‘It’s getting worse, we’re going backwards’: Ontario MPs say constituents confused, frustrated, angry with vaccine supply issues, and partisan ‘finger-pointing’ as COVID cases skyrocket
Canada’s most populous province is facing an increasingly uphill battle in reining in the pandemic with new cases of COVID-19 hitting all-time highs last week, intensive-care units stretched to capacity, and what a number of Ontario MPs describe as confusion, frustration, and anger with the vaccine rollout among their constituents. Ontario recorded 4,250 new COVID-19 […]
The ‘natural order of things’ is ruining it for the rest of us
OTTAWA—Who put white men in charge? Oh yes, patriarchy (by way of white supremacy). White men are screwing up and their responses to the pandemic are examples of how Canada’s socioeconomic, patriarchal framework ensures that white men end up in leadership positions without the requisite merit the rest of us are subject to. The illusion […]
This time, can we skip the fear-mongering?
I have worked in First Nations government and leadership for more than three decades. In that time, I have heard countless predictions of economic catastrophe at even a hint of progress toward recognizing and upholding First Nations’ rights. The fact that these predications never come true doesn’t prevent them from being recycled on a regular […]
Finding proper leadership is only a matter of time
OTTAWA—The repetitious routine that has become the pandemic norm gives one the false sense that society has been put on hold. However, one need only contrast where we were just four months ago to get a sense of how quickly public sentiment can change. Back in late November 2020, after more than eight months of […]
Ford’s critiques of federal vaccine procurement rebutted by Minister Anand
In response to a condemnation of vaccine procurement by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Public Services and Procurement Minister Anita Anand fired back. Mr. Ford called the current vaccine acquirement efforts “a joke” on March 26, pointing to federal procurement processes as the root cause of shortages at the municipal level. He further said they lack […]
In majority ruling, top court rules feds’ carbon-pricing scheme constitutional
The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in a 6-3 majority decision that the feds’ national carbon price is on solid constitutional footing, settling the legal debate that has consumed discussions on climate policy. Chief Justice Richard Wagner found in his decision written for the majority that the government’s effort to set minimum national standards […]
Liberals have a strong story to sell, but weak delivery—starting at the top
CHELSEA, QUE.—Fabulous news last week, from Statistics Canada of all places: national household income increased over the course of the last pandemic-ridden year, with largest gains going to the lowest income earners and the young. And, this happy outcome is largely due to generous and prompt federal relief programs like CERB (Canada Emergency Relief Benefit), […]
Provinces should knock off the Oliver Twist act when it comes to health care
Provincial premiers have united to play the part of victims of a malignant federal partner as they appeal through the press for a bigger annual health transfer. “If the federal [government] doesn’t increase the transfer, there’s a risk provinces and territories won’t be able to pay for all the services their populations need. At the […]
Cross-country COVID response too easily swayed by political winds of change
CALGARY—The Weeknd walking deliriously through a candescent, mirrored hallway in his Superbowl halftime performance is a metaphor for Canada’s COVID response. The incompetence delivered as a train wreck is breathtaking and frankly, globally embarrassing, yet easy to see coming. This week, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario are lifting COVID-19 restrictions, which will only be reversed in […]
Pleas to U.S. to share vaccine supplies with Canada unlikely to ‘resonate’ in short term, say lobby groups
Ottawa could have luck down the line appealing to the United States to share some coronavirus vaccine doses with Canada, but as a short-term fix, it’s unlikely with little evidence the U.S. has a “surplus” to go around, say some lobby groups and health experts. The reality is that production capacity “is tight everywhere and […]
