TRIPS waiver prioritizes the well-being of all people everywhere at a critical time
Given the rapid, global spread of COVID-19, a virus that started a world away in Wuhan, China, one cannot deny the interconnectedness of the world. The entire world is in a health crisis, and no country has been spared from the rages of the pandemic. Such exceptional circumstances call for extraordinary measures by all countries—big […]
Parliamentary privilege at issue as MPs seek documents on Winnipeg lab firings
With MPs growing increasingly frustrated over not receiving requested documents, a fight over parliamentary privilege is brewing with the Special House Committee on Canada-China Relations and Conservative Party demanding documents about the firing of two scientists. Throughout the 43rd Parliament, House committees have requested unredacted documents from the government, but in turn the executive has […]
More than a game: hockey fans in stands offer post-pandemic hope
OTTAWA—The healing and hope that sport provides was on full display over the last week. In both Montreal and Toronto, people, in small numbers, got to watch the Stanley Cup playoff series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs in person. Elsewhere, column miles are being laid down extolling the failure of the […]
Global challenges require global cooperation
The challenges that beset us today are enormous in scale and scope. From the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change, the interdependence of nations and peoples around the globe is evident. Out-of-control forest fires in one country affect the air quality in others, and outbreaks of disease in one region quickly spread across borders. We need […]
Forty-third Parliament of Canada, I hardly knew ya!
OTTAWA—Barring unanimous consent to extend the number of sitting days, the House of Commons is scheduled to rise on June 23, and I truly hope I am not the bearer of either bad or surprising news here, but they ain’t coming back. I’m talking gone, au revoir, adios, tail-lights in the rear-view mirror. I’m talking […]
AG finds half of First Nation requests for extra nurses, paramedics not met amid COVID-19
During COVID-19, Indigenous Services Canada could not fulfill 52 per cent of requests for more nursing and paramedic support in Indigenous communities, according to a new federal audit. Between March 2020 and March 2021, ISC fielded 963 requests for extra contract nurses and paramedics to help communities respond to COVID-19, but was unable to meet […]
Canada should support waiving COVID vaccine patents and press the EU to follow suit
Weeks after the United States signalled support for waiving intellectual property protections on COVID-19 vaccines, it’s very unfortunate that the Canadian government has not yet followed suit. On May 5, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the White House’s position, a move that came after months of pressure from activists and progressive politicians who encouraged […]
Building and maintaining mental health resilience throughout the pandemic and beyond
Over the past year, our Parliament has responded to the pandemic by adopting a hybrid approach to carrying out its work. As a result, Canadians have seen their MPs day in and day out, either in the Chamber or via video. To some, it might just seem like a slightly different way of operating, like […]
Mental health support for post-secondary students has never been more critical
The creativity, perseverance, and achievement of students, faculty, and staff at universities across the country have been inspiring in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic has illuminated cracks in the foundations of many institutions that support our society. It has shone light on the pressure points—the bruises and hidden […]
Alleged assassin needs to be sent back to Bangladesh, says new envoy
The immigration status of a man who has been convicted for his role in the 1975 Bangladesh coup is the most important issue to resolve to improve ties with Canada, says the new Bangladeshi high commissioner. Nur Chowdhury was convicted in absentia in Bangladesh for taking part in the coup that led to the killing […]
