nationalobserver--2020-10-20--B.C. election: Here's what the parties are saying about farms, fisheries and hunger

The barren grocery store shelves that marked the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic made many Canadians think hard about where their food comes from .
The shortage exposed cracks in how we produce , transport and distribute our food — problems that aren ’ t going away , even though food systems have receded from public debate since the spring .
B.C .
imports roughly 60 per cent of its produce from the United States .
Agricultural land is still too expensive for young people entering the industry .
Climate change still threatens to transform the water supplies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
and farther afield .
Land use is the most urgent issue for the ALR , and the parties vary significantly on the issue .
The B.C .
Greens would expand the area of the ALR under cultivation ( only about 50 per cent of the land is currently being used for crops ) and prioritize agro-ecological farming techniques .
They also plan on creating a land bank to help new farmers access land more easily , providing supports to help farmers enter the industry and helping the industry adapt to climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mainland is very fertile — and very , very expensive .
It 's an issue all of the province 's parties address , but in radically different ways .
Photo by Damaris Reidlinger/Elly Rakhmetouline .
Meanwhile , the NDP plans on increasing the use of technology and agri-tech on B.C .
farms and ALR land , a proposal that proved controversial earlier this year over concerns about corporate ownership , agri-tech sustainability and appropriate use of the land reserve .
In the last week of the B.C .
election , what promises have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future of the province 's food ?
# bcpoli # BCelxn2020 The Liberals take a different approach altogether , promising to implement an anti-trespassing act , a move that ’ s proved controversial in other provinces , and allowing owners of ALR land to build second homes on their properties .
That ’ s a controversial issue , with many in the Lower Mainland concerned that it will open the door to residential development on agricultural land .
Salmon features in all of the parties ’ platforms , and with good reason : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lows this year and last .
Meanwhile , stocks across the province have declined drastically over the past 20 years , threatening many First Nations ' access to the culturally important fish , and their food security , and impacting the commercial salmon fleet .
The NDP promises it will build on previous work with the federal government and First Nations in the Broughton Archipelago to eliminate open-pen fish farms and revitalize B.C.
’ s wild salmon .
It 'll also develop a new plan for the coast aimed at protecting coastal environments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salmon returned to the Fraser River this year , the lowest number on record .
Photo by NASA Goddard Photo and Video/Wikimedia Commons The NDP 's plans are vague , if still more specific than those of the Liberals .
If elected , the party plans on appointing a minister of fisheries and coastlines — a role that 's currently performed by the ministry of agriculture — and “ adopt ( ing ) robust salmon and steelhead ( trout ) conversation measures.
” In contrast , the Greens ’ plan outlines several steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecosystems and to support coastal economies .
Moving fish farms to land-based enclosures features prominently in the party ’ s fisheries plan , as does implementing recommendations by the province ’ s Wild Salmon Advisory Council and the Cohen Commission to save the species .
Both the Greens and the NDP emphasize their plans would be developed in partnership with First Nations in the province .
Roughly half a million British Columbians went hungry before the pandemic , and the crisis has likely only made the problem worse .
In June , Statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggled with hunger during the previous month — a four per cent increase over 2018 .
Children were particularly at risk : about 20 per cent of Canadian households with children struggle with food insecurity .
Helping schools keep their students fed ( and not stigmatized for eating school food ) is the top item on the Greens ’ education platform .
And it ’ s not the only time they talk about hunger : in addition to supporting income security — key to reducing hunger — the party ’ s platform promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , quality food in ways that meet local needs and conditions .
These programs would also be designed in partnership with First Nations to “ honour Indigenous knowledge and values.
” Meanwhile , the NDP has promised to increase supports for food banks and partnerships between grocery stores and food charities .
That ’ s not an ideal long-term solution , yet remains critical for those in need .
The party also promised to implement school meal programs adapted to each region ’ s needs , with a focus on helping schools purchase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised to temporarily extend emergency benefits for workers and people on disability and income assistance .
The Liberals mention hunger once , promising to help redirect food waste from landfills to those in need .
Removing the provincial sales tax is the party ’ s key economic support measure ; however , the tax does not apply to food .

The barren grocery store shelves that marked the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic made many Canadians think hard about where their food comes from. The shortage exposed cracks in how we produce, transport and distribute our food — problems that aren’t going away, even though food systems have receded from public debate since the spring. B.C. imports roughly 60 per cent of its produce from the United States. Agricultural land is still too expensive for young people entering the industry. Climate change still threatens to transform the water supplies and land available for farming both in B.C. and farther afield. And in June, Statistics Canada reported that almost 15 per cent of Canadians have struggled with hunger since the crisis started — four per cent more than in 2018, with children particularly at risk. So, in the last week ahead of a provincial election, what promises have the three major parties made on the future of B.C.'s food?
Farmland Only five per cent of B.C. is arable land, and most of it is protected from non-agricultural development as part of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Established between 1974 and 1976, the reserve has been as controversial as it has been important to supporting local agriculture. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions With farmland prices in the Lower Mainland ranging between $120,000 to $840,000 per hectare — too expensive for many farmers to afford — debate over the ALR’s future remains pressing.
Land use is the most urgent issue for the ALR, and the parties vary significantly on the issue. The B.C. Greens would expand the area of the ALR under cultivation (only about 50 per cent of the land is currently being used for crops) and prioritize agro-ecological farming techniques. They also plan on creating a land bank to help new farmers access land more easily, providing supports to help farmers enter the industry and helping the industry adapt to climate change. In the last week of the B.C. election, what promises have the three major parties made on the future of the province's food? #bcpoli #BCelxn2020 Farmland in B.C.'s Lower Mainland is very fertile — and very, very expensive. It's an issue all of the province's parties address, but in radically different ways. Photo by Damaris Reidlinger/Elly Rakhmetouline. Meanwhile, the NDP plans on increasing the use of technology and agri-tech on B.C. farms and ALR land, a proposal that proved controversial earlier this year over concerns about corporate ownership, agri-tech sustainability and appropriate use of the land reserve. The Liberals take a different approach altogether, promising to implement an anti-trespassing act, a move that’s proved controversial in other provinces, and allowing owners of ALR land to build second homes on their properties. That’s a controversial issue, with many in the Lower Mainland concerned that it will open the door to residential development on agricultural land.
Fisheries Salmon features in all of the parties’ platforms, and with good reason: sockeye returns on the Fraser hit record lows this year and last. Meanwhile, stocks across the province have declined drastically over the past 20 years, threatening many First Nations' access to the culturally important fish, and their food security, and impacting the commercial salmon fleet. The NDP promises it will build on previous work with the federal government and First Nations in the Broughton Archipelago to eliminate open-pen fish farms and revitalize B.C.’s wild salmon. It'll also develop a new plan for the coast aimed at protecting coastal environments while supporting coastal economies.


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--The dispute over Nova Scotia's Indigenous lobster fishery, explained

HALIFAX — Tensions remain high in the dispute over the Indigenous lobster fishery in Nova Scotia .
Here are five things to know about the situation : In September 1999 , the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the treaty rights of the Mi'kmaq , Maliseet and Passamaquoddy bands in Eastern Canada to hunt , fish and gather to earn a `` moderate livelihood . ''
The court decided that a Mi'kmaq fisherman from Cape Breton , Donald Marshall Jr. , had the right to fish for eels and sell them when and where he wanted — without a licence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Peace and Friendship Treaties approved by the British Crown in 1760 and 1761 , which describe long-standing promises , obligations and benefits for the Crown .
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • Travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border to remain in place until at least Nov. 21 • New building codes under review not tough enough on energy efficiency , report warns The Supreme Court also said Marshall 's treaty rights were protected by the Constitution .
However , the court said those rights are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not extend to the `` open-ended accumulation of wealth . ''
The Supreme Court of Canada clarified its ruling and muddied the waters .
Two months after the Marshall decision , the Supreme Court provided a clarification that remains at the heart of the current dispute in Nova Scotia .
The court stated that the constitutionally protected treaty rights cited in the first decision were not unlimited , and the Indigenous fisheries could be regulated .
The court , however , also said those regulations had to be justified for conservation or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caveat is often cited by non-Indigenous commercial fishermen who say they would have no problem with a separate , Indigenous commercial lobster fishery , so long as it complied with federally regulated seasons .
Tensions remain high in the dispute over the Indigenous lobster fishery in Nova Scotia .
Here are five things to know about the situation .
# Mikmaq # NovaScotia # cdnpoli When the Sipekne ’ katik First Nation launched its self-regulated lobster fishery on St. Marys Bay on Sept. 17 , the federally regulated fishing season in that area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it does n't reopen until Nov. 30 .
The federal government has reached fishing agreements with other First Nations in the region .
After the Marshall decision spelled out the extent of treaty rights in 1999 , some First Nations started fishing for lobster right away , prompting a backlash from non-Indigenous protesters .
The Mi'kmaq communities at Burnt Church in New Brunswick and Indian Brook in Nova Scotia — now known as Sipekne ’ katik — defied federal authorities and set traps outside the regulated season .
That led to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , collisions on the water , shots fired at night , boat sinkings , injuries and threats of retribution .
At the time , the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans assumed an aggressive posture on the water , where DFO boats were spotted ramming Mi'kmaq boats from Burnt Church .
Despite an ugly start , the federal government eventually started helping First Nations build their communal commercial fishing fleets .
Between 2007 and 2015 , the value of communal commercial landings rose from $ 66 million to $ 145 million for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 , Fisheries and Oceans Canada signed two 10-year Rights Reconciliation Agreements with the Elsipogtog ( Big Cove ) and Esgenoopetitj ( Burnt Church ) First Nations in New Brunswick , and the Maliseet of Viger First Nation in Quebec .
Most Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia say they are n't interested in selling out their treaty rights .
Bruce Wildsmith , legal counsel for the Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative , has said the 2019 agreements do n't meet First Nations ' requirements for a licensed moderate livelihood fishery , which he sees as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishery .
These agreements require Indigenous fishers to adhere to federal regulations , including restrictions on when fishing can take place .
Wildsmith , who represented Marshall before the Supreme Court , says the Mi'kmaq want a moderate livelihood fishery based on separate consultations with the federal government .
The fishery would have its own set of regulations based on nation-to-nation agreements that have yet to be drafted , despite years of talks .
Conservation of the lobster stocks is central to the debate in Nova Scotia .
Some commercial fishermen have argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time of year because lobsters moult — shedding their undersized shells — in the midsummer months , which is also when female lobsters can mate .
The Sipekne ’ katik First Nation , however , has insisted that its fisheries management plan ensures conservation of the lobster stocks , noting that fishing did n't start until Sept. 17 .
The First Nation has already submitted a fisheries management plan to Ottawa .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20 , 2020 .

HALIFAX — Tensions remain high in the dispute over the Indigenous lobster fishery in Nova Scotia. Here are five things to know about the situation: The dispute has a long history. In September 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the treaty rights of the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy bands in Eastern Canada to hunt, fish and gather to earn a "moderate livelihood." The court decided that a Mi'kmaq fisherman from Cape Breton, Donald Marshall Jr., had the right to fish for eels and sell them when and where he wanted — without a licence. That ruling was based on the interpretation of the Peace and Friendship Treaties approved by the British Crown in 1760 and 1761, which describe long-standing promises, obligations and benefits for the Crown.
The Supreme Court also said Marshall's treaty rights were protected by the Constitution. However, the court said those rights are limited to securing "necessaries" and do not extend to the "open-ended accumulation of wealth." The Supreme Court of Canada clarified its ruling and muddied the waters. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Two months after the Marshall decision, the Supreme Court provided a clarification that remains at the heart of the current dispute in Nova Scotia.
The court stated that the constitutionally protected treaty rights cited in the first decision were not unlimited, and the Indigenous fisheries could be regulated. Tensions remain high in the dispute over the Indigenous lobster fishery in Nova Scotia. Here are five things to know about the situation. #Mikmaq #NovaScotia #cdnpoli The court, however, also said those regulations had to be justified for conservation or other important public objectives. That key caveat is often cited by non-Indigenous commercial fishermen who say they would have no problem with a separate, Indigenous commercial lobster fishery, so long as it complied with federally regulated seasons. When the Sipekne’katik First Nation launched its self-regulated lobster fishery on St. Marys Bay on Sept. 17, the federally regulated fishing season in that area had been closed since May 31, and it doesn't reopen until Nov. 30. The federal government has reached fishing agreements with other First Nations in the region.
After the Marshall decision spelled out the extent of treaty rights in 1999, some First Nations started fishing for lobster right away, prompting a backlash from non-Indigenous protesters. The Mi'kmaq communities at Burnt Church in New Brunswick and Indian Brook in Nova Scotia — now known as Sipekne’katik — defied federal authorities and set traps outside the regulated season. That led to the seizure of traps, arrests, charges, collisions on the water, shots fired at night, boat sinkings, injuries and threats of retribution.


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--Colorado climate group calls on Canadians to help halt CPP investment in energy firm

TORONTO — A U.S. environmental group is making a direct appeal to Canadians for help in persuading the Canada Pension Plan to end its investment in a Colorado-based oil and gas company due to safety and pollution concerns .
In a five-minute YouTube video by an organization called 350 Colorado , residents of Boulder ask Canadians to pressure CPP Investments , which manages billions of dollars for the Canada Pension Plan , to stop investing in Crestone Peak Resources , which they accuse of polluting their air and water .
`` Dear Canada .
Tell the Canada Pension Plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , schools and playgrounds , '' says one of several unidentified women in the video .
`` Tell the Canada Pension Plan to protect our health and environment in Colorado , '' says another woman .
The video is one of several recent attempts to draw the attention of Canadians to Crestone specifically and CPP ’ s involvement in the oil and gas industry generally .
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • Travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border to remain in place until at least Nov. 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough enough on energy efficiency , report warns A statement from CPP Investments said community relations is an important responsibility of management at its operating companies .
`` We expect companies to achieve very high standards of conduct , well above and beyond legal requirements , '' the statement says .
`` Crestone has worked co-operatively with local governments to create tailored agreements that supplement their efforts to operate safely , responsibly and with respect for the environment , while minimizing impact on the community . ''
However , 350 Colorado spokeswoman Deborah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense scrutiny by local communities because of its hydraulic fracturing — a method of extracting oil and gas by using pressurized water , sand and chemicals to crack the surrounding rock .
`` Furthermore , those of us who are impacted argue that the current rules aren ’ t protective enough and we are fighting tooth and nail to shift that here in our state , '' McNamara wrote .
CPP Investments owns about 95 per cent of Denver-based Crestone Peak , which includes assets bought from Encana Corp. in 2016 .
CPP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver-based Crestone Peak , which residents of Boulder , Colo. , accuse of polluting their air and water .
Crestone Peak focuses on the acquisition , exploration , development and production of oil and gas reserves in the Rocky Mountain region .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20 , 2020 .

TORONTO — A U.S. environmental group is making a direct appeal to Canadians for help in persuading the Canada Pension Plan to end its investment in a Colorado-based oil and gas company due to safety and pollution concerns.
In a five-minute YouTube video by an organization called 350 Colorado, residents of Boulder ask Canadians to pressure CPP Investments, which manages billions of dollars for the Canada Pension Plan, to stop investing in Crestone Peak Resources, which they accuse of polluting their air and water.
"Dear Canada. Tell the Canada Pension Plan to stop investing in fracking next to homes, schools and playgrounds," says one of several unidentified women in the video.
"Tell the Canada Pension Plan to protect our health and environment in Colorado," says another woman.
The video is one of several recent attempts to draw the attention of Canadians to Crestone specifically and CPP’s involvement in the oil and gas industry generally.


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--Tribes ask judge to shut down Dakota Access Pipeline amid legal battle

The tribes argue that potential harm to their water supply outweighs any economic impacts of shutting down the line , which has been moving North Dakota oil to Illinois for more than three years .
The Standing Rock Sioux and other tribes succeeded on their first attempt , only to have an appeals court overturn U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ’ s shutdown order earlier this year .
Now , they ’ re asking the judge to clarify his earlier ruling to satisfy the appellate judges and then to again order the line to cease operations , the Bismarck Tribune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dakota Access Pipeline once again have asked a federal judge to stop the flow of oil while the legal battle over the line ’ s future plays out .
“ The Tribes are irreparably harmed by the ongoing operation of the pipeline , through the exposure to catastrophic risk , through the ongoing trauma of the government ’ s refusal to comply with the law , and through undermining the Tribes ’ sovereign governmental role to protect their members and respond to potential disasters , ” attorneys Jan Hasselman and Nicole Ducheneaux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear a spill into the Missouri River just north of the Standing Rock Reservation would pollute their water supply .
Pipeline operator Energy Transfer and the Army Corps of Engineers both maintain the pipeline is safe .
Prolonged protests in 2016 and 2017 drew thousands of people to camps near the river crossing and resulted in hundreds of arrests .
U.S. Department of Justice spokeswoman Danielle Nichols declined to comment Monday on the tribes ’ filing .
The Corps and Energy Transfer have until Nov. 20 to file a formal response .
Boasberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed by the tribes , ordered an extensive environmental study last spring because he felt previous , less-extensive environmental analysis by the Corps left lingering questions .
Boasberg in July revoked the easement that allows for the river crossing and ordered the pipeline shut down until its environmental soundness was proven .
A federal appeals court allowed oil to keep flowing , however , ruling that Boasberg hadn ’ t justified a shutdown .
That same appeals court is now determining whether to uphold his decision regarding the study .

Native American tribes opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline once again have asked a federal judge to stop the flow of oil while the legal battle over the line’s future plays out.
The Standing Rock Sioux and other tribes succeeded on their first attempt, only to have an appeals court overturn U.S. District Judge James Boasberg’s shutdown order earlier this year. Now, they’re asking the judge to clarify his earlier ruling to satisfy the appellate judges and then to again order the line to cease operations, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
The tribes argue that potential harm to their water supply outweighs any economic impacts of shutting down the line, which has been moving North Dakota oil to Illinois for more than three years.
“The Tribes are irreparably harmed by the ongoing operation of the pipeline, through the exposure to catastrophic risk, through the ongoing trauma of the government’s refusal to comply with the law, and through undermining the Tribes’ sovereign governmental role to protect their members and respond to potential disasters,” attorneys Jan Hasselman and Nicole Ducheneaux wrote in a Friday filing.
Tribes fear a spill into the Missouri River just north of the Standing Rock Reservation would pollute their water supply. Pipeline operator Energy Transfer and the Army Corps of Engineers both maintain the pipeline is safe. Prolonged protests in 2016 and 2017 drew thousands of people to camps near the river crossing and resulted in hundreds of arrests.


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--Quebec town of Abestos changes name to Val-des-Sources after vote

The Quebec town synonymous with the cancer-causing fibre asbestos has voted for a new name : Val-des-Sources .
During a livestreamed council meeting Monday night , Mayor Hugues Grimard announced that Val-des-Sources beat five other proposed names with 51.5 per cent of the vote after three rounds .
`` It 's a name that represents our area , and especially , it 's inspiring for the future , '' he said .
The 7,000-person town of Asbestos , located about 130 km east of Montreal , had been looking to shed its association with the toxic mineral .
Political and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years the name attracted ridicule and disgust in the rest of the country and internationally .
Asbestos , Que.
, helped make Canada one the world 's leaders in asbestos exports .
The Jeffrey mine , once Canada 's largest , closed in 2012 .
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • Travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border to remain in place until at least Nov. 21 • New building codes under review not tough enough on energy efficiency , report warns Asbestos residents over the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cast their votes among six proposed names : L'Azur-des-Cantons , Jeffrey-sur-le-Lac , Larochelle , Phenix , Trois-Lacs and Val-des-Sources .
Grimard said the new name reflects `` the landscape and our roots . ''
The word `` source , '' he said , describes how the town is located at the confluence of three lakes .
And it 's a symbol , he said , of what the town wants to become .
`` Together , we will be the source of the development of our city . ''
Long used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cement , asbestos is now banned in many countries .
The name Val-des-Sources was officially adopted by council and Grimard said it will be proposed to the provincial government for approval .
He said there is no prescribed deadline for the Department of Municipal Affairs to accept or reject the proposed new name .
In total , 2,796 people voted between Oct. 14-18 , representing about 48 per cent of eligible voters .
The Quebec town synonymous with the cancer-causing fibre asbestos has voted for a new name : Val-des-Sources .
# asbestos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press was first published Oct. 19 , 2020 .

The Quebec town synonymous with the cancer-causing fibre asbestos has voted for a new name: Val-des-Sources.
During a livestreamed council meeting Monday night, Mayor Hugues Grimard announced that Val-des-Sources beat five other proposed names with 51.5 per cent of the vote after three rounds.
"It's a name that represents our area, and especially, it's inspiring for the future," he said.
The 7,000-person town of Asbestos, located about 130 km east of Montreal, had been looking to shed its association with the toxic mineral. Political and business leaders in the town complained for years the name attracted ridicule and disgust in the rest of the country and internationally.
Asbestos, Que., helped make Canada one the world's leaders in asbestos exports. The Jeffrey mine, once Canada's largest, closed in 2012.


nationalobserver--2020-10-19--Canada inches toward 200,000 COVID-19 case mark

Canada 's COVID-19 caseload edged closer to the 200,000 mark on Sunday after a weekend in which Quebec had the majority of new infections and public health officials urged Canadians to remain united in their efforts to combat the pandemic .
The country reported 1,827 new cases Sunday , for a total of 198,151 infections .
Quebec accounted for 1,094 of those new cases , marking the third day in a row the province has had more than 1,000 infections .
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube tweeted that the number of hospitalizations in the province continues to rise and urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow this down '' and `` protect the most vulnerable . ''
Ontario reported the second-highest number of new cases Sunday at 658 , while Manitoba had 44 , Saskatchewan logged 24 , New Brunswick posted five and Nova Scotia had two .
Health authorities said the new cases in the Atlantic provinces were related to travel outside the region • California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • Travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border to remain in place until at least Nov. 21 • New building codes under review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report warns Ontario has taken steps to curb the spike in cases in four hot spots by reverting them to a modified Stage 2 of pandemic recovery , which includes the closure of gyms and movie theatres , and a ban on indoor dining in restaurants or bars .
Toronto , Peel Region and Ottawa moved to the modified Stage 2 on Oct. 10 and York Region will join them on Monday .
`` Our challenge now and going forward is to remain united in our efforts to get all of Canada back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Theresa Tam , Canada 's chief public health officer , said Sunday in a statement .
`` Our goal is to reduce cases of COVID-19 infection to manageable levels .
But public health can not do this alone .
Everyone is needed on the frontlines , from essential workers to volunteers to businesses , workplaces , and everyday citizens across Canada . ''
Tam added individuals `` can go the extra mile '' by downloading the COVID Alert contact tracing app or `` sharing credible information '' on COVID-19 risks and prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoed those in a statement on Saturday , when she stressed the importance of a `` collective effort , '' even though the pandemic is affecting each part of the country differently .
COVID-19 cases surge in Quebec , pushing Canada 's total number to the 200,000 mark .
# COVID-19 # quebec As of Sunday , there have been 9,760 COVID-19-related deaths in Canada .
The federal Conservatives on Sunday called for the House of Commons ’ health committee to investigate Ottawa ’ s preparations for a second wave of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusing the Liberal government of being caught flatfooted despite expectations that there would be a resurgence in the number of cases in the fall and winter .
`` As businesses are closed in another series of COVID related economic shutdowns , we are looking for answers as to why the federal government left Canadians unprepared to deal with this second wave , ” Rempel Garner said during a news conference as MPs prepared for the resumption of Parliament on Monday .
“ We need these answers so that we can move forward and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open.
” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18 , 2020 .

Canada's COVID-19 caseload edged closer to the 200,000 mark on Sunday after a weekend in which Quebec had the majority of new infections and public health officials urged Canadians to remain united in their efforts to combat the pandemic. The country reported 1,827 new cases Sunday, for a total of 198,151 infections. Quebec accounted for 1,094 of those new cases, marking the third day in a row the province has had more than 1,000 infections. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube tweeted that the number of hospitalizations in the province continues to rise and urged residents to "break the wave to slow this down" and "protect the most vulnerable." Ontario reported the second-highest number of new cases Sunday at 658, while Manitoba had 44, Saskatchewan logged 24, New Brunswick posted five and Nova Scotia had two. Health authorities said the new cases in the Atlantic provinces were related to travel outside the region
Ontario has taken steps to curb the spike in cases in four hot spots by reverting them to a modified Stage 2 of pandemic recovery, which includes the closure of gyms and movie theatres, and a ban on indoor dining in restaurants or bars. Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa moved to the modified Stage 2 on Oct. 10 and York Region will join them on Monday. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "Our challenge now and going forward is to remain united in our efforts to get all of Canada back on a 'slow burn,'" Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said Sunday in a statement.
"Our goal is to reduce cases of COVID-19 infection to manageable levels. But public health cannot do this alone. Everyone is needed on the frontlines, from essential workers to volunteers to businesses, workplaces, and everyday citizens across Canada." COVID-19 cases surge in Quebec, pushing Canada's total number to the 200,000 mark. #COVID-19 #quebec Tam added individuals "can go the extra mile" by downloading the COVID Alert contact tracing app or "sharing credible information" on COVID-19 risks and prevention measures via social media. Her sentiments echoed those in a statement on Saturday, when she stressed the importance of a "collective effort," even though the pandemic is affecting each part of the country differently. As of Sunday, there have been 9,760 COVID-19-related deaths in Canada. The federal Conservatives on Sunday called for the House of Commons’ health committee to investigate Ottawa’s preparations for a second wave of COVID-19, with Tory health critic Michelle Rempel Garner accusing the Liberal government of being caught flatfooted despite expectations that there would be a resurgence in the number of cases in the fall and winter.
"As businesses are closed in another series of COVID related economic shutdowns, we are looking for answers as to why the federal government left Canadians unprepared to deal with this second wave,” Rempel Garner said during a news conference as MPs prepared for the resumption of Parliament on Monday. “We need these answers so that we can move forward and keep Canadians safe while also keeping things open.” -- With files from Lee Berthiaume


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--Parallels drawn between police action over B.C. pipeline fights, Mi'kmaq fishers

The RCMP 's failure to protect Mi'kmaq fishers from intimidation , assault and destruction in Nova Scotia demonstrates how the Canadian state is all too ready to permit or perpetrate violence against Indigenous Peoples , say First Nations groups and B.C .
politicians .
On the one hand , police have been quick to arrest Indigenous leaders when they might threaten the interests of fossil fuel companies , as in the case of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project ( TMX ) , where RCMP arrested a Secwepemc hereditary chief and others last week to clear a path for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the RCMP 's raid on Wet ’ suwet ’ en Nation territory in February , to clear the route for the Coastal GasLink pipeline , where officers pointed their guns , destroyed a gate , extinguished a sacred fire and arrested people , including several matriarchs , loading them into police vans and cuffing them with zip ties .
“ In our case it was the government allowing RCMP to come in and bring violence into our communities , ” Wickham said .
“ The actions of RCMP show citizens what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The Mi ’ kmaq ’ s treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood has also been affirmed by the Supreme Court , and the Sipekne ’ katik First Nation was exercising its constitutionally protected rights when it opened a self-regulated lobster fishery in September .
Despite this , “ little action has been taken to prosecute the criminal behaviour of those inciting hatred and terror and who have created an environment of lawlessness and violence , ” the BC Assembly of First Nations said on Oct. 18 .
Indigenous groups and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought upon Mi'kmaq fishers in Nova Scotia and the Canadian state ’ s defence of pipeline projects in the West .
# Mikmaq # NovaScotia The RCMP failed to uphold the Constitution and the honour of the Crown in Mi ’ kmaq territory , argued the assembly .
They said the turn of events threatens to “ unravel ” decades of work towards reconciliation , meaningful dialogue and respect for rights , title and First Nations ’ jurisdictions .
“ As Canadians witness events unfold in the Atlantic lobster fishery dispute it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of justice and law enforcement in Canada are deeply flawed and corrupted by systemic racism , ” it said .
'Vast majority of officers do their best , ' says Blair Federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said Monday during a press conference in Ottawa that the acts of violence in Nova Scotia were `` disgusting , unacceptable and racist in nature . ''
The situation demonstrated that , `` once again ... Indigenous people have been let down by the police , those who are sworn to protect them , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peoples have experienced continuous discrimination and to this day still suffer the consequences of colonial practices .
But they have shown an extreme resilience and courage in standing up for their rights . ''
The federal government has said it strongly condemns the violence that has taken place and that officials want “ respectful dialogue ” concerning Mi ’ kmaq treaty rights .
Federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan has said negotiations are ongoing and that she will continue to work with the Mi ’ kmaq .
Blair 's cabinet colleague , Public Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the force 's efforts in Nova Scotia during the same press conference .
Asked directly if he agreed that police were failing the Mi'kmaq , he said the police `` have a responsibility to protect all Canadians '' as well as uphold Indigenous rights .
`` I believe the vast majority of officers do their best to serve those communities with professionalism and with integrity and respect but clearly there are concerns within the communities that we are working hard to address , '' said Blair .
Many of the RCMP officers deployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minister noted , and grew up in the communities in which they serve .
`` I think it ’ s important that cultural competency and understanding of not just the long history , but the cultural concerns and the very legitimate concerns of Indigenous people on how the police serve and protect them and uphold and respect Indigenous rights is critical to that work , '' he said .
The Nova Scotia RCMP says it is taking steps to ensure “ those who unlawfully interfere with or threaten the safety of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the laws of Canada.
” The police have laid charges in relation to Sack ’ s assault and also laid charges in relation to the vehicle fire .
RCMP `` has a significant presence '' in the area where the vehicle fire occured , said the force , `` including general duty officers from several local detachments ; officers from across the division and RCMP in Prince Edward Island with specialized training in de-escalation and crowd control . ''
The police 's `` division liaison team '' was also fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` continuing their work to build and maintain relationships among those involved . ''
An RCMP spokesperson was not immediately available to comment .
Sack , however , cast doubt on the RCMP ’ s ability to control the situation , saying he ’ d prefer the military step in , and calling the RCMP `` useless . ''
Blair said he appreciated Sack 's comments and shared concern over the violence but noted that it was n't a military operation , it was a `` peacekeeping operation '' and was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area — in this case , the RCMP .
`` We have taken steps necessary to ensure that they have adequate resources to do the job , '' he said .
The minister also said one of the best ways to prevent further criminality and violence is to hold people to account when crimes have been committed .
`` I want to assure Canadians that the RCMP know that they have a responsibility to maintain the peace .
When crimes are committed , people are to be charged and held to account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court cases will proceed , '' he said .
Still , current and former Parliamentarians continued to raise questions and draw parallels this week over police actions .
Green party parliamentary leader Elizabeth May , MP for Saanich—Gulf Islands , asked in the House of Commons Monday why there was “ never any shortage of well-equipped RCMP officers to arrest Indigenous non-violent protesters against pipelines in British Columbia , but no one to protect the Indigenous catch in a warehouse in Nova Scotia ?
” On Twitter , former MP Romeo Saganash said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TMX pipeline route is being afforded an ongoing protection by the RCMP , but the Mi'kmaq are not afforded the same protection for exercising a constitutionally protected treaty right ?
” Former justice minister and Independent MP for Vancouver Granville , Jody Wilson-Raybould , said on CBC Radio on Tuesday that Mi ’ kmaq need to be involved in decision-making and co-operative management around the fishery .
“ This is the work that ’ s long past due , and the federal government has a responsibility to do something about it , ” @ @ @

The RCMP's failure to protect Mi'kmaq fishers from intimidation, assault and destruction in Nova Scotia demonstrates how the Canadian state is all too ready to permit or perpetrate violence against Indigenous Peoples, say First Nations groups and B.C. politicians. On the one hand, police have been quick to arrest Indigenous leaders when they might threaten the interests of fossil fuel companies, as in the case of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project (TMX), where RCMP arrested a Secwepemc hereditary chief and others last week to clear a path for the pipeline’s construction. Then there was the RCMP's raid on Wet’suwet’en Nation territory in February, to clear the route for the Coastal GasLink pipeline, where officers pointed their guns, destroyed a gate, extinguished a sacred fire and arrested people, including several matriarchs, loading them into police vans and cuffing them with zip ties. In the cases concerning the Trans Mountain and Coastal GasLink pipelines, the RCMP were enforcing court injunctions allowing safe access to work areas. On the other hand, RCMP have been criticized as slow to act as an angry mob descended upon a lobster pound in West Pubnico, N.S., kicking doors and pelting the building with rocks.
“In our case it was the government allowing RCMP to come in and bring violence into our communities,” Wickham said. “The actions of RCMP show citizens what they are allowed to do to Indigenous people.” Indigenous groups and politicians are drawing comparisons between the violence brought upon Mi'kmaq fishers in Nova Scotia and the Canadian state’s defence of pipeline projects in the West. #Mikmaq #NovaScotia The Mi’kmaq’s treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood has also been affirmed by the Supreme Court, and the Sipekne’katik First Nation was exercising its constitutionally protected rights when it opened a self-regulated lobster fishery in September. Despite this, “little action has been taken to prosecute the criminal behaviour of those inciting hatred and terror and who have created an environment of lawlessness and violence,” the BC Assembly of First Nations said on Oct. 18. The RCMP failed to uphold the Constitution and the honour of the Crown in Mi’kmaq territory, argued the assembly. They said the turn of events threatens to “unravel” decades of work towards reconciliation, meaningful dialogue and respect for rights, title and First Nations’ jurisdictions. “As Canadians witness events unfold in the Atlantic lobster fishery dispute it has become even more apparent that the standard of justice and law enforcement in Canada are deeply flawed and corrupted by systemic racism,” it said.
'Vast majority of officers do their best,' says Blair Federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said Monday during a press conference in Ottawa that the acts of violence in Nova Scotia were "disgusting, unacceptable and racist in nature." The situation demonstrated that, "once again ... Indigenous people have been let down by the police, those who are sworn to protect them," he said.


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--Virtual jobs conference aims to help youth looking for work in uncertain times

There were times Alkiie Froman skipped a meal in order to pay the bus fare to get to a professional development event , and the chair of First Work ’ s youth council is grateful that COVID-19-era youth don ’ t have to make the same sacrifice .
But Froman also acknowledges what the young people who attend the youth employment service provider 's Aspire virtual jobs summit next week will miss out on : the direct interactions and bad coffee of real-world experiences the pandemic has made impossible .
“ In one aspect , it is doing away with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If this was a brick-and-mortar-type setting in a conference hall , there are so many youth that have a disadvantage in getting there.
” While the roughly 250 young participants will not be able to grab some minutes with a speaker by the side of the podium for an introduction and a word of advice , Froman is confident the online version will provide direction in uncertain times .
“ We are all stuck in limbo , ” she said in a phone interview , adding that front-line colleagues say youth they work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than seven months of restrictions and uncertainty .
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • New building codes under review not tough enough on energy efficiency , report warns “ They do n't know where to go , they do n't know who to ask or what to ask , ” she said .
“ There ’ s a little bit of fear when it comes to ‘ What do we do next with our future ?
’ “ Nobody wants to go to school for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your job that you chose has now dissipated and no longer exists because of the pandemic , ” she said .
Young people are finding it much harder than older workers to regain jobs lost to COVID-19 or find new ones , Statistics Canada data shows , and the tightening restrictions the provincial Doug Ford government is enforcing to address a second wave of infections will likely also hit them especially hard .
Froman said it seemed self-evident that Canada would want to encourage young workers to join the health sector and get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she personally thinks more support should be made available for social services and education workers .
The schedule for the Oct. 28 event for Ontario youth includes breakout sessions on getting into a trade , seeking out grants , the value of volunteering for career advancement and how to replicate mentorship online .
“ In our experience growing up , we would get those simple part-time jobs , ” says the 29-year-old Froman , who returned to Canada from studying global economics in Ireland at the start of the pandemic .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappear or become too much of a burden , so we 're advocating for volunteering.
” First Work ’ s virtual jobs conference next week aims to provide the tools to help marginalized youth navigate the already perilous path to finding meaningful work , a task upended by COVID-19 .
Froman said the goal is to expose young people to networking opportunities to which they may not otherwise have access .
“ We have a lot of people who are second-generation Canadians , a lot of people who are refugees and asylum seekers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other minority and marginalized groups , LGBTQ , ” she said of the target audience for the summit .
“ A lot of the people that have a hard time manoeuvring to begin with because of social barriers that have been in place for them for so long.
” Alkiie Froman , the chair of First Work 's youth council , says young people are eager to learn how they can best prepare for work in the wake of COVID-19 .
Photo via First Work Speakers will include representatives from trade groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with one of the small number of women working in the trades and federal Liberal MP and former Olympian Adam van Koeverden .
“ We want them to be engaged , to ask questions , ” Froman says of the workshop format .
“ We ca n't read minds , especially through a computer.
” She expects many will want to know how companies and industries are adapting to the pandemic , what safety net they have created and what they are doing to confront the climate crisis .

There were times Alkiie Froman skipped a meal in order to pay the bus fare to get to a professional development event, and the chair of First Work’s youth council is grateful that COVID-19-era youth don’t have to make the same sacrifice. But Froman also acknowledges what the young people who attend the youth employment service provider's Aspire virtual jobs summit next week will miss out on: the direct interactions and bad coffee of real-world experiences the pandemic has made impossible. “In one aspect, it is doing away with limitations,” Froman said. “If this was a brick-and-mortar-type setting in a conference hall, there are so many youth that have a disadvantage in getting there.” While the roughly 250 young participants will not be able to grab some minutes with a speaker by the side of the podium for an introduction and a word of advice, Froman is confident the online version will provide direction in uncertain times. “We are all stuck in limbo,” she said in a phone interview, adding that front-line colleagues say youth they work with are feeling fatigued and frustrated by more than seven months of restrictions and uncertainty.
“They don't know where to go, they don't know who to ask or what to ask,” she said. “There’s a little bit of fear when it comes to ‘What do we do next with our future?’ “Nobody wants to go to school for years and graduate and be told that your job that you chose has now dissipated and no longer exists because of the pandemic,” she said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Young people are finding it much harder than older workers to regain jobs lost to COVID-19 or find new ones, Statistics Canada data shows, and the tightening restrictions the provincial Doug Ford government is enforcing to address a second wave of infections will likely also hit them especially hard.
Froman said it seemed self-evident that Canada would want to encourage young workers to join the health sector and get into trades and construction, and that she personally thinks more support should be made available for social services and education workers. First Work’s virtual jobs conference next week aims to provide the tools to help marginalized youth navigate the already perilous path to finding meaningful work, a task upended by COVID-19. The schedule for the Oct. 28 event for Ontario youth includes breakout sessions on getting into a trade, seeking out grants, the value of volunteering for career advancement and how to replicate mentorship online. “In our experience growing up, we would get those simple part-time jobs,” says the 29-year-old Froman, who returned to Canada from studying global economics in Ireland at the start of the pandemic. “We are starting to see those part-time jobs disappear or become too much of a burden, so we're advocating for volunteering.” Froman said the goal is to expose young people to networking opportunities to which they may not otherwise have access. “We have a lot of people who are second-generation Canadians, a lot of people who are refugees and asylum seekers, a lot of Indigenous youth, and other minority and marginalized groups, LGBTQ,” she said of the target audience for the summit. “A lot of the people that have a hard time manoeuvring to begin with because of social barriers that have been in place for them for so long.”
Alkiie Froman, the chair of First Work's youth council, says young people are eager to learn how they can best prepare for work in the wake of COVID-19. Photo via First Work Speakers will include representatives from trade groups for the homebuilding and automotive industries along with one of the small number of women working in the trades and federal Liberal MP and former Olympian Adam van Koeverden. “We want them to be engaged, to ask questions,” Froman says of the workshop format. “We can't read minds, especially through a computer.”


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--Feeding Canadians sustainably key to green recovery, environmental coalition says

As the federal government puts together its pandemic recovery , feeding Canadians more sustainably should be at the heart of its plans , according to a coalition of leading Canadian environmental organizations .
Last week , the Green Budget Coalition released recommendations for the federal government to use in implementing throne speech commitments to a green recovery .
Sustainable agriculture and fisheries play a key role in the plan , with proposals aimed at everything from increasing pollinator habitats on farms to spearheading community-led fisheries programs .
“ Within our political system , there are embedded structures and ideologies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift , ” said Abra Brynne , a B.C .
food systems policy specialist who was not involved in writing the recommendations .
The report notes that “ feeding the world ’ s increasing population sustainably in the context of climate change requires resilient and diverse food systems that minimize environmental impacts , protect and restore the ecosystem services that are vital to a thriving agricultural economy , and offer long-term solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.
” “ Our recommendations detail the investments needed to make this and more happen to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support jobs and communities through a green recovery , ” said David Browne , the Green Budget Coalition co-chair and director of conservation for the Canadian Wildlife Federation , in a statement .
Supporting ecological farming methods , enhancing pollinator and habitat conservation initiatives and supporting projects that rehabilitate wildlife habitats in disused or marginal agricultural land are the program ’ s key pillars .
These initiatives should be aimed at supporting ecosystem services like clean water , pollination services and flood and drought control , the report says .
“ Within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structures and ideologies and policy agendas that are sometimes hard to shift , ” says @ AbraBrynne .
“ These kinds of initiatives are really important for shaking up ( the status quo ) '' # GreenBudgetCoalition Fisheries also play a key role in the coalition ’ s recommendations , including allocating more money for fisheries monitoring , creating more marine protected areas and riparian restoration initiatives and increasing fisheries science and management capacity .
These shifts need to be paired with a range of economic and social supports for fish harvesters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frameworks or community quota and licence banks .
That shift will come with a cost : roughly $ 445 million over five years for several fisheries and ocean protection programs and another $ 665 million for a suite of programs ranging from habitat restoration to public seed breeding to improving pesticide management and regulations .
An additional reallocation of $ 1 million that ’ s currently allocated to the Business Risk Management and Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs , two key agricultural subsidies , is also among the coalition ’ s recommendations .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition to ecological farming and processing methods without cutting into farmers ’ bottom lines — particularly important as Canadian farms are already struggling with soaring debt and land costs .
They would also help the industry remain competitive on global markets .
“ Taking proactive steps now to address the practices that undermine environmental sustainability would shift the current risk of ecological standards to a competitive advantage for Canadian producers , ” the document says .
Nor are market pressures the only thing that should encourage Canada to shift towards sustainable agriculture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to rethink what is really important and essential , and how we adapt when our food options are not as broad , ” Brynne said .
For instance , meat shortages have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the convoluted global supply chains feeding Canadians .
That ’ s encouraged a reconsideration of how Canada ’ s farms and fisheries work , from land and water use to processing , distribution and marketing .
“ I ’ ve been promoting place-based food systems for a long time , not because they ’ re necessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argue that in many ways they are — but because it ’ s only sensible to have secure sources of the basics of our diets as close at hand as possible .
The pandemic demonstrated the wisdom of that approach.
” It ’ s a goal that the coalition ’ s recommendations , if picked up by the federal government , will support — and not a moment too soon .

As the federal government puts together its pandemic recovery, feeding Canadians more sustainably should be at the heart of its plans, according to a coalition of leading Canadian environmental organizations. Last week, the Green Budget Coalition released recommendations for the federal government to use in implementing throne speech commitments to a green recovery. Sustainable agriculture and fisheries play a key role in the plan, with proposals aimed at everything from increasing pollinator habitats on farms to spearheading community-led fisheries programs. “Within our political system, there are embedded structures and ideologies and policy agendas that are sometimes hard to shift,” said Abra Brynne, a B.C. food systems policy specialist who was not involved in writing the recommendations. “These kinds of initiatives are really important for shaking up (the status quo) a bit and presenting new ideas.” About eight per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions came from farms in 2018, making it the sector with the sixth-largest carbon footprint in the country, according to Statistics Canada. Most originated from cattle, degraded soils and the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer.
Emissions aren’t the only concern. Bees and other native pollinators are in rapid decline, in part because of the pesticides and monocropping techniques used in industrial agriculture. Canada relies heavily on imported food — for instance, roughly 60 per cent of B.C.’s produce comes from the U.S. — meaning the country has little control over how its food is grown and transported. And at home, climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of droughts, floods and pests that can devastate crops. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions These are challenges the coalition hopes to help the federal government address.
The report notes that “feeding the world’s increasing population sustainably in the context of climate change requires resilient and diverse food systems that minimize environmental impacts, protect and restore the ecosystem services that are vital to a thriving agricultural economy, and offer long-term solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.” “Within our political system, there are embedded structures and ideologies and policy agendas that are sometimes hard to shift,” says @AbraBrynne. “These kinds of initiatives are really important for shaking up (the status quo)" #GreenBudgetCoalition “Our recommendations detail the investments needed to make this and more happen to protect nature, tackle the climate emergency, and support jobs and communities through a green recovery,” said David Browne, the Green Budget Coalition co-chair and director of conservation for the Canadian Wildlife Federation, in a statement. Supporting ecological farming methods, enhancing pollinator and habitat conservation initiatives and supporting projects that rehabilitate wildlife habitats in disused or marginal agricultural land are the program’s key pillars. These initiatives should be aimed at supporting ecosystem services like clean water, pollination services and flood and drought control, the report says. Fisheries also play a key role in the coalition’s recommendations, including allocating more money for fisheries monitoring, creating more marine protected areas and riparian restoration initiatives and increasing fisheries science and management capacity. These shifts need to be paired with a range of economic and social supports for fish harvesters and coastal and Indigenous communities, like co-management frameworks or community quota and licence banks. That shift will come with a cost: roughly $445 million over five years for several fisheries and ocean protection programs and another $665 million for a suite of programs ranging from habitat restoration to public seed breeding to improving pesticide management and regulations. An additional reallocation of $1 million that’s currently allocated to the Business Risk Management and Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs, two key agricultural subsidies, is also among the coalition’s recommendations.
These reallocations would aim to encourage a widespread transition to ecological farming and processing methods without cutting into farmers’ bottom lines — particularly important as Canadian farms are already struggling with soaring debt and land costs. They would also help the industry remain competitive on global markets. “Taking proactive steps now to address the practices that undermine environmental sustainability would shift the current risk of ecological standards to a competitive advantage for Canadian producers,” the document says. Nor are market pressures the only thing that should encourage Canada to shift towards sustainable agriculture.


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--Joe Biden’s "Buy American" plans shouldn't scare Canadians

Canadians overwhelmingly hope former U.S. vice-president Joe Biden will win in the November presidential election .
If he does , he plans on introducing a slate of new “ Buy American ” policies as part of a pandemic recovery program .
Though some segments in Canada may cringe at that thought , it is not such a bad thing .
Biden ’ s “ Made in All of America ” stimulus plan is ambitious .
It includes $ 400 billion in new spending on clean energy and infrastructure and another $ 300 billion in support for research and development tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S .
In absolute terms , Biden ’ s plan would be the largest fiscal stimulus package in U.S. history — and Canadians should welcome it .
As our main trading partner and neighbour , when the U.S. economy thrives , Canada ’ s does too .
Biden intends to increase the domestic content levels needed for goods to qualify as made-in-America under federal “ Buy American ” procurement policies and in “ Buy America ” requirements in transfers to the states .
His administration would also make waivers to these rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms to produce goods and components that are currently only available from offshore .
This is discretionary spending by U.S. public entities .
It is entirely reasonable , as the Democratic platform prescribes , that “ when we spend taxpayer money , we should buy American products and support American jobs.
” How then should Canada react ?
Hopefully not by moralizing about the virtues of open procurement markets , which has gotten us nowhere in the past .
Canada ’ s standard response — to seek an exemption for Canadian suppliers — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospects of success are worse today .
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • New building codes under review not tough enough on energy efficiency , report warns Recall that the Stephen Harper government failed to gain any meaningful exemptions from Buy American provisions in the 2009 Recovery Act .
Subsequently , the U.S. refused to budge on Buy American rules during the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations .
Finally , Canada again came up empty-handed in the CUSMA ( or “ new NAFTA ” ) , despite its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost all Canadian procurement at every level of government .
The U.S. is simply not interested in signing a traditional , reciprocal procurement liberalization agreement , whichever party holds power in Washington .
Canada needs to take a different approach , one that accepts that Buy American procurement policies are here to stay .
The Biden plan extends an olive branch to key trading partners , stating the administration will “ work with allies to modernize international trade rules and associated domestic regulations regarding government procurement to make sure that the U.S. and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spur investment in their own countries.
” Canada has foreclosed its own options in this regard .
The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ( CETA ) covers virtually all federal , provincial and municipal procurement and precludes Buy Canadian policies outside of a few sectors such as shipbuilding and defence .
CETA ’ s procurement chapter even prohibits set-asides for small and minority-owned businesses , except for Indigenous-owned enterprises .
With the scope for buy-local policies greatly reduced , “ buy sustainable ” procurement may provide an avenue for Canadian governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their purchasing .
Examples of buy sustainable policies include requiring suppliers to provide fair wages and working conditions , respect gender equality and human rights , and empower disadvantaged groups .
Procurement decisions would favour products and production methods that have a low carbon footprint , avoid adverse impacts on biodiversity , reduce pollution and waste , and respect animal welfare .
If such policies do not involve nationality-based discrimination , they should pass muster under international trade rules , including CETA .
`` The U.S. is simply not interested in signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whichever party holds power in Washington . ''
Another advantage of buy sustainable policies is that they can add value and benefits to all procurement , whether foreign or domestically sourced .
They can also be combined , as in the Biden plan , with assistance to domestic firms to ensure that Canadian suppliers can meet the higher standards and are ready to bid successfully on public tenders .
The remarkable response of Canadian firms and the public sector in producing urgently needed personal protective equipment during the pandemic demonstrates the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better , ” Canadians can no longer afford to disregard or neglect the considerable potential of sustainable government purchasing policies for job creation , improved working conditions and environmentally sustainable development .
Canadians seem to like Biden .
There is much to like in his economic renewal plans as well .

Canadians overwhelmingly hope former U.S. vice-president Joe Biden will win in the November presidential election. If he does, he plans on introducing a slate of new “Buy American” policies as part of a pandemic recovery program. Though some segments in Canada may cringe at that thought, it is not such a bad thing.
Biden’s “Made in All of America” stimulus plan is ambitious. It includes $400 billion in new spending on clean energy and infrastructure and another $300 billion in support for research and development tied to “high-quality job creation” within the U.S. In absolute terms, Biden’s plan would be the largest fiscal stimulus package in U.S. history — and Canadians should welcome it. As our main trading partner and neighbour, when the U.S. economy thrives, Canada’s does, too.
Biden intends to increase the domestic content levels needed for goods to qualify as made-in-America under federal “Buy American” procurement policies and in “Buy America” requirements in transfers to the states. His administration would also make waivers to these rules harder to get, and support U.S. firms to produce goods and components that are currently only available from offshore.
This is discretionary spending by U.S. public entities. It is entirely reasonable, as the Democratic platform prescribes, that “when we spend taxpayer money, we should buy American products and support American jobs.”
How then should Canada react? Hopefully not by moralizing about the virtues of open procurement markets, which has gotten us nowhere in the past. Canada’s standard response — to seek an exemption for Canadian suppliers — has fallen short before, and the prospects of success are worse today.


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--Mail-in ballots will test Americans' faith in the voting system and democracy

Like so many watching the U.S. election unfold , I feel trapped inside a Dickensian novel .
Despite living in the information age , where technology and big data are pervasive , this election is a reminder of how much our world still operates on faith .
Readers only have confidence in journalism if they trust in reporters .
Dollars only have value because we believe in their buying power ; no currency in the world today is on the gold standard .
Democracies only function when citizens believe elections are fair .
One vulnerable spot in voters ’ opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots .
The pandemic may double the number of mailed ballots to 80 million , according to estimates by the New York Times .
Rules for mail-ins are locally controlled and vary from one state to another .
Ten states are automatically sending all voters mail-in ballots ; other states are restricting who can use them .
In Alabama , Alaska and Wisconsin , signatures on mailed ballots must be witnessed .
In Pennsylvania , voters must use a special “ secrecy envelope.
” It doesn ’ t matter if mail-in ballots have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is a game-changer and there are valid questions to be asked .
Ensuring millions of first-time users understand how to vote is a challenge , and how spoiled ballots are determined always matters .
It ’ s unknown if voter turnout will be lower in some states where mail-ins were not widely offered .
There have been court cases over the differing deadlines for states to accept ballots , and questions over whether the U.S .
Postal Service can handle the surge .
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under review not tough enough on energy efficiency , report warns In the best of times , it is possible to handle these allowances in the voting system smoothly , with less partisanship , more careful planning .
It ’ s all eminently doable when voters have faith in their leaders and the electoral process .
But these are not the best of times ; these are the worst of times .
To paraphrase the great author Charles Dickens himself : This is the age of foolishness ; the epoch of belief and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sowing mistrust in voting , without any evidence , since before 2016 .
Although his claims were unsupported , then and now , they have wide appeal .
American sociologist Jack Goldstone sees a pattern as countries destabilize .
He says there are three signs to watch for : financial strain that prevents governments from meeting people ’ s needs , a political elite that has become polarized to the point they can ’ t work together to problem-solve , and a population that is angry or anxious enough to accept even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that paper 30 years ago , examining historic revolutions in France and Britain .
Those signs are now evident in the modern U.S. , says Peter Turchin , a Russian-American scientist specializing in cultural evolution and mathematical modelling .
Ten years ago he forecasted trouble , citing the growing gap between rich and poor , a failing education system and exploding public debt .
The U.S. has been financially struggling to hold a grip on first-world privileges for some time .
Signs of polarization in public health measures and human rights matters made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red bubble of alt-right partisan media such as Breitbart and InfoWars has fuelled hatred and conspiracy theories .
And there is ... well , whatever the fuck QAnon is supposed to be .
An angry , anxious public willing to follow wild ideas is the best explanation of the Trump presidency I ’ ve heard so far .
`` Readers only have confidence in journalism if they trust in reporters .
Dollars only have value because we believe in their buying power ...
Democracies only function when citizens believe elections are fair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mail-in ballots are a weak spot , a raw nerve Trump seems happy to rub .
He was already equating mail-in ballots with fraud , and then he received a gift : nine “ improperly opened ” election ballots in Luzerne County , Penn.
, seven of which were reportedly cast to re-elect Trump .
It doesn ’ t matter that seven ballots are highly unlikely to impact an election .
What matters is the current climate in the U.S. allows small errors to grow into sizable conspiracy theories .
Democrats have conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been whispers Trump will try to manipulate the Electoral College .
Americans do not directly vote for the president .
Instead , Electoral College electors vote for whichever candidate receives a majority of support in their state .
For the most part , this works on the honour system .
So-called “ faithless electors ” who go rogue are rare , but this did not stop presidential candidate Joe Biden from lashing back , stating that Trump might try to “ steal ” the election .
It seems Biden can dog-whistle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of these tactics will help one side or the other win .
I am suggesting it barely matters who triumphs .
This election is not about Trump or Biden .
It is a vote about faith in the system , and I think the system is losing .
When voters finally see the election results , what they believe in their hearts and minds about how the election happened will be more important than who was elected .
A majority win by one candidate or the other will be interpreted as voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
A narrow win will stir up legitimate questions about human error and spoiled ballots , then dissolve into nuttier theories hatched under tinfoil hats to be posted on social media .
Should Biden win , there will be 70 days for all of this to fester under a bitter Trump until inauguration day .

Like so many watching the U.S. election unfold, I feel trapped inside a Dickensian novel. Despite living in the information age, where technology and big data are pervasive, this election is a reminder of how much our world still operates on faith. Readers only have confidence in journalism if they trust in reporters. Dollars only have value because we believe in their buying power; no currency in the world today is on the gold standard. Democracies only function when citizens believe elections are fair. One vulnerable spot in voters’ opinion of the U.S. election will be mail-in ballots. The pandemic may double the number of mailed ballots to 80 million, according to estimates by the New York Times. Rules for mail-ins are locally controlled and vary from one state to another. Ten states are automatically sending all voters mail-in ballots; other states are restricting who can use them. In Alabama, Alaska and Wisconsin, signatures on mailed ballots must be witnessed. In Pennsylvania, voters must use a special “secrecy envelope.” It doesn’t matter if mail-in ballots have worked well in past elections, the pandemic is a game-changer and there are valid questions to be asked. Ensuring millions of first-time users understand how to vote is a challenge, and how spoiled ballots are determined always matters. It’s unknown if voter turnout will be lower in some states where mail-ins were not widely offered. There have been court cases over the differing deadlines for states to accept ballots, and questions over whether the U.S. Postal Service can handle the surge.
In the best of times, it is possible to handle these allowances in the voting system smoothly, with less partisanship, more careful planning. It’s all eminently doable when voters have faith in their leaders and the electoral process. But these are not the best of times; these are the worst of times. To paraphrase the great author Charles Dickens himself: This is the age of foolishness; the epoch of belief and incredulity. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions U.S. President Donald Trump has been sowing mistrust in voting, without any evidence, since before 2016. Although his claims were unsupported, then and now, they have wide appeal.
American sociologist Jack Goldstone sees a pattern as countries destabilize. He says there are three signs to watch for: financial strain that prevents governments from meeting people’s needs, a political elite that has become polarized to the point they can’t work together to problem-solve, and a population that is angry or anxious enough to accept even the wildest of ideas. Goldstone wrote that paper 30 years ago, examining historic revolutions in France and Britain. "Readers only have confidence in journalism if they trust in reporters. Dollars only have value because we believe in their buying power... Democracies only function when citizens believe elections are fair," writes Karyn Pugliese. #Election2020 Those signs are now evident in the modern U.S., says Peter Turchin, a Russian-American scientist specializing in cultural evolution and mathematical modelling. Ten years ago he forecasted trouble, citing the growing gap between rich and poor, a failing education system and exploding public debt. The U.S. has been financially struggling to hold a grip on first-world privileges for some time. Signs of polarization in public health measures and human rights matters made 2020 an unforgettable year. An angry red bubble of alt-right partisan media such as Breitbart and InfoWars has fuelled hatred and conspiracy theories. And there is ... well, whatever the fuck QAnon is supposed to be. An angry, anxious public willing to follow wild ideas is the best explanation of the Trump presidency I’ve heard so far. Mail-in ballots are a weak spot, a raw nerve Trump seems happy to rub. He was already equating mail-in ballots with fraud, and then he received a gift: nine “improperly opened” election ballots in Luzerne County, Penn., seven of which were reportedly cast to re-elect Trump. It doesn’t matter that seven ballots are highly unlikely to impact an election. What matters is the current climate in the U.S. allows small errors to grow into sizable conspiracy theories. Democrats have conspiracy theories, too. Recently, there have been whispers Trump will try to manipulate the Electoral College. Americans do not directly vote for the president. Instead, Electoral College electors vote for whichever candidate receives a majority of support in their state.
For the most part, this works on the honour system. So-called “faithless electors” who go rogue are rare, but this did not stop presidential candidate Joe Biden from lashing back, stating that Trump might try to “steal” the election. It seems Biden can dog-whistle, too. I’m not suggesting any of these tactics will help one side or the other win. I am suggesting it barely matters who triumphs. This election is not about Trump or Biden. It is a vote about faith in the system, and I think the system is losing. When voters finally see the election results, what they believe in their hearts and minds about how the election happened will be more important than who was elected. A majority win by one candidate or the other will be interpreted as voter fraud by those who wish to believe so. A narrow win will stir up legitimate questions about human error and spoiled ballots, then dissolve into nuttier theories hatched under tinfoil hats to be posted on social media. Should Biden win, there will be 70 days for all of this to fester under a bitter Trump until inauguration day.


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--Montreal-based GHGSat unveils global map of methane concentrations

MONTREAL — A Montreal company has unveiled what it boasts is the most accurate map of global methane concentrations ever made .
On Wednesday , GHGSat unveiled Pulse , an interactive map available for free online that has a resolution of approximately two kilometres by two kilometres .
GHGSat produced the map from data generated by the company ’ s satellites along with information from partners such as the European Space Agency .
A paid version of the map with a resolution of 25 metres by 25 metres is also available .
Methane accounts for a quarter of all man-made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science journal Nature , methane emissions have risen by nearly 10 per cent over the past two decades — mainly from agriculture and the natural gas industry .
Company president and founder Stephane Germain told reporters earlier this week when he introduced the map that he hoped it will `` stimulate discussion and inspire people to ask questions . ''
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • New building codes under review not tough enough on energy efficiency , report warns On the free version of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to indicate average methane emissions for the previous month .
The map shows the evolution of methane concentrations over the last six months .
`` The concentrations shown are in the atmosphere — not just at ground level , '' Germain said during his presentation .
`` The concentrations in one region therefore may be due to emissions in another region . ''
Sarah Gallagher , a scientific adviser for the Canadian Space Agency , attended Germain ’ s presentation and said the map revealed fluctuations in methane concentrations in Canada ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is not a lot of industrial activity in Northern Canada , '' she said .
“ The red areas ( on the map ) are natural sources of methane .
One of the important consequences of climate change is the impact on permafrost melting , which can influence methane emissions .
” In April and May , when the northern region is still largely covered with ice and snow , it shows up on the map in green and blue — colours that correspond to low methane concentrations .
GHGSat president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced the map that he hoped it will `` stimulate discussion and inspire people to ask questions . ''
`` But when you go into summer — June , July , August — the colours start to change to red , '' Germain said .
`` It is reasonable to assume that there is more methane due to the melting permafrost . ''
About 40 per cent of the world ’ s annual methane emissions are from natural sources , Germain said .
The rest is attributed to human activity .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times greater than that of carbon dioxide — the greenhouse gas we may be most familiar with , '' Gallagher said .
`` It is important to know where , when and how methane enters the atmosphere .
Reducing methane emissions is an important tool in the fight against climate change.
” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21 , 2020 .

MONTREAL — A Montreal company has unveiled what it boasts is the most accurate map of global methane concentrations ever made.
On Wednesday, GHGSat unveiled Pulse, an interactive map available for free online that has a resolution of approximately two kilometres by two kilometres.
GHGSat produced the map from data generated by the company’s satellites along with information from partners such as the European Space Agency. A paid version of the map with a resolution of 25 metres by 25 metres is also available.
Methane accounts for a quarter of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions. According to the science journal Nature, methane emissions have risen by nearly 10 per cent over the past two decades — mainly from agriculture and the natural gas industry.
Company president and founder Stephane Germain told reporters earlier this week when he introduced the map that he hoped it will "stimulate discussion and inspire people to ask questions."


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--False information hampers efforts to tackle COVID-19 pandemic: Tam

Canada 's chief public health doctor is worried about the amount of false information being floated about the COVID-19 pandemic .
Dr. Theresa Tam says when false information is spread — either intentionally or not — it does not help public health officials ensure the public has the information they need to make the right choices .
`` As I reflect on the unprecedented pandemic that we have , there 's also I think the pandemic that 's occurred in the age of social media , and many different ways in which information is spread faster than the virus itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her regular news conferences on Parliament Hill .
Both Tam and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to be responsible about the information they share by verifying it first with multiple and official sources .
`` When you look at a piece of information , ask a number of questions , including exactly where this has come from , '' said Tam .
`` Definitely ask yourself this question before you forward the information to someone else . ''
• California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough on energy efficiency , report warns Staff in the Prime Minister 's Office confirmed they respond frequently to queries about fake news .
Some of it arises in other countries and is picked up here , sometimes it 's Canada-specific .
Trudeau said some of it comes from `` foreign actors trying to disrupt successful democracies , others are people with extremist agendas within our countries trying to weaken people 's confidence in our institutions and our democracy . ''
In many cases it has a real impact .
A survey by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about one-quarter of people in that province believed COVID-19 was created in a laboratory on purpose and a third felt the government was hiding things about the pandemic .
Other surveys have found people who believed conspiracy theories about the virus 's origins were less likely to follow public health advice about wearing masks , physical distancing and limiting contacts .
Trudeau said he was asked by a student in a recent forum about `` COVID internment camps . ''
`` I had to explain that as we consume increasing amounts and various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need to continue to be attentive to source , we need to continue to be attentive to comparing various reports and looking for trusted sources like Dr. Tam , like regional public health authorities , to tell the truth , '' Trudeau said .
`` We need to hold together and resist people who would sow chaos within our communities ( and ) our democracy . ''
`` When you look at a piece of information , ask a number of questions , including exactly where this has come from , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # COVID19 press conference Tuesday .
The internment camps claim arose recently after Health Canada posted a request for information online seeking a business that might be able to help manage the government 's quarantine sites .
Health Canada has managed 11 quarantine sites in nine cities for travellers arriving from abroad who do n't have suitable places to quarantine , such as someone who lives with a senior citizen and whose home does n't have space to isolate from the high-risk individual for two weeks .
The department is now potentially looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites .
Cole Davidson , press secretary for Health Minister Patty Hajdu , said the claims that quarantine sites are Canadian internment camps for people with COVID-19 are absolutely false .
`` These emails and social media posts about 'isolation camps ' are an example of false information being used to play on fears over a public health issue , '' Davidson said .
`` Disinformation like this is intended to deceive Canadians and cause fear and confusion . ''
Another claim floating around currently is that the federal government is making up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public support for a universal guaranteed income and to relieve all household and consumer debt in Canada .

Canada's chief public health doctor is worried about the amount of false information being floated about the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Theresa Tam says when false information is spread — either intentionally or not — it does not help public health officials ensure the public has the information they need to make the right choices. "As I reflect on the unprecedented pandemic that we have, there's also I think the pandemic that's occurred in the age of social media, and many different ways in which information is spread faster than the virus itself," Tam said Tuesday at one of her regular news conferences on Parliament Hill. Both Tam and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to be responsible about the information they share by verifying it first with multiple and official sources. "When you look at a piece of information, ask a number of questions, including exactly where this has come from," said Tam. "Definitely ask yourself this question before you forward the information to someone else."
Staff in the Prime Minister's Office confirmed they respond frequently to queries about fake news. Some of it arises in other countries and is picked up here, sometimes it's Canada-specific. Trudeau said some of it comes from "foreign actors trying to disrupt successful democracies, others are people with extremist agendas within our countries trying to weaken people's confidence in our institutions and our democracy." Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In many cases it has a real impact. A survey by health authorities in Quebec in August found about one-quarter of people in that province believed COVID-19 was created in a laboratory on purpose and a third felt the government was hiding things about the pandemic.
Other surveys have found people who believed conspiracy theories about the virus's origins were less likely to follow public health advice about wearing masks, physical distancing and limiting contacts. "When you look at a piece of information, ask a number of questions, including exactly where this has come from," Dr. Theresa Tam said during a #COVID19 press conference Tuesday. Trudeau said he was asked by a student in a recent forum about "COVID internment camps." "I had to explain that as we consume increasing amounts and various sources of information online and around us, we need to continue to be attentive to source, we need to continue to be attentive to comparing various reports and looking for trusted sources like Dr. Tam, like regional public health authorities, to tell the truth," Trudeau said. "We need to hold together and resist people who would sow chaos within our communities (and) our democracy." The internment camps claim arose recently after Health Canada posted a request for information online seeking a business that might be able to help manage the government's quarantine sites. Health Canada has managed 11 quarantine sites in nine cities for travellers arriving from abroad who don't have suitable places to quarantine, such as someone who lives with a senior citizen and whose home doesn't have space to isolate from the high-risk individual for two weeks.
The department is now potentially looking for a third-party operator to manage quarantine sites. Cole Davidson, press secretary for Health Minister Patty Hajdu, said the claims that quarantine sites are Canadian internment camps for people with COVID-19 are absolutely false. "These emails and social media posts about 'isolation camps' are an example of false information being used to play on fears over a public health issue," Davidson said. "Disinformation like this is intended to deceive Canadians and cause fear and confusion."


nationalobserver--2020-10-21--NDP grapples with tension over environment, economy as B.C. election approaches

Forestry and fish are playing out as pivotal B.C .
election issues in the North Island , as two party leaders paid a visit to the riding in the final week of their campaigns .
The Vancouver Island riding is an NDP stronghold where tourism and forestry , along with fishing and aquaculture , are the region ’ s economic pillars .
And two of the riding ’ s candidates are heavily invested in some of those sectors .
BC Liberal candidate Norm Facey is a former forestry executive who worked for the region ’ s pulp mills and logging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s arrival to pitch the party ’ s forestry plan was heralded by a convoy of logging trucks during his second visit to Campbell River within three weeks on Saturday .
NDP Leader John Horgan visited the city the following day to announce he 'll redouble the party 's commitment to protect and revitalize B.C.
’ s dwindling wild salmon stocks — likely as a means to counter Morton ’ s reputation as a wild salmon defender .
The extra attention from party leaders , as well as the backgrounds of the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economy are intersecting as election issues in rural , resource-based ridings across the province , says Will Greaves , a political scientist at the University of Victoria .
Forestry and fish are playing out as pivotal B.C .
election issues in the North Island , as two party leaders paid a visit to the riding in the final week of their campaigns .
# bcpoli # BCelxn2020 “ I see this tension between them as being a major fault line that runs through the NDP coalition and poses a pretty significant political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s still likely the NDP will take the majority of the seats in the upcoming election , but the party ’ s weak spot is likely to grow over time , said Greaves , especially as the NDP moves forward with liquefied natural gas development and is forced to stickhandle technical issues linked to the construction of the Site C hydroelectric project .
Recent poll results show the NDP losing a handful of points to the Liberals and Greens in the last leg of the election .
Since last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 per cent , while the BC Liberals gained two points and sit at 35 per cent .
The Greens also gained two points and sit at 16 per cent .
Polls suggest that people who have already voted , mostly in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island , largely supported the NDP .
But among voters that still have to cast their ballot , in the province ’ s rural Northern and Interior ridings and the Fraser Valley , support appears to be closely split between the NDP and Liberals .
Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Victoria , says the NDP is under duress to maintain traditional resource sector allies and voters concerned with the environment .
Photo supplied by Will Greaves .
The NDP camp currently includes traditional allies from the labour and resource sectors , but the party has gained traction with socially progressive , young , diverse and urban voters in the Lower Mainland , Greaves said .
“ So the North Island riding is going to be an interesting test case , ” he said .
NDP voters in the riding likely range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be looking to see if the NDP is serving their interests , he said .
“ I think that 's kind of the question on which the future of the NDP in more rural and resource-intensive ridings will hang.
” As for the North Island riding , there ’ s an off chance the Greens could play a spoiler role and hand the riding to the Liberals , Greaves said .
But given past election results , they ’ d have to pull a significant number of votes exclusively from the NDP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of the vote in the 2017 election in the North Island riding , followed by the B.C .
Liberals at 35 per cent and the B.C .
Greens with 15 per cent .
And the Liberals might capitalize on the resources sectors ’ discontent with the NDP , but it ’ s unlikely to close a 10-point spread , Greaves said .
So , the NDP ’ s middle-lane approach to forestry and fish issues may actually help the party hang onto the riding this election , Greaves said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve to benefit the NDP as being best positioned to try to navigate some of those divides .
”

Forestry and fish are playing out as pivotal B.C. election issues in the North Island, as two party leaders paid a visit to the riding in the final week of their campaigns. The Vancouver Island riding is an NDP stronghold where tourism and forestry, along with fishing and aquaculture, are the region’s economic pillars. And two of the riding’s candidates are heavily invested in some of those sectors. BC Liberal candidate Norm Facey is a former forestry executive who worked for the region’s pulp mills and logging companies. His challenger on the opposite side of the spectrum is BC Green Party candidate Alexandra Morton, a fierce critic of open-net pen salmon farms in B.C. waters. Attempting to walk the line between the two is NDP candidate Michele Babchuk, an experienced municipal politician favoured to win the riding. But Babchuk’s victory is only assured if she stems the loss of resource sector or environmental votes to the other two parties.
The NDP is grappling with the challenge of casting itself as a friend to forestry while still presenting itself as more environmentally progressive than the Liberals — a tactic that doesn’t tend to wash with most Greens. Both the BC Liberal and NDP leaders tried to capitalize on the political tension between the economy and environment to snag votes during visits to the North Island over the weekend. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson is hoping to capture votes from the resource sector in the North Island. Photo supplied by the BC Liberal Party.
Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson’s arrival to pitch the party’s forestry plan was heralded by a convoy of logging trucks during his second visit to Campbell River within three weeks on Saturday. Forestry and fish are playing out as pivotal B.C. election issues in the North Island, as two party leaders paid a visit to the riding in the final week of their campaigns. #bcpoli #BCelxn2020 NDP Leader John Horgan visited the city the following day to announce he'll redouble the party's commitment to protect and revitalize B.C.’s dwindling wild salmon stocks — likely as a means to counter Morton’s reputation as a wild salmon defender. The extra attention from party leaders, as well as the backgrounds of the North Island candidates, reflect how the environment and economy are intersecting as election issues in rural, resource-based ridings across the province, says Will Greaves, a political scientist at the University of Victoria. “I see this tension between them as being a major fault line that runs through the NDP coalition and poses a pretty significant political risk to them,” Greaves said. It’s still likely the NDP will take the majority of the seats in the upcoming election, but the party’s weak spot is likely to grow over time, said Greaves, especially as the NDP moves forward with liquefied natural gas development and is forced to stickhandle technical issues linked to the construction of the Site C hydroelectric project.
Recent poll results show the NDP losing a handful of points to the Liberals and Greens in the last leg of the election. Since last week, NDP support dropped four points to 45 per cent, while the BC Liberals gained two points and sit at 35 per cent. The Greens also gained two points and sit at 16 per cent. Polls suggest that people who have already voted, mostly in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island, largely supported the NDP.