Hill security racial profiling complaint highlights need for training, systemic change, say Senators, former MP
The Parliamentary Protective Service needs frequent and mandatory sensitivity training, says one Senator following NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq’s powerful farewell speech, in which the Nunavut MP revealed feeling unsafe while on the Hill and targeted by its security. “There’s a strong need for more training around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion as strategies to […]
Liberal MP Sidhu’s law gives health minister one year to create diabetes framework
The federal government has one year to talk with the provinces and come up with a plan for addressing diabetes, a disease affecting millions of Canadians, thanks to the passage of a private member’s bill drawn up by Liberal MP Sonia Sidhu. Ms. Sidhu’s (Brampton South) bill was one of a handful of private member’s […]
Liberals’ climate bill has passed, now the hard work begins
The last-minute passage of the federal government’s climate change targets bill last week has started a countdown for Canada’s government, which must produce a plan for what Alberta Senator Doug Black says will be a restructuring of the national economy. The government will release a plan for reaching its first greenhouse gas reduction target in […]
‘They haven’t got a competitor who’s even remotely close’: Liberals on track to win majority in expected September election, but still a few wild cards
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on track to win a third mandate and form his second Liberal majority government if he triggers a federal election, according to June polling numbers. An Ipsos online and telephone poll of 1,501 Canadians conducted for Global News found the Liberals holding first position, month-to-month, with the support of 38 […]
BOIE approves $1.7-million pilot project to give MPs new funds for staff skills training
The House of Commons’ Board of Internal Economy recently green-lit a one-year pilot project giving every MP an extra $5,000 to specifically fund professional development and training for their staff, at a total cost of just under $1.7-million. MPs quickly agreed on the skills development pilot project during a June 28 meeting of the Board of […]
Parliamentarians call for audit of personal, financial connections Hong Kong officials may have in Canada
Just days before the one-year mark since China implemented a national security law for Hong Kong, a group of 20 Parliamentarians wrote Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau asking the government to audit the financial and personal connections that Hong Kong officials have in Canada. The letter, dated June 22, described the continued crackdown on the […]
Canada Day a cause for reflection, redoubling reconciliation efforts, say MPs, Senators
As more gravesites are found near former residential schools, some MPs say this Canada Day is a time for reflection and to redouble demands on the federal government to take meaningful action towards reconciliation. “The federal government needs to stop with the ‘words of concern’ and actually get to work and do some of the […]
Political calendar could push start of Canada-U.K. trade talks to 2022
With new parliamentary tabling requirements and the possibility of an upcoming election, negotiations for a more comprehensive Canada-United Kingdom free trade agreement could be pushed to next year. When the two countries agreed to the Canada-U.K. Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) in late 2020, they pledged to begin negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal in 2021. […]
Opioid misinformation is out there and the government can do something about it, experts say
Opioid misinformation runs the gamut, from a lack of clarity around illicit usage to fear around medically prescribed opioids, but experts say the federal government can do more to tackle these myths, including by helping facilitate a guideline for prescribing opioids and exploring decriminalization. The latest 2020 figures on the opioid epidemic indicate that 6,214 […]
One year into new North American trading pact, Canada has returned to ‘good old days’ of trade disputes
After a year with the new NAFTA in place, Canada has returned to stability in its North American trading relationship, but historic disputes continue, say analysts. Gone are the threats for the North American trade deal to be withdrawn, but in its place remain long-standing disputes over Buy American provisions, softwood lumber, and access to […]
