nationalobserver--2020-11-23--This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community

As part of a series highlighting the work of young people in addressing the climate crisis , writer Patricia Lane interviews Heiltsuk activist 'Cúagilákv ( Jess Housty ) .
The 1990s were personally tough for me .
I spent the decade immersed in action based on climate catastrophe science , trying , and by all accounts failing , to stem the tide .
Hardest of all , death and dementia came to my family .
As my awareness deepened about the growing divide between young and old and rich and poor , grief had become a pretty constant companion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the abyss of fear and loss or choose the only thing stronger : love .
To choose love is to hope .
But I had forgotten how .
So I made a resolution — one that could last a year or even a decade if need be .
I chose to study hope .
Part of my journey is to seek out promising young people who are contending in evidence-based and impactful ways with the climate crisis and engage them in conversations about hope .
I am grateful for Canada ’ s National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which provides these determined , joyful and , yes , hopeful young people a voice .
'Cúagilákv ( Jess Housty ) is a 34-year-old Haíɫzaqv ( Heiltsuk ) change-maker who is helping her people in Bella Bella , B.C.
, bring back food security and self-reliance in the face of damage inflicted by colonization .
• Ottawa wants to hear your ideas on how to tackle food waste • Crisis ?
What crisis ?
One of Canada ’ s largest landlords is having a profitable 2020 Tell us about some of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from my community .
In 2012 , I left university to focus on the fight against Enbridge ’ s Northern Gateway pipeline proposal .
Since then , I ’ ve served on my nation ’ s elected tribal council and was the Heiltsuk incident commander during the Nathan E. Stewart oil spill .
I also co-established an Indigenous Knowledge , Science and Resource Management Field School , and support the re-emergence of food security through ancestral gardening practices .
I currently run a community non-profit focused on youth programming .
What are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide you ?
My family and community taught me that I ’ m part of a culture and knowledge system that have thrived for millennia because they are perfectly adapted to the world around us .
Our identity is inseparable from our lands and waters , and protecting them is a sacred obligation to return the care they show to us .
This often pits us against extractive industries and western values , but it ’ s who we are .
'Cúagilákv ( Jess Housty ) with her sons Noen and Magnus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jess Housty ) , a 34-year-old Heiltsuk change-maker helping to promote food security and self-reliance in Bella Bella , B.C .
Can you give us an example of the differences ?
We understand the plants and animals that share these lands and waters as non-human kin who exist within their own hierarchies and systems of law and governance .
This provides structure to our relationships with the world around us .
For example , western society might see a hḷ́x̌ʔínúx̌v ( orca ) as a majestic animal , but we understand the hḷ́x̌ʔínúx̌v @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chief of the kingdom under the sea .
For me , the hḷ́x̌ʔínúx̌v is more than an apex predator or breath-taking sight .
It ’ s a signifier of a marine society that requires respect and reciprocity and humbles me when I ’ m in that sovereign space .
How is your nation working to protect its worldview ?
The Heiltsuk Oceans Act , envisioned as the first piece of legislation to fall under our developing Heiltsuk constitution , will reflect our responsibility to care for the ocean and our ocean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for how fisheries and other marine activities will be carried out in our waters .
Those who conduct work in our territory are required to seek Heiltsuk approval to ensure their values are aligned with our laws .
These kinds of processes and Heiltsuk legislation are new tools to empower us to protect our territory .
On Oct. 13 , 2016 , the American-owned tug Nathan E. Stewart sank after the watchperson fell asleep .
It spilled over 100,000 litres of diesel and pollutants into Gale Pass , an important Heiltsuk food harvesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your role in that event .
I was the Heiltsuk incident commander during much of the six-week emergency phase .
We had to fight to ensure the deep local knowledge of Heiltsuk responders was respected , from marine conditions to sacred cultural sites .
We started work before dawn and continued past nightfall .
We watched hundreds of non-local responders cycle through relief shifts while we had no choice but to keep working .
They brought a professional detachment to their work that does not exist for Heiltsuk people ; we responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attachment to our homelands .
Our laws and values invested us fully in that work because homelands and non-human kin were in the balance .
I struggled every day knowing that my ancestors had cared for our territory for millennia , yet this incident was unfolding on my watch .
The impacts of that traumatic time still linger in the form of depression and PTSD , but embracing the insights and lessons from that time is part of how I 'm shifting the framework of my story from one of trauma to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is a young Heiltsuk activist from Bella Bella .
Photo by Simon Kreitem Has the pandemic changed your work ?
When our colonial food supply chains began to feel tenuous , interest in the work we were doing to improve the resiliency of our existing food systems increased significantly .
It built explicit connections between food security and mental health .
We asked people what they needed .
We built a greenhouse , dropped supplies at people ’ s homes and delivered tutorials on social media and Heiltsuk Radio .
We shifted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-reliance .
Now a third of our community is established in growing food , and another third is beginning the journey .
What advice do you have for younger people ?
We are the descendants of survivors .
It ’ s important for us to root ourselves in that ancestral strength .
I ’ m confident in the vision of our young ones : our future successes are in their hearts and hands , and they ’ re dreaming an incredible future into being .
Trust the leadership of youth .
Practice saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can I help ?
”

As part of a series highlighting the work of young people in addressing the climate crisis, writer Patricia Lane interviews Heiltsuk activist 'Cúagilákv (Jess Housty). The 1990s were personally tough for me. I spent the decade immersed in action based on climate catastrophe science, trying, and by all accounts failing, to stem the tide. Hardest of all, death and dementia came to my family. As my awareness deepened about the growing divide between young and old and rich and poor, grief had become a pretty constant companion. I could choose to go further into the abyss of fear and loss or choose the only thing stronger: love. To choose love is to hope. But I had forgotten how. So I made a resolution — one that could last a year or even a decade if need be. I chose to study hope. Part of my journey is to seek out promising young people who are contending in evidence-based and impactful ways with the climate crisis and engage them in conversations about hope. I am grateful for Canada’s National Observer’s commitment to solutions journalism, which provides these determined, joyful and, yes, hopeful young people a voice. 'Cúagilákv (Jess Housty) is a 34-year-old Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) change-maker who is helping her people in Bella Bella, B.C., bring back food security and self-reliance in the face of damage inflicted by colonization.
Tell us about some of your work. My sense of purpose comes from my community. In 2012, I left university to focus on the fight against Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline proposal. Since then, I’ve served on my nation’s elected tribal council and was the Heiltsuk incident commander during the Nathan E. Stewart oil spill. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions I also co-established an Indigenous Knowledge, Science and Resource Management Field School, and support the re-emergence of food security through ancestral gardening practices. I currently run a community non-profit focused on youth programming.
What are the values with which you were raised that guide you? Meet 'Cúagilákv (Jess Housty), a 34-year-old Heiltsuk change-maker helping to promote food security and self-reliance in Bella Bella, B.C. My family and community taught me that I’m part of a culture and knowledge system that have thrived for millennia because they are perfectly adapted to the world around us. Our identity is inseparable from our lands and waters, and protecting them is a sacred obligation to return the care they show to us. This often pits us against extractive industries and western values, but it’s who we are. 'Cúagilákv (Jess Housty) with her sons Noen and Magnus. Photo submitted by 'Cúagilákv Can you give us an example of the differences?
We understand the plants and animals that share these lands and waters as non-human kin who exist within their own hierarchies and systems of law and governance. This provides structure to our relationships with the world around us. For example, western society might see a hḷ́x̌ʔínúx̌v (orca) as a majestic animal, but we understand the hḷ́x̌ʔínúx̌v as a spiritual being that accompanies Qvúmúgva, the chief of the kingdom under the sea. For me, the hḷ́x̌ʔínúx̌v is more than an apex predator or breath-taking sight. It’s a signifier of a marine society that requires respect and reciprocity and humbles me when I’m in that sovereign space. How is your nation working to protect its worldview?


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--Youth leading the charge for climate action at Mock COP26

Young people from around the world , frustrated at yet another delay at the primary forum for global climate action , are creating their own legal document and asking world leaders to adopt it .
“ Our goal is for the world leaders to see what we ’ re doing , to see that we do not want them to delay climate action any longer , like they did with COP26 .
It ’ s just not acceptable anymore , ” said Malaika Collette , a Grade 12 student near Peterborough , Ont.
, and one of the 18 student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 26th version of the UN climate change conference ( COP , for Conference of the Parties , to the UNCCC ) was due to take place in Glasgow this month , with 2020 also designated a “ year of climate action ” by the world body .
But COVID-19 dashed those plans , and by May , the UN had decided that COP26 now won ’ t take place until November next year .
Frustrated by the cancellation , Collette said the idea to put on their own version sprung from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Teach the Future program and grew from there .
• Ottawa wants to hear your ideas on how to tackle food waste • Crisis ?
What crisis ?
One of Canada ’ s largest landlords is having a profitable 2020 The two-week summit , which kicked off earlier this week , brings together more than 350 delegates from 150 countries , with a focus on amplifying the voices of the global south .
“ Climate change doesn ’ t get postponed , therefore , finding solutions shouldn ’ t be , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophie Price , a climate striking activist who also this year founded the Divest Canada Coalition .
“ Millions have died from COVID-19 , but even more will die from climate change , ” she said .
Three delegates will attend on behalf of Canada and other countries in Europe and North America , while up to five are taking part from countries that are typically underrepresented in global fora .
With a greater weighting of delegates from the global south , “ they will have a more prominent voice , because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Collette said .
Some 800 young people applied to take part , with particularly strong interest from India , Kenya , Nigeria , Pakistan and the Philippines , organizers said .
Mock # COP26 brings together more than 350 young people from 150 countries who will end their two-week summit with a list of climate demands for world leaders .
Those taking part have been huddled in groups for a week or so now , Collette said , to work on high-level statements on behalf of their country ’ s youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups this week .
Those groups will debate policy initiatives and engage with a slate of mostly young speakers on climate education and justice , resilient livelihoods , health and well-being and the NDCs — Nationally Determined Contributions , a.k.a .
each country ’ s climate commitment .
“ I am pretty sure that some of those countries will be including a just recovery , a green recovery , in these statements , because that ’ s certainly important right now , ” she said .
Everything is being livestreamed and also made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ except caucuses , where delegates meet and vote .
The end result , a final statement outlining young people ’ s demands of world leaders , will be handed to the U.K. ’ s top sherpa for the 2021 talks at a closing ceremony on Dec. 1 .

Young people from around the world, frustrated at yet another delay at the primary forum for global climate action, are creating their own legal document and asking world leaders to adopt it.
“Our goal is for the world leaders to see what we’re doing, to see that we do not want them to delay climate action any longer, like they did with COP26. It’s just not acceptable anymore,” said Malaika Collette, a Grade 12 student near Peterborough, Ont., and one of the 18 student staffers putting on the Mock COP26.
The 26th version of the UN climate change conference (COP, for Conference of the Parties, to the UNCCC) was due to take place in Glasgow this month, with 2020 also designated a “year of climate action” by the world body.
But COVID-19 dashed those plans, and by May, the UN had decided that COP26 now won’t take place until November next year.
Frustrated by the cancellation, Collette said the idea to put on their own version sprung from the U.K. educational charity Students Organizing for Sustainability’s Teach the Future program and grew from there.


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--Endangered Vancouver Island marmots are making a comeback

Vancouver Island marmots may just be the antidote required for the dystopian times we are living in .
If you must be trapped inside during this current winter of discontent , alone at a desk , scrolling through hours of video — best it be watching one of the most endearing animals on the planet .
Researchers looking to conserve Canada ’ s most endangered mammal take advantage of the creature ’ s seven-month hibernation season to mine footage and field data for more insights that will help the animals survive , said Adam Taylor , executive director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are entertaining to watch .
And there 's no doubt about it , they are unbearably cute , ” said Taylor .
The biologist describes the marmots as a good “ gateway animal ” to hook people into caring generally about the conservation of species at risk .
“ They are really good ambassadors , ” Taylor said of this cat-sized member of the squirrel family .
“ We need success stories in the conservation world .
This is not an easy time to work with wildlife , ” says Adam Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MarmotRecovery .
“ I hope somebody discovers the Vancouver Island marmot and then finds this world of other endangered species that also need our help.
” But for all their cuteness , the Vancouver Island marmot is a role model in resiliency , Taylor added .
Despite enduring a harsh climate , challenging conditions and changing habitat due the impacts of human activity , the marmots represent a potential good news story that illustrates the possibility of bringing a species back from the brink of extinction .
The critically endangered species has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 wild marmots living in handful of locations in 2003 to approximately 200 living in colonies across 20 Vancouver Island mountains by 2019 .
Through a captive breeding and release program in conjunction with the Toronto and Calgary zoos , habitat restoration and monitoring activities , the foundation and its partners have seen the Vancouver Island marmot repopulate areas where it was completely extirpated , Taylor said .
The last two years have resulted in a combined population of more than 100 pups born in the wild , he said .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort as a definitive triumph of any sort .
“ But are we done ?
No , no , we 're not done , ” Taylor said .
“ And if we walked away today , the species would absolutely fly back into extinction very quickly.
” The Vancouver Island marmot population is still growing slowly and is extremely vulnerable to damaging bouts of predation from wolves and cougars that can more easily access colonies along the logging roads puncturing high alpine forests .
And the ever-present danger of starvation during or following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the snowpack drops and spring melts quicken , limiting the supply of vegetation the marmots rely on , he said .
As well , a colony ’ s ability to rebound after any significant population loss can be hindered if the animals ’ travel routes to each others ' communities are severed or disrupted by industrial activity or projects , Taylor said .
The foundation must still assist the marmots to boost their recovery , he noted .
Just before and following hibernation , the foundation provides the marmots — which can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter snooze — with supplemental vegetation biscuits to fatten them up and improve reproduction rates .
Plus , the captive-bred marmots are subject to a halfway house approach when being released into the wild .
The marmots appear to have a better survival rate when they are released on Mount Washington and its attendant ski runs for their first year in nature before being recaptured and released into more challenging environments in areas such as Strathcona Park , Taylor said .
The practice seems to condition them to a natural environment and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
It does seem counterintuitive that such a highly modified habitat would benefit the marmot , especially given the negative impacts human activity has posed in the past , Taylor agreed .
But the ski hill ’ s operators avoid activities that might endanger the marmots , prevent tree growth on the runs , which mimic the avalanche slopes favoured by the critter , and the constant presence of humans deters predators , he said .
“ Hindsight is 20/20 .
But if you look at a ski hill , it looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And at the absolute lowest point , when we had fewer than 30 Vancouver Island marmots left in the wild , 10 of them were living at that ski resort.
” The recovery effort eats up a good chunk of money and time , Taylor said .
But Canadians should feel a responsibility to protect it , he said .
“ We have a moral obligation , ” Taylor said , adding the Vancouver Island marmot is one of only five endemic species to Canada and the only one at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world would be different if we lost the Vancouver Island marmot is in some ways the wrong question , ” he said , noting it nearly happened once before without many people being aware of the fact .
However , saving the Vancouver Island marmot is also critical for reasons outside their own survival , Taylor stressed .
The world is facing massive declines in biodiversity and a growing list of species bordering extinction , he said .
The marmot can offer a portion of hope in this doomsday scenario , Taylor said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conservation world .
This is not an easy time to work with wildlife , ” he said .
“ We need to be able to demonstrate that it 's possible to bring these species back because that 's the task that we 're going to be engaged in more and more often .
And if we do n't have success stories , then it 's going to be really hard for us to justify why we want to save any one of these species.
” It 's a stressful world right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marmot pictures will help , but I feel that they will .
Here 's Hulk from Mt Arrowsmith .
Photo by Ryan Tidman .
pic.twitter.com/lB2wcILStj — Marmot Recovery Fdn ( @ MarmotRecovery ) March 9 , 2020

After years of study, he still gets a kick out of watching the highly social, fuzzy, chocolate brown critters laze on rocks, munch the alpine vegetation or alternately tussle or boop noses with one another.
The process does not get old over time, Taylor said.
Researchers looking to conserve Canada’s most endangered mammal take advantage of the creature’s seven-month hibernation season to mine footage and field data for more insights that will help the animals survive, said Adam Taylor, executive director of the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation .
If you must be trapped inside during this current winter of discontent, alone at a desk, scrolling through hours of video — best it be watching one of the most endearing animals on the planet.
Vancouver Island marmots may just be the antidote required for the dystopian times we are living in.
Caught on camera: a pair of yearlings practice for the future when they may have to defend their turf. #cameratrap pic.twitter.com/i4tuSQ51UN
But for all their cuteness, the Vancouver Island marmot is a role model in resiliency, Taylor added.
“I hope somebody discovers the Vancouver Island marmot and then finds this world of other endangered species that also need our help.”
“They are really good ambassadors,” Taylor said of this cat-sized member of the squirrel family.
The biologist describes the marmots as a good “gateway animal” to hook people into caring generally about the conservation of species at risk.
“They are entertaining to watch. And there's no doubt about it, they are unbearably cute,” said Taylor.
Through a captive breeding and release program in conjunction with the Toronto and Calgary zoos, habitat restoration and monitoring activities, the foundation and its partners have seen the Vancouver Island marmot repopulate areas where it was completely extirpated, Taylor said.
The critically endangered species has gone from a low count of just 30 wild marmots living in handful of locations in 2003 to approximately 200 living in colonies across 20 Vancouver Island mountains by 2019.
Despite enduring a harsh climate, challenging conditions and changing habitat due the impacts of human activity, the marmots represent a potential good news story that illustrates the possibility of bringing a species back from the brink of extinction.
The last two years have resulted in a combined population of more than 100 pups born in the wild, he said.
Adam Taylor, executive director of the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation, says the cute but hardy mammal is a good ambassador for endangered animals. Photo courtesy of the Marmot Recovery Foundation
“So to that extent, yes, we’ve had success,” Taylor said.
“I think there's reason for real optimism, that we have some science and some modelling that is demonstrating that we have an approach that can bring this species back.”
But he was very cautious about labelling the recovery effort as a definitive triumph of any sort.
“But are we done? No, no, we're not done,” Taylor said.
“And if we walked away today, the species would absolutely fly back into extinction very quickly.”
The Vancouver Island marmot population is still growing slowly and is extremely vulnerable to damaging bouts of predation from wolves and cougars that can more easily access colonies along the logging roads puncturing high alpine forests.
And the ever-present danger of starvation during or following hibernation is being exacerbated by climate change as the snowpack drops and spring melts quicken, limiting the supply of vegetation the marmots rely on, he said.
As well, a colony’s ability to rebound after any significant population loss can be hindered if the animals’ travel routes to each others' communities are severed or disrupted by industrial activity or projects, Taylor said.
The foundation must still assist the marmots to boost their recovery, he noted.
Just before and following hibernation, the foundation provides the marmots — which can lose one-third of their weight during their winter snooze — with supplemental vegetation biscuits to fatten them up and improve reproduction rates.
Plus, the captive-bred marmots are subject to a halfway house approach when being released into the wild.
The marmots appear to have a better survival rate when they are released on Mount Washington and its attendant ski runs for their first year in nature before being recaptured and released into more challenging environments in areas such as Strathcona Park, Taylor said.
The practice seems to condition them to a natural environment and has boosted their survival rates five-fold, he said.
It does seem counterintuitive that such a highly modified habitat would benefit the marmot, especially given the negative impacts human activity has posed in the past, Taylor agreed.
But the ski hill’s operators avoid activities that might endanger the marmots, prevent tree growth on the runs, which mimic the avalanche slopes favoured by the critter, and the constant presence of humans deters predators, he said.
“Hindsight is 20/20. But if you look at a ski hill, it looks exactly like marmot habitat,” Taylor said.
“And at the absolute lowest point, when we had fewer than 30 Vancouver Island marmots left in the wild, 10 of them were living at that ski resort.”
The recovery effort eats up a good chunk of money and time, Taylor said.
But Canadians should feel a responsibility to protect it, he said.
“We have a moral obligation,” Taylor said, adding the Vancouver Island marmot is one of only five endemic species to Canada and the only one at risk.
“But asking how the world would be different if we lost the Vancouver Island marmot is in some ways the wrong question,” he said, noting it nearly happened once before without many people being aware of the fact.
However, saving the Vancouver Island marmot is also critical for reasons outside their own survival, Taylor stressed.
The world is facing massive declines in biodiversity and a growing list of species bordering extinction, he said.
The marmot can offer a portion of hope in this doomsday scenario, Taylor said.
“We need success stories in the conservation world. This is not an easy time to work with wildlife,” he said.
“We need to be able to demonstrate that it's possible to bring these species back because that's the task that we're going to be engaged in more and more often. And if we don't have success stories, then it's going to be really hard for us to justify why we want to save any one of these species.”
It's a stressful world right now. I don't know how extra marmot pictures will help, but I feel that they will. Here's Hulk from Mt Arrowsmith. Photo by Ryan Tidman. pic.twitter.com/lB2wcILStj — Marmot Recovery Fdn (@MarmotRecovery) March 9, 2020
Rochelle Baker / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--Cheap, easy-to-store COVID-19 vaccine proves effective in late-stage trials, drugmaker says

LONDON — Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective , buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap , easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world .
The results are based on an interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca .
No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine .
AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage data for a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic that has pummelled the world economy and led to 1.4 million deaths .
But unlike the others , the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine doesn ’ t have to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures , making it easier to distribute , especially in developing countries .
“ I think these are really exciting results , ” Dr. Andrew Pollard , chief investigator for the trial , said at a news conference .
“ Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures , it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere , I think we ’ ve actually managed to do that.
” The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was 90 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in one of the dosing regimens tested ; it was less effective in another .
Earlier this month , rival drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95 per cent effective .
• This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community • Ottawa wants to hear your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8 C ( 36 to 46 F ) , the Pfizer and Moderna products must be stored at temperatures approaching -70 C ( -94 F ) .
The AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper .
AstraZeneca , which has pledged it won ’ t make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic , has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations that put its cost at about $ 2.50 a dose .
Pfizer ’ s vaccine costs about $ 20 , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 25 , based on agreements the companies have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government .
All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed .
AstraZeneca applied for approval of its vaccine candidate in Canada on Oct. 1 , under a special process that is allowing Health Canada to review COVID-19 vaccines for use at the same time as the vaccines are finishing their final clinical trials .
Pfizer and Moderna have also applied for the rolling-review process .
Canada signed a deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure 20 million doses of the highly touted vaccine .
The federal government has not said when those doses would be available to Canadians , but they can ’ t be distributed here until Health Canada gives the vaccine the green light for use .
Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its # COVID19 # vaccine is highly effective , buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap , easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world .
Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed they weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines would be needed to reach enough of the world ’ s population to end the pandemic .
“ We need to be able to make a lot of vaccine for the world quickly , and it ’ s best if we can do it with different technologies so that if one technology runs into a roadblock , then we ’ ve got alternatives , we ’ ve got diversity , ’ ’ professor Sarah Gilbert , a leader of the Oxford team , told the Associated Press .
“ Diversity is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of manufacturing , we don ’ t want to run out of raw materials.
” AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible , and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization , so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries .
The AstraZeneca trial looked at two different dosing regimens .
A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90 per cent effective .
Another approach , giving patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 62 per cent effective .
That means that , overall , when both ways of dosing are considered , the vaccine showed an efficacy rate of 70 per cent .
Gilbert said researchers aren ’ t sure why giving a half-dose followed by a larger dose was more effective , and they plan to investigate further .
But the answer is probably related to providing exactly the right amount of vaccine to get the best response , she said .
“ It ’ s the Goldilocks amount that you want , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much .
Too much could give you a poor quality response as well ... , ’ ’ she said .
`` I ’ m glad that we looked at more than one dose because it turns out to be really important.
” The vaccine uses a weakened version of a common cold virus that is combined with genetic material for the characteristic spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19 .
After vaccination , the spike protein primes the immune system to attack the virus if it later infects the body .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Imperial College London , said the finding that a smaller initial dose is more effective than a larger one is good news because it may reduce costs and mean more people can be vaccinated with a given supply of the vaccine .
“ The report that an initial half-dose is better than a full dose seems counterintuitive for those of us thinking of vaccines as normal drugs : With drugs , we expect that higher doses have bigger effects , and more side-effects , ” he said .
“ But the immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The results reported Monday come from trials in the U.K. and Brazil that involved 23,000 people .
Of those , 11,636 people received the vaccine — while the rest got a placebo .
Overall , there were 131 cases of COVID-19 .
Details on how many people in the various groups became ill weren ’ t released Monday , but researchers said they will be published in the next 24 hours .
Late-stage trials of the vaccine are also underway in the U.S. , Japan , Russia , South Africa , Kenya and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other European and Asian countries .
Researchers said they expect to add the half dose-full dose regimen to the U.S. trial in a “ matter of weeks.
’ ’ Before doing so they must discuss the changes with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
The AstraZeneca trials were paused earlier this year after a participant in the U.K. study reported a rare neurological illness .
While the trials were quickly restarted in most countries after investigators determined the condition wasn ’ t related to the vaccine , the FDA delayed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before it was allowed to resume .
AstraZeneca has been ramping up manufacturing capacity , so it can supply hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine starting in January , Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said earlier this month .
Soriot said Monday that the Oxford vaccine ’ s simpler supply chain and AstraZeneca ’ s commitment to provide it on a non-profit basis during the pandemic mean it will be affordable and available to people around the world .
“ This vaccine ’ s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an immediate impact on this public health emergency , ’ ’ Soriot said .
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt “ a great sense of relief ” at the news from AstraZeneca .
Britain has ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine , and the government says several million doses can be produced before the end of the year if it is approved by regulators .
Just months ago , “ the idea that by November we would have three vaccines , all of which have got high effectiveness … I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Hancock said .
From the beginning of their collaboration with AstraZeneca , Oxford scientists have demanded that the vaccine be made available equitably to everyone in the world so rich countries can ’ t corner the market as has happened during previous pandemics .
Leaders of the world ’ s most powerful nations on Sunday agreed to work together to ensure “ affordable and equitable access '' to COVID-19 drugs , tests and vaccines .
“ If we don ’ t have the vaccine available in many , many countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them , then we can ’ t go back to normal because the virus is going to keep coming back and causing problems again , '' Gilbert said .
“ No one is safe until we ’ re all safe .
”

LONDON — Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap, easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world. The results are based on an interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine. AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage data for a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the world waits for scientific breakthroughs that will end a pandemic that has pummelled the world economy and led to 1.4 million deaths. But unlike the others, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine doesn’t have to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, making it easier to distribute, especially in developing countries. “I think these are really exciting results,” Dr. Andrew Pollard, chief investigator for the trial, said at a news conference. “Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures, it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system. And so our goal … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere, I think we’ve actually managed to do that.” The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was 90 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in one of the dosing regimens tested; it was less effective in another. Earlier this month, rival drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95 per cent effective.
While the AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8 C (36 to 46 F), the Pfizer and Moderna products must be stored at temperatures approaching -70 C (-94 F). The AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions AstraZeneca, which has pledged it won’t make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic, has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations that put its cost at about $2.50 a dose. Pfizer’s vaccine costs about $20, while Moderna’s is $15 to $25, based on agreements the companies have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government.
All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed. Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its #COVID19 #vaccine is highly effective, buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap, easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world. AstraZeneca applied for approval of its vaccine candidate in Canada on Oct. 1, under a special process that is allowing Health Canada to review COVID-19 vaccines for use at the same time as the vaccines are finishing their final clinical trials. Pfizer and Moderna have also applied for the rolling-review process. Canada signed a deal with AstraZeneca at the end of September to secure 20 million doses of the highly touted vaccine. The federal government has not said when those doses would be available to Canadians, but they can’t be distributed here until Health Canada gives the vaccine the green light for use. Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed they weren’t competing with other projects and said multiple vaccines would be needed to reach enough of the world’s population to end the pandemic. “We need to be able to make a lot of vaccine for the world quickly, and it’s best if we can do it with different technologies so that if one technology runs into a roadblock, then we’ve got alternatives, we’ve got diversity,’’ professor Sarah Gilbert, a leader of the Oxford team, told the Associated Press. “Diversity is going to be good here, but also in terms of manufacturing, we don’t want to run out of raw materials.”
AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible, and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization, so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries. The AstraZeneca trial looked at two different dosing regimens. A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90 per cent effective. Another approach, giving patients two full doses one month apart, was 62 per cent effective. That means that, overall, when both ways of dosing are considered, the vaccine showed an efficacy rate of 70 per cent.


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--COVID-19 vaccines will bring life 'back to normal,' Doug Ford says, as restrictions tighten in hot s

COVID-19 vaccines will bring life 'back to normal,' Doug Ford says, as restrictions tighten in hot spots

TORONTO — Ontario ’ s premier suggested Monday things would `` get back to normal '' once COVID-19 vaccines are approved and mass-produced , as two hot spots in the province entered lockdowns and Eastern Canada ’ s Atlantic bubble was temporarily dismantled in an effort to curb the spread of the virus .
Doug Ford dangled the possibility of an end to the pandemic in announcing a retired Canadian Forces general would lead the province ’ s vaccine distribution , and vowed to support businesses struggling under stringent public health measures .
`` Once approved , once in mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end to this pandemic .
The vaccine is what will get life back to normal , '' he said Monday .
Ford ’ s comments came as two major urban centres in Ontario where COVID-19 cases have been surging entered the lockdown stage of the province ’ s pandemic protection plan , where they will remain for at least 28 days .
As a result , all non-essential retailers in Toronto and neighbouring Peel Region are reduced to curbside pickup only , and restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery orders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also closed , but schools and child-care centres remain open .
• This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community • Ottawa wants to hear your ideas on how to tackle food waste Some noted the measures will disproportionately affect small businesses , while larger corporations will likely continue to thrive .
`` The structure of the lockdowns in Toronto and Peel will likely have the largest impact on small business who are now forced to shut down , driving shoppers to big-box stores , '' BMO analyst Benjamin Reitzes wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is where the real damage is going to be from this government decision . ''
Asked why the province didn ’ t try to level the playing field by preventing big-box stores from selling non-essential items like Manitoba did recently , Ford said it would be a `` logistical nightmare '' for business owners to cordon off areas of their stores and monitor shoppers to ensure they stick to essential purchases .
The mayors of several municipalities in the Toronto and Hamilton area urged any retailers who remain open not to hold `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noting these would `` inevitably produce crowd scenes which would only serve to undermine the fight against COVID-19 and negate the sacrifices being made by so many , including other businesses . ''
Other areas of Ontario , which reported 1,589 new cases of COVID-19 and 19 new deaths on Monday , are also seeing tighter restrictions as they move to higher alert levels under the province ’ s colour-coded plan .
Doug Ford told Ontarians things would `` get back to normal '' once # COVID19 vaccines are approved and mass-produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubble tightened restrictions to curb the spread of the virus .
Meanwhile , two provinces announced their temporary withdrawal from the Atlantic bubble on Monday in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
Anyone travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador from the Atlantic region will have to self-isolate for 14 days starting Wednesday , just like visitors from other parts of the country .
Speaking in St. John ’ s , N.L.
, Premier Andrew Furey said the decision was made in `` an effort to avoid a full lockdown . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel to the province for two weeks , in what P.E.I .
Premier Dennis King called a preventive move .
Newfoundland and Labrador and P.E.I.
, along with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick , were part of the so-called Atlantic bubble that allowed residents to travel freely within the four provinces ’ borders without isolating .
Newfoundland and Labrador reported two new cases Monday , and P.E.I .
reported one .
All of the Island ’ s 69 cases since the pandemic began have been travel-related .
Stricter limits on social gatherings also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a neighbouring county on Monday .
New Brunswick ’ s premier , Blaine Higgs , said the province isn ’ t planning any changes regarding the Atlantic bubble , despite the decisions made by Newfoundland and Labrador and P.E.I .
The province reported one new death and 15 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday .
Further west , Manitoba reported a new peak in daily infections , with 543 new COVID-19 cases .
Quebec , another province hit hard by the pandemic , reported 1,164 new cases of COVID-19 and 13 more deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumped to 38 , 14 more than just a week ago .
Yukon increased restrictions last week as infection rates jumped in jurisdictions around it , requiring all but critical services workers to self-isolate for two weeks when they enter the territory .
Over the weekend , four provinces — Ontario , New Brunswick , Saskatchewan and Alberta — reported new records in daily infections .
Canada ’ s top public health doctor , Dr. Theresa Tam , said cases are increasing nationally among older adults , with more and larger outbreaks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings .
`` These developments are deeply concerning as they put countless Canadians at risk of life-threatening illness , cause serious disruptions to health services and present significant challenges for areas not adequately equipped to manage complex medical emergencies , '' Tam said in a written statement .
An increasing number of people are also experiencing severe illness as a result of the novel coronavirus , with more being treated in intensive care units , she said .
`` This situation is putting pressure on local health-care resources and forcing hospitals to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and procedures in several areas of the country , '' Tam said .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23 , 2020 .

TORONTO — Ontario’s premier suggested Monday things would "get back to normal" once COVID-19 vaccines are approved and mass-produced, as two hot spots in the province entered lockdowns and Eastern Canada’s Atlantic bubble was temporarily dismantled in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Doug Ford dangled the possibility of an end to the pandemic in announcing a retired Canadian Forces general would lead the province’s vaccine distribution, and vowed to support businesses struggling under stringent public health measures. "Once approved, once in mass production, these vaccines will finally bring an end to this pandemic. The vaccine is what will get life back to normal," he said Monday. Ford’s comments came as two major urban centres in Ontario where COVID-19 cases have been surging entered the lockdown stage of the province’s pandemic protection plan, where they will remain for at least 28 days. As a result, all non-essential retailers in Toronto and neighbouring Peel Region are reduced to curbside pickup only, and restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery orders. Personal services such as hair salons are also closed, but schools and child-care centres remain open.
Some noted the measures will disproportionately affect small businesses, while larger corporations will likely continue to thrive. "The structure of the lockdowns in Toronto and Peel will likely have the largest impact on small business who are now forced to shut down, driving shoppers to big-box stores," BMO analyst Benjamin Reitzes wrote in a morning note. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "This is where the real damage is going to be from this government decision."
Asked why the province didn’t try to level the playing field by preventing big-box stores from selling non-essential items like Manitoba did recently, Ford said it would be a "logistical nightmare" for business owners to cordon off areas of their stores and monitor shoppers to ensure they stick to essential purchases. Doug Ford told Ontarians things would "get back to normal" once #COVID19 vaccines are approved and mass-produced, while two provinces in the Atlantic bubble tightened restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. The mayors of several municipalities in the Toronto and Hamilton area urged any retailers who remain open not to hold "large in-person sales" on Black Friday, noting these would "inevitably produce crowd scenes which would only serve to undermine the fight against COVID-19 and negate the sacrifices being made by so many, including other businesses." Other areas of Ontario, which reported 1,589 new cases of COVID-19 and 19 new deaths on Monday, are also seeing tighter restrictions as they move to higher alert levels under the province’s colour-coded plan. Meanwhile, two provinces announced their temporary withdrawal from the Atlantic bubble on Monday in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Anyone travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador from the Atlantic region will have to self-isolate for 14 days starting Wednesday, just like visitors from other parts of the country.
Speaking in St. John’s, N.L., Premier Andrew Furey said the decision was made in "an effort to avoid a full lockdown." Prince Edward Island is barring all non-essential travel to the province for two weeks, in what P.E.I. Premier Dennis King called a preventive move. Newfoundland and Labrador and P.E.I., along with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, were part of the so-called Atlantic bubble that allowed residents to travel freely within the four provinces’ borders without isolating.


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--RCMP commissioner responds to watchdog report on alleged surveillance of anti-oil protesters

OTTAWA — RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has responded to a long-delayed watchdog report on alleged surveillance of anti-oil protesters after a civil liberties group went to court to force her hand .
The submission of Lucki ’ s comments on the interim report by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP means the watchdog can now prepare a final report for public release .
Paul Champ , lawyer for the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association , received a letter Friday from Lucki confirming her response to the commission .
The complaints commission launched a public interest investigation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June 2017 , forwarding it to the RCMP for comment on the conclusions and recommendations .
The commission can not prepare a final report until the RCMP commissioner responds , which also means the findings can ’ t be disclosed to the civil liberties association or the public .
In a June 23 letter to Lucki , Champ noted the RCMP Act imposes a legal duty to provide a response to the commission ’ s interim report `` as soon as feasible . ''
`` The # RCMP ’ s systematic disregard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious and deeply rooted problem and needs to be addressed , '' said a lawyer for the B.C .
Civil Liberties Association , which filed the lawsuit .
The civil liberties association ’ s notice of application , filed earlier this month , asked the court to order Lucki to respond to the interim report within 14 days , something she has now done .
It also requested an order declaring the `` extensive and unconscionable delay '' of the report has interfered with the association ’ s ability to speak about important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of free expression .
`` We believe it ’ s important for the Court to provide some guidance and parameters about how long is ’ feasible ’ to complete a response , '' Champ says .
`` The RCMP ’ s systematic disregard for the public complaint process is a serious and deeply rooted problem and needs to be addressed . ''
The complaints commission is seeking the court ’ s permission to intervene in the case .
Nika Joncas-Bourget , general counsel for reviews with the commission , said in an affidavit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unreasonable delay of the RCMP commissioner ’ s response has thwarted the watchdog in carrying out its mandate .
`` The delay also undermines the legitimacy , fairness , and efficacy of the public complaint process .
Both the complainants and the RCMP members who are the subjects of the complaint must live with the stress and uncertainty of an unresolved complaint , '' she said .
Any remedial action , such as training or policy changes , that the complaints commission recommends must also wait , she added .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may wait for months or years past the time when they would be most useful and relevant . ''
The complaints commission has a total of 148 interim reports awaiting a response from the RCMP commissioner , including 134 that have been outstanding for more than six months .
In 119 of those cases the commission has been awaiting a response for at least one year .
In one case , it has been waiting for over four years .

OTTAWA — RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has responded to a long-delayed watchdog report on alleged surveillance of anti-oil protesters after a civil liberties group went to court to force her hand. The submission of Lucki’s comments on the interim report by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP means the watchdog can now prepare a final report for public release. Paul Champ, lawyer for the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, received a letter Friday from Lucki confirming her response to the commission. The association has accused the Mounties of sitting on the 2017 interim report for more than three years, prompting the group to recently ask the Federal Court to order Lucki to complete her input. Champ said although part of the court case is now moot, given Lucki has responded, the association plans to continue seeking a declaration that the commissioner’s delay violated the RCMP Act.
"Hopefully, we can improve the system for others and shine a light on this clear gap in the law." The association lodged a complaint in February 2014 with the complaints commission, saying the RCMP improperly collected and shared information about people and groups who peacefully opposed the planned Northern Gateway pipeline project and attended National Energy Board meetings. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The association also said monitoring, surveillance and information-sharing with other government agencies and the private sector created a chilling effect for those who might wish to take part in hearings or other public discussions on petroleum issues.
The complaints commission launched a public interest investigation and completed an interim report into the matter in June 2017, forwarding it to the RCMP for comment on the conclusions and recommendations. "The #RCMP’s systematic disregard for the public complaint process is a serious and deeply rooted problem and needs to be addressed," said a lawyer for the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, which filed the lawsuit. The commission cannot prepare a final report until the RCMP commissioner responds, which also means the findings can’t be disclosed to the civil liberties association or the public. In a June 23 letter to Lucki, Champ noted the RCMP Act imposes a legal duty to provide a response to the commission’s interim report "as soon as feasible." The civil liberties association’s notice of application, filed earlier this month, asked the court to order Lucki to respond to the interim report within 14 days, something she has now done. It also requested an order declaring the "extensive and unconscionable delay" of the report has interfered with the association’s ability to speak about important public matters, breaching its charter right of free expression.
"We believe it’s important for the Court to provide some guidance and parameters about how long is ’feasible’ to complete a response," Champ says. "The RCMP’s systematic disregard for the public complaint process is a serious and deeply rooted problem and needs to be addressed." The complaints commission is seeking the court’s permission to intervene in the case.


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--Survey shows two-thirds of energy companies cut labour costs due to COVID-19

A survey by energy labour market organization PetroLMI shows that more than two-thirds of the employers in Canada 's oil and gas sector imposed labour cost reduction measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns , including 37 per cent who enacted permanent layoffs .
The division of Energy Safety Canada surveyed 300 energy industry workers in August and September and interviewed 13 company leaders in September and August for its four-part report looking into industry reaction to lockdowns that slashed global oil demand , leading to rapidly falling oil prices .
`` Due to the sudden economic impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of depressed oil prices , energy employers had to find ways to reduce operating costs , '' the report notes .
`` While nearly four in 10 energy workers surveyed said their company implemented permanent layoffs , many companies were seeking alternatives to layoffs . ''
The survey found that 35 per cent of the companies invoked a hiring freeze , 29 per cent cut executive pay , 28 per cent trimmed worker pay , 27 per cent had temporary layoffs and 21 per cent restricted work hours .
• This Heiltsuk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community • Ottawa wants to hear your ideas on how to tackle food waste Only 32 per cent did nothing to reduce labour costs .
The survey found that only 13 per cent of energy workers worked from home at least one day per week before COVID-19 , but that rose to 70 per cent in March , with 57 per cent working from home at least five days a week .
`` Historically , the oil and gas industry has not typically been known for its flexible work policies , particularly the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said PetroLMI analyst Lisette Cameron during a webinar on Friday .
`` So it 's not a huge surprise when we asked energy workers how often they worked from home prior to the pandemic , about seven in 10 said they never work from home and only eight per cent said they work from home five or more days per week . ''
At the time of the survey in August and September , 47 per cent were still working from home at least one day per week and 31 per cent were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per week .
On its website , PetroLMI notes that oil and gas employment increased by 4,450 jobs in October to 164,590 compared with September , but was down 12 per cent or 21,400 jobs from October 2019 .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 20 , 2020 .

A survey by energy labour market organization PetroLMI shows that more than two-thirds of the employers in Canada's oil and gas sector imposed labour cost reduction measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, including 37 per cent who enacted permanent layoffs.
The division of Energy Safety Canada surveyed 300 energy industry workers in August and September and interviewed 13 company leaders in September and August for its four-part report looking into industry reaction to lockdowns that slashed global oil demand, leading to rapidly falling oil prices.
"Due to the sudden economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic after five years of depressed oil prices, energy employers had to find ways to reduce operating costs," the report notes.
"While nearly four in 10 energy workers surveyed said their company implemented permanent layoffs, many companies were seeking alternatives to layoffs."
The survey found that 35 per cent of the companies invoked a hiring freeze, 29 per cent cut executive pay, 28 per cent trimmed worker pay, 27 per cent had temporary layoffs and 21 per cent restricted work hours.


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--Vancouver's ambitious climate plan to include congestion pricing

Motorists would have to pay a fee to drive into Vancouver ’ s downtown core under a plan to slow climate change , but one expert says while city council ’ s goals are laudable , they could also lead to financial hardship for some .
Green Coun .
Pete Fry said in a social media post that the plan is part of a drive to make Vancouver one of the greenest cities in the world , adding a lot of work lies ahead to address issues related to equity .
The plan also includes promises to construct and renovate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a carbon surcharge on new gas and diesel vehicles at the higher end of the market .
Almost 40 per cent of Vancouver ’ s carbon pollution comes from vehicles .
About 30 per cent comes from natural gas heating .
Details of the Climate Emergency Action Plan have yet to be finalized but it includes drivers paying a toll coming into downtown .
Fees would be higher during rush hour and fall as far as zero at other times .
• This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to tackle food waste Todd Litman , an analyst at the Victoria Transport Policy Institute who contributed to the plan , said it aims to discourage car use .
People need to look past the toll and focus on the benefits , he added .
`` Most people ca n't imagine they could be better off living a less automobile-dependent lifestyle , even though when people actually experience it , they prefer it , '' Litman said in an interview .
In 1900 , before cars became common , a typical household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Now , the average household spends almost 20 per cent of its budget on motor vehicles .
The plan aligns with findings from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to limit global warming to 1.5 C to reduce carbon pollution by 50 per cent by 2030 .
Andy Yan , director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University , described the plan as the `` first 10 steps in a journey of 10,000 . ''
The policies are inspired by similar plans implemented in London , Stockholm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Canadian city has anything similar although a number of them including Victoria , Halifax , Toronto , Edmonton and Montreal have taken several smaller steps to cut emissions .
Motorists would have to pay a fee to drive into # Vancouver ’ s downtown core under a plan to slow # ClimateChange .
# climatecrisis # congestionpricing `` I think one of the big challenges is that we are neither Singapore , Stockholm or London , '' Yan said .
He acknowledged that Vancouver is different from those other large cities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house prices .
`` That is one of the limiting factors of really taking in those examples and trying to transplant them into Vancouver . ''
As an example , Yan said Singapore has affordable housing along with a robust public transportation network .
Public transit in those cities also creates an alternative to commuting in private cars , he said .
It 's important to recognize how high prices in Vancouver have pushed low-income earners out of the downtown , forcing them into longer commutes , he said .
About 45 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in the outer suburbs .
He warned that the congestion charge could become a `` sizable burden '' for some .
While it is commendable that the local government wants to acknowledge Vancouver is facing a climate emergency , it also needs to address inequality in housing and income , he said .
A publication recently released by Vancouver found public transit was disproportionately used as the main mode of travel by women , Indigenous , racialized , new immigrant and lower-income workers .
Lower walking or bicycling rates among those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in length of commute , workplace facilities and other factors , it found .
Yan said people who are employed in contract jobs , the service industry , health care and other essential work might not be able to cycle or walk and they could be disproportionately affected by the plan .
The strategy would take effect after 2025 .
Public consultations will take place over the next 18 months .
Christian Wolmar , a U.K. transportation historian , said it 's been difficult to gauge the success of London 's congestion plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s congestion plan is one of the inspirations for Vancouver .
While London has introduced cycling lanes , expanded train hours , and a steep levy for even short car trips into the core , Wolmar said the plan has n't developed much .
His advice to Vancouver is to `` sow the seeds '' of the plan quickly , put it into action and build on it .
Continued spending on buses and trains will be needed as well , as London has done , with subsidized fares being fundamental to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You need somebody with courage to implement it . ''
Vancouver is expanding its transit network with the city ’ s Broadway subway line being one step closer after the announcement of a design and construction contract for the project in September .
Work is scheduled to begin this fall with the line slated to be in service in 2025 .
Litman said a fee for bringing cars downtown would encourage the use of public transit or walking .
Revenue raised could go to improving walking , cycling and transit infrastructure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars to drive only when they need to , he said .
`` We 're not saying you should never drive , '' he said .
`` The ( plan ) is really built on that idea that if you really do need to drive downtown , fine , but you 're gon na have to pay $ 10 or $ 15 for the privilege . ''
Yan said while financial deterrents modify behaviours , policy makers are `` showing up with only sticks '' and without alternatives .
`` You 're trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world of inequality and that 's in no way easy , '' he said .
`` There are limits to where people are able to bike and walk . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21 , 2020 .

Motorists would have to pay a fee to drive into Vancouver’s downtown core under a plan to slow climate change, but one expert says while city council’s goals are laudable, they could also lead to financial hardship for some. Green Coun. Pete Fry said in a social media post that the plan is part of a drive to make Vancouver one of the greenest cities in the world, adding a lot of work lies ahead to address issues related to equity. The plan also includes promises to construct and renovate buildings to reduce emissions as well as a carbon surcharge on new gas and diesel vehicles at the higher end of the market. Almost 40 per cent of Vancouver’s carbon pollution comes from vehicles. About 30 per cent comes from natural gas heating. Details of the Climate Emergency Action Plan have yet to be finalized but it includes drivers paying a toll coming into downtown. Fees would be higher during rush hour and fall as far as zero at other times.
Todd Litman, an analyst at the Victoria Transport Policy Institute who contributed to the plan, said it aims to discourage car use. People need to look past the toll and focus on the benefits, he added. "Most people can't imagine they could be better off living a less automobile-dependent lifestyle, even though when people actually experience it, they prefer it," Litman said in an interview. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In 1900, before cars became common, a typical household spent an insignificant amount on transportation, he said. Now, the average household spends almost 20 per cent of its budget on motor vehicles.
The plan aligns with findings from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to limit global warming to 1.5 C to reduce carbon pollution by 50 per cent by 2030. Motorists would have to pay a fee to drive into #Vancouver’s downtown core under a plan to slow #ClimateChange. #climatecrisis #congestionpricing Andy Yan, director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University, described the plan as the "first 10 steps in a journey of 10,000." The policies are inspired by similar plans implemented in London, Stockholm and Singapore, he said. No other Canadian city has anything similar although a number of them including Victoria, Halifax, Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal have taken several smaller steps to cut emissions. "I think one of the big challenges is that we are neither Singapore, Stockholm or London," Yan said. He acknowledged that Vancouver is different from those other large cities, especially in terms of their economies and house prices.
"That is one of the limiting factors of really taking in those examples and trying to transplant them into Vancouver." As an example, Yan said Singapore has affordable housing along with a robust public transportation network. Public transit in those cities also creates an alternative to commuting in private cars, he said. It's important to recognize how high prices in Vancouver have pushed low-income earners out of the downtown, forcing them into longer commutes, he said. About 45 per cent of those working in the city live in the outer suburbs.


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--New restrictions coming as COVID-19 case numbers soar across Canada

Regions across Canada are braced for a host of new public health restrictions as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic sent case counts soaring from coast to coast .
Surging case counts that reached record heights in several provinces over the weekend spelled the short-term end to restaurant and retail service in some infection hot spots , while others prepared to further cap public and private gatherings in a bid to halt the spread of the virus .
In Ontario , which reported 1,534 new cases and 14 additional deaths on Sunday , shoppers flocked to local stores in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before both districts were slated to enter the lockdown phase of the provincial pandemic response plan .
Janet Reid visited Toronto 's Eaton Centre on Sunday afternoon to do some last-minute shopping in the hours before non-essential retailers close their doors to in-person visitors .
She said she hoped the restrictions , which also include the closure of salons and the suspension of indoor dining at local restaurants , would help bring the COVID-19 numbers down .
• This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community • Ottawa wants to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste `` It 's going to take everybody to do it , and not just a few people to do it , '' Reid said .
Public health officials in Atlantic Canada have also announced new limits on gatherings as the region saw a recent increase in COVID-19 cases , marking a reversal from the stable figures reported for months .
Nova Scotia 's Hants County and the Halifax area will be under stricter rules as of Monday , including a limit of five people who can gather without social distancing , down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The province reported 11 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday , bringing its number of active diagnoses to 44 .
`` I know this will not be easy , but it 's an initial step to contain the community spread and avoid the potential to overwhelm our health-care system , '' Dr Robert Strang , Nova Scotia 's chief medical officer of health , said in a Friday statement outlining the new rules .
In Newfoundland and Labrador , which reported three new cases on Sunday , Memorial University announced plans to postpone staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally set for the coming week .
More public health restrictions expected after COVID-19 case numbers explode across Canada .
# Covid19 # lockdown # wearamask The small town of Deer Lake , N.L.
, also sounded the alarm over a regional spike in cases when it announced a two-week closure of some municipal buildings and asked local businesses to follow suit .
The slew of pending restrictions is in line with advice from Canada 's top public health officer , Dr. Theresa Tam , who on Sunday urged people to limit gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the holiday season .
Tam said Canada is seeing `` rapid epidemic growth , '' as the country has now recorded 330,492 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began .
Alberta added to that tally with 1,584 new cases on Sunday , marking the fourth straight day the daily count has reached a record high .
Health officials in Nunavut reported 18 new cases on Sunday in Arviat , a small community on Hudson Bay that now has 98 active infections .
The territory , which went into a two-week lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active COVID-19 cases .
No deaths have been reported .
`` Health teams are working around the clock in Arviat , Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet to trace , test , isolate and contain the spread of the virus , '' Dr. Michael Patterson , Nunavut 's chief public health officer , said in a statement .
Meanwhile , Quebec reported 1,154 new COVID-19 cases and 23 additional deaths on Sunday , bringing the highest provincial total in the country to 132,042 cases and 6,829 deaths since the pandemic began .
Officials in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and warned that three schools may have been exposed to the virus .
The province set a single-day record on Saturday with 23 new cases .

Regions across Canada are braced for a host of new public health restrictions as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic sent case counts soaring from coast to coast. Surging case counts that reached record heights in several provinces over the weekend spelled the short-term end to restaurant and retail service in some infection hot spots, while others prepared to further cap public and private gatherings in a bid to halt the spread of the virus. In Ontario, which reported 1,534 new cases and 14 additional deaths on Sunday, shoppers flocked to local stores in Toronto and neighbouring Peel Region a day before both districts were slated to enter the lockdown phase of the provincial pandemic response plan. Janet Reid visited Toronto's Eaton Centre on Sunday afternoon to do some last-minute shopping in the hours before non-essential retailers close their doors to in-person visitors. She said she hoped the restrictions, which also include the closure of salons and the suspension of indoor dining at local restaurants, would help bring the COVID-19 numbers down.
"It's going to take everybody to do it, and not just a few people to do it," Reid said. Public health officials in Atlantic Canada have also announced new limits on gatherings as the region saw a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, marking a reversal from the stable figures reported for months. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Nova Scotia's Hants County and the Halifax area will be under stricter rules as of Monday, including a limit of five people who can gather without social distancing, down from the previous cap of 10.
The province reported 11 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing its number of active diagnoses to 44. More public health restrictions expected after COVID-19 case numbers explode across Canada. #Covid19 #lockdown #wearamask "I know this will not be easy, but it's an initial step to contain the community spread and avoid the potential to overwhelm our health-care system," Dr Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said in a Friday statement outlining the new rules. In Newfoundland and Labrador, which reported three new cases on Sunday, Memorial University announced plans to postpone staff members' scheduled return to work, originally set for the coming week. The small town of Deer Lake, N.L., also sounded the alarm over a regional spike in cases when it announced a two-week closure of some municipal buildings and asked local businesses to follow suit. The slew of pending restrictions is in line with advice from Canada's top public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, who on Sunday urged people to limit gatherings and only go out for essentials ahead of the holiday season.
Tam said Canada is seeing "rapid epidemic growth," as the country has now recorded 330,492 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Alberta added to that tally with 1,584 new cases on Sunday, marking the fourth straight day the daily count has reached a record high. Health officials in Nunavut reported 18 new cases on Sunday in Arviat, a small community on Hudson Bay that now has 98 active infections.


nationalobserver--2020-11-23--Psychiatrists dispute exclusion of mental illness in assisted dying-bill

The federal bill revising the rules on medically assisted death in Canada has raised the ire of the Canadian Psychiatric Association over the proposed law 's explicit rejection of mental illness as grounds for ending a patient 's life .
The federal government maintains that denying Canadians with debilitating mental illnesses the right to medically assisted death is simply a matter of continuing a prohibition that already exists in the law .
In fact , a small number of Canadians suffering solely from severe , irremediable mental disorders have received assisted deaths during the four years the procedure has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposing to expressly exclude such people as it amends the law to expand eligibility for everyone else .
Some psychiatrists say that stigmatizes people with mental illnesses , minimizes their suffering and reinforces the myth that they could be cured if they just tried harder .
• This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community • Ottawa wants to hear your ideas on how to tackle food waste What 's more , they believe the exclusion violates Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms , which guarantees equal treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental disability .
Under Bill C-7 , a mental illness will `` not be considered an illness , disease or disability '' for the purpose of the assisted-dying law .
`` A provision that applies only to persons with mental illness , without appropriate justification , is discriminatory in nature because it is arbitrary .
A provision that applies to all persons with mental illness , without appropriate justification , is unconstitutional because it is overbroad , '' the Canadian Psychiatric Association says in a brief to the House of Commons justice committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Explicitly stating that mental illness is not an illness , disease or disability … is inaccurate , stigmatizing , arbitrary and discriminatory . ''
The bill is the government 's response to a 2019 Quebec court ruling that struck down a provision in the law that allowed only those whose natural deaths are reasonably foreseeable to seek medical help to end their suffering .
Justice Minister David Lametti has suggested that , until now , the foreseeable-death provision prevented people suffering solely from mental illness from receiving an assisted death .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charter implications of the bill explicitly asserts that `` the bill would continue to prohibit '' assisted deaths in such cases now that the near-death requirement is being scrapped .
Exclusion of mental illness in assisted dying-bill slammed by psychiatrists .
# AssistedDying # MAID # cdnpoli # cdnlegal That assertion incenses Vancouver psychiatrist Dr. Derryck Smith , who has personally been involved in two cases where people suffering solely from severe mental disorders received medical help to end their lives .
And he says he knows of other similar cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ misleading , '' Smith said in an interview .
One of the cases Smith took part in involved a woman of about 40 years old who suffered from a `` severe , intractable eating disorder '' and was intending to starve herself to death if she did not receive medical help to end her life .
`` She was approved for assisted dying and received assisted dying just for a psychiatric illness , in this case anorexia nervosa . ''
To now deny someone like her the right to seek an assisted death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Section 15 of the charter , it 's unbelievable that they could continue with this , '' Smith said .
`` I mean , this is discriminating against a class of Canadians . ''
The Justice Department 's charter statement on the bill acknowledges that the exclusion `` has the potential '' to violate charter rights .
But it argues that it is a reasonably justifiable limit on those rights based on `` the inherent risks and complexity that the availability of MAID ( medical assistance in dying ) would present for individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Those risks include , as Lametti told the House of Commons last month , `` that the trajectory of mental illness is more difficult to predict than that of most physical illnesses , that spontaneous improvement is possible and that a desire to die and an impaired perception of one 's circumstances are symptoms , themselves , of some mental illnesses . ''
Montreal psychiatrist Dr. Mona Gupta , who co-authored a soon-to-be-released report on the issue for the Association des médecins psychiatres du Québec , said the risks apply equally to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of some physical illnesses can be unpredictable .
Physically ill people can spontaneously improve or become suicidal .
Their capacity to consent can be compromised .
But whereas doctors weigh those factors in assessing whether each individual with a physical condition is eligible for MAID , Gupta says Bill C-7 is telling all people with mental illnesses `` you 're not even allowed to ask , you 're not even allowed to be assessed . ''
If a person with bipolar disorder and renal failure is deemed to have the capacity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` does n't really make a lot of sense '' to say someone with only bipolar disorder does not .
She suspects myths about mental illness — `` that it reflects a character failing , that somehow it 's transient or not real '' — are behind the exclusion in Bill C-7 .
As well , she suspects politicians are likely worried about someone who is `` depressed after a bad divorce '' seeking an assisted death .
They have no conception of the kind of unbearable suffering `` a very , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychiatric conditions go through and who would be most likely to qualify for an assisted death .
Gupta shares the story of a patient in her hospital , a man in his 60s with lifelong obsessive-compulsive disorder .
Although he was initially reasonably functional , had a job and got married , his condition deteriorated in his 40s , manifesting in a `` very , very severe handwashing obsession '' that caused him to be depressed and suicidal .
He has been hospitalized many times and the water had to be turned off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have literally destroyed the entire skin barrier of his hands from repeated washing . ''
Gupta says the man has tried all pharmaceutical options and intensive in-patient psychotherapy , undergone electroconvulsive therapy twice and several rounds of transcranial magnetic stimulation , and been given intravenous ketamine and even `` experimental deep brain stimulation which was provided entirely on compassionate grounds because there was really nothing else to offer . ''
`` Nothing has helped him .
In the words of his treating psychiatrist , it 's been a total failure , '' Gupta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now live in an institutional setting , has thought about assisted dying and talked about it at length with his partner , who is supportive .
He 's not asking for it now but , Gupta said , `` He wants to know that it 's an option . ''
But now , she said , the government is telling him , `` for your own good , because you 're too vulnerable to know what you 're doing , we wo n't even let you make a request . ''
This report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 22 , 2020 .

The federal bill revising the rules on medically assisted death in Canada has raised the ire of the Canadian Psychiatric Association over the proposed law's explicit rejection of mental illness as grounds for ending a patient's life. The federal government maintains that denying Canadians with debilitating mental illnesses the right to medically assisted death is simply a matter of continuing a prohibition that already exists in the law. In fact, a small number of Canadians suffering solely from severe, irremediable mental disorders have received assisted deaths during the four years the procedure has been legally available. The government is now proposing to expressly exclude such people as it amends the law to expand eligibility for everyone else. Some psychiatrists say that stigmatizes people with mental illnesses, minimizes their suffering and reinforces the myth that they could be cured if they just tried harder.
What's more, they believe the exclusion violates Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees equal treatment under the law regardless of physical or mental disability. Under Bill C-7, a mental illness will "not be considered an illness, disease or disability" for the purpose of the assisted-dying law. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "A provision that applies only to persons with mental illness, without appropriate justification, is discriminatory in nature because it is arbitrary. A provision that applies to all persons with mental illness, without appropriate justification, is unconstitutional because it is overbroad," the Canadian Psychiatric Association says in a brief to the House of Commons justice committee, which is scrutinizing the bill.
"Explicitly stating that mental illness is not an illness, disease or disability … is inaccurate, stigmatizing, arbitrary and discriminatory." Exclusion of mental illness in assisted dying-bill slammed by psychiatrists. #AssistedDying #MAID #cdnpoli #cdnlegal The bill is the government's response to a 2019 Quebec court ruling that struck down a provision in the law that allowed only those whose natural deaths are reasonably foreseeable to seek medical help to end their suffering. Justice Minister David Lametti has suggested that, until now, the foreseeable-death provision prevented people suffering solely from mental illness from receiving an assisted death. And the statement issued by his department on the charter implications of the bill explicitly asserts that "the bill would continue to prohibit" assisted deaths in such cases now that the near-death requirement is being scrapped. That assertion incenses Vancouver psychiatrist Dr. Derryck Smith, who has personally been involved in two cases where people suffering solely from severe mental disorders received medical help to end their lives. And he says he knows of other similar cases. The assertion "is absolutely false and misleading," Smith said in an interview.
One of the cases Smith took part in involved a woman of about 40 years old who suffered from a "severe, intractable eating disorder" and was intending to starve herself to death if she did not receive medical help to end her life. "She was approved for assisted dying and received assisted dying just for a psychiatric illness, in this case anorexia nervosa." To now deny someone like her the right to seek an assisted death is "such a flagrant violation of Section 15 of the charter, it's unbelievable that they could continue with this," Smith said.


nationalobserver--2020-11-24--Sexual misconduct victims to receive apology from Canadian Armed Forces

The commander of the Canadian Armed Forces is preparing to formally apologize to victims of sexual misconduct as the military seeks to turn the page on its record of failing to prevent inappropriate and criminal behaviour .
The Armed Forces and Department of National Defence quietly floated the idea of an apology last year as the federal government reached a $ 900-million settlement deal on several class-action lawsuits brought by former and current service members .
The apology was not required as part of that settlement agreement , said lawyer Jonathan Ptak , who represented some of the plaintiffs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military personnel and civilian Defence Department employees .
“ It was voluntarily offered by Canada , ” Ptak said Monday .
“ To mandate an apology is different from an apology which is given outside the context of the contract .
So I actually think it 's meaningful in a different way.
” • This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community Exactly when the apology will be delivered and whether it will be in person or online remains uncertain , however , as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important part of restoring relationships with those harmed by sexual misconduct , ” Defence Department spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande told The Canadian Press in an email .
“ As the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted its planning , details and timing of the apology will be shared following further discussion and consultation.
” The apology will be delivered by both the chief of defence staff and the deputy minister of the Department of National Defence , it ’ s not clear who will actually be the defence chief when the time comes .
Gen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against sexual misconduct in the ranks since he took over as chief of the defence staff in 2015 .
He soon launched an all-out effort to eradicate such behaviour .
In July , Vance announced his plan to retire .
The government has yet to name a successor .
# CanadianArmedForces commander is preparing a formal apology for victims of sexual misconduct .
# CAF # SexualMisconduct # apology Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan on Monday did not give any update on the search for a new defence chief or the pending apology .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to stop until we get the appropriate culture change inside the Canadian Armed Forces that allows everyone , especially women , to be able to succeed in an environment that is safe and reaches their highest potential , '' he said in Ottawa .
Deputy chief of the defence staff Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau recently told The Canadian Press that the apology is “ the right thing to do , ” and that it is being planned alongside a training week for military members on sexual misconduct .
Marie-Claude Gagnon , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survivors of military sexual trauma called It 's Just 700 , said the apology could represent a bookend to Vance ’ s tenure as defence chief , given how he started in the position .
On the other hand , having his successor begin his or her own time as Canada ’ s top military commander could also send a message of continuity — and inject some new energy — into the Armed Forces ’ efforts to stop inappropriate and criminal behaviour .
Either way , said Gagnon , “ I just want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's done well .
… What I 'm looking for , at least if I speak for myself , is something that is authentic.
” Both Gagnon and Ptak said an apology would help the victims of military sexual conduct heal by acknowledging the harm that was done to them after years of denials .
“ A lot of times , victims ’ experiences were hidden or minimized or not validated , ” Gagnon said .
“ So I think that if it 's coming from the military itself and Defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that it happened , experiences were , in fact , happening.
” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally apologized in the House of Commons in 2017 for the mistreatment of LGBTQ military personnel in previous decades , with formal letters of apology sent to hundreds of former service members afterward .

The commander of the Canadian Armed Forces is preparing to formally apologize to victims of sexual misconduct as the military seeks to turn the page on its record of failing to prevent inappropriate and criminal behaviour. The Armed Forces and Department of National Defence quietly floated the idea of an apology last year as the federal government reached a $900-million settlement deal on several class-action lawsuits brought by former and current service members. The apology was not required as part of that settlement agreement, said lawyer Jonathan Ptak, who represented some of the plaintiffs in the six overlapping lawsuits that included both military personnel and civilian Defence Department employees. “It was voluntarily offered by Canada,” Ptak said Monday. “To mandate an apology is different from an apology which is given outside the context of the contract. So I actually think it's meaningful in a different way.”
Exactly when the apology will be delivered and whether it will be in person or online remains uncertain, however, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across Canada. “The apology is an important part of restoring relationships with those harmed by sexual misconduct,” Defence Department spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande told The Canadian Press in an email. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “As the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted its planning, details and timing of the apology will be shared following further discussion and consultation.”
The apology will be delivered by both the chief of defence staff and the deputy minister of the Department of National Defence, it’s not clear who will actually be the defence chief when the time comes. #CanadianArmedForces commander is preparing a formal apology for victims of sexual misconduct. #CAF #SexualMisconduct #apology Gen. Jonathan Vance has personally championed the fight against sexual misconduct in the ranks since he took over as chief of the defence staff in 2015. He soon launched an all-out effort to eradicate such behaviour. In July, Vance announced his plan to retire. The government has yet to name a successor. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan on Monday did not give any update on the search for a new defence chief or the pending apology. "Rest assured, we are not going to stop until we get the appropriate culture change inside the Canadian Armed Forces that allows everyone, especially women, to be able to succeed in an environment that is safe and reaches their highest potential," he said in Ottawa.
Deputy chief of the defence staff Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau recently told The Canadian Press that the apology is “the right thing to do,” and that it is being planned alongside a training week for military members on sexual misconduct. Marie-Claude Gagnon, a former naval reservist who founded a group for survivors of military sexual trauma called It's Just 700, said the apology could represent a bookend to Vance’s tenure as defence chief, given how he started in the position. On the other hand, having his successor begin his or her own time as Canada’s top military commander could also send a message of continuity — and inject some new energy — into the Armed Forces’ efforts to stop inappropriate and criminal behaviour.


nationalobserver--2020-11-24--Alberta researcher wins award for COVID-19 mask innovation

Salt that crystallizes with sharp edges is the killer ingredient in the development of a reusable mask because any COVID-19 droplets that land on it would be quickly destroyed , says a researcher who is being recognized for her innovation .
Ilaria Rubino , a recent PhD graduate from the department of chemical and materials engineering at the University of Alberta , said a mostly salt and water solution that coats the first or middle layer of the mask would dissolve droplets before they can penetrate the face covering .
As the liquid from the droplets evaporates , the salt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaging the bacteria or virus within five minutes , Rubino said .
`` We know that after the pathogens are collected in the mask , they can survive .
Our goal was to develop a technology that is able to inactivate the pathogens upon contact so that we can make the mask as effective as possible . ''
Rubino , who collaborated with a researcher at Georgia State University in Atlanta to advance the project she started five years ago , was recognized Tuesday with an innovation award from Mitacs .
The Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , most provinces and Yukon to honour researchers from academic institutions .
• This Heiltsuk activist wants sovereignty and self-reliance for her community The reusable , non-washable mask is made of a type of polypropylene , a plastic used in surgical masks , and could be safely worn and handled multiple times without being decontaminated , Rubino said .
The idea is to replace surgical masks often worn by health-care workers who must dispose of them in a few hours , she said , adding the technology could potentially be used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be available commercially next year after regulatory approval .
It could also be used to stop the spread of other infectious illnesses , such as influenza , Rubino said .
Dr. Catherine Clase , an epidemiologist and associate professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton , said the `` exciting '' technology would have multiple benefits .
Clase , who is a member of the Centre of Excellence in Protective Equipment and Materials in the engineering department at McMaster , said there was n't much research in personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's going to decrease the footprint for making and distributing and then disposing of every mask , '' she said , adding that the mask could also address any supply issues .
The Public Health Agency of Canada recently recommended homemade masks consist of at least three layers , with a middle , removable layer constructed from a non-woven , washable polypropylene fabric to improve filtration .
Conor Ruzycki , an aerosol scientist in the University of Alberta 's mechanical engineering department , said Rubino 's innovation adds to more recent research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages of face coverings in the health-care system could again become a problem .
Ruzycki , who works in a lab to evaluate infiltration efficiencies of different materials for masks and respirators , is also a member of a physician-led Alberta group Masks4Canada , which is calling for stricter pandemic measures , including a provincewide policy on mandatory masks .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24 , 2020 .

Salt that crystallizes with sharp edges is the killer ingredient in the development of a reusable mask because any COVID-19 droplets that land on it would be quickly destroyed, says a researcher who is being recognized for her innovation.
Ilaria Rubino, a recent PhD graduate from the department of chemical and materials engineering at the University of Alberta, said a mostly salt and water solution that coats the first or middle layer of the mask would dissolve droplets before they can penetrate the face covering.
As the liquid from the droplets evaporates, the salt crystals grow back as spiky weapons, damaging the bacteria or virus within five minutes, Rubino said.
"We know that after the pathogens are collected in the mask, they can survive. Our goal was to develop a technology that is able to inactivate the pathogens upon contact so that we can make the mask as effective as possible."
Rubino, who collaborated with a researcher at Georgia State University in Atlanta to advance the project she started five years ago, was recognized Tuesday with an innovation award from Mitacs. The Canadian not-for-profit organization receives funding from the federal government, most provinces and Yukon to honour researchers from academic institutions.