United States President Donald Trump Some isolated thoughts from is no friend of ours p. 15 isolation p. 6 These unprecedented times require unprecedented measures p. 11

THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO. 1715 CANADA’S POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 $5.00

News ParliamentNews Prime minister News Media COVID-19 Trudeau should pay Guilbeault can’t end announces parliamentary 80 per cent Canadians’ support for scrutiny, say media; Winnipeg experts salaries to protect them Free Press publisher blasts BY NEIL MOSS & PETER MAZEREEUW from the ‘psychological feds, saying ‘no ith a unprecedented crisis, WCanada could see an unprec- new support’ edented Parliament. But despite trauma’ of COVID-19, says the crisis, there still remains a forthcoming place for Parliamentarians to scru- tinize the government, experts say. Liberal strategist Herle BY MIKE LAPOINTE Continued on page 18 he federal government an- Canadians are going to judge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of the Tnounced long-awaited support COVID-19 crisis by how fast his government could deliver the fi nancial assistance to on March 25 for media organiza- tions suffering signifi cant losses the ones in need, says Nanos Research founder and chief data scientist Nik Nanos. News Spending Continued on page 4 According to last week's Angus Reid Budget 2020, Institute poll, 64 per cent of Canadians News Lobbying election approve of Prime Minister Justin promises in Trudeau's handling of the COVID-19 Federal lobbyists’ question amid crisis. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew registry sees COVID-19 global Meade crop of new pandemic crisis, COVID-19 say McKay, fi lings, as groups Delacourt grapple with Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 BY PETER MAZERREUW pandemic he COVID-19 crisis will derail Tthe government’s legislative BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN agenda for the 43rd Parliament, & BEATRICE PAEZ says veteran Liberal MP John McKay, and may spike the gov- ince mid-March, more than 35 small and medium-sized businesses European countries currently pay- ernment’s 2020 budget entirely, BY ABBAS RANA organizations have updated on March 27 by boosting it to 75 ing 80 per cent of all private sector S says Liberal-connected lobbyist their federal lobbying fi lings, per cent up from the 10 per cent salaries amid the COVID-19 pan- John Delacourt. rime Minister Justin Trudeau, signalling plans to have a say in Pwho announced a major previously promised, should also Continued on page 16 increase to the wage subsidies for consider following the lead of some Continued on page 22 Continued on page 23 2 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Editor’s Note: how the coronavirus global pandemic will aff ect The Hill Times

BY KATE MALLOY

TTAWA—These are extraordinary times and the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has affected The Hill Times, just like it Ohas everyone else in the world. At fi rst, it knocked us off our feet, and after going through the initial and incredible shock of realizing what was happening, we’ve picked ourselves up and pushing through. People are dying, the economy has tanked, and no one knows what lies ahead. Political leadership is critically important right now and it can save lives. We want to cover the biggest story in the world from our corner of the world and we want to shine a light specifi cally on how this is affecting Canadian democracy and federal government policy. We also want to have a positive infl uence in these extraordinary times and as we face this awful threat. We are continuing to cover MPs, Senators, staffers, cabinet ministers, the PMO, the PCO, the government, the bureau- cracy, lobbying, federal party politics, public policy, foreign policy, the Parliamentary Precinct, Hill life, Hill media, and Hill people. We’re a Hill Times news family of 28 and, like any other newsroom, ours is marked by quite a lot of banter, a surprising amount of singing, swearing, and lots of humour. But the newsroom is largely empty right now, with the few people coming into the offi ce and who are working at a safe distance. Most of our reporters are working remotely, including deputy editor Peter Mazereeuw, who had to self-isolate after re- turning from a trip to Mexico, and assistant deputy editor Abbas Rana, whose family had just returned from a trip overseas. Two reporters—online editor Beatrice Paez and online reporter Palak Mangat—are now working from Toronto and the rest of us are here in Ottawa, including Aidan Chamandy, Mike Lapointe (who’s holed up in a hotel room), Samantha Wright Allen (the singer), and Neil Moss. Our photographers Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia are still fi ling photos and Andrew Meade has been covering most of the prime minister’s daily briefi ngs as well as the ministerial daily briefi ngs on the Hill. Tessie Sanci, from Hill Times Health Research, has also been going to some of the daily briefi ngs. Our managing editor Charelle Evelyn and deputy editor Laura Ryckewaert, who were coming in to produce our Wednesday papers, are now also doing this job from their respective homes. Wire Report editor Anja Karadeglia and reporters Michael Lee-Murphy and Adam Langenberg are working from home with focused reporting on how the pandemic is affecting Canada’s rapidly shifting communications landscape, and Jesse Cnockaert, Christina Leadlay, and Jordan Gowling are covering the intense world of government advocacy and government procedure for The Lobby Monitor and Parliament Now. Publisher Anne Marie Creskey is regularly in the offi ce. General manager Andrew Morrow, human resources manager Tracey Wale, and our receptionist Kelly More are all working from home. Our advertising sales vice-president Steve Mac- Donald, and account managers Craig Caldbick, Martin Reaume, Erveina Golsalci, and Ulle Baum are in and out and working the phones at a time when many advertisers are worried about keeping their own doors open. Our readership engagement gurus Chris Rivoire and Dan Lahey are riding herd on a vastly increasing number of online and PDF e-print subscriptions, which are free during the horrible crisis, and are fi nding new and innovative ways of getting our print edition delivered. We are now printing in Montreal after our Gatineau plant shut down. Subscription and licensing executives Sean Hansel, Darryl Blackbird, and Lakshmi Krishnamurti are not letting their home phones cool off. I was in the offi ce every day up until last Monday, but I’m now working at home at the dining room table, alonside my two daughters and my husband, John Crupi, CTV Ottawa’s assignment editor, who has been working the phones from home for the last two weeks. It’s driving him nutty that he can’t be at work, but he’s a cancer survivor with a weak immunity system. Normally, there’s a lot of talking that goes into producing a newspaper. We’ve switched to meeting on Zoom, and commu- nicating by emails, texts, and phone calls. Although, we’re remote, there’s a stronger sense of purpose and camaraderie. The newspaper is also physical and visual. Normally, I’d be talking a lot to our art direction and production team—Benoit De- neault, Serena Masonde, and Joey Sabourin—about the layout of the paper, and to our web developers, Jean-François Lavoie and Ian Francis Peralta, who keep our hefty website and daily on-line news and email alerts working. It’s all remote now. Our email distribution list has been signifi cantly expanded and both Monday and Wednesday electronic PDF issues will be sent to thousands of more readers. We’re also offering more robust daily coverage of the coronavirus story online daily and in our Politics This Morning daily newsletter. We’re burning the midnight oil to offer deeper and better coverage. There are a lot of people behind The Hill Times, including a long list of regular columnists and op/ed writers, some of the most savvy in the country, along with the many people in administration, human resources, and newspaper delivery. I’ve been at The Hill Times since it started in 1989, and, over the years, we’ve produced papers through power outages, website failures, a few small ceiling fl oods, a lack of heat in the middle of winter, a lack of air conditioning in the dog days of summer, and, in the very beginning, we used to put the newspapers together with X-Acto knives, line tape, and waxers, but there’s one thing about The Hill Times: we don’t give up. We do consider ourselves an essential service and we may be tired right now, but we’re dedicated. This is a family-owned, independent business, whose founders and owners Jim Creskey, Anne Marie Creskey, Ross Dickson, and his daughter Leslie Dickson, will fi ght for The Hill Times to be here for you, no matter what. Kate Malloy is the editor-in-chief of The Hill Times. [email protected] The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 3 Opinion Nobody mention universal basic income

BY GWYNNE DYER free-market ideology is the real national Finance Minister religion. President Trump is talking about Bill Morneau ONDON, U.K.—When you lock the $1,200 per person (the same as Hong Kong says the feds’ Lpeople down (to save their lives), you in- is giving its citizens), but only for one multibillion- evitably close down a lot of the economy as month or at the most two. And the proposal dollar emergency well. And the lockdown will defi nitely have is still stuck in Congress. response benefi t, to last in most countries until May or June: Nevertheless, what all these govern- a wage subsidy, Donald Trump’s promise of a ‘beautiful ments (and others elsewhere in the world) will likely be timeline’ to reopening the US economy just are really playing with is the idea of a rolled out the two weeks hence is delusional. So where’s guaranteed national income that nobody week of April 6. the money coming from in the meantime? can fall below. Only temporarily, you The Hill Times The majority of people still have jobs understand. Once the Covid-19 virus is photograph by they get paid for: people in essential ser- tamed, we’ll go back to the dog-eat-dog, Andrew Meade vices who have to go to work, people who devil-take-the-hindmost economy we all can do their work from home, and quite a know and love. few others as well. Really? You think that after six months However, between a third and quarter of or a year of this we will just go back tamely the employed population has been left idle to the old economic rules? I rather doubt it. as their employers, from airlines to retail The political and economic rules do The rise of fascism and the Second the rise of ideas previously seen as too radi- businesses, downsize or shut temporarily. not evolve gradually in modern societies; World War required the creation of the full cal to contemplate, but nobody say universal If you leave these people without income, they shift in sudden great lurches. The First welfare state (which was previously restrict- basic income yet. You’ll frighten the horses. then you are reproducing the conditions of World War drew millions of women into ed to meagre old age pensions) to avoid a Gwynne Dyer’s latest book is The Fu- the Great Depression of the 1930s, when the factories and kick-started women’s replay the next time the economy tanked. ture of Democracy (and Work). unemployment peaked at 24 per cent in emancipation. The current emergency may be fostering The Hill Times the United States and the country’s GDP shrank by almost half. Adolf Hitler came to power when German unemployment reached 30 per cent: misery and desperation can lead to Virtual solutions are violence. Nobody wanted to see that movie again, so after the Second World War every developed country created a welfare state changing the way we to shelter its population from the worst ef- fects of the business cycle. The welfare state has served us well for access health care most of a century (including in the United States, whose rudimentary welfare state was fi rst in the fi eld with Franklin Roos- evelt’s New Deal of the 1930s). But it is not Demand for virtual care will grow as enough to keep the wheels turning when a huge chunk of the workforce had dropped outbreaks like COVID-19 make face-to- out for reasons that are not economic but health-related. face appointments impractical That’s why governments, including deeply orthodox right-wing ones like the By: Michael Green Conservatives in Britain and the Republicans in the United States, are turning to what economist Milton Friedman fi rst named In the past number of weeks, physical distancing and self- generate $4 in health system value through avoided use of helicopter money half a century ago. PZVSH[PVUOH]LILLUTHUKH[LKI`TVZ[W\ISPJOLHS[OVɉJPHSZ precious system resources, like reduced hospital stays and The idea is that a government can reboot across the country and health professionals are responding by LTLYNLUJ`YVVT]PZP[Z an economy in which spending power has VɈLYPUN]PY[\HSJHYLHS[LYUH[P]LZ[VWH[PLU[Z;OPZJHYLKLSP]LY` collapsed (because so many are out of work) TVKLS^PSSILWHYHTV\U[[VV\YHIPSP[`[VÅH[[LU[OLWHUKLTPJ Canada is a world leader in telehealth, delivering over a million by simply giving the penniless consum- J\Y]L^OPJOPZ[OLWYPTHY`MVJ\ZPU*HUHKHYPNO[UV^ JHYL]PZP[Z]PH[LSLOLHS[OL]LY``LHY(UK[OLZLU\TILYZ^PSSNYV^ ers free money—as if throwing it out of a as more virtual care options become available and outbreaks like helicopter. After all, it’s free money for the ;OL\ZLVM[LJOUVSVNPLZ^OPJOHSSV^MVY]PY[\HSJVUZ\S[H[PVUZ *6=0+ THRLMHJL[VMHJLHWWVPU[TLU[ZPTWYHJ[PJHS government, too: they just ask the central between patients and clinicians via video, text or email, is an banks to print it for them. At this point traditionalists will begin LɈLJ[P]L^H`[VOLSWWYL]LU[[OLZWYLHKVM[OL]PY\Z=PY[\HS]PZP[Z :VJPL[`PZJOHUNPUN[OLYL»ZUVKV\I[*6=0+ OHZHJJLSLYH[LK to mutter about infl ation, and the risk of also provide peace of mind to those recovering at home and the need for and use of virtual solutions and Infoway will undermining the work ethic, and various those who are at risk and don’t want to venture to a doctor’s continue to work closely with our federal, provincial and territorial other shibboleths, but the governments in VɉJLVYOVZWP[HS>OPSLP[TH`ZLLTSPRLQ\Z[HJVU]LUPLUJL NV]LYUTLU[WHY[ULYZ[VHK]HUJL[OLZLZVS\[PVUZ all the bigger Western economies—the U.S. to some, for those who have limited mobility, complex health the U.K,, Germany, France—are in conser- issues, multiple encounters with the health system, and/or live in 0UMV^H`PZHSZVZWLHYOLHKPUN(**,::HZVJPHSTV]LTLU[ vative hands at the moment, and they are rural and remote areas, the ability to visit their care team virtually to create a new day for health care in Canada, one where all all doing it. PZL_[YLTLS`]HS\HISL Canadians have access to their health information and digitally- As Robert Chote, director of Britain’s enabled tools and services to better manage their care and comically named Offi ce for Budget Respon- ®, Canada Health Infoway’s national e-prescribing sibility, said last week: “When the fi re is 7YLZJYPIL0; PTWYV]LOLHS[OV\[JVTLZ large enough you just spray the water and ZLY]PJLJHUHSZVILHZPNUPÄJHU[HZZL[^OLUPUWLYZVU]PZP[Z^P[O worry about it later.” So get in the chopper OLHS[OJHYLWYVMLZZPVUHSZHYLUV[WVZZPISLVYUV[YLJVTTLUKLK ;OL*6=0+ WHUKLTPJYLTPUKZ\ZVM[OLULLKMVYJVU[PU\LK and start dropping the money. It reduces the need for in-person physician or nurse practitioner PUUV]H[PVUPU*HUHKPHUOLHS[OJHYL6]LY[OLJVTPUN^LLRZHUK Sweden has guaranteed laid off workers visits and enables vulnerable populations to limit their time months, we’re sure to see virtual care evolve and grow, as more 90 per cent of their incomes until the health V\[ZPKL[OLYLI`YLK\JPUN[OLPYYPZRVMPUMLJ[PVU-VYWYLZJYPILYZ WLVWSLJVTL[VYLS`VUP[K\YPUN[OLZL\UWYLJLKLU[LK[PTLZ5V crisis is past, France is offering partial un- VɈLYPUN]PY[\HSJVUZ\S[H[PVUZ^P[OWH[PLU[ZWYLZJYPW[PVUZJHU doubt, when we make it to the other side of this crisis, we will employment benefi ts equal to 84 per cent of be sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy of choice and ZLLHUL^KH`PUOLHS[OJHYL the workers’ incomes, and Britain is offering pharmacies can request prescription renewals from a patient’s 80 per cent. In every case the employers WYLZJYPIPUNKVJ[VYLSLJ[YVUPJHSS` If you’d like to be a part of moving Canada’s health care into the (who are also getting government aid) are expected to hold their employees’ jobs open M\[\YLQVPU[OL(**,::TV]LTLU[H[HJJLZZJH for them when normal service is restored. Outside the current health crisis, in 2018 alone, virtual care Michael Green is the President and CEO of Canada Health Even the self-employed, including the gig helped patients living in rural and remote communities avoid workers who now make up around 10 per TVYL[OHU TPSSPVURPSVTL[YLZVM[YH]LS;OPZYLWYLZLU[ZTVYL 0UMV^H`HMLKLYHSS`M\UKLKUV[MVYWYVÄ[VYNHUPaH[PVUHUKOHZ cent of the workforce, are not being left out. than $420 million in avoided costs and more than 70 thousand SVUNILLUH]PZPVUHY`MVY[OL^H`KPNP[HSOLHS[OZVS\[PVUZJHU Norway is giving them 80 per cent of their TL[YPJ[VUULZVMH]VPKLK*6LTPZZPVUZ=PY[\HSJHYLHSZVOHZ THRLW\ISPJOLHS[OZ`Z[LTZTVYLZ\Z[HPUHISLHUKPTWYV]L[OL income based on their last three years of OPNOWH[PLU[ZH[PZMHJ[PVUYH[LZ patient experience. tax returns (tough luck if they understated it), and most other European countries will Opting for virtual care solutions can also be a boon to the health Paid for by: Canada Health Infoway follow suit. Z`Z[LT-VYL_HTWSLMVYL]LY` ZWLU[VU[LSLOVTLJHYL^L The United States government is less generous, of course, and would be even under a Democratic administration: the

Hill Times Spon Con.indd 1 2020-03-27 10:41 AM 4 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Media

“And I get that, and that’s why Guilbeault announces support for media; I think a broader economic aid package focused on businesses, I’ve been incredibly supportive. That, yes, the fi rst thing’s fi rst, Winnipeg Free Press publisher blasts feds, like health and safety, and then fi nancial safety nets for individu- als affected, but it’s time now for saying ‘no new support’ forthcoming the Government of Canada to support businesses so there’s an economy to come back to,” said He blasted the government in Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara to provide help for journal- Mr. Lever. “If you compare it on Heritage Minister an interview with The Hill Times (Vaughan Woodbridge, Ont.), ism, “which they announced 16 a per GDP basis with what the on Thursday. When asked for who is parliamentary secretary months ago in November of 2018,” Americans just passed yesterday. Steven Guilbeault his reaction to the government’s for Minister of National Revenue have not paid out a single dollar We’re 10 times behind in real says he has spoken announcement, Mr. Cox called it Diane Lebouthillier (Gaspésie-Les to any news outlet in the country. dollars.” “absolute, utter garbage” and said Îles-De-La-Madeleine, Que.), told “And they won’t, because John Hinds, president and with representatives both Minister Guilbeault and the The Hill Times that the announce- they’re riddled with problems,” CEO of News Media Canada, told prime minister were lying. ment of the panel on March 25 said Mr. Cox. “Legislation is writ- The Hill Times that his organiza- from media groups “I have never seen such blatant was the “fi nal step” in the process ten incorrectly. Most newspaper tion’s “overwhelming response” to lying—stand in front of a bloody na- to be able to designate organi- companies actually don’t qualify the government’s announcement and trade unions tion in front of a microphone, thank zations as Qualifi ed Canadian under the way the legislation was was “disappointing.” journalists, say you’re going to sup- Journalism Organizations. written and they have not prom- “There was nothing new. Ev- representing port them and then do nothing,” said The panel is composed of cur- ised to change that to try and erything that they announced was journalists, and the Mr. Cox. “I’m astonished that they’ve rent and retired faculty members accelerate payments.” a rehash of announcements from done this. They have done nothing. from post-secondary journal- Mr. Cox said Mr. Guilbeault 2018. And it was helpful in 2018 government is doing There is absolutely no new support ism schools across Canada, has not consulted him or asked when there were challenges there, whatsoever for journalism that was according to heritage Canada’s for his comments. Mr. Guilbeault but…it certainly doesn’t respond ‘everything we can announced yesterday. [Minister] press release. The members are was not available for a follow- to the reality of the current crisis. Guilbeault is lying, there was no ac- chairperson Colette Brin, co-chair up interview following The Hill “We need to get money to help them make it celeration of any program.” Kim Kierans, Margo Goodhand, Times’ interview with Mr. Cox. into the hands of publishers, Mr. Guilbeault announced that Pierre-Paul Noreau and Karim H. “He’s scared, because I know or they’re going to close the through this crisis.’ the government had fi nished as- Karim. how these things work and I doors,” said Mr. Hinds. “This is sembling a panel know the truth. a business that does not have Continued from page 1 responsible for And he doesn’t vast cash reserves to sustain a of revenue, after news media advising the gov- Minister of want to confront slowdown of this magnitude for organizations in Atlantic Canada ernment on which Canadian Heritage anybody who very long. Advertising remains and Quebec joined the long list of journalism orga- Steven Guilbeault, knows the truth our core pillar of revenue [and] businesses laying off employees nizations should pictured speaking and knows actu- is down over 60 per cent and across Canada. benefi t from a with reporters ally how these it doesn’t look like it’s going Winnipeg Free Press Publisher controversial on the Hill in programs work,” to come back next week, and Bob Cox, however, says the an- $595-million me- Ottawa on Feb. said Mr. Cox. “All nobody has any cash.” nouncement contains “absolutely dia bailout fund, 3, 2020. Mr. he wants is an an- “So if people are going to no new support whatsoever” for in the form of tax Guilbeault says nouncement that continue to actually run their journalism. credits, that was the government tries to make his business, there’s going to have In an interview with The Hill fi rst announced is working own government to be some cash infl ow in there,” Times, Heritage Minister Steven last year. on additional look good. And it said Mr. Hinds. “Obviously, the Guilbeault (Laurier-Sainte-Marie, A previous measures doesn’t look good. advertising campaign helps with Que.) said he has personally panel struck by to bail out It looks bad, bad, that, it puts money into publish- spoken with a number of repre- the government struggling media bad.” ers’ pockets and allows them to sentatives from media groups and recommended that organizations ‘as “I understand continue to run for a while.” trade unions representing jour- “in the interests of we speak.’ The Hill that there are a “The tax credit is a mechanism nalists, and the government was moving quickly,” Times photograph lot of businesses that we’ve supported for a long doing “everything we can to help the tax credits be by Andrew Meade in exactly the time,” said Mr. Hinds. “The trouble them make it through this crisis.” implemented and same boat I’m … is that it was announced in No- “We are working on additional administered di- in, they’re facing vember of 2018, and still not one measures as we speak, and we rectly by the CRA. ruin. Publishers dollar has fl owed from it.” have been for the last two weeks,” Panel members also recommended “These are obviously very across this country are facing “So they appoint the panel said Mr. Guilbeault. “As you can that the government appoint an extraordinary circumstances,” said ruin. So are lots of businesses, I yesterday, but they still haven’t imagine, there are crises com- advisory body made up of faculty Mr. Sorbara. “And what we would realized that there is an absolute addressed the issues around ing left, right and center from all from journalism schools across need to do on our side with this avalanche of need out there right qualifi cation for the QCJO, sectors of Canadian society and Canada, who would be turned to last step is to get these individuals now. And I’m not suggesting that because as it stands, because of the Canadian economy. So the when the CRA has questions about trained. And as you can imagine, we should somehow be singled legislative problems, 75 per cent government is trying to adopt whether an application meets the that is presenting very unique cir- out or that we should somehow of Canadian media isn’t eligible measures.” journalistic criteria of the program. cumstances in order to do that.” be given special treatment, but I for the tax credit.” The government is also That panel has now been ap- “Usually you would want these don’t expect to be insulted by a When asked what task is launching a $30-million public pointed, according to the govern- individuals to probably travel government that promised help ahead of the panel, Mr. Hinds said health advertising campaign that ment, and will be tasked with to Ottawa and meet for hours, 16 months ago and never deliv- he hopes it’s “effi cient.” will be deployed in media “in helping to accelerate the deploy- go through all the details and so ered,” said Mr. Cox. “It’s a fantastic panel—they are every corner of the country” and ment of monetary relief. forth. But the current conditions Mark Lever, president and CEO probably the best group that you in 13 or 14 different languages, The government will be are proving to be very unique, of SaltWire Network, told The Hill could ever pick to do this, because according to Mr. Guilbeault. speeding up its processing of the very challenging. So it’s very Times that his fi rst reaction to the they represent the best of Canadian “The vast majority of that applications for tax credits, said diffi cult to give a specifi c date government’s announcement was journalism media,” said Mr. Hinds. $30-million would go to Canadian Mr. Guilbeault, responding to of when all these dominoes can “disappointment.” “Kudos to the government on the media,” said Mr. Guilbeault. “We applicants in a number of weeks, come into place.” SaltWire laid off nearly 40 per panel, it’s just really, really late.” will reserve some money for online instead of in the fall as initially “We remain steadfast in sup- cent of their staff on March 24, “The problem with that panel platforms—of course if someone planned for new applicants. porting Canadian journalism, according to a letter to their read- is, until they get the legislation—if goes online and does some research “We are accelerating he deploy- we’ve outlined and implemented ers published that day. it goes forward now, and they on Google, we want them to be able ment of monetary resources for and are implementing a program “It’s money that was promised have to reject 75 per cent of the to have access to information that is organizations that have applied, that is there to support Canadian to us in in [2018] for the [2019] fi s- claimants, that’s not going to look relevant to them, in terms of public and those include some media journalism. We were very happy cal year that we were all hoping great. And part of it is, they have health in their locality or region, so organizations that will be receiving to see the fi nal step in the process to really use that money as invest- to establish their procedures, and we will be putting some money for money in the coming weeks as op- being the appointing of the panel ments to maintain our newsrooms I have faith they’re going to do that campaign on those platforms, posed to the coming months,” said members. And we’re very happy in in 2019,” said Mr. Lever. this, but they’re going to need but the vast majority of that money Mr. Guilbeault. “We understand that to see this. But obviously, you “My reaction more broadly support from CRA and from fi - will be for Canadian media,” said in many cases, liquidity is an issue, know, due to these current very is the lacking support for, for nance to get up there and get this Mr. Guilbeault. so we are trying to accelerate the extraordinary, unique circum- the economy and for business in moving.” Mr. Cox is also the chair of the deployment of our program for the stances, there’s going to be some Canada, beyond what was just of- “It strikes me that in the cur- Journalism and Written Media year 2020 and 2021.” fl uidity and with how we the last fered the media in terms of media rent climate, it’s kind of hard to Independent Panel of Experts, “We understand how dire the part is determined and how the solutions.” onboard panels and get them which provided recommendations situation and we are working day panel members can receive the Mr. Lever said his organization up to speed and work collabora- to the government for the imple- and night, seven days a week to training that they need in order to is incredibly reliant on print ad- tively with CRA offi cials,” said Mr. mentation of tax measures in fi nd solutions and get them out execute and operate the program.” vertising and door-to-door insert Hinds. support of Canadian news media the door as quickly as possible,” Mr. Cox said that programs distribution business, which is all [email protected] last year. said Mr. Guilbeault. that the government announced being challenged. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 5 COVID-19

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Government speaking to the media on March 23, 2020, outside of Rideau should be Cottage, says he wouldn’t rule out using location data from Canadians’ careful in using phones to trace the path of the novel coronavirus. The Hill Times cellphone data to photograph by track COVID-19, Andrew Meade advocates say

‘In normal times, most Offi ce of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) spokesperson Valerie Lawton said Mr. Fraser gave the example of a She added that there are scenarios Canadians would respond in an emailed statement that in general, case in which Peel Regional Police were where cellphone location data could be organizations subject to Canada’s private- looking for a suspect in connection with useful. to the collection and use of sector privacy law, the Personal Informa- multiple robberies, and asked for data on “If you thought someone was a super- tion Protection and Electronic Documents who was connected to cell towers nearby. spreader, and you were trying to fi gure out sensitive health and location Act, “could potentially be authorized to re- They received more than 60,000 names, who that superspreader was, then you get lease personal information during a health he said. a bunch of tower dumps from the location information with a hard no. crisis under section 7(3) … combined with Ms. West noted that “usually you need of where outbreaks have occurred, and But these are not normal an order made under provincial or federal multiple sources of GPS to really pinpoint you look for the cellphone number that emergency legislation.” where a person is.” times,’ says professor But, she noted, it is “likely such collec- Continued on page 17 tion and disclosure of personal information Michael Geist. would be challenged under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and would have to be justifi ed as a reasonable limit to these rights.” BY ANJA KARADEGLIJA Leah West, a lecturer who specializes in national security law at the Norman rivacy experts and the Conservatives Paterson School of International Affairs Pare warning the federal government at Carleton University, said that whether that if it follows the lead of other countries it would be challenged “would depend on and begins using cellphone location data how narrowly tailored the collection was, to track the spread of COVID-19, it should what the purpose of the collection was, do so under strict limits and safeguards for and then how they were handling the data. Canadians’ privacy. There would be all kinds of things you’d Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, want to consider.” Que.) said on March 24 the federal govern- The government could collect location ment isn’t currently considering using loca- information from either Canadian wireless tion data from Canadians’ phones to trace providers, such as Bell, Rogers, and Telus, the path of the virus that has forced most or from tech companies like Google or of the country to effectively shut down. But, Apple. But neither would be able to hand Mr. Trudeau said, it’s not an option he would it over voluntarily; the OPC said Canada’s rule out for the future, either. private sector privacy legislation applies to One way the government could use that both and would forbid such a move. information is by asking for anonymized, Mr. Fraser noted that the tech compa- de-identifi ed bulk data, as countries like nies which operate on a model where users Italy, Germany, and Austria have done. opt-in to have their data collected—like That kind of data would be useful if a those who have mapping apps—have infor- health authority wanted to know, for ex- mation that is more precise than cellphone ample, whether travel between provinces location data. But most of those companies had slowed down, or how many people are based in the U.S. and can’t hand over were in a specifi c foreign country last week that information to Canadian authorities and are now in Canada. in a personally identifi able form without a Halifax-based privacy lawyer and ad- U.S. court order, he said. vocate David Fraser said companies could provide anonymized data without legal Most governments mum on data restrictions. “And frankly, should they? Yes, I think so, if it would be helpful,” he said in collection plans a phone interview. If the Canadian government were to Using personally identifi able data—for turn to telecoms, it would have to work instance using location information to with cellphone location data, which might trace individuals, as Israel, China, and be less helpful than many think. South Korea have done—is more compli- “Telecommunications companies aren’t in cated and potentially fraught. the business of tracking people to any particu- “Anything that’s [at the] personal lar precision, other than the default of know- level—that says David was here and is ing who connected to what cellphone tower at now there—has to be legally compelled” in what particular time,” Mr. Fraser said. Canada, Mr. Fraser said. For instance, law enforcement use tower There are two main ways to do this: go- dumps—in which police request records ing through the courts to obtain a produc- about activity involving certain towers over tion order or warrant, or through emer- a specifi ed period of time—to narrow down gency legislation. potential suspects. 6 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES COVID-19 Some isolated thoughts during my isolation

The COVID-19 crisis has ‘shaken the box’; nature has hit the reset button, meaning the entire world is now entering a dark room. We don’t really know what lies ahead. All we do know is everything is going to be different. So there you have my random isolated thoughts, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy Commons Wikipedia

ly refl ect on all sorts of thought- also likely reassuring for many Some people are reacting to How the ongoing provoking ideas: the meaning of Canadians that our leaders are this crisis by pushing the idea of Impact on socialism life, the nature of happiness, the taking strong and decisive mea- “Fortress Canada,” that’s to say I suspect this virus scare com- battle against future of humanity. sures to try to alleviate economic they want to create a country bined with the resultant economic Unfortunately for me, how- suffering, while at the same time that’s economically self-suffi cient downturn might cause progres- COVID-19 will impact ever, I’m neither smart nor deep they’re trying to stem COVID-19. with secure borders. This no- sives to re-evaluate their priorities. on Canadian politics. enough, to actually contemplate Makes it a tough time hard to be tion might take off. Indeed, I’m That’s to say leftists might veer such lofty philosophical notions, an opposition politician. wondering if one day, there’ll be away from cultural and environ- hence, what I’m doing during my a movement to create a “Fortress mental issues and focus more on quiet, isolated times is thinking North America,” a new political economic concerns and on mat- about how the ongoing battle Long-term political entity that will combine Mexico’s ters related to health care. In other against COVID-19 will impact on impact labour, Canada’s space and re- words, progressives might go back Canadian politics. Once the “We’re-all-in-this- sources with American industrial to Marxist-style basics. So for your entertainment, I thing-together” mood starts to wane might. thought I’d share some of what and we come to grips with the fact Impact on pondering I’ve come up with: that we’re possibly facing a deep economic recession, public attitudes Impact on conservatism future Impacts might start to sour. Finger point- The conservative movement The COVID-19 crisis has Short-term political ing might begin. Questions will be has always been split between “shaken the box”; nature has hit Gerry Nicholls impact directed at our leaders such as “Why optimists and pessimists. The the reset button, meaning the en- Post-Partisan Pundit Polls are showing that Cana- didn’t you do more to stop the virus optimists believe free markets tire world is now entering a dark dians overwhelmingly support in the fi rst place?” And then, when, and individual freedom will room. We don’t really know what the way their leaders, at both the out of economic necessity, our lead- inevitably lead to an ever more lies ahead. All we do know is ev- AKVILLE, ONT.—Like just provincial and federal levels, are ers are forced to make tough and prosperous and happy society; erything is going to be different. Oabout everybody else in the handling the COVID-19 crisis. unpopular fi scal decisions, anger the pessimists believe human So there you have my random country, I’ve put myself into self- This isn’t surprising. Typically against governments could erupt. nature is fundamentally fl awed, isolated thoughts. isolation, meaning I’m stuck in during scary times, the public will That will make it an easier time to and the best that can hoped for Now if you’ll excuse me, I have my house all day, binge-watching rally around leaders. After all, we be an opposition politician. is that society’s inevitable decent some old Star Trek episodes to Star Trek old episodes on Netfl ix. want to believe those people in into barbarism will be somewhat watch. And if nothing else, being charge will protect us; we want slowed down. I suspect that, after Gerry Nicholls is a communi- socially isolated in a time of crisis to believe they will do everything Even longer term what we’re going through right cations consultant. gives you plenty of time to sober- they can to keep us safe. It’s political impact now, the pessimists will prevail. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 7 COVID-19 It’s now or never—Canadian leaders must step up to fi ght COVID-19

Dr. Theresa Tam, chief medical offi cer, and her deputy, Howard Njoo, address reporters on March 24, during which they said community transmission of the coronavirus is increasingly becoming the main source of infection. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

the spread of the virus, and preparing our provide Canadians with the support they industry to increase the number of ventila- Urgent action remains health-care system for the tidal surge in need to continue to make this tremendous tors, we underscore that urgent action re- needed to ensure an demand from those infected. personal sacrifi ce as part of our collective mains needed to ensure an adequate supply It is now evident that a key measure to fi ght against COVID-19. This means sus- of protective equipment that our front-line adequate supply of protective limit viral spread at this phase of the epi- pending all mortgage, rent, utility (includ- workers need to protect them from infection. demic is physical separation through social ing telecommunications), and debt pay- It will take concerted action with the private equipment that our front- distancing. Because the more people who ments. If social distancing is required for sector to provide the resources to support get the virus, the more it spreads, social extended durations, serious consideration this effort. This is also a time to think about line workers need to protect distancing is a way to stop the exponential must be given to implementing temporary how to re-organize aspects of our health sys- increase in COVID-19. But in order for universal basic income and pharmacare. tem to alleviate the burden of hospitals. This them from infection. social distancing to be feasible and tempo- Third, is prevention and treatment. is an opportune time to accelerate the imple- rary, we must ensure that it is accompanied While we applaud the federal government’s mentation of models of providing health care by some additional interventions. decision to inject $192-million in funding to outside of hospital settings, in community The fi rst is testing. Testing is critical to Canadian companies in the race to develop clinics or people’s homes. fi nding out who is infected and contagious, a vaccine and medical treatments, and the Now, more than ever, Canadians need and when using the right test, who has $52.6-million in research grants awarded to see that our leaders have not dispensed already been sick and may have become im- to university-based researchers since the with social solidarity, and that our health mune. It could also enable us to eventually beginning of March 2020, it isn’t suffi cient. system is capable of caring for them and get the uninfected and the recovered back Catalyzing progress in identifying medical their loved ones in this time of need. This into the workforce. While there is not yet solutions for COVID-19 will require even is a historic opportunity to sow the seeds consensus with regards to how wide a net greater funding for research and develop- of a stronger, more compassionate and to cast, we must act quickly. Do we test only ment, as well as implementing mechanisms resilient Canada. Those in the health-care Faiz Ahmad Khan & Salmaan Keshavjee those sick enough to seek medical care? Or for accelerated approval of clinical trials profession stand ready to fulfi l their duty. It Opinion take the alternate approach of community- for vaccines and therapeutics. is now up to leaders across our country to wide screening? While questions remain, Canada’s universal health-care system—a seize the moment for us all. Canada must make testing more available, great source of pride for our country—is now Faiz Ahmad Khan is a respirologist and n the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, accessible, and effi cient. We need mecha- the front line of the battle against COVID-19, public health researcher. He is an associate ICanada is grappling with unprecedented nisms in place to ensure that supply chains, where those affected are literally fi ghting for professor of medicine at McGill University circumstances. As we hear news of expo- as well as material and human resources their lives. The tidal surge in demand due to and the associate director of the McGill nential increases in the number infected are available to scale up testing massively COVID-19 is challenging this system as nev- International TB Centre. and high mortality rates—lessons from and within the quickest delays. er before—hence it needs to be protected as Salmaan Keshavjee is an internist and Italy, Spain, and the United States—it is Second, is the deployment of an unprec- never before. Across the country, health-care health care delivery researcher. He is a pro- clear that time is running out for Canada’s edented social safety net. In light of how professionals are raising concerns about fessor of global health and social medicine leaders to take actions to bolster our fi ght critical social distancing is at this moment, supply shortages. While we also applaud the at Harvard Medical School. against COVID-19 on two fronts: stemming federal and provincial governments must federal government’s steps in engaging with The Hill Times 8 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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

Editorial Letters to the Editor COVID-19 crisis bringing out the We’ll need a national strategy for the best in government and opposition next phase of our COVID-19 response, or perhaps the fi rst time in recent memo- was done with an eye to sidelining the writes Vancouver reader Fry, Canada’s political leaders are preoccu- opposition for much or all of the time until irst, I would like to thank all our political and an exponential increase in cases, and death rates pied fi rst and foremost with leading. the next election. Fpublic health leaders for the great leadership will soar as our health-care systems become From Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Given the speed at which Parliament can they have shown through the COVID-19 crisis overloaded. This scenario must be avoided at all rank-and-fi le MPs, federal politicians have act when good faith presides, it is too far a so far. Canadians have been well-served by economic costs. But what should we do when the responded to the unprecedented global stretch to argue that the government would be their political and public health leaders; and, as virus is under control and transmission rates are COVID-19 pandemic crisis by doing their constrained by having to go back to Parlia- a result, we have fared better than many other well below one, as happened in Hubei province? best to steer the public in the right direc- ment to renew its powers every few months. nations during the pandemic. I have full confi - What is our social distancing exit strategy? tion, and act with the big picture in mind. Thankfully, the parties currently in op- dence in their ability to continue to navigate our In his well-researched paper ‘Coronavirus: Mr. Trudeau’s government was late to position have been at their best amid this country through this most challenging time. The Hammer and the Dance,’ by Thomas Pueyo respond to the crisis as the novel coronavirus crisis as well. The ever-present sniping at The purpose of my letter is to ask about outlines the case for a dramatic lockdown of spread across the world, acting a few weeks and torquing of government missteps has their planning for the post-lockdown phase of society to stop the coronavirus spread (the too late to stem the tide of travellers into the been reduced to the minimum needed to our pandemic strategy; and, to advocate for a Hammer), followed by a period where eco- country and to put proper screening mea- keep the public abreast of their govern- strategy that will minimize the negative effects nomic and social activity can be restarted (the sures in place at the borders. So were nearly ment’s performance. Opposition MPs have on our economy while keeping Canadians safe. Dance). Like Katz and Romer, Pueyo pro- all other world leaders, except perhaps for devoted most of their energies to keeping Recently, there have been a few thought-pro- poses widespread testing, quarantining of the those in Japan, South Korea, and a few other constituents informed about the crisis and voking opinion pieces in The New York Times infected, and measures to protect vulnerable countries that have best weathered the storm. the ways the government is offering help. that advocate for a more targeted approach to populations (older persons, people with im- Over the past two weeks, that has Most importantly, when the Liberals did COVID-19 containment, so that that economic munodefi ciency disorders), along with the con- changed. The Liberal government has quick- cross the line and reached for too much and social activity can return to close to normal tinuation of less draconian social distancing ly refocused squarely and almost entirely on power, the opposition—led by outgoing levels, including “Is our fi ght against Coronavi- measures such as limiting gathering sizes. The the crisis. The borders were shut, the stimu- Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer, rus worse than the disease? ” by David Katz, and judicious application of these targeted strate- lus taps were turned on in an unprecedented House Leader Candice Bergen, fi nance “Will our economy die from Coronavirus? “ by gies could enable most Canadians to return to way, and nearly everything else has taken a critic Pierre Poilievre, MP Scott Reid, and Paul Romer and Alan Garber. near normal activity, which would enable our back seat for the foreseeable future. many unsung staffers—dug in to stop them. The main premise of these op-eds is that economy to return to near normal levels. Just as importantly, Mr. Trudeau hasn’t It wasn’t without risk: the Conserva- social distancing measures and the elimina- We need a national strategy for the next minced words as he addressed Canadians tives, and Mr. Reid in particular, were mo- tion of non-essential economic activity is phase of our COVID-19 response. This strategy and the media, every day, about the crisis. He mentarily cast by some as villains blocking required for a duration of weeks, maybe needs to include measures that will enable has delivered the message, again and again, the government’s emergency response to months, in order to reduce the transmission Canadians to return to normal economic and that people should stay in their homes, and the crisis. In fact, they were demonstrating of COVID-19, so that the health-care system is social activity to the degree possible while still do what is needed for the public good. That is precisely the value of the opposition in our not overwhelmed; but, social distancing can- maintaining COVID-19 transmission to levels what political leadership looks like. parliamentary system, a value that, no mat- not be a long-term solution, as the harm to the that can be managed within our health care Unfortunately, Mr. Trudeau’s govern- ter who is in power, can be harder to fi nd in economy and citizens’ health will exceed the systems. Canadians need to know and under- ment put a permanent stain on their han- the more partisan political atmosphere that harm from the coronavirus. That is, we risk stand this strategy, so that they can more fully dling of the affair by trying to hoodwink has become the norm. the cure becoming worse than the illness. commit to the social distancing phase (know- the opposition into giving them a vast If the Liberals learn a lesson from their I want to state clearly that I believe social ing it is temporary) and begin preparing for the range of powers, without parliamentary mistakes, and the opposition parties remain distancing and isolation are absolutely required return to near normal. oversight, until the end of 2021, far longer confi dent that the public will reward them at this phase. Without draconian isolation mea- Harry Henderson than is necessary or reasonable. for their own leadership from the sidelines, sures, the virus will spread freely, there will be Vancouver, B.C. Perhaps that was an effort to give the Canada will be well served by its federal government all of the tools and fl exibility politicians as this crisis carries on. possible to address the crisis. Perhaps it The Hill Times It’s time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau get tougher, more draconian: Vancouver reader he word dictator is not a nice title to have cy aid package to help Canadians impacted Tor to hear. But when a country is run- by COVID-19. This legislation will increase ning against time, not everyone can lead. It’s federal powers and will provide fi nancial time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rise like a relief to businesses and workers. My only phoenix from the ashes of his minority govern- concern is the current situation means ment. I would like to take you back to early no government would be able to do much 1930s, Canada was hit by Great Depression. more right now. That’s why a quick solution Then-prime minister R.B. Bennett personally is needed. Our next big challenge is to fi ght answered hundreds of letters from desperate the economic doom after the coronavirus Canadians requesting his help. We are in digital is gone. age, we don’t want that. We are pretty okay, Enforce lock-downs and tell people that even if the prime minster arrives late by 40 their groceries or other essential items minutes for updates on COVID-19 for the press will be delivered. Believe me thousands of briefi ng. We don’t question the prime minister’s people are still ready to volunteer. If we pay love for Canada and Canadians. All we want is them at this moment they would embold- for the prime minister to act fast, before it’s late. ened to serve and work more. Nearly one Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is now million Canadians applied for EI last week. the most failed man on the planet. His wails and Take some cues from China on some the cries for help are alarming. People elect govern- draconian steps it took to fl atten the curve. ments so that they can prepare us for the future. I don’t mind you bringing in draconian Had the Italian prime minister taken measures but save Canada from becoming draconian initiatives, he would have gone as another Italy. We have full faith in your lead- a saviour of Italians. Look at where Italy is as ership. Don’t advise, make it mandatory and of today, 5,500 deaths in this modern age. do it, before it’s too late. I truly appreciate the prime minister’s Viney Sharma, efforts to introduce a $102-billion emergen- Vancouver, B.C.

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Michael Harris Harris

ALIFAX—U.S. soldiers Hstationed on our southern border with America in the name of fi ghting the coronavirus? Salvador Dali must be provid- ing inspiration to U.S. President Donald Trump these days. It would be hard to come up with a more surreal or feckless strategy against COVID-19, un- less you left everything up to the Christian Right in America. There is nothing that group would like more than packed con- gregations at Easter—the “beauti- ful” prospect the President himself is musing over. With Israel tightening its lock- down during the pandemic, Pastor Rick Wiles said the spread of the U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured on Jan. 29, 2020, at the signing ceremony for the USMCA. Photograph courtesy of White House Flickr virus in synagogues was “punish- ment.” For what? “You’re under judgment, because you oppose his Trump won’t use his emergen- Trump’s contribution to this Trump during the Russia inquiry. Maduro and 12 other members son, the Lord Jesus Christ.” cy powers to compel U.S. industry united approach was to force fel- The two offi cials were Andrew of his government were charged Trump seems to basically agree to make the needed ventilators, low G7 ministers to spike a joint McCabe, then acting-director of with being “narco-terrorists.” that prayer rather than personal masks, gowns, and swabs. Instead, statement on COVID-19 by insist- the FBI, and Rod Rosenstein, then Trump’s State Department had protective equipment is the answer he raves about how exciting it ing that it be called the “Wuhan deputy attorney-general. already offered a $15-million to COVID-19: “No matter where you would be to get Americans back to virus.” As usual, U.S. Secretary of Trump had done two things reward for information leading to may be, I encourage you to turn work by April 12. That is a Make State Mike Pompeo was the bob- that caught their eye—fi ring Maduro’s capture. Now they have towards prayer in an act of faith. America Sicker deadline. ble-head who delivered the news. FBI Director James Comey, unsealed the indictments against Together we will easily PREVAIL.” Prematurely lifting the lockdown, The other leaders wouldn’t agree, and sharing classifi ed informa- Maduro and the others. There is nothing easy about the and the practice of social distancing, possibly because the World Health tion with foreign countries. The Making another Manuel Noriega situation facing the planet. would almost certainly guarantee Organization advises that viruses plan quickly fi zzled, most likely out of Maduro may turn some That’s why the border stuff is that the U.S. would quickly go the should not be named after cities because the coterie of sycophants cranks in Trump’s inner circle. But simply wacko. As everyone knows, way of Italy. So far, 6,200 health-care or countries. The name assigned around the president owe their as the body-count rises in places like there are 13 U.S. states that touch workers have been infected in that to a virus should not be a badge of sleazy offi cial lives to the king’s New York, Washington State, Loui- Canada’s southern border. Those country—over eight per cent of the shame or a punishment. continuing reign of error. siana, Florida and California, not states have 40,000 cases of the virus. total number of infections. Included Not so long ago, critics were It has been noted by a lot of many Americans will be distracted. The entire U.S. has 85,000. Canada in the tragic number of more than considering Article 25 as a way of commentators that when Trump Not when they’ve already has 4,000, as of Friday, March 27. 8,200 deaths are at least 37 doctors dealing with this dunce of a presi- gets in trouble, he tries to change seen Spain warehousing its dead Is Trump really saying that his staffi ng the front lines in over- dent with the cash-register heart. the media channel with a tweet or in ice rinks. soldiers will stop waves of Cana- whelmed facilities. Sec. 4, Article 25 of the U.S. Con- controversial act. Since he is now Trump has lied on an epic scale, dians trying to get into the States? It is well past time to stop show- stitution allows for the removal of backing away from putting troops been impeached, locked kids in What would their purpose be—to ing deference to Donald Trump a president, if it is deemed he is on the border, that was probably cages, demolished institutions get in on that country’s spiking because of the offi ce he holds. unable to carry out his duties. why he made the announcement designed to protect America from COVID-19 problem? Three cheers for Chrystia Freeland All it takes is for the vice pres- in the fi rst place. pandemics, threatened “fi re and The U.S. now has the most infec- for telling Trump to pack sand—in ident and eight of Trump’s cabinet It made him look like he was do- fury” against multiple countries, tions in the world in this pandemic. more diplomatic, but nevertheless secretaries to write an opinion ing something other than twiddling and given huge swaths of American If those soldiers caught anybody, stern, language. that he is unable to carry out his his thumbs while governors and treasure to those who were already it would more likely be confused Donald Trump deserves shun- duties. That letter would then be mayors continue to beg Washington embarrassed by their riches. Now Americans trying to get into a coun- ning, not praise. He is a petulant sent to the Speaker of the House for the tools to fi ght COVID-19. As he is risking the lives of literally mil- try with a rational plan. Trumpland leader who keeps throwing his toys and the president of the Senate one doctor in California put it, “I am lions of people in the United States. is descending into chaos. out the pram when he doesn’t get his pro tempore. That done, Trump fi ghting a war with no ammunition.” If this guy isn’t a Sec. 25, I guess The fi rst nurse in beleaguered way. In the time of COVID-19, it is es- would be out, though he could Trump’s other distraction from we’ll just have to wait for a Dr. New York City has died treating sential that the international commu- appeal his ouster. In that case, his his failure to face the reality of Strangelove who also happens to COVID-19. Doctors are being told nity pull on the same oars—both in fate would be decided by a vote in COVID-19 was his announce- be president. to take their fl imsy masks home, stopping the disease, and protecting the House and the Senate. ment this week about Venezuela Michael Harris is an award- put them in zip-log bags, and use the interconnected world economy Sec. 25 was actively talked and long-time enemy President winning journalist and author. them for as long as a week. as much as that is possible. about during the investigation of Nicolas Maduro. The Hill Times 10 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Global

So it’s an ill wind that blows no good, a saying that was already old when John Heywood fi rst catalogued Nine things it in 1546. Some of the anticipated changes are defi nitely good, but we are going to pay an enormous that have price in lives and in loss for these benefi ts. It could have been dealt with a lot better, writes Gwynne Dyer. changed Photograph courtesy of Commons because Wikimedia of the plague

the world forever, but it is going afterwards. Food sold out the cause infl ation, which is bad, World War. They will be expanded Or at least they to change quite a few things, in door generates much less cash but just replacing what people after the plague ends. Indeed, if some cases for a long time. Here’s fl ow than food served at the table, would ordinarily be earning so Joe Biden were to drop out of the should. COVID-19 is nine of them, in no particular and half of the waiters’ jobs are that the economy doesn’t seize presidential race tomorrow for order. gone. There will be a severe cull up is good. So French President health reasons, Bernie Sanders certainly not going 1. The clean air over China’s of restaurants. Emmanuel Macron can tell the would stand a fair chance of beat- to change the world cities in the past month, thanks 4. Once it becomes clear that French that no business, however ing Trump in November. to an almost total shutdown of ‘remote working’ actually works small, will be allowed to go bank- 8. Decisive action on the forever, but it is going the big sources of pollution, has for most jobs, it will start to seem rupt. British Prime Minister Boris climate crisis will become pos- saved 20 times as many Chinese normal for people not to go in to Johnson can tell the British that sible (although not guaranteed), to change quite a few lives as COVID-19 has taken. (Air work most days. So a steep drop the government will pay them 80 because we will have learned that pollution kills about 1.1 million in commuting, lower greenhouse- per cent of their normal income, ‘business as usual’ is not sacred. If things, in some cases people in China every year.) gas emissions, and eventually a up to a limit of £2,500 ($3,000) a we have to change the way we do for a long time. People will remember this when lot of empty offi ce space in city month, if their work has vanished. business, we can. the fi lthy air comes back, and centres. And U.S. President Trump can So it’s an ill wind that blows no want something done about it. 5. There will be a recession, of talk about sprinkling ‘helicopter good (a saying that was already India too. course, but it probably won’t be money’ on the grateful masses. old when John Heywood fi rst 2. Online shopping was as bad or as long as the one after 6. What is being revealed here is catalogued it in 1546). Some of the already slowly killing the retail the fi nancial crash of 2008. It isn’t a deeper truth. ‘Austerity’—cutting anticipated changes are defi nitely shops. The lock-down will force a collapse of ‘the market’ that has back on the welfare state to ‘bal- good, but we are going to pay an tens of millions who rarely or cost people their jobs this time. It ance the budget’—is a political and enormous price in lives and in loss never shop online to do it all the was a virus that made them stop ideological choice, not an economic for these benefi ts. It could have time. (Yes, all the websites are working, and governments are necessity. What governments been dealt with a lot better. crashed or booked until mid-April doing far more than ever before to are moving into, willy-nilly, is a 9. And the West should learn now, but there will be lots of time sustain working people through basic income guaranteed by the a little humility. Taiwan, South to scale them up to meet the de- what will probably be a long state. Just for the duration of the Korea, and China (after the early Gwynne Dyer mand.) Once customers get used siege. When the virus is tamed crisis, they say, and it’s not quite fumble) have handled this crisis Global Aff airs to shopping online, most of them and they can go back to work, the a universal basic income, but that far better than Europe and North won’t go back, so retail jobs will work (in most cases) will still be idea is now fi rmly on the table. America. There are already more be disappearing twice as fast. there. Although there will also be 7. Collective action and dead in Italy than in China, and ONDON, U.K.—They teach 3. Not so radical a change a few trillion dollars of extra debt. government protection for the America, Britain, France, and Ger- Lyou in journalism school with restaurants, but basically 6. Don’t worry about the debt. old and the poor will no longer many will certainly follow suit. never to use the phrase “…X has the same story: more take-aways Banks have always created as viewed as dangerous radicalism, Gwynne Dyer’s new book is changed the world forever.” Or and home deliveries, fewer bums much money as the government even in the United States. Welfare ‘Growing Pains: The Future of at least they should. COVID-19 on seats. Habits will change, and requires. Put too much money states were built all over the Democracy (and Work)’. is certainly not going to change a lot of people won’t come back into the economy and you’ll developed world after the Second The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 11 COVID-19

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on March 23, 2020, at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa delivering one of his daily news briefi ngs. Getting money into the hands of those who have none, or too little to cover even basic necessities, is the most immediate challenge, especially to support unemployed Canadians with little or no savings to fall back on, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

potential. Clearly the drop in confi dence has been both sud- den and deep. As the CFIB put it, Unprecedented times require “March 2020 has turned out to be a month unlike any other in Canada’s economic history—and the downward path of small busi- ness confi dence puts it clearly in unprecedented responses perspective.” Restoring confi dence is the critical need. Business aid, aside from defer- The Canada Emergency expected to lose their jobs. About employees, suppliers, utilities and, ral of tax payments, has consisted That was the lesson Response Benefi t announced by half of those who had applied for often, landlords. When sales dry primarily of easier access to credit Prime Minister Justin Trudeau employment insurance described up, so does cash fl ow. through Business Development of the 1930s Great will provide Canadians—those the process as “diffi cult” and said Moreover, by keeping busi- Bank and the Export Development who have lost their jobs due to that they had yet to receive any nesses alive at a time of serious Corporation. But making it easier Depression. If we COVID-19 or have to stop work- money. business downturn means that for businesses to take on more are to avoid a similar ing to care for children—with up These numbers could easily many of them should be able to debt is of limited value since the to $2,000 a month for up to 16 have worsened since the survey maintain needed jobs. For tech debt will have to be repaid and calamity as the weeks. That’s a good start. The was taken. With nearly one mil- start-ups the case is also compel- many businesses may not have problem is getting the money to lion EI claimants just over a week ling. confi dence that in their ability to 1930s we need to be those who need it fast. Trudeau ago, the challenge is daunting. As TD Economics argues, “the repay. The federal government hopes that the federal govern- The challenge isn’t lack of Canadian economy is in the midst may have to be more innovative, innovative in our ment will be ready to receive federal money. “When we look at of a shock with no modern prec- perhaps providing direct grants or applications by April 6 and that the potential fi scal capacity for edent.” The impact has generated taking equity positions. responses today—and fi rst payments can start fl owing the federal government we fi nd “an economic hit that no business At the same time, the federal to be fast in getting 10 days later. there is plenty of room for more could have planned for, and so re- government could do more to But there’s another issue. aggressive action,” RBC Econom- quires an economic response,” the encourage smaller companies, things done. We are Many of the most vulnerable may ics reported recently. “Economic report said, expressing hope that including tech start-ups, to retain lack the paperwork and internet theory provides little in terms of help would be forthcoming. employees by subsidizing wages. only partway there. capacity to successfully apply how much debt is too much but According to the Cana- The Trudeau government’s while the alternative, an automat- there is plenty of room for the dian Federation of Independent late move to raise its planned 10 ed telephone application process, federal government to run higher Business, its small business per cent wage subsidy for those may turn out to be too compli- defi cits and debt.” confi dence index—Business continuing to go to work in small cated for applicants. In fact, even with a projected Barometer—is at its lowest level businesses to 75 per cent was Other promised help—a one- federal defi cit of close to $110-bil- in its 32-year history. Only 20 necessary. Other countries had time boost in the Canada Child lion, the ratio of government per cent of small business own- gone much further—Britain was Benefi t and a one-time boost in debt to GDP is manageable and ers say their business is in good already covering up to 80 per cent the GST/HST tax credit for low- “the ratio remains well below the shape, compared to 38 per cent of the wages in small businesses. income families—will not be paid average debt burden across the who say their business is doing Clearly, it is more important to out until May. Why not sooner? industrial world.” poorly. Some 50 per cent of small keep people working than paying What do people do in the That is critical because more business owners said they were them to stay at home. David Crane meantime? A poll taken by the will be needed. So far, federal planning layoffs and only fi ve per Unprecedented times require Angus Reid Institute between efforts have, quite rightly, focused cent were planning for new hires. unprecedented responses. That Canada & the 21st Century March 20 and 23 and released last on help for individuals. Moreover, the survey was taken was the lesson of the 1930s Great week, found that 44 per cent of But businesses, particularly before mandatory lockdowns Depression. If we are to avoid a Canadians indicated that either small and midsize businesses (as in many parts of Canada which similar calamity as the 1930s we ORONTO—Getting money into they or someone in their house- well as some large ones), are in means the survey could be even need to be innovative in our re- the hands of those who have T hold had lost working time (jobs urgent need of help. A key reason lower if taken today. sponses today—and to be fast in none, or too little to cover even ba- altogether or reduced hours) to sustain businesses through the The index fell to 38 in March, getting things done. We are only sic necessities, is the most immedi- and of this 44 per cent, employ- crisis is that we will need them to compared to 60.5 in February, partway there. ate challenge, especially to support ers in about two-thirds of cases help restart the economy when the CFIB said adding that an David Crane can be reached at unemployed Canadians with little were not covering any of their the crisis passes. But today busi- index level nearer to 65 indicates [email protected]. or no savings to fall back on. lost wages. Another 37 per cent nesses need cash fl ow to pay their the economy is growing at its The Hill Times 12 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion What role for Canadian intelligence during the COVID-19 crisis?

is no question that the virus pandemic Yes, there is a role for does constitute a national security threat, perhaps one we have never seen in this our spies in these times. country in a long, long, time. What, then, if anything should our security intelligence COVID-19 is not the organizations do to help ensure that the only threat we are faced government, and, by extension, Canadians, have the best information/intelligence pos- with. Let’s hope they can sible in order to make the best decisions possible? continue to do their work I can see several areas where there is indeed a role for CSE and CSIS. The and keep us safe. former has already warned Canadians, especially those working on responses to COVID-19, to lock down their data because sophisticated hackers are out to “steal ongoing key research toward a vaccine.” The Canada Centre for Cyber Security, housed within CSE, has also warned that hackers, spammers, and fraudsters are CSIS director David Vigneault, pictured at the House Public Safety and National Security Committee counting on concerns about the pandemic on May 13, 2019. CSIS is mandated to advise the government on the following threats, as outlined to induce people to click on unsolicited in the CSIS Act: espionage or sabotage; foreign-infl uenced activities that are clandestine or deceptive emails containing computer viruses (these or involve a threat to any person; acts of serious violence against persons or property for the purpose are particularly potent these days, because of achieving a political, religious, or ideological objective; and acts that could lead to the destruction Phil Gurski social-distancing measures mean more or overthrow by violence of, the constitutionally established system of Government in Canada. The Hill National Security people are working from their homes, Times photograph by Andrew Meade where their data can be less protected com- pared to their offi ces). TTAWA—We see our intelligence sec- CSE also has a foreign intelligence Otor as there to protect us from threats (FI) mandate and that can be used to col- like terrorism and foreign espionage— lect data on what is happening outside what about pandemics? of Canada as it relates to COVID-19 (full Who is turning leading academic I don’t know where most Canadians disclosure: I worked in foreign intel- get their impressions on intelligence from ligence at CSE from 1983 to 2001). The but I can guess. Bond, James Bond. Jason government could learn from what other research into new companies Bourne. Homeland. All fi ctional sources. countries are doing or not doing. In a The underlying problem is that those perfect world all nations would share to help Canada become a who work in intelligence are the worst their data: alas the world is not perfect at letting us know what they do and how and that is why we need spies to gather they do it. We all understand why, I’d like information for us. world leader in to think, we do not get a lot from those on As for CSIS, the terrorism and foreign the inside. Those who deal with sensitive espionage/interference threats are still life sciences? information derived from sensitive (or with us. Terrorists could take advantage of secret) sources simply cannot be as open what they may perceive as our redirected as Canadians would like them to be. There attention to plan attacks: foreign states is nothing more sacrosanct—and critical have already been detected spreading dis- to success—than sources and methods and information. CSIS can fi nd out what these spies guard those to the utmost degree. actors are doing and advise appropriately. What we do know about what these The challenge is that, much like the rest agencies do can be derived from legis- of the country, CSE and CSIS employees lation, the ways in which a democracy are encouraged to self-isolate to lower the establishes what is legitimate, what is re- incidence of the spread of COVID-19 (I quired, and what are the limits on powers. have spoken to friends with both agencies For instance, CSIS is mandated to advise who have confi rmed that many are being the government on the following threats, asked to stay home). Clearly, spies cannot as outlined in the CSIS Act: espionage or ‘work from home’ given the nature of their sabotage; foreign-infl uenced activities that jobs and the classifi cation of the data they are clandestine or deceptive or involve a collect. I suppose they will do the best they threat to any person; acts of serious vio- can, under the circumstances. lence against persons or property for the For their part, U.S. intelligence agencies purpose of achieving a political, religious, were issuing ominous, classifi ed warnings Our name is adMare. We’re building the Canadian life sciences industry or ideological objective; and acts that could in January and February about the global lead to the destruction or overthrow by danger posed by the coronavirus while U.S. from sea to sea. We do this by identifying therapeutically and commercially violence of, the constitutionally established President Donald Trump and lawmakers promising research from leading Canadian academic and biotech partners system of Government in Canada. played down the threat. This is, unfortu- to create new companies of scale, and by providing specialized expertise That is a wide-ranging mandate that nately, not a surprise for an administra- seems to cover what we would probably tion which has regularly undermined the and infrastructure to help existing companies scale-up. think spies should do: stop terrorism, for- messaging from the men and women who eign espionage, and foreign interference. work in American national security. Why do we do what we do? Because And, based on my three decades at CSIS So, yes, there is a role for our spies Canada has what it takes to become and CSE, I think they do a good job of that in these times. COVID-19 is not the only (yes, I am biased, but I also have an insider threat we are faced with. Let’s hope they a world leader in life sciences. perspective on this). can continue to do their work and keep us So what happens in the current CO- safe. Phil Gurski is a retired strategic analyst To learn more visit admarebio.com VID-19 crisis? It does not seem, at least on the surface, at CSIS. He posts material regularly on his that threats of this kind fall under any of website www.borealisthreatandrisk.com the above-noted categories. And yet there The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 13 COVID-19 News

Finance Minister Bill Morneau, pictured on March 18, 2020 addressing reporters on COVID-19, sponsored the bill that allows the government to issue special warrants. His offi ce says the auditor general’s offi ce has seen a 16 per cent boost to its funding since 2016. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

akin to giving it a “blank cheque,” Balancing the need for over- that while the AG’s offi ce is the while “still trying to acknowledge sight with speed was the main appropriate body to oversee the Auditor general says the democratic process.” point of contention for opposition government’s spending, it needs “[The opposition’s] hoping parties over the Liberals’ push to adequate funding to ensure it is they use that authority well, and, extend its spending authority to able to carry out its work. ‘too early’ to tell if to a substantial degree, it refl ects the rollout of new measures in “Given the scope and scale on our leaders across parties be- Bill C-13 intended to respond to of this crisis, it’s incumbent on ing willing to accept that action COVID-19. After several hours of the government to provide them must happen quickly and deci- debate, the government agreed to with supplementary budgeting to request for audit on sively,” he said. limit its ability to spend unfet- adequately provide the support Any appropriations to fund tered to Sept. 30, backing down they’re looking for,” Mr. Green government operations made from the proposed end date of said, referring to interim auditor COVID-19 special during this period have to be December. 2021. general Sylvain Ricard‘s recent published in the Canada Gazette The motion to suspend Parlia- petition before the committee for within 30 days after it is issued. ment also saw the Senate, which a funding boost. The power also expires June 24, was in the midst of a pre-study of A request for comment from warrants demands and the auditor general’s offi ce is the new NAFTA, pass the rene- Conservative MP Dean Allison required to report on its assess- gotiated trilateral pact before it (Niagara West, Ont.), chair of the ment by June 2021. could go through the legislative committee, was not returned by funding boost “One of the deadline. foundational Mr. Ri- Government House Leaer Pablo things [of our card testifi ed Rodriguez, Transport Minister parliamen- on Feb. 27 that Marc Garneau, Public Safety position to mandate the auditor tary system] has offi ce has Minister Bill Blair, Treasury Board ‘Given the scope and general’s offi ce to conduct an is the Crown been constrained President Jean-Yves Duclos, and audit into special warrants issued is not sup- in its efforts to Health Minister Patty Hajdu, scale of this crisis, while Parliament is not sitting. posed to spend properly staff pictured on the Hill on March 25, In “very special” circumstances, money or raise and upgrade its 2020. Mr. Rodgriguez tweeted it’s incumbent on special warrants allow the gov- money unless outdated soft- this photograph at 5:54 a.m. ‘It’s ernment to get the appropriations, approved by ware. The lack of the government to done. The House has adopted the or funding, needed to maintain its Parliament,” adequate funding emergency support announced operations, programs, and other Mr. Thomas is hobbling its provide them with to face #COVID19. It’s now up to services when the “expenditure is said. ability to conduct the Senate. We will work day and supplementary urgently required for the public Philippe audits, he said, night so that Canadians receive as good.” It’s separate from Bill C-13, Lagasse, asso- estimating that it quickly as possible the help they budgeting to the $107-billion emergency relief ciate professor needs an addi- critically need. We will be there legislation, which Parliament at the Nor- tional $10.8-mil- adequately provide for you.’ Photograph courtesy of passed on March 25 after a mara- man Paterson lion on top of its Pablo Rodriguez the support they’re thon negotiation session into the School of current $88-mil- wee hours and gives the govern- International lion budget. looking for,’ says NDP ment broad spending powers to Affairs at Reached for roll out new measures until Sept. Carleton University in Ottawa, procedure in its usual form. comment about its capacity to MP Matthew Green. 30 to respond to the crisis without said that the Westminster parlia- Mr. Thomas noted that, based carry out an audit on the spe- parliamentary oversight. mentary system can allow for the on Samara’s study of the length cial warrants, in addition to its However, the House did agree speedy passage of extraordinary of time bills receive scrutiny, the routine work, a spokesperson for BY BEATRICE PAEZ that while it stands adjourned, measures. “The circumstances are Canada-European Union Com- the auditor general’s offi ce said the Health and Finance Commit- unusual, but the ability of Parlia- prehensive Economic and Trade last week it is still “analyzing this ith Parliament suspended tees would hold weekly electronic ment to act with speed is fairly Agreement, or CETA, passed with audit request,” and it’s “too early Wuntil at least mid-April, meetings to review the govern- well established,” he said. “They similar speed and was of compa- to know what additional pressure oversight on one of the govern- ment’s COVID-19 response, do control their own procedures, rable length to the new NAFTA. this request could have on the ment’s new spending powers and that Finance Minister Bill and are able to get things done (The new NAFTA implementa- OAG’s funding and operations.” granted during the COVID-19 Morneau (Toronto Centre, Ont.) quite quickly. tion legislation is a 104-page bill, Finance Canada, for its part, pandemic will fall squarely on the would provide the Finance Com- Unlike the U.S., where while CETA is 140 pages.) He said the government has in- auditor general, whose offi ce is mittee with biweekly updates on congressional oversight war- added that CETA was studied for creased the AG’s budget since facing resource constraints, to as- the spending authority afforded rants immediate accountability, a total of 26 days, while the new 2016, noting that, in 2018, it sess the feds’ use of its temporary to him under C-13. Canada’s parliamentary system NAFTA had 21 days, including pledged to spend an additional authority. Paul Thomas, senior research allows for it to happen retrospec- three pre-committee study meet- $41-million on the offi ce’s opera- On March 13, the House associate at Samara Centre for tively, Prof. Lagasse said. “It’s not ings in the Senate. tions. According to spokesperson unanimously agreed to suspend Democracy, said opposition par- unusual that Parliament will look NDP MP Matthew Green Marie-France Faucher, that com- Parliament, passing a motion that ties’ consent to give the govern- back after the fact, and similarly, (Hamilton-Centre, Ont.), a mem- mitment marked a 16 per cent would allow it to adjourn until ment the power to issue special there’s a fi ne balance that has to ber of the House Public Accounts increase to its operating budget. at least April 20, which included warrants, provided there is over- be struck between enabling quick Committee, said in a phone [email protected] a provision called for by the op- sight from the auditor general, is action,” he said. interview with The Hill Times The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Academic research underpins sound policy

Canada’s Chief The thoughtful progress of Science Adviser Mona Nemer’s Canadian society depends mandate is to upon our ability to provide provide advice on issues related scientifi c, evidence- to science and government informed support for our policies, including advising on ways policy development. to ensure that scientifi c evidence supports policy decisions. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Alejandro Adem Opinion

hether it be snow, hockey, maple syr- Wup, or health care, Canadians pride ourselves on our unique attributes. Among some of our greatest national strengths are our policies—the laws and regulatory guidelines that govern Canadians. As the president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, NSERC, I am concerned with the growing trend for questionable online sources to inform public opinion which in turn, may affect 2002—demonstrates how online sources I strive to ensure that we leverage our lar metabolism in cancer progression. His important policy decisions. For example, inform the public conversation around the scientifi c knowledge and evidence-based work and connections were proven so valu- the recent resurgence of measles—a disease necessity of vaccinations, which in turn, af- research to inform our policy development. able to NSERC, that we simply couldn’t declared eliminated in the Americas in fects the need to revise policy. Canada invests substantially in world- afford to lose his expertise and the conduit class research and produces experts in all that he provided to current academic re- scientifi c fi elds. A unique Canadian asset, search; we hired him in an ongoing role as we need to deploy our research expertise a senior policy adviser. ȶȉȦȟ3SZIP(SVSREZMVYW (4:.)Ȧȟ to inform solid public policy. After a careful selection process, an With this in mind, I am pleased to share elite cohort of fellows receive advanced that I recently met with a very special training on a variety of topics including group of researchers—the current cohort the policy-making process, communi- What you need to know of the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fel- cating science to a non-scientifi c audi- lowship program. ence, delivering effective presentations, While I was CEO at Mitacs, we devel- and other topics that equip very smart to help you and your oped the fellowship program along with researchers with applicable skills. The the University of Ottawa’s Institute for fellows advance together as a class, so family stay healthy. Science, Society and Policy to address an they are effi ciently trained together, and existing gap between policy makers and develop a “Class of…” alumni network academic researchers. This unique pro- among themselves. They access many gram creates bridges between academia unique opportunities including the Ca- • Only visit an assessment centre if you have and government departments and develops nadian Science Policy Conference where a connective network. they connect with policy-makers and been referred by a health care professional. Now that I am leading a government scientists dedicated to advancing science agency—NSERC—I am experiencing the for policy. • Avoid non-essential travel. other side of the equation. Namely, I see The fellowship program is available to fi rsthand how these fellows work within researchers in and across all disciplines •Monitor for symptoms after travel. government departments to understand including the social sciences and hu- their needs and challenges. Government manities as well as STEM. They work on • Avoid large gatherings. hosts benefi t from a fellow skilled in policies related to artifi cial intelligence, translating scientifi c knowledge for policy- digital systems, clean technology, mental making. They also gain access to leading- health, and environmental issues to name • Be prepared, but avoid panic stocking. edge research applicable to their depart- a few. Their work is delivered in results- ment’s goals. And they acquire access to a oriented data-based evidence that their • Caring for those who are ill? Take precautions. network of academics—an interconnected government hosts can readily consume, web of subject matter experts at the fel- and in turn, share with their public stake- • Clean high-touch surfaces regularly. low’s host universities as well as those holders. across the world. As the deadline for the Canadian • Order your prescription medication. Although a relatively new program, its Science Policy Fellowship call for hosts fellows are making an impact. One of the approaches in early March, I strongly • Practice cough and sneeze etiquette in transit. fi rst fellows, Dr. Masha Cemma, an expert encourage all government departments in the human immune response, now and agencies to consider hosting a fel- works for Dr. Mona Nemer, chief science low. The thoughtful progress of Canadian adviser to Canada’s prime minister, min- society depends upon our ability to provide If you have symptoms, take the self-assessment ister of innovation, science and industry, scientifi c, evidence-informed support for and cabinet. With the chief science ad- our policy development. at ontario.ca/coronavirus. Or call Telehealth viser’s mandate to provide advice on issues Alejandro Adem is the president of Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) related to science and government policies the Natural Sciences and Engineering including advising on ways to ensure that Research Council. He is the former CEO or your public health unit. scientifi c evidence supports policy deci- and scientifi c director at Mitacs, a not-for- sions, Masha has ample good work to do. profi t organization that fosters growth At NSERC we have also found tre- and innovation in Canada. He is also a mendous value in the program. Last year, professor of mathematics at the University Paid for by the Government of Ontario NSERC hosted Dr. Shawn McGuirk, whose of British Columbia. PhD research centered on the role of cellu- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 15 Opinion

Donald Trump’s border threat confi rms what we already know, writes Sheila Copps. The Illustration courtesy of president Needpix.com of the United States is no friend of ours

American border patrol deci- As long as Donald sions. She wants to ensure that we Trump is in offi ce, have a working relationship with friends in the administration who he will continue to believe in the friendship between promote despots the two countries. But Trump obviously does not. and dictators over There is a signifi cant amount people to stop self-isolating and homes for another three months. at the border could accomplish is of irony in the president’s threat socialize more. But the scientists tell us that keeping Americans on their side democrats. He would to send the army to protect his To Fauci’s credit, he publicly if we refuse to keep our dis- of the fence. northern borders. contradicted the president, suc- tance from others, the virus will It is a sad day when the rather befriend The protection on the north- cinctly stating the government simply rebound and gather more world’s longest undefended Russian president ern border is really needed on doesn’t decide the timeframe, the strength. border reverts to army protection. the Canadian side, because the virus does. The last few weeks have And it also is a testament to the Vladimir Putin and confused, chaotic COVID-19 But as soon as Fauci crossed provided a pretty good snapshot fragility of our bilateral relation- response in the United States has the president, he suddenly of the benefi ts of universal health ship. North Korean dictator the potential to infect Canada. disappeared from any joint an- care versus the American health But at the end of the day, Frankly the fewer American nouncements on the White House hodgepodge. anything that discourages traffi c Kim Jong Un. travellers crossing over into our coronavirus strategy. In our country, federal and between Canada and the United country, the better. Fauci will obviously not sup- provincial health ministers are States can only benefi t us. Canada has done a decent job port the president’s attempts to working together to provide the As long as Donald Trump is in of trying to fl atten the curve, and minimize the benefi ts of self-iso- support for frontline workers offi ce, he will continue to promote the federal/provincial coopera- lation. The notion that Americans fi ghting the spread of this disease. despots and dictators over demo- tion on our side of the border is should fl ock to public gatherings The prime minister and pre- crats. He would rather befriend visible. at Easter is akin to signing a miers are collaborating to ensure Russian president Vladimir Putin Daily press conferences from death warrant for thousands of the economic damage to workers and North Korean dictator Kim the federal government and vari- people who are vulnerable to the and companies is backstopped Jong Un. ous provincial leaders have been virus. with government support. The North Korean despot was harmonized, both in messaging But the president’s crazy One only needs to switch reported on social media to have and delivery. claims have lots of support. Just between Canadian and American executed the fi rst corona virus Sheila Copps Compare that to the American last week, the lieutenant-governor television networks to witness the sufferer in his country, although Copps’ Corner tragicomedy unfolding between of Texas backed the president’s difference in our approaches to that posting has not been con- the president and the country’s top call to shorten the social distanc- COVID-19-virus fi ghting. fi rmed. specialist in infectious diseases. ing timeframe, even though he And if you don’t believe the If Trump proceeds with his TTAWA—Donald Trump’s Dr. Anthony Fauci, the direc- acknowledged that it could cost anecdotal evidence, just review plan to arm his northern border, Oborder threat confi rms what tor of the National Institute for lives. Dan Patrick stepped in the numbers. The United States we can return the favour by limit- we already know. Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to back Trump’s call to end the has now become the epicentre ing American traffi c. The president of the United had provided advice to six suc- social isolation in favour of the of the virus. As of last Thursday, Trump’s plan may actu- States is no friend of ours. cessive presidents, and was called economy, stating that grandpar- more than 1,000 Americans had ally help keep COVID-19 out of Of course, our prime minister upon to join the president’s task ents would be willing to sacrifi ce died from the virus, compared to Canada. cannot say that publicly. Deputy force on the coronavirus. their lives for the economy. 35 Canadians. One-third of the Sheila Copps is a former Jean prime minister Chrystia Free- The collaboration was fi ne Patrick claimed the United American deaths occurred in New Chrétien-era cabinet minister and land tied herself into a pretzel to until Trump decided that he would States would be fi nished if the York, which borders our country. a former deputy prime minister. avoid commenting on internal ignore the science and encourage coronavirus keeps people in their So, the one thing that soldiers The Hill Times 16 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News COVID-19

“You don’t recover from that, you just don’t.” Still, Mr. McKay said his con- stituents were more concerned with the government’s response to the crisis. “If I said ‘debt-to-gdp ratio’ to most of my constituents, they would look at me with blank stares. If I said to them, ‘Well, we won’t be able to help you with next month’s rent cheque,’ that will focus their mind quite dra- matically.” “Stabilize the economy: that is job number one, and everything else will fall by the wayside,” he said.

‘Too early to say’ if or when budget coming Mr. Delacourt, who worked as the communications director for the Liberal Research Bureau be- fore joining the ranks of political consultants in 2017, said there is Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s no guarantee the Liberal govern- 2020 budget has been ment even releases a budget for postponed—it’s unclear for how the upcoming year. long—and his mandate to change “I think it is too early to say, at Canada’s tax laws have, like the this point,” he said. rest of the Liberal agenda, been The government is focused on sidelined by the need to respond dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, to the COVID-19 crisis. The Hill he said. The fast-spreading dis- Times photograph by Andrew Meade ease has shuttered business and forced Canadian residents to stay isolated from one another for the creation of a number of new bod- foreseeable future. ies, offi cers, and agencies. Other “It has been literally weeks promised changes include new since I have heard the word taxes on luxury goods, technol- ‘budget’ pass anyone’s lips,” said Budget 2020, election ogy companies, and housing Mr. Delacourt of his talks with market speculation; changes to government insiders. laws related to gun storage, elder “Where everyone is focused abuse, health, copyright, and now is, what is happening in the heritage, to name a few; and to immediate future?” promises in question bring in legislation to advance The government’s annual Indigenous rights. budget is primarily a political After abandoning pledges document, outlining its planned to balance the federal budget spending priorities for the year during the last Parliament, the ahead. Government spending is amid COVID-19 global Liberals ran a campaign last and must be reported to Parlia- year promising to keep Canada’s ment in more detail through the debt-to-GDP ratio—essentially estimates process. a measure of the government’s “The government does not ability to comfortably service have to table a budget every year. pandemic crisis, say its debt—on a decline. With tens It’s a parliamentary convention, of billions in new spending now and that’s all,” said Mr. Delacourt, planned to battle the virus, and who works at Hill and Knowlton an economy (and GDP) expected Strategies. McKay, Delacourt to contract in the months ahead, Finance Minister Bill Mor- sticking to that plan will be al- neau’s (Toronto Centre, Ont.) most impossible. offi ce did not respond March 26 The Finance Department had when asked whether the govern- ‘It is going to Liberal election promises to do sat for just a little more than six previously estimated that the ment still intended to release a more to fi ght climate change, ad- weeks since then. The Liberals government would run a $28-bil- budget this year. blow a hole in vance Indigenous rights, tighten have passed six bills in that time; lion defi cit in the coming fi scal The House of Commons is gun control, and revise the Crimi- however, three were appropria- year. That was well before the scheduled to return on April 20. the government’s nal Code, among others, will have tion bills to keep the government government passed a $107-billion Government House Leader Pablo legislative agenda,’ to wait, said Mr. McKay (Scarbor- operating, two were emergency fi nancial aid package to prop up Rodriguez’s (Honoré-Mercier, ough-Guildwood, Ont.), who has responses to the COVID-19 crisis, the stalling economy. Que.) offi ce would not say on says Liberal MP John won eight straight elections in his and the other was the NAFTA The huge expected defi cit will March 23 whether the govern- Greater Toronto Area riding. implementation bill. have knock-on effects on Cana- ment still expected the House McKay. “It is going to blow a hole The government introduced da’s monetary and fi scal policy in to return on that date. Press in the government’s legislative six other bills that are still in the the future, said Mr. McKay. secretary Simon Ross noted that agenda, that for the foreseeable House of Commons. Three were the motion to adjourn the House Continued from page 1 future the health crisis will take essentially copies of bills from the on March 13 required that all After narrowly winning a sec- over any agenda the government previous Parliament—on oversight Status of government bills four recognized parties must ond mandate last fall, the Liberal may have had, and then thereaf- agree for the adjournment to be of the Canada Border Services House of Commons government’s medium- and long- extended. ter the economic crisis, which will Agency, a change to the citizenship Second reading: Mr. Morneau said in January term plans for the 43rd Parlia- extend the health crisis, will take oath, and former Conservative MP • C-3, An Act to amend the Royal Canadian ment have been put in jeopardy over whatever remaining agenda Rona Ambrose’s private member’s Mounted Police Act and the Canada Border that the environment would be by a health and economic crisis the government might have bill to have judges trained in sexual Services Agency Act and to make consequen- the central focus of the govern- that could carry on for months or wished to have had.” harassment law. Another, on medi- tial amendments to other Acts ment’s fi rst budget in the 43rd even years to come. “At this stage, the overwhelm- cal assistance in dying, was tabled • C-6, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act Parliament. The CBC reported The Liberals got off to a relatively ing consensus is that the govern- in response to a court order. Two (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of March 6 that the federal budget slow start in the House of Commons, ment needs to do what the govern- were original pieces of legislation: Canada’s call to action number 94) would include measures to ad- introducing just a few truly origi- ment needs to do in order to be a bill to ban so-called “conversion • C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code dress the COVID-19 crisis, but nal pieces of legislation before the able to safeguard people’s health therapy” for gay people through (medical assistance in dying) would still include a major focus spreading virus forced the closure and to mitigate the egregious the Criminal Code, and another to • C-8, An Act to amend the Criminal Code on “clean growth”—shorthand for of Parliament on March 13. Finance effects on the economy,” said Mr. expand the list of banned chemical (conversion therapy) an economy that produces fewer Minister Bill Morneau (Toronto Cen- McKay, who has served as a par- weapons in Canada. • C-9, An Act to amend the Chemical Weapons greenhouse gas emissions—quot- tre, Ont.) promised a federal budget liamentary secretary for defence The Liberals campaigned Convention Implementation Act ing an unnamed offi cial from Mr. on March 30, then quickly post- and fi nance during his career. on a broad range of promises Committee: Morneau’s offi ce. poned it when Parliament adjourned The 43rd Parliament began that would require legislation • C-5, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the [email protected] Criminal Code until at least late April. on Dec. 5, though the House has to implement, including the The Hill Times

THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 17 COVID-19 Government should be careful in using cellphone data to track COVID-19, advocates say

or territories; representatives for Nunavut, with a hard ‘no.’ But these are not normal “defi ne the scope for the collection of the Continued from page 5 Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, times. The trade-offs between public health data.” Ms. Rempel Garner also said the was in each of those locations,” Ms. West and Quebec all said they aren’t working and privacy, not to mention the mas- government should reassure Canadians explained. on gathering cellphone location data at the sive impact being felt by millions as the “that this would be done only with express “But to actually trace down to like, moment. economy grinds to a halt, means that all consent and strict limits as to who sees the where did this person go minute by min- But Marie-Claude Lacasse, spokesper- measures can and should be considered data, what it can be used for, how it will be ute? You’re not going to get that.” son for the Quebec health ministry, said in response to the global pandemic,” Prof. securely stored, and for how long it will be Bell spokesman Marc Choma said Bell in an email she couldn’t specify “if this is Geist wrote. stored for.” does not track or store the more precise something we would ever consider in the Privacy and civil liberties shouldn’t be In a scenario where the authorities went mobile device GPS location data, with the future.” “casual victims of pandemic panic,” Prof. through the courts to obtain a warrant or exception of real-time 911 calls. Canada’s chief public health offi cer, Scassa wrote. production order, such requests wouldn’t “Those kinds of measures require Theresa Tam, was also asked at a March 24 Both said any such collection should be be visible unless the government or compa- lawful authority or a court order and are press conference about whether cellphone subject to time limits and limits on how the nies involved chose to publicize them. not something that we have offered to data was a viable way to slow the spread of data is used, as well as oversight, account- Former Ontario privacy commissioner governments as part of their COVID-19 the virus. “I think there’s lots of innovative ability, and transparency. Ann Cavoukian said in a phone interview response plans,” he said in an email. Mr. approaches and they should all be exam- that if authorities do end up using de-iden- Choma clarifi ed that Bell does “have access ined obviously with due respect to privacy, tifi ed data, they should endeavour to be as to previous cell tower location data. At an ethics and all of those considerations,” Dr. Work with opposition to make open as possible. individual level, this information would Tam responded. sure safeguards in place, says “Be transparent. Say, ‘look, we’re trying only be provided with the consent of the But Dr. Tam said that the government’s to really nail down these sources of the customer or through lawful access.” “primary strategy is to ensure people are Tory critic COVID-19, and what parts of town they’re The federal government isn’t the only self-isolating when they should be and also Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Gar- [in], or whatever, and that’s why we went one who could compel use of such data; that everyone is respecting social distanc- ner (Calgary Nose Hill, Alta.), her party’s to the court and we got a warrant to gain that option would be open to provinces as ing.” industry critic, echoed those comments, access to this information. We’re only go- well. Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated As Mr. Trudeau made the statement issuing a press release calling for the gov- ing to use it for this purpose intended,” she early on in the COVID-19 crisis that it’s an that the government would keep the op- ernment to work with the opposition to put said. option he would consider, while The Logic tion of using cellphone data on the table, in place safeguards. “You can go a long way by speaking reported that Toronto Mayor John Tory had both University of Ottawa law professor She said the government should tell the to the public that way, as opposed to not said the city was gathering cellphone data Michael Geist and Teresa Scassa, Canada public under what circumstances it would disclosing it and then somebody fi nds out to map out where people were gathering; research chair in information law and consider using location data, and work about it and then the government looks ter- city staff later contradicted that in a state- policy at the University of Ottawa, called in “with opposition parties to ensure strict rible, like they’re hiding something.” ment. separate blog posts for the authorities to be safeguards and parliamentary oversight Anja Karadeglija is the editor of The A spokesperson for Mr. Ford did not careful in doing so. measures are in place prior to deploying Wire Report, which is owned by Hill Times reply to questions about whether Ontario “In normal times, most Canadians any such strategy.” Publishing. is in the process of going ahead with such would respond to the collection and use of It should also ensure collection is tem- [email protected] a plan. Neither did seven other provinces sensitive health and location information porary, with clear end dates, and narrowly The Hill Times

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ability, but those forums and the So far, Mr. Thomas, there has statements made will become been two instances both when the the main tool,” Mr. Thomas said, House was adjourned on March adding that recalling Parliament 13 and when Bill C-13 was passed COVID-19 can’t would likely only be used as a last week by unanimous consent last resort. when the negotiations were done He said the committees will and details were ironed out away need to fi nd a way to gather input from the Chamber. from MPs across the country, and “The time to start is now to end parliamentary not just the smaller group who fi gure out how we can have a might be leading the conversa- broader range of parliamentar- tion. ians taking part,” he said. Mr. Thomas said the big ques- In the unique sitting last week, tion is if House leaders offi ces there was a far greater represen- scrutiny, say experts will substitute members on the tation among members of the two committees—a practice that executive, with more than a third was seen on the House Justice of all MPs present being cabinet and Ethics committees during the ministers compared to 11 per cent ‘There is no “There could hopefully be a and fl exibility as they can. That’s last Parliament at the height of in a regular sitting. Among the 14 slightly better balance between why it’s important to maintain the SNC-Lavalin affair. Liberal MPs present, there were incompatibility expediency and … respect for these longstanding constitutional “I would sincerely hope that 11 cabinet ministers, two parlia- transparency and basic parlia- functions, because the second- that the parties would recognize mentary secretaries, and only one between an eff ective mentary provisions, like having and third-order effects of that are the need for expertise rather backbench MP. members know what they are unknown at this time,” he added. than seniority in these contexts, When will Parliament sit next? and effi cient agreeing to,” said Mr. Thomas, “It just reminds us that that’s so people that may have a long The looming question as the government and senior research associate at the what Parliament is for, that’s what history on serving on the Finance COVID-19 crisis plays out is how Samara Centre for Democracy. the courts are for, to make sure Committee or the Health Commit- long can the House of Commons legislative scrutiny,’ Last week, Economic Devel- that when, under pressure, the tee would be best placed to take go without having another sitting. The House is currently ad- says Carleton journed until April 20, but Bill Government C-13 gives Mr. Morneau spending University professor House powers until the end of Septem- Leader Pablo ber. Philippe Lagassé. Rodriguez, If the government decides to pictured on trigger the Emergencies Act, Par- March 24, liament would have to reconvene. Continued from page 1 2020, in The act allows any 10 Senators Carleton University professor the House. or 20 MPs to force a vote in their Philippe Lagassé, an expert on Photograph respective Houses on revoking decision-making in the Westmin- courtesy the government’s use of the act. ster parliamentary system, said screen It also creates a parliamentary the role of Parliament is laid out capture of review committee that must re- in the Emergencies Act. The act CPAC port to Parliament on the govern- still lays out responsibilities for ment’s actions every 60 days. parliamentary oversight of the Mr. Davies said Parliament government even when the act is should be exploring the option to being used, he said. have virtual sittings. “That tells us that there is “I think the technology exists,” an expectation that Parliament he said. “I think the only things should be continuing to scrutinize stopping that is probably the government, even during crises,” political will to do so.” Prof. Lagassé told The Hill Times. “As it becomes clearer … that Parliamentarians returned to we may be looking at perhaps an Ottawa in limited numbers last extended period of time [for the] week, they did so to be mindful suspension of Parliament, I think of public health warnings against it’s only a matter of time before large gatherings. we start turning our minds to What was intended to be a fi gure out how we can meet virtu- quick sitting on March 24 ex- ally,” Mr. Davies said. tended into the night and early In a March 19 post on his web- morning as negotiations took site, Mr. Reid suggested that there place outside the Chamber to fi nd is a need for a special commit- a solution to make way for the tee to oversee the government’s passage of Bill C-13, which gives response to the coronavirus crisis, the federal government increased in the vein of the Special House spending powers and imple- Committee on Canada-China mented its fi nancial assistance Relations. package. In a series of tweets follow- The sitting ended with the MPs opment and Offi cial Languages executive attempts to go further part in those debates,” he said. ing the passage of Bill C-13, Mr. passing a $107-billion package Minister Mélanie Joly (Ahuntsic- than it should, that it gets reined “Given recent events, I am wor- Reid said the changes made to of emergency aid in less than 24 Cartierville, Que.) told Global in, if ever so slightly.” ried that may not be the case.” the bill included the adoption of hours. News that the emergency powers As part of the motion that Mr. Davies said he is hoping “important oversight measures,” The Parliamentarians who that the government proposed— received unanimous consent to that will be a resistance to politi- such as the ongoing meetings of made up the skeleton sitting giving Finance Minister Bill adopt Bill C-13, it also included cize committees, but added their the Finance and Health Commit- were invited by their respective Morneau (Toronto Centre, Ont.) provisions for the House Health were early signs that there might tees. He added the changes to House leaders offi ces, Conserva- spending powers until the end of and Finance committees to meet be a temptation to do so. the bill persevered Parliamentary tive MPs Scott Reid (Lanark- 2021—were needed because of virtually. “I think Canadians expect us sovereignty. Frontenac-Kingston, Ont.) being the slow pace of the Parliament. NDP MP Don Davies (Vancou- and want us, to the extent we can, Liberal MP John McKay an exception, who objected to With the pressure that the gov- ver Kingsway, B.C.), his party’s work across party lines in as a (Scarborough-Guildwood, Ont.) a leaked version of the original ernment is under, Prof. Lagassé representative on the Health non-partisan way as possible and said the idea of committee makes bill that gave the government said they are making decisions Committee, said the committees focus on the task at hand, which sense as all committee work broad powers until the end of very quickly and as effectively have become “critical” with the is, I think, ferreting out the most could be done virtually. 2021. as possible, and not necessarily typical role of parliamentarians comprehensive information we “I take the view that Parlia- In an essay posted to his thinking about the best way to “severely truncated at this point.” can, holding the government to ment is supreme on all matters website, Mr. Reid objected to the approach a problem. “I think these two commit- account, and making sure that we and over all institutions,” includ- House adopting a bill that had not “It’s always good to have a sec- tees take on an incredibly added come up with the best possible ing the government and judi- been seen. ond set of eyes, and our system importance at this point in time, proposal we can,” Mr. Davies said. ciary, Mr. McKay said. “Because Samara researcher Paul E.J. provides that through parliamen- in the absence of having regular “It is really important,” Mr. Parliament is supreme, there does Thomas said it was “a little dis- tary scrutiny,” he said. “There is parliamentary sittings.” Thomas said to create mecha- need to be an agreed upon way in concerting” to see the extent of no incompatibility between an Mr. Thomas said currently nisms so that MPs—and their which we move forward, whether which Bill C-13 was “hammered effective and effi cient government there is little oversight possible constituents—who weren’t in the or not we are formally meeting in out behind close doors,” in com- and legislative scrutiny.” beyond the virtual meetings of the Chamber last week, still have a the House of Commons.” parison to the legislative process “It’s understandable that in Health and Finance committees. voice. [email protected] for emergency measures in the that situation they want to give “You may not have a formal “The signs so far are not great [email protected] United Kingdom and Australia. themselves as much authority mechanism for exerting account- in that regard,” he added. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 19 Opinion

Former cabinet refl ects an undesirable alternative, where minister Peter wide-open leadership selection allowed a MacKay, along radical oligarch with no real Republican with Conservative Party history to seize control and direct it MPsErin O’Toole in self-serving ways. and Marilyn But parties are using the wrong filters Gladu, are all for determining the candidate pool. vying to replace Fundraising prowess, which typically outgoing leader requires networks of wealthy contacts Andrew Scheer. or ties to powerful interest groups, is a The Conservative poor basis for assessing leadership can- leadership race didates’ viability or commitment. These began in January rules make the race inaccessible to all of this year, but a narrow segment of the Canadian giving potential population while still failing to pre- candidates just vent vanity campaigns from those with 10 weeks to meet few party ties, or those who hold more the eligibility extreme views compared to the broader criteria. The Hill party membership. Times photograph One doesn’t need to look far for a by Andrew Meade more effective mechanism for selecting candidates. Until the early 20th century, the party caucuses chose the leader. Over the past century, parties steadily moved away from that model in favour of having party members elect the leader. While this approach means broader participation, it ironically also comes at a tremendous dem- Political parties should ocratic cost—party leaders now receive their mandates from party members who have no way to hold them accountable on an ongoing basis. At the same time, cau- cuses have less leverage over leaders, and rethink process for can easily become marginalized. Together, these developments facilitate the growing centralization of power in the hands of party leaders. Caucuses could again play a greater winnowing candidate pool role in leadership selection. A simple way to accomplish this would be to require candidates to achieve a certain threshold ver since the COVID-19 pandemic burst The Conservative leadership race began of support from existing MPs and past Fundraising prowess, which Einto Canadians’ lives, the Conservative in January of this year, giving potential election candidates to qualify for the bal- Party of Canada has faced questions about candidates just 10 weeks to meet the eli- lot. Chosen by local party members, these typically requires networks whether it will delay its current leadership gibility criteria. By contrast, the 13 candi- individuals would refl ect the diversity of of wealthy contacts or ties contest. dates in the party’s last leadership race had views in each party, would have demon- While the vote itself is not until June, nearly a year to secure just 300 signatures, strated a commitment to its values, and to powerful interest groups, these questions are already urgent; po- while the entry fee and deposit were only would be positioned to hold the leader tential candidates only have until March $50,000 each. accountable for their performance going is a poor basis for assessing 25 to pay the $200,000 registration fee The sharp increases in the entry re- forward. and $100,000 “compliance deposit” to be quirements this time around were presum- Both during the COVID-19 crisis and leadership candidates’ on the ballot. They must also submit the ably designed to discourage fringe candi- beyond, the current approach to leader- signatures of at least 3,000 party members, dates, and other parties are moving in the ship selection among Canadian parties viability or commitment, drawn from at least 30 constituencies in same direction. The $30,000 entrance fee requires some rethinking. It is currently writes Samara’s Paul seven provinces. for the NDP’s last leadership race—while both too open and too closed off; requir- Given the impact of COVID-19 on still comparatively low—was double that ing high fees limits the portion of Ca- Thomas. Canadians’ finances, and the difficul- from the previous contest in 2012. Contes- nadians who can realistically dream of ties that social distancing poses for tants vying for the Green Party leadership serving in Canada’s highest offi ce, but it campaigning, several candidates have face a $50,000 buy-in, up from just $2,000 also creates no guarantees that leader- called for the deadlines to be extended— in 2006. ship candidates will be serious, credible, a request the CPC’s Leadership Elec- It is understandable for political parties or invested in the party. Requiring a level tion Organizing Committee has, so far, to be concerned that some candidates may of support from caucus and former elec- declined. use leadership races to gain publicity and tion candidates is a more effective way to However, while the coronavirus out- distract from serious policy discussions. eliminate marginal or extreme leadership break has created signifi cant new chal- Leadership races certainly do not have to contenders. Leaders would also become lenges for potential candidates, it has also be free-for-alls. It’s reasonable for parties more accountable to their caucus, altering underlined just how onerous the party’s to seek candidates with long-term party the power balance within the party for the entry requirements were in the fi rst place. engagement. Parties also have a right to better. Paul EJ Thomas Indeed, such high thresholds risk limiting maintain some cohesiveness, and to con- Paul EJ Thomas is a senior research asso- leadership races to those who are well- tinue to advance enduring ideas about gov- ciate at the Samara Centre for Democracy. Opinion funded and well connected. ernment and society. The Trump experience The Hill Times

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will require funds for deployment of new solutions in tandem with innovation n a massive scale to diversify the supply resources. Canada and Alberta has the technological and scientifi c capac- ity to go from transportation of fossil fuels by pipelines to move- ment of electrons by wires utilizing diverse sources of energy such as hydro, geothermal energy, large- scale wind and solar with storage, nuclear including small modular reactors and bioenergy resources. Geothermal energy, in particu- lar, is a highly relevant option, perhaps the easiest choice for Alberta’s current challenges. Its development can be led by the oil and gas sector with each dollar of investment by the sector matched by the federal government dol- lar or any similar formula. Over the past century, the oil-and-gas sector has acquired an unparal- leled technological capacity to drill, explore, extract and bring carbon energy to markets. Now the goal should be to re-purpose this extensive knowledge of geol- ogy and geotechnical engineering expertise to extraction of heat energy for homes, industry and the power sector on a large-scale. Geothermal energy resources, among other non-carbon energy resources, provide is a perfect sub- stitute for fossil fuels, a bonanza in waiting without any drastic changes The oilsands in Fort McMurray, Alta. The Government of Canada is in the midst of preparing a multi-billion-dollar bailout of the oil and gas industry. Herein lies a historic to the existing fi nancial incentives, opportunity for Canada’s oil and gas sector to craft a new future that aligns with Canada’s aspiration to lower greenhouse gas emissions and yet ensure transformation of the depreciation allowances and tax sector that is orderly, supportive of workers and the social needs of communities dependent on the sector, writes Jatin Nathwani. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright credits available to the sector for drilling activities. Combining the his is a historic opportunity sion, is a double whammy that The immediate responses to strength of Alberta based compa- The trajectory and Tfor the oil and gas sector to has hit Albertan’s particularly the management of the crisis in nies developing geothermal energy transition to a low carbon energy hard with similar impacts on Sas- the short term should not blind us resources with parallel activities scale of what this economy. The COVID-19 pandemic katchewan and Newfoundland. to the possibilities of an energy include a wised variety of options: has arrived in our midst, with a future that is economically promis- advancing the development and human tragedy will force, fury and features as ugly as ing, environmentally sustainable rapid deployment of small modu- deliver is unknown. Banquo’s ghost at Macbeth’s feast, and well clear of a pathway that lar reactors for high temperature enough to rattle individual sensi- reinforces continued dependence process heat application in exist- What is known bilities but also our collective sense Time has come on fossil fuels extraction. Providing ing facilities, clean up inactive and of safety, well-being and security. ‘ for the oil and much needed fi nancial support to orphan wells to provide employ- is the response The trajectory and scale of what employees and business is clearly ment and business stability and a this human tragedy will deliver is the right thing to do, and Alberta’s massive boost to innovation in the of governments unknown. What is known is the re- gas sector to needs are more acute given the building and automotive sectors for in Canada: a sponse of governments in Canada: turn its gaze dominance of the oil and gas sector e-mobility and data driven smart a commitment to leave no stone in its economy. But an outright technologies for effi cient utilization commitment to leave unturned to support all efforts to extracting bailout supporting the industry of existing assets. to stem the tide of the pandemic, status quo would be a huge mis- Time has come for the oil and no stone unturned to minimize fatalities and help us heat rather take because it creates a “historical gas sector to turn its gaze to ex- get back on our feet economically. lock-in” to a high-carbon future. tracting heat rather than carbon support all eff orts to The federal government’s willing- than carbon The tragedy would be to pass on as it begins to make a painful ad- ness to intervene in the economy to future generations not only the justment to the combined threats stem the tide of the through a powerful fi scal stimulus, as it begins to debt obligations that accrue to the of the pandemic and a world that pandemic, minimize in the order of $107-billion, for investment patterns fossil fuels may no longer require as much as income support to individuals and make a painful extraction but also create a path much oil and gas in the future. fatalities and help us businesses is tangible evidence of a dependency that makes it infl exible Supporting Albertans and other serious response. adjustment to for the national energy system to workers across Canada is essential get back on our feet The Government of Canada evolve towards a cleaner system. now; subsidizing the status quo is in the midst of preparing a the combined There are several options avail- and locking in new investment economically. multi-billion-dollar bailout of the able to the federal government capital into existing carbon extrac- oil and gas industry. Herein lies a threats of the and the oil and gas sector. If the tion enterprise is not. By focusing historic opportunity for Canada’s bailout envisaged is in the mul- our support on workers and the oil and gas sector to craft a new pandemic and tiple of billions of dollars, a small environment, one positive legacy of future that aligns with Canada’s a world that proportion could be structured as the current pandemic crisis would aspiration to lower greenhouse loan guarantees to businesses in be a more resilient energy sector gas emissions and yet ensure may no longer the sector to assist with the im- for Alberta and Canada. transformation of the sector that mediate challenge of maintaining Professor Jatin Nathwani is is orderly, supportive of workers require as much cash fl ows, viability of the busi- the Ontario Research Chair in and the social needs of communi- ness and support to workers. From Public Policy for Sustainable En- ties dependent on the sector. The as much oil an investment perspective, the ergy and executive director of the drop in demand for oil globally, historic opportunity is to re-shape Waterloo Institute for Sustain- Jatin Nathwani that began as an international and gas in the the patterns of capital expendi- able Energy at the University of Opinion price war, and now coupled to a tures in the oil and sector towards Waterloo in Waterloo, Ont. pandemic-driven global reces- future. ’ non-carbon sources of energy. This The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 21 COVID-19 News

reasons like until the end of socializing or September of Ottawa shopping, said this year. Premier Blaine The Emer- Higgs. gencies Act in- “The junc- cludes detailed tion points parameters for should trigger between the parliamentary authorities that supervision the various of the govern- provinces have ment’s actions instituted are while the act Emergencies drifting apart,” is being used. said Mr. Leslie. It allows any “What Quebec 10 Senators has imposed is or 20 MPs to not the same force a vote in Act amid in the broadest their respec- sense as what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, should use the Emergencies Act tive Houses on Ontario’s doing. to better coordinate Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, revoking the Which is not says former army general and Liberal MP Andrew Leslie. The Hill Times government’s COVID-19 what Saskatch- photographs by Andrew Meade use of the act. ewan is doing. It also creates And eventu- you break the Canadian Bill of a parliamen- ally those holes will become so Rights,” he said, pointing to lan- tary review committee that must big that they’re going to have to guage in the preamble to the act report to Parliament on the gov- crisis, says actually implement legislation to that makes that clear. ernment’s actions every 60 days. coordinate them.” Mr. Leslie criticized the Lib- The act also requires the gov- The Emergencies Act would eral government for trying to give ernment to take an extension to allow the federal government to itself broad powers over spend- its use of the act, if needed, every take actions such as ordering the ing, taxation, and legal changes 90 days. retired conversion of empty privately “Our forefathers and foremoth- without parliamentary approval owned buildings into hospitals, until the end of 2021. The govern- ers have not too long ago thought or manufacturers to change their ment initially proposed including this issue through, and they wanted production lines to start making those powers in its bailout bill a readily accessible, easy-to-un- essential healthcare equipment. for the crisis, C-13, then scaled derstand, but broad-based-enough general and It would allow the government to act that, in an emergency, govern- them back under pressure from make payments without parlia- the opposition. The government ments’ didn’t have to reinvent the mentary approval—a power the now has powers to spend money wheel, and go chasing rabbits government just secured until on anything related to the crisis down dark holes. And they could former Liberal the end of September through just turn to this established legisla- Bill C-13. If the military is ever tion, and go, ‘Right, in an emergen- required to help evacuate people Government powers cy, this is what you do,’ ” he said. across the country, it would allow under the Emergencies Act “This is the whole reason you the Canadian Forces to negotiate have plans.” Andrew Leslie those movements with the federal *Subject to numerous conditions and restric- The Emergencies Act would government alone, instead of tions give the government the power to holding simultaneous talks with Source: Department of Justice Canada coordinate what many provinces of coronavirus that has spread each affected province, said Mr. While a declaration of a public welfare emer- are already doing, said Philippe The Emergencies rapidly around the world. As of Leslie. gency is in effect, the Governor in Council may Lagasse, a professor at Carleton March 26, the virus had killed He pointed to Ontario Premier make such orders or regulations with respect University who studies decision- to the following matters as the Governor in Act was carefully more than 21,000 people around Doug Ford’s call for factories in making in the Westminster parlia- Council believes, on reasonable grounds, are the province to start producing mentary system. crafted and revised the world and 36 people in necessary for dealing with the emergency: “The time to invoke it will Canada, and those fi gures were medical equipment like masks. • (a) the regulation or prohibition of travel to, in the 1980s so that growing rapidly each day. “Let’s assume that Ontario has from or within any specifi ed area, where likely be when it’s necessary to Invoking the act would allow more production capability for necessary for the protection of the health or coordinate and to have an ef- governments wouldn’t the government to ensure that masks than the rest of Canada safety of individuals; fective distribution of resources provincial efforts to respond to combined. Who decides where • (b) the evacuation of persons and the across the country, if it gets quite have to ‘reinvent the COVID-19 crisis are benefi cial those masks go? Right now it’s removal of personal property from any speci- dire,” he said. the wheel’ when to the country as a whole, said Mr. Ford,” said Mr. Leslie. fi ed area and the making of arrangements For example, the government Mr. Leslie, who is working as a “Is that truly in the national for the adequate care and protection of the would be justifi ed in invoking crisis struck, said consultant for Ottawa lobby fi rm interest? What happens if North- persons and property; the act if there is a need to move Bluesky Strategy Group. west Territories has none? What • (c) the requisition, use or disposition of workers from one province to the former Liberal Mr. Leslie retired from the happens if Alberta is desperately property; another to better provide es- military after holding the rank short? Who adjudicates? Who • (d) the authorization of or direction to any sential services, or ensure that whip and army of commander of the Canadian referees? These could be life-and- person, or any person of a class of persons, some provinces don’t monopolize Army, and ran successfully for death issues, especially when it to render essential services of a type that the supply of essential goods, he commander. the Liberal Party in 2015, winning comes time for ventilator discus- that person, or a person of that class, is said. a seat in Orléans, Ont. He served sions.” competent to provide and the provision Kevin Smith, the president of of reasonable compensation in respect of BY PETER MAZERREUW as the government’s chief whip Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the organization that oversees services so rendered; (Papineau, Que.) told reporters on several large Toronto hospitals, for more than a year in the last • (e) the regulation of the distribution and told The Toronto Star that he he federal government should Parliament, and later as a parlia- March 24 that provincial premiers availability of essential goods, services and Tuse the Emergencies Act to mentary secretary to the minister had told him they were willing resources; wanted the federal government to start coordinating a cross-country of foreign affairs. to share medical equipment and • (f) the authorization and making of emer- invoke the Emergencies Act now. response to the COVID-19 crisis, “Right now there’s a lack of coordinate their responses as nec- gency payments; “Based on what we saw on the says Andrew Leslie, the former coordination, and there’s gaps,” essary, but did not yet support the • (g) the establishment of emergency shelters weekend, people are still not tak- commander of Canada’s Army he said of the response so far by federal government triggering the and hospitals; ing seriously the need for physi- and MP who served as the Liberal provincial governments. “They’re Emergencies Act to take a greater • (h) the assessment of damage to any works cal distancing,” Mr. Smith, the government’s chief whip for part responding to local conditions role in managing the cross-coun- or undertakings and the repair, replacement president of the University Health of the last Parliament. and their circumstances, and try response to the crisis. or restoration thereof; Network, told The Star. The Emergencies Act, last they’re not necessarily thinking Mr. Trudeau has not ruled out • (i) the assessment of damage to the environ- The Emergencies Act allows revised in 1988, gives the federal of their neighbour.” using the Emergencies Act as ment and the elimination or alleviation of the government to restrict people government broad powers to con- For example, provinces that he deals with the crisis, telling the damage; and from travelling “to, from, or trol the movement of people and shut their borders to travellers reporters that “we haven’t taken • (j) the imposition within” any specifi ed area, and to goods, take control of property, from elsewhere in Canada could anything off the table.” • (i) on summary conviction, of a fi ne evacuate people from an area. make emergency payments, and unwittingly prevent essential not exceeding fi ve hundred dollars Under the Charter of Rights direct the activities of industry in workers who live on one side of a or imprisonment not exceeding and Freedoms, Canadians have ‘This is the whole reason six months or both that fi ne and times of crisis. border from working on the other, a right to come and go from imprisonment, or The act allows the government he said. you have plans’ Canada, and to move to, reside Concern from some corners • (ii) on indictment, of a fi ne not to take on special powers in cases New Brunswick’s government exceeding fi ve thousand dollars or in, and pursue a livelihood in any that imposing the Emergencies Act of emergency, including those set up border checkpoints on imprisonment not exceeding fi ve province, but do not have other caused by disease. Canada and March 25 to stop travellers from would take away Canadians’ civil years or both that fi ne and imprison- mobility rights enshrined in the most of the rest of the world is entering the province, though rights is “nonsense,” said Mr. Leslie. ment, Charter. [email protected] currently in the grips of a global those restrictions were aimed at “You cannot break the Charter • for contravention of any order or regulation pandemic caused by a new type people crossing the border for of Rights and Freedoms, nor can made under this section. The Hill Times 22 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News COVID-19

and regionally appear to be split Trudeau should pay 80 per cent as to whether Mr. Trudeau has the qualities of a good leader. Mr. Na- nos said his question to Canadians on whether prime minister has the Canadians’ salaries to protect them qualities of a good leader is a good gauge of how they think about Mr. Trudeau, as this it not a partisan from the ‘psychological trauma’ of question where they are asked if they would vote for the Liberal Party or some other federal party. According to the poll, 44 per COVID-19, says Liberal strategist Herle cent of Canadians thought that Mr. Trudeau had the qualities of a good leader, 42.8 per cent thought he did “woefully inadequate” and will until the end of 2021, which the vice of professionals in his govern- not, and 13.2 per cent were unde- Canadians are going to barely cover the rents for Canadi- Conservatives refused to agree to. ment, and no one expected that the cided. In Atlantic Canada, 45.3 per ans living in major urban centres. The government needed unani- situation would change so dramati- cent of Atlantic Canadians thought judge Prime Minister Mr. Herle said the government mous consent in the House to cally within a span of a days. he had the qualities of a good leader Justin Trudeau’s should not be worried about how fast-track its bailout bill through “I think that they’ve been, as while 40 per cent thought he did not. much its bailout measures cost, as the legislative process. Finally, the they like to say, evidence-based on The same poll suggested that 51.2 handling of the right now the important thing is to legislation was passed after a day this,” said Mr. Herle. “And always, per cent of Quebecers, 50.4 per cent protect the economy from slipping and night of tense back and forth I think the prime minister’s got of Ontarians, 27.4 per cent of Ca- COVID-19 crisis by how into a recession or depression, and between the government and the a personal instinct to err on the nadians living in Prairies, and 40.7 save Canadians from the psycho- opposition parties that ended up side of protecting civil liberties as per cent British Columbians looked fast his government logical trauma of losing their jobs with some restrictions on the the much as possible. And within that at Mr. Trudeau favourably in terms could deliver the in the middle of this health scare. government’s authorities during context, I think they’ve been im- of having qualities of a good leader. “Governments around the world the crisis, and with a Sept. 30 expi- peccable on that. There’s no issue At the same time, 39.2 per cent fi nancial assistance are imaginatively fi nding ways to ration date for its special powers. like the border that I would second Quebecer, 33.3 per cent of Ontarians, pump money into their economies to On Wednesday, March 25, Parlia- guess them on. I simply don’t.” 60.3 per cent of respondents living in to the ones in need, keep some sense of normalcy going ment passed a $107-billion pack- Prof. Stephen Azzi, program Prairies and 46.2 per cent of British on, for what is hoped to be a relatively age—$52-billion in direct support director and associate professor in Columbians had an unfavourable says Nanos Research brief period of time, before commerce and $55-billions in tax deferrals—to Carleton University’s Department opinion about Mr. Trudeau. can return more to normal….the ben- provide support to Canadians and of Political Management, whose Amongst males, 42.6 per cent founder and chief data efi ts of that are to the workers—more businesses who need help during research specialties include prime Canadians thought he had the scientist Nik Nanos. cash and more stability in their lives, the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the ministerial leadership in Canada, qualities of a good leader and less uncertainty in their lives—and to package, Canadians who lost their agreed with Mr. Herle. He added 46.9 per cent thought he did not. business,” said Mr. Herle. “It’s the con- jobs will receive $2,000 per month that considering Canada’s diverse Amongst women, 45.3 per cent Continued from page 1 tinuity and population agreed Mr. Trudeau is a good the ability and traditional leader and 38.9 per cent did not. demic, to protect Canadians from to pick up openness to all The poll of 1,000 Canadi- According to last week’s the psychological trauma of the where they international ans was conducted in the week Angus Reid Institute poll, health scare and the threat of losing left off.” communities, ending on March 20 and had a 64 per cent of Canadians their jobs, and keep the economy On Fri- it was not an margin of error of 3.1 percentage approve of Prime Minister from slipping into a recession, says day, Prime easy decision points, 19 times out of 20. Justin Trudeau’s handling a senior Liberal strategist. Minister to take. “The weekly tracking research of the COVID-19 crisis. “They are doing the things one Trudeau Canada suggests that Canadians remain would want them to be doing in announced The Hill Times photograph is a country quite regionally polarized when terms of combating the health cri- a sweeping by Andrew Meade “that’s tradi- it comes to Justin Trudeau and sis,” said David Herle, who in the package for tionally been that his response to the current past served as a top strategist to qualifying open to the health crisis has not driven posi- former prime minister Paul Mar- small busi- world where tive impressions of him in terms tin, and former Ontario premier nesses that there’s a large of having the qualities of a good Kathleen Wynne. will cover Chinese dias- political leader,” said Mr. Nanos. “On the economic front, things up to 75 pora popula- Mr. Nanos said the Liberals have are getting away on them. And it’s per cent of tion,” said Prof. done well to win the support of because they’ve been more timid employee Azzi, a former provincial premiers in handing this in dealing with economic aspects salaries. Liberal ministe- crisis, and also to reassure Canadi- of this than they have been deal- He did not rial staffer to ans that the government is there to ing with the health aspects of it.” provide then-national support them. But, Mr. Trudeau could Mr. Herle, who is the owner specifi cs of defence min- have done a better job of maintain- of the Gandalf Group and hosts the pack- ister John Mc- ing a better working relationship a popular political podcast called age, saying Callum in the The Herle Burly with federal opposition parties. He , said that Mr. the details were still being worked for four months. According to The Jean Chrétien cabinet. “So it’s not referred to last Tuesday’s tense nego- Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) and his out. Based on the announcement, it Globe and Mail, the government is an easy decision to make to close tiations between the government and team of top offi cials have done a appeared a signifi cant chunk of the expecting to receive EI applications the border.” the opposition, adding that the aid good job of tackling the health cri- government support would be in from four million Canadians. Global Meanwhile, Nik Nanos, president package should have been passed in sis, and providing daily briefi ngs the form of interest free loans from news reported last week that as of of Nanos Research said that Canadi- the House without any hurdles. that he described as “thorough, banks backed by guarantees from Tuesday, one million Canadians had ans are going to judge Mr. Trudeau’s According to a poll by Angus honest, transparent, and reassur- the government. already fi led for EI claims. performance based on how soon they Reid Institute released on March ing.” But, on the economic side, he Mr. Herle said that the COVID-19 Political insiders interviewed receive fi nancial help from the fed- 26, 64 per cent of Canadians said, the federal government is not crisis is the “defi ning moment of Mr. for this article said they’re mostly eral government. They will also com- approved the way Mr. Trudeau providing the same leadership and Trudeau’s prime ministership” as this satisfi ed with the way the Trudeau pare the prime minister’s handling of is handling the COVID-19 crisis. is not taking measures like some is the “biggest” event of our history, government has handled the health the situation with the performance But, some provincial premiers are Scandinavian or European coun- and this is a crisis where the govern- side of the COVID-19 crisis, but of U.S. President Donald Trump and receiving even higher approval tries to support the economy and ment has a central role to play in its they said more could be done to other western leaders. ratings. For example, 93 per cent to provide support to employers so management. He said this crisis will better handle the economic side, as “There will be a high level of of Quebecers, 78 per cent each they won’t lay off their employees. be critical for Mr. Trudeau’s legacy, this crisis could lead the Canadian impatience with how fast they of Atlantic, Saskatchewan, and He said the Trudeau govern- as analysts will spend most of their and international economies into [government support initiatives] Manitoba residents, 76 per cent of ment could use the same model time analyzing the prime minister’s a recession or a depression. They can be implemented,” said Mr. Albertans, 74 per cent of Ontar- that the U.K. is using, and pay 80 leadership during this crisis. applauded the prime minister, who Nanos. “So this is a bit of a politi- ians, and 73 per cent of British Co- per cent of wages of all employ- Parliament adjourned on was in self isolation for two weeks cal slow burn, that the longer that lumbians approve of the way their ees up to a certain maximum March 13 until at least April 20 after his wife tested positive for it takes for Canadians to receive respective provincial governments for the indefi nite future, on the as part of a nationwide effort to COVID-19, for holding daily press the support that they’re expect- are dealing with the crisis. condition that employers don’t suppress the spread of the coro- briefi ngs to answer questions and ing from the federal government, The online poll of 1,664 Ca- lay off their staff. He said, in his navirus. It was recalled back on also to make country’s top health the greater the political risks for nadians was conducted between view, the best way to handle the Tuesday, March 24 to approve the offi cials do the same. Some pundits Justin Trudeau. If people start March 20-23. economic aspect of the crisis is to aid package which was tabled in however have expressed concerns not being able to pay their rent, Emergency cabinet meeting let employees stay in their jobs, the House in the form of a legisla- about the government’s evolving people don’t have any income to held in Ottawa where ministers ensure continuity and helping to tion. In the initial draft version messaging on the subject, and for pay their bills, there’s a pretty said new measures were coming, keep the economy afl oat. of the legislation, the govern- being late to close Canada’s bor- hard wall that some Canadians but rebuffed reporters’ questions He said the government has ment demanded powers to spend ders to non-resident travellers. will slam into fi nancially because about why the government was pledged to pay EI for Canadians money, change tax levels, transfer Mr. Herle and other insiders of the current economic situation.” waiting, and why there was insuf who lost their jobs because of money to corporations, and more interviewed for this article said that According to a poll by Nanos [email protected] COVID-19, but that measure is without parliamentary approval the prime minister relied on the ad- Research, Canadians nationally The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 23 COVID-19 News

Transport Minister Marc Garneau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Health Minister Patty Hajdu, and Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos convene for a presser on March 16. Cabinet ministers have been convening near- daily briefi ngs with journalists on their response to the pandemic. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

While the association hasn’t made “Our message, and part of the reason direct appeals to the government, it is we re-registered, is to support the govern- working closely with Imagine Canada, ment in their message, help them to [assure which represents a host of charitable Canadians] there’s no need to panic buy, to Federal lobbyists’ organizations, to petition the government stockpile our items,” he said. “Our massive for relief for the sector in the form of plant in Montreal is working around the credit lines. clock to get these items out.” A number of groups in the health sector Ninety per cent of its output in the registry sees crop of have registered, including Best Medicines country is concentrated in its Montreal Coalition worried about the “potential plant, he said, and there have been no dis- exacerbation of drug shortages,” Kohl and ruptions to its supply chain since Canada Frisch as a national distributor of phar- and the U.S. decided to close the border to new COVID-19 fi lings, maceuticals wanting its work considered non-essential traffi c on March 20. “essential,” and AbCellera Biologics Inc. for These organizations won’t have to log “research and development.” their ongoing communications until the The Canadian Dental Association said mid-April reporting deadline, so it’s not yet as groups grapple it understands the government is “chas- clear how successful their efforts will be ing this as much as any of us are,” and it’s to connect with offi cials amid a crisis. In trying to catch up with what the constant February, lobbyists fi led 3,427 communica- announcements mean and how they’ll help tions with offi cials, up signifi cantly from with pandemic their members. the 2,707 logged the same month the year “A short-term shutdown is one thing, before. In March 2019, that number dipped but a longer-term shutdown is another, and further to 1,462 communications. so we’re still on a daily and hourly basis In other fi lings, an organization rep- At least 35 organizations from the federal deputy chief public health trying to evaluate what all this means,” said resenting more than 700 annual events offi cer, Howard Njoo. Kevin Desjardins, the association’s direc- across Canada, many in small rural com- are either lobbying federal Their fi lings show worry for impover- tor of public affairs in a phone interview munities, is worried the economic mea- ished families made more vulnerable by March 26, a couple of weeks after it added sures to help businesses won’t protect their offi cials about their income loss and reduced social support, a consultant on the crisis fi le. members whose survival is tied to whether essential services and workers under Others say they’re also providing es- the events go forward. needs or looking to assist pressure, the impact of travel advisories sential services that need government Hundreds of events have already been the government in its and closed borders, as well as a litany of attention. cancelled, said Christina Franc, executive requests for fi nancial aid. The B.C. Maritime Employers Associa- director of Canadian Association of Fairs response to the escalating Lt.-Col. John Murray, who leads the tion, in a fi ling created March 5, said it’s and Exhibitions, with events typically run- Salvation Army Canada’s communications, focused on the health and safety of wa- ning from May to October. coronavirus crisis. said the charity updated its disclosure terfront workers, and will update offi cials “I understand we’re a niche market, fi ling to refl ect its concerns about food as it ensures the “continuity of critical wa- and we don’t contribute billions to the security, noting that some 400 vulnerable Continued from page 1 terfront operations to support Canadians economy, but we contribute to the vibrancy communities across the country rely on its during the COVID-19 pandemic.” of rural communities and that counts for the government’s evolving coronavirus services, including food banks, hospices, That meant taking “immediate actions” something,” said Ms. Franc in a March 25 response, with some offering help and oth- shelters, and long-term care facilities. to bring in “enhanced safety and commu- phone interview, the same day her orga- ers urging action as the crisis threatens to Amid concerns about a drop in donations, nications protocols to mitigate the trans- nization signed up a consultant to lobby devastate companies and industries. Lt.-Col. Murray said they sent a letter to the mission of illness within the workforce offi cials for fi nancial aid. There have been 57 new or updated prime minister, “reminding” the government and ensure that operations continue at all It’s not the only event-focused group fi lings added to the federal registry that that “we deal with the disadvantaged, mar- B.C. ports,” explained Mike Leonard, the experiencing anxiety. Cirque du Soleil En- explicitly mention COVID-19 as of March ginalized—those on the cusp of poverty, who association’s CEO, in a March 26 emailed tertainment Group registered its president, 27, created by more than 35 separate may now fi nd themselves living in poverty.” statement. Daniel Lamarre, and two board members as organizations, with some registering two He said while the charity has taken The ports are receiving and moving lobbyists between March 22 and 25, all with or more consultants intending to reach out precautionary measures in response to “critical goods that are essential to Ca- the goal of pushing for fi nancial support to offi cials. The number of organizations COVID-19 that have led to adjustments nadians and the country’s fi ght against given its events have been cancelled world- looking to connect directly with offi cials in its delivery of services—such as limit- COVID-19,” he said, but workforce safety wide. They note the value is still unknown, has risen rapidly over the last few days, up ing facilities to clients and staff—its social remains the “top priority.” and put the Prime Minister’s Offi ce as the from just 35 coronavirus-related fi lings on services remain open. Kraft Heinz Canada fi led a new consul- sole government body they want to speak March 25. Other charities have also started to tant registration March 19 to disclose its with. The company declined to comment. The companies, associations, and feel the pinch. Though the Muslim com- outreach to the government, according to The crisis especially puts time-sensitive industry groups span all sectors, including munity has also adjusted its services, Stephen Knight, senior manager of corpo- businesses in a tough spot, because once health, airlines, dairy farming, and festivals from suspending Friday prayers to closing rate affairs and communications. festival season is over, they have to wait a that warn their employees and members mosques, and shifting to online gatherings In a phone interview, Mr. Knight said year to get their footing. are hurting and need answers over and and teachings, Sharaf Sharafeldin, execu- Kraft experienced an “unprecedented “We’re in a bit of a bad place,” said Ms. above the federal government’s near-daily tive director of the Muslim Association of demand” for some of its popular products Franc. “A lot of businesses will start to promises to relieve the fi nancial stress felt Canada, said donations are typically col- such as Kraft Dinner and peanut butter rebuild whenever [the outbreak ends], but by Canadians as COVID-19 progresses. In lected in person. during the scramble to stockpile—and, in everything for us is delayed.” Canada, at least 39 are dead and there are “We are not able to fundraise in the some cases, hoard—staple goods. He esti- [email protected] 4,043 cases and more than people 165,000 absence of being able to host physical fun- mated that demand for those items surged [email protected] tested, according to a March 27 update draisers,” he said. by 35 to 40 per cent. The Hill Times 24 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

One of the last remaining cats from the former Parliament Hill feline sanctuary dies Heard on the Hill Spot is pictured with fellow former by Neil Moss Parliament Hill sanctuary cat and his adoptive feline brother Coal. Photograph Catherine McKenna courtesy of off ers virtual civics lesson Danny Taurozzi for furloughed students One of the former residents of operating, local cats could spend “When we worked together to Parliament Hill’s old cat sanctu- all waking and sleeping hours on negotiate the new NAFTA, I saw ary has died. the Hill—maybe along with some Ms. Hillman’s ability to stand up Spot died earlier this month MPs who were voting throughout for Canadians and fi ght for their after a battle wth congestive heart the evening and early morning. interests. She combines exceptional failure, a statement on the cat’s They lived in shelters that were knowledge and skills, and is a Facebook page announced. insulated with straw to keep the gifted diplomat. Ms. Hillman will “Spot was offered his favourite cats warm in the winter months. remain a trusted advisor, friend, and food and was able to eat a little in Spot is survived by his care- counsellor in Washington and is our the examination room,” the state- taker, Danny Taurozzi, who used point person with Congress and the ment read, adding that Spot was to be a volunteer at the sanctuary, U.S. administration,” Prime Minster “humanely euthanized.” as well as his younger, adopted Justin Trudeau said in a statement. Parliament Hill’s cat sanctuary feline brother Coal—who was Ms. Freeland also added her was closed in 2013 to make room also a Parliament Hill cat—and praises: “Ms. Hillman is exactly for construction. While it was his adoptive feline sister Valérie. the person Canada needs as point person in Washington right now. Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna went online to share what it’s like Her work on trade, on the new to be an MP and a cabinet minister with kids who were home from school. NAFTA, as acting Ambassador, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and most recently on our cross- Grit MP Kamal Khera tests positive for COVID-19, border response to COVID-19, ith Ontario’s children stuck makes her the obvious, outstand- had just re-registered as a nurse to help fi ght virus Wat home following the Kirsten Hillman ing candidate for this role.” provincial government’s school Other rumoured candidates for closures to curb the spread of the appointed Canada’s the post included former Conserva- Liberal MP Kamal Khera an- coronavirus, Infrastructure Min- tive interim leader Rona Ambrose. nounced last week that she had ister Catherine McKenna decided next ambassador in Before working in the Penn- tested positive for COVID-19, to sub in. D.C., becomes fi rst sylvania Avenue embassy—sitting becoming the fi rst Member of Ms. McKenna hosted a 45-min- steps away from Capitol Hill on Parliament to contact the virus. ute civics lesson on Facebook live woman to hold post the National Mall—Ms. Hillman Ms. Khera, who is a former last week. was the assistant deputy minister registered nurse, announced in a “I thought I would try do of trade policy and negotiations at March 25 statement that she had something different, which is, talk Global Affairs and served as the tested positive for the coronavirus. about being a Member of Parlia- chief trade negotiator for the Trans- She said she started to develop ment, and being a minister, and Pacifi c Partnership (TPP)—later fl u-like symptoms on March 21 answer questions,” she said. becoming the Comprehensive and and started to self-isolate thereaf- Progressive Agreement for Trans- ter. She was subsequently tested Pacifi c Partnership (CPTPP). for COVID-19 on March 23 and A wide-range of politicos two days later the results came Liberal MP Kamal Khera is congratulated Ms. Hillman on back positive. the parliamentary secretary to her appointed, including former “While I am experiencing International Development Minister Chrystia Freeland, right, is pictured with prime minister Stephen Harper, symptoms, I am in good spirits. I Karina Gould. Photograph courtesy of Kirsten Hillman on Feb. 18, 2020, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, know that many Canadians are in Twitter/Kamal Khera at a meeting of the House Committee and Canada’s chief of the defence much worse circumstances,” she on International Trade. The Hill Times staff Jonathan Vance. said in the statement. also served as parliamentary sec- photograph by Andrew Meade Ms. Hillman will be a rare Ms. Khera is a second term retary to the ministers of National diplomat to hold the post, as pre- MP who represents Brampton Revenue and Health in the last Career diplomat Kirsten Hill- vious envoys have come from the West, Ont. She currently serves Parliament. man was named Canada’s next political class. It hasn’t been since as the parliamentary secretary to In response to a Registered permanent ambassador to the Michael Kegin, who held the post International Development Nurses’ Association of Ontario U.S. on March 26, seven months from 2000 to 2005, that Minister Karina call, Ms. Khera tweeted on March Catherine McKenna is pictured giving after her predecessor David Mac- a career diplo- Gould. She 17 that she had re-registered as a a pop-up civics lesson on Facebook Naughton left the role. mat served nurse to help curb the shortage. last week. Screen capture courtesy of Since September, Ms. Hillman in the But she told the CBC that she Facebook/Catherine McKenna has been working as acting am- role. Global News’ Beatrice tested positive for COVID-19 bassador. Prior to Mr. MacNaugh- before she could provide any The day before, she asked her ton leaving the post, she was the Britneff to rejoin nursing assistance. Facebook followers to ask any deputy ambassador—a role she Parliamentary Press Gallery A number of MPs have civics homework questions they started in 2017. tested negative for the virus, have. In a statement, the fi rst including Conservative MP Ontario is the only province woman to be picked for the After two years covering local Ottawa news Randy Hoback, who went to have a mandatory civics class position said she was “deeply” for Global News, Beatrice Britneff is joining into self-isolation after in its high school curriculum, honoured to be selected, the broadcaster’s parliamentary bureau. meeting with Executive though it has faced pressure at adding that her immediate “I’m excited to share that starting April 6, I’ll be Director of the World times to scrap the half-semester priority is working with joining Global’s parliamentary bureau as an on- Food Programme Grade 10 class. the U.S. to confront the line political reporter,” Ms. Britneff tweeted on March David Beasley, who Ms. McKenna talked about COVID-19 crisis. 24. “I do feel sad to leave my hardworking local tested positive for some basics of Canadian democ- Ms. Hillman was part colleagues across Ontario but appreciate the chance Beatrice Britneff, right, is pictured COVID-19 after his racy, from the nomination pro- of the Canadian team, to work with Global’s national reporters and [Global with Global News’ colleague trip to Canada. Ms. cedure for MPs to the legislative along with now-Deputy News online managing editor James Armstrong].” Amanda Connolly. The Hill Times Khera also met with process. She also answered ques- Prime Minister Chrystia She previously worked on the Hill for iPolitics photograph by Andrew Meade Mr. Beasley while tions about what it’s like working Freeland, Mr. MacNaugh- from 2016 to 2018, where she covered justice, lobby- he was in Ottawa. from home, learning French, and ton, and chief negotiator ing, Canadian heritage, and the media, according to her LinkedIn account. nmoss@hilltimes. what job she wanted to do when Steve Verheul, that negoti- Global News’ 17-member Elgin Street newsroom is led by bureau chief com she was younger. ated the new NAFTA. and West Block host Mercedes Stephenson. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 25

me, this well-written chapter was a focused on delivering a narrower compressed update of Digital Mosaic range of services” (page 158). To them, that would have benefi ted from more this means prioritizing high quality ‘Bold decisions’ emphasis on the CBC. Conversely, news and current affairs operations. chapter 5’s study of the withering of My amateur impressions about CBC sports and CBC news is on the what the CBC ought to consider can mark, providing an excellent sum- be juxtaposed against what these deep mary of recent circumstances. thinkers recommend. Before reading are needed if the The End of the CBC? The discussion in chapter 6 , I came up with about the CBC in an online world is some things the CBC could do. It could fascinating. Aside from summariz- raise awareness of the CBC’s code of ing what it has done right and where Journalistic Standards and Practices. I CBC is to survive it has gone wrong, the authors raise think that English CBC-TV could run some interesting questions. Has the a slice of Radio-Canada programming, CBC plunged into digital too quickly? such as Tout le monde en parle with David Taras and The authors explain something called How do you tally view counts when closed captions. It could profi le Canadi- “the attention economy” which refers content is repurposed across digital an sports that lack a national audience, Christopher Waddell to the economic competition for platforms? Do the data represent such as lacrosse. It could allow local consumer interest in a busy media captivated audiences, fl eeting viewers CBC radio stations to sell advertising. recently authored landscape. They document how CBC or bots? Ultimately, the authors be- Finally, the CBC ought to deliver some Th e End of the CBC? ratings and viewing time have eroded lieve that YouTube and podcasting are content explicitly designed to appeal to , over the years. The CBC product has good venues for the CBC (page 133). conservatives and libertarians. declined across an astounding array But even this raises a dilemma given In arriving at these impressions, I published by the of areas—national news, local news, that YouTube is owned by Alphabet, made the erroneous assumption that University of Toronto drama, comedy, sports—and it is un- Google’s parent company, one of the the CBC must continue to occupy the able to compete in emerging areas, main organizations grabbing adver- quantity of space that it does. I over- Press. They have such as reality TV. The most signifi - tising dollars. Facebook is the other. looked that the CBC has greatly ex- cant warning sign is demographics: I was particularly interested in panded its reach. Taras and Waddell are exceptional credentials millennials are uninterested in the how CBC uses Chartbeat (pages 129- correct to suggest surgical extraction CBC (page 17). It is a senior citizen’s 130). Journalists have told me that from certain areas. It is much better for to examine the English network with a shrinking base of newsrooms feature large screens with the CBC to do some things well than to arm of the public loyal followers. graphics showing digital audience stretch resources so thin that it is dif- fi cult, if not impossible, to be exception- broadcaster. David Taras and ally good. The authors tackle the issues Chris Waddell say of sports and advertising with expertise the CBC ‘must that shames my quick impressions. Yet BY ALEX MARLAND become smaller on many fronts they fail to convince and more focused me, which speaks to the immense T. JOHN’S, N.L.—For those who on delivering a dilemmas facing CBC executives. can, reading a book is a good way S narrower range In chapter 8, the professors breezily to pass the time during the coronavi- of services.’ To suggest that the CBC “give up” sports rus pandemic. It’s excellent escapism them, this means and music. In my opinion, these areas from the anxieties of life as we know prioritizing high should be more strategically selective, it fall apart. quality news and but given the public broadcaster’s role, David Taras and Christopher Wad- current affairs they must not be abandoned. Reporting dell recently authored The End of the operations. The on sports has an ability to bring com- CBC?, published by the University of End of the CBC?, munities together. It cultivates a sense Toronto Press. They have exceptional by David Taras of identity and pride. Likewise, music credentials to examine the English and Christopher connects Canadians. The CBC has a arm of the public broadcaster. Waddell, University pivotal role in the Canadian cultural mo- I’ve read some of Taras’s books of Toronto Press, saic. Perhaps instead of abandonment about communications in Canada. I was The Newsmakers 2020, $34.95. the CBC should have a clearer purpose introduced to in the in its selection of sports and music. On early 1990s as a political science student page 167, the authors mention soc- at Carleton University. A few years ago, Books & Big Ideas Digital Mosaic cer, track and fi eld, and volleyball as I read . The fi rst helped candidates for elimination. They are me understand news media biases; the probably right because none of these other impressed how media must adapt get to Canadiana. But hockey does; so to the digital revolution or die. I expect The End of the CBC does lacrosse, Canada’s national sport similar themes in . for which interest could be cultivated. Waddell has extensive experience And, given the CBC’s mandate, I fail to in the Canadian news industry. He understand why a variety of CBC Music worked for CBC-TV news for a decade specials deserve the chopping block. where he was a senior producer for The I do think there is merit in their sug- National and parliamentary bureau gestion that the CBC get out of the en- chief in Ottawa. He was also a reporter, tertainment business, with one excep- Ottawa bureau chief, associate editor tion. In my view, Taras and Waddell lack and national editor for The Globe and appreciation for the regional mandate Mail. I’ve often used a book he co-ed- of the CBC. Regional programming How Canadians ited with Taras called on a national platform is essential. If Communicate: Media and Politics . Oc- entertainment shows are going to be casionally, I come across his work as a Chapter 2 is about the history of metrics, but I was unfamiliar with the jettisoned, let them be the ones that fail reporter in the 1980s when I am comb- the CBC. The broadcaster’s origins, name of the software until reading The to highlight the unique character of Globe and Mail ing through archives. funding models, content choices and End of the CBC. The authors’ com- Canada’s geographic diversity. So, what then do these two distin- relationship with prime ministers are ment that some CBC personnel are Where I vehemently disagree with guished professors have to say about outlined. Taras and Waddell iden- addicted to monitoring Chartbeat user these esteemed scholars is the sugges- the past, present, and future of the tify three turning points: (1) blend- statistics. In some newsrooms, deci- tion that CBC-TV “end all advertising” CBC? Page 8 lays out their intentions: ing local news into regional news sions about what stories to pursue are (page 170). They are correct that it is a “Our main argument in this book is operations, (2) the CRTC excluding infl uenced by how well a story is likely declining source of revenue. They over- that the CBC has come to the end the CBC from the specialty channel to resonate online. If true, it is little state that this would free CBC execu- of its rope in terms of carrying out universe and (3) the abscondment of wonder that journalism everywhere is tives of being concerned about chasing the tasks of a public broadcaster.” Hockey Night in Canada to Rogers. in a free-fall and is under threat. Taras audience metrics. Is being unconcerned The CBC, they say, is now “in a kind Subsequent chapters examine and Waddell recommend that the CBC with audience interest necessarily bet- of limbo” (page 9) and “is unlikely to specifi c aspects of the CBC’s decline. consider the implications of Chartbeat ter? How can we justify more money survive for much longer” (page 23). Chapter 3 remarks on budget cuts on its news operations (page 168). for the CBC when there are so many The CBC has a broad reach and yet, because of reduced government fund- The chapter 7 summary of recent other priorities in society? Would a with the exception of successes such ing, a smaller number of employees, CBC self-analyses and Netfl ix’s Cana- smaller CBC warrant more public fund- The Fifth Estate as , they suggest that and media relations battles with the dian policies is a tad tedious, despite ing or would retrenchment be required the CBC fails to stand out in a hyper- PMO. Little has come of reviews and the authors’ efforts. But readers are to offset lost revenues? A fundamental competitive media environment. reports about what to do with the rewarded with a strong conclusion. tenet of public policy is that resources The book is organized into eight CBC. Chapter 4 is a sobering synthe- Provocatively titled, “Reinvent the CBC are limited. The CBC needs to do better chapters. Chapter 1 provides baseline sis of the CBC’s immense challenges or Allow it to Die,” chapter 8 delivers with what it has before it can make a information about the social objec- in a digital world characterized by a series of knockout punches about credible case for more. tives of a public broadcaster, which the attention economy, social media what the CBC needs to do to survive. in Canada includes pushing back platforms and other internet behe- Taras and Waddell believe that the Continued on page 27 against American cultural infl uence. moths such as Google and Netfl ix. To CBC “must become smaller and more 26 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

CBC is a critically important Canadian institution, it should step up its game

CBC Canada unequivocally Parliament Hill reporter needs a media outlet Catherine Cullen, dedicated to celebrating pictured on Canadian cultures in the March 26, 2020. To be face of Americanization, successful, a brand needs globalization, and now to connect emotionally digitalization. The CBC’s with its crucial role in the fabric audiences so that of Canadian society is they prefer it over the why so many people get alternatives, even upset about a brand that when the alternatives many believe has lost its otherwise way. better suit their needs, writes Alex Marland. Screen capture image courtesy of CBC News

strong, if vulnerable, brand equity. It status. I have often sighed as national uation, the provincial Liberal Party is benefi ts from hundreds of millions and local TV news hosts editorialize preparing to replace the premier with of dollars in government funding. It and joke around on air in an inap- someone who does not have a seat in has leveraged that fi nancial might to propriate fashion. Done well, and a the House of Assembly. Plunging oil Alex Marland muscle into the digital space, despite dose of humour offers a lighthearted prices have massive implications for having a broadcasting mandate. How- moment. Done poorly, and a side already dire economic circumstances. Books & Big Ideas ever, unlike its competitors, the CBC remark smacks of elitism, hubris, self- Instead of local ramifi cations, we are has an added responsibility to create importance. It does a disservice to the going to hear about how Canadian T. JOHN’S, N.L.—During the COV- Canadian content that competes with network’s journalistic integrity and cities—not rural or remote areas, SID-19 pandemic the CBC recently international goodies like The Voice impartiality. mind you—are practicing social dis- shut down local 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. or Ellen’s Game of Games. From what I have experienced in tancing. Memo to CBC honchos: the TV newscasts. CBC News executives For decades, the bread and butter St. John’s, local CBC radio has fallen hinterland needs resources dedicated have their reasons for the decision, of the CBC has historically done well: on hard times. Sure, the national to more local news coverage, not less. just as private broadcasters have high standards of integrity journal- programs continue, with edgy fare reasons for continuing with local TV ism, quality coverage of Canadian like As It Happens being a hallmark Quality coverage of Books & Big Ideas news. The title of a new book by two events, and homegrown programming of exceptional infotainment. But anchored in regional storytelling. But local CBC radio—on this side of Canadian events veteran professors has particular cur- As the COVID-19 news decision things are different in a multi-channel the country, at least—has suffered rency in this extraordinary context. suggests, the CBC strives to unite The End of the CBC? universe where increasing numbers greatly from digital. The morning In , David (English) Canadians during national of people are abandoning cable radio programming slot (5:30 a.m. to Taras and Christopher Waddell prom- events. Canada Day and Remem- cords. As well, its content is heav- 9 a.m.) routinely chases what is on ise to tackle the CBC’s role in a digi- brance Day specials are top-notch. The ily infl uenced by a Toronto-centric social media. Audio from TV reports tal environment. So I am weighing CBC covers the arts community in a outlook that sometimes overwhelms is played verbatim, cannibalizing the in with my thoughts about the state way that the private sector would not. the CBC’s regional requirements and suppertime news. Musical inter- of Canada’s venerable broadcaster. The Olympic Games are rare moments which leaves the public broadcaster ludes fi ll gaps that used to be news, Laying out some armchair opinions that bring Canadians together—and vulnerable to left-wing bias. interviews, or panel discussions about should enable a more robust and fair- often CBC Sports has been there to local developments. The tunes are minded assessment of the professors’ tell Canadian athletes’ stories. From an so varied that they surely provoke analysis. High journalistic standards audience perspective, the one material On balance, CBC journalism is im- people to turn down the volume or Many things come to mind when I benefi t of the decision to nationalize pressive. Any report fi led by Julie Van switch stations. I distinctly recall think about the Canadian Broadcast- TV news during the COVID-19 crisis is Dusen has bite. Hosting by Ian Hano- saying to an assistant deputy minister ing Corporation. Its history. An iconic to possibly generate national attention mansing is superb. Vassy Kapelos and in 2004 that local CBC radio morning logo. Programs that carve a place in about local situations. Jeannie Lee are among many who was must-listen news in Newfound- Canadian culture and identity. Stan- An ongoing dilemma for the CBC Hockey deliver facts in a no-nonsense style. land. It is hard to imagine that anyone dard-setting news coverage. is what to do about sports, in particu- Night in Canada Images of Briar Stewart reporting would say that now. The digital fi rst . CBC personalities. lar NHL hockey. Advertisers place from Fort McMurray highways while mentality has hollowed out the CBC’s Radio-Canada. And, inevitably, con- a premium on live must-see events. wildfi res raged behind her in 2016 is capacity to conduct local journalism. cern about the transformation that The growth of sports channels TSN seared into many Canadians’ minds. The evolution of CBC News is the CBC is undergoing as the media and Sportsnet combined with digital What do these and select other much more than the recent debacle landscape shifts around it. platforms creates serious competi- CBC-TV journalists have in common? of four people hosting The National The CBC is a critically impor- tion that drives up the price of sports Professionalism. That fi ne quality of and the appropriate decision to scale tant Canadian institution. Canada licensing. When Rogers paid $5.2-bil- demanding high standards and ideo- back. Putting CBC local TV news on unequivocally needs a media outlet lion for 12 years of NHL broadcasting logical balance as Knowlton Nash, hiatus during the COVID-19 pandem- dedicated to celebrating Canadian rights until 2026 it meant CBC would Barbara Frum, and others would de- ic refl ects the Toronto-based nature cultures in the face of Americaniza- lose a fi nancial windfall and have a mand. They avoid betraying a political of Canadian news production today. tion, globalization, and now digitali- massive programming hole. The sub- preference. They have a keen sense of Local technicians have been phased zation. The CBC’s crucial role in the licensing agreement with Rogers to checking favouritism at the door. They out because TV cameras in regional fabric of Canadian society is why so run Hockey Night in Canada without are not overtly caught up in the CBC centres can be operated remotely many people get upset about a brand generating advertising revenue is an star system. from Toronto. That Canadians across that many believe has lost its way. unusual programming solution. The News professionalism is an area the country, except in the North, are To be successful, a brand needs to money needs to be found elsewhere, that the CBC News should be a brand now going to turn to CTV, Global and connect emotionally with its audi- such as by advertising revenues on leader. Unfortunately, efforts to other private networks for local news ences so that they prefer it over the Family Feud Canada or Coronation entertain and engage audiences on during a massive health crisis embod- alternatives, even when the alterna- Street. tives otherwise better suit their needs. social media has got some journalists ies the centralized nature of CBC confused about their role. Some ap- decision-making. Here in Newfound- The CBC is uniquely positioned in a Continued on page 27 crowded media marketplace. It has pear transfi xed by their own celebrity land, in addition to the COVID-19 sit- THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 27 Books & Big Ideas ‘Bold decisions’ are needed if the CBC is to survive

Another cost-effi cient option to explore is for CBC-TV to run a slice of Radio-Canada programming. Tout le monde en parle plays a major role in Quebec Continued from page 25 public life. Yet most anglophones across Canada have likely never heard of it. Would it be so bad for English CBC to air episodes with closed captioning? Incidentally, a remark on the fi rst page of Are there other cost-effective opportunities to bridge language, political and cultural divides, asks Alex Marland. Screenshot courtesy of RDI the book is disturbingly relevant to the COV- ID-19 pandemic. When praising CBC-TV for being freely available, the authors say “many, Continued from page 26 if not most, Canadians [are] just one or two Five suggestions for CBC fortunately this year’s July event seems to paycheques away from falling off a fi nancial CBC radio and TV should consider be in doubt—and so are the Arctic Winter cliff.” The future of the CBC is a low priority Regional programming vs replacing some of their self-promos with Games. How many Canadians know about when people are concerned about their lives. spots that raise awareness of the CBC’s the Royal St. John’s Regatta whose boat When the health crisis eases, it is more likely Toronto biases code of Journalistic Standards and Prac- races date back to 1816? Or the harness that politicians will come looking for money Item #1 in the Broadcasting Act’s list of tices (JSP). The code says, “CBC journal- racing of the Gold Cup Parade in Char- from the CBC than giving it more. responsibilities for the CBC is to empha- ists do not express their own personal lottetown? For that matter, Winterlude in The authors observe that CBC-TV size Canadian regions. Specifi cally, the Act opinion because it affects the perception of Ottawa or Quebec’s Winter Carnival? without advertising could become like CBC says that CBC programming should “be impartiality and could affect an open and Building on this, Canadians can learn radio. But getting rid of commercials that predominantly and distinctively Canadian, honest exploration of an issue.” This would more about regions with national cover- would increase the number of content hours refl ect Canada and its regions to national be a cost-neutral way to raise awareness of age of local days of recognition—Louis to fi ll while reducing revenues. Even if Par- and regional audiences, while serving the a competitive advantage. There should be Riel Day in Manitoba, Islander Day in liament were to magically offset the forgone special needs of those regions.” greater awareness among CBC on-air per- Prince Edward Island, Saint-Jean-Baptiste funds, CBC-TV would have the same budget Some CBC shows resonate nationally sonalities and viewing audiences that news in Quebec, National Aboriginal Day in the with which to generate even more content. because they transcend a sense of place. impartiality is paramount. When audiences Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The Nature of Things Dragon’s Den And is CBC radio really doing so well? As and are detect otherwise, it should be top of mind A more controversial suggestion is to resources have been siphoned to support examples. Others embrace their location, to contact the CBC ombudsman. This ac- give local CBC radio stations the option to digital-fi rst, the St. John’s Morning Show such as Schitt’s Creek or Kim’s Conve- countability function would constitute a sell advertising in place of musical inter- nience has been replacing local storytelling and . Entertainment programming works brand promise to Canadians. ruptions. This is delicate because Face- news slots with irritating music. best when it doesn’t preach political or Another cost-effi cient option to explore book and Google are gobbling advertising I also completely disagree with the social values, which some Toronto-based is for CBC-TV to run a slice of Radio-Can- dollars. Private sector radio stations do authors’ belief that one of fi ve areas that CBC TV writers are keen to do. Good televi- ada programming. Tout le monde en parle not need more competition. But it is in the the CBC should emphasize is “urban life” sion is escapism. Or, accord- public interest for a public Broadcasting Act (page 175). This betrays our locations: ing to the , broadcaster to be somewhat Taras and Waddell work in Calgary and it involves “a wide range of self-sustaining. Ottawa, respectively, whereas I work in programming that informs, Finally, the network St. John’s and spend considerable time in enlightens and entertains.” ought to consider the po- rural Newfoundland. From where I sit, a Telling regional stories is litical ramifi cations of Don massive problem with the CBC is that it where CBC ought to shine. Cherry’s fi ring in the broad- is so Toronto-centric. City issues are often Exposing Canadians to their er context of Kevin O’Leary indistinguishable from each other. They are fellow citizens is just as exiting Dragon’s Den. Say often told from a Toronto point of view. The important as those Canadians what you want about these urbanization of media is already happen- seeing themselves. Legacy oversized personalities and On the ing as community newspapers die. Digging programs such as their right-wing politics, but into the nooks and crannies of Canada’s Road Again gave way to the the reality is they brought a Rick Mercer Report regional, rural and remote communities is and the dose of ideological impunity exactly why we need a public broadcaster. marvellous Still Standing. The to the CBC which is other- Land and Sea Where we agree is that CBC journalists ability of to wise labelled as left-leaning. should not “spend their days sitting at desks shine a spotlight on Atlantic I think it is incumbent on Heartland like bureaucrats, reading and regurgitating life is impressive. the CBC to give a platform social media content in pursuit of clicks” brings a Prairies touch to to small-c conservatives and Arctic Air (page 171). It is unrealistic to think this the network. was libertarians, all the better culture will change, even with a massive a great way for Canadians someone who is not the ste- infusion of cash. To me, greater emphasis on to learn about Yellowknife reotype of a wealthy, older the journalistic code is warranted. and the North. Sadly, English white man. There needs to I really like the authors’ idea that digital Canada largely misses out be content that counters content could be shared with other online on francophone and Quebec negativity from opinion content providers (page 172). Instead of stories that are created in leaders who decry the CBC’s competing with them this would help prop French for Radio-Canada. A serious impediment that CBC personnel might be oblivious to is the extent left wing slants. up Canadian media outlets. I also agree CBC should be commended to which Toronto-centric biases colour the English CBC. This is especially Now, let’s see how these that CBC platforms could help promote for more programming with true with some of its comedy. With each passing year, I would cringe as Royal impressions square with news literacy (page 172). a greater diversity of gender, Canadian Air Farce humour became Toronto-centric. Sadly, the same fate The End of the CBC? The Finally, the authors conclude that “bold race, Indigeneity, and sexual has befallen This Hour Has 22 Minutes, which has gone from edgy Canadian book’s back cover promises decisions” (page 177) are needed if the CBC is orientation. This needs to be regional comedy with sardonic wit to mocking the U.S. Republican president’s an examination of “how the to survive. What decisions will those be? While weighed against the percep- looks and mannerisms. Image courtesy of CBC CBC lost its place in sports, the best course of action is unclear, one thing is tion of many Canadians that drama and entertainment” certain: people who read The End of the CBC the CBC prioritizes urban, and recommendations to will come away better informed about the seri- progressive, political values. plays a major role in Quebec public life. focus “resources on news and current affairs.” ous challenges facing Canada’s public broad- A serious impediment that CBC person- Yet most anglophones across Canada have Whatever David Taras and Christopher Wad- caster. The future of the CBC is something to nel might be oblivious to is the extent to likely never heard of it. Would it be so bad dell suggest, let’s hope they have a solution worry about that can distract from the much which Toronto-centric biases colour the for English CBC to air episodes with closed to help the CBC fl ourish so that there is no bigger worries confronting everyone right now. English CBC. This is especially true with captioning? Are there other cost-effective need to deliberate its end— notwithstanding Alex Marland is a professor of political some of its comedy. With each passing opportunities to bridge language, political that local suppertime TV news is on hiatus science at Memorial University of New- year, I would cringe as Royal Canadian and cultural divides? during the global pandemic. foundland. He was the lead editor of the Air Farce humour became Toronto-centric. Perhaps the CBC could profi le Cana- Alex Marland is a professor of political new book Inside the Campaign: Managing Sadly, the same fate has befallen This Hour dian sports that lack a national audience. science at Memorial University of New- Elections in Canada (UBC Press, 2020). Has 22 Minutes , which has gone from edgy Lacrosse is Canada’s national sport—but foundland. He was the lead editor of the The End of the CBC?, by David Taras Canadian regional comedy with sardonic when is it ever on television? More could new book Inside the Campaign: Managing and Christopher Waddell, University of wit to mocking the U.S. Republican presi- be done to cover regional sporting events. Elections in Canada (UBC Press, 2020). Toronto Press, 2020, $34.95. dent’s looks and mannerisms. Yes, the Calgary Stampede is covered—un- The Hill Times The Hill Times 28 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES CLASSIFIEDS

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Call to consult • 613 234 5758 For more information or to reserve your government relations [email protected] • [email protected] and public affairs advertising space, contact The Hill Times display advertising department at 613-688-8841. THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 29 COVID-19 News

Nations and Inuit communities. Canada’s chief public health offi cers He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. take centre stage amid COVID-19 crisis Ontario Dr. David Williams has Canada’s been in his Federal offi cers such Chief Public post as chief Health medical health as Dr. Theresa Tam Offi cer offi cer since Theresa Tam, 2016. In a and Dr. Howard pictured public health on March Njoo, and provincial Dr. David career of more 24, 2020, Williams. than 25 years, arriving at chief doctors, are Photograph he has jumped the West courtesy of the back and forth involved in daily live Block on Government of between serv- Parliament Ontario ing the Prov- press conferences Hill for her ince of Ontario daily press during which they and the City of Thunder Bay, Ont. briefi ng Between 2011 and 2015, and 1991 on the speak directly to to 2005, he was the medical offi cer COVID-19 of health for Thunder Bay’s district world Canadians, informing board of health. The years 2005 to pandemic 2011 saw him working at the prov- them on the country’s crisis. The ince’s health ministry and long- Hill Times term care, in the areas of infectious caseload, emphasizing photograph disease and environmental health. the need for social by Andrew Meade distancing, and, at Quebec Dr. Horacio times, off ering non- Arruda took on the role of medical guidance national public health direc- amid extraordinary tor in 2012. He circumstances. February 2017, she told theCana- she was executive medical director, home. As reported by theEdmonton has worked for dian Medical Association Journal medical director for communicable Journal, Dr. Hinshaw said during Quebec’s Min- istry of Health BY TESSIE SANCI in February 2017 that her back- disease prevention and control, and that press conference that she was Dr. Horacio ground in fi eld epidemiology, travel medical director for public health fortunate to have a spare bedroom, Arruda. Photograph and Social Ser- vices for about hief public health offi cers health, emergency medicine, and emergency management, accord- where she could self-isolate. During courtesy of Twitter 20 years. across the country now have a pandemic preparedness led to her ing to herLinkedIn profi le. that period, she also refrained from C Dr. Arruda public profi le never before seen in join those committees. Her biography on the Govern- eating meals with her family and has endeared himself to the Quebec this country, thanks to their posi- During the SARS outbreak in ment of British Columbia’swebsite always stuck to staying two metres public with his suggestions on how tion as the scientifi c and medical 2003, Dr. Tam was on the front lines states she is a “specialist in public away from those in her household. residents can pass the time as they voices of reason during the CO- helping patients out of Ottawa’s health and preventive medicine.” Dr. Hinshaw’s composure dur- stick close to home. VID-19 crisis. emergency operations centre. Between September 2001 and ing these press conferences has “Do a little FaceTime danse Federal offi cers such as Dr. The- In August 2019, she toldChat- January 2005, she was an associ- led to a fan following, with some en ligne [line dancing.] Why not? resa Tam and Dr. Howard Njoo, and elaine magazine that her “job is to ate medical offi cer of health for Albertan designers producing You put music, you both have the provincial chief doctors, includ- prepare for the unknown.” On pan- the City of Toronto, which involved T-shirts, including one that reads, music, and you dance in front of ing British Columbia’s Dr. Bonnie demics, Tam said, every pandemic, her acting as the operational lead “What would Dr. Hinshaw do?”, the music, and you repeat,” he said, Henry and Ontario’s Dr. David no matter how many one has lived during the SARS outbreak in 2003. with her likeness. That aforemen- according to the Montreal Gazette. Williams, are involved in daily live through, is “always new.” She was also a member of the tioned T-shirt has raised more than Like Alberta’s top doctor, Dr. press conferences during which Dr. Howard Njoo, deputy chief Canadian pandemic co-ordinating $20,000 for the province’s food Arruda fans can also order T-shirts they speak directly to Canadians, public health offi cer, delivers the committee, which responded banks, according toCTV news. with his likeness. A spokesperson informing them on the country’s agency’s French-language briefi ng to the H1N1 infl uenza in 2009. for the retail provider Mercerie Rog- caseload, emphasizing the need to reporters alongside Dr. Tam, and That year, Dr. Henry also penned steps in for her during pressers a book, Soap and Water and Saskatchewan er told Hill Times Research that, like for social distancing, and, at times, Dr. Saqib when she is unavailable. Common Sense, which explores the store’s other graphic tees, the offering non-medical guidance Shahab took Dr. Njoo has held his current how basic hygiene can prevent shirt featuring Dr. Arruda is being amid extraordinary circumstances. on the job as role since April 2016, and has been illness. sold for profi t, but that his store’s In addition to helping lead the province’s employed with the agency since Former British Columbia health wares are based on eco-friendly and the government’s public messag- chief medical January 2005. In that time, some minister Terry Lake had glowing ethical production practices. ing, the doctors are members of a offi cer in July of his titles have included interim words for Dr. Henry, describing her special advisory committee that 2012, after chief science offi cer and director as a “the voice of reason and calm,” convenes daily to swap updates. spending three Newfoundland and These are the individuals who general for the Centre for Com- according to Global News. “She is Dr. Saqib Shahab. years in the are guiding elected offi cials on municable Diseases and Infection capable of handling great amounts Labrador Photograph deputy role. He Dr. Janice where Canada goes next in its Control, according to hisLinkedIn of pressure, but in a way that gives courtesy of Twitter is a fellow in Fitzgerald be- efforts to “plank the curve” and profi le. Before the establishment you confi dence she is in control.” public health came the prov- control the transmission of CO- of the agency in 2004, Njoo held and preventive medicine from the ince’s chief VID-19: multiple positions within Health Royal College of Physicians and medical health Canada in the areas of infectious Alberta Surgeons of Canada and a past offi cer in 2019, and chronic diseases, emergency Dr. Deena president of the Saskatchewan after two years Canada preparedness and response. He Hinshaw was Dr. Theresa Tam was named Public Health Association. as a regional also spent close to fi ve years as an appointed her chief public health offi cer for the medical offi cer associate medical offi cer of health province’s Public Health Agency of Canada Dr. Janice of health, ac- for the City of Toronto. chief medi- Manitoba (PHAC) in June 2017. As an Fitzgerald. cording to a cal offi cer of Dr. Brent Photograph employee of the Government of health in Roussin statement from Canada, she previously served as courtesy of YouTube a provincial British Columbia Dr. Deena January 2019. became the the deputy offi cer and assistant spokesperson. Dr. Bonnie Henry’s title is “pro- Hinshaw. Before taking province’s deputy minister for infectious Like many other public health vincial health Photograph courtesy on the top job, chief public disease prevention and control. offi cers during this time, Dr. offi cer,” a role of Twitter she served as health offi cer Her offi cial governmentbiography she has held the deputy and in June 2019. Fitzgerald’s words of wisdom have describes her as having “expertise since February as a medical health offi cer for Al- His federal waded outside the medical realm. in immunization, infectious dis- 2018. berta Health Services. experience At her daily briefi ng on March 19, ease, emergency preparedness and she spoke about the virus’ social ef- While em- Dr. Hinshaw had a brief COV- Dr. Brent Roussin. includes time global health security.” ployed by the ID-19 scare in mid-March when she spent work- fects on children as schools remain Dr. Tam previously served on Photograph courtesy closed and children are unable to BC Centre for was tested for the virus after expe- of Twitter ing within the emergency committees for the Disease Con- visit friends. Dr. Bonnie Henry. riencing mild cold symptoms. She First Nations World Health Organization related trol between Photograph courtesy went into self-isolation and held at and Inuit Health branch, which to Ebola, the Middle East respira- 2005 and 2014, least one press briefi ng from her delivers health services to First Continued on page 31 tory syndrome, and poliovirus. In of UBC 30 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Economic Development and Offi cial Languages Minister hill climbers Mélanie Joly, pictured in the West by Laura Ryckewaert Block on Feb. 27, 2020. The Hill Times photograph by Who’s who in Economic Andrew Meade Development Minister Joly’s 20-member offi ce New additions to the minister’s of parliamentary affairs to then-rural eco- nomic development minister Bernadette Catherine Mounier-Desrochers is a Maxime Blanchet-Joncas defeated incumbent team include senior policy Jordan and before then was working in the legislative assistant in the offi ce. She spent NDP MP Guy Caron to win the riding with democratic institutions minister’s offi ce, the 2019 election monitoring media for the roughly 37.8 per cent of the vote. advisers Kelsey MacDonald starting in the fall of 2016 as an executive national Liberal campaign, and previously James Leask is covering the Ontario and communications assistant to then- interned in Ms. Joly’s offi ce as heritage minis- regional desk for Ms. Joly, and Galen Rich- and Richard Léger. minister Maryam Monsef and ending as a ter over the summer of 2017, and in the PMO ardson is the regional adviser for the West senior special assistant for parliamentary over the summer of 2018. and North. N APARTMENT NEAR PARLIAMENT affairs to then-minister Karina Gould. Alison Murphy A former associate with McKercher AHILL—Now Minister of Economic Devel- A former staffer at the New Brunswick is an issues manage- LLP, Mr. Richardson spent 2019 tackling opment and Offi cial Languages, Mélanie Joly and Nova Scotia provincial legislatures—in- ment adviser to Ms. Western and Northern regional affairs has assembled a 20-member staff team to sup- cluding as executive assistant to the New Joly. Ms. Murphy to then-infrastructure minister François- port her, led by chief of staff Daniel Lauzon. Brunswick assembly’s Speaker—Ms. Mac- previously spent a Philippe Champagne. Caroline Séguin continues as director of Donald actually ran as a federal Liberal can- little more than a Jérémy Ghio, who was previously press policy to Ms. Joly. She’s been running the didate in Tobique-Mactaquac, N.B., last fall. year as a special as- secretary to Ms. Joly as tourism minister, minister’s policy shop through her time in The riding, previously represented by Liberal sistant for commu- has been promoted to director of communi- multiple cabinet portfolios, from heritage MP T.J. Harvey, ultimately went blue, with nications and issues cations in her offi ce. Mr. Ghio is also a for- to tourism, offi cial languages, and La Fran- Conservative MP Richard Bragdon elected management to mer press secretary to National Revenue cophonie, since January 2016. Ms. Séguin with roughly 50.3 per cent of the vote. Transport Minister Minister Diane Lebouthillier and a former briefl y stepped in as acting chief of staff to Richard Léger is senior policy adviser Emma Kristensen is Marc Garneau and assistant to then-Liberal MP Jean-Claude the minister last summer, after Mr. Lauzon for offi cial languages. A former policy ad- manager of operations before then was an Poissant in his capacity as parliamentary left to do communications and policy work viser to then-public services minister Carla in Ms. Joly’s offi ce. executive assistant secretary to the minister of agriculture. for the 2019 national Liberal campaign. Qualtrough, Mr. Léger has a background Photograph courtesy of with The Earnscliffe Now working under him as Ms. Joly’s Before she began working for Ms. Joly, Ms. in law and previously worked as a lawyer LinkedIn Strategy Group in new press secretary is Alexander Cohen, Séguin was working in the offi ce of then-On- with Vincent Dagenais Gibson LLP and Ottawa. who was previously busy working for then- tario premier Kathleen Wynne, last as execu- Caza Saikaley LLP, both in Ottawa. Emma Kristensen is Ms. Joly’s operations health minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, last tive director for intergovernmental affairs. After roughly manager. Ms. Kristensen spent most of 2019 as acting press secretary. Ms. Séguin is also former director of two years running as a communications manager in the Liberal Mr. Cohen started out as a special assis- policy to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, and Ms. Joly’s constitu- research bureau on the Hill and before then tant for communi- a former special assistant for political ency offi ce as the was a special assistant for operations and cations to Ms. Petit- operations to then-federal Liberal leader Liberal MP for policy to then-infrastructure minister Ama- pas Taylor in March Michael Ignatieff. Ahuntsic-Cartier- rjeet Sohi. She’s also a former PMO staffer, 2018 and was later Michel Breau ville, Que., Philippe having been hired on after interning there bumped up to is- is the minister’s Lafrance has joined over the summer of 2017, fi rst as executive sues management senior policy adviser her new ministerial assistant to then-operations director John and communica- focused on covering offi ce as a senior Zerucelli and later to then-PMO deputy tions adviser. He’s the various federal adviser. director of outreach Andrée-Lyne Hallé and also a former vice Sandra Aubé oversees regional develop- Sandra Aubé, then-deputy director of tour Susan Menchini. president of com- parliamentary affairs ment agencies— who was previ- Pavan Sapra munications for the Alexander Cohen is for Ms. Joly. Photograph Western Economic ously director of is in place as the Young Liberals of Ms. Joly’s new press courtesy of LinkedIn Diversifi cation communications to Atlantic regional Canada. 9 secretary. Photograph Canada, the Ca- Michel Breau is a senior Ms. Joly as tourism affairs adviser. He’s Joshua Arless courtesy of LinkedIn nadian Northern policy adviser in Ms. minister, is now director of parliamentary af- a former assistant is helping keep the Economic Develop- Joly’s offi ce. Photograph fairs and issues management to the minister. to Mr. Trudeau in his metaphorical trains moving as manager of ment Agency, the courtesy of LinkedIn Ms. Aubé is also a former communica- capacity as a Liberal executive operations to Ms. Joly. He’s spent Atlantic Canada tions director to then-small business and MP and most re- roughly the last two and a half years work- Opportunities Agency, the Federal Economic tourism minister Bardish Chagger, a former cently was working ing in the foreign affairs minister’s offi ce, Development Agency for Southern Ontario, issues adviser in the Prime Minister’s Of- for then-Liberal MP starting as assistant to the chief of staff to the Canada Economic Development Agency fi ce, a former issues manager for strategic Alaina Lockhart, Pavan Sapra is covering then-minister Chrystia Freeland in the fall of for Quebec Regions, and the Federal Economic communications to Ms. Joly during her time who represented the Atlantic affairs desk. 2017 and later tackling Quebec and Atlantic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario. as heritage minister, and is a former Radio- Fundy Royal, N.B., Photograph courtesy regional affairs. Mr. Arless is also a former Mr. Breau comes from the heritage min- Canada journalist, among other things. and also served as of LinkedIn assistant to Quebec Liberal MP Sherry ister’s offi ce, having started there under Ms. Working under Ms. Aubé as parliamen- parliamentary sec- Romanado and has been an elected com- Joly in March 2016 as a policy and Western tary affairs advisers are Kariné Apraha- retary to Ms. Joly as tourism minister. missioner with the Lester B. Pearson School regional affairs adviser and later being mian and Jessica LaForge. Gabriel Cyr is the offi ce’s regional adviser Board in Quebec since 2014. bumped up to director of operations. He After interning in Ms. Joly’s old offi ce as for Quebec. A former assistant to then-Quebec Finally, Gabrielle Labadie-Johnson has stayed on in the offi ce after now-Government tourism minister over the summer of 2019, Liberal MP Richard Hébert, Mr. Cyr joined been hired on as Ms. Joly’s new execu- House Leader Pablo Rodriguez took over in Ms. Aprahamian worked on the ultimately Ms. Joly’s old tourism offi ce as an assistant tive assistant. Until recently, she’d been a July 2018, becoming director of operations successful re-election campaigns of Prime for policy and operations in October 2018. He scheduling and administrative assistant to and outreach. Mr. Breau is also a former di- Minister Justin Trudeau as the Liberal MP spent the 2019 election running Liberal candi- Ms. Lebouthillier since September 2016. rector of political operations and outreach for for Papineau, Que., and Liberal MP Soraya date Chantal Pilon’s ultimately unsuccessful As already reported by Hill Climbers, Mr. Alberta for the federal Liberal Party. Martinez Ferrada in Hochelaga, Que. campaign in Rimouski-Neigette-Témiscouata- Lauzon previously ran Ms. Joly’s offi ce as Kelsey MacDonald is a senior policy ad- Ms. LaForge has been working for Ms. Les Basques, Que., having served as president heritage minister during the last Parliament. viser for economic development and tour- Joly since March 2019, starting as a sched- of that federal riding association for the last [email protected] ism. Ms. MacDonald spent 2019 as director uling assistant during the minister’s time. four years. In the end, now-Bloc Québécois MP The Hill Times

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tors Without Borders, where he was involved Canada’s chief public health offi cers in emergency missions. Northwest Territories take centre stage amid COVID-19 crisis Dr. Kami Kandola has been Northwest Territories’ chief Continued from page 29 public health offi cer that you and your family can do outside that ate medical health since October 2018, “Many children may befeeling anxious or still respect social-distancing practices. Go offi ce for British and was previously worried. We need to support them, help them for a walk or hike, do yoga in the backyard Columbia from the region’s deputy adjust to their new routines and help them or look for signs of spring.” 1997 to 1999. chief public health cope,” she said. Prior to becom- offi cer since 2011. Prince Edward Island ing a daily fi xture Her CV also includ- on Canadian televi- Dr. Kami Kandola. New Brunswick Dr. Heather estime spent as the sion screens, he was Photograph courtesy Morrison became president of Canadian Dr. Jennifer Rus- a familiar face to of Twitter chief health offi cer Society for Circum- sell has been New House Health Com- in July 2007. In her Dr. Robert Strang. polar Health (2012-2015) and the Northwest Brunswick’s permanent mittee members public health ca- Photograph courtesy Territories Medical Association (2005-2007). chief medical offi cer during the previ- reer, she has served of Government of Nova She was ahealth specialist for the Canadian of health since March ous parliamentary as Prince Edward Scotia International Development Agency between 2018, but her experi- session. In 2018, he Island’s represen- 1998 and 2003. ence extends further, af- spoke to members on at least two occasions tative on both the On March 15, she appealed to territorial ter spending 15 months as a representative of all provincial and ter- Dr. Jennifer national special residents to stop spreading rumours about between the period of ritorial public health offi cers, voicing their Russell. advisory commit- possible cases and said that too many public September 2014 and support forBill S-5, which set up a legislative Photograph courtesy tees for H1N1 and health resources were being spent investigat- March 2018 in the role framework for vaping products and received of YouTube Dr. Heather Morrison. epidemic of opioid ing those cases, as reported by local news on an interim basis. royal assent in May 2018, andBill S-228, Photograph courtesy of overdoses; she co- radio stationCabin Radio. She also told resi- Before working in which would have restricted the promotion Government of Prince chaired the island’s dents, “If we are going to beat this, we must public health in New Brunswick, she was a of some foods and beverages to children (this Edward Island response to the be kind to each other.” base surgeon for the Canadian Armed Forces bill died on the Order Paper when the House Ebola outbreak, as forfi ve years, and was employed in a medi- rose last June). cal capacity by the military between 1997 P.E.I. prepared for the possibility that an Nunavut and 2007. She was also a medical offi cer for infected person could travel to the province; Yukon Dr. Michael Patterson became the ter- Veterans Affairs Canada between 2007 and and she chaired the provincial infection and ritory’s chief medical offi cer of health in 2009. Dr. Russell specialized in mental health prevention control committee. She also con- Dr. Brendan December 2018, after about a year and a half and addictions while working for theHorizon tinues to practice emergency medicine. Hanley was named as deputy chief medical offi cer of health. He Health Network, which operates 12 hospitals chief medical offi cer completed his family practice residency in in New Brunswick. Nova Scotia of health in Febru- 2001 and began providing medical services Her message to residents has been to Dr. Robert Strang received the title of ary 2008. His other in Northern Manitoba and the Kivalliq re- maintain the recommended two metres of “chief medical offi cer of health” in 2016, but professional experi- gion of Nunavut. He moved to Nova Scotia to distance between themselves and others actually became the province’s fi rst chief ences include a role as start a private practice in 2005 and returned without shuttering themselves inside. public health offi cer in 2007. Before mov- chief of emergency at to Nunavut in 2012. “Several things are closed, but the out- ing to Halifax in 1999 to take on the role of Dr. Brendan Hanley. Whitehorse General Tessie Sanci is editor of Hill Times Re- doors is not one of them!” Dr. Russell said in medical offi cer of health for a Nova Scotian Photograph courtesy Hospital andmultiple search, owned by Hill Times Publishing. a press release. “There are many activities regional health authority, he was an associ- of Twitter positions within Doc- The Hill Times

Events Feature House suspended until Monday, April 20, for now sit May 5-7 and May 12-May 14. The Senate will break Carlton, Toronto, Ont., hosted by Rick Mercer, former THURSDAY, OCT. 15 May 18-22. It is scheduled to sit May 26-28. The June host of The Rick Mercer Report. The CBC’s Anna Maria Parliamentary possible sitting days are June 1, 5, 8, 12, 15 and 19. Tremonti will be honoured. Tables are $7,500 and Former Liberal deputy prime minister Anne McLel- The Senate is scheduled to sit June 2-4; June 9-11; tickets are $750. For more information on tables and lan, along with Senator Peter Harder, will be honoured June 16-18; and June 22, 23, it breaks June 24 for sponsorship opportunities, contact Josh Gurfi nkel at at this year’s Public Policy Forum Testimonial Dinner Calendar St. Jean Baptiste Day; and it’s scheduled to sit June jgurfi [email protected] or 416-955-0394. and Awards on Oct. 15. The Hill Times fi le photograph 25 and June 26. The Senate breaks from June 29 until PPF Testimonial Dinner and Awards—Join us at the 33rd Sept. 22. The Senate’s possible September sitting days WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 annual event to network and celebrate as the Public Policy are Sept. 21, 25, 28. It’s scheduled to sit Sept. 22-24 Canada’s Foremost Fintech Conference FFCON20—Featur- Forum honours Canadians who have made their mark on and Sept. 29-Oct. 1, with a possible sitting day on ing high-growth start-ups and leading industry experts across policy and leadership. Anne McLellan and Senator Peter Friday, Oct. 2. The possible Senate sitting days are Oct. fi ntech sectors including digital banking, P2P fi nance, AI, Harder will take their place among a cohort of other stellar 5, 9, 19, 23, 26, and 30. It’s scheduled to sit Oct. capital markets, Wealthtech, payments, crypto, and block- Canadians who we’ve honoured over the last 33 years, 6-8; it takes a break from Oct. 12-16; it will sit Oct. chain. July 8-9. Speakers include: Robert Asselin, senior people who have dedicated themselves to making Canada 20-22; and Oct. 27-29. The November possible Senate director public policy, BlackBerry; Paul Schulte, founder and a better place through policy leadership and public service. days are: Nov. 2, 6, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30. It’s scheduled editor, Schulte Research; Craig Asano, founder and CEO, The gala event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the to sit Nov. 3-5; it will take a break from Nov. 9-13; NCFA; George Bordianu, co-founder and CEO, Balance; Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto. MONDAY, MARCH 30 it will sit Nov. 17-19; and Nov. 24-26. The possible Julien Brazeau, partner, Deloitte; Alixe Cormick, president, SATURDAY, OCT. 24 December Senate sitting days are: Dec. 4, 7, and 11. Venture Law Corporation; Nikola Danaylov, founder, keynote House Not Sitting—The House has been suspended The Senate is scheduled to sit Dec. 1-3; Dec. 8-10 and speaker, author futurist, Singularity Media; Pam Draper, Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner—The Parliamentary until Monday, April 20, due to the COVID-19 virus, but it will sit Dec. 14-18. president and CEO, Bitvo; Justin Hartzman, co-founder and Press Gallery Dinner happens on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the it’s expected to return this week for a short time to pass MONDAY, MAY 4 CEO, CoinSmart; Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, founder & CEO, Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Wellington Street. emergency measures in fi nancial aid for Canadians and FrontFundr; Cynthia Huang, CEO and co-founder, Altcoin THURSDAY, NOV. 12 businesses to get through the COVID-19 crisis. As of April International Day of Pink—In celebration of the 50th Fantasy; Austin Hubbel, CEO and co-founder, Consilium 20, it is then scheduled to sit for four straight weeks until anniversary of the Stonewall Riots/Pride; and the 30th Crypto; Patrick Mandic, CEO, Mavennet; Mark Morissette, Liberal Party National Convention—The Liberal May 15. It will take a one-week break and will resume anniversary of the International Day Against Homopho- co-founder & CEO, Foxquilt; Cato Pastoll, co-founder & CEO, Party of Canada announced the 2020 Liberal National sitting again on May 25 and will sit straight through for bia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we are proud to invite Lending Loop; Bernd Petak, investment partner, Northmark Convention will be hosted in Ottawa, from Nov. 12-15. the next four consecutive weeks, until it’s scheduled to you to Stonewall 50 across Canada, in Vancouver, Ventures; Ali Pourdad, Pourdad Capital Partners, Family For more information, please contact: media@liberal. adjourn on June 23. The House adjourns again for three Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Offi ce; Richard Prior, global head of policy and research, ca, 613-627-2384. months and will return in the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, and Cape Breton, from May 4-21, featuring Stonewall FDATA; Richard Remillard, president, Remillard Consulting Conservative Party National Convention—The for three straight weeks. It will adjourn for one week and riot activist Martin Boyce. Stonewall 50 across Canada Group; Jennifer Reynolds, president & CEO, Toronto Finance Conservatives will hold a convention in Quebec City will sit again from Oct. 19 until Nov. 6. It will break again is a free speakers’ series in cities across the country International; Jason Saltzman, partner, Gowling WLG from Nov. 12-14. For more information, please contact for one week and will sit again from Nov. 16 to Dec. 11. featuring Stonewall Riot activist Martin Boyce. Boyce is Canada; James Wallace, co-chair and co-CEO, Exponential; 1-866-808-8407. And that will be it for 2020. among a handful of surviving Stonewall activists whose Alan Wunsche, CEO & chief token offi cer, Tokenfunder; The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. Senate Sitting—The Senate has also been sus- contributions have had a signifi cant impact on our and Danish Yusuf, founder and CEO, Zensurance. For more Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental pended due to the COVID-19 virus, but will sit on communities. Join us as he shares his stories of upris- information, please visit: https://fi ntechandfunding.com/. event in a paragraph with all the relevant details under the Wednesday, March 25 to approve emergency legislation ing and rebellion, what motivated him that night. SATURDAY, OCT. 3 subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to news@hilltimes. sent from the House of Commons. When it’s scheduled WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 com by Wednesday at noon before the Monday paper or by to return, the possible sitting days are April 20, 24, 27, Green Party Convention—The Green Party will hold Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We can’t guaran- and May 1. The Senate is scheduled to sit April 21-23 CJF Awards Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in its convention and elect a new party leader Oct. 3-4, at tee inclusion of every event, but we will defi nitely do our and April 28-30. The possible Senate sittings are May Journalism—The Canadian Journalism Foundation the Delta Hotels Prince Edward in Charlottetown, P.E.I. best. Events can be updated daily online, too. 4, 8, 11, 15, 25, and 29. The Senate is scheduled to Awards will be held on June 10, 2020, at the Ritz- For more information, contact 613-562-4916. The Hill Times The Hill Times is offering free access to all our coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. For the next few weeks, The Hill Times is offering free access to all our news and analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. We are also expanding The Hill Times’ print edition in PDF format to all elected provincial officials, provincial cabinet ministers, and their respective staff across Canada. The Hill Times is taking extra steps to ensure the print edition in PDF format is delivered to all senior decision-makers, in isolation or not. All readers of The Hill Times, including cabinet ministers, MPs, Senators, political staff, senior bureaucrats, and officials in the PMO and PCO will continue to receive their Hill Times’ digital edition (PDF) twice a week, along with our daily coverage on HillTimes.com, along with our seven- days-a-week special email briefings. Print subscriptions will continue to be delivered twice a week. We offer trustworthy political and policy coverage. 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EnergyEnergy policypoliiccy Which federal departments briefifi ng saw pp.pp. 1515-26-26 DeborahDeborah CarloCarloss RRiRichardich Philippe results? HarfHarfordord A. MuMurillouririlllloo CCaCanningsann Le Billon pp. 6-7 We’re adding to Transportation crisis in relationship policy briefi ng: with Indigenous THIRTY-FIRSTTHIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO. 1710 CANADAANADA’S POLITICSOLITICS ANDA GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 $5.00

Hill NewsNews Conservative lleadershipeadership racracee News House committees Todd Doherty, Ashley Morton, Philip Cross, Climbers peoples: Pedro Antunes, Roger Francis, No committee pp. 17-25 p.38 Rose Lemay Sara Kirk, & Alec Soucy Party p. 4 DeadlineDeadline loomslooms fforo low-profi le or caucus roles, Central longtime p.37 CPCCPC candidates,candidates, wwho say party Tory MP Scott Reid still HOH needs more fresh faces,f ideas sidelined after p.2 The ‘traditional playbooksplaybooks of smaller ggovernment,overnment, lower taxes, ttough on crime,’ won’t work to widen the blue breaking rank

tent, says one candidate. ‘We need to break the ceiling and win tthe support of more Canadians.’ BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

RTY-FIRST YEAR, NO. 1705 CANADA’S POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 $5.00 fter being stripped of his Acritic duties during the last Parliament for voting against the party line, longtime Conservative s Wet’suwet’enNews Prime Minister News NAFTA 2.0 MP Scott Reid has been entirely left off of House committee mem- bership lists this time around. Downe calls Up until this Parliament, Mr. NDRIP Reid had spent 15 years as a Trudeau’s handling of for Parliament member of the Procedure and ovides ‘guide’ House Affairs Committee (PROC). to have power “I did not request to be free resolving Wet’suwet’en blockades critical from a committee assignment,” Mr. Reid (Lanark-Frontenac- to amend new Kingston, Ont.) said in an email nsions among response to questions from The NAFTA, Liberals Hill Times. digenous to his political credibility, Mr. Reid declined an interview by phone during the break week pledge to share last week on the subject, and did mmunities not respond when asked whether reconciliation, say former objectives of There are fi ve lesser-knowns running to be Conservative Party leader, including, from left, Jim Karahalios, Derek Sloan, Rick Peterson, Rudy Husny, and Leslyn he believed his lack of committee er questions LeLewis.wis. Photographs courtesycourtesy of Jim Karahalios, RickRick Peterson, RudyRudy Husny, Twitter,Twitter, and FacebookFace assignments this Parliament was down to continued punishment futureTo trade subscribe, call 613-288-1146 or emailBYBY SAMANTHASAMANTHA WRIGHTWRIGHT ALLEN ttoo [email protected] of the lesser-known leader-leader- Beyond Mr. MacKay, Mr. have struggled to get much air for his having previously voted authority, cabinet minister, pollsters against the party line and for sshiphip candidates who say the front- O’TooO’Toolele (Durham,(D Ont.), and two- time in a race that was ramping talks with House he Conservative Party needs runners, fformerormer cacabinetbinet ministers term ConConservative MP Marilyn up even before the federal elec- speaking out about it. y experts a new face, fresh ideas, and to Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole, are Gladu (S(Sarnia—Lambton,a Ont.), “Unfortunately, responding greement #40068926 T to these questions would involve A

BY NEIL MOSS l sstoptop rerehashinghashing ooldld ffeuds,euds, accoraccordingding operating by tthehe old playbooplaybook.k. fi ve other declared candidates Continued on page 12 EATRICE PAEZ a breach of the conventional he power of American lawmak- practice of caucus confi dentiality,” ers to modify trade agreements he wrote. gislation that would imple- T ications Mai

bl As caucus whip, Conservative ment the UN’s declaration has inspired their Canadian counter- u NewsNews PPhoenixhoenix pay systesystemm Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 P A ndigenous rights provides a parts to look for more of their own MP Mark Strahl (Chilliwack– Hope, B.C.) oversees the commit- de forward” in reconciling infl uence over the trade negotiation tee assignment process. Asked ensions at play between the process,To say some parliamentarians. advertise, call 613-688-8841 or email [email protected] about Mr. Reid’s lack of assign- CSG Senator Percy Downe ‘Everything we ddidn’tidn’t ddoo with PhPhoenix’:o feds tap SAP for Continued on page 28 ments, and whether it was part (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) said the work of continued punishment, in an workwork on llonong-awaite-awaitedd Phoenix rreeplacement pilot project email Mr Strahl said“Mr Reid is