Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 A W political players say veteran federal election, nextin the ridings inplay fourleast Alberta Party could put at and Maverick political woes Kenney’s News THIRTY-SECOND YEAR, NO.1790 Party runningcandidates inthe upstart right-of-centreMaverick for next election Don ValleyEast nomination in eyeing coveted some Liberals against Ratansi, investigation ethics Amid ongoing News vestigation for allegedethical isunderin- BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS The Hill Times’ 100Best Books in 2020 &more ney’s unpopularityandthe lberta PremierJason Ken- and Happy next issueisJan. 11, turned-Independent MP hile five-term Liberal- New Year, Holidays online until then. online 2021, but we’ll be Happy The Hill Times’ Times’ Hill The to all! Continued onpage 5 Continued onpage4

T Liberal caucusis very proud of,’ says LiberalMP FrancisScarpaleggia. ‘It’s a major plank inour platform, andit’s a plan that Ican tell that the nouncement, unveiled lastFriday News say political players spring election footing, puts federal Gritson climate announcement Trudeau government’s BY PETER MAZEREEUW $15-billion climate policy an - he Liberal government’s C anada ’ s P oliti a springelection, say strategists, a the stageforLiberals tofight gas emissionsthat willhelpset ranging plantocurbgreenhouse shortly afternoon, isawide- c s

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N ews Environment andaHealthy Liberal MP, and aleadingpollster. The plan, titled A Healthy p a p er Continued onpage 6 Andrew Meade photograph by Hill Times Dec. 11. ministers on several other along with gas emissions greenhouse plan toreduce $15-billion announced a Trudeau Justin Minister Prime The MONDAY, DECEMBER21,2020$5.00 T A in buzzwords like “resilience” that ground theircampaignslogans , politicians arelikely to claiming nearly14,000lives in life forthepastninemonths, and ic upendingnearlyevery facetof politicians’ messaging. expect thepandemictoframe say politicosandexperts, who for thenextelectioncampaign, for allfederal partiesasthey plan onto carriesa “seductive” appeal say experts partisan appeal, carries broad back better’ ‘build Pitch to News comes next AFN,and what the on leaving Perry Bellegarde a leader’: been ‘All my life, I’ve News his timeleadingthe AFN, which Hill TimesThe lastweek about mind. July—but leadershipisonhis steps afterheleaves the AFN in he hasn’tdecidedonhisnext BY PALAK MANGAT BY PETER MAZEREEUW With thecoronavirus pandem- Mr. Bellegarde spoke with that theLiberals have latched he callto “build backbetter” Chief Perry Bellegarde says ssembly ofFirst Nations pp.17-21 Continued onpage27 Continued onpage 16 2 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Heard on the Hill Parliamentary Calendar by Samantha Wright Allen House of Commons Senate offers rendition of Christmas poem as Upper adjourned until Chamber closes for the season Jan. 25, but political But we heard HIM exclaim, ere he drove out of sight: I MOVE THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE! TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT! Ottawa is still busy NDP MLA thanks ISC official for wearing red dress pin The attire of Indigenous Services Canada’s chief medical officer drew some favourable attention from an NDP MLA last week. On Dec. 17, Independent Senator Yuen Pau Woo, pictured with ISG Senator Donna Dasko Tom Wong, pictured behind, gave his Senate-inspired version of the Dec. 11, 2020, also Christmas classic ‘The week Before Christmas.’ wore the moose hide Photograph courtesy of ParlVu pin in support of the Moose Hide Campaign, he House isn’t the only Chamber that a grassroots movement Tclosed its doors for the holidays with a of Indigenous and non- little Christmas cheer. Before Independent Indigenous men and Senator Yuen Pau Woo launched into verse, boys standing up against he offered apologies to the famous poem’s violence towards women author, Clement Clarke Moore, for taking and children. The Hill liberties with both the timeline and the Times photograph by language. “’Twas the week before Christ- Andrew Meade mas,” Sen. Woo began. “When all through the House/Not an MP was sitting, not even On top of welcoming Dr. Tom Wong’s a mouse./The bills had been sent to the update Dec. 16 about the government’s Senate with care,/In hopes that Speaker plan to get vaccines to Indigenous com- George Furey was there.” munities, Manitoba NDP MLA Nahanni He’s the latest Parliamentarian to offer Fontaine took note on Twitter of the red his riff after a cross-partisan trio of MPs dress pinned to his suit lapel. shared the duties to continue the tradition “I really appreciate him wearing a of former Liberal MP Rodger Cuzner’s #MMIWG2S Red Dress pin,” wrote Ms. once witty traditional political-themed Fontaine, a two-term MLA who is a mem- ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas roast. ber of the Sagkeeng Anishinaabe First Each of the Senate group leaders said Nation and her party’s justice critic and their goodbyes, and Conservative Leader spokesperson for Missing and Murdered The West Block, pictured recently. The House is now adjourned until Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, but Donald Plett joked that Sen. Woo should Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit political Ottawa is still busy while Parliament is on a break. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade have had the last line and “we should have people. all been running.” The red dress symbolizes the campaign MONDAY, DEC. 21 THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 So we’ll give Sen. Woo the last word here: ’Twas the week before Christmas, to honour, remember, and advocate for In- Moyra Davey: The Faithful—National Gallery of Conservative Party National Policy Convention—The when all through the House digenous women and girls who have been Canada hosts this new exhibition, Moyra Davey: The Conservative Party National Policy Convention will now Not an MP was sitting, not even a mouse. murdered or gone missing. The Red Dress Faithful, featuring the work of one of Canada’s most in- take place from March 18 to 20, 2021, exclusively The bills had been sent to the Senate with care, project was created by Métis artist Jaime novative conceptual artists, on now until Jan. 3, 2021. online and the Conservative Party’s National Council In hopes that Speaker George Furey was there; Black to raise awareness on the issue, National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. decided the next convention in 2023 will take place The senators were nestled all snug with her first exhibition in 2010 that later This new exhibition features 54 photographs and six in Québec City. For more information, call 1-866-808- in their headphones, films by Davey, along with more than a dozen works 8407. became a nation-wide campaign. from the Gallery collection. Developed by the artist and With visions of amendments engraved Throughout his Dec. 16 update, Dr. FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 on their capstones; curator Andrea Kunard, the exhibition explores the art- Clerks in ‘kerchiefs, and Black Rod in his hat, Wong urged partnership on the part of ist’s trajectory from early images of family and friends, Liberal Party National Convention—The Liberal Party Got us all ready for a nice long Zoom chat provinces and the federal government, say- through portraits of the detritus of everyday life, her of Canada announced on Sept. 25 it was postponing When from the canal, there arose such a clatter, ing decisions about the COVID-19 vaccine mailed photographs, and films examining the work of its 2020 Liberal National Convention from Nov. 12-14. authors, philosophers and artists. https://www.gallery. I sprang from the chamber to see what’s the matter. rollout cannot be made without Indigenous The new dates are April 9-10, 2021. ca/whats-on/exhibitions-and-galleries/moyra-davey-the- Away to the window I flew like a flash, leadership. National Convention—The NDP faithful rescheduled its 2020 policy convention to instead take Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister re- place virtually April 9-11, 2021. Riding associations The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow TUESDAY, DEC. 22 cently drew outrage for his comments call- have until Feb. 8, 2021 to submit resolutions for Gave the lustre of midday to objects below, ing it unfair for the feds to allocate some of The Delegation of European Union and EU Member consideration. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, the province’s per capita vaccines to First States—The Delegation of European Union and EU But a most vexing bill—C-7, my dear. Member States present a Christmas Concert of Euro- SATURDAY, AUG. 21, 2021 Its crackerjack sponsor so lively and with it, Nations. pean Christmas songs and carols on Rogers TV Ottawa 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference—One Senator Petitclerc did not waste a minute. “This puts Manitobans at the back of the line. This hurts Manitobans, to put it on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23, 4 of the largest annual gatherings of Commonwealth More rapid than dinner break her emails they came, p.m. and on OMNI Television website. Parliamentarians will take place in Aug. 21-27, 2021 And she whistled, and shouted, and called us by name. mildly,” he said. MONDAY, JAN. 25, 2021 at the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference “Now, Mute! Now, Unmute! Your video is off! Asked about those controversial com- (CPC) hosted by the CPA Canada Region in Halifax. On Zoom! On Teams! You are speaking too soft! ments and whether Ottawa would force House Sitting—The House will likely be sitting in The annual flagship event will bring together over 500 To the top of the order paper! To the top of it all! Manitoba to cooperate with this approach, a hybrid format during the pandemic, with most MPs Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and decision Please, dear opposition, please, do not stall.” Dr. Wong reiterated a call for cooperation, connecting remotely. It’s scheduled to return on Mon- makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, day, Jan. 25-Feb. 5. It will take a one-week break and conference and networking opportunity. The conference When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, pointing to a national-level working group that involves Indigenous partners so all return on Tuesday, Feb. 16 and sit every weekday until will be hosted by the CPA President (2019-2021), So up to the chamber top, the speeches they flew, Friday, Feb. 26. It will take a one-week break, March , MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. With a screen full of faces, and a china cabinet too. jurisdictions can “roll out the plan together.” 1-March 5, and will return again for one week, March All eligible CPA Branches will be contacted with further And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, His deputy at ISC, Dr. Evan Adams, 8-12, before taking another break, March 15-19. It’s information and invitations. The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. said he’d hate to consider the worst case scheduled to sit March 22-26, will take a two-week The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, scenario where people don’t get along or break, March 29-April 9. It’s then scheduled to sit Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- Down the chimney came . . . a court organize together. every weekday for the next five weeks, April 12-May 14. mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details extension most sound. “I certainly don’t feel negatively at this It will take one-week break after that, from May 17-May under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to So we spoke not a word more, and ceased our work, point,” he said. “We’re [ISC is] very active at 24. It will sit May 25 every weekday until Wednesday, [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the We packed our things and turned with a jerk, June 23, and will then break for three months, until Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday iPads and laptops we finally did close, the table trying to make plans regardless of Monday Sept. 20. In the fall and winter, the House is paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but With a nod by the Speaker, from the chamber we rose; maybe some public stated positions.” scheduled to sit for 11 weeks over September, October, we will definitely do our best. Events can be updated We sprang to the doors, to our teams gave a whistle, [email protected] November and December. It will sit Sept. 20-Oct. 8; daily online, too. And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. The Hill Times Oct. 18-Nov. 5; Nov. 15-Dec. 17. The Hill Times As 2020 draws to a close, we thank the Government Together, we are completing this important mission of Canada as well as the communities and suppliers for the Royal Canadian Navy with three additional who are part of Ships for Canada. This is a ships under construction, and a generation of work generational opportunity that we do not take ahead. A national legacy is being created. for granted. Together, Ships for Canada will continue to deliver Together, through the challenges of Covid-19 coast-to-coast-to-coast impact through life changing we have worked hard to keep each other and our careers, innovation, and research in Canada’s ocean communities safe. frontier that will touch every province and territory.

Together, with over 300 Canadian suppliers and our It takes a country to build Canada’s ships, and on world class shipbuilders whose ranks have grown to behalf of all who are part of this effort, we wish a team of over 2,000, the first ship — HMCS Harry you and yours a safe and happy holiday and all the DeWolf — was delivered in July 2020. best in the New Year.

BUILT WITH PRIDE IN NOVA SCOTIA 4 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

Cumming in 2019. Before that, former senior cabinet minister Kenney’s political woes and Maverick Anne McLellan represented this riding from 1993 to 2006. Other than Centre, Mr. Carter said that the combined Party could put at least four Alberta effect of Mr. Kenney’s unpopular- ity and the Maverick Party could reduce the winning margins somewhat for the Conservatives ridings in play in the next federal but it would not cost them any seats. He said that the Trudeau election, say veteran political players government’s policies sometimes give him the impression the Liberals think that Alberta does disapproved of Mr. Kenney’s han- Mr. Nanos said that it’s critical seats. The four urban ridings iden- not exist. Mr. Carter said that the ‘We have to take dling of the situation. for Mr. O’Toole to distinguish tified by Mr. Nanos are not in the hike in carbon tax announced on Now, according, to the poll himself from Mr. Kenney and Mr. list of 49 ridings. Dec. 11 is an important example the Maverick Party released on Dec. 10, 56 per cent Harper, otherwise the Liberals When asked last week if a of that, and will further diminish seriously and we of Albertans say the government will label him as a variation of Maverick Party member ex- the Liberal Party’s chances of is doing a poor job of handling Mr. Harper. pressed an interest in running in winning any seats in Alberta. have to take the the economy, while 39 per cent “What the Liberals want to do ridings such as Calgary Centre Conservative MP Michael Coo- described the handling as good. is just to fight the same election or Calgary Skyview, the interim per (St. Albert-Edmonton, Alta.) frustrations that Last year, Mr. Kenney’s United that has served them generally Jay Hill declined to said that he does not believe Conservative Party ousted the well over the last [several years]. answer the question, describing it his party will lose any seats in Albertans feel Rachel Notley New Democrats Their first election was against as a hypothetical. the next election because of Mr. seriously, but it is after one term, winning a thump- Stephen Harper. Their second As for the 49 ridings, Mr. Hill Kenney’s drop in popularity or ing majority. But, according to election was against Andrew said that dozens of potential the Maverick Party. He said that Conservative MPs the recent Angus Reid poll, both Scheer, who they portrayed as candidates have approached the Albertans distinguish between parties are now running neck and Harper-like. I think the Liberals party to run as candidates and the federal and provincial gov- who are standing up neck with 43 per cent and 39 per will be very happy to try to por- the party is still scrutinizing the ernments when they cast their cent support, respectively. The tray Erin O’Toole as just another applications. Mr. Hill, a former votes, and if Albertans want their for the interests of third-place Alberta Party had the variation of Stephen Harper.” senior cabinet minister in Mr. interests to be represented at the support of 10 per Harper’s cabinet, federal table, their best bet would Alberta,’ says Tory MP cent of Albertans. Alberta Premier Jason said that three of be to vote for the Conservative Michael Cooper. Mr. Kenney came Kenney, pictured Sept. his former col- Party, since it is the official op- to power blaming 18, 2020, in Ottawa after leagues from the position and has better odds of the Notley New a meeting of Canada’s Reform Party days, forming government than any Democrats for their premiers to discus the Val Meredith, Leon other party. Continued from page 1 “mismanagement” federal government's Benoit, and Allan “We have to take the Mav- next election could cost the fed- of the economy and support to provinces Kerpan are vetting erick Party seriously and we eral Conservatives at least four accusing the Justin during the ongoing these candidates. have to take the frustrations that ridings in the next election in the Trudeau (Papineau, COIVD crisis. Political Mr. Kerpan is the Albertans feel seriously, but it is province, the bedrock of the Con- Que.) Liberals of an insiders say that Mr. Maverick Party’s Alberta Conservative MPs [who] servative base, where the party “anti-west, anti- Kenney's unpopularity in deputy leader. Mr. are standing up for the interests currently holds all but one seat, natural resources” the province, combined Hill said that these of Alberta in Ottawa, and I think say some political insiders. agenda. Since then, with the Maverick Party three former MPs do that’s something that is recog- “If Jason Kenney continues to he has failed to fielding federal candidates not have any plans nized,” said Mr. Cooper. be unpopular, and people connect turn the provincial in Alberta in the next to run in the next An Alberta-based senior him with Erin O’Toole, then we economy around election could affect the election. Conservative political insider might see some of those ridings and COVID-19 has Conservatives in at least “We’ve had agreed that if Mr. Kenney’s un- in Edmonton and Calgary in play added another layer four ridings in Calgary substantial interest popularity persists until the next for either the New Democrats of complexity. and Edmonton, leaving and we have that federal election is called and if or the Liberals,” said Nik Nanos, Mr. Kenney has room for the Liberals to committee that has the Maverick Party gains trac- chief data scientist and founder of been criticized for potentially gain seats. The already interviewed tion with Albertans, at least four Nanos Research. seeming to single Hill Times photograph by a number of pro- ridings would come into play. But, Prior to getting elected as the out the South Asian Andrew Meade spective candidates,” he said, the more serious issue for Alberta premier in April 2019, Mr. community for large said Mr. Hill. “And the Conservatives is if the RCMP Kenney represented the federal gatherings contrib- they will be avail- filed any charges associated with riding of Calgary Midnapore— uting to the province’s spread of In a minority Parliament, an able to run in a campaign when it their ongoing investigation into and its predecessor Calgary COVID-19, not acknowledging election could happen at any happens.” a so-called “kamikaze” campaign Southeast—as an MP for 19 years his own mistakes in handling the time and if Mr. Kenney does not Stephen Carter, an Alberta- allegedly waged against Mr. Ken- between 1997 and 2016, including pandemic, and being too lenient recover from his downward spiral based political strategist told ney’s UCP leadership rival Brian eight as a Stephen Harper cabinet on anti-mask protestors. in the polls, it could become a The Hill Times that Mr. Kenney’s Jean. This could implicate some minister. As an MP, he was his As of Dec. 16, there were liability for the federal Conserva- political struggles right now will senior players in the premier’s party’s point man for outreach 84,597 confirmed cases of CO- tives as some urban ridings in not cause any political trouble for office and federal Conservatives to new Canadians and visible VID-19 in the province, resulting Calgary and Edmonton could Mr. O’Toole, as people understand who supported Mr. Kenney in the minorities, and a key player on in 760 deaths, according to the come into play, Mr. Nanos said. these are two different levels of 2017 leadership campaign. The the Harper team in building the Public Health Agency of Canada. He identified the ridings of government and people make fraud investigation is led by a Conservative coalition that won Calgary Centre, Calgary Skyview, the distinction when they vote special prosecutor from Ontario them three back-to-back elec- Edmonton Centre, and Edmonton provincially or federally. and the RCMP has interviewed tions, including in 2006, 2008, and O’Toole should be Mill Woods that could be up for “We don’t view voting in the hundreds of Albertans for this 2011. ‘friendly, but not friends,’ grabs because of Mr. Kenney’s federal election the same way investigation that started in 2019. After leaving the federal political woes. The Trudeau Liber- that we vote in the provincial The source said that if the UCP political arena, he went back to with Kenney: Nanos als carried these ridings in 2015, election,” said Mr. Carter. “So or federal Conservatives who Calgary to work for the merger In the last federal election, but lost all four in 2019. more people just tend to vote supported the Kenney leadership of the provincial Progressive the Conservatives won 33 of the Conservatives won Edmon- Conservative, basically, and they campaign are indicted, it will tar- Conservatives and the Wildrose 34 seats in Alberta. The only seat ton Centre by 8.4 percentage don’t vote Conservative federally, nish the brand of the Conserva- Party. Following the merger, Mr. that they lost was to the NDP, points, and the other three with for much more than that’s the tive Party, which means a serious Kenney won the leadership of the which held Edmonton-Strathcona very comfortable, double-digit way that they always vote. The problem both for the UCP and the new United Conservative Party with Heather McPherson taking margins. Another complicating Liberals are a bad word out here. federal Conservatives. and later led his party to win the 47 per cent of the vote. factor for the Conservatives will That’s just not changing anytime “It’s probably one of the larg- provincial election in 2019. Mr. Nanos said that Mr. be if the right-of-centre Maverick soon.” est investigations they’ve [RCMP] According to a recent poll O’Toole’s (Durham, Ont.) path Party decides to run candidates Mr. Carter, however, said ever done, the amount of re- by Angus Reid, 57 per cent of to victory is to acknowledge the against the Conservatives. Up that the only seat that he thinks sources they put into it,” said the Albertans think their provincial Harper legacy, but at the same time, until now, the Maverick Party Conservatives could lose in the source. “So it would be shocking government is doing a poor job he has to put his own stamp on the has been planning on targeting province is Edmonton Centre, an in my mind that they had noth- in handling COVID-19, compared party and should not be seen as 49 strong Conservative ridings in urban riding with a strong base of ing. When you have a premier or to 41 per cent who said it’s doing closely aligned with Mr. Kenney. Western Canada where the Tories support for the NDP and the Lib- premier’s staff or premier’s cam- a good job. This is a remarkable “Friendly, but not friends,” won with very wide margins. erals. He said it could go to either paign, people being criminally turnaround from June, when 71 said Mr. Nanos, describing The idea behind this strategy is party, depending on who fields a charged, that becomes a national per cent of Albertans had said the kind of a relationship Mr. to avoid a situation where a vote better candidate. Former Liberal story. It’s about branding at that their provincial government was O’Toole should have with the split between the Conservatives MP Randy Boissonnault held point.” doing a good job in handling the Alberta premier who endorsed and the Maverick Party could let this riding for one term, but was [email protected] pandemic, while 41 per cent had his leadership run. left-of-centre parties win some unseated by Conservative James The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 5 News Amid ongoing ethics investigation against Ratansi, some Liberals eyeing coveted nomination in for next election

Mr. Dhanani, a special adviser from April 1, 2019 to March 31, “It was like walking on egg- selves’ and that when it comes to Potential Liberal to Ryerson University president, 2020. Those included $272,620 shells every single day,” a former dealing with sexual harassment, did not respond to interview re- in employee expenses. As of last employee told CBC. “You’d come women should have thicker skin candidates in Don quests from The Hill Times. week, four staffers were listed in into work knowing that she was and treat the encounters ‘like a Ms. Ratansi won the last elec- her office directory. It appears going to yell … She was going to water off a duck’s back.’” She Valley East are tion with 59.7 per cent of the vote that Ms. Ratansi’s sister no longer cut someone down and you just later apologized for her com- waiting for the party while Conservative candidate works as her constituency as- hope it wasn’t you.” ments. Michael Ma took 24 per cent, sistant. Prime Minister By deadline, Ms. Ratansi had leadership to say NDP candidate Nicholas Thomas In a statement posted on Face- (Papineau, Que.) expressed dis- not responded to interview re- 11 per cent, and Green candidate book right before the story broke, appointment in Ms. Ratansi for quests from The Hill Times. whether they will Dan Turcotte won 3.9 per cent. Ms. Ratansi conceded making the hiring her sister in the constitu- Don Valley East is one of the Ms. Ratansi stepped down from mistake of employing her sister in ency office and the allegations of most diverse ridings in the GTA hold an open contest the Liberal caucus in November her office and described it as an harassment from former staffers. area and has been in existence after the CBC reported Nov. 10 “error of judgment.” She said that “I am deeply disappointed since 1976. Out of 14 federal elec- for the nomination that she had employed her sister she had referred the matter to the by the news I learned yesterday tions since that time, the Liberals or appoint someone in the constituency office for Conflict of Interest and Ethics from Ms. Ratansi and how she have won 10 times, while the Con- years, in violation of parliamenta- Commissioner, and would follow handled the office,” Mr. Trudeau servatives have won four times. without an election. ry rules that bar MPs from hiring his instructions to address this told reporters on Nov.11, a day Ms. Ratansi was first elected family members as their staffers. situation. after the allegations became to the House in 2004, and repre- Each MP gets an annual operat- “To the constituents of Don public. “It is unacceptable and I sented the riding until 2011 when Continued from page 1 she lost the riding to Conserva- breaches, some GTA Liberals are tive MP . She won already testing the waters to see back the riding in 2015 and was if they would have a shot at the re-elected in 2019. Before Ms. Liberal nomination in the safe Ratansi, former Jean Chretien era and coveted riding of Don Valley cabinet minister East in the next election. represented this riding from 1993 In interviews with The Hill until 2004. Times, some Liberal in- Liberal sources interviewed siders said that several candidates for this article said that potential are quietly jockeying behind the Liberal nomination candidates scenes to position themselves for didn’t yet know whether the the nomination, but are not con- party will hold an open and fair firming it publicly as the ethics nomination contest in this rid- investigation has not concluded. ing, or will appoint candidates However, all interviewed for this favoured by the leadership, like article said that considering the it did for the two byelections in gravity of the allegations against and York Centre Ms. Ratansi, they did not expect in October. The Liberals won both her to be the party’s candidate in byelections, albeit with smaller the next election. Potential candi- margins compared to the 2019 dates who could enter the contest if election, and pundits described it the riding opens up include, among as a “wake up call” for the leader- others, Don Valley East provincial ship. Liberal MPP Michael Coteau, In York Centre, Liberal Ya’ara Toronto lawyer Paul Saguil, and Saks won the seat by a margin of a senior executive at the Ryerson only 3.9 percentage points, with University, Mohamed Dhanani. 45.7 per cent of the vote, second “Currently, my number one Liberal-turned-Independent MP Yasmin Ratansi, left, resigned from the Liberal caucus in November while facing place Conservative Julius Tiang- priority is to make sure that allegations of conflict of interest and harassment. If the Liberal nomination opens up in Don Valley East, some potential son took 41.8 per cent, and third people in my community have a candidates who could enter the contest include, among others, lawyer Paul Saguil, centre, and Ontario Liberal MPP place New Democrat Andrea representative at Queen’s Park, Michael Coteau. The Hill Times file photograph, photographs courtesy of Paul Saguil, and Ontario legislature website Vásquez Jiménez, 5.8 per cent. especially because of what’s hap- The outgoing York Centre Liberal pening with COVID,” said Mr. Co- MP Michael Levitt had been re- teau, a former provincial cabinet ing budget, the size of which Valley East and to anyone I may expect there to be a thorough fol- elected in this riding only last minister and the runner up in the depending on the geography and have disappointed by my error of lowup by the House administra- year by a margin of 13.5 per cent most recent Ontario Liberal lead- the population of the riding they judgment, I take full responsibil- tion on this.” of the vote. ership campaign, when asked if represent. These budgets are used ity, and to all I do apologize,” Ms. Heather Bradley, director of In Toronto Centre, CTV he would run for Liberal nomina- to pay salaries and expenses of Ratansi wrote. communications for the House broadcaster won the tion should the riding open up. their Hill and constituency of- “I made an error of judg- Speaker, told The Hill Times that byelection with 42 per cent of the Mr. Saguil said that he will fices. The maximum salary of an ment by employing my sister the issue is before the Board of votes, compared to 32.7 per cent make a decision to run if and MP’s staffer is fixed at $89,700. in my constituency office, and I Internal Economy, the governing for Green Party Leader Annamie when the nomination opens up It’s not clear how many years Ms. have remedied the situation, but body of the House of Commons. Paul. The NDP candidate Brian in the riding. “I haven’t made any Ratansi’s sister worked in her this does not excuse the error I In 2017, she faced allegations Chang came in third place with decisions yet, there’s no nomina- constituency office, and depend- made.” of victim blaming when during a 17 per cent. In the 2019 election, tion process open to my knowl- ing on the length of time she In interviews with CBC, some panel discussion “she answered Ms. Paul came in fourth place edge,” said Mr. Saguil, who is worked, she could have been paid of her former staffers accused Ms. a question about the preva- winning only 7.1 per cent of the deputy head of TD Bank’s Global hundreds of thousands of dollars Ratansi of verbal harassment re- lence of sexual harassment and vote while former finance minis- Sanctions Compliance and Anti- in total. garding their appearance or after violence in politics.” Two women ter was re-elected Bribery/Anti-Corruption Program. According to the annual they had made minor mistakes, present during the discussion by a margin of 35.1 per cent of “When the time comes, I’ll consult expenditure report filed with the and of making “racist” comments told Vice that Ms. Ratansi said the votes. the people who are really close to House, Ms. Ratansi had spent about constituents from the South that “‘sexual violence happens [email protected] me and people that I trust.” $406,050.28 in the last fiscal year Asian community. because women sexualize them- The Hill Times 6 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Trudeau government’s climate announcement puts Liberals on spring election footing, say political players

platform, and it’s a plan that I can around the climate announce- ‘It’s a major plank tell that the Liberal caucus is very ment. proud of.” A poll of 1,096 people by in our platform, “This plan leaves no doubt Nanos Research in late November and it’s a plan that about the government’s commit- suggested that a slim majority of ment,” he said. Canadians favoured an immediate, I can tell that the Once implemented, the plan ambitious effort to address climate could reduce emissions in Canada change, even if there are economic Liberal caucus is substantially, said Michael Ber- costs to doing so. The poll was nstein, the executive director of conducted for the University of Ot- very proud of,’ says Clean Prosperity, a Toronto-based tawa’s Positive Energy Initiative, NGO that advocates for carbon using both telephone and online Liberal MP Francis pricing. surveys, from Nov. 26 to Nov. 29. Scarpaleggia, the “It’s a bold and brave policy. The federal Conservatives It’s a policy that actually lives up have long opposed the federal House Environment Environment Minister , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to the ambition that successive carbon levy. Conservative MP Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna, and Heritage Minister Steven governments have pledged but (Central Okanagan- Committee chair. Guilbeault, not pictured, announced a new plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions haven’t followed through on,” he Similkameen-Nicola, B.C.), his in Canada on Dec. 11, less than a month after the ministers, pictured on Nov. 19, said. party’s environment critic, issued Green Party Leader Annamie a press release Dec. 11 that said Continued from page 1 unveiled the government’s legislation to create a reporting framework for its plan to reach carbon net-zero by 2050. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Paul said the Liberal plan isn’t the plan to raise the levy after Economy, includes $15-billion ambitious enough, and noted that 2022 was “another example of worth of commitments across The House of Commons rose “I would think that they would it doesn’t include any new emis- the Trudeau Liberals promising multiple policy fronts; promises for the winter break on Friday, have preferred to announce it sion reduction targets. one thing to get elected, and then to work toward new building Dec. 11. The break is scheduled earlier,” said Mr. Bernier. Under the Paris Agreement, breaking their promise when they codes and regulations; and a plan to last until Jan. 25. The govern- “If you wanted to make a big Canada has committed to reduc- no longer need your vote.” to raise the carbon levy from $50 ment typically releases its annual splash out of that, why would you ing greenhouse gas emissions by Conservative MP Pierre per tonne of emissions in 2022 to budget document in late February announce that on a Friday after- 30 per cent by the year 2030. Ms. Poilievre (Carleton, Ont.), his $170 per tonne in 2030. or March. noon?” he said. Paul said Canada should aim for party’s finance critic, has started The Liberals had previously The House customarily holds Announcing the plan before a reduction of between 55 and 60 a petition calling on the govern- promised not to raise the price of a confidence vote on the budget. the holidays may limit press per cent if it’s serious about doing ment to “stop the carbon tax.” carbon emissions past 2022. By introducing key policies and coverage and voter attention, but its part to address climate change. A poll commissioned by Mr. Releasing the climate plan legislation ahead of time, the it could also limit the window that Her job is to convey that Bernstein’s Clean Prosperity in is one of a series of moves the Liberals are ensuring they are opposition parties have to criti- message to environmentally- August suggested that a major- Liberals have made recently ready if the opposition unites to cize the policy, said Mr. Bélanger. conscious voters, she said in an ity of voters in the contested 905 to prepare for an election, said vote down the budget and trigger Mr. Delacourt said he be- interview. region of Ontario who would at pollster Nik Nanos, the chair of an election, said Daniel Bernier, a lieved the broken promise not to Pollster Nik Nanos Research. lobbyist for Earnscliffe Strategy raise the carbon levy would be Nanos, left, Since late November the Liber- Group and former chief of staff to accepted by voters, who would pictured als have also promised a stimulus Conservative Environment minis- understand that policy priorities with political package worth between $70-bil- ter Rona Ambrose. had shifted amid the pandemic consultant lion and $100-billion over three “It is the political platform and associated recession. Robin Sears, years, and introduced a series of that Stéphane Dion never had the Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleg- says the bills into the House that would ad- chance to present,” said Mr. Bernier, gia (Lac-Saint-Louis, Que.), who new Liberal dress 2019 campaign promises, in- referencing the Green Shift plat- chairs the House Environment climate policy cluding one to implement the UN form on which the former Liberal Committee, said that “the plan was is part of an Declaration on the Rights of Indig- leader ran in the 2008 election. always to gradually increase it.” effort to get enous Peoples, another to create a The timing of the announce- “Obviously the context ready for an reporting framework for progress ment left some politicos scratch- evolves, the sense of urgency is election. The towards a net-zero emissions ing their heads. certainly not diminishing, but gal- Hill Times file economy, and another to overhaul The Liberals announced their loping ahead,” he said. photograph consumer privacy legislation. Healthy Environment and a Liberal Infrastructure Minister They’ve also introduced another Healthy Economy plan shortly af- Catherine McKenna (Ottawa Cen- bill to make it easier for Elections ter noon on the 11th, the day the tre, Ont.) told reporters in June of Canada to run an election during House rose, and a day before the last year, while she was serving the COVID-19 pandemic. fifth anniversary of the signing of as Environment minister, that “the “The Liberals are systemati- the Paris Climate Agreement. plan is not to increase the price cally getting their policy house Governments often use Friday post-2022.” The Liberal election “If people read the fine print least consider voting Conserva- in order, readying themselves for afternoons—when many Canadi- platform that followed later that and understand that this is a plan tive supported a carbon pricing a federal election. This is just an- ans and some journalists are tun- year included several commit- dedicated to an old target that’s system that returned the funds other example,” said Mr. Nanos in ing out for the weekend—to make ments to address climate change, putting us on a road to nowhere, collected to Canadians. an interview. “They need to make announcements that will draw but did not mention raising the then I believe that they’re going Sixty-seven per cent of Con- sure that they’re making progress negative press coverage. carbon price. to still look at the [Green] party,” servative-accessible voters either on the environmental file, which It is “not exactly standard Notwithstanding the con- she said. “somewhat” or “strongly” agreed is critical to a number of their vot- practice, to announce something nection to the Paris Agreement Ms. Paul took over the lead- that the government should in- ers in their coalition.” of this magnitude on a Friday,” anniversary, both Mr. Bernier and ership of the Green Party in clude in its climate change plan “a As of Dec. 11, polling by Na- said John Delacourt, a lobbyist Mr. Delacourt said they believed October. The Liberals may have carbon tax and rebate that makes nos Research showed the Liberals for Hill and Knowlton and former the timing of the policy’s release timed the release of their climate it more expensive to pollute, and with 37 cent support nationally, communications director for the was likely related to the rollout of policy in part to ensure that Ms. then sends the proceeds back to leading the Conservatives, with Liberal Research Bureau. the COVID-19 vaccine, which has Paul doesn’t build any momentum Canadians as cheques.” 26 per cent; the NDP, with 21 per “The timing is interesting. dominated the news cycle and the with voters whom they will need The poll of 1,001 residents in cent; the Bloq Québécois, with Usually good news, big an- government’s agenda for weeks. to win a majority in the next elec- the 905 area code was conducted seven per cent; the Green Party, nouncements, things that you Mr. Scarpaleggia said the tion, said Mr. Nanos. by Leger, using both online and with six per cent; and the People’s want to make a splash with tend climate policy naturally followed “I see this as a pre-emptive phone surveys, between Aug. 21 Party, with one per cent. not to be announced on a Friday. the introduction of Bill C-12, the move against the new leader of to Aug. 27, 2020. The poll sampled 1,000 Cana- That is just not the best day to emissions target legislation, and the Green Party,” he said. The carbon levy introduced dians over a four week period. A penetrate the households of aligns with the Paris Agreement Ms. Paul said she couldn’t by the Liberals returns 90 per random survey of 1,000 Canadi- Canadians,” said Karl Bélanger, anniversary. comment on Mr. Nanos’ specula- cent of fees collected to Canadian ans is accurate to 3.1 percentage the president of Traxxion Straté- The government was “defi- tion. Mr. Delacourt said he did not households. points, plus or minus, 19 times out gies and former NDP national nitely not trying to bury it,” he think the Green Party factored [email protected] of 20. director. said. “It’s a major plank in our into the government’s decisions The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 7 Opinion

tion in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of How will UNDRIP impact teaching and learning.” For many federal prisoners, who reside far from their place of origin, this will almost certainly require some form of remote, digital, education – Indigenous federal prisoners? a resource which all but a single federal prisoner currently lack. Second, pursuant to Article 34, Indig- passed, would begin enous governments should gain unfettered Ultimately, Bill C-15 should to operationalize access to all data pertaining to Indigenous the United Nations federal prisoners in Canada’s juridical sys- be welcomed with open Declaration on the tem. The opportunity for Indigenous gov- Rights of Indigenous ernments to ensure Indigenous prisoners arms alongside a healthy Peoples. This legisla- are having their human rights respected in amount of skepticism. tion has been long a culturally-congruent manner would be an in the making. It has enormous step forward. Sadly, if the Mandela the capacity to finally The Structured Intervention Units de- bring Canada in line scribed above provide a great example. As Rules and the Structured with many of its in- of August 2020, the Correctional Service ternational commit- failed to release data on how long pris- Intervention Units offer ments, as countless oners spent in SIUs, while subsequently any indication, the international allies released data from October shows that have done in past Furthermore, via sections 81-84 of the CCRA, Article 34 should prompt prisoners in the SIUs often spend 22 hours implementation of UNDRIP years. greater engagement between the Correctional Service, the Parole Board or more inside their cells for 15 days or Yet, the federal of Canada, and local Indigenous communities. These under-used sections more. Some 39 per cent of SIU prisoners may be in name only. government’s track of the CCRA can be increasingly used to re-integrate low-risk offenders are Indigenous. If properly effected Article record on interna- safely, writes Murray Fallis. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay 34 will lend external oversight to this issue tional declarations via Indigenous governments. and resolutions is over-represented, that the John Howard Furthermore, via sections 81-84 of the bleak. In 2019, the federal government Society of Canada is extremely eager to CCRA, Article 34 should prompt greater passed Bill C-83, legislation which sought see the implementation of Bill C-15. At the engagement between the Correctional Ser- to end solitary confinement in Canada. same time, we remain extremely cautious vice, the Parole Board of Canada, and local If effected, Bill C-83 would have finally in celebrating its arrival until its implemen- Indigenous communities. These under-used brought us in line with Rules 43, 44, and 45 tation is properly effected. sections of the CCRA can be increasingly of the Mandela Rules—the United Nations Ultimately, there are two obvious ways used to re-integrate low-risk offenders safely. Standard Minimum Rules for the Treat- in which UNDRIP should have a positive Ultimately, Bill C-15 should be wel- ment of Prisoners, which prohibit the use impact on already-incarcerated Indigenous comed with open arms alongside a healthy of solitary confinement for 22 hours a day federal prisoners: amount of skepticism. Sadly, if the Man- Murray Fallis for 15 days or more. First, pursuant to Article 14, UNDRIP dela Rules and the Structured Intervention Opinion They have completely failed. should see Correctional Services Canada Units offer any indication, the implementa- It is from this perspective, as an orga- engage directly with Indigenous govern- tion of UNDRIP may be in name only. nization committed to a just, effective, and ments and organizations, who will “estab- Murray Fallis is an articling fellow with wo weeks ago, the federal government humane criminal justice system, a system lish and control their [own] educational the John Howard Society of Canada. The Hill Times Ttabled Bill C-15, legislation which, if in which Indigenous peoplesPOLICY are grossly BRIEFINGS systems CALENDAR and institutions providing educa- Media Kit 2021

POLICYPOLICY BRIEFINGS BRIEFINGS CALENDARLobbying CALENDAR and Ethics 100 Most Influential Back to ParliamentMediaMedia Kit Kit20212021 Wednesday, January 20 Monday, January 25 Monday, January 25 LobbyingLobbying and Ethicsand Ethics 100 Most100 MostInfluential Influential Back Backto Parliament to Parliament Wednesday,Wednesday, January January 20 20 Monday,Monday, January January 25 25 Monday,Monday, January January 25 25 Health Innovation Transportation 100 Top Lobbyists Monday, February 8 Wednesday, February 17 Monday, February 22 Monday, February 22 HealthHealth InnovationInnovation TransportationTransportation 100 Top100 Lobbyists Top Lobbyists Monday,Monday, February February 8 8 Wednesday,Wednesday, February February 17 17 Monday,Monday, February February 22 22 Monday,Monday, February February 22 22 Energy Agriculture 50 Top Foreign AI & 5G Wednesday, March 10 Monday, March 15 Policy Influencers Wednesday, March 24 EnergyEnergy AgricultureAgriculture 50 Top50 Foreign Wednesday,Top Foreign March 17 AI & 5GAI & 5G Wednesday,Wednesday, March March 10 10 Monday,Monday, March March 15 15 PolicyPolicy Influencers Influencers Wednesday,Wednesday, March March 24 24 Wednesday,Wednesday, March March 17 17 Aviation Infrastructure Health Monday, April 5 Wednesday, April 14 Monday, April 19 AviationAviation InfrastructureInfrastructure HealthHealth Monday,Monday, April 5April 5 Wednesday,Wednesday, April 14April 14 Monday,Monday, April 19April 19 Digital Privacy & Security Research and Innovation Defence Guide to Political Staff DigitalWednesday,Digital Privacy Privacy &May Security 5 & SecurityResearchResearchMonday, and May Innovationand 10 InnovationDefenceDefenceMonday, May 24 GuideGuide to Political& Terrificto Political Staff 25 Staffers Staff Wednesday,Wednesday, May 5 May 5 Monday,Monday, May 10 May 10 Monday,Monday, May 24 May 24 & Terrific& Terrific Wednesday,25 Staffers 25 Staffers May 26 Wednesday,Wednesday, May 26 May 26 Environment Natural Resources Annual Politically EnvironmentMonday,Environment June 7 NaturalNaturalWednesday, Resources Resources June 16 AnnualAnnual SavvyPolitically Politically Survey Monday,Monday, June 7June 7 Wednesday,Wednesday, June 16June 16 SavvySavvy SurveyWednesday, Survey June 23 Wednesday,Wednesday, June 23June 23 Biotech Universities and Back to Parliament BiotechMonday,Biotech September 13 UniversitiesUniversitiesColleges and Research and Back Backto Monday,Parliament to Parliament September 20 Monday,Monday, September September 13 13 CollegesCollegesWednesday, Research Research September 15 Monday,Monday, September September 20 20 Wednesday,Wednesday, September September 15 15

Mental Health Infrastructure Innovation Cyber Security MentalMonday,Mental Health OctoberHealth 4 InfrastructureInfrastructureWednesday, October 20 InnovationInnovationMonday, October Cyber25 Cyber SecurityWednesday, Security October 27 Monday,Monday, October October 4 4 Wednesday,Wednesday, October October 20 20 Monday,Monday, October October 25 25 Wednesday,Wednesday, October October 27 27

TransportationTransportationTransportation DefenceDefenceDefence AerospaceAerospaceAerospace Monday,Monday,Monday, November NovemberNovember 1 1 Wednesday,Wednesday,Wednesday, November November November 17 17 17 Monday,Monday, Monday,November November November 22 22 22

EnvironmentEnvironmentEnvironment The NorthTheThe North North AnnualAnnual AnnualAll Politics All AllPolitics PollPolitics Poll Poll100 Best100 BooksBest100 BestBooks Books Monday,Monday,Monday, December DecemberDecember 6 6 Wednesday,Wednesday,Wednesday, December December December 8 8 8 Monday,Monday, Monday,December December December 20 20 20 of theof Year theof Yearthe Year Monday,Monday, DecemberMonday, December 20December 20 20

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Editorial Letters to the Editor Time for all federal parties to put Time to recognize criminality of partisan politics aside for now mass environmental destruction, and focus solely on COVID-19 create a law against ecocide he time is now to recognize the crimi- rights? Courts, legislatures and com- rime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liber- election could happen in one of two ways: Tnality of mass environmental destruc- munities increasingly say it should, and Pals were reduced to a minority govern- either the three major opposition par- tion by creating a law against ecocide. the panel agrees. Panel co-chair lawyer ment in the 2019 federal election. That ties unite to defeat the government on a This was the discussion of a high-level Phillip Sands says, “The function of law, minority status should continue until real confidence vote, or Prime Minister Justin group of international lawyers meeting as in part, is to change consciousness, and policy differences between the major par- Trudeau goes to the Governor General part of the Annual Assembly of State Par- the absence of any international crime ties force them apart. and asks to dissolve Parliament. The Lib- ties of the International Criminal Court concerning massive damage to the envi- When Canadians don’t give a majority erals could hasten the former outcome by (ICC) in The Hague this week. ronment basically sends a signal that it’s mandate to one party, the simple message including an unsupportable “poison pill” Over the next six months, the panel okay to do that.” to all parties is that they want them to policy in something that will be treated as of thirteen international lawyers and At this critical time of climate disrup- work together and make Canada a better a confidence vote in the House. environmental experts will draft lan- tion and species extinction it is impera- place than before; and, that they did not So far, the Liberals have had no dif- guage for a law criminalizing ecocide. The tive to increase protections of natural want to trust one party with a majority ficulty getting their major policies passed definition will be submitted as a statutory systems. As Canadians, deeply rooted in mandate because no party was able to in the House. They should not play any amendment to the ICC, standing beside both the rule of law and the love of our convince them that it could do a good job games to engineer their own defeat; it laws criminalizing genocide, war crimes environment, we should strongly support of running the government. This means may serve the party’s interests, but not and crimes against humanity. these efforts to make ecocide a crime. all parties need to improve their game, the public’s. At the heart of the discussion is the Paul Campbell and prove with actions that next time Like the rest of the world, Canada is question: should nature itself have legal Kaslo, B.C. they will be able to win the confidence of dealing with a once-in-a century deadly Canadians. crisis wreaking havoc on the health and In most cases, the opposite happens, the economic well being of Canadians. and all political parties spend most of Now is the time for the government to Conservatives should campaign their time preparing for the election focus on governance, including policies because of the uncertainty about when to mitigate the negative impact of the on electoral reform in next federal it will take place. Canada has a fixed pandemic on the lives of Canadians. The election date law in place, but governing opposition parties should use their ener- parties and the opposition are never shy gies to hold the government to account in election, says B.C. letter writer about breaking this law when it serves a constructive way, not to undermine its uring the next federal election voters election, which Trudeau ultimately denied their interests. This is the reason we see ability to do its job. Dwill have an opportunity to re-elect them—electoral reform. displays of grandstanding and political In regular times, most Canadians Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ultra- It is a well-established fact the major- brinksmanship day in and day out in the pay attention to politics only during the socialist government that is proposing ity of Canadians want electoral reform, House. course of a federal election. Now, Canadi- to spend about half-a-trillion dollars on and that almost all want some form of The Liberals currently have 155 seats ans are watching politicians very closely, COVID with little or no input from the proportional representation, and that in the House, the Conservatives 121, as everyone is being affected by decisions people while he is busy telling us it’s none includes a lot of federal MPs. the Bloc Québécois 32, the NDP 24, the made during the pandemic. All parties of our-business where and how all that The Conservatives will have to aban- Greens three, and there are three inde- should be careful in this important time: money will be spent—or—they can elect a don Harper’s anti-democratic antics and pendent MPs. Canadians will punish them if they decide Conservative government with a new lead- convince voters that, unlike the Liber- Given the composition of the House any party is playing politics with the pub- er committed to governing using science- als, they support electoral reform 100 in the current minority government, an lic’s well-being. based research and public consultation. per cent, and that they are committed to COVID opened the doors for Trudeau adopting a proportional ballot. to put literally millions of Canadians on It will be a huge challenge to campaign the public dole, while the middle-class on an electoral system and to have inclusive taxpayers are getting squeezed like never democratic governments, and Prime Minister before. Trudeau will fight it tooth and nail, but it’s the To get some political traction the Con- only issue that will give the Conservatives the servatives will have to be very creative, traction they need to win that election. and will have to offer voters something Andy Thomsen they wanted and voted for during the last Kelowna, B.C. Government’s climate plan a good start, now time for action s the raft approaches the waterfall, In other words, not looking to the past—the Athere is a frantic discussion on what to place from where you came. Like paddling do: abandon ship and swim to the safety of upstream. There seems to be some level of shore, paddle back upstream to where you agreement that action needs to be taken, so were, or throw out the anchor, staying where throwing out the anchor will not change the you are, and hoping for help. situation—you have essentially done nothing The recent climate action plan (“Healthy to affect a solution. Environment and Healthy Economy”) may This government document is the result of have some parallels with those in the raft. some critical thinking. In case we forget, criti- In addition to dealing with COVID-19 we cal thinking can lead to solutions, but being are now seriously considering what to do only critical is not a solution. about climate change. Part of the government Ron Robinson document mentions “looking to the future.” Nelson, B.C.

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It’s hard to know where to begin on Humphrey’s hit piece on Scott Taylor Reducing plastic

s someone who has followed Scott Taylor’s post-military career as an award-winning jour- Acareer for decades, it’s hard to know nalist, Mr. Humphrey misleadingly describes waste: is banning where to begin in response to Lee Humphrey’s Mr. Taylor’s two columns on the officers egregious hit piece on Mr. Taylor (“Taylor not selected to be in charge of Canada’s vaccine the right man to critique CAF role in vaccine roll-out as “negative opinion pieces.” In those rollout,” The Hill Times, Dec 16). First, the two columns, Mr. Taylor not only praised the factual inaccuracies: Mr. Taylor was never a generals in question, describing Rick Hillier as plastics the solution? corporal, served a three-year basic engagement, “a first-class combat officer and a charismatic and never worked at the base newspaper, as leader of the troops,” and Dany Fortin as “a Mr. Humphrey claims. In the 30-odd years since charismatic and extremely capable officer,” but severe supply shortages of personal protec- Mr. Taylor left the Army, he has compiled a re- described the CAF as the “best [military] in the Rather than banning plastic tive equipment or PPE, leaving our front- markable record of achievements as a journal- world.” and recognizing it as CEPA line health workers vulnerable and at risk. ist, author, and war correspondent: has written Mr. Taylor’s critique was limited to whether PPE—masks, gowns, gloves and eight books that have been translated into half these officers were the best-qualified people toxic, here are four of goggles–sometimes contain plastic. Plastic a dozen languages; is a Quill Award winner; and the CAF, the best-equipped institution, for is also used in life-saving medical devices, has logged two million air miles as an unem- the highly specialized tasks that were being our solutions to seriously such as ventilators and external defibrilla- bedded correspondent from some of the most assigned them, which are completely legiti- tors. dangerous war zones on earth; was the subject mate questions and ones he provided reasons address plastic waste Where would we be now without the of a National Geographic film documenting his for raising. But I suspect, that for a partisan necessary PPE or medical devices? kidnapping, torture, and near-execution while hack like Mr. Humphrey, his real problem with management. Think about it, the government wants reporting on the U.S. war in Iraq; has taught for Mr. Taylor is his refusal to bow to authority this designation in order to ban six specific the U.S. Naval Post-Graduate School; and has and his willingness to subject military and items now. Could this lead to further bans given numerous talks and media interviews civilian leadership alike to critical scrutiny, on plastic items, necessary items, in the around the country and internationally. And which are the very qualities that make him an future? that’s a far from comprehensive list. excellent and important journalist. Rather, just as the federal government Apart from distorting Mr. Taylor’s actual Brooks Kind has said the oil and gas industry is part of military experience and ignoring his whole Dartmouth, N.S. the solution when it comes to building a low carbon future, so should manufactur- ers be part of the solution when it comes to plastics and manufacturing essential plastic products. Renewables versus nuclear: it’s not Rather than banning plastic and rec- Dennis Darby ognizing it as CEPA toxic, here are four of a competition, says letter writer Opinion our solutions to seriously address plastic waste management: creating a national ur goal in Canada, as set out in the IEA load energy source to allow renewable genera- harmonized Circular Economy Framework O“Net Zero Emissions by 2050” plan is a tion to develop. TTAWA—Canadian manufacturers for plastics which includes setting recycled laudable and very ambitious undertaking for Our present day “Advanced Small Modular Ohave been working for years to reduce content standards, national performance the development of a safe, sustainable, clean- Reactor (ASMR)” designs are the zero-emis- plastic waste. We acknowledge the impact requirements and defining the life-cycle energy environment by 2050, but it will not be sions base load energy source that renewable plastic can have on the environment when assessment of products. Such an enabling accomplished with a single technology. There energy sources need. Recently, Natural Re- waste is not well-managed and have taken framework would bring all these aspects is no technological panacea that in and of sources Minister Seamus O’Regan, who leads action to recycle and reduce plastic usage into one legally binding framework to cre- itself will provide for our ever-growing energy our federal Natural Resources Department, in our facilities, and financially supported ate a national zero plastic waste agenda. needs. The future of energy: its creation, distri- made the strong case that nuclear isn’t just im- recycling efforts. Establishing a Plastics Technology Innova- bution and use, is likely to look different, and portant today, but will remain important into We all know that when plastics are not tion Fund to leverage technology, research perhaps much different, than it does today. the future, stating: “We have not seen a model well-managed in our waste streams they and development in the manufacturing sec- If, as a country, we are going to tackle the where we can get to net-zero emissions by end up in lakes, rivers and oceans, where tor aimed at establishing circular economy challenges of climate change and realize our 2050 without nuclear,” and this writer agrees. they have no infrastruc- 2050 goal, while promoting green economic At the same time, more solar, wind, and reason to be. ture, includ- growth, then all zero-emission solutions tidal will also be necessary to meet the chal- But is ban- ing product will be needed—solar, wind, tidal and most lenges we face as a society. Our governments ning plastics design and certainly, nuclear. Why include nuclear in the and our local utilities—working together—can the solution? value recovery renewable mix? By its very nature renew- create the necessary environment for ongoing The federal technologies. ables are intermittent sources of energy. energy innovation in Canada and a playing government Spearhead- Renewables require “base load” generation to field that will actively support the strategic wants to use ing a coordi- provide energy to the grid, when the wind isn’t development of ASMRs while also supporting the Environ- nated effort blowing or the sun isn’t shining. That base load the nearer term build up of renewable genera- mental Protec- with Cana- requirement today is primarily supplied by tion facilities. If the tragedy of the Corona tion Act to ban dian provinces carbon-fuel fired generating plants, typically virus pandemic has shown us anything, it is certain forms along with the burning coal, oil and natural gas. Clearly, that our future will be brighter if we work of plastics municipalities generating our base load energy requirements together today. such as straws, and regions from carbon-fuelled plants while developing Fraser Forsythe grocery bags, to reduce all renewables makes little sense. A sustainable Director, C2 Solar six-pack rings, waste and energy future must have a zero-emission base Saint John, N.B. cutlery, food encourage and ware from support recy- hard-to-recycle cling efforts. plastics and A significant Released records to Commons Health stir sticks for part of this beverages. Fur- effort must be Committee to date are duds: Ken Rubin thermore, they We need an integrated approach for plastic waste to harmonize also want to management, in which government and industry are all part recycling rules f the millions of pages of federal pandem- for the rest of the vast pandemic records, include plastic of the solution, writes Dennis Darby. Image courtesy of Pixabay and expand Oic records that the Trudeau government although the House Health Committee asked as toxic sub- their reach. was ordered to hand over to the Commons on Dec. 11, 2020, that records like the vaccine stances, such The work of Health Committee, and due by Dec. 7, 2020, contracts be given priority. The real opera- as asbestos, mercury or gaseous ammonia. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Envi- as I reported in The Hill Times on Dec. 16, tional records, the ones that will be unfortu- Can we give it a second thought? ronment on recycling and waste reduction 2020, only a handful, just over 2,900 pages or nately redacted in large part, are still with Banning or labelling plastic as toxic will offers a great starting point. Expanding 59 documents have been provided and they hundreds of government employees coordi- lead to many unintended consequences. education and awareness programs to help are duds. I know. I read them. They consist nated out of PCO. This the way the govern- Here is why. companies and, most importantly, house- largely of Health Canada and the Public ment treats access to information even under In many sectors, plastic is part of the holds reduce and recover plastic products Health Agency media lines. Thrown in for emergency needs, even when it involves the solution to our efforts to achieve a low car- and materials, ensuring plastic never good measure are 12 PMO press releases. wishes of Parliament. It’s disgraceful. It’s the bon economy. It is used in manufacturing becomes waste. Even the Speech Throne was tossed into the worst benchmark episode that this crisis- the windmills that produce clean energy to We need an integrated approach for mix. ridden access legislation has faced. light up our homes, businesses and facto- plastic waste management, in which gov- Some 24,000 pages or another 4,941 Ken Rubin ries; it is used in manufacturing of lighter ernment and industry are all part of the documents that government agencies sent Ottawa, Ont. cars for greater fuel efficiency and “flexible” solution. over with this small batch of records to the (The letter writer is an investigative packaging that has a lower environmental Dennis Darby is president and CEO of House of Commons law clerk are still sitting researcher and long-time open govern- footprint. the Canadian Manufacturers and Export- with the clerk because the government never ment advocate who also contributes to Early in the COVID-19 crisis, there was ers, based in Ottawa. translated them. There are no firm deadlines The Hill Times.) concern—nearly panic—because of the The Hill Times 10 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Two Liberal warhorses passed away recently

Alfonso Gagliano, who died in the scandal that ultimately cost In some provinces, ministers Without Alfonso on Dec. 12, 2020, was a Paul Martin the government. who were working for Martin former public works minister Liberal Party coffers in insisted that government appoint- Gagliano in Quebec and under prime minister Jean dried up because of the bitter internal ments should never go to Chré- Chrétien. Pictured outside war between Martin and Chrétien tien supporters. Ron Irwin in Ontario, the Gomery Inquiry in Ottawa and it was Gagliano’s unlucky re- As Chrétien’s political life was Jean Chrétien’s almost on Feb. 1, 2005, he was sponsibility to head up fundraising. coming to an end, even former sup- also a backroom operator Martin’s people, strategically porters were trying to make com- unprecedented majority and the prime minister's placed in important positions mon cause with Martin to position Quebec lieutenant who got across the country, put the word themselves in a future government. three-peat would never caught up in the Liberal out that no supporter should be That is the way of politics. government's sponsorship contributing a penny to the party But neither Gagliano nor Irwin have happened. scandal. The Hill Times file until he took it over. would join in that game. They were photograph by Jake Wright After Chrétien beat Martin loyal to their leader and worked in the leadership race of 1990, their hearts out in a climate where But in every cabinet, there are well-oiled and well-funded. That Martin retained a group of key the biggest political challenge was political ministers whose job it is to meant heading up the tough job political organizers, whose job it the civil war roiling in the party. build a robust party organization of political fundraising. was to secure control of the party Irwin managed to avoid fallout which can make or break an election. Both were politicians who loved in every province. from that war but Gagliano was In 1988, the government of the people, and the party side of pol- Each organizer had a budget not so lucky. Brian Mulroney won a majority itics. To campaign with Gagliano in to entertain prospects and keep Thankfully, in post-political because 20 winning Tory seats, Saint Leonard, Que., or Irwin in the a close watch on federal and pro- life, this Italian immigrant found primarily in the Toronto area, “Soo” was to witness political people Ron Irwin, were decided in their favour by beloved by their constituents. pictured in Sheila Copps margins of less than 1.000 votes. Without either of them, Jean the Charles In this scenario, the party Chrétien’s almost unprecedented Copps’ Corner Lynch workers, not policies, can claim majority three-peat would never Press Room credit for victory. That means have happened. on the Hill wo Liberal warhorses passed having boots on the ground and Supporters of Paul Martin with Martin away within days of each money in the coffers. were waiting in the wings during T Cauchon other recently. Irwin and Gagliano were three successive elections, ready- in this file Both served as ministers in the responsible for many of those ing for a takeover. photo. government of Jean Chrétien and mechanics even while they served To guarantee that outcome, The Hill were best known for their love of as ministers in the government, they sought to control party Times file the political side of politics. Gagliano working in Quebec and machinations. photograph Ron Irwin had politics in his Ron mostly in Ontario. That is the back story to the blood. He loved the Liberal Party al- Irwin was appointed by Chré- findings of the Gomery Commis- most as much as his beloved home- tien to make sure that after every sion. Commission conclusions town of Sault Ste. Marie, where he election, (three majority wins), were subsequently discredited by served as mayor and minister. the next party convention would a federal court judge in 2008 and vincial party activities, making the peace that eluded him and Alfonso Gagliano was more of a give the boss a resounding vote of that decision was upheld on ap- sure they elected “friendlies” in all became a prized vintner of wine backroom operator, working as Que- support. In the Liberal Party, the peal. The judge said neither Jean available positions. that bears his name. bec lieutenant to ensure the inner constitution called for a post-elec- Chrétien nor Jean Pelletier was to Their message was simple: to be May two loyal warriors rest in workings of the Liberal Party politi- tion leadership review vote, even blame for the mismanagement of friends of the next prime minister, peace. cal apparatus were not sclerotic. when the party won a majority in the program designed to heighten do not support or donate to this one. Sheila Copps is a former Jean Many politicians have little the previous election. federal presence in Quebec. “Friendlies” were working to Chrétien-era cabinet minister understanding of or involvement As Quebec lieutenant, Gaglia- When Gagliano passed away secure a change of leadership so and a former deputy prime in the critical role played by the no was responsible for making last week, most of the headlines Martin might finally achieve his minister. party in an election. sure that party operations were were devoted to his alleged role goal of becoming prime minister. The Hill Times

O’Toole needs to channel Reagan’s optimism

cate he pledge to emulate former I’d argue that today, with a were suspicious of revolution- policies which promise to elimi- Erin O’Toole’s U.S. president Ronald Reagan. pandemic in full swing and with ary changes to society, arguing nate all of society’s ills. Now let me quickly add here, the threat of an economic reces- reforms should evolve gradually The end result is progres- challenge will be to I’m not saying O’Toole should sion looming, Canadians will also and organically, while respecting sives look dynamic and caring, copy Reagan’s brand of “small be in the market for leaders who ancient traditions and institutions. conservatives look stodgy and come up with a new government conservatism,” a project rose-coloured confidence. Ever since then, conservatives indifferent conservative plan, philosophy which likely wouldn’t O’Toole could be that leader. have viewed any attempts to cut Yet, as Reagan proved con- resonate too well in 2020 Canada, Mind you, it’s difficult for links with the past in order to servatism doesn’t have to be all one that fits the rather I’m saying he should adopt conservative-leaning leaders to create utopias in the present with doom and gloom, there’s room in Reagan’s sense of optimism. come across as optimistic since extreme skepticism. the ideology for new ideas which, needs of 21st century And yes, Reagan was known conservatism is an ideology usu- Consequently, for the past if effectively promoted, can kindle for his upbeat messaging. ally associated with pessimism. two hundred years or so, conser- optimism. Canada. As his campaign manager, Ed Typically, conservatives view vativism has been basically an It’s important to note that Meese, put it, “[Optimism] was just the future not with hope and “anti” movement: anti-communist, Reagan’s success wasn’t just due such a natural characteristic of confidence à la Reagan, but with anti-socialist, anti-welfare state, to his charming demeanour, he Ronald Reagan that it was implicit wary suspicion. anti-big government. also offered Americans a dose of in everything we did. He didn’t As conservative intellectual And while it’s undoubtedly economic optimism, promising come out and say, ‘We should re- William F. Buckley famously true that conservative skepticism tax cuts and growth. vive our spirits.’ He did this subtly wrote: “A conservative is someone is often entirely justified—Jaco- So, there’s no reason why by his own manner, by the ideas who stands athwart history, yell- binism and communism, after O’Toole can’t come up with a he projected and by his talks in ing ‘stop,’ at a time when no one is all, both turned out to be really positive, forward-looking conser- which he expressed his confidence inclined to do so.” bad ideas—this cautious view vative message for Canadians. in the American people.” As a matter of fact, historians of “progress” also means con- Of course, as noted earlier, he This to a large degree explains tell us modern conservatism dates servative politicians sometimes can’t simply cut and paste Rea- Gerry Nicholls Reagan’s political success. back to the late 18th century, come across as stick-in-the-mud gan’s agenda. Keep in mind, by the late Post Partisan Pundit with the first conservatives being killjoys. O’Toole’s challenge will be to 1970s, morale in America was low those who opposed the sweeping This certainly makes it harder come up with a new conservative and malaise was high, meaning changes being brought about by for them to compete with politi- plan, one that fits the needs of AKVILLE, ONT.—If Con- Reagan’s cheerful and confident French Revolution. cians on the left side of the spec- 21st century Canada. Oservative Party leader Erin persona likely struck a chord Led by people such as Brit- trum, who unlike conservatives, Gerry Nicholls is a communi- O’Toole is looking for New Year’s with voters who were hoping for ish philosopher Edmund Burke, stand athwart history, yelling “Go, cations consultant. resolution suggestions, I’d advo- a better future. these 18th century conservatives Go, Go!” offering “progressive” The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 11 Opinion

U.S. time for a “crackdown” on China, that President Beijing was a “grave” threat to Canada, and Donald Trudeau was too soft on the Chinese, be- Trump, cause he had placed trade above Canadian pictured April values. 7, 2020, Really? speaking with It was, after all, the Harper govern- the press. ment that negotiated the highly secre- Photograph tive bilateral investment agreement with courtesy of China known as the Foreign Investment White House Promotion and Protection Act, (FIPA). As photographer I recall, when Stephen Harper inked that Andrea Hanks deal, the Communists still ruled China, and the same groups suffering human rights abuses now were suffering them then. And it was the Harper government that allowed the sell-off of Canadian resource company Nexen to the China National Offshore Oil Company for $15-billion. As a member of that government at the time, Mr. O’Toole somehow forced himself to go along with the deal, despite his deep concern for those suffering human rights violations in China. And unless I have it wrong, the Harper government also agreed to deals with China that permitted the Chinese to sue Canada outside of Canadian courts and Do politics better behind closed doors. How tough is that Mr. O’Toole? When it comes to the kind of criticism that call themselves political parties, Trudeau someone who has betrayed his that lifts public discourse and improves When it comes to the kind locked in a fight to the death for power. country? It most certainly does not, unless public policy, Coleridge has a lot more to It plays out in an Octagon of blood lust, you also believe that Donald Trump won offer than Trump. of criticism that lifts public where going for the jugular without rules the 2020 election. Michael Harris is an award-winning discourse and improves is the norm. And how strange to hear CPC leader author and journalist. Public servants and political staff are Erin O’Toole recently opining that it was The Hill Times public policy, Samuel Taylor ruined for telling the truth, and rewarded for grotesque obeisance to the leader. The Coleridge has a lot more to submission of these sycophants is officially called “loyalty.” And the fans of both sides offer than Trump. continue to go wild. So here is the wish I have for Canada CAREERS as we approach Christmas and not long after that, I think, a federal election in the spring. Do politics better. Drop the martial arts metaphor, stop confusing party with country, and remember something that Samuel Taylor Coleridge wisely observed. Criticism is an act of love. What he meant, of course, is that you Senior Policy Advisor don’t waste your time trying to improve Summary: Qualifications: something with good faith criticism unless The Senior Policy Advisor conducts research, provides • College diploma, university degree or equivalent Michael Harris you care about and, in some cases, care technical expertise, and engages with government in combination of education and experience Harris about it a lot. Like David Suzuki’s criti- order to support the real estate sector and find solutions • 3-5 years’ work experience in an association, cism of government’s policies on climate to the policy challenges currently facing the housing federal government and/or financial industry change, and his lifelong commitment to industry. A team-oriented, highly-motivated, and stra- • Experience developing policies that cut across ALIFAX—Just to be clear, I am far preserving the environment. tegic-minded professional with a strong background in government departments and program areas Hfrom being an exemplar of unrelenting That is not the kind of criticism dished policy development and analysis. • Proven track record of working effectively with kindness. out by the Pierre Poilievres of the world. external organizations, experts, academia, and I hope, for example, that Donald Trump His is not criticism at all, but partisan Core Competencies: government officials steps on a particularly pointy piece of mud-slinging of the Trumpian variety. It is • Policy development • Strong business acumen / financial industry knowl- Lego on Christmas morning as he rushes the art of instigation and insinuendo, and • Communication & Presentation skills edge, with a high comfort level working with and inter- towards the tree to snatch his presents, and it is aimed at exciting emotions rather than • Strict attention to detail preting financial data to inform policy development maybe Baron’s and Melania’s too. appealing to reason. • Adaptability • Advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills I say that because this Marmalade Mus- It is that kind of partisan assault • Good judgement and political acuity • Strategic and creative communicator with the abil- solini has done more harm to the planet that gives rise to the ugly excesses seen ity to brief effectively to inform communications, than anyone with the possible exception of everywhere on the Internet these days. Position Accountabilities: government relations, and leadership decisions you know who. Everyone reading this has probably seen • Provide thorough, timely, and accurate analysis of • Innovative thinker, with an ability to test/reject/ Trump’s answer to climate change is #TrudeauTraitor, #TrudeauDictatorship, complex policies and issues impacting homeown- refresh policy options more CO2 emissions and ditching the Paris #TrudeauCrimeMinister. The handy benefit ers, homebuyers, and the real estate industry. • Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to Accord. of hashtags is that they remove the burden • Monitor the development and progression of major develop and maintain relationships with internal His idea of protecting the environ- of thinking. federal legislation and regulation and provide timely and and external stakeholders ment is selling drilling rights in the Arctic Here’s my question. Let’s use China as relevant updates to the Government Relations team. • Experience managing multiple projects and deliv- National Wildlife Refuge before president- an example. Does anyone really believe • Develop policy proposals, recommendations and ering quality results under tight timelines elect Joe Biden can stop him. Justin Trudeau is a traitor to Canada be- discussion papers based on research, analysis, envi- • Previous experience in the real estate industry is a His response to COVID-19 is setting a cause of the way in which he has handled ronmental scanning, and organizational priorities. definite asset new record for most presidential rounds of the case involving China, the U.S., Meng • Provide written and oral briefings to CREA col- • Fluently bilingual in English and French is preferred golf during a pandemic. Wanzhou, and the Two Michaels? leagues, management and senior leadership. And his reaction to the greatest ever It is true that it’s been two years now • Monitor and assess source reliability and bias when it Please direct your application to: [email protected] cyber attack against the United States gov- and Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig comes to information gathering and policy development. At CREA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, ernment is complete Twitter silence—the are still languishing in a Chinese jail as • Maintain effective working relationships with Boards, barrier-free and accessible environment. Part of this com- better to concentrate on his putting, and pawns in a complex case of international Associations, stakeholders and Departmental Officials mitment includes arranging accommodations to ensure spreading the lie that he was cheated out of diplomacy. Justice delayed is justice de- within the federal government. an equitable opportunity to participate in the recruitment a two-term presidency by conniving elec- nied, and very likely justice trumped up in • Monitor developments in government relations and selection process. If you require an accommodation, tion officials and ruthless Democrats. the first place. and lobbying and determine any relevant implica- we will work with you to meet your needs. But these are not the worst grease Could the Trudeau government have tions for CREA. stains on Trump’s besmirched resumé. done more for our captive citizens? I • Research and synthesize complex concepts and In sinking to the bottom of the political think they could and should have. Has information to inform policy development. barrel, it is what he has done to public the PM shared enough information with • Undertake other projects and duties as assigned discourse that will do the most damage in Canadians about the state of play in this by the Director, Government Relations and/or the long run. matter without endangering the negotia- Vice-President, Advocacy. America no longer has a functional tions that are going on behind the scenes? *Some travel is required post pandemic democracy, just a pair of ideological armies I don’t think so. But does that make Justin 12 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion We can and must build back better, but we need better analysis to make a difference

The Industry Strategy The panel of representatives from Council, like the industry sectors selected by Industry Business Council of Minister , pictured Nov. Canada, and other 9, 2020, is the latest groups offering to give the federal government advice on advice, are, like the how to rebuild better as we move beyond government itself, the pandemic. The Hill Times photograph by failing to provide Andrew Meade the analysis we need for policies that would actually make a difference. That’s a big problem and dooms us to second- best policies.

David Crane Canada & the 21st Century

ORONTO—We like to see Tourselves as an innovation na- tion, a global leader in everything, from the digital economy, and clean-tech, to advanced manufac- turing, the biosciences, and now ity and wealth for all Canadians,” new technologies that can com- try with exceptional strengths. funded by Canadian taxpayers, even electric vehicles. the council proclaims. Is it really pete globally and in turn boost Canada’s economic prosperity is and we have a federal govern- But we actually are more that easy? And it sets out what it economy-wide productivity.” built on strong and active sec- ment that doesn’t even see this is an aspiration nation, eager to immodestly calls “an ambitious To support the industrial tors, global connections, deep a problem. portray ourselves even as a global vision of the opportunities that strategy the council calls for an roots in research and cutting-edge At the same time, the Trudeau superstar, seizing “the top of the Canada could pursue to become Industry Growth Fund, which it technological capabilities and rich government is promoting foreign- podium,” as Canada’s Industry a leader in some of the world’s says “must be sufficiently large to natural resource endowments.” owned R&D branch plants by Strategy Council puts it in its new most promising sectors.” make a difference,” with an initial There’s nothing wrong with the Googles, Ubers, Microsoft, report. The panel of representa- To do this, we must “develop a budget of $30-billion to $35-billion, national pride but if we are so and other Big Tech multination- tives from industry sectors select- made-in-Canada industrial strat- though it says the right amount successful, how is it that we are als, that use Canadian talent, ed by Industry Minister Navdeep egy” based on what it calls four could be higher than this. It is not running a high and chronic cur- Canadian taxpayer incentives Bains is the latest to give the fed- pillars, it says. These are: become at all clear, though, what this fund rent account deficit with the rest and taxpayer-funded university eral government advice on how to a digital and data-driven econo- would actually do or how it would of the world, due to our lack of research to develop intellectual rebuild better as we move beyond my; be the environmental, social be run. It simply says, creating competitiveness and failure to property which will generate the pandemic. and governance world leader in the fund “would permit Canada to develop to scale the technologies wealth elsewhere, not here. Big Its boastful report claims to resources (especially oil), clean reach the right level of resources the world would buy, that we have Tech is also recruiting our top have produced “an ambitious energy and clean technology; and direct them to priority actions mediocre productivity perfor- grads to move to the U.S. We growth plan for building a digi- build innovative and high-value relating to the four pillars of the mance, and that we rank poorly seem so in awe of these compa- tal, sustainable and innovative manufacturing where we can lead industrial strategy.” in international innovation rank- nies, or at least our government economy.” But while it is long globally; and leverage our agri- To do this, the council says, the ings and have few flagship cor- is, that the Trudeau government on aspiration and ambition, it food advantage to feed the planet. industrial strategy should identify porations in the global economy? became a big booster of Sidewalk is terribly short on analysis and An industrial strategy is Canadian-controlled corporations And if our financial system is so Labs, part of the Alphabet/Google lacking in actionable ideas. Ambi- needed, the council argues, to (public or private) with greater great, as the council says it is, empire, rather than a Canadian tion is good but implementation is identify “the areas and sectors in than $75-million per year in why are we so dependent on U.S. group, to undertake one of the what counts. which we are best set to compete revenue and support their growth venture capital and why do prom- biggest urban development proj- While we clearly have and lead globally.” But it does not to $1.5-billion in revenue.” It calls ising tech companies list on U.S. ects in North America. strengths and accomplishments, set out any criteria to determine these Canada’s upper-middle stock exchanges? We can and must build back including top scientists and in- what those sectors might be. It companies. But how? What would In fact, the council largely better. The council, like the Busi- novative companies that should simply says the strategy should such a policy entail? What would ignores one of the biggest prob- ness Council of Canada, and make us proud, exaggerated focus on “strategic sectors where it do about foreign takeovers? lems in building an innovative other groups offering advice, are, narrative that portrays us as a we can double down investment, The council doesn’t say. All that’s Canadian economy—what do we like the government itself, failing global leader in (fill in the blank) scale businesses and go global.” It needed is to pursue “a bold objec- do about the fact that we have an to provide the analysis we need only serves to make us compla- is not clear how a sector would be tive to position Canada’s small open door policy on the foreign for policies that would actually cent and assume that we can defined as “strategic.” and medium-sized firms as lead- takeover of our best fast-growing make a difference. That’s a big avoid hard choices. “If we rally What we need, the council ers on the global stage.” tech companies? Foreign multina- problem and dooms us to second- together with relentless convic- says, is “a targeted strategy to Ultimately, the council relies on tionals are able to come in here best policies. tion to do greater things, we could promote specific sectors” and boosterism. Canada, it says, is “an and buy up our best and bright- David Crane can be reached at supply the world with Canadian “the overarching goal should be exceptional country.” In fact, it de- est, whose early-stage intellectual [email protected]. innovations, and build prosper- to cultivate innovative firms and clares, “we are an incredible coun- property and talent have been The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 13 Opinion

Arab WinterTen years ago this week, Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor in Tunisia, set himself alight in front of a government building in rage at the corrupt dictatorship that had ruined his young life. His sacrifice wakened hope in millions of others—but then half a million of them also died, although not at their own hands, and the rest went quiet. It was called the Arab Spring. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

sia, set himself alight in front of Thailand and Belarus, both with a the true believers is a viable rival out in other Arab countries with The problem resides a government building in rage at reasonable chance of success. doctrine for revolutionaries in more or less violence, and only the corrupt dictatorship that had So what’s wrong with the Arab countries where most people are Tunisia managed to create a last- in the Arab world, ruined his young life. His sacri- world, where only four out of 22 Muslims—and that is the fault ing (so far) democracy. fice wakened hope in millions of countries are classed as ‘free’ or line that the dictators exploited. This is not uniquely an Arab where the political others—but then half a million ‘partly free’ by Freedom House? That’s why the first thing Syr- problem, of course. Iran has been climate has only two of them also died, although not No other region of the world ian dictator Bashar al-Assad did an Islamist theocracy for 40 years, at their own hands, and the rest scores this badly. when the pro-democracy protests and Turkey’s once lively democ- seasons: brief springs went quiet. It was called the Arab Here’s one possible answer. began was to free several thou- racy has been slowly strangled Spring. Everywhere else, the politi- sand Islamist activists from his during Recep Tayyib Erdogan’s and very long winters. It should have worked. Non- cal choice is binary: tyranny or prisons. Rival sets of enemies out 17 years in power. But as the violent democratic revolutions had democracy. In most of the Arab in the streets is far better than distance from the Arab heartland It may not be an overthrown around two dozen other countries there are three choices: a united opposition. It led to a grows, so do the prospects for insoluble problem, tyrannies in the previous 20 years. the dreadful status quo, or de- ten-year civil war that has driven democracy. So when people in half a dozen mocracy—or Islam. In every Arab half the population into exile, but Pakistan manages to be a but there’s certainly Arab dictatorships, galvanized by country, out in the open or operat- Assad is still in power today. (quite corrupt) democracy about Bouazizi’s action, went out in the ing underground, there is also The Egyptian army was half the time, Bangladesh and no solution in sight. streets to demand democracy in an Islamist opposition promising subtler. It let its old, discredited Malaysia are quasi-democratic all late 2010 and 2011, most onlookers that ‘Islam is the answer.’ leader go under, knowing that the time, and Indonesia is a fully expected them to win. The right answer depends on a free election would bring the fledged, full-service democracy. In fact they all lost, except in what the question was, and, as a Islamists to power because most These four countries account for Tunisia. In Egypt, the protesters non-Arab and non-Muslim, I am voters were rural and socially almost half the world’s Muslims— forced the old dictator to quit, not the one setting the questions. very conservative. The military and African Muslims don’t seem but the army was back in power I just observe that in the Arab calculated that the urban young to have particular problems with in less than two years. In Syria, world, unlike elsewhere, two who made the revolution would democracy either. Yemen and Libya, the protests alternative routes out from the be dismayed and seek the army’s The problem resides in the morphed into savage civil wars existing oppression are on offer help when the Islamists began Arab world, where the political that continue even today. Smaller to the public. Both have consider- forcing their values on the coun- climate has only two seasons: protests in Lebanon and Bahrain able popular appeal, but they are try. brief springs and very long win- Gwynne Dyer were shut down by force. mutually exclusive. That’s exactly what happened, ters. It may not be an insoluble This is a stunningly unimpres- Equality and its political ex- and the new dictator, General problem, but there’s certainly no Global Affairs sive record, and it’s not because pression, democracy, are human Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, then closed solution in sight. the whole non-violent technique values, but for historical reasons the door on the whole episode by Gwynne Dyer’s new book is ONDON, U.K.—Ten years is falling out of favour. There are it is easy for Islamists to portray massacring about four thousand ‘Growing Pains: The Future of Lago this week, Mohamed non-violent attempts to remove political democracy as an alien, Islamists on the streets of Cairo. Democracy (and Work)’. Bouazizi, a street vendor in Tuni- dictators underway right now in ‘Western’ value. Equality just for Variants of this scenario played The Hill Times 14 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured Dec. 3, 2020, on the Hill, recently, was floating the idea that there are two types of people in Canada: The Somewheres and The Anywheres. These terms were originally coined by British author David Goodhart and it’s essentially a refactor of the urban- rural divide. It boils down to one group, The Somewheres, being rooted in place, while The Anywheres are vagabonds, writes James Brown. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Being from somewhere in Erin O’Toole’s Canada

very quickly was what type of verted introvert.” That math just every night at a table with my because at the end of the day Erin O’Toole’s a comedian I didn’t want to be. doesn’t add up. mom and dad while we talk about we both appreciate each other’s Going to open microphones, So recently, Conservative our day. I do so in a town where experience and perspective. modern leader who I’d sometimes cringe at other Leader Erin O’Toole was floating my family has lived for more than We represent opposite sides of people’s acts. Airplane humour is the idea that there are two types 130 years. Several times a week, I the equation: he’s a Somewhere and feels at home any played out, and punching down of people in Canada. There’s The go to the local Bakin’ Donuts, and I’m an Anywhere. But ultimately, place he goes, telling is obnoxious. Seeing people Somewheres and there’s The Any- have quickly become a regular. I we’re from the same place: here. brag onstage just feels awkward, wheres. These terms were origi- help out with the family business, After our nightly conversa- us that there’s two even more awkward is talking to nally coined by British author my Dad’s Christmas tree farm, tion, I walk into my parents’ guest someone after a show and finding David Goodhart and it’s essen- talking to customers in that P.E.I. bedroom and lay down my head. I types of people in out that they have an ego, even tially a refactor of the urban-rural accent that returns to me every think about the fact that, just two though they’re also performing divide. It boils down to one group, time I come back here. I wave summers ago, O’Toole slept in this Canada: Somewheres on a Wednesday, at an Irish pub, The Somewheres, being rooted in at passing cars and say hello to very bed. My parents housed the and Anywheres. I just to nobody, for free. place, while The Anywheres are strangers, because that’s just then Conservative MP during a visit And there’s one genre of vagabonds. what we do here. to Prince Edward Island. And I’m don’t believe it. joke that I just never felt totally Or, as O’Toole explained it, the And I wouldn’t be able to do struck by the irony because Erin comfortable with. We’ve all heard Somewheres are “those who love any of this if it weren’t for the O’Toole was in the same place as it before. It starts: “There’s two their trade, their pursuit, and are very type of job that O’Toole is me, doing the same thing as I’m types of people in the world.” loyal to local businesses,” while railing against. The fact is, my doing. He was coming from one From there, it can go a number the Anywheres are “those whom home, a place that I love and feel of Canada’s major cities, visiting of places. “Men and Women,” the government wants to flock to a deep connectedness to, doesn’t a rural area and connecting with “Straight and Gay,” “Good Drivers a trendy job that is no way con- have the economy required to its people, connecting with a town and Bad Drivers,” “People whose nected to the community or the sustain me. Manual labour is not that’s not the one he’s rooted in and grandma used to take her teeth betterment of our country.” my calling, neither is the fishery connecting with my home. And he out and chase them around the Given these definitions, I am or agriculture, and salaried jobs repeats this pattern in rural areas house slurring ‘Give ganny’s an Anywhere. I work at an online with benefits here are few and far all over the country. He travels all gums some love’ and,” well, you job, on a MacBook, for a tech between. across the country. He’s a modern get the idea. company based 4,500 kilometres What the Somewhere versus leader who feels at home any place James Brown And while there’s an aspect from where I live. Anywhere dichotomy misses is he goes, telling us that there’s two Opinion of truth to those jokes, that’s why So for me, this hits close to that, when you live somewhere types of people in Canada: Some- they work, to me they removed home which is ironic because that can’t support you, you’ll go wheres and Anywheres. too much nuance. All of our O’Toole seems to suggest that, anywhere, to find what you need. I just don’t believe it. hen I started doing com- realities can’t be contained in as an Anywhere, I don’t have a At night, my dad and I discuss James Brown, who is origi- Wedy, it took a long time to two stark groups. It’s like your home. politics. He’s been a Conserva- nally from Prince Edward Island, figure out what type of comedian friend saying, “There’s two types But, right now I am home. For tive partisan for as long as I can is a comedian and writer living I wanted to be. Finding your voice of people in the world, introverts the past month, I’ve been stay- remember, and I am very much in . He has previously takes countless years of trial and and extroverts,” before proudly ing at my parent’s home, in rural not that. We have a lot to disagree worked as a Senate page. error. But one thing I realized announcing “and I’m an extro- Prince Edward Island. I eat dinner about, but more in common, The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 15 Opinion

in the U.S., likely convicted and imprisoned. The two Michaels will then remain in jail at least until her sentence is over. Again as in the previous scenario, nothing is apt to change for the other two Meng case may political prisoners. Four other Canadians enter into the picture, men imprisoned for drug crimes and sentenced to death. Two had previously been sentenced to life but their sentences were increased when Meng was intercepted. In the first be at critical point scenario, their sentences might be reduced. In the second, count on their organs being harvested. Meng China is prepared to deal. Wanzhou We should do a Cold War-type CFO deal: Meng for the four political Huawei, prisoners and reduction of the right, death sentences. We should insist pictured on the whole package. Take it or Oct. 2, leave it. 2014, at Such a trade should not mean the Russia that Canada is kowtowing to Calling China. Indeed, there are a number Investment of measures Canada can and Forum in should take in response to Chi- Moscow na’s behaviour. To begin, Canada with should impose the Magnitsky Act Russian provisions on those officials who President implemented and who operate the Vladimir concentration camps for Uyghurs. Putin. Then there is the Chinese Photograph practice of hostage-taking courtesy of diplomacy. Canada is not alone. the Kremlin Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who at the time of her arrest was a Chinese television anchor, is another example. China seized her because of activities of the Australian government. Australia has undertaken an investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 epidemic. As well, it intends to introduce legislation authoriz- ing the federal government to veto deals made by constituent states with foreign governments, seen as being aimed at Victoria’s decision to sign on to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Unfortunate- ly, Australia has no Meng with whom to trade. certain evidence around the Falun Gong, or Uyghur human tions other than the two Michaels Canada could sign onto Aus- China is prepared to U.S. charge of alleged fraud was rights defender Huseyin Celil, still without respite. tralia’s COVID-19 investigation. defective and that the process of now in his 14th year of confine- Then consider what will hap- The two countries could jointly is- deal. We should do a her being taken into custody was ment. Canada seems to have pen if Meng is eventually extra- sue postage stamps commemorat- Cold War-type deal: unlawful. Meng will be able to forgotten about these two. dited. She is charged with making ing Doctor Li Wenliang, who died submit additional evidence on the of the coronavirus in January. Meng for the four fraud issue. Li sounded the alarm about the If Holmes decides that Meng’s disease last December, only to be political prisoners detention was conducted in an threatened by police for “spread- unlawful manner, Meng will be ing rumours.” and reduction of the freed. If not, then as for the fraud China thinks it can pick on issue, that will await a ruling one middle power at a time. death sentences. We on the further evidence Meng’s Conservative MP should insist on the lawyer is to present, with possible suggested targeting China’s Asian appeals should Meng’s position International Infrastructure Bank. whole package. Take be rejected by Holmes. We could, along with Australia, The possible urgency of the quietly threaten to pull out of the it or leave it. situation in the courts makes bank if Cheng is not released. Canada’s position on the Meng If there are other victims of this case more critical. Chrystia hostage diplomacy, they could Freeland has argued that the case also be encouraged to join the must be resolved in the courts. action. Chinese embassy officials Let us look at the implications. should be closely monitored. Chinese ambassador Cong Those attempting to intimidate Peiwu has made his country’s people in Canada should be sent position clear. The release of Mi- home swiftly. chael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, The original Chinese reaction charged with spying, is dependent to Meng’s interception was the on Meng’s release. cancelling of the canola deal, on Reuel Amdur If Holmes decides that Meng’s Chinese ambassador Cong Peiwu has made his country’s position clear. false grounds that the product Opinion rights were violated in how The release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, charged with spying, is was contaminated. In future grain she was taken into custody, it dependent on Meng’s release. Photographs handouts deals, China should have to do would appear that she will be their inspection of the grain in ALS-DES-MONTS, QUE.— released. In such a case, Spa- Canada before shipment, with VOn Oct. 29, Judge Heather vor and Kovrig will probably be Currently, there is a talk about fraudulent statements to a bank payment at that time. Holmes of the tried, found guilty, and expelled. a deal between the United States about a company allegedly affili- Reuel Amdur is a social Supreme Court received Meng However, there will not likely be and Meng to resolve the charges ated with Huawei, of which she is worker with an undergraduate Wanzhou’s claim in which her any change in the situation of the against her. That outcome would a senior officer. That company is degree in political science. He lawyer called for her release. other Canadian political prison- have the same result as would alleged to have made trades with writes for the West Quebec Post Holmes will be considering the ers, Sun Qian, who is serving Holmes throwing the case out, Iran, contrary to an embargo. In and Liberty magazine. submission which claims that eight years for involvement with leaving the victims of China’s ac- this scenario, Meng will be tried The Hill Times 16 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

big programs the party has long rallied behind, such as national pharmacare and childcare, which were both cited as priorities in the Throne Speech. (The NDP has sought to take the government to task over the pace at which it’s moving on these policies.) Mr. Ferrier said slogans are just one piece of the campaign messaging parties lean on to energize their base. “It’s less about slogans and more about what the feeling and emotion I am trying to get from voters that will make them sup- port me in an election,” he said. “If I’m the Liberals, it’s about comfort, safety, and steadiness. If I’m the Conservatives … it’s the security of your family and your job, and of your ability to provide. If you’re the NDP, it’s about fair- ness of government response, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader , and Green Party needing to have a strong voice in Leader Annamie Paul. Depending on the timing of the next election, it’s still an open question how heavily the pandemic will affect other parties’ messaging on Parliament to ensure equity-seek- the campaign trail, says Lindsay Finneran-Gingras of Hill and Knowlton Strategies Canada. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade ing groups and the most vulner- able are at the table.” Need for ‘cultural change’ Even if political parties don’t Pitch to ‘build back better’ carries settle on messaging that heavily ref- erences the pandemic, experts said, regardless of their leanings, they should be prepared to apply a social policy lens to their messaging. broad partisan appeal, say experts With the pandemic disrupting economic activity and threaten- ing the livelihoods of Canadians, the country’s history. Still, with for politicians to use it as a frame adversity, to the stars,” as his the government has swept in to Even if political vaccine doses expected to be of reference. party’s “new mission statement.” provide billions of dollars in relief parties don’t settle limited in the first few months of “[The pandemic] creates a His team has also pushed out measures, including for work- the new year, it will likely be a clear marker of 2020 before—pre- several introductory videos detail- ers in precarious sectors. That, on messaging that while before most Canadians get COVID, the giant lost year of ing his childhood and military coupled with a summer defined their lives back. 2020—and 2021 and post-2021, background. by protests decrying police bru- heavily references the Mr. Trudeau has leaned heavily and what does that world look Conservative strategist Alise tality and structural racism across on the message of “build back bet- like. That’s the frame I’ve seen Mills, a senior counsel with Sus- society, has created an opening in pandemic, experts ter” since the summer, framing the the Liberals play into, and I think sex Strategy, said she expects the support for progressive policies, government’s relief efforts and that’s where the communication party’s election messaging to be said Ms. Wright and Ms. Finner- say, regardless of parliamentary reset as an oppor- opportunity is,” she said. framed in response to Ottawa’s an-Gingras. their leanings, they tunity to ensure that, post-pan- In the 2019 election campaign, fiscal update. (The economic “You’ll see larger-scale support demic, Canada is better poised to the Liberals ran on a slogan statement forecasted a $341-bil- for progressive policies [in the should be prepared grapple with and address societal “Choose Forward,” while the Con- lion deficit and proposed setting next election], and I think the inequities. servatives under then-leader An- aside up to $100-billion in stimu- Liberals also have the permission to apply a social As invoked by Mr. Trudeau, drew Scheer (Regina-Qu’Appelle, lus spending.) space to do that,” Ms. Finneran- the phrase has come to encom- Sask.) opted for “It’s Time for You “Right now, the slogan or the Gingras said. policy lens to their pass a range of ambitious policy to Get Ahead.” The Green Party talking points are really evolving For Conservatives—who have messaging. measures, from establishing a had “Not Left. Not Right. Forward around Mr. O’Toole himself. The long championed limited govern- “Canada-wide early learning and together,” while the NDP’s mes- confidence, the trust, the respect, ment intervention—responding to childcare system,” to developing a sage was “In it for you.” The Bloc the accountability, and authority the “cry for cultural change” on is- plan to get Canada to get net-zero Québécois’ was “Quebec is us” in that is required to help carry him Continued from page 1 sues such as childcare and racial carbon emissions by 2050. the English translation. through this [Parliament],” she equity will be a bigger challenge, help nudge people into envision- But unlike the coronavirus that Depending on the timing of said. said Ms. Mills. ing a society where they have has rippled through the world, the next election, Ms. Finneran- Kim Wright, founder of Wright She said the pandemic should greater control, said Michael Or- messages around “building back Gingras said, it’s still an open Strategies who has previously be viewed as “an opportunity sini, a professor at the University better” aren’t novel. question how heavily the pan- advised the Ontario NDP, said it’s to test the bench strength of of Ottawa’s Institute of Feminist The phrase, which was popu- demic will affect other parties’ too early to say where parties will the party itself,” as it begins to and Gender Studies. larized by U.S. president-elect messaging on the campaign trail. eventually land on their slogans analyze the expanded role Ot- Despite encouraging signs Joe Biden during his presidential The Conservatives are under and messaging. She noted ef- tawa has played during COVID that a coronavirus vaccine could run, can be traced back to the new leadership, with Erin O’Toole forts at testing those messages through the rollout of various be widely available in 2021, Prof. aftermath of the 2004 Indian (Durham, Ont.) still testing his are hampered by the inability relief programs. She agreed that Orsini said, the “seeming loss of Ocean tsunami. The UN first used message to voters while introduc- to hold in-person focus groups could mean sending out messages control” that many people are it as part of its official blueprint ing himself to Canadians after his and research in the leadup to an around social policies that call for feeling won’t be easily shaken to reduce risk and prevent future late-summer victory. Mr. O’Toole, anticipated election campaign. a slight expansion of government after months of enduring restric- crises, according to The Indepen- whose father once worked for “But they’re all starting to oversight from what has been the tions to their everyday lives. dent. General Motors, has sought to think about it, because the likeli- case in previous years. “It’s comforting to people Since then, it has been picked attract working-class voters away hood of an election is sooner “Where are we going to go [as to hear that we can see a post- up by other politicians on both from the Liberals. rather than the likelihood of a full a party]? We haven’t really yet COVID time, that we can see an sides of the political spectrum, Ms. Finneran-Gingras said she term of a minority government,” audited our leadership, so this environment in which communi- from New Zealand’s Prime Min- expected Mr. O’Toole to fine-tune she said. makes it a bit difficult,” she said. ties are thriving, individuals are ister Jacinda Ardern, to British his pitches to “blue-collar” work- The Liberals were elected in Ms. Mills noted the party hasn’t thriving, and people are working Prime Minister Boris Johnson. ers over the coming months. 2019 to preside over a minority been able to hold a convention and are out in the community,” he That shows it “crosses party “[The Conservatives] are Parliament, which means the since Mr. O’Toole’s victory. (The added. or ideological lines,” because, as still trying to put together what government can fall at any time party has scheduled its postponed Prime Minister Justin a slogan, it can be “moulded and their coherent message is,” she when it faces a confidence vote. policy convention for March 18- Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) said in shaped in different ways,” said said. “There’s research involved, The average life expectancy of a 20, 2021.) late November—before Canada Prof. Orsini. It gives politicians but you also have to see what’s minority Parliament is typically “[The Conservatives] have to be gave the green light to Pfizer’s some wiggle room to direct their authentic for the leader, and that 18 months, which would take the able to talk to the social safety net candidate—a “majority of Ca- messaging to their target audi- takes a bit of him being in the po- federal Liberals to April 2021. of this country—and not just the nadians” should have the option ences. sition and defining what he wants Jeffrey Ferrier, a former NDP social safety net that we’ve been of being vaccinated by Septem- Lindsay Finneran-Gingras, a to be as an opposition leader.” staffer and campaigner who somewhat okay with for the past ber. Health Canada approved vice-president at Hill and Knowl- In September, in a handful is now a vice-president with decades—but what Canada, social- the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on ton Strategies with expertise in of briefings as the party’s newly National Public Relations, said ly, needs to be,” said Ms. Mills. Dec. 9, clearing one hurdle in public affairs campaigns, said the named leader, Mr. O’Toole, a vet- amid the crisis unleashed by the [email protected] what’s been billed as the big- pandemic’s pervasive effect on eran, borrowed the Royal Cana- pandemic, the NDP is likely to The Hill Times gest immunization campaign in people’s lives makes it appealing dian Air Force’s motto, “Through stake its ground by pushing for BEST BOOKS The Hill Times Dec. 21 | 2020

‘By far the most powerful hidden element of party discipline is the social pressure on MPs to toe the party line’: Alex Marland talks about his book, Whipped: Party Discipline in Canada, by Kate Malloy p. 18

Norman Webster’s Newspapering: 50 Years of Reporting from Canada and Around the World, a cracking good read with much to teach, by Michael Harris p. 20 Authors on their bestselling books p. 19 The Hill Times’ Best 100 Books in 2020 p. 21 18 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Best Books ‘By far the most powerful hidden element of party discipline is the social pressure on MPs to toe the party line’: Alex Marland on his book Whipped

Prime Minister Justin Alex Marland talks about Trudeau, pictured his sensational new book, speaking at a Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa Whipped: Party Discipline in on Jan. 23, 2020. Asked why Canadian Canada. Parliamentarians so rarely stray from party BY KATE MALLOY boundaries, Alex Marland says a big reason that lex Marland has delivered another MPs toe the line is that Abanger of a book. The award-winning they perceive too many author and Memorial University political sci- negative consequences ence professor, who has carved out a niche for breaking ranks. At a as an expert in political communications, minimum, someone from political marketing, election campaigning, the leader’s office or and Canadian political parties, dishes up whip’s office is going to another delightful read in Whipped: Party phone to ask what’s going Discipline in Canada, published by UBC on, and some caucus Press. He delves into the world of political members will probably party culture and delivers substance, histori- give you an earful. The cal background, detailed research, and intel- Hill Times photograph by ligent, modern-day insights. Andrew Meade He takes a deep look at the control of po- litical parties over our country’s lawmakers and at politicians’ loyalty to the party versus loyalty to their voters, but he comes up with some surprising takes and a number of sug- gestions. He looks at the good, the bad, and the ugly of party discipline which, he says, both enhances and corrodes democracy. Par- tics works at both the federal and provincial ly that breeds cynicism because it creates a be denied permission to catch an early flight on ty discipline, he says, minimizes the power of level across the country.” public impression that Canadian politicians a Thursday. Maybe you’ll lose out on opportuni- interest groups over MPs, for instance, and look out for party interests above all else.” ties. Perhaps you won’t be assigned a commit- offers camaraderie of being part of a team, As you say, party discipline both enhanc- tee that you like or won’t be able to go on an in- but its intense social and career pressures es and corrodes democracy in Parliament What are the “hidden components” of ternational trip. Getting promoted to minister or also forces most MPs to “clam up in public” today. Can you talk about both the good and party discipline in Canadian politics and critic might be less plausible. The greatest fear and allows little room for public dissent. the bad sides of party discipline? When does what do you mean by that? “The obvious is that your nomination papers won’t be signed He did 131 interviews with federal and it enhance and when does it corrode democ- hidden aspects of party discipline are caucus and you won’t be eligible to run for the party in provincial politicians of all political stripes racy? “Most politicians and political staff meetings, where backbenchers in large the next election. Before you know it, you’re out before writing the book and lists all their will immediately say that party discipline is parliamentary groups have less freedom of a job that you worked so hard to get.” names and when he interviewed them at the essential. Look what happens when a candi- to speak up than people think, especially end of the book. As well, the Samara Centre date or MP says or does something publicly because the leader’s staff are present. There You write: “Vignettes pull back the for Democracy shared transcripts of its exit that hints at disagreement with the leader. is also the daily drumbeat of electronic mes- curtain. How coped with interviews with former MPs and Jean-Fran- Public disagreement affords opponents an saging provided to politicians and their staff. a trap vote, the digital brand of Celina çois Godbout supplied MPs’ voter data from opportunity to exploit a wedge and provides It might be key messages, suggested social Caesar-Chavannes, the disillusionment of the 42nd Parliament. The book is thorough, the media with drama. It can be useful in an media posts, customizable digital visuals, or Ryan Cleary, the resolve of Kathleen Wynne, detailed, and a great read. election for citizens to choose from among a database of boilerplate messaging to con- the constituent surveys organized by Scott sult when preparing replies to constituents. J. Reid, and the caucus evictions of Jane Alex Marland But by far the most powerful hidden element Philpott and Jody Wilson-Raybould are says ‘it still pains of party discipline is the social pressure on indicative of the varied ways that parlia- Carolyn Bennett, MPs to toe the party line.” mentarians struggle with the domination of left, that, as a parliamentary parties.” Can you elaborate a rookie MP, she You say party discipline, which should no little on each person you site here? What are toed the party line longer be associated with activity in legisla- you saying? “In the book, I relay stories that on a contentious tive chambers, has spread “like a contagion” Hepatitis C to become message discipline in all public vote that went forums and you say message discipline is completely against stricter, it’s “more organized” and it is “omni- her principles present.” Can you talk more about the conta- and former NDP gion of message discipline and why you call MP Ryan Cleary, it a contagion? “A useful but narrow way of right, was amazed looking at party discipline is how legislators at Ottawa. After vote on bills and motions, or thinking about growing up in rural the power of the party whip. Nowadays dis- Newfoundland, cipline has spread to all public forums which and as a former is what needs to be studied. Parliamentar- journalist, he was ians have to always be alert that they might miserable over the be caught on video expressing a different loss of freedom he opinion or get called out on social media. If a associated with community newspaper reported on some- party discipline.’ thing controversial, years ago it might not be Photograph courtesy noticed. Today, digital democracy in Canada of MUN is a bit Orwellian in the sense that someone is always watching and ready to pounce. Most importantly, that’s what politicians Why did you want to write this book? political parties that offer stability and mes- believe, so they self-censor what they say.” “Whipped was a natural evolution after sage clarity. Where discipline becomes a researching communications when Stephen problem is foremost on the government side Why do Canadian Parliamentarians so Harper was prime minister, and is a follow- of the House. Backbenchers affiliated with rarely stray from party boundaries? “A big up to my book Brand Command: Canadian the governing party are pressed to always reason that MPs toe the line is that they Politics and Democracy in the Age of Mes- support the government and repeat its mes- perceive too many negative consequences for sage Control. With Justin Trudeau in power, saging, even though they likely had little breaking ranks. At a minimum, someone from it became increasingly evident that instead to no involvement in policy development. the leader’s office or whip’s office is going to of focusing on the Prime Minister’s Office, Those MPs are not part of the government phone to ask what’s going on, and some caucus it would be helpful to study other forces at but might think they are. It means that their members will probably give you an earful. Whipped: Party Discipline in Canada, by Alex play that ordinary MPs face. Also, Whipped efforts, if any, to hold the government to ac- Causing trouble compromises the ability to get Marland, UBC Press, 480pp., $34.95. purposely considers how parliamentary poli- count are hidden from public view. Ultimate- other things done or curry favours. You might THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 19 Best Books ‘By far the most powerful hidden element of party discipline is the social pressure on MPs to toe the party line’: Alex Marland on his book Whipped

illustrate the wide variety of experiences that puts a backbencher in a precarious position Canadian politicians go through. More than of dependency on the party. When the party 20 years later, it still pains Carolyn Bennett has control, it can devalue backbenchers that as a rookie MP she toed the party line because they can be switched out to bring in on a contentious Hepatitis C vote that went someone else who is willing to be an enthusi- completely against her principles. As a astic member of the party salesforce. In many Liberal MP, Celina Caesar-Chavannes built a ways, the relationship between MPs and their digital public profile that caused friction with party is like that of franchisees and franchi- the PMO. Former NDP MP Ryan Cleary was sors, except there is a huge expectation that amazed at Ottawa after growing up in rural MPs be cheerleaders of the leader.” Newfoundland, but as a former journalist he was miserable over the loss of freedom he How has party discipline affected the associated with party discipline. Before she current discussion and debates in Parlia- was premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne was ment about COVID-19? “The massive policy a backbencher who gave a boost to caucus response to the pandemic was not something members who fretted about supporting that anyone explicitly campaigned on in the Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Jane Philpott, and Jody Wilson-Raybould ‘experienced all sorts of social same-sex marriage. Conservative MP Scott 2019 Canadian election. In 2020, Parliament ostracizing from Liberals when they went off-side with their party,‘ says Alex Marland. The Hill Times Reid carries on the Reform Party tradition shut down for extended periods and the photographs by Andrew Meade of consulting constituents, but is an experi- Trudeau cabinet pushed forward sweeping enced backbencher who knows it is difficult policy plans with such a sense of urgency that potential electoral payoff and the prospects, the leadership is uninterested in or holds an to take a different position than the leader. it allegedly negated the need for scrutiny by however slim, of a cabinet appointment or opposing view about. You won’t get any- Jane Philpott and Jody Wilson-Raybould, Parliament. Throughout all this, have MPs other type of role promotion.” where if you’re a member of the governing as well as Caesar-Chavannes, experienced in the various parties disagreed with their party and disagree with something articu- all sorts of social ostracizing from Liberals leader’s position at some point? Certainly. Over the course of Canadian federal lated in the party platform. But if a new issue when they went off-side with their party. But if so, we don’t hear much about it. That’s political history, when have you seen party arises, or if you’re part of the opposition, These and other experiences across parties because the intense social and career pres- discipline at its worst and when have you or a new leader takes over, you have more and over time shows that individual par- sures wrought by party discipline means that seen it at its best? “A problem with party flexibility to persuade and inform others. An liamentarians can experience considerable almost everyone clams up in public. There is discipline is how much of it is an unknown, MP’s position needs to align with party val- upheaval. It can be difficult to carve a niche very little room for public dissent if you are a including to MPs. Everyone is aware that ues. Leaders who pander to public opinion or in a system that demands conformity.” member of a Canadian party caucus.” defying the party line on a confidence vote the social media commentariat risk internal likely brings a penalty of being kicked out of pushback if their position strays too far from caucus. The consequences are pretty clear. the party constitution.” What is less well understood is the param- eters of discipline for daily life as an MP. Who, in your view, has been the best Backbenchers fill in the blanks and can be party leader or the best prime minister anxious about being disciplined for rela- in Canadian history, who has allowed as tively trivial things. MPs might not realize much backbench freedom as possible, that they can safely push the boundaries of without being defeated? “One of my favou- partisanship much more than they do. Mem- rite things about Whipped is that it tackles bers of Parliament who research and consult Brian Mulroney’s extraordinary caucus before vocalizing a minority opinion or rais- outreach. He told me about how he would ing a controversial point of view are usually place phone calls across the country on respected by their colleagues.” the drive home from Parliament Hill and continued calling from 24 Sussex Dr. after Can you outline ways that regular MPs dinner. He’d tell the president of an MP’s can push back and have a voice? “MPs and electoral district association about how the politicians across Canada have told me that MP spoke forcefully in the national caucus it takes effort to advocate for something that Continued on page 22

It still pains Carolyn Bennett, left, that as a rookie MP she toed the party line on a contentious Vox populi: authors on their books Hepatitis C vote that went completely against her principles. Former NDP MP Ryan Cleary, right, was amazed at Ottawa after growing up in rural Newfoundland, but as a former journalist he was miserable over the loss of freedom he associated with party discipline, says Mr. Marland. The Hill Times Desmond Cole photographs by Andrew Meade and Jake Wright The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power Why does party discipline protect the How can party discipline be relaxed or cabinet from backbench colleagues who can it ever? “We should acknowledge that “This book is very much an effort to try and may take them to task and can or should there are good sides to party discipline. It refocus us, to say, ‘If we weren’t talking about the this ever change? “A fundamental problem helps MPs figure out how to vote and what U.S., if we just talked about Black life in Canada on with the parliamentary system is the role position to take on hundreds of policy is- its own merits, what do we see?’ ” Mr. Cole said in confusion of non-ministers on the govern- sues. Party unity offers voters clarity and an interview with The Hill Times on Feb. 12, 2020. ment side of the House. The details of a bill minimizes the power of interest groups over “We see a lot of denial, but when it’s brought right or policy announcement often come as a backbenchers. Party discipline will therefore into view, there’s a deep sense of shame and denial. surprise. A policy commitment in an election be strong as long as MPs accept it. If they are Desmond Cole, author of The Skin We’re People feel so uncomfortable that this is what their platform can look quite different when it is upset, they need to join forces to pressure In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power. country really looks like.” rolled out, yet MPs on the government side the leader. Mostly, it works best when the The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade of the House are expected to support it. This leader’s office supports an MP who wants Jeff Rubin isn’t new; it is much more intense. Opposi- to go publicly offside on an issue of special The Expendables: How the Middle Class Got tion party platforms in the 1950s urged the importance to the MP’s constituents, and Screwed by Globalization need to ‘take back’ Parliament from exces- there are no surprises because the MP sticks sive government influence and frustrations to negotiated message parameters.” “The reality is that the decline of the middle with party discipline have been raised since class is not just a random event. It’s intrinsically at least the 1960s.” How important is party discipline to indi- related to the type of jobs that are being produced vidual MPs? “Most if not all MPs will say that in the economy, and the type of jobs that are no How does the use of data bases, the a caucus cannot operate without discipline. longer being produced in the economy. Like in the “vanguard of party discipline,” boost the sales The alternative is disagreement, negative heydays of the middle class in North America— roles of individual backbenchers and push headlines, emotional duress and a slide in the 50s, the 60s—the middle-class workers made party discipline? “Data about voters is the public opinion polls. Aside from the various the very thing that they consumed, whether it lifeblood of party fundraising, pushing out carrots and sticks, such as whether the party was cars, dishwashers, televisions. Those things messages, recruiting supporters and GOTV. whip prevents an MP from going on a parlia- are made just in global supply chains that source Jeff Rubin, author of The Expendables. Backbenchers, candidates and local cam- mentary trip, there is a tremendous level of labour that’s a fraction of the cost of what a Ca- Photograph courtesy of Penguin Random paign workers are vital to collecting informa- caucus camaraderie that arises from being nadian or American worker will get paid,” he told House Canada tion about voters for databases. Some parties part of a united team. It helps of course that The Hill Times on Sept. 2, 2020 control access to a central database, which message consistency holds the promise of a 20 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Best Books

is not just a game, but Canada’s special gift: “Hockey rewards speed and skill, but perhaps as Webster’s important, it adds huge bonuses for courage and persistence. Al- most nothing is more valuable to a hockey team than a player who Newspapering simply will not give in. Few things are more Canadian.” When Webster was a foreign correspondent in Europe and Asia he was often asked what people a cracking should see during a visit to Cana- da. He always told them to take in a hockey game, but not the NHL in Canada’s big cities. He directed good read with them to junior games in places like Chicoutimi or an Ontario min- ing town. Webster wrote hockey is,”the perfect game for a northern people with quiet fires within.” much to teach As a foreign correspondent, Webster seemed always to be about it—which means it was also in the thick of things. During Norman Webster, probably the dumbest. And it was the cultural revolution of 1969, all Ernest Hemingway’s fault.” he stood in China’s Tiananmen reporter, editor- It was, as he put it, “one hell of a Square with half a million hys- party.” terical Chinese as they cheered in-chief, and It is not surprising that the the appearance of Chairman word-farmer man who was editor-in-chief of Mao. The country was in tur- both The Globe and Mail and the moil and ordinary people were extraordinaire, sheds Montreal Gazette in his long ca- “permanently stressed.” Webster reer, has had more than his share went into the countryside to try light on reporting and of unusual experiences. He once to understand their thinking. made the descent into a nuclear He found them “cautious, hard- Perhaps the biggest lesson of Norman Webster’s book is that Canada is more in a riveting missile silo near Tucson, Arizona. working, untrendy, deeply proud certainly not 'dull as a snowbank, with politicians to match.' As he notes, collection of columns On his way in, he passed a sign of family and, when their guards humanity, tolerance and decency unite us. 'What is important is to run well with a daunting message: “Watch came down, rather funny,” a lot and honestly, with as much human grace as possible—not forgetting, too, to spanning his decades for Rattlesnakes.” In his column, like rural Canadians. take joy in the running, to laugh at life’s absurdities as well as weep at it’s the journalist wryly noted, “You Canada began to restore cruelties.' Photograph handout in ‘newspapering.’ can’t be too careful.” relations with China in 1970, Webster got into the newspa- breaking “the logjam of Isola- the torture cells of Ugandan he thought were similar. “Both per business early. He was hired tion.” Pierre Trudeau then opened president Idi Amin, as well as were cunning, ambiguous, by The Globe and Mail’s legend- an embassy in February 1971. those of the murderous Khmer Byzantine total politicians who ary editor “Dic” Doyle at 23. Doyle Webster was in Beijing when the Rouge, monuments to evil, and preferred results to rhetoric and didn’t waste any time testing his famous American “ping pong del- a reminder of mankind’s capac- blunted the sharp edges of prin- new hire’s mettle. He dispatched egation” came to China in April, ity for fiendish cruelty. He noted ciples to get deals.” Webster to Québec City in 1965 1971, the first visit by Americans a list of rules for the victims of Webster’s column on Pope to cover the Quiet Revolution. It since 1949. Thanks to Webster’s Khmer Rouge torture still posted John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla, turned out not to be all that quiet. enterprise, The Globe and Mail on a wall. No. 6: “While getting written during the Pope’s visit to In his introduction to Newspa- had a world scoop of photos lashes or electrification, you must Krakow, is a masterpiece. Asked pering, author John Fraser com- from the tournament. It led to not cry out at all.” Webster visited what the Pope is really like, Michael Harris mented that Webster’s journalism the meeting of Mao and Richard Auschwitz three times. Webster wrote, “First off, he’s a Harris oozed the same “fundamental Nixon, the old “Commie” hunter, In addition to providing un- superstar, no doubt about it. Take decency” that defined the man. in a villa near the Forbidden City flinching reporting as he looked the bite of a Churchill, add the Fraser said he could never imag- a few months later. Apparently into the heart of darkness abroad, flair of a Kennedy, then perhaps ver wondered about Chairman ine Webster picking a fight on a the two men liked each other. Webster wrote about domestic mix in a little Muhammad Ali and EMao Zedong’s sexual prefer- hockey rink. This is personal note. Like all good foreign corre- politics in this country without you’ll be getting there.” ences, how to castrate a camel, or I can’t say that I ever saw Webster spondents, Webster took things pulling his punches. He has been But it was not all hero wor- how many shots of vodka Nikita drop the gloves during our media to the edge. It was often danger- denounced by prime ministers, ship. In the cathedral in Gniezno, Khrushchev forced on Lester games, but it was well known by ous, but it kept the nerves clean. premiers, and industrialists dur- a sharp-eyed Webster observed Pearson during a wild night by those who went into the corners “… You haven’t lived until you’ve ing Canada’s own cultural wars. the Pope deep in prayer. Then he the Black Sea the two men spent with Webster that his elbows were affronted an armed guard, and Webster didn’t particularly noticed him lift his sleeve, “check when “Mike” was foreign minis- sharp and that Stan Mikita would realize that the laissez-passer like Pierre Trudeau or his govern- his watch and rise briskly to his ter? have admired the imaginative issued by a foreign ministry is be- ment, “But there is this to be said feet.” Curious about the top 10 sto- things he could do with his stick. ing held upside down.” too: there is nothing crabbed or The columns are arranged by ries of the millennium, history’s Norman played to win. Whether in Serbia or Moga- mean or small about his hopes for subject rather than chronology, bad decisions, the greatest mo- Hockey has a special place in dishu, Webster gave it his all. He Canada.” Webster gives Trudeau which takes getting used to, and ments in sport, and of course the Webster’s view of the country. It covered some of the most horren- credit for opening the door to leads to some minor repetitions. top sex scandals of the day? dous stories relations with China in 1971. He But if you are a political junkie, Norman Webster, reporter, Newspapering: while work- covered a host of other famous the book is a cracking good read editor-in-chief, and word-farmer 50 Years of ing abroad, Canadians with a personal touch: with much to teach. extraordinaire, sheds light on Reporting including the William Davis, Stephen Lewis, Perhaps the biggest lesson of all of that and more in a riveting from Canada refugee crisis Robert Nixon, Bob Rae, Stephen Webster’s book is that Canada is collection of columns spanning and Around in Somalia in Harper, and Stéphane Dion, certainly not “dull as a snowbank, his decades in “newspapering.” the World, 1979. Thirty “the only man who had the guts, with politicians to match.” As he Webster was well-placed, not only by Norman years later, smarts and eloquence to take notes, humanity, tolerance and to provide us with a superb first Webster, he returned on in 1995 and decency unite us. “What is impor- draft of history, but a reminder Barlow Books, to see what probably save the country.” tant is to run well and honestly, of what makes us Canadian. This $29.95. had become Humour is never far away with as much human grace as witty fly has been on some very of it all. “The from Webster’s observations. He possible—not forgetting, too, to interesting walls as world-shak- decline of So- described former prime minister take joy in the running, to laugh ing events unfolded beneath his malia is one Stephen Harper as the kind of at life’s absurdities as well as jeweller’s eye. of the saddest person “who usually wears a suit weep at it’s cruelties.” For 50 years, Webster has stories of when he goes to the shower.” But One last thing. Norman Web- covered national news and world our time,” he he also captures the crushing ster once fired Conrad Black. But affairs with insight, intellectual wrote. Much side of public life. Webster ob- you’ll have to buy the book to get suppleness, and physical cour- of Mogadishu served that the loss of the Meech the full story! age, and, oh yes, one other thing: was in rubble. Lake Accord in 1987 drained Newspapering: 50 Years of Re- humour, often of the self-depre- “… only the then prime minister Brian Mul- porting from Canada and Around cating variety. Webster ran with unwise” ven- roney almost like the death of a the World, by Norman Webster, the bulls at Pamplona and offered tured out after child. Barlow Books, $29.95. this recollection: “Most exciting, dark. This is how Webster de- Michael Harris is an award- terrifying thing I ever did in my Webster scribed Robert Bourassa and winning author and journalist. life. I still get a jolt just thinking also visited William Davis, politicians who The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 21 Best Books

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An Alphabet for Joanna: A Portrait of My Management, and Environmental Regulation, Steven Heighton, Biblioasis, $22.95 Ghoussoub, University of Toronto Press, 280pp., $34.95 Mother in 26 Fragments, by Damian Rogers, Closing Sysco: Industrial Decline in Atlantic by Graham White, UBC Press, 400pp., $34.95 Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 344pp., $32.95 Canada’s Steel City, by Lachlan MacKinnon, Reset: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil The Strongmen: European Encounters University of Toronto Press, 304pp., $34.95 Inside the Campaign: Managing Elections Society, by Ronald J. Deibert, House of Anansi with Sovereign Power, by Hans Kribbe, An Autobiography of the Autobiography in Canada, edited by Alex Marland and Thierry Press, 304pp., $22.95 McGill-Queen’s University Press, 320pp., $37.95 of Reading, by Dionne Brand, University of Corporate Social Responsibility and Giasson, UBC Press, 200pp., $29.95 Alberta Press, 72pp., $12.99 Canada’s Role in Africa’s Extractive Resilience is Futile: The Life and Death The Unexpected Louis St-Laurent: Politics Sectors, edited by Nathan Andrews and J. International Education As Public Policy and Life of Julie S. Lalonde, by Julie S. and Policies for a Modern Canada, edited A National Project: Syrian Refugee Andrew Grant, University of Toronto Press, in Canada, edited by Merli Tamtik, Roopa Lalonde, Between the Lines, 176pp., $23.95 by Patrice Dutil, UBC Press, 530pp., $45 Resettlement in Canada, edited by Leah Hamilton, 320pp., $36.95 Desai Trilokekar, and Glen A. 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Johnson, University of Lead for the Planet: Five Practices for Canada, 240pp., $24.95 of Toronto Press, 208pp., $32.95 Basic Income for Canadians: From Regina Press, 168pp., $16.95 Confronting Climate Change, by Rae André, the COVID-19 Emergency to Financial Since the Boom: Continuity and Change University of Toronto Press, 272pp., $29.95 They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Security For All, by Evelyn L. Forget, Lorimer, Digital Politics in Canada: Promises and in the Western Industrialized World after Campus Life, and Growing Up, by Eternity 255pp., $24.95 (revised edition) Realities, edited by Tamara A. Small and Lost on Division: Party Unity in the Canadian 1970, edited by Sebastian Voigt, University of Martis, McClelland & Stewart, 256pp., $25. Harold J. Jansen, University of Toronto Press, Parliament, by Jean-François Godbout, University Toronto Press, 288pp., $75 Big Moves: Global Agendas, Local Aspirations, 328pp., $49.95 of Toronto Press, 312pp., $39.95 Toward the Health of a Nation: The Institute of and Urban Mobility in Canada, by Anthony Perl, Smart Cities in Canada: Digital Dreams Health Policy, Management and Evaluation— Matt Hern, and Jeffrey R. 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Do you think the political Cohesion on votes is especially In your opinion, who was your parties need whips? “Yes! Whips prevalent with the NDP which favourite backbench MP ever and their staff are so much more of course has never formed a na- and why? “All of the current and than providers of vote sheets or tional government. But generally former backbenchers who agreed disciplinarians. They are hu- an opposition caucus has more to be interviewed for Whipped get man resources managers. They flexibility for free votes because high marks from me! Eighteen are mentors. They are office the stakes are lower. Though the of them are MPs in the current coordinators. The whip’s couch governing party will happily try Parliament.” is where people unload with to exploit the division as a sign of [email protected] personal angst about everything dissent and imminent rebellion.” The Hill Times from political frustrations to problems in their personal lives. But ‘whip’ is horribly outdated. It evokes fear, pain, and punish- Vox populi: authors on their books ment. I’d like to see a softer title be used. Perhaps there’s an MP out there who would consider consulting the whips and build- Nelson Wiseman ing cross-party consensus to change the title in the standing Partisan Odysseys: Canada’s orders.” Political Parties

At the end of your book, you “Partisan Odysseys surveys the Conservative MP , pictured when he ran for the 2016 offer three more areas of inter- history of Canada’s political parties. leadership. Change in overall party discipline in all the parties needs to start nal party affairs that “stand out The book identifies signal events and with policy resolutions passed at party conventions, though building on the for study,” including candidate distinctive motifs that have informed Reform Act championed by Mr. Chong is another avenue, Alex Marland says. vetting; caucus research bureaus; different eras in the history of the The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright and party databases. Can you parties. It begins by tracing the rise quickly summarize the reasons of four different types of parties in Nelson Wiseman, author of Continued from page 19 passed at party conventions, these three stand out and why the 19th century and shows how by though building on the Reform they need to be studied? “Canadi- Partisan Odysseys: Canada’s the end of the century, the Conserva- meeting about issues of concern Act championed by Conservative an political science has very little Political Parties. Photograph by The tive and Liberal parties that con- to the district, and how lucky the MP Michael Chong is another to say about candidate vetting Hill Times tinue to this day firmly established fine people of district X were to avenue.” and party databases, in particular. themselves. It then explores topics have such a great representative. Officers of the House and think including nationalism, minority governments, third parties, and the Mulroney encouraged the EDA What freedoms do regular tanks are largely in the dark, too. reconfiguration of party positions. The book concludes by examining president to tell others about the MPs have? “Partisans are quick Most of us have to rely on what changes in the way Canada’s ever-evolving parties have operated and praise. Now, this didn’t mean to point out that MPs always have journalists report. These things how the modern party has emerged as a nimble, enterprising institu- that the MP necessarily had the freedom to speak their minds are obscure by design. Whipped tion compared to its historical antecedents. I show how parties from the any more voting freedom, but if they so choose. I find that to be scratches the surface about these pre-Confederation period to the present have adjusted, adapted, and this type of outreach did foster a bit trite given the real and imag- clandestine operations that have reinvented themselves in response to significant social and economic significant personal loyalty to ined consequences. Party whips profound implications for how changes as well as how parties have, in turn, shaped or reinforced these the leader and reduced the po- and senior political staff take party discipline has evolved into social forces,” told The Hill Times on June 3, 2020. tential for anyone embarrassing pains to make sure that candidates message discipline and, in turn, the boss. There are all sorts of and MPs know that they could be the transformation of backbench- Julie Lalonde stories like this.” recorded anywhere—in a taxi, at ers into brand ambassadors.” Resilience is Futile: The Life and a restaurant, on an airplane. Even Death and Life of Julie S. Lalonde What do you think of the in regional caucus you need to be You say that party discipline Samara Centre’s suggestions: wary that what you say might be forces especially government “My message to the world is, MPs can organize into coalitions passed on to someone higher up. backbenchers to toe the party that would make it harder for focusing on resilience ignores the Some MPs say that the moments line, but doesn’t it force opposi- systemic problem that forces people leaders to ignore; MPs have a they feel the most freedom is to tion MPs as well to toe their say in committee chair appoint- to fight so hard in the first place,” she speak on doorsteps. When you parties’ lines? “Party discipline is said in a phone interview with The ments and membership; cau- knock on a door and have an im- much stricter for government-side cuses can require the leader to Hill Times on Feb. 19. “You can be promptu chat with a constituent, it backbenchers for all sorts of rea- the toughest, most courageous, and answer backbench committees? can be deeply satisfying to speak sons, in particular, the confidence Julie Lalonde author of Resilience tenacious person on the planet, but if “Whipped builds on the Samara with people who share the same convention. An opposition caucus is Futile: The Life and Death someone is determined to harm you, Centre’s work. Organizing into views that you’re trying to express can have an even higher propor- and Life of Julie S. Lalonde. in our existing culture, they’re going coalitions, taking away the in Ottawa.” tion of MPs voting in unison. whip’s power to assign commit- Photographs courtesy of Brendan to get away with it. But for survivors, tee membership and engaging Brown and Between the Lines my message is just live your life.” the leader in backbench commit- tees are all reasonable propo- Laura Trethewey sitions, but change is hard to The Imperilled Ocean: Human achieve. Many academics point Stories From a Changing Sea out how there is massive turn- over of MPs at each election. As “The Imperilled Ocean tries to a result, Canadian legislatures right one of the biggest misconcep- are characterized by their ama- tions of the ocean: that it is faraway teurism. This matters because and disconnected from life on land. how do you convince a new MP I understand why this misconcep- that they should gang up to wrest tion exists. The ocean is a hard place power away from the leader? to explore; many of us do not spend As one MP told me, arriving in time there. On a map, the ocean is Ottawa is like drinking from a often a blank blue space with so little firehose, and you can’t expect Laura Tretheway, author of The definition compared to land. Psycho- people to challenge the system Imperilled Ocean: Human Stories logically, this creates the impression when they are still trying to fig- From a Changing Sea. Photograph that the ocean and humans are dis- ure out where the bathrooms are. courtesy of Stuart Isett connected, however, our lives depend These specific things aren’t vote on the ocean no matter where we winners, either, so where is the live. Every second breath we breathe uses oxygen produced by the sea, impetus for giving backbenchers Brian Mulroney, pictured with public servants at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa on for instance. Ultimately, I wrote The Imperilled Ocean to show that the more say? To me, change needs March 5, 2019. Alex Marland looks at the former prime minister’s extraordinary ocean’s story is also our own,” told The Hill Times on March 11, 2020. to start with policy resolutions caucus outreach in his book Whipped. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 23

her case, as a press secretary), is Archives of Quebec for its series, Mr. Blanchet’s director of com- Les porte-voix. Mr. Fauvel’s munications. She’s a former aide LinkedIn indicates he’s previous- to Parti Québécois MNA Harold ly worked as a travel consultant LeBel, who has represented Ri- with Voyages Aqua Terra and as a hill climbers mouski, Que., since 2014, includ- DJ and producer. ing having worked in his constitu- Monitoring media for the Bloc ency office. are press reviewers Frédérick by Laura Ryckewaert Funded through the research Carignan and Simon Brière. bureau are press secretaries Longtime Bloc strategist Syl- Joanie Riopel and Julien Cou- vain Boyer is director of research, lombe-Bonnafous. supported by assistant director A look at the team behind Bloc Mélanie Boyer (no relation). Mr. Boyer is another former Hill Times spin doctor and is a former assistant to then-Bloc MP Québécois Leader Blanchet Josée Beaudin. Ms. Boyer previ- ously worked on the Hill from 2002 to 2015, including seven Bloc Québécois years as a caucus researcher. Led by chief of staff Leader Yves-François She took on her current post just Blanchet, pictured after the 2019 election, before Mathias Boulianne, Feb. 24, 2020, which she’d spent the last four the Bloc leader’s office speaking to media years studying for a doctorate in in the West Block applied social sciences at the Uni- and research bureau pre-pandemic. versité du Québec en Outaouais. Between the leader’s Working under them are a team together include office and the Julien Coulombe-Bonnafous is team of six researchers and one research bureau— a press secretary for the Bloc. research assistant, Christelle 25 staffers who help which received Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn Ménard. Those researchers are: support the party’s $1,412,800 and Marc-André Roche, Michaël $1,409,640 in A former social work techni- Akettia, Marc-Étienne Dagesse, 32-member caucus. funding, respectively, cian with the Quebec govern- Maxime Duchesne, Sophie from the House ment’s Portages-de-l’Outaouais Jacques-Barma, and Louis- of Commons for School Service Centre, Ms. Riopel Philippe Sauvé. he Bloc Québécois regained 2020-21—there are ran as the Bloc’s candidate in Trecognized party status in currently 25 Bloc Hull-Aylmer, Que., during the Louis- the House of Commons with the Québécois staffers in 2019 election, ultimately coming Philippe 2019 election, in turn giving the place. The Hill Times second to Liberal incumbent Greg Sauvé is a caucus access to central funds to photograph by Andrew Fergus. Mr. Coulombe-Bonnafous researcher run a leader’s office and research Meade recently studied for a bachelor’s for the Bloc. bureau, among other things, and degree in communications and Photograph it’s high time Hill Climbers dives referendums and during his time politics at the University of Mon- courtesy of into the team behind Bloc Leader as a minister under Jacques treal. LinkedIn Yves-François Blanchet and his Parizeau’s government. She also Nathalie Deblois is a com- caucus. previously ran, ultimately unsuc- munications co-ordinator. Michel Between the leader’s of- cessfully, as the Bloc’s candidate Harvey is an editor and web fice and the research bureau— in Laurentides-Labelle, Que., in master in the research office, with which received $1,412,800 and 2015. Josh Fauvel tackling graphic de- $1,409,640 in funding, respective- David Pagé is Mr. Blanchet’s sign and serving as social media ly, from the House of Commons tour director. After working on manager. for 2020-21—there are currently the Hill between 2004 and 2009, Mr. Harvey is a former 25 staffers in place. his LinkedIn profile indicates he longtime producer and digital A former president of the Bloc Only recognized parties— got involved with the municipal content editor for Radio-Canada Québécois’ youth forum, Mr. Sauvé those with at least 12 sitting political party, Action Longueuil. in Montreal and joined the Bloc first started working on the Hill in MPs—receive House funding to Mr. Pagé went on to work for team in March. Amongst other 2015 as an assistant to Manicoua- run a leader’s office, research bu- then-Parti Québécois MNA Nico- past experience, he’s also worked gan, Que., MP Marilène Gill. reau, House leader’s office, whip’s Marie-Éve-Lyne Michel is Mr. las Girard and he’s also a former as a research and content man- [email protected] office, and an office for a caucus Blanchet’s deputy chief of staff. aide to then-Quebec transport ager for the National Library and The Hill Times chair. The Bloc’s lack of such Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn minister Sylain Gaudreault, funding in recent Parliaments amongst other past experience. had previously been a source of host with Radio-Canada (her Éric Couture is a special contention for the caucus. various runs with the broadcaster adviser in the leader’s office. A Mathias Boulianne is chief of include reporting for Quelle former contributor for the Bloc CLASSIFIEDS staff to Mr. Blanchet. A former Historie!) and MAtv, including as to The Hill Times’ Spin Doctors aide to La Pointe-de-l’Île, Que., host of Les Coulisses d’Open Télé. between 2018 and 2019 during his Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 MP , including as Johanne Régimbald is di- time as a party strategist, a role press secretary during his run as rector of operations in the he played during the last elec- CONDOS FOR RENT CONDOS FOR RENT PROFESSIONAL Mario Beaulieu, leader’s office. A former editor tion, Mr. Couture is also a former SERVICES Mr. Boulianne briefly served of L’Information du Nord, a TC researcher for the federal caucus as chief of staff to then-leader Media publication covering the and previously worked as a politi- , quitting that Rouge Valley, Mont-Tremblant cal staffer at Quebec’s national post amid inter-party divisions and Sainte-Agathe, she previ- assembly, including as an aide to that plagued Ms. Ouellet’s time as ously worked as an aide to Bloc then-Parti Québécois democratic leader from 2017 to 2018. He was MP Rhéal Fortin from 2015 to institutions and active citizenship part of the Bloc’s 2019 campaign 2019, including during his run minister Bernard Drainville. team. as interim leader. Along with Benoît Manseau is a politi- GLEBE COACH HOUSE DOWNTOWN 1 BEDROOM + DEN (OR 2ND BEDROOM) AT PERSONAL DRIVE AWAY past communications and public cal adviser to Mr. Blanchet. He Charming updated 2-storey, 1 relations work through her own bdrm house (w/alcove); hardwood BANK AND LAURIER SERVICE FOR SNOWBIRDS previously worked for the leader & TRANSPORT OF VEHICLES firm, Ms. Régimbal is a former throughout; patio; private; parking. Downtown, high-end bedroom + during his time as Quebec’s Personal Vehicle Transport across aide to former Parti Québécois Perfect Glebe location. $1900. + den, balcony, granite, SS appliances, minister of sustainable develop- utils. Dec. 1, 613-563-4101 hardwood, ensuite washer/dryer, the USA and Canada, Senior minister Jacques Léonard, hav- ment, environment, wildlife and built-in closets, pool/gym/BBQ/ Responsible Driver, I drive your ing worked for him from 1989 parks under Pauline Marois’ PQ lounge/concierge. $1950/month vehicle, door to door. All Inclusive. to 1998, through Quebec’s two government. with locker. Parking negotiable. [email protected] Karine Rodrigue is executive Contact: [email protected] assistant to the leader. Before Johanne HOUSES FOR RENT Do you have a Regimbal is joining Mr. Blanchet’s office in director of December 2019, she spent almost house to rent or operations two decades working for the Parti sell? Items or Québécois, including as an aide to the Bloc 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH products to sell? leader. to then-transport minister Guy IN THE EAST MARKET Chief of staff Mathias Boulianne. Photograph Chevrette, then-revenue minis- (383 CUMBERLAND ) Advertise them Photograph courtesy of Twitter ter Guy Julien, and then-junior courtesy of Totally renovated 1 bedroom in The Hill Times' health minister David Levine. on 2nd floor facing west. New LinkedIn classfieds section. Supporting him is deputy chief Karine Lafontaine also works floors, kitchen and appliances, LOVELY 2BED 2BATH of staff Marie-Ève-Lyne Michel, in the leader’s office as an as- bathroom, Parking available at @1000CAD who’s been working for the Bloc sistant. additional $200,-/month. 613- This Turnkey home is ready and FOR INFO, CALL OR EMAIL leader since November 2019 and Carolane Landry, who, like 884-9108 waiting for you to move right in [email protected] under her current title since June. many of her colleagues, also and start living. @1000CAD. 613-232-5952 She’s a former reporter and TV worked on the 2019 campaign (in Contact: [email protected] 24 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Feature Inside Centre Block’s renovation of a century The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A hallway on the eastern end of Centre Block's sixth floor is pictured. Previously home to Parliamentarians' office suites, the space has been stripped back right to bare bricks. Similar demolition is happening on the first, and fourth through to the sixth floors of Centre Block, which were deemed low heritage in value. Heritage elements on these floors, like the wooden doors and stonework, have been removed for protection and restoration and will be brought back.

ed by Public Services and LProcurement Canada, the Centre Block renovation is historic and massive. It will be taken apart, strengthened and reinforced, updated, and put back together again, piece by piece, for use during the next 100 years and beyond. It’s expected to take at least a year to complete. So far, PSPC says $655-million has been allocated for the renovation of Centre Block and the con- struction of the underground visitors’ welcome centre, but that figure is expected to rise significantly over the next decade or so. The department says $119.6-million has been spent to date on Centre Block and says $4.5-billion has been approved on the renovations of all the buildings in the Par- liamentary Precinct. The Senate Chamber, as seen from scaffolding erected to help workers reach the gold-leaf-covered suspended plaster ceiling, which will be restored on site. The cast-bronze chandeliers that hung in the space can be seen, having been lowered The Hall of Honour is considered a high heritage space and will see little for removal and conservation. Each weigh approximately 3,500 pounds. changes. The bullet holes left from the 2014 shooting will be preserved. THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 25 Feature

Another view of the Hall of Honour, looking north towards the Library of Parliament. Wood panels have been erected throughout the building to protect heritage stonework that will be preserved on site. The Speaker's Hallway along the north end of Centre Block is pictured.

Stained glass in the House of Commons Chamber. Scaffolding has been erected in part to allow workers to access and remove the hand-painted canvas lining on the ceiling, which will be restored The Commons Foyer outside the House Chamber is also filled with scaffolding to allow workers and returned to the space. access to the stonework.

In front of Centre Block, excavation for the construction of the final phase The opposition entrance to the House Chamber, pictured A look inside the Senate Chamber, with blank spaces where the of the new Parliamentary Visitors’ Welcome Centre complex is underway, boarded over. war paintings used to hang. They've been removed for restoration. which is expected to reach a depth of 20 metres. 26 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Feature The year of the pandemic on the Hill The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Finance Minister , pictured Sept. 30, 2020, on her way to the House of Commons.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured with his security detail on Dec. 7, 2020, walking down the stairs from the West Block to the Sir John A. Macdonald Building to hold a presser.

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured Nov. 18, 2020, on his way into a national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building.

Canada’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Tam, pictured April 27, Canada’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Howard Njoo, pictured Nov. Reporters, pictured Dec. 15, 2020, in the Sir John A. 2020, on the Hill. 3, 2020, at a COVID-19 briefing. Macdonald Building.

Conservative MP , his party’s New Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, The prime minister, pictured on a warm Nov. 9, 2020, finance critic, pictured Sept. 30, 2020, on pictured Nov. 16, 2020, at a press NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured Oct. 29, walking along Wellington Street to the Sir John A. his way into the House. conference on the Hill. 2020, at a Hill presser. Macdonald Building. THE HILL TIMES | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 27 News

not our government, you know, and so it’s a foreign government. And so those two ‘All my life, I’ve been a leader’: teachings resulted in a lot of First Nations people not voting.” “If you’re running for office [and you] know that First Nations don’t vote, do you think you’re going to care about our Perry Bellegarde on leaving issues? No, they don’t help you get elected. So now, if you vote and Members of Parlia- ment know that First Nations vote, we can influence the whole political outcome. And the AFN, and what comes next I think that’s powerful,” he said. Mr. Bellegarde himself did not begin voting until recently. Assembly of In the 2015 election, his AFN identified Getting non-Indigenous First Nations 51 ridings where Indigenous people could National Chief swing the outcome of the vote. Voter turnout Canadians to view Perry Bellegarde, on First Nations reserves rose from about 47 inequality as more than a pictured during per cent in 2011 to 62 per cent in 2015, just the AFN's below the 66 per cent turnout for the general First Nations issue is the Special Chiefs population, according to . Assembly The NDP was the most popular choice in key to effecting change, says on Federal polling divisions located on reserves in 2015, Legislation in winning 46 per cent of the vote, compared to Perry Bellegarde. Gatineau, Que., 41 per cent for the Liberals, nine per cent for in 2018. Mr. the Conservatives, and three per cent for the Bellegarde's last Continued from page 1 Green Party, according to the CBC. day with the AFN In last year’s election, the AFN put advocates for Canada’s First Nations, and is July 7, 2021. together a list of 63 “priority” ridings in about how he wants to spend the remain- The Hill Times which Indigenous voters could decide the ing months of his tenure, and what could photograph by outcome. Voter turnout on reserves fell to come next. Andrew Meade 52 per cent in the last election, compared His priorities for now include keeping to 67 per cent for the general population. pressure on the government to tackle un- The NDP garnered 40 per cent of the vote, safe drinking water in First Nations com- the Liberals 33 per cent, the Conservatives munities, and on Parliament to pass Bill The government has continued to take and the Crown has to live by and abide by 17 per cent, and the Green Party eight per C-15, which would finally implement the a confrontational approach to legal battles and honour and implement those treaties,’” cent on reserves, according to the CBC. United Nations Declaration on the Rights with First Nations, even after now-former he said. “The other teaching was that we [email protected] of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), he said. justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould have our own systems of government. It’s The Hill Times After he leaves his post on July 7? (Vancouver Granville, B.C.) ordered her “After that, we’ll just take some time. It’s underlings to knock it off. It has promised a blank page you know, down the road. You to bring in legislation to give First Nations just want to take some time to relax and, more control over policing as well, but that and we’ll see what comes.” hasn’t happened yet. Mr. Bellegarde didn’t rule out a run in Mr. Bellegarde said his biggest chal- CAREERS federal politics. He’s led the AFN since lenge has been getting non-Indigenous 2014, and spent much of that time build- Canadians, in and outside of government, ing relationships with Ottawa’s political to understand that issues like those “aren’t players. only First Nations’ issues, they’re Canada’s “Like I said, it’s a blank page for me. I issues.” haven’t decided anything. I’ll sit down with “The youngest, fastest-growing demo- my family, and my elders, and people close graphic in Canada are young First Nations to me, and decisions will be made at the men and women. So you want those young appropriate time. First Nations men and women to be edu- Government Relations Coordinator “You know, all my life, I’ve been a cated, and trained, and working. So it just Summary: Membership and Other Related Responsibilities: leader, and I equate leadership as a ser- makes sense that you can provide them the The Government Relations Coordinator provides admin- • Respond to enquiries from Boards/Associ- vant, or helper of the people,” he said, using greatest opportunity to be all that they can istrative support to the Government Relations team, and ations, staff, REALTOR® members and the the Cree word Oskapewis to describe how be in Canada,” he said. may additionally be required to conduct research and general public. he sees his role. “The challenge is getting everybody work with stakeholders to support the team in address- • Undertake other projects and duties as as- “To me leadership, whether you’re educated and aware … once Canadians ing the evolving list of active policy issues. signed by the Director, Government Relations a chief, or a Member of Parliament, or get it, that makes it easier for the decision- and/or Vice-President, Advocacy. whatever it is, you’re a servant, or helper of makers in Ottawa around that House of Core Competencies: the people. And you can find that in many Commons and cabinet table to make the • Communication Qualifications different circumstances in the public sector right decisions.” • Project Management • College diploma/university degree or equiva- or private sector.” It’s the AFN chief’s job to get in the • Attention to Detail lent combination of education and experience Mr. Bellegarde’s AFN was accused of “ears and eyes” of the top decision-makers • Customer Service • 3-5 years working experience with an associ- discrimination against women during its in government throughout the year, and • Collaboration ation and/or federal government environment annual general assembly on Dec. 9 by continue to press them to address First • Strong organizational and communication skills several female regional chiefs, the CBC re- Nations issues, he said. That includes party Position Accountabilities: • Experience with document management and ported. Mr. Bellegarde told The Hill Times leaders, and ministers and their chiefs of Provide administrative support to the Government filing systems an asset that he had not witnessed discrimination staff. The PMO, PCO, Justice Department, Relations team. Duties include: • Able to work evenings/weekends when against women during his time in the AFN. Treasury Board, and Finance Department • Type, format and/or distribute general required (infrequent) He said the AFN was committed to rectify- are the key targets for the AFN, he said. correspondence/reports/notices of meetings/ • Ability to work on multiple projects with time ing the problem, and that it had already “If you’re not influencing any of those agendas/minutes/dispatches sensitive deadlines implemented gender bias training and a five entities, you’re not doing your job. And • Set up conference calls and coordinate other • Flexible, cooperative and able to take initiative code of conduct for national and regional you’ve also got to influence the federal meeting logistics • Excellent interpersonal skills, highly team chiefs. budget every fiscal year. So you’ve got to • Establish and maintain files and departmental oriented Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papine- be in the finance minister’s eyes and ears, records • Fluently bilingual in English and French is au, Que.) has governed during most of Mr. because if the finance minister doesn’t preferred Bellegarde’s time atop the AFN. Mr. Trudeau allocate any monies to any of the differ- Policy Research has arguably spoken more about improving ent departmental ministers, how can the • Provide operational and research support to Please direct your application to: [email protected] the living conditions of Indigenous people, departmental ministers then send it out the Government Relations team, including and their relationship with the Crown, than to the regions across Canada, then out to analysis of legislation and regulations impact- At CREA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, any prime minister before him. the First Nations? That’s how the system ing the real estate sector and homebuyers. barrier-free and accessible environment. Part of this com- The Liberal government’s record on works,” he said. • Maintain a current awareness and expertise mitment includes arranging accommodations to ensure those issues is imperfect: it has passed During his tenure, Mr. Bellegarde has regarding ongoing policy and program issues an equitable opportunity to participate in the recruitment legislation to support Indigenous languag- pressed Indigenous people to vote more related to the real estate industry and selection process. If you require an accommodation, es, and to give Indigenous communities often in federal elections, and break with a we will work with you to meet your needs. more control over child welfare services; customary view that First Nations’ relation- Committee Responsibilities: it has introduced a bill to implement the ship lies only with the Crown, and not the • Assist the Government Relations team in UNDRIP, but only after initially balking at elected government. He said First Nations ensuring Committee plans are implemented doing so; it has improved water treatment people should consider themselves to be on time and on budget, including coordina- facilities in some Indigenous communi- dual citizens: of Canada, and their nation. tion as required with internal staff, Committee ties, but hasn’t achieved its goal of ending “Our elders used to say, ‘it doesn’t mat- Members, volunteers and external parties. boil-water advisories in those communities ter who gets in: Liberals, Greens, NDP— altogether. our treaty relationship is with the Crown,

Happy Thank you, to all our readers, subscribers, and partners for your loyalty, dedication, from and passion and for everything you’ve done during this HolidaysThe Hill Times unprecedented year.