nationalobserver--2020-09-23--Liberal throne speech targets COVID-19 over climate

Though the Trudeau Liberals promised an “ ambitious green agenda ” ahead of the throne speech , the vision for the coming months unveiled Wednesday focused more on COVID-19 and its economic fallout .
The government reiterated existing climate promises and made a few new ones , including a fund meant to attract investments in clean technology .
But the throne speech lacked a sweeping green vision — instead , it focused mainly on how the country will ride out the second wave of COVID-19 , with the Liberals promising to create a million jobs and bolster the health-care system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s approach is protecting Canadians from COVID-19 , ” Gov .
Gen. Julie Payette said in the speech .
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament last month , he said it was an opportunity to reset the government ’ s priorities amid COVID-19 .
Later , he said the throne speech — used to outline the government ’ s plans — was an “ opportunity to go green.
” • School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But his government walked back that rhetoric in recent weeks as COVID-19 case numbers began to tick upwards and experts began warning a second wave of the virus is imminent .
Although one portion of the throne speech focused on climate , the vast majority of the government 's plans revolved around how it will manage COVID-19 and support the economy as the pandemic rages on .
In the speech , the government renewed its promises to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 , plant two billion trees , and ban single-use plastics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy , funding to retrofit homes and buildings to reduce emissions , infrastructure to lessen the damage from climate-related natural disasters such as floods and wildfires , and moves to make zero-emission vehicles more affordable .
New promises in the speech included plans to launch a fund to bring in more investment in clean technology , and to cut the corporate tax rate in half for those companies .
The government also promised to “ modernize ” Canada ’ s Environmental Protection Act .
Like most throne speeches , the one delivered Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government would implement its plans , or assign anything a dollar figure .
The government will release a fiscal update later this fall , Payette said .
But Payette said action on the environment file would be a “ cornerstone ” of the government ’ s job creation measures , and the government would “ immediately bring forward ” plans to meet Canada ’ s 2030 climate goals .
In Wednesday 's throne speech , the government reiterated existing climate promises and made a few new ones .
But their plans lacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it focused on how the government will ride out the second wave of COVID-19 .
# cdnpoli “ This is where the world is going , ” she said .
“ Global consumers and investors are demanding and rewarding climate action … Canadians also know climate change threatens our health , way of life , and planet .
They want climate action now , and that is what the government will continue to deliver.
” She also reached out to extraction industries , saying the government will “ support ” oil and gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ transform to meet a net-zero future.
” “ Canada can not reach net zero without the know-how of the energy sector , and the innovative ideas of all Canadians , including people in places like British Columbia , Alberta , Saskatchewan , and Newfoundland and Labrador , ” Payette said .
Payette also hinted that the government will boost types of mining , saying Canadian copper and nickel are “ needed ” for clean technologies .
At the same time , she said the government is committing to implementing the United Nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a landmark international document meant to protect Indigenous rights — before the end of 2020 .
In a televised address to Canadians later in the evening , Trudeau kept his message focused on COVID-19 , imploring Canadians not to lower their guard when it comes to public health measures .
On March 13 , when the lockdown began , there were 47 new cases — yesterday there were “ well over 1,000 , ” said Trudeau .
“ We ’ re on the brink of a fall that could be much worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Canada is at a “ crossroads , ” he said , and if Canadians can continue to do their part , it will change the trajectory of the country in the months to come .
“ It ’ s all too likely we won ’ t be gathering for Thanksgiving , but we still have a shot at Christmas , ” said Trudeau .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses Canadians after the throne speech on Sept. 23 , 2020 .
Photo screencap The speech from the throne also prompts a confidence vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trudeau government holds a minority of seats , it must win the support of at least one major opposition party to avoid an early election .
In response to the speech , Conservative deputy leader Candice Bergen — speaking for leader Erin O ’ Toole , who , along with Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet , has tested positive for the novel coronavirus — said her party would not support the speech .
Bergen said it was “ full of Liberal buzzwords , ” failed to deliver a “ real plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not address western alienation .
“ We are very , very displeased , ” she added , accusing Trudeau of trying to distract Canadians from the fallout of the WE scandal .
In a televised address after Trudeau 's speech , Blanchet said his party would only vote for the speech if Trudeau promised “ unconditional ” transfers of health-care funding to Quebec , an outcome that is very unlikely .
That means the Liberals ' main hope is in the NDP , but party leader Jagmeet Singh said he was undecided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Democrats do n't want an election , Singh also said Trudeau can only count on his support if the government extends the Canada Emergency Response Benefit ( CERB ) and provides paid sick leave for all Canadian workers .
“ My goal is not to threaten an election , ” Singh said , adding that he is n't afraid to have one , either .
CERB is currently slated to end Sept. 27 , with the Liberal government saying workers who are still using the benefit will be transferred into a reformed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program called the Canada Recovery Benefit will also be implemented for people who need financial support but would n't normally qualify for EI .
In the throne speech , the government did n't specify plans for paid sick leave , but it did allocate $ 1.1 billion in July to give workers 10 days of federally supported time off if they get COVID-19 .
Today , the government 's throne speech was full of promises we ’ ve heard before A throne speech is just words on paper & this PM has shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his empty words It doesn ’ t need to be this way New Democrats will keep fighting for you & the help you need pic.twitter.com/qTzmV10o1d — Jagmeet Singh ( @ theJagmeetSingh ) September 23 , 2020 Environmental groups largely welcomed the priorities outlined in the speech , but called for the government to do more and faster .
Though it 's good to see the Liberals reaffirm their commitment do doing more for the environment , the government has promised that for years and is still falling behind on its current targets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ Although today ’ s speech from the throne hits the right notes , the implementation of these promises will be what matters most , including in the upcoming economic update , ” he said .
“ All government spending on recovery and stimulus must align with a climate-safe future .
Support for clean technology should not go towards the industries fuelling the climate emergency.
” Jessica Clogg , executive director of Vancouver-based West Coast Environmental Law , said in a statement that the speech was “ promising , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it counts as a “ green and just ” recovery until the government introduces policy to back it up .
“ One contradiction that cries out to be addressed is how the climate goals set out in the throne speech tally with the federal government ’ s continued support for climate-destructive projects , such as the Trans Mountain pipeline and tankers project , ” she said .
Though the government 's stated plans are all “ essential ” to green recovery , a more “ transformational approach ” is required , Climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Canada must diversify our economy away from fossil fuels while safeguarding workers and communities , ” the statement said .
“ That means actively identifying and investing in the sectors that will be the source of Canadian jobs and prosperity for decades to come .
”

Though the Trudeau Liberals promised an “ambitious green agenda” ahead of the throne speech, the vision for the coming months unveiled Wednesday focused more on COVID-19 and its economic fallout. The government reiterated existing climate promises and made a few new ones, including a fund meant to attract investments in clean technology. But the throne speech lacked a sweeping green vision — instead, it focused mainly on how the country will ride out the second wave of COVID-19, with the Liberals promising to create a million jobs and bolster the health-care system. “The first foundation of the government’s approach is protecting Canadians from COVID-19,” Gov. Gen. Julie Payette said in the speech. “This is priority number one.” When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament last month, he said it was an opportunity to reset the government’s priorities amid COVID-19. Later, he said the throne speech — used to outline the government’s plans — was an “opportunity to go green.”
But his government walked back that rhetoric in recent weeks as COVID-19 case numbers began to tick upwards and experts began warning a second wave of the virus is imminent. Although one portion of the throne speech focused on climate, the vast majority of the government's plans revolved around how it will manage COVID-19 and support the economy as the pandemic rages on. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In the speech, the government renewed its promises to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, plant two billion trees, and ban single-use plastics. It also pledged more investments in clean energy, funding to retrofit homes and buildings to reduce emissions, infrastructure to lessen the damage from climate-related natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, and moves to make zero-emission vehicles more affordable.
New promises in the speech included plans to launch a fund to bring in more investment in clean technology, and to cut the corporate tax rate in half for those companies. The government also promised to “modernize” Canada’s Environmental Protection Act. In Wednesday's throne speech, the government reiterated existing climate promises and made a few new ones. But their plans lacked a sweeping green vision — instead, it focused on how the government will ride out the second wave of COVID-19. #cdnpoli Like most throne speeches, the one delivered Wednesday did not go into details about how the government would implement its plans, or assign anything a dollar figure. The government will release a fiscal update later this fall, Payette said. But Payette said action on the environment file would be a “cornerstone” of the government’s job creation measures, and the government would “immediately bring forward” plans to meet Canada’s 2030 climate goals. “This is where the world is going,” she said. “Global consumers and investors are demanding and rewarding climate action … Canadians also know climate change threatens our health, way of life, and planet. They want climate action now, and that is what the government will continue to deliver.” She also reached out to extraction industries, saying the government will “support” oil and gas and other natural resource sectors as they “transform to meet a net-zero future.”
“Canada cannot reach net zero without the know-how of the energy sector, and the innovative ideas of all Canadians, including people in places like British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador,” Payette said. Payette also hinted that the government will boost types of mining, saying Canadian copper and nickel are “needed” for clean technologies. At the same time, she said the government is committing to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — a landmark international document meant to protect Indigenous rights — before the end of 2020.


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--Green Party boots second candidate from leadership race

Green leadership candidate Meryam Haddad says she will appeal after the party expelled her from the race to succeed Elizabeth May , days before online voting was due to begin .
Haddad , a Montreal lawyer who was running as a socialist and pushed the idea of a green new deal , said the party informed her Tuesday that she had been kicked out of the leadership race .
`` This is an attack on democracy , youth , progress and ideas that threaten the status quo , '' she said in a statement .
Haddad has 48 hours to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , federal Green Party spokesperson Rosie Emery declined to comment .
Another candidate , Dylan Perceval-Maxwell , was ejected from the race in June after he proposed that police should “ give $ 20 to every person of colour they stop.
” At the time , the party said the comments were `` inappropriate ” and “ not aligned with the party ’ s core values , in particular respect for diversity.
” Montreal lawyer Meryam Haddad said she will appeal after she was kicked out of the Green Party leadership race days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
# cdnpoli Seven candidates remain on the ballot .

Green leadership candidate Meryam Haddad says she will appeal after the party expelled her from the race to succeed Elizabeth May, days before online voting was due to begin.
Haddad, a Montreal lawyer who was running as a socialist and pushed the idea of a green new deal, said the party informed her Tuesday that she had been kicked out of the leadership race.
"This is an attack on democracy, youth, progress and ideas that threaten the status quo," she said in a statement.
Mail-in voting in the leadership race began earlier this month, and online voting will begin on Sept. 26. The winner will be announced Oct. 3.
May, the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, stepped down as leader after the last federal election. In that vote, the Greens picked up three seats in Parliament, their best result ever. (May will retain her seat and remains the party’s parliamentary leader.)


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--A stylish fantasy, a second blast at corporate culture, and recalling Canada’s Indigenous history

Here are my latest picks to call up from the Vancouver International Film Festival .
They ’ re all available for streaming , but watch for the few also getting theatre screenings .
They ’ ll be at the Vancity Theatre and the Cinematheque , both theatres showing them at the same time .
For details on that and information on how to stream , check out https : //viff.org/ UNDINE : That ’ s four films in a row now that I ’ ve liked very much by German director Christian Petzold , although I must admit this one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s trying to say .
Petzold likes to weave current political concerns into his stories .
His last one , Transit , was about refugees and migrants .
There ’ s nothing as clear this time as he parallels a version of the old German tale of a water creature ’ s tragic love affair with the building and rebuilding of the city of Berlin .
The metaphor seems to say something about part of the old persisting when you replace it , but that intellectual level is out of step with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this movie .
Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski , the two lovers in Transit , co-star again , having met almost immediately after she was dumped by her boyfriend .
True to her Undine-myth character , she had responded with a threat : “ If you leave me , I ’ ll have to kill you , you know that.
” She doesn ’ t , but goes to her job instead lecturing visitors at a scale model of Berlin about the city ’ s development .
We see three or four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it must be important .
The love story develops around it .
Her new man is a diver .
At their first meeting , an aquarium in a restaurant shatters and splashes all over them .
That signifies that she ’ s a water creature , which the film expects people to understand from their familiarity with the old tale .
Most of us may not , and as a result , wish for more explanation .
Obscure or not , it ’ s an exceptionally well-made film , quite mesmerizing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beer won a best acting award for it at the Berlin Film Festival .
( Streaming now by VIFF Connect and also in theatres Sunday , Tuesday and Thursday . )
3½ out of 5 THE NEW CORPORATION : Some 17 years ago , UBC ’ s Joel Bakan and filmmaker Jennifer Abbott psychoanalyzed the modern corporation and concluded it is a psychopath , concerned only with its own benefit .
In this “ Unfortunately Necessary Sequel , ” they take another look and find things have gotten worse .
They add to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find them doing more damage than ever before .
Sometimes it ’ s under cover of a public image of promoting good .
BP oil endorsed the need to fight climate change and then had a huge ocean drilling disaster .
JPMorgan claims praise for how it responded to a recession it helped cause .
Tax havens continue and income inequality has become extreme for ordinary people .
Some argue that “ corporations are conscientious now.
” A lineup of high-powered observers like former U.S. labor secretary Robert Reich and journalist Chris Hedges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t changed as the top priority .
Accepting Donald Trump ’ s tax cuts while endorsing more military spending doesn ’ t seem a contradiction to some CEOs .
The film tours interesting examples internationally , such as privatized water systems , private health care , private prisons , potentially also parks and more schools .
It brings in COVID-19 , but is hazy on how corporations can be blamed there .
Surprisingly , after the bleak central focus , it finds some optimism .
A young generation of progressives is getting involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fervently argued analysis here needs some lightening .
( VIFF Connect now and theatres this Thursday and next Friday . )
3½ out of 5 INCONVENIENT INDIAN : In B.C.
, where Indigenous issues are constantly in the news and on our minds , there ’ s not much new for you here — if you ’ ve been paying attention .
But the film brings it all to life .
It ‘ s a lively , speedy and passionate overview of the history and bitterness of Canada ’ s Indigenous people as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now on film by Michelle Latimer .
King occasionally narrates and that ’ s him you see in a movie theatre watching some old Hollywood representations of Aboriginals .
From cowboys and Indians , and even earlier Nanook of the North , to modern scenes at Oka and , I think , Ipperwash , the film has evidence that validates the anger many feel .
Sometimes the complaint is about misrepresentation ; often it ’ s about attempts to assimilate them .
Residential schools were the most extreme stab at driving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the film shows several modern attempts to keep the culture alive — hunting and fishing , for instance , reviving languages , the major importance of connection to the land , contemporary visual artists , even aboriginal rap music with strong messages .
A Tribe Called Red appears is one scene and there ’ s a particularly resonant song at the end written by King and performed by Snotty Nose Rez Kids .
The culture lives .
( VIFF Connect streaming ) 4 out of 5

Here are my latest picks to call up from the Vancouver International Film Festival. They’re all available for streaming, but watch for the few also getting theatre screenings. They’ll be at the Vancity Theatre and the Cinematheque, both theatres showing them at the same time. For details on that and information on how to stream, check out https://viff.org/ My reviews today are of: Undine: 3½ stars The New Corporation: 3½ Inconvenient Indian: 4
UNDINE: That’s four films in a row now that I’ve liked very much by German director Christian Petzold, although I must admit this one is somewhat vague in what it’s trying to say. Petzold likes to weave current political concerns into his stories. His last one, Transit, was about refugees and migrants. There’s nothing as clear this time as he parallels a version of the old German tale of a water creature’s tragic love affair with the building and rebuilding of the city of Berlin. The metaphor seems to say something about part of the old persisting when you replace it, but that intellectual level is out of step with the love story that’s the heart of this movie. Courtesy of VIFF Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski, the two lovers in Transit, co-star again, having met almost immediately after she was dumped by her boyfriend. True to her Undine-myth character, she had responded with a threat: “If you leave me, I’ll have to kill you, you know that.” She doesn’t, but goes to her job instead lecturing visitors at a scale model of Berlin about the city’s development. We see three or four long sessions of that, a sign that it must be important. The love story develops around it. Her new man is a diver. At their first meeting, an aquarium in a restaurant shatters and splashes all over them. That signifies that she’s a water creature, which the film expects people to understand from their familiarity with the old tale. Most of us may not, and as a result, wish for more explanation. Obscure or not, it’s an exceptionally well-made film, quite mesmerizing and with real chemistry between the lovers. Beer won a best acting award for it at the Berlin Film Festival. (Streaming now by VIFF Connect and also in theatres Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.) 3½ out of 5 THE NEW CORPORATION: Some 17 years ago, UBC’s Joel Bakan and filmmaker Jennifer Abbott psychoanalyzed the modern corporation and concluded it is a psychopath, concerned only with its own benefit. In this “Unfortunately Necessary Sequel,” they take another look and find things have gotten worse. They add to the pathologies they listed back then and find them doing more damage than ever before. Sometimes it’s under cover of a public image of promoting good. BP oil endorsed the need to fight climate change and then had a huge ocean drilling disaster. JPMorgan claims praise for how it responded to a recession it helped cause. Tax havens continue and income inequality has become extreme for ordinary people. Courtesy of VIFF
Some argue that “corporations are conscientious now.” A lineup of high-powered observers like former U.S. labor secretary Robert Reich and journalist Chris Hedges disagree. Serving shareholders first hasn’t changed as the top priority. Accepting Donald Trump’s tax cuts while endorsing more military spending doesn’t seem a contradiction to some CEOs. The film tours interesting examples internationally, such as privatized water systems, private health care, private prisons, potentially also parks and more schools. It brings in COVID-19, but is hazy on how corporations can be blamed there. Surprisingly, after the bleak central focus, it finds some optimism. A young generation of progressives is getting involved. Hope so. The alarming, fervently argued analysis here needs some lightening. (VIFF Connect now and theatres this Thursday and next Friday.) 3½ out of 5 INCONVENIENT INDIAN: In B.C., where Indigenous issues are constantly in the news and on our minds, there’s not much new for you here — if you’ve been paying attention. But the film brings it all to life. It‘s a lively, speedy and passionate overview of the history and bitterness of Canada’s Indigenous people as expounded in Thomas King’s book and now on film by Michelle Latimer. Courtesy of VIFF


nationalobserver--2020-09-24--Want a green, inclusive recovery? You can't rush that

The COVID-19 pandemic has battered the Canadian economy .
As people across the country experience hard times , the discussion amongst governments decision-makers has turned to a more hopeful future .
One where we can build back better by advancing an economic recovery that is both green and inclusive .
These green and inclusive recovery plans make for smart economics , and will lay the groundwork for future prosperity .
But a full recovery ca n't start while this pandemic continues .
As well , getting this recovery right will require preparing a stronger foundation on which to build a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait before beginning to spend on a recovery .
Waiting is needed because the economy is now in an extended period of ups and downs .
We call this phase “ the climb , ” and the economy ’ s up-and-down trajectory in the coming months will likely resemble a mountain range of peaks and valleys .
For as long as the climb continues , which will be until a vaccine is found , a full economic recovery can not begin .
The risks of infection from bringing people together , potentially leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • 'Provinces are not independent states ' : B.C .
defends carbon pricing at Supreme Court Governments are aware of this .
The prime minister opened last week ’ s cabinet retreat by saying , “ We need to get through this ( pandemic ) in order to be able to talk about next steps.
” The immediate challenge of handling a potential second wave , a characteristic of the climb , will take precedence in the minds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebuilding the economy once this pandemic has ended will also be challenging .
Addressing the unequal impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable communities and mitigating the drivers and impacts of the changing climate that are currently clouding Canada ’ s skies will both be critical in a spending package that advances national resilience .
It is entirely possible , but will require careful planning to get right .
Managing complex problems in parallel offers a chance for governments to use the time spent combatting the pandemic strategically .
In this climb spent managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for the eventual recovery spending that will support a more impactful set of investments .
`` It is possible to have a recovery that is both green and inclusive — but it will take careful consideration and planning . ''
A recovery that aims to support sustainability will first need to understand where the potential for job creation and future prosperity in the clean economy is highest .
Similarly , an inclusive recovery will need to identify where the impacts of the COVID-19 recession are most highly felt before deciding where stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In both areas , governments can build on existing research by leading organizations around both a green and inclusive recovery .
Putting principles into practice requires a multi-step approach .
Governments first need to identify what goals they are aiming to achieve to support sustainability and inclusivity , then collect data to understand where these goals are not being met across the country .
Governments then need to ensure they are accounting for the benefits to human health , well-being , and accessibility that investments in green and social infrastructure offer .
Finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers to labour force participation in vulnerable communities to ensure all Canadians are able to participate , and benefit , in an economic recovery .
Recent work from Smart Prosperity outlines what governments should be doing during the climb to ensure a green and inclusive recovery fulfills its potential .
The key takeaway from this work is that it is possible to have a recovery that is both green and inclusive — but it will take careful consideration and planning before a recovery is underway , and creative thinking about management of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take time , and planning will need to begin today .
If they do not , a number of groups , including women , youth , small businesses , Indigenous peoples and the disabled , may be left behind in a recovery .
The pandemic will continue to hold back a full recovery until it is defeated .
During the climb , governments should begin to plan to ensure a recovery drives sustainability , inclusivity and prosperity in Canada .

The COVID-19 pandemic has battered the Canadian economy. As people across the country experience hard times, the discussion amongst governments decision-makers has turned to a more hopeful future. One where we can build back better by advancing an economic recovery that is both green and inclusive. These green and inclusive recovery plans make for smart economics, and will lay the groundwork for future prosperity. But a full recovery can't start while this pandemic continues. As well, getting this recovery right will require preparing a stronger foundation on which to build a better country. Governments will need to wait before beginning to spend on a recovery. Waiting is needed because the economy is now in an extended period of ups and downs. We call this phase “the climb,” and the economy’s up-and-down trajectory in the coming months will likely resemble a mountain range of peaks and valleys. For as long as the climb continues, which will be until a vaccine is found, a full economic recovery cannot begin. The risks of infection from bringing people together, potentially leading to future lockdowns, are too great.
Governments are aware of this. The prime minister opened last week’s cabinet retreat by saying, “We need to get through this (pandemic) in order to be able to talk about next steps.” The immediate challenge of handling a potential second wave, a characteristic of the climb, will take precedence in the minds of Canadians, and time to manage. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions
Rebuilding the economy once this pandemic has ended will also be challenging. Addressing the unequal impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable communities and mitigating the drivers and impacts of the changing climate that are currently clouding Canada’s skies will both be critical in a spending package that advances national resilience. It is entirely possible, but will require careful planning to get right. "It is possible to have a recovery that is both green and inclusive — but it will take careful consideration and planning." Managing complex problems in parallel offers a chance for governments to use the time spent combatting the pandemic strategically. In this climb spent managing the epidemic, governments can begin to plan for the eventual recovery spending that will support a more impactful set of investments. A recovery that aims to support sustainability will first need to understand where the potential for job creation and future prosperity in the clean economy is highest. Similarly, an inclusive recovery will need to identify where the impacts of the COVID-19 recession are most highly felt before deciding where stimulus spending would offer the greatest benefits. In both areas, governments can build on existing research by leading organizations around both a green and inclusive recovery.
Putting principles into practice requires a multi-step approach. Governments first need to identify what goals they are aiming to achieve to support sustainability and inclusivity, then collect data to understand where these goals are not being met across the country.


nationalobserver--2020-09-24--Canada and Saskatchewan promise to address Indigenous youth suicide issue

The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are signing a letter of commitment with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations ( FSIN ) promising to address death by suicide among Indigenous youth as a priority .
On Thursday they announced the signing of the letter of commitment on mental health and wellness support services for Indigenous youth in Saskatchewan by federal Indigenous Services Canada Minister Marc Miller , Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding , and FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt .
“ Suicide is a tragedy that we see far too often , ” Miller said .
“ Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ) work together to address the crisis of suicide among First Nation peoples in Saskatchewan , particularly among children and youth.
” An elder holds up a photo of a loved one who took her own life .
Photo by Brandon White Miller said it is essential that all jurisdictions work together on improving delivery of culturally appropriate mental wellness supports , effective interventions that respect Indigenous perspectives , and guidance .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising Miller also stressed the importance of promoting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting families , friends and communities that have been affected by the issue .
“ Suicide prevention and mental health remain high priorities for the Saskatchewan government , ” Kaeding said .
“ We are committed to working with our many partners on these pressing matters and continue to invest in programs and initiatives to help our First Nations people and all residents who need support across Saskatchewan.
” Women at a candlelight vigil at the Vimy Ridge memorial in downtown Saskatoon .
Photo by Brandon White This work will be shaped by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saskatchewan ’ s Pillars for Life Suicide Prevention Plan , and the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework .
“ Through this joint commitment , we … ( will ) work together to address the crisis of suicide among First Nation peoples in Saskatchewan , particularly among children and youth , '' Marc Miller .
@ Min_IndServ @ SKGov @ fsinations “ This agreement is about creating hope : hope for the front-line workers struggling to find resources to help young people heal from depression and trauma ; hope for parents wanting opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope for young people needing mental health resources , access to ceremony and cultural camps , ” Pratt said .
“ And in the next 60 days , this agreement will move from hope to action for our communities ; from short-term reactionary measures to long-term sustained solutions.
” A candlelight vigil for suicide prevention at the site of a former residential shool in La Ronge .
Photo by Brandon White “ First Nations youth are facing a mental health crisis and all levels of government must be committed to addressing the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Working together , we can surpass our goal of reducing youth rates to the same as non-First Nations until the rate is the lowest in Canada , ” Cameron said .
“ We will address suicide from a holistic perspective that draws upon what we know works for our people , which includes strengthening our identity and connection to our cultures , reconnecting with our elders , knowledge keepers and the land.
” The commitment comes after Métis musician and suicide prevention advocate Tristen Durocher and a group of supporters walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cemetery on the Lac La Ronge Indian Band ’ s Fairchild reserve in northern Saskatchewan to the provincial legislature in Regina .
Once there , Durocher set up a tipi across from the government building , and fasted for 44 days , demanding a legislated solution to the high rates of suicide in the province , especially among northern Indigenous people .
Photos submitted by families of children who took their own lives were displayed around Tristen Durocher 's tipi in Regina .
Photo by Michael Bramadat-Willcock Earlier this year , Cumberland NDP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was unanimously rejected by Saskatchewan Party members in the legislature and didn ’ t pass .
The FSIN said it is working on a bill of its own , while the Saskatchewan government maintained its commitment to its prevention plan .
Durocher broke his fast on Sept. 13 and is back in northern Saskatchewan .
Not wanting to sound like a “ negative Nelly , ” Durocher called the commitment a “ meaningful step forward ” in an interview with Canada ’ s National Observer on Thursday .
But he said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
“ I hope it ’ s useful and I don ’ t want to criticize it , but again … the journey is a long one and it ’ s one that demands our leaders entrusted with the responsibility of public health ( act quickly ) .
” If you are or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts , help is available at all hours .
Support can be found at the Canada Suicide Prevention Service website .
If you are in immediate danger , you can call 911 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the province at Saskatchewan.ca .

The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan signed a letter of commitment with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) on Thursday promising to address death by suicide among Indigenous youth as a priority. The letter of commitment on mental health and wellness support services for Indigenous youth in Saskatchewan was signed by federal Indigenous Services Canada Minister Marc Miller, Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding, and FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt. “Suicide is a tragedy that we see far too often,” Miller said. “Through this joint commitment, we … (will) work together to address the crisis of suicide among First Nation peoples in Saskatchewan, particularly among children and youth.” An elder holds up a photo of a loved one who took her own life. Photo by Brandon White
Miller said it is essential that all jurisdictions work together on improving delivery of culturally appropriate mental wellness supports, effective interventions that respect Indigenous perspectives, and guidance. Miller also stressed the importance of promoting a better understanding about suicide, and supporting families, friends and communities that have been affected by the issue. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “Suicide prevention and mental health remain high priorities for the Saskatchewan government,” Kaeding said.
“We are committed to working with our many partners on these pressing matters and continue to invest in programs and initiatives to help our First Nations people and all residents who need support across Saskatchewan.” “Through this joint commitment, we … (will) work together to address the crisis of suicide among First Nation peoples in Saskatchewan, particularly among children and youth," Marc Miller. @Min_IndServ @SKGov @fsinations Women at a candlelight vigil at the Vimy Ridge memorial in downtown Saskatoon. Photo by Brandon White This work will be shaped by the FSIN's suicide prevention strategy, Saskatchewan’s Pillars for Life Suicide Prevention Plan, and the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework. “This agreement is about creating hope: hope for the front-line workers struggling to find resources to help young people heal from depression and trauma; hope for parents wanting opportunities for their children to succeed; and hope for young people needing mental health resources, access to ceremony and cultural camps,” Pratt said. “And in the next 60 days, this agreement will move from hope to action for our communities; from short-term reactionary measures to long-term sustained solutions.”
A candlelight vigil for suicide prevention at the site of a former residential shool in La Ronge. Photo by Brandon White “First Nations youth are facing a mental health crisis and all levels of government must be committed to addressing the situation,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said. “Working together, we can surpass our goal of reducing youth rates to the same as non-First Nations until the rate is the lowest in Canada,” Cameron said.


nationalobserver--2020-09-24--The pandemic hit LGBTQ Canadians differently. Researchers want to know why

Why were sexual and gender minority people more affected by layoffs , and saw their physical and mental health impacted more severely than Canadians overall as COVID-19 spread this year ?
Online surveys have suggested contributing factors to these startling truths .
Nathan Lachowsky , associate professor at the University of Victoria ’ s School of Public Health and Social Policy and research director at the Vancouver-based non-profit Community-Based Research Centre , is leading a nationwide project to gather much more data on the topic .
Lachowsky — an epidemiologist by training who has focused on sexually transmitted and blood-borne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hoping the results will help identify what kind of additional support is necessary for lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans , queer ( LGBTQ ) and other sexual and gender minorities during the pandemic .
“ When we talk about the COVID epidemic , obviously our primary concern has been around the actual infection , and the illness , the loss of life associated with that — that would be your primary impacts , ” said Lachowsky in an interview .
“ But we know from anecdotal stories , including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a lot of impacts on people , in terms of self-isolation and physical distancing protocols that impact people ’ s mental health , ( which ) might increase their exposure to domestic violence , may change their substance use patterns — and those are the kinds of secondary impacts that we want to understand.
” • School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising In order to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected gay , bi , queer and trans men , and Two-Spirit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada , we ’ re launching a national special COVID-19 edition of our Sex Now survey !
https : //t.co/bZ9AFiWrFZ pic.twitter.com/16jvikKKxH — CBRC ( @ CBRCtweets ) August 18 , 2020 'Are we tracking that in our public health systems ? '
Lachowsky ’ s project will attempt a biological measurement of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes coronavirus disease , in the LGBTQ community .
He said to his knowledge , there has not been any study in the world that has carried out such a measurement .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada to really lead some conversations in the world on what ’ s going on for LGBTQ people in this pandemic , ” he said .
His team will send out home kits for dry blood spot screening , where people can put a few drops of blood on paper , to be sent to the lab for testing .
The project expects to collaborate with the National Microbiology Laboratory ’ s J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre in Winnipeg .
In order to discreetly find candidates , Lachowsky plans to first recruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanisms and get them to fill out a survey , one where they wo n't have to provide any identifying information .
The University of Victoria 's @ NJLachowsky wants to measure SARS-CoV-2 in the # LGBTQ community , looking for reasons behind the pandemic 's disproportionate impact on sexual and gender minority people .
Those who take the survey can then opt in to get a self-collection kit mailed to their homes , which will screen for the COVID-19 virus .
The survey will ask LGBTQ people what “ unintended consequences ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , said Lachowsky , who is aiming to talk to about 10,000 LGBTQ people nationally .
“ If we ’ re finding that there ’ s a differential of exposure to COVID , I think it really begs the question : Are we tracking that in our public health systems ?
Is this an indicator that we have to be mindful of ?
” said Lachowsky .
“ We really think that part of this is about this larger conversation about the need for equity-oriented data in this epidemic — who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then how we can direct our policy and resource focus to ameliorate those inequities that exist.
” The Community-Based Research Centre has been leading population health surveys looking at sexual and gender minority men for about 20 years , he said , and when the pandemic hit , there was a lot of conversation about how it will impact these communities differently .
Have you read our Second National Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on the LGBTQI2S Community ?
BIPOC LGBTQI2S respondents were 2x more likely to report a negative impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % vs 26 % national average ) .
https : //t.co/ZbjrPrZydf pic.twitter.com/7Mp5uYztIG — Egale Canada ( @ egalecanada ) September 7 , 2020 'More affected by layoffs and reduced hours ' The project builds on extensive work already done by Egale Canada , in partnership with Innovative Research Group and the African Caribbean Civic Engagement Council , that carried out multiple online surveys of LGBTQ people this year .
The surveys showed that the impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTQ people have been significantly disproportionate , across a wide range of issues — everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , household finances , and quality of life .
LGBTQ people reported more stress , for example , than the average Canadian and less satisfaction with their lives as a whole , and were more likely to know someone who needed medical treatment or had COVID-19 symptoms .
Some of the most striking survey results show that LGBTQ people have been “ more affected by layoffs and reduced hours than national respondents.
” In particular , LGBTQ people who are Black , Indigenous , or people of colour report being the most worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or their mortgage .
Some survey results hint at contributing factors .
LGBTQ people are more likely to work at jobs that demand face-to-face interaction often or all the time , the surveys found , and are more likely to commute using public transit or other public modes of transportation .
These kinds of results are the reason why there needs to be a fulsome , rigorous study that delves deeper into contributing factors , said Lachowsky .
The project is being funded by a $ 661,542 contribution from the federal government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its COVID-19 Immunity Task Force , in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research .
The government is spending $ 12.4 million overall on these studies in the hopes of getting a better read on the number of people who have been infected with the virus throughout certain communities .
“ This federal investment in this project is quite a mark of the need for and value for this kind of research , ” said Lachowsky .

Why were sexual and gender minority people more affected by layoffs, and saw their physical and mental health impacted more severely than Canadians overall as COVID-19 spread this year? Online surveys have suggested contributing factors to these startling truths. Nathan Lachowsky, associate professor at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Health and Social Policy and research director at the Vancouver-based non-profit Community-Based Research Centre, is leading a nationwide project to gather much more data on the topic. Lachowsky — an epidemiologist by training who has focused on sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and health equity issues — is hoping the results will help identify what kind of additional support is necessary for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ) and other sexual and gender minorities during the pandemic. “When we talk about the COVID epidemic, obviously our primary concern has been around the actual infection, and the illness, the loss of life associated with that — that would be your primary impacts,” said Lachowsky in an interview. “But we know from anecdotal stories, including a lot of media coverage, that there’s a lot of impacts on people, in terms of self-isolation and physical distancing protocols that impact people’s mental health, (which) might increase their exposure to domestic violence, may change their substance use patterns — and those are the kinds of secondary impacts that we want to understand.”
http://twitter.com/CBRCtweets/status/1295827497603530764 'Are we tracking that in our public health systems?' Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Lachowsky’s project will attempt a biological measurement of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease, in the LGBTQ community. He said to his knowledge, there has not been any study in the world that has carried out such a measurement.
“I think we have an opportunity here in Canada to really lead some conversations in the world on what’s going on for LGBTQ people in this pandemic,” he said. The University of Victoria's @NJLachowsky wants to measure SARS-CoV-2 in the #LGBTQ community, looking for reasons behind the pandemic's disproportionate impact on sexual and gender minority people. His team will send out home kits for dry blood spot screening, where people can put a few drops of blood on paper, to be sent to the lab for testing. The project expects to collaborate with the National Microbiology Laboratory’s J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre in Winnipeg. In order to discreetly find candidates, Lachowsky plans to first recruit people using social media and other online mechanisms and get them to fill out a survey, one where they won't have to provide any identifying information. Those who take the survey can then opt in to get a self-collection kit mailed to their homes, which will screen for the COVID-19 virus. The survey will ask LGBTQ people what “unintended consequences” they have experienced as a result of the pandemic, said Lachowsky, who is aiming to talk to about 10,000 LGBTQ people nationally.
“If we’re finding that there’s a differential of exposure to COVID, I think it really begs the question: Are we tracking that in our public health systems? Is this an indicator that we have to be mindful of?” said Lachowsky. “We really think that part of this is about this larger conversation about the need for equity-oriented data in this epidemic — who is really being most impacted, and then how we can direct our policy and resource focus to ameliorate those inequities that exist.” The Community-Based Research Centre has been leading population health surveys looking at sexual and gender minority men for about 20 years, he said, and when the pandemic hit, there was a lot of conversation about how it will impact these communities differently.


nationalobserver--2020-09-24--Questions swirl after Green Party reinstates leadership candidate Meryam Haddad

The Green Party of Canada reinstated leadership candidate Meryam Haddad on Thursday , two days after it kicked her out of the race for publicly criticizing the B.C .
Greens .
The party declined to divulge details on why it originally expelled Haddad , a Montreal immigration lawyer who is running as a socialist , and why it accepted her appeal of the 11th-hour decision .
Mail-in voting in the race to become the next leader of the federal Greens has already begun , and online voting will start Sept. 26 .
“ We are still in the leadership race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted to Twitter , thanking supporters .
“ Change is possible when we unite , when grassroots movements happen.
” Former party leader Elizabeth May , the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands , stepped down as leader after the last federal election .
The race to be her replacement comes at a pivotal time for the party as the environmental movement gains momentum , and after the Greens picked up three seats in Parliament in the 2019 election , their best result ever .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the party said it expelled Haddad “ following inappropriate endorsements and comments , ” but reinstated her after its leadership contest committee “ took into consideration mitigating circumstances.
” The party didn ’ t immediately respond to questions from Canada ’ s National Observer about what comments and circumstances it was referring to .
Haddad said the party took issue with her statements about British Columbia ’ s provincial election , which was announced this week .
In a tweet Tuesday , Haddad had said she would only endorse the B.C .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ left .
She also posted a graphic advertising the B.C .
Ecosocialists — a new political party that says it is further left than the province ’ s NDP and “ greener than the Greens.
” Haddad denies that she was endorsing the Ecosocialists .
( The party was also subject of controversy this week after its leader resigned following a social media post Haddad and others denounced as transphobic . )
Green for the planet Red for the people 🍉🍉🍉 # bcelection pic.twitter.com/qsdZ1Ezsyk — Meryam Haddad 🍉 ( @ MeryamHd2020 ) September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Twitter that the Green Party of Canada “ has not been very transparent , ” and posted screenshots of what she said were email exchanges with party leadership .
( National Observer has not verified the screenshots , and the party did not answer when asked if they were authentic . )
The @ CanadianGreens would n't divulge details of what led to leadership candidate Meryam Haddad 's expulsion and reinstatement .
But the Montreal lawyer said she was kicked out of the leadership race after criticizing the B.C .
Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the screenshots posted by Haddad , showing an email dated Sept. 22 , the federal Greens appear to say she “ discredited and intentionally damaged ” the party ’ s interests by endorsing a rival party .
Though the B.C .
Green Party and the Green Party of Canada aren ’ t formally connected , they “ share common values and a common brand , ” the email in the screenshot reads .
“ The GPC directly benefits from having electoral success at the provincial level… your actions may be resented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer support the GPC as the result of your explicit call to direct votes away from the B.C .
Greens .
Your actions may also jeopardize the ability of the GPC to effectively work with provincial parties on common initiatives.
” Another screenshot appears to show an email from interim federal party leader Jo-Ann Roberts , also dated Sept. 22 .
In it , Roberts writes that the Greens have received complaints about Haddad from “ former campaign team members , ” but didn ’ t specify what they were .
( The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for details . )
I know the GPC has not been very transparent and people want to know what happened with my appeal .
I want to be fully transparent for the GPC members and voters .
This is all the information I have received in the past two days .
pic.twitter.com/MRB2vq5D8S — Meryam Haddad 🍉 ( @ MeryamHd2020 ) September 24 , 2020 Haddad didn ’ t respond to questions from National Observer , but another screenshot she posted to Twitter on Thursday appears to show her responding to Roberts , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on Sept. 12 .
In the reply , Haddad also argued that May was n't reprimanded after she endorsed ousted former Liberal MP Jody Wilson-Raybould last year .
“ Why are the rules so different when it comes to me ?
” Haddad wrote .
In a statement Thursday , Roberts said the party was “ proud ” to have candidates with “ diverse opinions ” running for the leadership spot .
“ The Green Party is proud to have attracted a slate of contestants with diverse opinions from across the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ Participatory democracy is one of our core values and that means giving priority to our members ’ right to decide.
” Eight candidates are on the ballot .
Toronto lawyer Annamie Paul , who has experience in international affairs , appears to be the front-runner , besting the other candidates in fundraising .
The party previously ejected former candidate Dylan Perceval-Maxwell race in June after he proposed that police should “ give $ 20 to every person of colour they stop.
” At the time , the party said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s core values , in particular respect for diversity.
” The new Green Party leader will be announced Oct. 3 in Ottawa .

The Green Party of Canada reinstated leadership candidate Meryam Haddad on Thursday, two days after it kicked her out of the race for publicly criticizing the B.C. Greens. The party declined to divulge details on why it originally expelled Haddad, a Montreal immigration lawyer who is running as a socialist, and why it accepted her appeal of the 11th-hour decision. Mail-in voting in the race to become the next leader of the federal Greens has already begun, and online voting will start Sept. 26. “We are still in the leadership race,” Haddad said in a video posted to Twitter, thanking supporters. “Change is possible when we unite, when grassroots movements happen.” Former party leader Elizabeth May, the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, stepped down as leader after the last federal election. The race to be her replacement comes at a pivotal time for the party as the environmental movement gains momentum, and after the Greens picked up three seats in Parliament in the 2019 election, their best result ever.
In a statement Thursday, the party said it expelled Haddad “following inappropriate endorsements and comments,” but reinstated her after its leadership contest committee “took into consideration mitigating circumstances.” The party didn’t immediately respond to questions from Canada’s National Observer about what comments and circumstances it was referring to. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Haddad said the party took issue with her statements about British Columbia’s provincial election, which was announced this week.
In a tweet Tuesday, Haddad had said she would only endorse the B.C. Greens if they moved further to the left. She also posted a graphic advertising the B.C. Ecosocialists — a new political party that says it is further left than the province’s NDP and “greener than the Greens.” The @CanadianGreens wouldn't divulge details of what led to leadership candidate Meryam Haddad's expulsion and reinstatement. But the Montreal lawyer said she was kicked out of the leadership race after criticizing the B.C. Green Party. #cdnpoli Haddad denies that she was endorsing the Ecosocialists. (The party was also subject of controversy this week after its leader resigned following a social media post Haddad and others denounced as transphobic.) Green for the planet
Red for the people
🍉🍉🍉#bcelection pic.twitter.com/qsdZ1Ezsyk — Meryam Haddad 🍉 (@MeryamHaddad6) September 21, 2020 On Thursday, Haddad said on Twitter that the Green Party of Canada “has not been very transparent,” and posted screenshots of what she said were email exchanges with party leadership. (National Observer has not verified the screenshots, and the party did not answer when asked if they were authentic.) But in one of the screenshots posted by Haddad, showing an email dated Sept. 22, the federal Greens appear to say she “discredited and intentionally damaged” the party’s interests by endorsing a rival party.
Though the B.C. Green Party and the Green Party of Canada aren’t formally connected, they “share common values and a common brand,” the email in the screenshot reads. “The GPC directly benefits from having electoral success at the provincial level… your actions may be resented by GPC supporters who may choose to no longer support the GPC as the result of your explicit call to direct votes away from the B.C. Greens. Your actions may also jeopardize the ability of the GPC to effectively work with provincial parties on common initiatives.” Another screenshot appears to show an email from interim federal party leader Jo-Ann Roberts, also dated Sept. 22. In it, Roberts writes that the Greens have received complaints about Haddad from “former campaign team members,” but didn’t specify what they were. (The party didn’t respond when asked for details.)


nationalobserver--2020-09-24--Botswana's mass elephant die-off

Botswana's mass elephant die-off

This story was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration Hundreds of elephants died in Botswana earlier this year from ingesting toxins produced by cyanobacteria , according to government officials who say they will be testing waterholes for algal blooms next rainy season to reduce the risk of another mass die-off .
The mysterious death of 350 elephants in the Okavango delta between May and June baffled conservationists , with leading theories suggesting they were killed by a rodent virus known as EMC ( encephalomyocarditis ) or toxins from algal blooms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ neurotoxins to be the cause of deaths .
These are bacteria found in water , ” Mmadi Reuben , principal veterinary officer at the Botswana department of wildlife and national parks , said in a news conference on Monday .
“ However we have many questions still to be answered such as why the elephants only and why that area only .
We have a number of hypotheses we are investigating.
” Local sources suggest 70 % of elephants died near water holes containing algal blooms , which can produce toxic microscopic organisms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out because no other species died – except for one horse – but scientists now think elephants could be particularly susceptible because they spend a lot of time bathing and drinking large quantities of water .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising Reuben said the investigation looked at how mortality affected the elephant population and injuries on carcasses , as well as testing water samples at laboratories in Botswana , South Africa and the US .
He said the cause was a “ combination of neurotoxins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and declined to say at which institutions tests had been carried out .
“ I hope that what the government has said is true because it rules out some of the more sinister things , ” said Dr Niall McCann , director of conservation at UK-based charity National Park Rescue , who initially suggested the elephants may have been poisoned or died from an unknown pathogen .
To test tissue samples they need to be kept in specific conditions and quickly transported to specialised laboratories , but this was not done in Botswana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Just because cyanobacteria were found in the water that does not prove that the elephants died from exposure to those toxins .
Without good samples from dead elephants , all hypotheses are just that : hypotheses , ” said McCann .
In July , the government ’ s official count was 281 deaths but this has now risen to 330 deaths .
Reuben said he would be monitoring waterholes for blooms next rainy season to avoid another die-off .
“ It is important to monitor now to effectively detect the growth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said .
Climate change is increasing both the intensity and severity of harmful algal blooms , making this issue more likely to reoccur .
McCann confirmed he was working with officials to set up regional early warning systems .
Across the border in Zimbabwe , more than 20 dead elephants were found between Hwange national park and Victoria Falls in August , with concerns that the two incidents could be linked .
Authorities currently believe this die-off was caused by a bacterial infection .
Elephants may have ingested toxins produced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that it was caused by a strain of a bacteria called pasteurella , which killed 200,000 Saiga antelope in Kazakhstan in 2015 , says McCann .
“ There are various options .
Thankfully the UK government has collaborated with the government of Zimbabwe to export these samples and now they ’ re going to be tested in the UK , ” he said .
If it is something relatively common scientists should be able to detect it .
“ However , new emerging infectious diseases are happening all the time and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we discover we don ’ t know .
So it could be a complete mystery again , ” said McCann .
A spokesperson from the UK government ’ s Animal and Plant Health Agency ( APHA ) said : “ Our world-leading scientists are currently running tests on samples sent from Zimbabwe , and will share findings with Zimbabwe Parks as soon as possible .
”

This story was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration Hundreds of elephants died in Botswana earlier this year from ingesting toxins produced by cyanobacteria, according to government officials who say they will be testing waterholes for algal blooms next rainy season to reduce the risk of another mass die-off. The mysterious death of 350 elephants in the Okavango delta between May and June baffled conservationists, with leading theories suggesting they were killed by a rodent virus known as EMC (encephalomyocarditis) or toxins from algal blooms. “Our latest tests have detected cyanobacterial neurotoxins to be the cause of deaths. These are bacteria found in water,” Mmadi Reuben, principal veterinary officer at the Botswana department of wildlife and national parks, said in a news conference on Monday. “However we have many questions still to be answered such as why the elephants only and why that area only. We have a number of hypotheses we are investigating.” Local sources suggest 70% of elephants died near water holes containing algal blooms, which can produce toxic microscopic organisms called cyanobacteria. Toxins were initially ruled out because no other species died – except for one horse – but scientists now think elephants could be particularly susceptible because they spend a lot of time bathing and drinking large quantities of water.
Reuben said the investigation looked at how mortality affected the elephant population and injuries on carcasses, as well as testing water samples at laboratories in Botswana, South Africa and the US. He said the cause was a “combination of neurotoxins” but declined to give further details and declined to say at which institutions tests had been carried out. “I hope that what the government has said is true because it rules out some of the more sinister things,” said Dr Niall McCann, director of conservation at UK-based charity National Park Rescue, who initially suggested the elephants may have been poisoned or died from an unknown pathogen. To test tissue samples they need to be kept in specific conditions and quickly transported to specialised laboratories, but this was not done in Botswana which fuelled speculation about potential causes. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “Just because cyanobacteria were found in the water that does not prove that the elephants died from exposure to those toxins. Without good samples from dead elephants, all hypotheses are just that: hypotheses,” said McCann.
In July, the government’s official count was 281 deaths but this has now risen to 330 deaths. Reuben said he would be monitoring waterholes for blooms next rainy season to avoid another die-off. “It is important to monitor now to effectively detect the growth of these algal blooms in the water”, he said. Elephants may have ingested toxins produced by bacteria found in waterholes Climate change is increasing both the intensity and severity of harmful algal blooms, making this issue more likely to reoccur. McCann confirmed he was working with officials to set up regional early warning systems. Across the border in Zimbabwe, more than 20 dead elephants were found between Hwange national park and Victoria Falls in August, with concerns that the two incidents could be linked. Authorities currently believe this die-off was caused by a bacterial infection. One leading theory is that it was caused by a strain of a bacteria called pasteurella, which killed 200,000 Saiga antelope in Kazakhstan in 2015, says McCann. “There are various options. Thankfully the UK government has collaborated with the government of Zimbabwe to export these samples and now they’re going to be tested in the UK,” he said. If it is something relatively common scientists should be able to detect it. “However, new emerging infectious diseases are happening all the time and the more we look into epidemiology the more we discover we don’t know. So it could be a complete mystery again,” said McCann.


nationalobserver--2020-09-24--Parliament resumes operations today with debate on throne speech

The fate of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's minority Liberal government hangs in the balance as Parliament resumes all normal operations today for the first time in six months .
Opposition parties will give their official responses to Wednesday 's speech from the throne but they 've already signalled that Trudeau ca n't count on support from any of them to survive the eventual confidence vote and avoid plunging the country into an election in the midst of a second wave of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic .
The Conservatives were unequivocal : they will not support the throne speech .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Bloc MPs will not consider supporting the throne speech unless Trudeau agrees to fork over at least $ 28 billion more each year in unconditional transfer payments to provinces for health care , as demanded unanimously last week by premiers .
Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet is giving the government just one week to accede to that demand , in the expectation that the confidence vote on the throne speech will take place next week .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising That leaves New Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner but NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has conditions of his own : legislation assuring that Canadians left jobless due to the pandemic wo n't have their emergency benefits cut and that Canadians who fall ill will get paid sick leave .
The government could meet the NDP 's conditions when it introduces promised legislation to transition jobless Canadians off the $ 500-per-week Canada Emergency Response Benefit and back onto a more flexible , generous employment insurance system .
Last month , the government promised to ensure that unemployed Canadians would continue to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the employment insurance program .
It also promised to introduce three new temporary benefits , among them the Canada Recovery Benefit of $ 400 per week for those who do n't traditionally qualify for EI , as well as the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit , which is to provide $ 500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who fall ill or must self-isolate due to COVID-19 .
There is also to be a Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit to provide $ 500 per week of up to 26 weeks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for a child or other dependent due to pandemic-induced closure of schools , day cares or other care facilities .
Government officials say the legislation authorizing the EI reforms and the new benefits will be introduced very soon .
They also hint that the details are subject to negotiation with opposition parties -- giving it a chance to expand the proposed benefits to ensure it meets the NDP 's conditions for supporting the throne speech .
The fate of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's minority Liberal government hangs in the balance as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September , 24 , 2020 , for the first time in six months .
The throne speech promised to do whatever it takes to protect Canadians ' lives and provide financial support for as long as the pandemic rages , including extending the 75 per cent emergency wage subsidy through to next summer and making a `` significant , long-term , sustained investment '' in a Canada-wide child-care system .
It also promised expanded emergency loans for businesses and targeted financial support for industries hardest hit by the pandemic , including travel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the speech promised to work with the provinces to set national standards for long-term care facilities , where more than 80 per cent of Canada 's COVID-19-related deaths have occurred , and to set up a universal pharmacare program .
And it promised to make action on climate change the `` cornerstone '' of its plan to create one million new jobs .
The government must allow for six days of debate on the throne speech but they do n't have to be consecutive days .
Blanchet said he and Conservative Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 , are to join the debate on Tuesday .
No date has yet been set for the vote but , when it comes , the government will need the support of at least one of the main opposition parties to avoid being defeated .
Apart from brief sittings to pass emergency aid legislation , Parliament has been suspended since the country went into lockdown in mid-March to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
Those modified sittings gave opposition MPs a chance to question the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of normal parliamentary operations , such as opposition days and private members ' bills .
Under a motion passed unanimously Wednesday , all parliamentary functions are now restored , albeit with a new hybrid model House of Commons .
Until at least Dec. 11 , only a small number of MPs will be physically present in the chamber while the rest will participate virtually , including taking part in roll-call votes via videoconference .

The fate of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberal government hangs in the balance as Parliament resumes all normal operations today for the first time in six months. Opposition parties will give their official responses to Wednesday's speech from the throne but they've already signalled that Trudeau can't count on support from any of them to survive the eventual confidence vote and avoid plunging the country into an election in the midst of a second wave of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The Conservatives were unequivocal: they will not support the throne speech. The Bloc Quebecois was almost as categorical: Bloc MPs will not consider supporting the throne speech unless Trudeau agrees to fork over at least $28 billion more each year in unconditional transfer payments to provinces for health care, as demanded unanimously last week by premiers. Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet is giving the government just one week to accede to that demand, in the expectation that the confidence vote on the throne speech will take place next week.
That leaves New Democrats as the Liberals' most likely dance partner but NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has conditions of his own: legislation assuring that Canadians left jobless due to the pandemic won't have their emergency benefits cut and that Canadians who fall ill will get paid sick leave. The government could meet the NDP's conditions when it introduces promised legislation to transition jobless Canadians off the $500-per-week Canada Emergency Response Benefit and back onto a more flexible, generous employment insurance system. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Last month, the government promised to ensure that unemployed Canadians would continue to get $400 per week under proposed reforms to the employment insurance program.
It also promised to introduce three new temporary benefits, among them the Canada Recovery Benefit of $400 per week for those who don't traditionally qualify for EI, as well as the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, which is to provide $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who fall ill or must self-isolate due to COVID-19. The fate of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberal government hangs in the balance as Parliament resumes all normal operations today, September, 24, 2020, for the first time in six months. There is also to be a Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit to provide $500 per week of up to 26 weeks for those unable to work because they must care for a child or other dependent due to pandemic-induced closure of schools, day cares or other care facilities. Government officials say the legislation authorizing the EI reforms and the new benefits will be introduced very soon. They also hint that the details are subject to negotiation with opposition parties -- giving it a chance to expand the proposed benefits to ensure it meets the NDP's conditions for supporting the throne speech. The throne speech promised to do whatever it takes to protect Canadians' lives and provide financial support for as long as the pandemic rages, including extending the 75 per cent emergency wage subsidy through to next summer and making a "significant, long-term, sustained investment" in a Canada-wide child-care system. It also promised expanded emergency loans for businesses and targeted financial support for industries hardest hit by the pandemic, including travel, tourism and hospitality.
Over the longer-term, the speech promised to work with the provinces to set national standards for long-term care facilities, where more than 80 per cent of Canada's COVID-19-related deaths have occurred, and to set up a universal pharmacare program. And it promised to make action on climate change the "cornerstone" of its plan to create one million new jobs. The government must allow for six days of debate on the throne speech but they don't have to be consecutive days. Blanchet said he and Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, both of whom are currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, are to join the debate on Tuesday.


nationalobserver--2020-09-24--B.C.'s struggling tourism industry will press recovery agenda during election

B.C .
's struggling tourism industry was hoping for more when the B.C .
government unveiled its $ 1.5-billion economic recovery plan just prior to calling a snap election Monday .
The beleaguered tourism industry was promised $ 100 million in the government ’ s StrongerBC plan launched last week .
But though the money on the table falls well short of what the tourism sector asked for , it ’ s a start , industry advocates say .
“ We think of it as a good first step , ” said Walt Judas , CEO of the Tourism Industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobbied the province for $ 680 million to deal with the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked on tourism operators this year .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising “ We ’ re a $ 20.5-billion part of the economy , and represent one of the largest sectors in the province , ” said Judas , adding the industry contributes $ 1.7 billion to B.C.
’ s tax coffers .
“ So what we asked for was certainly not out of line .
And what we received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judas estimates B.C.
’ s tourism sector , which is heavily reliant on international visitors for revenue , will bring in about $ 7 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic .
When the government made the recovery plan announcement , it also signalled more support to tourism would be coming , Judas said .
“ ( Then ) Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James suggested it would be part of the planning cycle for next year 's budget , ” Judas said .
“ So , to that end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caveat that more help will be needed in coming months , particularly into next year.
” “ The things that we 've been pushing as part of our advocacy during COVID-19 would be similar to what we 'll be asking of political parties , ” says Walt Judas , of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C .
# BCelxn2020 But despite the Oct. 24 election , the supports the tourism sector will be pushing for won ’ t be changing , regardless of who forms the next government , Judas said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been pushing as part of our advocacy during COVID-19 would be similar to what we will be asking of political parties , ” Judas said .
“ Such as , ‘ What kind of ongoing support will you provide to tourism and hospitality to allow the sector to recover from COVID-19 ? '
” Cash flow for tourism operators large and small remains an ongoing issue , said Judas .
Tax breaks , deferrals or forgiveness would also help operators struggling to stay afloat , he added .
“ A top priority would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ So there ’ s more money for tourism businesses , particularly those that do n't qualify for ( relief ) programs now.
” The remainder was to go to infrastructure projects in small , tourism-dependent communities , and for tourism marketing regionally , nationally and overseas .
Additionally , small- and medium-sized tourism businesses were to be eligible for up to $ 40,000 through a provincial recovery grant program .
It ’ s too early for tourism operators to determine what funding they , or their communities , can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Lynden McMartin , general manger for Taku Resort and Marina on Quadra Island .
Quadra — a tourist haven off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island — has a range of tourism businesses , and each experienced very different impacts over this summer season , said McMartin , also president of the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce ( DICC ) .
His resort opened this summer and lost some revenue , but managed overall because it caters to regional tourists , McMartin said .
But other small operators and larger resorts catering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their doors at all , or are running at limited capacity , he said .
Despite a 30 per cent drop in revenue , McMartin didn ’ t qualify for any relief programming except the federal government ’ s wage subsidy program in the early months of the pandemic , he said .
He ’ s not sure operators on Quadra or even in urban centres will get all the assistance they need to stay solvent .
“ Talking to people here and to colleagues in larger cities , like Vancouver and Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , I know that they were hurting bad through the summer , ” said McMartin .
“ A lot of them are barely getting by.
” Breanne Quesnel , vice-president of the Wilderness Tourism Association ( WTA ) , also said the initial steps outlined in the recovery plan were encouraging .
Though an election was called , operators believe the government ’ s commitments will roll out regardless , said Quesnel , also an owner of Spirit of the West Adventures , a Quadra Island kayaking tour operation .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we assume the supports are coming out the door , ” Quesnel said .
“ If we take the ( former ) government at its word.
” The promised recovery grant to smaller tourism operators was a relief , Quesnel said .
“ It ’ s a really good start , ” she said .
“ But the proof will be in the pudding when they release the specifics around the grant.
” But , though $ 40,000 will help smaller businesses stay liquid , it won ’ t go far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially those that have to maintain larger infrastructure or equipment investments , such as heli-ski operations or small ship tour operators .
Additionally , as a seasonal tourism operator , Quesnel has found her business doesn ’ t qualify for some COVID-19 relief programs .
Echoing Judas , Quesnel suggested tax breaks and more credit options , that are also adapted to the needs of seasonal operators , would help the industry moving forward .
“ I think it ’ s fair to say we ’ re grateful and encouraged by the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the details and to work with the next government .
”

B.C.'s struggling tourism industry was hoping for more when the B.C. government unveiled its $1.5-billion economic recovery plan just prior to calling a snap election Monday. The beleaguered tourism industry was promised $100 million in the government’s StrongerBC plan launched last week. But though the money on the table falls well short of what the tourism sector asked for, it’s a start, industry advocates say. “We think of it as a good first step,” said Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C. The association had lobbied the province for $680 million to deal with the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked on tourism operators this year.
“We’re a $20.5-billion part of the economy, and represent one of the largest sectors in the province,” said Judas, adding the industry contributes $1.7 billion to B.C.’s tax coffers. “So what we asked for was certainly not out of line. And what we received is a fraction of that total.” Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Judas estimates B.C.’s tourism sector, which is heavily reliant on international visitors for revenue, will bring in about $7 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.
When the government made the recovery plan announcement, it also signalled more support to tourism would be coming, Judas said. “The things that we've been pushing as part of our advocacy during COVID-19 would be similar to what we'll be asking of political parties,” says Walt Judas, of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C. #BCelxn2020 “(Then) Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James suggested it would be part of the planning cycle for next year's budget,” Judas said. “So, to that end, we view it positively, with the caveat that more help will be needed in coming months, particularly into next year.” But despite the Oct. 24 election, the supports the tourism sector will be pushing for won’t be changing, regardless of who forms the next government, Judas said. “Clearly, the things that we've been pushing as part of our advocacy during COVID-19 would be similar to what we will be asking of political parties,” Judas said.
“Such as, ‘What kind of ongoing support will you provide to tourism and hospitality to allow the sector to recover from COVID-19?'” Cash flow for tourism operators large and small remains an ongoing issue, said Judas. Tax breaks, deferrals or forgiveness would also help operators struggling to stay afloat, he added.


nationalobserver--2020-09-25--Doug Ford could win by losing his legal fight against the carbon tax

Already there are hopeful signs Ford may be changing direction .
Ontario ’ s environment ministry has announced that its new program to regulate industrial emitters has been reluctantly accepted by the federal government .
This is a big step forward — Ontario ’ s industrial greenhouse gas output is second only to Alberta ’ s — but it still leaves the majority of the province ’ s emissions in regulatory limbo .
Losing the Supreme Court of Canada court case against the carbon tax might be the best thing that could happen to Ontario Premier Doug Ford .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the carbon tax might be the best thing that could happen to Ford .
After all , if Ford wins at the Supreme Court , he ’ ll be forced to implement the rest of his climate plan , and that could pose a real challenge .
As Clean Prosperity and EnviroEconomics showed in a report last year , Ford ’ s plan is both more expensive and less effective than the federal carbon tax and rebate .
Under his plan , Ontario families would lose their carbon rebates — the average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year alone .
Instead , Ford ’ s plan would cost households $ 210 per year .
Not to mention that the carbon tax and rebate is supported by a majority of Ontarians .
Fighting a court case against the tax is not .
New polling by Leger shows that more than half of Ontarians surveyed in the key swing region of the 905 support a carbon tax and rebate , while more than 60 per cent oppose the Ford government using taxpayer dollars to fight the federal policy .
Joining the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
As long as he puts a price on carbon that meets minimum national standards , he gets to decide how the program should work .
Instead of letting the federal government send carbon rebates to his constituents , the premier would get to keep the carbon tax proceeds in the province .
That ’ s billions of dollars in revenue Ford could use as he sees fit — to cut income taxes , for example , or to send out his own carbon rebate .
Other Conservative premiers have already accepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon tax instead of against it .
Blaine Higgs in New Brunswick joined the system last year , and just won re-election .
Premier Brian Pallister in Manitoba has proposed a fuel levy as well , though his system is a $ 25 a tonne flat tax .
And that ’ s why a loss at the Supreme Court could actually work in Ford ’ s favour — it ’ s a perfect off-ramp .
Ford could use the legal loss to pivot , since his hand would be forced anyway .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his own terms , and show voters that he ’ s serious about climate action .
He could move on from fighting the carbon tax , a policy most Canadians accept , and instead focus on developing effective conservative approaches to fighting climate change .
Win or lose , there ’ s an opportunity for the premier to show Ontarians that Doug Ford 2.0 is here to stay .
Because if the pandemic required a Team Canada response , fixing the climate is going to demand even more determined and unified action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and all Canadian leaders , are up to the challenge .

Now that Doug Ford’s carbon tax stickers have been ruled unconstitutional, one wonders if the Ontario premier is starting to see that a court loss can actually be a victory in disguise. Much has been written about the new Doug Ford, who is enjoying a surge in popularity as he talks about the need to put politics aside for the sake of “Team Canada,” and heaps praise on Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
The question is whether Ford will apply his new conciliatory approach to another looming threat — climate change. The premier will be tested this month as he confronts two legal battles against the federal carbon tax, a policy he vocally opposed. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions This week, the Supreme Court of Canada heard the case Conservative premiers, including Ford, are waging against the carbon tax and rebate system, claiming it is unconstitutional. His government is also considering whether to appeal the ruling by the Ontario Superior Court that struck down his anti-carbon tax stickers on gas pumps.
Losing the Supreme Court of Canada court case against the carbon tax might be the best thing that could happen to Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Already there are hopeful signs Ford may be changing direction. Ontario’s environment ministry has announced that its new program to regulate industrial emitters has been reluctantly accepted by the federal government. This is a big step forward — Ontario’s industrial greenhouse gas output is second only to Alberta’s — but it still leaves the majority of the province’s emissions in regulatory limbo. That’s why losing his court cases against the carbon tax might be the best thing that could happen to Ford.
After all, if Ford wins at the Supreme Court, he’ll be forced to implement the rest of his climate plan, and that could pose a real challenge. As Clean Prosperity and EnviroEconomics showed in a report last year, Ford’s plan is both more expensive and less effective than the federal carbon tax and rebate. Under his plan, Ontario families would lose their carbon rebates — the average family received more than $400 this year alone. Instead, Ford’s plan would cost households $210 per year.


nationalobserver--2020-09-25--Bernie Sanders puts Trump on notice: 'You are not going to destroy' U.S. democracy

Progressive firebrand Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Americans to come to their country 's rescue Thursday , a call aimed at saving democracy from a U.S. president he 's convinced is bent on destroying it .
Sanders , the Independent senator from Vermont who was the last man standing against Joe Biden in the Democratic primary battle , pulled no punches after Donald Trump again refused to commit to a peaceful and orderly transfer of power .
`` It is my fervent hope that all Americans ⏤ Democrats , Republicans , Independents , progressives , moderates , conservatives ⏤ come together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the rule of law , '' Sanders said in a speech in Washington , D.C .
The address , scheduled before Trump 's incendiary comments Wednesday , lingered for 30 minutes on a single issue : the prospect that the sitting U.S. president is actively working on ways to undermine the will of the American people .
`` We must ensure , in this unprecedented moment in American history , that this is an election that is free and fair , an election in which voters are not intimidated , an election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an election in which the loser accepts the results , '' he said .
• Courts can 'no longer ignore ' First Nations laws , Supreme Court hears in carbon tax case `` This is not just an election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden .
This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy ⏤ and democracy must win . ''
Back in July , Trump indicated during a Fox News interview that he would `` have to see '' before committing to accepting the results of the election .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseless theory that his Democratic rivals plan to exploit mail-in ballots to orchestrate widespread electoral fraud .
This time , though , Trump went even further : `` We want to get rid of the ballots , '' he said .
`` You ’ ll have a very peaceful — there won ’ t be a transfer , frankly .
There will be a continuation . ''
And on Thursday , he came close to telling Americans directly not to trust the results after Nov. 3 .
`` We want to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , `` and I 'm not sure that it can be . ''
All of it promises two things : One , that the results of the vote wo n't be clear on election night , and two , the battle that follows will be one for the ages .
Progressive firebrand Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Americans to come to their country 's rescue on Thursday , September 23 , 2020 , a call aimed at saving democracy from a U.S. president he 's convinced is bent on destroying it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathy and support for autocratic leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin , North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Turkey 's Recep Tayyip Erdogan , said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
`` I remind him , 'You are not in North Korea .
You are not in Turkey .
You are not in Russia , Mr. President , ' '' Pelosi said on Capitol Hill .
`` 'You are in the United States of America .
It is a democracy .
So , why do n't you just try for a moment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitution of the United States ? '
'' Sanders took pains to make clear that ballot-box fraud is all but non-existent in the U.S .
He cited a Dartmouth University study that found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in 2016 , media reports that reached similar conclusions and a Brennan Center for Justice report that found incident rates best described as infinitesimal .
That report , he said , concluded that an American is more likely to be struck by lightning than to try to impersonate someone else at the polls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could choose whether to stay or go an affront to American values , and an insult to all those who have died on battlefields to defend them .
`` There is nothing in our constitution or in our laws that gives Donald Trump the privilege of deciding whether or not he will step aside if he loses , '' Sanders said .
`` In the United States , the president does not determine who can or can not vote and what ballots will be counted .
That may be what his friend Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is done in other authoritarian countries .
But it is not and will not be done in America . ''

Progressive firebrand Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Americans to come to their country's rescue Thursday, a call aimed at saving democracy from a U.S. president he's convinced is bent on destroying it. Sanders, the Independent senator from Vermont who was the last man standing against Joe Biden in the Democratic primary battle, pulled no punches after Donald Trump again refused to commit to a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. "It is my fervent hope that all Americans ⏤ Democrats, Republicans, Independents, progressives, moderates, conservatives ⏤ come together to defend American democracy, our constitution and the rule of law," Sanders said in a speech in Washington, D.C. The address, scheduled before Trump's incendiary comments Wednesday, lingered for 30 minutes on a single issue: the prospect that the sitting U.S. president is actively working on ways to undermine the will of the American people. "We must ensure, in this unprecedented moment in American history, that this is an election that is free and fair, an election in which voters are not intimidated, an election in which all votes are counted, and an election in which the loser accepts the results," he said.
"This is not just an election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy ⏤ and democracy must win." Back in July, Trump indicated during a Fox News interview that he would "have to see" before committing to accepting the results of the election. He did it again Wednesday, promulgating a baseless theory that his Democratic rivals plan to exploit mail-in ballots to orchestrate widespread electoral fraud. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions This time, though, Trump went even further: "We want to get rid of the ballots," he said. "You’ll have a very peaceful — there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There will be a continuation."
And on Thursday, he came close to telling Americans directly not to trust the results after Nov. 3. Progressive firebrand Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Americans to come to their country's rescue on Thursday, September 23, 2020, a call aimed at saving democracy from a U.S. president he's convinced is bent on destroying it. "We want to make sure the election is honest," he said, "and I'm not sure that it can be." All of it promises two things: One, that the results of the vote won't be clear on election night, and two, the battle that follows will be one for the ages. It's no coincidence that Trump often expresses sympathy and support for autocratic leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "I remind him, 'You are not in North Korea. You are not in Turkey. You are not in Russia, Mr. President,'" Pelosi said on Capitol Hill.
"'You are in the United States of America. It is a democracy. So, why don't you just try for a moment to honour your oath of office to the constitution of the United States?'" Sanders took pains to make clear that ballot-box fraud is all but non-existent in the U.S. He cited a Dartmouth University study that found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in 2016, media reports that reached similar conclusions and a Brennan Center for Justice report that found incident rates best described as infinitesimal.