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 […]
Second COVID wave, vaccine issues rapidly unwinding any and all political assumptions
OTTAWA—Politically, everything we have surmised about the impact of COVID-19 is no longer applicable. Last year, the tragedy of the pandemic assumed a fairly linear political narrative. For Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, this revolved around his government’s unprecedented rollout of financial aid to keep the economy on life support and help millions of individuals—plus the […]
Get ready for a dose of vaccine populism
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Populist politician Donald Trump may no longer be in power, but that doesn’t mean populist tactics will suddenly become unfashionable. Like it or not, populism is to politics what fighting is to hockey—the two just naturally go together. Indeed, even the COVID vaccine rollout, currently in its initial stages, could very well trigger a […]
Payette resigns after report found toxic work environment at Rideau Hall
OTTAWA—To sack or not to sack, that is the question. Three current cases, two federal and one provincial, give us some insight into differing approaches to a firing offence. Conservative Member of Parliament Derek Sloan was tossed out by a majority vote of caucus, allegedly for accepting a donation from a white supremacist. His toxic […]
