nationalobserver--2020-09-23--N.S. Mi'kmaq want more from Ottawa in ongoing lobster conflict

A Mi'kmaq chief says he 's not satisfied with the federal government 's response in the ongoing conflict between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishermen in southwestern Nova Scotia .
Chief Michael Sack of the Sipekne'katik First Nation said in an interview Tuesday he wants the federal government to uphold treaty rights that protect Mi'kmaq fishermen and to prevent non-Indigenous fishers from interfering with their harvest .
The long-standing dispute erupted over the weekend after about 350 lobster traps were removed by non-Indigenous fishermen in St. Marys Bay , about 250 kilometres west of Halifax .
Fishers with the Sipekne'katik First Nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessels .
`` I 'm not happy with it , '' Sack said in an interview Tuesday , regarding the weekend 's events .
`` We could 've lost lives .
It was very rough down there . ''
He said the federal government has n't done enough to protect Mi'kmaq fishers .
`` I still have n't seen anything official . ''
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry The Mi'kmaq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fish for a moderate livelihood around St. Marys Bay during the off-season — which runs from late May until late November .
During the off-season , non-Indigenous fishermen give the crustaceans time to molt and to reproduce .
Sack says there is commercial fishing year-round across Nova Scotia and Indigenous fishermen have the right to fish when they want , where they want .
He said the Mi'kmaq fishermen plan to roll out a buyer 's license system on Thursday to open up avenues to sell their catch .
Sack attended a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and with other chiefs on Monday , during which they discussed the ongoing dispute .
Following the meeting , the two ministers released a statement affirming that the Mi'kmaq have a constitutionally protected treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood .
The statement said officers from the Fisheries and Oceans Department , the RCMP , the coast guard and from public safety are being deployed to help with any dangerous situations .
A spokesperson with the fisheries department said Tuesday in an email that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity in southwest Nova Scotia . ''
`` If charges are warranted based on the findings of the investigation , the matter would be referred to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada . ''
A Mi'kmaq chief says he 's not satisfied with the federal government 's response in the ongoing conflict between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishermen in southwestern Nova Scotia .
To properly address the unfolding situation , Sack said , the government needs to step up and keep non-Indigenous fishers from interrupting their work .
`` The government could uphold our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keep those commercial fishermen from interfering with what we 're doing , '' he said .
A 1999 Supreme Court decision affirms the treaty rights of Mi'kmaq people to fish for a `` moderate livelihood . ''
Sack said the Mi'kmaq are gathering information to help them determine the monetary value associated with that term .
Sack put out a call on Facebook for fishing gear to replace the equipment that was taken by the non-Indigenous fishermen over the weekend .
He said his community received traps and other gear from First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22 , 2020 .

A Mi'kmaq chief says he's not satisfied with the federal government's response in the ongoing conflict between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishermen in southwestern Nova Scotia. Chief Michael Sack of the Sipekne'katik First Nation said in an interview Tuesday he wants the federal government to uphold treaty rights that protect Mi'kmaq fishermen and to prevent non-Indigenous fishers from interfering with their harvest. The long-standing dispute erupted over the weekend after about 350 lobster traps were removed by non-Indigenous fishermen in St. Marys Bay, about 250 kilometres west of Halifax. Fishers with the Sipekne'katik First Nation allege non-Indigenous fishermen vandalized their equipment and vessels. "I'm not happy with it," Sack said in an interview Tuesday, regarding the weekend's events. "We could've lost lives. It was very rough down there." He said the federal government hasn't done enough to protect Mi'kmaq fishers. "I still haven't seen anything official."
The Mi'kmaq are trying to assert their treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood around St. Marys Bay during the off-season — which runs from late May until late November. During the off-season, non-Indigenous fishermen give the crustaceans time to molt and to reproduce. Sack says there is commercial fishing year-round across Nova Scotia and Indigenous fishermen have the right to fish when they want, where they want. He said the Mi'kmaq fishermen plan to roll out a buyer's license system on Thursday to open up avenues to sell their catch. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Sack attended a meeting with Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan, Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and with other chiefs on Monday, during which they discussed the ongoing dispute.
Following the meeting, the two ministers released a statement affirming that the Mi'kmaq have a constitutionally protected treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. The statement said officers from the Fisheries and Oceans Department, the RCMP, the coast guard and from public safety are being deployed to help with any dangerous situations. A Mi'kmaq chief says he's not satisfied with the federal government's response in the ongoing conflict between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishermen in southwestern Nova Scotia. A spokesperson with the fisheries department said Tuesday in an email that a conservation and protection team is "monitoring activity in southwest Nova Scotia." "If charges are warranted based on the findings of the investigation, the matter would be referred to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada." To properly address the unfolding situation, Sack said, the government needs to step up and keep non-Indigenous fishers from interrupting their work. "The government could uphold our treaty and respect our moderate-livelihood management plan and keep those commercial fishermen from interfering with what we're doing," he said.
A 1999 Supreme Court decision affirms the treaty rights of Mi'kmaq people to fish for a "moderate livelihood." Sack said the Mi'kmaq are gathering information to help them determine the monetary value associated with that term. Sack put out a call on Facebook for fishing gear to replace the equipment that was taken by the non-Indigenous fishermen over the weekend. He said his community received traps and other gear from First Nations fishermen in the Atlantic region. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2020.


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--RCMP investigating disruption of anti-racism rally in Alberta by far-right groups

RCMP are investigating after far-right protesters disrupted what was to be a peaceful anti-racism rally in central Alberta last weekend , but local advocacy groups say officers should have been better prepared to stop the violence .
Kisha Daniels , a co-founder of Black and Indigenous Alliance AB , said organizers were setting up the event in a park in Red Deer , Alta.
, Sunday when they heard honking , sirens and yelling from about 30 metres away .
She said there were threats of violence ahead of the event and , right before it started , people associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Odin and other far-right groups showed up .
`` It was very hard for us , very traumatic for us to have to deal with these white supremacist groups without any RCMP interaction or involvement , '' said Daniels , whose planned speech about education and anti-Blackness had to be called off .
A video posted by one rally-goer on Facebook shows a man in a sleeveless shirt yelling , swearing and calling them `` paid pieces of garbage . ''
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry A rally volunteer marked with red tape on his clothing is seen striding up to counter-protesters with a stack of paper .
The man in the sleeveless shirt lunges at the volunteer , shoves him and tells him to get out .
The nearly 11-minute video captures further scuffles between the two sides .
A police vehicle can be seen on the periphery , but no officers appear to intervene .
The video ends with both groups trying to drown each other out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` all lives matter . ''
Supt .
Gerald Grobmeier with the Red Deer RCMP said police were prepared for the event with 16 officers , but both groups arrived earlier than expected .
`` We did have our analysts monitoring social media and we did plan for it , '' he said .
`` We always do … just to see what the chatter might be . ''
RCMP are investigating after far-right protesters disrupted what was to be a peaceful anti-racism rally in central Alberta last weekend , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been better prepared to stop the violence .
Grobmeier said police arrived within minutes of the alleged assault , de-escalated the situation and spoke with a victim .
They are asking witnesses to come forward to determine if charges are warranted .
Daniels said she has video , screenshots and photos to share with the RCMP .
But she said she has approached police in the past about threats she has received and `` was told there was nothing that can be done about it . ''
Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to the bottom of what happened .
`` Police have a difficult job keeping the peace , '' Madu said , calling the violence disturbing and unacceptable .
`` It 's also critically important that the RCMP maintain public confidence by explaining their role in such situations . ''
Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer said she respects the right of peaceful assembly , but unequivocally denounces racism and violence .
`` It is highly concerning for our community that travelling protests have incited division and violence in our city , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the pandemic , economy and other factors have added to `` social tensions . ''
`` We can not let the actions of a few characterize our city . ''
Anti-racism marches and rallies have taken place in communities large and small since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in the spring .
The Black man died after an officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes , sparking a worldwide outcry over systemic racism and police brutality .
Dieulita Datus and Sadia Khan , co-founders of the anti-discrimination not-for-profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most rallies they have attended around central Alberta this summer have been peaceful .
They said they felt disheartened when they saw footage of the Red Deer event and bigoted comments about it posted on social media .
`` My heart sank .
We are losing the message and the intent that needs to be heard right now , '' said Khan , who lives in Red Deer .
Datus said the RCMP should be talking to grassroots groups like Ubuntu so they can be more proactive .
`` We 've made calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other local police organizations to have the frank conversations , for them to recognize the dog whistles , for them to recognize hate groups for exactly what they are , for them to see threats for exactly what they are . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22 , 2020 .

RCMP are investigating after far-right protesters disrupted what was to be a peaceful anti-racism rally in central Alberta last weekend, but local advocacy groups say officers should have been better prepared to stop the violence. Kisha Daniels, a co-founder of Black and Indigenous Alliance AB, said organizers were setting up the event in a park in Red Deer, Alta., Sunday when they heard honking, sirens and yelling from about 30 metres away. She said there were threats of violence ahead of the event and, right before it started, people associated with the Yellow Vest movement, Soldiers of Odin and other far-right groups showed up. "It was very hard for us, very traumatic for us to have to deal with these white supremacist groups without any RCMP interaction or involvement," said Daniels, whose planned speech about education and anti-Blackness had to be called off. A video posted by one rally-goer on Facebook shows a man in a sleeveless shirt yelling, swearing and calling them "paid pieces of garbage."
A rally volunteer marked with red tape on his clothing is seen striding up to counter-protesters with a stack of paper. The man in the sleeveless shirt lunges at the volunteer, shoves him and tells him to get out. The nearly 11-minute video captures further scuffles between the two sides. A police vehicle can be seen on the periphery, but no officers appear to intervene. The video ends with both groups trying to drown each other out with chants of "Black lives matter" and "all lives matter." Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Daniels said volunteers suffered injuries, including a broken tooth.
Supt. Gerald Grobmeier with the Red Deer RCMP said police were prepared for the event with 16 officers, but both groups arrived earlier than expected. RCMP are investigating after far-right protesters disrupted what was to be a peaceful anti-racism rally in central Alberta last weekend, but local advocacy groups say officers should have been better prepared to stop the violence. "We did have our analysts monitoring social media and we did plan for it," he said. "We always do … just to see what the chatter might be." Grobmeier said police arrived within minutes of the alleged assault, de-escalated the situation and spoke with a victim. They are asking witnesses to come forward to determine if charges are warranted. Daniels said she has video, screenshots and photos to share with the RCMP.
But she said she has approached police in the past about threats she has received and "was told there was nothing that can be done about it." Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu said he has urged Alberta's commanding officer to get to the bottom of what happened. "Police have a difficult job keeping the peace," Madu said, calling the violence disturbing and unacceptable.


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--Opposition blames Liberals for failure to prepare for return of Parliament during pandemic

Federal opposition parties blamed the Liberal government for failing to properly prepare for the return of Parliament as negotiations around in-person versus virtual sittings went down to the wire Tuesday .
The lack of agreement followed what Conservatives described as a disastrous trial run of a proposed electronic-voting system for members of Parliament , prompting fresh calls from the official Opposition for some form of in-person voting .
That was despite Conservative Leader Erin O ’ Toole and his wife Rebecca having both tested positive for COVID-19 , along with Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet .
Both leaders are isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but instead plan to respond to the speech in person next week .
`` We 've offered some very positive , and I think realistic , solutions to voting in person whereby safety can be respected , '' Conservative deputy leader Candice Bergen said as she and other Tory MPs gathered for a day of talks ahead of the throne speech .
`` Schools are resuming , there 's a lot that 's resuming .
We have to be able to continue life in this COVID crisis and do it in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentarians . ''
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry The disagreement among the parties was laid bare later in the day when NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called for the House of Commons to adopt a hybrid model , with a limited number of MPs in the chamber and the rest attending online .
The Liberals and NDP used their superior numbers in the spring to adopt such an approach for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leery of doing the same for full House of Commons sittings because of questions around remote voting .
Monday ’ s test of a proposed electronic voting system saw more than 245 MPs simulate that critical task .
Conservative MP James Bezan described the simulation as `` quite the ordeal , '' with one vote that should have taken only a few minutes instead taking nearly an hour and a half .
`` It was slow — a lot of technical glitches and difficulties , '' he told reporters Tuesday .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exercise their right , and their privilege , to vote knowing how intermittent rural broadband is for all of us rural MPs . ''
Conservatives appeared ready to throw the idea of electronic voting out the window , but NDP whip Rachel Blaney said the fact there were difficulties should not have been a surprise given that it was the first time the system had been used .
Federal opposition parties blamed the Liberal government for failing to properly prepare for the return of Parliament as negotiations around in-person versus virtual sittings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , September 22 , 2020 .
`` What we 've seen in other jurisdictions , in Canada even , is that when the testing starts , it 's a little bit bumpy at the beginning , '' she said .
`` So the NDP is working very aggressively with all the other parties to try to get another round of testing.
” While the NDP and Conservatives were at odds over what approach MPs should take to the return of Parliament , they were united in blaming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a consensus earlier .
“ I think Trudeau made a huge blunder by not giving any intention , any time , any strategy to how Parliament would resume its full function , and Canadians deserve that , ” said Conservative MP Rachael Harder .
Conservatives later flagged what they described as another snag in the talks : Liberal reluctance to quickly bring back the parliamentary committees that were shut down when Trudeau prorogued Parliament last month .
Those include several committees that were studying the WE controversy .
The Liberals can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committees , said Conservative House leader Gerard Deltell .
But he described such a delay as `` totally unacceptable . ''
`` The prime minister decided by himself to stop and to kill the committees in the last month , '' Deltell said .
`` So Canadians need and deserve to have a real Parliament working . ''
Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez 's office did not immediately response to requests for comment .
Singh said the Liberals should have done more to address a problem first raised when the COVID-19 pandemic hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was frustrated and worried about the lack of agreement , given one of the first orders of business for the new session of Parliament will be deciding what to do with the Canada Emergency Response Benefit .

Federal opposition parties blamed the Liberal government for failing to properly prepare for the return of Parliament as negotiations around in-person versus virtual sittings went down to the wire Tuesday. The lack of agreement followed what Conservatives described as a disastrous trial run of a proposed electronic-voting system for members of Parliament, prompting fresh calls from the official Opposition for some form of in-person voting. That was despite Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole and his wife Rebecca having both tested positive for COVID-19, along with Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet. Both leaders are isolating and will not attend the throne speech, but instead plan to respond to the speech in person next week. "We've offered some very positive, and I think realistic, solutions to voting in person whereby safety can be respected," Conservative deputy leader Candice Bergen said as she and other Tory MPs gathered for a day of talks ahead of the throne speech. "Schools are resuming, there's a lot that's resuming. We have to be able to continue life in this COVID crisis and do it in a safe way and I think that includes parliamentarians."
The disagreement among the parties was laid bare later in the day when NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called for the House of Commons to adopt a hybrid model, with a limited number of MPs in the chamber and the rest attending online. The Liberals and NDP used their superior numbers in the spring to adopt such an approach for a special COVID-19 committee, but MPs were leery of doing the same for full House of Commons sittings because of questions around remote voting. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Monday’s test of a proposed electronic voting system saw more than 245 MPs simulate that critical task.
Conservative MP James Bezan described the simulation as "quite the ordeal," with one vote that should have taken only a few minutes instead taking nearly an hour and a half. Federal opposition parties blamed the Liberal government for failing to properly prepare for the return of Parliament as negotiations around in-person versus virtual sittings went down to the wire on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. "It was slow — a lot of technical glitches and difficulties," he told reporters Tuesday. "I'm really concerned about people being able to exercise their right, and their privilege, to vote knowing how intermittent rural broadband is for all of us rural MPs." Conservatives appeared ready to throw the idea of electronic voting out the window, but NDP whip Rachel Blaney said the fact there were difficulties should not have been a surprise given that it was the first time the system had been used. "What we've seen in other jurisdictions, in Canada even, is that when the testing starts, it's a little bit bumpy at the beginning," she said. "So the NDP is working very aggressively with all the other parties to try to get another round of testing.” While the NDP and Conservatives were at odds over what approach MPs should take to the return of Parliament, they were united in blaming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the minority Liberal government for not doing more to find a consensus earlier.
“I think Trudeau made a huge blunder by not giving any intention, any time, any strategy to how Parliament would resume its full function, and Canadians deserve that,” said Conservative MP Rachael Harder. Conservatives later flagged what they described as another snag in the talks: Liberal reluctance to quickly bring back the parliamentary committees that were shut down when Trudeau prorogued Parliament last month. Those include several committees that were studying the WE controversy. The Liberals can technically wait until November to bring back committees, said Conservative House leader Gerard Deltell. But he described such a delay as "totally unacceptable."


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--Throne speech to lay out short-, and long-term plans as cases rise, prompting PM address

The federal Liberals ' throne speech Wednesday is to lay out plans for child care , health care , affordable housing and navigating the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The speech , crafted by the governing party but delivered by Gov .
Gen. Julie Payette , will be given in the shadow of rising COVID-19 cases across the country , prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deliver an unusual televised address of his own a few hours later .
Trudeau 's own speech will deliver a message to Canadians on the `` urgency of fighting COVID-19 '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , according to his office .
Trudeau will also speak about how the Liberals plan to combat COVID-19 with government action and to build the economic recovery from pandemic-related shutdowns earlier this year , repeating elements of the throne speech .
Payette is expected to add her own commentary to the throne speech about the pandemic , which will broadly be a message of hope for Canadians in these trying times , according to a source with knowledge of the additions who was n't authorized to speak publicly about them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry What the Liberals have told various stakeholders is to expect a two-step approach : promises of short-term help , mixed with references to a longer-term vision for the country .
For instance , sources who have knowledge of the government 's thinking on child care , and spoke on the condition of anonymity to detail private conversations , said there is a much broader policy discussion behind the scenes about reforming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while pledging more immediate help .
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has asked the Liberals to establish a long-promised child care secretariat that would guide policy decisions , suggesting tax incentives for parents , guardians and daycare owners .
Martha Friendly , executive director of the Childcare Resource and Research Unit , a Toronto think-tank , says the pandemic has created a `` eureka ' '' moment for policy-makers about the necessity of child care to the country 's economic and social recovery .
`` I hope there has also been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , safe , high-quality child care families can count on in good times and bad depends on a transformation of government policy , not just money alone — a bold , ambitious strategy , '' she said .
Small businesses are hoping for a lifeline for companies that are barely hanging on .
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is hoping to see a rejigging of a commercial rent-assistance program that has fallen short of expectations , which the Liberals have hinted at doing .
The federal Liberals ' throne speech on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lay out plans for child care , health care , affordable housing and navigating the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` There are still hundreds of thousands of businesses that have received no government support at all , '' said CFIB president Dan Kelly , noting it could be years before business revenues return to pre-pandemic levels , even as costs remain steady .
`` They 're starting to fail and we 've got to make sure that we can help bridge more of them to the finish line .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bold statement on homelessness and housing , which would disappoint people who want specifics .
“ If it ’ s too broad of a statement then that ’ s frankly too much wiggle room , '' said Jeff Morrison , executive director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association .
Based on the signals going out , the speech will put promises into one of three buckets , said Elliot Hughes , who was an adviser to former finance minister Bill Morneau .
The first bucket will be about navigating the health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up those who have had the financial floor fall from under them .
Bucket 3 will be big-picture vision statements , such as national child care , pharmacare and possibly creating a guaranteed minimum income , Hughes said .
`` This is the Liberals ' plan for the time between now and election day , '' said Hughes , now with consulting firm Summa Strategies .
`` The speech is really the opening salvo in what is going to be the government ’ s pitch to Canadians . ''
What will follow in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update or a full-fledged budget in which Canadians will find out how big each bucket will be — and how much more public debt the Liberals will pile on .
Still , the throne speech ca n't be dismissed as politics and fluff , said Kathy Brock , an expert on Canada 's parliamentary system from Queen 's University in Kingston , Ont .
The speech also tells the bureaucracy what areas will receive resources , allows opposition parties to set up their alternatives and lays the groundwork for an election .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to give a presidential-style television address shortly after instead of speaking in the House of Commons , Brock said .
“ This undercuts one of the basics of our democratic system , '' she said .
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh hinted again on Tuesday his party will support the speech , which would allow the minority Liberals to survive a confidence vote .
He said he wants an immediate extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit , and legislation for paid sick leave for all workers .
`` I do n't want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I want them to actually do it , '' Singh said .
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet said in a statement that he wants a pledge to immediately provide billions more to provinces in health transfers .
He warned his party wo n't give the Liberals a blank cheque and wants its demands addressed .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22 , 2020 .

The federal Liberals' throne speech Wednesday is to lay out plans for child care, health care, affordable housing and navigating the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The speech, crafted by the governing party but delivered by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette, will be given in the shadow of rising COVID-19 cases across the country, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deliver an unusual televised address of his own a few hours later. Trudeau's own speech will deliver a message to Canadians on the "urgency of fighting COVID-19" as the country faces a second wave of the pandemic, according to his office. Trudeau will also speak about how the Liberals plan to combat COVID-19 with government action and to build the economic recovery from pandemic-related shutdowns earlier this year, repeating elements of the throne speech. Payette is expected to add her own commentary to the throne speech about the pandemic, which will broadly be a message of hope for Canadians in these trying times, according to a source with knowledge of the additions who wasn't authorized to speak publicly about them.
What the Liberals have told various stakeholders is to expect a two-step approach: promises of short-term help, mixed with references to a longer-term vision for the country. For instance, sources who have knowledge of the government's thinking on child care, and spoke on the condition of anonymity to detail private conversations, said there is a much broader policy discussion behind the scenes about reforming the sector that the speech may allude to, while pledging more immediate help. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has asked the Liberals to establish a long-promised child care secretariat that would guide policy decisions, suggesting tax incentives for parents, guardians and daycare owners.
Martha Friendly, executive director of the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, a Toronto think-tank, says the pandemic has created a "eureka'" moment for policy-makers about the necessity of child care to the country's economic and social recovery. The federal Liberals' throne speech on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, is to lay out plans for child care, health care, affordable housing and navigating the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. "I hope there has also been the equally crucial 'aha' that the reliable, safe, high-quality child care families can count on in good times and bad depends on a transformation of government policy, not just money alone — a bold, ambitious strategy," she said. Small businesses are hoping for a lifeline for companies that are barely hanging on. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is hoping to see a rejigging of a commercial rent-assistance program that has fallen short of expectations, which the Liberals have hinted at doing. "There are still hundreds of thousands of businesses that have received no government support at all," said CFIB president Dan Kelly, noting it could be years before business revenues return to pre-pandemic levels, even as costs remain steady. "They're starting to fail and we've got to make sure that we can help bridge more of them to the finish line."
There's the possibility of a bold statement on homelessness and housing, which would disappoint people who want specifics. “If it’s too broad of a statement then that’s frankly too much wiggle room," said Jeff Morrison, executive director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association. Based on the signals going out, the speech will put promises into one of three buckets, said Elliot Hughes, who was an adviser to former finance minister Bill Morneau.


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--'Provinces are not independent states': B.C. defends carbon pricing at Supreme Court

If the federal government wants to tackle the climate crisis , it could have simply made it a crime to pollute , lawyers for Saskatchewan and Alberta argued at the Supreme Court of Canada on Tuesday .
Well , then , “ that ’ s democracy , ” Saskatchewan ’ s representative offered — and the only solution is for voters to pass judgement at the polls .
The Supreme Court held the first of two days of hearings on Tuesday that will determine the ultimate fate of the Liberal government ’ s carbon pricing law .
Provinces must enact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceed minimum national standards under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act , or else they become subject to a federally designed system that does .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry Saskatchewan , Ontario and Alberta have each asked appeals courts to determine the constitutionality of the federal carbon pricing system .
Ontario and Saskatchewan lost their challenges , but the Alberta Court of Appeal found it to be unconstitutional .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all intervening in favour of the provincial challenge .
Quebec Premier François Legault has said that , although the province has a carbon pricing plan , his government wants to maintain provincial autonomy .
But British Columbia , which also has a carbon price in place , is intervening on the side of the federal government .
B.C .
said in 2018 that it believed that the federal government has a right to price pollution while providing the provinces the `` flexibility '' they need to design their own plans .
This week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to price pollution , although Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson characterized that program as `` weaker '' than the national pricing system .
Saskatchewan and Alberta argued the federal government already has all the jurisdiction it needs to cut carbon pollution , and going beyond that would unnecessarily expand the idea of a “ national concern.
” Mitch McAdam , the director of the constitutional law branch in the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice , said the Supreme Court has a “ duty to protect the balance of the federation , ” and allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the ability for provinces and Ottawa to co-operate .
British Columbia defended the federal government 's carbon pricing regime on Tuesday at the Supreme Court .
`` Provinces are not independent states , ” argued lawyer Gareth Morley .
# SCC # carbonpricing Ottawa has “ a broad range of very significant powers that they could access in terms of regulating this — including , in particular , the criminal law power and the taxation power , ” McAdam said .
Peter Gall , partner at Gall Legge Grant Zwack and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a province decides to do little or nothing to cut carbon pollution , “ couldn ’ t Canada do something more heavy-handed , under the criminal law or its taxation power ?
” When McAdam was asked by Justice Suzanne Côté what would happen if provinces said they don ’ t care about carbon pricing , McAdam replied , “ that ’ s federalism , and that ’ s democracy.
” “ If it ’ s an unpopular decision , then they have to go to the polls , and face the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out at the next election , ” he said .
But Gareth Morley , senior legal counsel for B.C.
, said leaving carbon pricing completely to the provinces would generate “ extraprovincial issues ” because businesses would migrate to jurisdictions in Canada with less stringent requirements .
“ That ’ s what sovereignty is .
Provinces are not independent states , ” Morley said .
“ Co-operation can ’ t mean that everybody has a veto.
” Guy Pratte , partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP who is representing the federal government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrasted strangely with their suggestion that Parliament use the criminal code , a power that is “ a lot more intrusive , and a lot less efficient.
” “ If you criminalized any emissions over an amount , imagine how inefficient it would be ?
” Pratte asked the justices .
As with people avoiding taxes , he argued , Canadians would simply try to avoid consequences for polluting , and many would get away with it .
Instead , he said , the carbon pricing system encourages businesses to innovate and become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less for pollution and their activities are ultimately more profitable .
“ The evidence is clear : this is the least intrusive , most effective ” method , he said .
Throughout the day , the justices vocally wrestled with jurisdiction issues .
Justice Malcolm Rowe described the federal backstop system as Ottawa holding a gun to the heads of provinces .
He called it , “ co-operative federalism — or else.
” Rowe also said the output-based pricing system in the law amounted to a “ national industrial policy for the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Michael Moldaver , however , acknowledged that climate change was a systemic issue , such that if one province “ decides to go rogue ” then that has a potential impact on the whole of Canada .
“ We are into a situation now where , everybody , as I understand it , agrees that climate change is a serious threat to life on Earth as we know it .
Some call it an existential threat , ” he said .
“ It ’ s doubly so , shall we say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by water on three sides , and particularly the Arctic , and there ’ s evidence before the court that we are already seeing the effects of it .
Whether I agree or not with that , those are the accepted facts that are before the court.
” The hearing on Tuesday was the first in-person hearing in the coronavirus pandemic .
Justices were separated from each other by transparent barriers and were physically distanced , taking up two separate rows in the courtroom .

If the federal government wants to tackle the climate crisis, it could have simply made it a crime to pollute, lawyers for Saskatchewan and Alberta argued at the Supreme Court of Canada on Tuesday. And if that didn’t work? Well, then, “that’s democracy,” Saskatchewan’s representative offered — and the only solution is for voters to pass judgement at the polls. The Supreme Court held the first of two days of hearings on Tuesday that will determine the ultimate fate of the Liberal government’s carbon pricing law. Provinces must enact their own pollution-fighting mechanisms that meet or exceed minimum national standards under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, or else they become subject to a federally designed system that does.
Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta have each asked appeals courts to determine the constitutionality of the federal carbon pricing system. Ontario and Saskatchewan lost their challenges, but the Alberta Court of Appeal found it to be unconstitutional. Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick are all intervening in favour of the provincial challenge. Quebec Premier François Legault has said that, although the province has a carbon pricing plan, his government wants to maintain provincial autonomy. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions But British Columbia, which also has a carbon price in place, is intervening on the side of the federal government. B.C. said in 2018 that it believed that the federal government has a right to price pollution while providing the provinces the "flexibility" they need to design their own plans.
This week, the federal government approved an Ontario plan to price pollution, although Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson characterized that program as "weaker" than the national pricing system. British Columbia defended the federal government's carbon pricing regime on Tuesday at the Supreme Court. "Provinces are not independent states,” argued lawyer Gareth Morley. #SCC #carbonpricing Saskatchewan and Alberta argued the federal government already has all the jurisdiction it needs to cut carbon pollution, and going beyond that would unnecessarily expand the idea of a “national concern.” Mitch McAdam, the director of the constitutional law branch in the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, said the Supreme Court has a “duty to protect the balance of the federation,” and allowing the federal law would “forever destabilize” the ability for provinces and Ottawa to co-operate. Ottawa has “a broad range of very significant powers that they could access in terms of regulating this — including, in particular, the criminal law power and the taxation power,” McAdam said. Peter Gall, partner at Gall Legge Grant Zwack and a lawyer representing Alberta, also said that if a province decides to do little or nothing to cut carbon pollution, “couldn’t Canada do something more heavy-handed, under the criminal law or its taxation power?”
When McAdam was asked by Justice Suzanne Côté what would happen if provinces said they don’t care about carbon pricing, McAdam replied, “that’s federalism, and that’s democracy.” “If it’s an unpopular decision, then they have to go to the polls, and face the electorate and the electorate can vote them out at the next election,” he said. But Gareth Morley, senior legal counsel for B.C., said leaving carbon pricing completely to the provinces would generate “extraprovincial issues” because businesses would migrate to jurisdictions in Canada with less stringent requirements.


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--What will the throne speech say about poverty?

Anti-poverty advocates and social policy wonks will be watching today ’ s throne speech for signs of how the government plans on addressing poverty in this complicated pandemic period .
I , for one , am hoping the government chooses to leave behind notions of “ deserving ” and “ undeserving ” poor that have shaped social policy for almost two centuries .
It ’ s the kind of fundamental shift that could lead to meaningful reforms , even some form of guaranteed basic income .
The differentiation between the good and the bad poor comes from England .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) grouped people living in poverty into two camps : those who can not work , and therefore are deserving of government supports ; and those deemed capable of working , who are assumed to be responsible for their predicament , and as such less worthy of help .
With time , the federal government and the provinces began to create income supports for people in the poorhouses , especially children and seniors .
These supports weren ’ t always adequate , but they continued to be expanded , and , for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Quebec pension plans , Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement combine to provide a basic income for seniors , though a middle-class retirement requires other sources of income .
`` Most programs for working-age adults don ’ t require them to live in institutions , Canada has never abandoned the notion behind workhouses , namely that impoverished working-age adults should be provided enough to avoid starvation , but nothing more . ''
Federal and provincial child-related income transfers and tax benefits , especially the Canada Child Benefit , prevent millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if one in five children still grow up in low-income homes .
Most income supports for seniors and children are income-tested , but they are not morality-tested .
Everyone who needs them receives them , without intrusive individual assessments or conditions for the continuance of the benefit .
And that ’ s because everyone within these groups is considered deserving of government support .
Though nowadays most programs for working-age adults don ’ t require them to live in institutions , Canada has never abandoned the basic notion behind workhouses , namely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to avoid starvation , but nothing more .
Depending on the province , social assistance benefits for single individuals considered employable vary between 39 per cent and 58 per cent of the amount of money needed to live out of poverty .
This is deep poverty .
Throughout the twentieth century , workers won a number of social protections , but almost all of these social programs are contributory and tied to employment status .
This means access to these benefits depends on how much you earn and contribute .
And governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The best example of this kind of benefit is the Employment Insurance ( EI ) program : in the late 1980s , 83 per cent of workers could access benefits if they lost their jobs .
In recent years , EI coverage rates have dropped to 42 per cent , with the coverage for low-wage workers estimated at an even lower 28 per cent .
For adults with disabilities , Canada offers contributory work-related benefits , some tax benefits and provincial social assistance .
Social assistance benefit amounts are slightly higher than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are subject to the same moral scrutiny as people who lived in the poorhouses .
Old assumptions about adults living in poverty are just that , assumptions .
But they are frequently repeated , despite contrary evidence , and continue to shape social policy .
Recently , conservatives accused social assistance recipients of simply sitting at home , despite the extensive research showing that they toil day after day to escape poverty .
Critics also contend that government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented people from looking for work , even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
We likely won ’ t find a guaranteed basic income in the throne speech , but here are other policies that could mark a seismic shift in Canada ’ s social security system , for example : • Abandoning rigid distinctions that determine if someone is worthy of government support ( employable versus non-employable , insured versus uninsured ) .
• Removing rules that penalize working-age adults with fluctuating incomes , and making it easier for low-income earners to claim and combine different supports .
• Dismantling programs set up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and replacing them with services that actually support people .
Enacting these policies would require the federal government to play a more active role in income security for working-age adults , akin to the role it plays in health care , affordable housing , old-age security and child supports .
This is what we should watch for ( and hope for ) in today ’ s throne speech .

Anti-poverty advocates and social policy wonks will be watching today’s throne speech for signs of how the government plans on addressing poverty in this complicated pandemic period. I, for one, am hoping the government chooses to leave behind notions of “deserving” and “undeserving” poor that have shaped social policy for almost two centuries. It’s the kind of fundamental shift that could lead to meaningful reforms, even some form of guaranteed basic income. The differentiation between the good and the bad poor comes from England. The British Poor Law Amendment Act (1834) grouped people living in poverty into two camps: those who cannot work, and therefore are deserving of government supports; and those deemed capable of working, who are assumed to be responsible for their predicament, and as such less worthy of help. In the mid 1800s, Canadians embraced the British approach, creating poorhouses and workhouses to house the two types of “poor people.” Those who ended up in poorhouses had their moral conduct closely supervised; those in the workhouses could be involuntarily leased to employers for little or no pay.
Historian Alvin Finkel has documented how some politicians saw the dreadful living conditions of workhouses as a way to encourage the poor to correct their ways. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions
With time, the federal government and the provinces began to create income supports for people in the poorhouses, especially children and seniors. These supports weren’t always adequate, but they continued to be expanded, and, for the most part, improved. "Most programs for working-age adults don’t require them to live in institutions, Canada has never abandoned the notion behind workhouses, namely that impoverished working-age adults should be provided enough to avoid starvation, but nothing more." The Canada and Quebec pension plans, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement combine to provide a basic income for seniors, though a middle-class retirement requires other sources of income. Federal and provincial child-related income transfers and tax benefits, especially the Canada Child Benefit, prevent millions of children from living in poverty, even if one in five children still grow up in low-income homes.


nationalobserver--2020-09-22--City councillor Michele Babchuk acclaimed as B.C. NDP candidate in North Island riding

A seasoned municipal politician will be the NDP candidate in the North Island riding in the upcoming B.C .
election .
Michele Babchuk , councillor for the city of Campbell River and chair of the Strathcona Regional District , was acclaimed as the candidate — named as winner with no contest — on Tuesday .
She is running in the riding recently vacated by former Transportation Minister Claire Trevena , who is not seeking re-election .
Babchuk was the riding ’ s only candidate to have completed the party ’ s vetting process when the writ dropped on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former school trustee and municipal politician said her acclamation came as a bit of a surprise .
“ Generally , we have a robust nomination process and that 's sort of what I thought was going to happen , ” Babchuk said .
“ So , this is a bit of an anomaly for me.
” • School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry With the election taking place on Oct. 24 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground running to get her campaign started .
But the campaign is bound to look very different than other provincial elections , given the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings , she said .
“ We ’ ll be following the COVID-19 guidelines from public health and safety very strongly , ” Babchuk said , adding she anticipates a number of virtual meetings .
The pandemic and its attendant impacts on health , safety and the economy will clearly be a focus during the campaign , Babchuk said .
“ In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our rural and remote communities , concern around economic stability is going to be there , ” she said .
Internet connectivity for small isolated communities , environmental concerns and economic diversification are likely to be issues for constituents as well , Babchuk added .
“ I bring a lot of experience through local government at different levels .
So , when we 're talking about the constituent issues , I think I have a very good breadth of knowledge , ” says Michele Babchuk , B.C .
NDP North Island candidate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ varied background in civic politics to the table during the election race .
Formerly a Campbell River School District trustee for nine years , she has been elected twice to her current position on city council .
She is also chair of the Strathcona Regional Board .
“ I think I bring a lot of experience through local government at different levels , ” she said .
“ So , when we 're talking about the constituent issues , I think I have a very good breadth of knowledge.
” Her roles as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold during the election , she added .
Despite four consecutive NDP election victories helmed by Trevena , Babchuk doesn ’ t think winning the riding is a given .
The NDP took 48 per cent of the vote in the 2017 election , followed by the BC Liberals at 35 per cent , and the BC Greens with 15 per cent .
“ It 's never an easy win and elections are always unpredictable , ” Babchuk said .

A seasoned municipal politician will be the NDP candidate in the North Island riding in the upcoming B.C. election.
Michele Babchuk, councillor for the city of Campbell River and chair of the Strathcona Regional District, was acclaimed as the candidate — named as winner with no contest — on Tuesday. She is running in the riding recently vacated by former Transportation Minister Claire Trevena, who is not seeking re-election.
Babchuk was the riding’s only candidate to have completed the party’s vetting process when the writ dropped on Monday, the NDP party said Tuesday.
The former school trustee and municipal politician said her acclamation came as a bit of a surprise.
“Generally, we have a robust nomination process and that's sort of what I thought was going to happen,” Babchuk said. “So, this is a bit of an anomaly for me.”


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--Courts can 'no longer ignore' First Nations laws, Supreme Court hears in carbon tax case

Several First Nations asked the Supreme Court of Canada on Wednesday to look beyond intergovernmental clashes over the carbon tax , and recognize that the climate crisis infringes on treaty rights .
After two days of hearings , the court said it was reserving its judgment , meaning the justices will take some time to consider the issues further before releasing a ruling .
The Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of the federal government 's Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act , which since 2019 has required provinces to either design their own pollution-fighting regimes that meet minimum standards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Saskatchewan and Alberta , which asked appeals courts to rule on the issue along with Ontario , argued Tuesday that the federal government already has all the power it needs to regulate carbon pollution .
Ottawa could either make it illegal to pollute under the criminal code , or tax it directly using its taxation powers , they said .
British Columbia , which is intervening on the side of the federal government , argued that Canada 's status as a sovereign country afforded it greater latitude , given the nationwide consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their emissions .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry As for criminalizing carbon pollution , B.C .
said that would intrude on provincial autonomy to a much greater degree than the carbon pricing system does , and yet it would be a much less efficient way of dealing with the problem , as Canadians would try to avoid getting caught .
While the first day focused primarily on questions of provincial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pollution , with extended conversations concerning the balance of powers in the Constitution , several lawyers from a long list of intervenors on Wednesday asked the court to take a broader range of factors into account .
Joëlle Pastora Sala , an attorney for the Public Interest Law Centre in Manitoba , which is representing the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs , said the carbon pricing case presented an opportunity for the justices to “ clarify the existence of First Nations laws as independent from Euro-Canadian laws.
” Indigenous peoples have had their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have often been ignored under colonialism , according to the Law Commission of Canada .
“ Governments and courts can no longer ignore the existence and insights of First Nations laws .
Ignoring this reality fundamentally impairs reconciliation and the spirit and intent of treaties , ” said Pastora Sala .
Several First Nations asked the Supreme Court of Canada on Wednesday to look beyond intergovernmental clashes over the carbon tax , and recognize that the climate crisis infringes on treaty rights .
She said the three carbon tax appeals cases from Alberta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignored the existence of First Nations laws and the original intent of treaties , ” and that the courts were succumbing to the temptation of focusing “ narrowly ” on the division of powers .
“ But is that not the reference question which was put to the court ?
Is it not our responsibility to answer the question , which was posed to us ?
” asked Justice Malcolm Rowe .
“ Governments and courts will continue to ignore First Nations laws if this court does not pronounce themselves on ( their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Reconciliation , which is about an ongoing process , establishing respectful relationships , will not happen.
” “ I ’ m afraid that we have to maintain our role as a court , and not become some super-legislative institution .
If we lose our footing as a court , we abandon our proper role in the separation of powers , ” Rowe also told her .
But Pastora Sala said that , in the spirit of reconciliation , and facing such a fundamental issue , “ it is no longer acceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status quo can not stand , and reconciliation demands more.
” The difference between Vancouver and Mexico City Multiple First Nations said that carbon pollution and climate change were posing serious obstacles to their constitutionally protected rights .
Patricia Lawrence , senior counsel with Westaway Law Group representing Anishinabek Nation , which speaks on behalf of 39 First Nations throughout Ontario , said greenhouse gas emissions and climate change “ pose a very real threat to our clients ’ ability to continue to exercise the Aboriginal and treaty rights ” under Section 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court were to find that the federal government ’ s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was beyond the powers of Parliament , that would “ leave our clients ’ constitutional rights subject to the whim and political will of individual provinces , ” said Lawrence .
University of Ottawa law professor Amir Attaran , representing the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation , near the northern Alberta oilpatch , said hunting , fishing and trapping are “ existential ” to the nation ’ s culture , and climate change is now threatening that way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clients ’ northern homeland by the end of the century will warm as much as seven degrees , ” the difference between Vancouver and Mexico City , he said .
The Assembly of First Nations ( AFN ) believes the carbon pricing regime is within Parliament ’ s jurisdiction , said Stuart Wuttke , AFN general counsel .
He also said justices need to examine Indigenous rights in the Constitution as part of the case .
He also pointed out that the provinces “ do not owe any obligations to First Nations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province fails to act on curbing emissions , “ the impacts are real for First Nations communities , and governments in other locations across Canada.
” There was also a tense moment on Wednesday when one of the intervenors appeared to faint in front of the podium as she was preparing to offer remarks to the justices .
Lisa DeMarco , who was there on behalf of the International Emissions Trading Association , introduced herself and then asked if she could sit down .
A few seconds later , she collapsed , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hearing today , counsel Elisabeth DeMarco had a medical emergency .
She has been transported to hospital for further checkup , ” confirmed Rémi Samson , senior legal officer for the chambers of Chief Justice Richard Wagner .
“ When she left the court , Ms. DeMarco appeared to be well .
The court wishes her a prompt recovery .
”

Several First Nations asked the Supreme Court of Canada on Wednesday to look beyond intergovernmental clashes over the carbon tax, and recognize that the climate crisis infringes on treaty rights. After two days of hearings, the court said it was reserving its judgment, meaning the justices will take some time to consider the issues further before releasing a ruling. The Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of the federal government's Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, which since 2019 has required provinces to either design their own pollution-fighting regimes that meet minimum standards, or accept a federal program that does. Saskatchewan and Alberta, which asked appeals courts to rule on the issue along with Ontario, argued Tuesday that the federal government already has all the power it needs to regulate carbon pollution. Ottawa could either make it illegal to pollute under the criminal code, or tax it directly using its taxation powers, they said. British Columbia, which is intervening on the side of the federal government, argued that Canada's status as a sovereign country afforded it greater latitude, given the nationwide consequences of provinces failing to deal effectively with their emissions.
As for criminalizing carbon pollution, B.C. said that would intrude on provincial autonomy to a much greater degree than the carbon pricing system does, and yet it would be a much less efficient way of dealing with the problem, as Canadians would try to avoid getting caught. Courts accused of too-narrow focus Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions While the first day focused primarily on questions of provincial jurisdiction when it comes to regulating carbon pollution, with extended conversations concerning the balance of powers in the Constitution, several lawyers from a long list of intervenors on Wednesday asked the court to take a broader range of factors into account.
Joëlle Pastora Sala, an attorney for the Public Interest Law Centre in Manitoba, which is representing the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said the carbon pricing case presented an opportunity for the justices to “clarify the existence of First Nations laws as independent from Euro-Canadian laws.” Several First Nations asked the Supreme Court of Canada on Wednesday to look beyond intergovernmental clashes over the carbon tax, and recognize that the climate crisis infringes on treaty rights. Indigenous peoples have had their own legal systems based on various traditions that have often been ignored under colonialism, according to the Law Commission of Canada. “Governments and courts can no longer ignore the existence and insights of First Nations laws. Ignoring this reality fundamentally impairs reconciliation and the spirit and intent of treaties,” said Pastora Sala. She said the three carbon tax appeals cases from Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan have “entirely ignored the existence of First Nations laws and the original intent of treaties,” and that the courts were succumbing to the temptation of focusing “narrowly” on the division of powers. “But is that not the reference question which was put to the court? Is it not our responsibility to answer the question, which was posed to us?” asked Justice Malcolm Rowe.
“Governments and courts will continue to ignore First Nations laws if this court does not pronounce themselves on (their) importance,” Pastora Sala responded. “Reconciliation, which is about an ongoing process, establishing respectful relationships, will not happen.” “I’m afraid that we have to maintain our role as a court, and not become some super-legislative institution. If we lose our footing as a court, we abandon our proper role in the separation of powers,” Rowe also told her. But Pastora Sala said that, in the spirit of reconciliation, and facing such a fundamental issue, “it is no longer acceptable to exclude First Nation laws. The status quo cannot stand, and reconciliation demands more.”


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--Saskatchewan banks on abandoned oil and gas cleanup

Saskatchewan is putting more money into fixing abandoned oil wells , a move it says will boost economic recovery by getting oil and gas sector workers back on the job .
The government said it will allocate $ 100 million in federal funding for eligible oil and gas operators who collaborate with Saskatchewan-based companies in the first stage of its plan to retire wells and facilities that are no longer viable .
To date , the province has approved $ 34 million worth of work packages for abandonment and reclamation work on inactive wells and other facilities .
Abandoned wells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producing , but are cleaned up by an accountable owner .
They are not considered “ orphan wells , ” which have been left without any cleanup , care or maintenance by companies that have gone bankrupt , for example .
“ Saskatchewan-based service companies were among the hardest-hit sectors by COVID-19 and the OPEC+ price war , and it was crucial to get those workers — who form the backbone of the oil and gas sector — back on the job , ” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The province saw a total of 2,030 well abandonments completed between April 1 , 2019 , and Feb. 29 , 2020 , an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to 2018-19 and 240 per cent compared to 2016-17 .
Source : Saskatchewan Government/Ministry of Energy and Resources The funding represents phase one of Saskatchewan ’ s Accelerated Site Closure Program ( ASCP ) , which was launched in May , with the first approved projects announced in July .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry The government said the Saskatchewan Resource Council ( SRC ) , along with SaskBuilds , is providing procurement expertise to ensure Saskatchewan-based service companies are used .
The ASCP continues to approve new work projects and , over a two-and-a-half year period , will be able to access up to $ 400 million in federal funding .
As many as 8,000 inactive wells and facilities are expected to be abandoned and reclaimed over the life of the program , which is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Saskatchewan ASCP funding has made the difference from having six people employed to now having 25 people employed to undertake this work , which has tripled our company ’ s man-hours since the funding came into place , ” Prairie Dog Reclamation and Fencing owner and operator Jeff Loehndorf said .
“ I am so appreciative of the work this funding has generated in this province as it will go a long way to sustaining my business.
” `` We didn ’ t have a clue where the oil and gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market , and we ’ re very hopeful this work continues and keeps us busy for the next couple of years , ” Tom Chief .
@ SKGov # SaskBuilds There are currently 11 operators and more than 100 service companies involved in the approved work packages , which are evenly distributed across the province 's four major oil-producing regions .
Approximately $ 4.4 million in work has been completed to date , including 172 well abandonments , 312 well reclamations , 41 facility decommissions and 38 flowline abandonments .
While oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term effects on the environment , successful well reclamation can ensure recovery of the land over time .
Facilities are decommissioned when they are no longer economical .
Flowlines are pipelines that connect individual wellheads to a manifold and are abandoned through a comparable process to wells depending on the size of the operation .
“ Onion Lake Cree Nation Well Servicing GP is much appreciative for being called upon on the abandonment well program with CNRL ( Canadian Natural Resources ) , ” Onion Lake Business Development Corporation executive director Tom Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a blessing in disguise as we didn ’ t have a clue where the oil and gas industry was heading with the uncertainty of the market , and we ’ re very hopeful this work continues and keeps us busy for the next couple of years.
” In addition to cleaning up inactive wells through the ASCP , the province said it remains committed to working with the oil and gas sector to strengthen liability management programs , including policies and regulations , to ensure that licensees are responsible for environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last year , the Ministry of Energy and Resources developed a new directive that streamlined the regulatory approval process for the ordered closure of wells , which led to a record number of abandonments in 2019 .
“ Saskatchewan ’ s oil and gas sector is one of the most environmentally responsible in the world , and our operators recognize the importance of the timely retirement of wells and facilities that are no longer economical , ” Eyre said .
“ Our strong , internationally recognized regulatory framework will continue to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting jobs and economic recovery .
”

Saskatchewan is putting more money into fixing abandoned oil wells, a move it says will boost economic recovery by getting oil and gas sector workers back on the job. The government said it will allocate $100 million in federal funding for eligible oil and gas operators who collaborate with Saskatchewan-based companies in the first stage of its plan to retire wells and facilities that are no longer viable. To date, the province has approved $34 million worth of work packages for abandonment and reclamation work on inactive wells and other facilities. Abandoned wells are oil sites that are no longer producing, but are cleaned up by an accountable owner. They are not considered “orphan wells,” which have been left without any cleanup, care or maintenance by companies that have gone bankrupt, for example. “Saskatchewan-based service companies were among the hardest-hit sectors by COVID-19 and the OPEC+ price war, and it was crucial to get those workers — who form the backbone of the oil and gas sector — back on the job,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said on Tuesday. Abandoned oil wells in Saskatchewan 2019-2020. The province saw a total of 2,030 well abandonments completed between April 1, 2019, and Feb. 29, 2020, an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to 2018-19 and 240 per cent compared to 2016-17. Source: Saskatchewan Government/Ministry of Energy and Resources
The funding represents phase one of Saskatchewan’s Accelerated Site Closure Program (ASCP), which was launched in May, with the first approved projects announced in July. The government said the Saskatchewan Resource Council (SRC), along with SaskBuilds, is providing procurement expertise to ensure Saskatchewan-based service companies are used. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The ASCP continues to approve new work projects and, over a two-and-a-half year period, will be able to access up to $400 million in federal funding.
As many as 8,000 inactive wells and facilities are expected to be abandoned and reclaimed over the life of the program, which is expected to support some 2,100 full-time equivalent jobs. "We didn’t have a clue where the oil and gas industry was heading with the uncertainty of the market, and we’re very hopeful this work continues and keeps us busy for the next couple of years,” Tom Chief. @SKGov #SaskBuilds “The Saskatchewan ASCP funding has made the difference from having six people employed to now having 25 people employed to undertake this work, which has tripled our company’s man-hours since the funding came into place,” Prairie Dog Reclamation and Fencing owner and operator Jeff Loehndorf said. “I am so appreciative of the work this funding has generated in this province as it will go a long way to sustaining my business.” There are currently 11 operators and more than 100 service companies involved in the approved work packages, which are evenly distributed across the province's four major oil-producing regions. Approximately $4.4 million in work has been completed to date, including 172 well abandonments, 312 well reclamations, 41 facility decommissions and 38 flowline abandonments.
While oil and gas production can have short- or long-term effects on the environment, successful well reclamation can ensure recovery of the land over time. Facilities are decommissioned when they are no longer economical. Flowlines are pipelines that connect individual wellheads to a manifold and are abandoned through a comparable process to wells depending on the size of the operation. “Onion Lake Cree Nation Well Servicing GP is much appreciative for being called upon on the abandonment well program with CNRL (Canadian Natural Resources),” Onion Lake Business Development Corporation executive director Tom Chief said. “Getting back to work has been a blessing in disguise as we didn’t have a clue where the oil and gas industry was heading with the uncertainty of the market, and we’re very hopeful this work continues and keeps us busy for the next couple of years.”


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--Young Canadians frustrated by Trudeau’s COVID-19 policy refresh

The word “ student ” was n't mentioned once in the federal Liberal government ’ s throne speech Wednesday , and young people were quick to complain that the effort to establish COVID-19 recovery priorities had passed them by .
“ I ’ m quite astonished that students didn ’ t get a single mention in this speech , ” said Greg Sibley , who missed out on emergency aid because he graduated late last year and did not earn enough to qualify for support for workers .
The speech , which sets out the minority government ’ s policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , acknowledged that women , racialized Canadians , and young people have borne the brunt of COVID-19 ’ s job losses .
It said it would work to create one million jobs with investments in the social sector and infrastructure , worker training , and incentives for employers .
Emma Walsh , a second-year law student at McGill University , said that the collective concerns of young people including climate action , income subsidies , gender equality and systemic racism were touched upon despite young people playing a bit part in the speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the superficiality of it , ” she said , noting also that it was “ a dangerous oversight ” to make only a passing reference to mental health services while “ we ’ re experiencing a collective trauma.
” “ Many young people , especially new graduates , are struggling to find jobs , ” she said .
“ They don ’ t have health insurance to get them in to see mental health professionals.
” Young people say they were largely shut out of the Canadian government 's speech laying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 She said the climate change message was important symbolically , but “ beyond infrastructure changes and legislating Canada ’ s net-zero emissions by 2050 , the action plan seems short-sighted.
” “ We ’ ve heard about two billion trees and single-use plastics .
That ’ s not exciting to hear about again because it ’ s not the large , systemic change that the impending climate crisis demands.
” The climate commitments that were mentioned intrigued Allie Rougeot , a University of Toronto student and organizer of the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not go far enough overall .
“ I was interested by the promise to do even better than our 2030 target , I sure wonder how we are going to achieve that , ” she said , adding “ the focus on zero emissions individual vehicles is a problem for me , showing that there is not an understanding of what it ’ s going to take.
” Climate activist Allie Rougeot holds a sign at a protest outside the Ontario legislature on March 15 , 2019 .
Photo by Dina Dong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spending “ This is not the time for austerity , ” the throne speech read , without promising further government spending that has already created a deep fiscal deficit .
“ Canadians should not have to choose between health and their job , just like Canadians should not have to take on debt that their government can better shoulder , ” it said .
“ In this nearly hour-long speech , there are zero mentions of post-secondary students and only a few tepid mentions of youth-focused policies , ” said Brandon Rhéal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay .
“ They acknowledge that young people , as well as other under-resourced communities , have been heavily impacted by this pandemic , yet some of the crucial policies and supports we have been pushing for ( did n't get as ) much as a mention in this speech , ” Amyot said , citing universal education as one example .
Amyot said they were glad to see mentions of systemic racism , Indigenous rights , and addressing the climate crisis , but that the words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaningful action .
The pandemic has exposed so many issues built into the system , as well as systemic gaps , ” Amyot said .
“ If ever there was a time to respond with a bold vision , it would be now.
” Both Amyot and Sibley said there were some positive components to the speech , including promised investments in child care and pharmacare .

The word “student” wasn't mentioned once in the federal Liberal government’s throne speech Wednesday, and young people were quick to complain that the effort to establish COVID-19 recovery priorities had passed them by. “I’m quite astonished that students didn’t get a single mention in this speech,” said Greg Sibley, who missed out on emergency aid because he graduated late last year and did not earn enough to qualify for support for workers. The speech, which sets out the minority government’s policy goals for the next session of Parliament, acknowledged that women, racialized Canadians, and young people have borne the brunt of COVID-19’s job losses. It said it would work to create one million jobs with investments in the social sector and infrastructure, worker training, and incentives for employers. Yet while some young people had been eager for word that universal basic income and an ambitiously green recovery would be on the agenda, neither turned up. “The only real measure that would help young Canadians are the vague promises of job creation,” said Sibley, a key figure in the “Don’t Forget Students” campaign that pushed for an emergency benefit for students as part of the initial response to the pandemic.
The speech, delivered by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette on behalf of the government, said a significant expansion of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy would “provide more paid work experiences next year for young Canadians.” “That doesn’t even begin to address the immediate challenges that students and recent graduates face right now,” Sibley said, adding he was shocked the speech didn’t mention fresh investment in students and graduates after the WE scandal meant almost a billion dollars worth of promised aid was not delivered this summer. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “There isn’t even an extension of the debt interest repayment freeze, let alone talk of forgiveness here. That’s a really low bar that they’re totally failing to clear,” he said.
Emma Walsh, a second-year law student at McGill University, said that the collective concerns of young people including climate action, income subsidies, gender equality and systemic racism were touched upon despite young people playing a bit part in the speech. Young people say they were largely shut out of the Canadian government's speech laying out fresh priorities as the country wrestles with COVID-19 “However, I have concerns about the superficiality of it,” she said, noting also that it was “a dangerous oversight” to make only a passing reference to mental health services while “we’re experiencing a collective trauma.” “Many young people, especially new graduates, are struggling to find jobs,” she said. “They don’t have health insurance to get them in to see mental health professionals.” She said the climate change message was important symbolically, but “beyond infrastructure changes and legislating Canada’s net-zero emissions by 2050, the action plan seems short-sighted.” “We’ve heard about two billion trees and single-use plastics. That’s not exciting to hear about again because it’s not the large, systemic change that the impending climate crisis demands.”
The climate commitments that were mentioned intrigued Allie Rougeot, a University of Toronto student and organizer of the city’s climate strikes, but she said they did not go far enough overall. “I was interested by the promise to do even better than our 2030 target, I sure wonder how we are going to achieve that,” she said, adding “the focus on zero emissions individual vehicles is a problem for me, showing that there is not an understanding of what it’s going to take.” Climate activist Allie Rougeot holds a sign at a protest outside the Ontario legislature on March 15, 2019. Photo by Dina Dong


nationalobserver--2020-09-23--It's November. There's another lockdown. But what about the workers?

Earlier this month , facing soaring cases of COVID-19 , B.C .
provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry mandated the closure of nightclubs and banquet halls , and put additional restrictions on restaurants and bars .
It ’ s the latest hit to an industry still battered by the pandemic — and winter is coming .
“ If another shutdown plays out in B.C.
, it will have a profound impact on employees , ” said Moody , an employment lawyer with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP .
Food service sales crashed in April , falling to $ 2.4 billion — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than two decades .
And it was n't just sales impacted .
In the span of a week , about 817,000 chefs , waiters , cooks , and other food service workers were laid off or not working .
That ’ s roughly 68 per cent of the industry ’ s total workforce .
• School ’ s back in Ontario , and COVID-19 cases keep rising • Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry Some of these jobs have since returned with the easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment numbers have been creeping up since May .
Hundreds of thousands of people were laid off when the pandemic hit in March .
Many have returned to work since , but challenges still lie ahead for the industry .
Graph by Restaurants Canada The numbers have continued to grow over the summer , but more than a quarter million people employed in the industry before the pandemic remain out of work , said Mark von Schellwitz , Restaurants Canada ’ s vice-president for Western Canada .
And the road ahead looks long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 90 per cent of the organization ’ s members said they expected their fall sales to be significantly lower than last year — and that ’ s not counting closures such as those recently announced for B.C.
’ s nightclubs and banquet halls .
“ We ’ re asking the government to continue ( its ) supports while restrictions are in place because without them , the vast majority of the industry is not going to be able to survive , ” he said .
# Foodservice sales crashed in April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest monthly sales figures in # Canada for 20 years .
Nor were sales alone impacted .
In a week , about 817,000 # food service # workers lost their # jobs .
@ RestaurantsCA @ lia_stlaw That should make laid-off workers think hard about whether they want to remain laid off — or claim that they ’ ve been terminated and seek severance pay .
“ Layoff is not an inherent right for employers , ” Moody explained .
In other words , employers don ’ t have the right to lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid out in the employment contract , or the company has a consistent history of laying off employees temporarily ( a seasonal tree-planting company , for instance ) .
Many employers do , however , because it lets them avoid paying severance if they expect to rehire the laid-off worker later .
That means an employee who has been laid off can usually assume they ’ ve been terminated and claim severance .
And severance , Moody noted , isn ’ t necessarily limited to the minimal payouts legislated under B.C.
’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim “ common-law ” severance , which is calculated based on the number of years an employee has worked for the same company .
Because this payout is based on the length of employment , it means some long-term employees can be eligible for well over a year ’ s worth of lost income and benefits , she said .
Mass terminations — and severance payouts — mostly didn ’ t happen when the pandemic hit in March because the unique circumstance fostered relatively high levels of trust and goodwill between employers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government supports like the CERB , wage subsidies , and the province ’ s decision to extend the period employers could legally lay off employees throughout the summer .
Here it is : important interview this morning with @ AndrewBellBNN @ BNNBloomberg https : //t.co/S4McCvvxHZ .
Restaurants are scraping by .
Patio closures will be hard to stomach .
Challenges and possibilities .
# cdnpoli # polcan # restaurants — David Boudeweel-Lefebvre ( @ QCRestaurants ) September 8 , 2020 But it might not survive another lockdown , Moody said — and employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid off and can ask to be terminated instead .
But covering their severance packages will be costly for restaurants and other businesses already struggling to make ends meet .
“ We still have 68 per cent of our members that are losing money , ” von Schellwitz said .
About two-thirds of the industry could go under without sustained government supports or COVID-19 restrictions lifting , he said .
Losing those supports would be devastating for restaurants and it would also leave workers in the lurch : A bankrupt company can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dire situation .
A situation Moody said should encourage workers who might be , once again , laid off to think carefully about asking for a termination instead .

Lia Moody is worried. Worried about layoffs. Earlier this month, facing soaring cases of COVID-19, B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry mandated the closure of nightclubs and banquet halls, and put additional restrictions on restaurants and bars. It’s the latest hit to an industry still battered by the pandemic — and winter is coming. “If another shutdown plays out in B.C., it will have a profound impact on employees,” said Moody, an employment lawyer with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. Food service sales crashed in April, falling to $2.4 billion — the lowest monthly sales figures in Canada in more than two decades. And it wasn't just sales impacted. In the span of a week, about 817,000 chefs, waiters, cooks, and other food service workers were laid off or not working. That’s roughly 68 per cent of the industry’s total workforce.
Some of these jobs have since returned with the easing of restrictions across the country, and employment numbers have been creeping up since May. Hundreds of thousands of people were laid off when the pandemic hit in March. Many have returned to work since, but challenges still lie ahead for the industry. Graph by Restaurants Canada Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The numbers have continued to grow over the summer, but more than a quarter million people employed in the industry before the pandemic remain out of work, said Mark von Schellwitz, Restaurants Canada’s vice-president for Western Canada.
And the road ahead looks long. #Foodservice sales crashed in April, falling to $2.4 billion, the lowest monthly sales figures in #Canada for 20 years. Nor were sales alone impacted. In a week, about 817,000 #food service #workers lost their #jobs. @RestaurantsCA @lia_stlaw In a recent survey, more than 90 per cent of the organization’s members said they expected their fall sales to be significantly lower than last year — and that’s not counting closures such as those recently announced for B.C.’s nightclubs and banquet halls. “We’re asking the government to continue (its) supports while restrictions are in place because without them, the vast majority of the industry is not going to be able to survive,” he said. That should make laid-off workers think hard about whether they want to remain laid off — or claim that they’ve been terminated and seek severance pay. “Layoff is not an inherent right for employers,” Moody explained.
In other words, employers don’t have the right to lay off workers unless that right has been laid out in the employment contract, or the company has a consistent history of laying off employees temporarily (a seasonal tree-planting company, for instance). Many employers do, however, because it lets them avoid paying severance if they expect to rehire the laid-off worker later. That means an employee who has been laid off can usually assume they’ve been terminated and claim severance. And severance, Moody noted, isn’t necessarily limited to the minimal payouts legislated under B.C.’s employment standards act. Employees can also claim “common-law” severance, which is calculated based on the number of years an employee has worked for the same company. Because this payout is based on the length of employment, it means some long-term employees can be eligible for well over a year’s worth of lost income and benefits, she said.