Introduction of electronic, remote voting not called for yet, but should be re-examined by House committee, say some MPs
Physical-distancing measures aimed at dampening COVID-19’s spread are keeping Members of Parliament away from the House of Commons, and while MPs who spoke with The Hill Times say they’re fine with arrangements so far, some think the House should reconsider whether to introduce remote and electronic voting down the road. “I would like to see […]
Does the coronavirus contain a silver lining?
In a 2012 Huffington Post column (“What 2012 can learn from 2011”)—thought by many at the time to be the year of the apocalypse—I observed that it might instead prove to be the year of a global awakening. A positive turning point in history when a critical mass of citizens, confronted by global challenges and […]
We need proper documentation in these extraordinary times, says Canada’s information commissioner
OTTAWA—In these extraordinary times, it is understandable that our collective focus as a society is on existential matters of public health and security. We all acknowledge the need for our leaders and decision-makers to be able to react quickly to events and make timely decisions in the best interests of Canadians. In such circumstances, access […]
Lobbyists clamour to get voices heard on COVID-19
Lobbying groups lining up to influence federal decisions on Canada’s COVID-19 response are vying to ensure that their sector’s concerns are reflected, with some warning that they may fall through the cracks even as they say Ottawa has made time for consultations. Beyond particularly hard-hit industries such as the airline and tourism sectors, there are […]
Ralph Goodale tapped as special adviser on Flight 752 downing
Former Liberal cabinet minister Ralph Goodale is being brought back into the fold as the new special adviser for the federal government’s response to the downing of Flight 752. The Ukrainian commercial airline flight was shot down by Iranian authorities on Jan. 8 shortly after its takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 on board, including […]
Turning away asylum seekers is turning back on most vulnerable in global time of need
Nearly two weeks ago, on March 20, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a major departure from his government’s stance on people who cross the Canada-U.S. border irregularly—they’re no longer welcome, in the age of the novel coronavirus. The issue of asylum seekers who made their way into Canada on foot outside of the regular border […]
Wage subsidies ‘critical,’ a ‘lifeline’ for businesses to survive pandemic, says Chamber of Commerce president
The federal government’s increased wage subsidy announcement was “critical” if small- and medium-sized businesses are going to come out alive on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic, say business leaders. “It’s a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses that employ millions of Canadians,” said Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of […]
Safety nets were chopped and now we’re screwed trying to respond to the ‘equal opportunity virus’
OTTAWA—The entire Western world was feelin’ itself until the novel coronavirus hit. Now, we’ve been humbled like Justin Trudeau on his blackface apology tour. Every time I type the name of this pandemic, all I can hear is Cardi B’s coronavirus rant on Instagram that has been chopped and screwed into a remix that’s blazing […]
Mental health a ‘missing piece’ in feds’ COVID-19 response, say critics, advocates
As the government rapidly responds to the immediate health and economic needs of Canadians affected by COVID-19, more than two weeks after the country adopted strict isolation measures, advocates say now is the time to address the mental health toll more are likely to face. At least one organization said they expect an announcement “imminently,” […]
Feds to spend $2-billion to scale up production of medical supplies, equipment, as it braces for anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases
The federal government is spending $2-billion to purchase bulk personal protective equipment to help provinces in the fight against COVID-19, says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tuesday, as Ottawa announces finalized agreements with three Canadian companies. “We need a sustainable and stable supply of these products, and that means making them at home, and we’re optimistic […]
