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Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 W with MichaelKovrig andMichaelSpavor. ernment tosafeguard communication links ment withlittlepower fortheCanadiangov- have breachedabilateral consularagree- of thecoronavirus pandemic, Chinamay detained CanadianssinceJanuary agreement by withholding access to China may have breached consular News breaches ofprivilege. raising concernsabout the House Speaker, for to file a complaint with little recourse, other than Gladu says MPs have Conservative MP Marilyn THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO.1719 BY NEIL MOSS A parliamentary privileges, say MPs, experts Pandemic crisis tests durability ofMPs’ News draft billstobe scrutinized, nego- tine legislative process, leading the Househasupendedrou- equal standingintheHouse. extent towhich notallMPshave experts say ithasunderscoredthe the leakingofdraft legislation, ic, withoneMPcrying foulover BY BEATRICE PAEZ Nowmail. what? You’ve got noMP The tempor are testedamidthepandem- s parliamentary privileges sinceJanuary inthemidst ith noconsularaccessfortwo detained -China Legislation Continued onpage15 ary suspensionof

monthly consularvisits. on Jan. 14. PriortoJanuary, thepairhad with Mr. Spavor onJan. 13andMr. Kovrig three months, when consularofficialsmet access tothetwo detainedCanadiansfor email that Canadian officialshaven’t had Global Affairs told Global Affairs p. 4 C anada Compounding crises? says Perrin COVID, during continues onslaught Opioid Continued onpage14 ’ The Hill TimesThe s P oliti c s

in an and G overnment F greater risks with COVID-19 under water advisoriesspeak of ‘An addedburden’: First Nations News for cleandrinkingwater. communities that have beenwaiting years also causingconstructiondelays insome contain thespreadofCOVID-19, which is public healthguidelinestoprevent and BYSAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN ries facegreater challengesfollowing irst Nations underboil-water adviso- COVID-19

N ews pp. 6-7 p a p er giene necessarilycallsformorewater use, advice around handwashing andgoodhy- Hill Timesbers toldThe. Complyingwith clean water isscarce, communitymem- made moredifficultincommunities where health officialstoprevent COVID-19 are Many ofthemeasuresurgedby public WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15,2020$5.00 mental healing Don’t forget pandemic Tim Powers p.11 Continued onpage16 recovery during Andrew Meade photograph by The HillTimes colleagues. by party carried out privileges their voting to have to consent forced MPs pandemic has bill. The wage-subsidy emergency government’s to passhis of Parliament second recall during the on April11 Chamber House enters the Trudeau Justin Minister Prime 2 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Industry groups donate $36,000 to food Heard on the Hill banks across Canada by Neil Moss ‘Hope, courage, determination’: politicos mark 40 years since start of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope Actor Ryan Reynolds, pictured attending 2019 Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill, is among the big names that have recently made donations to the Food Bank. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

A group of industry stakehold- backing of 15 other industry ers have come together to donate groups, including the Business $36,000 to food banks across Council of Canada, Canadian Canada, including to Food Banks Association of Petroleum Produc- Canada and the Ottawa Food Bank. ers, Chamber of Marine Com- The idea was brought forward merce, and Railway Association by the Chemistry Industry Asso- of Canada, among others. ciation of Canada (CIAC), Forest “We are all in this together,” Products Association of Canada Business Council president Goldy (FPAC), and the Mining Associa- Hyder said in the release, add- tion of Canada (MAC). ing: “The more we support one “This is such a difficult time another during this challenging for so many families in Ottawa time, the faster and stronger we and across the country. We are all will come out of this together.” trying to find the most meaning- The Ottawa Food Bank has ful ways to pitch in and help,” received a surge of donations CIAC president Bob Masterson recently with the help of the Wu- said in a press release. Tang Clan, as well as actors Ryan The initiative also had the Reynolds and Blake Lively.

Peter Cory, who served a decade on Canada’s top court, dies at 94

The Terry Fox Memorial was completed in 1982 just outside of Thunder Bay, Ont., where Terry Fox stopped his Peter Cory, who sat on Cana- Marathon of Hope. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons da’s Supreme Court from 1989 to 1999, died on April 7. He was 94. “Peter Cory stood tall among our decades after Terry Fox cancer,” tweeted Families, Chil- It was day 79 or 80 of his run. his peers as a jurist of integrity dipped his right leg in the ice dren, and Social Development F Every day I walk by the Terry and wisdom,” Supreme Court cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean Minister . Fox statue across the street from chief justice said off the coast of Newfoundland Liberal MPs Steven Guil- Parliament Hill. It gives me cour- in an April 9 statement. and Labrador, Parliamentarians beault, Seamus O’Regan, Hedy age—even more so during the “His contributions in the area honoured his legacy. Fry, and also times in which we are living,” Sen. of criminal law, and especially his “When I think of hope, cour- added tributes to Mr. Fox on Munson tweeted fierce defence of the Charter rights age, determination, I think of Twitter. of accused persons, have stood the Terry Fox,” said Liberal MP Pam Non-affiliated Senator Jim test of time. He left a lasting mark Damoff in a Twitter video. “As we Munson took to Twitter to reflect on our jurisprudence. Among face challenges in our country on where he was for the his colleagues, he remains Peter Cory was nominated to the and around the world right now marathon. admired for his pa- Supreme Court by then-prime with COVID-19, I don’t think “I was a reporter tience, civility, and minister in 1989. there’s a more important time to on Parliament Senator Donna Dasko hard work. We Photograph courtesy of Twitter/ think about Terry and the values Hill waiting joins group looking into social extend our Supreme Court of Canada that he gave to us as Canadians.” for Terry deepest Ms. Damoff is the chair of the Fox to impacts of COVID-19 and sin- condolences to his family,” he added. Terry Fox Run in Oakville, Ont. arrive. cerest Prior to being nominated to She joined other Terry Fox Run the Supreme Court by then-prime organizers as well as Terry Fox As Canadians deal with the fallout of the coro- minister Brian Mulroney, Mr. Foundation board members and navirus pandemic, whether they’re taking part in Cory was a justice on the staff in a Zoom video call with physical distancing or experiencing job loss, much Court of Appeal and before that Mr. Fox’s family members, where is still unknown about the social effect of the crisis. To the Supreme Court of Ontario Fred Fox read an entry from his try to understand that impact, Independent Ontario High Court. brother’s journal from the first Senator Donna Dasko is partnering with a group of After retiring in 1999 from the day of the run. leading Canadian researchers. bench, Mr. Cory was appointed to Mr. Fox started the Marathon “We want to understand how Canadians are responding lead a public inquiry into alleged of Hope on April 12, 1980, to to the crisis in terms of their concerns, their attitudes, and collusion between British and raise money for cancer research, their behaviours. We want to look at vulnerable groups, Irish security forces and respec- beginning near St. John’s, N.L. and at different demographics, and also to peer into the tive paramilitaries in six murder He aimed to run a marathon per future,” Sen. Dasko said in an April 9 press release. cases in Northern Ireland dur- day across Canada in the hopes “We hope that the research will inform public policy ing The Troubles. of raising a dollar for every and will also assist non-governmental organizations go- Star Parliament Canadian—which would have ing forward into an uncertain environment,” she added. Hill reporter Tonda Mac- amounted to $24-million at the The group is chaired by Jack Jedwab, president Charles tweeted that Mr. Cory time. The trek concluded before and CEO of ACS-Metropolis. It also includes for- was “a gentleman” and “unfail- reaching the West Coast, with mer bureaucrats, academics, and pollsters. ingly polite to counsel and Mr. Fox stopping his run just Sen. Dasko joined the Red Chamber in reporters.” outside Thunder Bay, Ont., due 2018. Prior being named a Senator, she was At the time of his retire- to worsening health. a pollster at Environics Research. She also ment from the Supreme Court, “While the sidewalks, roads, serves on Statistics Canada’s Advisory she reported that Mr. Cory was and running trails are empty Committee on Social Conditions. regarded by some observers “as right now, we will never forget Donna Dasko joined the Senate in 2018. Before joining the conscience of the court.” Terry Fox, who continues to in- public life, she was a pollster at Environics Research. [email protected] spire a nation in the fight against The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade The Hill Times Delivering Canada’s trade, night and day.

Now more than ever, it’s vital Canadians have what they need to weather the challenges. Rest assured, the Port of is open, and trade is moving. Marine pilots, railroaders, seafarers, terminal workers, truck drivers – and everyone in between – are all working around the clock to get the goods to you. We want to thank them for helping ensure communities across the country have what’s needed for the days ahead. We’re all pulling together to keep goods moving for Canadians. portvancouver.com

CLIENT Vancouver Fraser Port Authority APPROVALS VFP201000BC_Supply_Chain_Print_AD_HT_V2 CREATED 2020-04-08 ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER:

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SIZE 10.375" x 13.5" PRODUCER Scott TAXI CANADA INC MAC ARTIST 515 Richards Street COLOURS CYANI MAGENTAI YELLOWI BLACKI Vancouver, BC PRODUCER V6B 2Z5 PUBLICATION Hills Times INSERTION DATE ??-Apr-20 AD NUMBER ?? - FULL PAGE AD T: 604 683 8294 F: 604 683 6112 PROOFREADER REVISION # 1 REVISION DATE April 14, 2020 9:05 AM PRINTED SCALE 100% CLIENT / ACCOUNT MANAGER All colours are printed as process match unless indicated otherwise. Please check before use. In spite of our careful checking, errors infrequently occur and we request that you check this proof for accuracy. TAXI’s liability is limited to replacing or correcting the disc from which this proof was generated. We cannot be responsible for your time, film, proofs, stock , or printing loss due to error. 4 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News COVID-19

time from this tool to reach out to MPs to consider new mailing our constituents.” Parliament should ‘re- examine’ ways to get mailings out guidelines as some call for The MPs interviewed by The Hill Times all spoke of creative ways to get their messages out, like mass texts, e-newsletters to subscribers, and more frequent— shuttered service’s return and interactive—posts on social media. It’s meant being “very imaginative,” said Mr. Bergeron. So far, his team has been putting ‘We cannot be ads in local newspapers and send- ing out a robocall to let residents deprived for a long know his office is still operating, time from this tool despite being closed, and to reach out if they need help. to reach out to our Under the Canada Post Corpo- ration Act, Parliamentarians can constituents,’ says send up to four mailings, which must be using Neighbourhood Bloc MP Stéphane Mail—or postage-free govern- ment mail—in Ottawa through the Bergeron. House of Commons Post Office. Often referred to as “franking” BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN privileges, MPs are also allowed to send mail anywhere in Canada hen Parliament shut down, postage-free, by signing the ad- WMembers of Parliament lost dressed piece of mail. the ability to mail their constitu- Some MPs say they hope to see their mailing privileges return, because the current pandemic is the ‘ultimate time’ The approach to mail franking ents en masse, which some worry to be sending key information to constituents through these mail-outs. Pictured from left to right: Liberal MP Adam could also adapt to the new real- is stopping key information from Vaughan, NDP MP , Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron, and Conservative MP . The Hill ity, suggested Mr. Vaughan, which getting to vulnerable residents in Times photographs by Cynthia Münster, Andrew Meade, and courtesy of Facebook may mean shifting away from the the middle of a pandemic. current process of going through Parliamentary mailing branches, cafeterias, outbound respond to Conservative MP mation. In the mailings, he often the House services. privileges grant MPs the abil- postal and messenger services, Kerry Diotte’s mailings, he said asks residents to respond with “Maybe it’s topping up the ity to print and send up to four the shuttle bus, and specialized it’s worth discussing whether the feedback—it’s also free to mail Member’s budget and we can do “householders” to every home in tenant services, like photography, contact constitutes an essential your MP—and he estimates about direct mail, but I think we need to their riding each year, along with framing, and dry cleaning. service. 80 per cent of the mail he receives re-examine that, because getting other constituency mail. Constitu- Liberal Whip ’s “It would be the ultimate time is from elderly people in his riding. those written messages out to every ents, too, can mail their federal (Ajax, Ont.) office confirmed by to get it out,” said Mr. Diotte, add- “This is crisis time, this is like corner of the country, every corner representative free of charge—a email on April 14 that the Board ing it’s discouraging he hasn’t wartime, you want to communi- of the riding, every corner of a back-and-forth that MPs say is an would be addressing printing been able to send householders cate to people and I would be glad person’s neighbourhood, I think important line of communication. and mailing services, and a new out, which he typically makes full to send out householders as often that’s really important especially It also lets them cater the mes- policy and set of guidelines would use of. as possible,” he said, adding he’s when we’re dealing with different sage about the novel coronavirus be released later this week. It’s been a topic of discus- got them ready to go but for the languages,” Mr. Vaughan said. to the riding’s specific needs or NDP MP Peter Julian (New sion among some colleagues and time being is sending them out to The shuttered service raises to make sure they target certain Westminster-Burnaby, B.C.), also he said many, like him, think it his “far smaller” email list. these questions, said Mr. Bergeron, populations, like seniors. These a member of the Board, said the would be a very useful tool right “I think we’re really missing though the answers might not be mailing services were shut down “emergency situation” creates now. Mr. Diotte said he’s raised the boat on that. That’s just under- the methods used in the past. when Parliament suspended due a greater need to get critical the issue with Conservative education and we could improve.” “Should we continue to central- to COVID-19 in mid-March. information about COVID-19 to House Leader Candice Bergen There are various ways to ize [mailing] or should we de- Liberal MP constituents, including where (Portage-Lisgar, Man.), who sits make sure the service can con- centralize these operations in the (Spadina-Fort York, Ont.) said to go for help, key government on the BOIE. tinue, including going local, said constituencies?” he said. “We have it’s worth re-examining these programs, and more. to adapt, and as long as I don’t suspended privileges. “It would be a very useful tool,” Liberal Whip know what [the conditions of the The householders are an im- he said, adding that discussions Mark Holland, crisis] will be, I can’t answer those portant way to get to key commu- to make that possible are happen- centre, questions today, but we will have nities in the riding like to “people ing. pictured to ask the questions at some point with different languages, to get “We all realize in an emer- speaking with if the crisis were to last longer.” to seniors, to get to rural parts gency there are limitations, but at Innovation When constituents can’t find of this country, to get to people the same time this is information Minister answers, they often turn to their who don’t trust telephones and that would be crucial to get in the Navdeep MP for support, he said, and the computers or who want some- hands of Canadians right across Bains and householder might be a way to thing tangible in front of them to the country, and I think it would then-Liberal better answer questions that crop absorb it in way they feel com- also assist MPs, because we’re MP Colin up in different ridings. For ex- fortable—all these ways of com- getting flooded with calls and Fraser. The ample, Mr. Bergeron said his team municating—we need to explore emails and the ability to get more Hill Times created charts about applying for and re-establish where we can,” information into peoples’ hands is photograph financial aid based on the volume said Mr. Vaughan, who is parlia- really paramount right now,” said by Cynthia of similar questions received after mentary secretary to the minister Mr. Julian. Münster the robocall. The charts were of families, children, and social In a normal year, he said his posted to his Facebook page, but development. constituency office would deal he said he would have liked to get Over the last couple of weeks, with about 1,000 constituent cas- it to all residents. discussions about re-establishing es. In just the last few weeks, he “Every method of communica- Mr. Julian, but it’s up to the House “We might design tools with the mailing services have been hap- said his team has already reached tion is important, and those mail- administration to determine how householders in order to answer pening among MPs and through that total. The householders ings, I think, would be absolutely it’s done, and those discussions questions and tell them how to the Speaker’s office, he said. should be used only to dissemi- important and very effective. It’s are happening. reach us,” he said, noting that feed- Asked if it had been brought nate crucial coronavirus-response amazing how well-read they are,” With provincial, municipal, back about gaps is also valuable in forward, Heather Bradley, information, he added, and MPs he said. and federal directives changing directing government response. director of communications to should forgo updates about their “I think it’s certainly a con- by the day, Bloc Québécois MP “Officially [MPs are] not con- House Speaker work, or praising the government, sideration that they be declared Stéphane Bergeron (Montar- sidered as an essential service, (Nipissing-Timiskaming, Ont.), for example, which is often how essential services and a lot of se- ville, Que.) said he couldn’t say but in reality we are because said it was a matter for the Board the mail-outs are used. niors are worried right now, and I whether the service should be when constituents have no way to of Internal Economy (BOIE). In don’t blame them.” declared essential, but called it a obtain answers to their questions, March, Mr. Rota emailed MPs to Now the ‘ultimate’ time to Many in that segment, some of “valid question” to consider. they turn to their Members of note printing and mailing services whom don’t have internet, have “The longer the crisis will last, Parliament” and provincial repre- were among suspended services contact constituents: Diotte been calling his office with ques- we’ll have to put that question sentatives, he said. on Parliament Hill, a list that also Given how so many seniors tions and Mr. Diotte is worried forward,” said Mr. Bergeron. “We [email protected] included parliamentary library in Griesbach, Alta., some are missing valuable infor- cannot be deprived for a long The Hill Times Stop the Spread COVID-19Stop the canSpread be deadly. StayCOVID-19 home. can Save be lives. deadly. Stay home. Save lives.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario 6 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Books & Big Ideas ‘Canada’s forgotten public health emergency’: opioid crisis rages amid the pandemic, says former Harper aide

“If we can deliver fast food to ‘If we can deliver fast people, we can deliver life-saving medical support to people’s food to people, we doors,” he said. In a new book titled, Overdose: can deliver life-saving Heartbreak and Hope in Cana- medical support to da’s Opioid Crisis, Mr. Perrin, a senior adviser on criminal justice people’s doors,’ says during the Harper era, outlines a series of policy recommendations Benjamin Perrin, a former senior adviser to then-prime minister , is the author of a new book, Overdose: Heartbreak Benjamin Perrin, for ramping up political support and Hope in Canada's Opioid Crisis, in which he outlines a series of policy recommendations for ramping up political support for for decriminalizing the treatment decriminalizing the treatment of those with addictions. Photographs courtesy of Benjamin Perrin and Penguin Random House a former senior of those with addictions and for adviser to then-prime removing barriers to access to a public health emergency was “The court was unanimously dollars a year is what our federal opioids of “known contents and declared here in British Colum- of the view that Insite and other prison system costs. Most of those minister Stephen potency,” among other appeals. bia in 2016, it showed that our supervised injection sites save people have substance-abuse dis- Mr. Perrin was not always a current approach is a complete lives, yet that wasn’t enough orders, and the system does not Harper, about vocal advocate in calling on the failure. I don’t think you can have to convince the Conservative rehabilitate or support them in government to provide sufficient something more obvious than government to change course. any way. In fact, it increases their providing safe supply funding for supervised safe-con- 14,000 people dying to give you Realistically, probably not. But risk of death on release. sumption sites. In 2012, the now- pause. It was a moment where I one thing you need to learn as an “If you’re a social conserva- for those with opioid law professor at the University of felt a moral and ethical obligation adviser, very quickly, is you need tive, many of whom are Chris- addictions amid this arrived on the to do something. to be able to speak truth to power, tians, two-thirds of Canadians Hill, where he was ensconced as “That was the catalyst for whether your advice is followed identify as Christians, and I’ve pandemic. one of the government’s senior me to re-examine our approach or not. You need to be able to look gone through a real transforma- policy advisers. to drug policy—this issue that I yourself in the mirror and be con- tion myself of realizing how I That was a year after Canada’s did not spend time giving a lot fident that you spoke what you really was not following the God BY BEATRICE PAEZ Supreme Court unanimously serious attention to. When I was believe needed to be shared. I did who I went to church hearing ordered the federal government to the prime minister’s top criminal that on other issues. about. The research shows that ith public health officials keep Insite, a supervised injection justice adviser from 2012 to 2013, “We’re each responsible and people use drugs because they’re Wlargely preoccupied with facility in Vancouver, open, argu- my main interest or focus was on accountable for what we do, and medicating pain. By and large, beating back the spread of the ing that the concerns cited in its victims of crime. decision makers are accountable childhood trauma is a huge factor. stealthy coronavirus, Benjamin attempt to force the clinic’s closure “By the time I came to Ottawa, for the decisions, and advisers are “You look at the law-and-order Perrin, a former senior aide to were “grossly disproportionate” to the Conservative modern war on accountable for their advice, and folks. Well, drug prohibition fuels then-prime minister Stephen the benefits for the community. drugs was already in place. They voters and supporters of parties crime. Instead, when you pro- Harper, says the collision of the The top court’s decision was had already tried unsuccessfully are accountable for the policies vide people with a safe supply pandemic with the opioid crisis not enough to convince the to shut down Insite, Canada’s first their parties pursue, they either of drugs, research shows they has the makings of a “perfect Harper government to reassess its supervised consumption site; the tacitly or implicitly support. Part stop engaging in the criminal storm.” policy stance on the prohibition Supreme Court had ordered it of the problem with party politics behaviour that is needed for them Given that a potential vaccine against drugs. For Mr. Perrin, it to be kept open in 2011. But the is you get involved for a maybe to earn income to pay for black for COVID-19 is still likely many wasn’t until years later when he government enacted their tough- few issues that are important to market drugs. months, if not more than a year, left Ottawa and moved to Van- on-crime legislation to increase you, and you end up signing off “Those are some pretty big away, the prescriptions for curb- couver, where the crisis in 2016 penalties for illicit drugs across on a huge list of things that may- constituencies that make up the ing the spread of the pandemic, had compelled British Columbia the board, staunchly following be you didn’t give any thought to. voting bloc of the Conservative such as physical and social dis- to declare an emergency, that a program of drug prohibition. I Party. tancing, are untenable for those he abandoned the Conservative never really gave any thought to Has it forced others who share “On the flip side, I hope other with addictions to street drugs, Party’s political and ideological that. your political leanings to be parties would see this as an op- Mr. Perrin said. war on drugs. “Knowing what I know now, I more open to examining the portunity to move forward, and “The best-available public “I just accepted the ideology deeply regret not having used the data and reassessing their policy say, ‘Look, here is someone who health information we have for that drugs are bad, they cause opportunity, while I was advising response? Could that happen at was a former top adviser, and dealing with COVID-19 is we crime, and so we should be sup- the prime minister, to share the the grassroots level, or at policy he’s telling us that we should be need to physically and socially pressing them in any way we can,” evidence that was available then, conventions? taking these steps.’ I’m hopeful distance, and the opposite is the he said. Mr. Perrin credits his and even more so now about how “I’ve had people contact me that provides a degree of political advice [for] the opioid crisis, faith, as a lifelong Christian, for our current approach to drug pol- who range from former Conser- support and political cover for which has been to not use alone, propelling him to reconsider the icy is a costly, ineffective failure. vative Members of Parliament to progressive and other govern- to come together and congre- party’s policy convictions with And so, for me, that journey was senior policy advisers to cabinet ments to take steps.” gate in places like supervised “fresh eyes.” essentially one of putting party ministers to voters to supporters consumption sites,” he said in an The following Q&A has been politics aside. It’s clear the status of the party, who’ve said, ‘You’re Prime Minister interview with The Hill Times. edited for length. quo wasn’t working, so I had to right. I’ve always felt the party has said opening sites in provinc- Governments, he said, should forget party politics.” had it wrong on this stuff.’ es run by Conservatives has been be looking at funding innovative What led you to cast aside your “If you look at the constitu- difficult. To what extent does ways, including through support- political ideology on this issue You said you “deeply regretted” encies that support them [the the federal government, under ing mobile overdose-prevention and to reconsider the Conserva- not using the opportunity to Conservatives], they support Trudeau, bear responsibility for sites, to ensure those with opioid tive Party’s approach to drug share the evidence that was out change. For fiscal conservatives, the lack of sufficient resources addictions have access to safe policy, particularly on opioids? there, but would the prime min- I would say, ‘If you want to keep ister have been open to hearing wasting a lot of money, continue supplies to manage their con- “For me, the turning point Continued on page 7 sumption and treatment. really was the opioid crisis. After that? on the path you’re on.’ Five-billion THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 7 News

Health Minister Health Canada’s COVID-19 provides an update on the government’s COVID-19 response task force ‘likely working in the West Block on April 2. Behind the scenes, a task night and day’ as bureaucrats force of bureaucrats is working at a ‘hectic’ pace to across departments hammer provide the policy backbone. The Hill Times photograph by out policy response Andrew Meade

da (PHAC); the The roughly 30-person Secretariat; Employment and Social “In conversations I’ve had with former and Food Branch, and described the deputy Development Canada; Natural Resources colleagues at Health Canada that are work- minister as a “good policy thinker.” team includes employees Canada; Immigration, Refugee, and Citi- ing specifically on the COVID response, it “You have good leadership there, for from Health Canada, the zenship Canada; Finance Canada; and the is intense and these individuals are prob- sure,” Mr. Vrána said about the COVID-19 Public Service Commission. ably working 12, 14 hours a day, non-stop,” task force. Public Health Agency of Jacqueline Bogden, assistant deputy she said in an April 7 interview with Hill He added he believes Ms. Bogden’s minister of Health Canada’s Controlled Times Research. experience leading the department’s can- Canada, the Treasury Board Substances and Cannabis Branch, is lead- “In my experience, these task forces are nabis branch will serve her well as head ing the team of approximately 30 people, not particularly common. They’re created of the COVID-19 task force because the Secretariat, Employment though Mr. Morrissette’s statement said when there is an exceptional need because legalized cannabis industry “was new, it that number “may evolve” as the situation you’re pulling people away from their day-to- was emerging, it was crazy, and this all and Social Development develops. day work, or at least very much refocusing speaks to COVID from a … worse posi- Canada, Natural Resources Ms. Bogden reports to the deputy minis- the work that they’re doing,” Ms. Proud said. tion.” ter of health, Stephen Lucas. “I can’t even think of anything as large Mr. Vrána worked for Health Canada Canada, and more. The task force includes policy analysts, scale as what we’re currently dealing with,” between 1995 and 2001 and again from assistant deputy ministers, directors gen- said Ms. Proud. “The people working on 2003 to 2007. He participated on task forces eral, and administrative support officers this task force are likely working night and focused on high pharmaceutical prices, BY TESSIE SANCI who are doing this work on a full-time day,” she added, noting that “Health Canada which included representatives from fed- basis, according to the statement. has some of the best and brightest minds eral and provincial/territorial governments. he global nature of the COVID-19 Karen Proud understands working on a despite … people’s preconceived ideas of A task force is an opportunity to receive Tpandemic is demonstrated by a “whole- task force under a tight timeline. Now presi- public service,” she said. input from professionals of various policy of-government” approach that has captured dent of Consumer Health Products Canada, “You would be hard pressed to find a backgrounds, according to Mr. Vrána. bureaucrats from many federal depart- Ms. Proud has a total of 10 years of experi- better, more dedicated group of people to “The mechanism is there already where ments to form Health Canada’s COVID-19 ence with Health Canada and PHAC. In be handling it, frankly.” departments do collaborate,” he said. “The task force. 2000, she was a manager on the regulatory Ivan Ross Vrána, a former Health [Privy Council Office] has a large hand in The team was “established to provide side of Health Canada’s tobacco program Canada staffer and now vice-president of organizing that, as does Finance [Canada] dedicated policy and strategic planning when she joined a task force to develop new government relations and business devel- and Treasury Board.” capacity to the whole-of-government re- regulations for tobacco packaging health opment at cannabis producer Eve & Co. “Getting the right people around the sponse to COVID-19,” according to an April warnings. While her experience was not Incorporated, told Hill Times Research on table, I think that’s one thing that govern- 2 statement from Health Canada spokes- during a pandemic, it still had a short time- April 7 that he has not met Ms. Bogden but ment does extremely well and can action person Eric Morrissette. line and was a ministerial priority. has heard that she is “well-regarded” in the fairly quickly.” Some of the departments and federal Ms. Proud recalled the pace as “hectic,” department. Tessie Sanci is editor of Hill Times Re- agencies on the task force include Health “very focused,” and requiring many over- Mr. Vrána worked for Mr. Lucas from 2003 search, owned by Hill Times Publishing. Canada; the Public Health Agency of Cana- time hours. to 2005 at Health Canada’s Health Products The Hill Times

‘Canada’s forgotten public health emergency’: opioid crisis rages amid the pandemic, says former Harper aide

Even though the when those [numbers] were in fact starting Continued from page 6 Supreme Court to decline, in B.C. in particular. being directed towards safe consumption of Canada was “In some provinces, like British Colum- sites, when provinces such as Ontario and unanimously bia, firefighters have been ordered not to decide to pull funding? of the view respond to most overdose calls because “Well, the provinces are supposed to be that supervised of concerns of COVID-19 transmission. funding the health care that is needed. And injection sites Instead, they’re waiting for ambulances to the buck stops with them. That said, where save lives, that show up. That will delay potentially life-sav- you have a recalcitrant provincial govern- wasn’t enough ing minutes, and those are just some early ment that is unwilling to fund medically to convince the warning signs. necessary services, I believe there’s a role Conservative “Because of COVID-19, those sites that for the federal government to step in. And government to do exist that provide for safe use, many of I’m not an expert in the Canada Health Act, change course on them have been curtailed, in terms of their but something I’d absolutely be looking its drug policy, hours or the capacity reduced. We know at, if I were the federal Liberals, is to look says former that will increase overdose deaths, and we at ways to ensure that life-saving medical adviser Benjamin need innovative solutions and funding to support, like a supervised injection site and Perrin. The Hill be sent there. We also know that people overdose-prevention sites, get the funding Times photograph who survive overdoses, if they suffer they need, regardless of what provincial by Andrew Meade brain injury from lack of oxygen, they are government happens to think politically.” admitted to intensive-care units. This is the same critical-care facilities that are In what ways has the pandemic affected needed to help people severely affected by those battling opioid addictions? Have COVID-19 and so, at certain points in the there been knock-on effects, as many opioid crisis, we had ICUs close to full of health-care workers, and the Public Health people who had survived a drug overdose. Agency of Canada, shift their attention to You’ve got basically a situation where responding to the pandemic? these two public health emergencies, at “I’m very concerned about the conflu- of life if immediate action is not taken. signs that this is starting to happen. We’ve their apex, lead to being in the ICU, so ence of COVID-19 and the opioid crisis. The opioid crisis has been neglected. It is seen a spike in overdoses and overdose- there’s a concern about resourcing there.” It has the makings of a perfect storm that Canada’s forgotten public health emergen- related deaths in both Toronto and Vancou- [email protected] is going to exacerbate suffering and loss cy, even now. There are already troubling ver in the last week or two. This is at a time The Hill Times 8 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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Editorial Letters to the Editor Pencils down, it’s time to figure Working together the best way out the pandemic Parliament to avoid a COVID-19 clash ith April 20 less than a week away, “The reality is, it is going to be weeks still. e: “The fight against COVID-19 isn’t a Canadian Forces Health Services have Wit’s not very encouraging that Parlia- We recognize that it is going to be important Rwar, and shouldn’t be described that combated medically many times before, mentarians haven’t appeared to make any to get our economy going and that we will w a y,” ( The Hill Times, April 8, p. 10). including examples such as Rwanda and progress in deciding whether Parliament will have to do it in phases. We will have to re- Scott Taylor wrote that the COVID-19 Afghanistan field hospitals and Op Sirona, actually return on the aforementioned date. main vigilant until such a point as a vaccine response “is not a war: it is a health crisis. the Ebola crisis in West Africa. I have no Back in March, when MPs agreed to against COVID-19 is found,” he said. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, cleaners, gro- doubt these brave military health-care suspend the House of Commons until April Add to that the great hue and cry over the cery store clerks, gas station attendants, members will combat COVID-19 when so 20, there were still many unknowns about weekend as people expressed their distaste and truck drivers are the frontline soldiers tasked with equal dedication and courage. just how destructive to normal life CO- for the fact that Mr. Trudeau crossed the in the battle against COVID-19. Not our Lastly, I agree wholeheartedly that VID-19 would be. The five-week suspension interprovincial border into to spend combat troops.” Mr. Taylor also highlighted COVIDs-19 is more than a health crisis. seemed lengthy, but now that it’s almost up, Easter with his family at the a concern shared by many about how to COVIDS-19 is also an economic and social reconvening Parliament in the traditional residence, where they’ve been living for the best balance the health-crisis response crisis. The World Health Organization has sense seems wildly irresponsible. past few weeks. Conservative Party Leader with a future economic crunch. already partnered together with the Inter- As per the original agreement, the lead- also received plenty of As both a veteran and a doctor, I national Monetary Fund to ensure that all ers of the four recognized parties (Liber- blowback for taking his family on what some would like to offer three alternative ways recommended pathways ahead balance and als, Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, and felt was non-essential travel by bringing his to consider these important issues. protect both lives and livelihoods. Although NDP) have to notify the House Speaker wife and five children on a small government First, in times of public health crisis, Canada and Canadians are naturally wor- and request a continued suspension. plane to Ottawa ahead of the April 11 sitting. such as COVID-19, it is technically the ried about the Canadian economy, we know Government House Leader Pablo Based on the reaction to both of these community at large that becomes the true that we will fare far better than many, many Rodriguez wrote to Speaker Anthony actions, it’s not likely that many Canadians frontline of defence. It is the decisions other nations with far more fragile popula- Rota on April 5 to ask about investigating will look too favourably on Parliamentarians made today, by each and every Canadian, tions and economies than our own. virtual sittings. Mr. Rota wrote back on returning en masse to Ottawa next week. to follow or not follow the directions of Hopefully, if there is a silver lining in the April 8 to say something could hopefully Mr. Scheer’s Conservatives are the the federal chief public health officer, that COVID-19 crisis, it’s our growing recognition be up and running in four weeks ones pushing for an in-person return of will determine whether our health-care that our best way out of this is together. We Reportedly, part of the negotiations around Parliament, so it’s not really surprising he providers will or will not be overwhelmed are all interdependent on each other for our the Liberals’ emergency wage-subsidy bill would move his family back to town and as the nation’s last line of defence. survival, as a community, city, province, na- passed on April 11 was the ability to recon- settle in for the long haul. Second, if we are to further continue tion, and ultimately as humanity. If we forget vene at least a skeleton Parliament. The Proce- But when that long haul actually starts with the war analogies, the Canadian that, there is a very real probability that CO- dure and House Affairs Committee has now is anybody’s guess. PROC doesn’t have to military has many types of troops. Some VIDs-19 will result in wars of the type that we been tasked with investigating “ways in which report back to Parliament until May 15. For troops are trained to fight enemies with will all agree “should be described that way.” Members can fulfill their parliamentary duties those keeping track, that’s nearly a month their hands or weapons, and others with Karen Breeck CD, MD while the House stands adjourned on account after the original April 20 resumption target. their medical skills. Members of the Ottawa, Ont. of public health concerns caused by the No one expects anyone to have all of COVID-19 pandemic, including the temporary the answers in such a fluctuating situation, modification of certain procedures, sittings in but the fact that those answers weren’t alternate locations and technological solutions being looked for in any meaningful way including a virtual Parliament.” before now is disappointing. MPs are COVID-19 is causing an On April 14, during his daily briefing, elected to represent their constituents in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said every- Parliament. If Parliament can’t meet in the one needs to stay the course and to not look ways it knows how, that should have been ideological shift, says reader to the country and economy opening its a more urgent conversation long before doors any time soon. the clock ran out on the original deal. he COVID-19 crisis is a massive challenge manufacturing of vital goods, and ever-lower Tto those who have dedicated four decades tax rates that inhibit government’s ability to to discrediting the positive role of govern- respond to emergencies. ment in the affairs of a nation and its citizens. Beyond the practical dangers of this ap- Fortunately, Canada’s has only partially em- proach are the psychological and intellectual braced the odd notion of economic freedom, paralyses induced by decades of anti-govern- whereby everything and everyone is assigned ment messaging in a time when only govern- a market value. ment can accomplish the task at hand. Therefore, Canadian think tanks like the When the current crisis finally passes, Fraser Institute and the Macdonald-Laurier free-market advocates may grudgingly Institute must be scrambling to explain why acknowledge government’s response to government, and not the private sector, is the pandemic before renewing their efforts providing leadership and practical measures to undermine public confidence in the to protect citizens, the environment, and the same administration that protected them. economy. Nevertheless, the ideological shift induced Of particular relevance to the current by COVID-19 will resonate quietly across health crisis are past demands by economic- Canada. freedom advocates for public service staff Morgan Duchesney cuts, privatized health care, expanded foreign Ottawa, Ont. A view to the horizon after COVID-19 ou, too, may have seen the many tive, a culture, and a nation, what are we Y“before and after” photos showing willing to do for the sake of a visible hori- how our collective response to COVID-19 zon? If you could, how would you organize has literally given us a clear view to the our political and economic future so the horizons of our various cities. view to our horizon would still be in sight? Once this is over, I wonder if our view to Ron Robinson the horizon will also be over. As a collec- Nelson, B.C.

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U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured addressing the press on April 7. Now that the U.S. has the dubious distinction of being the hardest-hit nation on earth, Trump blames the WHO for failing to warn the world about COVID-19 and he has threatened to cut off their funding, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Flickr/Andrea Hanks In warning of COVID-19 malign actors, Trump needs a mirror

lign actors exploit the [COVID-19] busy preparing domestic re- That is the plot line worthy of an disinformation has been none By far the biggest and crisis for their own gain.” Accord- sources to deal with the pandemic Austin Powers comedy movie. other than Trump himself. When ing to our security experts, the themselves. However, further destabilizing the outbreak first occurred in most dangerous source Chinese and Russians are in fact As a result, a very hard- the Maduro regime at the height Wuhan, China, Trump ignored using their global pandemic aid pressed Italy accepted the neces- of a health crisis while simulta- the World Health Organiza- of disinformation deliveries to improve their status sary medical supplies from these neously denying them access to tion’s warnings. Trump went so around COVID-19 has within the world order. If that is three malign actors. medical supplies does not bode far as to call the virus a “hoax” indeed the case, then these Rus- Whether this propaganda ex- well for the Venezuelan people. and “fake news” at public rallies. been none other than sians and Chinese strategists are ercise will generate any long-term Closer to home, Canadians Trump also proclaimed that once truly diabolical. Italian goodwill towards Russia, saw just where we stand in the the weather warmed up the coro- U.S. President Donald Take for example the case of China, and Cuba remains to be eyes of Trump when he ordered navirus would simply “disappear Italy, which has been one of the seen. the 3M Corporation not to ship … like magic.” Trump himself. hardest hit nations in the battle On the flip side of that has vital, pre-purchased protective Now that the U.S. has the against COVID-19. been Trump’s own attempts to masks and respirators to Canada. dubious distinction of being As the confirmed number of exploit the COVID-19 crisis That export impasse was thank- the hardest-hit nation on Earth, cases and death toll skyrocketed for America’s strategic gain. fully resolved at the corporate lev- Trump blames the WHO for in early March, Russia, China, When the pandemic hit and el, but not before Trump revealed failing to warn the world about and Cuba dispatched medical per- Venezuela hard, the U.S. used its his true isolationist colours. COVID-19 and he has threatened sonnel and supplies to the north- veto at the International Mon- As for the allegations of Chi- to cut off their funding. ern province of Lombardy, which etary Fund (IMF) to deny these nese and Russian disinformation The reason for Trump wanting was essentially ground zero for two malign actors emergency during the pandemic, one has to to cancel payments to the WHO the pandemic in Italy. loans to help them cope with the presume our security experts are is that he feels they are very Italian politicians praised health crisis. telling the truth. It is also true “China-centric.” For the record, these three assisting nations and In the case of Venezuela, that the majority of deliberate Trump’s statement was made the Scott Taylor hailed them as “allies” in the war Trump’s administration went disinformation efforts uncovered same week that China delivered Inside Defence against COVID-19. one step further by issuing an to date have been from domestic 1,000 urgently required ventila- I found this to be a strange indictment against President organizations affiliated with far tors to hospitals in the state of term to use, since Italy is a NATO Nicolas Maduro. According to right and neo-Nazi fringe groups. New York. TTAWA—During this COVID-19 member and part of the Euro- the U.S. charges, Maduro and his Their messages are rife with Malign actors exploiting the Ocrisis, we are repeatedly being pean Union. While fellow NATO- cronies are narco-terrorists who anti-Semitism and racism aimed crisis for their own gain indeed. warned to be on the lookout for Rus- member Germany did contribute are implementing a scheme to de- at provoking fear and distrust Scott Taylor is the editor and sian and Chinese disinformation. considerable medical aid to Italy, stabilize America during the CO- among Canadians. publisher of Esprit de Corps U.S. President Donald Trump other actual allies such as Canada VID-19 crisis through widespread However, by far the biggest magazine. warned that we “must not let ma- and the U.K and the U.S. were distribution of cheap cocaine. and most dangerous source of The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Comment We are in a crisis, so now is the time to act

of the Second World War. In the of the Berlin Wall in 1989. At the originated and already undertak- The third must be an over- The first step post- United States, the isolationist and time, there were great expecta- ing public relations exercises to haul of the multilateral system: anti-Semitic “America First” move- tions of a “Peace Dividend” from ingratiate itself. Seeking its self- we need a rules-based order to pandemic has to be ment was keeping the country out the end of the superpower conflict interest as it does so well, China respond to adversity. This should of the war. Nonetheless, Winston between the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. is bound to press for economic mean an end to the gamesman- a meeting of the G7, Churchill and Franklin Delano Instead, there was greater insta- and political dominance as the ship at the United Nations in New the International Roosevelt met secretly in Placen- bility, sectarian strife, and geno- United States flounders. There is York, the end of competition for tia Bay, Newfoundland, where cide in the decade that followed. a famous Chinese proverb, “in cri- funds between UN agencies, the Monetary Fund, they drafted the “Atlantic Charter,” In the months ahead, we have sis, lies opportunity.” This would elimination of some UN organiza- setting out a blueprint for the no choice but to be realists: the be the ultimate irony: rewarding tions, and the strengthening of the World Trade post-war world. debt burden will be suffocating the author of our global misfor- others. Leaders, such as the World It was bold, perhaps even pre- for many countries, there will tune. Health Organization’s Dr. Tedros Organization, and sumptuous, to consider a world more than likely be a significant I am hoping there are analysts Adhanom Ghebreyesus, should the World Bank to at peace when things seemed so contraction in the global econo- far smarter, and more influential be given their walking papers. bleak. And yet, we owe to them my, and millions will be unem- than I examining this global dy- We need a WHO that gives good examine the financial the beginnings of the United ployed. Despite predictions of a namic, and contemplating “what advice, co-ordinates world-class Nations, the Bretton Woods trade rebound due to pent-up demand, next?” and “what can Canada do?” research on vaccines and pan- consequences of and regulatory organizations, and the disposable income of many The first has to be a meet- demics, and is not beholden to the end of colonialism. will have been depleted. ing of the G7, the International anyone. COVID-19. In the same way, in the midst Security is the fundamental Monetary Fund, the World Trade Canada is a member in all of quarantine, unemployment, priority of any country, as it has Organization, and the World those bodies and we can recom- and death, Canada and other been back to the Peace of West- Bank to examine the financial mend these steps, if we have the Western nations should be look- phalia in 1648. But many Western consequences of COVID-19: the courage. While it might be tough ing beyond the pandemic. There democracies, in particular the horrendous deficits currently medicine, in the global competi- is never a convenient time to set United States, have never been being accumulated will have to tion for self-interest, it is always a global agenda: the conflicting weaker. After COVID-19, events be anticipated, and dealt with wise to presume Murphy’s Law interests of international play- will conspire to make things through creative means. Trade has will apply. ers inevitably lead to unresolved worse if they continue on their to be expedited and trade barriers Andrew Caddell is retired problems. But this time, it’s dif- current trajectory. The uneven loosened, to get economies from from , ferent: if we don’t act, events will leadership of Donald Trump is falling into depression. where he was a senior policy determine themselves. bound to have an impact on the The second is a meeting of adviser. He previously worked Andrew Caddell The old saying, “Power abhors morale in that country, and else- the G20, at which steps should be as an adviser to Liberal gov- With All Due Respect a vacuum,” could not be more where: the U.S. has hardly been taken to alleviate potential finan- ernments. He is a fellow with relevant today. While there are a “beacon of light” in this time of cial catastrophe. China should be the Canadian Global Affairs those who predict environmental need. told to help or get out of the way; Institute and a principal of QIT TTAWA—In August of alternatives and the “new econo- Into this sea of instability in no uncertain terms, it should Canada. He can be reached at O1941, Britain was struggling my” will emerge from this crisis, will steam China, now recover- face sanctions if it exploits the [email protected]. through some of the darkest days we should think back to the fall ing from the pandemic where it crisis for financial gain. The Hill Times

In an Easter Sunday video, BoJo takes it on the chin U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson he did more than anyone to set in all in one go and allow the dis- thanked his With the worst of the motion. ease, as it were, to move through country’s The prime minister survived the population, without taking as health service epidemic and the the virus, although he reminded many draconian measures.” for steering everyone, one assumes, of how He went on to say the U.K. need- him through potential economic potentially lethal it can be. But ed to strike a balance between open- his own disaster of Brexit we’re not hearing any apologies ness and precautionary measures. bout with from Johnson for his appalling But this musing about so-called COVID-19. ahead, Britons can failure to create a good exam- herd immunity led to an uproar and Screenshot ple—as prime minister, after all— forced Johnson’s government to courtesy of only hope that PM for physical distancing. disavow the concept. And, as late as Boris Johnson’s In early March, as the rest March 22, the relentlessly upbeat Facebook Johnson can trade his of the world was abandoning Johnson was resisting a national populist mentality for intimate greetings in hopes of lockdown: “Other countries have stopping the spread of COVID-19, been forced to bring restrictions on government during Johnson’s a zipline during the Olympics. In something approaching Johnson was boasting that he was people’s movements altogether—as I hospitalization, he said during his reality, of course, COVID-19 is no shaking hands with coronavirus say, I don’t want to do that.” emotional, five-minute video on joke, and the U.K. continues to suf- constructive patients. “I was at a hospital the In the end, the 55-year-old Sunday that doctors and nurses fer from the government’s mishan- other night where I think there Johnson was admitted to hospital had saved his life. Thanking some dling of the emergency. It has come statesmanship. were a few coronavirus patients on April 5 after having experi- of the apparently very numerous out that in late March, the Johnson and I shook hands with everybody, enced “persistent” symptoms of health providers who looked after government missed taking part you will be pleased to know, and I COVID-19. After three nights him, the fatigued-looking John- in a European Union plan to use continue to shake hands,” he said. in intensive care, where he had son said he wanted in particular the bloc’s buying power to acquire In the early months of this oxygen treatment but did not need to mention “two nurses who stood ventilators and other much-needed year, when we now know that to be hooked up to a ventilator, by my bedside for 48 hours when equipment for member states (and decisive action by governments the prime minister returned to a things could have gone either Britain). The U.K. initially said it might have slowed the epidemic regular hospital ward. On April way.” On Easter Sunday, when declined because Brexit had put it and saved many thousands of 12, Johnson left hospital and went Johnson released his new video, outside the EU, leading to accusa- lives, Johnson, like his populist to , the prime minis- COVID-19 had claimed more than tions that Johnson’s regime was ally Donald Trump, was reluctant ter’s country home, to continue 10,000 lives in the U.K., with the putting “Brexit over breathing.” The to accept the seriousness of the recovering. It’s worth noting that, peak of the epidemic yet to come. government has since blamed it on Les Whittington situation. Asked in a television in- in Johnson’s post-hospitalization It may be seen as churlish to a communications mix-up. Need to Know terview on March 5 if the British statement to the nation, Britons suggest that the prime minister’s With the worst of the epi- government was trying through didn’t hear anything in the way self-described brush with death has demic and the potential economic its policies at that time to flatten of an apology for the fact that the a bit of a feel of Johnson hamming it disaster of Brexit ahead, Britons TTAWA—Well, at least he the curve to keep the National prime minister’s daft carelessness up as usual: back from the dead on can only hope that Johnson, once Odidn’t die. Health Service (NHS) from be- had put him in a position where Easter to save the nation? Really? fully well, can trade his tear- At least Boris Johnson didn’t ing overwhelmed, Johnson said: he obviously used up a dispropor- In any case, Johnson’s heed- it-down populist mentality for leave the United Kingdom “Well it’s a very, very important tionate amount of hospital assets less personal approach to the virus something approaching construc- leaderless at a moment when question, and that’s where a lot when the NHS is in danger of run- might play to his popularity, as tive statesmanship. the U.K. is facing its greatest of the debate has been and one of ning out of life-saving resources. he has made a virtue of his dizzy, Les Whittington is a regular pre-COVID-19 challenge in a half the theories is, that perhaps you Contrary to the bland reas- bumbling persona, like when as columnist for The Hill Times. a century with the Brexit process could take it on the chin, take it surances issued by the British mayor of London he got stuck on The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 11 Comment

financial circumstances. If you are a news junkie, you almost Let’s talk about it: COVID-19 is a need to try to break your addic- tion because the world is mighty messy now. Busting the habit is not an abdication of responsibility mental wellness challenge for all or a matter of throwing our hands up in defeat, it is just a temporary coping strategy. We all need that. terrifying on a daily basis for all A woman wearing a mask This is a time, really, when As our leaders have those on the front lines trying to walks through downtown moments of emotional energy help the rest of us go on with some Ottawa on April 8. It is okay allow it, to ask and check in on been prone to say semblance of life. For our senior to talk about how being the well-being of others. Even the citizens living in care homes, isolated makes you feel. You hardest of souls is facing a mental often, we are all in seeing the stream of news about are not showing cowardice or wellness challenge now. How this together. Let the brutality of the disease in a taking recognition away from can we not be? In my lifetime, variety of similar facilities must be front-line workers. Talking this is the one event that impacts there be no hidden halting. What must it be like when helps address the mental everyone. While we must have sheltering at home presents the obstacles COVID-19 is resolve to conquer COVID-19, our suffering. greatest threat to your life? creating in all our lives, writes humanity towards others must be In the last couple of weeks, Tim Powers. The Hill Times a prominent weapon. thankfully, a more public conver- photograph by Andrew Meade Part of the pathway back sation has begun, and genuine from COVID-19 will be working efforts made to address the mental through our bruised and banged- health impacts of COVID-19. Hu- edgement to say it is okay to talk old mother, who thankfully is well up mental health. Healing can be mans, by nature, are social beings about how being isolated makes but remains at high risk to the aided now by recognizing we are who most often get nurtured and you feel. You are not showing virus. I am sure many others can all suffering in different ways. fed by the personal human ecosys- cowardice or taking recognition relate to this sort of worry. Not Stiff upper lips were great in tems they create. While technol- away from front-line workers. being with loved ones. Anxious another era; kindness and tender- ogy today allows for ever greater Talking helps address the mental about parents, yet wanting to ness where they can be meted out and more pronounced contact obstacles COVID-19 is creating in protect our children. Unable to are important now. Tim Powers with our loved ones, it is still a me- all our lives. go to that place that spiritually As our leaders have been Plain Speak diated engagement by screen and For me, this is probably the recharges you. prone to say often, we are all in microphone. It is most certainly longest period in 15 years that I It is easy, important, and true this together. Let there be no hid- better than nothing, but does not have been away from Newfound- to say we will get through this, den suffering. TTAWA—Without a doubt, replace real human interaction. land and Labrador, including not but on some days those words Tim Powers is vice-chairman Othe COVID-19 pandemic is This isn’t a plea just yet for our being there for Easter. Thank- feel hollow and harder to believe. of Summa Strategies and manag- tough on everyone. public health officials and politi- fully, I have been blessed with a Many of us wake up and find ing director of Abacus Data. He is First and foremost, for all the cal leaders to abandon the physi- young son who I got to spend the the time in our homes consumed a former adviser to Conservative families who have lost loved ones cal distancing and other practices holiday with, but we all found it by other worries, from concern political leaders. to this heinous virus. It has to be in place, but rather an acknowl- hard to be away from my 78-year- about our friends, to our family’s The Hill Times

tion and use of community spaces is another example of how that system How quickly can the COVID-19 of injustice permeates all govern- ment responses to these communi- ties. That is, if they respond at all. The surveillance of Black and crackdown turn into cracking the Indigenous bodies to reinforce the denial of right to assembly by the state is nothing new. In her book, Race, Space and the Law: Unmap- ping a White Settler Society, Sher- whip on Black and brown bodies? ene Razack demonstrates how “the constitution of spaces reproduces the police on April 6 and it was nadian Human Rights Tribunal, The all-lives-matter approach racial hierarchies” and “how such Some lives are Campbell who paid the price. delivered last September, that of the federal government ended spaces are organized to sustain Where there are police kill- stated, “the human rights tribunal up discriminating against the unequal social relations and how expendable for a bottom ings of Black men, Indigenous found the government wilfully same lives they claim matter. So, these relations shape spaces.” line and a lifetime of people aren’t far behind, as police and recklessly discriminated in other words, not all lives mat- An example Cole gives in his in shot and killed against First Nations children by ter. Some lives are expendable book is that of a bylaw in Shel- imprisonment by the a 16-year-old Indigenous girl underfunding child and fam- for a bottom line and a lifetime of burne, N.S., which restricted the named Eishia Hudson on April ily services on reserve, which imprisonment by the state. Funny movement of Black Loyalists, state. Funny how that 8. As usual, the burden of proof created an incentive to remove how that works along racial lines. “forbidding Negro dances and weighs heavily on the families Indigenous children from their Many of you haven’t read Negro frolicks,” which could be works along racial lines. of those slain, instead of officers homes and communities.” Desmond Cole’s bestselling book, anything from dancing to sitting who are backed by the state, Well isn’t that something? The The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black and chatting with friends. Not firearms, and a powerful police federal government knowingly Resistance and Power and it surprisingly, white residents of union, within a system of racism and systemically underfunded shows. Shelbourne faced no restrictions. and misogyny and a culture that Indigenous child welfare in order Black lives don’t matter much This was in 1785, and 235 years excuses it. to create the conditions by which in Canada, either. Robyn May- later, Black people are still being Apologies, if they’re even Indigenous children could be nard, whose critically acclaimed harassed by institutional officials. forthcoming, are not enough removed from their homes and book, Policing Black Lives: State Donna Blackburn, an Ottawa- because they do not equate to families by the state. According to Violence in Canada from Slavery Carleton District School Board justice. And to be honest, they are a November report, to the Present, highlighted the trustee, is reportedly under inves- an insult to the numerous Black government lawyers argued that lack of evidence to support claims tigation for allegedly surveilling, and Indigenous lives taken by the the “federal government is fighting that disproportionate fatal police interrogating, and harassing a Erica Ifill police who have an inordinate a recent Canadian Human Rights shootings of Black men are fuelled Black teen in Ottawa for playing basketball in a park—alone—on Bad+Bitchy number of options before going Tribunal ruling on Indigenous child by police fearing for their lives, nuclear by taking someone’s life. welfare because it takes a ‘one- As she wrote for the Canadian March 27. Hell, he wasn’t even We understand. All lives matter. size-fits-all’ approach and excludes Centre for Policy Alternatives, frolicking with others and was TTAWA—Evidently, the The problem with saying that many First Nations children who “The ability to keep one’s life still targeted. The uptick of police Okilling of Black men by the all lives matter is that it is a way suffered from underfunding of while in crisis is a courtesy and surveillance under the guise of police is an essential service. to distract from the fact that not child and family services.” a privilege of whiteness, and stopping COVID-19 means that Last week, Peel Regional all lives are threatened equally by What’s that smell? Oh, it’s the a basic form of human dignity these communities are under a Police in Brampton, Ont., shot the state—certainly not Black and Liberal government burning Jor- that Black people continue to be real and present danger from and killed D’Andre Campbell, Indigenous lives, which society dan’s Principle. And to be honest, denied.” increased police presence. a 26-year-old Black man with a has deemed expendable. Were if the government doesn’t have Sounds systemic from here. Negro frolicks, indeed. known—as in, known to the po- Indigenous lives not expendable, to abide by the Human Rights Policing communities of colour to Erica Ifill is a co-host of the lice—history of mental health is- the federal government wouldn’t Tribunal’s ruling, why should ensure they comply with coronavi- Bad+Bitchy podcast. sues. It was Campbell who called be fighting a ruling by the Ca- anyone else? rus-related ordinances of self-isola- The Hill Times 12 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES COVID-19 Bill C-14: COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2

Finance Minister House Government Operations and Estimates Committee introduced NAME RIDING PARTY Bill C-14 to implement the (chair) Moose Jaw–Lake Centre–Lanigan, Sask. Conservative government’s (vice-chair) Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, Ont. Liberal wage subsidy program in (vice-chair) Beauport–Limoilou, Que. Bloc Québécois the House of , Alta. Conservative Commons on Carlton Trail–Eagle Creek, Sask. Conservative April 11. The Hill Times photograph Matthew Green Hamilton Centre, Ont. NDP by Andrew Meade Richmond Hill, Ont. Liberal Windsor–Tecumseh, Ont. Liberal ntroduced by Finance Minister maximum benefit of $847 per IBill Morneau (Toronto Centre, week; and Steven MacKinnon , Que. Liberal Ont.), Bill C-14 was passed during • The amount of remunera- Kelly McCauley , Alta. Conservative a special sitting of Parliament on tion paid, up to a maximum Saturday, April 11. benefit of $847 per week or West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast– 75 per cent of the employee’s Sea to Sky Country, B.C. Liberal pre-crisis weekly remunera- What’s in the bill? tion, whichever is less. • Amends the Income Tax Act to introduce an emergency House Human Resources, Skills, and Social Development and the Status of wage subsidy as part of the What happens if you Persons with Disabilities Committee response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). abuse the program? Penalties may apply in cases NAME RIDING PARTY • Amends the Financial Ad- of fraudulent claims. The penal- Sean Casey (chair) , P.E.I. Liberal ministration Act to provide ties may include fines or even that certain provisions of that (vice-chair) Calgary Midnapore, Alta. Conservative imprisonment. In addition, anti- Act, as enacted by the CO- abuse rules will be put in place (vice-chair) Thérèse-De Blainville, Que. Bloc Québécois VID-19 Emergency Response to ensure that the subsidy is not Act, cease to have effect on Central Okanagan–Similkameen–Nicola, B.C. Conservative inappropriately obtained and to the day after Sept. 30, 2020. help ensure that employees are , Ont. Liberal paid the amounts they are owed. Battlefords–, Sask. Conservative Who does it apply to? Employers that engage in • Corporations artificial transactions to reduce , Man. NDP • Individuals revenue for the purpose of claim- Saint John–Rothesay, N.B. Liberal • Registered charities, other ing the wage subsidy program than public institutions (i.e. will be subject to a penalty equal Ryan Turnbull Whitby, Ont. Liberal a school, school board, hospi- to 25 per cent of the value of the Adam Vaughan Spadina–Fort York, Ont. Liberal tal, health authority, public subsidy claimed, in addition to university or college) the requirement to repay in full Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon, B.C. Conservative • Partnerships of charities, cor- the subsidy that was improperly , Ont. Liberal porations, and non-profits claimed. • Other prescribed organiza- — Source: Library of Parlia- tions ment and Finance Canada House Industry, Science, and Technology Committee Eligibility is determined by the change in an eligible employer’s Oversight committees NAME RIDING PARTY On March 25, the House of monthly revenues, year-over-year, Commons agreed that while the (chair) Longueuil–Charles-LeMoyne, Que. Liberal for the calendar month in which Chamber is suspended, its stand- the period began. (vice-chair) Calgary Nose Hill, Alta. Conservative ing Health and Finance commit- tees would meet at Sébastien Lemire (vice-chair) Abitibi–Témiscamingue, Que. Bloc Québécois Liberal MP Sean Casey, least once per week Red Deer–Mountain View, Alta. Conservative “for the sole pur- pictured in 2018, Willowdale, Ont. Liberal chairs the House pose of receiving Human Resources evidence concerning Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Beaches–East York, Ont. Liberal matters related to Committee, which –Lake Country, B.C. Conservative will now be meeting the government’s virtually to review the response to the CO- Markham–Stouffville, Ont. Liberal VID-19 pandemic.” government’s pandemic Majid Jowhari Richmond Hill, Ont. Liberal response. The Hill When it met Times photograph by again on April Saint-Laurent, Que. Liberal Andrew Meade 11, new march- ing orders were Windsor West, Ont. NDP handed out to the Cypress Hills–Grasslands, Sask. Conservative House Government All employers are allowed to Operations and Estimates; Hu- calculate their change in revenue man Resources, Skills and Social using an alternative benchmark Procedure and House Affairs Committee Development and the Status of to determine their eligibility. Persons with Disabilities; and the This provides more flexibility to NAME RIDING PARTY Industry, Science, and Technology employers for which the general committees to virtually oversee (chair) Brampton North, Ont. Liberal approach may not be appropriate, the response. including high-growth firms, sec- (vice-chair) Banff–Airdrie, Alta. Conservative The House of Commons also tors that faced difficulties in 2019, agreed for the Procedure and (vice-chair) La Prairie, Que. Bloc Québécois non-profits and charities, as well House Affairs Committee be tasked as employers established after Centre, Ont. Liberal “to study ways in which members February 2019. can fulfill their parliamentary North Island–Powell River, B.C. NDP duties while the House stands ad- –, Ont. Conservative What’s covered? journed on account of public health Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry, Ont. Conservative The subsidy amount for concerns caused by the COVID-19 a given employee on eligible pandemic, including the temporary Etobicoke North, Ont. Liberal remuneration paid for the period modification of certain procedures, , Ont. Liberal between March 15 and June 6, sittings in alternate locations and 2020 is the greater of: technological solutions including Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe, N.B. Liberal a virtual Parliament,” and report –University, Sask. Conservative • 75 per cent of the amount of back by May 15. remuneration paid, up to a The Hill Times Ryan Turnbull Whitby, Ont. Liberal THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 13 Opinion New foreign policy may grow out of Canada’s COVID-19 crisis

him working once again against the interests Canada not only needs of Canada, supposedly America’s closest ally. Trudeau is using the negotiating ap- to develop a new realistic proach he used during the NAFTA discus- approach to China, but also sions and is working at numerous levels to protect Canada’s interests. towards the U.S. Neither The Trudeau approach to dealing with Trump may be frustrating for those who country can be counted advocate retaliation while the PM says things like “I don’t think it’s a good thing upon to have Canada’s back to harm your neighbour to succeed. That’s why we will work together to resolve this in times of crisis. difference between friends.” Russia and the U.S., led by presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, respectively, have In the end it may be Ontario Premier Doug produced missiles that can travel up to 27 times the speed of sound and are considered to be Ford who has the most appropriate solution: unstoppable. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead never again be dependent on sources outside Canada for the supply of medical equipment. Another factor Canada should take into consideration as it moves beyond CO- VID-19 is that the U.S. has abandoned its Public health crisis position of leadership in times of crisis. As National Post columnist John Ivison noted, “Trump’s abdication of responsibility means when this is all over, 100 countries offers new lens towards Bruce Carson will think better of China and worse of the Opinion U.S.—including, maybe, Canada.” The U.S. approach to PPE drove Canada into the waiting arms of China, which has giv- nuclear disarmament here seem to be at least two venues for en this country millions of masks—so much Tthe fight against COVID-19. so that Ottawa needed to rent a warehouse in response, resulting in a half-billion people One COVID-19 war is in the hospitals and China to house them before delivery. The COVID crisis might also killed in the initial exchanges and many their intensive care units. The other is being The U.S. played a leadership role in the more from radiation and starvation over fought by political leaders to ensure suffi- G20 during the recession of 2008-09. It now serve as a cautionary tale, following decades. cient personal protective equipment (PPE) is plays a minor role in the G20 and G7 re- To be sure, the nuclear threat has been available to the health-care front lines. sponse to COVID-19. And where there is a helping us to appreciate the around for a while. Why worry about it This is the part of the war that Deputy power vacuum or abdication of leadership, fragility of life and avoid now more than usual, when we have so Prime Minister has China is there to insert itself. much else to worry about? Because devel- described as the “wild west,” because of a More than at any time since the 2016 threats to humanity that are opments of late have made the “unthink- global scramble to acquire PPE. election, Trump seems intent on making the able”—nuclear Armageddon—more prob- As Prime U.S. smaller in within our control. able than ever; factors that led the Bulletin Minister Justin Prime Minister Justin its world view of the Atomic Scientists on Jan. 23 of this Trudeau duly Trudeau bids farewell instead of reach- year to move the hands of the Doomsday noted, “this to U.S. President ing out to help, Clock up to 100 seconds to midnight, closer continues to Donald Trump at taking charge than ever before. be an ongoing the White House in a leadership Over the past few years, nuclear-armed problem—spe- in February 2017. role in a time states have embarked on a new nuclear cifically with Because of the deep of world-wide arms race, precipitated by the U.S. under the United connections between crisis. the banner of “modernization.” Russia and States.” Canada and the This pres- the U.S. have produced missiles that can The happy U.S., Canada is really ents Canada travel up to 27 times the speed of sound ending, at not in a position to with an interest- and are considered to be unstoppable. least for now, strike out looking ing dilemma as Earl Turcotte There has been steady deterioration of was that 3M, for a new best policy makers the company friend, especially look beyond Opinion the nuclear arms control regime with U.S. withdrawal and subsequent unravelling at the centre if the choice is COVID-19. of the nuclear deal with Iran; U.S., then of the PPE China, writes Bruce Should Trump hat COVID-19 has created a new global Russian withdrawal from the Intermediate- controversy, Carson. White get re-elected Treality is clear. If there is any positive Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty; and sparked when House photograph by in Novem- aspect to this unfolding situation, it could U.S. refusal to renew the New Strategic U.S. President Shealah Craighead ber—something be a deeper understanding of the fact that Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia that Donald Trump increasingly the well-being of people throughout the is set to expire in 2021, to name just a invoked the likely— Canada world is inextricably linked. The COVID few. Add to the mix rising tension among Korean War-era Defense Production Act, would be closest crisis might also serve as a cautionary tale, nuclear-armed states, ongoing testing by and announced a deal that would protect the witness to the end of Pax Americana. helping us to appreciate the fragility of North Korea, signs that Iran, Saudi Arabia, sending of respirator masks to Canada and Because of the deep connections between life and avoid threats to humanity that are and South Korea might also pursue nuclear Latin America. the two countries, Canada is really not in a within our control. weapons capability, the possibility that one The company said “the administration position to strike out looking for a new best In 2019, a team of researchers at or more terrorist groups will acquire nucle- is committed to working to address and friend, especially if the choice is China. Princeton University simulated a limited ar weapons and the ever-present potential remove export and regulatory restrictions What Canada may do, as it re-evaluates exchange of low-yield “tactical” nuclear for human miscalculation or accident. to enable this plan.” foreign policy in the post-COVID-19 world, weapons to depict “a plausible escalating Canada is to be congratulated for re- The plan will enable 3M to continue is look for a number of friends with whom war between the United States and Russia, cently joining 15 other non-nuclear armed sending U.S.-made PPE to Canada and Canada shares trading and other interests. using realistic nuclear force postures, tar- nations in the Stockholm Initiative—led by Latin America—3M is the primary source Canada not only needs to develop a new gets, and fatality estimates.” They conclud- Sweden—that calls upon nuclear-armed of supply for both. realistic approach to China, but also towards ed that more than 90 million people would states to “advance nuclear disarmament This action by Trump was reminiscent the U.S. Neither country can be counted upon be killed or injured within a few hours and and ensure in the interest of humanity, of his mercurial actions during the NAFTA to have Canada’s back in times of crisis. many more would die in the years follow- nuclear weapons will never be used again.” 2.0 negotiations. There, we witnessed name A necessary new approach to Canadian ing. Does this represent a more forceful posture calling, the U.S. working with Mexico to foreign policy may be one of the positives This is far from the worst-case scenario. on nuclear disarmament more generally? the exclusion of Canada, and the placement that emerge from battling COVID-19. Dif- In 1982, the Ronald Reagan administra- We pray it does. Our lives and indeed the of tariffs on aluminum and steel imported ficult as that will be. tion conducted a war game dubbed “Proud future of our planet could depend upon it. from Canada, plus a threat to impose tariffs Bruce Carson has been a senior aide Prophet” that concluded that even a limited Earl Turcotte is chair of the Canadian on autos and auto parts from Canada. to three prime ministers, Stephen Harper, nuclear attack on the then-Soviet Union Network to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Trump has mastered the black art of tariff Brian Mulroney and Joe Clark. would almost certainly elicit a massive The Hill Times weaponization. So it is not a stretch to see The Hill Times 14 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News Canada-China

He added that every single China may have breached consular time he is allowed, he will visit Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor. The Chinese Embassy didn’t re- spond to questions on whether Bei- agreement by withholding access to jing would allow Canadian consular officials to take part in a phone or video call with the two detained Ca- nadians, nor when the next consular detained Canadians since January visit will be able to take place. Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu told The Hill Times last month that while China was COVID-19 is not an Michael in the midst of the outbreak of Spavor, left, COVID-19, China had taken ‘adequate reason’ to and Michael “measures to make sure that Kovrig, right, [Mr. Kovrig’s and Mr. Spavor’s] limit consular access have been legitimate rights, including good detained health, have been guaranteed, ac- to detained Canadians by Chinese cording to law.” Asked if the two in China and ‘violate’ authorities detained Canadians were in good since health, Mr. Cong responded: “Of the Canada-China December course.” According to a March 13 2018. Consular Canadian Press report, Mr. Kovrig consular agreement, officials haven't was allowed to call his “very ill” been able to father. Both detainees have also says former diplomat access the been given better food to “help two Canadians strengthen their immunity,” CP re- Charles Burton. since Jan. 13 ported, citing a Chinese Embassy and Jan. 14, statement. The embassy also said respectively. Continued from page 1 at the time that the “frequency of Photographs transference of letters and parcels The Canada-China consular courtesy of to Michael Kovrig and Michael agreement—which came into Twitter and the Spavor has been increased as force in 1999 to resolve issues of International interim arrangements.” consular access for dual nation- Crisis Group Global Affairs said that the als—mandates that visits to Ca- Canadian government is “looking nadian citizens detained in China at options to ensure regular con- “may be made on a recurring sular access to Mr. Kovrig and Mr. basis” and that “no longer than the Canadian government’s belief tice without delay or access and “And things can get worse in Spavor, and to other Canadians one month shall be allowed to that Beijing breached the bilateral that includes some close to us,” the Chinese jail very quickly,” Mr. detained in China, in accordance pass between visits requested by consular agreement. she said, adding that even Canada Pardy said. with the safety protocols of the a consular officer.” Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spa- has been accused in the past of Prof. Burton said there are relevant Chinese authorities.” Brock University professor vor were detained by Chinese not adhering to the convention. a number of options that the In a call with Chinese Foreign Charles Burton, a former counsel- authorities in December 2018 in Gar Pardy, former Department Canadian government can use to Affairs Minister Wang Yi on April lor at the Canadian Embassy in apparent retaliation to Canada’s of Foreign Affairs and Interna- incentivize Chinese authorities to 2, Mr. Champagne brought up the Beijing, said that he believes that arrest of Huawei executive Meng tional Trade (DFAIT) director comply with the agreement, such cases of Mr. Kovrig and Spavor, the denial of access constitutes a Wanzhou at the behest of the general of consular affairs, said as giving assurances that Cana- according to a readout. breach of the agreement. United States for allegedly violat- access to Canadian citizens in a dian officials entering the deten- Former diplomat Guy Saint- ing U.S. sanctions against Iran, foreign prison is “very much” at tion facility have recently tested Jacques, Canada’s top envoy in among other charges. the discretion of local authorities. negative for the virus and have Beijing from 2012 to 2016, said Given the conditions in which “circumstances and reciprocity” Chinese the two Canadians are being held, have to be taken into account over Ambassador Cong Prof. Burton said that they are whether the Chinese government Peiwu said in likely susceptible to contracting breached the consular agreement. March that ‘of COVID-19 and could face serious It hasn’t just been Canada course’ Michael consequences if they have the that has been denied access to its Kovrig and virus. citizens detained in China during Michael Spavor “I think it’s all the more impor- the pandemic, as the Australian were in good tant that our consular officials be government has tried to gain ac- health. The Hill able to see these Canadians,” he cess to Chinese-Australian writer Times photograph said. Yang Hengjun who was arrested by Sam Garcia Former diplomat Patricia For- in January 2019. According to an tier, who in 2016 was the assistant Associated Press report, Austra- deputy minister at Global Affairs lian officials have requested a tasked with security, consular, “If the Chinese were to decide the proper protective equipment Foreign Affairs Minister François- phone call with Mr. Yang, but the and emergency management, said that the conditions are such that to ensure they don’t facilitate any Philippe Champagne raised the request has been refused, with it didn’t surprise her that China a visit can’t be made, there is no spread of the disease inside the issue of Michael Spavor and Michael a spokesperson for the Chinese was closing its detention facilities appeal to that kind of decision,” prison. He added that another op- Kovrig’s detention in a call with Foreign Ministry saying consular to visitors. said Mr. Pardy, who was part of tion is to have the meeting outside Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister access will resume “after the epi- “I think it is terrible for the the team at DFAIT that negoti- the detention facility. demic situation has improved.” Wang Yi on April 2. The Hill Times two Michaels, but I think we’re ated the Canada-China consular “There are all sorts of things Mr. Saint-Jacques said if in-per- photograph by Andrew Meade doing the same thing. I’m not sure agreement in the 1990s, adding that could be done,” he said. “But son consular visits can’t be arranged, we [are] in a very good position that the Chinese government has the Chinese government’s lately virtual visits could be organized. “It’s incumbent on the Chinese to be jumping up and down,” she always been difficult to deal with just abrogating the agreement “It’s probably time to try to call regime to make the appropriate said. regarding consular access. and saying, ‘Sorry, you can’t visit for some innovative approaches,” arrangements that would satisfy While in-person visits to Mr. Pardy said if the Canadian your Canadians because we have he said. “It would be useful be- their own health regulations to prisoners in Canada have been government feels the agreement a health crisis,’ is completely cause at a minimum we could hear ensure that the Canadian govern- suspended due to COVID-19, a was infringed, they have little agen- unacceptable. That’s just not an from Spavor and Kovrig.” ment officials are able to have the spokesperson for the Correctional cy except to complain and press the adequate reason to violate an Ms. Fortier said she thinks consular access to which they’re Service of Canada told The Hill Chinese authorities to co-operate. important international treaty.” consular officials will “try cre- entitled under the international Times in an email that “access to If Canada were to go public Appearing before the Special ative ways” to gain access to Mr. treaty,” said Prof. Burton, a senior privileged correspondents, includ- about a potential breach of the House Canada-China Relations Kovrig and Mr. Spavor, adding fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier ing consular officials, remains agreement, it might not work in Committee on Feb. 5, Dominic that one possible way to commu- Institute. “If this is not being available through telephone.” its favour, Mr. Pardy said. Barton, Canada’s ambassador to nicate could be virtually. extended, this is in fact a very Citing the Vienna Convention “This would be a last-effort [at- China, said that the “utmost prior- “I’m sure they’re being very serious diplomatic matter that the on Consular Relations of 1963, tempt],” he said. “There should be ity” of his goals and objectives is creative and very insistent of find- should Ms. Fortier said party countries— no expectation that you’re going to work towards the release of Mr. ing that creative way, particularly not allow to go unresponded to.” such as Canada and China—are to influence the Chinese in any Kovrig and Mr. Spavor, as well now when China is starting to The office of Foreign Af- supposed to notify countries with- way, shape, or form if you were to as to seek clemency for Robert relax some of the measures, but fairs Minister François-Philippe out delay if they arrest a foreign do so.” Schellenberg, who was sentenced … I would expect that prison Champagne (Saint-Maurice- national. He added that by doing so, the to death after he was previously measures would be some of the Champlain, Que.) did not respond “Many of the 180 countries federal government could make given a 15-year sentence for al- very last,” she said. before publication deadline to who are parties to the Vienna conditions worse for Mr. Kovrig leged involvement in a drug- [email protected] questions about whether it was Convention don’t always give no- and Mr. Spavor. smuggling operation. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 15 Legislation News Pandemic crisis tests durability of MPs’ parliamentary privileges, say MPs, experts

Conservative MP Prime Minister Mr. Christopherson said that Justin Trudeau, deliberate leaks to the press could says pictured on April 11 sour relations among House during the second leaders, which depend on trust. MPs have little recall of Parliament “When you instil mistrust in your to pass the feds’ negotiating partners, you’re deny- recourse, other than wage-subsidy bill, ing yourself the ability to come to to file a complaint along with cabinet an agreement, because everything ministers Chrystia is now suspect,” he added. with the House Freeland, Pablo Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Rodriguez, , (Papineau, Que.) and his govern- Speaker, for raising Bill Morneau, and ment faced significant backlash , over their move to seek unfettered concerns about who were among spending power until December those present for the 2021, which nearly imperilled the breaches of privilege. vote. The pandemic swift passage of the emergency- has forced MPs to aid bill when the House was first consent to have their Continued from page 1 recalled in late March. voting privileges While opposition and govern- tiated, and debated to a greater carried out by party ment parties float trial balloons degree behind closed doors and colleagues. The Hill “all the time,” Mr. Christopherson by a select few handpicked by Times photograph by said in the time of a pandemic, party whips—concessions that Andrew Meade the “usual politics of ‘we do that many MPs have tacitly accepted all the time’ [should] be set aside.” due to the unprecedented de- Green parliamentary leader mands of the pandemic. (Saanich-Gulf Is- Still, while many have consent- Earlier this year, Mr. Rota plot a plan for virtual sittings of MPs from each side, and the lands, B.C.) chalked up that incident ed to have their voting privileges issued a reminder in the House of Parliament, while the House Commons and the Senate were to a likely miscalculation by public carried out by party colleagues, after Conservative MP Bob is scheduled to return April 20, just there to ratify.” servants advising the government some, including Conservative MP Saroya (Markham-Unionville, unless House leaders agree to “They were just a ceremonial it needed spending flexibility, not a Marilyn Gladu (-Lambton, Ont.) apologized on Feb. 28 for extend the suspension. stage that [the bill] needed to deliberate overreach by the govern- Ont.), have expressed frustration unknowingly breaking the pro- go through. That’s really kind of ment. that not all MPs were being af- hibition in discussing a private MPs consigned to concerning, when the [financial] She said while opposition forded the opportunity to review member’s bill he was about to impact of the legislation is so leaders were given enough emergency-aid legislation before table with the media ahead of ‘ceremonial stage’ great,” he added. advance notice to pore over both some news outlets got a hold of its introduction. (Mr. Saroya was Paul Thomas, senior research Conservative MP Stephanie pieces of legislation and adequate the documents. first elected in 2015.) Mr. Lamou- associate at Samara Centre for Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, Alta.) time to negotiate, “parliamentary “It’s the right of Parliamen- reux also issued an apology the Democracy, said the expedited noted that rights of the House privileges exist to protect the tarians to receive legislation for same day for the unauthorized passage of the feds’ two emergen- include the “regulation of its own functioning of Parliament.” review before it’s released to disclosure of the government’s cy relief packages, particularly internal affairs” and its ability to “All MPs are considered to be the press,” said Ms. Gladu, who medical assistance in dying bill, the first $107-billion bill, set a maintain attendance from Mem- equal. The prime minister is first accused the Trudeau government C-7, which had been reported on “concerning precedent.” bers. She said that though she among equals,” she said. “Every of strategically sharing its draft before its introduction. Mr. Thomas said the concerns sees it as “obstruction” that MPs MP has the obligation to look wage-subsidy legislation, which “The rule on the confidenti- raised by Ms. Gladu, and also are unable to be in the House and at legislation and the right to has since received royal assent, ality of bills on notice exists to voiced by Conservative MP Scott speak on behalf of their constitu- participate in the studying of leg- with some media outlets ahead of ensure that members, in their Reid (Lanark-Frontenac-Kings- ents during this pandemic, the islation, even in an extraordinary other MPs. “It [the issue] has con- role as legislators, are the first to ton, Ont.) who showed up for the leaking of draft bills to the media situation.” tinually been raised, and [they] know their “is nothing At the same time, she acknowl- continue to ignore the rules.” content when Liberal new.” edged that, given the unprecedent- Liberal MP they are MP Kevin “It doesn’t ed circumstances, parliamentary (Winnipeg North, Man.), parlia- introduced,” Lamoureux faze me, it procedures have to be adjusted in mentary secretary to the govern- Mr. Rota said says he is would be naive order to observe the physical-dis- ment House leader, said in an on March 10. willing to for it to faze tancing measures. “In the current interview that the government “Although it appear before me,” she said. context, we’re not able to study [the hasn’t sought to prevent MPs is completely PROC to hear “But regarding bill as a whole],” she said. “We’re from first laying eyes on the bill. legitimate any concerns the ability to showing up in reduced numbers.” “There is no conspiracy to try to carry out about debate it [in the According to Ms. May, there to deny MPs the first opportunity consultations breaches to House], I think could be one upside to the to be able to see legislation,” he when devel- parliamentary that’s where changes ushered in the pandemic. said. “The government and I get oping a bill or privileges. the real lack of In widely sharing pieces of the very upset when that protocol is to announce The Hill Times privilege ex- legislation before it is introduced broken. We’re doing what we can. one’s inten- photograph ists.” in the House with the opposition Unfortunately, at times, things tion to intro- by Andrew Former and inviting parties to raise stick- take place, and if there are situa- duce a bill Meade NDP MP David ing points before it is formally tions where it is believed a breach by referring Christopher- deliberated, the process could in privilege has occurred, I’m very to its public son, who held foster more comity and consensus much interested in getting the title available Hamilton among opposition parties. details.” on the Notice Centre, Ont., Decades ago, as far back as Ms. Gladu said there is typi- Paper and Or- until 2019, said then-prime minister John Turner’s cally little recourse for MPs when der Paper, it is forbidden to reveal first recall vote against his party’s that political manoeuvring, such tenure, she said cabinet ministers such breaches occur, other than specific measures contained in a wishes and garnered some empa- as orchestrated leaks, could have would share the “broad strokes filing a complaint with House bill at the time it is put on notice.” thy for speaking out about being a long-term impact on the party’s of legislative planning” with the Speaker Anthony Rota (Nipiss- Complaints about breaches, unable to exercise one’s right to future electoral chances. opposition. ing-Timiskaming, Ont.) when Mr. Lamoureux said, can also be scrutinize a bill and participate in “If Canadians perceive that “There could be more con- the House resumes. “There is raised and probed during a meet- debates, were justified. Mr. Reid [MPs] aren’t all waking up every sensus building. … But in recent essentially no recourse, because ing of the House Affairs and Pro- was also in the House for the sec- day and saying, ‘My priority is years, we’ve become much more when the House is recalled, the cedure Committee, also known ond recall sitting on April 11. the safety and security of my partisan, where we don’t get to only provision is to stand up and as PROC. He offered to “formally “The question about par- nation and the people I’m elected even know what’s in the works,” complain to the Speaker that the sit down” before the committee to liamentary privilege is highly to represent,’ if that’s not para- she said. “You’re never going to Liberals are not following the hear those complaints. important because what came out mount, every minute that they are get unanimous consent. To get rules,” she said. “I’m prepared to listen to what of those two instances are some acting, Canadians will hold them that degree of consensus, you Legislative details getting they have to say … to put Mem- MPs are more equal than others,” to account. This will not be forgot- have to share details in advance.” shared in advance with the press is bers’ minds at rest,” he said. he said. “It gets to ’s ten,” Mr. Christopherson said. “If —With files from Palak Mangat usually a sticky situation that leads PROC is expected to recon- concerns, that negotiations were [the leak] was deliberate, it was [email protected] to a complaint in the Chamber. vene in the coming days to help happening between small groups excruciatingly foolish.” The Hill Times 16 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News COVID-19

being.” Assembly of First Nations advisory hasn’t affected the na- National Chief Perry Bellegarde tion’s response to COVID-19, and has criticized that amount, saying he said “everybody is doing their it is not proportional to popula- part in trying to prevent this virus tion size, and was not based on coming into the community.” any dialogue with First Nations. Now it’s unclear when Sachigo Neskantaga First Nation is Lake Water treatment system will one of 61 water systems listed be complete, he said. on Indigenous Service Canada’s Communities with water refill website about its plan to lift water stations have had to put mea- advisories. Asked how ISC is sures in place to protect members specifically supporting these com- visiting the sites, though some ex- munities, the department did not pressed worry about the greater respond by deadline. risk of exposure compared to Under its online guidelines communities that have access to for Indigenous communities, ISC water through pipes. says those under water advisories Pauline Thatcher, Black Lake should still use their water to First Nation’s COVID-19 co- According to wash hands for personal hygiene, ordinator, said the Indigenous Services and infants and toddlers should community has a good system Minister ’s be sponge bathed in order to in place to ensure safety and hy- latest drinking water avoid accidentally swallowing the giene at its station. She met with advisory update, water. For those without access the water treatment plant early the government has to running water, it says to “wash on to make a plan. lifted 88 long-term your hands in a large bowl and There are handwashing water advisories since then throw out the water from booths, she said, and when November 2016, and the handwashing bowl after each residents come for water, they 61 remain. The Hill individual use.” buzz the building door and wait Times photograph by According to Mr. Miller’s latest outside two metres away for the Andrew Meade update, between November 2015 worker to leave water on the step and January 2020, 88 long-term for them. water advisories have been lifted, “It’s working. They don’t have and a further 149 short-term advi- contact with the workers or in the sories, defined as lasting between building,” she said. two and 12 months, were lifted ISC marked Black Lake’s before becoming long-term. boil-water advisory as being lifted ‘An added burden’: The Liberal government has in December 2020, though the promised to end all long-term system is still under construction, drinking water advisories on and Ms. Thatcher said given their public systems by March 2021. proximity to the lake, water isn’t Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s a concern for her community. First Nations under (Papineau, Que.) first budget in Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, 2016 earmarked $1.8-billion over just south of Kenora, Ont., has five years for water and waste- been under a boil-water advi- water infrastructure on reserves. sory since 2012. Construction The next year, the Liberals has been going on for about the water advisories promised $49.1-million over three last year and a half to connect years for improving access to the community to Kenora’s safe drinking water, followed by water system, said the project’s $172.6-million over three years in co-ordinator Norman Jaehrling, the 2018 budget towards the same but it’s now delayed with the speak of greater goal, but accelerated the pace of community in lockdown and fear construction and renovation of from leadership about contrac- affected water systems. In 2019, tors coming in. they added $739-million over five It made sense to “push the years for urgent repairs to vulner- pause button” on the project given risks with COVID-19 able systems. the “great unease” in having con- tractors continue on the site, said Mr. Jaehrling, noting the greater COVID-19 causing risk Indigenous people face with kantaga First Nation in northern “We’re one of the most vulner- delays as communities respiratory illness and the need to Communities halting Ontario has the longest-running able people in Canada because of be “extremely cautious.” advisory, now in its 26th year, and the fact we’re not able to use our in lockdown Still, it was difficult to see construction on with the community in lockdown, water,” he added. Mr. Moonias said there was a the project now in limbo when it clean drinking water it’s not clear when construction Canada’s Chief Public Health lot of optimism in the beginning was only a few weeks away from will be able to start. Officer Theresa Tam has acknowl- of the focus on lifting the advi- completion, he said. solutions say they Neskantaga Chief Chris Moo- edged the disproportionate risk sories, but that’s lessened with “We’re on the home stretch,” he nias said the community, home to Indigenous communities face many delays. Just last fall, the said, and though he said he can’t face an unfair choice: more than 200 people, has done should even a single case surface, community was under a Do Not speak for community members, what it can, shoring up supplies especially those in remote parts Consume advisory and the Nes- he knows what it’s like having ‘protecting yourself and food, but it doesn’t feel pre- of the country where access to kantaga Public Water System is lived under a boil-water advisory pared should the novel coronavi- health care is more difficult. still listed as “under construction.” for eight years. COVID-19 adds from one health risk rus enter the reserve. “We cannot afford to have “There’s been delays over and yet another dimension of worry. in order to eliminate Residents fill up 19-litre water the virus enter an area that has over again. A lot of the commu- “It’s just an added burden and jugs from a reverse osmosis less ability to cope with it,” said nity members think we’ll never concern,” he said. another one.’ machine that will see members Ms. Tam at a press conference in have the boil-water advisory “You sort of adjust your life visiting multiple times a day. mid-March, less than a week after lifted,” said Mr. Moonias, who to that reality. I think what’s While bottled water is also flown the World Health Organization spoke of frustration in the com- frustrating is when you have a Continued from page 1 in, residents must visit the same declared the outbreak a pan- munity about the extended water solution that’s so close, where you causing some to worry about the small room for their water supply, demic. As of April 9, there were advisory dating back to 1995. The are now in a position to have to pressure on already poor water a space that they can’t be sure is 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases virus highlights these questions, choose a health risk—protecting systems. Communities under boil- clean and disinfected after each in First Nation communities, In- he said, and shows the gaps in yourself from one health risk in water advisories will also face use. Mr. Moonias said his house- digenous Services Minister Marc services First Nations in this situ- order to eliminate another one,” higher costs associated with the hold of five try and go during the Miller (Ville-Marie-Le Sud-Ouest- ation face. he said, and in this case, com- energy-intensive approach, while day when others aren’t around, Île-des-Sœurs, Que.) said in an In Sachigo Lake First Nation, munities like Wauzhushk Onigum some remote communities worry but it’s an additional risk people April 10 briefing. a community are responding how they can. about supply-chain problems pre- in his community have to take. Mr. Moonias, who said he’d near the border where “You buckle down and work venting key supplies, like bottled “We’re trying to limit contact,” like to see more support for these a long-term advisory has been on what you know, and you trust water or the chemicals needed for he said, and take precautions things from Indigenous Services in effect since 2016, construc- that there’s a solution at hand,” water treatment. but it’s difficult. “We don’t have Canada, which is overseeing the tion work stopped in mid-March. he said. “You don’t introduce a There are 61 long-term drink- rubber gloves, we don’t have $305-million Indigenous Com- The water plant upgrade started new risk by bringing people into ing water advisories still in effect, masks in each home. We don’t munity Support Fund of which last year, but it’s been suspended the community that could cause according to Indigenous Services have those supplies and we have $215-million is allocated to First with the community halting all another set of health problems.” Canada’s tracking of its work to to take that risk because we were Nations based on population, non-essential access, said Chief [email protected] end such warnings by 2021. Nes- never given those things.” remoteness, and “community well Robert Beardy. The boil-water The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 17

Before her work on Parliament Hill, Ms. Mr. Ahmed is also a former interim Qureshi spent time as teacher at the South executive director of the Immigrant and Nepean Muslim Community School and as Refugee Community Organization of Mani- a school board administration and human toba, having earlier been an after-school hill climbers resources assistant for the Ottawa-Carleton program manager with the organization, District School Board, and has previously and is a former consultant project officer volunteered as a speechwriter for the Lib- with Oxfam Quebec in its East and Horn of by Laura Ryckewaert eral Party, among other past roles noted on Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya, her LinkedIn profile. among other past jobs. Ms. Ebadi is a former Hill assistant to He has a bachelor’s degree in environ- Liberal MP , who’s represented mental studies from Nairobi’s Kenyatta Winnipeg South Centre, Man., since 2015, University, an undergrad in international Recent PMO and has also spent a year as a page for the development studies from the University of Manitoba Legislative Assembly. She has a Winnipeg, and bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s de- media studies and a master’s degree in politi- gree in interna- cal management from Carleton University. tional studies, additions include new Cordell Johnson, who started out this with a focus on Parliament as a new special assistant in peace and con- Families Minister Ahmed Hussen’s office, flict resolution recently joined the PMO as a special as- from Austra- writers, comms aides sistant with the executive office, led by Mr. lia’s University Trudeau’s executive assistant, Philip Proulx, of Queensland, Dexter Nyuurnibe has been hired on as as deputy director, and ultimately overseen during which a speechwriter. He spent the last six months by executive director of planning, adminis- time he was a of 2019 working for Global News, first as a tration, and people Brett Thalmann. Rotary Peace freelance online digital producer and later Finally—for Fellow. as editorial assistant for the network’s Sun- now at least, stay Working un- day political affairs show, The West Block. tuned for further der Mr. Ahmed, PMO staff up- as previ- Last year, Mr. Nyuurnibe graduated with Adam Larouche is one a diploma in broadcast journalism from dates—Clive Ngan ously reported, has joined Mr. are: Ayesha of two new special Community College, having assistants for operations previously studied a bachelor’s degree in Trudeau’s team as a Chughtai, se- special assistant for nior policy to Mr. Hussen. Photograph political science and aquatic resources at St. courtesy of LinkedIn Francis Xavier University in the province, appointments. adviser; Jessie Pierre, policy as noted on his LinkedIn profile. Clive Ngan recently Mr. Ngan has spent the last four adviser; and Rafik Grine, policy and Que- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured outside Gabrielle Cesvet is the PMO’s lead left the Liberal Whip’s years plus as a bec regional affairs adviser. on April 7 for his daily briefing speechwriter, with Astrid Krizus also cur- office to join the PMO. special assistant in Previously, Dylan Marando was policy on COVID-19. The Hill Times photograph by rently working to write speeches for the Photograph courtesy of the Liberal Whip’s director in the office prior to the 2019 Andrew Meade prime minister. LinkedIn Cameron Ahmad is director of communi- office, starting under election, under then-minister Jean-Yves here have been a number of staff cations in the top office. Supporting him are then-whip Andrew Leslie and ending under Duclos, but he’s now running Mr. Duclos’ Tadditions to Prime Minister Justin two deputy directors: Chantal Gagnon, as current whip Mark Holland. He’s also a for- policy shop as Treasury Board president, as Trudeau’s office in recent weeks, including reported, and Jordan Deagle, a former se- mer House of Commons page and a former previously reported. new correspondence writers, communica- nior manager of communications planning Hill tour guide, and helped found the non- As families, children, and social devel- tions planners, and a new speechwriter. in the PMO who was promoted to deputy profit youth organization, Prime Leaders of opment minister, Mr. Hussen is cabinet’s Andrew MacKendrick has returned to director late last year. Mr. Deagle—whose York Region. lead for Service Canada operations, as well the Hill and has joined the Prime Minister’s brother, Kevin Deagle, is a senior policy Hilary Leftick is the PMO’s director of as the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strate- Office (PMO) as a communications planner. adviser to Mr. O’Regan as the minister of appointments. gy and the National Housing Strategy (and Mr. MacK- natural resources—has been in the top of- with it, the Canada Mortgage and Housing endrick fice since late 2015, starting as a writer. Corporation), among other things. recently spent Over in the New policy head for Hussen Jordan Wilson is another new addition to a three-month PMO’s operations Mr. Hussen’s team as stakeholder relations stint offering unit, overseen by manager, having started on the job in March. communica- executive direc- Mr. Wilson is a former constituency assistant to Mr. Hussen as the Liberal MP for York tions support tor Matt Stickney, South-Weston, Ont. He’ll be working under to Ottawa former ministerial Tia Tariq, who’s busy as director of stake- Mayor Jim press secretary An- holder relations and strategic planning. Watson. He nabelle St-Pierre Nathaniel Mullin returned to the Hill stepped away Archambault is last month to take up the role of senior re- from Parlia- now a media ad- gional adviser, covering the Atlantic region ment Hill, and vance. Annabelle St-Pierre in the minister’s office. his post as di- Before joining Archambault is now a Mr. Mullin has spent the last year and rector of issues the PMO, Ms. St- PMO media advance. a half as a communications and media management Pierre Archambault Photograph courtesy of specialist with the Ottawa Community Andrew MacKendrick is to then-Indig- had been working LinkedIn Housing Corporation, but before then had now at work in the PMO. enous services in then-employment been working on the Hill since the end of Photograph courtesy of minister Sea- minister Patty Hajdu’s office as a senior 2015, starting as an assistant to Nova Scotia Facebook mus O’Regan, communications adviser since March 2019. Families, Children, and Social Development Liberal MP . In 2017, he in April 2019. Prior to that, she was press secretary and Minister Ahmed Hussen, pictured in the West joined then-heritage minister Mélanie Joly’s He’d been working in that office since issues manager to then-seniors minister Block on Jan. 28. The Hill Times photograph by office as a policy adviser and assistant to September 2017, starting as a press secre- . She’s also a former press Andrew Meade the minister’s parliamentary secretary; he tary to then-minister , having secretary to then-sport minister , ended his time in that office in 2018 as an previously done the same during her ten- having earlier worked as a special assistant issues manager and Atlantic regional affairs ure as federal health minister. Mr. MacK- in his office as minister of veterans affairs. Families, Children, and Social Develop- adviser. Mr. Mullin is also a former assistant endrick was part of Ms. Philpott’s 2015 Former Parliamentary Press Gallery ment Minister Ahmed Hussen has made to Ottawa city councillor Mathieu Fleury election campaign in Markham-Stouffville, chief Terry Guillon remains the PMO’s lead further additions to his office since Hill and a former House of Commons page. Ont., and previously worked as a co- media advance. Climbers last checked in back in February, Two new special assistants for operations ordinator of community engagement and The PMO’s including hiring Abdikheir Ahmed as his have also joined Mr. Hussen’s office: William digital media for the Markham Stouffville research, advertis- director of policy. Keefe-Stacey and Adam Larouche. Hospital Foundation. ing, and correspon- Before joining Like Mr. Wilson, Mr. Keefe-Stacey was Valérie Glazer, a former press secre- dence team, over- Mr. Hussen’s office also previously an assistant to Mr. Hus- tary to then-families minister Jean-Yves seen by director last month, Mr. sen in his capacity as a Liberal Member of Duclos, has joined the PMO’s communi- Dan Arnold, also Ahmed had spent Parliament. cations shop as a has a few recent almost the last six Mr. Larouche is a former assistant to writer. A former additions: corre- years working for Ontario Liberal MP . He assistant to Mr. spondence writer the Social Planning spent the months leading up to the 2015 Duclos as the Lib- Naghma Qureshi, Vida Ebadi is now a Council of Winni- election as a membership co-ordinator eral MP for Québec, correspondence research assistant in peg—an organiza- for the federal Liberal Party and has also Que., Ms. Glazer assistant Mir- Mr. Trudeau’s office. tion that works to previously been an operations assistant for first joined his jeta Ahmeti, and Photograph courtesy of address inequity Nathaniel Mullin is the Ontario Liberal Fund. ministerial team as research assistant LinkedIn and improve “social covering Mr. Hussen’s Both now work under the minister’s a special assistant Vida Ebadi. conditions through Atlantic desk. Photograph director of operations, Hursh Jaswal. for communications Ms. Qureshi was previously a program research, engage- courtesy of LinkedIn Zubair Patel is chief of staff to Mr. Hus- in April 2018. co-ordinator with the Senate administra- ment, and action,” sen, whose office now has an overall total In her new role, Dexter Nyuurnibe is a tion’s human resources directorate, and as described on its website—as director of tally of 17 political staffers on board. she’ll be working new PMO speechwriter. is also a former human resources officer its Immigration Partnership Project, which [email protected] closely with fellow Photograph courtesy of and a former recruitment and selection co- works to foster community-level collabora- The Hill Times writer Parker Lund. LinkedIn ordinator for the House of Commons. tion to help newcomers settle and integrate. 18 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES CLASSIFIEDS Information and advertisement placement: 613-232-5952 • [email protected]

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Call to consult • 613 234 5758 For more information or to reserve your government relations [email protected] • [email protected] and public affairs advertising space, contact The Hill Times display advertising department at 613-688-8841. THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 19 Events Feature

A pair of keynote speaker, author futurist, Singularity Media; Pam Draper, president and CEO, Bitvo; Justin Hartz- pedestrians man, co-founder and CEO, CoinSmart; Peter-Paul Van Parliamentary get creative Hoeken, founder & CEO, FrontFundr; Cynthia Huang, to ensure CEO and co-founder, Altcoin Fantasy; Austin Hubbel, appropriate CEO and co-founder, Consilium Crypto; Patrick Mandic, Calendar physical CEO, Mavennet; Mark Morissette, co-founder & CEO, distancing on Foxquilt; Cato Pastoll, co-founder & CEO, Lending Sparks Street Loop; Bernd Petak, investment partner, Northmark Ventures; Ali Pourdad, Pourdad Capital Partners, on April 11. Family Office; Richard Prior, global head of policy and The Hill Times research, FDATA; Richard Remillard, president, Remi- photograph llard Consulting Group; Jennifer Reynolds, president & by Andrew CEO, Toronto Finance International; Jason Saltzman, Meade partner, Gowling WLG Canada; James Wallace, co-chair and co-CEO, Exponential; Alan Wunsche, CEO & chief token officer, Tokenfunder; and Danish Yusuf, founder and CEO, Zensurance. For more information, please visit: https://fintechandfunding.com/. Celebrate the THURSDAY, OCT. 15 Former Liberal deputy prime minister Anne McLel- lan, along with Senator Peter Harder, will be honoured great outdoors at this year’s Public Policy Forum Testimonial Dinner and Awards on Oct. 15. The Hill Times file photograph PPF Testimonial Dinner and Awards—Join us at the 33rd annual event to network and celebrate as the by staying Public Policy Forum honours Canadians who have made their mark on policy and leadership. Anne McLellan and Senator Peter Harder will take their place among a cohort of other stellar Canadians who we’ve honoured inside on Earth over the last 33 years, people who have dedicated themselves to making Canada a better place through policy leadership and public service. The gala event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Metro Toronto Day on April 22 Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto. SATURDAY, OCT. 24 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 A pedestrian, pictured March 27, 2020, is The West Block is reflected in the windows Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner—The Parliamen- House Not Sitting—The House has been suspended caught in the reflection of a window along Bank of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in tary Press Gallery Dinner happens on Saturday, Oct. until Monday, April 20, and the spring schedule is Street in downtown Ottawa. The Hill Times Ottawa, pictured on March 27, 2020. The 24, in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Welling- still not confirmed due to the global pandemic. It was photograph by Andrew Meade Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade ton Street in Ottawa. scheduled to sit for four straight weeks until May 15. It FRIDAY, OCT. 30 was then scheduled to take a one-week break and to re- sume sitting again on May 25, followed by four straight A pair of bicycle CJF Awards Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in sitting weeks, until its scheduled adjournment on delivery people Journalism—The Canadian Journalism Foundation Awards will be held on Oct. 30, 2020, at the Ritz-Carl- June 23, but none of this has been confirmed yet. The pick up orders House was also scheduled to adjourn again for three ton, Toronto, hosted by Rick Mercer, former host of The months and to return in the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, from Thali Rick Mercer Report. The CBC’s Anna Maria Tremonti for three straight weeks. It was scheduled to adjourn for restaurant on will be honoured. Tables are $7,500 and tickets are one week and to sit again from Oct. 19 until Nov. 6. It O’Connor Street $750. For more information on tables and sponsorship was scheduled to break again for one week and to sit in Ottawa on opportunities, contact Josh Gurfinkel at jgurfinkel@ again from Nov. 16 to Dec. 11. And that would be it for April 11. The Hill cjf-fjc.ca or 416-955-0394. 2020. We’ll update you once the House calendar has Times photograph THURSDAY, NOV. 12 been confirmed. by Andrew Meade Senate Not Sitting—The Senate has also been Liberal Party National Convention—The Liberal suspended due to the COVID-19 virus. When it’s Party of Canada announced the 2020 Liberal National scheduled to return, the possible sitting days are April Convention will be hosted in Ottawa, from Nov. 12-15. 20, 24, 27, and May 1. The Senate was scheduled to For more information, please contact: media@liberal. sit April 21-23 and April 28-30. The possible Senate ca, 613-627-2384. sittings were May 4, 8, 11, 15, 25, and 29. The Sen- Conservative Party National Convention—The ate was scheduled to sit May 5-7 and May 12-May 14. Conservatives will hold a convention in The Senate was supposed to break May 18-22. It was from Nov. 12-14. For more information, please contact scheduled to sit May 26-28. The June possible sitting 1-866-808-8407. days were June 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, and 19. The Senate The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. was scheduled to sit June 2-4; June 9-11; June 16-18; Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or govern- and June 22, 23, it was scheduled to break on June mental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details 24 for St. Jean Baptiste Day; and it was scheduled to under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to sit June 25 and June 26. The Senate was scheduled and concrete actions at home. For the 2020 edition MONDAY, MAY 4 [email protected] by Wednesday at noon before the to break from June 29 until Sept. 22. The Senate’s of its campaign, it is also offering activities and tools Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday possible September sitting days are Sept. 21, 25, 28. to assist municipalities in their role as leaders in the International Day of Pink—In celebration of the 50th paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but It’s scheduled to sit Sept. 22-24 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1, ecological transition. Earth Day Canada will also an- anniversary of the Stonewall Riots/Pride; and the 30th we will definitely do our best. Events can be updated with a possible sitting day on Friday, Oct. 2. The pos- nounce that its reach is now pan-Canadian and that it anniversary of the International Day Against Homopho- daily online, too. sible Senate sitting days are Oct. 5, 9, 19, 23, 26, and will support citizens and organizations from coast to bia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we are proud to invite The Hill Times 30. It’s scheduled to sit Oct. 6-8; it takes a break from coast in efforts to protect the environment. As part of you to Stonewall 50 across Canada, in Vancouver, Oct. 12-16; it will sit Oct. 20-22; and Oct. 27-29. The this new campaign, Earth Day Canada encourages citi- Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, , Halifax, November possible Senate days are: Nov. 2, 6, 16, 20, zens to take action for the environment as part of their and Cape Breton, from May 4-21, featuring Stonewall 23, 27, 30. It’s scheduled to sit Nov. 3-5; it will take a daily lives. To mark the occasion, the organization is riot activist Martin Boyce. Stonewall 50 across Canada break from Nov. 9-13; it will sit Nov. 17-19; and Nov. unveiling a new webpage, entitled #EarthDayAtHome, is a free speakers’ series in cities across the country Extra! Extra! 24-26. The possible December Senate sitting days with suggestions for activities to do from home. Each featuring Stonewall Riot activist Martin Boyce. Boyce is are: Dec. 4, 7, and 11. The Senate is scheduled to sit day, for 22 days, a suggestion will be shared across among a handful of surviving Stonewall activists whose Read the full Dec. 1-3; Dec. 8-10 and it will sit Dec. 14-18. We’ll Earth Day Canada’s social media, accompanied by the contributions have had a significant impact on our also update you once the Senate calendar has been same hashtag. communities. Join us as he shares his stories of upris- ing and rebellion, what motivated him that night. Parliamentary confirmed. FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Donner Prize Shortlist—The Donner Prize, the an- WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 nual $50,000 prize for the best public policy book by a Ipsos Ask Me Anything COVID-19 Webinar—It looks Calendar Canadian of the year 2019-20, will announce its short like Canadians will be closing out their sixth week of Canada’s Foremost Fintech Conference FFCON20— list on April 15, followed this year by the final winners’ physical distancing by April 24. Ipsos expects public Featuring high-growth start-ups and leading industry announcement and dinner to be held in November. For opinion to be rapidly shifting but will be in the field experts across fintech sectors including digital banking, further information, please contact: Sheila Kay at 647- every week until the situation is behind us. Ipsos is P2P finance, AI, capital markets, Wealthtech, pay- 391-9829 or by email at sheila@naylorandassociates. asking Canadians how they are coping during the ments, crypto, and blockchain. July 8-9. Speakers online com COVID crisis; how have they changed their behaviours; include: Robert Asselin, senior director public policy, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 what are their views of the health system’s response; BlackBerry; Paul Schulte, founder and editor, Schulte and has financial aid been sufficient and arrived fast Research; Craig Asano, founder and CEO, NCFA; Earth Day—It’s Earth Day on April 22. In honour enough. Join Darrell Bricker, global CEO of Ipsos Public George Bordianu, co-founder and CEO, Balance; Julien of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the organization Affairs, on April 24 at 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET at Brazeau, partner, Deloitte; Alixe Cormick, president, Earth Day Canada is inviting citizens to take simple www.ipsos.com. Venture Law Corporation; Nikola Danaylov, founder,

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Hands on Manual Exercise Therapy Electrical Physiotherapy Therapy Modalities Our expert team can help. 613.714.9495 Now serving 4 locations: Carling Ave - Hazeldean Rd - Greenbank Rd - Innovation Dr - Free Parking physiocarephysiotherapy.com Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 L A the tensionsat play between the “guide forward” inreconciling on Indigenousrightsprovides a News say experts of authority, over questions communities Indigenous tensions among to resolving provides ‘guide’ UNDRIP News process feds’ new staffi concerns around manager, employee report fi nds hiring up,but Public service there areconcerns among both service for the sixth year in a row, in the promotion rate within the service, aswell asan increase tial growth inthefederal public BY BEATRICE PAEZ BY MIKE LAPOINTE THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO.1705 policy briefi Transportation ment theUN’sdeclaration egislation that would imple- Sara Kirk, & Alec Soucy Pedro Antunes, Roger Francis, , Ashley Morton, Philip Cross, report shows fairly substan- lthough arecent government HOH HOH Wet’suwet’en Public service p.2 Continued onpage28 Continued onpage33 ng on Canada’s federal government and Parliament during time. this critical developments in order to help keep our readers well-informed and we’ll keep shining alight We offertrustworthy politicalcoverage. policy and We’re keeping policy on topkey of days-a-week email briefings. special Print subscriptionscontinue will be delivered to a twice week. edition (PDF) aweek, twice along with our daily coverage on HillTimes.com, along with our seven- bureaucrats, and officials the in will PMO continuePCO and toreceive their The readers of Hill All Times delivered senior to all decision-makers, in isolation or not. across Canada. The Hill Times format provincial elected to all officials, provincial cabinet ministers, and theirstaff respective the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. We are expanding also The Hill Times For thenext weeks, few The Hill Times pandemic crisis. during the COVID-19 to allour coverage offering free access The Hill Times is hilltimes.com/get-a-subscription and analysis that decision-makers rely on. delivering the dependable andin-depth news The Hill Times’ newsrooms take pridein T cabinet minister, pollsters reconciliation, say former to his political credibility, Wet’suwet’en blockades critical Trudeau’s handling of News has faced inhispoliticalcareer, that PrimeMinister Justin Trudeau biggest public policy challenges Wet’suwet’en Nation is oneof the tation routes in support of the BY ABBAS RANA BY ABBAS blockades of key transpor- he issue of Indigenous Prime Minister C ANADA pp. 17-25 ’ S P OLITICS ng: ng: improve hereover thenextfew fairs minister andpollsters. tion, say a former Indigenous Af- sensitive situation and reconcilia- his ability to handle this politically dians will raise questions about to thesatisfaction ofmostCana- and afailuretoresolve thecrisis “If thisdoesn’t change, and Central Central Party

AND p.37 G OVERNMENT Climbers crisis in relationship crisis inrelationship N p.38 Hill EWSPAPER The Hill Timesinterview with The. Jean Chrétien cabinet, in a phone and Northern Development in the former minister ofIndian Affairs [him], forsure,” saidBobNault, impact on hisgovernment andon days, thisisgoingtohave a huge Trudeau, picturedonFeb.21, blockades andreconciliaiton. now comedown.’Theprime 2020, attheNationalPress Theatre inOttawawherehe The Hill Times photograph photograph Times Hill The the lineashehandlesrail minister’s credibilityison with Indigenous with Indigenous said ‘thebarricadesmust We’re adding to Prime MinisterJustin Continued onpage35 by Andrew Meade Andrew by Rose Lemay MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24,2020$5.00

S T (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) saidthework process, say someparliamentarians. infl parts tolookformoreoftheirown has inspiredtheirCanadiancounter- talks with House future trade objectives of pledge to share NAFTA, Liberals to amendnew to have power for Parliament Downe calls News says one complaint, blocked bullying ‘loophole’ on harassment, spotlight back Senators put News week, while allthegovernment’s outside ofthe Senate Chamber last workplace harassment in and BY NEIL MOSS BY PETER MAZEREEUW peoples: uence over thetrade negotiation CSG Senator Percy Downe called out each other about called outeach otherabout enators calledfor change, and ers to modify trade agreements ers tomodifytrade agreements he power of American lawmak- Senate & harassment NAFTA 2.0 To advertise, call613-688-8841 or email [email protected] To subscribe,call613-288-1146 or email [email protected] Continued onpage30 Continued onpage6

p. 4 p. 4 , including cabinet ministers, MPs, Senators, staff, political senior is taking extra steps extra is taking to ensure the print edition in PDF format is is offeringfree access all to our news and analysis during

Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 I work on long-awaited Phoenix replacement pilot project ‘Everything we didn’t do with Phoenix’: feds tap SAP for News tent, says onecandidate.‘We need to break the ceilingand win the support ofmore Canadians.’ The ‘traditionalplaybooks ofsmaller government, lower taxes, tough oncrime,’ won’t work to widen the blue THIRTY-FIRST YEAR, NO.1710 T News stop rehashingoldfeuds, according needs more fresh faces, ideas needs more fresh faces,ideas CPC candidates, who say party forloomsDeadline low-profi BYMIKE LAPOINTE BYSAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN Lewis. PhotographscourtesyofJimKarahalios,RickPeterson,RudyHusny, Twitter, andFacebook There arefi ve lesser-knowns running to beConservativePartyleader, including,fromleft,Jim Karahalios,DerekSloan,RickPeterson,RudyHusny, andLeslyn versary oftheproblem-plagued n thewake ofthefourthanni- briefi Energy policy a new face, freshideas, andto he Conservative Party needs Harford Deborah pp. 15-26 Phoenix pay system Conservative leadership race ng operating by theoldplaybook. Peter MacKay andErinO’Toole, are runners, formercabinetministers ship candidates who say thefront- to someofthelesser-known leader- long sagathat hasleftthousands awaited milestoneintheyears- government hasreachedalong- Phoenix pay system, thefederal A. Murillo Carlos C ANADA ’ S P OLITICS Cannings Richard Board announcedthat software underpaid, ornotpaidat all. of publicsectorworkers overpaid, five otherdeclaredcandidates Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton, Ont.), term Conservative MPMarilyn O’Toole (Durham, Ont.), andtwo- On March 6, the Treasury Beyond Mr. MacKay, Mr.

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G OVERNMENT ’ print edition in PDF N EWSPAPER Le BillonLe Philippe chosen towork onanew human company SAPCanadahadbeen up even beforethefederal elec- time inarace that was ramping have struggledtogetmuchair Hill Times Continued onpage28 Continued onpage12 le le results? saw departments Which federal pp. 6-7 WEDNESDAY, MARCH11, 2020$5.00

A breaking rank sidelined after Scott Reidstill Tory MP longtime or caucusroles, No committee News play animportantrole init.” vative caucusandwillcontinueto a valuable memberoftheConser- email, Mr. Strahl said “Mr. Reidis of continuedpunishment, inan ments, andwhether itwas part about Mr. Reid’slackofassign- tee assignmentprocess. Asked Hope, B.C.)oversees thecommit- MP MarkStrahl (Chilliwack– he wrote. practice ofcaucusconfi a breachoftheconventional to thesequestionswould involve speaking outaboutit. against thepartylineandfor for hishaving previously voted down tocontinuedpunishment assignments thisParliament was he believed hislackof committee not respondwhen asked whether last week onthesubject, anddid by phoneduringthebreakweek Hill Times. response toquestionsfrom The Kingston, Ont.)saidinanemail Mr. Reid(Lanark-Frontenac- from acommitteeassignment,” House Affairs Committee(PROC). member oftheProcedure and Reid hadspent15years asa bership liststhistimearound. left offofHousecommitteemem- MP ScottReidhasbeenentirely party line, longtimeConservative Parliament forvoting againstthe BYLAURA RYCKEWAERT As caucuswhip, Conservative “Unfortunately, responding Mr. Reiddeclinedaninterview “I didnotrequesttobefree Up untilthisParliament, Mr. critic dutiesduringthelast fter beingstrippedofhis House committees

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