Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 I T Nash, andthe tonemadeclear former Toronto NDPMPPeggy the nextfederal election,” said they want topresentvoters in framework andthemessaging policy proposals airtime. New Democrats struggledtoget “well-oiled” machine while the the governing partypresenteda ence, say strategists who suggest paign messagesonacaptive audi- brass totestpre-electioncam- tions offeredachanceforparty campaign readiness election glimpseinto conventions a pre- Duelling Liberal, NDP News U.S. border, but experts pushfor plan Feds say too early to talk openingCanada- News THIRTY-SECOND YEAR, NO.1818 BYSAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN BY NEIL MOSS pp. 19-27 policy briefing Infrastructure ment tosignalafutureplanon t’s timeforthefederal govern- “Everyone isliningupthe Bitchy eral andNDPpolicy conven- he recentback-to-backLib- Bad+ p.9 Continued onpage 28

tions permit, say analysts. reopen when publichealthcondi- how theCanada-U.S. border will The border hasbeenclosed Diplomatic Circles C anada

p.13 ’ s P oliti opening astheCanadianpublic ment silentonany eventual re- essential travel withthegovern- for nearly13monthstonon- inclusion training explore diversity, Senatorgroup to p. 6 c s

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N ews closure. mostly supportsitscontinued loneliest number or a powerful p a position? p Is one the Is er Continued onpage29 Andrew Meade photographs by The HillTimes pandemic response. the government's credit forboosting Mr. Singhtaking Democrats and ignoring theNew with Mr. Trudeau past weekend, conventions this their respective as theyclosed election messaging each testedpre- Jagmeet Singh and NDPLeader Justin Trudeau, left, Prime Minister p. 6 perspective WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14,2021$5.00 I A post-#MeToo? workplace in the women changed for Hill Has the News positions fosteredby #MeToo, ual harassment by meninsenior of thehistory andimpactofsex- when itcameto theexamination workplace. between menandwomen inthe positive, suchascreating arift ing theconversation, totheless range from thegood, like open - who work federal politicssay has brought changes that women News experts Canadians, say repatriate detained to political will guise for not having situation usedas Syrian security litical willforrepatriation. ground tocover upalackofpo- of thesecurityconditionson the government isusing thepretence Syria, experts say theCanadian BY ALICECHEN BY NEIL MOSS movement rocked theglobe, it n theyears sincethe#MeToo Parliament Hillwas nooutlier Kurdish custody innorthern s Canadiancitizensremainin Philip in Putting Prince Andrew Caddellp.10 Continued onpage 15 Continued onpage14 2 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

Navdeep Bains will help build an effective MP Kenny Chiu and innovative campaign.” was included in The virtual convention, which ended China’s sanctions April 10, was reportedly the largest policy against Canadian convention in the history of the Liberal politicians. In Heard on the Hill Party. The party has currently nominated response, he felt candidates in 133 ridings. Between the Lib- a mix of pride erals, the Conservative, the NDP, and the and melancholy. by Alice Chen Bloc Québécois, more than 250 candidate Photograph courtesy nominations have been announced to date. of Facebook

Re-appointments in the Political figures share transportation sector In response to the sanction, announced Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, March 27, the MP told the paper that he who is responsible for 53 portfolio organi- was “overwhelmed” with a heady mixture zations, including Crown corporations, ad- stories of Prince Philip, of sadness and pride upon discovering that ministrative tribunals, and port authorities, he now won’t be able to visit Hong Kong, announced a handful of re-appointments in the place he was born. his sector last week. Ottawa commemoration “Sadness in that it’s my birthplace Transport and the fact that I have been sanctioned Minister from visiting my birthplace would trouble Omar anybody. On the other hand, I’ve been set for April 17 Alghabra sanctioned for my role on the [Subcommit- is pictured tee on International Human Rights] as a Former prime leaving the Parliamentarian. I have immense pride in minister Jean West Block being punished by China for speaking the Chrétien was on Oct. 21, truth,” he said. one of many 2020. The He emphasized his obligation to speak politicians to Hill Times out against the human rights abuses share their photograph towards Uighurs in the country, while also condolences by Andrew noting that he wasn’t sure why the sanc- and personal Meade tions were divvied out the way they were. anecdotes about Several individuals and entities were Prince Phillip included in the wave of sanctions, includ- ing Conservative MP Michael Chong, his after he died “The appointees come from diverse party’s foreign affairs critic, and the afore- at the age of backgrounds, with experience in a number mentioned subcommittee. 99 last week. of fields and are active members in their “If the Chinese government wants to The Hill Times communities. They bring a wide array of dump their rage and anger at someone, photograph by knowledge and expertise to their transpor- they should sanction the entire House of Andrew Meade tation positions,” reads a press release on Commons,” Mr. Chiu told Richmond News. the recent changes.

Michael Saunders has been re-appoint- ed for another two-year term as chief ex- Brison to head Nova Scotia ecutive officer of the Canadian Air Trans- Economic Growth Council port Security Authority. He’s been with the Former federal cabinet minister Scott organization since 2008 and previously Brison, who served as the MP for Kings- served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Hants, N.S. from 1997 to 2000 and again rince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, April 17. A national commemorative cere- Police as assistant commissioner. from 2003 until 2019, has been selected to Pdied April 9 at the age of 99. Canadian mony is set to take place at Ottawa’s Christ Also re-appointed were Timothy Clut- lead a group that will advise the province’s political figures were quick to express their Church Cathedral on the same day and terbuck and Debbie Zimmerman as mem- government on economic matters. condolences and to share their own stories will be broadcast live by CBC and Radio- bers of Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge The announcement of the 10-mem- of personal interactions with him. Canada. The day has also been declared a Company, both for four-year terms. One such person was Intergovernmen- National Day of Mourning. ber team was made by N.S. Premier Iain tal Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who Rankin on April 7, reported The Canadian recalled sitting at the prince’s table during Conservatives criticize Liberals Press, with members selected to reflect the an informal barbecue at Rideau Hall about Liberals announce national province’s diversity. 25 years ago, reported The Globe and Mail. campaign committee co-chairs for missing Health Committee Other members of the council include His father, Romeo LeBlanc, was the gover- Announced April 9 in the midst of the meeting Membertou First Nation Chief Terry nor general at the time. Liberal Party’s virtual policy convention, A joint statement from four Conserva- Paul; Matthew Martel, chief operating “I had the chance to sit at Prince Phil- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared the tive MPs was released April 8, criticizing officer of Nova Scotia’s Black Business ip’s table and remember fondly his knowl- party’s next national campaign committee Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Public Initiatives; and Lisa Despres, an executive edge of Canada, his interest in Canadians co-chairs. Services and Procurement Minister Anita at Comeau’s Sea Foods Limited. and in Canada, but the passion with which Anand for not appearing before the Health The council is set to focus on making the he spoke about his service to young people. Committee, but taking time to attend the region a hotspot for start-ups, and will speak That is a memory I will always cherish,” he Liberal Party’s recent policy convention. on policy options and methods for attracting said at a presser. The statement was penned by Con- investment cash. Mr. Brison is currently also Former prime minister Jean Chrétien servative MP Michelle Rempel Garner, chancellor of Dalhousie University. also shared memories of the deceased, hav- her party’s health critic, along with Nova ing met him many times since first getting Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont, the party’s MP serenades his favourite to know him in 1967. One stand-out was critic for intergovernmental affairs and the how the prince would practice speaking Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and soccer team French with him when they were together, fellow Conservative committee members Liberal MP Marco Mendicino took to reported CTV News. MPs John Barlow and Larry Maguire. social media to share his love for a soccer “When I met him and he spoke in “Last week, the Health Committee team, in the form of a song. French with me, I said, ‘Your Royal High- Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly, unanimously passed a motion for an emer- Later posted to Facebook, he belted ness, you speak very good French for an left, and Liberal MP Navdeep Bains, right, will gency meeting calling on the Health Minis- out Roma Roma Roma in honour of his English man.’ He said ‘I’m not an English be co-chairs for the Liberals’ national campaign ter and the Procurement Minister to testify favourite Italian team, AS Roma, on a Seria man and I was speaking French before you committee in the next federal election. The Hill on pressing issues around the AstraZeneca A half-time show on TLN Television, while were born.’” Times photographs by Andrew Meade vaccine, vaccine supply, and more,” reads the host swung a lit-up phone back and Overall, Mr. Chrétien described the the statement. forth and images played of the team, its prince as “controversial,” not always “politi- Taking up the mantle is Economic It goes on to emphasize that opposition fans, and the Colosseum. cally correct,” and “candid.” Development and Official Languages MPs are looking for urgent information and “There you go,” Mr. Mendicino said after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Minister Mélanie Joly and Liberal concrete answers on vaccine safety and sup- he finished with gusto and confidence. reporters about the privilege of knowing MP Navdeep Bains, a well-reputed party ply shortages, as well as supply chain issues. [email protected] Prince Philip almost his entire life, meeting organizer who stepped down from cabi- “Ministers Hajdu and Anand said they The Hill Times him for the first time when he was just a net earlier this year after announcing he were unavailable to provide this vital child. would not seek re-election come the next information this week, but they were able CORRECTION: “Prince Philip was a man of service mo- writ drop. to clear their schedules to speak at the The Hill Times, April 12 issue tivated by a sense of duty to others. I know “Today and every day, Liberals are Liberal Convention.” “‘Enough is enough’: new group that through the Duke of Edinburgh’s focused on doing everything it takes—for aims to open path for Filipino-Canadi- Award he helped empower millions of as long as it takes—to keep Canadians an candidates,” (The Hill Times, April young people from all backgrounds, China-sanctioned MP has healthy, safe, and supported through this 12, p. 18). This story stated incorrectly including here in Canada, to realize their global crisis, and that will continue to be mixed feelings in response that Julius Tiangson did not respond to greatest potential and that’s just one ex- our priority,” Mr. Trudeau said. “At some Included in China’s sanctions against an interview request. In fact, The Hill ample of his many contributions,” he said point in the years ahead, we know there Canadian politicians is Conservative MP Times made an error when reaching at an April 9 news conference. will be an election with big questions about Kenny Chiu who serves the riding of Ste- out to Mr. Tiangson, and the request The prince’s funeral will take place at the kind of future we want to build to- veston-Richmond East in British Columbia, was never received. St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on gether. The leadership of Mélanie Joly and reported Richmond News. REGINA souhaite accueillir l’agence canadienne de l’eau

wants the Canada Water Agency

En collaboration avec les peuples Together with Indigenous Peoples and a broad autochtones et un large éventail d’organisations range of government, academic, business gouvernementales, d’établissements and environmental organizations, universitaires, d’associations d’entreprises Regina welcomes the opportunity to become et d’organismes environnementaux, Regina home to the new Canada Water Agency. se réjouit de l’occasion qui lui est donnée We understand water. Our province is one d’accueillir le siège social de la nouvelle of the few places impacted by fl oods, droughts Agence canadienne de l’eau sur son territoire. and water shortages. Yet Regina is in the center Nous comprenons bien les enjeux liés à l’eau. of one of the greatest food-producing regions Bien que la province soit l’un des rares endroits in the world. A Saskatchewan-based CWA au Canada touchés par les inondations, will create an opportunity to blend traditional les sécheresses et les pénuries d’eau, Indigenous knowledge and western science elle est l’épicentre de l’une des principales on water stewardship, for the benefi t régions productrices d’aliments au monde. of our nation. Avec la Saskatchewan comme port d’attache, l’Agence canadienne de l’eau favorisera l’intégration du savoir traditionnel autochtone à la science occidentale en matière de gestion de l’eau, au profi t de l’ensemble du pays.

POUR MIEUX CONNAÎTRE NOTRE HISTOIRE SOUS L’ANGLE DE L’EAU, VISITEZ TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WATER STORY, VISIT CHOOSEREGINA.COM 4 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Comment

Crises open the way for change, and it’s possible Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s budget next week will mark an opportunity to reshape Canadians’ overall approach in ways that will better correspond to the urgent demands of the 21st century, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Are Canadians ready for the more just, green future Freeland will frame in next week’s budget?

portunity to reshape Canadians’ has deeply ingrained, systematic billions of dollars in investments tence of recent federal-provincial Whether Canadians overall approach in ways that will shortcomings when it comes to can’t afford the luxury of inaction funding deals in this area, child- better correspond to the urgent the maintenance of the globally and fantasizing about past glory in care remains a dismal mixed bag are ready for this demands of the 21st century. competitive economy needed to the face of obvious, overwhelming across most of the country. Certainly, the governing Liber- support a desirable standard of evidence. The budget will likely And, as for climate action, con- reimagined socio- als have that in mind. “Together, living. And the environmental include a range of green measures servative leaders still generally economic vision will we get to grab hold of a once-in- emergency is only getting worse. to encourage household conserva- refuse to recognize that a market- a-generation moment to build Some of the answers are tion and economy-wide innovation based price on carbon is the most be a major political the kind of tomorrow we all want obvious. In response to the CO- for the long term. cost-effective means of reducing to see,” Prime Minister Justin VID “she-cession” and to build Former Bank of Canada gov- greenhouse gases. Conservative story going forward. Trudeau told his party during the economic productivity by giving ernor Mark Carney used his com- Leader Erin O’Toole is sticking April 10 wrap-up of its virtual women better opportunity to ments at the Liberal convention with his party’s vow to scrap the convention. work, Canadians need to throw to endorse just that. “Once we exit carbon tax and most conserva- The budget will redouble the aside their backward ideas and COVID, we will need broad-based tive premiers remain opposed to federal government’s role as the work together on a shared na- growth driven by investments it or may try to defeat its purpose financial driver of the country’s tional basis to establish a high- in the digital and sustainable through the tax juggling invented pandemic response and likely quality system of early learning engines of our future and policies by New Brunswick Premier provide some of the $70-billion to and childcare. The Liberals set that support the full participation Blaine Higgs. $100-billion in stimulus spending this up before, but it was dis- of all Canadians in our economy,” Conservatives have been Freeland has promised for eco- mantled by the Harper Conserva- he said. clear that they will oppose new nomic recovery. Having left Cana- tives. Freeland will provide more Whether Canadians are non-COVID spending by Freeland dians with a new reliance on, and funding next week to try to get it ready for this reimagined socio- on what they see as Trudeau’s Les Whittington appreciation of, government, the up and running again. economic vision will be a major progressive pet projects. As for Need to Know virus has, at least for now, moder- The budget also has landmark political story going forward. For NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, he ated the long-prevailing obsession potential as the day that Canadi- one thing, the success of progres- seems to have wilfully forgotten with government deficits foisted ans came to embrace the post- sive programs like national child- that Canada is not a unitary state TTAWA—No one would on the world by austerity-minded carbon future as both a response care and pharmacare of course run out of Ottawa. So, he is likely Ohave wished the COVID-19 right-wingers over the years. And to the gathering world catastrophe hinges on the co-operation of the to view any new social spend- epidemic on any country, and there’s no doubt the devastatingly of climate change and the key to provinces. Six of the premiers are ing next week as inadequate. All Canadians have paid a heavy unfair impact of the pandemic on a forward-looking strategy for conservative and are unlikely to this will of course factor into the price, in terms of illness, lives women and low-income workers economic growth and green tech welcome systemic, results-based political manoeuvring in coming lost, postponed opportunities, and has set the stage for a national prosperity. This is the future, and intervention by Trudeau on social weeks. Either this spring, or more many other sacrifices during the rethink of what kind of socio-eco- anyone who questions that notion issues. And the current state of likely in the fall, Canadian voters pandemic. nomic programs can best address need only look to the international childcare shows just how difficult will arrive at the historic cross- But crises open the way for outrageous, and still growing, financial and manufacturing it can be for Ottawa to abet re- roads this budget will prefigure. change, and it’s possible Finance income inequality. community for clues as to how forms of this kind. Despite many Les Whittington is a regular Minister Chrystia Freeland’s bud- At the same time, the country fast this shift is coming. Unlike years of federal efforts to improve columnist for The Hill Times. get next week will mark an op- faces serious challenges. Canada some politicians, people managing national standards and the exis- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 5 News

$72-million, and work on the Governor General’s entrance is also underway. Senate eyes filling The Chambers Under pre-existing plans, construction of a new building in Block 2, as it’s been dubbed—between Wellington and Sparks streets and Metcalfe and O’Connor streets— as renovation plans progress is next up on the docket, followed by the East Block building’s full renovation, and then work on the Victoria Building. As Sen. ing the available office and parking space Plett noted, the 2012 plan approved by Par- at 40 Elgin St. Approval for an actual lease liament set 2028 as the date for emptying agreement will follow. While the land and out the East Block for final renovations. ground for the building is owned by the “Block 2 would go ahead regardless of National Capital Commission, it’s leased which scenario we use first,” Sen. Plett not- to Allied Properties Real Estate Invest- ed, adding that under PSPC’s request, the ment Trust, which rents out the building’s Victoria Building still wouldn’t be vacated offices. for another “four or five years from now.” Some advance work is already under- In response to Sen. Plett’s presenta- way on the East Block, bumped up out of tion, Ontario ISG Senator Lucie Moncion necessity. This includes already completed voiced hope that East Block occupants renovations to sections of the building’s would begin being transferred out sooner roof (including ornamental ironwork), and than later, saying “it’s horrible for staff and masonry restoration, repairs, and seismic anyone who works in that building, having upgrades to the building’s southwest and to work with the noise and the repairs that southeast towers, and south entrance. are going on right now”—a sentiment Sen. Restoration of the building’s exterior 1867 Plett agreed with. wing—the western, and oldest, side of the [email protected] building—is ongoing and estimated to cost The Hill Times

The Chambers building at 40 Elgin St. in downtown Ottawa is pictured on April 8. In its windows, on the bottom right, a reflection of the Senate of Canada Building at 2 Rideau St. can be seen. The Hill Times photograph by Laura Ryckewaert

multiple layers of planning and approv- More interim office space als.” will be needed to house Sen. Plett relayed that PSPC indicated its most recent annual inspection of the Senators who are set to Victoria Building, which sits at 140 Wel- lington St., had “found $28-million worth be displaced by future of renovations” needing to be done. In response, he said the subcommittee has renovation projects in the asked PSPC for a “more comprehensive Parliamentary Precinct. costing and schedule” for the pitch, the “rationale” for which he noted the group has “serious concerns about.” BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT “Changing the plan now will undoubt- APPOINTMENT OF edly have domino effects that need to be he Senate Internal Economy, Budgets, properly studied,” he said. CYRUS REPORTER Tand Administration Committee recently Sen. Plett expressed his own “frustra- gave Public Services and Procurement tion” with PSPC and the proposal it recent- Cyrus Reporter arrives at CN in early April with a profound Canada the go-ahead to pursue leasing ly “dumped” on the subcommittee, noting knowledge of the relationship between business and government. new office space in The Chambers build- that inspections are done on precinct build- ing at 40 Elgin St. in anticipation of future ings every year, but “now all of a sudden As CN’s new Vice-President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Cyrus renovation projects which are set to dis- in one annual inspection” they’ve found an place Senators. urgent need for $28-million in renovations will have a vital remit: CN operates in every Canadian province and The initiative came about following to the Victoria Building. in 16 U.S. states, and it will be his job to ensure the railway’s concerns a recent meeting between the Senate “When I do some costing, I find that we are clearly understood in federal, state and provincial capitals. Internal Economy’s (CIBA) subcommittee can probably build a new building for just on Hill renovations—the Subcommittee on over that,” he suggested. Further, Cyrus will be responsible for overseeing stakeholder relations, Long Term Vision and Plan—and represen- In seeking approval for this change, he tatives from PSPC, which is responsible for said PSPC flagged the recent opportunity a critical mission for any modern company. Expectations have overseeing Parliamentary Precinct build- to lease more office space in The Chambers changed a great deal in recent years. Shareholders, customers, ings and the multi-year, multi-billion-dollar building, where some 17 Senate offices regulators and other business partners expect progress on issues project to renovate them, during which displaced by renovations to the Centre the department sought approval to swap Block building have already been relocated like sustainability, diversity and responsible corporate governance. the previously planned order for building (under temporary leases). renovations. While the subcommittee has asked for Cyrus’s credentials are formidable: in the past 25 years, he has served Specifically, Conservative Senator more time to consider PSPC’s schedule as a chief of staff in three federal ministries, has worked as a lead Don Plett (Landmark, Man.), chair of the change request, Sen. Plett said whatever adviser to the Office of the Prime Minister under Justin Trudeau, and LTVP subcommittee, said PSPC wants to happens—whether work on the East bump up renovations to the Victoria Build- Block or the Victoria Building is tackled has most recently practiced law at a national firm, offering counsel ing, where a little more than 40 Senators first—the Senate is in need of “40-plus of- on public policy, government relations and corporate compliance. currently have offices, and complete that fice spaces” to house Senators who will be work ahead of final renovations to the East displaced by either project. There are just His new role will be based in Ottawa. Block, which, under pre-existing plans, was under 50 Senators still in the East Block the next Senate-controlled building to be building. CN, one of Canada’s oldest companies, is a world-class renovated after Centre Block. “Given the Senate does not possess transportation company and essential trade enabler, moving “We were given new information about any temporary space for Senators’ office the status of Victoria Building and cor- accommodations, we do not want to dis- more than 300 million tonnes of natural resources, manufactured responding opportunity to temporarily miss the opportunity to relocate Senators’ products and finished goods throughout North America every relocate more Senators’ offices to 40 Elgin. offices to 40 Elgin as a temporary space year. It operates a 19,500-mile network in Canada and the U.S. Essentially, PSPC is proposing changing during the construction or rehabilitation of the sequence of construction by advancing Senate-occupied buildings,” he explained. the rehabilitation of the Victoria Building “Whether we vacate Victoria Building first ahead of East Block,” Sen. Plett told CIBA or East Block first, it’s about an equal num- on April 1, adding the subcommittee was ber of offices that are affected and we have “actually quite surprised to be presented an adequate number of offices [available] with such a significant change proposal at 40 Elgin.” cn.ca at this stage,” given the “magnitude” of the In turn, he recommended, and got, project, which “has already undergone CIBA’s approval for PSPC to pursue leas-

HillTimes_Cyrus_Reporter_5.125x8.75_ad.indd 1 2021/04/08 09:59:30 6 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

serve as an amplifier for their voice and influence. Lone wolf MPs break down what it’s If Robert Bothwell, Gluskin professor of Canadian history at the University of Toronto, had to guess how the next election like to be a region’s solitary party voice would play out in terms of party strongholds, he said he’d expect ‘It’s like you walk NDP MP Alberta and Saskatchewan to Alexandre be Conservative, with the Mari- around and you have Boulerice, times and Toronto coming out as left, Green MP Liberal. a target on your back Jenica Atwin, Historian Doug Owram, pro- and NDP fessor emeritus at the University … there is something MP Heather of British Columbia, narrows it McPherson, are down further, pointing to Quebec a bit, not sadistic, but all the only one as a Liberal stronghold, “though satisfying in getting representing less so than used it be,” as well their party in as southwestern Ontario. He also rid of the last MP their province. noted that sometimes divisions As a result, they are more regional than provincial, standing,’ says McGill face unique like in British Columbia where circumstances there are consistently Green rid- Prof. Daniel Béland. and challenges. ings even when the neighbouring The Hill Times jurisdictions go in other direc- photographs by tions. But these patterns can be bro- BY ALICE CHEN Andrew Meade ken, and when they are, the MPs who stand out find themselves in Ps whose party affiliation a unique situation with changed Mcauses them stand out alone in their region say that while Continued on page 18 it can be hard work, it can also

New Senator working group to explore diversity, inclusion training in Red Chamber

The decision to offer uncon- “We have lots of work to do in Ontario ISG Senator scious bias training and relaunch about 10 weeks, so we need to get the staff advisory group (which going soon,” she said in the April Rosemary Moodie had been dormant since 2017) 9 email. says the new group resulted from an internal review Sen. Moodie said the new group of the Senate’s existing diversity won’t be replacing CIBA’s “essen- shows the ‘significant and inclusion efforts launched tial” subcommittee on diversity, but in June 2020 amid global Black will serve as a “resource” for it. investment’ the Lives Matter protests and led by “Our focus will be to listen and CIBA’s subcommittee on diversity gather information from those Senate is putting into (a five-member group), working who will benefit from these train- pursuing ‘meaningful with the Senate’s human resourc- ings and external experts and use es directorate. As noted at a Feb. that information to advise CIBA improvement.’ 11 CIBA meeting, staff were not on training and the outcomes we consulted as part of this process. should seek,” she said, noting that Ontario ISG Senator Sabi Mar- consultation will include talks BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT wah, chair of CIBA, noted Sen. with Senators and staff. Moodie’s letter recommended “We want to hear about what new advisory working group “a lot of further work to be done diversity and inclusion training The interim Red Chamber in the Senate of Canada Building is pictured in 2019. of Senators will look into on the whole issue of anti-racism should look like, what it needs to A The Senate Internal Economy, Budgets, and Administration Committee recently diversity and inclusion training and training,” and it was de- accomplish in the Senate, so that approved the creation of a new, temporary Senator advisory working group on in the Upper Chamber, with a cided—between CIBA’s steering we can achieve our goal: that, as a diversity and inclusion training. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade deadline of June 30 to report back committee, its subcommittee on leading Canadian institution, the on its findings. diversity, and Sen. Moodie—that Senate will be a model in diver- Prompted by a letter from if this further work “was done “We have no members of the later than June 30. It’s members sity and inclusion.” Ontario ISG Senator Rosemary by the CIBA subcommittee on Black caucus nor any Indigenous will include “up to” seven Sena- She said the Senator working Moodie, chair of the African diversity, we were constrained Senators,” Sen. Marwah explained tors “from equity-seeking groups group “will definitely work” with Canadian Senate Group, creation by the fact that we have only one to CIBA on April 1. “We have done from each recognized party the Senate’s staff advisory group, of the new group was approved minority on that group.” advisory working groups in the and recognized parliamentary as well as staff “who were not by the Senate Internal Economy, past, whether it’s on pensions or group and include at least one selected” to be part of it. Budgets, and Administration on the artwork advisory group non-affiliated Senator,” with its “We aim to do this in a manner Committee (CIBA) on April 1, and that we recently approved at this chair to be elected among those that is very inclusive and that follows the committee’s February committee. We felt that was a named. As per the motion, the considers voices and experiences decision to make unconscious more efficient way to try to get group can only meet if at least from all backgrounds,” added Sen. bias training available to Sena- broader input into what needs to three members are present and Moodie. “We hope the recom- tors and staff and relaunch an be done.” can invite “up to six external mendations this group makes employee working group on Sen. Moodie declined to subject matter experts” to take are enacted and we have strong diversity and inclusion. expand on the contents of her part in its work (whose “reason- training put into place as early as The impetus for the letter, Sen. letter, which she noted was sent able” travel and living expenses the summer.” Moodie said in an emailed response confidentially, but said the man- will be reimbursed). This new group shows the “sig- to The Hill Times, “was to express the date approved by CIBA “closely Sen. Moodie, who will be part nificant investment” the Senate is concerns of our group that the pro- matches what we proposed.” of the new group, said she spent putting into pursuing “meaningful cess that led to the decision around The motion approved by “quite a bit of time” last week improvement in such a crucial anti-bias training was not sufficient- CIBA lays out that the group “reaching out to get input from area,” she said. ly robust, open, or inclusive.” will “examine issues relating to colleagues” on membership of “Strong policies around “We felt that Senators, staff, Ontario Independent Senators Group racism, diversity, and inclusion this group, which she said will diversity and inclusion can only and external experts should have Senator Rosemary Moodie is chair training” in the Red Chamber ultimately be decided by CIBA’s benefit our democracy by making been consulted and that many of the African Canadian Senate and report back with findings steering committee, and expects it more representative.” important questions remained Group. Photograph courtesy of Senator and recommendations to the it will be up and running “immi- [email protected] unanswered,” she said. Rosemary Moodie’s office subcommittee on diversity no nently.” The Hill Times

8 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

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

Editorial Letters to the Editor Nobody deserves an ovation for Despite current disagreement, the played-out political theatre commitment to supporting t is a truth universally acknowledged, that a “There seems to be a lot of media atten- Isingle party in possession of a good talking tion on who knew what, and when, and who Chelsea stands, says NCC VP point, must be in want of a soapbox. is responsible for allowing senior leaders like To that end, everyone is well-versed in the General [Jonathan] Vance and [Admiral] Art Gatineau Park theatre of consultation and investigation that McDonald to rise to the top of the ranks. I’ll generates often plays out on Parliament Hill. let you in on a secret: responsibility lies with: more than The well-trod boards were paced yet again the military justice system that can’t hold $241.5-million this week in the House National Defence senior leaders accountable, the promotion in annual Committee and the Prime Minister’s Office. process that historically punished women for economic impact On the committee front, a Liberal motion being mothers, and the thousands of individ- and 4,728 jobs was passed with Bloc Québécois support to uals who maintained a culture of silence that in the region. At pull the plug on the group’s study into sexual protected the perpetrators,” the group said in the same time, misconduct issues in the Armed Forces. The a series of posts on Twitter on April 11. “It’s we acknowledge decision means that the group has to, by the easy to point fingers—but everyone needs to that the park also week’s end, compile recommendations and stop using survivors to make political state- creates costs for move on to the report-writing stage of its ments. We want these reports released ASAP municipalities, work. Said report will have to be tabled in the because they contain recommendations that writes Nicolas House by early June. can be implemented immediately, and we Ruszkowski. This, despite witnesses still in the queue have waited long enough for them.” Photograph to be called and questions yet to be asked or Meanwhile, the government is playing at courtesy of answered. In fact, the April 12 meeting where consultations with the upcoming federal bud- Wikimedia MPs bickered about the study-closing motion get, pretending to be above political games. Commons left witnesses waiting in the wings, cooling This week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau their heels for three-quarters of the two-hour is sitting down with the other party leaders, e: “Chelsea residents bear burden of tion holdings, well beyond Gatineau meeting. starting a whole seven days in advance of unpaid property taxes of a Crown Park, were valued as if they were ripe The Liberals and Bloc said if the report when the document, which has likely already R corporation,” (The Hill Times, April 5, p. for development. As well, we are asking isn’t started now, it won’t be finished and been sent to the printers, will be tabled in the 28). In response to this op-ed, I wanted to what such a PILT assessment principle— tabled before the summer recess. House of Commons. offer some important context. that conservation does not represent a Conservative and NDP MPs argued that In a minority Parliament, we expect the Since its inception, the NCC has made constraint on a property’s valuation— key questions of “who knew what when” government to be more attuned to the pros- payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) to mu- would mean for our federal partners, have still gone unanswered, and they want to pect and process of collaboration. The read- nicipalities in which its lands are situated who steward vast national parks, wil- hear from key staffers—staffers the Liberals outs from the meetings indicate that these as compensation for the fact that feder- derness areas and protected lands that have already said won’t appear because of chats are following those that Deputy Prime ally owned land is not subject to munici- dwarf NCC holdings. ministerial accountability, while the ministers Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Free- pal taxation in Canada. The NCC does The NCC is seeking to answer these themselves refuse to be held accountable. land had with opposition parties, but again, so willingly, knowing that its municipal questions and determine our assessment The opposition wants to pretend calling to what end, mere days before, if not simply hosts are important partners. In this case, as quickly as possible. In the meantime, PMO staffers is essential to the study and to have a reason to issue a press release with however, we saw a 58 per cent overall the NCC continues to make payments in recommendations, but it’s a political blame the party’s favourite talking points? increase in our PILT between 2017 and lieu of taxes to the Municipality of Chel- game–and one that It’s Just 700, which rep- This play is a tragedy: nobody wins, and 2019—at a time when annual property tax sea: an interim payment of nearly half a resents a (growing) group of military sexual the most vulnerable continue to lose. increases in Chelsea averaged three per million dollars was made in March. The trauma survivors, is tired of. The Hill Times cent. We were particularly concerned with NCC has also committed to make its final the assessment of 36 of our properties payment on the basis of its response to inside Gatineau Park’s boundaries. the DAP advice by July 1, 2021. Of greatest concern was the fact that Gatineau Park generates more than lands in Gatineau Park were assessed as $241.5-million in annual economic impact if they had development potential: the and 4,728 jobs in the region. At the same assessment values attributed to the prop- time, we acknowledge that the park also erties assumed that the NCC could flip creates costs for municipalities. Gatineau Park lands to a willing devel- In that spirit, we continue to contribute oper for commercial purposes. non-PILT financial support to the Munici- Of course, the NCC has neither the pality of Chelsea. The NCC contributed intention nor the unilateral ability under $300,000 toward bike lanes on Chemin federal law or its planning framework Notch and Chemin de la Mine in 2018. We to sell Gatineau Park lands for develop- provided almost $100,000 in the last two ment. Moreover, Chelsea’s own land-use years for traffic studies, traffic manage- plan formally categorizes many of these ment, and repair work. We also recognize parcels as being land for conservation. the importance of Meech Lake Road to In other words, both federal and munici- the park and its users, which is why we’ve pal land-use plans recognize the role of actively worked to help seek federal Gatineau Park as a conservation park, yet funds to offset its rehabilitation costs. the NCC was asked to make payments as Despite the current disagreement, the if they were normal commercial proper- NCC is committed to supporting Chel- ties. sea—through both ongoing financial sup- Now, with advice from the Dispute port and PILT payments that are princi- Advisory Panel (DAP) in hand, the NCC ple-based—while respecting its fiduciary is analyzing what it would mean, both in duty to all Canadians. financial terms and in principle, to pay Nicolas Ruszkowski PILT to all of our municipal partners on NCC vice-president public, the basis that our vast public conserva- legal and corporate affairs

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Ontario Premier Doug 3,000 a day caused heart palpita- Ontario, this campaign was led, Ford is pictured in tions? We are in a race with new until the end of March, by another Ottawa in September variants (South African, Brazilian, white man we were supposed to 2020. When challenged and U.K.) versus vaccinations. And believe was exceptional, but just regarding their own Doug Ford can’t even devise and ended up as mediocre as the rest record of failure, instead implement an efficient and effective of them, Rick Hillier.) of taking individual vaccination strategy. Still. As I said The gender entitlement to responsibility, white on CPAC on Feb. 19: “we are really leadership and decision-making men in charge excuse in a race against time in terms of is costing lives. This patriarchal their loss of control as how quickly those variants spread approach to who is catapulted into inevitable and gaslight versus how quickly we can vac- the position to make these bad the rest of us into cinate.” In the midst of this, Ontario decisions is a feature, not a bug. believing it is completely and Alberta decided to open back In the Globe and Mail’s Power and totally our fault, up. And now we’re closed down Gap series, Robyn Doolittle writes Erica Ifill.The again. This see-saw, unbalanced investigated the gender structures Hill Times photograph by approach to managing this pan- of Canada’s public institutions, Andrew Meade demic has left the public confused reporting: “These taxpayer-funded as to what to do when. Businesses or government-owned entities, that have made investments—not which have an immeasurable only in costs for increased sanita- impact on our day-to-day lives, tion, but for staffing, supply-chain are dominated by men, not just management, and operational items at the very top, but in multiple and procedures—have now been layers of leadership below that The ‘natural order of things’ told that they have to close down echelon. Of the few women who again, while bigger players who do break through, almost all are can access their economies of scale white.” And this is why we have to spread out costs, remain open. provincial governments that is ruining it for the rest of us Parents were hoodwinked with didn’t prioritize essential workers incompetence by another dubious (who are more likely to be of co- white male, Stephen Lecce, who— lour), racialized neighbourhoods, ing and planning in public health as Bruce Arthur recounts in the teachers, daycare and health- The gender entitlement to leadership and history. And when challenged Toronto Star, “Sunday, the minister care workers, or migrant work- decision-making is costing lives. This regarding their own record of of education wrote a letter saying ers in their vaccination plans. failure, instead of taking individual schools would stay open after the Had they done so, they could’ve patriarchal approach to who is catapulted into responsibility, white men in charge April break; Monday, the premier saved lives. Equity around the excuse their loss of control as in- declared they would be closed. It’s decision-making table is not a the position to make these bad decisions is a evitable and gaslight the rest of us a pattern. On April 1 the govern- nice thing to have, it has real into believing it is completely and ment announced restrictions, and consequences over life and death, feature, not a bug. totally our fault. As Helen Forsey changed them five days later as the since the planning and execution wrote for the Canadian Centre for baked-in numbers kept rising.” are results of who those decision- patriarchy (by way of white Policy Alternatives, “The illusion of We’re more than a year in makers are. Doolittle goes on to supremacy). ultimate control lies invisibly be- and all Ford can tell us is that remark that “Women’s voices, White men are screwing up and hind the relentless grasping push we’re fighting a new enemy. No, especially those of racialized their responses to the pandemic of the ‘global economy’ for more we’re not. We’re fighting the same women, are largely absent from are examples of how Canada’s ‘growth,’ more power, more prof- enemy with improved powers of many of the decision-making ta- socioeconomic, patriarchal frame- its—regardless of the harm done to transmission. Before, we were bles that shape nearly every facet work ensures that white men end people and the environment.” fighting Clark Kent, now we’re of Canadians’ lives.” In Canada’s up in leadership positions with- And that’s what’s been playing fighting Superman. Same dude, interpretation of peace, order, and out the requisite merit the rest of out as Canada continues to fail in its different levels of effectiveness. If good government, white men at us are subject to. The illusion of pandemic response—the economy I could see the problems with the the top is just the natural order of Erica Ifill control over an ever-present global versus the pandemic. That fram- variants in February, why are the things, no matter how their inef- pandemic is a natural response to ing is what has led to the abysmal Bad+Bitchy Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. govern- fectiveness and failures play out challenges for men in a patriarchal failure of white male leadership and ments feigning shock in April? the closer we get to the bottom. society. It is this illusion of domi- why at the time of writing (April 12) All the while, the distribution of Erica Ifill is a co-host of the TTAWA—Who put white nance over this threat that has led Ontario has clocked in 4,456 new vaccines throughout the country Bad+Bitchy podcast. Omen in charge? Oh yes, to some of the worst decision-mak- COVID-19 cases. Remember when has been a complete failure. (In The Hill Times It’s time to deliver on infrastructure investments

healthy supply chains, and gener- The more than 1.5 Every Canadian across the The countries that ates $2 to $4 in return for every million Canadians country benefits from safe and recover fastest from dollar invested. Our quality of life who make up the reliable infrastructure every depends on infrastructure. construction sector day—be it new roads, clean the economic impact However, to truly build back are once again water, hospitals, schools, parks, better, project investment approv- ready to lead the transit, communications net- of the COVID-19 als must be more efficient. The way in supporting works, clean energy, and be- Parliamentary Budget Officer economic growth, but yond. The more than 1.5 million pandemic will better continues to report that invest- investments must be Canadians who make up the ments through the Investing in delivered to projects construction sector are once serve their citizens Canada Plan are behind by more in order to get started. again ready to lead the way in for decades to come. than $2-billion. Most recently, Unsplash photograph supporting economic growth, but the Auditor General of Canada by Yancy Min investments must be delivered to reported that funds through the projects in order to get started. BY JOHN GAMBLE, BRIAN same plan “were not being spent The time to deliver on previously MCGUIRE, MARY VAN BUREN, as quickly as originally planned,” would help to get projects started for more specialized or complex committed funding is now, so & SANDRA SKIVSKY and that a fifth of planned spend- earlier and money flowing into funding programs. Whatever the that Canada can emerge from ing remained unspent. Further- the economy as soon as possible. mechanism, the delivery of infra- the COVID-19 pandemic stron- hether by commuting to more, Infrastructure Canada’s This type of funding stream under structure investments needs to be ger than before and be ready to Wwork, connecting to the online data shows that only the Universal Broadband Fund accelerated and predictable. tackle the societal and environ- internet at home, or sending their around 1,500 projects have been is an example of an effective and Canada is at a crossroads in its mental challenges of the future. children to school, Canadians approved since 2017. This despite expedited program. The govern- economic recovery. The coun- John Gamble is president and rely on infrastructure built by provinces proposing thousands of ment could also bolster resources tries that recover fastest from the CEO, Association of Consulting Canada’s construction sector. projects in 2020 alone. at Infrastructure Canada to end economic impact of the COVID-19 Engineering Companies–Canada. Governments past and present The construction sector the delays and accelerate project pandemic will better serve their Brian McGuire is president and have invested in multi-billion- believes there must be a better approvals. Another option would citizens for decades to come. A CEO, Associated Equipment dollar infrastructure programs, way forward. This could include be a permanent increase to the successful and robust economic Distributors. Mary Van Buren is because they improve the lives of a rapid response stream for all Gas Tax Fund, which would give recovery will allow Canada to con- president, Canadian Construction all Canadians and stimulate the types of projects introduced un- municipalities added agility and tinue its plans to invest in transfor- Association. Sandra Skivsky is economy. Investing in infrastruc- der the Investing in Canada Plan flexibility to make much-needed mative infrastructure and leverage chair, National Trade Contractors ture creates immediate employ- with streamlined requirements investments in their communities those investments for long-term Council of Canada. ment opportunities, maintains and expedited approvals, which that otherwise would not qualify and sustainable growth. The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Comment Let’s be honest, Prince Philip was no saint

There is no doubt Prince Philip, pictured with Laureen Harper during a 2010 visit to Ottawa, served his country, the United Kingdom, well. But as most Canadians are skeptical of the monarchy, it strikes me as passing strange our prominent fellow citizens would go out of their way to praise someone so flawed, and who was not one of us, writes Andrew Caddell. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

I scanned the Awards brochure, Instead, upon entering the after swigging a glass of gin, yelled The death of any public figure is a time which described them as a col- plane, he grunted at us, went into “Those striking [British] coal miners for reflection, and I feel sympathy for the laboration between academia, the private cabin at the rear and should be arrested and jailed!” They business, and organized labour. only emerged when we landed. chose to not report the comment, Queen at the loss of her husband. But in this Knowing Philip had declared Without greeting the passen- but it seems The Crown television labour unions were destroy- gers, he strode up to the cockpit series got him mostly right. outpouring of grief, we have come across as a ing Britain a year or so before, and berated the senior Forces There is no doubt Prince Philip I asked if the involvement of pilots for their landing. The pilot served his country, the United colony rather than an independent country. Canadian labour in the awards explained Kamloops airport had Kingdom, well. But as most indicated a different attitude. His tricky winds. The prince mumbled Canadians are skeptical of the To hear CBC television and radio reply: “I never said anything like and turned down the stairs. The monarchy, it strikes me as pass- tell it, he was the Last Gentleman. that. You should do your home- rest of the day, and the return ing strange our prominent fellow Don’t get me wrong: the death work.” I followed up, reminding flight, were equally unpleasant. citizens would go out of their way of any public figure is a time for him of the comment, to which I shouldn’t have been sur- to praise someone so flawed, and reflection, and I feel sympathy he replied, “Nonsense. I love the prised: this is the man who in who was not one of us. for the Queen at the loss of her unions in Britain and in Canada. 1976 said he and the Queen “don’t There is, however, one time I husband. You have me mistaken for some- come (to Canada) for our health; think the Duke of Edinburgh’s But in this outpouring of grief, one else.” As I retreated from the we can think of other ways of frankness was spot-on: when he we have come across as a colony microphone, a senior reporter enjoying ourselves.” said about the monarchy in Cana- rather than an independent tapped me on the shoulder and On another occasion, he da, “if you want to make the break, Andrew Caddell country. In the U.K., much better said, “You were right: he just lied showed himself a complete boor, just get it over and done with.” I With All Due Respect writers than I have written bal- to you.” telling British students in China heartily agree. Perhaps our leaders anced obituaries of Prince Philip, The next time was during the they “should not stay too long should take inspiration from that which delve into his personal royal visit to British Columbia in or they would get slitty eyes.” comment, rather than falling over TTAWA—My mother always story as well as his dozens of pub- March 1983. I was working for The story was picked up by Fleet themselves to eulogize him. Oinsisted on the rule, “Never lic gaffes. the then solicitor general, Bob Street, who had a field day with Andrew Caddell is retired from speak ill of the dead.” Despite her My own assessment comes Kaplan, and he was assigned to it. It is one of those “humorous” Global Affairs Canada, where he influence on my life, I will have from the two occasions I met accompany Prince Philip to Ka- comments the prince made, which was a senior policy adviser. He to make an exception for Prince him. The first was at Montreal’s mloops as he presented colours were in fact rude or racist. previously worked as an adviser Philip. posh Mount Royal Club, at an to the Rocky Mountain Rangers. In the 1970s, former Mon- to Liberal governments. He is a Following his death last week, event for the Duke of Edinburgh There were two other ministers treal Star foreign correspondent fellow with the Canadian Global the Duke of Edinburgh has been Awards in 1977. The media were and two senior military officials Raymond Heard was with a group Affairs Institute and a principal of portrayed as a humanitarian, role instructed to focus exclusively with us. I was looking forward of journalists invited to meet the QIT Canada. He can be reached model and “friend to Canada” in on the awards and nothing else. to meeting the prince on a more Queen at the Commonwealth meet- at [email protected]. a series of mindless encomiums. As an intrepid young journalist, informal occasion. ing in Jamaica when the prince, The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 11 Opinion

Far from deserving quietly into the night and live their lives of credit because he loss and despair alone. They have become didn’t know, Prime so large in numbers that they are unseen Minister Justin by most of us. Every day, I hear from Trudeau should victims who tell me they regret coming be faulted for why forward. They say the costs they’ve paid he didn’t have the with their jobs, careers, dignity, health, slightest interest and even their homes, far outweigh any in ensuring that benefits they got from reporting. Many the allegations tell me they frequently think about taking against Gen. their own life. Some, sadly, have acted on Jonathan Vance that thought. did not involve It is impossible to know the torment sexual misconduct. that victims of gender-based violence and The fact that he harassment face, years and even decades thought a one- after the incident, and not be outraged over word answer would this unabated social cancer. Yet the hear- suffice when called no-evil-see-no-evil approach is still the rule out on the subject rather than the exception for many at the speaks volumes, top. writes Kathleen The media perpetuates this perversity Finlay. The Hill in its own way. When then-MPP Nathalie Times photograph Des Rosiers stood in the Ontario Legis- by Sam Garcia lature in 2019 to hold Premier Doug Ford to account for turning a blind eye to the Ontario Securities Commission’s mishan- dling of my sexual assault, not even his refusal to respond moved a single report- er’s pen. For years, I’ve been proposing a na- tional action plan to address the life-threat- scandals where those who might have ening social and health-related impacts of moved proactively to prevent irreparable gender-based violence. Part of that plan Willful blindness, harm instead stood silent— whether it was would involve MPs and Senators listening a royal prince in the Jeffery Epstein scan- to the voices of victims so they will have dal or a member of Hollywood’s royalty no doubt about how serious the problem in Harvey Weinstein’s pillage of rape and is. So far, the Trudeau government has not like Trudeau’s, abuse. It’s a huge reason why we are not responded to the idea. Perhaps they’re wor- making more progress in combating sexual ried it would uncover too many inconve- misconduct and violence in all its ugly nient truths that can’t be dismissed by a faces. terse “No” with a pursed lip. Sometimes those at the top simply One of those truths came crashing into steals progress on don’t want to know—or don’t want others my inbox after the Vance and Admiral to know just how far-reaching and de- Art McDonald scandals erupted. A victim structive this epidemic has become. That’s of sexual assault who had mistakenly the impression I got when I submitted a thought the Canadian government she detailed brief to the House of Commons served would protect her told me if her sexual misconduct committee examining changes to the fed- life of unbearable loss and paralyzing de- eral government’s anti-harassment policy. pression does not improve over the next It included the direct voices of victims two years, she will be among the first to Sometimes those at the top simply don’t want to know— who had shared their stories of abuse at seek assisted death on the grounds of the hands of bosses and superiors in the emotional illness. “Easing restrictions on or don’t want others to know just how far-reaching and federal public service. No names were suicide may be about the only thing this included. But the narratives were appar- government has done for me,” she said. destructive this epidemic has become. ently so controversial that the committee That’s a voice the Trudeau government barred public access to the brief. I thought needs to hear—which is why it likely that he thought a one-word answer would I would at least hear from one or two never will. suffice when called out on the subject female MPs on the committee. I wrote Kathleen Finlay is founder of The speaks volumes. directly to all of them. Their silence was ZeroNow Campaign to combat sexual The willful blind eye syndrome strikes deafening. trauma and gender-based violence. again.L We’veive L seenif ite beforein F in a hostull ofB loomTooa manyt W victimsel larein gexpectedton W to go est RetiremTheen Hillt C Timesommunity Live Life in Full Bloom at Wellington West Retirement Community Our luxury style Retirement Community awaits you! All right in the heart of the lively, and charming neighbourhood Kathleen Finlay oOfuHr ilnutxounrbyusrtgy!leARt WetierlelminegntotnCWomesmt RunetiitryeamweanitsCyoomu!mAullnriitgyh, tliifne twhiellhbeearatboofuttheenljiovyeilnyg, atnhde gchreaartmthininggnsetihgahtbsouurrohuonod Our luxury style Retirement Community awaits you! All right in the heart of the lively, and charming neighbourhood Opinion of Hintonburg! At Wellington West Retirement Comyomuuenvietyry, ldifaeyw. ill be about enjoying the great things that surround of Hintonburg! At Wellington West Retirement Community, life will be about enjoying the great things that surround you every day. OfferingyInoudeepveenrydednatya. nd Assisted Living hen Prime Minister Justin Trudeau OElfefgearnintgFIindeeDpiennindgent and Assisted Living was asked on March 30 if he had Offering Independent and Assisted Living W ElxecglaunsitvFeinCeLDUBinfiint gPrograms any knowledge in 2018 about allega- Elegant Fine Dining tions of sexual misconduct involving EHxecaltuesdivSealCtwLaUtBerfiPt oPorlograms Exclusive CLUBfit Programs then General Jonathan Vance, he gave HTreaanteqduiSlaBltewaautteyrSPaolonl and Spa Heated Saltwater Pool a sharply self-satisfied “No” to Global TroawnnquCialrBweaituhtyYoSualroVnearnydOSwpna Chauffeur National’s Mercedes Stephenson. That Tranquil Beauty Salon and Spa TAnowd nMCuacrhwMitohrYe.o..ur Very Own Chauffeur “No” was punctuated by a loud echo. No Town Car with Your Very Own Chauffeur And Much More... concern was expressed about sexual And Much More... misconduct in the military. No reassur- Call Us Today To Book Your In-Person Or Virtual Tour ance was offered to victims. Just “No.” Call Us Today To Book Your In-Person Or Virtual Tour It was more than a brusque reply to a 613-716-6C8a8ll5Us |TodwaywTowB.oWok eYloluirnIng-tPoernsoWn OersVtiRrtueatliTroeumr ent.com reporter’s question. It was a huge sign of disrespect to countless women who won- 613-716-6885 | www.WellingtonWestRetirement.com der if they are ever going to be protected 613-716-61818656 W|elwlinwgtwon.WSt.eWlli,nOgtttoawnaW, OeNstKR1eYti4rHem1 ent.com from the plague of gender-based violence 1166 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4H1 and sexual harassment that has infected 1166 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4H1 Canada’s military, law enforcement and federal public service. Far from deserving credit because he didn’t know, Trudeau should be faulted for why he didn’t have the slightest interest in ensuring that the allegations against Vance did not involve sexual misconduct. The fact 12 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Comment Finding proper leadership is only a matter of time

We realized that this was not Former chief of As events have the beginning of the end, but it defence staff was the end of this beginning as a General Rick developed, the light was now visible at the end of Hillier, pictured nationwide rollout a heretofore dark tunnel. in April with Attention was then turned to Ontario Premier has been anything the massive challenge of actually Doug Ford, right, distributing and administering and other Ontario but a clear-cut the millions of vaccine doses once government they became available. officials, left victory, and Ontario, In the U.S., then-president his role as Donald Trump announced that head of the in particular, has General Gustave Perna would province’s vaccine received one of the be in charge of Operation Warp distribution Speed, which would entail the task force at the worst provincial U.S. military assisting with the end of March. logistics of vaccine distribution. Screenshot rankings. Canada followed suit with courtesy of CPAC Prime Minister Justin Trudeau naming Major-General Dany For- tin to head the national operation centre for national vaccine distri- that only a general can bring to anything but a clear-cut victory, month contract beyond the original bution. Fortin works through the the task.” and Ontario, in particular, has end date of March 31, 2021. Public Health Agency of Canada, Hillier, the charismatic former received one of the worst provin- Hillier has since left the post, with support from the Canadian top soldier was confident in his cial rankings. and has boastfully declared Armed Forces. ability to get the job done. “The According to a recent as- his mission accomplished. At a At that juncture, general of- military gives you incredible ex- sessment by Dr. Brian Conway, March 23 keynote speech to the ficers enjoyed an almost mythical periences and leadership in put- medical director of the Vancou- Canadian Construction Associa- reputation and public adoration: ting those ‘big muscle’ movements ver Infectious Diseases Centre, tion, Hillier recounted his success. Scott Taylor every province soon wanted one together,” Hillier told reporters at Hillier’s task force did not get a “I used every leadership tool for their own vaccine own task the time, adding, “It’s all about the top grade. “Ontario’s really had and lever I had to pull together Inside Defence force. fact that I want to do my duty and a scattered approach, and it’s an the disparate pieces of the On- In Alberta, they were fortunate serve the people of Ontario as approach that’s been marred by tario health-care system to bring TTAWA—The repetitious to have recently retired Lieuten- best I can.” a changing overall strategy at the it into one coherent operation Oroutine that has become the ant-General Paul Wynnyk on staff While caught up in his patri- central level, but then also trying for Ontario’s vaccine program,” pandemic norm gives one the as a senior provincial bureaucrat. otic fervor, Hillier also invoked to deploy things at the level of Hillier told the audience. He false sense that society has been In Ontario—Canada’s largest the memory of the Canadian war- 34 different public health units,” went on to explain that a leader’s put on hold. However, one need province and therefore facing the rior spirit that carried the day on Conway told Global News. actions, words, and values must only contrast where we were just steepest distribution challenge— the First World War battlefield of It was also noted that the align. “If any of these is off sync, four months ago to get a sense of Premier Doug Ford appointed Vimy Ridge and on the beaches of distribution to date has not been you lose credibility instantly. And how quickly public sentiment can former chief of defence staff Normandy in 1944. even across the province and that it’s only a matter of time before change. General Rick Hillier to head up This no doubt puzzled the av- the real test has yet to begin, as they find some other leader,” said Back in late November 2020, the vaccine rollout. erage Ontario citizen, who simply the vaccines are only now start- Hillier, prophetically. after more than eight months of “Rolling out and distributing wanted to know when they could ing to become available in large Dr. Homer Tien is now the lockdowns, masks, and social this vaccine, it will be a massive expect to get their COVID-19 quantities. head of Ontario’s vaccine distri- distancing, we were given the logistical challenge.” said Ford. shot, and instead got a Canadian Ford insists that Hillier has done bution task force. uplifting news that a vaccine had “Without the right planning it military history lesson. a great job, but the Ontario govern- Scott Taylor is the editor and pub- finally been developed to counter risks becoming a logistical night- As events have developed, ment did not extend the former lisher of Esprit de Corps magazine. COVID-19. mare … we need the discipline the nationwide rollout has been general’s order-in-council $20,000 a The Hill Times

Last November, the UN an- nounced that four countries were In the shadow teetering dangerously close to fam- ine: Yemen, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, and northeast Nigeria. After decades of progress, this plague was almost thought to be a of COVID-19, thing of the past. The most recent episodes of famine date back to 2011 in Somalia and, for a few months, in South Sudan in 2017. But since the middle of the last the spectre of decade, the overall situation has been regressing. The causes include climatic disruptions (droughts, floods, etc.), economic shocks (rising famine food prices, unemployment, etc.) and, in the past year, the COV- ID-19 pandemic. Countries on the With such a lukewarm commitment, the world verge of famine are not among the most affected by infections, may very well see another plague make a but their populations are no less impacted: market closures due deadly comeback soon. to sanitary measures, global eco- nomic slowdown, and decrease in he COVID-19 pandemic is remittances sent by the diaspora. Tmonopolizing our attention. The main cause, however, is We are watching and suffer- political: it is armed conflicts that ing its consequences, first at drive hunger to its extreme. home. Meanwhile, abroad, it In Yemen, the war that has has joined with other plagues been raging since 2014 has so to fuel a crisis that is escaping far thrown more than 16 million our attention. The kind of crisis people into food insecurity. In that, because it unfolds in slow In Yemen, the war that has been raging since 2014 has so far thrown more South Sudan, there are more than motion instead of exploding seven million people suffering Jean-Frédéric Légaré-Tremblay than 16 million people into food insecurity. It is, according to the UN, the suddenly, flies under the radar: worst humanitarian crisis on the planet, writes Jean-Frédéric Légaré-Tremblay. Opinion famine. Flickr photograph by Carl Waldmeier Continued on page 30 THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 13

Diplomatic Circles

by Neil Moss Protocol became ‘even more Stewart Wheeler took to his bike for house calls to various envoys. Photograph courtesy of Twitter/ important’ in a world of virtual Stewart Wheeler

Mr. Wheeler said virtual meetings have diplomacy, says Canada’s chief increased the level of international engage- ment for cabinet ministers allowing for Stewart Wheeler more meetings more often. had to adapt “It’s one of the things, I think, that will to a much stay with us as we emerge from the pandem- changed world of ic that those are really useful tools. Meetings protocol during can happen on shorter notice. They don’t the COVID-19 require travel. You can include more people pandemic. He [and] more perspectives,” he said. “It’s an is pictured interesting new tool in our toolkit.” with Armenian But he noted that some of the in-person Ambassador and informal connections have been lost in Anahit the process. Harutyunyan “Nothing really replaces the in-person during a January conversation, where personal relationships diplomatic house are built, where you get to know some- call. Photograph one and really get to know them better. courtesy of Together you find ways to bridge the differ- Twitter/Stewart ences to find solutions. That often requires, Wheeler I think, that kind of in-person diplomacy,” he said, noting that there are some issues that can’t be discussed virtually. A new kind of ‘speed dating’ “For a split second, I was little con- At a time when traditional diplomatic Stewart Wheeler says cerned about what was the future of events can’t be held, Mr. Wheeler started to protocol in that world,” Mr. Wheeler said, host virtual speed networking sessions to Prime Minister Justin but he said that as some initial events had introduce new ambassadors and high com- Trudeau’s virtual meeting stumbles he realized that what was missing missioners to Canada. on the online platforms was bringing in “It takes speed dating and moves it to with new U.S. President protocol officers to facilitate a smoother the virtual platform and to the necessity of process. diplomacy and network building,” he said. Joe Biden was a way to use “It kind of dawned on me that proto- New ambassadors were introduced to col was actually going to be even more stakeholders in Canada, like Canadian technology to start building important in a way because everyone was Chamber of Commerce president Perrin moving into a new world,” he said. Beatty, Canadian Labour Congress presi- a relationship with the new Mr. Wheeler said it became clear early dent Hassan Yussuff, and Canadian Coun- administration. on that the protocol office would be help- cil for Aboriginal Business CEO Tabatha ing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Bull, among others, who envoys may meet other cabinet ministers move to a virtual on the reception circuit. n a post typically full of diplomatic meet- setting so they could continue interacting Mr. Wheeler also grabbed his bike and Iings and state visits, Canada’s chief of with leaders around the world. dashed off to various embassies to make protocol had to find out how to keep the A past ambassador to Iceland from socially distanced visits with envoys. world of protocol afloat. 2012 to 2016, Mr. Wheeler has previous “It dawned on me that beyond making For Stewart Wheeler, his work went protocol experience at the provincial sure they had the information, I was really from one week celebrating a national day level as the assistant deputy minister of kind of losing touch with the diplomatic at an embassy with elbow bumps to having international relations and chief of pro- corps in a way that I would have nor- all state visits and international summits tocol in Ontario’s ministry of intergov- mally had through the typical activities come to a halt. ernmental relations. He has had foreign of protocol,” he said. “So as the weather “We saw pretty soon after the initial postings in Washington, London, Bogota, improved last spring, my daily walk in the shock of the pandemic, it kind of morphed and Kabul. He was also a press secre- neighbourhood … expanded and I started into a realization that this was going to tary to then-governor general Adrienne hopping on my bike and I started this be a real global challenge and that inter- Clarkson. series of diplomatic house calls.” national collaboration was going to be The protocol office, which he’s headed Mr. Wheeler said it was an opportunity more important than ever before, in a way,” since January 2019, deals both with man- to chat with envoys in driveways to see said Mr. Wheeler. “So diplomacy quickly aging the diplomatic corps in Ottawa, as that they were doing well and had every- moved—I would say stumblingly—online.” well as orchestrating visits of world leaders thing they needed. As cabinet ministers took to video calls in Canada and abroad. “I think that outreach helped build that to speak to their international counterparts The biggest virtual visit was the first community among the diplomatic corps,” to plan responses to the COVID-19 pan- online meeting Mr. Trudeau held with new he said, noting that his Dutch counterpart demic and other emerging challenges, what U.S. President Joe Biden. in The Hague also took up the endeavour. would happen to protocol was up in the air. The Feb. 23 meeting was Mr. Biden’s The protocol office also took farewell first with another world leader. lunches for ambassadors online, which of- “We had been looking forward to ten included a cabinet minister attending. engaging with a new administration,” Mr. Infrastructure Minister Catherine Wheeler said, noting that much work was McKenna and Liberal MP James Maloney done behind the scenes, to decide things attended a virtual goodbye for Irish Am- like how the meeting would look and how bassador Jim Kelly in August, where dark national flags would be used to connect the chocolate mousse, maple syrup tarts, and spaces visually. lemon tarts with fresh Quebec raspberries “It really was an opportunity to … use were delivered. technology to start building the relation- Mr. Wheeler said the office wanted to of- ship beyond just a phone call and bring fer seasoned diplomats who were leaving Ot- more people together and be able to have tawa a final chance for a high-level engage- the important conversations that get a new ment with a Canadian official. He added that kind of focus on partnership launched,” he it also helps “cement” the outgoing envoys as said. “ambassadors for Canada for life.” Stewart Wheeler is pictured with the dean of He said the first meeting between the “Diplomacy is always building those the diplomatic corps, Honduras Ambassador Canadian government and the Biden relationships for the future,” he said. to Canada Sofia Cerrato.Photograph courtesy of administration “bodes really well for the [email protected] Twitter/Stewart Wheeler relationship going forward.” The Hill Times 14 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

ing, was a distance from her male colleagues. It felt, to her, like they Has the Hill changed for women were holding back from having a friendly work relationship. This meant less impromptu get-togeth- ers and informal socializing. She’s not the only one to in the workplace post-#MeToo? notice this trend. Ms. Surkes said there was more understanding “The Prime Minister’s Office of the lines between social lives New prescribed absolutely responded in a very and work—in an environment serious way to what began to that used to be “socially charged,” policies, procedures emerge as this trend picked up. with pressure to be at gatherings, And, you know, codes of conduct, things were scaling back across forced people to training, things that, quite frankly, the board to be more professional. think about how they when I started on the Hill in 2007, Sarah Andrews, who worked there was certainly nothing struc- with the NDP caucus from 2015 to were acting, creating tural in place.” 2018, said she noticed a drop in the These changes and clearly frequency of receptions with people a ‘profound’ change outlined harassment policies and who “thought twice about how they core principles, Ms. Surkes said, interacted socially on the Hill.” in terms of staff forced people to think about how Ms. Andrews said her time in understanding how they were acting, creating a “pro- Marci Surkes, PMO executive director of general on the Hill was plagued found” change in terms of staff policy and cabinet affairs, says #MeToo Equal Voice executive director Eleanor with some comments bordering they need to relate in understanding how they need to brought with it a reckoning that touched Fast says the fight for better workplaces on inappropriate. relate in the workplace. all workplaces, including the historically is critical to encouraging more women “‘That’s a nice fitting top’ com- the workplace, says the “[There was] absolutely huge male-dominated Parliament. The Hill to enter the political workspace. ments, and I’m quite tall, so the change both in terms of people Times photograph by Laura Ryckewaert Photograph courtesy of Eleanor Fast comment would be on us wear- PMO’s Marci Surkes. understanding the rules of en- ing high heels, that kind of stuff,” gagement, but also that structural she explained. She added that support to make sure there is some people felt uncomfortable Continued from page 1 proper awareness and processes being singled out in this way. As which led to calls to action in in place,” she said. a result, Ms. Andrews said she all walks of life beginning in the This meshes with what Tania changed her appearance to be final months of 2017. A number Das Gupta, a York University more conservative. of federal and provincial politi- equity studies professor said These comments most of- cians faced allegations, which should be done in terms of how ten came from middle-aged prompted investigations and in harassment should be dealt with. male MPs, she said, though she some cases, resignations, across She said that the focus is often stressed that they were not made the political spectrum. individualized, where the re- with ill intention. She also had Political workplaces have interactions with an MP who she sponsibility should be put on the Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie says recently returned to the spotlight, NDP MP Heather McPhearson described as a flirt, albeit one that institution to change. she noticed a distance from her male most prominently following the says legislation ‘doesn’t really help was friendly and not threatening. For Bridget Howe, current colleagues after arriving on the Hill uproar over conditions for women women’ if the government doesn’t act “He would make comments senior government relations man- in 2017. The Hill Times photograph by in Australia’s Parliament. ethically with regards to it. The Hill like saying that you’re his next ager at Counsel Public Affairs, Andrew Meade Marci Surkes, executive direc- and former Liberal staffer from Times photograph by Andrew Meade wife, or he would often kiss the tor of policy and cabinet affairs in 2016 to 2020, the change was female staffers on the hand,” Ms. the Prime Minister’s Office, has most notable in the conversations Andrews said. been on the Hill since 2007, and in that were held. Jeni Armstrong, a speechwrit- her time she’s seen a lot of trends “These conversations [about er and communications staffer and “certainly a lot of progress.” #MeToo] were happening and who worked with the Liberals On a legislative level, Bill they were happening more pub- and in the PMO from 2013 to C-65 gained royal assent in 2018 licly and they were happening 2020, noticed “whispers of a whis- and came into effect this year, more often,” Ms. Howe said. per network.” bringing with it a raft of amend- These discussions, according “The conversations I mostly ments to the Canada Labour to Ms. Surkes, happened because had were more of gut checks, like Code. It added sexual harassment of the formalization of structured I know something about that guy to the section that deals with training, with the topic coming up is a little bit creepy … I’m going other harassment and workplace openly as opposed to being some- to go stand over there instead, Former staffer Bridget Howe says she violence, and extended the same thing “whispered in the hallway.” that kind of thing,” she said. Sarah Andrews worked with the NDP noticed there were more conversations protections already allowed to “I think the most important However, having worked with all caucus from 2015 to 2018 and was about #MeToo and harassment in the employees in federally regulated thing is that it created a safe space women in her time in government, used to getting comments about her workplace after the trend first rose workplaces to the House of Com- for, or started restoring the conver- she never felt disadvantaged or appearance. Photograph courtesy of to awareness. Photograph courtesy of mons and the Senate for the first sation, but also started the work challenged because of her gender. Sarah Andrews Bridget Howe time. New tools include the use of to creating a safe place for people Positive experiences were also a third-party probe into miscon- who have complaints to come all Stephanie Dunlop, a Conserva- duct, and the development and forward,” said Semhar Tekeste, who has a history of working with not- have largely still been in the tive staffer with experience spread implementation of a harassment worked as a Conservative ministe- for-profit organizations in the area implementation stage, and that from 2014 to 2020, had to share, and violence policy alongside the rial staffer as well as for the House of gender equality, said that while it might be too early to notice saying that she’s been “very lucky” provision of training. of Commons from 2009 to 2018. the training could be new for cer- the changes beyond the training in her work, and that wasn’t true On the Hill, mandatory in- The implementation of training tain segments of Parliament, she given. She further praised the for women in all cases. person anti-harassment training was also a big boon in this area, found nothing novel in most of the survivor-centric approach but The fight for better workplace began rolling out in 2018 for with Ms. Howe noting that people information given, owing to her cautioned that review and adjust- cultures for women is critical, MPs, Senators, and their staff, were able to come forward with expertise in the area. ment may be needed. said Eleanor Fast, executive direc- and in 2019, the House of Com- questions and concerns. She also Overall though, Angela Payne, Conservative MP Stephanie tor of Equal Voice. mons added additional HR staff noticed an increase in the promo- national board president for pro- Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, Alta.) “We want women to see poli- to deal with the new workplace tion of resources, with information fessional women’s advocacy group said she didn’t notice a change tics as a viable career, one that standards. on employee assistance services Lean In, said that deliberate ac- on the Hill as a result of the bill they’re able to succeed in and one Ms. Surkes said #MeToo featured prominently, sometimes tions that make it clear what is ac- either, but she emphasized that that will be a positive experience,” brought with it a reckoning that even in email signatures. ceptable, along with education, are she had only really arrived in the she said. touched all workplaces, including Mentorships were also cre- good steps for making workplaces House in the spring of 2017, a few If Ms. Andrews could say any- the historically male-dominated ated, which Ms. Howe said helped better and safer for women. months before the #MeToo move- thing to women looking to enter Parliament. provide employees with more On the topic of Bill C-65, Ms. ment kicked off. Without her own the political space she would tell “The discussions that resulted comfortable places to talk away McPherson said that while legisla- negative experiences to draw on, them to advocate for themselves. from it [led to modernizing] the from direct superiors, while offer- tion is one piece of the puzzle, it it was hard for her to say if there “If anyone ever makes you organization in a very quick and ing choice and comfort in terms “doesn’t really help women” if the was a noticeable shift. feel singled out because you’re a obvious way,” Ms. Surkes said. of the type of person they wanted government doesn’t act ethically “When I vacuum the floor, no woman or makes you feel differ- “I think that, as a staffer, there to be paired with. with regards to it. Specifically, she one will ever know how dirty the ent because you’re a woman, it’s was a clear sense that if they felt She said she also learned a raised the example of sexual miscon- floor was before I vacuumed it. It’s okay to say that that makes you they needed to express something lot from training offered several duct within the Canadian military. the kind of thing where I don’t think feel uncomfortable. If that existed that happened to them directly, times over her tenure, including “If the legislation to protect I’ll ever know the true culture or for me and for other people, we that they were witness to, or retreats and regular workplace women is in place and we’re not context that existed because when probably would have told people misconduct that they had heard sessions, which she said empow- using it, then it’s just an insult to I got there it was cleaned up for that we were uncomfortable with about … there was suddenly this ered her. women,” she said. whatever reason,” Ms. Kusie said. comments that were made.” sense of being able to come out NDP MP Heather McPherson On the other hand, Ms. Howe One thing she did notice from [email protected] and speak that truth,” she said. (Edmonton Strathcona, Alta.), who raised the fact that the new rules arriving as #MeToo was break- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 15 News

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that Syrian security situation the cases of Canadian children being repatriated used as guise for not from Syria are exceptions and not a precedent. The Hill Times having political will photograph by Andrew Meade to repatriate detained Canadians, say experts

Global Affairs, “It feels like the government that they don’t want to face,” Mr. which is led by is being complicit in having the Livermore said. “If you take the Foreign Affairs rights of its citizens violated be- short-sighted view that you don’t Minister Marc cause they could do something to want to face this problem this year Garneau, says ameliorate their human rights sit- or you didn’t want to face it last that due to uation. They could do something year, then what happens when the security to alleviate the fact that we have these kids start to grow up in these situation in Canadians in indefinite detention camps? Because at some point you Syria, the who have not been charged with are going to have to face the prob- department any crime, who have not been lem. You can’t put it off forever.” is 'extremely brought before a court, who are Gar Pardy, a former Foreign limited' in not living in humanitarian condi- Affairs’ director general of con- its ability to tions. And the government could sular affairs, echoed Mr. Liver- provide consular do something about it, and is do- more saying the security situation assistance ing nothing,” Prof. West said. is being used as a cover. to detained A spokesperson for Global Mr. Pardy noted that the gov- Canadians. Affairs said in a statement that ernment has been using the same The Hill Times the department is following the rationale for not repatriating its photograph by situation very closely. detained citizens in Syria for suc- Andrew Meade “The Government of Canada is cessive years. aware of Canadian citizens being He added that Kurdish author- detained in northern Syria,” the ities are the “easiest” government spokesperson said. “Canadian to deal with in the region and, if it consular officials are actively wanted to, the government could engaged with Syrian Kurdish use intermediaries to facilitate the authorities for information on release of its citizens. Canadians in their custody.” Professional Association of Citing the Privacy Act, the Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) those refugee camps,” he said in in power and it is “politically un- spokesperson said no more infor- president Pamela Isfeld said she ‘I think [the Canadian 2019. palatable to do so.” mation could be given. takes the government at its word. Last October, a five-year-old “I don’t think I’ve seen any Former Canadian diplomat “The employer has access to government] needs Canadian girl was released after indication that there is any will or Daniel Livermore, who served as all kinds of information in north- her uncle had been working desire to repatriate Canadians,” Foreign Affairs’ director general of ern Syria that we, at PAFSO, don’t to demonstrate a for her return for months. The Prof. West said. security and intelligence for five have,” she said. “If they are mak- stronger case that Kurdish authorities wouldn’t It’s a matter of political will, years, said consular officials his- ing the assessment that it really is release the child until it had she said. “I don’t think there are torically have been “quite prepared too dangerous [and] that the risk there is a real security a face-to-face meeting with a a lot of political points to be to accept a fairly high level of risk.” does not justify the return of what Canadian diplomat. That came earned by making the hard step “Because it was just part of could happen there, I’m not in a problem and it has when a Lebanon-based Canadian of repatriating Canadian children the job to go to the assistance of position to question that.” diplomat led a delegation, which who are indefinitely detained in Canadians wherever they were,” “Given that we do this kind never been able to met Kurdish officials in a Syrian horrific conditions through no he said. “Usually there were ways of work, as consular officers are border town across from Turkey. fault of their own.” to mitigate that risk quite sub- sent into other dangerous situa- do so,’ says former Repatriation of those with While there aren’t many politi- stantially.” tions and other politically volatile diplomat Daniel ISIS-links, and their children, has cal points to be earned, there are With the repatriation of Cana- situations, I’m taking [the govern- been a politically fraught file for potential political losses. dians in Syria, Mr. Livermore said ment] at their word that they know Livermore. the government. “Conceivably, those children he wonders if the government is something about this that we don’t UN Secretary-General António would not be repatriated without using the security situation as an and they have assessed this risk as Guterres told the CBC last month their mothers unless there was a excuse to not have to do some- being too much,” she said. Continued from page 1 that it is “absolutely essential” that very good reason for that,” she said, thing that they don’t want to do. Ms. Isfeld noted that foreign children and women have the op- adding that is politically unpalat- “There doesn’t seem to me to service officers go into places It is believed that there are portunity to return to their home able as people don’t have much be a compelling security case,” he with difficult security environ- at least 23 Canadian children in countries. compassion for women and men said. “I think [the Canadian gov- ments as it is part of the job the Kurdish-controlled detention Carleton University professor who travelled abroad to join ISIS. ernment] needs to demonstrate a under the required circumstances, camps. Leah West, an expert in national “Because there is no legal stronger case that there is a real adding that it becomes an issue if The Canadian government security law, told The Hill Times obligation on the government to security problem and it has never there isn’t adequate support. maintains that its ability to pro- that if Global Affairs wanted to repatriate, they’re choosing to do been able to do so. It just has “I’m inclined to think that they vide consular assistance in Syria mitigate the security concerns for the easy thing and not actually been able to offer this view that have information that they are is “extremely limited” due to the its consular officers they have op- stand by this desire to advance it’s not secure.” basing this information on that security situation on the ground. tions to do so. human rights and [the] feminist “The people we post abroad … we don’t have,” she said. In March, Canada facilitated “The security angle is a nice foreign policy agenda and really go into a lot of dangerous situa- Although, she noted that the return of a four-year-old Ca- thing to say, but I don’t think do what’s morally right here,” tions. And if you’re a consular of- nobody likes to think there are nadian girl who was detained in anybody truly believes that the Prof. West said. “They are just do- ficer, you’re used to it—that’s part people, such as children and Syria with travel documents, but reason why repatriation is not ing what is politically expedient.” of your job to go where the tough those who weren’t involved in the it did not organize her departure happening at this time is because The Kurdish authorities who things are happening,” Mr. Liver- conflict, that need help who are from the camp. of security risks,” said Prof. West, are running the camps are not more said, noting if it is required, not getting help. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who has travelled to detainment able to continue caring for Ca- consular officers could have “From our members’ point of (Papineau, Que.) has called cases camps where Canadian are held, nadians and are asking that they increased protection to go in or view, I am quite sure that if there is where detained children have as have other academics and be returned, she said, noting that Canada could come to an agree- a way to do it that they are trying to been able to return to Canada journalists. while the Canadian government ment with local governments. find a way to do it,” Ms. Isfeld said. exceptions and not a precedent. She said that she doesn’t is insisting that the detainees be He said Canada will eventually “People see this kind of thing as the “Right now we’ve qualified it believe the Liberal government treated well, the authorities have have to face the issue. kind of work they want to do.” as too dangerous for Canadian has any intention to repatriate said they don’t have the capacity “For the Canadian government [email protected] officials to go into Syria and into Canadians as long as it remains to take care of them. there is a tricky political issue The Hill Times ast month, as part of Great Lakes Week, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Taskforce hosted a meeting with 75 US Congressional Members, Canadian MPs, Senators, and binational groups like the Great LLakes Fishery Commission (GLFC). At the core of their discussion was the benefi ts of binational cooperation on infrastructure and in particular, institutions. Depending on the year, Great Lakes management is a great example of both good and bad binational cooperation. Prior to the mid-1950s, Canada and Ontario had only limited collaborations with the US government and the eight states bordering the Lakes. This divided governance led to policy gaps and communications breakdowns between the jurisdictions that eventually caused a crisis that nearly collapsed the multi-billion-dollar fi shery, decimated lakeshore property values, and imperiled thousands of jobs. In response to that looming crisis, governments were spurred to action, the Convention on the Great Lakes Fishery was ratifi ed, and a new era of binational cooperation began. Today, these international boundary waters are also a shipping superhighway and biological treasure-troves; they support a regional economy that ranks third on Earth. The Great Lakes are The Importance of Cross-Border All of this became possible when Canada and the US began to trust in the value of binational infrastructure and institutions such as the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Great Just Too Great to Ignore Collaboration in Support of Great Lakes Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the GLFC, to name but a few examples. e recently signed a joint letter to Canada’s Canada needed to resist the urge to turn inward for he Great Lakes Region is known around a diversity of products including grains and oilseeds, meats, dairy, its gross domestic product grew by 7%. However, as demand for Minister of Foreign Affairs calling for the solutions to certain challenges because, as a mid- the world not only as the largest fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as innovative bio-products. Accord- agriculture grows so will the pressures that face the Great Lakes Unfortunately, the crisis that prompted binational action in WGreat Lakes Fishery Commission’s fi duciary dle-power, Canada was simply unable to accomplish Tsurface water system on Earth, but also ing to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Region. It is imperative that both the Canadian and American 1954/55 has since faded from memory, and to paraphrase to be transitioned from DFO to Global Affairs Cana- large-scale, transboundary objectives in isolation. for its bountiful agricultural production. Its this industry accounts for nearly 25% of Canada’s agricultural governments at the federal, provincial, state, and municipal levels an old idiom, history forgotten is history repeated. That da. Our intention was to help ensure that the Great This kind of bilateral thinking was and continues to picturesque shorelines and fertile fi elds pro- production, with almost 60,000 Ontario farms providing jobs for work with the agriculture and agri-food industry to develop solu- is unless Canada reinvests in the infrastructure and Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) – as a binational be sage, but especially when it relates to critical fi les vide ideal conditions for many crops. However, over 1 million people. tions that protect our lands and waters, increase economic op- institutions that have traditionally served us. institution – has access to sound governance, and to such as the Great Lakes. this land use has not come without a price. portunities, and support agricultural production. These solutions the resources needed to fulfi l their treaty mandate This region is similarly prosperous for American farmers, must be implemented across the region with the support of both to keep the Great Lakes great. Today, almost seventy years later, the wisdom of As a Senator from rural Ontario with a with more than 55 million acres of land used for agricultural government and industry from Canada and the United States. For example, despite 65-years of mandate fulfi lment, the keen focus on agricultural affairs, I have production. However, agriculture, along with tourism and other St-Laurent’s approach remains relevant despite a GLFC has been working for years to correct a long-standing participated in meetings with both Canadian industries, impact the Great Lakes’ ecosystem. While many For years, farmers have worked tirelessly to feed families not governance issue and a related funding shortfall that This organizational structure may not immediately global political climate that periodically suggests and American representatives that addressed issues such as trade farmers have been working for years to make their operations just in North America, but from around the world. It is high time threatens the integrity of Canada’s binational relationships seem like the logical placement for this critical fi le. otherwise. Populism and even xenophobia can routes and sustainability measures. I have also met with local more environmentally sustainable, they often do so alone. Our that policymakers on both sides of the border repay the favour and reputation. Recently, numerous MPs, and Members After all, why would an organization with “fi sh” in creep into the political discourse here, and stakeholders from the Great Lakes area – many of whom represent farmers, producers, and processors in the Great Lakes area can- by recognizing farmers’ ‘greener’ efforts and support their their name, not be well-placed within the Depart- around the world, despite decades of evidence communities that are concerned with the potentially negative not rely solely on their own initiatives to address the growing endeavours in making the agricultural industry in the Great of the Senate, have come out in support of correcting ment of Fisheries and Oceans? Despite the name, that verifi es the staying power of a broader and this problem. Similarly, to underscore the critical nature impacts that continued environmental stressors could have on the threat of climate change any longer. Climate change is a threat Lakes Region both fi nancially and environmentally sustainable in reality, GAC is the better choice as the GLFC’s more collaborative response to most issues. In physical and fi nancial landscape of this unique region. that knows no borders. for years to come. of effective binational collaboration, US Congressional primary objective is establishing and maintaining fact, in an era when partisan polarization is as Representative Debbie Dingell recently noted, cross-border working relationship that allow the visceral than at any point in recent memory, one In Ontario, one-third of the land in the Great Lakes Basin sup- Although the past year was challenging for everyone, the Senator Rob Black resource(s) to be managed and coordinated broad- does not have to think hard to name examples of ports a thriving agricultural and agri-food industry that produces Canadian agriculture industry was able to continue thriving as Ontario “Recognizing our shared interests, our two countries have ly for the shared betterment of the entire Basin. nationalistic dog whistles driving complex health, developed many tools to help us effectively cooperate. For environmental, social, and political challenges. example, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission – which Despite the seemingly obvious benefi ts of multilateralism, is headquartered in my District – has helped us to combat advancing solutions that may provide benefi ts to one’s Whether tackling fi sheries management on the Great invasive species and to manage our shared fi sheries for neighbour – and perhaps competitor – is hardly intuitive to Lakes or executing a response to the current global health most politicians or to the people we strive to serve. In fact, crisis, a thoughtful bilateral response has proven to be the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries that came into force more than 65 years. This is why I was so pleased to see your in 1954. Finance Committee again recommend that Canada fund the divided governance has long been a vexing complication most effective at advancing Canadian interests over the Commission in a way that is consistent with the established for Canada and the US, as well as for Ontario, Quebec, longer-term. Prime Minister St-Laurent accepted this, and Working Across the The convention calls on Canada to share the cost of the Great Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, although his foreign policy decisions often appeared to be binational funding formula. Having Canada at the table as Lakes Fisheries Commission’s (GLFC) work on research, sea lam- Pennsylvania, and New York. These Great Lakes states based on a domestic vision only, they actually stemmed prey control and communications, but it appears that Canada is a full funding partner would do so much for our bilateral and provinces are, by virtue of their geography, routinely from a pragmatic approach that harnessed the benefi ts of well below where it should be on funding the commission. Early relationship and would help protect and grow the jobs and Border for the Great Lakes required to collaborate on issues like the economy, environ- multilateralism to overcome domestic obstacles. last year, the Standing Committee on Finance heard that Cana- economic output found in and around the Great Lakes.” da’s annual commitment to this work would need to more than ment and fi sheries management, but the struggle between y riding of Simcoe North is surrounded economy. The Lakes supply drinking water for 48 million double, to approximately $19.4 million, to meet the commission’s national and binational interests has long challenged As Canada continues to tackle its pressing list of priorities, by shoreline – from Lake Simcoe, north people. It necessarily invites cooperation across the border While the Congresswoman was drawing attention to a current cost-sharing agreement. legislators to move past rhetoric and consider wider-rang- Canada would do well to heed the St-Laurent example. and west, along the Severn River, and on matters relating to water quality and management, the GLFC governance and fi nancial matter that she hoped M ing solutions to cross-border concerns. With respect to the GLFC, moving the fi duciary would across the southern shore of Georgian Bay. economy, commercial shipping, and the health of the $8 The historic success of our treaties with the US on these bina- was fi nally being resolved by Canada, her message was cost nothing and serve to strengthen an already capable billion-a-year fishery. tional waters speak to the importance of this partnership. One one in support of genuine partnership. The relationship For example, Louis St-Laurent’s Minister of Fisheries, Hon. organization. After all, this is not a blind strategy. Between Our region’s history, culture and vitality are can look to the International Joint Commission, the St. Law- between Canada and our southern neighbour has not James Sinclair (a BC resident and our current Prime Minister’s the time of the GLFC’s inception in 1955 and the early interlinked with the Great Lakes. Whether It has been encouraging, to see Canadian parliamentarians’ rence Seaway, and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, always been easy. In fact, in 1969, when meeting with Grandfather), recognized the innate national value of the 1980s, the Commission was supported by External Affairs it’s water-levels, recreational boating, interest in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Taskforce (GLSLT), a as examples. Great Lakes, but also recognized that this binational resource Canada, now GAC. The latter arrangement also coincides commercial shipping, water quality, or the subcommittee of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group. The President Nixon, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau said, state of the fi shery, MP’s serving in my part new taskforce has the potential to gain as much prominence Let’s make sure the GLFC sees Canada as the reliable partner we “Living next to you [the US] is in some ways like sleeping could not be sustained without thinking and acting beyond with Canada’s handling of other binational commissions our own boundaries. He knew that a failure to consider and - such as the International Joint Commission - and with of the country are rarely without several among legislators in Canada as its counterpart, the US Great can be – standing with our American counterparts in protecting with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even- advance US interests would almost certainly spell disaster for the GLFC’s US governance structure where the portfolio is Great Lakes related cases or questions before them. Lakes Taskforce, has, on Capitol Hill. the Great Lakes fi shery. tempered… one is affected by every twitch…” our own. Sinclair once noted, “When Great Lakes conser- supported by the Department of State. For several reasons, The Great Lakes St. Lawrence region, comprising eight states I hope the introduction of a Canadian taskforce on the Great Bruce Stanton, MP vation became an international matter it was obvious that the Canadian structure has become fraught, and change is of the US and two Canadian provinces, boasts a $6 trillion Lakes will help bring attention to Canada’s obligations under Simcoe North For 65-years, establishing and maintaining effective cross- the province of Ontario could not do anything about the needed to remedy the complications and to better position border relationships has been at the heart of the GLFC decline in lake trout unless action was taken by the United the GLFC to fulfi l its mandate in the future; a critical mis- mandate. The Commission has helped to manage the multi- States.” These words represent thinking that characterized sion. After all, fi sh don’t carry passports, water doesn’t stop billion-dollar binational resource, with a consensus approach, the St-Laurent Government broadly and allowed them to at the border, and just because you fail to pay appropriate for our shared benefi t, regardless of the ebbing and fl owing advance Canada’s interests by punching well above our attention to cross-border issues doesn’t mean cross-border of national and subnational politics. This model for trust- national weight class during a time when Canada was a issues won’t pay attention to you. based, issue-focused, cross-border collaboration has been relative newcomer to the global diplomatic stage. successfully used in several instances, so it seems logical and Hon. Judy A. Sgro, PC, MP in Canada’s interests to ensure that the governance structures As a former Minister of State for External Affairs himself, Prime Chair, International Trade Committee and funding for such a proven institution are sound. Minister St-Laurent knew that when Canada played well with our allies, progress was easier and longer lasting than when Vance Badawey, MP To demonstrate the important and universal appeal of we acted unilaterally. He and his ministers understood that Co-Chair, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Group this call, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission asked Canadian legislators for their views on the merit(s) of these requests. Their unedited replies are attached. 18 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

issues that other MPs in the area Former Alberta don’t, from fighting back against Liberal MP Anne coal mining in the Rockies to McLellan says Lone wolf helping repatriate people during that while she was the early stages of COVID-19. the sole elected This comes with added pres- representative of her sure to represent the province, party at some points particularly for supporting the in her tenure, she MPs break significant minority who didn’t always found help in vote Conservative, Ms. McPher- the Liberal Senators. son said. Photograph courtesy of “It’s an incredible privilege Bennett Jones to get to do this work and it’s an incredible responsibility to be the down what only one,” she said. Former deputy prime minister Anne McLellan held a rare Lib- eral seat in Alberta from 1993 to 2006 and was viewed as the MP in it’s like to be Jean Chrétien’s Liberal govern- ment for the province’s citizens. She said she was the person responsible for the province in political terms, meaning that she had to make sure to hear all their a region’s voices all on her own. Mr. Boulerice said he has a relevant in the news and get air- inces, those interviewed said they similar obligation. play, he can’t always reach out try to be as open and collabora- “If I’m not doing something, it to citizens and access regional tive as possible. will show and people will say ‘the media. Ms. Boulerice said that he tries NDP was not there and he was Ms. McPherson said that she to keep lines of communications solitary not listening.’” far outstripped many other MPs open to work colleagues, though “There’s a number of issues in terms of the number of motions he did note some hostility from [we have to take on] as the op- and interventions she’s involved the Bloc. position speaker in the province,” in. Similarly, she gets more ability “Sometimes it’s that you’re an Mr. d’Entremont said. to speak on issues in the media, anomaly of history. ‘Why are you party voice According to Prof. Owram, acting as the only non-Conserva- still here?’ And then … confronta- there’s also a conflict for these tive in Alberta. tion is bigger,” he said. MPs in deciding which side to be While she doesn’t like the term Still, Mr. English said that it’s power, Ms. McLellan said that her best to maintain good relations, This isn’t party specific, either. loyal to. Continued from page 6 “You are expected to be loyal role comes with a certain amount which can sometimes be easier Chris d’Entremont (West Nova, of influence. with opposition MPs as there are workloads and added pressure to N.S.), the sole Conservative MP and support the party, even when the party position is not popular “If you’re the only elected less of the internal rifts that can represent the federal caucus at large. in the province said he gets a lot representative, [they’re] calling form within their own parties. NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice more calls. in your local riding,” he said. “And you see this a lot where the MP [you forth] frequently— as they Ms. McLellan said that she (Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Que.) “If people in other ridings are should—and the prime minister always tried to work together is one such figure, standing out as not getting the answers they want is torn between representing the region and … being loyal to the looks to you,” she said. across party lines even with ideo- the only member from his caucus from their MPs, they’re calling Pointing to Mr. Boulerice as an logical differences since constitu- in Quebec’s otherwise mixed into us, we tend to be the opposi- party.” In some ways, being a solitary example, John English, profes- ent concerns weren’t often very political sea. tion, so if the government’s not sor emeritus at the University of partisan and helping Canadians This unique position means helping [them], let’s try the op- MP comes with its perks. One such advantage is the Waterloo and former Liberal MP, is something that she always tries that he has a lot more work “be- position,” he said. If things aren’t said that in an area “where the to do. cause you have a lot of stakehold- followed through by their local likelihood of being given a cabinet spot, Prof. Bothwell said, party doesn’t have a voice,” the In Ms. McPherson’s view, ers to meet and you cannot say MPs, he has to respond, which single MP can have larger influ- every one of the MPs in Alberta go see [someone else],” he said. results in him getting calls from primarily because of the regional division of positions, if you’re in ence within the party. wants to see what’s best for As a result, he ends up working a Cape Breton right down onto This increased power doesn’t Albertans, from jobs to a thriving lot of files he otherwise wouldn’t, South Shore. the governing party. If you’re in opposition, you get to become a always translate into concrete economy. like meeting with dairy producers However, Mr. d’Entremont political gains. Ms. Atwin also doesn’t find the and standing in as the opposition said he wouldn’t call the work major spokesperson, he noted. “Normally, I would have to While Mr. d’Entremont is able to position to be lonely. party for other issues. overwhelming, describing it more solve most constituency problems, “There’s lots of love and re- “It’s me or nobody from the as taking on a couple of extra share some of those larger files. … When a Nova Scotia issue when it comes to trying to enact ally what it’s doing is forcing the NDP in Quebec,” he said, adding projects as they go along. change, it can be hard to get projects other political parties to work that there’s a lot more on his and Green MP Jenica Atwin (Fred- comes up, nine times out of 10, I get to ask the question,” Mr. backed up as the “single opposition with me as well as to work with his team’s shoulders. ericton, N.B.), who is her only guy.” He said he also has a hard time the Greens. … I’m sure they ap- party member in the province— d’Entremont said. “I think I’m actually getting extra work and gathering info on programs and preciate my approach of collabo- let alone east of British Colum- whether something is going to be ration,” she said. bia—and one of just three caucus extra exposure because I’m the only Conservative MP here.” supported due to his minority role. Ms. McLellan, who despite MPs, said as a result of her status, As for the actual interactions being alone in the province for she has to take on the critic role Mr. Boulerice did note that while he can make the NDP with other MPs from their prov- parts of her tenure, always found for 10 different files, compared to help in the Liberal Senators, who the usual one for other MPs. Still, would step in and communicate, she said she doesn’t mind the Party-affiliated MPs by province/territory represent the government, and extra work. visit around the province. “It’s actually been a great way However, Daniel Béland, di- to weigh in on more issues than I Liberal Conservative Bloc Québécois NDP Green rector of the McGill Institute for would have had the opportunity Alberta 0 33 0 1 0 the Study of Canada, did raise a to had I been part of a larger more predatory side to this rosy British Columbia 11 17 0 11 2 party,” Ms. Atwin said. image. On a similar note, the lone Manitoba 4 7 0 3 0 “Their opponents might see NDP MP in Alberta, Heather them as more vulnerable than the New Brunswick 6 3 0 0 1 McPherson (Edmonton Strath- other MPs. So it’s like you walk cona, Alta.), said she doesn’t Newfoundland and Labrador 6 0 0 1 0 around and you have a target on think other MPs have to work Northwest Territories 1 0 0 0 0 your back … there is something a as hard in the province, because bit, not sadistic, but satisfying in they’re typically winning by huge Nova Scotia 10 1 0 0 0 getting rid of the last MP stand- margins. Nunavut 0 0 0 1 0 ing,” he said. “Albertans typically elect Con- This is even more pronounced, servatives, so I have to work twice Ontario 76 35 0 6 0 he said, when the sole MPs are as hard, three times as hard,” she Prince Edward Island 4 0 0 0 0 those with cabinet positions. said. Where other Members might “When you do this kind of Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont be able to take their seats for Quebec 35 10 32 1 0 political hunting, you want to get says he ends up taking calls from granted, Ms. McPherson said she Saskatchewan 0 14 0 0 0 the big-game meat,” Prof. Béland outside his riding and helping as an would never take the support of said. opposition MP. Photograph courtesy of constituents as guaranteed. Yukon 1 0 0 0 0 [email protected] the House of Commons Because of this, she takes on The Hill Times April 14, 2021 The Hill Times Policy Briefing INFRASTRUCTURE

Feds’ infrastructure assessment plan welcomed, but experts caution bumpy road ahead p. 20

Bringing a regional perspective to the infrastructure frenzy p. 22

COVID-19 has reshaped the way we think about communities, and we’d better invest in them p. 26

Transit tripped up: the effect of COVID-19 and the future of public transit p. 27 20 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Infrastructure Policy Briefing

Infrastructure Minister Feds’ infrastructure Catherine McKenna, pictured on assessment plan Sept. 11, 2020, is soliciting feedback from stakeholders and welcomed, but the public on the nationwide infrastructure assessment plan experts caution until June 30. The Hill Times photograph by bumpy road ahead Andrew Meade

holds the Canada Research Chair The national in infrastructure planning and finance. infrastructure In addition to providing a assessment will be the picture of Canada’s infrastructure needs when the assessment is first project of its kind conducted, Queen’s geography professor Warren Mabee said the in Canada, and will definition of infrastructure has “become more nuanced as years follow in the footsteps have gone by,” and the assessment communities own just 2.8 and 2.7 “linchpin” of the entire assess- help hedge against future govern- of similar efforts in can help inform that discussion, per cent, respectively. ment process is how effectively ments cancelling the project. as well as shed light on what the Prof. El-Dakhakhni said Ottawa can address the second “It’s key that this is seen as the U.K. and Australia. country will need as it evolves collecting the data shouldn’t be priority of “improving co-ordi- a technical exercise and based and grows, and how to prioritize a heavy lift because it doesn’t nation between infrastructure on an evidence-based approach. different projects. require much new surveying, owners and funders.” Without it, When these become perceived as BY AIDAN CHAMANDY Prof. Mabee said data does ex- just amalgamating existing data he said, the assessment won’t political, they end up living and ist, but “it’s hard to manipulate the between jurisdictions. produce a meaningful product. dying with the government in xperts are welcoming the data lists in the reports. You have “The issue is, can you re- “The federal government will power,” he said. Efederal government’s first- to pull together a bunch of dispa- ally force these entities to come not be able to go in top-down and In her announcement, Ms. ever nationwide infrastructure rate sources to get the full picture together and give up their data in start doing assessments of other McKenna said infrastructure assessment as a way to get better of a given piece of infrastructure. a meaningful manner so that the people’s infrastructure,” he said. assessments are “the new global insight into the state of Canada’s … It’d be nice to have a portal decision maker can make sense The mere act of undertak- standard,” recognized by institu- public works at a time when where it just brought information of it,” he said. ing the assessment should help tions like the International Mon- many upgrades and new projects together.” Prof. Siemiatycki said al- information sharing in the future etary Fund and countries like the are needed, but are cautioning The engagement paper lists though that shouldn’t be a big is- by bringing together the disparate U.K. and Australia. that Canada’s federal structure three main priorities of the effort: sue in theory, in practice, it could parties and starting a dialogue, The U.K. had its first national will make it difficult for the effort assessing Canada’s infrastructure run into administrative politics he said. infrastructure assessment in 2018. to be useful and say it must be the needs and establishing a long- problems. Prof. Mabee said it’s essential It came after a 2013 report recom- beginning of a regular practice term vision, improving co-ordina- “Certain organizations don’t for the assessment to be the first mended an independent commission for government—regardless of tion among infrastructure owners want to share data because either of many. administer the project and that one the party in power. and funders, and figuring out how that data will make them look “If it turns out to be a one-off happen each Parliament. In 2020, the Infrastructure Minister Cath- and it never gets repeated or done U.K. government produced its first erine McKenna (Ottawa Centre, NDP the same way again, then it’s sort national infrastructure strategy in Ont.) announced on March 16 infrastructure of a wasted effort,” he said. “Let’s response to the recommendations that the federal government was critic Taylor get onto a system and just make from the 2018 assessment. beginning public consultations Bachrach says it part of what we do. It’s really Ms. McKenna also said one of for a national infrastructure he’s concerned important data for government.” the steps the government could assessment to “help identify the government He said it would be valuable to take after the consultation period Canada’s evolving needs and won’t be able make this assessment a regular is to establish some kind of inde- priorities in the built environment to act on the undertaking on a fixed schedule, pendent advisory body. and undertake evidence-based assessment’s akin to the census of agriculture. Prof. Siemiatycki said one of long-term planning toward a net findings given He proposed a five-year cycle, but the lessons from the U.K. experi- zero future.” previous said it could alternate between a ence is the importance of creating Launching the assessment was large-scale “heavy” and “light” census if the an independent advisory body, a part of the new environmental infrastructure five-year horizon proves too short as it’s not only a way to gather plan released in December 2020 investments. of a timeframe. the best expertise in the country alongside the climate account- The Hill Times He also said it will be impor- under one roof, but it also helps ability legislation, Bill C-12, photograph by tant to link the data from the stakeholders engage on a techni- which is still at first reading. It Andrew Meade assessment to census data, mak- cal level devoid of any political was also a part of the supplemen- ing it geo-referenced “so you can considerations. tary mandate letter issued to Ms. see where the requirements are, NDP MP Taylor Bachrach McKenna in January. where the hotspots are, and you (Skeena-Bulkley Valley, B.C), his The department issued an en- can link it to population growth,” party’s critic for infrastructure gagement paper outlining in some he said. and transportation, said he wel- detail the assessment’s priorities Regular assessments, Prof. comes the effort, but is worried and seeking feedback from the best to fund and finance projects. great or it will make them look Mabee said, will also allow gov- that if the assessment shows public, other levels of govern- On the first point, McMas- terrible,” he said. “People don’t ernment to better understand how that a pillar of the government’s ment, and stakeholders prior to a ter engineering professor Wael always like to share data depend- the pandemic affected Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastruc- June 30 deadline. El-Dakhakhni said the issue the ing on how it’s going to be used infrastructure and how a future ture Program is built on shaky “We’re a giant country, we federal government will run into and what decisions are going to pandemic, or similar event, could ground, that the Liberals won’t do have three levels of government is that assessing Canada’s needs be made based on it.” affect it in the future. a course correction. that own infrastructure, and will require insight into what’s Another issue is that it’s not “If they can maintain these as- “Usually, you plan the work we’ve historically had very poor out there, and the federal govern- simply a question of sharing be- sessments, what will happen over then work the plan,” he said. data. We’ve had poor data and ment barely owns any infrastruc- tween transportation and infra- the next few years is we will have “In this case, it seems like many different ways of tracking and ture, so it’ll need a lot of help structure departments of different a better understanding of what aspects of the plan, most notably understanding the quality of our from other levels of government jurisdictions—the assessment will COVID has done and we will the bilateral agreements with infrastructure. Trying to create a to paint a clear picture. also have to include data from be able to use all of that data to the provinces, are already set in framework to assess what is there Municipalities own the vast Crown corporations like Metro- better understand not only where stone. Depending on what the as we head into a period of mas- majority of the country’s public linx, Prof. Siemiatycki said. we’re going with our infrastruc- assessment finds, it begs the sive investment in infrastructure works, more than 60 per cent, ac- The data “is scattered between ture requirements, but what’s question: is the government going is important. It’s really important cording to Infrastructure Canada. operators and governments. It’s likely to happen if we get another to be able to adapt its approach to that the money is spent well,” said Provincial and territorial govern- very diffused and is being col- disruption like COVID,” he said. the findings?” University of Toronto geography ments own 32.6 per cent. The fed- lected in different ways,” he said. Prof. Siemiatycki said taking [email protected] professor Matti Siemiatycki, who eral government and Indigenous Prof. Siemiatycki said the politics out of the process will The Hill Times

22 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Infrastructure Policy Briefing

well as the viability of local food tion system, housing diversity, a production. globally competitive economy, Bringing a regional Second, we need to take an healthy living systems, and an integrated approach to infrastruc- integrated food system. To what ture planning and funding in each extent is national infrastructure region, vertically and horizontally. funding actively supporting this The federal government has put integrated web of priorities, and perspective to the considerable funds on the table in a co-ordinated manner across since the 2016 budget, admin- levels of government? istered primarily through bilat- Finally—and perhaps most eral federal-provincial/territorial importantly—our guiding vision agreements. But what is the vision for infrastructure must be green, infrastructure frenzy that guides these investments? equitable, and future-focused. Our We need to take stock of national government has made thoughts on putting this approach projects that have been completed ambitious commitments to reduce Infrastructure projects often require the use into practice. under the earlier Building Canada greenhouse gas emissions and en- First, we need to train our Fund and National Infrastructure hance biodiversity protection, and of landscapes both inside and adjacent to large policy lens firmly at the regional envelopes, plus those that are the infrastructure investments we urban centres, such as with drinking water level. Here I am defining “region” underway with funds provided by make now will have an outsized as the broader metropolitan area, current national programs like the impact on those goals. Further, and stormwater management, transportation including the urban-rural inter- Investing in Canada Infrastructure a changing climate will worsen face which may run 50 to 75 ki- Program and the New Building existing infrastructure vulner- systems, and energy corridors. lometres or more around the city Canada Fund. Then we should abilities and crack open new ones core. The Edmonton Metropolitan consider how existing projects that need to be addressed. We Region, for example, includes the can leverage new infrastructure have to cast a critical eye on how investments to kick-start our City of Edmonton and four large investments. How can we stack or different groups in our society COVID-battered economy, or to counties, which themselves con- layer new investments onto exist- will benefit or lose out as these make our urban and rural infra- tain cities and towns that stretch ing structures in order to fill gaps dynamics unfold. structure climate- or pandemic- at least 200 km from east to west. identified at the regional level? We need to ask serious ques- ready. Further, a wide range of Infrastructure projects often An integrated approach also tions now about proposed “grey” groups are advocating for the require the use of landscapes requires that we think horizon- or big “one-off” projects that will rapid outbuild of “green” infra- both inside and adjacent to large tally across energy provisions, need to be maintained at huge cost structure to reduce our green- urban centres, such as with drink- water management, health and by future generations. Instead, house gas emissions. And those ing water and stormwater man- recreation, and transportation, let’s look at how we can stack and communities in Canada that are agement, transportation systems, recognizing that community well- interlock projects in individual Debora VanNijnatten free falling down the brutal slope and energy corridors. We know being is intertwined with envi- regions to build supportive and Opinion of structural economic transfor- that the fortunes of peri-urban ronmental, economic, and social integrated architecture for a future mation are asking for a piece of and rural communities around a factors. We need projects that can focused on healthy ecosystems, the pie. How to respond to this major city are intricately linked to contribute to multiple goals at economies, and communities. alls for increased federal cacophony? those of the urban core in areas once, goals that are unique to the Debora VanNijnatten is a Cinvestment in Canada’s infra- Now is the time for a strategic, such as employment, housing and region in question. professor of Political Science structure have become deafening. regionally integrated approach to homelessness, and food systems. The 2017 Edmonton Metropol- and North American Studies at Some voices are raised in favour building future-oriented infra- Across Canada, non-farm hous- itan Region Growth Plan is a far- Wilfrid Laurier University and the of upgrades to traditional “grey” structure that is green, adaptive, ing development into rural and reaching document that commits Balsillie School of International infrastructure, like wastewater, and focused on community health peri-urban areas is impacting to six outcomes: densification, an Affairs. roads, and bridges. Others want and well-being. Here are some ecological and water systems, as integrated regional transporta- The Hill Times Beyond transit infrastructure, think city building

Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec Transit-oriented communities munities. Decades after the Yonge bring together a mix of schools, Transit-oriented City. co-locate housing, jobs, retail, Street subway in Toronto and the libraries, daycares, recreation This is a big, bold bet on the public services, and recreational Expo Skytrain line in Vancouver centres, business incubators, and communities co- future of Canadian cities. The opportunities close to transit sta- were built, for instance, the routes job training programs, making pandemic has decimated transit tions, creating mutual benefits. of both lines can be identified in transit-oriented communities locate housing, jobs, ridership. At the peak of the pan- Transit investments spur dense aerial photos by the high-rise, attractive places to people of all retail, public services, demic’s first wave in the spring of compact development at station transit-oriented developments ages including families with kids. 2020, transit ridership in cities na- areas. This generates significant that are now strung like beads on Recently, concerns have been and recreational tionwide was down by as much as new revenue that governments a necklace around key stations. raised that new transit-oriented 90 per cent. It remains well below can recoup a portion of to either But all too many rapid transit developments will spur gentrifica- opportunities close to pre-pandemic levels to this day. offset the cost of building the and commuter rail stations in tion, driving up property prices And the media has also been transit line or put towards other Canadian cities continue to be and pushing out low-income resi- transit stations, creating filled with stories about an public benefits like affordable surrounded by strip malls and dents who should instead stand to mutual benefits. exodus of city dwellers to larger housing or public amenities. vast parking lots. benefit from better transit access. living spaces in the suburbs and This risk must be addressed greener pastures further afield, To maximize the value of this massive through public policy and mean- while debate rages about the public spending on transit infrastructure ingful community engagement future of downtowns and office and assist communities in recovering that ensures development takes work. from the pandemic, it is essential that place without displacement, and Amidst all the uncertainty, the projects in the pipeline are used that affordability is paramount. Canadian leaders rightly recog- as a catalyst for effective city building, The pandemic has reinforced nize that cities are vital to the writes Matti Siemiatycki. Pixabay the importance of complete com- country’s future prosperity, and photograph by George Triay munities where residents have an that transit is essential to thriv- affordable place to live and nearby ing cities. Rather than pausing At the same time, having more This is a missed opportu- access to all of their daily needs Matti Siemiatycki or rethinking the need for major activity near transit stations in nity that is starting to change. An and ample outdoor public space. Opinion transit projects, they are doubling turn drives higher system rider- important recent trend is the de- With careful planning and down on critical infrastructure ship and farebox revenue, while velopment of transit-oriented com- co-ordination, the current wave of investments. reducing car dependence. munities both in downtowns and rapid transit investments across overnments across Canada To maximize the value of Transit-oriented communities in many suburban areas across the country will be an accelerator Gare gearing up for the largest this massive public spending on are the building blocks for livable the country. Some of the largest for the development of resilient, wave of infrastructure investment transit infrastructure and assist mixed income neighbourhoods, institutional investors are trans- connected communities that are in a generation, with urban tran- communities in recovering from where residents have all their forming suburban shopping malls fit for a post-pandemic world. sit top of the agenda. the pandemic, it is essential that daily needs, like access to quality and other land holdings they own Matti Siemiatycki is interim Multi-billion-dollar subway, the projects in the pipeline are transit, work, groceries, schools, near transit stations into vibrant director of the School of Cities and Skytrain and light rail mega- used as a catalyst for effective medical care, and a park nearby transit-oriented communities. professor of Geography and Plan- projects are being planned or city building. One key approach is within short walking distance. Another powerful innovation ning at the University of Toronto. are already underway in Surrey, the development of transit-orient- Over the years, Canadian is proposals for community hubs He is the Canada Research Chair in B.C., Vancouver, Edmonton, Cal- ed communities that are healthy, cities have had a mixed record at the heart of transit-oriented infrastructure planning and finance. gary, Mississauga, Ont., Toronto, inclusive, and sustainable. developing transit-oriented com- communities. These hubs will The Hill Times INFRASTRUCTURE IS KEY TO CANADA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The construction sector is ready to build. The time to approve infrastructure projects is now. Partners for Investing in infrastructure is a proven Building for Recovery way to stimulate the economy, create immediate employment, and improve the economic and environmental quality of life for all Canadians. In order for the construction sector to continue to drive Canada’s economic engine, approvals for projects need to start now. Canada’s industry leaders are always ready to partner with government to move infrastructure investments forward to rebuild our economy and improve our communities. Add your voice to Building for Recovery’s efforts to ensure that infrastructure investments are accelerated. The time is now to approve infrastructure projects and rebuild Canada’s economy. Learn more and take action at BuildForRecovery.ca.

BFR_full_page_ad_April 2021.indd 1 2021-04-07 11:47 AM 24 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Infrastructure Policy Briefing

Infrastructure Broadband Fund, the CRTC has Minister put up a $0.75-billion Broadband Catherine Fund, and $2-billion is available McKenna is through the Rural and North- pictured in ern Stream of the Investing in Ottawa in Canada program. Older pro- November 2020. grams, including the Connecting Aside from Canadians Program and the Con- highlighting areas nect to Innovate Program, had in our health- slower speed targets and overlap care system that to some extent with the newer needed increased offerings. It is difficult to deter- capacity, mine exactly how much has been COVID-19 has us invested in what we would cur- rethinking where rently classify as “broadband”; infrastructure about $150-million has flowed to investments specific projects through Infra- need to be made, structure Canada and through writes Warren Innovation, Science, and Eco- Mabee. The Hill nomic Development Canada, and Times photograph the Rapid Response component by Andrew Meade of the Universal Broadband Fund should deliver almost $150-mil- lion in total by the end of 2021. The National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map, which is offered by ISED, highlights the ongoing digital divide be- tween urban and rural Canada, with few announced projects in Canada’s north that will deliver the current standard of high- speed internet. COVID-19 has also dramati- cally impacted transit ridership in Canada, with major declines country. As Canada knows that in total ridership noted in the more than 235,000 people experi- early months of the pandemic. ence homelessness every year, Many major transit authorities COVID-19 changing and given the expensive and vola- in Canada do not anticipate that tile nature of our national housing these changes will be perma- market, there would seem to be nent, however, and an influx of an impetus for greater investment government money has kept in these assets. buses and trains running during the pandemic. Major invest- the infrastructure ments are being made in public How is COVID-19 transit across Canada, including changing the way we $3.25-billion to the GO network expansion around the Greater view infrastructure? Toronto and Hamilton Area lens across Canada Aside from highlighting areas (GTHA), $1.28-billion to the in our health-care system that Réseau express métropolitain needed increased capacity, CO- light rail network in Montreal, aside $3-billion for funding on VID-19 has us rethinking where $1.6-billion to the Calgary Green The onset of COVID-19 has resulted in some a short-term basis. This funding infrastructure investments need Line, and $0.75-billion to the could be applied to health and to be made. One thing seems cer- Edmonton Valley Line West proj- significant changes to infrastructure spending education infrastructure, trans- tain: better infrastructure in rural ect. Upcoming projects (not yet port (including active transporta- Canada is essential for Canada’s funded) include the next phases in Canada, which could be applied to health tion), and disaster mitigation. continued economic success. The of Ottawa’s LRT and major and education infrastructure, transport, and COVID-19 pandemic, coupled investments in Vancouver’s Sky- What is the state of our with volatile and expensive hous- train system. Altogether, the Gov- disaster mitigation. ing markets in major centres, ernment of Canada has invested infrastructure? has increased population growth almost $12-billion in new transit Canada’s Core Public Infra- in smaller centres. This is being projects. Improvements in bus waste management. In Canada, structure survey program was facilitated by the availability of and light rail fleets have been responsibility for these assets launched in 2017 and has now services—particularly broadband seen in recent years as provinces falls to various levels of govern- carried out two reporting cycles. connectivity—which allow Ca- and municipalities make invest- ment, which can make it difficult While not comprehensive across nadians to maintain employment ments in new vehicles. There are to assess the current state of these the categories above, the survey in a remote fashion. This trend increasing numbers of exclusive assets or to identify problems. does uncover some troubling has the potential to reinvigorate right of ways being set aside There are a number of major statistics. For example, almost 30 smaller urban centres and rural for transit, particularly in the funding mechanisms which de- per cent of local road and rural areas with increased economic GTHA. While the majority of liver infrastructure funding to Ca- highway bridges were found to growth, but critical infrastructure transit investments are made in nadians, including the Investing be in poor or very poor condi- needs must be met in order to larger urban centres, it should Warren Mabee in Canada Plan ($180-billion over tion in 2018; and more than a permit this to happen. Broadband be noted that almost 10 per cent is essential, as are roads, public Opinion 12 years), with specific funding quarter of bridges were found to of specialized transit—including through the Canada Infrastruc- be more than 50 years old. Only transit, water management, and wheelchair-capable vehicles—are ture Program for public transit half of the bridges and tunnels health care; shifting patterns of operated by rural municipalities, argaret Thatcher famously ($20-billion), green infrastructure across the country have an asset population growth suggest that indicating an ongoing need to Msaid that “You and I come by ($9.2-billion), and northern com- management plan in place. Water government will need to reassess service these communities with road or rail, but economists travel munities ($2-billion). Approxi- and sewer pipes fare slightly the geographic distribution of typically ageing populations. This on infrastructure.” mately $35-billion from this plan better; only 11 per cent of these funds to these critical infrastruc- will be particularly true if the is to be invested via the Canada assets are in poor/very poor ture areas. trend of migration from major Infrastructure Bank. Other impor- condition, and two-thirds of this In comparison to other criti- urban centres to smaller urban What is infrastructure, tant programs include the Federal infrastructure is covered by asset cal infrastructure, the amount and rural locales continues. and how do we fund it? Gas Tax Fund (about $2-billion management plans. Recreational of money invested in broadband Warren Mabee is a professor In terms of public assets, per year) and the 2014 New Build- infrastructure in the worst state has been relatively low. Canada of geography, Canada Research infrastructure usually encom- ing Canada Fund ($10-billion by of repair appears to be ice rinks, has committed to delivering Chair in Renewable Energy passes 10 broad categories: roads 2024). with 20 per cent of these facili- high-speed internet (defined Development and Implementa- and rail, public transit systems, The onset of COVID-19 has re- ties in poor or very poor condi- download/upload speeds of tion, the executive director of water management, energy sulted in some significant chang- tion. 50/10 Mbps) to 90 per cent of the School of Policy Studies, and generation, public or community es to infrastructure spending in Data on public housing sug- Canadians by this year, 98 per an associate dean in the Faculty housing, hospitals and emergency Canada; a COVID-19 Resilience gests that we are falling behind, cent by 2026, and everyone by of Arts and Science at Queen’s response, education, communica- Stream was added to the Canada with only about 109,000 units 2030. Funding announced in 2020 University. tions, culture and recreation, and Infrastructure Program that set reported as existing across the includes a $1.75-billion Universal The Hill Times It’s time to #REJECTRBT2

Deltaport Berth 4

Port of Vancouver Roberts Bank Terminal 2

The Port of Vancouver’s harmful Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion project must be stopped.

This multi-billion-dollar, taxpayer-funded project to build a massive, artificial island will create unneeded capacity, uncompetitive port rates and will cause damage that, according to Environment Canada, is “permanent, irreversible, and continuous.”

Fortunately, there is a way to #BuildBackBetter.

Learn more at BetterDeltaport.ca 26 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Infrastructure Policy Briefing

dians agreed, and in that election backed our ambitious plans to make historic in- COVID-19 has reshaped the way vestments in infrastructure. So, we started by creating the more than $33-billion In- vesting in Canada Infrastructure Program that is investing millions of dollars every we think about communities, day into our communities from coast to coast to coast. While I am proud of what we have ac- complished since 2015, I know that in order and we’d better invest in them to keep up with the needs of Canadians we must do more by continuing to invest. So we are. In the coming months, Minister McK- While I am proud of what enna and I are launching a suite of new investments including nearly $15-billion we have accomplished since in additional funding for public transit— including $400-million for active trans- 2015, I know that in order to portation, $1.5-billion fund for green and inclusive community buildings, $31-million keep up with the needs of Canada Healthy Communities Initiative Canadians we must do more as well as doubling this year’s Gas Tax Fund payment—now known as the Canada by continuing to invest. So Community-Building Fund. As we roll out this new funding, we are laying the founda- we are. tion to build clean, healthy, and equitable communities for all Canadians. With an upcoming federal budget on April 19, I know that our finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, has these themes top of mind. She knows that we have a window of opportunity to do the right thing for Ca- nadians. To invest in our future and in our children’s futures. With all this new investment, we have We have the opportunity to rethink our communities and build them back better in a way that will been presented with a new opportunity address the needs of Canadians, writes Andy Fillmore, and this critical juncture in many ways that planners like myself are relishing. We allows planners to restart and rethink their priorities. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay Liberal MP Andy Fillmore have the opportunity to rethink our com- Opinion munities and build them back better in a way that will address the needs of Cana- know investing in our communities is the The COVID-19 pandemic has caused dians. This critical juncture in many ways s a former community planner with single best way to address many of the ur- us to rethink the way we build our com- allows planners to restart and rethink their Amore than two decades experience in gent challenges our country is facing. That munities. The pandemic has exacerbated priorities. Instead of piecemeal infrastruc- the academic, public, and private sectors, I is as true today as it has ever been. the systematic inequities that exist in our ture supported by lackluster investments, country and put a spotlight on critical blind they know that the federal government has spots. My experience is that as a country, their backs. A government that takes the we have the tools to address many of these needs of their communities seriously. Novel inequities through smart and targeted But this is no easy task. Building critical infrastructure investments. water infrastructure, clean energy grids, Diagnostics With so many Canadians lacking access and broadband fibre does not happen to critical infrastructure, such as reliable overnight. These projects take time and the internet access, or accessible public transit single best time to make these investments options, Minister Catherine McKenna and is yesterday. the Department of Infrastructure and Com- I know that our government is up to the Therapeutics munities have been all hands on deck dur- task. As we have shown throughout the ing this challenging time making critical pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau investments in our communities. will not shy away from a difficult task. In What keeps Minister McKenna and I the same way that we have been working motivated every day is knowing that every tirelessly to fight this pandemic, we will infrastructure project we announce creates show the same fortitude as a government good jobs for Canadians and the results to make these smart investments in all will have lasting impacts on generations to parts of the country whether urban, rural, Canada’s Vaccines come. We have been laser focused, ensur- Indigenous, or northern. ing that every dollar invested delivers triple As a Member of Parliament, a commu- life sciences benefits creating good jobs for Canadians; nity planner, and most importantly as a fa- building more inclusive communities; and ther, I am proud to be part of a government companies. supporting projects that will help in our that is committed to building back better fight against climate change. and investing in the future of our country. I made the jump from urban planning Andy Fillmore is the Liberal MP for Where discovering into politics in 2015 because I believed the Halifax, N.S., and the parliamentary secre- federal government needed to do far more tary to the minister of infrastructure. solutions essential to to build up our communities. Clearly Cana- The Hill Times our health and economy Liberal MP Andy Fillmore is the new normal. says he made the jump from urban planning into politics in The research Canada’s life sciences companies are doing is 2015 because he believed laying the groundwork for novel diagnostics, vaccines and the federal therapeutics. Canada has built an extraordinary knowledge government needed to do far infrastructure, and we must not lose momentum in making more to build up our communities. our country a global life sciences leader. The Hill Times photograph by Get updates about our Andrew Meade essential work at canadalifesciences.ca THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 27 Policy BriefingInfrastructure

largest source of revenue. As costs rise, such as the need to increase staff wages, transit Transit tripped up: the operators must decide between increasing fares, finding efficiencies, or seeking a greater subsidy from governments. Fare increases have the effect of discouraging some users from travelling and create a wider economic effect of COVID-19 and cost. The economic costs of people choosing not to travel because of higher fares—not go- ing to a new restaurant, or not taking on a new and better job—can be substantial. However, governments should weigh the alternative of the economic harm of raising taxes to pay the future of public transit for subsidies. Depending on the kind of tax a government relies on, the economic harm of more Canadians work from home, transit April 15 estimates the annual economic value higher taxes may be worse than the economic By taking away many of the operators will face the challenge of bringing us of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). This cost of fewer fare-price-sensitive travellers. things so many Canadians back together to enjoy urban life while facing a single transit system enables $1.8-billion in How does incorporating wider economic gloomy financial outlook. wider economic benefits, even if we assume benefits into the economics of transit affect love about cities, the There are many benefits of urban living, that some travel on the TTC would still happen, all public transit operators looking beyond such as tapping a large job and employee but on other modes. the pandemic to a new normal of work and pandemic has shown us market, having access to a wide range of Sadly, something remarkably close to this commuting? A return to a partial (one or two services and infrastructure, and learning from thought experiment has happened during the days a week) work-from-home model for the value of urban life that others face-to-face. Public transit is the es- COVID-19 outbreak. many workers once the pandemic subsides is many of us take for granted. sential component that enables the benefits of We estimate an economic loss of $1.7-billion a likely outcome. The ability to partially work people coming together. These wider economic for the Toronto region of reduced agglomeration from home will likely recapture most of the benefits—what economists call agglomera- benefits due to low travel levels mid-pandemic lost agglomeration benefits we have seen over tion—are a key element of why cities exist in from reduced TTC ridership. These economic the last year. the first place. As more people can connect in costs are more likely in the range of $1.2- to However, such reduced travel leaves a fare person, the higher their incomes. $1.4-billion based on reasonable assumptions revenue gap that transit operators will need to Canadian governments are systematically about how much people still travelled but fill to maintain service levels. Senior govern- undervaluing transportation investments— switched to using cars during the pandemic. ments that collect income tax revenues—and both in annual operating value, and on the Future service enhancements—ranging see a bottom-line income tax benefit from wider returns on new investments—if they ignore from simple investments like dedicated lanes economic benefits—can temporarily provide how transit is a key ingredient of what makes for buses to new train lines—might enable operating subsidies to transit operators. Such cities vibrant. broader urban agglomeration economies. A operating subsidies should only last until transit One way to think about the economic value faster train service that replaces a bus stuck in networks can reorient their services to perma- Benjamin Dachis that transit provides is to take a simple thought traffic enables faster travel. Faster bus travel nent post-pandemic demand trends. Opinion experiment: what would happen to the value of enables a transit rider to have access to a wider By taking away many of the things so the wider economic benefits of living in a city set of job opportunities. They can access more many Canadians love about cities, the pan- if everyone who took transit stopped taking services, such as restaurants or other busi- demic has shown us the value of urban life that OVID-19 has fundamentally changed lives it? How much less would we learn in person? nesses. We estimate the agglomeration wider many of us take for granted. There is a wider Cacross Canada. This change may be most How many unique and innovative restaurants economic benefits of the TTC’s five-year ser- economic value of preserving travel options pronounced in Canada’s major cities. Many would fail by not having people come from vice plan improvements to be $377-million per and public transit service that all Canadian of the things that make life in our cities so across town and only catering to people who year, which would add on to the agglomeration governments should recognize. vibrant—great restaurants, entertainment, or can walk, drive or bike? benefits of the existing system. Benjamin Dachis is director of public affairs going to the office to learn from great col- Using this thought experiment, a C.D. Transit authorities in Canada rely on fare- at the C.D. Howe Institute. leagues—have vanished. Post-pandemic, as Howe Institute paper that will be released on box revenues from paying passengers as their The Hill Times 28 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News Duelling Liberal, NDP conventions a pre- election glimpse into campaign readiness

“This time Mr. Trudeau has no methods that you’ve been push- It was more important choice but to react to the Bloc and ing out. And you just want to look for NDP Leader consider them as an important competent,” he said, saying the opponent,” given the reshaped Liberals did that, but given the on- Jagmeet Singh to political landscape, she said. line rumblings among NDP circles In 2019, there were questions and the vocal few who got through distinguish his offer about whether the cash-strapped on the virtual floor on the week- 10-member Bloc caucus could end, theirs was less of a success. from the Liberal survive the election, and instead, “[Liberals] also have the government, say voters sent 32 MPs to the House, advantage of sort of being on the giving it third-party status. rise. So you likely don’t have a politicos, with both Quebecers don’t hear much really restive party underneath about the NDP, said Ms. Dupéré, you,” said Mr. Polk. parties presenting and the convention weekend was Mr. Barber saw the Liberal no different. While perhaps not convention as a bit of a “victory resolutions that surprising given its shrunken cau- lap,” one that ran smoothly and cus—from 15 MPs to just one post without technical glitches, which offered similar 2019—its remaining MP, Alexandre is “never a good look” for a party. progressive policy Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with his sleeves rolled up, is pictured Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Pa- For the NDP, which hopes to tap addressing party delegates at the close of the policy convention April 10. trie, Que.), is popular and Mr. Singh into the youth vote, that could be solutions. Screen capture via Liberal 2021 convention has “all the potential” to appeal to especially damaging, he said. the voters, but hasn’t taken root. While there were frustrating “It seems like the NDP forgot technical glitches, Ms. Nash said Continued from page 1 the NDP, said Liberal strategist will be key to flip voters. As always, the influence of Quebec,” she said, she felt the NDP did the best it each was in pre-election mode Ken Polk, a public affairs counsel- the party faces two key obstacles adding it also appears the party is could with a virtual convention, amid widespread speculation of a lor with Compass Rose. to attract those hesitant, but open, operating “in reaction” rather than which is “missing the heart and spring or fall contest. The Liberals have made it to the NDP: fear of a Conserva- controlling a message. soul” of the in-person affairs. The timing of the next election hard for Mr. Singh, with a slate of tive government getting in, and an The NDP’s seven hour-long is believed to be largely depen- policies that attempt to “complete- overall acceptance of the Liberal sections on policy and constitu- dent on quelling COVID-19’s third ly own the progressive space and approach in light of that. Insiders disagree NDP tional issues were interrupted wave and variants, as well as give the NDP nothing really, to “If he [Mr. Singh] can over- convention overlap with with repeated points of order and widespread immunization. distinguish themselves,” he said. come those two barriers, and also privilege, with some delegates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Opposition parties have [the party] presents itself as a vi- Grits was a ‘huge mistake’ sniping at organizers and the (Papineau, Que.) ended his party’s generally been in a tough spot able option, I think he has a lot of It was a “huge mistake” for the party for what they described as convention April 10 with a stump- throughout the pandemic, with room for growth,” he said, adding NDP to time its convention on the poor planning, including technical style address, the same day NDP the government dominating the Mr. O’Toole’s underperformance same weekend as the Liberals, and accessibility issues with the Leader Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby media landscape with its COVID is helpful to the NDP, which fin- whose programming of cabinet virtual approach. In the end, only South, B.C) unveiled his party’s response and recovery, and voters ished in 2019 with 15.9 per cent of members and Mr. Carney—as 13 resolutions from a shortlist first election ad after repeated typically favouring incumbents. the popular vote. well as the ever-present pandemic of 140 made it to a vote over the messaging that his party has Mr. Trudeau ultimately faces one When comparing the two lead- coverage—sucked some of the life three days. emerged from financial struggles key question, said Mr. Polk: was ers, it’s also a question of “authen- out of air time the NDP might have “Welcome to the NDP,” Ms. and can now campaign with a the government competent? As ticity,” said Mr. Najafi. Mr. Singh’s expected on another date, said Tim Nash said with a laugh, adding war chest after settling successive long as that answer remains an favourability ratings among his Barber, a longtime Liberal and co- she sees the “unruly” nature as a election debts. affirmative, as he said he thinks party sits at 85 per cent, accord- founder of Bluesky Strategy Group good thing in a party that prides When it came to policies, some it will, Mr. Trudeau is in strong ing to the March Angust Reid Mr. Najafi disagreed, saying itself on grassroots involvement key resolutions suggested there stead to rebuff New Democrat poll. He’s repeatedly held the he doesn’t see the weekend as and anyone able to speak from wasn’t a lot of light between the electoral encroachment. top spot among party leaders in a missed opportunity when it’s the floor. progressive planks the Liberal It came as no surprise to any broader polls on impressions in and NDP memberships wanted of the strategists The Hill Times the general population, a point NDP Leader their respective parties to run on: spoke with that Mr. Trudeau’s party officials were quick to make Jagmeet Singh universal basic income, childcare, speech zeroed in on the Conser- throughout the convention as one speaks at the national pharmacare, and sup- vatives and Bloc Québécois, with of the signs the party is in good federal party’s port for a “green new deal.” There no mention of the NDP—or the campaign standing. 2018 policy was even crossover with discus- Green Party, for that matter. Mr. Trudeau’s latest ap- convention in sions on a wealth tax, though Mr. That’s typical of the Liberal proval rates are at 45 per cent, Ottawa. He Singh has stressed inequality and strategy, Ms. Nash said, including unchanged since February, and passed his attacked the “ultra-wealthy” as designing a platform to appeal within his party, 81 per cent, ac- leadership areas he suggests the Liberals are to New Democrat voters without cording to the Angus Reid poll. review last vulnerable on. ever mentioning the NDP. The Liberal rank-and-file is likely weekend with Add that to data presented in “That strategy has worked quite pleased with convention, 87 per cent a recent Angus Reid Institute poll, very well for them in the past,” which focused on election readi- support. The which found 51 per cent of Lib- she said, as it avoids alienat- ness, a high-profile new supporter Hill Times eral voters put the NDP as their ing potential supporters. “And in former Bank of Canada gover- photograph by second choice, and 43 per cent the question is, can the NDP be nor Mark Carney, and no real dis- Andrew Meade of NDP voters rank the Liberal disruptors in a way that will lead sension, said Sheamus Murphy, a Party as option No. 2. to success where others have not former Liberal aide. Mr. Trudeau spent more time found success?” He said it’s notable that Mr. in his speech on the recent Con- The NDP’s messaging, with a Trudeau took direct aim at the servative policy convention, held focus on inequality and the rich- Bloc Québécois during the con- always true that the NDP, now the Mr. Singh passed his manda- four weeks ago, than on the si- est few thriving amid a crisis, is vention, saying it “pretends to fourth party, is competing for air tory leadership review on the multaneous NDP affair, given the trying to appeal to those who “got be the only party that can speak time. weekend with 87 per cent sup- Tories’ “faceplant,” as one Liberal a raw deal,” said Ms. Nash. to Quebecers,” when the prime As a former member of Jean port, so it stands to reason there strategist put it, on the climate Before and during the conven- minister said Liberals “deliver the Chrétien’s PMO, Mr. Polk said he would be some vocal discord from file. At the party’s March con- tion, Mr. Singh has signalled a key goods” through direct help for appreciated the Liberals’ “efficient the remaining 10 per cent, Mr. vention, Conservative delegates refrain for his party will be taking seniors, businesses, and workers messaging and telegraphing,” Najafi added. rejected a resolution that in part credit for pushing the Liberals into “In the last campaign, they re- calling the party’s convention a The Liberals touted a record called for the recognition that “cli- enhancing pandemic supports, ally ignored the Bloc and it seems “well-oiled machine.” It seemed showing for the virtual conven- mate change is real,” a point Mr. like the Canada Emergency Re- like they’re not going to make to him the senior levels exerted tion, with about 4,000 rank and file Trudeau highlighted while calling sponse Benefit and wage subsidy. that mistake,” said Mr. Murphy. control over how the event rolled registered compared to the 3,000 Conservative Party Leader Erin Kiavash Najafi, a former NDP That shift jumped out, too, to out, leading to a smooth program, who gathered in Halifax in 2018, also O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) “discon- staffer who served as caucus press Mylène Dupéré, Mr. Trudeau’s unlike the NDP. billed as a record year. The NDP said nected.” secretary from 2014 to 2016, said former communications director. “What you want to do is give it had 2,000 signed up for the week- Distinguishing the weekend he thought the messaging was It’s a window into how the party your activists reason for hope. You end event, about the same as came conventions—or at least their strong, and that keeping up the will approach Quebec, she said, to want to arm your pundits with to the capital three years before. messages—from each other was drumbeat that New Democrat MPs regain lost seats and a path to a good lines, and things you can use [email protected] clearly a more important task for are making a difference in Ottawa majority. to keep up your basic agenda and The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 29 News

“On some level, the border policy was driven by an unspoken Feds say too early to criticism and occasionally spoken concern that Canada had about the effectiveness or seriousness with which the Trump administra- tion was taking the pandemic,” talk opening Canada- he said, but noted now that U.S. President Joe Biden has come to power and the vaccine rollout has gone well, more questions will be asked on the rationale to keep the U.S. border, but border closed. Mr. Miller said the northern border won’t be top of mind for the Biden administration as it deals with the politically sensi- experts push for plan tive situation on the U.S.-Mexico border. “There’s going to need to be There are a government hasn’t signalled an spokesperson said, but didn’t some work from people in Con- intention to start forming a plan answer if there has been any gress to elevate this to make it ‘whole series of on an eventual border reopening. discussions between Canadian of- something which the administra- He said that launching a task ficials and their U.S. counterparts tion can pick up on,” he said. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister very complicated force to plan the reopening with on a plan to eventually reopen the Brian Higgins, a member of Dominic LeBlanc told the CBC last week questions that nobody a timeline would assuage a lot of border. the U.S. Congress who represents that now is not the time to discuss a plan the critics and set the stage for Prof. Alden noted that the a district around Buffalo, N.Y., to reopen the Canada-U.S. border. The the reopening when it is safe to process of reopening will take has consistently called for a plan Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade is talking about,’ do so. time and will be complex, as it is to reopen the border. Mr. Higgins says border expert “Instead, for reasons that far easier to close a border than is the co-chair of the Northern really mystify me, the Trudeau to reopen it unless border travel Border Caucus as well as the co- However, Mr. Allen said plan- Edward Alden on the government keeps doubling down returns with the same operation chair of the Canada-U.S. Interpar- ning for an opening is a good and saying, ‘Nope, we don’t want as it did pre-pandemic. liamentary Group. idea. “I do hope the government is lack of planning for to talk about it,’” Prof. Alden said. There are a “whole series of Canadian MPs and Senators doing that,” he said. “I think they are just digging very complicated questions that on the Canada-U.S. Interpar- He noted that a decision to an eventual border themselves into a hole where it’s nobody is talking about,” he said, liamentary Group held virtual reopen would need to be done on reopening. not going to be possible to move such as who will be able to cross meetings with select members a scientific basis that is supported on this issue in a timely fashion in a phased reopening and what of Congress last month where by Canada’s chief public health when conditions change, such the health metrics need to be. the topic of the border reopen- officer Theresa Tam and provin- Continued from page 1 that it really does need to be dealt “I think, in the best-case ing was raised. Liberal MP John cial health units. with.” scenario, it takes several months McKay (Scarborough-Guildwood, One or two years of restric- During an April 8 meeting of tions won’t change the historic the Special House Committee A spokesperson co-operation and cross border on the Economic Relationship for Public travel that has dominated life between Canada and the United Safety Minister along the 49th parallel, Mr. Allen States, Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Blair said. Marc Garneau (Notre-Dame-de- wouldn't say if “I think you may see a surge Grâce-Westmount, Que.) suggest- there have been in cross border travel [once it is ed that the category of essential any discussions reopened] because people have workers allowed to cross the bor- between been dying to do the things they der could be expanded to include Canadian and used to do,” he said. “The ties some auto industry workers. On U.S. officials between the two countries and the same day, Intergovernmental about a plan the habits that we’ve built up over Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc to eventually time are way stronger than one (Beauséjour, N.B.) told CBC it is reopen the year of [restrictions].” too early to talk about the border Canada-U.S. Pollster Frank Graves, presi- reopening and said there is “no border. The dent of Ekos Research, said the active discussion” about changing Hill Times feeling of Canadians being ada- the border measures. photograph by mantly opposed to reopening the The U.S. population is increas- Andrew Meade border could soon change with an ingly becoming more vaccinated increased vaccination rollout and with more than one-third of the the change in the administration. population receiving its first dose “I suspect that a lot of con- and a fifth being fully vaccinated cerns about the American border, compared to a slower rollout in which were driven by risk percep- Canada, where 15 per cent of the tion, and secondly, antipathy to population has received one dose the Trump administration … I and less than two per cent of Ca- suspect that will fade because nadians are fully vaccinated. Canadians, generally speaking, The Canadian government In The Globe and Mail, he to work out the criteria for this, Ont.) told The Hill Times that U.S. welcome the idea of an open U.S.- has yet to face pressure from the wrote that it is “indefensible” that which I think already means the legislators were “very keen on the Canada border,” he said, noting Biden administration to form a more than a year into the pan- likelihood of summer reopening border reopening.” that change may happen in the plan on how the border could demic and with a new administra- is off the table,” Prof. Alden said. The safest option for both next 60 days. eventually reopen, as the White tion in Washington, Canadian- He said given the public governments, Mr. Miller said, is to Mr. Graves said it will be one House has its attention focused officials “are still refusing even to comments of Canadian cabinet form a team to work on a plan for of the indicators of returning to on its the southern border. But discuss plans for reopening.” ministers, it has consistently been the border reopening. But even normal in a post-pandemic world. select members of Congress and A spokesperson for Public the message that the govern- that could come with political “Having a closed U.S.-Canada Canada-U.S. business groups Safety Minister Bill Blair (Scar- ment doesn’t feel it needs to work costs for Canada. border is obviously highly abnor- have urged that more planning borough Southwest, Ont.) said closely with its American coun- “Advancing the conversation is mal,” he said. be done. The Centers for Disease in an email that “until the condi- terparts. not one that the Trudeau govern- He said as Canada regains Control and Prevention continues tions on both sides of the border “Unless there’s higher level ment is particularly interested in,” control over the third wave and to warn Americans against travel change very substantively, the pressure from the White House, he said, given the public support increases its vaccine rollout and to Canada, even if they are vac- measures at our borders will re- I don’t see that changing,” Prof. for the closure of the border. with the U.S. making even more cinated. main intact,” noting that the deci- Alden said. Former diplomat Jon Allen, progress on its own vaccinations, Border expert Edward Alden, a sion to reopen the border will be Trade consultant Eric Miller, who was the assistant deputy the concerns Canadians have visiting professor of U.S.-Canada based on the “best public health president of Rideau Potomac minister for the Americas in about reopening the border will economic relations at Western information available to us.” Strategy Group who worked Canada’s foreign service from largely dissipate at that stage. Washington University, said his- “Minister Blair is in constant on the Beyond the Border Ac- 2010 to 2012, said he doesn’t Mr. Graves added he didn’t torically, border initiatives have contact with his American coun- tion Plan that sought to make think politicians nor Canadians think Canadians would be “overly been a result of the U.S. respond- terparts about issues relating to Canada-U.S. border crossings want to see the border reopened alarmed” about setting up guide- ing to Canadian concerns. our shared border. The decision more efficient, said the Canadian as long as there is evidence of lines about the conditions that Prof. Alden, who’s also a on when and how to reopen the government will reach a point Americans refusing to wear need to be present in order to senior fellow at the Council on border will be made in Canada, where “the Band-Aid will have to masks and denying the existence reopen the border. Foreign Relations, said he is with the best interests of Cana- be ripped off,” which will expose of COVID-19, despite the efforts [email protected] “puzzled” as to why the Canadian dians as our top priority,” the it to criticism. of Mr. Biden. The Hill Times 30 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

In the hill climbers shadow of by Laura Ryckewaert COVID-19, Operations director, the spectre press secretary among of famine Celine Yegani is one of two regional advisers recent additions to for Alberta and Saskatchewan to Mr. Carr. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn Continued from page 12 from hunger in the midst of a conflict that Ms. Yegani has a bachelor’s degree in has refused to end since 2013. In northeast- Minister Carr’s team political science and philosophy and a cer- ern Nigeria, the terrorist group Boko Haram tificate in international relations from the has been plunging the population for years University of Alberta. Her LinkedIn profile into a state bordering on famine: 3.4 million Minister Jim indicates she still has to complete her Nigerians now need assistance to eat. Carr, the thesis project to earn her master’s degree Burkina Faso is a newcomer to this PM's Special from the school. mortiferous pack. With jihadist groups, Representative Mr. Breitkreutz has spent the last vigilante militias and criminal gangs operat- for the almost six years working for the federal ing in its territory, this West African country, Prairies, is Liberal Party, as a field organizer and long considered a model of civil peace, is pictured most recently as director of operations for increasingly embroiled in the conflict that speaking to Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the North. is plaguing the Sahel region. As a result, reporters in Another University of Alberta grad, he has 1.1 million Burkinabe have been forced the West Block a bachelor’s degree in political science and onto the roads and more than two million back in April modern languages and cultural studies are now food insecure. Even though the 2019, with from the school. situation has slightly improved recently, Jeff Kovalik- Carlene Variyan is chief of staff to Mr. UN agencies flagged a further projected Plouffe Carr, whose office also currently includes deterioration for the lean season, which will pictured to Mackenzie Hird, director of policy; Jeff start soon. Close to three million people are his right. The Kovalik-Plouffe, senior adviser; and Paula expected to need humanitarian assistance. Hill Times Thibodeau, executive assistant to Mr. Carr The country did experience a drought photograph by and Ms. Variyan. in 2012, which left 3.5 million people food Andrew Meade insecure, but the crisis was temporary. The concern now, with the violence, is that the Deputy director for HR food crisis will become chronic, Antoine Re- promoted in PMO nard, director of the World Food Programme Julie Robinson recently returned to (WFP) in Burkina Faso, told me. Last year’s his team in mid-March: Celine Yegani and work in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s agricultural campaigns were quite good, but Plus, a new videographer Morgan Breitkreutz. office after her maternity leave, and has the violence has had a “very, very strong” stepped into a new title, that of deputy impact, he said. In some areas, for example, has been hired by the Prime director of human resources—a role that harvests could not take place. previously didn’t exist in the office. For 2021, the UN estimates humanitar- Minister’s Office, and A former law clerk with the Quebec ian needs for Burkina Faso at more than Julie Robinson has been Court of Appeal, Ms. Robinson first joined CDN$760-million. The WFP, the world’s the Prime Minister’s Office as a senior hu- largest humanitarian organization and promoted to deputy director man resources and legal affairs adviser in winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, the fall of 2018. Before then, she’d been an estimates its needs alone at $415-million. of human resources. associate with then-named Fasken Mar- With an annual contribution of tineau DuMoulin in Ottawa, with her work $310-million, Canada is the fifth-largest do- inister Jim Carr, the Prime Minis- focused on labour employment, and hu- nor to the WFP, behind the United States, Mter’s Special Representative for the man rights, including issues of workplace Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Prairies, continues to build his ministerial harassment. European Union. This is, all things consid- team, which is now nine members large, When Ms. Robinson went on maternity ered, significant. But Canadian and global with press secretary and issues manager leave last year, Melissa George was hired efforts are not keeping up with demand. Annie Cullinan among the latest round of as a human resources adviser. Ms. George Due to lack of funding, the WFP has had to additions. continues in that role, working alongside cut back on each of the rations it distrib- Ms. Cullinan started on the job at the end Chantal Tshimanga, a special assistant in utes to Burkinabe in some areas by up to of March, arriving straight from Public Safe- the PMO’s human resources unit, which 50 per cent, says Renard. This is in addition ty and Emergency Preparedness Minister is ultimately overseen by Brett Thalmann, Nikki Hipkin is now director of operations to to the growing needs of dozens of other Bill Blair’s office where she’d been an Atlan- executive director of planning, administra- Mr. Carr. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn organizations working on the ground, both tic regional affairs adviser since the begin- tion, and people. local and international. ning of 2020. Until recently, she’d also been Also in the PMO, Akshay Grover has And the needs are much greater in South busy filling in as Mr. Blair’s acting Western Ms. Yegani has spent the last year as a been brought on board as the PM’s new Sudan and Yemen, for instance, where in and Northern regional adviser as well. senior field organizer for the federal Lib- videographer, a role last filled by Mathieu fact small pockets of famine—the highest Before joining his office as public safety eral Party in Edmonton. Sly, who exited the office in December. and deadliest phase of food insecurity— minister, since October 2018, Ms. Cullinan Over the summer of 2017, while in the Mr. Grover has been working as a have already been technically declared. A had been a special assistant to Mr. Blair midst of studying for a master’s degree in videographer since 2016, and describes month ago, the UN asked for $5-billion for as the then-border security and organized political science and international relations himself as “filmmaker and distance runner Yemen alone in order to avoid a full-scale crime reduction minister. She’s also a for- from the University of Alberta, Ms. Yegani from Montreal” on his personal website, famine. Donors pledged only $2.2-billion. mer assistant to a Liberal MP. interned in then-infrastructure minister which notes he has a bachelor’s degree in To make things worse, the UN an- In her new role, she’ll be working Amarjeet Sohi’s office. communication studies from Concordia nounced at the end of March that the Demo- closely with Mr. Carr’s director of commu- Later, in 2019, she spent roughly half a University. cratic Republic of the Congo now had 27.3 nications, Geraldine Anderson. year as a special assistant in the Ministers’ “Whether it’s a documentary, travel million food insecure people, about a third Nikki Hipkin has been hired to serve Regional Office in Edmonton, one of 16 vlog, or PSA, filmmaking can be a power- of its population, making it home to the as director of operations to Mr. Carr; she such offices spread across Canada which ful tool of communications. I am grateful highest number of people in urgent need of started on the job in early March. support ministers across cabinet and to be building my passions to showcase the food security assistance in the world. Ms. Hipkin has spent the last two de- include a mix of departmental and political things I care about,” reads his website. With such a lukewarm commitment cades working as a management consul- staff. Overlapping this, Ms. Yegani was a Mr. Grover joins the PMO’s communica- from the donors, the world may very well tant, independently and as president of K2 volunteer co-ordinator for Mr. Sohi’s 2019 tions team, which is led by director Cam- see another plague make a deadly come- Research and Consulting in Saskatoon. re-election campaign in Edmonton Mill eron Ahmad, and will no doubt be working back soon. She has a bachelor’s degree in political Woods, Alta. Ultimately, Mr. Sohi lost that closely with photographers Adam Scotti Jean-Frédéric Légaré-Tremblay is a studies and philosophy and a master’s race to Conservative MP Tim Uppal, who and Alex Tétreault. fellow and communications adviser at the degree in business administration from the he’d previously unseated in 2015 and who Katie Telford is chief of staff to Mr. Montreal Centre for International Studies University of Saskatchewan. was returned to the House last election Trudeau. (CERIUM). Mr. Carr also added two regional affairs with roughly 50.3 per cent of the vote to [email protected] The Hill Times advisers for Alberta and Saskatchewan to Mr. Sohi’s 33.6 per cent. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 31 Parliamentary Calendar

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 tary staff, and decision makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique House Sitting—The House is sitting conference and networking opportunity. in a hybrid format during the pandemic, Minister Mendicino talks The conference will be hosted by the with most MPs connecting remotely. It’s CPA President (2019-2021), Anthony scheduled to be on break March 29-April Rota, MP, Speaker of the House of Com- 9. It’s then scheduled to sit every weekday mons. All eligible CPA Branches will be for the next five weeks, April 12-May 14. contacted with further information and It will take one-week break after that, from ambitious immigration invitations. May 17-May 24. It will sit May 25 every weekday until Wednesday, June 23, and MONDAY, NOV. 1–FRIDAY, NOV. 12 will then break for three months, until UN Climate Conference UNFCCC COP Monday Sept. 20. In the fall and winter, 26—The 26th session of the Conference the House is scheduled to sit for 11 weeks policy on April 15 of the Parties (COP 26) to the UNFCCC over September, October, November, and will take place from Monday, Nov. 1-Fri- December. It will sit Sept. 20-Oct. 8; Oct. day, Nov. 12, in Glasgow, U.K. contact: 18-Nov. 5; and Nov. 15-Dec. 17. UNFCCC Secretariat; e-mail: secretariat@ THURSDAY, APRIL 15 unfccc.int; www: https://unfccc.int/calendar The Change Conference: Planning for WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24 the Unpredictable Future—”The Change Writers’ Trust of Canada’s Balsillie Prize Conference: Planning for the Unpredictable for Public Policy—This new $60,000 award Future,” hosted by The Pearson Centre, for the best public policy book in Canada is still on and running April 15, April 20, is sponsored by Canadian businessman and April 21. Speakers include Natural Re- and philanthropist Jim Balsillie and is part sources Minister Seamus O’Regan; Trans- of his new $3-million commitment to the port Minister Omar Alghabra; the Prime Writers’ Trust of Canada. Three prize final- Minister’s Special Adviser for the Prairies ists will be chosen by a jury composed of Jim Carr; ISG Senators Frances Lankin and writers and experts in public policy selected Julie Miville-Deschene; Green Party Leader by the Writers’ Trust of Canada. Finalists Annamie Paul; and former Bank of Canada will be announced on Oct. 13, 2021, with governor Stephen Poloz. For further infor- the inaugural winner revealed on Nov. 24. mation, please contact: Andrew Cardozo, More details at writers trust.com/Balsil- president, at acardozo@thePearsonCentre. liePrize ca or 613-295-1260. For more informa- The Parliamentary Calendar is a free tion, go to: thepearsoncentre.ca. events listing. Send in your political, The Case For An Ambitious Immigration cultural, diplomatic, or governmental event Policy—Immigration, Refugees and Citizen- in a paragraph with all the relevant details ship Minister Marco Mendicino will take under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Cal- part in a conversation on how increased im- endar’ to [email protected] by Wednes- migration can support Canada’s pandemic day at noon before the Monday paper or by resilience and recovery, hosted by Canada Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We 2020. Other participants include Lisa Lal- can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, ande, CEO of Century Initiative; and Goldy Immigration, Refugees and but we will definitely do our best. Events Hyder, president and CEO of Business Citizenship Minister Marco can be updated daily online, too. Council of Canada. Thursday, April 15, 12 Mendicino will take part in The Hill Times p.m. Register at bit.ly/3d4COgX. Building A Resilient Future For Canada— an April 15 conversation on ISG Senator Tony Dean will take part in how increased immigration “Building A Resilient Future For Canada,” can support Canada's a webinar on the future of work, and pandemic resilience and the critical role governments will play in recovery, hosted by Canada guiding our continued recovery, hosted by 2020. The Hill Times CLASSIFIEDS the Institute of Public Administration of photograph by Andrew Meade Information and advertisement Canada. Other participants include Denis placement: 613-232-5952 Stevens, assistant secretary, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat; and Shannon Lun- dquist, senior partner, Deloitte. Thursday, Feminist Foreign Policy?” Gauri Sreeniva- Sherbrooke, will discuss the global race to- brings together some of the world’s most CONDOS FOR RENT April 15, 5-7 p.m. Register at ipac.ca. san, director of policy and campaigns at wards quantum technologies and Canada’s insightful policy-makers, elected officials, Nature Canada, will moderate the discussion contributions and imminent opportunities. movement-builders and thought leaders MONDAY, APRIL 19 featuring one panellist per topic: Laura This presentation will discuss the scientific to take on the issues of the day and chart Federal Budget Day—Finance Minister Macdonald, professor, Political Science, foundations and the Canadian contribu- a course to a more just and inclusive Chrystia Freeland will release the federal Carleton University (Trade); Stephen Brown, tions behind these advances, and highlight society. As we start to anticipate an end government’s 2021 budget on April 19 at professor, Political Studies, University of the opportunities for Canada in the global to the pandemic, how can we rectify the 4 p.m. Ottawa (Aid); Bianca Mugyenyi, director, race towards realizing these emerging deep deficits in key services and sup- A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute (Diplo- quantum technologies. Thursday, April 22, ports, and chart a course for recovery? Climate Emergency—The Ottawa Interna- macy); Peggy Mason, president, Rideau from 12:15-1:15 p.m. There will be no Part Two of the Progress Summit 2021 tional Writers’ Festival hosts a webinar Institute on International Affairs (Defence); charge for this online presentation. Please series will delve into how to build the THE BOWERY 1 BD CONDO with author and analyst Seth Klein who will and Angela Keller-Herzog, former federal register by contacting Emma Brown, PAGSE Caring Economy with decent work and Quiet, south-facing corner unit on Bay St. Lyon discuss his book, A Good War: Mobilizing Green Party candidate and co-coordinator Manager email: [email protected] or tel: quality services, starting with the deep- LRT station nearby. $1850/month. Pet-friendly Canada for the Climate Emergency, with CAFES (Environment). Wednesday, April 21, 613-363-7705. The presentation will be in est holes within our health-care system. building. Non-smoking. Parking not available. lawyer, journalist, and activist Dimitri Las- 3-4 p.m. Register online at group78.org. English, with simultaneous interpretation Thursday, April 29, 12-3:30 p.m. Those 819-246-8769. caris. Monday, April 19, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Library and Archives Canada Scholar available. who registered for Progress Summit Part RSVP at writersfestival.org. Awards—The online awards ceremony, Climate Change and The New Economy— 1 are automatically registered for Part 2. presented by the Library and Archives Canada The Economic Club of Canada hosts a For more information: broadbentinstitute. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TUESDAY, APRIL 20 Foundation, and Library and Archives Canada, panel discussion on “Climate Change ca/progress_summit_2021. Post-Budget Breakfast 2021—The Ot- will be broadcast on Wednesday, April 21, and The New Economy: How to Rapidly WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2 tawa Board of Trade hosts the Post-Budget at 7 p.m. (Eastern Time). The Library and Transition the Economy for the Climate Breakfast 2021, providing a prognosis on Archives Canada Scholar Awards were created Emergency.” Speakers include Codrina Iba- Writers’ Trust of Canada—The Writers’ the states of Canada’s economic health to recognize remarkable Canadians who have nescu, president of The Rural Urban Learn- Trust of Canada will announce this year’s with the announcement of the first official made an outstanding contribution to the cre- ing Association, and Seth Klein, author shortlist for the 2021 Shaughnessy Cohen budget the federal government has issued ation and promotion of our country’s culture, and founding director of Canadian Centre Prize on Wednesday, June 2, for the year’s in two years. Participants include Susan literary heritage and historical knowledge. The for Policy Alternatives (BC). Thursday, best non-fiction political book in the coun- Delacourt, national columnist with the following recipients of the 2020 LAC Scholar April 22, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register at try. This year’s party will be a digital edition Toronto Star; Kevin Page, CEO at uOt- Awards are being honoured: Margaret Atwood, economicclub.ca. and will be held in the fall of 2021. For REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY IN tawa’s New Institute of Fiscal Studies and poet, novelist, literary critic, and essayist; MONDAY, APRIL 26 more information, contact Julia Yu, events THE PARK AREA Democracy; Gavin Miranda, regional tax Roch Carrier, novelist and author; Charlotte manager, [email protected] or 416-504- Registered Massage Therapy, Chelsea. Deep leader, MNP; and Trevin Stratton, chief Gray, historian, author, and biographer; Serge A Conversation With Bob Rae—The 8222 x241. tissue, sport, therapeutic massage. Same- economist and senior vice-president, Joyal, former senator, art collector, and phi- Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary SATURDAY, AUG. 21 day, emergency, evening hours. Receipts. Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Tuesday, lanthropist; Terry O’Reilly, broadcast producer International History hosts a conversation Gift certificates. Covid-19 measures. Contact April 20, 8-9:30 a.m. Register at business. and radio personality. Tune in on the Library with Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary 249.385.5727 ottawabot.ca. and Archives Canada’s English YouTube and United Nations, who will discuss events Conference—One of the largest annual French YouTube channels. No registration is in Myanmar and other global hotspots. gatherings of Commonwealth Parlia- WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 required. The 30-minute event will feature the Monday, April 26, 4-5:30 p.m. Register at mentarians will take place in Aug. FOR INFORMATION OR TO Hot Takes on the Federal Budget: Where recipients and special guests. billgrahamcentre.utoronto.ca. 21-27, 2021, at the 65th Commonwealth PLACE AN AD IN THE HILL TIMES are we going with the Feminist Foreign THURSDAY, APRIL 22 THURSDAY, APRIL 29 Parliamentary Conference (CPC) hosted CLASSIFIEDS, CALL OR EMAIL: Policy?—The Group of 78 and the McLeod by the CPA Canada Region in Halifax. The Group host a webinar: “Hot Takes on the Bacon & Eggheads Virtual Presenta- Progress Summit 2021—The Broad- annual flagship event will bring together [email protected] Federal Budget: Where are we going with the tion—Dr. Alexandre Blais, l’Université de bent Institute’s annual Progress Summit over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamen- 613-232-5952

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