MPs press feds to cut ‘red tape,’ and permit visa-free travel for Ukrainians fleeing conflict
During a Monday evening take-note debate in the House of Commons, MPs from all opposition parties pressed the government on its unwillingness to remove visa requirements for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, with some Liberal MPs signalling support for lifting restrictions. The federal government has said it is made existing immigration pathways easier, but stopped short […]
Alarms still ringing: interpreters continue to face challenges in hybrid Parliament, putting limited workforce at risk
With a workforce in short supply, interpreters supporting Parliament continue to face challenges amid virtual proceedings, and unless more is done to address identified issues and prevent a further dwindling of available interpreters, it could lead to a “critical problem” for Canada’s bilingual Parliament, says Canadian Association of Professional Employees national president Greg Phillips. “They’re […]
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Canada to send anti-tank weapons, ammunition to Ukraine as critics accuse Ottawa of delays to lethal aid
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada will send anti-tank weapons systems and upgraded ammunition to Ukraine to help the country continue its “heroic defence” against a well-armed Russian military. During the afternoon announcement of further sanctions and aid, Defence Minister Anita Anand (Oakville, Ont.) said Canada is working to deliver shipments of at least 100 […]
Sloly’s departure as Ottawa police chief leaves some officers in ‘fear’: Fleury
At an explosive Ottawa City Council meeting on Feb. 16, Ottawa City Councillor Mathieu Fleury said he had heard from members of the Ottawa Police Services who were “fearful” in the wake of Peter Sloly’s resignation as chief of police, signalling a potential divide within the service. At the meeting, Fleury said officers who had […]
The discontented COVID-protection protesters: who are they?
They occupied Ottawa for weeks and established blockades at the Canada-U.S. border. At the genesis of the “Freedom Convoy 2022,” the message appeared to be truckers opposed to the vaccine mandate, Canada—and the United States—imposed in order for their crossing the border. But on the first full day of the Jan. 29 demonstration in the […]
Conspiracy theories and disinformation in Canadian politics amped up after ‘Freedom Convoy’
While watching MPs debate the “Freedom Convoy” and whether to support the now-revoked Emergencies Act, Canadians might be forgiven for thinking politicians were playing a game of two truths and a lie. Misinformation—false information that is accidentally spread—and disinformation—false information that is spread with intent to deceive—have both been key characteristics of the convoy protest […]
Canada should follow U.S. lead with supply chain czar, say exporters
A supply chain crisis across a transportation sector as diverse as Canada’s needs a dedicated supply chain commissioner with “the power to convene” sector leaders, according to a representative of a coalition of agriculture organizations and exporters. To address Canada’s supply chain crisis, the federal government announced plans to develop a supply chain task force, […]
Charest won’t be intimidated by ‘spin’ that Harper’s opposed to his potential leadership bid, says top strategist Coates
Some Conservative sources telling reporters that Stephen Harper is against Jean Charest’s potential candidacy for the Conservative Party’s top job is “spin” and a scare tactic to intimidate the former Quebec premier from entering the leadership election, says a top strategist for Charest’s potential leadership bid. “I don’t believe it,” said Michael Coates, co-founder and […]
Critics question Freeland’s claim Trans Mountain pipeline project commercially viable
Despite Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s announcement last week that the federal government would spend “no additional public money” on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, supporters and opponents of the deeply divisive project both say it is unlikely Ottawa can sell the pipeline without providing some kind of financial backstop to potential buyers. Freeland’s statement came […]
