Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 T pipeline orotherinfrastructure.” development, whether itbea we mightstandonacertain “because they don’tknow where hension” onthepartofcompanies seen “a nervousness andappre- Fraser Valley, Mr. McNeilsaidhe’s Nation inBritish Columbia’s (IAC) andmemberoftheSto:lo Indigenous AdvisoryCommittee an Indigenousperspective.” we’re doingisaddingclarityfrom be shy,” Tyrone McNeilsaid. “All chairperson ofthenew body. ect development, says theinterim ties inthepastover energyproj - in conflictwiththosecommuni- any industry that hasfounditself with Indigenouscommunitiesto approach consulting andworking tee willprovide “clarity” onhow to Energy Regulator path for Canada charts new advisory group shy’: Indigenous order, don’t be ‘This is the new News THIRTY-SECOND YEAR, NO.1808 BY AIDANCHAMANDY game for hybrid heckling Virtual format changes the Energy policy As theinterimchairof “This isthenew order, don’t Indigenous AdvisoryCommit- he CanadaEnergyRegulator’s Erica Canada Ifill makes p.9 briefing What pp. 13-22 go? Continued onpage14

P A News issues with vital service vital with issues exacerbates pre-existing virtual Parliament Not open to interpretation: h esnil service—shortfalls the “essential” bated pre-existingshortfallswith in turn, hasexposedandexacer injuries forHillinterpreters, and of COVID-19 hasledtoaspike in BY ALICECHEN BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT ‘really hit home’ for MPs, says Jeneroux Amid COVID-19, grieving support bill News virtual proceedings asaresult arliament’s shifttohybrid a private member’sbill fter ayear marked by loss, C anada ’ s - P oliti Conservative MPSteven Blaney granted that thiswas [there],” said tors, andsomewhat we tookfor sufficient andqualified transla- sue ofthechallengeshaving exacerbated the underlying is- others arelookingtoaddress. that MPs, industry advocates, and a garnered“unprecedented”has after thedeath ofaloved one some Canadianscantake off aimed at extendingthetime “It [COVID] hascertainly c s

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N ews COVID inFebruary. interpretation inthecontextof challenges facingparliamentary which launchedastudy into Official LanguagesCommittee, vis, Que.), vice-chairoftheHouse (Bellechasse-Les Etchemins-Lé- Conservative MPMatt Jeneroux operation. cross-partisan supportandco- Bill C-220, first introduced by p a p er Continued onpage25 Andrew Meade photograph by The HillTimes COVID-19. Trudeau on Justin Minister with Prime conference during apress on Feb.16 are pictured Building Macdonald Sir JohnA. room inthe multi-purpose installed ina New booths WEDNESDAY, MARCH10,2021$5.00 quake, Japan T ton West, Ont.), thelossofa Liberal MPKamalKhera (Bramp- parliamentary secretary postfor which resultedinthelossofa sonal reasonsover theholidays, scrutiny fortravelling forper ling andafterMPscameunder warned Canadiansagainsttravel- as thefederal government has foreign affairsministercomes international counterparts. ings andphonecallswithhis Que.) hasreliedonvirtualmeet- Dame-de-Grâce-Westmount, eign travel, Mr. Garneau(Notre- global standing. Inplaceoffor links andstrengthenCanada’s ministers asthey builddiplomatic mon practice for foreignaffairs VID-19 pandemic. border amidthecontinuingCO- to embarkoutsidetheCanadian diplomat, Marc Garneauhasyet person? diplomat in grounded top see Canada’s the world When will News BY NEIL MOSS places from onetothreeweeks. jobs infederally regulated work- sionate leave forcaregivers with Labour Codetoextendcompas - nally aimedtoamendtheCanada returned from prorogation, origi- in SeptemberaftertheHouse February 2020andreinstated (Edmonton Riverbend, Alta.) in says thank says thank The travel hiatus forCanada’s International trips areacom- cabinet role asCanada’s top hree monthsintohisnew A decade A decade massive massive you Continued onpage23 Continued onpage 24 after

p. 12 - - 2 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

CPC MP calls for lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns Breaking away from his party’s stance, Conservative MP David Sweet spoke out Heard on the Hill March 3 in favour of lifting the restrictions put in place in his province of Ontario. by Alice Chen The MP, who represents the riding of Flamborough-Glanbrook, Ont., said there should be a more focused approach, with emphasis on taking care of those most at risk while allowing the less threatened to go back to some semblance of normalcy, Alberta MP launches reports Global News. “Seniors, long-term care homes, con- gregate settings; helping people that have pre-existing conditions that feel unsafe petition to ban use of with income helps. That’s where the focus should be with efforts and resources,” Mr. Sweet told Global News. Most health measures have been left in the term ‘assault rifle’ the hands of the provinces, and Mr. Sweet is pushing for the Ontario Ford government to move the province to the green “prevent” level, which according to the response framework, puts limitations on organized public events and allows restaurants and businesses to open up with some safety restrictions.

MP Sangha uses Commons to claim other MPs are supporting She is also a two-time winner of the ter- Khalistani extremism ritorial Premier’s Award for Excellence for A former Liberal MP recently used his her leadership and commitment to improv- chance to make a Members’ Statement in ing community circumstances. the House to accuse Sikh MPs of sup- PSG Senator Brian Francis (Prince porting the Khalistani movement, reports Edward Island) took to Twitter to express Insauga.com. his delight in welcoming Sen. Anderson to Now-Independent MP Ramesh Sangha, the group, as did PSG Senator Jane Cordy who represents Brampton Centre, Ont., (Nova Scotia). said in the House on Feb. 17 that “a few Both wrote that they look forward to unsatisfied Sikh Members of Parliament” working with her. The Senate is set to re- had pushed the government to remove sume sitting on March 16. reference to Khalistani extremism from a Conservative MP David Yurdiga, right, and former MP Ed Kormarnicki, left, are pictured at a 2015 House 2018 “Terrorist Threat to Canada” report on Transport Committee meeting. Mr. Yurdiga recently launched a petition seeking to stop use of the term Minister of Agriculture takes terrorist risks in Canada. He also said they 'assault rifle' in the House during discussions about guns.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade had a “hidden agenda” to “camouflage all virtual farm tours the names long-time linked to the move- As a kick-off to Canadian Agriculture lberta Conservative MP David Yur- Mr. Duvall was first elected to represent ment, even their own near and dear ones,” Literacy Month, Agriculture and Agri-Food Adiga launched a petition March 3 seek- Hamilton Mountain, Ont., in the House of and in doing so “compromised” the security Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau recently ing to stop use of the term “assault rifle” in Commons in 2015, holding his seat in the of Canada. participated in two live farm tours. the House of Commons when it comes to 2019 election. Prior to entering the federal In his statement, Mr. Sangha noted that Taking place remotely on March 1, Ms. conversations about guns, calling it a scare sphere, he served on the Hamilton City he is a “proud” Sikh, but has no sympathy Bibeau participated in a back-and-forth tactic used to “demonize all guns,” reports Council, representing Ward 7, from 2006 for the movement. However, he said that live stream as the farmers walked through Fort McMurray Today. until 2015. In that role, he advocated for there are “a few Sikhs in Canada as well their property. The MP for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake, safer neighbourhoods and better transit. as in the House” who support Khalistani “I’m so glad to be with you today … Alta., posted the petition to his website, extremists, though he did not name any [as] we celebrate the first day of Canadian with a statement describing the term as specific MPs. having been “created by anti-gun groups to The Khalistani movement is focused scare people and demonize firearms own- on establishing an independent nation ers.” It further states that the “‘assault rifle’ called Khalistan in the Punjab region that ban targets law-abiding firearm owners straddles India and Pakistan. and does not address the root cause of gun Mr. Sangha, who now sits as an in- crime, gang violence, and gun smuggling.” dependent, was ejected from the Liberal As of writing, the petition had garnered caucus in January over similar comments more than 2,500 signatures. made against other Liberal Members that In a piece published by Rabble, David the caucus considered “baseless and dan- Climenhaga disagreed with the assessment gerous.” that the term “assault rifle” was created by A statement from Liberal Whip Mark anti-gun groups, instead attributing the Holland responding to these earlier com- term to the German army back in 1944. ments said the caucus “will not tolerate Just last month the federal government conspiracy theories,” or other “dangerous introduced Bill C-21, which seeks to ban and unfounded rhetoric about Parliamen- the use, sale, and importation of more tarians or other Canadians.” than 1,500 models of what the government called assault-style weapons. It came with strict conditions for those who decided Senator Anderson joins the PSG to keep their blacklisted weapons as well N.W.T. Senator Margaret Dawn Ander- as a voluntary buy-back program, though NDP MP Scott Duvall recently announced his son has joined the Progressive Senate Group. specific details have yet to be given on the intention to not run for re-election in the riding “In the two years since my appoint- Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie- program. of Hamilton Mountain, Ont. The Hill Times ment I have learned a great deal from my Claude Bibeau participated in a virtual farm tour photograph by Andrew Meade respected colleagues about the important to kick off Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month. NDP’s Duvall announces he role we Senators play in the development The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade of a better future for all Canadians. I look won’t run for re-election He currently serves as the NDP’s offi- forward to being able to lend a Northern Ontario NDP MP Scott Duvall an- cial critic for pensions, seniors, labour, and perspective and apply my experience Agriculture Literacy Month,” she said in nounced March 5 that he will not be seek- the federal economic development agency with consensus-based decision making in the stream. ing re-election in the next federal race. for Southern Ontario, and as the deputy the Progressive Senators Group,” reads a The egg farmer walkthrough was done “The honour of representing the people critic for veterans issues. statement from her office announcing the in French, while the dairy farmer tour was of Hamilton Mountain in the House of Before becoming a city councillor, Mr. change on March 1. held in English. Commons has been an exciting and Duvall was a steelworker and president of The Northwest Territories Senator, who Questions were sent in via comments rewarding experience, but I believe it is United Steel Workers Local 5328, where he was previously a member of the Indepen- and presented to the farmers, Jenna Soes- time to leave room for others to continue weathered the bankruptcy of Stelco Inc. dent Senate Group, has long been commit- bergen and Samuel Lanctôt. this great work. The pandemic has given “I’d like to thank you, the people of ted to raising the profile of Arctic, Inuit, Viewers, meanwhile, were treated to the me an opportunity to spend more time at Hamilton. It has been a privilege to serve and Indigenous issues across the country. feeding and milking of the cows, among home with loved ones and I’m excited by and to work with you as a steelworker, as Her online biography notes she has a firm other things. the opportunity to do more of that,” reads a your city councillor, and as your Member belief in a holistic approach focused on the [email protected] statement on Mr. Duvall’s website. of Parliament,” reads his statement. community and partnership. The Hill Times SECTIONSUBMITTED SPONSORED BY GREENBELT BY THE FOUNDATION GREENBELT FOUNDATION In rapidly urbanizing regions, like the Greater Golden Horseshoe (projected to be home to 15 million residents by 2051), near-urban nature is uniquely vulnerable to the pressures of development, pollution, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change. Protecting near-urban nature in geographies like this is a challenge, given multiple jurisdictions, competing How Near-Urban Nature visions for the use of land, and fragmented ownership.

In the highly fragmented landscapes that tend to develop near urbanized Will Help Canada areas, it will not be enough to protect bits of nature here and there. We must protect land in such a way that full ecosystems and watersheds stay connected, allowing plants and animals to migrate. Meet its To do this, we need coordinated, regional approaches between multiple municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities, private landowners including farmers, and other stakeholders, to conserve nature at Environmental Targets the systems level. We need targeted tree planting in near-urban areas to ensure habitat connectivity, biodiversity, and optimal ecosystem service health and function. The importance of nature to our future has never been clearer. How can we scale-up solutions? This was underscored by two historic announcements from the federal In southern Ontario, there is a coalition of experienced provincial, regional, government in 2020. First, a commitment to plant 2 billion trees across the and community-based conservation organizations, land-based policy experts, country by 2030 in an effort to improve ecological health and biodiversity, and Indigenous engagement specialists known as the Southern Ontario and offset greenhouse gas emissions. Nature Coalition (SONC).

Second, to protect 25 per cent of Canadian lands and oceans by 2025, and 30 Building on the model of ecological corridor protection created by per cent by 2030. This second commitment aligns with a pledge signed by Ontario’s Greenbelt, the SONC partnership, including the Greenbelt 84 countries during the UN Summit on Biodiversity in 2020, geared to Foundation, is working hard to develop a “Near-Urban Nature Network,” which protecting biodiversity across the planet. Importantly, these efforts to takes a coordinated approach to protecting and restoring land all across the conserve and enhance lands and waters can strongly support Indigenous Greater Golden Horseshoe. The Greenbelt’s ecological corridors model holds communities and Reconciliation. immense opportunity to serve as a pan-Canadian approach to protecting near-urban lands in a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional way. For Canada to fulfill its commitments and live into its role as an environmental leader, a national focus on nature near urban centres is SONC will release a report on lessons learned and opportunities to grow needed. successful models in the Greater Golden Horseshoe to inform work that can be done all across the country. Ultimately, the report will highlight the need for Protect Near-Urban Nature ecological connectivity, as well as collaboration with Indigenous communities and public and private landowners. When we think of protecting nature, we often look to protect big swaths of land, miles away from urban boundaries. But actually, some of the most In supporting the work of SONC, the Government of Canada has recognized vulnerable and ecologically important areas in Canada are the natural areas the needs and challenges of near-urban nature. Both federal and provincial and farmland in and around our cities. support has allowed the SONC partnership to undertake focused work on identifying new solutions for protecting and enhancing natural systems These areas, known as “near-urban nature,” provide direct and irreplaceable in southern Ontario. It is now critical that we continue this work, including benefits to our communities. These benefits, which are only becoming more collaborating and developing implementation strategies for southern Ontario important with climate change, include preventing flooding, cleaning and and similar regions across Canada. protecting our freshwater, supporting physical and mental health, providing a reliable source of local food, and making the air feel cooler during heat Protecting near-urban nature is a win for communities, a win for nature, and a waves. win for government. It will be critical to achieving true biodiversity protection, building our country’s climate resilience, and ensuring the ongoing prosperity Ontario’s Greenbelt—the largest in the world at 2.1 million acres of of Canadian communities. agricultural and natural landscapes—provides an estimated $3.2 billion worth of “ecosystem services” (like flood protection) annually to nearby Visit www.greenbelt.ca/near_urban_nature_project to learn more. communities. Beyond economic and ecological benefits, critical social and health benefits are provided through near-urban access to nature and green spaces.

Zoom out from the Greenbelt to the broader Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) landscape—Canada’s most urbanized region—where 30 per cent of the land is natural cover and only 3 per cent is protected. This region includes over 336,000 hectares of wetlands, over 917,000 hectares of tree cover, and a very small remaining amount of native tallgrass prairie.

The GGH region contains some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the country, with more species-at-risk than anywhere else in Canada. It also connects to important natural landscapes south of the border. If we are going to protect biodiversity in Canada, we must protect this region, and similar regions like it across the country. To do so would also ensure greater climate resilience for our country’s most populous areas.

Challenges

All across Canada, near-urban nature faces imminent risk and could be lost within decades. 4 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News

The empty heckles you’re just going to ig- House of nore because they’re so good.” Commons is As a final potential shift, Mr. pictured set Blaikie said that a system like up for a virtual the U.K., where the person on the sitting, which floor can allow time for others MPs and experts to interject with comments and say has changed questions would be better. the nature of Mr. Bagnell echoed this senti- the age-old art ment, noting that any system with of heckling. back-and-forth debate would The Hill Times reduce the amount of heckling. photograph by Andrew Meade Heckling adds a ‘spark’ but comes with disadvantages The practice of heckling dates all the way back to Socrates, Mr. Milnes said. And according to Prof. Westlake, in terms of the parliamentary process, it’s been around since the early British Parliament. However, over the years there have been many changes, from the days of objects being thrown at speakers in the 19th century House give an exact methodology for how of Commons to modern times, that might work or look. wherein Ms. May said heckling is To combat the issue of disrup- co-ordinated by party whips. Digital disruption: how Today, the longstanding tradi- tive heckling, Mr. Blaikie said that Members should realize that tion has strong advocates and circumstances are different and opponents. modify their behaviour according- On the supporting side, Mr. heckling has changed ly. He also said that the Speaker Milnes raised the advantages of needs to find a “strict solution so heckling, from entertainment in that it’s not happening,” even force the theatre of politics to reduced muting people if necessary. tension and partisanship. As for broader changes to the “It’s sport, it’s entertainment, in a hybrid Parliament it breaks the ice,” he said. “We’re practice of heckling in the House, Mr. Milnes is of the opinion that all so bloody partisan these days, which is sad in my view, but it For Daniel Blaikie (Elmwood- for the virtual sitting to somehow hard rules on heckling would turn unites all the parties—everybody Green parliamentary Transcona, Man.) heckling over make it even more unwelcome. it into “boring scripted bullshit.” likes a good heckle.” Zoom is still “unfortunately” easy Conservative MP Marilyn He’d even go as far as to say Kathy Brock, a policy studies leader Elizabeth May to do. Gladu (Sarnia-Lambton, Ont.) that he would stop watching the and political studies professor at “The reason I say unfortunate was less critical of the shift to House of Commons if heckling initially welcomed Queen’s University, noted that is because I think that virtual virtual, saying she thinks it has were ever regulated to a point while it doesn’t look good out Parliament has really changed reduced the ability of Members to where it was eliminated. the shift to a hybrid of control, there are intangible the nature of heckling,” he said. heckle. Others, like Ms. May, are less benefits to the practice. sitting—until she “When somebody unmutes them- “Only one person [can] heckle attached to the idea of heckling. “Appropriate heckling that selves to make a comment during at a time, because the screen only Or more accurately, she’s entirely gets to the point adds a bit of life. realized that giving somebody else’s speech the cam- recognizes one person,” she said. against the practice, calling it That adds a little bit of spark and era will switch to them.” “It becomes easier to identify horrible and “really unpleasant as it keeps people in the game and MPs power over The person who actually has who is doing the heckling, where a workplace.” watching to see what happens the floor, he added, is instead there was a little more anonymity She pointed towards a pair of their mute buttons next,” she said. entirely cut off from the micro- when [we] were in the House all Standing Orders as concrete rules Prof. Westlake acknowledged phone, strongly contrasting the together.” already banning heckling. made the problem of the liveliness heckling adds, as nature of in-the-Chamber heck- Ms. Gladu also noted that Specifically, Standing Order well as the ability to tell when heckling worse. ling, where Members’ speeches the increased ease with which 16 reads “when a Member is something contentious is said, are typically not entirely disrupt- hecklers can be picked out means speaking, no Member shall pass but overall, he said he was less ed by others. that it’s easier than ever for the between that Member and the sympathetic to the practice. BY ALICE CHEN Because of this, it’s possible to Speaker to call them out. Overall, chair, nor interrupt him or her He raised the spectre of gen- take over the floor in a way that MPs she said she’s noticed less heck- except to raise a point of order.” dered and targeted attacks as well eckling has long been a part couldn’t before, Mr. Blaikie said. ling, with those that do slip by Standing Order 18, meanwhile, as the general sentiment that peo- of the parliamentary process. “Imagine if you were in the generally prompting a response dictates that no offensive words H ple “like to see Parliamentarians But the shift to hybrid sittings has House and you could press a but- from the Speaker in the form of a be used against any Member of behaving well and with respect.” changed how MPs heckle, in ways ton and stand up and turn off the reminder to not speak while oth- the House. Naturally, he added, interrupting that are not necessarily better. microphone of the speaker and ers are talking. Generally, these rules have and shouting is not a particularly The House moved to a full turn on your own microphone and Noting similar shifts, Liberal not been enforced, said Ms. May, respectful mode of conduct. sitting format that mixes virtual have the camera pointed at you … MP Larry Bagnell (Yukon) said noting that it is unpopular to do Erin Tolley, associate professor attendees with physical ones [that] would be dysfunctional.” that owing to the singular nature so. She said she doesn’t neces- of political science at Carleton back in September. Though the Green MP Elizabeth May of virtual commentary, the disrup- sarily want changes to heckling, University, expanded on this idea, hybrid agreement lapsed with the (Saanich-Gulf Islands, B.C.), who tive cacophony characteristic of but would like there to be more noting that while politicians may adjournment of the fall sitting, it has long rallied against heckling, the House is avoided. He said he’s awareness around the actual be desensitized to it, from an was quickly reinstated upon the was initially keen on the change also seen less heckling, some- rules, something which she said outside perspective it can create Commons’ return in January. to the hybrid sitting, expecting thing which he attributed to the has surprised Parliamentarians in the perception that politics is “just Even before the advent of that it would be able to minimize fact that only the most passion- the past when she raised the issue people yelling at each other.” these pandemic measures, the interruptions, particularly if the ate will want to speak up and be of the Standing Orders. Regardless of his personal interjections during Question Speaker could control the mute singled out on the screen. Mr. Bagnell would take it feelings, Prof. Westlake said it Period and debate that constitute buttons of Members. For Arthur Milnes, the in-house one step further, pushing for a is important to understand the heckling has been a subject of Instead, she’s found it’s made historian at Frontenac Club Hotel system where the Speaker uses “rules and oddities of parliamen- contention. the problem worse for the same in Kingston, Ont., and author of his disciplinary powers to prevent tary institutions.” A Samara Canada study of the reason that Mr. Blaikie noted. 13 books on prime ministers, the heckling from happening. As for what an ideal system 41st Parliament suggested that 69 With MPs controlling their own ecosystem of heckling has been Queen’s University political might look like, Ms. Gladu said per cent of MP respondents saw mute buttons, the possibility for disrupted by the virtual format. science professor Daniel Westlake she wants to see a professional heckling as a problem. Despite heckling is still there. And, due to “Part of a good heckle … or a also said he wants to see an em- environment. this, the study found that 72 per the fact that the screen will shift good exchange is being able to powered Speaker, one who would “I would rather see an environ- cent of those respondents admit- over, answers can often not be see the other person, but also the use direct intervention in response ment where people are profes- ted to heckling anyways. heard, with points of orders need- other MPs around that person. to heckling, up to and including sional, respectful, that we listen to No such studies are currently ing to be raised in order to repeat You don’t get the echoes of the ejection from the House. one another’s different ideas and available on how the remote missed statements. House. You don’t see all the laugh- Mr. Milnes called for a slightly we all work together to make a format has impacted heckling, Considering that Ms. May ter or the anger,” he said. more moderate approach. better country,” she said. but according to one NDP MP, the described the noise and roar of In order to heckle properly over “You need a really good [email protected] virtual setting has changed the normal heckling as “soul destroy- remote software, special skill is re- Speaker in the chair to handle The Hill Times nature of it dramatically. ing,” it’s a rather impressive feat quired, he said, though he couldn’t heckling,” he said. “There’s some Canada’s economic recovery is green

Sponsored by ECO Canada The organization’s recent report delved into the management skills in young professionals that are no- opportunities that lie within the environmental labour ticeably lacking as more senior team members retire and Canada can be a market, and the gaps that need to be addressed - one take their knowledge with them. “The lack of global leader in the of its key findings showed the environmental high-quality business development talent to help raise workforce is set to grow by 8 per cent by 2029, capital is one of the top barriers for success - training green space despite the pandemic. Over the next 10 years, higher talent in business acumen at the academia level is key. job growth rates are expected in sustainable transportation, cleantech, nature conservation, water “We need a workforce that can establish sales and quality, green building, energy efficiency, and marketing teams, as well as mastering so-called soft renewable energy. skills like managing budgets, writing concise technical reports, giving presentations and managing projects To take hold of this opportunity, a specific set of skills - but we need the proper training in place to make this will be required. kind of talent availability,” said Nilsen. Displaced workers from declining industries also pose a significant “The environmental labour market is still growing, opportunity for upskilling and transitioning to green Kevin Nilsen though COVID-19 has taken its toll on economies and jobs, Nilsen noted. President & CEO, ECO Canada industries. It’s now up to employers, policy makers, aca- demia and our workforce to stay focused on furthering To do this, strategies for deepening the environmental s the world forges on with the the environmental economy as our recovery takes hold,” workforce must be viewed as a shared responsibility Abattle against climate change said Nilsen. among employers, educators, and all levels of and embarks on a new journey to government, to address the necessary skills required to post-pandemic recovery, contin- About one in 30 workers in Canada (620,100) was in a thrive in the green economy. ued advancement in the green green job in 2019, with environmental workers present economy is paramount. And in every Canadian region, and practically every occupa- Educators must ensure they are staying abreast of Canada is in a unique position to tion. Workers come from all sectors including conser- competency requirements for environmental jobs, con- play a leading role in this, with its vation officers, biologists, hydro managers, geologists, sider incorporating environmental courses or electives vast natural resources and talented equipment operators, engineers, and general labour into their programs’ curriculum, and prepare students workforce ready to hold the torch positions. for the increasingly digitized workforce. for a greener future. While this level of job creation is encouraging, it has Where the government can continue to foster Canada’s In 2020 ECO Canada publishedits also left many concerned with an impending skill short- green economy and its workforce is through labour report, From Recession to age with close to 30 per cent of the current workforce market partnership programs and other initiatives, Recovery: Environmental Needs, poised to retire within the next decade. This retirement supporting environmental labour market research and Trends and Challenges in the high is predicted to see nearly 75 per cent of net envi- career profiling, allocating funding for job creation, Decade Ahead (funded in part by ronmental job openings to be in roles related to man- training, and growth, and maintaining commitments to Employment and Social agement, business, finance, and administration. environmental goals. Development Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program), revealing that As it now stands, candidates qualified to work in en- When it comes to industry and employers, promoting environmental employment across vironmental occupations are projected to be in short employee engagement and retention, ensuring adequate the country is expected to increase supply through to 2029, particularly in management knowledge transfer processes, fostering employee exponentially in the next decade. occupations, or those requiring a university or post-sec- training and development (including soft skills) and hir- While this is encouraging, ondary education. ing displaced workers from declining sectors or regions collaboration among key players are all key to the workforce’s success. in the environmental sector is Nilsen said this means it’s more important than ever needed to ensure this growing to develop training solutions and career resources to “At the end of the day, a shortage of green talent impacts workforce is armed with the skills ensure qualified workers are available to support the Canada’s ability to meet its environmental goals which it needs to succeed. sector’s growth and build the world’s leading green we are all invested in,” said Nilsen. workforce. Kevin Nilsen is President and The road to recovery CEO of ECO Canada, the “Employers have been telling us that recent graduates organization working with indus- are missing some essential skills such as project manage- Although the pandemic has exacerbated concerns for try, government, and academia ment and financial acumen and therefore need addition- governments and economies, the opportunity to make to build a strong environmental al skills training. We are working with them to develop a green shift towards environmental and renewable workforce in Canada. Here, he plans and hands-on studies to broaden the skillsets of mindsets is a net-positive as Canada begins its journey discusses the opportunity those in the environmental workforce,” Nilsen com- to net-zero emissions. Nilsen concluded: “It’s now up to Canada has to be a global leader mented. employers, policy makers, academia and our workforce in the green space. to stay focused on furthering the environmental Need for business acumen economy as our recovery takeshold.” Agrowing environmental Canada has tremendous capacity for continued innova- labour market tions with a nation of creative thinkers, but key industry players are identifying gaps in the softer business skills To read ECO Canada’s latest labour marketoutlook report ECO Canada has been working required to progress said innovations and commercial- or access other workforce reports, contact us at with industry, academia, and all ize them. [email protected]. levels of government to help grow and support the environmental The report found that it is business development and workforce for nearly 30 years. With a growing demand for green jobs, it works to provide sup- port cross-country to Canadians interested in developing careers and skills in the myriad of envi- ronmentally related fields, and to companies looking to not only fill roles, but grow their business in sustainable ways. Learn More eco.ca 6 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion

Political leaders are listening, Newfoundland and Rising writes Lynn Posluns, who notes Health Minister Patty Labrador’s suspended to the Hajdu’s 2019 mandate letter specified that funded animation continues, challenge research should ‘integrate sex- and gender- based analyses.’ The Hill Times raising new questions of facing photograph by Andrew Meade Sadly, the story of N.L.’s challenges and opportunities aren’t getting any better without discussion. Since the inequities because it is right and just, but because it 2021 election has been outbreak of the so-called U.K. variant that is better, more complete science. led Chaulk to delay the election, it is as if Our voices are being heard. A funding its mechanics and Stockholm Syndrome has set in; whatever arm of the federal government, the Cana- democracy’s highjacker COVID wants, it dian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), administration. The next gets. in health now requires that all researchers applying Provincial citizens have until Thursday, for grants explain how sex differences will chapter might be the March 25 to send in their ballots, if they be considered in their research. legitimacy of the outcome. got them. As of the deadline for requesting Political leaders are listening. Prime mail-in ballots, Elections Newfoundland research Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2019 mandate and Labrador had received 110,000 emails, letter to Health Minister Patty Hajdu speci- phone calls, faxed, mailed and on-line ap- fied that funded research should “integrate plications for ballots. According to Chaulk, Gender bias is a problem sex- and gender-based analyses.” “110,000 does not necessarily mean Here is an area where Canadians can, 110,000 applications.” No, this not a special that goes beyond in the words of IWD organizers, celebrate N.L. type of algebra, some people may women’s achievements. have requested multiple ballots for family economics, reaching It is not widely known that, thanks to the members. I don’t know—when this is all all aspects of our lives, efforts of many, Canada is now recognized said and done, that in and of itself might as an international leader in the emerging raise a legal question or two. including scientific and important field of research into sex dif- In 2019, more than 210,000 people ferences in brains. The University of Toronto Tim Powers voted in the provincial election; 368,135 research and health care. is home to the Wilfred and Joyce Posluns Plain Speak are eligible this time. Before the pandemic Chair in Women’s Brain Health and Aging. swooped in on N.L.’s vote party, more than Led by the remarkable Dr. Gillian Einstein, 68,000 had voted in the advance polls or it is the first research chair in the world to TTAWA—As the self-appointed Hill by special ballot. We will see what the final focus on this specific area. OTimes correspondent for Newfound- numbers are, but it appears Newfoundland While we have made serious progress, land and Labrador, it is my duty to report and Labrador is on track for its lowest voter much more remains to be done. to you that our provincial election is still turnout ever in a vital contest. Chaulk was WBHI and one of its funding partners going on. In fact, results will likely not doing his part for voter turnout last week, Brain Canada, provide crucial support to be known until early to mid-April. Just a when he personally hand delivered ballots many researchers exploring sex and gen- reminder it was called Jan. 15. Yes, Jan. 15, to Progressive Conservative Opposition der differences. In our recent, and wildly and was originally supposed to conclude Leader Ches Crosbie and Liberal Finance successful Stand Ahead fundraising cam- on Feb. 13, but the pandemic intervened. Minister and Deputy Premier Siobhan Co- Lynn Posluns paign, Brain Canada generously provided This isn’t one of those old “Newfie” jokes ady. I wish I made that up. But sadly not. Opinion $250,000 in matching funds. aimed to get a few chuckles among you As the sun starts to set on the voting Working together, WBHI, Brain Canada, mainland folk. Newfoundland and Lab- period, more controversy ensues, because and CIHR have just launched a major new rador is effectively in suspended political it seems N.L. only produces ballots in Eng- t a time when humanity copes with a funding opportunity, one that aspires to animation until the chief electoral officer lish. Indigenous leaders in Labrador are Aonce in a century public health crisis, showcase the talents of Canadian re- of N.L., Bruce Chaulk, arguably right now saying many in their communities may be the theme for International Women’s Day searchers on a global stage. It is a compe- the most powerful person in N.L., gets all disenfranchised as English is not the first (IWD) 2021 carried a poignant resonance: tition launched by the European Union’s his mail-in ballots counted. The province language of a number of their people and “#ChooseToChallenge.” As IWD organizers Joint Programme-Neurodegenerative is currently making do with a caretaker voting will be more difficult. describe it: “We can all choose to challenge Disease Research (JPND). While not well government at Elections and call out gender bias and inequality. We known to the general public, JPND is a a time when N.L. has told can all choose to seek out and celebrate world-leading research initiative involving full, focused the public women’s achievements.” 30 member countries that are pooling their elected they can count It is a choice that is all the more relevant resources to make a big impact. leadership is 5,000 ballots after a year of living with a pandemic that JPND has issued a transnational call for needed. per day. Some has inflicted unequal consequences—striking projects exploring a crucial aspect of neuro- Can you counting, people of colour more harshly and causing degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s: imagine if this according to disproportionate economic harm to women. “research aimed at the detection, measure- were happen- Chaulk’s team, Gender bias is a problem that goes be- ment and understanding of early disease ing in On- has already yond economics, reaching all aspects of our indicators related to neurodegenerative tario, Quebec, started. Given lives, including scientific research and health diseases, with potential for the development Alberta, or the voting care. Our educational institutions are turning of new diagnostics or interventions.” B.C.? There period has not out brilliant female scientists, yet according In plain language, JPND is calling upon would be ended, that too to UNESCO, less than 30 per cent of scien- scientists from around the world to find new wall-to-wall Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie, left, and seems strange. tific researchers in the world are women. ways of detecting Alzheimer’s and other neu- daily cover- Liberal Leader Andrew Furey. Newfoundland and Labrador is But then Our battle against one of the most rodegenerative diseases earlier in the hope age. New- effectively in suspended political animation until the chief again, this prevalent and growing diseases facing we can treat them better. Member organiza- foundland electoral officer Bruce Chaulk, arguably right now the most whole thing humanity is also marked by unfairness. tions have provided 19-million euros (more experts would powerful person in N.L., gets all his mail-in ballots counted, has just been Dementia afflicts the sexes unequally: the than CAD$29-million) in funding for this call. be popping up writes Tim Powers. Photographs courtesy of Ches Crosbie's bizarre. Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates WBHI, Brain Canada, and CIHR are col- on TV like epi- campaign and Andrew Furey's Facebook Sadly, the that about 70 per cent of Canadians with lectively committing up to $999,000 to fund demiologists story of N.L.’s Alzheimer’s disease are women. Yet, tradi- up to three teams of Canadian scientists to during a pandemic. Wait, I digress. That 2021 election has been its mechanics and tionally, scientific research has focused on compete for the JPND funding. All the proj- N.L. chip on my shoulder is forcing its way administration. The next chapter might be the men, right down to using male lab rats. The ects will include sex and gender analysis. out. Stop now. The public prefers quaint legitimacy of the outcome. These aren’t unim- male majority in science has neglected the We are doing it because we believe Newfoundland and Labrador tourism ads portant issues and will get years of exposition. female majority in dementia. in Canadian researchers and we believe to any talk of eastern politics. Nonetheless, it feels like those of us hoping for It is an inequity that more and more of in the intrinsic value of sex and gender While the election is in this state of a real policy debate focused on the province’s us are challenging. research. In the spirit of International suspended animation, so is substantive economic challenges were ripped off. The charity I lead, Women’s Brain Women’s Day 2021, we #ChooseToChal- campaigning. Most parties have concluded Tim Powers is vice-chairman of Summa Health Initiative (WBHI), funds research lenge gender bias because doing so is not that the provincial public wants to hear Strategies and managing director of that explores the differences between the only good for women, but good for us all. more from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Janice Abacus Data. He is a former adviser to brains of women and men. Along with Lynn Posluns is the founder and presi- Fitzgerald than them. They probably aren’t Conservative political leaders. many others, we have been calling for gen- dent of Women’s Brain Health Initiative. wrong, but N.L.’s pronounced economic The Hill Times der equity in scientific research, not only The Hill Times Sponsored by the Cree Nation Government March 9, 2021 Open letter in support of Bill C-15 “The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the framework for reconciliation at all levels and across all sectors of Canadian society.” – Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Principles of Reconciliation, Principle # 1. Parliament has an historic opportunity to advance reconciliation. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a consensus global human rights instrument, elaborating minimum standards for the “survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples.” Implementation of these standards is vital to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world, and to upholding Canada’s solemn and urgent human rights commitments. Members of the House of Commons and Senate must ensure that Bill C-15, An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, passes into law before this session of Parliament concludes. The UN Declaration affirms the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and the corresponding obligations of States. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was right to put the Declaration at the heart of its vision for reconciliation. The Declaration condemns the racist and colonial doctrines, laws and beliefs that continue to cause so much harm to Indigenous peoples. It also provides the principles and mechanisms needed to redress these harms, as well as safeguards critical to ensuring these violations are never repeated. Canada has repeatedly committed to implement the UN Declaration. The federal government has even stated this commitment in the preamble to recent Acts of Parliament like the Indigenous Languages Act. Bill C-15 is about putting these commitments into practice. • Bill C-15 underlines and reinforces the UN Declaration’s rejection of racism and other forms of discrimination, colonialism, forced assimilation and destruction of culture. • The Bill requires the Government of Canada to work with Indigenous peoples to establish priorities and processes for implementing the Declaration’s diverse provisions – and to report annually to Parliament on the progress made. • The Bill provides clarity around the fact that the Declaration, like other international human rights instruments, is already being used by courts to interpret Canadian law. • In particular, the Bill also requires a collaborative process of legal review and reform to bring federal laws into line with the human rights affirmed in the Declaration. These are important, practical and achievable measures that deserve the support of all Canadians. We are mindful that a previous effort to meet Canada’s implementation obligations, Bill C-262, died on the Order Paper after unnecessary delay and obstruction in the Parliamentary process. We do not want any further delays in meeting Canada’s obligations to implement the UN Declaration. Some Indigenous peoples’ governments and organizations, including some represented in this letter, are proposing or supporting amendments to clarify and strengthen Bill C-15. We believe that the Parliamentary process can accommodate a fulsome consideration of such amendments, while still ensuring that Bill C-15 is adopted before the end of the current session of Parliament. Concrete measures to implement the UN Declaration in Canadian law and policy are necessary and overdue. Passage of Bill C-15 should be a top priority for all Members of Parliament and Senators.

NATIONS, GOVERNMENTS, AND ORGANIZATIONS Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, Sociological & Anthropological Studies, Nicolas Houde, Professeur, Département de science politique, Joshua Nichols, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Amnesty International Canada / Amnistie Internationale Canada University of Ottawa UQAM, Directeur du GRIAAC / CIERA-Montréal University of Alberta Assembly of First Nations Sébastien Brodeur-Girard, Professeur, École d’études Hup-Wil-Lax-A, Kirby Muldoe Matthew Norris, President, Urban Native Youth Association BC Assembly of First Nations autochtones (UQAT) Mylène Jaccoud, Professeure titulaire, École de criminologie, Eric C. J. Oliver, Assistant Professor in Physical Oceanography, British Columbia Treaty Commission Bruce Broomhall, Professeur, Département des sciences Université de Montréal Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University juridiques, UQAM Canadian Arab Anti-discrimination Committee Martha Jackman, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa Martin Z. Olszynski, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Laurie Buffalo, Councillor, Samson Cree First Nation University of Calgary Canadian Arab Federation Sébastien Jodoin, Assistant Professor & Canada Research Cynthia Chambers, Professor Emerita, University of Lethbridge Chair in Human Rights, Health, and the Environment, McGill James O’Reilly, O.C. A.d.E. Canadian Council for Refugees / Conseil canadien pour les réfugiés Paul Champ, Lawyer University, Faculty of Law Darren O’Toole, Professeur agrégé/Associate Professor, Faculté Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers) Larry Chartrand, Emeritus professor, Faculty of Law, University Paul Joffe, Lawyer de droit/Faculty of Law (Common Law), École d’études Canadian Labour Congress of Ottawa Kelsey Jones, Director, Indigenous Blacks and Mi’kmaq Initiative, politiques/School of Political Studies, Université d’Ottawa Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Yukon Chapter Aldo Chircop, Professor of Law & Canada Research Chair Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University John Packer, Neuberger-Jesin Professor of International Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic in Maritime Law & Policy, Marine & Environmental Law Stephen Kakfwi, Dene Leader, former Premier of Northwest Conflict Resolution / Citizens for Public Justice / Citoyens pour une politique juste Institute, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University Territories Professeur Neuberger-Jesin sur la résolution de conflits Colour of Poverty Colour of Change Ana Nicole Collins Jennifer Koshan, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary internationaux; Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain – CSN Matthew Coon Come, Former National Chief, AFN, Former Grand Cheryl Knockwood, Chair of Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Directeur, Centre de recherche et d’enseignement sur les Cooperation Canada Chief Grand Council of the Crees/Cree Nation Government Kate Korycki, Gender Sexuality and Women’s Studies, droits de la personne / First Nations Summit Irwin Cotler, Chair of Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights Western University Human Rights Research and Education Centre, Université d’Ottawa Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) / Cree Nation Government and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Sarah Wylie Krotz, Associate Professor and Interim Director, Shannon Perez, Justice and Reconciliation Mobilizer, The Hispanic Development Council Dr. Selena Couture, Department of Drama, University of Alberta Canadian Literature Centre, Department of English and Film Christian Reformed Church Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group (Cowichan Tribes, Penelakut Tribe, Halalt Aimée Craft, Professeure agrégée / Associate Professor, Studies, University of Alberta Rosemary Phillips, Treaty Negotiator, Ktunaxa Kinbasket First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation) Programme de common law en français /French Common Law, Kiera Ladner, Canada Research Chair in Miyo we’citowin, Treaty Financing Society Human Rights Research and Education Centre at the Faculté de droit /Faculty of Law, Université d’Ottawa Indigenous Governance and Digital Sovereignties, Professor, Margaret Robinson, Canada Research Chair in University of Ottawa Nancy Crépeau, Professeure, éducation autochtone, Faculté Political Science, University of Manitoba Reconciliation, Gender, & Identity, Coordinator, Indigenous Studies, Assistant Professor, Departments of English, Inuit Circumpolar Council d’éducation, Université d’Ottawa Véronique Laflamme, porte-parole du FRAPRU Michael Dan, O.C., O.O., Toronto Fannie Lafontaine, Professeure, Faculté de droit, Université Laval Sociology & Social Anthropology, Dalhousie University KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives Thierry Rodon, Département de science politique, Université Laval Ligue des droits et libertés Richard Devlin, Dalhousie University, Schulich School of Law David Langtry, former Acting Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission Audrey Rousseau, Professeure, Université du Québec en Outaouais McMaster Centre for Human Rights and Restorative Justice Bernard Duhaime, Professeur titulaire, Département des sciences juridiques, UQAM François J Larocque, Professeur titulaire / Full Professor, Section Peter H. Russell, Professor emeritus of political science at Mennonite Church Canada Indigenous-Settler Relations Terra Duncan, Dalhousie University de common law / Common Law Section, Faculté de droit / the University of Toronto, Métis National Council Paul Eid, Professeur, Département de sociologie, UQAM Faculty of Law, Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa Romeo Saganash Nunavut Tunngavik Inc Pearl Eliadis, human rights lawyer, Adjunct Professor, Faculty Margot Latimer, Dalhousie University Jean Philippe Sapinski, Professeur adjoint, Maîtrise en National Association of Women and the Law/Association of Law and Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University Jodi Lazare, Assistant Professor, Schulich School of Law, études de l’environnement, Université de Moncton nationale Femmes et Droit Bernie M. Farber, Former CEO Canadian Jewish Congress Dalhousie University Craig Scott, Professor of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School of OCASI - Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants York University Doris Farget, Professeure, Faculté de science politique et de Katia Lelièvre, Troisième vice-présidente, Confédération des Oxfam Canada droit, UQAM. syndicats nationaux (CSN) Sara Seck, Associate Professor, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University The Presbyterian Church in Canada Robert Fox Lois M. Leslie, Barrister and Solicitor Scott Simon, Professeur, École d’études sociologiques et Public Service Alliance of Canada / Alliance de la Fonction Donna Franey, Executive Director, Dalhousie Legal Aid Service Dominique Leydet, Professeure, Département de philosophie, UQÀM publique du Canada Sheryl Lightfoot, Canada Research Chair of Global Indigenous anthropologiques Hadley Friedland, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta Université d’Ottawa Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights Faculty of Law. Rights and Politics, University of British Columbia Penelope Simons, Professeure agrégée / Associate Professor RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) Ellen Gabriel, Kanien’kehá:ka Activist from Kanehsatà:ke Chief Wilton Littlechild, Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Regroupement des centres d’amitiés autochtones au Québec Michael Lynk, Professor, Faculty of Law, Western University, et Vice-doyenne à la recherche / Vice Dean Research, Faculté Leah Gazan, Member of Parliament de droit / Faculty of Law, Université d’Ottawa South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO) London, Ontario Karine Gentelet, Professeure agrégée/Associate Professor, Kerry Sloan, Assistant Professor, McGill Faculty of Law Southeast Alaskan Indigenous Transboundary Commission Sciences sociales, Université du Québec en Outaouais Debbie Martin, Canada Research Chair, Indigenous Peoples’ Health and Well-Being, Dalhousie University Marie-Eve Sylvestre, Doyenne et professeure titulaire, Faculté Rachel yacaaʔał George , Assistant Professor, Department of de droit civil, Université d’Ottawa INDIVIDUALS Political Science David MacDonald, Professor, Political Science, University of Guelph Mireille McLaughlin, Professeure, Université d’Ottawa Christina Szurlej, Director, Atlantic Human Rights Centre and Jennie Abell, Associate Professor (retired) University of Alberta Associate Professor, Human Rights Program, St. Thomas University Laurie Adkin, Professor of Political Science, University of Alberta Ian Gill, Founding partner, Salmon Nation Kent McNeil, Emeritus Distinguished Research Professor at Osgoode Haw Law School, York University Père Luc Tardif OMI, Supérieur provincial, province de Notre Melanie Adrian, Associate Professor, Carleton University Jill Glessing Dame du Cap, Oblats de Marie Immaculée Naiomi W. Metallic, Chancellor’s Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy, Greg Albo, Professor, Department of Politics, York University Avvy Yao-Yao Go, Barrister & Solicitor, Clinic Director, Assistant Professor, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University Andrew S. Thompson, CIGI Senior Fellow and Adjunct Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic Assistant Professor, Political Science, University of Waterloo; Peter Andrée, Professor, Department of Political Science Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg, Ottawa and Co-Director, Carleton Centre for Community Joyce A. Green, Professor, Department of Politics and Manager, Global Governance Programs and Partnerships Innovation, Carleton University International Studies, University of Regina Ry Moran, Associate University Librarian - Reconciliation, Balsillie School of International Affairs University of Victoria Hugo Asselin, Professeur titulaire et directeur de l’École Fr. Alfred Grzempa OMI, Provincial Superior, Assumption Fr. Ken Thorson OMI, Provincial Superior, OMI Lacombe d’études autochtones, UQAT Province, Oblates of Mary Immaculate Michel Morin, Professeur titulaire, Faculté de droit, Canada, Oblates of Mary Immaculate Université de Montréal Lloyd Axworthy, former Foreign Affairs Minister Lucie Guibault , Associate Dean, Academic Associate Director Professor David VanderZwaag, Schulich School of Law Catherine Morris, Executive Director, Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada Nigel Bankes, Professor and Chair of Natural Resources Law and Technology Institute Schulich School of Law Karine Vanthuyne, Professeure agrégée, Directrice adjointe & Law, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary Brenda Gunn, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba Ted Moses, former Cree Ambassador to the UN Responsable des études de baccalauréat en anthropologie de Marie Battiste, Department of Educational Foundations, Joe Gunn, Executive Director, Le Centre Oblat – A Voice for Justice Hereditary Chief Na’Moks, John Ridsdale, Tsayu Clan of the l’Écoles d’études sociologiques et anthropologiques, Co- Wet’suwe’ten Nation University of Saskatchewan Bonny Ibhawoh, Professor, Senator William McMaster Chair responsable du comité d’autochtonisation et décolonisation de la Richard Barwell, Doye /Dean, Faculté d’éducation/Faculty of in Global Human Rights; Director, Centre for Human Rights Val Napoleon, Law Foundation Chair of Aboriginal Justice Faculté des sciences sociales, Chaire en enseignement universitaire Education, Université d’Ottawa and Restorative Justice, Department of History / Centre for and Governance, Provost’s Community Engaged Scholar, (2020-2023), Directrice du GRITE, Université d’Ottawa Faculty of Law, University of Victoria Suzy Basile, Professeure, École d’études autochtones, UQAT Peace Studies, McMaster University; Chair, United Nations Jonnette Watson Hamilton, Professor, Faculty of Law, Alex Neve, Senior Fellow, Graduate School of Public and University of Calgary Céline Bellot, Directrice école de travail social, Université de Montréal Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development Sa’ke’j Henderson, Research Fellow, College of Law, International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Adjunct Professor, Deborah Wilkins Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton, Or Haneshamah: Ottawa’s Faculties of Law, University of Ottawa and Dalhousie University Reconstructionist Community University of Saskatchewan Kerry Wilkins, University of Toronto, Faculty of Law Aaron Hill, Executive Director, Watershed Watch Salmon Society Nicholas Ng-A-Fook, Professeur titulaire, Faculté d’éducation, Frankie Young, Assistant Professor, Western University Université d’Ottawa Mike Hogeterp, Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue Faculty of Law 8 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

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Editorial Letters to the Editor Safety not guaranteed: Black public Those wilfully flouting health advice servants familiar with Sussex statements don’t have ‘right’ to bring others hanks to a blockbuster Sunday night senior roles within the royal family and Ttelevision event—because there’s real- England altogether that they regret, Ms. down with them, says reader ly no other way to describe the two-hour Markle said: “I regret believing them interview that did gangbuster ratings when they said I would be protected.” he COVID-19 anti-vaxxers and anti- COVID-19 vaccines. Admittedly, they may and gripped international attention—the As The Hill Times’ Mike Lapointe Tmaskers who willfully expose others not be 100 per cent, but still overwhelm- virtual watercooler has been inundated reported this week, a class-action lawsuit should be treated by the law (both crimi- ingly better than not being vaccinated. with conversations about the monarchy by current and former Black federal em- nally and civilly) like impaired drivers. Let them refuse only if they go into and systemic racism. ployees has ballooned from the initial 12 Through willful negligence, the effects total isolation (including from work, fam- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, representative plaintiffs to more than 520 (death and injury) on others are the same. ily, and social and religious gatherings). also known as Prince Harry and Meghan in the three months since it was filed. By their “reasoning,” they clearly are If they do go out, make them wear signs Markle, sat down to chat with Oprah “When I went to the RCMP, I took an willing to bring back epidemics of killer showing that possible disease-carrying Winfrey on March 7 and sent waves that oath as a public servant,” said Caroline diseases like polio and smallpox. This is status. reverberated through monarchists and Layne, who spent 37 years with the force, grossly irresponsible. I hope some enterprising lawyer republicans alike. with zero promotions and countless in- The deniers show absolutely zero launches a lawsuit against the anti-vaxx- And while there’s plenty to quibble stances of indirect and overt racism from regard for those with whom they come ers and anti-maskers who have refused over in terms of protocol, rules, titles, co-workers, members of the public, and into contact, including their own children, vaccination and public safety measures and money, what cannot be argued with sometimes her superiors. parents, neighbours, and co-workers. for everything they have. They have is that at the heart of the vast majority “People would come to the front desk For medical reasons, a few may, legiti- spread death and disease to those with in- of the conflict and harassment the royal and almost want to throw me out, and I mately, not be able to be vaccinated. Fair effective vaccinations or who are unable pair, and specifically Ms. Markle, endured would just have to take it on the chin,” said enough, but while the pandemic persists, to be vaccinated. was due to anti-Black racism. Ms. Layne. “I had to take it and just smile.” they should self-quarantine. This is not about “rights”—as in no But the arguments persist, because Black public servants looking to be The science from the overwhelming one has the “right” to drive impaired. It is as has been demonstrated time and time protected by the institution they pledged global majority of medical professionals about overriding me-first selfishness and again, the majority is only interested in to serve have found themselves now fight- and scientists definitively supports the protecting and caring about others. standing up against racism so long as it ing against a government that is lawyer- safety, personal protection, and disease- Ian C. MacLeod doesn’t conflict with their ingrained sense ing up, while at the same time pledging to spread limiting effectiveness of the Richmond, B.C. of the status quo or privileged position. combat anti-Black racism. Despite a summer of performative It’s the same playbook that’s familiar statements, social media posts, and to Indigenous people in Canada, who Petition calls for shakeup in nuclear genuflecting, few are ready or demon- have to keep listening to the Liberal strably committed to follow up with real, government repeat the refrain about how reporting responsibility, say advocates concrete actions that indicate a desire to no relationship is more important to the tackle and eradicate systemic racism. country than the one with them, while the e: “Who will fix Canada’s nuclear the functions of the regulatory body and On March 9, Prime Minister Justin feds spend millions against them in court. Rgovernance gaps?” (The Hill Times, those of any other body or organization Trudeau was asked about the charges of And for anyone who says Black Ca- March 3, p. 8) concerned with the promotion or utiliza- racism within the Royal Family and the nadians should just have a thicker skin, Environmental Petition 443, submitted tion of nuclear energy.” institution that keeps the House of Wind- since everyone has to deal with problems to the federal auditor general by our orga- Our petition suggests that to address sor, as a family business, running. at work, Ms. Markle summed it up per- nizations in May 2020, noted that changing actual or perceived conflict-of-interest He wouldn’t comment, saying only fectly in speaking about difference in the the reporting relationship of the Canadian issues, the governor-in-council designate that Canada is addressing racism here at experiences between herself and sister-in- Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) could the minister of environment and climate home. Well, how’s that going? law Kate Middleton: “Rude and racist are partly address that agency’s regulatory change as the responsible minister for the When asked by Ms. Winfrey if there not the same.” capture by the nuclear industry. purpose of the Nuclear Safety and Control was anything about their departure from The Hill Times The CNSC president reports to the Act, as allowed by section 2 of the Act. minister of natural resources and the Ole Hendrickson CNSC reports through him to Parliament, Concerned Citizens of Renfrew even though that minister’s powers under County and Area the Nuclear Energy Act include utiliza- Ottawa, Ont. tion of nuclear energy. The Convention on Theresa McClenaghan Nuclear Safety says: “Each Contracting Canadian Environmental Law Party shall take the appropriate steps to Association ensure an effective separation between Toronto, Ont. Supreme Court’s Duffy decision a missed opportunity: retired lawyer n refusing Senator Mike Duffy’s ap- unjustified treatment of one of its mem- Iplication for leave to appeal the deci- bers, at the behest of Stephen Harper’s sion of the Ontario Court of Appeal in his PMO as found as a fact in Justice Charles case, the Supreme Court of Canada has Vaillancourt’s original decision fully exon- missed an opportunity to expand Canada’s erating Mr. Duffy, is totally immune from democracy. It has, rather, endorsed the review. Given the fact that the Senate is OCA’s expansive view of parliamentary unelected, unlike the House of Commons, privilege or immunity to include not only it cannot even be made to answer for its a body’s legislative function, but also its misconduct to the people. If Canadians administrative function, normally subject who believe in a truly democratic society to judicial review in the rest of the country. are not unsettled by the Supreme Court’s The upshot, therefore, is that the Senate ruling, they should be. is now the only federal institution beyond Sean Michael Kennedy the reach of the Charter. Its egregious and Oakville, Ont.

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According to Walbourne, when he of- Gary Walbourne told the fered to show Sajjan physical evidence of the allegation in question the minister committee he expected jumped back from the table like a scalded cat while muttering “no.” the minister to ‘do his job,’ Walbourne told the committee that he but by his own admission, had gone to Sajjan to seek advice as to how to proceed with this difficult situation. Harjit Sajjan did take almost The origins of the complaint stemmed Retired General Jonathan Vance, left, Admiral Art McDonald, and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. immediate action by notifying from a 2012 email sent from the Canadian Anyone who perpetuates the culture of silence that allows abusers to go unpunished should be Forces account of then Maj.-Gen. Vance to a female corporal. Allegedly, the corporal fired or removed from their post, including the minister of defence, writes Erica Ifill.The Hill Times the Privy Council Office. photographs by Andrew Meade, and photograph courtesy of Twitter had met Vance unofficially and asked him for some career advice. The email response gender harassment (no, sex and gender from Vance’s account is alleged to have in- Canada’s military command aren’t the same), unwanted sexual atten- cluded an invitation for the corporal to join tion, and sexual coercion. Vance has been him on a clothing-optional beach vacation. is looking like the fatigue accused of all three, with Major Kellie Six years later, the corporal brought Brennan’s Global News interview demon- Vance’s email to the attention of Wal- section of Peter Nygard’s strating how sexual coercion was used to bourne’s office. Apparently, she did not clothing empire. ensure control and the continuation of the want to bring a formal complaint against exploitation: “When you’re in that situation, Vance—who was by then CDS—and for you can’t get out. It’s your boss.” Sexual privacy reasons, she did not want her iden- harassment is abusive, and abusers in the tity revealed. military are allowed to proliferate and Scott Taylor One can easily understand Walbourne’s dilemma. The office of the ombudsman has roam free like uncaged predatory animals. Inside Defence Brennan’s heartbreaking interview no authority to investigate such matters— revealed that her commanding officer, there was no formal complaint launched upon knowing of her relationship with TTAWA—Last week, the burgeoning and the victim of the alleged impropriety Vance, also tried to coerce sex from her. Omilitary sexual misconduct scandal wished to remain anonymous. The Canadian military is a waste dump of was highlighted by the appearance of In his testimony, Walbourne told the toxic masculinity that goes unnoticed—and former Canadian Forces ombudsman Gary committee that by bringing this to the at- even when noticed and complained about, Walbourne before a parliamentary commit- tention of Sajjan he expected the minister Erica Ifill goes unpunished. It’s a demoralizing cycle tee. In his March 3 testimony, Walbourne to “do his job,” not to “do nothing.” However, by Walbourne’s own admis- Bad+Bitchy of toxic male power that goes unchallenged. claimed that in 2018, he had notified For people suffering from this harm (as the Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan of an al- sion, Sajjan did take almost immediate ac- Lincoln Project affair shows, victims can legation of sexual impropriety purportedly tion by notifying the Privy Council Office ALGARY—This year’s International also be men) there is no recourse, no relief, perpetrated by the then-chief of defence CWomen’s Day was marked by the and Sajjan, in his refusal to hear the com- staff, General Jonathan Vance. Continued on page 27 biggest interview of the decade: Meghan plaint, confirmed his silence. Markle, Duchess of Sussex, later joined In 2015, former Supreme Court of by Prince Harry, spilled some scalding hot Canada justice Marie Deschamps issued royal tea. What this interview revealed, a report on the Canadian military: “One besides that the Firm is racist, is the culture of the key findings of the External Re- of silence, resulting in a lack of support view Authority (the ERA) is that there is that drove the couple stateside. an underlying sexualized culture in the Silence is violence. CAF that is hostile to women and LGTBQ And it was this silence that the Trudeau members, and conducive to more serious government seemed to have employed incidents of sexual harassment and as- concerning the investigation of the sexual sault. Cultural change is therefore key. It is misconduct allegations against General not enough to simply revise policies or to COMMUNITY NOTICE Jonathan Vance, or was it his replacement, repeat the mantra of ‘zero tolerance.’” This Admiral Art McDonald? No, it must’ve launched Operation Honour, a response to ANNUAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM been Vance’s successor as commander of the misogynistic culture of the military. Too Joint Task Force Afghanistan, General Dan- bad it was launched by the aforementioned Every year, CN is required to clear its right-of-way of any vegetation that may pose iel Ménard. Vance. Imagine launching a complaint of a safety hazard. Vegetation on railway right-of-way, if left uncontrolled, can contribute Canada’s military command is looking sexual harassment against your command- to trackside fires and impair proper inspection of track infrastructure. like the fatigue section of Peter Nygard’s ing officer to another sexual harasser who clothing empire. is supposed to punish sexual harassment. Last week, another bombshell dropped Please stop with the misogynistic merry- For safe railway operations, CN will conduct its annual vegetation control program on during the House National Defence go-round. its rail lines in the province of Ontario. A certified professional will be applying herbicides Committee’s investigation into what the Anyone who perpetuates the culture of on wand around the railway tracks (primarily along the 16 feet graveled area/ballast). Liberals did and did not know about the silence that allows abusers to go unpun- allegations against Vance: former military ished should be fired or removed from All product requirements for setbacks in the vicinity of dwellings, aquatic environments ombudsman Gary Walbourne claimed to their post, including the minister of de- and municipal water supplies will be met. have told Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan fence. In a post-MeToo world, this response about the Vance allegations three years pri- from the head of any organization is The program is expected to take place from April to October 2021. or. The Liberal government of feminists— unconscionable. This government contin- sorry, intersectional feminists—seemed to ues to use women to build their brand, says Visit www.cn.ca/vegetation to see the list of cities as well as the updated schedule. have again protected abusers. all the right things, but when their position Happy International Women’s Day. demands leadership on acting on behalf of For more information, contact the CN Public Inquiry Line at [email protected] In their paper, Gender Harassment: victims of abuse, they’re silent. The truth is, or 1-888-888-5909. Broadening Our Understanding of Sex- the question as to whether or not they be- Based Harassment at Work, Emily Leski- lieve women needs to be amended to: “what nen, Lilia Cortina, and Dana Kabat define are they going to do about it?” And the sexual harassment. The banner of sexual answer for this government is, “nothing.” cn.ca harassment (or sex-based harassment, an Erica Ifill is a co-host of the Bad+Bitchy updated term that emphasizes sex, rather podcast. than sexual desire) has three categories: The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Good intentions not enough to Why accuracy crack colonial walls and facts count When information and keeping marginalized related issues of credibility no longer shape public women out of politics discourse, democracy winds up being defined by It is impossible to build they couldn’t do anything for me when I theatrics, misinformation, would catch them off guard in hallways The Conservatives, led by Erin O’Toole, who trust in institutions that or at social gatherings. ultra-partisanship, and is pictured on March 2, can’t be said to have In her interview with Oprah, Meghan steered clear of the internet craziness that has continue to facilitate harm Markle said: “I regret believing them hate-mongering. contributed to extremism and violence in the when they said I would be protected.” I’m U.S. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade against marginalized not a Black woman, I can never under- women and our stand the anti-Black racism that Markle, and special measures for safely conducting and women in politics like Celina Caesar- a national election. But the Conservatives communities, no matter Chavannes experienced on a daily basis, rejected this claim, arguing the government But her words brought me to tears as has failed to properly use its parliamentary how many viral hashtags they reminded me of the amount of hope levers. Conservatives also say Prime Min- and trust that I, and so many other Black, ister Justin Trudeau is just trying to find an they give us. Indigenous, and racialized women, put excuse to force an election. into civic institutions such as the Par- This is fitting, since Erin O’Toole and liament of Canada when we choose to his party have not done a great deal since engage with our democracy, knowing Les Whittington his election as Conservative leader to show well that these systems were not only not Need to Know what they stand for other than their per- created to support us, but also to actively sonal dislike for Trudeau and their hopes eradicate or oppress our communities. It of ousting him. That, and trying to incite reminded me of how I expected Members TTAWA—With Republicans doing frustration and anger among the public of Parliament and staffers to take action Oeverything they could in the U.S. Con- over the rollout of vaccines. against a political culture that normalizes gress to hold up passage of a COVID-19 In terms of information, the Conserva- and facilitates rape and sexual harass- aid package, Sen. Ron Johnson forced tives still blame Trudeau for the wind-down of ment. Senate clerks to spend 10 hours and 43 plans for the Energy East pipeline, despite the Arezoo Najibzadeh But the reality is that our political minutes last week reading the entire 628- obvious fact that Quebec is dead set against Opinion culture is based on colonial institutions, page bill into the Congressional record. it. Conservatives opposing the federal carbon built on an ongoing legacy of rape and The US$1.9 trillion relief package, which tax never mention the fact households are to genocide that dictates the everyday expe- was eventually passed in the Senate after receive $600-to-$1,000 rebates. ntering Canadian politics as a 15-year- riences of Black, Indigenous, and racial- an all-night voting session, is meant to help After Julie Payette resigned as governor Eold immigrant, I had no idea how my ized women, transgender, and Two-Spirit some of the 9.5 million people who have lost general, O’Toole suggested Trudeau would trust in our civic institutions would erode people. Markle being pushed out of the their jobs in the past year. It enjoys biparti- try to manipulate the choice of the next GG as a result of systemic racism and mi- royal family, Jody Wilson-Raybould be- san support among voters. But Republicans, to help Trudeau personally if the next GG sogyny. ing kicked out of the Liberal caucus, and who stood by while former president Don- had to rule on the fate of the current minori- When I was 16, I was sexually as- me leaving politics as a result of sexual ald Trump was running up historic budget ty government—an insinuation as absurd as saulted at my first Young Liberal policy violence are not anomalies, but are the deficits totalling $3.5-trillion even without it was nasty, since everyone knows modern conference in Windsor, Ont., where I products of a white-supremacist political the pandemic, complain the legislation is an GGs are not at all inclined to go against the knew only a handful of other delegates, culture that seeks to silence Black, Indig- irresponsible Democratic spending spree. wishes of the country’s elected leader. and did not know about the structures enous, and racialized women’s voices and The Republicans worked to reduce the The Conservatives can’t be said to have and people to whom I could turn for diminish our power. unemployment benefits in the bill and steered clear of the internet craziness that has support. By the time I began volunteer- Our political institutions were not helped kill a provision to increase the mini- contributed to extremism and violence in the ing on the Hill at the age of 18, I had created to serve marginalized women, mum wage gradually to $15 an hour by U.S. Pierre Poilievre, the former finance critic, experienced sexual violence three times and definitely not to keep us safe. No 2025 versus the current $7.25 that has been has promoted the “great reset” conspiracy at political gatherings, and another two amount of surface-level representation in place since 2009. theory maintaining that COVID is a plot by times by the time I left Ottawa eight or reforms are going to change that. This is the Republican party that, under global elites to take over the world. Ontario months later. In order to add an adequate number of Trump, claimed to be the champions of the MP Cheryl Gallant says the Liberals want to In Ottawa, unlike Windsor, I turned to marginalized women and meaningfully “forgotten” workers who were suffering as a legalize sex with children. Former leadership Members of Parliament from across the change politics, we need to challenge result of the elites. What’s astounding is that candidate Leslyn Lewis compared federal aisle, Senators, and staffers to ask for imperialist, white-supremacist, capital- this kind hypocrisy and total lack of consis- COVID relief spending to a “socialist coup.” help and demand accountability. Though ist, patriarchal power, as put by Black tency on policy and promises may not make And then there’s Derek Sloan, the far-right I was unaware of policies aimed at sup- feminist scholar bell hooks, as the basis much difference to Republicans. A recent MP and anti-masker O’Toole once defended porting me, most of which I now know for our political culture. It is impossible poll found, for instance, that 76 per cent of but has since thrown out of the caucus—to were not survivor-centred and trauma- to build trust in institutions that con- Republicans still believe Trump’s lie that the the annoyance of some Conservatives. informed, this time I knew enough peo- tinue to facilitate harm against margin- presidential election was stolen. O’Toole is in fact trying to talk his way ple preaching #AddWomenChangePoli- alized women and our communities, no When information and related issues of through the balancing act of courting the tics who I thought would stand up for matter how many viral hashtags they credibility no longer shape public dis- Conservatives’ social-conservative wing and support me as I continued to fight give us. course, democracy winds up being defined while saying he is pro-abortion and in favour for my place, and my safety in Canadian Canada’s #FeministRecovery must by theatrics, misinformation, ultra-parti- of gay rights. Also, the Conservatives are politics. I was in for a rude awakening. include a systemic feminist and anti-racist sanship, and hate-mongering. In Canada, hoping, à la Trump, to enlist new support Soon after coming forward, I was overhaul of our political culture, covering this reflection of the digital Wild West and from blue-collar Canadians. Ignoring the asked to “not come to the office” by my every corner—from Parliament Hill to elec- the decline in trust in government institu- fact that the former Harper government tried immediate supervisor and gaslit by a toral riding associations and grassroots tions is by no means as severe as south of to undermine labour unions, O’Toole has “feminist” Member of Parliament who movements—and strengthen the determi- the border. But it is happening. praised organized labour and promised to told me that she would “advocate” on my nants of civic engagement, like economic Like Republicans in Washington, the fed- help working Canadians. However, he hasn’t behalf. Her caucus colleagues told me security and access to education, among eral Conservatives appear intent on slowing given any indication of how this would be two years later that she had never uttered marginalized women. Otherwise, what’s the allocation of COVID aid to the public accomplished other than criticizing China a word about my experience. Members the point of building a perception of trust as a means of limiting the Liberals’ ability and suggesting Canada’s elites are to blame of Parliament from across the political in civic institutions that is quicker to shat- to claim they protected Canadians and suc- for the problems of average people. spectrum who were preaching about ter than the glass ceilings we’re supposed ceeded in sparking a post-COVID recovery. It’s hard to gauge the impact of this kind the importance of a 30 per cent critical to overcome? In an interview with Canadian Press, Liber- of thing in Canada, but there’s no doubt mass of women in politics and applaud- Arezoo Najibzadeh is the co-founder als said the Conservatives are systemati- where it has left our neighbours to the south. ing Justin Trudeau’s expulsion of two and managing director of Platform. Follow cally blocking the government’s Commons Les Whittington is a regular columnist Liberal MPs accused of sexual violence, her on Twitter @ArezooJaan. agenda, including legislation authorizing for The Hill Times. stopped answering my calls and told me The Hill Times billions of dollars in pandemic-related aid The Hill Times Abbey • Abbotsford • Abee • Aberdeen • Abernethy • Acton • Acton Vale • Adstock • Agassiz • Ailsa Craig • Air Ronge • Airdrie • Ajax • Akwesane • Akwesasne • Alban • Albanel • Aldergrove • Alert bay • Alexander • Alexandria • Alix • Alkali Lake • Allan • Allanburg • Alliance • Alliston • Alma • Almonte • Alonsa • Alouette • Alton • Altona • Alvena • Alvinston • Alymer • Amaranth • Amherst • Amherstburg • Amos • Anahim Lake • Ancaster • Angus • Anishnawbek • Anola • Anten Mills • Antigonish • Anzac • Appin • Apsley • Arborfield • Arborg • Arcola • Ariss • Arkona • Armstrong • Arnprior • Arthur • Ascot Corner • Ashcroft • Ashton • Assiniboia • Astorville • 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Shores • Lanark We can’t• Lancaster do it• Lancaster alone. Park • L'Ancienne Lorette • Landmark • Langdon • L'Ange Gardien • Langenburg • Langford • Langham • Langley • Lanley • L'Anse-Saint-Jean • Lantzville • Lashburn • L'Assomption • Laterriere • Laval • Lavaltrie • Laverlochère • Lax Kw'Alaams • Leader • Leaf Rapids • LeaksdaleHelp us, • Leask help • Lebel families sur Quevillion stay close.• Lefaivre Visit • Lefroy therealcost.ca • Legal • Leoville • L'Épiphanie • Les Côteux • Les Hauteurs • Les Méchins • Leslieville • L'Étang du Nord • Lethbridge • Levack • Lévis • Lillooet • Limehouse • Limoges • Lindell Beach • Linden • Listowel • Listowel • Listuguj • Little Grand Rapids • Little Saskatchewan • Livelong • Lively • Lloydminster • Lockport • Logan Lake • Lombardy • Long Plains • Long Sault • Longford Mills • Longlac • Longue Pointe de Mingan • Loon Lake • Lorette • Loretto • L'Original • Lorrainville • Louiseville • Lourdes de Joliette • Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon • Lowe Farms • Lower Nicola • Lucknow • Luckville • Lumbsden • Lumby • Lundbreck • Luseland • Lynn • Lynn Lake • Macamic MacGregor • Mackenzie • Macklin • Macrorie • Mactier • Magog • Magrath • Maidstone • Maidstone • Maitland • Malahide • Malakwa • Malartic • Manitowaning • Maniwaki • Maniwaki • Manotick • Manouane • Mantaro • Maple Creek • Maple Ridge • Marathon • Marchand • Marengo • Markdale • Markstay • Marmora • Marquette • Marwayne • Mashteuiath • Maskinongé • Maskwacis • Masset • Matapedia • Mather • Matheson • Matlock • Maxville • Maxwell • Maymont • Maynooth • McArthurs Mills • McBride • McDonalds Corners • McDougall • McGrath • McGregor • M'Chigeeng • McKerrow • Meacham • Meadow Lake • Melancthon • Melfort • Melita • Melville • Merlin • Merrickvile • Merritt • Messines • Metabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix • Metcalf • Metiskow • Miami • Middle Lake • Midhurst • Midland • Midway • Mildmay • Mill Bay • Millbank • Millbrook • Minburn • Mindemoya • Minden • Minitonas • Mirabel • Mirror • Mission • Mississauga • Mitchell • Mobert • Mobert • Moisie • Monkton • Mono • Mont- Carmel • Mont Nebo • Mont Tremblant • Mont-Carmel • Montebello • Mont-Laurier • Montreal Lake • Mont-Tremblant • Moose Factory • Moose Jaw • Moose Lake • Moosomin • Morden • Morin Heights • Morissburg • Morley • Morpeth • Morris • Mount Albert • Mount Brydges • Mount Currie • Mount Hope • Mount Pleasant • Mountain • Mudochville • Mullingar • Murillo • Nakusp • Namur • Nanaimo • Nanoose Bay • Nantes • Nanticoke • Nanton • Napierville • Naramata • Narol • Natashquan • Naughton • Neebing • Neepawa • Neilburg • Nelson • Nelson House • Nelson River • Némiscau • Neuanlage • Neustadt • Neville • New Aiyansh • New Denver • New Lowell • New Market • New Norway • New Richmond • New Tecumseth • New Westminster •Newcastle • Newington • Newport • Newstow • Newton • Nipawin • Nipigon • Nipissing • Niverville • Nobleford • Nobleton • Nokomis • Nomininque • Norland • Norquay • North Hatley • North Augusta • North Battleford • North Gower • North Lancaster • North Saanich • North York • Norway House • Norwich • Notre Dame de la Merci • Notre Dame de la Salette • Notre Dame de Stanbridge • Notre Dame des Neiges • Notre Dame des Prairies • Notre Dame du Laus • Notre Dame du Mont Carmel • Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes • Notre-Dame-des-Monts • Notre-Dame-des-Pins • Notre-Dame-du-Nord • Oak River • Oakbank • Oakbluff • Oakview • Oakville • Oakwood • Obedjiwan • Odessa • Ogema • Ohsweken • Ohsweken • Okanagan Falls • Okotoks • Oldcastle • Olds • Oliver • Onanole • Onaping • Onion Lake • Onoway • Opasatika • Opaskwayak Cree Nation • Orléan • Ormstown • Oro-Medonte • Orono • Osgoode • Oshweken • Osnaburgh House • Osoyoos • Otter Lake • Ouje Bougounou • Outlook • Oxbow • Oxford House • Oxford Mills • Oyen • Pabos • Pabos Mills • Packington • Paddle Prairie • Paddockwood • Pain Court • Paisley • Pakenham • Pakenhan • Pakwaw Lake • Palamrolle • Palgrave • Palmerston • Paris • Parkhill • Parksville • Parry Sound • Patuanak • Pauingassi • Paynton • Peachland • Pefferlaw • Peguis First Nation • Pelican Narrows • Pelly • Pemberton • Pembroke • Pender Island • Penetanguishene • Penhold • Penticton • Perdue • Pessamit • Petawawa • Petersburg • Petersfield • Petite-Rivière-St-François • Petrolia • Phelpston • Picture Butte • Piedmont • Pierceland • Pierreville • Pikangikum • Pike Bay • Pilot Butte • Pilot Mound • Pinantan Lake • Pine Creek • Pine Falls • Pine River • Pipestone • Pitt Meadows • Plainfield • Plantagenet • Plattsville • Plenty • Plum Coulee • Plumas • Pohenegamook • Pointe Fortune • Pointe-aux-Outardes • Poltypool • Ponoka • Pont Rouge • Ponteix • Porcupine Plain • Port Alberni • Port Colborne • Port Coquitlam • Port Elgin • Port Franks • Port Franks • Port Hardy • Port Hope • Port Lambton • Port McNeill • Port Perry • Port Robinson • Port Simpson • Port Stanley • Portage la Prairie • Port-Quartier • Poulaires • Powassan • Powassan • Powell River • Preeceville • Prespatou • Prévost • Prince Albert • Prince Rupert • Princeton • Pronton Station • Proulxville • Provost • Pukatawagan • Purple Springs • Qualicum Beach • Québec • Queen Charlotte • Quesnel • Quinte West • R.D. County • Radison • Rainy River • Rapid Danseur • Rapid Lake • Rapid View • Red Cliff •Red Deer • Red Earth • Red Earth Creek • Red Pheasant FN • Red Sucker Lake • Redcliff • Redvers • Regina • Reinfeld • Rémigny • Renefrew • Repentigny • Repentigny • Reston • Revelstoke • Richards Landing • Richer • Richmond • Ridgetown • Ridgeville • Ridgeway • Rigaud • Rimbey • Rimouski • Ripley • Riske Creek • River • River Hills • Riverton • Rivière du Loup • Rivière Rouge • Rivière-du-Loup • Roberts Creek • Roberval • Roberval • Roblin • Rocky Moutain House • Roland • Rollet • Roquemaure • Rose Valley • Rosedale • Rosedale Valley • Rosemary • Roseneath • Rosenfeld • Rosenort • Rosetown • Rosseau • Rosser • Rosslyn • Rosthern • Round Lake Centre • Rouyn Noranda • Ruscom Station • Rush Lake • Ruthilda • Ruthven • Saanich • Sagamok • Sageen • Sagkeeng • Saguenay • Saint Andre Avelin • Saint Quentin • Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer • Saint-Cyprien • Sainte-Flavie • Sainte-Praxede • Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande • Saint-Noel • Saint-Quentin • Salem • Salmon Arm • Salt Spring Island • Saltcoats • Sandy Bay • Sandy Hook • Sandy Lake • Sarto • Sauble Beach • Sawyerville • Scanterbury • Scarborough • Schreiber • Schumacher • Scotland • Scott • Seaforth • Sechelt • Sedley • Seeley's Bay • Seguin • Selwyn • Senneterre • Severn Bridge • Sexsmith • Shamattawa • Shannonville • Sharon • Shaunavon • Shawinigan • Shawinigan • Shawnigan Lake • Shefford • Sheho • Shell Lake • Shellbrook • Sherrington • Shigawake • Shipshaw • Shoal Lake • Shuniah • Sidney • Siksika • Singhampton • Sioux Look Out • Sioux Lookout • Sioux Valley Dakota Nation • Skagkeeng • Skead • Skowonan • Slate River • Slave Lake • Slocan Park • Smiley • Smith Falls • Smithers • Smiths Falls • Snow Lake • Sointula • Sooke • Sorel Tracy • South Bruce Peninsula • South Gillies • South Hazelton • South Indian Lake • South Mountain • South River • South surrey • South Woodslee • Southend • Spanish • Speers • Spencerville • Spencerville • Sperling • Spiritwood • Split Lake • Spragge • Sprague • Spring Bay • Springfield • Springwater • Spruce Home • Squamish • St Charles de Bourget • St Alexis des Monts • St Ambroise de Kildare 12 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Arigato Canada, a friend indeed

The March 11, th try almost instantaneously lost 3.8 live. Radiation air-dose rate levels On the 10 anniversary per cent of its total GDP, making 2011, earthquake in major cities in Fukushima it the costliest natural disaster was the mightiest Prefecture have been on par with of the Great East in world history. The subsequent one ever recorded figures in major cities such as tsunamis triggered a nuclear ac- in Japan. Many London, New York, Beijing, and Japan Earthquake, cident at the Tokyo Electric Power Canadians Seoul. We are taking steady steps I believe that Japan Company’s (TEPCO) Fukushima extended a hand towards the decommissioning of Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, to the Japanese the damaged TEPCO’s Fukushima should repay Canada’s and 165,000 people in total were people and the Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. evacuated from their homes. generosity of spirit Japan received such enormous generous support by We fell to rock bottom and suf- of Canadians deeply support and heartwarming encour- fered, but we were not left alone. touched our hearts, agement for reconstruction, I cannot paying forward to help Soon, we received an overflowing writes Japanese find words to properly thank the fed- our friends in their of generous and compassionate Ambassador eral and provincial governments and support and solidarity from the Yasuhisa Kawamura. the people of Canada. But we cannot efforts to improve international community, includ- Flickr photograph by rest on our laurels. Our two coun- ing Canada. Hikaru Kazushime tries are located in the Indo-Pacific their own safety and Many Canadians extended a region, which is the fastest-growing hand to the Japanese people. The area in the world and a potential stability. generosity of spirit of Canadians in Canada, and with it renewed participation of women, children, source of global prosperity. But the deeply touched our hearts. An dreams of a brighter future. and physically handicapped people. region has proven to be disaster- eight-year-old boy and his father Japan received tremendous Japan’s experience and expertise prone, vulnerable to earthquakes, drove 1,400 kilometres from international support, and we feel with earthquake and disaster typhoons, and volcanoes. Moreover, Halifax to Ottawa to personally that we have a moral obligation to prevention have been transferred climate change and the current deliver senbazuru (1,000 origami doubly repay such goodwill through to and shared by more than 3,000 pandemic are adding the region’s cranes), with the message “We are our own efforts to build safer and administrators and engineers from challenges. The rules-based order with you,” to our Embassy. The securer communities around the 120 countries following then-prime and safety of each individual must Government of Canada delivered globe. In 2015, Japan hosted a UN minister Shinzo Abe’s commitment be preserved first and foremost, and thermal blankets to shelters, conference in Sendai, which adopt- to human capacity building at the the region needs a multifaceted, joint providing warmth to as many ed new international guiding princi- Sendai Conference. endeavour to face imminent threats as 25,000 evacuees who would ples for disaster risk reduction. The Ten years after the devasta- to those priorities. Yasuhisa Kawamura have been exposed to the cold guideline underscores ex ante pre- tion, Japan has fully restored its On the 10th anniversary of the Opinion and snowy weather. Ambassador ventive infrastructure investments damaged lifeline infrastructure Great East Japan Earthquake, Jonathan Freed and staff from and ex post “building back better” of roads, railways, ports, and air- I believe that Japan should the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo measures by taking a community- ports, and the region’s industrial repay Canada’s generous sup- t was in the afternoon of March served 1,000 Canadian beef steak based, inclusive approach. Against output of 2020 has recovered, and port by paying forward, in joint I11, 2011, that the Great East Japan bowls to evacuees. Five thousand this backdrop, countries that drew even surpassed that of pre-2011 co-operation, to help our friends Earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.0, Canada-donated portable survey up disaster-prevention plans almost levels. Evacuation orders have in their efforts to improve their shook Japan. Tsunamis washed over meters were instrumental in doubled from 47 in 2017 to 91 in been lifted in approximately 98 own safety and stability. Arigato, cities and towns, destroyed 400,000 guiding the nuclear emergency 2019. In the Indo-Pacific region, per cent of the Fukushima prefec- Canada. A friend in need is truly homes and killed 19,000, pushing response units in Fukushima. One countries like Fiji and Solomon tural area, which made possible a friend indeed. 470,000 people into shelters. hundred and fifty affected boys Islands worked together with Japan the return of 128,000 evacuees Yasuhisa Kawamura is the It was the mightiest earthquake and girls were given the generous to develop a community-based back to their homes in the towns Japanese ambassador to Canada. ever recorded in Japan. The coun- opportunities to study English disaster prevention plan with the and villages where they used to The Hill Times

next day I was informed not to (“If you want to get anything send the jacket back; as for my done in this country, you have to A cautionary tale for National US$50 payment, I would receive complain till you’re blue in the a $2 refund. “Is it acceptable for mouth!”) I wrote, in great detail, you? If you really don’t want to how I had been defrauded. The Fraud Prevention Month keep it, you could send it to your reply: “Please do not reply to e- family or friends as a gift or sell it mails.” to someone who likes it … Have a So, I called PayPal, speaking It comes from my time as a radio names, and addresses until they nice day!” loudly to some poor sod in the I pride myself in reporter and sometime disc jock- realize I am onto them. Now, they Of course, it wasn’t accept- U.S. Midwest. He assured me I ey. It was always great filler to ring my number and hang up. I able. I (not politely) wrote they would get my money back, and puncturing frauds, throw in 20 seconds on whatever am hurt. were operating in Canada, they the seller would be watched and I may now be “national day” it happened to be. However, I let my guard down had to follow standard busi- carefully. Meanwhile, Rebecca/ For example, March 4 was recently in making a purchase ness practices, I would send Svyatoslav have now offered me on a do-not-call list National Grammar Day, which advertised online by a company the jacket back and expected a $5. I could have levered to correct called Noplum. As the Beatles new one or a refund. The reply: Last week, my son’s partner for scammers, but I the laggards online who write “I once sang, I should have known “While according to our sub- wrote friends to say she was col- should of went.” And only the lac- better. stantial experience, it will cost lecting clothing for the homeless let my guard down tose intolerant would not cele- The facts are these: I saw a you 20USD for shipping the in Montreal. By a stroke of luck, brate National Fettuccine Alfredo great bargain—US$50 for a three- product back to us, and custom- I happened to have a brand-new recently. Day (Feb. 7). I am looking for- season windbreaker. I received ers must pay the fee … In this three-season windbreaker for her. ward to April 13, National Blame it a week later, but it didn’t fit. A situation, how about we provide The moral of the story: if it Someone Else Day, although it friendly email from the company a 3USD refund for this order to seems too good to be true, it prob- really should take place during an arrived the next day, asking if my show our sincere apology? … ably is. And if you shop online, election campaign. purchase had arrived and was Have a nice day!” first make sure the company is The reason I cite these days satisfactory. I wrote back to say it This continued on, so I decided reputable. is that March is National Fraud had but was not, and could I send to approach PayPal, which had Happy National Fraud Preven- Prevention Month, which the it back and receive a new one? processed the transaction. It took tion Month. federal government is promoting The reply the next day was me some time to find their com- Andrew Caddell is retired to ensure Canadians don’t fall for signed by someone named “Re- plaints line, but I was eventually from Global Affairs Canada, frauds like the “Canada Rev- becca,” although the e-mail came assured everything would be fine where he was a senior policy enue Agency” scam, the “Service from “Svyatoslav.” They wrote: “So by a pleasant voice on the phone. adviser. He previously worked Andrew Caddell Canada” scam, and the “friend sorry for the trouble caused you.” A few days went by, and I was as an adviser to Liberal gov- With All Due Respect who needs money in Spain” scam. I was told to take pictures of the told via email my case had been ernments. He is a fellow with I pride myself in puncturing those jacket and write back. “We will closed without a result, adding the Canadian Global Affairs frauds, and I may now be on a do our best to help you solve the “Do you have any further infor- Institute and a principal of QIT AMOURASKA, QUE.—I have do-not-call list for scammers: I problems … Have a nice day!” mation?” Canada. He can be reached at Kalways been a sucker for happily answer their questions I immediately sent photos of In the vein of John Cleese in [email protected]. commemorative days or months. at length with made-up SINs, the jacket with an e-mail. The Monty Python’s Parrot Sketch The Hill Times March 10, 2021 | The Hill Times Policy Briefing ENERGY

Canada can win the hydrogen race p. 16

For a green recovery, embrace the shifting global energy landscape p. 17

Road map to decarbonization: safe bets versus greenwashing p. 19

Small modular nuclear reactors and net zero carbon emissions by 2050? The math doesn’t add up p. 21 14 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Energy Policy Briefing

board is getting out there early, ‘This is the new order, don’t be shy’: engage communities before deci- sions are made, be inclusive of the community,” he said. “We’ve all got first-hand experience of Indigenous advisory group charts new being on the side of consultation where somebody sets a meeting, the table has dialogue, we say what we say in terms of our rela- path for Canada Energy Regulator tion to the land, the water, those kinds of things. It may or may not be recorded, but ultimately, it is Construction not reflected anywhere.” work on the ‘If they can make Mr. McNeil said consent can Trans Mountain absolutely be achieved, “under the pipeline is that roadmap fit ... right circumstances.” pictured outside “Consent can be achieved I think it’ll grant Valemount, B.C. under the right circumstances. in September I, for one, will be encouraging them a tremendous 2020. Bill that consent or agreement or the C-69 was amount of confidence participation in the project to the brought in, in community’s benefit, because for part, to rework because it takes so too long we’ve been left on the the Crown wayside and all these develop- much uncertainty consultation ments happen all around us. But process many of us want to be a part of off the table,’ with energy it, but we want high standards projects. Flickr of environment, we want some says Indigenous photograph by employment, some financial Adam Jones Advisory Committee resources out of it, even some equity out of it.” chairperson Tyrone Ms. De Silva said it was impor- McNeil. tant to note that the CER’s focus on better respecting Indigenous rights won’t just be reflected in a Continued from page 1 potential project’s early stages. Mr. McNeil, however, is look- “We are a lifecycle regulator. ing to change that. We’re looking at having the input “I think, if anything, we’re of the IAC on the entire lifecycle going to be providing clar- of a piece of infrastructure,” she ity to industry that if you meet said. “There’s lots in [UNDRIP] these standards and make these that directly impacts our work, processes, you’re very likely to day in day out, so that’s why be green-lighted at the end,” he we’re looking for advice from said in an interview with The Hill this committee about how we can Times last week. move forward better.” “So any proposed project now One of the examples she sees a roadmap in front of them. gave was on how construction If they can make that roadmap fit crews deal with issues like sites within their financial reality and of significance and chance finds where that project is, I think it’ll of culturally significant items or grant them a tremendous amount places. of confidence because it takes so NDP MP Richard Cannings much uncertainty off the table,” (South Okanagan–West Kootenay, he said. B.C.), his party’s natural resourc- “Now it sets a new reality es critic, said the IAC’s advice for everybody. It’s not going to must be “truly heard.” stop development. It’s going to “Whatever role it plays, I think make development pause briefly, the critical thing is that it be lis- rethink their approach, include tened to,” he said. Indigenous peoples earlier on and He said in the past, govern- more meaningfully, and away we ments haven’t taken advisory Tyrone McNeil, interim chairperson go,” Mr. McNeil said. “We’re not bodies like these seriously, which of the Indigenous Advisory stopping development. We’re just has led to some feeling “disil- Committee, says he hopes the body describing processes, maybe dif- lusioned” about the role of the can provide clarity to the energy ferently than others might have Demonstrators supporting the Wet’suwet’en nation against the building of committees. industry. Photograph courtesy of the described it in the past.” the Costal Gasoline pipeline through their traditional territory march through “When I first saw this provi- The Canada Energy Regula- Canada Energy Regulator downtown Ottawa on Feb. 24, 2020. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade sion in C-69, my concern was that tor’s IAC was formed in August this is a government response to 2020 and held its first meeting a a legitimate concern, and it could month later. In February 2021, the having conversations at the high “Since the committee was how we move forward on things be a very useful thing, or it could Committee and the CER board level, knowing that we can’t rep- established at the end of August, like that.” be really ignored,” he said. endorsed its terms of reference resent individual communities at we’ve spent a fair amount of time Because the IAC is more Conservative MP Jamie outlining its goals, principles, and that level,” Mr. McNeil said together … particularly around geared toward providing high- Schmale (Haliburton–Kawartha mandate. “We’re trying to take a high- the strategic priority of reconcili- level strategic advice, they’ll be Lakes–Brock, Ont.), his party’s The CER, which replaced the level view of things and assist ation. That’s a really big part of focusing on how they “can have critic for Crown-Indigenous rela- National Energy Board after Bill the CER in coming to grips with our new mission. That was a re- conversations that help guide and tions, said in an emailed response C-69 received royal assent in June what does reconciliation mean to ally useful exchange,” she said. prepare the CER to have different that his party believes “that the 2019, was required by the legisla- a federal regulator? When you put Implementing UNDRIP, which conversations at the community path to reconciliation lies in taking tion to establish an Indigenous that on the table, you can’t help is mentioned in C-69, is written level when you’re thinking about a meaningful action to improve the advisory body. but put the Calls to Action on the into the IAC’s terms of reference project or thinking about approv- lives of Indigenous peoples and The IAC doesn’t have decision- table, put UNDRIP on the table, and the CER’s strategic plan. ing a project. It’s about our ability ensuring that they can fully par- making power. It’s intended to and layering in the context that Gitane De Silva, CEO of the to inform and advise the CER to ticipate in Canada’s economy,” and provide strategic advice to the the CER is the Crown,” he said. CER, said the board “is taking be at a better starting place when it’s his hope that the IAC will “add CER board on how to approach “As the CER is shaping itself to policies to the IAC just as we’re you hit the ground with communi- to this dialogue and help further things like Crown consultations, the Act [C-69], we’re here helping starting to form them.” ties,” Mr. McNeil said. advance economic reconciliation.” implementing the United Na- guide” “For example, our approach One of the ways Mr. McNeil He said the IAC “is a step in tions Declaration on the Rights For Cassie Doyle, chairperson on Crown consultation. We take said he envisions the regulator the right direction to provide of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), of the CER’s board of directors, that to the committee for feed- being at a “better starting place” clarity and certainty for the re- and the Truth and Reconciliation the consultations with the IAC back and insight and advice. is to put more work into getting source sector,” which is integral to Commission’s Calls to Action. have already helped her “flesh How we move forward in imple- free, prior, and informed consent. economic recovery in the natural “From my perspective, it’s out” how the regulator should menting UNDRIP, we take that to “When we’re talking about resource sector and beyond. about us being at a table with approach reconciliation in the the committee and have conver- free, prior informed consent, one [email protected] the CER, through the board, and regulator’s strategic plan. sations, and it’ll help us prioritize of the things we messaged to the The Hill Times Clean energy, off the grid. Made by bold research.

A sustainable way to transport clean energy across Canada and the world

One big barrier to a low carbon economy? The lack of a safe, affordable way to transport clean energy. McGill researchers are developing new ways of storing and generating clean energy with reusable metal powders. This technology can help us power remote communities, electrify the transport sector, and trade clean energy across the world.

Jeffrey Bergthorson and Keena Trowell 16 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Energy Policy Briefing Canada’s electrified Canada can win future is a challenge, the hydrogen race but one we can achieve hydrogen—but Canada, rich in resources We already have the from fresh water to electricity, can. Canada has the energy With federal and provincial government resources we need to support, the University of British Columbia resources, engineering is also exploring new technologies, policies, surpass our competitors in and business models enabled by hydro- know-how, and historical the hydrogen race—we just gen, using artificial intelligence and digital twins to manage smart energy districts. The precedent to meet this level need to focus on what can be Integrated Energy Testbed will transform a city block in the Vancouver campus into an of growth. achieved during and beyond innovation platform that will link hydrogen to solar energy and smart electric vehicle a narrow transition period. charging infrastructure. Once demonstrat- ed, these new solutions can be deployed in The significant existing hydro capacity that provides other cities and countries around the world. the majority of the country’s electricity today can These ideas are not new (I published my also act as a battery to facilitate integration of low- first student paper on hydrogen in 1998), cost, but variable, technologies like wind and solar, but the politics, markets, and technolo- whose costs have fallen dramatically in the past gies were never as ready as they are now. decade, write Sara Hastings-Simon and Tim Weis. At the 2019 G20 Summit, the Hydrogen Pixabay photograph by Ed White Council (a group of more than 90 compa- nies including Microsoft) estimated that by Sara Hastings-Simon & Tim Weis energy sources are available for free and 2050, hydrogen could supply 18 per cent Opinion unused wind or sunlight creates no waste. of final energy, eliminate six gigatonnes of Despite the efficiency improvements Walter Mérida carbon emissions, generate $2.5-trillion in electric machines present over their thermal Opinion annual sales, and create 30 million jobs. A recent survey found nearly 70 per cent of counterparts, electrification will require a group of 11 European gas companies from ACanadians planning to purchase a new larger grid. A recent Canadian Gas Associa- nine countries proposed a 64-billion euro car in the next five years are likely to buy an tion study found that very deep electrifica- ydrogen is not science fiction. hydrogen pipeline network. More recently, electric vehicle, a result that raises the question tion across all sectors of the economy, with H It is used in the production of steel, Airbus announced three hydrogen airplane about the electricity system’s ability to meet limited efficiency improvements, would lead glass, and fertilizer, oil refining, power gen- designs that could offer zero-emission air the increased demand. In addition to cars, the to an increase in demand from 532 TWh in eration, and industrial heating. Along with travel by 2035. Canadian Pacific is develop- electricity sector is being looked at to displace 2019-2020 to 1130 TWh in 2050, which trans- cars and buses, it can fuel zero-emission ing a hydrogen-powered freight locomo- emissions resulting from the combustion of lates to an annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent. trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes. Hydro- tive, and more recently, Macquarie Capital fuels for home heating and an increasing Canada has the energy resources, engi- gen can store intermittent solar and wind announced a $200-million financing effort number of industrial processes in a transi- neering know-how, and historical precedent power. Moreover, it can connect digital, to build the first green hydrogen plant in tion broadly called “electrification.” To meet to meet this level of growth. While electric- energy, and trade networks—the nervous Chetwynd, B.C. Hydrogen’s potential for increasing demands, electricity generation ity generation has largely plateaued in and metabolic systems of modern civiliza- global impact is rapidly emerging—and the capacity will need to grow, but efficiency ad- Canada just as it has in the U.S. in recent tion. world is catch- vantages inherent in electrification, combined years, historically, electricity production in In Decem- ing up to what with the untapped resources available mean Canada grew at an average rate of 4.8 per ber, the feder- Canada has this is not an impossible challenge—in fact, it cent from 1960 to 1990—almost double the al government long known. is one that Canada has achieved before. high estimate of the required rate of growth announced Critics The first advantage that electricity under an aggressive electrification scenario. its Hydrogen of Canada’s has is that combustion is a low-efficiency Canada’s electricity system is well-posi- Strategy for hydrogen process. Much less input energy is wasted tioned to build off its strengths for this transi- Canada. A strategy could when moving vehicles or heating homes tion. The significant existing hydro capacity clear call argue that it is with electricity, meaning we need less of that provides the majority of the country’s to action, a bit late, not it to serve the same purpose compared to electricity today can also act as a battery to the strat- as expan- burning a fuel to achieve the same result. facilitate integration of low-cost, but variable, egy outlines sive as those For example, in a vehicle, only about 20 to technologies like wind and solar, whose costs hydrogen’s proposed else- 25 per cent of the energy released by burn- have fallen dramatically in the past decade. role in achiev- where, and ing fuel in the internal combustion engine There is no shortage of renewable energy ing net-zero too reliant on Along with cars and buses, hydrogen can fuel zero- ultimately moves the vehicle, while the rest is resources or interest in developing them; in emissions by deployment, emission trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes. It can store unavoidably lost to heat. The low efficiency is fact, in Alberta alone, there are more than 2050. Along demonstra- intermittent solar and wind power and can connect digital, not a failure of engine design—in fact, mod- 8,000 MW of wind and solar already being with high- tion, and links energy, and trade networks. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay ern engines are incredibly well optimized— investigated, more than enough to replace lighting the to the current but simply an unavoidable reality of the limits the annual energy currently being supplied environmen- energy sector. imposed on thermal energy systems by the from coal in the province. Meanwhile new tal benefits of carbon-free hydrogen, the But transitional efforts must be viewed second law of thermodynamics. renewable options are also emerging across strategy proposes how hydrogen adoption through the broader lens of economic In contrast, electric motors can convert the country from geothermal, to tidal, to huge can enable an economic recovery from the recovery and sustainable growth. Beyond more than 77 per cent of their input elec- offshore wind farms, while other, pre-com- extensive COVID-19 damage to so many near- or medium-term opportunities, Can- tricity into moving the car, so they can go mercial technologies such as small nuclear sectors. ada’s human capital, financial know-how, three times as far with the same amount of reactors and carbon capture and storage may Hydrogen can also establish Canada as and research infrastructure can activate an energy put into their “fuel tank.” This means one day be developed. the global leader of sustainable energy sys- innovation ecosystem capable of trans- that only about one-third of the raw energy Building out Canada’s electricity system tem design. We already have the resources forming the entire economy. contained in diesel or gasoline needs to be to meet an electrified future is a challenge, we need to surpass our competitors in the While having room for improvement, replaced with electricity when internal com- one that will require investment, along hydrogen race—we just need to focus on the hydrogen strategy is another step bustion transportation is electrified. with policy and regulatory changes, but the what can be achieved during and beyond a towards the inevitable decarbonization While engines only convert a small thermodynamic efficiencies mean it is less narrow transition period. of our energy system. And it presents a fraction of their fuel’s energy into mo- daunting than it first appears, and one that Canada has been a hydrogen leader for unique opportunity for Canada to use its tion, combustion is much more efficient is well within our ability to deliver. more than a century. The first industrial elec- natural resources to not only produce and when the energy is being used directly Sara Hastings-Simon is a senior re- trolysis plant (1920), the first direct reduction distribute hydrogen to domestic and global for heating; furnace efficiencies can be as searcher at the Payne Institute for Public of iron (1935), the first hydrogen bus (1995) markets, but to solidify its leadership as an high as 98 per cent. However, even in this Policy at the Colorado School of Mines; the and fleet (2010), and the first hydrogen energy giant in the 21st century. sector, thermodynamics affords electricity co-host of the Energy vs Climate podcast; train (2018) all used Canadian technology. Walter Mérida is the associate dean of another advantage, as electric heat pumps and a research fellow at the School of Pub- Canada is the world’s third-largest producer research at the Faculty of Applied Science at can be used to move heat in much the same lic Policy at the University of Calgary. Tim of hydro-power, and it can become a lead- the University of British Columbia. His ca- way your refrigerator does with an effec- Weis is industrial professor in Mechanical ing producer of green hydrogen, which is reer in clean technology started more than tive efficiency of 200 to 300 per cent. Engineering at the University of Alberta, derived from water using energy from solar, 20 years ago and includes work with the Na- Electricity systems aren’t perfectly effi- and executive director of Electricity Re- wind, hydro, or nuclear sources. Not many tional Research Council, British Gas Invest- cient either, but stationary combustion power search at the Centre for Applied Business countries can mine uranium and critical met- ments Canada, and the Fraunhofer Institute plants operate at much higher efficiency than Research in Energy and the Environment. als, manufacture fuel rods and batteries, de- for Solar Energy Systems in Germany. their mobile counterparts, while renewable The Hill Times sign and operate reactors safely, and export The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 17 Policy BriefingEnergy

over the next 10 years, and a key milestone on the way to achieving net-zero green- house gas emissions by 2050. For a green recovery, Canada should take its renewable energy grid plans one step further by working with the United States to develop a cross-border renewable energy grid. Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic embrace the shifting is an opportunity for the two countries to modernize their shared infrastructure. A 100 per cent renewable energy grid would provide provinces and states with more re- liable and affordable clean energy, thereby global energy landscape making these places more resilient. A green recovery offers the opportunity to put in place systems that are equitable and led by the people who will be most Canada is one of the be built to strengthen connections between affected by these changes. Canada still has largest producers of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, build the opportunity to take a substantial share hydroelectricity in connections between western Ontario, of the renewable energy and cleantech the world, and wind Saskatchewan, and eastern Manitoba, and sector. In order to do so, we must embrace and solar energy are connect Alberta and British Columbia’s the shifting global energy landscape and a the fastest growing electricity grids. A national non-emitting green recovery. electricity sources energy grid is one of the best ways to en- Annamie Paul is the leader of the Green in the country— sure that 100 per cent of Canadian electric- Party of Canada. renewable energy ity is produced from renewable sources The Hill Times will create more jobs for workers than those lost in oil and gas, including for people without college degrees, writes Annamie Paul. Flickr photograph by Jeff Electricity. Hitchcock

to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels, it will Canada’s Net Zero Transitioning away from also ensure that workers in the fossil-fuel sector can access stable, high-paying jobs fossil fuels and investing in in an energy sector that is keeping up with Advantage. changing global energy needs. Transition- renewable energy systems ing away from fossil fuels and investing as quickly as possible is a in renewable energy systems as quickly as possible is a key component of a green key component of a green recovery. Canada is one of the largest produc- recovery. ers of hydroelectricity in the world, and wind and solar energy are the fastest growing electricity sources in the coun- try—renewable energy will create more jobs for workers than those lost in oil and gas, including for people without college degrees. Renewable energy generates more jobs in the short run when jobs are scarce, such as in a recession. We also know that every $1-million in investment in renewables generates about eight full- time jobs versus the three jobs created Green Party Leader Annamie Paul from the same investment in the fossil Opinion fuel sector. Cleantech is the sector of the economy focused on developing green innovations anada finds itself at a crossroads when such as renewable energy systems and Cit comes to our energy priorities: will emission-free vehicles. Clean energy has we continue to double down on invest- been described as the biggest economic op- ments in energy sectors that are in an irre- portunity of our lifetime, and the cleantech versible decline while the rest of the world sector is estimated to be worth US$3- moves on without us, or will we move trillion globally by 2030. Canada has some towards investing in energy systems that important advantages in cleantech: we are will set Canada up for long-term economic home to one of the world’s cleanest elec- success? tricity grids, and to 12 of the 2019 Global When it comes to energy, Canada needs Cleantech 100 companies. Canada also to deepen its investment in renewable en- has a highly skilled engineering and IT ergy and innovative cleantech; commit to workforce—including the skilled workers decisive action to move away from indus- in our traditional energy sector—that can The electricity sector provides Canada tries that prevent us from staying within fully leverage the promise of the cleantech our carbon budget; and ensure that com- economy. There is no better time to ramp with sustainable, affordable and reliable munities play a leading role in a just transi- up our investments in research and devel- tion. Canada’s energy strategy should opment in this sector. power and we are supporting the also seek to support the diversification of In addition to investments in renew- regional economies, so that provinces that ables and cleantech, one of the best ways transition to Net Zero emissions. are currently overly dependent upon ex- to accelerate Canada’s transition to a tractive industries can leverage their skills net-zero economy is by creating a national, to thrive in the new green economy. non-emitting, electricity grid. We rely on Among our major trading partners, electricity to power critical infrastructures including the United States and the Eu- across Canada. Enabling renewable energy ropean Union, a green recovery from the to flow across the country would allow COVID-19 pandemic has been widely rec- buildings to increase their electricity use electricity.ca/netzero ognized as the greatest economic opportu- in a carbon-neutral way, and support the nity of our lifetime. Not only will a green transition to zero-emission public transpor- recovery help us to limit global warming tation. Interprovincial power lines should 18 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Energy Policy Briefing

upper-middle-income and upper- income people that are buying Feds urged to boost electric them,” she said. The study showed EV owners tend to be younger, male, more edu- cated, and live in more urban areas. “EV owners tend to have a vehicle incentive program, higher disposable income, with average household incomes of $114,300 compared to $83,100 for the gasoline-powered car owners,” the study showed. Plug’n Drive runs a privately allow used cars to qualify funded EV incentive program in Ontario that can be applied Prime Minister to used cars. Ms. Clairman said ‘By creating Justin Trudeau is she’s seen more low-income pictured at a press people claim the incentive on incentives for used conference at the used vehicles than new ones. Ford Connectivity “We can say with confidence vehicles, we’re and Innovation that it does reach a lower income Centre in Kanata, demographic,” she said. allowing families Ont., on Oct. 8, Daniel Breton, president and with a more modest 2020, to announce CEO of Electric Mobility Canada the retooling of and former Quebec minister of income to be part the Oakville Ford sustainable development, told assembly plant to the Environment Committee that of the transition,’ produce electric extending the federal incentive vehicles. The Liberal to include used cars “only makes says NDP MP Taylor government aims to sense” to help lower-income Bachrach. have all vehicles in individuals “come on board” with Canada be electric electric vehicles. by 2040. The Hill “It’s important that we view Times photograph by these incentives through an equity BY AIDAN CHAMANDY Andrew Meade lens and that we ensure we’re not only contributing to the climate xperts and stakeholders are objectives, but as much as possible Eurging the federal government we’re also addressing some of the to not only top up the electric other challenges we face such as vehicle incentive program, but economic inequality and afford- also expand the eligibility criteria ability,” Mr. Bachrach said. to allow used vehicles to qualify so “By creating incentives for lower-income Canadians can bet- cars they’re selling,” she said in an chases of electric pickup trucks and a longer-range vehicle and $1,500 used vehicles, we’re allowing fami- ter take advantage of the program. email statement to The Hill Times. SUVs, many of which will come to for a shorter-range vehicle. B.C’s lies with a more modest income to “There’s a ton of evidence The House Finance Committee market in the coming years, accord- incentive isn’t available to zero- be part of the transition,” he said. electric vehicle [EV] incentives also recommended boosting and ing to manufacturers. emission vehicles with a suggested While incentives help boost up- are effective at driving the adop- expanding the incentive program The federal government has a retail price of more than $55,000. take, Canadian Centre for Policy Al- tion of this technology. Given for individuals and corporations stated goal of having 10 per cent The Nova Scotia provincial ternatives senior researcher Hadrian the severity of the climate crisis, in its pre-budget recommenda- of new car sales be zero-emission government recently announced Mertins-Kirkwood said they’re “not we need to use every tool in the tions. One suggestion was for a by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030, a $9.5-million EV rebate program great policy,” and need to be com- toolbox,” said NDP MP Taylor four-year federal guarantee for and 100 per cent by 2040. Those with $3,000 for new vehicles and bined with other measures. Bachrach (Skeena–Bulkley Valley, EV purchase loans. targets translate to more than $2,000 for used ones. The Nova “If our goal is to reduce B.C.), his party’s critic for infra- The federal government 800,000 new EV sales by 2030, Scotia incentive, like the other emissions and get more electric structure and transport. currently provides two levels of 2.7-million by 2030, and 14 mil- provinces, can be combined with vehicles on the road, the best “In particular, we need to the federal incentive. In the an- way to do that is with regulatory double down on those that are NDP transport nouncement, Nova Scotia Premier measures,” he said. showing results, and the EV in- critic Taylor Iain Rankin said the new incen- The transportation sector is centive is certainly one of them,” Bachrach, tive will help meet provincial one of the biggest contributors to he said. pictured on Dec. electrification targets as has been Canada’s greenhouse gas emis- The EV incentive program was 3, 2019, says seen in B.C. and Quebec. sions, second only to the oil and gas nearly depleted prior to the fed- extending the The federal incentives, industry, according to data from eral government topping it up in EV incentive however, are only given to those Environment and Climate Change December with an extra $287-mil- program to purchasing a new car. The federal Canada. Emissions from transporta- lion. The program was announced used vehicles incentive is also in addition to tion have been rising nearly every in the 2019 budget and began in will help make provincial incentives, which are year since the department started May 2019 with an initial $300-mil- the program only offered in British Columbia, collecting data. In 1990, transporta- lion investment over a three-year more equitable. Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Ontario tion accounted for 20 per cent of period from Transport Canada. The Hill Times scrapped its incentive program in emissions and was the single largest Nearly all of that money, just photograph by September 2018. contributor. The oil and gas sector shy of $260-million, was spent in Andrew Meade By only allowing individu- took the top spot in 1993. less than two years, with almost als to claim the incentive on In 2018, transportation was re- half spent in just eight months, new electric vehicles, the federal sponsible for a quarter of Canada’s according to the Canadian Press government is hindering uptake emissions. Passenger cars and trucks and testimony at the House Envi- by lower-income individuals, accounted for more than 85 mega- ronment Committee as part of an said Cara Clairman, president tonnes of carbon dioxide, nearly half ongoing study into EVs. and CEO of the non-profit Plug’n of the sector’s overall emissions. While the new money is wel- incentives. A $5,000 incentive is lion by 2040. These targets only Drive and former environmen- Mr. Mertins-Kirkwood said an come, Sarah Petrevan, director of provided for longer-range vehi- apply to regular passenger cars, tal lawyer at Tory’s and Ontario electric vehicle mandate has prov- policy for Clean Energy Canada, cles, while $2,500 is provided for officially referred to as “light-duty Power Generation. en effective in other jurisdictions, said “this funding will only extend shorter-range vehicles. Eligibility vehicles,” not larger vehicles like The House Finance Committee but it’s a harder policy to sell the program until March 2022.” is determined by the size of the pickup trucks or trailers. also recommended bringing in an since “consumers like incentives “If Canada wants to see wide- car. A car with six seats or fewer According to Statistics Can- incentive for used EVs. because it makes cars cheaper. spread adoption of EVs and meet is eligible if the base model costs ada, 3.7 per cent of new vehicles Ms. Clairman commissioned Manufacturers love incentives its target of 100 per cent zero- less than $45,000, while higher- registered in the third quarter of a study looking at why gas- because it makes cars cheaper.” emission vehicle sales by 2040, priced versions are eligible up 2020 were EVs, with nearly 93 per powered car owners chose not “People don’t like the EV man- we’ll need to support Canadians in to $55,000. A seven-plus seat car cent of those registrations coming to purchase an electric vehicle dates because those place costs on going electric beyond then. A well- needs to cost less than $55,000 for in Ontario, Quebec, and British and why EV owners bought one. the manufacturers, on the dealers, funded, durable rebate program a base model, and $60,000 for a Columbia. Quebec provides up Initially, she said she thought con- and ultimately on consumers be- will also provide big automak- more expensive version. to $8,000 if the manufacturer’s cerns around range would be the cause just because more vehicles ers like General Motors—who is The Finance Committee said the suggested retail price is less than primary barrier, but upfront cost are available doesn’t make them aiming to sell only electric cars cutoff should be raised from $45,000 $60,000. B.C.’s incentives are ended up topping the list. cheaper, necessarily,” he said. by 2035—with greater certainty to $60,000 for passenger cars, with similar to the federal govern- Because of the cost concerns, [email protected] that there will be buyers for the a ceiling of $70,000 to help spur pur- ment’s, with $3,000 provided for “even with the rebate, it is more The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 19 Policy BriefingEnergy

(EOR). Yet to be demonstrated is how much clean economy showed that 39 per cent of the carbon dioxide effectively stays under- funding over the last decade went to projects ground and for how long, given the exis- associated with the fossil fuel supply chain Road map to tence of multiple wells that often are not such as CCS for EOR. This is not a safe bet. properly sealed. Further, the nascent tech- There are more efficient ways to navigate nology is not without risk; potential pipeline the risks and uncertainties and safer and accidents, well blowouts, and induced earth- faster paths to attain net zero. The Canadian quakes put human life and the environment Institute for Climate Choices (CICC) and my decarbonization: on the line in a region that is already one of own white paper found that cost-effective so- the greatest ecological disasters on Earth. lutions such as improving energy efficiency For EOR, CO2 will be used to recover through more stringent building codes, shift- fossil fuel resources that may have oth- ing to non-emitting electricity, adopting heat erwise remained underground which, pumps and electric vehicles should be the safe bets versus when burned, will release CO2 back into basis of Canada’s net zero journey. Similarly, the atmosphere. This shows not only the a new report from the U.S. National Acade- need for publicly available verified data mies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on actual storage, but also the need to offers a blueprint for the transition with key properly set the parameters of the equation policies that include: producing carbon-free greenwashing which must equal to net-zero emissions. electricity; electrifying energy services in Indeed, it would be a fallacy to claim a net transportation, buildings, and industry; in- reduction in CO2 through uncertain stor- vesting in energy efficiency and productivity; As Canada searches for its ince the Intergovernmental Panel on age while disregarding the fact that the oil planning, permitting, and building sustain- SClimate Change’s special report, which recovered will lead to further emissions able infrastructure; and expanding the in- own path towards net zero, stated that to limit the global temperature through combustion. This is a form of gre- novation and R&D including how to manage increase to 1.5 C global emissions would enwashing, and a widespread omission by a socially just energy transition. let us not be swayed by siren need to reach net zero by 2050, a number oil-producing nations, which consistently Near-term policies to ensure fair and of countries, including Canada, and com- disregard the fact that exporting fossil equitable economic transition and increasing songs of greenwashing. panies have made net-zero commitments. fuels can hamper decarbonization efforts circularity of the manufacturing production But what lies within the buzzword? As in importing countries. Indeed, Canada cycles would not only help address climate always, the devil is in the details. Global exports fuels which roughly emit as much change and attain net zero before 2050, but net zero means all human-induced emis- emissions when combusted abroad as the would also build a more competitive economy, sions are absorbed by human-induced whole country emits territorially. In other increase high-quality jobs, and help address sinks, which means it can be achieved words, when accounting for downstream social inequalities. These are safe bets. through eliminating or reducing emissions emissions of exported fuels, Canada’s As Canada searches for its own path at the source and/or absorbing emissions. climate impact is twice what is commonly towards net zero, let us not be swayed by For example, two Canadian oil com- reported in national inventories. siren songs of greenwashing. Instead let’s panies have claimed they are already Focusing on CCS and EOR risks betting plan our future on safe bets which we reaching net-zero emissions by capturing our future on uncertain and expensive tech- know can help us finally reach the goals carbon from smokestacks, which is pumped nologies while furthering our dependencies on that historically we have missed. Independent Senator Rosa Galvez through the brand new Alberta Carbon fossil fuels which are responsible for climate Rosa Galvez is an Independent Senator for Trunk Line pipeline towards depleted oil change. Natural Resources Canada’s invest- Quebec and a professor of civil and water engi- Opinion fields for “storage” (CCS) and increasing oil ments in research, development, and demon- neering at the Université Laval in Québec City. production through enhanced oil recovery stration projects in energy innovation for a The Hill Times

“The reconciliation journey requires building a shared future with Indigenous peoples based on trust and respect.” – François Poirier, President and CEO, TC Energy

Learn about our commitments as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan at TCEnergy.com/reconciliation

Delreé Dumont, Ancestors’ Footsteps, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20 inches, based on a photograph by Julie Gregg 20 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Energy Policy Briefing

next-generation nuclear reactors and high-temperature solar thermal plants. The time for the hydrogen Commercial opportunities also exist for hydrogen in energy storage, provid- ing energy when and where we want it in desired amounts and forms. Energy storage is essential for variable renewable economy has come to Canada energy, like wind and solar, and for the proven safe, reliable, and zero-emission baseload nuclear power. Hydrogen pro- Zero-carbon hydrogen can vides versatile energy storage to generate electricity or heat, power transportation power vehicles, generate heat and industry, and provides the electricity- need management in smart grids. Large- and electricity for residential capacity, long-duration hydrogen storage can be used for temporal energy shifting and industrial applications, for seasons. New initiatives and demonstrations and act as a key energy vector are urgently needed nationwide so that that can be distributed, Canada does not fall behind in the hydro- gen economy. The following recommended stored, and used for all priority actions are based on their poten- tial implementation timelines. While these essential energy needs. actions are primarily based on electrolytic hydrogen from carbon-free energy (i.e., nuclear and renewables), options to con- vert fossil fuels into hydrogen combined with carbon capture and sequestration can be advanced in the near term. In the short term, using commercially available technologies in clustered ap- plications will bring immediate benefits. For instance, building hydrogen refuelling infrastructure on heavily used routes such as the 400 series of highways in Ontario Michael Fowler & XiaoYu Wu and the hydrogen highway in British Co- Opinion lumbia (like the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics). Energy hubs and electricity In the short term, using commercially available technologies in clustered applications will bring microgrids can also use commercialized immediate benefits, like building hydrogen refuelling infrastructure on heavily used routes, such he 50-year-old incubating concept of a hydrogen technologies to store the dis- as the 400 series of highways in Ontario and the hydrogen highway in British Columbia, write T“hydrogen economy” is finally com- tributed variable renewables for a long Michael Fowler and XiaoYu Wu. Photograph courtesy of Pexels ing to fruition on a global scale. Last year duration, enabling energy security and alone, more than 30 hydrogen strategies sovereignty. Power-to-gas, which means and white papers were produced at dif- converting electricity to hydrogen, and ferent government levels internationally. gradually blending hydrogen into the exist- The hydrogen economy uses hydrogen as ing natural gas infrastructure for heat and an energy carrier or “currency” for en- power in residential and industrial appli- Novel ergy storage and distribution. It provides cations is ready for implementation now. Diagnostics opportunities to develop clean technol- Replacing some grey hydrogen with green ogy, advance manufacturing, and expand hydrogen using on-site electrolyzers in available resources. Zero-carbon hydrogen industries such as petrochemical refining, can power vehicles, generate heat and steel, and cement making, is a transitional electricity for residential and industrial ap- step to reduce the carbon emissions by plications, and act as a key energy vector heavy industry. Therapeutics that can be distributed, stored, and used Zero-emission vehicles will rely on for all essential energy needs. It is time hydrogen refuelling infrastructure on busy for Canada to harness its hydrogen power routes. Battery electric vehicles (BEV) for to address climate change and develop a light vehicles are now commercialized, but zero-emission economy. more Class 8 large heavy vehicles, the core We have lots of hydrogen production of Canadian’s trucking sector, are ready in Canada, but not all hydrogen is equal. to be converted into hydrogen fuel cell Canada’s Vaccines Brown hydrogen is produced using coal vehicles (FCV) in the intermediate term. while emitting urban pollutions and FCV for larger trucks and longer-range life sciences greenhouse gases (GHGs) and should vehicles are more competitive due to the be ended immediately. Grey hydrogen light weight, long range, quick refuelling, companies. is produced using natural gas, which is and good cold-temperature performance. also a source of GHGs; yet the low cost of Hydrogen locomotives and rails are also natural gas makes its use and infrastruc- expected in the interim term, thanks to the ture last. Fortunately, hydrogen can be minimal infrastructural change compared Where discovering blended with natural gas in the current to the conventional electrification, as dem- distribution system as hydrogen-enriched onstrated in Germany. solutions essential to natural gas (HENG), which provides In long-term R&D, converting zero- many “power-to-gas” pathways for decar- carbon hydrogen into a variety of products, our health and economy bonization and will be a transition that such as ammonia and hydrocarbons (with could persist to 2050 (or even longer). captured CO2) is essential to close the is the new normal. Blue hydrogen is produced from natural carbon loop. Hydrogen carriers, such as gas combined with carbon capture and ammonia, can also act as an energy vec- sequestration, but still needs techno- tor with advantages of easy storage and The research Canada’s life sciences companies are doing is logical advancement and infrastructure long-distance distribution using pipelines support. Green hydrogen is produced us- and ships. Large-capacity, longer-duration laying the groundwork for novel diagnostics, vaccines and ing clean and renewable energy sources hydrogen storage, as in underground (e.g., wind, solar, and hydro). It is com- formations, will allow it to fully function therapeutics. Canada has built an extraordinary knowledge mercially ready now and only requires as energy storage systems in the net-zero infrastructure, and we must not lose momentum in making policy and funding supports to initiate carbon economy. the infrastructure construction such as Dr. Michael Fowler, with 30 years of our country a global life sciences leader. water electrolysis. Purple hydrogen is experience with hydrogen research is generated from nuclear energy using Canada Research Chair in Zero-emission electrolysis. Nuclear power will continue Vehicles and Hydrogen Energy Systems Get updates about our to be the cornerstone of baseload power and professor at the University of Water- essential work at generation for many years, especially loo ([email protected]). Dr. XiaoYu marrying hydrogen technology as a zero- Wu, is a new generation hydrogen expert, canadalifesciences.ca emission energy vector. In the future, assistant professor at the University of hydrogen production via thermochemical Waterloo ([email protected]). cycles is also promising, compatible with The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 21 Policy BriefingEnergy

Natural Resources Small modular Minister Seamus O’Regan, pictured in February 2020, introduced Canada’s action nuclear reactors plan for small modular nuclear reactors at the end of last year. However, and net-zero unfavourable economics has driven nuclear power’s declining carbon emissions share in global electricity generation, from 17.5 per cent in 1996 to around by 2050? The math 10 per cent in 2019, writes M. V. Ramana. The Hill Times photograph by doesn’t add up Andrew Meade

by 2030. That is the yardstick to evaluate SMR advocates claim that technologies. Nuclear power doesn’t even begin costs would come down to contribute within that time frame. A nuclear plant takes around a decade to go rapidly through repeated from start of construction to producing manufacture in factories electricity. But one can’t start construc- tion of a nuclear reactor immediately. The and learning. But the requisite planning and raising the finances might take another decade. eight to 10 times the cost of wind and utility to move from smaller to larger reactors. An evidence for these effects is How about SMRs? These will take even scale solar power plants, respectively. example is India. Many small reactors built longer because the SMRs being developed Unfavourable economics has driven in the United States shut down early be- slim to non-existent. in Ontario and New Brunswick are just nuclear power’s declining share in global cause they couldn’t compete economically. conceptual designs. To develop full-fledged electricity generation, from 17.5 per cent SMR advocates claim that costs would constructible designs is time consuming in 1996 to around 10 per cent in 2019. It come down rapidly through repeated and expensive. NuScale, the leading U.S. is also why no nuclear power plants have manufacture in factories and learning. But design, has been under development for been built in Canada since the 1990s. The the evidence for these effects is slim to nearly two decades; it is still not licensed last effort to construct new reactors was non-existent. Historically, costs of nuclear for construction because the Nuclear Regu- abandoned in 2009, once the price tag plants have gone up, not down, with more latory Commission has identified various became clear. experience. Factory manufacture has also safety concerns. All this after nearly US$1- Can SMRs change this economic pic- not helped reduce the costs of the reactors billion has been spent on the design. ture? For both engineering and historical under construction in the United States. The second parameter influencing reasons, the answer is no; electricity from The bottom line is that the math on climate mitigation potential of a technology SMRs will only be more expensive. The SMRs just doesn’t add up. Investing in M.V. Ramana is cost. Nuclear power, today, is about the engineering reason is that constructing an SMRs is a waste of time and money. Opinion most expensive way of generating electricity. 800-megawatt reactor requires much less M.V. Ramana is the Simons Chair in The only reactors being built anywhere in than four times the amount of concrete or Disarmament, Global, and Human Secu- North America are currently forecast to cost steel used in a 200-megawatt reactor. Thus, rity and director of the Liu Institute for n December 2020, Natural Resources US$29-billion up from a promised US$14-bil- the per unit cost of SMRs is much higher Global Issues at the School of Public Policy IMinister Seamus O’Regan released an lion. In the United States, home to the most than large nuclear plants, which, in turn, are and Global Affairs, University of British action plan for small modular nuclear reac- nuclear plants globally, it costs more than much more expensive than solar and wind. Columbia, and a scholar at the Peter Wall tors (SMRs), which assured us that SMRs US$10,000 per kilowatt of generating capac- Historically, such economies of scale Institute for Advanced Studies. will enable, among other things, “a net-zero ity to construct a new nuclear plant, roughly are what drove countries around the world The Hill Times economy by 2050.” Earlier, O’Regan also stated: “We have not seen a model where we can get to net-zero emissions by 2050 without nuclear (power).” How does one evaluate such assertions? The philosopher of science, Karl Pop- Achieving Net-Zero carbon emissions per, emphasized that a single negative instance is sufficient to invalidate a theory. for Canada by 2050 will require Consequently, O’Regan’s second assertion is easily falsified: there are a number of researchers who have developed path- chemistry-based solutions! ways for purely renewable-energy-based systems, with zero emissions. Examples include one for North America and a global one. Germany offers an example of how carbon emissions (and use of coal) can be reduced without relying on nuclear energy. Thanks to its decision to phase out nuclear power, it has expanded renewable energy sources rapidly, resulting in its carbon emissions declining by more than 40 per cent from 1990 levels. In contrast, Canada’s emissions have increased substantially Greener Buildings Clean Energy Lighter Vehicles Less Food Waste since 1990. The potential role of an energy technol- ogy in climate mitigation depends on two Would all be impossible without chemistry and plastics! important parameters: cost and time. Time is critical; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other interna- tional bodies have warned that to stop Learn more at canadianchemistry.ca irreversible damage from climate change, emissions have to be reduced drastically 22 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES Energy Policy Briefing Energy security and the road to net zero

Energy security is key to mak- 2019), with the remainder a com- knocking power systems offline. ously difficult to predict. But one Overlooking ing progress on Ottawa’s ambi- bination of bioenergy, nuclear, The more we rely on electricity thing is sure: Canadians do not tion that Canada have a net-zero and renewables. The scenario sees for transportation, heating and sit idle in the face of high prices. energy security economy by 2050. And yet it is electricity accounting for 31 per industry, the more devastating the Given the central role of provin- often overlooked in emissions cent of total final consumption in economic and social impacts will cial governments in the electricity can lead to calls to reductions debates and plans— 2040, up from 19 per cent in 2019. be. This will be far more than just sector, people channel their anger roll back climate most likely because we take it for And the power sector is expected the lights going out. straight to politicians. Just ask granted in advanced economies to rely far less on fossil fuels in The ability to integrate inter- former Ontario premier Kathleen commitments—even like ours. That we do so is a testa- 2040 (24 per cent of the genera- mittent sources of power like wind Wynne. ment to energy providers’ success tion mix, down from 72 per cent and solar into the grid will also Overlooking energy security if price increases or delivering reliable and affordable in 2019) and far more on nuclear shape availability. Having access can lead to calls to roll back cli- fuels and power. (19 per cent), hydro (10 per cent), to firm baseload power or larg- mate commitments—even if price supply disruptions are But challenges to energy bioenergy (11 per cent) and other escale storage to supply power increases or supply disruptions not directly attributable security will be coming at us fast renewables, like wind and solar when intermittent sources cannot, are not directly attributable to and furious in the decades ahead. (36 per cent). will underpin reliability. So will climate action. Texas is a case in to climate action. If decision-makers don’t attend to Similar trends are expected guarding against cybersecurity point, where the outage is calling them proactively and effectively, to play out in Canada. Recent attacks, whether by hostile foreign into question further integra- they will compromise the econ- modelling by the Canadian Insti- powers, terrorists, ransom seekers, tion of renewables into the grid omy, human health, and climate tute for Climate Choices yields a or disgruntled employees. despite the fact that renewables action. number of scenarios to meet the Electrification also depends on were at most a contributing factor What is energy security? country’s net-zero aspirations. the ability to finance and con- to the blackout. The International Energy All see lower reliance on oil and struct a mind-boggling amount of None of the above is reason Agency defines it as “ensuring gas, the rise of alternative energy power infrastructure. In Canada, to weaken climate change action. the uninterrupted availability sources like hydrogen and mod- it means doubling or even tripling Far from it. Rather, it underscores of energy sources at an afford- ern biofuels, and a growing role generation capacity—new renew- the importance of keeping energy able price.” On pathways to net for electricity. ables, nuclear, transmission lines, security front and centre on the zero, the availability, sources, Electrification is pivotal when and more—at a time when com- road to net zero. Having energy Monica Gattinger and prices of energy will be in it comes to energy availability munity expectations for engage- security today does not guarantee Opinion constant motion. and potential disruptions to avail- ment and government require- having it tomorrow. Let’s hope we Take energy sources. The In- ability. As the energy system’s ments for impact assessment are can all learn from Texas. ternational Energy Agency’s Sus- reliance on electricity grows, growing. If supply doesn’t keep Monica Gattinger is direc- he recent blackout in Texas is tainable Development Scenario so, too, does its vulnerability to pace with demand, expect inter- tor of the Institute for Science, Ta devastating reminder of the considers what’s needed to meet power outages. ruptions. Society and Policy, full professor importance of energy security. the Paris climate targets. It sees The challenges here are Or soaring prices, as in Texas. at the School of Political Studies It’s a powerful cautionary tale of fossil fuels supplying 56 per cent multiple, and include climate Which brings us to affordabil- and chair of Positive Energy at what can happen when decision- of global primary energy demand change itself in the form of more ity. Energy prices are shaped by the University of Ottawa. makers don’t prioritize it enough. in 2040 (down from 80 per cent in frequent extreme weather events multiple factors and are notori- The Hill Times Hydrogen key to breaking Alberta’s energy logjam

thing it needs to get there—it’s green hydrogen produced from With the increased another way to get long-term the electrolysis of water (even sea value out of Alberta’s resources. water) using renewable electricity generation of In the new global clean energy is decreasing in cost and increasing electricity by economy transformation taking in efficiency. place, hydrogen is a key player With the increased generation Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan, left, and Alberta Premier Jason renewables in Alberta, and an enormous opportunity for of electricity by renewables in Kenney, right. In Canada, the connection of energy resources with pipelines, the Canada—it also provides a poten- Alberta, the province has the op- electrical grid, and energy storage and conversion are the infrastructure building the province has the tial solution to Alberta’s natural portunity to use green hydrogen blocks of the clean energy economy. Building this Canadian infrastructure will resource dilemma. in all of its chemical processing, require unprecedented collaboration between the provinces and with the federal opportunity to use To pass the energy logjam, including synthetic fuels and government, writes David Wilkinson. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade Alberta is going to be forced to chemicals, to significantly reduce green hydrogen in reset its traditional value proposi- carbon dioxide emissions. By strategy focuses on producing In Canada, the connection of all of its chemical tion for coal and unconventional 2030, Alberta is expected to gen- hydrogen from natural gas with energy resources with pipelines, oil as fuels. In whatever future erate 30 per cent of its electricity carbon capture and utilization the electrical grid, and energy processing to decarbonized energy scenario from renewables and add more and storage (CCUS) to produce storage and conversion are the one sees for Alberta (and for natural gas generation to the grid. exportable clean hydrogen. This infrastructure building blocks of significantly reduce that matter the rest of Canada), Curtailment of large-scale elec- is a promising transition strategy the clean energy economy. hydrogen will play a critical role. tricity generation beyond baseload that produces a value-added and Building this Canadian infra- carbon dioxide Hydrogen is unique, as it can requirements results in many ter- globally desirable commodity. structure will require unprecedented be used in multiple applications awatt-hours of lost energy. Rather Both Alberta and British Co- collaboration between the provinces emissions. involving energy production and than being discarded or subject to lumbia have enormous natural gas and with the federal government. storage, the chemical industry, negative pricing, the excess electric- resources and the ability to pro- This is a longer-term plan with sig- gas and electrical grid networks, ity can be used to create hydrogen duce and export natural gas and nificant payback for all players, but and transportation. for many applications, or stored for hydrogen, if it can get to markets. it requires commitment, collabora- The importance of hydro- generation of electricity when need- The provinces need a united and tion and moving beyond polarized gen is reflected in the recently ed, bringing flexibility and stability cohesive strategy around natural partisan and short-term re-election released Hydrogen Strategy for to the grid. Furthermore, hydrogen gas and hydrogen and on a pipe- politics. This may be the biggest chal- Canada, which sets a framework can be injected into the natural line strategy to get these products lenge Canada faces with the Hydro- to establish hydrogen as a critical gas distribution system by up to as to the coast and to market. gen Strategy and its commitments to part of Canada’s path to net-zero much as 15 per cent to support the It may require reassessment the Paris Agreement. emissions by 2050 and to make reduction of carbon emissions and of currently unpopular infra- David Wilkinson is a professor Canada a global leader in hydro- improve fuel combustion quality. structure proposals. The Trans and Canadian Research Chair in David Wilkinson gen technologies. Although the increased pene- Mountain pipeline expansion, for Clean Energy and Electrochemi- Opinion Today, 95 per cent of the world’s tration of renewables and the use example, could be converted to a cal Technologies (Tier 1) at the hydrogen comes from the reform- of hydrogen is inevitable in a de- natural gas pipeline, or, with even University of British Columbia ing of natural gas (grey hydrogen) carbonized energy system, what more modification, to a hydrogen faculty of Applied Science. He ydrogen is an important next which, though an efficient and is Alberta to do with its stranded pipeline—a repurposing ap- was named a recipient of the Henergy step for Alberta and common process, produces carbon fossil fuel reserves? Alberta’s proach currently being explored Order of Canada in 2020. the province already has every- dioxide. More recently, however, recently released hydrogen in Europe. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 23 News

Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau When will has no international trips planned, according to a spokesperson the world from his ministerial office. The Hill Times photograph by see Canada’s Andrew Meade grounded top diplomat in person?

maintained an active travel Foreign Affairs schedule. French Foreign Minister Minister Marc Jean-Yves Le Drian has travelled Garneau has yet to to Ghana, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Croatia, Italy, Qatar, and the Ivory take an international Coast since December. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Mo- trip since his tegi has taken seven foreign trips during the pandemic, including appointment to the most recently to Latin America and Africa in January and Africa post in January. in December. U.K. Foreign Secre- tary Dominic Raab visited India in December, Kenya and Sudan in Continued from page 1 January, and France and Cyprus committee chair for Conservative last month. German Foreign MP David Sweet (Flamborough- Minister Heiko Maas travelled to Glanbrook, Ont.), the loss of Egypt earlier this year. committee roles for Liberal MP While past U.S. secretary Sameer Zuberi (Pierrefonds-Dol- of state Mike Pompeo travelled lard, Que.), and the loss of critic extensively during the pandemic, roles for NDP MP Niki Ashton Mr. Blinken has yet to take his (Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, first international trip. A spokes- Man.). person for the State Department A spokesperson for Mr. Gar- said it will “closely monitor neau said that no foreign trips are COVID conditions not only in this planned at this time. country but around the world to While he was foreign affairs ensure the secretary and other minister, now-Innovation Min- department leaders can travel.” ister François-Philippe Cham- According to media reports, pagne (Saint-Maurice-Cham- Mr. Blinken, along with U.S. Sec- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, pictured on Feb. plain, Que.) took three foreign retary of Defence Lloyd Austin, 26 during a virtual meeting with Marc Garneau, will trips during the pandemic. He are set to travel to Japan and Past foreign affairs minister François-Philippe Champagne embark on his first foreign trip this month. He officially travelled to New York City last South Korea later this month. took three international trips during the pandemic. The Hill became America’s top diplomat on Jan. 26. Photograph June to vote on Canada’s unsuc- Unlike his U.S. counterpart, Times photograph by Andrew Meade courtesy of Flickr/U.S. State Department cessful bid for a seat on the UN Mr. Garneau has to be prepared Security Council, as well as to for votes in a never-certain minor- Lebanon, Switzerland, Italy, and ity Parliament. little while before the pandemic allow its Challenger fleet to be tute, said by the definition of the the United Kingdom in August Former Canadian diplomat struck, so he already had the used by the foreign affairs min- foreign affairs minister post, Mr. following a deadly Beirut blast, Roy Norton, who was a policy opportunity to establish contacts ister, which adds to the difficulty Garneau has to travel. and to Greece, Austria, Belgium, adviser to then-foreign affairs and could follow-up with tele- of travelling during a pandemic. But he added that Mr. Garneau and Lithuania where he met with minister Joe Clark, said having phone calls during the pandemic The U.S. secretary of state uses has been working the telephone Belorussian opposition leader the foreign affairs minister travel without much being sacrificed. a military plane to jet across the lines “pretty effectively.” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and brings “quite a bit” to Canada’s He said Canadians should be globe. “He formed relationships that discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh diplomatic repertoire. able to distinguish between “indul- “In the era of COVID, that way,” said Mr. Robertson, noting crisis. After those trips, Mr. He said Canada has put itself gent Members of Parliament who means somewhat greater risk of that he doesn’t fault Mr. Garneau Champagne followed public in a “box,” as it is insisting on want to visit family or be in the sun” exposure to disease,” he said. for not travelling as it would run health guidance and quarantined “purity” on the part of MPs and from the travel of the minister of Mr. Norton said if Mr. Garneau counter to the government’s mes- for 14 days. senior officials in their travel. foreign affairs as part of their job. did travel, it could force more saging to Canadians. While not travelling, Mr. “There presumably has been “It’s unfortunate, but it’s more Canadian embassy staff to have “You would need a real justifi- Garneau has been maintaining some kind of determination that and more understood and toler- to go into the embassy while the cation for travelling,” he said. conversations with foreign lead- there has to be consistency here able as time goes by,” he said, foreign minister visits. Currently, He echoed Mr. Norton that ers, taking part in a virtual meet- and there’s a price associated with noting that nations are more Canada’s foreign missions are more diplomacy may be done ing with U.S. Secretary of State that,” said Mr. Norton, who served understanding of doing virtual operating on skeleton staffs. virtually in a post-pandemic Antony Blinken, as well as speak- as Global Affairs’ chief of protocol diplomatic meetings and they “That, in turn, exposes more world. ing to foreign ministers from from 2016 to 2019. “A new foreign have the utility of being efficient, people to risk, so that would “But to me, diplomacy still more than 15 countries, including minister, in particular, would prob- which may result in more Zoom complement the reluctance to comes down to face-to-face the United Kingdom, Germany, ably benefit from the opportunity meetings and less foreign trips in travel,” he said. contact, that is indispensable,” he France, Turkey, and Israel. to connect with counterparts.” a post-pandemic world. Fellow former diplomat Colin said. In contrast to Mr. Garneau, Mr. Norton said Mr. Cham- Mr. Norton said Canada Robertson, vice-president of the [email protected] many G7 foreign ministers have pagne had been in the job for a tends to be pretty hesitant to Canadian Global Affairs Insti- The Hill Times 24 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES News Amid COVID-19, grieving support bill ‘really hit home’ for MPs, says Jeneroux

Inspired by his He noted that it was unusual ‘It makes sense that own experience for a Conservative to push for- with losing with ward a bill that arguably in- we all get together a loved one, creases spending on benefits and Conservative MP resources, but the fact that the bill and we show the Matt Jeneroux’s has “sailed through” the legislative country what Canada Bill C-220, which process with unanimous approval would extend at second reading indicates there really is, and it’s the amount of is a lot of support for it. bereavement “It strikes a perfect balance, a compassionate leave available where it’s not reinventing the to Canadians wheel,” Mr. Lerner said. country,’ says in federally He said he also appreciated regulated the concrete structure, praising Conservative MP workplaces, has it for encouraging people to use Matt Jeneroux, who received cross- their time off without fear, where partisan support he said more amorphous poli- introduced Bill C-220. and co-operation. cies tend to result in workers not Screencap via taking the optional bereavement ParlVu provisions. Continued from page 1 According to Oyeyinka Oy- The bill, as amended during a elowo, a lawyer at Yinka Law, the one-day study on Feb. 25 by the bill addresses some of the health House Human Resources, Skills, issues that pervade the process of and Social Development Commit- grieving, by giving the bereaved tee, has now been shifted from more time to alleviate mental compassionate leave to bereave- health concerns. ment leave, Mr. Jeneroux said, as “By extending the amount well as locking it down to a stan- of leave that an individual has dard two weeks of extra time off under the Canada Labour Code post-death across the board. The when they’re experiencing grief, other changes were more admin- what this bill does is directly istrative in nature and included address some of the disability- the addition of a three-month related issues that arise when implementation period following a person loses a loved one,” she royal assent, and a changing of said. the title. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, Given the many detrimental The change to bereavement pictured in May 2019, the parliamentary effects of grief, she said the bill leave means that where previ- secretary to the labour minister, worked focuses on addressing the reality Lawyer Joshua Lerner says the changes ously the legislated changes with Conservative Bill C-220 sponsor of dealing with tragic circum- to bereavement leave are welcome, would have only covered caregiv- Matt Jeneroux on amendments to his Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie says stances, which is important. and that the presented bill is tempered ers, now included in its scope is bill, which were jointly presented at Bill C-220 is an example that Parliament “I think that the sooner the enough to be palatable to most. support for those who have lost committee last month. The Hill Times can work together and not always be government can approve and get someone in their immediate fam- photograph by Andrew Meade divisive. The Hill Times file photograph Photograph courtesy of Joshua Lerner this piece of legislation through ily to more sudden means, like a in a timely manner, I should say is car crash or homicide. When she did die, he instantly He added that while he doesn’t the right thing to do,” said Laurel According to Liberal MP An- ‘I hope she’s proud’ regretted not going to see her. know if 10 days is enough, it’s Gillespie, CEO of the Canadian thony Housefather (Mount Royal, Bill C-220, which Mr. Jeneroux “I remember just slumping back certainly better than five days or Hospice Palliative Care Associa- Que.), in practical terms, the was able to table in the first ses- in my chair thinking, ‘wow, I really none at all. tion. change would mean that where sion thanks to an early draw for regret not being able to go and The unity around this bill was Ms. Gillespie had suggestions currently there is bereavement private member’s business, grew spend that time with her,’” he said. welcome, said Mr. Housefather, on what more could be done, es- leave consisting of three paid from his own experience with loss. “I’ll never get to see her again, I’ll which was echoed by Conserva- pecially given the potential long- days and two unpaid days off, the “It stems from a story with my never get to hug her again.” tive MP Stephanie Kusie (Calgary lasting mental health impacts bill allows for now the same num- grandmother and not being able And if he could speak to her Midnapore, Alta.). of COVID-19 loss over the next ber of compensated days along to take time off of work when I today, he would tell her how she For Mr. Housefather, politics is decade. with seven unpaid days off. was a brand-new employee and was the inspiration for a bill that too aggressive, with unity around Specifically, she said there The cross-party support the decision to make whether to has united the House. this bill welcome, given that he’s should be more research done for the bill is “unprecedented,” spend their final days with her or “[I hope] she’s proud and smil- always tried to go for a “pragmat- into palliative care, grief, and said Mr. Jeneroux, especially in to stay at work,” he said. “I ended ing down.” ic” approach across party lines. bereavement. regards to the joint Liberal-Con- up making the unfortunate deci- While Mr. Jeneroux was will- All parties recognized the ben- Another idea Mr. Jeneroux servative amendments made (all sion that I regret to this day to ing to share his own personal efits of this bill and that it’s a good raised was the creation of a na- the changes were labeled as dual stay at work.” story, he noted during the com- example of coming together on tional grieving strategy. party adjustments), which passed This decision was particularly mittee meeting that grief impacts good legislation, Ms. Kusie said. Regardless of what future unanimously at the committee. impactful because of the role his all people differently and that “When there is reasonable leg- changes might look like, Mr. Jen- To come up with what should grandma, Jeanne Babcock, played not everyone will want to return islation with programs that help eroux said caregivers should be be changed, Mr. Jeneroux said he in his life. As a child, they were to work too quickly. That’s why Canadians, we can and do work an important factor. worked closely with Mr. Housefa- very close, he said. Mr. Jeneroux said it’s important together, so it doesn’t have to be “We can’t lose sight of them, ther, the parliamentary secretary “She … often would say that to have bereavement supports in divisive all the time.” even though this is all good and to the labour minister, collabo- ‘all I need right now is a hug place for Canadians. will include them, recogniz- rating on the amendments. He from my favourite grandson,’ and At the Feb. 25 meeting, Kelly ing caregiving is important,” he also noted that in conversations I’d give her a hug and it seemed Masotti, vice-president of advo- Lawyers and advocates say said. Caregivers are an invisible with the NDP and Bloc Québé- to make her life better and her cacy for the Canadian Cancer the changes are welcome workforces without adequate cois, they were on side with the world better,” Mr. Jeneroux said. Society, emphasized that the eco- Joshua Lerner, associate support, and though the bill is a changes. She died in a long-term care nomic value of unpaid caregiving lawyer at Rosen Sunshine, echoed good first step, there’s still much He said that this support home from a combination of clocks in at $25-billion annually, this sentiment, particularly in the for the government to do, said Ms. across party lines was because Alzheimers and dementia right and that because of COVID-19, appeal of the bill. Gillespie. the change makes sense and be- after he finished university. When these caregivers are feeling He said that given the scale of “There’s a lot of opportunity cause many people can relate. Mr. Jeneroux found out she was increased amounts of burnout, the change from five to 10 days off, and room to fill some of these “I think it really hit home near death a few weeks before stress, and anxiety. the legislation is tempered in reach, gaps, reduce some of that frag- with a lot of people, particularly she passed, he said he spent a lot In the end, Mr. Housefather and “palatable for all parties.” mentation in government, and Members of Parliament who said, of time deliberating, making what said the bill is really just a ques- He also said that it’s a “wel- the federal government show- ‘you know what, it makes sense he called excuses to not go and tion of logic. come sign that governments and ing this kind of leadership will that we all get together and we see her. He didn’t want to ask his “You need time to process employers and employees are have a positive impact across the show the country what Canada employer for the time off, he said, grief and you need time to deal recognizing the importance and country.” really is, and it’s a compassionate and he was focused on trying to with practical implications after value of giving people that time to [email protected] country,’” Mr. Jeneroux said. advance up the corporate ladder. someone dies,” he said. grieve and care.” The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 25 News

preters’ transition to working on MPs were experiencing linguis- former translator and procedural Not open to hybrid proceedings,” said Heather tic discrimination during hybrid clerk with the House of Commons Bradley, communications director proceedings—that 86 per cent who retired in 2007, suggested on to the House Speaker, in an email. of committee witnesses between Twitter that Parliament should “Regular meetings between the Sept. 23, 2020 and late November have its own in-house translation interpretation: HoC and the Translation Bureau 2020 testified in English. and interpretation service. continue to include briefings and “The bilingual character of Translators and interpreters consultations with senior man- Canada is being set aside as directly support the work of MPs agement on all relevant matters.” discourse in Parliament is forced and Senators, and while today both virtual Parliament Despite these efforts, issues into one language, usually Eng- Chambers have common in-house have persisted. Lucie Séguin, lish, because sound quality and printing, security, mailing, and other chief executive officer of the other technical problems prevent services, he said he was “surprised” Translation Bureau, recognized as interpreters from being able to do when he first learned that translation exacerbates pre- much during her Feb. 16 commit- their jobs,” reads the report. and interpretation services weren’t. tee appearance: “Sound quality Interpretation issues at the “Translators and interpreters remains our main concern. To Health Committee led Conserva- aren’t parliamentary staff, and yet be perfectly honest, we have not tive Whip Blake Richards (Banff- they’re involved in everything that existing issues resolved all the issues related to Airdrie, Alta.) to raise a question Parliamentarians do,” Mr. Hall told sound quality. At the same time, of privilege in the House on Feb. The Hill Times, an arrangement he we have a mandate to continue to 16, over the fact the committee’s continues to find “odd.” provide this service to Parliamen- Feb. 12 meeting was suspended Status as a parliamentary em- with vital service tarians so that committees can at 4:30 p.m., amid an opposition ployee has certain implications, meet in both official languages.” push for the release of vaccine including nixing the ability to go As early as May, the level of contract documents, after its on strike, and creating a common A former procedural tion of Conference Interpreters injuries being experienced by Hill Liberal chair said it was unable to service under the umbrella of the (AIIC). interpreters—from headaches continue due to a lack of resourc- Library of Parliament could have clerk with the House “It needs to be understood to tinnitus—was flagged by the es, including interpretation staff, other benefits, he suggested: “For that the sound that an interpreter Canadian Association of Profes- and that a Bloc MP at the meet- example, now that we’ve gone of Commons has requires is different from some- sional Employees, which warned ing “struggled to participate in a virtual, if the translators and in- one who’s just logging onto a the Procedure and House Affairs vote shortly before the suspen- terpreters actually had their man- one idea for how Zoom platform,” she told The Hill Committee that with 40 of the sion, attributing her difficulties to agers on Parliament Hill as part to ameliorate the Times. During the now-regular then-70 staff interpreters unable interpretation challenges.” of the bureaucracy … would they pre-meeting testing of audio, “you to work because of health issues NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice be listened to more and taken situation: make often get that comment, ‘oh, I can or childcare needs, “interpreters (Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Que.), into account when they’re doing hear you just fine, MP whatever.’ are getting dangerously close a member of the Languages something, like going virtual?” translation and Yes, you can, but as an interpreter to being unable to keep up with Committee, said interpretation Both Mr. Blaney and Mr. we have to have [a higher] clarity the demand and having to refuse problems he’s witnessed have im- Boulerice said, given recent expe- interpretation for the of sound” in order to listen and assignments in too great numbers pacted “mostly unilingual franco- riences, they think the idea is one talk over an MP’s voice at the to find replacements.” phones.” While problems are often worth exploring—though neither House and Senate same time. expects the Languages Commit- a common service As Ms. Gagnon noted during tee’s current study, which is fo- her appearance at the Languages cused on addressing interpreters’ under the Library of Committee on Feb. 2, Zoom isn’t injuries and is currently wrapping “recognized as an interpretation up, to tread into that ground. Parliament. platform by the international ex- “The pandemic is really an perts who set ISO standards.” eye-opener of the critical role of Since last spring, a number of Continued from page 1 translators and maybe how they measures have been taken to try should be fully considered and “It’s part of our institution and to protect and support interpret- integrated into the parliamentary it plays a critical role, you know. ers on the Hill: noise-limiting service structure,” Mr. Blaney said. We see if at Question Period, interpretation consoles have Asked about Mr. Hall’s sugges- when translation is not working, been installed in all 17 commit- tion, Ms. Gagnon was not as keen, the whole process stops. So it’s tee rooms and two multi-purpose and raised concern that siphoning not only an issue of … a pillar rooms in the Sir John A. Mac- off a group from the limited pool of our linguistic duality, but it’s donald Building; two interpreta- of qualified translators and inter- also a very functional issue that tion booths were added to all preters in Canada to be dedicated is at the core of our institution,” committee rooms, and three to Conservative MP Steven Blaney, right, and NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice, to only serving Parliament—which he said. the Chamber, to allow for bet- both voiced support for the Parliament to look into the idea of 'streamlining' doesn’t sit year-round—would be The House held its first meet- ter physical distancing; House translation and interpretation services on the Hill in response to recent “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” ings by videoconference in April technicians have tweaked the experiences. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade Instead, she said the AIIC wants 2020 and shifted to a fully hybrid Chamber’s audio configurations to see more federal investment in virtual format last September. to reduce echo; interpreters’ shifts education and training, and for the As House chief information were shortened from six to four In January, the AIIC Canada resolved “rapidly,” he said the bureau, now a special operating officer Stéphane Aubé explained hours; headsets with integrated Region released a survey which shortfall highlighted by the shift agency, to revert to its pre-1995 to the Languages Committee on microphones are being provided found that, since April, 70 per to virtual makes clear the need status as a mandatory and free Feb. 2, the House had to “decide to MPs, and committee witnesses cent of the Translation Bureau’s for more action. service (its services to departments quickly” on which virtual platform when possible (though a witness staff interpreters had suffered in- “There was already a shortfall are now run on a cost-recovery to use last spring, and landed on at the Languages Committee juries, forcing 88 per cent to take of interpreters before the pan- basis), and report to one depart- Zoom, following “research and testified that the model being dis- time off to recover, with more demic, now, it’s quite problematic, ment (three currently have a hand consultations” (including with the tributed, the Plantronics Encore- than triple the number of health because if they are leaving or on in oversight). In the meantime, she Translation Bureau), as it allows Pro 310, only meets the minimum and safety reports filed (102) com- a leave of absence because they called for the continued applica- for a high volume of participants ISO standard); sound checks are pared to the previous 20 months. are sick, all the problems will just tion of precautionary principles and for the House to integrate its conducted ahead of meetings; a Another study by the AIIC in explode or increase or be more to protect the existing workforce existing broadcasting system and sound technician is now always at January examined transcripts from frequent, and it’s going to hurt the “so that we can continue doing our ISO standard-compliant interpre- hand during meetings; witnesses hybrid proceedings in the House work of the House in general—and job until the investment in training tation booths and consoles with are asked to provide interpreters Chamber and the 14 most active I don’t want them to be hurt, also,” starts to pay off.” the platform. This means audio with written statements; and in- standing committees between April said Mr. Boulerice. “The House The bureau only hires inter- from remote participants is trans- terpreters have been instructed to and December 2020 and found of Commons should do better to preters with a master’s degree mitted over the internet by Zoom interrupt proceedings if they feel 1,073 interruptions over the 368 protect and provide a safe working and currently, there are only two and fed into the House’s audio their health and safety is at risk. “sessions” studied; of that, 580 (54 environment for those interpreters.” such programs in Canada: one at system for interpreters to hear, House Speaker Anthony Rota per cent) were due to technical is- As currently constituted, the York University’s Glendon Col- while in-person audio is transmit- (Nipissing-Timiskaming, Ont.) sues and 407 (38 per cent) were due Translation Bureau exists as a lege and the other at the Universi- ted as usual. frequently reminds MPs to use to issues with interpretation. special operating agency under ty of Ottawa (which suspended its But sound being transmitted headsets during House inter- Of the committees examined, the Department of Public Services 2020-21 cohort due to COVID-19). over Zoom is of varying, inferior ventions, and in December the the Health Committee experi- and Procurement and provides But, Ms. Gagnon noted that, quality, which ranges depending Liaison Committee sent a letter enced the most interruptions due services for departments across even “in the best of times, you’re on a user’s device, internet con- urging the use of headsets, and to interpretation issues, more government, with a subgroup that only looking at a handful of nection, and microphone. More- other recommendations, to all than it did due to technical prob- supports both the House and Sen- graduates on a per yearly basis.” over, to narrow the bandwidth of standing committee chairs. lems, and overall had to suspend ate. As of January, that subgroup PSPC noted the bureau has audio for transmission, sound is “The House administration the most often (17 times). had 53 interpreters on staff and 76 “been working tirelessly for de- compressed, irreversibly reducing has a close working relation- The report also highlighted a freelancers on contract. (Another cades to increase the number of its quality, explained Nicole Ga- ship with the Translation Bureau stat previously raised at the House 90 on-staff translators, and 65 qualified interpreters in its work- gnon, a freelance interpreter on and has been working with the Board of Internal Economy—in freelancers, support Parliament.) force and its pool of freelancers.” the Hill and Canadian advocacy bureau since the beginning of the response to concerns from the Responding to recent chal- [email protected] lead for the International Associa- pandemic to support the inter- Bloc Québécois that francophone lenges, on Feb. 20, Thomas Hall, a The Hill Times 26 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | THE HILL TIMES

tory from the University of Toronto, and Mélanie Richer a master’s in journalism from Ryerson now wears University, and spent time working as a the title of freelance reporter for RogersTV Missis- director of sauga and the Mississauga News before communications hill climbers moving to Calgary in 2010 to become an for the NDP associate with Navigator Ltd. She’s since on the Hill. also worked for the Canadian Association Photograph by Laura Ryckewaert of Petroleum Producers, last as manager of courtesy of communications strategy and research; for Twitter the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, as manager of government and stakehold- er relations; and for TD Bank, as manager of corporate and public affairs. Stay tuned for more updates on Mr. Minister Carr’s Carr’s burgeoning team.

Schulte hires new advisers Seniors Minister Deb Schulte has some fresh faces on her ministerial team, includ- tor of communications for NDP Leader team beginning ing new policy adviser Maria Campbell. Jagmeet Singh and team on the Hill since Ms. Campbell has spent the last year the 2019 federal election, during which working as a constituency assistant to she’d run the party’s campaign communi- Ontario Liberal MP Tony Van Bynen, and cations shop. before that spent five years between 2010 She first began working for the NDP and 2015 as a relationship development under then-leader Thomas Mulcair, start- to take shape manager for the Tony Blair Institute for ing as a press secretary in 2015. Ms. Richer Global Change. later became a tour co-ordinator for Mr. Her history on the Hill goes back to Mulcair, before switching back to commu- 2001, when she started as a constituency nications work as a caucus press secretary. Plus, Seniors Minister Deb assistant to then-Liberal MP Paul Bonwick. She stepped away from federal political She later worked for then-Ontario educa- work for about six months in 2018, during Schulte has a handful of tion minister Gerard Kennedy and as an which time she was a communications and aide to then-Liberal MP Belinda Stronach. media specialist for the Ottawa Commu- new faces in her ministerial Frank Tersigni has been hired as Ms. nity Housing Corporation, but returned Schulte’s new Ontario regional affairs by August of that year to serve as deputy office, and there’s adviser, a role previously filled by Chike director of communications and media for Agbasi, who was recently promoted to the NDP caucus. been some movement director of operations, as reported last in the NDP’s caucus month. Olivier Clavet is the newest communications team. Frank Tersigni member of the is Ms. Schulte NDP’s caucus iberal MP Jim Carr was returned to new Ontario communications desk. Photograph Lthe government’s front bench on Jan. team. Photograph courtesy of 12, as a minister without portfolio serving courtesy of LinkedIn as the PM’s special representative for the LinkedIn Prairies, and he’s slowly getting his office in place, with Carlene Variyan named as chief of staff. Liberal MP Jim Carr, pictured May 13, 2019, was Carlene named a minister without portfolio as the prime Variyan is minister's special representative for the Prairies on chief of staff Jan. 12. So far, he's named a chief of staff, policy to Mr. Carr. director, and communications director to support Photograph him. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade courtesy of LinkedIn ries and North since January 2020, to take At the beginning of 2019, Ms. Richer over as director of policy to Mr. Carr. was named communications director for Before joining the PMO, Mr. Hird had Mr. Tersigni has spent roughly the last the NDP on the Hill, but was replaced in spent almost three years working as a spe- two and a half years as a parliamentary that role by George Soule after that year’s cial assistant for Saskatchewan regional assistant to Ontario Liberal MP Lloyd election. Mr. Soule left the Hill at the begin- affairs in the ministers’ regional office in Longfield, and is also a former assistant ning of January to become legislative staff Regina—one of 16 regional offices across to Diversity, Youth, and Inclusion Minister rep for the United Steelworkers Canada. Canada which support ministers across Bardish Chagger as the MP for Waterloo, Mr. Clavet joined the NDP’s Hill team as cabinet. Ont. He’s also docked experience work- a caucus press secretary for Quebec in Jan- Mr. Hird ing at the provincial level, and is a former uary. He was previously working as a pub- has a bach- constituency assistant to Ontario Liberal lic relations adviser for Canada FBM2020 elor’s degree MPP Liz Sandals, later working as a spe- since last March. Canada FBM2020 was es- in physics cial assistant for operations in her office as tablished in 2016, in collaboration with the Ms. Variyan joins Mr. Carr’s team from the education minister. Association of Canadian Publishers and from Natural Resources Minister Seamus University Outside of politics, Mr. Tersigni has also the Association nationale des éditeurs de O’Regan’s office, where she’s been director of Texas at been manager of events and communica- livres, after the federal government signed of communications and deputy chief of Dallas, a tions for Polytechnics Canada. on to be Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt staff since December 2019. master’s in Alex Johnsen Howkins is another re- Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse) in A former parliamentary assistant to the technol- cent addition to Ms. Schulte’s team, having 2020. Thanks to COVID, Canada’s role as then-Liberal MP Ken Dryden and later par- ogy and been hired as executive assistant to the Guest of Honour was delayed until 2021. liamentary affairs adviser to then-deputy policy pro- minister and her chief of staff, Anne Daw- Mr. Clavet is also a former account execu- Liberal leader Ralph Goodale, Ms. Variyan gram from son. He is a former parliamentary assistant tive with SYRUS Réputation, a Montreal- spent about two and a half years working the Mas- to B.C. Liberal MP Ron McKinnon. based consulting firm focused on reputation off the Hill as manager of health policy and sachusetts As reported by Hill Climbers this week, Mackenzie Hird is director of management, and his past internships in- government affairs for Indivior Canada Institute of Pierce Collier has exited his post as an policy to Mr. Carr. Photograph clude posts with the United Nations, the U.S. from 2013 until the end of 2015, when the Technology, issues manager and Atlantic regional courtesy of LinkedIn General Consulate in Quebec, and Journal Le Liberals were returned to government. and a PhD affairs adviser to Ms. Schulte to join Soleil. He has a bachelor’s degree in public After the 2015 election, she was hired as in engineer- Families, Children, and Social Develop- communications and journalism from Laval director of parliamentary affairs to then- ing systems from the school. While at MIT, ment Minister Ahmed Hussen’s office. He University, as well as a master’s degree in finance minister Bill Morneau, and has he worked as a graduate research assis- has not yet been replaced in Ms. Schulte’s international relations and national security since also been communications director tant. He’s also a former policy analyst to office. studies from the school. to then-employment minister Patty Hajdu, Mr. Goodale as public safety minister. Nina Amrov continues as a press secre- and communications director to Mr. Goo- Geraldine “Geri” Anderson was hired on tary, supporting Mr. Singh as leader, while dale as public safety minister. as director of communications to Mr. Carr NDP communications team update Charlotte MacLeod is press secretary for Ms. Variyan is also a former president of as of Feb. 15. The NDP has made some changes to its the Prairies and Ontario, and Alana Cahill the National Women’s Liberal Commission Until recently, she’d spent the last year communications staff roster of late, with is press secretary for B.C. and the Atlantic. and a former chair of the Judy LaMarsh and a half as director of policy and com- Mélanie Richer’s promotion to director of Each provides communications support Fund for Women in Politics. munications for the Calgary Chamber of communications and the addition of a new to NDP MPs elected in their respective Mackenzie Hird has been recruited Commerce. press secretary, Olivier Clavet. regions. from the Prime Minister’s Office, where Ms. Anderson has a bachelor’s degree Ms. Richer stepped into her new title [email protected] he’s been a regional adviser for the Prai- in English, professional writing, and his- last month, having served as deputy direc- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 27 Comment Committee Parliamentary Calendar testimony not Ambassador Dion to deliver March 12 lecture on democracy’s health in the COVID era providing clarity Stéphane WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 Dion, Canada's House Sitting—The House is sitting in ambassador to a hybrid format during the pandemic, with most MPs connecting remotely. It’s sitting Germany and on who made March 8-12 and will take a break from special envoy to the March 15-19. It’s scheduled to sit again European Union, will March 22-26, will take a two-week break, deliver the annual March 29-April 9. It’s then scheduled to sit Sylvia Ostry Lecture every weekday for the next five weeks, April hosted by the C.D. the right call in 12-May 14. It will take one-week break after Howe Institute on that, from May 17-May 24. It will sit May 25 every weekday until Wednesday, June Friday, March 12. 23, and will then break for three months, He will speak on until Monday Sept. 20. In the fall and ‘Democracy’s Health the Vance affair winter, the House is scheduled to sit for 11 in the COVID Era.’ weeks over September, October, November, The Hill Times file and December. It will sit Sept. 20-Oct. 8; photograph Oct. 18-Nov. 5; and Nov. 15-Dec. 17. Canadian Defence Association Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence—The founder and CEO of Global Privacy & Secu- TUESDAY, MARCH 16 89th annual conference will focus on secur- rity by Design, will take part in a webinar ing democracy and sovereignty against a on “Privacy by Design: The Vital Need to be Affordable Internet Day of Action—A thousand cuts and will be held virtually from Proactive in Data Management and Analyt- Canadian coalition of consumer advo- March 10-March 12. The confirmed speak- ics,” part of the Smart Government series cates, civil society and social justice ers: Canada’s Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan; hosted by the Information and Communica- groups, policy experts, activists, and former prime minister Stephen Harper; DND tions Technology Council. Thursday, March independent ISPs will gather virtually in a deputy minister Jody Thomas; Global Affairs 11, 1-2 p.m. Register via Eventbrite. national Day of Action to demand the im- deputy minister Marta Morgan; NATO’s dep- mediate implementation of federal mea- uty Secretary General Mircea Geoana; U.K. FRIDAY, MARCH 12 sures to deliver affordable internet and Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace; Democracy’s Health in the COVID Era— wireless services in Canada. Participants John Hyten, U.S. vice chairman of the Joint Canada’s Ambassador to Germany and include Canada Research Chair in Inter- Chiefs of Staff; NORAD Commander Gen. special envoy to the European Union, net and E-Commerce Law Michael Geist; Glen Vanherck; former Quebec premier Jean Stéphane Dion, will deliver the annual Syl- OpenMedia; ACORN Canada; activist and Charest; Gordon Venner, former associate via Ostry Lecture hosted by the C.D. Howe author Cory Doctorow; Public Interest Ad- deputy minister DND; Lt.-Gen. Christine Institute. He will speak on “Democracy’s vocacy Centre; Ryerson Leadership Lab; Whitecross, former commander of Military Health in the COVID Era.” Friday, March and TekSavvy Solutions. Tuesday, March Personnel Command; Dr. Chen-Wei Lin, 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m. C.D. Howe members 16. Visit affordable-internet.ca for more chief executive officer Institute for National and their guests can register at cdhowe.org information. Defence and Security Research, Taiwan; or contact [email protected]. The Five “Ps” of Government in Canada: Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, left, and former military ombudsman Gary Walbourne, Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, director polariza- What to Watch for in 2021—Speakers from right, have both testified before the House National Defence Committee in recent tion and extremism research and innovation SATURDAY, MARCH 13 Global Public Affairs will address how weeks about their actions in relation to allegations of sexual impropriety levelled lab American University; Gen. John Allen, Federal “How to Run” Election Series— politics and policy in Canada and the U.S. will affect the economy and future business against former chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vance. Screenshots via ParlVu president Brookings Institute; Dr. Sarah NDP MP Matthew Green will take part in Kreps, Brookings Institution; Susan Hen- the federal “How to Run” election series climate in a webinar titled, “The Five ‘Ps’ nessy, senior fellow, Brookings Institution; hosted by Black Voters Matter Canada. of Government in Canada: What to Watch Thus, the Global News revela- Dr. Chris Meserole, Brookings Institution; Dr. for in 2021,” hosted by BOMA Edmonton Continued from page 9 Green will share his experience running for tions were still shocking even Sheena Chestnut Grietens; Shilo Fetzek, se- office at both the federal and municipal (Building Owners and Managers Associa- after Vance had stepped down. nior fellow Center for Climate and Security; level. Markiel Simpson, from the NDP, will tion). Speakers include Tom Clark, chair; that the ombudsman had some Pierre Alvarez, vice-chair, Calgary; Jason In her Feb. 2 story, Stephenson Madeleine Redfern, former mayor of Iqaluit demystify the process to seek a nomination potentially damaging information and co-CEO Canarctic Inuit Networks; Dr. Ennis, vice-president and general manager, about the CDS. reported that Vance allegedly for an NDP riding. Saturday, March 13, Barbara Perry, director Centre on Hate, BIA 4-5:30 p.m. EST. Register via Eventbrite. Alberta; and Ted Gruetzner, vice-president. The next day, Walbourne was committed two separate trans- and Extremism, Ontario Tech University; Tuesday, March 16, 2-3 p.m. EDT. Tickets called to the PCO and asked about gressions. The first was that Vance Richard Foster, chief executive and VP SUNDAY, MARCH 14 available via Eventbrite. the allegations against Vance. had been involved in an affair L3Harris Technologies Canada; Dr. Kash Federal “How to Run” Election Series— The Parliamentary Calendar is a free In order to protect the victim’s with a junior officer, which began Khorasani, Concordia University; Dr. Whitney Tunde Obasan, National Chair of the events listing. Send in your political, identity, as promised, Walbourne in 2000 and continued through Lackenbauer, professor Trent University; Dr. Conservative Black Congress of Canada, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental Andrea Charron, director Centre for Defence refused to provide details to PCO his tenure as CDS. will take part in the federal “How to Run” event in a paragraph with all the relevant & Security Studies, University of Manitoba; election series hosted by Black Voters Mat- details under the subject line ‘Parliamen- and they subsequently let the The second allegation revealed and Mercedes Stephenson, Ottawa bureau by Stephenson was the email ter Canada. Obasan will share his experi- tary Calendar’ to [email protected] by matter drop. chief, Global News. cdainstitute.ca/ottawa- ence running for office at both the federal Wednesday at noon before the Monday pa- Sajjan also seems to have been invitation to the clothing optional conference-2021 and provincial level. Christine Remedios, per or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday content with having kicked the beach vacation. Reflections on Future Trans-Atlantic from the Conservative Party, will demystify paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of ev- issue upstairs to PCO and, delib- The whole affair took a politi- Priorities: A Croatian Perspective—Croatian the process to seek a nomination for a Con- ery event, but we will definitely do our best. erately not having seen any evil cal turn once it was revealed that Ambassador to Canada Vice Skracic will servative Party riding. Sunday, March 14, Events can be updated daily online, too. the ombudsman had given Sajjan discuss international affairs and security in 4-5:30 p.m. EDT. Register via Eventbrite. The Hill Times with his own eyes, considered the a webinar on “Reflections on Future Trans- case closed. a heads up about the email back Atlantic Priorities: A Croatian Perspective,” And so it was, until Feb. 2, in 2018. hosted by the NATO Association of Canada. 2021, when Global News reporter In the knee-jerk response Wednesday, March 10, 10-11 a.m. Register Mercedes Stephenson unleashed of partisan politics, it was soon via Eventbrite. CLASSIFIEDS her double-barreled blast of revealed that Vance had been Resistance in the Time of a Pandemic— sexual impropriety allegations investigated by the Canadian McGill University hosts the 2021 Mallory Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 Lecture. Human rights advocate Ellen against Vance. Forces National Investigation Ser- Gabriel will speak on “Resistance in the HOUSE FOR SALE CONDOS FOR RENT At that juncture, it was just vice (NIS) in 2014 for an alleged Time of a Pandemic,” exploring the efforts two weeks since Vance had extra-marital affair with a U.S. of Indigenous communities to stop the Do you have a handed over the CDS post to his servicemember while they were theft and dispossession of their land, both house to rent or successor Admiral Art McDonald. both posted to NATO Headquar- historically and today. The lecture will be He was, however, still serving out ters in Naples, Italy. followed by a Q&A. Wednesday, March 10, sell? Items or his retirement leave and still a The Conservatives accused the 5-6 p.m. Register at mcgill.ca. four-star general. Liberals of knowing that Vance THURSDAY, MARCH 11 products to sell? Since he was first appointed as was a potential liability and doing A Quick Tour of World Climate Leaders: Advertise them CDS in 2015, Vance had been the nothing to remove him. While the Effective Climate Policy & Accountability, Inter- ACRE ESTATE, HOME SOHO LISGAR – HEART OF in The Hill Times' leading figure in what the Cana- Liberals in return say the Conser- national Best Practices, and Lessons Learned— 4300SF 4 BDRS, 5 MINS DOWNTOWN OTTAWA’S dian military dubbed Operation vatives were aware of his alleged Hosted by Alina Averchenkova, the policy TO CHAMPLAIN BRIDGE FINANCIAL DISTRICT classfieds section. lead in the Grantham Institute on Climate Honour, the Force’s wide effort to failings when they made him CDS. 969000$ MLS® : 23366388 Luxury 1 bdrm condo + balcony w/ Change and the Environment at the London combat sexual misconduct. For his part, Vance has to date Rare. Champlain Park (Gatineau), south-facing from the 14th floor. Walk FOR INFORMATION School of Economics. This webinar will take denied committing any sexual sumptuous home on one acre. to Parliament & Parliament Station, In December 2020, Vance had place on Thursday, March 11 from 11 a.m.- CALL OR EMAIL: Close to services Roch Brunette, L’Esplanade Laurier, World Exchange. renamed this initiative The Path- impropriety. 12 p.m. EST in Quebec and Ontario. Realtor Residential, Commercial, Concierge services, pool, gym, + [email protected] way to Dignity and Respect, and Scott Taylor is the editor and Privacy by Design: The Vital Need to be FOCUS Real Estate 819-962-7624 many other amenities. $2,250/month 613-232-5952 he was once again the figurehead publisher of Esprit de Corps Proactive in Data Management and Analyt- includes underground parking, storage ics—Former Information and Privacy Com- in the anti-sexual misconduct magazine. locker & hydro. 613-868-9866 http:// missioner of Ontario, Dr. Ann Cavoukian, campaign. 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