Politics Briefing: Ottawa sending 140 million COVID-19 rapid tests to provinces, territories this month to fight the pandemic - The Globe and Mail | Canada News Media
The federal government says it will be sending 140 million rapid tests to the provinces and territories this month.
However, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that there will be no guidance on how the tests should be distributed.
During his first news conference of the year, Mr. Trudeau was repeatedly pressed on the issue given concerns around access to tests in various parts of Canada.
“Our job is to procure as many [tests] as we possibly can and get them to the provinces free of charge. They will make determinations around delivering them to people,” said the Prime Minister.
Mr. Trudeau said it’s clear that rapid testing is a tool for getting through the pandemic, and that certain jurisdictions such as Nova Scotia have made extensive use of rapid testing.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, attending the same news conference, said the 140 million adds up to one rapid test a week per person in Canada in January.
Before December, 2021, Mr. Duclos said the government delivered 85 million tests to provinces and territories, with 35 million tests delivered in December.
Reporter Colin Freeze recently looked at the supply crunch for rapid tests in a story here.
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TODAY’S HEADLINES
DAIRY MARKET RULING – The first dispute settlement panel struck under North America’s revised free-trade deal has ruled that Canada is violating the treaty and must change the way it grants preferential access to its heavily sheltered dairy market. Story here.
CENTRAL FIGURE IN KEY COURT RULING DIES – Delgamuukw, also known as Earl Muldon, died this week at the age of 85. Mr. Muldon was honored with the hereditary name in 1990, seven years before Delgamuukw v. British Columbia made its way to Canada’s highest court, leading to a ruling that defined the grounds for establishing Indigenous rights and title. Story here from The Northern Sentinel
DETAILS OF $40-BILLION AGREEMENT RELEASED – Details of agreements to settle cases of discrimination in the child welfare system for First Nations children have been released, with the federal government agreeing to pay $20-billion in compensation to First Nations children and $20-billion for long-term reform of the First Nations child welfare system under agreements-in-principle designed to settle a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case and separate class-action lawsuits. Story here.
RANKIN STEPS DOWN – Former Nova Scotia premier Iain Rankin says he will resign as leader of the provincial Liberals, less than five months after his party lost to the Progressive Conservatives and failed to win a third-consecutive mandate. Story here. In a statement here, Premier Tim Houston thanked Mr. Rankin for his service.
TRUDEAU `FRUSTRATED’ WITH PARTYING TRAVELLERS – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’s “extremely frustrated” with the actions of travellers – some apparently Quebec social-media influencers – on a Sunwing Airlines flight from Montreal to Cancun last month. The travellers were caught on video not wearing masks while in close proximity, singing and dancing in the aisle and on seats. “I can assure you that this is a situation that Transport Canada takes extremely seriously and we are definitely following up on that.” Story here.
PREMIER ACTS ON CABINET MINISTER OVER COVID-19 – Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says she replaced the province’s former infrastructure minister because of his comments on COVID-19 vaccines. Story here.
SOMALI REGION SEEKS CANADIAN RECOGNITION – Somali’s breakaway Somaliland region is asking Canada for international recognition and aid, saying it’s important for Western countries to support a functioning democracy that’s resisting China’s influence in the Horn of Africa. Story here.
SPECIAL ENVOY CRITICIZES BILL-21 – Canada’s special envoy on combatting antisemitism has sharply criticized as “discriminatory” Quebec’s Bill-21 law banning teachers and some other public-sector employees from wearing religious symbols at work. Story here.
THIS AND THAT
The House of Commons has adjourned until Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. ET.
DEPUTY DEFENCE MINISTER BECOMES PM INTELLIGENCE ADVISER – The deputy defence minister who participated in last month’s government apology to victims of harassment in the military has a new job. Jody Thomas is the new national security and intelligence adviser to the Prime Minister as of Jan. 11. Ms. Thomas, who has been deputy defence minister since 2017, is being replaced by Bill Matthews, the current deputy minister of public services and procurement. He was senior associate deputy deputy defence minister from 2017 until 2019. The shift was announced Wednesday as part of a series of changes to the senior ranks of the public service affecting 18 public servants. Details are here.
O’TOOLE WANTS TO MEET WITH CBC CRITIC – Official Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole said, on Twitter, he wants to meet with the author of the article here for her thoughts on “how to fix the CBC.” In a subsequent tweet, the Conservative Leader wrote, “Even long-time CBC employees know the state broadcaster model is broken and getting worse. I’ll start by cancelling the $675-million Trudeau increase and by reviewing its mandate for the digital age.”
PM-PREMIERS’ TALKS THIS WEEK – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will be convening a call with the premiers this week “to discuss how governments are working together to keep Canadians safe.” The issue came up in a Tuesday phone conversation between Mr. Trudeau and B.C. Premier John Horgan, chronicled in a readout released by the Prime Minister’s Office. The summary also says Mr. Horgan, also chair of the Council of the Federation, and Mr. Trudeau also talked about the impact of the Omicron variant, and the Canada Health Transfer – the federal transfer to provinces and territories that provides health care funding.
THE DECIBEL – On the latest edition of The Globe and Mail podcast, Globe science reporter Ivan Semeniuk talks about how scientists map the genomes of COVID-19 variants. The Decibel is here.
PRIME MINISTER’S DAY
In Ottawa, the Prime Minister participated in private meetings and addressed Canadians on the COVID-19 situation along with Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Theresa Tam, and deputy chief public health officer of Canada Howard Njoo.
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
In Toronto. Private meeting and the Deputy Prime Minister participated in a news conference with the Prime Minister, Health Minister and others on COVID-19.
LEADERS
No schedules released for party leaders.
OPINION
Andrew Coyne (The Globe and Mail)on the possible consequences of expected chaos in American democracy:”As the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2020, assault on the Capitol approaches, the warnings of where America might be headed have grown darker. The darkest forecasts seem too fantastical to be likely. But if the collapse of American democracy, or at least its degradation into an authoritarian semi-democracy, is not inevitable, neither is it impossible.”
Robyn Urback (The Globe and Mail) on the question of when we admit Canada’s heath care system isn’t working: ”This pandemic should prompt Canadians to reckon with the reality that our health care system isn’t working. Indeed, when a province of millions is brought to a virtual standstill by the prospect of a few hundred additional people in acute care beds, that fact is undeniable. The changes needed to meaningfully improve health care quality and access in Canada have to be substantial, and there are myriad models to consider and explore: the German universal multi-payer system, Japan’s national insurance program, Britain’s system whereby private providers operate alongside the public NHS, to name just a few.”
Daphne Bramham (The Vancouver Sun)on Canada’s China conundrum: “Canadians’ view of the increasingly autocratic and belligerent China has rarely been so negative. Yet, Canada has also never been so reliant on China for trade with both exports and imports rising well above 2019 levels in the first six months of 2021 despite the pandemic, the Cold War over the incarceration of the two Michaels and the unanimous parliamentary condemnation of China’s cultural genocide of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. One of Canada’s biggest challenges in the coming year will be finding a balance between altruism and economics that satisfies both Canadians and the Chinese Communist government.”
Thomas Mulcair (The Montreal Gazette)on possible twists in this year’s Quebec election:“The pandemic may well be behind us by the time next fall’s election rolls around and Legault’s numbers eventually are going to start coming back down to earth, as Bouchard’s did in 1998. There will be a time of reckoning for Quebec’s last-place pandemic performance, but other political questions will also become central to the campaign. Big social issues like affordable housing will be back on the front burner, a subject Québec solidaire will pound. People worried about climate change will see in Quebec’s greenhouse-gas numbers a reason for concern, and both the Liberals and QS will zero-in on that. Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade will do her best to talk about the economy, which remains fragile even if there are hopeful signs of recovery. Language will remain a big issue and an occasion for the Parti Québécois to chip away at Legault’s armour.”
Les Perreaux (Policy Options) on the debate over adaptation to the shifting climate rather than taking difficult steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions: “In reality, adapting to climate change may be nearly as difficult as trying to cut greenhouse gases. The two should go hand-in-hand. Much like the slow movement of global leaders to arrest and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it may be too late to do much of the difficult and expensive mitigation work that would reduce the impact of climate-related disasters. The frequency and cost of those disasters are already growing rapidly. Insured disaster losses in Canada more than quadrupled to $1.9 billion per year in the 10-year period ending in 2018, compared with the previous 10-year period. Annual average federal payouts hit $427 million in the 10-year period ending in 2015, up from $303 million in the previous 10-year period and $56 million before 1994.”
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Moe is set to speak in the city of Yorkton about affordability measures this morning before travelling to the nearby village of Theodore for an event with the local Saskatchewan Party candidate.
NDP Leader Carla Beck doesn’t have any events scheduled, though several party candidates are to hold press conferences.
On Thursday, Moe promised a directive banning “biological boys” from using school changing rooms with “biological girls” if re-elected.
The NDP said the Saskatchewan Party was punching down on vulnerable children.
Election day is Oct. 28.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2024.
REGINA – Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe is promising a directive banning “biological boys” from using school changing rooms with “biological girls” if re-elected, a move the NDP’s Carla Beck says weaponizes vulnerable kids.
Moe made the pledge Thursday at a campaign stop in Regina. He said it was in response to a complaint that two biological males had changed for gym class with girls at a school in southeast Saskatchewan.
He said the ban would be his first order of business if he’s voted again as premier on Oct. 28.
It was not previously included in his party’s campaign platform document.
“I’ll be very clear, there will be a directive that would come from the minister of education that would say that biological boys will not be in the change room with biological girls,” Moe said.
He added school divisions should already have change room policies, but a provincial directive would ensure all have the rule in place.
Asked about the rights of gender-diverse youth, Moe said other children also have rights.
“What about the rights of all the other girls that are changing in that very change room? They have rights as well,” he said, followed by cheers and claps.
The complaint was made at a school with the Prairie Valley School Division. The division said in a statement it doesn’t comment on specific situations that could jeopardize student privacy and safety.
“We believe all students should have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and welcoming learning environment,” it said.
“Our policies and procedures align with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.”
Asked about Moe’s proposal, Beck said it would make vulnerable kids more vulnerable.
Moe is desperate to stoke fear and division after having a bad night during Wednesday’s televised leaders’ debate, she said.
“Saskatchewan people, when we’re at our best, are people that come together and deliver results, not divisive, ugly politics like we’ve seen time and again from Scott Moe and the Sask. Party,” Beck said.
“If you see leaders holding so much power choosing to punch down on vulnerable kids, that tells you everything you need to know about them.”
Beck said voters have more pressing education issues on their minds, including the need for smaller classrooms, more teaching staff and increased supports for students.
People also want better health care and to be able to afford gas and groceries, she added.
“We don’t have to agree to understand Saskatchewan people deserve better,” Beck said.
The Saskatchewan Party government passed legislation last year that requires parents consent to children under 16 using different names or pronouns at school.
The law has faced backlash from some LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue it violates Charter rights and could cause teachers to out or misgender children.
Beck has said if elected her party would repeal that legislation.
Heather Kuttai, a former commissioner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission who resigned last year in protest of the law, said Moe is trying to sway right-wing voters.
She said a change room directive would put more pressure on teachers who already don’t have enough educational support.
“It sounds like desperation to me,” she said.
“It sounds like Scott Moe is nervous about the election and is turning to homophobic and transphobic rhetoric to appeal to far-right voters.
“It’s divisive politics, which is a shame.”
She said she worries about the future of gender-affirming care in a province that once led in human rights.
“We’re the kind of people who dig each other out of snowbanks and not spew hatred about each other,” she said. “At least that’s what I want to still believe.”
Also Thursday, two former Saskatchewan Party government members announced they’re endorsing Beck — Mark Docherty, who retired last year and was a Speaker, and Glen Hart, who retired in 2020.
Ian Hanna, a speech writer and senior political adviser to former Saskatchewan Party premier Brad Wall, also endorsed Beck.
Earlier in the campaign, Beck received support from former Speaker Randy Weekes, who quit the Saskatchewan Party earlier this year after accusing caucus members of bullying.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
REGINA – Saskatchewan‘s provincial election is on Oct. 28. Here’s a look at some of the campaign promises made by the two major parties:
Saskatchewan Party
— Continue withholding federal carbon levy payments to Ottawa on natural gas until the end of 2025.
— Reduce personal income tax rates over four years; a family of four would save $3,400.
— Double the Active Families Benefit to $300 per child per year and the benefit for children with disabilities to $400 a year.
— Direct all school divisions to ban “biological boys” from girls’ change rooms in schools.
— Increase the First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit to $15,000 from $10,000.
— Reintroduce the Home Renovation Tax Credit, allowing homeowners to claim up to $4,000 in renovation costs on their income taxes; seniors could claim up to $5,000.
— Extend coverage for insulin pumps and diabetes supplies to seniors and young adults
— Provide a 50 per cent refundable tax credit — up to $10,000 — to help cover the cost of a first fertility treatment.
— Hire 100 new municipal officers and 70 more officers with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service.
— Amend legislation to provide police with more authority to address intoxication, vandalism and disturbances on public property.
— Platform cost of $1.2 billion, with deficits in the first three years and a small surplus in 2027.
—
NDP
— Pause the 15-cent-a-litre gas tax for six months, saving an average family about $350.
— Remove the provincial sales tax from children’s clothes and ready-to-eat grocery items like rotisserie chickens and granola bars.
— Pass legislation to limit how often and how much landlords can raise rent.
— Repeal the law that requires parental consent when children under 16 want to change their names or pronouns at school.
— Launch a provincewide school nutrition program.
— Build more schools and reduce classroom sizes.
— Hire 800 front-line health-care workers in areas most in need.
— Launch an accountability commission to investigate cost overruns for government projects.
— Scrap the marshals service.
— Hire 100 Mounties and expand detox services.
— Platform cost of $3.5 billion, with small deficits in the first three years and a small surplus in the fourth year.
—
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct .17, 2024.
