health literacy (MHL) is defi ned needs of young people living and resources on what else needs to be ac- primary health care providers is essential. as having the competencies to develop complished. To complement that, restructuring primary good mental health, knowing about mental with a mental illness, much In the middle of a pandemic, government health care settings to ensure that evidence illnesses and their treatments, decreasing has many items on their “to-do” list. In terms based counselling and psychiatric nursing stigma and enhancing capacity to access more needs to be done. of addressing youth mental illness a num- capacity are available is also needed. Ad- and benefi t from care. MHL is founda- ber of “must-dos” have percolated to the top, ditionally, providing primary health care in tional to good mental health outcomes. in part due to the impact of the pandemic. school settings meets young people where Effective school based MHL interventions These needs are: ensuring rapid access to they are and could bridge gaps in care. based on robust research are demonstrat- best available evidence-based treatment for Health for all, just down the hall. ing sustained improvements in knowledge, young people with mental illness; advanc- Targeting federal transfer payments to attitudes and help-seeking behaviours in ing electronic mental health care; investing specifi cally address these system changes many provinces and territories. Yet, they in school-based mental health literacy. and initiating a Canada-wide health work- have not yet been scaled up across the It is essential that every young person in force mental illness treatment competen- country. Support from Health Canada for Canada, regardless of circumstance, race, cies planning initiative are two directions widespread distribution of proven school- colour, creed, identity, place of residence or that can be undertaken to help improve based mental health literacy interventions any other factor, be able to rapidly access rapid access to needed care for young can be a positive step towards improving ISG Senator Stanley Kutcher evidence-based treatment for a mental ill- people. mental health of young people and help- Opinion ness, when required. Most mental illnesses The pandemic has accelerated the push ing them better navigate the challenges of can be diagnosed by age 25 years. Mental towards virtual care. Young people may be mental illnesses. illnesses are the most common chronic accepting of and comfortable with elec- While previous decades have seen ental Illness Awareness Week is a diseases of young people. Untreated or tronic care delivery. However, the robust some success in us better addressing the Mtime to refl ect on achievements in inadequately treated, they result in nega- valid research needed to determine what needs of young people living with a mental improving outcomes for young people ex- tive outcomes. Early identifi cation, proper kinds of virtual care works best and for illness, much more needs to be done. Ef- periencing a mental illness and committing diagnosis, and application of best available whom has not been suffi ciently developed. fectively addressing the above three direc- to improvements yet to be done. evidence-based care can make a huge dif- Study is needed to ensure comfort in which tions, will help improve outcomes for those The last decades have successfully built ference in both the short- and long-term. kind of electronic intervention should be Canadians who need our help the most. awareness about mental illnesses. How- This must become a national priority. used, when and how. Unfortunately, there Senator Stan Kutcher is an Indepen- ever, this awareness has not transformed The foundation of our health-care now exists a wild west of products and dent Senator representing Nova Scotia. into addressing where needs continue to system is primary health care. However, vendors, often promising miracles and The Hill Times

The Mental Health Commission of La Commission de la santé mentale du Canada looks forward to working with Canada est heureuse de travailler en all Parliamentarians and our partners to collaboration avec tous les parlementaires expand access to mental health resources et avec ses partenaires afin d’améliorer for people across Canada. l’accès aux ressources de santé mentale If we take action together now, we can get ahead pour les gens partout au Canada. of the curve. Si nous agissons ensemble dès maintenant, nous pouvons Join us to champion mental health and wellness. aller au-devant des problèmes. Visit us at: mentalhealthcommission.ca Joignez-vous à nous afin de promouvoir la santé mentale et le bien-être. Visitez-nous au : commissionsantementale.ca

8527 CSMC - Parliamentarians Mental Health Edition Hill Times Ad 02.indd 1 2020-10-01 11:53 24 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Mental Health Policy Briefi ng Consider the costs of not acting on mental health

Access to mental health and well-being should not be the privilege of only the most wealthy or well-supported workers, argues Senator Kim Pate, who says a guaranteed livable income can help decrease poor mental health.

ISG Senator Kim Pate Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Opinion Freeland, pictured on Sept. 25, 2020, arriving at the ental health was dubbed the West Block before Question Mpoor cousin of health care Period. Senator Kim Pate as a result of the 2006 Senate re- is in favour of a guaranteed port, Out of the Shadows at Last: livable income. The Hill Times Transforming Mental Health, photograph by Andrew Meade Mental Illness and Addiction Ser- vices in Canada. Two weeks ago, the government acknowledged enous, Black and other racialized health workers. The consequences the urgent need to remedy the communities. of expecting them to act as such Fast Facts about Mental Illness inadequacy and inaccessibility of Guaranteed livable income have been dire, as underscored mental health services. Canada can help change this. Participants by the multiple deaths of people Who is affected? in care, and $3.2 billion in disability and early is recognized internationally in Ontario’s basic income pilot during police wellness checks this • Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at death. for our medicare program; reported on the agency, dignity summer. Out of 461 Canadians some time through a family member, friend or • An additional $6.3 billion was spent on unin- colleague. sured mental health services and time off work not so much for the rates at and well-being that came from killed by police between 2000 • In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will for depression and distress that was not treated which we stigmatize, abandon, being able to afford to plan for and 2017, 70 per cent had mental personally experience a mental health problem by the health care system. and institutionalize those who the future, pay down debt, take health issues and a dispropor- or illness. • In 1999, 3.8% of all admissions in general struggle with mental illness. care of health needs, enrol their tionate number were Black or • Mental illness affects people of all ages, educa- hospitals (1.5 million hospital days) were due Access to mental health and children in recreational activities, Indigenous peoples. tion, income levels, and cultures. to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, schizo- well-being should not be the go to school, pay for clothes or Prisons have become one of the • Approximately 8% of adults will experience phrenia, major depression, personality disorders, privilege of only the most wealthy transport or childcare needed for most used, most costly, and least major depression at some time in their lives. eating disorders and suicidal behavior. or well-supported workers. As the work, or spend time with fam- effective ways of dealing with • About 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar pandemic has revealed, Canada ily and friends or volunteering. those with mental health needs. disorder (or “manic depression”). How does it impact youth? needs accessible pharma, dental Not having to worry about how People in need of supports • It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth and mental health care. In addi- to make ends meet, or about be- and treatment should not be How common is it? are affected by a mental illness or disorder – tion, those who are also economi- ing left with nothing in a time of criminalized and imprisoned, yet • By age 40, about 50% of the population will the single most disabling group of disorders cally marginalized should have need, decreased stress and anxi- federal corrections data indi- have or have had a mental illness. worldwide. access to a guaranteed livable ety by 88 per cent and depression cates that 79 per cent of women • Schizophrenia affects 1% of the Canadian • Today, approximately 5% of male youth and income. To ignore these reali- by 73 per cent. in federal prisons have mental population. 12% of female youth, age 12 to 19, have ties is tantamount to committing Some may suggest that fi scal health issues. Despite this reality, • Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household experienced a major depressive episode. to continuing the racist, ableist, prudence requires us to choose and correctional legislation that population, causing mild to severe impairment. • The total number of 12-19 year olds in Canada classist, and sexist discrimination between mental health care allows correctional services to • Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among at risk for developing depression is a staggering 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year 3.2 million. that COVID-19 has laid bare. services and guaranteed livable transfer people out of prisons olds. • Once depression is recognized, help can make a In a recent discussion with In- income. Others may say we cannot to community healthcare, these • Suicide is one of the leading causes of death difference for 80% of people who are affected, digenous leaders and my parlia- afford either. Before drawing lines provisions are rarely used. Worse in both men and women from adolescence to allowing them to get back to their regular mentary colleagues, one woman in the sand about what a wealthy yet, mental health issues are too middle age. activities. leader noted how research on and human-rights-promoting often created and exacerbated • The mortality rate due to suicide among men is • Mental illness is increasingly threatening the poverty-related stress as a root democracy can and cannot spend by conditions of solitary four times the rate among women. lives of our children; with Canada’s youth suicide cause of depression was corrobo- on meeting people’s basic needs, confi nement, used to “manage” rate the third highest in the industrialized world. rated in her community. Simply however, we should consider the people in need of healthcare, that What causes it? • Suicide is among the leading causes of death prescribing antidepressants is not personal, social and fi nancial costs can cost upwards of $600,000 a • A complex interplay of genetic, biological, in 15-24 year old Canadians, second only to a suffi cient response to the daily of not acting to address poverty year. Community-based treatment personality and environmental factors causes accidents; 4,000 people die prematurely each pressures of cramped quarters, and improve mental health. costs a fraction of that price and mental illnesses. year by suicide. inaccessible supports and not The past decades have seen would benefi t many additional • Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they • Schizophrenia is youth’s greatest disabler as knowing whether you can afford an evisceration of Canada’s people. have suffered from depression or anxiety have it strikes most often in the 16 to 30 year age to feed, clothe or house your social safety net. In too many Those of us with the privilege never gone to see a doctor about this problem. group, affecting an estimated one person in children. communities and contexts, when and authority to remedy these • Stigma or discrimination attached to mental 100. Her observation is refl ected other services turn people away wrongs must act now. Let’s stop illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to • Surpassed only by injuries, mental disorders in across the country. Canadians because of waiting lists, a lack of abandoning to the streets, jails diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance youth are ranked as the second highest hospital with the lowest incomes are beds or resources, or a change or death those who suffer. Let’s in the community. care expenditure in Canada. • Mental illnesses can be treated effectively. • In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need between three and four times in mandate, people in need and invest in a brighter and more mental health services receives them. more likely to report poorer in crisis end up in police custody equitable future for all. What is the economic cost? mental health than those who are and in prison. Senator Kim Pate represents Ontario as a member of the Inde- • The economic cost of mental illnesses in Canada Sources: The Report on Mental Illness in Canada, wealthiest. And the burden and Police, trained to lay criminal for the health care system was estimated to October 2002. Canadian Mental Health Commis- pendent Senators Group. stress of poverty falls unjustly charges rather than treat health be at least $7.9 billion in 1998 – $4.7 billion sion of Canada (2013). and disproportionately on Indig- issues, are not front-line mental The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 25 Policy Briefi ng Mental Health

or not we are making the right choices for our children, either by sending them to school or educat- Our COVID-19 journey ing them from home. It fi nds us as we constantly evaluate if we are doing everything we should with our behaviour to prevent the virus wreaking hell on our family seems infi nite, but and friends. When parents are far away or in a care facility, we wonder if we will see them again? Are we doing enough to keep them safe? We question ourselves remember to check in on multiple times a day as we ask, what more can we be doing? Many people are having their homes occupied by their profession- al work. While those who have work the mental health of others do feel fortunate, they also often fi nd themselves working longer and harder. They are constantly blending work, family responsibilities, house- Eating healthy, hold duties, and god knows what else. We can fi nd ourselves prisoners keeping the alcohol in our own homes. Time for mindful- ness and refl ection if it does exist, consumption low, and evaporates quickly. This is all exhausting and exercising have been debilitating. must-dos for me. I think it’s fair to say that coping strategies have never Whenever I’ve felt I mattered more than they do now. I have no medical training and need an exercise pick- have no professional mental health practitioner certifi cation. me-up, I binge watch Equally, I’m no new-age health guru. All I can share is some of Th e World’s Toughest things I have been doing to man- Race: Eco-Challenge age my anxiety and depression through the pandemic. Fiji. It makes the virus I have embraced the additional time that has been given back to just seem like a pimple me by not sitting on planes or not rushing off to endless meetings on the arse of life. and am instead grabbing every moment I can to be with my son. He is my fountain of eternal hope and happiness. He grounds me. He gives me balance and uncon- ditional love. Talk about a mental health mega-boost and the power of human contact. I call my mother in Newfound- land at least twice a day. While I cannot travel there, through her and our conversations, I help Tim Powers nourish my soul, despite COV- Plain Speak ID-19’s best efforts to gnaw away at it like some rat. We also swear and laugh a lot, which helps me TTAWA—How are you doing? survive. It is our form of cognitive OThankfully, that’s a question behavioural therapy. I believe people are genuinely Eating healthy, keeping the asking as they do a check on the alcohol consumption low, and mental health of others during exercising have been must-dos this pandemic. Perhaps, for the for me. Whenever I’ve felt I need fi rst time in a global crisis, people an exercise pick-me-up, I binge are embracing the importance of watch The World’s Toughest Race: speaking openly about the previ- Eco-Challenge Fiji. It makes the ously invisible struggles they’re virus just seem like a pimple on having. The stiff upper lip now the arse of life. has a quiver. And that is good. Find time to stay engaged with I know from friends working your friends. They do not feel like professionally in mental health, a million bucks either. Share war who say that they are busier than stories. Go for walks with them. they have ever been. Anecdotally, Laugh again. Just avoid locking it appears people’s personal anxi- yourself off from the world. ety levels are consistently high Pursue healthy escapism. Turn and often there is little reprieve. off the COVID-19 news and the Worry comes in many forms: daily scores of case counts. Do worry about your job; your child’s something that works for you safety at school; the inability to to get you some peace. I bought see family in other places; and myself a canoe this summer and worry about the elderly family have paddled it all around in riv- member in a care home and who ers in this part of Ontario. It has is potentially more vulnerable. been pure heaven for me. It’s a never-ending list and it’s Keep as well as you can. Your also a list in which no task can mental health matters as much as be cleanly ticked off because our social distancing, hand-washing COVID-19 journey seems infi nite. and mask-wearing. It’s the simple pleasures in life: Tim Powers, pictured with his son, Patrick McCarthy Powers. ‘I have embraced the additional time Worry never travels alone. Tim Powers, is a former Hill that has been given back to me by not sitting on planes or not rushing off to endless meetings and am instead grabbing every Most of us are harbouring its staffer, a Conservative pundit, moment I can to be with my son. He is my fountain of eternal hope and happiness. He grounds me. He gives me balance and companion, guilt. Guilt storms in and vice-chair of Summa Strategies. unconditional love. Talk about a mental health mega-boost and the power of human contact.’ Photograph courtesy of Tim Powers when we contemplate whether The Hill Times 26 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Mental Health Policy Briefi ng

a day. To this end, in 2018, the U.K. 2019, the House voted unanimous- Canada needs a mechanism to Canada needs to government appointed a Minister for ly in favour of NDP MP Charlie An- coordinate and integrate all of the Loneliness, who is tasked with pro- gus’s private member motion, M-174, suicide prevention initiatives that moting social connections in the for a national suicide prevention stem from the framework and action population and improving access to action plan that includes a robust plan. Currently, there are no coordi- bring accountability social services. list of evidence-based initiatives. The nation or memoranda of agreements While suicide is a highly complex plan has not yet been developed nor in place between the federal govern- phenomenon with a multitude of implemented. ment and the provinces and munici- to suicide prevention causal factors, some evidence-based In order to move from the frame- palities. Canada must involve prov- solutions are surprisingly straight- work to an effective, evidence-based inces and municipalities, as well as forward and relatively inexpensive. action plan, Canada must now focus community organizations and those A national suicide prevention strategy, like those For example, one of the most effec- on three critical ingredients for suc- with lived and living experience, in tive strategies for preventing suicide cess: funding, accountability, and, the development and implementa- implemented in countries around the world, is to restrict the means by which coordination. tion of a national action plan. individuals attempt suicide. This Canada needs an annual, nation- The time is right for Canada to could go a long way in preventing the 4,000 includes having barriers around ally funded envelope for applied act, with a nationally funded, ac- deaths by suicide every year in Canada. Quebec’s bridges and high buildings that scientists, practitioners, community countable, and coordinated suicide make it diffi cult for suicidal individu- educators and planners dedicated prevention action plan and strategy. provincial strategy nearly halved the province’s als to jump, introducing legislation to evidence-based suicide preven- Failing to act will most certainly that controls access to potentially tion programming, interventions, result in further tragedy. suicide rate. deadly substances, or creating barri- resources, and training. Without If you or someone close to you ers around railway tracks that make dedicated funding, precious time is is considering suicide, please know adolescents arriving in the emer- access diffi cult. The evidence on lost in the fi ght against suicide, as that there are supports gency department as a result of self- these strategies is unequivocal— practitioners compete for limited available: harm more than doubled from 2009 when it is more diffi cult to perform health funding dollars that often Canada Suicide Prevention Ser- to 2017, an alarming trend that has a suicidal act, the suicide rate goes leave little room for mental health vice: 1-833-456-4566 [24/7] been observed in different jurisdic- down. For example, after the instal- and suicide prevention initiatives. www.crisisservicescanada.ca tions across Canada. lation of barriers at the Jacques A national funding program would Hope for Wellness Help Line: An estimated 4,000 deaths by sui- Cartier bridge in Montreal in 2004, prioritize evidence-based and 1-855-242-3310 cides per year is roughly equivalent suicides there dropped dramatically, knowledge-generating initiatives, Online chat: www.hopeforwell- to one full passenger plane crash- with no corresponding increases at such as means reduction campaigns, ness.ca ing every month in Canada. If airline other bridges in the city. development of and timely access to Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366 Ian Colman & Benjamin Leikin accidents happened that frequently Canada has taken positive steps culturally appropriate services, and Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Opinion in this country, it would dominate the forward in suicide prevention, but evidence-based training. Text CONNECT to 686868 headlines and receive the attention we remain the only G7 country A successful national plan must www.kidshelpphone.ca of a national crisis that requires without a national suicide preven- include accountability, identifying For Quebec residents: 1-866-AP- pproximately 4,000 Canadians an immediate solution. Yet headlines tion strategy. Evidence from around clearly who is responsible for imple- PELLE [24/7] Adie by suicide every year. From demanding immediate action on the globe has shown that suicide mentation and evaluation. It must Ian Colman is the Canada age 10 to 34, suicide is consistently suicide prevention are rare. rates are reduced after a country include all levels of government Research Chair in Mental Health the second leading cause of death The need for action is exacer- implements a strategy. In Canada, and requires a clear understanding Epidemiology and a professor in the in Canada behind accidental death. bated by the COVID-19 pandemic. suicide rates in Quebec dropped by of which ministries are mandated School of Epidemiology and Public Some of our northern communi- The pandemic has led to many Ca- 40 per cent after the implementation to complete specifi c items of work, Health at the University of Otta- ties have suicide rates that are nadians staying at home to work of their provincial strategy. with ultimate leadership and respon- wa. Benjamin Leikin is the program among the highest in the world. or study, severely limiting social Although we do not have a sibility defi ned. Structured timelines manager of Ottawa Public Health’s While the suicide rate in Canada interaction. Social support is crucial national strategy, in 2016 a Federal and reporting mechanisms must be Mental Health and Substance Use has remained relatively stable over for maintaining mental health; the Framework for Suicide Prevention put in place. This model is currently Unit, co-chair of Suicide Prevention the last 50 years, there are worry- evidence from a wealth of stud- was published. The framework sets in use in the U.K., where there is a Ottawa, and board director for the ing indications that an increase may ies shows that social isolation can out the Government of Canada’s minister of state for patient safety, Canadian Association for Suicide be coming. Recent research from be deadly, with health impacts guiding principles and strategic suicide prevention and mental Prevention. Ontario showed that the number of equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes objectives in suicide prevention. In health. The Hill Times

of student mental health is an is- attention to present moment expe- sue that has surfaced on Canadian riences with a sense of openness Traditional mental health practices campuses, little attention has been and acceptance. Mindfulness, with paid to the specifi c challenges of its emphasis on experiential skill Indigenous students. attainment and fi nding connec- for Indigenous university students Distinctions between Indig- tion with other living things, is enous and Western world views of more philosophically consistent mental health also run the risk of to Indigenous traditions than are needs are dismissed as being a generalizing Indigenous culture Western treatment alternatives. Distinctions between Indigenous and lifestyle defi cit. Creating appropri- without considering individual The project will emphasize use ate interventions must adapt to differences or appreciating the of traditional research methods, Western world views of mental health run cultural processes that provide a dynamic nature of cultural world including use of talking circles, in the risk of generalizing Indigenous culture place of safety, comfort, and fa- views, values, beliefs, and under- creating the mindfulness interven- miliarity that supports students to standings. Interventions that are tion. Indigenous student feed- without considering individual diff erences or fully participate in these practices. designed completely based on back will also dictate the mode However, for Indigenous uni- Judaeo-Christian principles are of delivery for the intervention, appreciating the dynamic nature of cultural versity students, the intervention inappropriate for the needs of cultural values and metaphors to process is quite overwhelming. Indigenous young adults. As In- embed, as well as how to defi ne world views, values, beliefs, and understandings. While higher educational attain- digenous peoples’ sense of balance and conceptualize mental health ment can play a signifi cant role in and harmony is deeply connected and distress to be consistent with highlighted a concern for Indig- shaping employment opportuni- to processes and actions that listen, traditional beliefs. enous students, asserting that ties and increase the capacity for think and refl ect about the self in At the heart of the project is if institutions continue to offer better decision-making regard- relation to the universe, we argue the recognition that a “one-size- training to Indigenous peoples ing one’s health the process and that treatments and principles fi ts-all” approach to mental health without a deeper understanding experience of gaining higher should be are more aligned with is suboptimal at best, and cultur- of the Indigenous connections to education continues to present Indigenous traditions—not simply ally alienating and potentially ceremony, protocols, language, signifi cant barriers for Indigenous adapt Western interventions to the harmful to Indigenous youth at spiritual teachings, community, students. Evidence suggests that needs of Indigenous students—but worst. Accordingly, the plan is to stories, and the impact of his- a growing number of students to prioritize traditional healing develop the intervention from the tory, they will repeat the cycle of may be experiencing and seek- methods as therapeutic techniques. inside out, placing at the forefront Brenda Green & Shadi Beshai colonization and assimilation. ing help for these mental health This need to infuse tradi- traditional healing methods and Opinion Indigenous understanding of challenges, and that these chal- tional methods, relevant cultural approaches, with the aim of creat- mental health and illness does not lenges are of a higher degree of metaphors, values, and beliefs ing a more inclusive, appropriate, fi t with Western notions of mental complexity than previously noted into mental health interventions is and representative treatment for EGINA—The demographic health and illness. Gaps between at post-secondary institutions. This taking centre stage in a nationally this underserved population. Rprofi le of Indigenous students the two include a lack of relevant has led post-secondary institutions funded project currently underway Brenda Green is an associate includes a range of risk factors for mental health services, including across Canada and elsewhere to at the University of Regina. The professor in Department of Indig- mental stress, including relocat- culturally appropriate ways for pay increasing attention to ways aim of this project is to develop enous Health at the First Nations ing from their home community, Indigenous university students to to promote mental health and to a mindfulness-based interven- University of Canada. Shadi Beshai and coming from a lower socio- talk about, reach out, and engage more effectively prevent and treat tion to meet the unique needs of is an associate professor of psychol- economic status than the general in preventative or assessment ser- mental illness in their student Indigenous university students. ogy at the University of Regina. student population. Others have vices. Often, Indigenous student populations. Although, awareness Mindfulness is defi ned as paying The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 27 Policy Briefi ng Mental Health

health crisis must go deeper to break down the misconceptions Stigma and the opioid epidemic surrounding recovery and change the narrative from moral fail- ure to treatable disease. In this a coordinated public health attributed to the slow response of prospects for people who have respect, portraying people who The view that opioid response are important topics in governments and health agen- opioid (and other substance) use have been successfully treated for addiction is a moral light of the growing opioid crisis. cies to promote harm reduction disorders, it will be important to substance use disorders may be a Thinking has been divided. In the strategies. A second important redefi ne how the public under- promising anti-stigma strategy. weakness must be fi rst camp, rising opioid deaths difference is that a large propor- stands drug use. The view that As a society, we may also are viewed as an important public tion of opioid users have become opioid addiction is a moral weak- counter stigma by adopting ac- replaced with the health crisis and opioid use as dependent on opioids as a result ness must be replaced with the curate, non-judgmental language a treatable medical condition. of prescriptions. Fentanyl, for realization that it is a treatable to describe opioid use disorder realization that it is Harm reduction strategies and example, was fi rst introduced as condition and one that is often and those affected by it. Terms a treatable condition safe injection sites are pursued. a prescription medication used in the result of medically prescribed such as “dirty” or “clean” to refl ect In the other camp, opioid use is pain control following surgery. pain reduction strategies. the results of a urine test must and one that is often viewed as a criminal justice issue Even among health profes- Improving access to life-saving be replaced with non-pejorative and opioid users as morally cor- sionals, opioid use disorders may treatments has been identifi ed as an language. In many sectors words the result of medically rupt, willful law breakers. Stigma be considered a moral weak- important stigma reduction strategy. such as “addict” or “addiction” is considered a necessary form of ness or willful choice; where By improving access to evidence- have been replaced by person prescribed pain social control and an acceptable recovery depends solely on an based treatments and comprehen- fi rst language: someone with a deterrent. Stigma-as-control tac- individual’s willpower to abstain. sive care, we have the ability to substance use disorder. Other reduction strategies. tics are fuelled by negative public This includes abstaining from change the conversation about what terms such as “replacement” or perceptions, which in turn drive medication maintenance treat- it means to have an addiction. “substitute” therapy suggest that overly punitive and restrictive ments. There has been consider- News organizations and media treatment medications are equal organizational behaviours. able resistance to treating opioid channels across North America to street drugs and convey the Opioid stigma is different from use disorder with medications, have increased public exposure to notion of a lateral move from an other stigmas in several respects. and some health providers view the opioid crisis through images illegal addition to a legal one. It carries all of the moral conno- people taking medication therapy of people overdosing and being re- In all of this work, it would be tations of substance use stigma, as if they are still using illicit vived on the streets, sometimes with important to ensure that the con- but in addition, there is a strong drugs. A common misperception their children and others looking tributions of people who use drugs stigma associated with treatment. is that one legal medication is be- on, and always with a heavy police are at the forefront. They should be Medication maintenance treat- ing substituted for an illegal one. presence in the background. Such actively involved in action planning ment (such as methadone), which Despite evidence for its effi cacy, images may lead to greater sham- and in implementing solutions. Heather Stuart is considered to be a best prac- some community programs do ing and humiliation of victims, and “Nothing about us, without us.” Heather Stuart is the Bell Opinion tice in the treatment of an opioid not allow participants to be on can re-traumatize those who have addiction, is highly stigmatized maintenance therapy. lost loved ones to opioid overdoses. Canada Chair in Mental Health and judged to be morally wrong. Reducing opioid stigma is Opioid awareness campaigns and Anti-stigma Research and INGSTON, ONT.—The ex- A minority of people with opioid important from both an ethical that report the number of over- a professor of public health sci- Ktent to which social stigma use disorders receive this life-sav- and population health perspec- doses and fatalities to highlight ences at Queen’s University. undermines access to care and ing therapy. This view has been tive. In order to improve recovery the growing scope of the public The Hill Times

all on other cadres of mental health jurisdictional and virtual practice and substance use workers, such as during the pandemic have had addictions counsellors. Where data on efforts to augment MHSU Improved mental do exist, key dimensions of capac- workforce capacity. Capacity to ity such as hours worked, place of deliver services is a core element employment, population served and of effective implementation and areas of expertise are not captured. the knowledge gap regarding There are also limited data capacity is hampering efforts to on the complex mix of publicly better match needs to access. health access tied to and privately fi nanced services in There is a critical need to Canada. Two-thirds of the popula- assess the capacity of the full tion have access to extended health MHSU workforce across the benefi ts with some degree of country to better match emerg- coverage of psychological services, ing population needs and MHSU workforce capacity employee assistance programs and service capacity to prepare for residential addiction treatment. The longer-term shifts in service remainder of the population pays delivery. agreements. This prominence out-of-pocket, faces long waits for Indeed, guidance from the The mental health and substance use builds on previous commitments. limited publicly funded services, CIHR Institute for Health Ser- Improved access to mental ventures into the brave new world vices and Policy Research and workforce is severely understudied. As health and addiction services was of virtual services if broadband the Mental Health Commission a key component of the Shared allows or goes without. of Canada recognize the health Canadians’ mental health needs increase Health Priorities of federal, The MHSU workforce occupies workforce more broadly and the during the pandemic and beyond, measuring provincial and territorial govern- a unique position in response to MHSU workforce more specifi - ments signed in August 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic. Evi- cally as key research and policy this crucial sector’s capacity is key to with a budget allocation of over dence from earlier pandemics and priorities for COVID-19. $11-billion over 10 years. natural disasters, combined with Priorities have to be translated matching mental health services with mental However, even with signifi cant emerging evidence regarding CO- into knowledge and then action. fi nancial investments, mental VID-19, suggests that the mental If we want to better match health needs. health and substance use services health and substance use effects needs to services and improve ac- don’t just magically appear. The will be complex and long-lasting. cess, we have to start by knowing Stress has gone up, whether from backbone to service provision is While governments have invested the capacity that is out there and uncertainty or from very serious the mental health and substance rapidly and heavily in virtual what needs to be done to increase problems such as job loss and the use (MHSU) workforce, but it has services, such as the Wellness this capacity to meet the growing dramatic rise in violence against been woefully overlooked. Together Canada portal, pandemic needs of the Canadian popula- women, which the UN has called Why? response plans have failed to tion. the shadow pandemic. Canadians Health workforce capacity is explicitly address the capacity and Mary Bartram is the Director, are drinking more and the opioid often overlooked in general, with needs of the MHSU workforce. COVID-19 Policy with the Mental crisis has gotten worse despite poor data collection, including dur- To date, the MHSU workforce Health Commission of Canada the fact that it has garnered less ing the pandemic. Those who pro- has contended with rapid shifts and an adjunct professor at Car- attention in the media than the vide mental health and substance to scale back face-to-face and leton University’s School of Pub- Ivy Lynn Bourgeault & Mary Bartram pandemic. use services are a workforce that scale up virtual service delivery, lic Policy and Administration. Ivy Bourgeault is a Chair in Gender, Opinion It is encouraging that access to experience even greater neglect. redeployments to support direct mental health and substance use The Canadian Institute for Health COVID-19 services, and increased Diversity and the Professions at services have fi gured prominently Information only collects detailed stress, anxiety and substance use the University of Ottawa and anadians’ mental health in recent policy dialogues, includ- data on physician and nurse provid- across the population. the lead of the Canadian Health Chas faced signifi cant chal- ing the recent 2020 Speech from ers, summary data on psychologists It is unclear what effect the Workforce Network. lenges during the pandemic. the Throne and the Safe Restart and social workers, and no data at regulatory restrictions on cross- The Hill Times 28 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Mental Health Policy Briefi ng

Canadian Mental Health MPs, experts Association’s Mental Health Meter Agree or Disagree ABILITY TO ENJOY LIFE • I tend to live in the moment and appreciate the "now." • I often dwell on past experiences and daydream about different welcome new mental outcomes. • I recognize that some things can't be changed. • My feelings of happiness are often overshadowed by worry about the future. health spending, • My home is a comfortable, pleasant place. • I worry a lot about my friends and family. RESILIENCE • When life gets tough, I retreat from friends and family. • When I'm under serious stress, I can't lead a normal life. but urge feds to take • I believe that I can learn from diffi cult times. • After an emotional upheaval, it makes me feel guilty to feel happy. • I exercise regularly and eat right, even when life gets busy or stressful. more decisive action • I have a great support network. Health Minister Patty Hajdu speaks with BALANCE reporters as she arrives at the south entrance to • There aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I West Block before Question Period on Sept. 30, want to do. Independent Senator Stan 2020. Sen. Kutcher said there are a number of • I always make time for my hobbies. Kutcher at a workplace mental tools the federal government can use to increase • My friends often complain that they never see me. health conference in April access to mental health services in Canada. The • If life is a juggling act, then I think I'm a pretty good juggler. 2019. Sen. Kutcher has long Hill Times photo by Andrew Meade • I practice a relaxation technique regularly. been an advocate for youth • Focusing on work will get me where I want to be. mental health. Photo courtesy of “I know what kind of training physi- SELF-ACTUALIZATION • Compliments make me uncomfortable. The Senate of Canada cians get in this area. We need to improve that across the course of our education. • I have good self esteem. Also, in terms of ongoing health education, • When people say I have positive qualities, I have trouble believ- which is done by various organizations ing what they are saying. • I know what my strengths are and I work to develop them. across the country, Health Canada could • I feel I am reaching my potential. play a role there. There are a lot of entry • Taking chances is risky, but it's worth the risk. points into this problem,” he said. FLEXIBILITY Sen. Kutcher credited the COVID-19 • I don't always know what to expect from people. Response Measures Act with addressing • My problems are usually caused by other people. mental health by increasing funding to • Life is smoother when I keep my emotions level at all times. programs that help with the social deter- • I accept things the way they are, even if I don't like them. minants of health, like housing and food • I'm often frustrated when other people don't share my point of view. security, among others. • I cope well with change. “There is a lot of investments in sched- Source: Canadian Mental Health Association ule two and three [of the bill] that have really profound and direct implications for Making the Mental Health Meter Work improving the mental health of the popula- ABILITY TO ENJOY LIFE tion,” he said. If you scored less than 3 points, your enjoyment of life is The bill has $237-million in support being diminished by anxiety and worry. Some of your concerns are for homeless Canadians, in addition to based on real problems, but many are "what ifs" and "maybes". $504-million for the Rapid Housing Initia- If you scored 3-6 points, your ability to enjoy life is good to tive that seeks to increasing the housing excellent. The higher your score, the stronger your capability to live The federal government, by conven- stock through land acquisition, building in the moment and accept that there are some things you cannot Continued from page 20 predict or change. ing a national health force strategy modular housing, and repurposing old had mental illnesses were put into asylums, RESILIENCE discussion similar to the Collaborative buildings for affordable housing. More If you scored less than 3 points, your resilience may be and those morphed into community mental Pan-Canadian Health Human Resources than $70-million is dedicated to charities health centres, so that you had to go to one too low. You isolate yourself during tough times, and the lack of Planning initiative, “can start bringing to and non-profi ts helping vulnerable popula- support and other perspectives means you tend to stay focused on place to get your mental health care and the table the need for enhancing capacity tions, and $50-million in additional support the negative. then to go another place to get the rest of and competencies in this area [and] in all is planned for food banks. If you scored 3-6 points, your resilience is good to excellent. your care.” the health-care professions and training [email protected] The higher your score, the more strongly you feel that even though life “This doesn’t make any sense. We have schools.” The Hill Times can be full of tough times, it's important to keep your perspective. to integrate them better,” he said. BALANCE The two ways to do that, Sen. Kutcher If you scored less than 3 points, your life is out of balance. said, are to “increase the mental health care Self-reported mental health status by visible minority group Whether it's work, family or personal interests, one or more aspects competencies of all primary health-care of your life are being neglected. providers” and to better structure primary Percent reporting that mental health has deteriorated during pandemic Percent reporting fair or poor mental health If you scored 3-6 points, your life has a fair to good degree of balance. The higher your score, the stronger your realization that health care to “provide the workforce that there are many facets to your life that are important to you and will actually meet mental health care 60% deserving of your interest and attention. needs,” he said. 55.3% SELF_ACTUALIZATION “If we had those kinds of health provid- 55% 52.2% If you scored less than 3 points, you are lacking in self 48.6% ers integrated into everyday primary care 50% 48.1% 48.1% esteem. You tend not to trust other people's good opinions of your 45.5% abilities and talents, nor do you feel that you could truly make more practices, we would be able to go a long, 45% long way to meeting the mental health care of your life. needs of Canadians, and that then would 40% If you scored 3-6 points, you have a good to high degree of self-actualization. The higher your score, the more you are able 35% save the specialty mental health services 30.3% to value your own unique strengths and potential, and work to for dealing with populations that have 27.9% 30% 25.7% 26.9% develop them to enhance your life. greater needs and require more complex 25% 22.9% FLEXIBILITY care,” he said. 21% If you scored less than 3 points, you are not as fl exible as Sen. Kutcher said the federal govern- 20% you could be in your opinions or expectations. This rigidity can create ment has a number of tools it could use to 15% a strong sense of frustration. If you scored 3-6 points, you have a fair to good level of fl ex- achieve a better mental heath care system. 10% Ottawa could create specifi c incentives ibility. The higher your score, the stronger your belief that change is a 5% to “encourage provinces to provide the kind fact of life, and that seeing things from other points of view helps you adapt to change and make the most of your life and the people in it. of additional competencies into primary 0% health care practices, such as counselling White South Asian Chinese Black Filipino Arab This is not a scientifi c test. Information provided is not a substitute for professional advice. If you feel that you may need advice, please and psychiatric nursing care,” he said. Source: Statistics Canada: The mental health of population groups designated as visible minorities in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic consult a qualifi ed health-care professional.

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the Throne Speech references this is serious about delivering on its ‘The ball’s in their court’: a little bit.” commitments. Sen. Bernard said she had “It’s my sense there’s a will and hoped the speech would have made perhaps a plan,” Sen. Moodie said. specifi c references to the develop- “We know the prime minister has Black caucus, community ment of a Black-Canadian justice spoken about it. He will need to strategy—an acknowledgement follow through, or he risks losing that underscores that the commu- credibility when he speaks on nity has been disproportionately the issue. Words alone will not be cautiously optimistic about affected by the criminal justice enough for the country, for Black system and “state violence.” She and Indigenous Canadians who noted that Nova Scotia has already have heard him.” moved in that direction. Instead, Sen. Moodie is feeling upbeat feds’ Throne Speech pledges the speech states a pledge to “take about the prospects for change, a action to address the systemic shift from where she was at before inequities in all phases of the crimi- the speech was released in late Senator Wanda Thomas will be further outlined in minis- parent, “much more indisputable,” nal justice system, from diversion August, when she said, in an email ters’ mandate letters which will be and “easier for us to speak with to sentencing, from rehabilitation response, “any continued delay” on Bernard says she had released in due course,” he said. authority.” to records.” responding to calls from the Black Liberal MP Greg Fergus (Hull- Independent Senator Wanda Sen. Moodie agreed that a lack community could not be “wholly hoped the speech Aylmer, Que.), chair of the cross- Thomas Bernard (Nova Scotia) of specifi cs would make it “harder blamed on prorogation.” party caucus that includes MPs and echoed that sentiment, saying that to hold people accountable.” “I don’t Alfred Burgesson, a member of would have made Senators, said the attention focused degree of commitment on data think it lessens our responsibility the Prime Minister’s Youth Council specifi c references on grappling with racial inequities collection suggests the government as Parliamentarian; I don’t think and founder of advocacy group in the speech is a testament to the could make a push to apply an “in- it lessens our mandate to pursue Collective Action, said the main to the development caucus’ and the Black community’s tersectional lens” on policies. Such that,” she added. “missing piece” from the speech drive to prevent the momentum an approach, she noted, is already NDP MP Matthew Green was the lack of “tangible targets” of a Black-Canadian from fading. The caucus’ statement, happening in the fi les overseen (Hamilton Centre, Ont.) said while for measuring the pace of progress. a document that set out policy by Diversity Inclusion Minister pledges in the speech are wrapped Mr. Fergus noted that Throne- justice strategy—an prescriptions for achieving racial Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Ont.). up in the “words of equity and Speech commitments rarely come equity that was released in June, “Part of the problem is that, in the language of racial justice,” the with timelines. acknowledgement that received the endorsement of nearly government, change happens very government isn’t responding with “It’s cool to see we’re going to underscores that the all cabinet ministers and more than slowly. Through the pandemic, the urgency required. He added the make progress on systemic rac- 150 Parliamentarians. it’s slowed down even more,” Sen. government doesn’t have a solid ism, but without tangible targets, community has been For Mr. Fergus, seeing the cau- Bernard, a caucus member, said. track record of implementing poli- then how are we measuring our cus’ agenda adopted in the speech “There’s a great need, in this coun- cies it endorses. success?,” he said, speaking for disproportionately “The government has all the himself, not on behalf of the coun- power to immediately act on the cil. “Are we just striving towards aff ected by the criminal priorities outlined in the Black saying we’re doing it, or are we justice system and caucus’ statement. From procure- doing it to have an impact across ment to policing, they have failed,” Canada?” ‘state violence.’ said Mr. Green. He said the budget or the He pointed to the government’s promised fi scal update in the fall policy requiring companies with will be indicative of whether the BY BEATRICE PAEZ more than 100 employees that are government is “truly putting their interested in bidding on contracts money where their mouths are.” rime Minister Justin Trudeau’s worth more than $1-million to set Mr. Burgesson said the feds’ launch Precent Throne Speech further diversity targets, saying that, without of the Black Entrepreneurship elevates the priorities long advo- audits, it’s a toothless measure. Strategy, which promised close to cated by the Black community, “That is a good policy that the $221-million in partnership with say MPs, Senators, and advocates, Liberal MP Greg Fergus, left, chairs the Black Parliamentary Caucus, which Liberals put forward, but how banks to help thousands of Black even as some await an update on includes Independent Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, ISG Senator Rosemary many audits have actually hap- business owners recover from the the government’s touted “summer Moodie, and NDP MP Matthew Green. Mr. Green says the caucus is looking pened?” he said. pandemic, earlier this month was a work plan” to address systemic at creating a governing structure to institutionalize the work it’s done to date. Federal audits of companies were positive development, but said “that racism. The Hill Times photographs and Senate of Canada photo scrapped under the Harper govern- can’t be it.” Mr. Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) ment and have not been brought At the same time, Mr. Burges- parliamentary reset on Sept. 23 means members have a “green try, for policy development to be back, according to The Toronto Star. son, who participated in a council featured a grab bag of mostly light” to keep pressing for reforms. more inclusive, and so, bringing the “It was not through the goodwill meeting that was an hour and half old commitments that are likely Had the speech not refl ected those voices of all stakeholders in policy of the government,” he added of long with Mr. Trudeau on Friday, to compete with one another for priorities, Mr. Fergus said, there development is something we re- the government’s move to adopt said he left feeling a “great deal of resources against the immediate would be “screaming headlines” ally haven’t been doing.” priorities pushed for by the caucus optimism.” threat posed by the global pan- remarking on that omission—and Asked if she thought the ele- and protesters. “It was the tens of “He’s not afraid of the criti- demic. it would have been justifi ed. ments of the speech was itself the thousands of Canadians led by cism. …When others challenged It featured a separate section “It’s all forward thrusters on in summer work plan that had been the Black Lives Matter movement, him, he received it very well,” he devoted to “addressing systemic terms of moving on this fi le, and promised, she said she couldn’t demanding that they move beyond said, adding that Mr. Trudeau did racism,” refl ecting, in sweeping given that we are in a pandemic, comment “on whether this speaks to performative actions.” not respond defensively in the terms, many of the priorities that for us to recognize we have to ad- their process,” but noted that parts of Mr. Green cited getting rid of face of criticism about the speed the Black Parliamentary Caucus dress the real fault lines that exist, the “clear road map” laid out by the mandatory minimums and amnesty of the government’s response to had lobbied for in response to and make that a priority in the caucus were refl ected in the speech. for those convicted of recreational pressing issues. the anti-Black racism rallies that Speech from the Throne. It means I While Sen. Bernard said the marijuana possession as examples Velma Morgan, chair of Opera- hit many cities in Canada and got a green light for the Black cau- speech gave profi le to the concerns of other policies the government tion Black Vote, said the speech was around the world over the summer. cus to continue [its work],” he said. of Black and Indigenous Canadians, can move on without delay. a “good start,” with many of the Some of its commitments include He pointed to the “down pay- where it didn’t “go far enough” for Even as he expressed frustra- broad commitments refl ecting what addressing standards on the use ments” the government has made her was in providing specifi c and tion over the pace of the govern- the community has been campaign- of force; implementing a plan to on the collection of disaggregated substantive reforms around crimi- ment’s response, Mr. Green said ing for in countless meetings with increase representation in public race-based data, which started nal justice. During the pandemic, the work of the caucus, which he is government offi cials, but the real service; and fi nding new ways to with Statistics Canada’s move to Canada has seen the pandemic a member of, has been meaningful, work has yet to begin in earnest. support the “artistic and economic publish, for the fi rst time, a Labour collide with racial injustices, she saying it’s been an “overwhelming- (Ms. Morgan is also working on contributions of Black Canadian Force Survey tracking job losses said, pointing to several incidents ly non-partisan” vehicle for change. Green Party candidate Annamie culture and heritage.” by race and ethnicity. Though such involving police that have led to vio- “We are looking at creating a Paul’s leadership campaign; the two Mr. Trudeau, in response to the data is likely to confi rm the exis- lent encounters and in some cases, governing structure to institution- are personal friends, and Ms. Paul wave of protests in June decrying tence of longstanding inequities the deaths of Black and Indigenous alize the work we’ve done to date,” is the only Black candidate running police brutality, promised action linked to structural forces, having people such as Chantel Moore and he said. “I stand by that work. My for the Greens.) “very quickly” and enlisted his cabi- hard fi gures, advocates say, would Regis Korchinski-Paquet. Both job, in opposition, is to ensure that “It’s time we move from aspira- net ministers to develop a “summer help further illustrate the scope of women died during so-called “well- I continue to point out the uncom- tional to action. We need for that work plan.” the problems. The speech picks up ness checks” carried out by police. fortable truths.” work to be expedited. The time Alex Wellstead, a press secre- on that priority advocated by the “I often look at the decal on the should’ve been last year. There’s a tary at the Prime Minister’s Offi ce, caucus, in committing to develop- side of police cars; it says, ‘To serve ‘Rare’ for speeches to have little bit of catchup,” she said. “The said in an email response that ing an approach across the govern- and protect,’ and there are many government has been really good cabinet ministers are still working ment around “better collection of Black Canadians and Indigenous hard timelines at speaking to the community. It on their “plans to address systemic disaggregated data.” Canadians who don’t feel well Sen. Moodie said the speech, has been said over and over again, racism,” along with a host of other Independent Senator Rosemary served or well protected by police which gave a “prominent place” to ‘Let’s get it done.’ The ball is in their issues related to the pandemic. Moodie (Ontario) said when hard and, in fact, feel fear,” she said. the concerns of Black and Indig- court.” “These plans have guided parts of data is available, it makes the “That has to shift; that requires enous communities, sends a reas- [email protected] the speech from the throne and inequities that have long been ap- major change, major reform, and suring signal that the government The Hill Times 30 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Former Globe and Mail editor John Stackhouse has a new CLASSIFIEDS Heard on the Hill book out this week. Photograph Information and by Palak Mangat courtesy of Penguin advertisement placement: Random House 613-232-5952 Canada classifi[email protected] iPolitics welcomes new boss

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Have a house shortly after Ottawa native Marco Vigliotti, The Hill who sank his teeth into lobbying, the pub- Timees to rent or sell? lic service, and procurement, recently left photograph the outlet. by Andrew Meade Items or Ex-Globe head’s new book details work of expats products to sell? Former head honcho and long- time Globe and Mail reporter John Stack- house has a new book that will hit the Advertise them in market this week, called Planet Canada: How our Expats are Shaping the Future. Oct. 15 event will feature a “social media The Hill Times Published by Penguin Random House rally,” and comes amid growing signs that Canada, the book details the work of the country will continue to sink deeper For info contact Kelly: “an entire province’s worth of Canadian into the red. Ottawa estimated a $343.2-bil- citizens,” including educators, humanitar- lion defi cit for this year in its July “fi scal [email protected] ians, and entrepreneurs, who do not live snapshot,” and the feds’ defence budget has in Canada. “Surely a country with people often been targeted when they need to look BASTIENPRIZANTOPTOMETRY.COM at ways to cut spending. 613-232-5952 as diverse as Canada’s ought to plug itself [email protected] 613.236.6066 • [email protected] into every corner of the globe. We don’t, The Hill Times and sometimes not even when our expats THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 31 Parliamentary Calendar

MONDAY, OCT. 5 economic inequality activist, and fi lmmaker, on how House Sitting—The House of Commons is sitting to meet the once-in-a-generation societal challenges Sen. Sinclair to talk about presented by COVID-19 and its shakeout of the global in a hybrid format right now during the pandemic, with most MPs connecting remotely. But the House economy. The Munk Dialogues will be available live is scheduled to sit Monday, Oct. 5 and every weekday and on-demand on the free CBC Gem streaming service until Friday Oct. 9. It’s scheduled to take a one-week (gem.cbc.ca) and on the Munk Debates website (www. racial inequality and munkdebates.com/dialogues). break, Oct. 12-16, and will then sit again Oct. 19-Nov. 6. It will another one-week break, Nov. 9-13, and is THURSDAY, OCT. 15 then scheduled to sit every weekday from Nov. 16-Dec. 11, and that’s it for 2020. PPF Testimonial Dinner and Awards—The Public Policy Justin Ling at Ottawa International Writers’ Festival disparity on Oct. 6, hosted Forum’s Honour Roll is going virtual. The PPF Honour — Journalist Justin Ling will talk about his new book, Roll virtual sessions with our 2020 Testimonial Din- Missing From the Village: The Story of Serial Killer ner & Awards will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bruce McArthur, the Search for Justice, and the System which includes networking sessions. Join us virtually on by Aksis: Edmonton’s Thursday Oct. 15 and Thursday Oct. 22 as we celebrate That Failed Toronto’s Queer Community, on Monday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in a live online event with Elyse Allan, Sen. Peter Harder, Anne McLellan and Sen. Matthew Pearson. Register at Eventbrite. Murray Sinclair and their achievements. Rob Russo, TUESDAY, OCT. 6 Aboriginal Business and formerly with CBC will be receiving the Hyman Solomon journalism award. Data scientist, AI literacy expert Digital Enforcement Summit—The Competition and author, Shingai Manjengwa, is the recipient of the Bureau will host its fi rst annual Digital Enforcement Emerging Leader Award. The 33rd annual Testimonial Summit from Tuesday, Oct. 6 to Thursday, Nov. 26 to Professional Association Dinner and Awards honours Canadians who have made enhance its effectiveness as it takes on new and emerg- their mark on business, policy and leadership. They will ing issues in the digital economy. Featuring a series of take their place among a cohort of other stellar Canadi- four online panels, the summit will allow the Bureau ans who we’ve honoured over the last 33 years, people Racial Inequality who have dedicated themselves to making Canada a bet- and its international counterparts to share best prac- and Disparity: tices and explore new tools and strategies for tackling ter place through policy leadership and public service. emerging enforcement issues in the digital era. Today’s Change for Greater Challenging Canada’s $19 Billion Warplane Purchase— panel is on “Developments in Intelligence, Detection, Good—ISG Senator Join a webinar with Green MP Paul Manly, NDP MP Leah and Evidence.” Contact [email protected]. Murray Sinclair, Gazan, and researcher & activist Tamara Lorincz on Oct. Racial Inequality and Disparity: Change for Greater pictured in his Hill 15 about the social, ecological and economic impact of Good—ISG Senator Murray Sinclair will take part in a offi ce, will take part Canada’s plan to purchase new fi ghter jets. Are 88 new webinar on “Racial Inequality and Disparity” hosted by cutting-edge fi ghter jets required to protect Canadians? in a webinar on Or are they designed to enhance the air force’s ability Aksis: Edmonton’s Aboriginal Business and Profes- 'Racial Inequality sional Association. He will be joined by Dr. Wanda to join belligerent US and NATO wars? How has Canada Costen for a discussion on why correcting social and and Disparity,' employed fi ghter jets in the past? What are the climate economic imbalances is so critical to our collective hosted by Aksis: impacts of these jets? What else could the $19 billion be future. Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. Edmonton's used for Oct. 15, 7 p.m. EDT. The event will include a so- Tickets available via Eventbrite. Aboriginal Business cial media rally. More information coming shortly. This we- Governance Through COVID-19: Lessons from Disrup- and Professional binar is organized by the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute tion and World BEYOND War. Registration link: https://action- —The Institute on Governance hosts a webinar, Association. He will “Governance through COVID19: Lessons from Disrup- network.org/events/challengingfi ghterjets?clear_id=true tion,” part of its Policy Crunch series. Queen’s Univer- be joined by Dr. For more information: www.foreignpolicy.ca sity’s Prof. Andrew Graham and Prof. Kathy L. Brock, Wanda Costen for a SUNDAY, OCT. 18 PhD, will join Dalhousie University’s Lori Turnbull to discussion on why refl ect on the new Throne Speech, address the implica- correcting social War: How Confl ict Shaped Us with Margaret MacMil- tions of the pandemic on governance, the executive and economic lan—Margaret MacMillan shares her insights into the and accountability, the public service, and the role of imbalances is very nature of war—from the ancient Greeks to modern the central agencies going forward. Tuesday, Oct. 6, so critical to our times—with CBC’s Adrian Harewood. In her sweeping from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Register for this free event via new book, international bestselling author and historian Eventbrite. collective future. MacMillan analyzes the tangled history of war and WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 Tuesday, Oct. 6, society and our complicated feelings towards it and from 11 a.m. to 2 towards those who fi ght. It explores the ways in which What is the World Coming To? A Conversation with p.m. ET. Tickets changes in society have affected the nature of war and Lloyd Axworthy—Hosted by the Pearson Centre for available via how in turn wars have changed the societies that fi ght Progressive Policy’s president Andrew Cardozo, Lloyd Eventbrite. The Hill them, including the ways in which women have been both participants in and the objects of war. The free, Axworthy, a former Jean Chrétien-era foreign affairs Times photographs pre-recorded event is Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. RSVP minister and today chair of the World Refugee and by Andrew Meade Migration Council, will talk about the real and urgent at writersfestival.org. implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for migrants The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. and refugees. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. EDT. Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- Register online or go to: http://thepearsoncentre.ca mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details THURSDAY, OCT. 8 under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the Munk Dialogues—On Thursday, Oct. 8, at 8 pm most consequential U.S. election in a generation. The WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14 Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday EDT, the Munk Dialogues series will feature dialogue Munk Dialogues will be available live and on-demand paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but Munk Dialogues with Michael Eric Dyson, bestselling author, scholar, on the free CBC Gem streaming service (gem.cbc.ca) —On Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 8 pm we will defi nitely do our best. Events can be updated and racial justice campaigner, on the future of the and on the Munk Debates website (www.munkdebates. EDT, the Munk Dialogues series will feature dialogue daily online, too. politics of race and social justice in the shadow of the com/dialogues). with Robert Reich, former U.S. labour secretary, The Hill Times

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