nationalobserver--2020-04-28--COVID-19 should steer us away from jails and towards restorative justice

Trapped in our new realities , we hope that on the other side of this pandemic , we will see fundamental changes to our socio-economic structures and to how we value human life and work .
We hope that our governments will implement significant policy changes , lessons of Covid-19 .
But we also know that , on many fronts , that hope is merely an illusion , a shimmery silver thread that glimmers far away in the darkness and is gone when daylight or normalcy returns .
One of these illusions relates to prisons and our notion of punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is urgent , but the likelihood a mere fantasy .
Canada has been sorely reticent in addressing the threat of Covid-19 in our jails , let alone use it as a platform for long-term change .
Just one single case of Covid-19 in a prison is akin to throwing a torch at the problem .
The illness will , already has , spread like wildfire , endangering inmates and staff alike .
There are short-term steps that can be taken now to alleviate the threat of Covid-19 to inmates .
Depopulating prisons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by our provincial and federal governments , will help in more immediately , but is not the transformative , long-term shift that we need in our criminal justice system .
Depopulate prisons now , but then use the opportunity to think about how we can build a more effective , humane , rehabilitative system of “ punishment , ” one which is more healing to offenders AND to victims .
`` Just one single case of Covid-19 in a prison is akin to throwing a torch at the problem .
The illness will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , endangering inmates and staff alike . ''
But how do we transform a beast that has been integrated into our notion of justice for centuries ?
The good news is that , with or without Covid-19 , there has always been an alternative to jails .
Restorative justice has been proven to improve rehabilitation , reduce recidivism , instill accountability , and provide greater healing to victims .
Restorative justice brings together the offender , the victim , and their supporters with highly trained professional facilitators for meetings .
Participants share stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an appropriate resolution .
Restorative justice has been used for centuries among Indigenous peoples .
It has proven effective not only in simple cases of assault and theft , but also in serious cases , such as drunk driving , home invasion , and sexual assault .
At its core , restorative justice is about healing and helping those involved in the criminal justice system .
But its other invaluable benefit is that it breaks our addiction to jails , giving us the ability to reduce , drastically , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisons .
And that , in turn , will mean that during a pandemic or other national emergency , we will be in a better position to protect inmates , staff , and the public .
It ’ s win-win-win , and it ’ s been staring us in the face for decades .

Trapped in our new realities, we hope that on the other side of this pandemic, we will see fundamental changes to our socio-economic structures and to how we value human life and work.
We hope that our governments will implement significant policy changes, lessons of Covid-19. But we also know that, on many fronts, that hope is merely an illusion, a shimmery silver thread that glimmers far away in the darkness and is gone when daylight or normalcy returns.
One of these illusions relates to prisons and our notion of punishment, where the need for transformative change is urgent, but the likelihood a mere fantasy. Canada has been sorely reticent in addressing the threat of Covid-19 in our jails, let alone use it as a platform for long-term change.
Weeks ago, other countries began the release of prisoners in an attempt to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in jails. But Canada has only recently taken timid steps, while the virus mercilessly spreads among prisoners and correctional officers across the country, even closing down a Brampton jail as of April 20, with the inmates all being transferred to the already beleaguered Toronto South Detention Centre, a prison that has been widely criticized for its inhumane conditions and treatment of inmates, with one judge describing the situation as the state engaging in a “deliberate form of misconduct.”
Canada’s approximately 39,000 prisoners are already living in difficult conditions, for the most part: over-crowding, insufficient access to medical, rehabilitative, and mental health resources, little to no access to family, and constant lock-downs are daily realities for many inmates. Now add under-staffing, the fact that half the population suffers from mental illnesses, many have been abused or lived through trauma, and that Indigenous peoples and the poor are over-represented in our prisons, and you have a noxious cocktail that simply cannot satisfy the objectives of sentencing: rehabilitation, reintegration, and reparation.


nationalobserver--2020-04-28--'Namgis elder's death heightens concern in First Nations island communities

The shutdown of First Nations communities is more crucial than ever with the sad news that an Indigenous elder from another island has died from COVID-19 , says a Quadra Island , B.C.
, council member .
“ My first thought was real sadness to hear this , ” We Wai Kai Councillor Ted Lewis said .
“ It hurts all First Nations to hear this .
Quite a few members have family up there , lots of people are related to that community.
” The woman who died Friday was from the ‘ Namgis First Nation on Cormorant Island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vancouver Island ’ s east coast .
The elder was the first person to die of COVID-19 from an Indigenous community in British Columbia .
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats The ‘ Namgis First Nation and the village of Alert Bay has renewed a state of emergency until May 1 to deal with the ongoing outbreak of the virus on the island .
Local physician Dr. Dan Cutfeet posted a video update on Facebook Friday , saying everyone was thinking of her family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death .
“ These are challenging times and I think everybody is tired , and ready for their old lives to resume , ” Cutfeet said .
The doctor thanked the community for all its hard work around physical distancing and social isolation , before urging any residents with any virus symptoms , no matter how slight , to seek testing .
A mural of a young woman located on a wall in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island .
A ‘ Namgis elder from the community died of COVID-19 on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a B.C .
First Nations community .
File photo : Rochelle Baker Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also offered her condolences to the elder ’ s family and community on Saturday .
“ It ’ s just reinforced , in my mind , that we ’ ve got an invisible enemy and that our village must stay on guard and keep doing what we ’ re doing , '' Quadra Island We Wai Kai councillor Ted Lewis on his nation 's reserve lockdown with the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
It ’ s a tragedy for all of us .
Our elders , in particular in our First Nations communities , are culture and history keepers , ” Henry said .
“ When they become ill and they die , we all lose , and I want you to know that we feel that collective loss today .
“ My thoughts are with her family and her entire community , as I recognize the tragic impact this has on all of them.
” Lewis said the elder ’ s death highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus .
“ It shows the fact that we ’ re all vulnerable , and there ’ s no getting away from this thing , ” he said .
“ It ’ s just reinforced , in my mind , that we ’ ve got an invisible enemy and that our village must stay on guard and keep doing what we ’ re doing.
” The We Wai Kai Nation reserve members live either in Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island , or on the Quinsam Reserve adjacent to Campbell River on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Quinsam have closed or limited road access to its communities and reserve lands for non-residents during the pandemic , said Lewis , who noted many of the nation ’ s elders most at risk from the virus are concentrated in Cape Mudge .
“ Elders make up 75 to 80 per cent of the village , ” he said , adding the community must be extra cautious .
The We Wai Kai have posted signs on roads leading into the village asking people who do n't live there not to use them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ islanders have been respectful of the We Wai Kai request and are avoiding the village , he said .
However , some people are still parking along Green Road , north of the village , and accessing the nearby beach , Lewis said .
The community has erected concrete barriers to deter drivers from parking there , but some are ignoring them , he added .
Aside from the increased risk to Cape Mudge during the pandemic , parking along the narrow road is an ongoing traffic hazard , Lewis said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 60-70 km and a deer jumps out in front of you , you ’ ve got no place to swerve to miss it because there are cars parked there.
” The community also has huge concerns about the persistent problem of people violating the beach fire ban , he added .
Merci Brown , We Wai Kai director of lands and natural resources , said village residents regularly contact her in the middle of the night during the summer wildfire season .
“ Every time they see a fire or smoke from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and understandably so .
I would be too , ” Brown said .
“ They are terrified a fire will escalate and put them at risk.
” Merci Brown said most Quadra Island residents are respecting We Wai Kai requests to avoid the nation 's reserve land and communities during the pandemic , but an ongoing problem with beach fires near Cape Mudge Village puts the community at risk , especially during summer .
Photo : courtesy of We Wai Kai nation .
Littering and encampments are also problems along the beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents as a whole want what ’ s best for the community , it ’ s just a few people who ruin it for everybody else , '' she added .
We Wai Kai is also asking residents not to enter reserve land or the campground that ’ s adjacent to Rebecca Spit provincial park , which is also closed to the public as a COVID-19 measure , Brown said .
The Quinsam community has also blocked access to the reserve on Nursery Road , leaving only the Willis Road access open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on visitors to the reserves are temporary and will be eased as the health crisis abates , Brown said .
Lewis agreed , adding the We Wai Kai Nation has a good relationship with Quadra Island residents and visitors and will welcome them again in the future .
“ We want people to come see us in the village and visit our cultural centre.
” Lots of visitors also stay at the We Wai Kai campground annually , as well as the Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge and RV Park , which is currently closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , Lewis doesn ’ t think restricted access to the First Nation 's communities , particularly Cape Mudge Village , will be ending any time soon .
“ It ’ s a long-term fight , and we just can ’ t let up , ” he said .

The shutdown of First Nations communities is more crucial than ever with the sad news that an Indigenous elder from another island has died from COVID-19, says a Quadra Island, B.C., council member. “My first thought was real sadness to hear this,” We Wai Kai Councillor Ted Lewis said. “It hurts all First Nations to hear this. Quite a few members have family up there, lots of people are related to that community.” The woman who died Friday was from the ‘Namgis First Nation on Cormorant Island, located north of Quadra and off Vancouver Island’s east coast. The elder was the first person to die of COVID-19 from an Indigenous community in British Columbia.
The ‘Namgis First Nation and the village of Alert Bay has renewed a state of emergency until May 1 to deal with the ongoing outbreak of the virus on the island. Local physician Dr. Dan Cutfeet posted a video update on Facebook Friday, saying everyone was thinking of her family and friends and offering prayers upon the woman’s death. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “These are challenging times and I think everybody is tired, and ready for their old lives to resume,” Cutfeet said.
The doctor thanked the community for all its hard work around physical distancing and social isolation, before urging any residents with any virus symptoms, no matter how slight, to seek testing. “It’s just reinforced, in my mind, that we’ve got an invisible enemy and that our village must stay on guard and keep doing what we’re doing," Quadra Island We Wai Kai councillor Ted Lewis on his nation's reserve lockdown with the COVID-19 pandemic. A mural of a young woman located on a wall in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. A ‘Namgis elder from the community died of COVID-19 on Friday. She was the first COVID-19 fatality in a B.C. First Nations community. File photo: Rochelle Baker Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also offered her condolences to the elder’s family and community on Saturday. “This is a tragedy that’s beyond just us. It’s a tragedy for all of us. Our elders, in particular in our First Nations communities, are culture and history keepers,” Henry said.
“When they become ill and they die, we all lose, and I want you to know that we feel that collective loss today. “My thoughts are with her family and her entire community, as I recognize the tragic impact this has on all of them.” Lewis said the elder’s death highlights that no community is immune to the novel coronavirus.


nationalobserver--2020-04-28--LGBTQ people more at risk in COVID-19 crisis?

Researchers at the University of Toronto are rapidly trying to educate health-care workers about the barriers LGBTQ people face to accessing care during the COVID-19 crisis .
The research group had already been developing a curriculum to address inequities in the health-care system for people who identify as LGBTQ .
Now they 're trying to adapt it quickly and get it into the hands of doctors working on the front lines of the pandemic .
`` We were already researching susceptibility to illnesses or likely trends that speak to a reluctance to engage with the health-care system , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical education program .
`` Once COVID hit , really what it does is aggravate all these disparities . ''
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats The study of health outcomes for LGBTQ Canadians is still relatively new , according to a report by the House of Commons health committee issued last year .
But research has found higher rates of some chronic illnesses among sexual and gender minorities .
They also appear to suffer from higher rates of some cancers , the health committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Toronto said people who identify as LGBTQ are more likely to have conditions compromising their immune systems , rate their health as poor and are less likely to seek urgent care — all of which put them in greater danger from COVID-19 .
Those physical factors are largely unexplained , but could be a consequence of some of the social barriers to accessing care , said Schreiber .
And it 's hard to know if those disparities are playing out during the pandemic in Canada because detailed demographic data about who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected at the federal level .
`` The point that we 're trying to make to doctors and residents is that just because we all have access to the same health-care system in Canada , does n't mean that we experienced that health-care system in the same way , '' she said .
People who identify at LGBTQ may be more likely to have had a bad experience with doctors , for example , and are less likely to have a family doctor .
Researchers scramble to inform doctors of COVID-19 risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minorities who also identify as LGBTQ , she said .
The researchers had been working to develop a national standard curriculum for medical schools on LGBTQ barriers to health care , which would be a first of its kind in the country .
`` We updated the curriculum to specify the urgent needs of queer people , especially those of colour , under COVID , '' she said .
That material is being distributed to medical residents at the University of Toronto , who are all working physicians , and faculty members on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curriculum also states that people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community are more likely to have physical distancing measures harm their health because of the social disparities they 're more likely to experience .
A disproportionate number live in poverty and experience unemployment , and higher rates of substance abuse disorders and mental health problems put them at greater risk when they ca n't easily access help , as an example .

Researchers at the University of Toronto are rapidly trying to educate health-care workers about the barriers LGBTQ people face to accessing care during the COVID-19 crisis. The research group had already been developing a curriculum to address inequities in the health-care system for people who identify as LGBTQ. Now they're trying to adapt it quickly and get it into the hands of doctors working on the front lines of the pandemic. "We were already researching susceptibility to illnesses or likely trends that speak to a reluctance to engage with the health-care system," said researcher Miranda Schreiber, with the postgraduate medical education program. "Once COVID hit, really what it does is aggravate all these disparities."
The study of health outcomes for LGBTQ Canadians is still relatively new, according to a report by the House of Commons health committee issued last year. But research has found higher rates of some chronic illnesses among sexual and gender minorities. They also appear to suffer from higher rates of some cancers, the health committee report said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The researchers at University of Toronto said people who identify as LGBTQ are more likely to have conditions compromising their immune systems, rate their health as poor and are less likely to seek urgent care — all of which put them in greater danger from COVID-19.
Those physical factors are largely unexplained, but could be a consequence of some of the social barriers to accessing care, said Schreiber. And it's hard to know if those disparities are playing out during the pandemic in Canada because detailed demographic data about who is most impacted by COVID-19 isn't being collected at the federal level. Researchers scramble to inform doctors of COVID-19 risk to LGBTQ "The point that we're trying to make to doctors and residents is that just because we all have access to the same health-care system in Canada, doesn't mean that we experienced that health-care system in the same way," she said. People who identify at LGBTQ may be more likely to have had a bad experience with doctors, for example, and are less likely to have a family doctor. Those gaps are worse for racial minorities who also identify as LGBTQ, she said. The researchers had been working to develop a national standard curriculum for medical schools on LGBTQ barriers to health care, which would be a first of its kind in the country.
"We updated the curriculum to specify the urgent needs of queer people, especially those of colour, under COVID," she said. That material is being distributed to medical residents at the University of Toronto, who are all working physicians, and faculty members on the front lines. The new COVID-19 curriculum also states that people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community are more likely to have physical distancing measures harm their health because of the social disparities they're more likely to experience.


nationalobserver--2020-04-28--Now Scheer is looking for more specifics from Justin Trudeau

The Conservative Party is poised to press the government on numerous issues during a modified version of a House of @ @ @ @ @ Leader Andrew Scheer says he 's looking for more specifics from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau @ @ @ @ @ country 's handling of COVID-19 .
Scheer says he wants a plan outlining how the @ @ @ @ @ territories `` over and above the national guidelines that are currently being developed . ''

The Conservative Party is poised to press the government on numerous issues during a modified version of a House of Commons sitting today.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer says he's looking for more specifics from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when it comes to the country's handling of COVID-19.
Scheer says he wants a plan outlining how the government will support provinces and territories "over and above the national guidelines that are currently being developed."
Today marks the first meeting of a special committee struck to somewhat mirror the routine of the House of Commons.
All 338 MPs are on the committee, but only seven are required for quorum, as opposed to the 20 for a normal sitting of the Commons.


nationalobserver--2020-04-28--Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes squeezing local restaurants

Restaurants struggling to survive during the COVID-19 crisis have turned to take-out and delivery , but the fees charged by food-delivery companies are eating away their bottom line , some operators say .
Physical distancing measures have decimated dine-in service , which accounts for most industry revenue , said Mark von Schellwitz , a vice-president of the non-profit Restaurants Canada .
Margins are typically less than five per cent at the best of times , he said , and delivery platforms can take up to 30 per cent commission .
Companies including Uber Eats , DoorDash and SkipTheDishes say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to keep serving customers , while maintaining their own operations .
`` We think they need to sharpen their pencils to reduce the fees ... or an increasing number of members will be asking us to implement some sort of a fee cap , '' said von Schellwitz , pointing to the temporary 15 per cent cap on commissions established in San Francisco this month .
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats Terrence Feng owns and operates Kin Kao , a Thai restaurant along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 15 per cent of its revenue with take-out and 10 to 12 per cent through delivery .
Now , delivery accounts for 50 to 60 per cent and the rest is take-out , said Feng .
`` We were basically at break even , if we 're lucky , given the current commission rates . ''
Feng said profits have improved in the last couple of weeks because DoorDash cut its commission fees in half for local restaurants on April 13 .
The commission rate can vary by restaurant , and Feng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent .
DoorDash said its investment of up to $ 100 million to cut the fees will continue through the end of May .
Kin Kao is still paying 28 per cent commission on sales through Uber Eats , said Feng .
Uber said in a statement that it 's supporting restaurants in a sustainable manner by waiving delivery fees for customers , thereby generating more orders .
It said commission fees help cover operating costs and to reduce them would make it difficult to maintain a safe and reliable platform .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fees for orders placed through the app that are picked up in person .
Gino Herring , the general manager of Vancouver Italian restaurant Sprezzatura , said they had never used food delivery platforms before the pandemic , but quickly adopted Uber Eats , DoorDash and SkipTheDishes .
Dine-in service accounted for 90 per cent of the restaurant 's revenue , said Herring , and now it 's about 80 per cent from delivery .
Although he 's pleased with sales , Herring said the companies ' fees are `` aggressive '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to negotiate .
`` It 's a bit predatory , but we operate at the behest of those apps , '' he said .
SkipTheDishes is Canada 's largest food delivery network , headquartered in Winnipeg .
CEO Kevin Edwards said the company has a vested interest in ensuring its vendors make it through the pandemic .
`` It certainly does n't do Skip any good to have any restaurants struggling , '' he said .
The company initially offered restaurants a 15 per cent rebate on commissions before increasing the rebate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May .
It 's also offering reduced fees for restaurants that use their own delivery staff when an order is made through its app .
Edwards said his company will think about how it can enhance its support for local vendors , but he 's not sure what form it would take , and the company also has to ensure its own viability .
`` Our net revenue is not nearly what people believe it to be and taking 25 per cent and applying it to a rebate obviously changes that , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's closing Canadian operations next month , saying Canada is a highly saturated market for online food delivery and the company was unable to reach a level of profitability sustainable enough to continue operations .
Feng said local restaurants that do n't have any other way to get food to customers are `` handcuffed '' to the delivery apps , while struggling to turn a profit during the pandemic .
`` If everybody stood up in the industry and said , 'You know what , that 's too much ' ... then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to play ball .
But when they know that 95 per cent of their clients ca n't do anything about it , they can flex their muscle a little big more , right ? ''
Edmonton chef Paul Shufelt avoided delivery apps when he opened The Workshop Eatery , opting for an in-house delivery system instead .
In early April , Shufelt posted a video on Facebook breaking down the costs of running a restaurant and how commission fees can affect the bottom line .
It 's since garnered more than 586,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hundreds of restaurant operators who are struggling with the fees .
Shufelt said for many restaurants , reliance on delivery is likely here to stay , even after physical distancing restrictions are loosened .
`` I think that 's going to make things really hard for restaurant owners who already barely make enough to keep the doors open . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28 , 2020 .

Restaurants struggling to survive during the COVID-19 crisis have turned to take-out and delivery, but the fees charged by food-delivery companies are eating away their bottom line, some operators say. Physical distancing measures have decimated dine-in service, which accounts for most industry revenue, said Mark von Schellwitz, a vice-president of the non-profit Restaurants Canada. Margins are typically less than five per cent at the best of times, he said, and delivery platforms can take up to 30 per cent commission. Companies including Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes say they're offering restaurants various supports and the opportunity to keep serving customers, while maintaining their own operations. "We think they need to sharpen their pencils to reduce the fees ... or an increasing number of members will be asking us to implement some sort of a fee cap," said von Schellwitz, pointing to the temporary 15 per cent cap on commissions established in San Francisco this month.
Terrence Feng owns and operates Kin Kao, a Thai restaurant along Vancouver's Commercial Drive that previously generated about 15 per cent of its revenue with take-out and 10 to 12 per cent through delivery. Now, delivery accounts for 50 to 60 per cent and the rest is take-out, said Feng. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "We were basically at break even, if we're lucky, given the current commission rates."
Feng said profits have improved in the last couple of weeks because DoorDash cut its commission fees in half for local restaurants on April 13. The commission rate can vary by restaurant, and Feng said Kin Kao now pays 14 per cent. Local restaurants feel squeezed by delivery apps' commission fees DoorDash said its investment of up to $100 million to cut the fees will continue through the end of May. Kin Kao is still paying 28 per cent commission on sales through Uber Eats, said Feng. Uber said in a statement that it's supporting restaurants in a sustainable manner by waiving delivery fees for customers, thereby generating more orders. It said commission fees help cover operating costs and to reduce them would make it difficult to maintain a safe and reliable platform. Both Uber and DoorDash are also waiving commission fees for orders placed through the app that are picked up in person.
Gino Herring, the general manager of Vancouver Italian restaurant Sprezzatura, said they had never used food delivery platforms before the pandemic, but quickly adopted Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes. Dine-in service accounted for 90 per cent of the restaurant's revenue, said Herring, and now it's about 80 per cent from delivery. Although he's pleased with sales, Herring said the companies' fees are "aggressive" and local restaurants aren't in a position to negotiate.


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--Dairy processors stand to lose $100M if USMCA takes effect in July

The federal government has betrayed Canada 's dairy processors by allowing the United States to activate the new North American trade deal on July 1 — a month earlier than the industry was expecting , the Opposition leader in the Senate said Tuesday .
Sen. Don Plett warned the country 's 470 processing facilities , an industry that employs more than 24,000 people and contributes $ 18 billion annually to the Canadian economy , stand to lose upwards of $ 100 million if the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement takes effect as scheduled .
That 's because the dairy industry 's `` quota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products begins in August , and many of the terms of the agreement are tied directly to the production calendar .
Enacting the deal in July would mean that Year 1 — a 12-month period the industry was counting on to adjust to the new landscape — only lasts 31 days .
`` We 're not talking small adjustments , '' said Mathieu Frigon , president and CEO of the Dairy Processors Association of Canada .
`` We 're talking adjustment to products , portfolios — the product mix of my members , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retooling , new products , you have to find a new market .
Now we 're left to do all of this basically within 30 days . ''
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats • Toronto and Vancouver are in a financial freefall , and Ottawa has noticed The new USMCA opens up to U.S. producers some 3.6 per cent of a Canadian dairy market that had previously been exclusively available to domestic producers — a change that some producers have predicted will carve a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom line .
It also requires the elimination of a pricing system that restricted American imports of certain products , including skim milk powder , milk protein isolates and infant formula , while at the same time restricting Canada 's ability to export those same products into the U.S. market .
Adding insult to injury , Frigon added , is that all of this comes at a time when both processors and dairy producers are already feeling the brunt of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` It has a multiplier effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business environment . ''
In exchange for agreeing to fast-track the government 's implementation bill last month , with COVID-19 bearing down on North America , Plett said Conservatives in the Senate received a `` guarantee '' from the governing Liberals that the USMCA , which is also known as CUSMA north of the border , would not go into effect before August .
But late last week , U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer served notice to Canada , Mexico and Congress that all three parties to the deal had finished their necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes the deal the law of the land on the first day of the third month after the final country provides notice that its internal processes are complete .
Canada 's dairy processors to lose $ 100M if USMCA takes effect in July : Plett By giving its own notice on April 2 , Canada gave the U.S. the power to decide when the agreement would take effect , Plett said .
`` The government 's latest decision to move ahead with CUSMA on the backs of our dairy processors in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said in a statement .
`` How can Canadians trust that the government is doing everything it can to protect and defend the Canadian economy when they are willing to give up on one of the founding industries in our country ? ''
Plett called the change in timing , particularly in the throes of the pandemic , a betrayal of the Canadian dairy industry .
And he suggested that tensions between Ottawa and Donald Trump 's White House forced the government to make concessions .
`` One has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weakened position with our biggest trading partner as a result of the prime minister 's overall mismanagement of this crisis , and his strained relationship with the Trump administration . ''
In a statement late Tuesday , the office of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the government 's handling of the agreement , reiterated a promise to compensate the dairy sector and denied Plett 's claim that the government ever promised a specific timeline for the deal taking effect .
`` Amid the COVID-19 pandemic , it is essential that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery — including our essential and privileged access to the U.S. market .
We preserved and protected supply management in the face of U.S. demands to fully dismantle it , '' said Katherine Cuplinskas , Freeland 's press secretary .
`` Any assertion that there was a guaranteed entry-into-force date is incorrect ; the agreement states it will enter into force on the first day of the third month after all three countries ratify it . ''
Dan Ujczo , a lawyer who specializes in Canada-U.S. trade issues at the firm Dickinson Wright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the federal government bought Canada an extra month of time by waiting until early April to serve notice to the U.S. and Mexico , making it impossible to meet Lighthizer 's own preferred timetable of June 1 .
`` I thought Canada actually played it masterfully by issuing its certification on April 2 , because that addressed the issue of making sure it was July 1 , not June 1 ... and combated USTR concerns that Canada was dragging its feet , '' Ujczo said .
`` I think Canada had always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push this as far as it could , but I do n't think there was ever a direct commitment that Aug. 1 will be the date .
I think it was more , 'We 'll give it the old college try . '
'' While dairy producers are obviously a vital component of the industry , the processing side of the equation is often overlooked — and continues to be , Frigon said .
`` As I always say , a viable , sustainable supply management system needs both a viable farming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we often forget about the latter part , and that 's really unfortunate . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28 , 2020 .

The federal government has betrayed Canada's dairy processors by allowing the United States to activate the new North American trade deal on July 1 — a month earlier than the industry was expecting, the Opposition leader in the Senate said Tuesday. Sen. Don Plett warned the country's 470 processing facilities, an industry that employs more than 24,000 people and contributes $18 billion annually to the Canadian economy, stand to lose upwards of $100 million if the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement takes effect as scheduled. That's because the dairy industry's "quota year" for a number of key products begins in August, and many of the terms of the agreement are tied directly to the production calendar. Enacting the deal in July would mean that Year 1 — a 12-month period the industry was counting on to adjust to the new landscape — only lasts 31 days. "We're not talking small adjustments," said Mathieu Frigon, president and CEO of the Dairy Processors Association of Canada. "We're talking adjustment to products, portfolios — the product mix of my members, so that means that requires often plants retooling, new products, you have to find a new market. Now we're left to do all of this basically within 30 days."
The new USMCA opens up to U.S. producers some 3.6 per cent of a Canadian dairy market that had previously been exclusively available to domestic producers — a change that some producers have predicted will carve a $240-million chunk off the industry's bottom line. It also requires the elimination of a pricing system that restricted American imports of certain products, including skim milk powder, milk protein isolates and infant formula, while at the same time restricting Canada's ability to export those same products into the U.S. market. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Adding insult to injury, Frigon added, is that all of this comes at a time when both processors and dairy producers are already feeling the brunt of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It has a multiplier effect, you know, in the current business environment." Canada's dairy processors to lose $100M if USMCA takes effect in July: Plett In exchange for agreeing to fast-track the government's implementation bill last month, with COVID-19 bearing down on North America, Plett said Conservatives in the Senate received a "guarantee" from the governing Liberals that the USMCA, which is also known as CUSMA north of the border, would not go into effect before August. But late last week, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer served notice to Canada, Mexico and Congress that all three parties to the deal had finished their necessary domestic housekeeping, starting a clock that makes the deal the law of the land on the first day of the third month after the final country provides notice that its internal processes are complete. By giving its own notice on April 2, Canada gave the U.S. the power to decide when the agreement would take effect, Plett said. "The government's latest decision to move ahead with CUSMA on the backs of our dairy processors in the middle of a global pandemic is completely inexcusable," he said in a statement.
"How can Canadians trust that the government is doing everything it can to protect and defend the Canadian economy when they are willing to give up on one of the founding industries in our country?" Plett called the change in timing, particularly in the throes of the pandemic, a betrayal of the Canadian dairy industry. And he suggested that tensions between Ottawa and Donald Trump's White House forced the government to make concessions. "One has to wonder if the government was forced into this weakened position with our biggest trading partner as a result of the prime minister's overall mismanagement of this crisis, and his strained relationship with the Trump administration."


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--A look at provinces plans to emerge from COVID-19 shutdown

Provinces have begun to release plans for easing restrictions that were put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 .
Here is what some of the provinces have announced so far : The Renew P.E.I .
Together plan calls for the restart of priority non-urgent health-care services on May 1 , including certain elective surgeries and select health-service providers , including physiotherapists , optometrists and chiropractors .
Also to begin May 1 are outdoor gatherings and non-contact outdoor recreational activities of no more than five individuals from different households .
Screening is to continue at points of entry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be required to isolate for 14 days .
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats • Toronto and Vancouver are in a financial freefall , and Ottawa has noticed Premier Blaine Higgs put the first phase of his four-phase reopening plan into action April 24 .
It allows limited play on golf courses as well as fishing and hunting .
Two families are allowed to interact as part of a so-called `` two-family bubble . ''
Post-secondary students can return if it 's deemed safe by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be held , if people remain in their vehicles and are two metres apart .
The second phase , which could begin within two to four weeks would see resumption of elective surgeries , and reopening of daycares , offices , restaurants , ATV trails and seasonal campgrounds .
The third phase would allow regular church services , dentistry work and reopened fitness centres .
The final phase , which would probably come only after a vaccine is available , would include large gatherings .
Premier Francois Legault has set May 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside greater Montreal .
The city is to follow suit on May 19 .
Legault says attendance wo n't be mandatory .
High schools , junior colleges and universities are to remain closed until September .
Quebec aims to open retail stores outside Montreal by May 4 while those in the greater Montreal region are to reopen May 11 .
The construction industry is to completely start up May 11 , while manufacturing companies are to resume operations the same day with initial limits on the total number of employees who can work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provinces plan to emerge from COVID-19 shutdown Premier Doug Ford released a three-step plan on April 27 , but did not include a timeline .
Stage 1 could include opening select workplaces that could modify operations such as providing curbside pickup or delivery , opening parks , allowing for more people at certain events such as funerals , and having hospitals resume some non-urgent surgeries .
Stage 2 could include opening more businesses , opening more outdoor spaces , and allowing some larger public gatherings .
Stage 3 would include having all workplaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings — though large ones such as sporting events and concerts would still be restricted .
The Saskatchewan government released on April 23 a five-phase plan to reopen parts of its economy .
Lifting of some measures could start May 4 , with dentists , optometrists and other health professionals allowed to resume services .
Phase 1 also includes reopened golf courses and campgrounds .
Phase 2 would give the green light to retail businesses and salons .
Restaurants and gyms could open in Phase 3 but with limited capacity .
Phase 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playgrounds opening .
In Phase 5 the province would consider lifting restrictions on the size of public gatherings .
The Manitoba government says it will release its plan to loosen restrictions soon .
Chief public health officer , Dr. Brent Roussin , says some non-essential businesses might be allowed to reopen and a 10-person limit on public gatherings might be raised in the near future .
Churches and dine-in restaurants might be able to restart at some point .
Premier Jason Kenney outlined preliminary details of the province 's relaunch strategy on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 20,000 COVID-19 tests a day , more precise tracing of close contacts of those who are infected , stronger quarantining of international arrivals , using smartphone apps to enforce quarantine orders and wearing masks .

Provinces have begun to release plans for easing restrictions that were put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Here is what some of the provinces have announced so far: Prince Edward Island The Renew P.E.I. Together plan calls for the restart of priority non-urgent health-care services on May 1, including certain elective surgeries and select health-service providers, including physiotherapists, optometrists and chiropractors. Also to begin May 1 are outdoor gatherings and non-contact outdoor recreational activities of no more than five individuals from different households. Screening is to continue at points of entry and all people coming into P.E.I. will be required to isolate for 14 days. ---
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs put the first phase of his four-phase reopening plan into action April 24. It allows limited play on golf courses as well as fishing and hunting. Two families are allowed to interact as part of a so-called "two-family bubble." Post-secondary students can return if it's deemed safe by the school, and outdoor church services can be held, if people remain in their vehicles and are two metres apart. The second phase, which could begin within two to four weeks would see resumption of elective surgeries, and reopening of daycares, offices, restaurants, ATV trails and seasonal campgrounds. The third phase would allow regular church services, dentistry work and reopened fitness centres. The final phase, which would probably come only after a vaccine is available, would include large gatherings. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions ---
Quebec A look at how provinces plan to emerge from COVID-19 shutdown Premier Francois Legault has set May 11 as reopening day for schools and daycares outside greater Montreal. The city is to follow suit on May 19. Legault says attendance won't be mandatory. High schools, junior colleges and universities are to remain closed until September. Quebec aims to open retail stores outside Montreal by May 4 while those in the greater Montreal region are to reopen May 11. The construction industry is to completely start up May 11, while manufacturing companies are to resume operations the same day with initial limits on the total number of employees who can work per shift. --- Ontario Premier Doug Ford released a three-step plan on April 27, but did not include a timeline. Stage 1 could include opening select workplaces that could modify operations such as providing curbside pickup or delivery, opening parks, allowing for more people at certain events such as funerals, and having hospitals resume some non-urgent surgeries. Stage 2 could include opening more businesses, opening more outdoor spaces, and allowing some larger public gatherings. Stage 3 would include having all workplaces open and further relaxing rules on public gatherings — though large ones such as sporting events and concerts would still be restricted.
--- Saskatchewan The Saskatchewan government released on April 23 a five-phase plan to reopen parts of its economy. Lifting of some measures could start May 4, with dentists, optometrists and other health professionals allowed to resume services. Phase 1 also includes reopened golf courses and campgrounds. Phase 2 would give the green light to retail businesses and salons. Restaurants and gyms could open in Phase 3 but with limited capacity. Phase 4 could see arenas, swimming pools and playgrounds opening. In Phase 5 the province would consider lifting restrictions on the size of public gatherings.


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--Flooding forces 13,000 from downtown Fort McMurray

Joseph Enverga kept hoping the flooding would slow down or even stop as his apartment lights flickered on and off .
The 35-year old was prepared for an evacuation of downtown Fort McMurray , Alta.
, on Sunday afternoon .
By dawn on Monday , he looked out his window and saw the reflection of his building in the parking lot that was covered in water .
He decided it was time to go .
`` In my vehicle , I had my clothes ready , I had my documents ready , '' he says .
`` On top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready , I had my bag of my favourite board games ready .
`` I was telling myself : this is going to be the best evacuation ever . ''
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats • Toronto and Vancouver are in a financial freefall , and Ottawa has noticed Like many Fort McMurray residents , Enverga is no stranger to evacuation orders .
He was forced out of his home during a raging wildfire in May 2016 that led to the evacuation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings .
On Tuesday , municipal and provincial officials were keeping a close eye on river levels after a 25-kilometre ice jam caused major flooding and forced nearly 13,000 people from their homes in the downtown .
Colleen Walford , a river forecaster with Alberta Environment , said a monitoring flight just before noon Tuesday determined that the ice jam had shortened by about one kilometre and was melting .
`` We have nice sunny conditions up in Fort McMurray today .
We hope that continues tomorrow and it will continue to deteriorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said it remains a critical situation .
`` We are not in the home stretch yet , '' Scott Davis , director of emergency management , told reporters .
'How much can a person take ? '
Flooding forces 13,000 from downtown Fort McMurray Data shows the Clearwater River was still rising and the Athabasca River had only dropped by about four centimetres .
Mayor Don Scott said it has caused the worst flooding in the region in recent memory .
`` This is a one-in-100-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is something that we have n't seen in this generation .
`` And it 's actually happening during the COVID-19 pandemic , which is a dual combination of issues . ''
A second state of local emergency is in effect on top of one declared last month because of the pandemic .
Officials said evacuees are being put up in hotels and work camps where they can have their own space .
`` We 've gone to individual accommodations , '' said Shane Schreiber , director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at two evacuation centres and the municipality said that number is expected to grow .
Officials also said crews had to rescue more than 220 residents .
Enverga , who did n't get an evacuation order , said he ended up getting a ride with a rescue boat after he realized his van was n't going to make it through the water .
`` I was sad that I could n't take my van , '' he said .
`` I could n't take my slack line , I could n't take my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken to an evacuation centre then went to stay with friends in another Fort McMurray neighbourhood .
Others , including Coun .
Jeff Peddle and former provincial politician Brian Jean , said they had to leave their flooded homes .
Jean , who lost a home in the 2016 wildfire , said his almost-finished new house was under three metres of water .
`` I 'm very sad .
I 'm sad for the people .
It started with the wildfires then it went to the economy ... then it went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy hit , and now the flood , '' he said .
`` How much can a person take ? ''
Premier Jason Kenney and Environment Minister Jason Nixon took a flight over the city Monday .
`` It really is ... devastating to see much of central Fort McMurray flooded just four years after the terrible fires of 2016 , '' Kenney said during a media briefing Tuesday .
`` To imagine people who have just rebuilt their homes now struggling with those homes being flooded and the adversity of that community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just heartbreaking . ''
Kenney said another 450 people have been affected by ice jams in the Fort Vermilion area .
`` We will be ensuring provincial financial support , '' he added .
Earlier in the day , Nixon said the government will work with Wood Buffalo to request Ottawa 's support if it 's needed .
`` At this point , we are satisfied that both the province and the municipality have the situation under control , '' he said .
The federal government said earlier Tuesday that it is monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While no formal requests have been made , our government is ready to help when called upon , '' said an emailed statement from federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28 , 2020 .

Joseph Enverga kept hoping the flooding would slow down or even stop as his apartment lights flickered on and off. The 35-year old was prepared for an evacuation of downtown Fort McMurray, Alta., on Sunday afternoon. By dawn on Monday, he looked out his window and saw the reflection of his building in the parking lot that was covered in water. He decided it was time to go. "In my vehicle, I had my clothes ready, I had my documents ready," he says. "On top of that, I had my slack line ready, I had my bag of my favourite board games ready. "I was telling myself: this is going to be the best evacuation ever."
Like many Fort McMurray residents, Enverga is no stranger to evacuation orders. He was forced out of his home during a raging wildfire in May 2016 that led to the evacuation of the entire city and destroyed 2,400 homes and buildings. On Tuesday, municipal and provincial officials were keeping a close eye on river levels after a 25-kilometre ice jam caused major flooding and forced nearly 13,000 people from their homes in the downtown. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Colleen Walford, a river forecaster with Alberta Environment, said a monitoring flight just before noon Tuesday determined that the ice jam had shortened by about one kilometre and was melting.
"We have nice sunny conditions up in Fort McMurray today. We hope that continues tomorrow and it will continue to deteriorate the ice jam." 'How much can a person take?' Flooding forces 13,000 from downtown Fort McMurray But officials with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said it remains a critical situation. "We are not in the home stretch yet," Scott Davis, director of emergency management, told reporters. Data shows the Clearwater River was still rising and the Athabasca River had only dropped by about four centimetres. Mayor Don Scott said it has caused the worst flooding in the region in recent memory.
"This is a one-in-100-year flood," he said. "This is something that we haven't seen in this generation. "And it's actually happening during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a dual combination of issues." A second state of local emergency is in effect on top of one declared last month because of the pandemic.


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--Vermilion Energy posts $1.3-billion loss on oil and gas assets

A $ 1.2-billion writedown in the value of its oil and gas assets around the world due to low global commodity prices resulted in a first-quarter net loss of $ 1.3 billion or $ 8.42 per share for Vermilion Energy Inc. , the energy producer announced Tuesday .
The Calgary-based company , which operates in Canada , Australia , Ireland , the United States , Netherlands , Germany and France , cut its dividend in half in March and suspended it entirely in mid-April to cope with lower prices , saving about $ 420 million on an annual basis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its 2020 capital spending budget and announced $ 35 million in other cuts to expenses .
About 75 per cent of the impairment charge was related to Vermilion 's Canadian operations , which accounted for about 59,500 boe/d of its first quarter production .
The company said it has had no direct production impacts from pandemic measures other than in its French operations where third-party services have been slowed by government confinement measures .
Lower commodity prices were blamed for a drop in funds flow from operations to $ 170 million in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in the same period of 2019 .
Vermilion 's shares closed up 51 cents or 9.75 per cent to $ 5.74 in Tuesday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28 , 2020 .

A $1.2-billion writedown in the value of its oil and gas assets around the world due to low global commodity prices resulted in a first-quarter net loss of $1.3 billion or $8.42 per share for Vermilion Energy Inc., the energy producer announced Tuesday.
The Calgary-based company, which operates in Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United States, Netherlands, Germany and France, cut its dividend in half in March and suspended it entirely in mid-April to cope with lower prices, saving about $420 million on an annual basis.
It also trimmed $100 million from its 2020 capital spending budget and announced $35 million in other cuts to expenses.
"Certainly, (there has been) a dramatic impact on the global economy particularly felt in commodities and most of all, I would say, in the oil industry and as a result, it called for a number of changes to our plans," said CEO Tony Marino at Vermilion's virtual annual meeting of shareholders on Tuesday.
Global oil prices have fallen dramatically over the past two months due to demand destruction from measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as lingering effects of a market share battle between Russia and Saudi Arabia.


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--First Nation gets $32-million grant after ending opposition to dam near Calgary

A First Nation says it has ended its opposition to a proposed reservoir that would protect Calgary during flooding because it secured a $ 32-million grant from the Alberta government .
The money is to be used for flood mitigation , restoration and prevention .
The Tsuut'ina Nation 's chief and council said in a statement posted to its Facebook page this week that concerns about the $ 432-million Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir remain on the record .
`` We have not given up on our inherent treaty rights and we have not given up our rights to water , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership planned to discuss the matter with community members , but a meeting could not be held because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats • Toronto and Vancouver are in a financial freefall , and Ottawa has noticed The project would help protect the city of Calgary from a repeat of destructive 2013 floods by diverting water from the Elbow River to a reservoir that could hold the equivalent of 28,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools .
The water would be channelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsided .
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said the project , which is waiting for a regulatory green light , is essential .
`` I 'll say to the province of Alberta , 'Thank you for doing everything you can to clear whatever barriers remain in the way to get that built , ' `` he said Tuesday .
`` I 'll say to the government of Canada , ' I know you 're very busy , but man oh man , that environmental assessment is very late .
We need that approval and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reservoir has faced stiff opposition from some landowners , who would prefer another site further upstream so as not to affect their properties .
The Alberta government said in September it had acquired about 20 per cent of the land it needed to build the dam .
First Nation gets $ 32-million grant after it stops opposing dam near Calgary The Tsuut'ina statement notes its grant does not depend on environmental approval for the project .
The First Nation wrote to provincial and federal regulators earlier this month to say it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take part in the environmental review .
Gord Olsen , a spokesman for the Tsuut'ina Nation , said concerns the community shared with other stakeholders will still be dealt with .
`` There are , as I understand it , a number of issues that are still before that ( review ) panel that will need to be reviewed and reported upon in the course of their work . ''
A spokeswoman for the Alberta Ministry of Transportation said the provincial government is pleased it reached an agreement .
`` We will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and impacted communities to address their concerns . ''

A First Nation says it has ended its opposition to a proposed reservoir that would protect Calgary during flooding because it secured a $32-million grant from the Alberta government. The money is to be used for flood mitigation, restoration and prevention. The Tsuut'ina Nation's chief and council said in a statement posted to its Facebook page this week that concerns about the $432-million Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir remain on the record. "We have not given up on our inherent treaty rights and we have not given up our rights to water," they said. The First Nation's leadership planned to discuss the matter with community members, but a meeting could not be held because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project would help protect the city of Calgary from a repeat of destructive 2013 floods by diverting water from the Elbow River to a reservoir that could hold the equivalent of 28,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The water would be channelled back into the river when a flood subsided. Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said the project, which is waiting for a regulatory green light, is essential. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "I'll say to the province of Alberta, 'Thank you for doing everything you can to clear whatever barriers remain in the way to get that built,' " he said Tuesday.
"I'll say to the government of Canada, 'I know you're very busy, but man oh man, that environmental assessment is very late. We need that approval and we need it quickly.' " First Nation gets $32-million grant after it stops opposing dam near Calgary The reservoir has faced stiff opposition from some landowners, who would prefer another site further upstream so as not to affect their properties. The Alberta government said in September it had acquired about 20 per cent of the land it needed to build the dam. The Tsuut'ina statement notes its grant does not depend on environmental approval for the project. The First Nation wrote to provincial and federal regulators earlier this month to say it was withdrawing its objections and would no longer take part in the environmental review.
Gord Olsen, a spokesman for the Tsuut'ina Nation, said concerns the community shared with other stakeholders will still be dealt with. "There are, as I understand it, a number of issues that are still before that (review) panel that will need to be reviewed and reported upon in the course of their work." A spokeswoman for the Alberta Ministry of Transportation said the provincial government is pleased it reached an agreement.


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--Meat-packing plant closures is chance for greenhouse gas reductions

The recent closures of meat-packing plants in Alberta due to COVID-19 will bring grave socioeconomic impacts on workers and the meat sector .
The closures of the Cargill and JBS plants in High River and Brooks , respectively , make up 70 per cent of Canada ’ s beef-processing capabilities .
The federal government has responded by increasing meat inspectors and decreasing restrictions on interprovincial meat exports .
Although these measures may lessen the ripple effect on meat supply and prices in Canada in the short-term , they sadly will not impact emissions from our livestock sector .
These missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent an opportunity to change Canada ’ s practices in agriculture to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions .
Indeed , Canada ’ s agricultural sector accounts for approximately 10 per cent of its overall greenhouse gases emissions .
Of this 10 per cent , about 40 per cent comes from livestock .
The remaining sources are from manure ( about 10 per cent to 15 per cent ) ; and nitrous oxide from soils ( about 40 per cent ) .
It follows that if Canada is serious about reducing its agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from livestock , most of which is produced from livestock digestion .

The recent closures of meat-packing plants in Alberta due to COVID-19 will bring grave socioeconomic impacts on workers and the meat sector. The closures of the Cargill and JBS plants in High River and Brooks, respectively, make up 70 per cent of Canada’s beef-processing capabilities.
The federal government has responded by increasing meat inspectors and decreasing restrictions on interprovincial meat exports. Although these measures may lessen the ripple effect on meat supply and prices in Canada in the short-term, they sadly will not impact emissions from our livestock sector.
These missed opportunities are unfortunate given these recent events represent an opportunity to change Canada’s practices in agriculture to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, Canada’s agricultural sector accounts for approximately 10 per cent of its overall greenhouse gases emissions. Of this 10 per cent, about 40 per cent comes from livestock. The remaining sources are from manure (about 10 per cent to 15 per cent); and nitrous oxide from soils (about 40 per cent). It follows that if Canada is serious about reducing its agricultural emissions, it must aggressively tackle emissions from livestock, most of which is produced from livestock digestion.
The Canadian government must use this crisis to leapfrog into more sustainable and local food production systems. Instead of having an export-based model, Canada must transform our model so that it can meet national demands and needs.


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--Long-term care homes were in crisis well before politicians woke up to the problem

As the numbers are updated with frightening regularity , it ’ s becoming clearer that Canada ’ s long-term care facilities will be on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19 until we develop and distribute a vaccine .
Even as jurisdictions slowly lift restrictions in a bid to open up their pandemic-battered economies , moms , dads , aunts , uncles , sisters and brothers in nursing homes will remain cloistered , hostages to this deadly foe .
What remains unclear is whether there will be a meaningful discussion about ways to improve the level of care delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hampered by staff shortages , inadequate funding and a lack of attention from policy-makers and politicians .
Public records tell a large part of the story that should have been evident and concerning .
In 2005 , an inspection at a Calgary facility cited comments from the spouse of a resident who said “ …the care staff are so very busy that I know that if it wasn ’ t for my being here every day , my husband would not still be walking , and he would be much thinner .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend with him .
I help out with other residents as well .
Something should be done about increasing the staffing.
” • Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats • Toronto and Vancouver are in a financial freefall , and Ottawa has noticed Then , on January 8 , 2020 , 15 years later in another part of the country , this excerpt from an Ontario nursing home inspection report : “ During the interview with the acting ( director of care ) , they indicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( personal support workers ) that had not been filled…The acting ( director of care ) also indicated they also used a number of agencies… to replace the PSW shortages…The acting DOC confirmed awareness of several dates when the home was working short staffed of ( personal support workers ) and resulted in bathing not being provided as a result.
” In the lead-up to my previous investigations into long-term care when I was at the CBC , I read countless reports that recount similar problems .
None of this comes as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after three years as a personal support worker at an Ontario nursing home , burned out from working too many double-shifts .
“ None of ( the residents ) were cared for the way they deserved to be cared for , ” she said in an interview with National Observer .
“ You had so many residents and so few personal support workers.
” It 's unclear whether there will be a meaningful discussion about ways to improve the level of care delivered at nursing homes as COVID-19 continues its deadly path .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ always came first .
But sticking to that priority list came at a cost .
“ To be honest , the people who are the most sick and confused got forgotten because they weren ’ t the ones who were able to voice their concerns .
It breaks your heart.
” Couture says more staff would help , evidenced by Quebec and Ontario calling in the military for reinforcements in the most acutely affected long-term care homes .
To be sure , many personal support workers are being hailed as heroes for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourned the passing of one of their own , Christine Bacalocos Mandegarian , the personal support worker who died from COVID-19 on April 15 .
“ She loved to cook , garden , travel , play with her grand-doggies , and live life , ” read part of the tribute to Christine Bacalocos Mandegarian on the GoFundMe page set up to raise money for supplies such as masks , gloves and gowns for the home where she worked .
“ She always had a smile that radiated the whole room .
We truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never be the same without her.
” Governments under fire for their neglect During his April 15 daily briefing , Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the situation a “ wake-up ” call .
Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton , a medical doctor , said they would “ spare no expense.
” On the same day , Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil vowed to “ look at new protocols ” after the crisis is over , acknowledging the dangers of putting too many residents in one room .
On April 16 , Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do “ better , ” signalling that the federal government would help to subsidize temporary wage increases for nursing-home staff .
On April 17 , Quebec Premier François Legault vowed to shift into “ problem-solving mode , ” as he told reporters about the need to increase wages for personal support workers .
While governments are receiving credit for their short-term response in the court of public opinion , legal battles loom .
Last Friday , a proposed class-action lawsuit was filed against Responsive Group Inc. , a company that owns several nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the suit alleges that the “ defendants breached their duties of care… by failing to ensure adequate staffing within the Homes to care for elderly residents.
” None of the allegations have been proven in court , and Response Group Inc. must still file a statement of defence .
However , in a statement to National Observer , a company representative wrote that in the meantime , “ We continue to work closely with government ( s ) , public health units and our other health-care partners to accelerate testing , initiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Even though it is not named in the lawsuit , critics have blasted governments such as Ontario for dropping the ball well before the pandemic struck .
Though it neglected to comment on a matter before the courts , as governments usually do , the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care said that it is giving long-term care homes the tools they need to fight back .
“ We have taken significant actions that include our aggressive COVID-19 Action Plan for Protecting Long-Term Care Homes , four emergency orders , two packages of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in emergency funding , ” wrote spokesperson Macey Aramburo in a statement to National Observer .
“ These measures ensure all long-term care homes have the flexibility and funds to rapidly hire and retain nurses , personal support workers , and other front-line staff they need , when they need them.
” As far as Ian Da Silva is concerned , the fact that personal support workers , who comprise the bulk of the staff at long-term care homes , are overworked , under-paid and under-valued has been known to successive provincial governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of human resources for the Canadian Support Workers Association , he has seen the problems play out the same across the country .
In Ontario , occupying the same position with the Ontario Personal Support Workers Association , he has been demanding action .
A regulatory college for personal support workers , he argues , would address issues such as working conditions , qualifications and pay .
“ We need to establish protection for this group of workers , ” Da Silva said in an interview with National Observer .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for the last ten years is , ‘ Please come to work for us .
We ’ re not going to pay you a lot .
We ’ re not going to treat you very well .
You ’ re not going to have a lot of rights.
’ And then that conversation ends .
That ’ s what ( employers ) have been advertising.
” Still , advocates such as Da Silva see an opportunity while governments are scrambling to keep residents in long-term care homes alive .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s minister of long-term care , who he says has been a strong ally , vow to “ spare no expense.
” But the proof will be in the quality and depth of the political discussions that take place once the first wave — and perhaps a possible second wave — of the pandemic have passed , and scientists develop the hoped-for vaccine .
It will be interesting to see if the various lessons-learned exercises will take heed of the overwhelming evidence buried in all those public records : the inspection reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to illnesses and injuries ; and Statistics Canada ’ s table that tracks deaths among the elderly in care facilities due to communicable diseases .
For Couture , the personal support worker , anecdotal evidence was enough to prompt her decision .
She quit her job at the Ontario nursing home where she worked for three years , took a much-needed break , and then decided she still wanted to be a personal support worker after all , but under different conditions .
Now , she runs her own company that delivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes .
And , as fate would have it , she ’ s also helping out in long-term care homes .
Her message to the lawmakers and bureaucrats who have promised to make changes ?
“ It should have never gotten to this point .
We should not have been this low on personal protective equipment .
We would never send a firefighter into a burning house with no oxygen mask or hose .
We would never send a cop into a gun battle without a gun or a bullet-proof vest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into their ( workplaces ) unprotected ?
”

As the numbers are updated with frightening regularity, it’s becoming clearer that Canada’s long-term care facilities will be on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19 until we develop and distribute a vaccine. Even as jurisdictions slowly lift restrictions in a bid to open up their pandemic-battered economies, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers in nursing homes will remain cloistered, hostages to this deadly foe. What remains unclear is whether there will be a meaningful discussion about ways to improve the level of care delivered at homes that for years have been hampered by staff shortages, inadequate funding and a lack of attention from policy-makers and politicians. Public records tell a large part of the story that should have been evident and concerning. In 2005, an inspection at a Calgary facility cited comments from the spouse of a resident who said “…the care staff are so very busy that I know that if it wasn’t for my being here every day, my husband would not still be walking, and he would be much thinner. The staff just do not have time to spend with him. I help out with other residents as well. Something should be done about increasing the staffing.”
Then, on January 8, 2020, 15 years later in another part of the country, this excerpt from an Ontario nursing home inspection report: “During the interview with the acting (director of care), they indicated there were a number of vacancies for (personal support workers) that had not been filled…The acting (director of care) also indicated they also used a number of agencies… to replace the PSW shortages…The acting DOC confirmed awareness of several dates when the home was working short staffed of (personal support workers) and resulted in bathing not being provided as a result.” Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In the lead-up to my previous investigations into long-term care when I was at the CBC, I read countless reports that recount similar problems.
None of this comes as a surprise to Lindsay Couture, who, after three years as a personal support worker at an Ontario nursing home, burned out from working too many double-shifts. It's unclear whether there will be a meaningful discussion about ways to improve the level of care delivered at nursing homes as COVID-19 continues its deadly path. “None of (the residents) were cared for the way they deserved to be cared for,” she said in an interview with National Observer. “You had so many residents and so few personal support workers.” Couture made sure to emphasize that safety always came first. But sticking to that priority list came at a cost. “To be honest, the people who are the most sick and confused got forgotten because they weren’t the ones who were able to voice their concerns. It breaks your heart.”
Couture says more staff would help, evidenced by Quebec and Ontario calling in the military for reinforcements in the most acutely affected long-term care homes. To be sure, many personal support workers are being hailed as heroes for their continued dedication, even as they recently mourned the passing of one of their own, Christine Bacalocos Mandegarian, the personal support worker who died from COVID-19 on April 15. “She loved to cook, garden, travel, play with her grand-doggies, and live life,” read part of the tribute to Christine Bacalocos Mandegarian on the GoFundMe page set up to raise money for supplies such as masks, gloves and gowns for the home where she worked. “She always had a smile that radiated the whole room. We truly miss her, and the world will never be the same without her.”


nationalobserver--2020-04-29--Coldwater band says new approach to Trans Mountain hearings is unfair

The Coldwater Indian Band has rejected a series of changes made by the federal energy regulator to upcoming Trans Mountain oil pipeline hearings , saying the new approach isn ’ t a fair process and doesn ’ t respect Canada 's duty to consult with First Nations .
In a letter written to the Canada Energy Regulator ( CER ) on April 28 , and obtained by National Observer , the legal counsel for Coldwater , part of the Nlaka'pamux Nation in British Columbia , took issue with a key shift in the regulator ’ s approach that abandons oral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trans Mountain says the path for the pipeline ’ s expansion project has been 70 per cent approved , but hearings remain to determine the route in southwestern B.C .
In order to respect COVID-19 public health restrictions , the regulator said last week it would not be holding any more in-person , oral portions or conducting any site visits for the remaining hearings .
Instead , CER is accepting submissions of photos , videos and written requests from participants .
This new approach will permit the hearings to proceed in a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , while still respecting physical distancing , and would allow Trans Mountain to continue with construction of the pipeline .
Coldwater , however , believes that if the regulator jettisons oral cross-examination for its upcoming hearing to determine the pipeline ’ s route through the Coldwater Valley , it would go against a Federal Court of Appeal ruling in February , that allowed the project to proceed on the assumption that the Band ’ s interests would still be protected through a rigorous hearing process .
The changes , argued Coldwater , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fulfil its obligations .
• Ontario has a COVID-19 reopening plan , but it comes with big caveats • Toronto and Vancouver are in a financial freefall , and Ottawa has noticed “ We don ’ t consider a paper hearing to be sufficient to meet the Crown ’ s duty to consult , or a fair process , given the interests that are at stake here , ” said Matthew Kirchner , managing partner for Ratcliff & Company LLP , which represents Coldwater , in an interview .
Canada Energy Regulator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Observer that the regulator had received the letter from Kirchner , and would review its contents before issuing any response .
Undated photo of Trans Mountain construction at a terminal in Burnaby , B.C .
posted on April 24 , 2020 on the company 's Facebook page .
Trans Mountain Facebook photo ' I wanted to give the CER plenty of time ' The regulator ’ s changes so far apply to other hearings related to the pipeline expansion , and not specifically to an upcoming hearing anticipated by Coldwater to be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Kirchner said he penned the letter now to make sure that there is enough time for the CER to alter its approach , if it chooses to apply the same changes to Coldwater that it is applying to other hearings .
The Coldwater Indian Band has rejected a series of changes made by the federal energy regulator to upcoming Trans Mountain oil pipeline hearings , saying the new approach isn ’ t a fair process and doesn ’ t respect Canada 's duty to consult .
Coldwater believes that , since its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical distancing guidelines could be relaxed by then , and so an in-person hearing should not be ruled out at this point .
But if such a hearing is still unsafe , wrote Kirchner , Coldwater wants the regulator to use technology that allows for the remote presentation of evidence and cross-examination of witness panels .
He said such technology is already available through a Vancouver-based court reporting service .
“ I wanted to give the ( CER ) plenty of time to be able to adjust to either plan for a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to do by October — or if we can ’ t do that , get working on a platform where we can have a video conference in-person hearing , ” he said .
Coldwater asserts Aboriginal rights and title to an area where the pipeline system touches .
The Band has long been concerned about the risks that the expansion project poses to the aquifer on its main residential reserve , that it depends on for its sole source of drinking water , as well as to sacred areas .
Written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for cross-examination of witness panels , Kirchner wrote in the letter , and is “ ill-suited to the need to test the evidence concerning potential impacts to the aquifer and Coldwater ’ s drinking water.
” “ They provide no opportunity for an immediate follow-up question that depends on the answer given .
They provide no opportunity to further explore or probe a point through a ( series of questions ) , where the framing of each subsequent ( question ) depends on the previous answer.
” Coldwater , along with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tribes filed applications with the Supreme Court this month , challenging that ruling .
Kirchner 's April 28 letter points out that , in the Federal Court of Appeal ’ s Feb. 4 decision , it wrote that the structure of the pipeline ’ s consultation process with First Nations was “ not flawed ” because the CER was “ bound to take into account the risk to the aquifer ” during its deliberations on the pipeline ’ s route .
The court also rejected Coldwater ’ s complaint that the pipeline was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and data , because it said “ the CER will consider the science and data sufficiency during the detailed route hearing.
” The court knew at the time that this route hearing process would include cross-examination , Kirchner argued , and `` placed its trust '' in the detailed hearing .
“ An abbreviated hearing process without cross-examination is contrary to how the Federal Court of Appeal contemplated these matters would be addressed , ” he wrote .
Kirchner also noted that the upcoming Coldwater hearing would be a “ continuation ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the Federal Court of Appeal quashed the Trudeau government ’ s first approval of the pipeline that year .
Since that hearing involved cross-examination , he argued , if the regulator applies its new approach to hearings to Coldwater , it would “ constitute a material change in how the hearing is being conducted . ''
In other words , it would result in some evidence being tested through cross-examination and some not .
“ This would be procedurally and substantively unfair to Coldwater , ” he wrote .
The Trudeau government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June 2019 , promising to invest `` every dollar '' it earns into `` Canada 's clean energy transition . ''
Canada owns and operates Trans Mountain and its expansion project through a Crown corporation called the Canada Development Investment Corporation .
If built , the Trans Mountain expansion would triple the capacity of the existing pipeline system and allow up to 890,000 barrels of bitumen and other petroleum products to flow from Alberta ’ s oilpatch to a Burnaby terminal in metro Vancouver .
CER says Trans Mountain is proceeding with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipeline construction in Alberta is “ largely paused for spring thaw ” and there is “ no active pipeline construction in British Columbia at this time .
”

The Coldwater Indian Band has rejected a series of changes made by the federal energy regulator to upcoming Trans Mountain oil pipeline hearings, saying the new approach isn’t a fair process and doesn’t respect Canada's duty to consult with First Nations. In a letter written to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) on April 28, and obtained by National Observer, the legal counsel for Coldwater, part of the Nlaka'pamux Nation in British Columbia, took issue with a key shift in the regulator’s approach that abandons oral cross-examination in favour of written questions. Trans Mountain says the path for the pipeline’s expansion project has been 70 per cent approved, but hearings remain to determine the route in southwestern B.C. In order to respect COVID-19 public health restrictions, the regulator said last week it would not be holding any more in-person, oral portions or conducting any site visits for the remaining hearings. Instead, CER is accepting submissions of photos, videos and written requests from participants. This new approach will permit the hearings to proceed in a “fair and transparent manner,” it said, while still respecting physical distancing, and would allow Trans Mountain to continue with construction of the pipeline.
Coldwater, however, believes that if the regulator jettisons oral cross-examination for its upcoming hearing to determine the pipeline’s route through the Coldwater Valley, it would go against a Federal Court of Appeal ruling in February, that allowed the project to proceed on the assumption that the Band’s interests would still be protected through a rigorous hearing process. The changes, argued Coldwater, would make it impossible for the Crown to fulfil its obligations.
“We don’t consider a paper hearing to be sufficient to meet the Crown’s duty to consult, or a fair process, given the interests that are at stake here,” said Matthew Kirchner, managing partner for Ratcliff & Company LLP, which represents Coldwater, in an interview. Canada Energy Regulator communications officer James Stevenson confirmed to National Observer that the regulator had received the letter from Kirchner, and would review its contents before issuing any response. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Undated photo of Trans Mountain construction at a terminal in Burnaby, B.C. posted on April 24, 2020 on the company's Facebook page. Trans Mountain Facebook photo
'I wanted to give the CER plenty of time' The regulator’s changes so far apply to other hearings related to the pipeline expansion, and not specifically to an upcoming hearing anticipated by Coldwater to be held in the fall, likely October. The Coldwater Indian Band has rejected a series of changes made by the federal energy regulator to upcoming Trans Mountain oil pipeline hearings, saying the new approach isn’t a fair process and doesn’t respect Canada's duty to consult. But Kirchner said he penned the letter now to make sure that there is enough time for the CER to alter its approach, if it chooses to apply the same changes to Coldwater that it is applying to other hearings. Coldwater believes that, since its hearing is still several months away, physical distancing guidelines could be relaxed by then, and so an in-person hearing should not be ruled out at this point. But if such a hearing is still unsafe, wrote Kirchner, Coldwater wants the regulator to use technology that allows for the remote presentation of evidence and cross-examination of witness panels. He said such technology is already available through a Vancouver-based court reporting service.
“I wanted to give the (CER) plenty of time to be able to adjust to either plan for a safe, in-person hearing — which we may be able to do by October — or if we can’t do that, get working on a platform where we can have a video conference in-person hearing,” he said. Coldwater asserts Aboriginal rights and title to an area where the pipeline system touches. The Band has long been concerned about the risks that the expansion project poses to the aquifer on its main residential reserve, that it depends on for its sole source of drinking water, as well as to sacred areas. Written information requests are an “inadequate substitute” for cross-examination of witness panels, Kirchner wrote in the letter, and is “ill-suited to the need to test the evidence concerning potential impacts to the aquifer and Coldwater’s drinking water.”