Parties clash over vaccine mandate, legislative priorities, and hybrid Parliament as House returns
The government does not want to “waste time” and will consider limiting debate on key legislation to get them passed ahead of the Christmas break, suggested Government House Leader Mark Holland, an approach the NDP says it is “open” to with bills New Democrats support. In a press conference on Nov. 22 outlining four Liberal […]
Now is the time for Parliament to take action on improving mental health care in Canada
With Parliament sitting next week for the first time since the summer election, the government is now seized with the important task of drafting their legislative agenda—and what better time to lay out key priorities around mental health care in Canada than in the Speech from the Throne? It is our belief that this minority […]
Ticket to inside: passes prepped as Hill vaccine mandate draws close
Hill passes are set to play a key role as advance efforts get underway by the House of Commons and Senate to confirm the vaccination status of staff, press gallery members, and MPs, with implementation of the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate for both Chambers set to come into effect on Nov. 22. The Senate has […]
Put legal wildlife trade on new Parliament’s agenda to prevent future pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concern about the increasing frequency and severity of infectious diseases, particularly those that arise from animals. The majority of emerging infectious diseases, including the ones with pandemic potential, originate in animals. Yet, human factors drive the risk of these diseases moving from animals to humans, sometimes with devastating consequences. Key […]
‘We’re at the crossroads’: MPs, experts hail timely creation of new mental health and addictions minister
With continued, concurrent public health emergencies—the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to appoint a new minister for mental health and addictions is a timely one, say MPs and experts, many of whom hope the change in cabinet will mean a change in approach from the federal government. “Mental health and substance […]
Conservatives at risk of jumping the shark
OTTAWA—Breaking news! No, it is not the supposed deal between the NDP and Liberals to sign a three-year parliamentary non-aggression pact. After lengthy weekend talks, Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu has convinced Green Bay Packers quarterback and medical savant Aaron Rodgers to join the newly formed Conservative Civil Liberties Caucus as a science adviser. Sources say […]
Canada’s writers emerge from pandemic poorer and with fewer rights
Unless you’re the billionaire owner of an online retail site, chances are you suffered during the last two years. Even those who were lucky enough to have and keep a full-time job during the pandemic could not escape the dramatic toll on mental health that came with the isolation, increased stress, and incessant worry. Now […]
Canada needs a collective strategy for post-pandemic economic growth—and we can’t afford to fail
We saw some rare good news stories on Canada’s Senate in past weeks following a report from 12 Senators on their extensive talks with economic and social policy experts and leaders on post-COVID economic recovery. Senators heard a broad consensus on the need for increased immigration, investment in national early learning and childcare programs, greater […]
A prescription for better health care
For the sake of Canada’s health care system, it is time for the federal government to get serious about national pharmacare. Yes, pharmacare. Here’s why. The U.S.-based Commonwealth Fund recently ranked Canada’s health care system second among eleven comparable countries—second to last, that is. Only the American health care system is worse. Even before the pandemic, Canada […]
PPS likely to have eyes on Hill vaccine mandate, with Senate leaders soon to meet
The Parliamentary Protective Service will likely be tasked with checking for proof of vaccination as part of the House of Commons’ new mandate, according to union heads, the details of which are still being ironed out as Senate leaders are soon to meet, with contemplation of a vaccination policy of their own on the agenda. […]
