Invest in charities, non-profits for an equitable recovery that works for everyone
As the vaccine rollout gathers steam, the long-awaited economic rebuild is finally around the corner. But what form will economic recovery take? Will we return to the status quo or will we put people first by implementing economic reforms to correct the systemic inequalities so glaringly showcased by the wrath of COVID-19? The pandemic laid […]
Scathing audit highlights PHAC failures
The federal government’s failure to prepare for the gravest public health crisis in a century is something that should concern every Canadian. Recently released audit reports reveal a litany of errors and omissions by PHAC that led to a profound inability to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most alarming, this happened despite decades of […]
Learning from the mental health challenges of the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to concerns about potential mental health impacts globally. In Canada, various interventions have been implemented by the federal government intending to mitigate these repercussions. Now a year later, we can reflect on what has been seen, done, and what can be learned to better inform future policy. Several dire predictions made by […]
Health Policy Briefing
Ottawa should use its budget to promote equality, green transition
On April 19, the federal government will introduce its much-anticipated budget. Its first priorities are dealing with the pandemic and reviving the economy. But beyond this, its use of a projected budgetary stimulus of $70- to $100-billion should be directed at promoting a more equal and green post-pandemic economy—objectives the government itself embraces. Prime Minister […]
Trudeau says eight million more Pfizer shots to arrive starting May, as Moderna halves April deliveries
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday assured Canadians that Pfizer is offering “reliable” weekly deliveries as he unveiled ramped-up shipment rates starting May amid a concerning Moderna halt on half its deliveries as the country reckons with an escalating third wave. Canada has purchased an extra eight million doses from Pfizer to flow over the […]
Feds likely to be drawn into talks on standardizing use of vaccine passports, despite reticence to wade in
The Trudeau government may be intent on leaving it up to premiers to decide whether to implement systems for tracking proof of vaccination, but some experts say that’s easier said than done. The debate raging over the adoption of vaccine passports domestically as a means of encouraging people engage in pre-pandemic activities is fraught with […]
Feds target 90,000 temporary workers, international students for permanent residency this year
Beginning next month, the federal government says it will start accepting applications from temporary foreign workers and graduated international students to fill a targeted 90,000 permanent resident spots. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino (Eglinton-Lawrence, Ont.) unveiled the new program Wednesday, designed to support the feds’ goal of integrating 401,000 permanent residents into Canada this year, during […]
It’s time to deliver on infrastructure investments
Whether by commuting to work, connecting to the internet at home, or sending their children to school, Canadians rely on infrastructure built by Canada’s construction sector. Governments past and present have invested in multi-billion-dollar infrastructure programs, because they improve the lives of all Canadians and stimulate the economy. Investing in infrastructure creates immediate employment opportunities, […]
Protocol became ‘even more important’ in a world of virtual diplomacy, says Canada’s chief
In a post typically full of diplomatic meetings and state visits, Canada’s chief of protocol had to find out how to keep the world of protocol afloat. For Stewart Wheeler, his work went from one week celebrating a national day at an embassy with elbow bumps to having all state visits and international summits come […]
