‘It’s been better than nothing at all’: MPs settle into Zoom sittings, though some say more room for increased oversight
Several weeks into the virtual sittings set up in response to the pandemic, many MPs are comfortably settling into the routine of logging on remotely to probe the Liberal government’s measures, even as some say the arrangement falls short of the oversight needed for the biggest crisis in a generation. The House held its first […]
Online tool tracks more than 100 pandemic-related racism incidents since February
Preliminary research shared Thursday by a group of Chinese-Canadian organizations that is encouraging the public to log experiences of racism throughout the COVID-19 pandemic found more than 100 reported cases in the last three months, with the vast majority of incidents registered in May. Since February, there have been 138 cases of racism related to […]
No ‘magic’ response: diplomats discuss international lessons learned from COVID-19
Diplomats representing Sweden, Taiwan, Germany, and Japan called for global co-operation and warned against embracing a “false security” when countries flatten their curves as among the key takeaways from their respective countries’ response to the coronavirus pandemic at a Wednesday afternoon panel. “We all have to know we’re living a gigantic world-wide experiment of geology, […]
Feds seek logistics company to handle huge PPE imports
The federal government is looking for a business partner to handle the distribution of hundreds of shipping containers worth of personal protective equipment at a time, as it seeks to ramp up imports of equipment needed to fight the novel coronavirus. The government put out a tender notice on May 4 through its procurement website, […]
Canada must remain pragmatic with China amid COVID-19
TORONTO—After weeks of Canada’s diplomatic restraint from joining other allies like Australia in calling for an international investigation into China’s early handling of the global pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally toughened up on Beijing during one of his latest daily briefings when he said that there are many questions, “particularly, for China,” around the […]
Trudeau’s move to co-host UN meeting on pandemic elevates bid for Security Council seat
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will join UN Secretary General António Guterres and Jamaican Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness on Thursday to convene a high-level meeting to address the economic devastation caused by COVID-19, which threatens the livelihoods of billions of people around the world. The virtual meeting, with many governments participating, will open with […]
Virus-hounded Trump digs in for most ugly, unpredictable electoral free-for-all ever
OTTAWA—Exposed by the pandemic as an incompetent, uncaring con man, U.S. President Donald Trump has ditched any semblance of respect for American democratic tradition in a naked bid for power and re-election. With Trump’s future in doubt after Nov. 3, the president’s approach is degenerating into an implacable embrace of the ugly, unhinged, and extremist […]
‘We’re all hurting’: culture and sports groups say they need added funds, emergency support extended
Opposition MPs and arts, sports, and cultural organizations are calling for more clarity on government support, warning the economic impact of the coronavirus on the sector’s survival will require longer-term planning and aid than other industries to address. The seasonal and events-focused nature of much of their revenue puts them at particular risk, several organizations […]
On guard for thee: global citizenship and Canada-U.S. relations
To suggest the United States would station troops along the longest undefended border in the world slashed a psychological wound between Canada and the United States. COVID-19 shut the Canada-U.S. border down, but it was the speed with which leaders of historically friendly countries agreed to go their separate ways that left indelible scars. Under […]
Health agency reveals race-based data guideline as calls grow for nation-wide collection
In response to calls for better demographic data to understand health inequities and COVID-19, this week the Canadian Institute for Health Information is releasing an interim race data standard that public health agencies can use. Many advocates, though, are pushing for more than advice, saying the federal government has a leadership role to play to […]
