INNOVATION MINISTER NAVDEEP BAINS, POLICY BRIEFING pp. 21-39 ALLAN CUTLER p. 4 GERRY NICHOLLS p. 12 HILL CLIMBERS p. 53 SEAN BRUYEA p. 14 PARTY CENTRAL p. 57 HILL LIFE & PEOPLE p. 50 Birkenfeld believes Trudeau and the Bardish Chagger Ottawa’s war Jaimie Anderson MPs still enjoy there’s $1-billion in ‘hope and change’ hires some new to silence Black Sheep Inn some good unpaid taxes syndrome staffers veterans shindig perks
TWENTY-EIGHTH YEAR, NO. 1374 CANADA’S POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 $5.00
NEWS PMO EXPENSES NEWS CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP RUN NEWS SENATE PMO expense Fundraising major Government rep controversy in Senate supports seen as ‘bump challenge, no one regional caucuses in the road,’ but as replacement to reminder even likely to win on fi rst party structure top political ballot in crowded Tory BY ABBAS RANA staffers ‘can get To reduce partisanship in the Senate, some Senators, including the government’s smacked down’ representative, are proposing to abandon leadership contest the traditional model of party caucuses and replace that with regionally based for a few days caucuses. Tory leadership race spending limit is $5-million and Government Senate Representative Pe- ter Harder (Ottawa, Ont.) made the case for BY DEREK ABMA more than 15 candidates could run. regional caucuses in his appearance before the Senate Modernization Committee on The controversy surrounding moving Wednesday, Sept. 28. expenses incurred by senior staffers in the “Within the range of options that I have Prime Minister’s Offi ce and billed to tax- refl ected upon, the regional caucus model, payers is not, in the overall scope of things, as an organizing principle for the Senate, a big deal, though the Trudeau government is an idea that has the potential to fulfi ll would be well advised to avoid many more this blueprint and, consequently, that I entitlement-related scandals, say experts. believe merits serious consideration by this Andrew MacDougall, former communi- committee and all senators,” Sen. Harder cations director to Stephen Harper when said. “It appears to me as though a reason- he was prime minister, said chief of staff ably persuasive case could be made that Katie Telford, principal secretary Gerald Butts, and the rest of the PMO have no choice but to move on from this. Continued on page 47
Continued on page 42 NEWS COMMITTEES NEWS MPS’ EXPENSES No more House House covered committee travel to $440,000 in MPs’ be approved this year, moving expenses $1.8-million allocated for entire last year, for 14 studies
tax watchdog says BY RACHEL AIELLO it’s ‘reasonable’ A number of House committees are trav- elling across the country, but the House Li- BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT aison Committee—the committee in charge of approving House committee budgets—re- The House of Commons spent almost cently advised House committee chairs to $440,000 on MPs’ moving expenses last cool their jets until the new year, after rack- Publications Mail Agreement #40068926 year—with minimal costs covered com- ing up $1.8-million in travel costs. pared to senior exempt political staffers— On Sept. 21, the Subcommittee on Bud- and even one of the government’s most gets of the House Liaison Committee ruled ardent critics of spending says these MP until the new year, no further budgets for expenses are “reasonable.” committee travel would be considered. This Aaron Wudrick, federal director of the decision came following a presentation Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation, said the from the Liaison Subcommittee’s clerk on costs covered for MPs by the House of It’s on: Conservatives, pictured top left and left to right are registered candidates Kellie Leitch, Tony the “fi nancial status of the global envelope Commons seem “fairly reasonable” as the Clement, Maxime Bernier, Michael Chong, Deepak Obhrai, Andrew Scheer, and declared or likely for committee activities,” according to the job requires MPs “to be in two places.” interested candidates Brad Trost, Pierre Lemieux, Steve Blaney, Lisa Raitt, Erin O’Toole, and Kevin minutes from the in-camera meeting. O’Leary. Dan Lindsay, Adrienne Snow, Chris Alexander, and Rick Peterson, not pictured, are said to be Continued on page 43 interested. See story and who supports who page 49. The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright Continued on page 46 2 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 FEATURE BUZZ
A group called ON Canadians Rallying HEARD THE HILL Against Trump is BY DEREK ABMA trying to prevent Donald Trump from being elected president of Canadian group the United States. Photograph by mobilizes against Trump Gage Skidmore
pparently, there are people in Canada “Donald Trump poses a serious threat to Awho are not fond of Donald Trump. our world,” group founder Glyn Lewis said Yes, it is a bit strange. The U.S. Republican in a press release. group that supported U.S. President Barack he recalled his experience eight years ago presidential nominee seems like a nice- Mr. Lewis said Canadians interested in Obama before he got elected; that organiza- during the Obama campaign. enough fellow, though somewhat humble helping will be connected to Ms. Clinton’s tion was called Canadians for Obama. “Every so often it would come up that I and understated for someone seeking such campaign team. Some volunteers will travel Mr. Lewis said in an email that his orga- was a Canadian volunteer,” said Mr. Lewis, a high-profi le job. to battleground states during the next several nization is run by a core group of about 10 who was 24 during Mr. Obama’s fi rst presi- Nonetheless, there is a volunteer group weeks to help reach out to voters, and there people, most of them based in Vancouver dential campaign. “Ninety-nine per cent called Canadians Rallying Against Trump, will also be some campaigning by phone. with some in Ottawa. He expects many of the time people thought it was inspir- which was offi cially launched on Sept. 27, “Every American we reach and encour- more volunteers to step forward in the ing that a young Canadian would spend the morning after fi rst presidential debate age to vote will make a difference,” he said. coming weeks to help support the cause. months volunteering for a campaign in held between Mr. Trump and his Democrat- Some of the people who are part of this Asked how Americans respond to their country. I think it helped them realize ic rival Hillary Clinton last week. anti-Trump campaign were also part of a Canadians campaigning for a U.S. election, how much was really at stake, not just in the U.S. but for the entire world.” Harper book due out on anniversary of defeat
Cover for new Harper book. Image courtesy of McGill-Queen’s Uni- versity Press
No one should A new book on former prime minister Stephen Harper, promising to challenge pre-existing notions, is due out on Oct. 19, exactly one year after the federal election have to choose that resulted in Mr. Harper’s Conserva- tive government being replaced by Justin Trudeau’s Liberals. between their The book is called The Harper Factor: As- sessing a Prime Minister’s Policy Legacy and is published by McGill-Queen’s University Press. It’s edited by Graham Fox, CEO of the next meal Institute for Research on Public Policy, and Jennifer Ditchburn, editor-in-chief of this organization’s Policy Options magazine. & prescription It includes sections by several writers on different subjects, including the book’s editors. Mr. Fox has written about Mr. Harper’s lasting effect on intergovernmen- medicine. tal affairs and Canadian federalism, while Ms. Ditchburn has written about the for- mer government’s impact on government communications and the media. “Canadians have strong opinions about Food is essential to health. So are the Stephen Harper, positive and negative,” Mr. Fox medications many Canadians rely on said in a press release. “We wanted to set aside all the assumptions, and do a deeper analysis every day. It’s time for new thinking of his impact on policy. Our goal in producing to make sure that drug costs don’t this book is to cut through the partisan noise force people to choose between and give readers an assessment that’s dispas- food or medicine. sionate and rooted in evidence.” Other contributors include Toronto We’ve got ideas. Learn more at clhia.ca Star and iPolitics writer Susan Delacourt addressing Mr. Harper’s impact on “the conduct of politics,” CBC reporter Mur- ray Brewster on defence policy, iPolitics Canadian Life and Health Insurance contributor and former Canadian Taxpay- Association ers Federation director Tasha Kheiridden on justice policy, and University of Ottawa professor David Zussman on the govern- ment’s relationship with the public service.
Continued on page 52 Shake Up Your Day
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ibc.ca 4 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 OPINION WHISTLEBLOWER
helped a number of foreign governments to recover what is rightly owed them. Birkenfeld believes That brings us back to my fi rst com- ment. I have been attempting to have Birkenfeld come and testify in Canada for there’s at least four years. As a convicted criminal (due to his historic whistleblowing), Birkenfeld is unable to come to Canada without special permissions. $1-billion in federal Birkenfeld provided some proof to the Department of Justice about eight years ago. This appears to have been convenient- ly lost. In fact the DOJ responded to an unpaid taxes in Canada access to information request to state that Bradley Birkenfeld was an American banker this had never happened even though we working in Switzerland. As a whistleblower, he had supplied the name of the federal public exposed the largest and longest running tax Birkenfeld to come to Canada and assist servant in DOJ that Birkenfeld contacted Since the Liberals came fraud by Americans using off-shore accounts. the Canadian government by testifying and in Canada. The unprecedented results were shocking and providing valuable documentation regard- During this period of time, the Conser- to power, nothing has ultimately he received an award of $104-mil- ing the illegal off-shore industry. Birken- vatives passed a law regarding rewarding lion from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) changed. In spite of feld believes that there is at least $1-billion whistleblowers who revealed tax evasion. since more than $5-billion of unpaid taxes were in federal unpaid taxes in Canada. Curiously, a provision of this law stated continued attempts, no recovered. Photograph courtesy of Alchetron Birkenfeld was an American banker that if a person had a criminal record they politician is willing to working in Switzerland. As a whistle- were not eligible to receive this reward. assist in getting Bradley blower, he exposed the largest and longest At this time the DOJ was already aware of attempts, no politician is willing to assist running tax fraud by Americans using Birkenfeld, who coincidently has a crimi- in getting Birkenfeld into Canada. No one Birkenfeld into Canada. off-shore accounts. The unprecedented nal record for exposing massive offshore wants to have Bradley Birkenfeld testify No one wants to have results were shocking and ultimately he fraud. Both Birkenfeld and I believe that before a parliamentary committee and ex- received an award of $104-million from the this provision was added to the law delib- pose those who committed fraud. The ques- Birkenfeld testify before a Internal Revenue Service (IRS) since more erately to discourage him from reporting tion needs to be asked, “Why are politicians than $5-billion of unpaid taxes were recov- fraud and tax evasion in Canada. of all parties avoiding looking into massive parliamentary committee ered. In keeping with the fi ne traditions In the past four years, I have attempted off-shore tax evasion?” and expose those who of the U.S.A., the Department of Justice to contact all the political parties. The Liberal ministers have spoken about the (DOJ) prosecuted him (and only him) for Green Party, represented by Elizabeth May, need to investigate this but there has been committed fraud. the exact revelations that had resulted in has never even acknowledged my emails no action in spite of repeated attempts. As this award. The absolutely false argument or my attempts to meet with her. The I stated, for more than four years, with two made by the DOJ was that he withheld a NDP, Liberals, and Conservatives have all different political parties in power, I have client name from them. In any event, he been very reluctant to provide help. None been waiting to be contacted for action. My received a criminal record and a 31-month of them seems to want those who have email address is allan@allancutlerconsult- jail term for the historic and courageous committed tax evasion to be named. None ing.com if any politician is willing to help. actions. of them were willing to have Birkenfeld How can action speak louder than words The story does not end there. Birkenfeld come and testify before a parliamentary when there are only words and NO action? ALLAN CUTLER has been instrumental in the massive fraud committee. None of them were willing to Allan Cutler is past president of Cana- investigation against the Swiss Banks and help sponsor Birkenfeld so he could enter dians for Accountability, a group formed to the further release of names of tax evaders Canada. help whistleblowers, fi ght corruption, and TTAWA—For the past four years, I by Swiss authorities. To this day, Birkenfeld Since the Liberals came to power, advocate for truth, justice, and transparency. Ohave been attempting to get Bradley continues to fi ght this corruption and has nothing has changed. In spite of continued The Hill Times
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Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries THE TRUTH ABOUT BILL C-246
• On October th, Parliament will vote on Second Reading of Bill C-246, The Modernizing Animal Protection Act.
• All reasonable people support legislation that addresses real issues of animal cruelty, including illegal puppy mills, banning the use of dog and cat fur in textiles and shark finning (which is already illegal in Canada).
• Unfortunately, C-246 is a badly flawed piece of legislation that goes far beyond basic issues on which we can all agree.
• If passed, it will have serious negative consequences for anglers, hunters, trappers, beef, dairy,sheep and poultry farmers, equestrians and others in the animal use community.
• C-246 raises the risk of criminalizing currently legal, heavily regulated activities, lowers the standards to lay criminal charges and removes protections under the current criminal law.
• C-246 puts the onus on the defendant to prove innocence rather than on the prosecutor to prove guilt, undermining our system of justice.
• Key sections of the bill are poorly defined and leave currently legal activities open to frivolous charges brought by animal rights activists as they have repeatedly promised to do during debate over previous similar legislation:
“The onus is on humane societies and other groups on the front lines to push this legislation to the limit, to test the parameters of this law and have the courage and conviction to lay charges. That’s what this is all about. Make no mistake about it.” Liz White, Animal Alliance
• Mr. Erskine-Smith had the opportunity to consult widely on the bill before introduction, but talked to no one except the animal rights community.
• Recommendations from the outdoor community to provide certainty were ignored.
• Hunting, fishing, trapping, beef, dairy, sheep and poultry farming employ tens of thousands of Canadians, contribute $70.4 billion annually to the national economy and could be irreparably harmed by this legislation.
• You can’t fix an unfixable bill - something that previous Parliaments recognized by consistently voting against similar legislation.
• We are respectfully asking Members of Parliament to do the same and vote against C-246.
IFE DL FED IL E W R . A .T T I W O .
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N R V E IR V O E N R M O E NT IS F 6 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 THE WAR ROOM CONSERVATIVES Tories getting their groove back, in opposition
A year later, the Conservative Party has Consider the evidence: of taxpayer monies spent to move Justin A year later, the become pretty good—really good, actu- •It was the Conservatives, not anyone Trudeau’s Principal Secretary (Gerald ally—at opposition. else, who submitted Order Paper questions Butts) and Chief of Staff (Katie Telford) Conservative That’s not to say they’ve redeemed asking Health Minister Jane Philpott about from Toronto to Ottawa. At fi rst, the themselves for running a ridiculous elec- the use of limousines—and getting taxpay- Liberals defended the expenditure as Party has become tion campaign entirely about a hijab worn ers to pay for it—while on offi cial business. within the rules, which it was. But, when by all of two women in all of Canada, of Philpott initially denied that she had, but they saw the issue metastasizing into a pretty good—really course. Nor have they been forgiven for it turned out that she had in fact been em- fl own-blown scandal, Butts and Telford their leadership race, which is a presently ploying a limousine-type service operated hurriedly apologized, profusely, and good, actually—at a contest between political pygmies, the by a supporter. She apologized and paid promised to pay back many thousands. prize apparently going to the one who can back thousands. Another review was ordered, this time by opposition. sound most like Donald Trump on refugees •It was the Tories, not the NDP, who the prime minister. and immigrants. No, they have much to discovered that Environment Minister •It was the Cons, and not any other atone for, still. Catherine McKenna spent several thou- party, who revealed that the cost of meals But when it comes to being Her sand dollars for a photographer—to take and booze on the prime minister’s fi rst two Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, in the House pictures of McKenna and her staff at a international trips was a whopping $1,300 of Commons? There, at least, they are conference in Paris. The Conservatives did a person. Some of the benefi ciaries of the really, really effective. There, and in a very some access to information requests, and airborne largesse were journalists, and short time too, they have transformed gave the results to the media. McKenna at some real work was assuredly done at a WARREN KINSELLA into the most effective opposition Ottawa fi rst defended the photographer decision— G20 summit and an APEC leaders’ summit. has seen in quite a while. And they have and then ordered a review into the matter, But again, it had been the Conservatives done so usually employing that most saying that there was a need to “reduce that had placed the Trudeau government on ORONTO—A year ago, the Conserva- old-fashioned of opposition tactics: costs.” the defensive. Ttive Party had become pretty lousy at dropping smart written questions to the •It was the CPC, not the media, who And so on. There are other such revela- government. government. uncovered Freight Gate—the $200,000 tions, this fall, for a few thousand here and a few hundred there. Whether you think these demi-scandals are the biggest contro- versies since Watergate (as the Conserva- tives do), or that they are the sort of Ottawa navel-gazing that regular folks don’t really care about (as the Liberals hope), one thing is indisputable: the Conservative Party has clearly adjusted to the rigours of opposi- CANADA’S RAILWAYS tion rather well. They look like they’re enjoying themselves, too. This is not always the case. When the Liberal Party was reduced to a rump in 1984, just a few seats ahead of the NDP, those who had been cabinet stars speedily lost their enthusiasm for serving on Opposition benches. It was only the so-called “Rat Pack”—relative rookies like Sheila Copps, Brian Tobin, David Dingwall, Don Boudria—who literally kept the We’ve done Liberal Party of Canada alive. And kept Brian Mulroney’s majority government on the defensive, uncovering scandal after scandal. In the next big change year, 1993, it was the Reform Party’s gaggle of MPs—plus the math those in the Bloc Quebecois, like Lucien Bouchard and Jean Lapierre—who left us Jean Chrétien Liberals occasionally on the defensive. The Conservatives had been re- duced to just two seats, and were not a fac- Canada’s shortline railways move 113 million tonnes of goods each year. tor. But the Bloc and the Reformers—often That takes 3 million trucks off our roads, reducing congestion and pollution, working in tag-team fashion—delighted in tormenting us Chretien Liberals, and drew and saving 1.5 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions in the process. their share of blood. Unlike trucks which use publicly funded highways, railways pay to maintain But adjusting to the indignities of op- position—after having grown used to the their own infrastructure. That limits their ability to grow, innovate and invest. luxuries of government—is not always easy. Only a few are able to successfully make the transition. It’s time for Canada to invest in its shortline railway infrastructure – to help The 2016-era Conservatives have done grow our green transportation capacity now, and for the future. so with astonishing ease. While may not have ended the protracted Team Trudeau stay in the posh honeymoon suite, the Tories have almost certainly signaled that an eviction notice is in the mail. With their Order Paper questions, and their ATIPs, the CPC has done what every good opposition should always seek to do: they have raised the ire of Joe and Jane Fontporch. They PULLING for CANADA have dented Justin Trudeau’s gleaming armour. Many, many Canadians had believed this new crop of Liberals, a year ago, when they had solemnly promised to never again become entitled to their entitlements. Many, many Canadians are now wonder- ing if that promise has been broken. And, for that, the Conservative caucus can give themselves a pat on the collective back. They haven’t toppled the government railcan.ca yet. But they are busily chipping away at the foundations. Warren Kinsella is a Toronto-based lawyer, author, and commentator. He has been a special assistant to former prime minister Jean Chrétien. The Hill Times C295W: MISSION READY FOR CANADIANS
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Editor Kate Malloy Assistant Deputy Editor Abbas Rana Publishers Anne Marie Creskey, Deputy Editor Derek Abma Online Editor, Power & Influence Editor Ally Foster Jim Creskey, Ross Dickson Managing Editor Kristen Shane Deputy Editor Peter Mazereeuw General Manager, CFO Andrew Morrow
EDITORIAL ELECTORAL REFORM LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Mayrand’s right: broadest possible Leitch’s ‘Canadian values’ platform consensus needed before changing divisive, says former NDP MP Stoffer NDP MP Peter Canada’s electoral system Stoffer is taking issue with Conservative lections Canada’s Chief Electoral Of- a weekend voting day; making greater use of leadership candidate Efi cer Marc Mayrand will be leaving his technology to streamline the voting system; Kellie Leitch’s position at the end of the year, but he has and creating a monetary penalty for non- ‘Canadian values’ a few important messages before doing so. compliance with election fi nancing rules. pitch. The Hill Times The federal Liberal government shouldn’t Mr. Mayrand told reporters that the photographs by Jake make any massive changes to Canada’s Canada Elections Act and how elections Wright fi rst-past-post electoral system without are run need to be updated and modern- consulting broadly with all federal politi- ized. He said the federal election adminis- cal parties. And Canada’s federal elections tration has reached a tipping point and that th need to be modernized and dragged into it’s time Canada use modern technology n Sept. 26, I celebrated the 60 anniver- was commonplace to sexually harass the 21st century. He’s right. to better run elections. People shouldn’t Osary of my family’s arrival to Canada. women in the workplace. It was standard While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has have to wait in a lineup to get their names My mom and dad and six kids (15 years to practice to openly pollute our air, soil, and promised that the last federal election would crossed off lists; they should have voter nine months) left Rotterdam and came to water—to have one drink for the road, be the last under the fi rst-past-the-post elec- information cards that can be scanned Pier 21 in Halifax in search of a better life. and to smoke openly in public places. toral system, Mr. Mayrand, who held a press electronically at voting stations. This got me thinking about my former My thanks to the government of the conference last week in Ottawa to outline In the last election, the voter turnout conservative parliamentary colleagues day, for not asking my parents on behalf recommendations to Parliament on how to was 68.3 per cent, the highest since the 1993 Kellie Leitch and Tony Clement, and of my family, to accept our so-called Ca- “improve and modernize” Canada’s electoral federal election which wiped out Brian Mul- about their recent comments stating that nadian standards at the time. system and outlined recommendations to Par- roney’s federal Progressive Conservatives, new immigrants should be screened to You see, Kellie Leitch and Tony Clem- liament, also said no one party or government leaving them with only two seats. adhere to “Canadian values.” ent, Canadian values have changed in 60 should be allowed to change the “playing fi eld” Meanwhile, Democratic Institutions But let’s look back at Canada in 1956, to years. And even though we’re nowhere without broad, sweeping support. Minister Maryam Monsef, the lead minis- what would be considered “Canadian values.” near where we should be as an equal “Not a single government, whatever ter on electoral reform, has been talking It was okay to beat the Indian out society, we are moving forward. But we the majority is, should be able to unilat- to Canadians across the country about of the indigenous child, and rip those trust the day will come, where Canada erally change the rules of election,” Mr. Canada’s voting system and how it should children out of their homes to have many (and the world, for that matter), reaches Mayrand said at his press conference at be changed. She has visited 20 cities, towns of them suffer from sexual and physical respect, equality, and dignity for all per- the National Press Theatre. “Changing and communities and has participated in abuse at the hand of so-called religious sons. As J.S. Woodworth once said, “What the rules of that competition among them about 40 events, according to CBC News. and government institutions. It was ac- we desire for ourselves, we wish for all.” should require a broad consensus—the She recently said there’s no consensus on ceptable to openly discriminate against Thank you Canada. broadest possible.” what the new system should be. The House our African brothers and sisters. It was Peter Stoffer Mr. Mayrand also said if a new system is Special Electoral Reform Committee, okay to jail gay or lesbian people, and fi re Halifax, N.S. implemented, Elections Canada would need which has also been holding cross-country them from their place of employment. It (The writer was an NDP MP from 1997-2015). at least two years “to make all the necessary hearings on electoral reform, is supposed to preparations for a new voting system.” Mr. submit its fi nal report by Dec. 1. Mayrand would not endorse a referendum, Before Mr. Mayrand leaves at the end of but acknowledged it’s an option. “It’s one the year, he should highlight these important Feds should launch an mechanism. Or if Parliament can’t agree, points again to make sure Parliament and maybe it stops there—that’s the other option.” the government is listening. He’s worked too Mr. Maryand also suggested limiting hard on Canada’s electoral system and he’s open, fair, and transparent the duration of election campaigns; including got something say. Parliament should listen. competition on fi ghter jets
e: “Harper government ‘messed up’ for the F-35A Lightning II. I didn’t realize Rjet replacement process, that’s why Mr. Maillet was clairvoyant. Fact is, only things are slow: Sajjan,” (The Hill Times, through a competition can anyone know Sept. 26, p. 1). I was somewhat bewildered for certain how much Canada would need by the comments regarding the F-35. to pay for each potential jet and the capa- First, National Defence Minister Harjit bilities each could deliver. Sajjan says, “We’ve been moving on that Finally, Kim Nossal asserts that, “the only as quickly as possible.” Really? Last time aircraft that some people are saying will I checked the government has been in be acceptable to the Americans is the F-35.” power for nearly a year and done noth- Nonsense. The Americas recognize that ing. The minister now states that there is Canada is a sovereign country and will re- a capability gap, but had the government spect any decision we take. We can and will launched an open, fair and transpar- live up to our responsibilities under NORAD ent competition following its election, a (as well as any international obligations we replacement jet would have been selected agree to) with any jet we choose. by now. This process is not nearly as com- Launching an open, fair, and transpar- plex as the minister suggests. However, ent competition is the only way to ensure any decision taken by this government our men and women in the military get to acquire replacement jets other than the right jet to meet their needs, Canadian through a competition would unneces- industry maximizes its industrial benefi ts sarily add complexity and “mess up” the and the taxpayers are assured that their acquisition process. The Liberals would tax dollars are not being squandered. descend into the same quagmire as did Alan Williams the Conservatives. Ottawa, Ont. Next, Paul Maillet claims that Canada (The letter writer is former ADM at the would “pay too much and get far too little” Department of National Defence).
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the support of some provinces is more more than a month. These controversial proj- Justin Trudeau will need important than others. ects will colour the public’s view of Trudeau’s to use his powers of A Canadian agreement, excluding Que- vision for sustainable development. bec, could set the stage for another ugly Last week’s announcement was an persuasion in knitting constitutional confrontation. important fi rst step. By getting the majority together a national With Dion and Trudeau both hailing from on side, the Liberals managed to dodge the that province, they need to lay the groundwork fi rst environmental policy bullet. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna is a consensus on a climate now for a softening of provincial opposition. Former prime minister Stephen Harper posi- quick study who has worked on international change plan. Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre has been tioned Canada as a major carbon super power. consensus building as a lawyer for the United vocal in his opposition to the deal, and he His government pre-empted the National Nations in East Timor, writes Sheila Copps. The speaks on behalf of dozens of other mayors. Energy Board process, leaving companies com- Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright Bringing Coderre onside will be critical to fortable that all projects would be approved. building any kind of consensus in Quebec. The time to sell Quebec on the positive He will need all those powers of persua- At the end of the day, Trudeau will not be benefi ts from Energy East is long gone. It is sion in knitting together a national consen- able to please everyone. But as long as the going to be much more diffi cult to turn that sus on a climate change plan. only dissidents are extremists on both sides conversation around in a province that has Trudeau’s action plan must strike the of the issue, the prime minister will be able been almost unanimous in its opposition. right balance between old energy and new. SHEILA COPPS to pass this fi rst real test of his leadership. But Trudeau is much more than a pretty Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien- The hard part is simply making a deci- face. As he proved during the last election, era cabinet minister and a former deputy TTAWA—As the fi rst year ends, the sion. After Pacifi c NorthWest, an announce- he has a strong command of the issues, prime minister. Oheavy lifting starts. ment on Kinder Morgan is looming in little and can be persuasive at the right moment. The Hill Times The Liberal government approval last week of the Pacifi c NorthWest Liquefi ed Natural Gas project was the fi rst in a series of decisions that will be welcomed by some and despised by others. It also puts additional pressure on Prime ® Minister Justin Trudeau to follow through with REALTORS from across Canada will an aggressive action plan on climate change for tabling in Marrakech in November. This is where the rubber will literally hit the road. be knocking on MPs’ doors to discuss The New Democratic Party will be look- ing for a chance to differentiate itself from the Liberals on environmental grounds. Outgoing leader Thomas Mulcair was issues of importance to homebuyers already laying the groundwork for environ- mental opposition last week. Unfortunately for the NDP, the labour movement in British Columbia is largely in and communities across Canada. favour of the LNG project. Similar support comes from aboriginal leaders, who stand to benefi t from economic opportunities tied to pipeline construction. The NDP could expect support on their opposition from the Green Party. But struggling with internal divisions, even the articulate voice of leader Elizabeth May will be largely marginalized. And the New Democrats have a fi ne line to walk as well. They run the risk of becoming a rump party if seen as too rigid on environmental issues. With the national party saddled with the Leap Manifesto, calling for the suspen- sion of all fossil fuel projects in Canada, the New Democrats have already been can- nibalized in Western Canada. The NDP’s only premier, Rachel Notley from Alberta, has been forced to deliberately cut ties with her national party. Energy East will also prove to be equally tricky, with Atlantic provinces on side, while Quebec is vigorously opposed. The Trudeau government will have its hand full trying to manage those divisions. Balanc- ing the interests of alternative, electrical, fossil and nuclear energies is no mean feat. Trudeau stands to benefi t from the strong environmental team he has assembled. For- eign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion built his career and his reputation on a strong green platform. That solid background initially propelled him to the Liberal leadership in the fi rst place. Dion’s knowledge of the issues is extensive and he has the credibility to coun- ter opposition and build consensus. Likewise, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna is a quick study who has worked on international consensus building as a lawyer for the United Nations in East Timor. October 17 & 18, 2016 She embraces an inclusive working style which will be critical in the lead up to the Marrakech meeting. #CREAPAC16 By getting as many provinces as pos- sible on board, the national government can go to the international climate change meeting boasting a broad consensus. But AVIATION
PUBLICATION DATE: n this timely and important briefi ng, airport rental fees, and lower taxes Iwe’ll offer informative content on: on the aviation sector? October 26, 2016 s Moving people securely: How will s Environmental impacts: Speaking BOOKING DEADLINE: the implementation of new passenger of fees, how are airlines responding to screening and tracking tools such as the idea of a new Canadian carbon October 21, 2016 the Electronic Travel Authorization tax? And what’s the latest on how the affect air travel? Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization is grappling with s Economics of air travel: How is reducing greenhouse gas emissions the federal government responding from the aviation sector globally? to pressure on it to lift foreign ownership caps on airlines, help discount carriers take fl ight, scrap BE PART OF IT.
Communicate with those most responsible for Canada’s public policy decisions. For more information or to reserve your government relations and public affairs advertising space, contact The Hill Times display advertising department at 613-688-8825. THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 11 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thanks for Errors of PR as highlighting Real cause of phony electoral reform and merits pivotal majorities is of Canada’s moment single-member ridings electoral system for Latvia: t is alarming to read the misrep- Iresentations made by many elec- toral reform lobbyists, especially ambassador those advocating party voting to re- place Canadian democracy through e: “Canadian presence in party proportional representation RLatvia lauded as risks noted,” (PR). The House Special Committee (The Hill Times, by Denis Calnan, on Electoral Reform struck by the Sept. 26). Thank you, to Denis Trudeau government and the less- Calnan, for highlighting Canada’s than-representative consultations readiness to be present in Europe underway are notably stacked by and Latvia at a pivotal moment electoral reform lobbyists. for all of us. The discussion on Canada’s Westminster-based Canada’s deployment to Latvia parliamentary democracy works refl ects an understanding of the well largely because we are a mature crucial importance of the strength democracy addressing the problems of the trans-Atlantic link for of space and population through the Europe. balance between regional repre- Some spontaneously-shared sentation in the Senate and popular opinions also show that those elected representation in the House engaged in the discussion should of Commons in which MPs are refresh their knowledge of the in- elected to represent ridings—not par- dividual member states of NATO ties—via single member pluralities in and when these countries came riding elections, sometimes inad- into existence and where they equately referenced as “fi rst-past-the- have their roots (Canada proudly post.” By contrast the party system turns 150 in 2017, and Latvia has has been distorted in recent decades its centennial as an independent to empower the party machine European state in 2018). and party leaders; such “reforms” The move to Latvia is an ac- have instead made democracy less knowledgement of the relevance of accessible and arguably need to be European security also to Cana- revisited or repealed. dian national security. Following Proportional representation is aggressive actions unprecedented the worst of all possible worlds. PR in modern history, such as the serves party and disenfranchises invasions of sovereign Ukrainian the people; PR weakens democracy. soil (Crimea and Donbas), the Proportional representation is presence of Canadians and other party voting, it is pre-democratic at nations of NATO will reinforce worst, an immature and early form not just Latvia’s security but also of democracy, wholly inadequate, Canada’s outgoing Elections Canada Chief Electoral Offi cer Marc Mayrand, pictured in this fi le photo testifying before and not suited to good government certainly contribute to reinforce the Special House Electoral Reform Committee. The committee is holding cross-country hearings on changing Canada’s the peacefulness of the region and serving the people of Canada; PR is electoral system, but Mr. Mayrand told media last week that there should be the ‘broadest possible’ consensus across about party dividing power amongst beyond—not just through arms, but political parties in order to change the federal voting system. Letter writers, meanwhile, continue to debate which through heartfelt values and sheer parties, not democracy. The people, system is the best. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright determination that Canada and not parties are what democracy is other Allies bring. While Canada about. Modern and mature democra- is generating the core of the e: “Run-off elections will ad- support from half the voters in lian elections. cies all use FPTP. Full stop. battlegroup in Latvia, other Allies Rdress shortcomings of FPTP their district. Rather than wasting time Close study of Canada’s democ- will be standing side-by-side with and PR,” (The Hill Times, letter The real cause of phony ma- writing letters that promote “solu- racy reveals just how greatly the Canadians in Latvia as part of a to the editor, p. 8). Letter writer jorities is single-member ridings. tions” that have been demonstrat- appearance of movement parties multinational force. The year ahead Mahmood Elahi demonstrates ex- No matter how you count the bal- ed to not work, Mr. Elahi should have created division and disinter- is a good time for asking and an- actly why people support runoff lots, you can’t escape the fact that spend more time looking at how est in elections, especially among swering hard questions, and also a elections—they don’t understand votes for losing candidates are elections actually work out using the young who are left to ask “What wonderful opportunity for Latvians how they really work and haven’t discarded and winning margins various systems. has it to do with me,” because elec- and Europeans to learn more about taken the time to look at actual are ignored. There are reasons why almost tions and democracy are just about Canada’s culture and geography results. On average slightly over half all industrial democracies use party and politicians. Proportional and vice versa. Whether we are talking real the votes go to losing candi- proportional representation and representation weakens democra- This year is the 25th anniver- run-offs like those used in France dates—half the voter’s votes elect why fewer use run-offs than use cy, of that few serious persons can sary of the renewal of diplomatic or instant run-offs like those used no one. Meanwhile winning by a fi rst past the post. Proportional disagree, because PR is about party relations between Latvia and in Australia, parties regularly get slim plurality gets you the same representation of any kind has a vote and creating party oligarchies. Canada. Canada was the fi rst more than 50 per cent of the seats seat as winning by a landslide. proven track of producing stable Canada’s parliamentary democ- G7 country to recognize Lat- with far less than 50 per cent of Overall more than seven out of 10 and effective governments that racy is about serving the people of via’s return to independence in the vote. That’s because the cause votes are ineffective—they have truly represent the people. Run- Canada, about building consensus, 1991, with a consciousness that of false majorities isn’t lack of no impact on who goes to Ottawa. offs merely amplify the failings of not about movements and move- Latvia’s de jure sovereignty and voter support for individual Run-offs simply force us into fi rst past the post. ment-parties seeking coalitions the identity of its people had candidates. Indeed, in Canadian the same two-party polarization Gary Dale to divide power proportionally or somehow been sustained without elections most MPs already get that affl icts American and Austra- West Hill, Ont. otherwise in splendid isolation interruption during fi fty years of enforced by un-listening uncom- oppressive un-democratic Soviet promising ideologies. Movements domination. serve themselves, not democracy. With memories of gulags, and Chinese nickname ‘Little Potato’ for Tell Prime Minister Justin mass deportations of children, Trudeau no mandate exists to women, and, in some cases, entire change Canada’s democracy to communities, no one living in Prime Minister Trudeau a compliment become a place of discord between Latvia has any sane desire to rival opposing movements. Consen- turn the clock back and Canada’s e: “Politics, potatoes, and T- tia Freeland to state with confi dence favourably disposed towards him, sus, democracy, voter choice are all presence will make any coun- Rshirts,” (The Hill Times, Sept. that the trip to China was a success. probably because his father was best served by fi rst past the post. tries—and misguided individuals 19, p. 9), Gerry Nicholls’ statement, Chinese people very often used the their friend and a ‘big potato’ in Fundamental change to Canada’s to whom nostalgia for the “ben- “Mind you, Freeland was just as- word, xiao, ‘little,’ before a surname world politics a generation ago. democracy demands a Supreme efi ts” of Soviet times exercises suming “Little Potato” is an affec- to address a younger person with Being placed on a nickname basis Court reference on the constitution- some vague and nagging ap- tionate nickname, for all we know, familiarity and affection. Tu dou, by those expected to lead the ality of any proposal brought for- peal—think twice or thrice about it might be Mandarin slang for “At ‘ground bean,’ the Chinese words world in the 21st century is a sig- ward to change our electoral system messing with the clockwork. least he has nice hair,” is unlikely for ‘potato,’ sounds like ‘Trudeau.’ nal that the Canadian PM’s visits followed by a referendum to provide H.E. Kārlis Eihenbaums to be true. Having even rudimen- If the Chinese people are calling are appreciated by China. a mandate from the people. Ambassador of Latvia to Canada tary knowledge of Chinese culture Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Andrew Romain Brian Marlatt Ottawa, Ont. would allow Trade Minister Chrys- ‘Xiao Tudou’ it may mean they are Gatineau, Quebec South Surrey-White Rock, B.C. 12 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 IN PROGRESS CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP Conservative Party leadership race is a hot mess
tough to fi nd anyone who would Some have called quarrel with Harper’s call to keep the Conservative Trost, fi rst elected in 2004, away from the cabinet table all those leadership race years. In the last few weeks, Brad Trost, the self-described ‘100 per cent Conservative’ Of course, we’re all still candidate, has launched an online ad blitz to strip gays and lesbians of their ‘uninspiring,’ I call waiting to fi nd out about Chris constitutionally protected right to marry. He’s complained social conservatives feel Alexander’s plans. He’ll probably it something else. discriminated against because they oppose gay marriage. An advertisement from Brad have to jump into the race to save Trost’s social media account. the party from itself. The current batch of candidates, he says, is the groundwork for a run. Can’t Coincidentally, the issue of not be scrapping the curriculum. “uninspiring.” remember his name. modernizing Ontario’s sex-ed “We’re building a modern, inclu- That’s right. Alexander—who Or maybe Trost? The young curriculum to refl ect Canadian sive PC party,” said Brown. gained notoriety along with guy from Saskatchewan, who law and the realities of children Sure, Brown has bungled Leitch during last year’s federal toiled away in obscurity in Ot- living in a digital age has landed things on his march to modera- SARAH SCHMIDT election campaign for promising tawa all those years, is suddenly Patrick Brown into trouble. The tion. But Trost doesn’t even appear to create a government snitch line making lots of headlines as the Ontario PC leader was a back- to want to try this path (although to report cultural barbaric prac- social conservative candidate. bench buddy of Trost’s during the he did say recently, in response ORONTO—Leadership hope- tices—calls the race uninspiring. In the last few weeks, the self- Harper years, and the two MPs to a column in the Regina Leader- Tful Deepak Obhrai thinks A hot mess may be more like it. described “100 per cent Conserva- earned their social-conservative Post—which took issue with his rival Kellie Leitch is engaging in The Conservative Party, out of tive” candidate has launched an stripes. When Brown jumped to position on gay marriage, and his un-Canadian fear mongering for power after a decade in govern- online ad blitz to strip gays and provincial politics, he worked to comments about the sex-ed curric- suggesting that immigrants and ment, is now trying to map out a lesbians of their constitutionally rebrand himself as a moderate, ulum and residential schools—that refugees be screened for “anti- route back to power. protected right to marry. He’s marching in gay pride parades to “diversity is what makes us strong Canadian values.” Do they go for the cerebral complained social conservatives show his evolution. and it is far from pathetic.”) Candidate Brad Trost ques- moderate with a telegenic family? feel discriminated against be- But like Trost, the sex-ed cur- Meanwhile, an unapologetic tions Chris Warkentin’s “fi tness No, I’m not talking about Tony cause they oppose gay marriage. riculum has tripped him up. Leitch seems to be going all-in on for offi ce” as his party’s deputy Clement. But if not Chong, then And he’s compared Ontario’s In a recent by-election, the PC Trump-style dog-whistle politics. House leader over his support what about the dog-whistle candi- revamped sex-education curricu- campaign circulated a letter in And they’re the only two garner- for a rival in the race, Andrew date engaging in wedge politics? lum (to include same-sex relation- English and Chinese signed by ing much attention or generating Scheer. Speaking of Trost, what If not Leitch, what about Ber- ships and the dangers of online Brown, promising to scrap the new any buzz. do fellow Conservative leadership nier, the guy who’s mused about bullying and sexting) to residen- sex-ed curriculum if the PCs form Is this really the road the Con- hopefuls, including libertarian switching Canada back to the tial schools. Of course, the viola- government in Ontario in 2018. servative Party wants to go down? Maxime Bernier and stand-up gold standard? If that’s too looney tion of parental rights isn’t on the Sensing the potential long-term Sarah Schmidt is director of guy Michael Chong, make of him? an idea, maybe the other guy same level of residential schools, damage to his rebranding efforts, communications with the Broad- Whatever people may think from Quebec is a safer bet—the Trost allowed, but the “underlying Brown quickly clarifi ed that the bent Institute in Toronto. of Stephen Harper, it’s probably guy who quit his critic post to lay principle is the same.” letter was a mistake and he would The Hill Times
POST-PARTISAN PUNDIT JUSTIN TRUDEAU
Our intellectual, media, and cultural elites didn’t like former prime Trudeau and the ‘hope minister Stephen Harper. For Canadian elites, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, unlike the bad and change’ syndrome Harper, is a leader who positively oozes niceness and sweetness. Yet, At the end of expect our elected leaders to lectual, media, and cultural elites so far it hasn’t exactly have a hard time living up to just didn’t like. worked out that way, the day, it’s not altruistic principles since it seems And I believe one big reason writes Gerry Nicholls. The government power is to altruistic they didn’t like Harper was be- Hill Times photographs by Jake the ‘goodness’ principles what silver bullets are cause they simply thought he was Wright and Andrew Meade or ‘badness’ of to werewolves. a bad person. But in this modern “sunny In their view, for instance, politicians that ways” era, who wants to believe Harper aggressively deployed Ca- Yet, so far it hasn’t exactly Now don’t get me wrong here, matters. What in cynical old sayings, especially nadian military forces because he worked out that way. I’m not suggesting politics has when it’s more appealing to put was a sabre-rattling, warmonger For one thing, Trudeau recently ruined Trudeau’s character or that matters is the our faith in idealism. and he didn’t do enough to stop sold $15-billion worth of ar- power has corrupted him. circumstances they We want to believe that if we global warming because he cared moured vehicles to Saudi Arabia, All I’m trying to point out is that elect political leaders who are more about oil company profi ts a country known for its fl agrant even governments with the best of happen to face. good, decent people, who are hon- than about the planet’s future or human rights abuses. intentions and even governments est and trustworthy, compassion- simply because he was a callous, Can a nice person also be an with nice leaders, are often con- ate and kind, charitable and wise, heartless individual. arms dealer? strained in what they can do by fac- they will, because of their innate In other words, it wasn’t that Also, the targets Trudeau tors outside of their control, things goodness, change the world for Harper’s policies were mis- has adopted to reduce Canada’s like economic reality, public opinion the better. taken or ill-conceived; it was that greenhouse gas emissions are and the general state of the world. I call this the “hope and Harper was a black-hat-wearing basically the same as the emis- So at the end of the day, it’s change” syndrome. villain, who was smart enough to sion targets put forward by the not the “goodness” or “badness” GERRY NICHOLLS Indeed, it’s this syndrome, this know he was doing wrong, but planet-hating Harper. of politicians that matters; what desire for goodness in our politi- did it anyway. Has Trudeau “the good” sold matters is the circumstances they cians, which often turns supposed- And this is why those same out to oil companies? happen to face. AKVILLE, ONT.—Otto von ly objective political analysis into a elites have eagerly embraced the Worst of all, the Trudeau Keep that in mind when judg- OBismarck, the great 19th century simplistic “good guy” vs. “bad guy” man who has replaced Harper as government has given its “con- ing our leaders. German chancellor, once declared morality tale: good guys in politics prime minister—Justin Trudeau. ditional” approval to the contro- And remember too another that “politics ruins the character.” will do good things; bad guys in For Canadian elites, Trudeau, versial Pacifi c Northwest LNG Bismarck quote: “Politics is the art This is akin to another much politics, bad things. unlike the bad Harper, is a leader project, a move which the Pem- of the possible.” more famous saying which states To show you what I mean, who positively oozes niceness bina Institute, an environmental Gerry Nicholls is a commu- “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” consider the case of former Con- and sweetness, meaning they con- group, called a “step backward for nications consultant. www.ger- So yeah, if old sayings are servative prime minister Stephen fi dently expected he would only climate action in Canada.” rynicholls.com anything to go by, we should Harper, a leader whom our intel- do nice and sweet things. Is that sunny ways? The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 13 ACCOUNTABILITY EXPENSES & DISCLOSURE Secret perks are a disservice to the public
It would be in the public covered and reported on, they were sorry earn more than $100,000 have by law their and uncomfortable and indicated they exact salaries and some benefi ts (but not interest if compensation and were paying back part (about a third) of extra perks) annually disclosed, there still those expenses; amounts under the “rules” has been reluctance to reveal the amounts benefi ts became disclosable that they now labelled as “unreasonable.” that political appointees are getting paid. by law for all offi cials, Still other Trudeau political aides have Recently, I came up against this in seek- since come forward and agreed to pay ing the exact salary and perks of David including politicians, back some of their moving expenses. Marshall who was appointed in the fall of political aides, and political Some Conservatives claimed their party 2015 to a one-year period (Feb. 1, 2016- had changed the “rules” under prime minister Jan. 31, 2017) to be adviser to the Ontario appointments. Such data Stephen Harper and capped such privately minister of fi nance on auto and pension should no longer be treated submitted moving expenses payments for insurance matters. political aides at $30,000 for chiefs of staff Marshall, a former senior federal Katie Telford, chief of staff to Prime Minister as personal information. and under $10,000 for senior aides. deputy minister, had gone to Ontario Justin Trudeau, and the PM’s principal secretary In 2013, however, the last time the issue where he became Workplace and Insur- Gerald Butts. The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright of making public offi cials compensation ance Board president and CEO from 2010 data more transparent was aired in Parlia- to early 2016. Marshall’s work, like those of Trudeau’s ment by then Conservative MP Brent Rath- His compensation when revealed senior PMO aides, falls outside public geber’s private member’s bill, his efforts became controversial as he was earning scrutiny because ministers’ offi ces are not were scuttled by senior PCO offi cials who $400,000 a year in that job plus was paid subject to FOI requests from the public. reported to the prime minister. an incentive bonus of $400,000 on top of Trudeau’s request to Treasury Board KEN RUBIN Rathgeber’s bill had modestly called his salary. That “bonus” was for lowering President Scott Brison to revise adminis- for releasing the exact salaries of offi cials injury costs and short term benefi ts, deny- trative policy for relocation expenses is not earning over $188,000. Before the bill died, ing more claims, and cutting back service the basic legal or comprehensive decisive TTAWA—Hiding specifi c public sala- the government amended the bill so that jobs, vocational retraining, and medical change most needed. Ories and perks as personal information only offi cials making over $329,000 or with assistance. Brison has not expressed an interest in using vague and permissive “rules” has to benefi ts added in, about $444,000 would When I tried to obtain Marshall’s new reforming the Access to Information Act or change. have to disclose their earnings. Shortly af- compensation, it was denied as personal the Financial Administrative Act on what The latest case coming to light is the terwards, Rathgeber left the Conservative information. The fall, 2015 order in council public appointees’ information is private excessive personal moving expense pay- Party to sit as an Independent. signed by the minister of fi nance and the while imposing tougher limits on such pay- ments that were made to Prime Minister Rathgeber’s bill was limited and did not chair of the Ontario cabinet indicated that ments, expenses, perks, and benefi ts. Justin Trudeau’s close aides—Katie Telford touch on legally disclosing all the exact such political appointments’ compensation Those most entitled, it seems, get to rewrite and Gerry Butts. Under current law, they special perks beyond normal benefi ts paid fell within a “restrictive” secret category. the “rules” and determine compensation. were entitled to hide their identities as per- to public offi cials and political appointees. But upon appeal to the information It would be in the public interest if sonal information. After media inquiries, It did not change the “rules,” or put more and privacy commissioner of Ontario and compensation and benefi ts became dis- it turned out they had received $80,382.55 exacting accounting practices forward. It with the aid of a Queen’s Park reporter, I closable by law for all offi cials, including and $126,669.56, respectively, under the signalled just how very diffi cult it is in Ot- was able to fi nd Marshall was to earn up politicians, political aides, and political generous “rules.” tawa to expect such reforms. to $400,000 for his year’s appointment at a appointments. Such data should no longer Their costs covering moving from To- It does not help either that MP and Sen- $1,975 per diem rate. There was no mention be treated as personal information or by ronto to Ottawa to work for the PMO were ator expenses and perks remain controver- of any incentive bonus or special perks. “rules” that permit excessive payments. quite high and once known, controversial. sial, excessive and not that transparent. Marshall’s given mandate is to lower auto Ken Rubin is reachable at kenrubin.ca. Once their individual payments were dis- In Ontario, where public employees who insurance costs. The Hill Times
SMART STRATEGIES. REAL RESULTS.
501-100 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5B7 Phone 613-230-2333 Email [email protected] wazuku.ca 14 THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 OPINION VETERANS
Like her, these courageous few realize working within the system Ottawa’s war to silence veterans only serves government’s agenda of inaction and will never bring about the necessary change fast Veterans Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) six advisory groups made aware of repercussions. The senior ranks of enough to help those in need now. describes the purpose of such the Trojan horse? Were group par- the public service protect their own; How ironic that veterans still fall Affairs Canada “stakeholder engagement” in typical ticipants complicit in eroding the they do not protect veterans. for bureaucratic shenanigans to trust grandiloquence characteristic of the future value of the justly maligned CF members are also indoc- government and shun the media. bombards media talk-much- do-little attitude to plaque lumpsum? trinated to obey authority. The Just prior to veterans’ scandals in to sell inadequate the veterans’ fi le. On its website, VAC Veterans have long fallen higher the authority, the greater the 2010, VAC had just a handful of claims “Early, ongoing dialogue with for the game that if government subservience. This is why former top media relations personnel. Six years programs with stakeholders is critical to effective provides a forum like an advisory general, “Uncle Walt” Natynczyk was later, VAC has built a bureaucratic paltry incremental policy and program development … group, stakeholder meeting, Face- appointed as VAC’s deputy minister. communications empire with almost and helps ensure an understanding book live townhall, or online “have Veterans will be unlikely to question 50 employees including 12 in “e-com- changes. of the changing needs of clients.” your say,” that VAC will develop a Natynczyk’s inaction and excuses ms and marketing,” such as “social Meanwhile, veterans The implication is that VAC will timely program to address identi- for not moving on policy issues media” and “video production.” The act upon those needs. However, in fi ed needs. Veterans’ eternal faith universally agreed-upon more than empire is led by Jane Hicks, one of and their families the reasons for building “relation- in the system of government for a decade before. Meanwhile, senior the three bureaucrats named in the ships with stakeholders” absent is which they sacrifi ced has provided bureaucrats monitor break-out 2010 veterans’ privacy scandal. VAC continue to suffer. government’s commitment to act merely a market for many explicit groups, asking individuals, most not bombards media to sell inadequate upon those needs. In fact, the last and implicit snake-oil promises. disabled or educated in public policy, programs with paltry incremental priority is merely to “seek advice and We must credit senior bureau- rehabilitation or historical veterans’ changes. Meanwhile, veterans and input on new initiatives.” The “desired crats and politicians for knowing programs to discuss these very is- their families continue to suffer. outcome” of the last summit was that how to manipulate veterans’ vul- sues. Naturally, the result is haphaz- Stakeholder engagement has participants “feel engaged and heard” nerabilities. Veterans deeply believe ard advice that cannot stand up to become nothing more than tacit and “feel their input and presence is in Canada and usually its system bureaucratic or political authority. approval for bureaucrats and the SEAN BRUYEA valued.” No action, just feelings. of government. Some may call this However, military members ministers they manipulate to provide Are the six advisory groups, naïve, but I believe it is a genuine mistrust and loathe the media. CF absent obligations and begrudging like the stakeholder committees, and well-indoctrinated faith that perpetuates the belief that media commitments for the inadequate TTAWA—The federal govern- to be nothing more than time-con- government will do the right thing. will distort, manipulate, and mis- care of veterans and their families. Oment is holding yet another suming projects to silence the most Why else would a Canadian go represent anything about the mili- Will veterans realize they are being stakeholder summit on Oct. 5-6 prominent and/or vocal veterans through the most intense legal tary. This mistrust is coupled with hoodwinked? Will they widely exer- in Gatineau, Que. Veterans Affairs and groups? The recent regula- brainwashing permissible, willing a deeply held belief that veterans cise the very freedom of expression Canada claims such “engagement” tions for the new Liberal programs to sacrifi ce life and limb for that speaking against government are for which they sacrifi ced so much to fulfi lls requirements to consult with inserted a Trojan horse. The already system and the nation? betraying Canada and one’s mili- bring about real change? stakeholders. In reality, summits inadequate lumpsum for pain and Military members must follow tary service. This is why so many Sean Bruyea, vice-president like other government tactics over suffering will lose much future orders with life or death conse- veterans who buy into govern- of Canadians for Accountability, the past decade, are geared towards value. It will no longer be pegged quences. Why aren’t bureaucrats ment’s handshaking and back- has a graduate degree in pub- corralling and silencing veterans to long-term increases in public forced to follow orders with life or patting despise those veterans lic ethics, is a retired Air Force while sidestepping a wider public service salaries. The majority—if death consequences for the care of who exercise freedom of expres- intelligence offi cer and frequent discourse on veterans’ issues. True not all—of the recent new regula- veterans and their families? This past sion. These outspoken advocates commentator on government, stakeholder consultation is the last tions were not passed by the sum- decade federal bureaucrats have follow a tradition that began with military, and veterans’ issues. thing senior bureaucrats want. mit participants last May. Were the broken laws and suffered little or no Louise Richard in the mid-1990s. The Hill Times
OPINION DEFENCE POLICY REVIEW
to be sure, within and outside government. But there are a few Defence review and defence industrial elements that are essential. A made in Canada defence industrial policy needs to refl ect Canada’s unique security challeng- base: an opportunity to enhance es, our distinct defence industrial make-up, and the government’s defence and security ambitions. It sovereignty, drive innovation-led growth also needs over-arching strategic goals and key capabilities—what has been termed “Key Industrial This is a government he federal government’s review industries as a key component of a domestic industrial component Capabilities,” or what the Austra- Tof Canadian defence policy—the sovereignty and national defence. to their new defence posture. And lians called “Priority Industrial that seems to want to fourth in the past two decades—has Governments the world over rec- of course the United States has the Capabilities”—that provide an do things differently to had the most robust and system- ognize that having some measure most sophisticated and multifacet- essential strategic advantage by atic consultation process in living of domestic control over certain ed defence industrial policy in the being resident in Canada, and over advance the economy memory. Formal roundtables with defence technologies and services world, aimed at ensuring Ameri- which the government wants to and Canada’s role numerous stakeholders, involving is in the national security interest. can global military pre-eminence, have greater domestic control. Minister of National Defence Harjit They understand that having secu- in large measure through home A defence industrial policy in the world. The Sajjan personally, his senior offi cials, rity of domestic supply in vital areas grown American technological also needs a new governance defence review can and his blue ribbon advisory panel, of defence strengthens the govern- superiority. regime that utilizes the tools took place throughout the spring ment’s independence of action. And By contrast, Canadian de- that exist throughout the federal be an important and summer and the government they know that defence industries fence policy has not considered government—from R&D and element of that encouraged written submissions tend to be innovation-rich, generat- the domestic industrial base as a capability development support agenda, particularly from Canadians across the country. ing well-paying employment and key element of national defence programs; through to commer- The end result will likely take the conferring important commercial and sovereignty for decades. This cialization programs; to various if it breaks with the form of a formal statement or white spill overs on the economy. needs to change. procurement instruments, and past, aligns with our paper sometime in the new-year. We For these reasons, most coun- In July, as part of the defence ultimately export support. should not expect this document to tries have defence industrial poli- review, the minister of National This is a government that allies, and commits to articulate radical change in Cana- cies that are tied in closely with, or Defence consulted representa- seems to want to do things dif- developing a defence da’s defence posture. Canada will re- are derivative of, broader defence tives from Canada’s defence in- ferently to advance the economy main committed to three immutable and national security policy. dustry. He met with some twenty and Canada’s role in the world. industrial policy aimed pieces of our post war defence ar- The Australians, for example, executives from a wide range of The defence review can be an at enhancing Canadian chitecture—the defence of Canada; recently undertook a review of Canadian companies. There was important element of that agenda, co-operation with the Americans in their defence policy and published one unifying theme that emerged particularly if it breaks with the sovereignty and the defence of North America; and an updated Australian defence from the consultation: Canada past, aligns with our allies, and bolstering innovation- Canadian contributions to interna- industrial policy that is a deriva- needs a defence industrial policy commits to developing a defence tional peace and security. tive of their broader defence white that enhances sovereignty and industrial policy aimed at enhanc- led growth. There is one element of policy, paper. A few years ago the British drives innovation-led growth in ing Canadian sovereignty and however, that the review hopefully government unveiled its Defence the Canadian economy. In other bolstering innovation-led growth. will change signifi cantly. And that Growth Partnership, a formal de- words, a made in Canada defence Christyn Cianfarani is presi- is the degree to which the domestic fence industrial policy developed in industrial policy is in the national dent of the Canadian Association defence industrial base is seen as a partnership with British industry. interest and should be a key part of Defence and Security Indus- vital element of Canada’s national The German government, which of Canada’s new defence posture. tries (CADSI). CADSI is online at defence and security. aims to increase the size of the What is a made in Canada www.defenceandsecurity.ca and CHRISTYN CIANFARANI Most countries, including most Bundeswehr and its role in interna- defence industrial policy? There on Twitter at @CADSICanada NATO states, view their defence tional peace and security, also has will be differences of view on this, The Hill Times Canadian Civil Society Statement: Close the International Accountability Gap in the Extractive Sector
s organizations committed to upholding human rights, 1. Create a human rights Ombudsperson for Aenvironmental protection, and fostering equitable and the international extractive sector, which is sustainable economic development, we recognize that there independent, impartial and empowered to investigate are significant challenges associated with resource extraction in (including using gender-based analysis), report publicly developing countries. We call on the Government of Canada to and make recommendations to companies and to the ensure that people harmed by the overseas operations of Canadian government; mining, oil and gas companies are able to access justice in Canada. Canada is home to more than half of the world’s mining 2. Facilitate access to Canadian courts for people who companies, with active projects in more than 100 countries. have been seriously harmed by the international Environmental damage and human rights violations, including operations of Canadian companies, especially forced displacement and failure to respect the right of marginalized groups such as Indigenous peoples and Indigenous peoples to free, prior and informed consent, women, who tend to face greater barriers in accessing violation of women’s rights and violation of children’s rights, justice. have been associated with many of these projects. Those who are harmed often have nowhere to seek effective redress. Instituting these measures will help ensure that Canadian Given the existing international accountability gap, we ask mining, oil and gas companies live up to international human the Government of Canada to take the following measures rights, labour and environmental standards, including those to ensure that those who are negatively affected by these outlined in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business operations can seek remedy in Canada: and Human Rights.
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