Senate Leaders at Impasse on Committees As PSG Balks at Clause

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p. 9 Continued onpage12 Senators. not individual to groupsand seats belong says committee provision that on removinga is contingent committees agreement on backing any say theirgroup Pierre Dalphond Cordy and Senators Jane Progressive Andrew Meade photographs by Hill Times WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14,2020$5.00 The C “critical,” “big boulderdecisions” omy (BOIE)onOct. 8that 10to 15 Commons’ Board ofInternalEcon- told membersoftheHouse and Procurement Canada(PSPC), deputy ministerat PublicServices project, andRob Wright, assistant related tothemassive renovation on spendingandtimingestimates repeatedly requested information with overseeing theproject. from thedepartment charged year, basedonrecentcomments come beforeMPsearlyinthenew welcome centre, couldfinally the underground parliamentary struction ofthefinalphase ing’s renovation, andforcon- COVID-19 track despite work on PSPC says newin year, likelyto land estimates renovation Centre Block News BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT the V-shaped one promised by K-shaped “recovery,” rather than MPs across party lineshave for theCentreBlockbuild- ost estimates and timelines brought to brought to Continued onpage11 you by the byyou the Economic Economic Continued onpage 6 recovery, Dusen letter K Lisa Van p. 6

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2 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Heard on the Hill by Neil Moss House committees return with some

Conservative MPs David Sweet, right, Marilyn Gladu, middle, and Robert Kitchen, left, have been elected as chairs of the House Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics, the new faces as chairs House Committee on the Status of Women, and the House Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, respectively. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

ith the new parliamentary session un- Liberal MP Andy Fillmore showed off arbitrarily detained. Michael Kovrig and Wderway, House of Commons committees his turkey and his seven-seat Thanksgiving Michael Spavor must be brought home. Consul General Nadia Theodore are starting to take shape with some chairs table in a tweet. This is something for which all Canadians departs Canada’s foreign service already elected, including a few new faces. “The Thanksgiving table is set and it is stand united,” the speech noted. Conservative MP David Sweet was elected turkey time,” he tweeted. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also the new chair of the House Committee on Ac- Fellow Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine- raised the issue in an Oct. 10 call with U.S. cess to Information, Privacy, and Ethics. The Smith celebrated the holiday with a mix of President Donald Trump and thanked him committee was previously chaired by Tory MP indoor and outdoor dining. for the United States’ support in seeking Rachael Harder in the last session. “Strange and difficult times, but thank- their release. The committee has been in the spotlight ful for family (even when some of us need amid the WE Charity controversy. It had to eat outside),” he tweeted. unorthodox back-to-back Thursday and Some took the opportunity for a hike to Angus recognized for Friday meetings on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9, as the take in the changing colour of leaves. mental health advocacy Conservatives are hoping to resurrect an at- “The fall colours are stunning,” noted NDP MP Charlie Angus has been hon- tempt to get documents related to the affair Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara. oured with an award for his mental health released. The Oct. 9 meeting lasted more For Conservative Deputy Leader Can- advocacy. than four hours as Liberal MPs filibustered dice Bergen, the holiday weekend had an Mr. Angus was one of seven to be named before the meeting was adjourned with the added significance, with the four-term MP a Champion of Mental Health award recipi- support of the Bloc Québécois. getting married. ent this year. Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu was “Thanksgiving was extra special for us “Charlie Angus has been an advocate elected chair of the Committee on the Sta- this year,” she tweeted of her wedding. for mental health and minority communi- Nadia Theodore has been Canada’s consul general tus of Women. The committee was chaired ties for decades. At the age of 25, Mr. An- to the southeastern United States since 2017. by now-Conservative Deputy House Detained Canadians get virtual gus and his wife opened a Catholic Worker Photograph courtesy of Twitter/Nadia Theodore Leader Karen Vecchio in the last session. House for the homeless, refugees, and Tory MP Robert Kitchen is the new consular visit, first in months men coming out of prison in Toronto that After more than 15 years at Global Affairs chair of the House Commit- provided a no-questions-asked site for men Canada, Nadia Theodore is leaving Canada’s tee on Government Opera- looking for a safe place to sleep and have a foreign service to join the private sector. tions and Estimates. He re- meal,” a press release noted. Ms. Theodore has been Canada’s consul places his caucus colleague, Mr. Angus forwarded a private mem- general to the southeastern United States Saskatchewan MP Tom ber’s motion in 2019 to establish an action since 2017. She was based in Atlanta. Lukiwski. plan on suicide prevention that passed the Already, she has been named the senior All but one of the Liberal- House with unanimous consent. vice president of industry and global gov- chaired committees remain He was presented with the award in a ernment relations of Maple Leaf Foods. unchanged. Brampton Oct. 6 virtual ceremony by NDP Leader “I look forward to waving another Maple MP Ruby Sahota remains Jagmeet Singh. Leaf flag in my next chapter and continuing chair of the Procedure and “This is the job I do—I don’t see this as to showcase the best of what Canada has to House Affairs Committee, special,” Mr. Angus said. “When you see offer the world,” she tweeted. while New Brunswick MP Pat a problem in your community, you step While at Global Affairs, Ms. Theodore Finnigan continues as chair up because you have to step up. It’s your worked on trade policy and negotiations, in- of the Agriculture and Agri- obligation.” Michael Spavor, left, and Michael Kovrig, right, have been cluding on Canada’s free trade agreements Food Committee, North York Health Minister Patty Hajdu, Trans- detained by Chinese authorities since December 2018. with 10 fellow Pacific Rim nations (the MP Yasmin Ratansi chairs the port Minister Marc Garneau, and Digital Photographs courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement Committee on Environment Government Minister Joyce Murray also for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and with the and Sustainable Develop- spoke at the award ceremony, as did Bloc European Union (the Comprehensive Eco- ment, P.E.I. MP Wayne Easter Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet nomic and Trade Agreement). She also was chairs the Finance Committee, B.C. MP Ron have been detained by Chinese authorities and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. posted to Canada’s mission to the World McKinnon holds the gavel at the Health for more than 700 days, were recently grant- Mr. Angus has represented Timmins-James Trade Organization. Committee, Scarborough MP John McK- ed their first consular visit since January. Bay, Ont., in the House since 2004. Many politicos shared congratulatory ay heads the Committee on Public Safety The Chinese government has not been messages with Ms. Theodore, including Con- and National Security, and Nova Scotia allowing Canadian officials to visit the two servative MP and past international trade MP Geoff Regan helms the Special Commit- detained Canadians citing the COVID-19 minister Ed Fast, former Liberal-turned- tee on Canada-China Relations. pandemic. Independent MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes, But the Liberal-chaired House Foreign The Canada-China consular agreement and Independent Senator Peter Boehm, a Affairs and International Development Com- mandates that visits to Canadian citizens former career diplomat. mittee will have a new chair, as past chair detained in China “may be made on a re- Ms. Theodore’s last day as consul gen- and Liberal MP Michael Levitt resigned curring basis” and that “no longer than one eral was on Oct. 9. from political life in September. month shall be allowed to pass between [email protected] As the governing party, the Liberals visits requested by a consular officer.” The Hill Times chair 22 out of 26 of the House Stand- Some have suggested that the withhold- ing Committees, as well as the Special ing of consular access is a breach of the CLARIFICATION: Canada-China Committee. agreement. The Hill Times, Oct. 12, issue The eight remaining committee chairs Canadian Ambassador to China Domi- will be elected on Oct. 14 and 15. nic Barton had virtual consular access with “‘Much more gets accomplished when Mr. Spavor on Oct. 9 and with Mr. Kovrig hyper-partisanship is taken out of politics’: MPs celebrate Thanksgiving with on Oct. 10. Consular officials last had visits MPs, experts, politicos weigh in on leader- with the two Canadians on Jan. 13 and Jan. ship during global pandemic’s second turkey, hiking, and a wedding 14, respectively. w a v e ,” ( The Hill Times, Oct. 12, p. 1). This With public health officials advising The cases of Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor article inadvertently omitted NDP Leader many to keep their Thanksgiving gatherings were highlighted in the recent Throne Jagmeet Singh from the list of party lead- to a small group, this year’s celebrations Speech. ers NDP MP Don Davies said he thought NDP MP Charlie Angus forwarded a private Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should have were far different than years past. But MPs “The government will also continue to member’s motion in 2019 to establish an still commemorated the holiday with some stand up for human rights and the rule of invited to Harrington Lake during the sum- action plan on suicide prevention. The Hill mer for talks surrounding the pandemic. traditional elements. law. It is unacceptable that any citizen be Times photograph by Andrew Meade THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 3 Comment ATIPs: a headache in need of a cure

so had little to do with the processing of Information the requests; hence the complaints. The For any real change to paperwork. It was only when I moved to Commissioner recent amendments allow the commis- Foreign Affairs and International Trade Caroline Maynard sioner greater investigative powers, but occur, there have to be (now Global Affairs) that I became more released her allow departments and agencies to refuse familiar with the process. 2019-20 report in requests “they view as vexatious, made in reasonable amendments ATIPs, I learned, were shunned by many late September. bad faith or otherwise an abuse of the right that protect speculative because they were tedious, time consuming, She is promising to make access requests.” The commis- involved an enormous amount of paper (yes, to reduce the sioner is promising to reduce the number discussions and open policy everything was done on paper), and had to be number of of complaints by requestors, and make note-perfect, as information might escape that complaints by the process more transparent. Meanwhile, making, but do not permit was meant to be confidential. The distaste for requestors, and critics continue to call for the act to be ATIPs meant they were sometimes farmed make the process overhauled. cover-ups of embarrassing out: it was not unusual for me to run into some more transparent. For any real change to occur, there have information. newly retired officer, who had come back to do The Hill Times to be reasonable amendments that protect ATIP work, because no one else would. photograph by speculative discussions and open policy In time, making the best of a bad situation, Andrew Meade making, but do not permit cover-ups of em- I learned a lot about the department through barrassing information. This would mean the information, and was able to whip through section. If this sounds somewhat Dickensian careful paring of the exemptions. There dozens of pages of emails or documents in in the modern age, it was. The only time a also has to be a computerized system of short order. This was aided by a cheat sheet, computer was used was to print the docu- processing documents, to reduce paper and referred to as “ATIPs for Dummies,” that listed ment or provide an e-mail summary. the gap between request and delivery. the key points for exemption under the Access The demand for information has In the British television comedy Yes, to Information Act. The exemptions included: increased enormously in the past decade, Minister, Minister Jim Hacker calls for “open advice to ministers, communication between as journalists and individuals have sought government.” The secretary to cabinet says all levels of government and foreign govern- greater insight into decision-making. “You can have open government or you can ments, information that could be damaging Naturally, there have been recent backlogs, have government. But you can’t have both.” Andrew Caddell to international affairs and defence, and my which have been exacerbated by the pan- It is hard not to be cynical, but when favourite, cabinet confidences. With All Due Respect demic: when no one is in the office, paper it comes to making changes to ATIPs, The standard procedure was to highlight can’t be processed, and confidential docu- ministers and senior public servants prob- the offending passages with a yellow high- ments can’t be viewed on home e-mails. ably prefer the perspective of the fictitious AMOURASKA, QUE.—One of the jobs lighter and attach a Post-it note to the pas- On Sept. 29, Information Commissioner cabinet secretary to that of the critics or Kpublic servants most dislike is responding sage, then write out a summary as to what Caroline Maynard, published her 2020 the current information commissioner. to Access to Information and Privacy requests, section of the act was pertinent. The yellow report. It points out her office registered Andrew Caddell is retired from Global known as ATIPs. When I was a public servant, highlighter was important, as it was trans- more than 6,000 new complaints in 2019- Affairs Canada, where he was a senior poli- it was the sort of job dumped on junior officers, parent on paper, but when photocopied, was 20, “more than double the amount received cy adviser. He previously worked as an ad- or those new to a division, as others more black. So, the original document contents in the previous year.” viser to Liberal governments. He is a fellow senior avoided them like the plague. were visible to the people processing the re- While there have been amendments with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute I hadCACAdvocacyAd-FinancialRelief-bleeds.pdf been vaguely familiar with 1ATIPs 9/8/2020 8:09:56quest, AM but blotted out to the eventual reader. to the act since it first came into effect and a principal of QIT Canada. He can be when I worked in ministers’ offices, but Then the dossier was signed by two se- in 1983, it still offers greater advantages reached at [email protected]. I was then at the top of the food chain, nior managers and walked over to the ATIP to the government than to those making The Hill Times

C M MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY. Y

CM Canada’s airports are in distress.

MY

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

One way to support Canada’s airports is to provide immediate financial relief through a moratorium on ground lease rents, interest-free loans, or operational support that will help cover operating costs and alleviate the need for rate increases during the recovery.

Find out more about the ways to help Canada’s airports as they work for travellers and communities at www.canadasairports.ca/mayday. 4 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Senate audit committee

is ‘a step Conservative Senator David Wells, left, introduced a motion on Oct. 1 that would finally create a Senate audit and oversight committee after years of discussion. The motion has the support of the other Senate group leaders, say Independent Senator Acting Facilitator Raymonde Saint-Germain, and Canadian Senators Group Leader Scott Tannas, forward,’ with right. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and courtesy of Senator David Wells who are non-voting and hand- see this as an interim step, and I pulled several members from the picked is a “terrible compromise,” do know that there are a number ISG. unethical, a clear conflict of of other ISG Senators who share PSG leader Jane Cordy said interest, and looks bad on the my disappointment. We were as- she’s comfortable with the ap- non-voting Senate, giving the impression that sured it was the best deal possible proach, and was assured the it still doesn’t take ethical issues under the circumstances, and Senate could broaden committee seriously. maybe that’s true for now, but numbers so all groups are repre- “If you have three Senators this is far from over,” said Sen. sented. on a committee and two outsid- McPhedran. “It’s just taking forever and I external ers, it’s obvious that the Senators At some point you’ve got to know that there are many people will review the expenses and accept compromise, said Pro- who would suggest changes, I make the final decisions,” said Mr. gressive Senator Peter Harder, a understand that, but my feel- Fournier, who said it’s best to lis- longtime advocate for external ing is let’s get moving, just get ten to former auditor general Mi- oversight, who said that’s still started,”and look to make further members a chael Ferguson, whose scathing where he hopes this committee is changes once it’s up and running, 2015 report said an independent, headed. she said. five-member oversight body was “It is a step forward but it is Still, Sen. Cordy said she was necessary to bring transforma- not the ultimate objective,” said surprised to hear Sen. Saint-Ger- tional change to how the institu- the Ontario Senator, who sup- main say it’s decided that none of necessary tion manages expenses. ports the committee. the PSG’s 11 members will be in “It’s just not ethical. The ap- “If I were to insist on this the inaugural group, saying noth- pearance is terrible,” he said, point of view, we would make no ing about committees has been and the “bottom line” is Senators progress on that and to me that’s agreed on. reviewing their own expenses unacceptable,” said Sen. Harder. CSG Leader Scott Tannas (Al- compromise, creates a conflict of interest. “In “Politics is the art of the possible berta) expressed surprise at hear- dealing with these situations, I and sometimes compromise is ing the two external members think you need clarity, particu- important to make progress.” will be non-voting, but said he’s larly when you’re dealing with not too bothered by that fact. delicate, potentially controversial ‘Just get started,’ say “To me, it’s about a committee say Senators issues that relate to conflict of in- that’s going to work to make sure terest and the review of expens- groups of long-delayed money is being spent efficiently, es… It’s not clean, it’s not clear, it committee that people are operating ef- 1 to create the new committee. It’s doesn’t pass the smell test.” While Sen. Saint-Germain said ficiently, and have the ability to ‘The appearance is the first time the Senate has struck He especially took issue with she personally wanted the exter- express their concerns if they a new standing committee since Sen. Wells’ assertion before the nal members to hold voting posi- see something they don’t like,” he terrible,’ says former 2014, and Senators unanimously Senate that Canada is now a tions, it was not possible accord- said, and the group “respectfully supported the motion. world leader. If that were true, ing to the rules of the Parliament disagreed” with Ferguson that Senate ethics officer The committee will be made Canada would follow the Austra- of Canada Act. Both she and Sen. members all should be external. Jean Fournier of the up of three Senators and two lian or U.K. models, established Wells said their understanding “The Senate is an institution non-voting members who will in 2017 and 2009, respectively, of the act is that parliamentary [and] has to be responsible for its Red Chamber’s long- be selected by the Senate on the which both established indepen- committees must be made up of own affairs and its own spend- recommendation of the other dent parliamentary expenses Parliamentarians, and while they ing,” he said, noting the ability to awaited new oversight three members. At least one ex- authorities with no politicians as changed the Senate Rules to give file a dissenting report is a “heavy ternal member must be present their members, said Mr. Fournier. external members access to meet- threat” in the external members’ group, which gives at all meetings for there to be a When Senators consulted their ings, voting is a different matter. arsenal. Senators a final say quorum, and any member can is- U.K. counterparts, Sen. Wells said When the Senate returns Oct. The groups were close to an sue a dissenting opinion on public the British Parliamentarians said 27, it’s expected the three Sena- agreement on this committee for on review of their reports. Both Sen. Wells and Sen. they shouldn’t have done it that tors will be named, and when about a year, he said, but delays Saint-Germain highlighted the way, and mistakes were made they meet, they will select the two caused by the election, winter expenses. ability to dissent as key to trans- because of public pressure in the external members to put before break, and COVID-19, especially, parency, with Sen. Wells calling it wake of their own scandal—MPs all Senators for agreement. The got in the way of its introduc- a “groundbreaking” approach. making inappropriate spending rules set out that the new commit- tion. claims that led to the creation of Like Mr. Fournier, who said he Continued from page 1 “We’re going much farther tee’s chair can’t come from the than a simple audit and we will the powerful Independent Parlia- same Senate group as the chair doesn’t know many who—includ- damning auditor general’s report be very public. We have two ex- mentary Standards Authority. of the powerful Senate Internal ing himself—would serve on the recommended a completely ternal members that will be able “We learned from that,” said Economy Committee—in this committee if asked, Sen. McPhe- independent panel monitor the to make any public declarations,” Sen. Wells. “For someone to say Parliament’s case, the ISG—and dran questioned the ability to find Chamber’s expenses. said Sen. Saint-Germain (De la that [the U.K.’s] is the world a preliminary agreement from good quality external members. Conservative Senator David Vallière, Que.) of the “very mod- model I think is incorrect. I think earlier this month seen by The “Who are we going to get of Wells and Independent Senator ern” committee, which will look time will show what the Senate Hill Times puts a Conservative substance and credibility and Raymonde Saint-Germain, who into the Senate’s whole budget— of Canada has done will be the Senator in the role. expertise willing to take such a both sat on the subcommittee estimated at $115.6-million this world model. This will be fully Sen. Saint-Germain said she nominal role in such a crucial struck in 2015 to address the mat- year—rather than just the Senator transparent.” expects it’ll be created within the responsibility?” she said. ter, said making the external mem- office budgets examined in the Independent Senator Marilou first couple days. The members Sen. Saint-Germain said the bers non-voting was a necessary 2015 auditor general report. McPhedran (Manitoba) said she will come from the ISG, Conser- committee will look for high compromise to move forward. The “Let’s suppose the first report of shares Mr. Fournier’s assess- vative caucus, and the Canadian profile people who aren’t afraid to ISG had long been advocating for this committee, we have a dissident ment and has been “dismayed Senators Group (CSG), she said, speak publicly, and both she and external members, while a 2017 report, that will be the headlines, and disappointed” by the whole and while there have been discus- Sen. Wells said Senators should recommendation suggested it be the dissident,” said Sen. Saint-Ger- process leading to the commit- sions about who will populate offer judgement after it’s had time comprised solely of Senators. main. “So we’re going very very far.” tee’s creation. them, she couldn’t confirm who to meet. “You either come to a compro- “It is a gross exaggeration to those individuals would be. That “Let’s give it a chance for it to mise or this doesn’t get done. And ‘Far from over’: Sen. say this is anything close to a lead- leaves out a fourth currently work,” she said. “We are all aware we saw for five years this didn’t get ing example of responsible over- recognized group in the Red that our credibility and credibility done because people weren’t will- McPhedran sight,” she said, saying it’s clearly Chamber: the Progressive Sen- of the Senate is important and ing to compromise,” said Sen. Wells Former Senate ethics officer neither sufficient nor genuine. ate Group (PSG), which formed this committee will be part of it.” (Newfoundland and Labrador), Jean Fournier said the move to “All I can say that gives me earlier this year from the former [email protected] who introduced a motion on Oct. have only two external members any hope here is that we have to Senate Liberals and has since The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 5 News

Looking to the first quarter of 2020-21, House first- the $3-million spent on transportation and telecommunications so far repre- sents a $6-million decrease from the Senate art group same period in 2019, largely attributed quarter to the dip in travel by MPs, staff, parlia- mentary associations, and committees as a result of COVID-19. Fewer service con- turns focus to tracts, training, and hospitality costs saw spending expenses for professional and special services drop $2-million to $2.5-million, a figure partially offset by costs related drops to supporting a virtual Chamber. The restoration, finding temporary shuttering of food and print- ing services in March, and the reduced demand for office supplies resulting from $7.4-million Hill offices being cleared out helped the cost of utilities, materials, and supplies gaps in Indigenous drop almost $2-million to just $553,000 overall, in the first quarter. As well, salaries and benefits totalled $96.6-million in the first quarter, a $462,000 drop from the same period last year attributed to a “decrease representation largely in the number of employees of Mem- bers and House Officers as a result of COVID-19”—a decrease offset by cost of ‘We can do it in small steps living, staff salary, and MP sessional al- thanks to lowances increases. and make big impacts,’ Asked how many employees have been laid off since COVID-19 was declared a says Senator Patricia Bovey COVID-19 pandemic, House chief human resources officer Pierre Parent said no full-time of a plan to broaden the House administration staff have been laid Indigenous works the off, but individuals who were on call to Up to mid-September, the come in as needed have not been called Chamber highlights, and House of Commons has back (he did not have specific figures). Surpluses have been used to offset help with reconciliation. spent roughly $3.2-million spending increases related to COVID, said Mr. Paquette. related to COVID-19, New equipment purchases to enable BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN House administration staff and MPs and Manitoba Senator Patricia Bovey chairs the Upper according to chief financial their staff to work remotely—including fter bringing in the first paintings by Chamber’s artwork and heritage advisory working new investments in constituency of- ABlack artists to adorn the walls of the group, and is pushing to see more diversity officer Daniel Paquette. fices—saw spending on computers, office Senate Building, the Upper Chamber’s art- represented in the art presented in the Senate. equipment, furniture, and fixtures jump work and heritage advisory working group Photograph courtesy of the Senate of Canada BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT $1.1-million compared to the first quar- is turning its eye to restoration and identify- ter of 2019 to reach almost $3.4-million. ing gaps in its Indigenous art collection. “I’m very glad the move is over. When embers of the House of Commons’ Remote working conditions increased the On Oct. 8, the Senate’s Internal Econo- you move house you’re focused on the MBoard of Internal Economy recently demand for maintenance and IT support, my, Budgets, and Administration Commit- move and it’s when you get things back got a preview of how the COVID-19 pan- accounting for a $522,000 boost in spend- tee approved the group’s recommendation in the cupboard, you realize ‘Oh, there’s demic has affected Parliament’s books, ing on repairs and maintenance com- for $100,000 to be divided equally on art- a chip on the plate’. Now we’ve got to and while offset by some new costs, like pared to the first quarter of 2019, totalling work conservation and furniture restora- redouble back,” she said, to look at gaps in $1.4-million to run a virtual Chamber, the $1.1-million. tion for this fiscal year. the collection. House spent almost $7.4-million less in the The House has also seen a $1.2-million The next big project is to restore five One gap she thinks is in Canadians’ first quarter compared to last year. decrease in revenue, largely related to the pre-Confederation Senate Speaker’s awareness of the art in the Senate’s collec- The House of Commons was allo- closure of cafeteria, restaurant, and other portraits spanning from the 1850s to 1874: tion. So, the group hopes to invite curators cated a total budget of $516.4-million food services as a result of the pandemic, Pierre-Joseph-Olivier Chauveau, Narcisse- from each province and territory to write through the 2020-21 main estimates— bringing in just $449,000 in the first quar- Fortunat Belleau, William Smith, Étienne- about the significance of a piece in its col- which were introduced in February but ter. Paschal Taché, and Jonathan Sewell. lection to make the work more accessible have yet to be approved—a decrease of At its Oct. 8 meeting, the BOIE also “The paintings are amazing. They’re to the average person. almost $4.4-million, or 0.8 per cent, from approved the House of Commons’ share really important at the cusp of Canadian Art can play an important role in recon- 2019-20. The main estimates were re- of the $2.3-million budgeted to host the history,” said Progressive Senator Patricia ciliation, added Sen. Bovey and it’s impor- tabled last month after the new session 48th annual session of the parliamentary Bovey (Manitoba), an art historian who tant that the work hanging in the Senate of Parliament began, as required by the assembly of la Francophonie in Montreal chairs the group and was a gallery director Building by Indigenous creators covers the Standing Orders. from July 7 to 12, 2022. With costs split and curator before being appointed to the full diversity of voices from coast to coast. House spending between April 1 and 70-30 between the House and the Sen- Red Chamber in 2016. “I don’t think the Indigenous art that June 30 totalled $114.3-million, down ate, respectively, the House’s share totals The needs are “critical” because the we currently have on view in the Senate of $7.38-million, or 6.1 per cent, compared to $912,140. Of that, $19,564 will come from lining on the backs of the 19th century can- Canada Building is properly reflective and the $121.7-million spent in the first quarter anticipated surpluses from the almost vases are torn from years of being pulled is properly representative,” she said, and so of 2019-20. $9-million allocated for committees, over the sharp wood edges built in the time there needs to be a plan forecasting how to While a further analysis of the impact parliamentary associations, and ex- before painters used bevelled edges that address that in coming years. She said she COVID-19 has had on Parliament’s bottom changes in 2020-21, and another $124,671 were kinder to the canvas. hopes to walk through the collection with line is currently underway, including a look to be absorbed from similar anticipated An expert from the Canadian Conserva- an Indigenous curator in Ottawa to help at spending in the second quarter (which surpluses in 2021-22. The remaining tion Institute will fix the wood stretchers and identify—and ultimately address—what’s ended Sept. 30), House chief financial of- $767,905 will be included in the 2022-23 clean the paintings and add new varnish and missing, through what the group is calling ficer Daniel Paquette said “all indications main estimates. reglazing to get it up to current standards. a “gap analysis.” show we saved more money than we have The Senate Internal Economy, Budgets, As for heritage artifacts, the desks That analysis should be completed by spent,” noting that “a lot of our savings are and Administration Committee approved Senators use in the Chamber were made February 2021 and Sen. Bovey said it’ll attributed to travel spending.” Mr. Paquette its share, totalling $329,000, on Oct. 8. right after a fire tore through Centre Block offer a foundation for a plan in the years said he would return to the Board of In- Liberal MP Francis Drouin (Glengarry- in 1916 and the group contends are among ahead to install new works, either by re- ternal Economy (BOIE), which acts as the Prescott-Russel, Ont.), chair of the Cana- the most significant pieces of furniture in questing loans or purchasing new art. executive governing body of the House of dian section, noted it’ll be Canada’s third the Senate’s heritage collection. “Like we did [with the] honouring Commons, with a “more fulsome analysis” time playing host, having done so each “We all have to realize we use these Canada’s Black artists wall, we can do it in a few weeks time. time it’s held the presidency of the assem- artifacts all the time. We’re sitting in the in small steps and make big impacts,” said But, up to mid-September, he said the bly. The last two times it was held in Otta- heritage chairs, we’re working at the Sen. Bovey in reference to a recent instal- House has spent almost $3.2-million relat- wa. The possibility of the session becoming desks,” she said, and that use requires an- lation, adding the response has been “over- ed to COVID-19, including $1.4-million to a virtual or hybrid event remains, said Mr. nual conservation upkeep. The case used whelming and very humbling and earned operate a virtual Chamber. External print- Drouin, but as it stands now, it’s estimated to hold the golden Senate mace, used in significant attention, even internationally. ing services, which MPs relied on after 450 delegates will attend. daily proceedings and dating back at least “I think we do have a responsibility to the House’s printing facilities temporarily Given the uncertainty around CO- to 1758 as the oldest ceremonial mace in take this international language, as spoken closed in mid-March, have cost $1.1-mil- VID-19, planners have been instructed to Canada, is also on the docket. visually by artists, and make sure the na- lion, he said, and MPs have spent roughly ensure contracts for hotels, transportation, Now that the Senate move from Centre tion’s represented, and that’s why we’re $287,000 on COVID-related supplies and conference space and the like include an Block to the Senate of Canada Building is starting with this gap for the Indigenous equipment, while computer equipment and escape clause for force majeure. over and the art is in place in the new build- work first.” other supplies for the administration have [email protected] ing or safe in storage, the working group can [email protected] cost $396,000. The Hill Times turn its eye to other things, said Sen. Bovey. The Hill Times 6 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Comment

The unprecedented factor in this recovery effort as Economic inequality, opposed to 2009— domestically and internationally—is the exponential, inhibiting, and COVID-19, and the exploitable power of uncertainty, writes Lisa Van Dusen. Capital in the Twenty-First Century butterfly effect screenshot via Netflix posed to 2009—domestically and of maladaptation, plummeting pet monkey, and Donald Trump The K-shaped recovery isn’t internationally—is the exponen- public revenues, and chronic pan- As the IMF-World was still tweeting about Barack just an alphabetic portrait of tial, inhibiting, and exploitable demic deficits could create a debt Obama’s birthplace, a literary phe- any bifurcated economy. Because power of uncertainty. trap with consequences beyond Bank annual nomenon was born. The book Cap- of the context of this particular Globally, the inequality im- socioeconomics. Among other ital in the Twenty-First Century by K, it captures the degree to which pact of the lockdown is clear. In prospects, China—as the embold- meeting unfolds in French economist Thomas Piketty a pre-existing digital divide has its “Poverty and Shared Prosper- ened beneficiary of the cata- screenspace this was published in the original been exacerbated by a pandemic ity Report 2020: Reversals of strophic butterfly effect of a Wuhan French in August of that year. that puts lower-paying, off-line Fortune,” the World Bank last bat—will presumably use its rapid week, pandemic- By May 2014, the book’s English jobs and the lives of the people week estimated that between 88 recovery from the pandemic and translation was a No. 1 New York who do them in greater peril. That and 115 million additional people relative economic heft to further le- widened inequality Times bestseller and rising econom- lower leg of the K is the free-fall will be pushed into extreme pov- verage anti-democracy outcomes, ic inequality had risen in the public of human beings who are now erty in 2020. “To reverse this seri- including through the IMF’s New looms large. discourse. “Gini coefficient” went experiencing acute vulnerabil- ous setback,” World Bank Group Arrangements to Borrow bilateral from the national income inequality ity based on race, skills, educa- president David Malpass said, funding mechanism. measure that peppers the chat at tion, access to health care, food “countries will need to prepare Meanwhile, Piketty’s new IMF/World Bank annual meetings, security, and other determinants for a different economy post-CO- book, Capital and Ideology, isn’t like the ones unfolding virtually this amplified by COVID. VID, by allowing capital, labour, the blockbuster follow-up it week, to something Bieber might Because of Canada’s social skills, and innovation to move might be were its title Capital and name his next monkey. safety net—especially universal into new businesses and sectors.” Hyper-corruption, since ideology This year, economic inequal- health care—emergency expen- In other words the deficit spend- is beside the point of most wicked ity is rising in more ways than ditures by the federal govern- ing the IMF has urged to mitigate problems these days. But the docu- on Google Trends (from 34 ment, and our relative efficiency what managing director Kristalina mentary Capital in the Twenty- worldwide on Aug. 8 to 100 Oct. in containing the virus, it has Georgieva refers to as “scarring”— First Century is on Netflix, and 10), as the necessary restrictions seen less divergent trajectories. the long-term drop in productivity well worth catching while you can. Lisa Van Dusen imposed to fight COVID-19 have In September, 378,000 jobs were generated by lost skills, health, Lisa Van Dusen is associate and hope—should factor in the editor of Policy Magazine and What Fresh Hell hit struggling middle class, work- created—three quarters of the ing poor, and poor citizens like a way to pre-COVID employment future shock that loomed before was a Washington and New York- force-multiplying gut punch. As but gains still dependent on the the lockdown; the 40 per cent of based editor at UPI, AP, and ABC. ack in 2013, when Beyoncé you may have heard, the graphic whims of a virus and the race for jobs in the old economy expected She writes a weekly column for Bwas Drunk in Love, Justin illustration of this is the inferior a vaccine. The unprecedented fac- to be lost to technology in the next The Hill Times. Bieber was breaking up with his diagonal stroke of the letter K. tor in this recovery effort as op- decade. Otherwise, the confluence The Hill Times

continued to paint a rosy picture If you own stocks or own a home, However, this discrepancy is Don’t expect of a quick economic rebound— you’ve benefitted financially from nothing new and it’s not tempo- hence the “V” in the shape of the economic effects of COVID-19. rary, it’s structural. In 2011, the recovery—from a global pandemic If not, you’re SOL. And therein Canadian Centre for Policy Alter- that by that time had taken 8,857 lies the inequities of the economic natives published a report entitled, the post-COVID Canadian lives. Seems like a pricy “recovery,” whenever that is. “Canada’s Colour Coded Labour miscalculation on Deloitte’s part. “On the flip side is the situation Market: The Gap for Racialized Instead, we will more likely in sectors including hotels, travel, Workers,” which found that “even see a K-shaped recovery—when entertainment, and restaurants, in the best of economic times, the economic recovery actually occurs—which where establishments are closing pay gap between racialized and is one marked by diverging eco- (or might do so after patio season non-racialized Canadians is large: nomic realities of specific sectors is over). Workers in those sectors racialized Canadians earn only of the economy. In other words, as are facing shortened hours or 81.4 cents for every dollar paid recovery tide to in the United States, we may be outright unemployment,” wrote to non-racialized Canadians. The facing the most unequal econom- economist Linda Nazareth in The income gap stems from disparities ic recovery in history. Globe and Mail. These service sec- in the distribution of good paying, The Canada-wide lockdown in tor workers are more likely to be more-secure jobs. The data show March was necessary to stop the racialized, with “the concentration racialized Canadians have slightly raise all the boats spread of the virus by “flattening of certain racialized groups in in- higher levels of labour market the curve,” or reducing the second dustries that have been dispropor- participation, yet they continue to derivative (ah, calculus does have tionately affected by the pandemic,” experience higher levels of unem- Canadian multiculturalism has come to signify applications to real life). Many as concluded by the Financial ployment and earn less income economic experts predicted that Post. The August Labour Force than non-racialized Canadians.” racialized Canadians tryna make a dollar out reopening the economy would survey from Statistics Canada This is what Canadian multi- of 15 cents while white Canadians enjoy access encourage a rebound of business emphasizes these inequities with culturalism has come to signify— activity brought about by pent-up statistical analysis that showed racialized Canadians tryna make to good-paying, secure jobs in industries that demand and a return to normal the unemployment rate falling 0.7 a dollar out of 15 cents while levels. What they didn’t factor percentage points overall, while the white Canadians enjoy access haven’t missed a beat. into their propitious calculations unemployment rate for “Arab (17.9 to good-paying, secure jobs in were the consumption effects of per cent), Black (17.6 per cent), industries that haven’t missed the pandemic—fewer customers and Southeast Asian (16.6 per a beat relocating their staff to Continued from page 1 mean less revenue means less cent) Canadians continued to have the comforts of their suburban, economic experts in the summer. staff means higher unemploy- significantly higher unemployment 2000-plus-square-foot homes. “Canadian economic data is show- ment. In other words, even a fully rates than Canadians who were not So, the next time your off- ing a ‘V’ shaped recovery so far,” opened business would see a drop a member of a population group brand uncle blabbers on at proclaimed a July Deloitte blog in revenue because consumer be- designated as a visible minority the holiday dinner table about entry dedicated to economic in- haviour has changed in response and who did not identify as Indig- systemic racism as a left-wing, sights of the pandemic. Oh, okay. to a public health crisis. As I enous (9.4 per cent, not seasonally Antifa conspiracy promulgated The post goes on to say that some wrote in my last column, ‘Rona “is adjusted).” This is the first labour by liberal snowflakes, remind evidence suggested “consumers the constraint to any rebound.” force survey that analyzed disag- him that there is truth behind the Erica Ifill were making fewer trips to stores So, who’s winning? The stock gregated data by race. numbers—if he can read. Bad+Bitchy and behaving in a more cautious market is performing better than Look what you find when you Erica Ifill is a co-host of the way.” You’d think that would give ever—particularly tech, finance, move the furniture to vacuum Bad+Bitchy podcast. the author pause, but instead he and grocery stocks, to name a few. behind the couch. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 7 Comment For Canada, the trade debate never ends

A Democratic victory Our dependence on a single export market, the U.S., is on Nov. 3 by Joe Biden unusually pronounced for an economically advanced would eliminate country, and U.S. President the gratuitous anti- Donald Trump has regularly taken advantage of this Canadian attitude situation to turn the screws on Ottawa, writes Les favoured by Trump, Whittington. White House but the Democrats’ photograph by Tia Dufour attitude on free trade is mixed.

Les Whittington Need to Know

TTAWA—Former prime min- Oister John Turner, who died on Sept. 19, faced the collective resources and determination of not only Progressive Conserva- tives, but also nearly the entire tributed to a decline of Canadian economic benefits that reduced pronounced for an economically stipulations on U.S. public works Canadian business community and American manufacturing. barriers to trade have stimulated advanced country, and Trump has projects. in his losing campaign against But economists disagree on the internationally for decades. regularly taken advantage of this A Democratic victory on Nov. Canada-U.S. free trade in 1988. overall impact and net lost jobs in U.S. President Donald Trump’s situation to turn the screws on 3 by Joe Biden would eliminate The pro-trade push that helped Canada and the U.S. America-first obsession ignores Ottawa. the gratuitous anti-Canadian Brian Mulroney win the pivotal Turner could have been forgiv- that history. Overall, his tariffs The benefits of NAFTA 2.0 are attitude favoured by Trump and battle over Canada’s economic en for shaking his head in irony have cost American consumers debatable and, at best, limited, probably end the threat of more future also got unexpected sup- on this in recent years. Here was $80-billion in what are, in effect, but losing preferential access to totally unwarranted tariffs. But port from then-president Ronald Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, taxes in the way of tariffs. And on the U.S. market, still the destina- the Democrats’ attitude on free Reagan, who weighed in late in the son of his cabinet colleague a net basis, Trump’s protection- tion for 75 per cent of Canada’s trade is mixed. For one thing, the Canadian election. In high- Pierre, fighting to save free-trade ism has cost the U.S. jobs and his exports, would have been a major Biden says he would certainly profile comments, Reagan, who continue with the Buy America was near the end of his second rules systematically disadvantag- term, said the ongoing effort to ing Canadian exporters. eliminate trade barriers “with our Under these circumstances, most important partner, Canada” the Canadian government needs was an example of co-operation to work a lot harder both to diver- at its best and a lesson for the rest sify Canada’s export markets and of the world. Turner labelled the diversify export offerings. With remarks as those of “a lame duck a trade opening with China now trying to rescue a dead duck.” But out of the question in the near it all went Mulroney’s way. future, potential sales growth Interestingly in the current in other Asian countries within context, Reagan returned to the the 11-member Comprehensive subject just after that 1988 Cana- and Progressive Agreement for dian election, saying: “Today, pro- Trans-Pacific Partnership needs tectionism is being used by some to be prioritized. And Canadian American politicians as a cheap businesses need to be encouraged form of nationalism. Our peace- more than ever to take advantage ful trading partners are not our of our country’s free-trade deal enemies; they are our allies. We with the European Union. should beware of the demagogues Stepped up efforts to position who are ready to declare a trade Canadian companies to assume war against our friends …” a leading position in exports of Turner’s framing of the debate green technology and related over the Canada-U.S. free-trade services could pay great divi- deal in terms of a potential U.S. dends on a long-term basis. And takeover was a dramatic exagger- as Meredith Lilly of the Centre ation. But issues of sovereignty for International Governance In- are still straining the bilateral re- novation has pointed out, Canada The framing of the debate over the Canada-U.S. trade deal by former prime minister John Turner, pictured in 2012, lationship 30 years later. Liberal- should be able to better prepare was a dramatic exaggeration, but issues of sovereignty are still straining the bilateral relationship 30 years later, writes ized Canada-U.S. trade, followed itself for the jobs of the future Les Whittington. The Hill Times file photograph by NAFTA in 1994 to include and the provision of education Mexico, led to an era of increased services to students from the regional trade and rising cross- with the U.S. from a president trade war with China has helped blow to the Canadian economy. world’s emerging economies than border investment. Canada’s who condemned American trade bring global commerce to a dan- But the agreement included con- most countries—another area of trade with the U.S. tripled over deals in terms more derogatory gerous standstill. cessions with long-term negative potential growth going forward. the years. than anything Turner uttered. The With international trade implications for Canada. Among It’s a campaign that will need NAFTA, along with technolog- late Liberal in fact always said he flows slowing, a trade-dependent other things, the provision for national resources and consistent ical change, increased trade with favoured good free-trade accom- country like Canada is facing an regular renegotiation of the deal national buy-in. China, and the transformation modations. So, while he disliked extremely difficult future. Our is troublesome, and Ottawa’s Les Whittington is a regular of high-income nations to more the original Canada-U.S. pact, he dependence on a single export negotiators were unable to shield columnist for The Hill Times. service-based economies con- clearly was aware of the overall market, the U.S., is unusually Canadians from Buy America The Hill Times 8 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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Editorial Letters to the Editor Canadians deserve better than the Global COVID-19 aid will help ongoing committee cage matches keep the world from missing out here aren’t likely to be many Canadians However, now that Parliament has Twho could say with all sincerity that the resumed, instead of trying to responsibly on students’ potential: reader way the government handled the now-infa- pick up where they left off, the opposition mous and defunct Canada Student Service Conservatives have resorted to child- he world is witnessing the largest Prime Minister Justin Grant program was exemplary. The entire ish tit-for-tat game-playing, political and global catastrophe since the Second Trudeau, pictured business with the WE Charity was an om- T publicity-bait grandstanding that is entirely World War due to the coronavirus pan- on Oct. 8 in Kanata, nishambles that melded some of the worst exhausting to watch, as committees have demic. In April 2020, 94 per cent of the Ont., previously elements of stereotypical Liberal entitle- devolved into Lord of the Flies-esque shout- world’s student population were affected announced Canada’s ment with the to-be-expected ball-dropping ing matches. by school closures, with up to 99 percent commitment of that comes with moving at warp speed dur- And the Liberals are barely comporting in low- and middle-income countries. An $220-million to the ing a global public health emergency. themselves any better. increase in school and college dropouts is Vaccine Global Access The decision to award a contract—or, as The current Grit line is that while they anticipated this year and the next, leading (COVAX) Facility. The it turned out, a contribution agreement— are focused on navigating the COVID-19 to serious social issues. The pandemic Hill Times photograph for a program worth hundreds of millions pandemic and getting help to the Cana- threatens decades of progress and may by Andrew Meade of dollars to a shadowy arm of a charity dians who need it, the Conservatives play result in wastage of untold human poten- that had paid speaking fees to members of politics. But this is quickly undermined by tial. for Canadians along with $220-million the prime minister’s family and employed blatant committee filibusters. In Canada, the start of the 2020 school to purchase doses for low- and middle- the then-finance minister’s daughter was Everyone’s time is being wasted by this year has been rocky, since students are income countries and $400-million for a bad one, and regardless of what advice childish back and forth, and no one is being still struggling and coping with distance global humanitarian aid. If we truly want was given by the public service, politi- served by it, except for die-hard partisans learning and online education. Moreover, to end this pandemic, this energy and cians dropped the ball in a big way by not who are rooting for their home team like several students contracted the disease, dedication needs to keep going and Cana- looking deeper into what they were being they’re playing in the Grey Cup. which includes those from universities in da should contribute at least one per cent advised to do, and in two very clear cases, Let the committee studies that were Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. of its COVID-19 funds towards global not removing themselves from the decision ongoing before prorogation get back to A global approach is crucial to end response. We must all work towards flat- altogether. work and focus on those, not new click- COVID-19, which is why Canada has tening the curve, while clinical trials for The studies launched by various House bait committees under the guise of “anti- committed $220-million to the Vac- drugs and medical devices carry on. committees were useful in examining what corruption” that will only serve to create cine Global Access (COVAX) Facility to Zohra Khatoon went wrong, and could potentially have re- social media content for the opposition procure up to 15 million vaccine doses Ottawa, Ont. sulted in reports and recommendations to fill as opposed to actual fodder for systemic the gaps in the process. Without being called change. before committee, would Bill Morneau have And if it’s truly such small potatoes, ever looked back at his receipts and found then the Liberals should stop obfuscat- out he needed to write a $41,000 cheque? ing and playing their own games around Swapping out plastic for paper means The decision by the prime minister to the release of unredacted documents to prorogue Parliament in mid-August, before the House Finance Committee for review. cutting down more trees, says reader the committees could complete their work Maybe the idea is that if they delay long smacked of avoidance and political game- enough, the public will be exhausted by he federal government vowed to Canada, which never was the bad guy, playing. The “reset” Justin Trudeau said was the whole affair and no longer care. But Tplant two billion trees over 10 years, is trying to be virtuous. But Canada is not necessary via a Throne Speech could have that’s no way to govern. to soak up carbon dioxide. But now a plastics manufacturer or a big carbon been achieved without shutting down com- Right now, on both sides of the aisle, they’re banning plastic bags, straws, emitter. We risk spiralling ourselves out mittees that were poking at bruises embar- these so-called public servants are only food dishes, cutlery, six pack rings, stir of economic sustainability just to signal rassing to him and his government. serving themselves. sticks, and replacing them with paper? virtue—and it won’t even solve the prob- So, cutting down more trees? Plastic lem. Globally, it means fewer forests, more is cheap. Metal cutlery on airplanes is carbon in the air, more global warming. heavy, needs sanitizing, and ceramic Managed plastic saves lives and money. dishes break. Cloth grocery bags grow Trees serve us best when they are growing. bacteria unless washed, using a lot of Beverley Smith water daily. Calgary, Alta. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty a chance to call for elected officials to act overnments across the country have Governments have a legal and moral Grightly prioritized resources and obligation to uphold the rights of all and personnel in the fight against the CO- must be held accountable for it. Private VID-19 pandemic: how it spreads, whom charity is good but is inadequate to meet it impacts, how it can be eradicated, and the great needs in our society. Oct. 17 is how to recover from it. the International Day for the Eradica- The same people and communities tion of Poverty and a good opportunity to facing the greatest impacts of CO- call on our elected officials to do more to VID-19 also bear a disproportionate confront the serious injustices that hold burden of poverty and inequity. It is so many of our fellow citizens back. time to confront these parallel crises Peter Schmolka together. Ottawa, Ont.

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Parliament also needs to take spending on children much more seriously. In the face of massive spending, little pause was taken to debate and consider how children would be impacted, writes Senator Rosemary Moodie. Unsplash photograph by Rene Bernal We are being cheap with our children

Canada’s most sacred obligation is to its How did we get to this point? believe that the CCB and other fu- would be impacted. The government UNICEF points to a few factors, ture policies are failing and cause must value the role of Parliament in children, yet too many are being left behind. It but a standout is insufficient in- us to turn back rather than move the oversight of expenditures as a vestment in children and families. forward full steam ahead. Now is core tenant of our democracy. is morally wrong and a failing strategy to forget Canada spends 1.68 per cent of the time for greater investment Canada’s most sacred obli- that children are the future of our country. GDP on families and children— and accountability. gation is to its children, yet too the OECD average is 2.38 per Canada needs to take immedi- many are being left behind. It is cent. Countries that spend more ate action. The European Union morally wrong and a failing strat- face of an existing crisis of their include Chile, Italy, and New plans to include a child guarantee egy to forget that children are the well-being before the pandemic. Zealand. We give less time for in its next budget. According to future of our country. As we move towards relaunching parental leave than most of our Eurostat, one-in-four children It is time that we commit to the economy, children’s health, OECD counterparts (24th) and are in the EU is at risk of poverty or giving our children the resources happiness, and resilience must be middle of the pack in investing social exclusion, a level that is they need to thrive. It is time that at the centre. in early child education and care viewed as unacceptably high for Parliament holds the government Canadians would be surprised (19th). one of the wealthiest regions of accountable for its inaction on to know how poorly our children Government will point to the the world. Their plan for a child behalf of children, especially in are doing. UNICEF Canada’s Canada Child Benefit (CCB) as an guarantee will ensure that every its role to examine and moni- recent report card found that out example of investments, but this child in Europe has access to free tor expenditures. If upcoming Independent Senator of 38 rich countries, Canada ranks modest program is clearly not go- health care, free education, free economic policies do not reflect Rosemary Moodie 30th overall for our kids’ well-be- ing far enough, as one-in-five Ca- childcare, adequate nutrition, and the pressing needs that our Opinion ing. We also receive failing grades nadian children continue to live decent housing. Our government children and youth face, we will for mental health and happiness in poverty. This gives the strong could pursue a similar guarantee be complicit in their suffering. he COVID-19 pandemic has (31st) and physical health and message that children are a sec- that brings children and families This moment demands nothing Texposed deep flaws in our survival (30th). The pandemic, obvi- ondary concern of our democracy. up to a baseline of support for less than our full and complete social policy. The most vulner- ously, has not helped. According to We don’t spend enough on them certain essential needs. commitment to the well-being of able amongst us have borne the the Raising Canada Report 2020, because we are not sufficiently Parliament also needs to take our children. brunt of the health, economic, by Children’s First Canada, 57 per accountable to them or focused spending on children much more Ontario Senator Rosemary and social crisis. This includes cent of respondents in the study on their needs. We also face the seriously. In the face of massive Moodie is a member of the Inde- Canadian children who have said their mental health was worse risk that the slow progress from spending, little pause was taken to pendent Senators Group. seen their situation worsen, in the than before the outbreak. incrementalism may cause us to debate and consider how children The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

International Development Minister As hunger rises amidst Karina Gould is pictured on June 1, 2020. Canada is already actively working to improve multilateral pandemic, Canada can co-operation on food security and COVID-19, writes Nyambura Githaiga. In April, Ms. and should make an impact Gould co-convened a UN gathering to discuss refugees in Uganda, forcibly increasing food insecurity. Food- the potential impacts A well-fed world displaced by violent conflict. producing countries faced chal- of COVID-19 on food Conflict, climate disasters, and lenges of distribution and delivery security and the need to means improved economic disruptions were the of food and labour shortages. strengthen food systems. leading causes of food insecurity The needs are great, and even The Hill Times photograph health, more socio- around the world. And then CO- overwhelming. But there is also by Andrew Meade economic growth, VID-19 hit. an opportunity for Canada to Oct. 16 marks World Food Day. have an impact, and we are well- and hope for a better Yet how can we celebrate food positioned to do so. For almost COVID-19. In April, shortly after On World Food Day 2020, let when hunger has been on the rise 70 years, Canada has worked to the pandemic started, Canada’s us remember those who do not global future. for the past four years? By the fight global hunger, by support- minister of international develop- have food to eat. In the short end of 2019, almost 690 million ing emergency food assistance, ment co-convened a UN gathering term, Canada can act upon Rae’s people around the world were ex- nutrition interventions, and social to discuss the potential impacts recommendation to provide ad- periencing severe food insecurity. safety nets. Over that time, we of COVID-19 on food security ditional resources for the global The UN estimates that COVID-19 have gotten smarter and more and the need to strengthen food COVID-19 response and more will increase the number of efficient. A good example is a systems. Global Affairs Canada funds for international and hungry by 130 million by the end policy change in 2008 that made is already working on ideas for humanitarian assistance. In the of 2020. Canada’s food assistance more a stronger, more effective global longer term, Canada should con- Restrictions on movement timely, cost-effective, and sup- food system, to feed into the UN tinue to support agriculture and have interfered with the delivery portive to local farmers. Secretary General’s Food Systems livelihoods that will improve food and distribution of food and af- In a recent report, the Bob Rae, Summit in late 2021. security across the world. fected people’s access to avail- the prime minister’s special envoy Improving the global food In the 2020 Throne Speech, Nyambura Githaiga able food. Farmers are facing on humanitarian and refugee is- system requires strengthening the Canada promised to invest in challenges in getting products to Opinion sues, recognized that even before various food system actors. For international development and processors or markets. Many con- COVID-19, the world was facing a example, supporting small-scale support developing countries to sumers have lost their jobs and global crisis, with the number of farmers in food-insecure coun- recover from the COVID-19 crisis. hen we were home, we cannot afford food. Food prices displaced people around the world tries increases the availability of This is a good step. A well-fed “Wused to eat good things, are rising. rising rapidly. COVID-19 has only nutritious food close to where it world means improved health, now there is nowhere to farm—it COVID-19 has also revealed intensified human suffering. This is needed. In line with Canada’s more socio-economic growth, and is too dry,” said Martin, a refu- critical vulnerabilities in the global crisis needs a response that is lo- Feminist International Assistance hope for a better global future. gee from South Sudan, living in food system. For countries depen- cal, national, and global. Policy, Canada should support Nyambura Githaiga is the Uganda’s Rhino Camp Settle- dent on food imports, COVID-19 Canada is already actively women farmers to feed their com- senior policy adviser at Canadian ment. By 2017, there were more containment measures had an working to improve multilateral munities using environmentally Foodgrains Bank. than one million South Sudanese immediate impact on food supply, co-operation on food security and sustainable techniques. The Hill Times

tating. His figures are correct on turning from the battlefields in a death toll of between 50 and 100 Europe. As such, the disease was Better history lessons could million people dying worldwide. In soon spread to every nook and fact, more than 500 million were cranny of the country. infected with the virus, which at It claimed the lives of 50,000 Ca- stave off false pandemic claims the time represented one-third of nadians and one can presume that the entire population on Earth. of that number, many were soldiers To apply those percentage rates who had survived the horrors of COVID-19 crisis, Pence claimed War. All the soldiers were sick. It to the population of 2020 would the trenches only to fall victim to a If we were better that the Democrats had done a was a terrible situation.” mean 2.6 billion people infected, deadly virus upon return to Canada. worse job of handling the swine Despite the fact that Trump has with up to 550 million deaths. Even though this pandemic af- informed on previous flu. “When Joe Biden was vice- repeatedly claimed himself to be “the Which brings us to the question: fected every corner of our nation president of the United States, most militaristic person ever,” his dis- why is so little taught about this viral and killed more people than were pandemics, it would 60 million Americans contracted played knowledge of martial history pandemic that wiped out more people lost in the Second World War, prevent gaslighting the swine flu. If the swine flu had is way off the mark on this one. than both World Wars combined? to my knowledge there is not a been as lethal as the coronavirus single monument to acknowledge politicians from trying … we would have lost two million During the Oct. Canada’s collective suffering. American lives,” claimed Pence. 7 debate, U.S. Almost every city and town in to bamboozle the While that might be an alarm- Vice-President Mike Canada has some form of war me- ing statistic, the swine flu was nev- Pence claimed that morial complete with a list of battle electorate with apple- er considered to be anywhere near the Democrats had honours earned by our troops on to-orange comparisons. as lethal as COVID-19. During 12 done a worse job of foreign battlefields. Yet there are months of the 2009 outbreak, there handling the swine no markers and no annual day of were only 12,500 deaths—despite flu, in defence of the mourning for the 50,000 who per- the fact that 61 million tested posi- president’s handling ished here on Canadian soil. tive for the swine flu virus. of the COVID-19 While some will argue that the To date, COVID-19 has killed pandemic, despite war monuments salute those who more than 210,000 Americans of it never being voluntarily made the ultimate the 7.5 million who have tested considered to be sacrifice in the service of Canada, positive, with U.S. epidemiolo- anywhere as lethal we also erect such tributes to gists predicting that death toll as COVID-19, the victims of tragedies such as will double by Christmas. writes Scott Taylor. the sinking of the Titanic or the Back in August, it was Trump Screenshot via downing of Swiss Air Flight 111. Scott Taylor himself who made an even more YouTube/C-SPAN I have to believe that if we unhinged comparison between were better informed on previous Inside Defence COVID-19 and the Spanish flu of pandemics, we would be better 1918. “Nobody’s ever seen any- The Spanish flu pandemic ran For my generation, it was men- equipped to prepare ourselves for TTAWA—During last week’s thing like this [COVID-19 pandem- from 1918-19 and it did not end tioned in history class as a brief future ones. It would also prevent Ovice-presidential debate in ic],” Trump said at a press briefing. the First World War, let alone the footnote between weeks of study- gaslighting politicians from trying Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. VP “The closest thing was in 1917 Second World War, which did not ing the First World War followed to bamboozle the electorate with Mike Pence made a rather out- they say, right? The Great Pandem- start until two decades later. For by weeks of in-class study learning apple-to-orange comparisons. landish reference to the swine flu ic—and it certainly was a terrible the record, no war in history ended about the Second World War. Scott Taylor is the editor and epidemic of 2009. thing where they lost anywhere when all the soldiers called in sick. In Canada, it is believed that publisher of Esprit de Corps In defence of President Donald from 50 to 100 million people. It However, Trump was correct in the deadly Spanish flu came magazine. Trump’s current handling of the probably ended the Second World stating this pandemic was devas- home with those veterans re- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 11 News

Construction through the proposed schematic design workers are plans with a view to ensuring all parlia- pictured on mentary requirements are met. The group the site of then has to take its recommendations to the planned the BOIE for approval. underground “As soon as the Board makes some of parliamentary these final determinations on the options then welcome we will be able to come back with the bud- centre in gets. It’s important to note that there’s thou- front of the sands of decisions that form the scope for this Centre Block project, but if you even look at only a handful, building on they can swing the project price in hundreds July 15. The of millions of dollars,” said Mr. Wright. Hill Times Asked about the impact of COVID-19 photograph by on construction, Mr. Wright told MPs that Andrew Meade while a “few adjustments” have had to be made, “it really has not impacted the schedule.” The BOIE also heard of PSPC’s plans to launch a public engagement survey on Parliament Hill’s renovation, something the department did not do ahead of renova- tions to either the West Block or the Senate of Canada Building. EKOS Research Associates has been awarded a $57,900 contract to conduct a national, online survey this fall and winter. “The research findings will help inform the planning for visitor-relation infrastruc- ture in the precinct,” explained PSPC in an email. Centre Block renovation Over the summer, on July 24 and Aug. 11, members of the working got a chance to tour Centre Block. Mr. Stanton told The Hill Times he’d last been in the building in early February, estimates likely to land in and was “impressed at seeing the degree of progress made since.” “When I was touring the building they were preparing for the removal of the linen ceiling in the House of Commons Chamber, new year, PSPC says work and it was incredible to see the precision and skill required to remove and protect these important heritage assets,” he said in an email. BOIE members also agreed on Oct. on track despite COVID-19 8 to appoint Mr. Stanton as the House representative on the jury for the archi- tectural design competition that’s set to tration Committee’s LTVP subcommittee. PSPC assistant weigh proposals for the redevelopment of Public Services and While those estimates weren’t shared with deputy minister Block 2—the city block between Metcalfe the BOIE, he said they included estimates Rob Wright told and O’Connor, and Wellington and Sparks Procurement Canada is related to design options for the welcome Board of Internal streets, where a statue of Terry Fox, the centre; the House Chamber, which needs Economy visitors’ information centre, and the Victo- planning to survey the to be revamped to fit in significantly more members that ria Building can currently be found (among public on its plans for MPs and to bring the public galleries up there are still other things). to code; and a potential infill in Centre roughly a dozen The yet-to-be-launched competition Parliament Hill, something Block’s east courtyard (Senate territory), ‘big boulder will be overseen by PSPC and the Royal an idea being mulled in part to create more decisions’ to Architectural Institute of Canada, with the that wasn’t done ahead of space for Senate offices. be made before rest of the jury to be made up of industry Struck during the last session, the estimates can experts and professionals. renovations to either the BOIE’s LTVP working group is chaired by be made on “The idea was to make sure we have West Block or the Senate of Conservative MP and deputy House Speak- the cost and continuity with Parliamentarian voices er Bruce Stanton (Simcoe North, Ont.), timeline for the through the working group and into that Canada Building. and currently includes Liberal MPs Mark Centre Block process for Block 2,” said Mr. Stanton. Gerretsen (Kingston and the Islands, Ont.), renovation The aim is to redevelop the roughly Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Moncton-River- project. The Hill 9,800-square-metre city block to create a Times photograph Continued from page 1 view-Dieppe, N.B.), and Ryan Turnbull new, integrated building complex for Sen- (Whitby, Ont.); Conservative MPs Kelly by Andrew Meade ate and House of Commons administration on what that work will entail remain to be Block (Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek, Sask.) staff, and the Library of Parliament. sorted out before the department can pro- and Martin Shields (Bow River, Alta.); NDP A request for qualifications for parties vide baseline estimates of how much Centre MP Carol Hughes (Algoma-Manitoulin- final phase of the underground welcome interested in submitting to the competition Block’s renovation and construction of the Kapuskasing, Ont.); and Bloc Québécois centre (the first phase of which was com- is set to go out later this fall, according to final phase of the welcome centre will cost MP Louis Plamondon (Bécancour-Nicolet- pleted alongside renovations to the West PSPC, with up to 12 firms to be selected and how long both will take to complete. He Saurel, Que.). Block). to take part. The first stage of the competi- said the “hope” is to “move through” those In May, the BOIE directed PSPC and the In turn, members of the working group tion—the submission of design outlines— decisions “by the Christmas-time period.” working group to ensure the footprint of were briefed on the preliminary, proposed will begin in winter 2021, and up to six Already, Mr. Wright noted some cost the current House Chamber remains un- schematic design plans for both the Centre will be shortlisted. The second stage will estimates around different design options changed. Design options presented earlier Block building and the welcome centre on see “advanced” design plans from short- for certain “large components” have been in the year included possible extensions to Aug. 13. listed competitors judged, from which first, shared with the BOIE’s Working Group the Chamber, including an external addi- Mr. Stanton said after two meetings second, and third place winners will be on the Long-term Vision and Plan and the tion to the Centre Block’s western façade. to date, the group is “making some great selected. Centre Block Rehabilitation and the Senate On July 10, the Board also agreed to the progress,” and is set to meet again later this [email protected] Internal Economy, Budgets, and Adminis- medium-sized option for the second and month. In the weeks ahead, it will parse The Hill Times

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seats. If a Senator came to the CSG with their committee seat in Senate leaders at impasse on tow, he said it would likely cause them to pause and “think about who that person is.” In the smaller groups—the CSG is home to 13—if a person committees as PSG balks at leaves with their seat, it would leave the group without represen- tation on a committee, he noted. The agreement, which had to clause keeping seats with groups take into account four recognized groups in the Senate, was mod- elled after the House of Commons ISG Senator Germain, [Canadian Senators which also has to contend with With each side Raymonde Group Leader Scott] Tannas, and I four official parties. Saint-Germain agreed to and we thought Senator “It’s not exactly the same, but accusing the other says she’s Cordy had as well, and I believe the inspiration for what was dis- ‘flabbergasted’ she did in good faith and good cussed and negotiated is similar of playing ‘hostage’ the PSG won’t conscience, agreed to it,” said Sen. to House of Commons and recog- with negotiations, ISG support the Plett in an interview Oct. 2. He nizes that there is a near major- agreement declined to elaborate further last ity group and an opposition that Senator Raymonde leaders week, and by email said his com- have functions,” explained Sen. worked out. ments stand. Tannas, who still hopes the lead- Saint-Germain says The Hill Times “I guess we see why Sen. ers can come to an agreement. photograph by Dalphond maybe didn’t get along “We’ll let a few days pass, it would be ‘anarchy’ Andrew Meade in the last caucus he was at,” said we’ve got some time and between Sen. Plett, referring to Sen. Dal- now and when we come back to let seats leave with phond’s previous membership in I’m confident we can make some Senators. the ISG. “He doesn’t want to give progress,” he said. unanimous consent to anything Sen. Dalphond said he has because he has a couple of mo- “serious reservations” about sev- tions that he wants dealt with.” eral aspects of the proposed deal, Continued from page 1 Earlier this year, Sen. Dal- including that it would set the prefer to come to an agreement, the phond introduced a motion to re- committee make-up for the rest of issue may come to a debate when move extra pay given to all com- the minority Parliament. the Senate returns. mittee chairs and deputy chairs, a With nine Senators retiring by The provision that says com- motion others in the Senate don’t 2022 and 10 vacancies Prime Min- mittee seats belong to groups feel the same urgency as he does ister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, and not individual Senators, was to address, suggested Sen. Plett, Que.) has yet to fill, the propor- initially proposed in the previous The agreement is both gener- mittees have met—the Internal “and so he’s holding the Senate tionately argument doesn’t fly, session in a motion by Indepen- ous and fair to the PSG espe- Economy committee, Selection, as hostage.” he said, and instead solidifies the dent Senators Group facilitator cially so she’s “flabbergasted” well as National Finance, and So- With the Senate on break and power of the 44-member ISG and Yuen Pau Woo (British Columbia), by their position, she said, and cial Affairs—but with the House set to return on Oct. 27, Sen. Dal- 21-member Conservative caucus but “contradicts” current rules and though designed based on the returning to regular proceedings phond said what’s the harm in let- when their numbers are likely to past practices, said Progressive principle of proportionately, the and legislation in the hopper, the ting it come to a vote when such shrink. Senate Group (PSG) Leader Jane 11-member group has more than Senate will also need to strike key principles are at stake. “[Groups] keep what they Cordy (Nova Scotia). its share of seats on committees, committees quickly to study bills. “Obviously, the ISG and have, even if they have less mem- “This goes against the PSG is represented on steering com- Meanwhile, Conservative Senate Conservatives are backing the bers,” he said. value of independence and, quite mittees, and has two seats on Leader Don Plett (Landmark, Man.) old duopoly thinking: make Already a critic of paid frankly, goes against any ideals the powerful Internal Economy, said it’s the PSG and one vocal mem- sure you stay in line, and ‘I committees spots for Senators, that see the Senate as being less Budgets, and Administration ber in particular—Senator Pierre keep my soldiers in line,’ and he said he’s outraged that the partisan than in the past,” said Committee, which the ISG gave Dalphond (De Lorimier, Que.)— let’s have fear and favours to understanding would create 21 Sen. Cordy, whose group did not up a spot to make happen, she who is holding the others “hostage” make sure they stay in line,” he new paid positions. There are 13 have official status and was not said. when they had been so close to an said, with the paid positions committees where a deputy chair part of the leaders’ agreement used as “barter material.” Sen. is being added, which are split earlier this year. It is the smallest Dalphond said he and his PSG between the CSG (seven) and group, with 11 members. colleagues feel this runs against the PSG (six), noted Sen. Saint- “Senators should not be held the principles of equality and Germain, which, at $6,000 each, hostage by the leaders or facilita- undermines the independence amounts to $78,000. tors of their own groups. Such a of each Senator. The proposed agreement also change to our practices and rules “This is a change in the rules makes it so all governance com- should not be made unilaterally and it cannot be done by the mittees have paid representation by Senate leadership.” backdoor without a debate and on steering committees, adding The leadership from the without a vote,” said Sen. Dal- two positions to Internal Econo- Conservative caucus, ISG, and phond, who is convinced the my (CIBA), two to the Rules Com- Canadian Senators Group (CSG) ISG Senators have not seen the mittee, and four to the Selection all said they were surprised Sen. document or understand what’s Committee—an excess to Sen. Cordy backed away from what in it, because that was the case Dalphond’s mind that he flagged they thought was an agreement. when he was a member earlier earlier this year when presenting Unless that aspect is removed this year. his motion. consensus on committees can’t While Sen. Dalphond’s mo- happen, said Sen. Cordy, while tion to remove such costs is other leaders showed no hint of Seats a matter of honour, “interesting,” this is how the backing away. says Sen. Tannas Senate functions now, said Sen. That framing is “a misunder- Giving up your committee seat Saint-Germain, and Senators standing of the way the agree- if you move groups is “a matter of are free to waive the additional ment was negotiated” and the honour,” for Sen. Tannas (Alberta), allowance. (Sen. Dalphond said PSG are veering “close to mis- Conservative Senate Leader Don Plett says he was surprised the PSG backed out who said he doesn’t think it needs he would.) representation,” said ISG Senator of an understanding between leaders. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade to be formalized in the rules but Sen. Cordy said she hopes the Raymonde Saint-Germain (De la understands why some groups leaders still can negotiate and Vallière, Que.), acting facilitator think it needs to be. come to an agreement, but that Sen. Woo recovers from a medical “It’s a very generous and fair agreement before the Senate rose “For me it’s kind of an integ- if that provision remains, she procedure. agreement, so there’s no matter Oct. 2. Had that understanding gone rity issue, frankly. The various expects it to go to a public vote “This is the basic principle: for discussion. We had negotia- forward, he said Senators could have groups negotiate committee seats before all Senators. But she said each Senator has a right to have a tion meetings, we all agreed and met next week to get started on com- based on proportionality,” he said, leaders are still planning to meet seat, deserves to have a seat, and it’s a fair and balanced agreement mittees, the bulk of which have yet to noting that when he and some of over the break and so it’s hard to will have a seat,” she said, noting so what’s the point?” said Sen. sit this year. his CSG colleagues left the Con- say what will happen when the the proposed agreement even Saint-Germain, and if put to a de- Sen. Plett said the leaders servative caucus, they informed Senate returns. makes room for non-affiliated bate and a vote when the Senate worked out an agreement in that the group so the seats could be “It’s always better if we can Senators to sit on committees. returns Oct. 27, there’s a major- last week before recessing to reclaimed. discuss it and come to a compro- “The confusion [is] the Senator ity who support the approach. populate committees using pro- Sen. Tannas said it’s written mise where all groups are happy cannot be the owner of his or her “So let’s have a vote … I’m not portionality of caucuses, deciding into CSG guiding principles—and and so we will continue to have seat. It will lead to anarchy … concerned at all.” on chairs and deputy chairs. Senators know when they join— those discussions.” This is the way it works and this Since the election and the on- “We were ready to go, we had that if they leave the group, they [email protected] is democracy.” set of COVID-19, only four com- a document that Senators Saint- also leave behind any committee The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 13 Opinion

reductions in the operation of mobile net- works and across high-emitting Canadian Investing industry sectors. Taxing wealth Despite the expected explosive growth in mobile data consumption, 5G networks will be more efficient than previous wire- less technologies. For example, previous in 5G is studies estimate that a general 5G cell site inequality key will use only eight to 15 per cent of the energy of a current 4G site, while energy consumption by a mmWave 5G cell site key to could be as low as two per cent of that con- sumed by a 4G macro site. Further, indus- piece of Canada’s try experts have estimated that 5G could support up to a thousand-fold increase in reducing mobile traffic while using only half the energy of current networks. This results in economic recovery an estimated energy efficiency increase of 2,000 times. Wireless technologies also provide BY ERIKA BEAUCHESNE Nor do the very rich pay their fair share Canada’s high-emitting industries with the ability to through philanthropy. A recent study by reduce their own GHG emissions. Globally, anada’s minority Parliament has out- TaxCOOP found the top billionaires in it has been shown that the use of current Clined major goals, from reforming the Canada donated less than one per cent of and previous wireless technologies across EI system for the 21st century to establish- their wealth during the pandemic. carbon industry sectors has resulted in GHG re- ing a national child-care program. While Taxing the rich is not a radical idea, ductions 10 times greater than the mobile some critics have called the plans reckless especially not in the current context, when industry’s own emissions. Accenture esti- and excessive, the Liberals can afford governments are spending billions to protect mates that with the implementation of 5G, these investments if they follow through on citizens, and billionaires are not only thriv- footprint mobile technologies will enable between a key promise in the Throne Speech: to tax ing, but contributing relatively little back to 48 and 54 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide extreme wealth inequality. the society that helped grow their fortunes in emission abatement in Canada by 2025. Inequality in Canada has reached the first place. New Jersey just introduced a That is the equivalent of taking 10.5 million alarming levels. A recent study by Cana- “Millionaires Tax” to address its fiscal crisis. Despite the expected passenger vehicles off the road for a full da’s Parliamentary Budget Officer found At least eight other states are also consider- year. Moreover, it would account for up to the top one per cent of households own a ing proposals to tax high-income residents. explosive growth in mobile 23 per cent of Canada’s current emission quarter of all net wealth in Canada, while On its own, a wealth tax will not eradicate reduction targets by 2025. the 0.01 per cent own over five per cent— inequality, nor would it raise enough revenue data consumption, 5G Examples of 5G-enabled technolo- more than five times that of the bottom 40 for what is needed. It must be complemented networks will be more gies that will help reduce GHG emissions per cent of families. with other progressive tax reforms. include smart transportation solutions There is no question COVID-19 has The federal NDP recently proposed efficient than previous that optimize vehicle traffic patterns and worsened these disparities. The most mar- a number of tax measures, including an reduce congestion, extended reality tech- ginalized groups—seniors, low-paid and gig excess-profits tax to curb corporate profi- wireless technologies. nologies that support remote work and workers, women, and racialized individu- teering. There is a strong precedent for machine operation, and more sophisticated als—have borne the brunt of the pandemic an excess profits tax, which the Canadian and widespread use of connected building while the most affluent have profited. government introduced during world wars technology to monitor and automate build- A study last month by the Canadian to help finance the nation’s recovery. ing HVAC and lighting systems. Centre for Policy Alternatives found There is also a strong public appetite Moreover, 5G and other wireless tech- Canada’s top 20 billionaires grew their for it. Recent polling by Abacus Data found nologies can also help reduce other forms fortunes by $37-billion since the pandemic, that a large majority of Canadians want of environmental damage that are not and a recent report by Oxfam revealed half the government to tax the super rich and linked to GHG emissions. Wireless moni- a billion people around the world will be corporations that profit during the crisis in toring technologies can be used to reduce thrown into poverty by COVID-19, but 32 order to pay for a bold recovery plan. water wastage from municipal water sup- of the world’s largest corporations stand to The federal government could also ply networks and monitor for hazardous see their profits jump by $109-billion more strengthen laws around tax haven use and waste and oil pipeline leaks. Such technol- in 2020. bring Canadian tax revenues home. Last Robert Ghiz & Tejas Rao ogies will also be important for Canada’s To rebuild a more inclusive economy, year, the PBO estimated Canada could be Opinion farmers, helping to reduce their use of the Liberals must deliver on their prom- losing as much as $25-billion each year to fertilizers and pesticides. ise to tax extreme wealth inequality, and offshore corporate tax dodging. The importance of 5G to Canada’s fortunately, there are numerous tax options Billions more are lost each year through hile Canadians remain focused on economic recovery and its environment is available. tax loopholes that overwhelmingly benefit Wthe challenges of COVID-19, we must clear. But to realize these benefits, policy Canada’s PBO has estimated that a men and the wealthiest Canadians. The not forget the formidable threat of climate makers must ensure the right policies modest one per cent wealth tax on fortunes Throne Speech promised to tighten one change. Without meaningful action, climate are in place. Having invested more than over $20-million would raise $9.5-billion of the worst loopholes, the stock option change is expected to cause significant, $70-billion on network infrastructure and annually within 10 years. A bolder tax on deduction, but there are many other unfair long-term, and potentially irreversible radio spectrum to build Canada’s world- wealth over $10-million could generate and expensive tax breaks for the rich, such damage to the environment, the economy, class mobile networks, it is estimated twice that amount. as the lower rate on capital gains, that and our way of life. that Canada’s facilities-based carriers Critics have argued that a wealth tax will should be limited or scrapped entirely. While Canada has made progress will need to invest another $26-billion to cause the rich to flee, but studies have found Successive corporate tax cuts and toward achieving its climate-action goals, deploy 5G networks, plus billions more to that higher taxes do not lead to a mass exo- special tax rules for large foreign internet meeting its greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- acquire additional spectrum. This level of dus of the very rich. This is likely even truer companies have also drained billions from sion reduction commitments remains a investment requires a stable regulatory today under COVID-19. Wealthy individuals the public purse, hurt Canadian business challenge. In that light, it is not surprising environment that encourages investment and business owners consider a variety of competition, and enabled the rich to get even that in the recent Speech from the Throne and provides for a clear path to reason- factors beyond tax rates in deciding where richer. The Liberals should follow through on the Liberal government made clear that able returns. The fast and effective deploy- to locate. Quality of life, access to health their promise to tax foreign digital firms and Canada’s economic recovery must not be ment of 5G also requires a streamlining care, education, child care, infrastructure ensure that other large profitable corpora- separated from climate action. of siting approval processes to provide for and transportation–all of which are funded tions in Canada contribute their fair share. The federal government’s plan includes fair, reasonable, and timely access to pub- by taxes—are important considerations for In the Speech from the Throne, the worthy endeavours, such as retrofitting licly owned buildings, street lights, and both individuals and businesses. Liberals suggested they are prepared to buildings and delivering more energy- other street furniture for the installation While the wealthy will find ways to spend significantly to strengthen social efficient transit options. But what the plan of wireless equipment. Finally, additional dodge new taxes, that should only encour- safety nets, such as establishing quality does not address is how a fast and effective radio spectrum must be released on a age government to crack down on tax child care for millions of women who have deployment of 5G wireless technology is timely basis. havens and tighten tax loopholes for the been especially hurt in the “she-cession” crucial to reaching Canada’s carbon emis- We are excited about the positive rich, which drain billions in government and taking greater action against climate sion reduction commitments. impacts 5G technologies will have on our revenues each year. change—the disastrous effects of which Previous studies commissioned by the country, and Canada’s wireless industry is Arguments against a wealth tax por- are raging alongside the virus. Canadian Wireless Telecommunications working hard to make 5G a reality. Now tray the one per cent as somehow more This is a good start, but they can go Association (CWTA) and developed by is the time for policymakers to ensure that valuable members of society, who create further. Canada can spend more to reduce consulting firm Accenture have shown Canada can fully realize the economic and economic gains for the rest of us, and disparities, from creating a national phar- that 5G will add an estimated $40-billion environmental benefits of 5G. Now is the therefore, should be taxed lightly. Research macare program to increasing affordable to Canada’s GDP by 2026 and create an time to invest in a greener and more pros- earlier this year from the CCPA shows this housing so that every individual can be safe estimated 250,000 full-time equivalent jobs perous Canada. is not the case. Canada’s richest executives during the pandemic and for years to come. during the same period. A new CWTA re- Robert Ghiz is the president and CEO are paid at record highs—risking even We can afford these—and so many more— port developed by Accenture, “Accelerating of Canadian Wireless Telecommunications company profitability. The top-paid CEOs investments by making our tax system fairer. 5G in Canada: The Role of 5G in the Fight Association. Tejas Rao is the managing saw their compensation rise by 61 per Erika Beauchesne is the communica- Against Climate Change,” shows that in director, global 5G offering lead, network cent between 2008 and 2018 while average tions coordinator with Canadians for Tax addition to economic gains and job growth, services at Accenture. workers experienced a meagre 24 per cent Fairness. 5G will enable significant GHG emission The Hill Times increase—a rate equal to inflation. The Hill Times 14 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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Real Mortgage Associates, years, or your pride and joy that courtesy of LinkedIn of staff to Mr. Sean Fraser, also marked her exit from the Over in Mr. Trudeau’s office, assis- License #10464. Quote this ad for is fully restored. I'll pay CASH. FREE APPRAISAL. Call David 416-802-9999 Morneau since Hill in mid-September. She’d joined Mr. tant Elaine Nixon marked her exit a few December 2019, before which he’d spent Morneau’s office in January after serving weeks ago. almost two and a half years as a senior as manager for Mr. Fraser’s successful Until recently, adviser in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s re-election campaign in Central Nova, N.S. Ms. Nixon had office. A former litigation partner with Mc- Her LinkedIn profile indicates she’s now been busy as an Have a house Carthy Tétrault, he came to the Hill to work busy as a communications manager for executive as- for the new Liberal government early on in ViiV Healthcare, which focuses on HIV/ sistant to PMO to rent or sell? January 2016 as chief of staff to Innovation AIDS research and treatment. director of opera- Minister Navdeep Bains. As already reported, Sharan Kaur, who tions Matt Stick- Ian Foucher, was director of operations to Mr. Morneau, ney since Febru- Items or who was last has left the Hill. ary. Before then, director of ap- Finally, legislative assistant Laurel she’d spent more products to sell? pointments and a Chester has left the finance minister’s than two and a special adviser on team and recently took over as director half years work- the economy and of parliamentary affairs to Queen’s Privy ing at national Advertise them in financial sector to Council President and Intergovernmental Liberal Party Mr. Morneau, is Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc. She headquarters, last Elaine Nixon, pictured The Hill Times no longer in the replaces Gurjiven Sandhu, who has left Mr. as national cam- with Prime Minister Justin finance minister’s LeBlanc’s office after less than a year. Mr. paign mobiliza- Trudeau. Photograph office. Sandhu previously worked as a general as- tion manager. Ms. courtesy of LinkedIn For info contact Kelly: A former sistant in the Liberal House Leader’s office. Nixon returned to senior analyst Ms. Chester had been working in Mr. work for the party in late September and is [email protected] with the Bank Ian Foucher is also out Morneau’s office since January, and before now senior manager of the national field. of Canada, Mr. in the finance minister’s then was an issues manager to Innova- Katie Telford remains PMO chief of staff. 613-232-5952 Foucher had been office.Photograph tion Minister Navdeep Bains. She’s also [email protected] working for Mr. courtesy of LinkedIn a former parliamentary affairs and issues The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 15 Parliamentary Calendar

Questions and Global Brief magazine host a WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14 two-day conference, “After the Pandemic: House Not Sitting—The House of Com- The State And Future of Canada,” featuring mons is sitting in a hybrid format right a series of discussions on topic including now during the pandemic, with most MPs Michaëlle Jean, Greg Fergus the economy, public health, Indigenous connecting remotely. The House is on a relations, and national unity. Speakers in- one-week break, Oct. 12-16, and will then clude former Conservative cabinet minister sit again Oct. 19-Nov. 6. It will another James Moore; former P.E.I. premier Robert one-week break, Nov. 9-13, and is then talk racism in Canadian Ghiz; former senior adviser to the foreign scheduled to sit every weekday from Nov. affairs minister Jocelyn Coulon; former 16-Dec. 11, and that’s it for 2020. editor-in-chief of The Walrus Jonathan Public Health 2020—The Canadian Kay; and singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark. Public Health Association hosts a virtual The conference runs Friday, Oct. 23 and institutions on Oct. 15 Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets available via version of its annual conference, “Public Health 2020,” from Oct. 14-16. Events Eventbrite. include a conversation with Dr. Theresa SATURDAY, OCT. 24 Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, and Dr. Howard Njoo, deputy chief public B.C. Election—B.C. voters will elect health officer, on the state of public health their next provincial government in a snap in Canada in the midst of the COVID-19 election to be decided on Oct. 24. pandemic. Other presentations feature MONDAY, OCT. 26 Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, Nova Scotia; Timothy Caulfield, Voting Day for Toronto Byelections— Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Policy; Manuel Arango, director, policy and on Sept. 18 that byelections to fill two advocacy, Heart & Stroke; and officials from previously Liberal-held ridings—Toronto the World Health Organization. The confer- Centre, Ont., and York Centre, Ont., won by ence runs from noon to 4:30 p.m. daily. Bill Morneau and Michael Levitt, respec- Information available at cpha.ca. tively, in 2019—will be held today. Lessons From the Frontlines of Democ- TUESDAY, OCT. 27 racy—Ryerson University’s Democracy Forum hosts a webinar: “Lessons from the Mayor’s Breakfast with Minister Catherine frontlines of democracy: how to run an McKenna—Infrastructure and Communi- inclusive voter engagement campaign?” ties Minister Catherine McKenna will take As political polarization and authoritarian part in the Mayor’s Breakfast, hosted by regimes threaten core democratic principles the Ottawa Board of Trade. Tuesday, Oct. in established and emerging democra- 27, 7-9 a.m. Register online at business. cies around the world, PhD candidate ottawabot.ca. Semra Sevi (Université de Montréal), WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28 Kojo Damptey (Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion), and Doha Suliman (Canadian Munk Dialogues—On Wednesday, Oct. Muslim Vote) will discuss the challenges 28, at 8 pm EDT, the Munk Dialogues and opportunities for building a vibrant series will feature dialogue with James Car- and inclusive democracy in a Canadian ville, U.S. Democratic Party stalwart, politi- context. Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 1-2:30 cal strategist, and bestselling author, on the p.m. Visit https://www.engagedemocracy.ca/ likely outcomes of the Nov. 3 U.S. election, democracydialogues-canadianvotesummit one week out from this high-stakes global for more information. event. The Munk Dialogues will be available Munk Dialogues—On Wednesday, Oct. live and on-demand on the free CBC Gem 14, at 8 p.m. EDT, the Munk Dialogues se- Former governor general Michaëlle Jean and Greg Fergus, parliamentary secretary to the president of the Treasury streaming service (gem.cbc.ca) and on the ries will feature dialogue with Robert Reich, Board and minister of digital government, will take part in a French-language webinar on ‘Racism in Canadian Munk Debates website (www.munkdebates. former U.S. labour secretary, economic Institutions,’ on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia com/dialogues). inequality activist, and filmmaker, on how THURSDAY, OCT. 29 to meet the once-in-a-generation societal challenges presented by COVID-19 and 33rd annual Testimonial Dinner and Awards guests Charlotte Thibault, long-serving Que- WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21 Bacon and Eggheads—Join Dr. Gary its shakeout of the global economy. The honours Canadians who have made their bec feminist; Jocelyn Formsma, executive Kobinger, a professor at Université Laval, Munk Dialogues will be available live and mark on business, policy and leadership. director, National Association of Friendship Munk Dialogues—On Wednesday, Oct. director of the Centre de recherche en on-demand on the free CBC Gem streaming They will take their place among a cohort of Centres; Muneeza Sheikh, partner, Levitt 21, at 8 pm EDT, the Munk Dialogues infectiologie, and Canada Research Chair service (gem.cbc.ca) and on the Munk other stellar Canadians who we’ve honoured LLP; and Carole Saab, chief executive offi- series will feature dialogue with Newt in Novel Vaccines and Immunotherapies, Debates website (www.munkdebates.com/ over the last 33 years, people who have cer, Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Gingrich, former Speaker of U.S. House for a discussion on “Developing Vaccines dialogues). dedicated themselves to making Canada a Friday, Oct. 16, from 3-4 p.m. Register for of Representatives and bestselling author, for Pandemics–Contrasting the Ebola and better place through policy leadership and this free event via Eventbrite. on the legacy of U.S. President Donald COVID-19 Experience.” The 2014-2016 THURSDAY, OCT. 15 public service. Path to Recovery: Canada’s Six Post- Trump’s first term as president, and the Ebola virus crisis in West Africa prompted Strengthening Ties of the Global Fran- Challenging Canada’s $19-Billion War- Pandemic National Crises—The University of future of U.S politics, two weeks out from the fastest vaccine development efforts cophonie—The Montreal Council on Foreign plane Purchase—Join a webinar with Green Toronto Chinese Alumni Association hosts November’s vote. The Munk Dialogues will ever seen. Yet the first Ebola vaccine initial- Relations hosts a webinar on “Strength- MP Paul Manly, NDP MP Leah Gazan, and a webinar: “Path to Recovery: Canada’s be available live and on-demand on the free ly developed in Winnipeg from 2001-2014 ening Ties of the Global Francophonie” researcher and activist Tamara Lorincz Six Post-Pandemic National Crises.” Irvin CBC Gem streaming service (gem.cbc.ca) was finally licensed for use in humans only featuring Catherine Cano, administrator, on Oct. 15 about the social, ecological, Studin, editor-in-chief and publisher of and on the Munk Debates website (www. in late 2019 in Europe and early 2020 in Organisation internationale de la Fran- and economic impact of Canada’s plan Global Brief magazine, and president of munkdebates.com/dialogues). the United States. This presentation will cophonie. This online event takes place to purchase new fighter jets. Are 88 the Institute for 21st Century Questions, THURSDAY, OCT. 22 highlight opportunities and challenges in Thursday, Oct. 15 from noon to 12:30 p.m. new cutting-edge fighter jets required to will describe what he sees as Canada’s six therapeutic and vaccine research in Canada Register online at corim.qc.ca. protect Canadians? Or are they designed post-pandemic national crises of system: Journalism In the Time of Crisis—Carleton in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Racism in Canadian Institutions—Par- to enhance the air force’s ability to join the public health crisis; the economic University’s School of Journalism and Com- Thursday, Oct. 29, from 12:15-1:15 p.m. liamentary Secretary to the President of belligerent U.S. and NATO wars? How has crisis; the education crisis; the crisis of munication hosts a virtual symposium from To register for this free online presentation, the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Canada employed fighter jets in the past? institutions (and democratic feedback Oct. 22-23 on “Journalism In the Time of contact Emma Brown, PAGSE Manager at Government Greg Fergus will take part in What are the climate impacts of these jets? mechanisms); the international crisis; and Crisis,” examining the nexus between jour- [email protected] or 613-363-7705. a French-language webinar, “Le racisme What else could the $19-billion be used finally, the growing national unity crisis. nalism and the COVID-19 pandemic to find MONDAY, NOV. 2 dans les institutions canadiennes” (Racism for? Oct. 15, 7 p.m. EDT. The event will Friday, Oct. 16, from 7-8:30 p.m. Register lessons for journalism practice and study in in Canadian Institutions). He will be joined include a social media rally. This webinar via Eventbrite. the future. Panellists include Chief Public Trade Minister speaks to Montreal Audi- by former governor general Michaëlle Jean is organized by the Canadian Foreign Policy SUNDAY, OCT. 18 Health Officer of Canada Dr. Teresa Tam, ence—Minister of Small Business, Export and Daniella Ingabire with the University Institute and World BEYOND War. Registra- Globe and Mail’s Andre Picard, The Hill Promotion and International Trade Mary of Ottawa. This online event takes place on tion link: https://actionnetwork.org/events/ War: How Conflict Shaped Us with Times’ Charelle Evelyn, CBC Ottawa’s Adrian Ng (Markham-Thornhill, Ont.) will deliver Thursday, Oct. 15, from 4-5 p.m. Register challengingfighterjets?clear_id=true For Margaret MacMillan—Margaret MacMillan Harewood, CNN’s Daniel Dale, and CBC’s remarks at a virtual event hosted by the via Eventbrite. more information: www.foreignpolicy.ca shares her insights into the very nature of The National’s Adrienne Arsenault. The free Montreal Council on Foreign Relations. PPF Testimonial Dinner and Awards—The FRIDAY, OCT. 16 war—from the ancient Greeks to modern online event runs from 8:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, from 12-12:30 p.m. Reg- Public Policy Forum’s Honour Roll is going times—with CBC’s Adrian Harewood. In Register via Eventbrite. ister online by Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. virtual. The PPF Honour Roll virtual ses- Women & Advocacy: 50 years of prog- her sweeping new book, international The Need for a Greener Economic sions with our 2020 Testimonial Dinner & ress, the influence of feminist activists—Fa- bestselling author and historian MacMillan Recovery—The Montreal Council on Foreign The Parliamentary Calendar is a free Awards will be held from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 mous 5 Ottawa is pleased to be co-hosting analyzes the tangled history of war and so- Relations hosts a webinar on “Building events listing. Send in your political, p.m. which includes networking sessions. a 2020 Persons’ Day armchair style virtual ciety and our complicated feelings towards Forward: The Need for a Greener Economic cultural, diplomatic, or governmental event Join us virtually on Thursday Oct. 15 and discussion with Maryam Monsef, minister it and towards those who fight. It explores Recovery,” featuring Patricia Espinosa, ex- in a paragraph with all the relevant details Thursday Oct. 22 as we celebrate Elyse of women and gender equality and rural the ways in which changes in society have ecutive secretary, Secretariat of the United under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Cal- Allan, Sen. Peter Harder, Anne McLellan economic development. The armchair affected the nature of war and how in turn Nations Framework Convention on Climate endar’ to [email protected] by Wednes- and Sen. Murray Sinclair and their achieve- discussion, featuring four prominent activ- wars have changed the societies that fight Change. Thursday, Oct. 22, from noon to day at noon before the Monday paper or by ments. Rob Russo, formerly with CBC will ists and advocates whose work has led to them, including the ways in which women 12:30 p.m. Register online at corim.qc.ca. Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We be receiving the Hyman Solomon journal- significant progress on gender equality, will have been both participants in and the FRIDAY, OCT. 23 can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, ism award. Data scientist, AI literacy expert bring an intersectional lens to advocacy and objects of war. The free, pre-recorded event but we will definitely do our best. Events and author, Shingai Manjengwa, is the re- women’s participation in public life, poli- is Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. RSVP at After the Pandemic: The State And Future can be updated daily online, too. cipient of the Emerging Leader Award. The tics, and leadership roles. Featuring special writersfestival.org. of Canada—The Institute for 21st Century The Hill Times More at hilltimes.com/calendar New podcast for Canadian political junkies

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