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2 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Alex Trebek is pictured on Parliament Hill in Heard on the Hill 2015. The Hill Times photograph by Neil Moss by Andrew Meade The Hill to honour Remembrance Day in minimalist ceremony Conservative MP Michael Barrett was a telecommunication lineman in the Cana- ‘He inspired a generation to dian Forces. Six other Parliamentarians learn’: Hillites commemorate with vintage flyover were members of the Canadian Reserves, Alex Trebek including non-affiliated Senator Patrick Brazeau, Conservative MP Marc Dalton, From a University of Ottawa student to the CSG Senator Percy Downe, Conservative 36-year host of Jeopardy, Alex Trebek was be- MP Peter Kent, Conservative MP Dane loved for his wit and philanthropy. He died on Lloyd, and Liberal MP Sameer Zuberi. Nov. 8 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 80. Liberal MP Ramesh Sangha is a veteran of “Alex Trebek is a Canadian icon. He brought the Indian Air Force. over 3 decades of wit, humour, and education to millions globally. He inspired a generation to learn,” tweeted Liberal MP Hedy Fry. Yasmin Ratansi resigns from Mr. Trebek hosted the most episodes of a single game show—hosting more than Liberal caucus, will sit as 8,000. A frequent Emmy winner, he got his Independent after ‘error in start with CBC hosting Reach for the Top. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a judgment’ statement that Mr. Trebek was a daily part Veteran MP Yasmin Ratansi will join of life for many. the Independent ranks after departing the “Alex never hesitated to promote Liberal bench due to an “error in judgment” Canada on prime time TV, and to take the she said she made by employing her own opportunity to stump even the brightest sister in her constituency office. contestants with questions about Canadian culture, history, and geography,” he said. “More than a TV icon, Alex Trebek spent decades instilling a love of learning in mil- lions of Canadians and people around the world—all while remaining dedicated to The National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the War Memorial will have a maximum of 100 educational, environmental, and humani- attendees as the Canadian Legion is encouraging the thousands of Canadians who typically attend tarian causes,” added International Trade to watch from home. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Minister Mary Ng in a tweet. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted s the National Remembrance Day rial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, that “gentle approach, big heart, and warm ACeremony will be scaled down amid will be restricted to a maximum of 100. It demeanour shared a little bit of Canada the COVID-19 pandemic, onlookers will be will be broadcast live. th with the world.” gazing up to mark the 75 anniversary of Deborah Sullivan will be the Silver “Alex Trebek was invited into so many the end of the Second World War. Cross Mother for this year’s ceremony. Her of our homes during family time and TV To mark the milestone, three vintage son, Christopher Edward Saunders, was dinners, that he felt like an extended fam- aircraft will fly over the Hill at the end of killed in a fire on board HMCS Chicoutimi ily member,” he said. the ceremony. The flyover will include the in 2004. On the Hill, the carillon played the Jeop- Douglas C-47, the Curtiss P-40, and the For 19 Parliamentarians who served ardy theme song in Mr. Trebek’s honour. North American Harvard. in the Canadian Armed Forces and the He visited the House in 2015 when he was The Douglas C-47 was a transport plane Reserves, the ceremony will have special in Ottawa for the opening of Alex Trebek that was deployed to Europe and South symbolism. Alumni Hall at the University of Ottawa. He East Asia during the war and took part in Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was called Question Period “a bit repetitious.” D-Day paratrooper drops as well as Opera- in the Canadian Army where he served tion Market Garden. The Curtiss P-40 was multiple deployments to Afghanistan, as a fighter plane and the North American did Conservative MP Alex Ruff, who is a Yasmin Ratansi has been a Liberal MP since Mary Ng takes part in ‘first of its Harvard was a training aircraft. veteran of six operational deployments in- 2015. She was previously an MP from 2004 to kind’ virtual trade mission with cluding two tours in 2011. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Afghanistan in 2007 South Korea and 2012 and one in As the pandemic has shifted the typical Iraq as part of the The chair of the House Committee on operations of international trade, Canada fight against the so- Environment and Sustainable Develop- embarked on two virtual trade missions called Islamic State, ment has been an MP since 2015. She was with South Korea last week. or ISIS. Conservative previously an MP from 2004 to 2011. The Asia Pacific Foundation hosted MP Pierre-Paul Hus “I made an error in judgment by em- Canada’s first women-only trade mission also was in the Army, ploying my sister in my constituency office, to South Korea on Nov. 3 and 4, and Inter- as was Indigenous and I have remedied the situation, but this national Trade Minister Mary Ng hosted a Services Minister does not excuse the error I made,” she an- second mission on Nov. 5 that was targeted Marc Miller and nounced in a Nov. 9 Facebook post. at the IT, AI, and life science sectors. Bloc Québécois MP CBC reported that Ms. Ratansi’s sister, “It’s not quite business as usual,” Ms. Ng Michel Boudrias, Zeenat Khatri, worked in the constitu- told the House Committee on International who served in the ency office for “much” of the time of Ms. Trade on Nov. 3 about the initiative. “The prolific Royal 22e Ratansi’s political life. Employing siblings pandemic has forced us to adapt in innova- Régiment—more became a violation of House rules in 2012. tive ways that are redefining how interna- commonly known as Ms. Ratansi, who represents Don Valley tional trade can be done.” the Van Doos. East, Ont., said she referred the matter to The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agree- Canadian soldiers are pictured preparing to jump from a Douglas C-47 Conservative the Office of the Conflict of Interest and ment, which was concluded by the Harper during parachute training at Georgia’s Fort Benning in September Leader Erin O’Toole Ethics Commissioner. government, has been in force for five 1942. Photograph courtesy of Harry Rowed of the National Film Board/ was in the Royal The 43rd Parliament has two other Inde- years. It was the first bilateral trade deal Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada Canadian Air Force, pendent MPs—Jody Wilson-Raybould, who that Canada has in the region. as was Conservative was elected as such, and Marwan Tabbara, Ms. Ng said the trade mission was the The planes will fly over the ceremony MP Leona Alleslev, and Liberal MPs Karen who left the Liberal caucus after being ar- “first of its kind.” More than 100 businesses at- at 1,000 feet, according to the Canadian McCrimmon and Kevin Lamoureux. rested and charged with assault, breaking tended the virtual mission, she said, far more Legion. Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron and entering, and criminal harassment. than could attend an in-person trade mission. The ceremony, which usually attracts was in the Canadian Navy, as was Trans- The Liberals currently have 155 MPs in [email protected] thousands around the National War Memo- portation Minister Marc Garneau. the 338-member House of Commons. The Hill Times

4 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

border—in Belarus, in Ukraine, and in Armenia and Azerbaijan. He said since the Belarusian Feds ‘keen’ for Moscow opposition has not voiced any anti-Russian rhetoric it will be considered positive from Mos- cow’s point of view. Given the importance of Russia in solving the crisis, Mr. to play ‘positive’ role in Rasiulis said Canada hasn’t done its diplomacy “any favours” as it has had poor diplomatic relations with Moscow since 2014. “We wrote ourselves out of the diplomatic dialogue,” he Belarus crisis, as experts said, citing the hardline posi- tion Canada took on Crimea and Donbass. He said Canada restricted it- self to the toolkit of sanctions and say Canadian sanctions military training and assistance. “We lost our voice in effect,” he said, adding that the sanctions have “limited impact” and there is a need for dialogue. Royal Military College politi- may have scant impact cal science professor Joel Sokol- sky agreed the sanctions aren’t changing the situation on the ground. But he said it is a worth- ‘We’re here to support while initiative to send a signal. the aspirations of the “It’s better than doing noth- ing,” he said, adding that Canada Belarusian people, could play a larger role in fa- cilitating elections by supplying and certainly not expertise, such as that of the chief electoral officer. the aspirations of Prof. Sokolsky said any Russia vis-à-vis their economic loss by those who are sanctioned will be made up by the relations and their government. He said Canada lacks lever- ongoing influence age in the situation and has little to bring to the table aside from in Belarus,’ noted a goodwill. He added Canada shouldn’t feel obligated to get too Global Affairs official far ahead of other allies. on Nov. 5. “You have to be careful that what we’re not looking for is to enhance our image rather than BY NEIL MOSS to advance the resolution of the conflict,” said Prof. Sokolsky. s protests continue in the “This is really a European Astreets of Belarus, despite issue,” he said. “Vital Canadian being violently repressed, after interests are not at stake.” an allegedly fraudulent election, Prof. Sokolsky said Canada Global Affairs is hoping that needs to consider possible con- Russia can play a “positive role” in sequences before getting more resolving the crisis. involved in the crisis. Belarusian protestors have Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne met with Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in “We are already exposed in the been marching in the streets Lithuania in October. He has called the Belarus election 'fraudulent.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade region because we have Canadian every Sunday since the Aug. 9 troops on the ground,” he said. presidential election, which was Canada is leading a NATO concluded to be fraudulent by play a “positive role in promoting Canada has already imposed the best way forward, keeping in forward operating mission in Lat- a Nov. 5 Organization for Secu- dialogue.” sanctions on 55 Belarusian of- mind over and above all, we’re via, where it has more than 500 rity and Co-operation in Europe “We, Canada, are very keen ficials, including Mr. Lukashenko. here to support the aspirations soldiers near the Belarus border. (OSCE) report. The report stated that Russia play a role. We dis- The first two rounds of sanc- of the Belarusian people, and “You don’t want things to get that the election was “not trans- agree with Russia in terms of the tions—announced Sept. 29 and certainly not the aspirations of out of hand,” he said, adding that parent, free or fair.” continuation of Lukashenko in Oct. 15—were applied in co-ordi- Russia vis-à-vis their relations the goal should be stability. Two Global Affairs officials ap- power—he has lost his legitimacy. nation with the United Kingdom, and their ongoing influence in Former Canadian diplomat peared before the House Commit- The holding of the elections and with the third round announced Belarus,” he said. Jeremy Kinsman, who served as tee on Foreign Affairs on Nov. 5 to the repression after the elections Nov. 6 in co-ordination with the Global Affairs official Alison ambassador to Russia and Be- brief MPs about the situation. have excluded him from any right EU. Ottawa has also announced Grant, director of Eastern Europe larus, said Russia needs to solve David Sproule, director to continue in power, and we would $600,000 in funding for civil and Eurasia, said Canada will the situation. general of Global Affairs’ Arctic, take a strongly different view than society in Belarus to go towards “monitor” and “watch” for poten- He said while Russia doesn’t Eurasian, and European Affairs Russia insofar as his continuation independent media and women’s tial Russian intervention. She like Lukashenko, it is important for branch, told the committee that in power, along with those in his leadership. added that a “massive deteriora- Russia that the crisis doesn’t propel the crisis is “not likely” to end as regime,” Mr. Sproule said. Foreign Affairs Minister tion of stability” could be a cause the country into the NATO orbit. incumbent Belarus President Al- The OSCE report found that François-Philippe Champagne for intervention. Mr. Kinsman said Canada- exander Lukashenko would like, “massive and systematic human (Saint-Maurice-Champlain, Que.) Andrew Rasiulis, a former Russia discussions may not help adding that repression has “not so rights violations have been com- travelled to Europe in October analyst at the Department of the situation, but it will “at least” far succeeded.” mitted by Belarusian security where he met Belarusian oppo- National Defence and a Canadian be acknowledgement of Russia’s “There will have to be some forces in response to peaceful sition leader Sviatlana Tsikha- Global Affairs Institute fellow, influential role. sort of compromise on his part, demonstrations and protests.” nouskaya in Lithuania. He also said there won’t be a change in He added that Canada’s and we would advocate fresh new The day after the report was met with the foreign ministers political leadership in Belarus sanctions are “meaningless,” as elections and a new start with a released, Canada, in co-ordina- of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia without Russian support. their targets don’t have assets in regime that’s respectful of human tion with the EU, sanctioned 13 during which they discussed the “The Russians have an open Canada. He said it would be better rights,” he said. government officials in Belarus. repression of the protests. mind about this. They are not if Canada was part of a diplomatic Noting that Russia is “very “Canada remains deeply con- Mr. Sproule told the Foreign wedded to Lukashenko,” he said. solution and noted it was a good anxious” over the security of its cerned by ongoing, well-document- Affairs Committee that Canada “They are wedded to Belarus decision for Mr. Champagne to borders, Mr. Sproule said Canada ed reports of human rights viola- will “have to consider how to being firmly in their sphere of meet the Belarusian opposition, is taking “a lot of guidance from tions, including against freedom of engage with Russia.” influence as a client state.” but cautioned against the optics of civil society and opposition the press, freedom of expression “We will look at that depend- Russia is concerned with aligning themselves with the West. leaders,” who have indicated that and peaceful assembly,” the Global ing on the circumstances as they stability, Mr. Rasiulis said, at a [email protected] it is their hope that Russia will Affairs statement read. evolve and take a decision about time it faces three crises on their The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 5

4R Nutrient Stewardship: Leading the hill climbers way in Climate Smart Agriculture by Laura Ryckewaert A closer look at Erin O’Toole’s

Fertilizers, a critical component in the modern “It is an honour for me to receive this award, and agriculture process, ensure that crop nutrient I think it speaks to the fertilizer industry’s 78-member demands are met, and that soil nutrients commitment to supporting the development of continue to be replenished. The efficient solutions for addressing the unintended loss of management of plant nutrients provide not nitrogen from agriculture,” said Dr. Wagner-Rid- only economic, but social and environmental dle. “We urgently need to work together at all benefits for farmers and all Canadians. levels to mitigate agriculture’s contribution to climate change. I have been fortunate to OLO team With the Liberal government’s pledge to reach collaborate with many graduate students, net-zero by 2050, it is essential that it also post-doctoral fellows and other researchers to recognizes and encourages any actions that contribute to this goal.” reduce on-farm nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Conservative Emissions from agricultural land in Canada Leader Erin accounts for 38 megatons (MT) of CO2e O'Toole, annually and any offset system that does not pictured include a specific protocol for N2O emission reductions is a missed opportunity for Canada on Nov. 3 and its agricultural sector. during a press conference The 4R Climate Smart Protocol has been in the West designed to meet this need. For more than a Block about decade, Fertilizer Canada has worked with COVID-19 Canadian farmers, the fertilizer industry, and relief measures the research community to develop and for small promote 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ the Right Rate, Right Time, and Right businesses. Place®), the fertilizer management practice The Hill Times that underlies our protocol. The aim of this photograph by effort is to incentivize better fertilizer Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle, Director of the North American centre International Nitrogen Initiative Andrew Meade management and reduce off-field impacts. Use of the 4Rs optimizes plant nutrient uptake, maximizes yield, and increases profitability, According to models, the implementation of 4R while also minimizing fertilizer runoff, leaching, Nutrient Stewardship and the 4R Climate Smart and N2O emissions. Protocol in Prairie provinces could reduce total GHG emissions by up to 2-3 MT of CO2e Advancing nutrient management in Canada annually. Adoption across Canada creates opportunity for further reductions that will bring 4R Nutrient Stewardship in Canada continues Canada closer to its environmental targets, to be recognized for its leadership in nutrient increase profits for Canadian growers, and help management. Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle, protect Canada’s food supply. Nieuwenhuis was previously chief of staff Director of the North American centre John Nieuwenhuis has to Ms. Bergen during her time as Conser- International Nitrogen Initiative, was recently Steps toward long-term change awarded the 2020 International Fertilizer joined the OLO, as has Dan vative House Leader, from 2016 up until Association (IFA) Borlaug Award of Excellence At this time, the 4R Climate Smart Protocol is not September, when Conservative MP Gérard in Crop Nutrition. Dr. Wagner-Riddle has currently included as a priority under Environ- Robertson, who’s been supported the continued advancement of 4R ment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) John Nutrient Stewardship® by comparing different current federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System recruited to serve as a Nieuwenhuis combinations of nutrient source, rate, timing, (GHG). However, the fertilizer industry firmly is a senior and placement of nitrogen fertilizer on Ontario believes that through eligible carbon credits and senior adviser to the leader adviser to cropland. its determination in tacking carbon emissions, the deputy on-farm N2O emissions can be dramatically on communications. Conservative Dr. Wagner-Riddle’s research has contributed reduced. The Protocol is an invaluable opportu- leader. significantly to quantifying N2O emission nity for Canada to showcase its commitment to reductions associated with the use of urease climate change solutions by significantly hile a few more hires are expected, Photograph and nitrification inhibitors at the right rate and reducing agricultural emissions through WConservative Leader Erin O’Toole courtesy of the right time of fertilizer and manure sustainable nutrient management. has largely transitioned into his new office LinkedIn application. It has also informed Canada’s as leader of the official opposition, and national inventory of greenhouse gas We ask that the federal government must work Hill Climbers has a full run-down of the 78 emissions. The 4R Climate-Smart Protocol, with the Canadian agricultural sector, including supported by Fertilizer Canada, is approved by our industry and grower organization partners, staff who currently support the leader and the Alberta provincial government under the to successfully include the 4R Climate Smart caucus. Alberta’s Technology and innovation reduction Protocol within the GHG. Given the length of the list, this column (TIER) Alberta Emission offset System. will put emphasis on exploring staff who are brand new to the official opposition leader’s office (OLO), referring here to Deltell took over the post. He’s a longtime both the leader’s specific team and staff Hill staffer, having started back in 1999 as working hand-in-hand under the banner an MP’s assistant, and worked for multiple of Conservative Caucus Services (CCS), ministers during the Harper government, the party’s name for its research bureau. including as director of parliamentary af- In normal times at least, they share office fairs to then-public works minister Diane space at 131 Queen St., with some OLO Finley and chief of staff to then-govern- staff also stationed in the West Block. ment whip Gordon O’Connor, among other Starting at the top, Tausha Michaud is posts. chief of staff to the leader, supported by Christine Wylupski remains in the OLO, deputy chiefs of staff Martin Bélanger and now as director of finance and administra- Steve Outhouse. Mr. Outhouse is also now tion. Working under her are: Lynn Krevia- head of the CCS. Former Quebec MP Alupa zuk as scheduler to the leader and execu- Clarke is a senior adviser to Mr. O’Toole. tive assistant to Ms. Michaud; Heather For more information on Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Climate Smart Protocol, visit John Nieuwenhuis has joined the OLO Egan, who continues as office manager; https://fertilizercanada.ca/our-focus/stewardship/climate-smart-agriculture/ as a senior adviser to the deputy leader, Conservative MP Candice Bergen. Mr. Continued on page 18 6 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion Diplomatic Circles Why Canada should sustain

by Samantha Wright Allen its COVID-19 aid to Myanmar through the border areas Hungarian envoy sees Myanmar’s centralized health structure Myanmar’s COVID-19 has a poor understanding of the cultural and health needs of Indigenous popula- response, testing coverage, tions, and is unable or unwilling to meet a ‘new momentum’ for and distribution of their needs. Those who live in conflict areas outside of the central government’s protective equipment and control typically receive their health care from Indigenous-led health organizations, bilateral relationship assistance is sorely lacking not from the national health system. Much of Canada’s development as- in the country’s war-torn sistance to Myanmar—totalling more than ungary’s new ambassador to Canada driving cars, she added, and that will be a $100 million since 2013—is channeled Hsays she believes the relationship could focus of her calls. border areas of Indigenous through the central government. Despite have “new momentum,” and the aftermath of Hungary supported Canada’s UN communities. the government being democratically the pandemic will call for closer diplomatic Security Council bid, she noted of the elected, most of the political power from and economic relations than ever before. June contest that instead saw Norway and holding 25 per cent of seats for its unelect- “The pandemic is changing the dynam- Ireland secure the available seats. Even so, ed members and economic power remains ics right now, but I truly believe once we she said the values that underpin Canada’s in the hands of the Myanmar military. This are past the difficult phase that of course attempted entry are shared by Hungary. is the same institution that has perpetrated addressing the pandemic creates, there Humanitarian assistance through her gov- human rights abuses against the country’s will be a new momentum and new need for ernment’s Hungary Helps initiative, is one Indigenous populations for decades and more engagement and more international she will promote with Canadian officials. that is presently on trial for war crimes at co-operation,” said Mária Éva Vass-Salazar Fostering the bilateral relationship through The Hague. in an interview from Hungary’s Metcalfe the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, where A possible strategy to redirect all Street residence, a 19th century historic both Canada and Hungary are members, is a funding through the central government building that Ms. Vass-Salazar, as a history priority for her and one she said was a good will mean doubling down on the inclusive buff, took special appreciation in. avenue given Canada played a role in welcom- Stella Naw nation-building effort that Canada says it The two countries already have strong ing Hungary in two decades before. Opinion supports. The current COVID-19 crisis is a ties and can build on bilateral trade that “Our NATO-allied relationship is very, prime example of why. has already increased in the last couple very important for us and I would be keen Canada’s long-term financial support of years, she said. Hungarian exports to on tapping in my previous experience in anada is considering ending its direct for the Mae Tao Clinic, operating on the Canada jumped from $73-million in 2017 this area, and look into where we can work Cfunding to Indigenous civil societies Thai-Myanmar border and servicing the to $91-million in 2019, while Canadian more closely together in the transatlantic working in areas outside of the Myanmar most vulnerable refugees and Myanmar’s exports rose from $752-million to $922-mil- context,” said Ms. Vass-Salazar. government’s control. This has an enor- Indigenous communities, is an example lion during that same time period. As a young diplomat, one of her first mous impact on Indigenous communities of effective, direct cross-border assistance “There are growing investments in posts, from 1998 to 2002, was as a political served by Canada’s life-saving assistance. that should be expanded. The Mae Tao Hungary from Canada, officer in Hungary’s The way Canada’s COVID-19 support Clinic is run by Dr. Cynthia Maung, a glob- which we truly ap- Hungary’s new delegation to NATO in to Myanmar—including to the 600,000 Ro- ally recognized humanitarian hero who preciate, and strongly ambassador to Brussels, and from 2002 hingya living in refugee camps in Bangla- has received countless international hon- encourage further Ottawa, Mária to 2004, its head of sec- desh—was handled by the central govern- ours, including Canada’s John Humphrey expansion of invest- Éva Vass-Salazar, tion for NATO affairs. ment highlights the reasons why Canada’s Freedom Award. ments. The business arrived with She recalled watching delivery of vital humanitarian and develop- For three decades, the Mae Tao Clinic environment in Hun- her family in as the red, white, and ment assistance directly through Indig- has provided medical training to the staff gary continue[s] to be mid-August, green Hungarian flag enous civil society organizations work- of Indigenous-led health organizations really attractive,” said and started her was strung in front of ing in the country’s border areas (hence working in Myanmar’s border regions. It Ms. Vass-Salazar, who work officially in NATO’s Belgium head- called “cross-border aids”) without going is these staff who have been vital to the arrived in mid-August October following a quarters 20 years ago. through the central government should be COVID-19 response for vulnerable people with her husband Ed- virtual credential- “It was also an continued and in areas not ward Joseph Salazar presentation emotionally important expanded. served by the and two girls, and ceremony. The Hill moment for us, but it To date, Can- Myanmar started official work Times photograph by meant much more than ada has pro- government’s after the second-ever Sam Garcia integration into interna- vided $850,000 health system. virtual ceremony in tional organizations. It to support With skills October to present diplomatic letters to the had a historic and very important moment for the Myanmar from the Mae Governor General. us in terms of our future,” said Ms. Vass-Sala- government’s Tao train- In two short months following a quaran- zar, who also counts it among the highlights COVID-19 ings, health tine, she’s already visited cities with the largest over many postings as a career diplomat. response. Can- staff from the Hungarian populations, including Toronto, From there, she worked in Washing- ada’s support is Kachin Wom- where Hungary has a consulate, and Calgary. ton, D.C., from 2004 to 2009 as a political much-needed, en’s Associa- She travelled to Alberta in October to com- counsellor and later Transatlantic Diplomatic as Myanmar is tion of Thailand memorate the 1956 Hungarian revolution, Fellow. She served as deputy head of mission currently in the have provided which she also noted has Canadian signifi- in London, England, from 2011 to 2016, and midst of a surge reproductive cance for the acceptance of nearly 38,000 Hun- for the last four years has been in Budapest of infections. USAID’s Advancing Community Empowerment project, health services garians who she said fled after the revolution heading the science diplomacy and Northern Confirmed CO- implemented by PACT, provides hygiene kits to isolated to tens of thou- was “brutally crushed,” and the subsequent Europe departments at the foreign ministry. VID-19 cases communities, including in Kayin and Mon states, in sands of girls Soviet invasion. In 2010, Canada dubbed their Canada will be her first head of mission have increased August. Cross-border aid is instrumental in saving women’s and women arrival a national historic event given its im- post and she said she’s “very privileged” to be a hundredfold lives, a goal of Canada’s feminist foreign policy, writes from Myan- pact on Canadian immigration policy. serving in Canada, though she expects it will in the past two mar’s northern Stella Naw. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/USaidinmyanmar Starting next summer, Hungary will take be more of a challenge to start a posting with months—from Indigenous over the presidency of the Visegrád Group— COVID-19 cancelling most gatherings where 374 in mid-Au- communities composed also of Poland, the Czech Re- diplomats make important connections. gust to more than 60,000 in early Novem- along the China-Myanmar border. This public, and Slovakia—and Ms. Vass-Salazar “We have to use whatever channels of ber, with nearly 1,400 deaths. Yet, many of cross-border aid is instrumental in saving said she sees an opportunity to promote the communication we have [and] we have the most vulnerable people—those living women’s lives, a goal of Canada’s feminist region as an attractive place for political to be also creative in that sense … The in Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps foreign policy. discussions and business. digital technology [and] the assets that are and Indigenous communities in armed For an inclusive federal system with Innovation and technology are areas available, are actually very, workable ways conflict areas—are being left behind by the genuine peace to emerge in Myanmar, close to her heart after heading Hungary’s for conducting diplomatic work,” said Ms. Myanmar government’s response. Canada should continue and expand its science diplomacy department, created Vass-Salazar, whose arrival in late summer Despite the fact that the president has current direct support on humanitarian about five years ago. “High tech and the also represented her first visit to Canada. adopted a policy of “No One Left Behind” and development assistance, in parallel digital transformation of the economy is of “Of course, it’s different, but among in Myanmar’s COVID-19 response, testing with support through the central Myanmar utmost importance” to countries, she said these circumstances, I really got a very coverage, and distribution of protective government. and COVID-19 calls for more co-operation meaningful and warm welcome and we al- equipment and assistance is sorely lacking Stella Naw is a political writer and inde- in medical technology, where she said ready had significant discussions in terms in the country’s war-torn border areas of pendent researcher on humanitarian issues, Hungary is already “quite strong.” Hungary of our future co-operation.” Indigenous communities. human rights, and peace and conflict in also, for example, is seen as somewhat of a [email protected] The current COVID-19 pandemic Myanmar. Follow her on Twitter @StellaNaw. European hub for the development of self- The Hill Times provides a stark reminder of the fact that The Hill Times

8 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

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

Editorial Letters to the Editor Lay groundwork now to Time for aerospace aid avoid potential vaccine panic to take off: stakeholders arlier this week, the world opened its of those plans. Especially since, in some ear Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister Free- In fact, recent polling data AIAC commis- Eeyes to some hopeful news. A glimpse jurisdictions across the country like Dland, and Minister Bains: sioned from Pollara Strategic Insights shows into a future where our long, collective Ontario, people are seeing a less-than- I write to you as President and CEO of the overwhelming support from Canadians for a nightmare might finally be over, and smooth rollout of what should be a typi- Aerospace Industries Association of Canada comprehensive aerospace strategy. where a flicker of optimism burned after cal annual flu shot process. In the age of (AIAC), together with regional aerospace as- While the results showed Canadians don’t much suffering. the coronavirus, the messaging around sociations, and the collective 235,000 employees have a strong familiarity with the industry, they On Nov. 9, Pfizer and BioNtech an- the importance of getting a flu shot has and more than 700 aerospace businesses right are overwhelmingly supportive of investments nounced they had seen some success with been more strident, and people are heed- across Canada. into the industry. Seventy-eight per cent of Phase 3 clinical trials for a COVID-19 ing the call in big numbers, leading to Our vital industry, which is active in every Canadians agree that Canada needs a com- vaccine, suggesting their work had been a surge in demand that had pharmacies region of our great country, needs your attention. prehensive aerospace strategy to ensure the 90 per effective in preventing the virus. cancelling immunization appointments As you are aware, AIAC released our Vision industry’s long-term future and protect its jobs Of course, there are many caveats at- because their cupboards had already 2025 document, outlining the urgent need for and financial contributions. tached to that announcement, chiefly, that gone bare. government action on six key recommenda- We are appealing to all of you, and indeed these are preliminary results based on 94 With 20 million doses of this particular tions, over a year ago. The COVID-19 pandemic all our elected leadership to work with us to cases, and the data has not yet been peer vaccine on order, and a requirement for has made the situation even more critical. address our current challenges. reviewed. But there was a general sense two doses per person, that’s 10 million Our industry, with its $28-billion annual Canada’s aerospace industry stands ready of there being, as Prime Minister Justin Canadians who could potentially be GDP contribution, is suffering and requires ac- as your partner to achieve our mutual goals. Trudeau noted, a “light at the end of the inoculated if this Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine tion from your government. Working together, aerospace can play a vital tunnel.” proves viable and rolls out to a mass de- Prime minister, AIAC’s COVID-19 aerospace part in the rebuilding of Canada’s economy, en- But if that light is starting to eke gree (not including the rest of the world’s industry committee has met with, and received suring jobs and an industry to serve Canadians, through, then hopefully it’s enough to population, since many other countries positive responses, regarding our presentation and indeed the world. light a fire under those whose job it is have also put in orders and the company and recommendations from your political staff, Jim Quick to ensure that when a viable vaccine is can only produce so much at once). the Privy Council Office, and numerous other President and CEO, Aerospace ready, there is a plan in place to make And as Innovation Minister Navdeep government officials and Parliamentarians. We Industries Association of Canada sure it gets to Canadians. Bains said, Canada called dibs on more appreciate that support deeply. Moira Harvey Mr. Trudeau gave a brief summary than “300 million doses for different In order to make our recommendations a Executive director, Ontario of Canada’s actions vis-à-vis the Pfizer vaccine candidates, including the Pfizer reality, words of support must translate into Aerospace Council vaccine on Nov. 9, saying that “Canada vaccine candidate. And as we move for- concrete action. Focused political will is needed Wendell C. Wiebe signed a deal with them in August to se- ward with engaging with the company to and your immediate attention is essential. CEO, Manitoba Aerospace cure millions of doses. At the same time, determine additional doses that may be We fully understand the challenges and Suzanne Benoît we’re also seeing other vaccine candi- required, we’ll update Canadians on that competing priorities you’re facing as you President, Aero Montreal Quebec dates progressing well. In Canada and progress.” respond to the current pandemic and work to Aerospace Cluster around the world, scientists are working As the federal government takes the protect the health and safety of Canadians. Carole Lee Reinhardt very hard and doing a great job. We hope lead on the procurement of the vaccine Protecting an industry responsible for President and CEO, Atlantic Canada to see vaccines landing in the early next for the country, it should be working 235,000 jobs needs to become a priority. Aerospace & Defence Association year.” with the provinces and territories to help And as vaccines start to be on ev- Canadians set realistic expectations and eryone’s minds, now would be a good avoid the vaccine Hunger Games. time to start sharing the broad strokes The Hill Times Online voting presents a very real danger to the integrity of voting results: Duff Conacher e: “Time to introduce online voting in many companies hide how many times their Rfederal and provincial elections,” (The online systems have been cyber-attacked and/ Hill Times, Oct. 26, editorial). You propose or hacked. Because these attacks and hacks are that it is time for federal and provincial kept secret, the public doesn’t realize just how politicians to make online voting available. vulnerable online systems really are. This is a bad idea, as online voting presents See details about computer technologists a very real danger to the integrity of voting concerns about e-voting at: “David Will: Why results according to almost all computer Online Voting Is a Danger to Democracy,” technologists across North America. Stanford Engineering’s Research & Ideas, June There is little evidence that internet voting 3, 2016; “Statement on the Dangers of Internet increases voter turnout significantly, espe- Voting in Public Elections,” Verified Voting, cially when compared with methods that don’t Feb. 15, 2013; “Letter to New Jersey Governor endanger the integrity of voting results such Regarding The Use of Internet Voting Options,” as allowing people to vote none of the above, Verified Voting, May 15, 2020; “E-voting nega- making the vote counting system more pro- tively affects democracy,” the Gazette, Oct. 23, portional, increasing the number of advanced 2018; “Ontario civic elections: the problem with voting days and polling stations, and holding online voting,” CBC News, April 4, 2018; and election day on two or more days, including “Internet Voting in Canada: A Cyber Security weekend days. Perspective,” by Aleksander Essex, Western Many people think voting online would University. be safe because they do various transactions Duff Conacher, co-founder of online with various companies (banks, online Democracy Watch shopping, etc.). What they don’t realize is how Ottawa, Ont.

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to railway cars and even public drinking fountains. Those laws were not repealed until after the The good old days are gone– civil rights marches in 1964. While segregation was never formally adopted in the northern states, it was very much enforced in the U.S. military until 1948. and were never really there Prior to that date, Black units— usually with white officers— the “United States” of America The U.S. is deeply served in largely support roles Those who bemoan the are, in fact, deeply divided. divided and President in the various branches of the loss of a truly ‘united President Donald Trump took Donald Trump took American forces. In fact, it was not every opportunity to pour gaso- every opportunity until the Vietnam War that Black states’ and wish to line on these glowing embers of to pour gasoline on and white Americans would fight longstanding divisiveness. these glowing embers and die in large numbers at each make America great Prior to the vote casting, the of longstanding other’s side in combat. Trump camp warned that because divisiveness with Now, in the wake of the BLM again need to know of the volume of mail-in ballots his claims about the movement, we have various profes- that the reality was which were cast in advance, there counting of mail-in sional sports franchises finally re- would be no possibility of obtain- ballots being some alizing that their team names could far different than the ing a final result before midnight sort of anomaly, be offensive to minority groups. on election day. writes Scott Taylor. Which makes me wonder how we historical myths some This was presented by Trump Flickr photograph could have been so blind to the fact as some sort of anomaly that was courtesy of James that, for instance, the former name would have us believe. sinister by nature and a break McNellis of the Washington, D.C., NFL team from traditional norms. might be considered derogatory by This claim led the media to When the founding fathers States, this has been highlighted Indigenous peoples. fact check and provide some his- wrote the U.S. constitution, voting by months of Black Lives Matter These horrific historical truths torical context regarding previous was restricted to all but a select demonstrations across the country. need to be taught to Americans. But U.S. presidential elections. few individuals. Eligibility to cast The tearing down of statues of Canadians cannot simply sit smug The examples given were simply a vote was restricted to white Confederate generals who fought and gloat over our neighbour’s common sense, in that in a pre-tele- Christian males who owned prop- to keep Black people as slaves, foibles, as we have many unpleas- graph (let alone telephone or televi- erty. In some states, voters had to reminds us that for hundreds ant chapters in our own history. sion), horse-and-buggy era, the ballot first pass a test on their Christian of years Black Americans were Those who bemoan the loss of counting took weeks and months to religious knowledge. Gender ex- shackled and sold as chattel. a truly “united states” and wish to tally. That was why the original inau- ceptions allowed wealthy female The U.S. Civil War freed the make America great again need Scott Taylor guration date was in March rather land owners to cast a ballot in slaves but it did not miraculously to know that the reality was far Inside Defence than the current Jan. 20. several states. elevate Black people to equal different than the historical myths In pointing out the logistical Following the U.S. Civil War, members of U.S. society. In fact, some would have us believe. advancements in conducting a in 1870, the 15th Amendment laws were passed to entrench the As my Dad used to say, “It TTAWA—In the months lead- democratic vote process over the extended voting rights to former segregation of Black people in the ain’t like the good old days: and it Oing up to the U.S. presidential past two centuries, these com- male slaves and freemen of colour. southern states in what became never was.” election, the campaign itself, and mentators missed an opportunity Women did not officially get to vote known as the Jim Crow era. Scott Taylor is the editor and the post-election day chaos, the to remind the public as to just in American politics until 1920. Officially, these laws requir- publisher of Esprit de Corps one point upon which media pun- how far U.S. democracy itself has As for the racial divide which ing separate facilities for Blacks magazine. dits could agree was the fact that evolved in that same timeframe. exists currently in the United and whites ranged from schools The Hill Times

When slogans become policy, everyone suffers

What first struck me was the the United States, the average inter- The intensity Bumper sticker sameness of the “person-in-the- view clip was 45 seconds long. Today, of the election street” interviews with supporters of with shorter attention spans, it might scrap, between slogans may be clever, President Donald Trump: over and be six seconds long. the MAGA but as the last four over again, Trump supporters would When I began writing briefs cultists and the respond by saying things like “CO- for cabinet ministers in the 1980s, Biden camp’s years have proven, VID is a hoax” or “Biden never ac- we provided what we called “issue ‘Battle for the complished anything in 47 years in summaries,” or short speeches Soul of the they are no substitute office,” which, while patently untrue, of a few sentences, to be used Nation’ does not were key Trump talking points. in responses to questions. In the bode well for the for genuine policy. When I was a broadcast re- 1990s and 2000s, these evolved years to come, porter in Calgary, Montreal, and into “speaking notes,” which could writes Andrew St. John’s, I was often asked to go be used for speeches or media Caddell. Flickr out in -30 C temperatures and ask interviews. And then they became photograph by people questions about politics in short, punchy one-sentence com- Amaury Laporte public places. This was difficult, as ments, almost bereft of substance, most people did not want to talk which we called “talking points.” to me. And when I found someone From that evolved the “media In a recent piece in The But in a divided America, who did, their opinion consisted of message,” repeated ad infinitum Atlantic magazine, George there have to be people across a barely articulated point of view. by incoming governments, and Goehl writes about the Biden party lines who will seek to step These Trump supporters, I ob- included in every minor press campaign’s efforts to flip Trump back and work for a return to served, had no hesitation in mak- release. Who can forget “Canada’s voters on the stump. civility. This should start with Andrew Caddell ing what were absurd claims about New Government,” the tag the His description has an air of a intelligent, articulate defences of With All Due Respect their Democratic opponents or the Harper Conservatives used year deprogrammer dealing with cult policy. Bumper sticker slogans media. These Trump Republicans after year, when it was no longer followers, adding, “Research has may be clever, but as the last four were repeating talking points de- new? Or supporting “the middle shown ... people vote from an emo- years have proven, they are no AMOURASKA, QUE.—Like veloped by the president, tweeted class and those working hard to tional place. It’s not so much that substitute for genuine policy. Kso many Canadians, I was and re-tweeted and then repeated join it,” the line inserted into every facts don’t matter. It’s that facts and Andrew Caddell is retired from glued to the internet last week on Fox News. Like the lyrics of Trudeau release and speech from talking points don’t change minds.” Global Affairs Canada, where he watching the American elections. a popular song in the 1960s, it 2015 until 2019? Or the catch-all Don’t argue opinions, he says; just was a senior policy adviser. He I first wanted to determine if my was not hard for these partisans “Because it’s 2015 (2016, 2017…).” listen to what concerns voters. previously worked as an adviser cousin Jeff Jackson was re-elected to memorize them, as they were Of course, as with most things, The intensity of the election scrap, to Liberal governments. He is a to the State Senate in North Caro- played over and over again. Trump’s America skilfully combined between the MAGA cultists (many of fellow with the Canadian Global lina (he was, by 16,000 votes) but The evolution of the “talking the use of slogans with the “per- whom were evangelical Christians) Affairs Institute and a principal of also to observe the cultural and point” has mirrored changes in the manent campaign.” The right-wing and the Biden camp’s “Battle for the QIT Canada. He can be reached psychological war fought in the news media and election campaigns. media helped ensure “Make America Soul of the Nation” does not bode well at [email protected]. days prior to and following Nov. 3. In the 1960 presidential campaign in Great Again” was everywhere. for the years to come. The Hill Times 10 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES U.S. Election The Joe and Kamala cavalry

In their Nov. 7 speeches in Wilmington, Del., U.S. Vice-president- elect Kamala Harris and President-elect Joe Biden presented an end to rambling belligerence and a return to world- reassuring, principled coherence, writes Lisa Van Dusen. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/ PBS NewsHour

church bells of Paris pealing and made a statement of identity and collective enlightenment, love, In their speeches in Wilming- As democracy scores of the post-election petri- values but averted an existential hate, and outrage. ton on Saturday night, Biden and fied flinging off their covers at disaster. It combined the massive There will be those trying to Harris presented an end to ram- declares the end of 11:30 a.m. as Twitter exploded and relief of an end to the daily deluge frame Biden’s victory as not his bling belligerence and a return a one-term eternity, vaulting out of bed like Scrooge of toxicity out of the White House, to claim, as a less significant to world-reassuring, principled on Christmas morning. the change of a president whose development and less likely coherence. They spoke like com- the world rejoices. “Let us be the nation that we character represents a net gain catalyst for change than it really petent, empathetic public servants know we can be,” Biden told a in stable political content and is. “The lunatic is dead, long live and as the avatars of a hundred rapturous crowd in Wilmington, the hope of a vice-president who the lunacy” post-mortems already stories of struggle, aspiration, Del., Saturday night, transmuting will be a role model for children surfacing presage a retrench- self-determination, loss, redemp- the horror of the past four years around the world, the way Obama ment by anti-democracy inter- tion, and achievement of all the into an aspirational exhortation. has been, of what power looks ests to maintain the daily level names and faces across the globe On Jan. 20, 2021, America will like. Harris is also a brilliant trib- of damage that Trump was able who created them and propelled once again have a sane, trustwor- ute to the role Black women have to deliver using more diffuse them to this moment. thy, competent, empathetic, patri- played not just in this election, messengers. That will be much Above all, they put forth a otic president and vice-president but in the story of America and in harder with Biden and Harris belief in both democracy and who will govern based not just on our collective political life. as the world’s primary political politics as forces for good to be what’s good for them, but also for It’s “our” political life because content providers. protected and practiced with their fellow citizens and the rest in the 21st century, all politics are Among their missions will be integrity, trust, and authenticity. Lisa Van Dusen of the world. global, and America remains— to seek to prevent the authoritar- You can almost feel the soul of What Fresh Hell The mood on the streets of despite the relentless efforts of ian-adjacent nonsense of the past America, and countless oth- America on the weekend was the same interests who deployed four years from ever happening ers around the world, thanking reminiscent of the outpouring Trump as a one-man democracy again. Luckily, Trump’s exploita- them. s the world heaved a sigh when Barack Obama was elected wrecking ball and American tion of American democracy’s un- Lisa Van Dusen is associate Aof relief on Saturday with in 2008, both in Chicago on elec- disrepute machine—the political plumbed loopholes has revealed editor of Policy Magazine and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris tion night and in Washington on content sphere around which the those weaknesses as a blueprint was a Washington and New York- declared the projected president Inauguration Day. As a sequel rest of the world orbits. It did not for institutional reform. After so based editor at UPI, AP, and ABC. and vice-president-elect of the to that moment, it looked more take a deadly pandemic to prove much industrialized nonsense, She writes a weekly column for United States, just the prospect of like liberation and salvation, as humanity’s interconnectedness, there’s something to be said for The Hill Times. a change in Washington had the though America had not just especially in the age of instant clarity. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 11 Opinion Anything is better than Trump, but Canadians shouldn’t expect great progress with the U.S

coup, the world—as absurd as it contest as an unfinished battle nihilistic, burn-the-place-down the U.S. right-wing, at least for Despite Biden’s is to say—stands to benefit im- and full justification for nullifying anger buoying the outgoing presi- now, will continue to exert consid- mensely from having a rational, anything the Democrats try to do. dent ties it to racial prejudice. erable power in national affairs. victory, hoped-for constructive, and co-operative fig- (This might change if Democrats A lot of electoral discourse Despite Biden’s victory, hoped-for improvements in ure in charge of its most powerful win the two Senate run-off votes focuses on voters who feel left be- improvements in U.S. co-opera- country. in Georgia in January and gain hind and “not listened to.” But be- tion on trade, economic matters, U.S. co-operation Biden will seek to renew U.S. control of the upper chamber, but low the surface, these grievances and the environment may prove participation in multilateral orga- that’s unlikely.) are largely driven by the chang- largely elusive. And that’s not to on trade, economic nizations and recognize allies and The most immediate test will ing make-up of the U.S. And this mention the continental overhang trading partners, like Canada, for be whether Biden can convince comes down to resentment (not of Americans’ illiberal political matters, and the what they are, rather than greedy his fellow citizens to return to the to say hatred) of people of colour joy ride. enemies. Ottawa, as a result, will real world on COVID-19. Adop- and immigrants—essentially the There is also the possibility of environment may likely be spared having to deal tion of a science-based preventive fact that the era when the U.S. chaos and disorder as Americans prove largely elusive. with a lot of capricious tariffs. approach in the U.S. would be was run by white men enforcing confront a long-overdue reckon- However, the Democrats will stick an important step for Canadians, the values of small-town, white ing with their racist history. In with policies, like Buy America, whose economy badly needs bor- Christian America is fading. general, the U.S. is in an historic that hurt Canadian business. der restrictions eased. In a wider This is the race-based griev- contest to decide what kind of Overall, the truth is the pros- sense, Canadians will also benefit ance Trump tapped into and country it will be—cosmopolitan, pects for major change in the U.S. indirectly if the Biden govern- elevated to a personal creed. globally oriented, and somewhat are not encouraging. Trump may ment can step up economic re- Such prejudice was abundantly progressive versus isolated, re- acknowledge defeat, but as of a pairs through stimulus spending, evident in Trump’s ham-fisted, pressive, and inward-looking. few days ago, Americans were though the needed co-operation uncaring response to the Black So more than ever, Canadians in a shocking situation, facing a from Republicans in the Senate is Lives Matter movement. And his need to refocus their continental potential breakdown in their most not by any means assured. law-and-order message resonated aspirations and strive to deepen fundamental democratic func- Regardless, Canadians, as well across the electorate, with a and strengthen other relation- Les Whittington tion—the peaceful transition of Americans’ neighbours, will majority of white people still vot- ships, such as with Britain and Need to Know power. Never has a U.S. president be struggling for some time to ing for him despite his overt rac- countries in the European Union, refused to concede. Worse, Trump absorb the fact that, despite per- ism. In the end, the Republicans Asia, and South America. Ot- and his allies were inciting more forming by any standard as the lost the presidency because the tawa’s largely futile efforts to TTAWA—If the United States division, and potential violence, worst president in modern times, demand for racial justice (barely) shift trade away from the U.S. will Ounder president-elect Joe in a country immutably split Trump came very close to win- held sway. have to be redoubled in hopes Biden can meet the “Do No Harm” along partisan lines. ning again. Volumes have been Canadians will have to realize over time of building an economy standard, that in itself would be Regardless of what happens written on his appeal and more the U.S. has changed. Trump- not so tethered to our troubled, a significant improvement for between now and the Inaugura- will be. Unfortunately, beyond ism, with or without its standard uncertain neighbour to the south. Canada and other countries. tion, there seems little doubt Americans’ strange fixation with bearer, will loom over America Les Whittington is a regular Assuming Donald Trump the Trump-owned Republican celebrities and grotesque riches, for years. For Canada, this means columnist for The Hill Times. doesn’t pull off some kind of party will see the tight electoral most of the research about the coping with a situation in which The Hill Times

Without a tempestuous Trump, Trudeau can focus on solidifying Canada-U.S. bond

now headed for the White House should keep quietly to themselves government. But in four years of requests to address Parliament, an Throughout Trump’s exit, the Trudeau government is when speaking of Republican Trump, Trudeau impressively kept honour that he would later bestow eagerly preparing for the renewal administrations. In 2002, when his tongue and his team in check. upon a more progressive Trudeau tenure, the Trudeau of its relationship with President- Jean Chrétien’s communications This message discipline was during his visit in 2016. elect Joe Biden—interrupted in director Francie Ducros called made all the more impressive by However, Trudeau’s exuberant government managed 2016 by the monkey rodeo that then-president George W. Bush a the fact that for the first months progressiveness has also some- the Canada-U.S. was the Trump era. Justin Trudeau “moron” it caused a serious dent of the Trump era, reporters in times been more of a hindrance will now be dealing with his third in Canada-United States rela- the Parliamentary Press Gallery than a boon to Canada on the relationship with U.S. president and has quietly tions. The gratuitous insult, made often attempted to goad Trudeau international stage. Trudeau’s established himself as a steady during a NATO summit in Prague, into making disparaging remarks last-minute insistence on add- realism, grace, and and responsible steward of the went viral among conservative about Trump in order to spice ing the word “progressive” to the Canada-U.S. file as his pragmatic Republicans in the United States, up their headlines, but Trudeau, Trans-Pacific Partnership trade maturity—despite the management of the bilateral who were already unhappy about to his credit, refused to yield to agreement left other leaders complete absence of relationship has been his greatest the Liberal government’s lack temptation and the transition from shaking their heads, and his foreign policy success, by far. of support for the Bush security Barack Obama to Trump went desire to add a labour element to those qualities in the Having renegotiated the North agenda. In 2003, Liberal Member smoothly, which had not always a Canada-China trade agreement America Free Trade agreement, of Parliament Carolyn Parrish been the case a decade earlier. scuttled a planned announcement U.S. leadership. dealt with steel and aluminum also made disparaging remarks When Obama became president while Trudeau was in Beijing. tariffs, and weathered a raging about the U.S. by saying “damn in 2009, he had been warned by his But as Trudeau prepares for an storm of temper tantrums from Americans, I hate those bastards.” aides not to get too friendly with incoming Biden administration, Trump and his staff, the Trudeau So, when Trump was elected Stephen Harper, as many of them he has the benefit of continuing a government continued to manage president in 2016, a man known thought (incorrectly) that Harper relationship with pre-established the Canada-U.S. relationship with for his thin skin and long memo- was just a Canadian version of trust, perhaps the most important realism, grace, and maturity—an ry, it seemed likely that Trudeau’s Bush and that his time as prime element of a healthy relationship accomplishment made all the self-righteousness would wind up minister would soon come to an with Washington, D.C., and if he more impressive by the complete clashing with the new president. end, thus paving the way for a uses it wisely, he can build back absence of those qualities in In fact, one could easily picture more progressive prime minister the relationship and further solid- the U.S. leadership. Few people Trudeau’s smarmy style collid- that Obama could embrace more ify his reputation as a responsible however, would have predicted ing with Trump’s alpha pride and heartily. Although Harper lasted steward of the Canada-U.S. file. such success at the beginning of how that might cause irreparable longer than Obama’s people had Ross O’Connor has been for- Ross O’Connor the relationship, given some of harm to the Canada-U.S. relation- imagined, Obama never warmed eign and national security advisor Opinion the missteps of previous govern- ship. The numerous rookies in the to Harper and only pursued cordial to Stephen Harper and director ments. Liberal caucus were also fertile relations and never established the of policy to two foreign ministers. Liberals in Canada have an ground for possible cheap shots level of trust that others have had in Follow him on Twitter @RosO- ith a tempestuous U.S. unfortunate history of speak- and arrogant remarks coming the past. During Obama’s first trip Conchobhair. WPresident Donald Trump ing aloud the thoughts that they from the front benches of the to Canada in 2009, he turned down The Hill Times 12 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES Opinion A COVID-busting Trump’s stain on the office of the president fiscal plan should will be hard to scrub out By refusing to put nature first accept defeat and peddling extreme propaganda about the Saving nature is key not election process, U.S. President only to protecting the planet Donald Trump but also to saving lives and continues to demonstrate he preserving prosperity. is a self-centred phoney, writes Tim Powers. Flickr photograph by Vinnie Langdon III Canadians need speak up now to urge Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to follow through on the government’s conservation commitments, writes Sandra Schwartz. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade to meet a single one of the agreement’s 20 Before outgoing President Trump fans Sandra Schwartz main targets. More is needed—and fast. There are political neophytes accuse me of Trump Derangement Syn- Opinion Canada may be uniquely qualified to lead drome, a complaint I have had levied at a worldwide conservation charge. We are growing up now who will see me before, let me say I am no Democratic the planet’s second-largest country by size party sycophant. While Biden appeals hen Finance Minister Chrystia Free- with vast tracts of irreplaceable wilderness. Trump’s political success to me on a personal level and is more Wland delivers her fall economic state- Canadians have long been seen as champi- even in defeat and look to likeable than Trump, I worry often about ment—widely anticipated in the coming ons of nature. We were the first industrial- the proselytizing, unwavering virtuous days—most expect a first-time glimpse of ized country to sign the CBD, and we host its copy it. What a rotten legacy certainty of some in the Democratic Canada’s long-term plan to battle back the international secretariat in Montreal. establishment. They are not without pandemic gloom. Many hope the outlook In the past five years, Ottawa has increased with real potential impacts warts. But Trump is a whole other level of will echo the COVID-focused message Canada’s marine protected areas more than malignant. from a special summit of the UN General tenfold, and in 2018, an historic $1.3-billion for us all. Since the United States has been a Assembly a few weeks back: one antidote federal commitment for conservation provided republic, the office of the president has to the sickened state of the planet and its support for Indigenous nations and other been, by design, meant to be bigger than people, the UN group declared, is nature. partners to protect more of Canada’s natural the person who holds it. The presidency The Biodiversity Summit—a first for the landscapes, and inspired hundreds of partners was created to replace and repudiate annual UN gathering—was attended (virtually) to step forward. The prime minister has since the monarchy that predated it. Perpetual by scores of world leaders, including Prime pledged to protect 25 per cent of Canada’s land heredity rule or divine governance by the Minister Justin Trudeau, and followed weeks and ocean by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030. sovereign is not supposed to be an element of grim news of the COVID-19 second wave, a He repeated the promise just ahead of of American democracy, even if your name near-record melting of Arctic sea ice, wildfires the UN summit when he joined the heads is Trump. across California and the Amazon, and mul- of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Trump, the great disruptor and swamp tiple reports of life’s vanishing diversity. The and 70 other nations in signing the “Lead- drainer, has demonstrated a degree of Tim Powers leaders confirmed what scientists now know ers’ Pledge for Nature” to reverse biodiver- entitlement that would even make the Clin- well: a common culprit behind the lethal pan- sity loss by 2030. Plain Speak tons blush. By refusing to accept defeat demic, catastrophic climate change, disappear- Canada also linked with the 30 countries and peddling extreme propaganda about ing species, and even economic uncertainty, is of the “High Ambition Coalition for Nature the election process, he continues to dem- our reckless disregard for the natural world. and People,” pushing to make the protection TTAWA—The United States presidential onstrate he is a self-centred phoney. Conservation is now recognized as criti- of at least 30 per cent of Earth’s land and Oelection is sort of over. By now, readers It is in my role as parent, though, that cal to addressing some of the greatest ex- ocean by 2030 a central plank of a new biodi- will know Joe Biden is the president-elect I find the current American president the istential threats humanity has ever faced. versity convention framework next spring. and Donald Trump is on his way to being most abhorrent. His behaviour is so shock- Saving nature is key not only to protecting Along with pledges to plant two billion ejected from the White House. He, how- ingly grotesque and obscene, that to have the planet but also to saving lives and pre- trees, ban many single-use plastics, and pro- ever, refuses to accept he lost or concede him on a screen or an audio file is to pro- serving prosperity. tect wetlands, Trudeau’s remarkable pledges to Biden, and has embarked on populating vide a demonstration of how not to behave, Earlier this year, for instance, the World to the international community sounded a the airwaves with all manner of conspiracy as either an adult or child. His rudeness is Economic Forum listed biodiversity loss lot like conservation leadership. But the only theories while he plans his next move. only matched by his crudeness. among the top five threats to the global languages nature understands are meaning- Trump is projected to have lost in both in Even the most callous and rough of economy. Half of the world’s Gross Do- ful action and financial support. the popular vote and in the American elec- American presidents—Richard Nixon, mestic Product (GDP), the group said, is Canadians need speak up now to urge toral college count, but did manage to receive Lyndon Johnson, and others—recognized moderately or highly dependent on nature Freeland to follow through on the govern- the second-largest number of votes ever in a that there was a such thing as presidential and the services it provides. ment’s conservation commitments. We presidential election. Biden did not wipe the behaviour that begat a propriety of disposi- Meanwhile, deadly pandemics such as need to insist that Canada put nature—our floor with him. Trump has proven, no matter tion more often than not. Yes, they were COVID-19—so far responsible for more life-support system—at the centre of any how odious many of us may find it to be, that partisan and devious, but that was not on than 260,000 cases in Canada and more long-term fiscal strategy and post-COVID Trumpism is strong in America and he is go- display hourly for the world to see. than 10,000 deaths—are an example of what economic recovery plans. Supporting ing to milk it for all that it is worth. There are political neophytes grow- can happen when nature is pushed into a Indigenous leadership on conservation is Leaders in the Republican party seem ing up now who will see Trump’s political corner. Experts warn that three-quarters of also vital to success. to acknowledge Trump’s still-very-real success even in defeat and look to copy it. all emerging viral diseases in people origi- Global leaders, including our prime potency. Few contemporary Republicans of Others outside of politics will surely appro- nate with animals, including wildlife. minister, have already agreed that nature any consequence have called him out for priate some of his operating approaches. Protecting and restoring forests, grass- conservation offers one of the clear- refusing to concede to Biden and continu- What a rotten legacy with real potential lands, and wetlands are also viewed as essen- est paths forward from under this cloud ing the circus-like, post-vote behaviour impacts for us all. tial to slowing or reversing the greenhouse of contagion, crises and consternation. that ultimately makes that party look like I am no Pollyanna and accept there is gas emissions that cause climate change. The Ottawa, which has been ramping up its a bunch of eunuchs. Many are aged white no such thing as utopia, but it pains me burning, loss and degradation of tropical for- commitment to nature for years, should males who look like pathetic old manor to think of the societal mess Trump has ests alone account for about 15 per cent of all deliver an economic statement that reflects lords trying to hold onto their last vestiges created for us all—not just America. It will the carbon people release to the atmosphere. this view: Canadians are ready to lead the of power. The exception being former take decades to repair. Conservation is essential. Yet, as the UN world to make way for nature. president George W. Bush and former Tim Powers is vice-chairman of Summa Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Sandra Schwartz is the national execu- Republican presidential-nominee-now Strategies and managing director of reported last month, a decade of collec- tive director for the Canadian Parks and Senator Mitt Romney. Both were gracious Abacus Data. He is a former adviser to tive effort by the convention’s almost 200 Wilderness Society (CPAWS). and thoughtful in congratulating Biden on Conservative political leaders. signatory nations, including Canada, failed The Hill Times his win. The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 13 Opinion Are the CRTC and the CBC fair-weather friends?

might have been able to make a case for its lion in funding from Unless the federal Canadians know that at the decision (despite no private network taking Canadian taxpayers Heritage Minister such action). Yet in describing the factors to fulfil its man- Steven Guilbeault is start of the pandemic, the that lead to the cancellation of local TV date. Part of that prepared to intervene, CBC and CRTC failed them. newscast, the decision was presented as mandate is to keep the only recourse for a fait accompli. This is not how things are Canadians informed, Canadians over the In a future crisis, what supposed to work. in good times and CBC’s decision to scrap All television broadcasters in Canada bad. For the CRTC some local news will will happen if our national can only operate with a licence granted to merely wave away be the public hearings by the federal government; consequently, the requirements that the Commission institutions do not hold, but the CBC operates under guidelines set it imposed on the will hold in January out by the Canadian Radio-television and broadcaster is appall- 2021 for the CBC rather crumble at the first Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) ing. Perhaps the CBC licence renewal sign of trouble? as part of its licence. Under these guide- could have made a application, writes Sen. lines, the public broadcaster committed case in advance of Percy Downe. The Hill to “at least seven hours of local program- its decision, but they Times photograph by ming per week,” the only exceptions chose not to even try, Andrew Meade being special sporting events or statutory simply stating their holidays. Moreover, the CRTC noted that reasons after the fact. “the CBC cannot reduce the level of local The CBC claims that that at the start of the pandemic, the CBC and programming under seven hours without “(p)rioritizing our local connections … is CRTC failed them. In a future crisis, what will Commission approval following a public the heart of our connection with Cana- happen if our national institutions do not hold, process.” dians.” But when it decided to abandon but rather crumble at the first sign of trouble? However, prior to the CBC’s announce- that priority, the public body to which it is Are the CBC and CRTC fair-weather friends, if ment, there was neither public process nor responsible failed to hold it accountable, they were not here to serve us when the need CRTC approval. Perhaps the broadcaster and that is unacceptable. was the greatest? Who will hold the CBC and Senator Percy Downe decided it was easier to get forgiveness This isn’t just a matter of the CBC facing the CRTC to account for their actions? than permission. In that respect, they were Comment consequences for its past actions. Canada Percy Downe is the Senator from Char- proven correct, for although the Commis- faces a second wave, with the same worry lottetown, P.E.I. CCO_event Nov.12_HillTimes_print ready.pdf 1 2020-11-02 12:13 PM sion determined the CBC had acted in and uncertainty as the first. Canadians know The Hill Times he notion of a global village has been breach of its licence agreement, it would Tdriven home this year, as a worldwide face no penalty for doing so. And it’s not as pandemic has had an impact unprecedent- if the Commission is powerless to respond, ed in the living memory of Canadians. or this was some sort of unforeseeable Through lockdown, gradual reopening, and eventuality. further setbacks, and as concerns mount The Broadcasting Act, the legislation over what comes next, we have watched as that governs the relationship between countries the world over continue to deal the CBC and the CRTC, prescribes a with this situation. Some have been more course of action if the CBC does not live successful than others, but the intercon- up to its commitments. Section 18(3) of nectedness of our world makes us appreci- the Act states: “The Commission may hold ate the global reach of COVID-19, and the a public hearing, make a report, issue any global response to the challenge it repre- decision and give any approval in connec- sents. tion with any complaint or representation Notwithstanding the value of a world- made to the Commission or in connection wide perspective, what is important now with any other matter within its jurisdiction is what is happening in our own country under this Act if it is satisfied that it would and our own communities. We need to be in the public interest to do so.” know what is safe in our own neighbour- Section 25(1) is even more explicit in hoods, what actions our own public health the case of a contravention by the CBC authorities are recommending, are things itself: “Where the Commission is satisfied,C around us getting better or worse? It’s after a public hearing on the matter, that M good to hear about ongoing work on a cure the (Canadian Broadcasting) Corporation or vaccine, but that doesn’t tell us whether has contravened or failed to comply with Y we can meet with loved ones in person or any condition of a licence referred to in the on Zoom. Or whether we can invite our schedule, any order made under subsectionCM neighbours over, or just keep waving over 12(2) or any regulation made under this MY the fence. For many of us, even with the Part, the Commission shall forward to the world at our fingertips, that world seems Minister a report setting out the circum- CY stances of the alleged contravention or to have gotten much smaller these last few CMY months, making information about local failure, the findings of the Commission and conditions all the more important. any observations or recommendations of K Thus, it was unexpected and disap- the Commission in connection therewith.” pointing when, on March 20, at the start of This grants the Commission consider- the coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian able latitude to act in such cases. I there- Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) an- fore wrote directly to the CRTC inquiring nounced that it had suspended local TV as to why they were not requiring the CBC evening news broadcasts. At a time when to comply with the licence agreement. That even the CBC acknowledged that “Cana- they have plainly chosen not to is troubling dians everywhere are desperate for good to say the least. information and the latest developments Unless the federal minister of heritage as this crisis mounts,” the decision seemed is prepared to intervene, the only recourse nonsensical. But they did it nonetheless, for Canadians will be the public hearings with a vague assurance that “we hope to that the Commission will hold in January get them back on the air as soon as pos- 2021 for the CBC licence renewal applica- sible.” tion. Canadians may want to take part to Although they did indeed restore local ensure this situation doesn’t repeat itself news within the week in the face of public and ask the Commission why they failed to pressure, a dangerous precedent had been set. act in their time of greatest need. Like everyone else at the time, the CBC The CBC is not just another television was facing stress and uncertainty, so it network. It receives more than $1.2-bil- 14 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

But with little time left, Ms. Dzerowicz said she’s “now wor- ried about whether we can actu- Three weeks ally do pre-budget consultations.” “We’re running out of time. There’s just under 800 submis- sions that have been given … to deadline, we’re limited in terms of the tech- nology of the House of Commons as well,” she said, referring to lim- its on the committee’s ability to hold extended or extra meetings, gridlocked as other committees also need to meet and the House can only host so many virtual meetings at once. But, she said, “I would rather have two weeks or four weeks Finance of pre-budget consultations than none at all. I do think that they Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Employment make a difference.” Minister Carla Qualtrough are pictured at a press conference on Sept. 24. Mr. Ste-Marie said without a The Finance Committee's work is just one stream of the government's budget committee study on pre-budget consultation process. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Committee’s consultations, “we will not have 2018—during his time leading tax as well,” through individual MPs such a good picture of the situ- policy in then-finance minister and ministers. ation” businesses and organiza- Bill Morneau’s office. Already, Margaret Eaton, national CEO tions are facing. he said “decisions are starting to of the Canadian Mental Health “If it is not possible to meet the pre-budget be made around what’s going to Association (CMHA), said along groups because of the filibustage be in next year’s budget,” and, with offering a chance to address of the Liberals, I will continue to at least “in a typical year,” the MPs across party lines at once, meet groups in the field,” he said. deadline for submissions, from the committee process is an “im- This summer, the Finance departments or the public, “would portant” chance for organizations Committee received pre-budget study in doubt have come and gone.” reframe their work and get the submissions from 793 organiza- Through the entire process, “pulse of the committee” through tions. the minister ends up “hearing the the questions asked. The committee didn’t do pre- Who’s to blame for leaving the same thing from different outlets,” “I think there’s a lot of value budget consultations ahead of the Opinions are mixed committee at a standstill depends and despite decisions progressing in that consultation and that com- (ultimately scrapped) 2020 budget on who you ask. independent of the committee’s mittee process,” she said. as to how useful the due to the timing of the 2019 elec- Speaking with The Hill Times input, he said its work is still That said, the committee’s tion. on Nov. 6, Ms. Dzerowicz said, important. delay isn’t causing the CMHA a committee’s pre- In 2018, it started 2019 pre- from the Liberals’ perspective, “A lot of the time the report lot of concern, as Ms. Eaton said budget consultations on Sept. 18 budget study even the committee’s July 7 motion that comes back from FINA and the group has been keeping “the and held 19 meetings, including calling for the production of is passed to the finance minister pot boiling” and “working lots nine outside Ottawa (visiting is, with former PBO documents related to WE has … a lot of the proposals in there of different angles” since April, nine cities, where stops featured been “honoured” and testimony are already being kicked around including meeting with individual Kevin Page saying, open-mic sessions) and four in- heard during the summer study— and discussed and debated,” he MPs and members of the mental camera to draft its report, ending which was ultimately cut short said. “You’ll get some, in a sense, health caucuses, to stress the historically, it’s been a on Dec. 6. Ultimately, the com- by prorogation—proved “it’s not a duplication, if you like, but that importance of investing in mental mittee heard from 329 witnesses, scandal.” The offer to have public doesn’t take away from the fact health resources as a result of ‘wasted opportunity.’ received 493 briefs, and tabled servants appear to answer ques- it’s an important process for COVID-19. The recent Throne its report on Dec. 10, 2018 (which tions about the redactions was a FINA to go through and one of Speech included a commitment to Continued from page 1 included a dissenting report from “very honest gesture” from Liber- the important pieces of feedback increase access to mental health Conservatives). The study cost a table its report on the govern- als “to try to break the impasse,” and submissions to the Finance resources. total of $224,563. ment’s budgetary policy no later she said. Department, in general.” While groups like the Cham- than the third sitting day before “The opposition has not al- “It’s an important route to reach ber or the CMHA may not have the last scheduled sitting in lowed us to move forward on What difference does the both members of the Finance Com- trouble being heard, it’s not a December—in this case, by Dec. that,” said Ms. Dzerowicz. mittee, but also as a way to use as universal experience. 8. With the House on break this Work continues “behind the committee make? a starting-off point for discussions Diana Sarosi, director of week, that leaves three weeks scenes,” in camera at the commit- The Finance Committee’s work with other Members,” said Mr. policy and campaigns for Oxfam for the committee to come to an tee table and outside it, to figure is just one stream in the govern- Hughes. “It’s absolutely something Canada, said her organization agreement, hear from witnesses, out an agreement, she said. “I ment’s budget-making process. that I think people are really keen has long raised concerns over the and draft a report. want to believe that all of us want Deputy Prime Minister and Fi- on seeing happen soon.” Finance Committee’s pre-budget At its first meeting of the ses- to get to pre-budget consulta- nance Minister Chrystia Freeland Former parliamentary budget process, including the fact gender- sion on Oct. 8, Liberal MP Julie tions.” (University-Rosedale, Ont.) does officer Kevin Page said, histori- based analyses aren’t required for Dzerowicz (Davenport, Ont.) pre- From the opposition’s perspec- her own consultations, and also cally, the committee’s work has submissions and that not enough sented a motion that would have tive, it’s the Liberals who are gets input from cabinet, party made “too little” difference and women—less than five per cent in seen 2021 pre-budget consulta- holding things up. caucuses, individual MPs, and has been “largely disconnected past years—or women’s orga- tions begin on Oct. 13. “The Liberal government departments, which submit their with internal government budget nizations are called to appear. But immediately after her mo- initially chose to unnecessarily own budget requests. Typically, planning efforts,” noting its report She said she also questions “how tion was read, Conservative MP prorogue Parliament, thereby organizations submit identical is typically published “when the much Finance ultimately takes Pierre Poilievre (Carleton, Ont.) dissolving the committee, and the submissions to the committee and government’s internal efforts this report … into account.” interjected with one of his own—a Liberals have chosen to cripple the government. were already in a late stage of As a result, she said Oxfam’s point of privilege—raising issue its operation since the committee Ms. Freeland’s office declined policy development” leaving “little “big focus is trying to get straight over the fact government docu- returned,” said Bloc MP Gabriel to comment on the deadline for time to incorporate results.” to the heart,” including trying to ments submitted to the committee Ste-Marie (Joliette, Que.) in an pre-budget submissions this year, Mr. Page said the committee set up a roundtable meeting with over the summer during its study email in French. its plan for consultations (includ- “can produce important work,” Ms. Freeland. But she said “the on the since-reversed decision to Mr. Ste-Marie said he wanted ing how work has been adapted and “public participation in bud- last six months” have been like tap WE Charity to administer the pre-budget consultations to amid COVID-19), or whether the get preparation is considered an “knocking on hollow doors,” when Canada Student Service Grant happen “from the start,” but “for committee’s delay is a concern. essential global best practice,” but it comes to not only the minister program were delivered already the committee to do its job, it is “We, of course, appreciate as it’s arranged now, the process but also individual MPs. redacted. NDP House Leader Peter important that it can free itself and look forward to the commit- is a “wasted opportunity.” “Advocacy at this point is Julian (New Westminster-Burnaby, from the work of studying deci- tee’s contributions to the budget Trevin Stratton, chief econo- very hard, no matter what issues B.C.) later raised a motion, similar sions made by the government in process,” said Ms. Freeland’s press mist and vice-president of the you’re advocating on [if they’re] to one tabled elsewhere by the Bloc connection with WE Charity and secretary, Katherine Cuplinskas. Canadian Chamber of Commerce, not COVID related,” said Ms. Sa- Québécois, seeking to form a spe- other choices that seem to benefit “When we have more information said the finance committee’s pre- rosi. “Even contacts that we have cial committee to look into COV- the friends of the [Liberal] party.” about the government’s consul- budget study is a “pretty useful” cultivated over the many years, ID-19 spending decisions, including “This is why we want to shed tation process, we will make it exercise, as a “rare” opportunity you know, it’s even hard reaching giving WE oversight of the CSSG. light on the thousand censored public.” for groups like his to discuss them now.” Since then, the committee pages and be able to set up a spe- At this stage, the government ideas with MPs from different The fact that the Finance Com- has been locked in debate over cial committee which can study should already be well into its parties at once. mittee is unlikely to do a full pre- motions, amendments, and sub- all this,” he said. consultation process, in particular While he said he’s “confident budget study this year, if at all, is amendments, including a Lib- Achieving those two things is given the planned fall economic that the committee will get a “disappointing to see,” she said, eral offer to have the clerk of the the path forward to break the cur- update. report done,” the Chamber has “especially since this year has Privy Council, deputy ministers, rent gridlock, said Mr. Ste-Marie: Summa Strategies senior been busy “feeding in ideas about been very difficult [overall].” and the law clerk appear to dis- “I have high hopes that we will adviser Elliot Hughes took part in what would be good for Canada’s [email protected] cuss the redactions. get there soon.” three budgets—between 2016 and economic recovery in other ways The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 15 News

pieces of legislation to pass in June 2019 before MPs rose for the summer and headed towards an New judicial expense election. A troubled bill criticized by successive information com- missioners, it stalled in the Red Chamber, in part because disclosures strike ‘right Senators refused to move forward without hearing from the then- justice minister—now Indepen- dent MP Jody Wilson-Raybould (Vancouver Granville, B.C.)—on balance,’ say legal advocates what Senators argued was a ques- tion of judicial independence. They worried reporting by judge Brock University ducted online. That’s close to the temper either our excitement or “This may come as an expen- would unfairly target those $1.9-million claimed in conferenc- our concerns.” sive way to run courts and maybe required to regularly travel for professor Matthew es between April and June, where some people will have questions, hearings and could jeopardize 51 of 170 meetings or seminars The cost of the justice but it’s too early,” said Sen. Dal- their safety, a position shared by Hennigar says these were listed as cancelled and 33 phond. three legal bodies at the time: the were online. system as a public good While questions may be raised Canadian Superior Courts Judges new disclosures help The shift in expenses could be Public information around in the public, Prof. Hennigar said Association, the Canadian Judi- because incidental costs related courts, especially financial infor- the matter is more for the chief jus- cial Council (CJC), and the CBA, answer the question: to setting up virtual hearings mation, is “quite poor” so Matthew tice to determine if any shift must which also argued the changes ‘what does our justice were made in the first quarter, Hennigar, a political science pro- happen if, for example, one judge is could jeopardize judicial indepen- suggested the Canadian Bar As- fessor at Brock University, said he spending unexplained amounts. dence. system cost as a sociation (CBA) by email. welcomes the shift. Still, he’d like to see more Following the SNC-Lavalin “Travel expenses for superior The data can give better in- information in some areas, like fallout and Ms. Wilson Ray- public good?’ courts were higher than in the sight to researchers and academ- the “other” categories in some bould’s departure from cabinet first quarter, which is perhaps ics about how judges are using sections that represent large and caucus, her successor, Justice a reflection of the gradual re- their allowances, he said. It’s unexplained fees. Alberta’s Court Minister David Lametti (LaSalle- Continued from page 1 opening of some courthouses and useful to see what is being spent, of Queen’s Bench, for example, Émard-Verdun, Que.), quickly promise” between being transpar- the need for judges to be present,” for example on the training side posted $26,582 under other ex- appeared before the Senate Legal ent about the use of public money the CBA added. “Generally, the of things, when you can see what penses for conferences. There’s Affairs Committee and signalled and protecting judicial indepen- expenses appear to be on the low seminars are being taken at con- likely a good explanation, said the ball was in its court, later ac- dence, said Progressive Senator end, which likely reflects ongoing ferences, said Prof. Hennigar. It Prof. Hennigar, for example, can- cepting its volley of amendments. Pierre Dalphond (De Lorimier, pandemic restrictions and cancel- also offers a better picture to the celled flights or accommodations Mr. Lametti’s press secretary, Que.), a former Quebec Court of lations.” that couldn’t Rachel Rappaport, said the law Appeal judge who sat on the com- The Justice Minister be reimbursed, enhances accountability and mittee that studied the bill. Supreme David Lametti but it would be transparency, while also pro- “I certainly feel this is what Court’s total accepted a good to have tecting the “fundamental” con- the numbers are showing. We get expenses, compromise some of that stitutional principle of judicial the picture, but we don’t single meanwhile, during the last spelled out. independence. out any single judge so we don’t were a little Parliament on There can “In keeping with the principle expose any judge to a campaign more than a bill requiring be a tendency of judicial independence, we will by a disgruntled party,” said Sen. $5,300 be- the release to be “over- leave comment on specific disclo- Dalphond, adding though that tween July of judicial vigilant” on sures to the administrative bodies the picture is not yet reflective of and Septem- expenses, the question of that support the courts,” Ms. Rap- reality given COVID-19 has dras- ber, down agreeing to an judicial inde- paport said by email. tically impacted their work, with slightly from amendment pendence from Ms Wilson-Raybould’s office cancelled conferences, virtual sit- $10,400 that publishes Canada’s legal said she was unavailable for an tings, and many judges stationary the quarter amounts by associations, interview and didn’t respond to rather than on the circuit. before. court rather said Prof. Hen- questions. “We have to wait until we go Every than judge. The nigar. Of the move, NDP MP Alistair back to normality to have a better claim is second quarter “I think it’s MacGregor (Cowichan-Malahat- reflection of what is the reality of audited to report on these right to be vigi- Langford, B.C.), his party’s the courts.” ensure it expenses was lant but there’s deputy critic for justice, said by Concerned over the law’s first complies released at the a tendency to email it’s important that Canadi- draft, Sen. Dalphond is respon- with the act, end of October. view any sort of ans have faith in our justice sys- sible for having proposed the and reim- The Hill Times transparency as tem, and “a part of this includes accepted amendments to have bursements photograph by a threat,” said transparency and confidence that disclosures be by court instead of must adhere Andrew Meade Prof. Hennigar, public funds are being spent ap- by judge. to four prin- who didn’t see propriately.” The disclosures cover more ciples: value the prospect In its email, the CBA said it than 1,250 judges and 22,000 for money, of publishing generally supports the proactive annual claims, according to accountability, transparency, question: “what does our justice individual expenses as “beyond publication of expenses incurred the Commissioner for Federal and respect for judicial indepen- system cost as a public good?” the pale.” by parliamentary entities and Judicial Affairs, paid out through dence, said Philippe Lacasse, For each type of allowance, For Prof. Farrow, it’s still “early government institutions, includ- various allowances granted under executive director for judicial it’s broken down by court and the days” to decide whether concerns ing federal judges’ expenses, as the Judges Act. Though the office appointments in the commis- number of judges from that court around “impartiality and inde- long as the numbers are pub- has the power to exempt expens- sioner’s office. who made claims by category. The pendence of different courts have lished on an anonymous or ag- es from the reports, it hasn’t yet Osgoode Hall Law School data breaks down to incidentals, been jeopardized.” gregate basis. done that and would report the professor Trevor Farrow echoed like electronic and office equip- He said he didn’t see a prob- “This approach protects the total if deemed necessary in the Sen. Dalphond’s caution against ment, telecommunications, mem- lem in the first place, and indi- security of individual judges and future. drawing too many conclusions bership and legal publications, vidual disclosures would not have the independence of the judiciary, The second quarter of judicial from the numbers or using these formal court attire, and judicial improved the administration of while remaining consistent with expenses were released Oct. 30 by as a baseline for future compari- education. Then there’s the travel justice or the public’s confidence the overall objectives of transpar- the Office of the Commissioner sons. The reports reflect money allowance (including meals, trans- in the justice system. ency and accountability,” it wrote. for Federal Judicial Affairs, with claimed during that quarter, not portation, and accommodation), “This was more of a solu- The Canadian Superior Courts federally appointed judges spend- necessarily all expenses incurred the conference allowance (includ- tion in search of a problem,” he Judges Association declined to ing at least $3.8-million on travel, during the quarter since it’s the ing description of the seminar and said, though he added he under- comment, while CJC spokes- incidental, and conference claims. onus of judges to file claims, and location), and representational stands the demand for increasing person Johanna Laporte said by That’s down from the $4.2-million some might file months or a year allowances for chief justices, and transparency to maintain trust in email the way expenses are being claimed in the first quarter. Inci- after the fact. expenses made by those who sit public institutions. published now “strikes the right dental claims, for one, dropped “We are early days, particular- on the Canadian Judicial Council. balance” between openness and from $1.7-million to $1-million in ly in the context of a global pan- When things go back to The ‘right balance,’ says protecting judicial independence. the second quarter. demic, when travel has changed, normal, Canadians are going “Be assured that the Canadian Travel is up to $800,000 com- different kinds of educational to see that judges from federal Judicial Council Judicial Council is mindful of its pared to $491,670 early in the problems have been cancelled courts have to travel a lot, noted The disclosure requirement use of public funds and adminis- pandemic. Conferences posted or postponed,” said Prof. Farrow. Sen. Dalphond, because the law comes through changes to the ters its activities with the highest the biggest price tag between “The world’s turned upside down provides that they have to live in Access to Information Act and standards of integrity and prudent July and October at $2-million, and that includes the kinds of Ottawa, even though the federal the Privacy Act made under Bill stewardship,” she said. with 444 of 813 events listed as things that judicial exceptions and tax courts sit all across the C-58, which was first introduced [email protected] cancelled, and 168 as being con- would be used for so we need to country. in 2017 and was among the last The Hill Times 16 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES News

berta) in an interview last week. Senate committees halted from “A lot of people are tired of it.” Senate ‘at risk’ with CIBA not meeting, chair says holding hybrid, virtual meetings as Ontario Independent Senator Sabi Marwah, who chairs the Sen- ate Internal Economy Committee, said the disagreement last week Conservatives and ISG point fingers essentially means it can’t meet since it has no authority to do so when the Senate is not sitting. As Senate leaders brid manner, further limiting the the Senate has the capacity to timately hasn’t prevented the As Sen. Marwah told the Cham- Red Chamber’s work. support all committees with the body from doing its work. So ber on Nov. 5, the Senate’s adop- squabble over how “We intend to do everything hybrid model. much relies on the business of the tion of a report from the Selection we can to get committees up Sen. Plett said it’s a matter House and government legisla- Committee ended the Internal to run committees, and running, giving priority to of Sen. Woo being unwilling to tion, and with the House meeting Economy Committee’s “interses- the delayed start government bills, and also giving compromise. He’d proposed hav- for months by Special COVID-19 sional authority under which it priority to hybrid settings of com- ing the committees conduct their Committee, and bills pushed [had] functioned since the proroga- stretches closer to mittees wherever possible. But we organizational meetings virtually, through as emergency pandemic tion of Parliament this summer.” It’s simply don’t want to rule out the but have them hybrid thereafter. spending, there wasn’t opportu- hands are tied until Nov. 19, and Parliament’s one-year option of having all the tools,” he “It is the ISG and the ISG nity to do much more in the Sen- then it can only meet in-person un- said, because it would limit the alone that are doing all of the ate, which was limited to a few less a new motion is adopted. mark, and halts the Senate’s capacity to do its work. stalling,” he said, adding that com- members who could participate in Since April, the Internal Econ- work of one powerful Conservative Senate Leader mittees were ready to be con- the Chamber. omy Committee has met seven Don Plett (Landmark, Man.) said stituted if all agreed to proceed “We can’t deal with legisla- times, and four more times since committee which its he’s tired of Conservatives be- by hybrid means, but it appears tion that we don’t have,” said the start of the second session. It ing singled out as the cause for meeting virtually is a non-starter Progressive Senator Terry Mercer held a meeting Nov. 5 and had no chair says puts the stalled work in the Red Chamber, issue for both leaders. (Northend Halifax, N.S.), noting plans to meet this week, but Sen. when he said he approaches each the government isn’t working at Marwah warned his colleagues Senate ‘at risk.’ leader’s meeting as a negotiation “breakneck speed” with legisla- before his motion failed last and has offered solutions every Slow start to Senate work tion. week, that not passing it would put the Red Chamber “at risk.” Continued from page 1 step of the way. Since the mid-March lock- Between March and August, “It’s been Don Plett and the down, only two of the Senate’s the Senate sat 12 times, while the It was “inexplicable” for the With the one-year anniversary Conservatives” who have been then 17 regular committees were House sat 14 times. In that period, Conservatives not to approve the of the Liberal re-election come willing to negotiate and agree to convened, and only to study CO- Parliament quickly passed seven motion allowing CIBA to meet, and gone, the Red Chamber has “halfway” in the Senate, he said. VID-related matters. This session, pieces of pandemic relief fund- Sen. Marwah said by email. yet to set up a full complement “We’ve agreed to giving 50 per the Chamber added the Audit ing legislation, covering business “In the meantime, there is no of committees, and progress was cent on every issue,” he said, and and Oversight Committee, which relief spending to student benefits person or entity with authority again delayed last week with Sen- in this case that’s a hybrid ap- will include Conservative Senator to emergency aid to the dairy to act on CIBA’s behalf, includ- ate group leaders unable to come proach to committees and the ISG David Wells (Newfoundland and sector. ing the Speaker of the Senate,” he to a compromise. will have to learn the Senate is a Labrador), ISG Senator Renée That’s not going to happen said, with respect to the adminis- Committee membership was Chamber of co-operation, set up Dupuis (The Laurentides, Que.), anymore, said Sen. Plett, who said tration of the Senate, its employ- finally agreed upon, but the two that way so that minority groups Canadian Senators Group Sena- he’d put the government on notice ees, and resources. largest groups disagreed over the “cannot be run over.” tor Percy Downe (Charlottetown, this session that his caucus would “In the event of an emergency issue of virtual meetings. All are in the next 10 days or so, the agreed that hybrid committee Independent Senator Speaker has no more authority meetings—with some Senators at- Yuen Pau Woo than any other Senator to manage tending in person in Ottawa, and and Conservative or direct the administration of the others virtually—can happen, but Senator Don Plett Senate. Given the above, the Sen- the Conservatives won’t budge and are at odds over ate is exposed to risk should any on allowing fully virtual meetings whether committees emergency arise. Not approving while the Independent Senators should be able to the motion to allow CIBA to sit is Group insists that online-only meet completely by inexplicable.” meetings be an option for com- virtual means—in Again, Sen. Plett said there mittees. addition to hybrid was a way around it so CIBA The disagreement also created meetings—adding could have held hybrid meet- the “very unusual circumstance” to the already long ings, but the ISG wouldn’t agree where the Senate Internal Econo- delays in getting to those terms. Even so, he my, Budgets, and Administration the Chamber's 18 disagreed that the short break Committee, known as CIBA, can’t regular committees creates a problem and puts the meet unless the Senate is sitting up and running. Senate at risk. and its members come to Ottawa, The Hill Times Sen. Mercer, who chairs the Se- said Independent Senators Group photographs by lection Committee, said he wasn’t facilitator Yuen Pau Woo (British terribly worried to see the Conser- Columbia). The powerful body vatives deny the unanimous con- is given special powers to meet, sent needed on his motion to have even in an inter-sessional period, His caucus had been reluc- P.E.I.), and two external members not allow any government bills committees meet virtually, calling like an election. tant to approve hybrid sittings who are not yet named. to reach Royal Assent without it a normal part of the process that “It’s an irresponsible and reck- of the Senate, and though he After getting approval to meet appearing before Senate commit- will get sorted out when the Sen- less decision to block the ability remains skeptical of the method, in mid-April, the Senate Finance tees first. ate returns next week. of CIBA to meet and be ready for he said the Senate has come to Committee met 10 times between Since the second session “I’m disappointed we’re not up unforeseen circumstances, which an agreement that it’s the path May and July 2, and has had started, however, the House has and running,” said Sen. Mercer, may require CIBA to address,” forward and it should be the start- three meetings in November as sat 23 times, and the Senate who was appointed to the Senate said Sen. Woo, and if there were ing point. The Senate approved the only committee empowered at seven. This session, Bill C-4 was in 2003 by former liberal Prime a “crisis” around physical infra- hybrid sittings on Oct. 27, but the moment to meet by hybrid or passed without committee study, Minister Jean Chrétien. “That’s structure, human resources, gov- unlike the motion in the House, it virtual means. It’s started study- but not without the Canadian the way it is.” ernance or institutional function- didn’t cover committees. The Red ing the government’s emergency Senators Group (CSG) pumping But the failure of a second ing, it’s the committee that would Chamber launched its first day rent-relief bill, Bill C-9, which the brakes on immediate passage, motion to set up the Internal immediately deal with it. of hybrid sittings on Nov. 3, more MPs unanimously agreed to fast and calling out the government Economy Committee was another In the meantime, only one of than a month after the House’s track. The bill also includes provi- for treating the Red Chamber as matter, and the first time to his the Chamber’s 18 standing com- Sept. 23 start date. The House has sions to extend the feds’ wage a rubber stamp rather than the memory that it hasn’t been able to mittees can meet virtually, the had regular committee meetings subsidy. space for sober second thought. meet. He said he agreed with Sen. National Finance Committee, and since. The Senate Social Affairs, As for the latest committee Marwah’s assessment on the gap the others have no way of meet- Both the Liberal government Science, and Technology Commit- delays, CSG Leader Scott Tannas creating an unnecessary risk. ing—other than in person—unless and the ISG in the Senate, he tee, meanwhile, met eight times said by email his previous com- “We’ve always felt comfortable the rules are changed to allow for said, are “trying to consistently between the beginning of May ments to The Hill Times stand and knowing that when we were not hybrid or virtual sittings. move us away from doing what and the end of June and has not he hopes Senators can untangle sitting that there was a commit- Sen. Woo blamed the Conser- we should do and that is be in met again. the latest issues soon. tee to respond to situations that vatives for the latest delay, saying Ottawa and do our business prop- Many Senators have said the “Our job is not to play pro- might arise. Hopefully there won’t it’s important the committees erly.” The Chamber shouldn’t so stalling on committee set-up— cedural inside baseball around be any situation that requires at- have the chance to organize virtu- quickly move away from tradition which stretches back to last fall organization of the Senate, and tention this week.” ally when it may not be possible that has stood for more than 150 when the Chamber returned in we’ve done a lot of that, and I’m [email protected] for all committees to meet in a hy- years and he said he’s confident December after the election—ul- tired of it,” said Sen. Tannas (Al- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 17 News Charm offensive 2.0: how Canada is preparing for a Biden administration and a new cabinet

the Obama transition, said before Prime outline the vision for the working The embassy the election, the embassy tries Minister relationship between Mr. Trudeau compiles an to establish contacts with both Justin and Mr. Biden. campaigns. Trudeau “You try to be positive on that exhaustive list of He said the embassy maintains was the first call and try to demonstrate a list of individuals who have first world that you can be useful,” he said, potential cabinet worked in previous administra- leader adding it would be a good time tions. Mr. Saint-Jacques said the to call to suggest a state visit. Canada members and embassy would have started to president- is typically the first country U.S. make a list of people who may be elect Joe presidents visit after inauguration. those who may be candidates for key positions in a Biden, Mr. Trump never visited Ottawa. appointed to key Biden administration. according Both in Ottawa and at the The embassy puts together an to the embassy, the Canadian government positions, which exhaustive list of potential can- PMO. The has been combing through policy didates, which will include their Hill Times statements from the Biden cam- include their history history and their ties to Canada photograph paign and those influential in his and if the Canadian government by Andrew camp to develop memos and briefs. and their ties to had any issues with them in past Meade In the weeks leading up to the Canada, say former administrations. election, Mr. Allen said, two sets Roy Norton, who was a min- of briefing books will have been diplomats. ister at the embassy from 2006 to prepared: one for Mr. Trump’s re- 2010, said the whole network of or significant importance that Vice-president-elect Kamala election and one for a new Biden Canadian diplomats contribute to needed to be addressed sooner Harris’ Canadian links have been Continued from page 1 administration. the effort, including Canada’s 13 rather than later,” Mr. Norton said. well documented. She attended That work continues after In the months leading up to consulate generals across the U.S. Some former diplomats noted high school in Montreal. Ms. Rice the election. Just 15 days after the election, briefing binders Mr. Norton is a previous consul that the transition team might also has a link to Canada—the Mr. Trump won in 2016, Finance began being assembled, and now general to Detroit and Chicago. be hesitant to meet with foreign birthplace of her husband. Canada had already crafted a Canada has to restart its charm “The assumption being that officials during the transition, as “A lot of the Democrats see memo for the deputy minister offensive to build links with the administration is likely to it was President Donald Trump’s Trudeau in a very positive light on Mr. Trump’s tax plan and its potential key members of a Biden draw people from around the former national security adviser and as somebody who stood up implications for Canada. administration and to impress on United States—not all from Michael Flynn’s calls with the for principles … during what they Mr. Miller said preparations the importance of the Canada- Washington,” he said. “A lot of the Russian Embassy that generated will regard as a difficult period for the election begin during the U.S. bilateral relationship. people who will end up in the ad- significant controversy. under Trump,” Mr. Miller said. summer. Six former Canadian Embassy ministration will be better known Mr. Allen said while personal Former Canadian ambassa- “This time, the process ran officials told The Hill Times about to our network around the U.S. meetings are unlikely, given the dor Raymond Chrétien, who was more smoothly,” Mr. Miller said, the outreach to new administra- than they are necessarily known Biden team is occupied with the posted to Washington from 1994 “because people took more seri- tions. to the embassy.” transition, the lists are being pre- to 2000, said Canada will have ously the prospect of a Trump re- As hundreds of senior-level Even if an individual isn’t se- pared to meet as many people as increased access to the Biden election and also a Biden [one].” positions will be turned over after lected for a role that the embassy possible after inauguration. administration. In 2016, Mr. Miller said, there Mr. Biden’s inauguration on Jan. may project, their information is “You want to start explaining “There’s room again … for were “reams of briefing books” 20, the Canadian Embassy will be logged in case they are tasked how important Canada is,” he said. great access by Canada’s leaders prepared for a Hillary Clinton win, compiling lists for a prospective elsewhere and the embassy will Unlike in the Trump adminis- to the decision-makers of Wash- with far less analysis done on a cabinet and who may fill senior know who in the foreign service tration, Biden officials will start ington,” he said. potential Trump administration. roles at the State Department, has developed the deepest ties to their posts with greater experi- Mr. Chrétien said there has The Canadian government Pentagon, and National Security that person. ence with Canada, Rideau Po- never been an administration will also be preparing for a new Council, among others. with as much knowledge about Congress in the new year. While all governmental Canada at the most senior levels Colin Robertson, who was departments are involved in as the upcoming Biden adminis- charged with Congressional preparations for the new admin- tration, with the possible excep- outreach at the embassy, said istration, the “main game” is at tion of that of Franklin D. Roos- Canada needs a permanent cam- Canada’s embassy in Washing- evelt, who had a summer house in paign of outreach with Congress. ton, said Jon Allen, who was the New Brunswick. “I consider that a part of assistant deputy minister for the He noted that while he is [former ambassador David] Americas in Canada’s foreign optimistic about Canada-U.S. MacNaughton’s legacy. It works service from 2010 to 2012. relations in a Biden administra- and we will continue to do that,” “They are identifying all the tion, there still will be the usual he said. key policy advisers in the Biden irritants that pop up, such as Mr. Robertson, a vice-pres- team, especially those like Tony trade issues like the softwood ident at the Canadian Global Blinken or Susan Rice whom they lumber dispute and the Keystone Affairs Institute, said the embassy think will end up in important po- XL pipeline. targets that outreach where it is sitions in the administration,” said He added there is a need for most effective, especially on the Mr. Allen, who was also a political caution and carefulness in man- House Ways and Means Commit- affairs minister in the embassy aging the remainder of the Trump tee and the Senate Finance Com- during the Bush administration. administration. mittee—both oversee trade for Mr. Blinken has been a long- Then-vice-president Joe Biden visited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in December Prime Minister Justin Trudeau their respective Chambers. time foreign adviser to Mr. Biden. 2016 in the final weeks of the Obama administration.The Hill Times file photograph (Papineau, Que.) was one of the The Ways and Means Com- In the Obama administration, first world leaders to congratulate mittee is currently chaired by he served as a deputy national In the past, the process has been tomac Strategy Group president Mr. Biden on winning his elec- Democrat Richard Neal, who security adviser. Ms. Rice was overseen by the assistant deputy Eric Miller said. tion, which was called on Nov. 7 visited Ottawa in 2019 as the new rumoured to be in the running minister for the Americas in the “The Liberals have pretty deep after four drawn-out days of vote NAFTA was being moved for- to be Mr. Biden’s running mate. Pearson Building, headquarters for linkages to the Biden world,” counting in battleground states. ward. The Senate Finance Com- She was former president Barack Global Affairs Canada—a position said Mr. Miller, who was a senior U.S. President Trump has yet to mittee is chaired by Republican Obama’s national security adviser currently filled by Michael Grant. policy adviser in Canada’s D.C. concede the election. Senator Chuck Grassley, who has and UN ambassador. The two At the embassy in Washington, embassy. “Those linkages going Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Biden had close connections with Liberal are “almost certain” to be part of transition work is taken up by back to the Obama years—when their first call after the election on MP Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Mr. Biden’s foreign policy team, everyone, including the political the Trudeau government was Nov. 9. It was the first call Mr. Biden P.E.I.), the chair of the Canada- according to a New York Times affairs section, the Congressional young—they run deep and they’ve had with a world leader as presi- U.S. Interparliamentary Group. report. outreach department, and diplo- been maintained.” dent-elect, according to the PMO. During the transition, the em- While identifying key indi- mats focused on trade and defence. Mr. Biden visited Mr. Trudeau The two discussed the pan- bassy compiles a list of potential viduals, Canadian officials are The embassy is run by Ambassa- in December 2016 in his final demic, sustainable economic chairs and ranking members for trying to spotlight the importance dor Kirsten Hillman. weeks as vice-president, when he recovery, climate change, global the next Congress. of the Canadian relationship to “There have been opportuni- urged Canada to take a greater security, migration, anti-Black Working with Congress was the United States. ties in the past for certain coun- role on the world stage. racism, and the two Canadians spotlighted by Mr. Trudeau in Former Canadian diplomat tries, not necessarily all, to for- Jen O’Malley Dillon, who was detained in China, among other his statement congratulating Mr. Guy Saint-Jacques, who was mally meet with members of the Mr. Biden’s campaign manager, issues. Biden on his victory. the deputy head of mission at transition team to discuss issues was a consultant for the Liberals Mr. Saint-Jacques said that [email protected] Canada’s U.S. embassy during that we consider to be of critical during the 2015 election. first call is a great opportunity to The Hill Times 18 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE HILL TIMES

Hendrik Brakel continues as the Con- Over in the CCS, Kieran Moloney has servative leader’s chief economic adviser, a been hired to support Mr. Outhouse as as- role he’s played since November 2017. sociate director of the research office. He The OLO’s policy team includes advis- started on the job on Oct. 22. Mr. Moloney ers Sean Phelan, Laura Smith, Matthew was previously director of caucus affairs hill climbers Solheim, and Andrew Swidzinski, a new for Conservative MP and caucus chair addition. Tom Kmiec. He has a bachelor’s degree in by Laura Ryckewaert Until recently, Mr. Swidzinski had been public affairs and policy management from working as a notary in Pointe-Claire, Que., Carleton University and was president of since 2014. He has a history of community the campus Conservatives while there. activism, including recently as vice-presi- Amy Docksteader remains as CCS co- dent of the Pointe-Claire Heritage Preser- ordinator vation Society, through which he’s recently Marc Lemire continues to oversee been fighting to save the town’s old Pio- digital and video production as associate neer bar from demolition. He’s been doing director. His team includes a number of so while battling a rare disease, Acute holdovers: Evan Webster, manager of video OLO staffs up transverse myelitis, since August 2018—a production; Chase Tribble, videographer; polio-like disease which attacked his spinal Erika Lee, digital production co-ordinator; ership campaign and is a former partner cord and left him partly paralyzed. Zachary Shank, graphic designer and Continued from page 5 at ONE Persuades (the strategy firm where Karina Rolland is manager of stake- animator; Emily Prochnau, graphic de- Patrice Charette, who remains a translator; Conservative 2019 campaign manager holder relations in the OLO, a job she’s signer; Joel Hansen and Anthony Cinerari and Sean Calder, who now wears the title Hamish Marshall also works). Since done since the spring of 2018. Ms. Rolland as graphic designer, animator, and video of facilities and IT manager. Ms. Wylupski March, he’s been a principal with Pathos oversees Holly Duggan, who’s been hired specialist; Stephanie Ratté, graphic de- also oversees two new additions to the Strategy. as a stakeholder relations adviser. signer and junior animator; Cassie Bezan, OLO: Yannick Simard, who’s been hired as senior video specialist and photographer; Mr. O’Toole’s executive assistant, and Mary Dan Holly and Paul Dagenais as web specialist (a Cotter, who’s now scheduler to the leader. Robertson Duggan is a longtime Conservative research bureau has joined stakeholder staffer, his title was previously new media Yannick the OLO relations developer). Simard is as a senior adviser in One new addition to the unit is Mark executive adviser. the OLO. Weir as graphic designer and videogra- assistant Photograph Photograph pher. to Mr. courtesy of courtesy of Laura Kurkimaki is heading the CCS’s O’Toole. LinkedIn LinkedIn outreach team. Working under her is Anton Photograph Sestritsyn, once again as manager of com- courtesy of munity relations. He’s been in the OLO LinkedIn since 2018, starting under his current title, but last filled the role of strategic commu- nications adviser. Sadiq Valliani has joined the CCS as a community relations adviser. He was part of Mr. O’Toole’s recent leadership cam- paign. While currently on maternity leave, Mr. Robertson served as director of Ms. Duggan (née Hunter) was last work- Julie Pham has changed roles, and is now advertising for the 2011 federal Conserva- ing as an assistant to Alberta Conservative both a community relations and commu- tive campaign, which saw the party under MP Jag Sahota. She’s a former Harper- nications adviser, having previously just Stephen Harper elected with a majority, era cabinet staffer, including having been focused on the latter. and earlier spent almost a year starting head of parliamentary and caucus affairs Sadiq Mr. Simard is a former regional or- in November 2009 as associate director for then-status of women minister Kellie Valliani is a ganizer for the Conservative Party and of communications in Mr. Harper’s PMO, Leitch, and went on to work as a policy community worked on election readiness in Quebec among other past roles. adviser to then-Conservative Senate leader relations ahead of the 2019 election (and after it), Jeff Pierce remains in the OLO, now Claude Carignan and as a strategic adviser adviser. starting in 2018, while studying business under the title of leader branding and for the Canadian Medical Association. Photograph administration and management at Collège videographer. Previously, since 2017, he’d Allison Lamb is director of tour, sup- courtesy of La Cité. been a video content producer and social ported by Allison Haley, who joined the Twitter Ms. Cotter has spent the last almost media manager. André Forget continues as OLO in September as manager of event five years working as an assistant to Mr. photographer for the Conservative leader. planning. An MPs assistant on the Hill O’Toole as the Conservative MP for Dur- Also still in place in their old post is Josh since 2014, Ms. Haley was last working ham, Ont., before which she briefly worked Gilman, who continues as manager of writ- for New Brunswick Conservative MP Rob as an aide to then-Conservative MP Rick ten products. An OLO staffer since early Moore, and for then-deputy leader and Norlock. 2019, Mr. Gilman spent the leadership race Conservative MP Lisa Raitt before that, Salpie Stepanian continues as manager as director of communications for Leslyn among other MPs. She’s also a former dis- of correspondence for the OLO. Her team Lewis’ campaign, which was run by Mr. trict co-ordinator for the Canadian Cancer currently includes Craig Maguire, who Outhouse. Society in Cape Breton, N.S., and in 2012 remains a senior correspondence adviser; Mitch Heimpel, as reported, has been was a communications assistant on now- Carolina Salas, who continues as a cor- hired as director of parliamentary affairs. Nova Scotia MLA Cecil Clarke’s successful respondence adviser; Leslie Virgin, who Virginie Bonneau continues as associate bid to become mayor of the Cape Breton previously wore the title of English writer director of parliamentary affairs; she was Regional Municipality. and is now a correspondence adviser; and promoted to the role earlier this year under Léa Sancandi continues as an event Deanna Pieterman, who joined the OLO at then-leader Andrew Scheer, before which planner, now joined by Kate Harper. The CCS’s team of regional advisers the beginning of the year as an administra- she was the leader’s French press secretary Ms. Harper joins the OLO from Alberta, have already been covered: James Mitch- tive assistant. and associate director of communications. where, until recently, she’d been an as- ell, who tackles B.C.; Arundeep Singh Mélanie Paradis is director of com- Renze Nauta remains director of policy, sistant to Culture, Multiculturalism, and Sandhu, who covers Alberta and the Ter- munications in the OLO, supported by and has now added director of stakeholder Status of Women Minister Leela Aheer ritories; Emily Gilroy, who continues as two associate directors, Kelsie Chiasson relations to his title. A former staffer in Mr. since November 2019. After spending the the regional adviser for Saskatchewan and and Axel Rioux, who’s focused on Quebec Harper’s office as prime minister, Mr. Nau- summer of 2019 as an advance for Alberta Manitoba; Dan Muys, who covers Ontario; communications. As reported, they oversee ta has been in the OLO since 2017, starting Premier Jason Kenney, Ms. Harper helped Aude Cauchard, who continues to cover three press secretaries who support the out as a policy adviser. He last held the title with ground transportation logistics for the Quebec desk; and Angie Zinck, who Conservative caucus’ critics roster: Mathew of director of policy and research. Mr. Scheer’s leader’s tour during the 2019 handles the Atlantic. Clancy, Chris Martin-Chan, and Katie federal race. Finally, there’s the CCS’s research team, Hillman. Serving as press secretary to Mr. which is still being led by Chris Grier as O’Toole is Chelsea Tucker. Andrew Kieran manager of research. Shunfu Sha, Eric Also continuing in their former roles Swidzinski Moloney is Duchesne, and Tasso Housakos continue on the communications team are Ingrid is a new associate to work under him as research advisers. Neubert, as manager of digital media; policy director of Justin Bumstead has also joined the team Brittany Mathison, as associate manager of adviser in the CCS. as a senior research adviser. Mr. Bumstead digital media; and Kyle Simpson as media the office. Photograph was also part of Mr. O’Toole’s 2020 leader- monitor. Photograph courtesy of ship campaign team, having helped crunch As already reported, Dianna Hann has courtesy of LinkedIn the numbers alongside veteran conserva- been hired on as a new communications LinkedIn tive data analyst Mitch Wexler. A former co-ordinator and Jordan Matte has joined associate with Hill and Knowlton Strate- the team as a speechwriter for Mr. O’Toole. gies, he was last a managing partner with Another new hire is Jean-Henry Mesidor, Pantheon Research in Calgary. who’s joined the OLO as a special assis- For those wondering, Ms. Bezan and Mr. tant. Housakos are in fact the children of Con- Dan Robertson is another new addition servative MP James Bezan and Conserva- to the OLO team as a senior adviser on the tive Senator Leo Housakos, respectively. leader’s communications. Mr. Robertson [email protected] was chair of strategy for Mr. O’Toole lead- The Hill Times THE HILL TIMES | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 19 Parliamentary Calendar

That American Election and Canada!—Pearson Centre European Union Film Festival—The Canadian Film webinar on Nov. 12, from 7-8 p.m. ET. Every U.S. elec- Institute, the European Union Film Festival in Toronto, tion affects Canada significantly. What do the results and The Cinematheque in Vancouver have joined forces Senators team up with of last week’s pivotal election mean for Americans and with the Delegation of the European Union and the Em- for Canadians—the presidency, the Senate, the House bassies and Consulates of EU Member States to pres- of Representatives? Join us to hear leading experts: ent the first-ever online edition of the European Union Maryscott (Scotty) Greenwood, president, Canadian Film Festival (EUFF) in Canada. We are delighted UVic for virtual Victoria American Business Council; Prof. Mugambi Jouet, to be able to continue the decades-long tradition of author of Exceptional America: What Divides Americans presenting European cinema in Canada despite the From the World and From Each Other (McGill Univer- challenges of COVID-19. The 2020 edition of the EUFF sity Faculty of Law); other panellists to be announced kicks off on Friday, Nov. 13 with the box office smash Forum, beginning Nov . 12 shortly. For registration: www.thepearsoncentre.ca. hit from Germany, All About Me, directed by Oscar- Bridging Divides in Wake of a Global Pandemic—The winning director Caroline Link. Ranging from romantic University of Victoria and the Senate of Canada are comedies to historic dramas and political thrillers, this bringing together change-makers at the Victoria Forum year’s line-up includes works by established European to help generate solutions to some of the world’s most directors as well as talented newcomers. There is some- divisive problems. The two-day virtual forum will be thing for everyone in this diverse array of 27 films. The held Nov. 12, 13, and 19 to examine issues that fall festival runs until Nov. 29. Go to www.euffonline.ca under the theme of “Bridging Divides in the Wake of a Global Pandemic.” The forum will draw on emerging SUNDAY, NOV. 15 trends and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pan- Camp Parliament for Girls Toronto 2020—The Girls demic through biweekly webinars. For more information in Politics Initiative hosts a virtual Camp Parliament or to register, visit www.victoriaforum.ca. for Girls Toronto 2020, a political leadership program FRIDAY, NOV. 13 that introduces girls ages 11-16 to the parliamentary system of government. Each girl will serve as an MP. Immigration Minister Speaks to Canadian Club—Im- Lead instructors are women who currently or have pre- migration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Marco viously worked in government or electoral politics. For Mendicino will deliver remarks on “Immigration: Open- additional information contact us at (202) 660-1457 ing Our Doors to People and Prosperity” in a webinar extension 1, via email at [email protected], or hosted by the Canadian Club of Toronto. Friday, Nov. visit our website at www.girlsinpolitics.com. Sunday, 13, at noon. Register at canadianclub.org. Nov. 15, from 8 a.m. to noon. Senators Pamela Wallin, Yuen Pau Woo, and Jim Munson are among those taking part in the first day of the The Global Impact of the U.S. Election—The University of British Columbia and the Canadian International The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. virtual Victoria Forum on Thursday, Nov. 12. The Hill Times photographs by Aidan Chamandy and Andrew Meade Council host a webinar on “The Global Impact of the Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental U.S. Election,” a panel discussion examining the impact event in a paragraph with all the relevant details under the of the U.S. election on international security, interna- subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to news@hilltimes. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11 and The Fight For History: 75 years of Forgetting, tional trade and economy, and global climate politics. com by Wednesday at noon before the Monday paper or by Remembering, and Remaking Canada’s Second World Panellists include Hugh Gusterson (UBC Anthropology), Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We can’t guaran- House Not Sitting—The House of Commons, which War, on how World War II has been remembered and Kathryn Harrison (UBC Political Science), and Christo- tee inclusion of every event, but we will definitely do our is on a one-week break, Nov. 9-13, is sitting in a hybrid taught over the past 75 years, and Scott Anderson’s pher Sands (Johns Hopkins University). Friday, Nov. 13, best. Events can be updated daily online, too. format right now during the pandemic, with most MPs bestselling overview of the early years of the Cold War from 3:15-4:45 p.m. ET. Register via Eventbrite. The Hill Times connecting remotely. The House is on a break this and the CIA’s covert battles against communism in his week, but is then scheduled to sit every weekday from book, The Quiet American: Four CIA Spies at the Dawn Nov. 16-Dec. 11, and that’s it for 2020. of the Cold War: A Tragedy in Three Acts. Both authors Senate Not Sitting—The Senate has approved a plan examine military history and its role in our culture for hybrid sittings during the pandemic, to allow Sena- today. A limited number of signed books are available tors to connect remotely. The Senate will be adjourned from Perfect Books on Elgin Street in Ottawa. This The University of from Nov. 9-13, and return with scheduled sitting days podcast event happens on Nov. 11, at 12 p.m. https:// Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 24-26. Nov. 16, 20, 23, 27, and podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/writers-festival-radio/ Victoria is pleased 30 are all possible sitting days for the remainder of the id1527120426 month. Moyra Davey: The Faithful—National Gallery of THURSDAY, NOV. 12 to announce the Canada host this new exhibition, Moyra Davey: The Policy Making and China—McGill University hosts Faithful, featuring the work of one of Canada’s most in- a webinar on “Policy Making and China.” Former appointment of novative conceptual artists, on now until Jan. 3, 2021. Canadian ambassador to China Howard Balloch will dis- National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. cuss the policy challenges posed by a rapidly changing Dr. Kevin Hall This new exhibition features 54 photographs and 6 China in an increasingly uncertain global environment. films by Davey, along with more than a dozen works Thursday, Nov. 12, from 3-4 p.m. Register at mcgill.ca/ as President and from the Gallery collection. Developed by the artist and maxbellschool. curator Andrea Kunard, the exhibition explores the art- Yes, Minister Tribute—The Institute of Public Vice-Chancellor. ist’s trajectory from early images of family and friends, Administration of Canada (IPCA) hosts a tribute to the through portraits of the detritus of everyday life, her 40th anniversary of Yes, Minister, the 1980s British mailed photographs, and films examining the work of sitcom on government and the public administration. authors, philosophers and artists. https://www.gallery. Former cabinet ministers and high-ranking public ca/whats-on/exhibitions-and-galleries/moyra-davey-the- servants will discuss clips from the show, the tricks of faithful the trade, and what the relationship between the public Equal Voice National Campaign School—Equal service and the elected government really look like Voice hosts its first online National Campaign School, at the very top. British High Commissioner Susan le designed to equip women and gender-diverse individu- Jeune d’Allegeerschecque will deliver opening remarks, als with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need followed by participants Lisa Raitt, former Conserva- Dr. Kevin Hall, an innovative academic leader and civil engineer to run for political office in Canada. The school will tive cabinet minister; Pierre Pettigrew, former Liberal consist of eight online courses (Nov. 3-27) including a cabinet minister; prime ministerial advisor Karl Salgo; known for his strong commitment to community engagement and mix of group exercises, guest speakers, and networking and Andrea Lanthier-Seymour, former press secretary to unwavering belief in access to education, is the new president of opportunities. Registration is full, but visit equalvoice. the minister of international trade. Thursday, Nov. 12, ca for information about being added to the waitlist. from 5:30-7 p.m. Register via Eventbrite. the University of Victoria. Dr. Hall has returned to Canada from the Dialogue with Martin Wolf—The Munk Debates pres- Two of Canada’s Top Political Thinkers Talk Democ- ents a dialogue with Martin Wolf of the Financial Times racy—Cormorant Books hosts “In Conversation: Two of University of Newcastle in Australia where he was the vice-president of London on the state of the global economy and how Canada’s Top Political Thinkers Talk Democracy.” Marc COVID-19 is creating a new economic reality that will Côté, publisher of Cormorant Books Inc., will speak and senior deputy vice chancellor of global engagement and affect growth and prosperity for a generation to come. with Jonathan Manthorpe, author of Restoring Democ- partnerships. “Dr. Hall has the research and executive experience to Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. Stream via munkde- racy in an Age of Populists and Pestilence, and Brian bates.com or on the CBC Gem service. Lee Crowley, author of Gardeners vs. Designers: advance UVic’s global reputation and stature in all its activities and he Ottawa International Writers Festival Event—The Re- Understanding the Great Fault Line in Canadian membrance Day podcast features Canadian historian Politics. Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. ET. Register via has a deep commitment to the impact universities can make in their Tim Cook, author of Vimy: The Battle and the Legend Eventbrite. communities—I look forward to his leadership as we move forward CONDOS FOR RENT in support of a strong and sustainable future,” says Cathy McIntyre, chair of the UVic Board of Governors.

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