nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Ottawa must be more transparent on plan for COVID-19 vaccine rollout: expert

TORONTO — As some provinces push for clarity on when they will receive their share of Canada ’ s COVID-19 vaccines , one expert said Monday the government should be more transparent about the terms of its contracts with the companies making the shots .
Kerry Bowman , who teaches bioethics and global health at the University of Toronto , said it ’ s likely Ottawa doesn ’ t have the information the provinces are seeking regarding the timing and quantity of vaccine deliveries , particularly if its contracts with drugmakers are conditional .
But if that ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government should state it clearly or risk eroding public trust in its system .
While news that COVID-19 immunizations could begin in some countries in a matter of weeks is good for Canada in the long term , it will lead to widespread frustration in the near future if the country is lagging behind , he added .
`` There ’ s benefits to all of humankind , no matter who ’ s getting it , '' he said .
• The glaring problem with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through sensitive strait near China was monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce pollution without more public money , bank report says Still , `` if two weeks from now , the news is full of us watching people all over the world being inoculated , including the United States , and we ’ re not , there ’ s going to be some very unhappy Canadians . ''
As well , he said , any delay in immunization translates to more COVID-19 cases and deaths , and mounting economic strain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ’ s lives will continue to be ruined until we pull out of it .
And so , to me , whether it ’ s this month or that month ( that we get the vaccine ) is not irrelevant — it ’ s highly relevant , '' he said .
Ontario Premier Doug Ford renewed his calls Monday for a clear delivery date for the province ’ s share of vaccines , stressing that `` the clock is ticking '' when it comes to fighting the novel coronavirus .
Ford said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the drugmakers that has entered into an agreement with Canada , on Monday afternoon but expected to be told the information must come from Ottawa .
The premier cited reports that other countries , such as the United Kingdom , are on track to start COVID-19 immunizations soon , adding Ontarians `` need answers . ''
`` If two weeks from now , the news is full of us watching people all over the world being inoculated , including the United States , and we ’ re not , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unhappy Canadians , '' said bioethicist Kerry Bowman .
# COVIDvaccine # COVID19 Meanwhile , the American biotech company Moderna said Monday the first 20 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine will be shipped to the United States next month .
The chairman of the American vaccine maker told the CBC on Sunday that Canada is near the front of the line to receive the 20 million doses it pre-ordered , confirming that the country ’ s early commitment to purchasing the shots means it will get its supply first .
Moderna is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitted partial data to a `` rolling review '' process offered by Health Canada .
Rather than presenting regulators with a complete package of trial results , the would-be vaccine makers file data and findings as they become available .
Canada has been looking at Moderna ’ s first results since mid-October .
The issue of when Canada will receive its orders came to the forefront last week when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the country will have to wait a bit because the first doses off the production lines will be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trudeau has repeatedly defended his government ’ s vaccine procurement policy , saying Ottawa has secured multiple options for the country .
The federal government was pressed on the matter further during Monday ’ s question period , as some MPs called for greater transparency regarding vaccine rollout , noting other countries such as Australia have made their plans public .
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the government has been working with the provinces and territories to ensure the plan is robust .
`` Canada is well-served by the diversity of vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in great quantity .
Canadians can be assured they , too , will have access to these vaccines that will bring us to the end of COVID-19 , '' she said .
Ontario and Quebec , the two provinces with the bulk of COVID-19 cases , reported 1,746 and 1,333 new infections , respectively , as well as eight and 23 new deaths related to the virus .
Toronto , one of two Ontario hot spots currently under lockdown , recorded a daily high of 643 new infections .
In Manitoba , health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with others in order to bring down the numbers , as the province reported 342 new cases and 11 additional deaths .
The provincial government imposed strict measures on business openings and public gatherings more than two weeks ago , but officials said the test positivity rate remains at 13 per cent .
Nunavut , however , will begin to lift the lockdown measures it enacted in mid-November on Wednesday , as more people recover from the illness .
Only Arviat , which has 86 active cases , will continue to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with travel restrictions in place , Nunavut officials said .
The territory reported four new cases Monday , bringing the total to 181 .
Out east , six new infections have been recorded in New Brunswick Monday , while Newfoundland and Labrador reported one .
Nova Scotia reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 , bringing its total of active cases to 138 .
On Sunday , the federal government announced it will extend a series of travel restrictions meant to limit the spread of COVID-19 into January , in light of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and Hajdu said in a statement the measures , which were first enacted near the start of the global health crisis , would be in effect until Jan. 21 , 2021 , for travellers entering Canada from a country other than the United States .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30 , 2020 .

TORONTO — As some provinces push for clarity on when they will receive their share of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccines, one expert said Monday the government should be more transparent about the terms of its contracts with the companies making the shots. Kerry Bowman, who teaches bioethics and global health at the University of Toronto, said it’s likely Ottawa doesn’t have the information the provinces are seeking regarding the timing and quantity of vaccine deliveries, particularly if its contracts with drugmakers are conditional. But if that’s the case, he said, the federal government should state it clearly or risk eroding public trust in its system. While news that COVID-19 immunizations could begin in some countries in a matter of weeks is good for Canada in the long term, it will lead to widespread frustration in the near future if the country is lagging behind, he added. "There’s benefits to all of humankind, no matter who’s getting it," he said.
Still, "if two weeks from now, the news is full of us watching people all over the world being inoculated, including the United States, and we’re not, there’s going to be some very unhappy Canadians." As well, he said, any delay in immunization translates to more COVID-19 cases and deaths, and mounting economic strain. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "People will die and other people’s lives will continue to be ruined until we pull out of it. And so, to me, whether it’s this month or that month (that we get the vaccine) is not irrelevant — it’s highly relevant," he said.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford renewed his calls Monday for a clear delivery date for the province’s share of vaccines, stressing that "the clock is ticking" when it comes to fighting the novel coronavirus. "If two weeks from now, the news is full of us watching people all over the world being inoculated, including the United States, and we’re not, there’s going to be some very unhappy Canadians," said bioethicist Kerry Bowman. #COVIDvaccine #COVID19 Ford said he was set to speak to Pfizer, one of the drugmakers that has entered into an agreement with Canada, on Monday afternoon but expected to be told the information must come from Ottawa. The premier cited reports that other countries, such as the United Kingdom, are on track to start COVID-19 immunizations soon, adding Ontarians "need answers." Meanwhile, the American biotech company Moderna said Monday the first 20 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine will be shipped to the United States next month. The chairman of the American vaccine maker told the CBC on Sunday that Canada is near the front of the line to receive the 20 million doses it pre-ordered, confirming that the country’s early commitment to purchasing the shots means it will get its supply first.
Moderna is one of several companies to have already submitted partial data to a "rolling review" process offered by Health Canada. Rather than presenting regulators with a complete package of trial results, the would-be vaccine makers file data and findings as they become available. Canada has been looking at Moderna’s first results since mid-October. The issue of when Canada will receive its orders came to the forefront last week when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the country will have to wait a bit because the first doses off the production lines will be used in the countries where they are made. Trudeau has repeatedly defended his government’s vaccine procurement policy, saying Ottawa has secured multiple options for the country.


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Shell in court over claims it slowed fossil fuels phase-out

This article was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of Canada 's National Observer 's collaboration with Climate Desk .
A court in The Hague will hear claims that Royal Dutch Shell has broken Dutch law by knowingly hampering the global phase-out of fossil fuels , in a case that could force the company to reduce its CO2 emissions .
Lawyers for a consortium led by Friends of the Earth Netherlands will argue on the first of four days of public hearings on Tuesday that Shell has been aware for decades of the damage it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its fossil fuel operations .
It is claimed the Anglo-Dutch company is breaching article 6:162 of the Dutch civil code and violating articles 2 and 8 of the European convention on human rights — the right to life and the right to family life — by causing a danger to others when alternative measures could be taken .
• The glaring problem with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to fix it • Canadian warship 's passage through sensitive strait near China was monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report says Last year , the Dutch supreme court upheld a groundbreaking 2015 ruling ordering the Netherlands government to do much more to cut carbon emissions , following a legal battle pursued by the non-profit Urgenda foundation on similar grounds .
The Friends of the Earth Netherlands director , Donald Pols , said : “ This is a unique lawsuit with potentially significant consequences for the climate and the fossil fuel industry globally .
We are confident that the judge ’ s final verdict will force Shell to adhere to international climate goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Shell spokesman said the company agreed with the plaintiffs that the climate crisis needed to be tackled but added that legal challenges would not speed up the move to renewables .
The spokesman said : “ What will accelerate the energy transition is effective policy , investment in technology and changing customer behaviour .
None of which will be achieved with this court action .
Addressing a challenge this big requires a collaborative and global approach .
Shell is playing its part .
“ We have set an ambition to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or sooner , which means moving in step with society to address our own emissions and help customers to reduce theirs.
” Shell ’ s activities and products are responsible for about one per cent of global emissions every year but the company is investing billions more in oil and gas , according to the legal claim .
A court in The Hague will hear claims that Royal Dutch Shell has broken Dutch law by knowingly hampering the global phase-out of fossil fuels , in a case that could force the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be heard that a cache of internal and external documents proves that Shell has known about climate change at least since the 1950s and has been aware of its large-scale consequences at least since 1986 .
It is argued that despite seeking to become more sustainable in the 1990s , the company changed course in 2007 to focus on some of the most polluting fossil fuels including shale gas .
It will be further claimed the company invested in public relations campaigns that misled the public about Shell ’ s real intentions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies .
In 2014 , the company is alleged to have indicated that the Paris targets were unlikely to be achieved and that on this basis concluded that the business model did not need to change .
Last year , Shell ’ s chief executive , Ben van Beurden , told investors : “ Shell ’ s core business is , and will be for the foreseeable future , very much in oil and gas.
” The company raised its targets in April to reduce its relative CO2 emissions by 30 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2050 compared with 2016 .
But those targets are still said by the plaintiffs to be insufficient as such relative changes could be achieved simply by investing in renewables at the same time as expanding fossil fuel investment .
Friends of the Earth Netherlands , backed by 17,379 Dutch co-plaintiffs and six other organizations , is calling on Shell to start reducing its CO2 emissions to at least 45 per cent by 2030 compared with 2010 and to net zero in 2050 .
Under Dutch law , the plaintiffs need to prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will point to the changes made by the energy company Danish Oil and Natural Gas , which announced it would transform from a fossil-based to a renewable energy company under a new name , Ørsted .
The company is said to be growing rapidly while its carbon emissions are decreasing rapidly , with a goal to reduce them by 96 per cent by 2035 .

This article was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of Canada's National Observer's collaboration with Climate Desk. A court in The Hague will hear claims that Royal Dutch Shell has broken Dutch law by knowingly hampering the global phase-out of fossil fuels, in a case that could force the company to reduce its CO2 emissions. Lawyers for a consortium led by Friends of the Earth Netherlands will argue on the first of four days of public hearings on Tuesday that Shell has been aware for decades of the damage it has inflicted and is acting unlawfully by expanding its fossil fuel operations. It is claimed the Anglo-Dutch company is breaching article 6:162 of the Dutch civil code and violating articles 2 and 8 of the European convention on human rights — the right to life and the right to family life — by causing a danger to others when alternative measures could be taken.
Last year, the Dutch supreme court upheld a groundbreaking 2015 ruling ordering the Netherlands government to do much more to cut carbon emissions, following a legal battle pursued by the non-profit Urgenda foundation on similar grounds. The Friends of the Earth Netherlands director, Donald Pols, said: “This is a unique lawsuit with potentially significant consequences for the climate and the fossil fuel industry globally. We are confident that the judge’s final verdict will force Shell to adhere to international climate goals and stop causing dangerous climate change.” Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions A Shell spokesman said the company agreed with the plaintiffs that the climate crisis needed to be tackled but added that legal challenges would not speed up the move to renewables.
The spokesman said: “What will accelerate the energy transition is effective policy, investment in technology and changing customer behaviour. None of which will be achieved with this court action. Addressing a challenge this big requires a collaborative and global approach. Shell is playing its part. A court in The Hague will hear claims that Royal Dutch Shell has broken Dutch law by knowingly hampering the global phase-out of fossil fuels, in a case that could force the company to reduce its CO2 emissions. “We have set an ambition to be a net zero emissions energy business by 2050, or sooner, which means moving in step with society to address our own emissions and help customers to reduce theirs.” Shell’s activities and products are responsible for about one per cent of global emissions every year but the company is investing billions more in oil and gas, according to the legal claim. It will be heard that a cache of internal and external documents proves that Shell has known about climate change at least since the 1950s and has been aware of its large-scale consequences at least since 1986. It is argued that despite seeking to become more sustainable in the 1990s, the company changed course in 2007 to focus on some of the most polluting fossil fuels including shale gas.
It will be further claimed the company invested in public relations campaigns that misled the public about Shell’s real intentions and lobbied against ambitious climate action and policies. In 2014, the company is alleged to have indicated that the Paris targets were unlikely to be achieved and that on this basis concluded that the business model did not need to change. Last year, Shell’s chief executive, Ben van Beurden, told investors: “Shell’s core business is, and will be for the foreseeable future, very much in oil and gas.”


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Restoring civil liberties in Canada post-pandemic a concern, legal experts say

TORONTO — Canadians willingly , unwillingly and sometimes unknowingly , gave up some of their civil liberties over the past eight months to try and slow the spread of COVID-19 .
Legal experts who specialize in personal freedoms have spent most of 2020 making sure those public health restrictions didn ’ t go too far , and now they ’ re working to ensure those rights are restored when the pandemic finally comes to an end .
Abby Deshman , the director of the criminal justice program for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association , said that a lot depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern .
`` After 9/11 things did not go back to pre-9/11 conditions in terms of civil liberties , '' said Deshman .
`` We radically altered our expectations in terms of security at airports , courthouses , government buildings , all kinds of places .
`` Part of the reason that has such a long-term impact ( is ) because there was still the idea that the threat was out there . ''
• The glaring problem with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to fix it • Canadian warship 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce pollution without more public money , bank report says COVID-19 will hopefully be different because its impact is measured provincially and regionally on a daily basis , said Deshman .
Experts agree that mandatory masks in public spaces , limits on the number of people that can attend public gatherings , restrictions for worship services and freedom of movement are among some of the public health measures that most clearly infringe upon constitutional rights .
Christine Van Geyn , litigation director for the Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those restrictions are unconstitutional , they are acceptable as long as they are clearly designed to protect Canadians ’ right to life and security .
`` It ’ s a really complicated question , '' said Van Geyn .
`` We don ’ t know where the court would say these restrictions have gone too far , there ’ s not a bright line where we can say , 'Aha !
You ’ ve gone too far ! '
'' Van Geyn also pointed out that most provincial emergency orders have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforceable .
When the pandemic is over , the orders will simply be allowed to lapse .
But just because orders are constitutionally acceptable or temporary doesn ’ t mean they haven ’ t been problematic .
Legal experts who specialize in personal freedoms have spent most of 2020 making sure # COVID19 public health restrictions didn ’ t go too far , and now they ’ re working to ensure those rights are restored when the pandemic finally comes to an end .
Both Deshman and Van Geyn pointed to orders in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that Nova Scotia ’ s original orders were so broad that they basically forbid people from gathering outside the home , even as it had been proven that limited gatherings in outdoor settings could be safe .
Van Geyn pointed to Newfoundland and Labrador ’ s ban on travel , which was challenged in court and subsequently overturned .
Advocates said that the laws and policies created in the early days of the pandemic were more problematic because they were written hastily and were very broad .
According to Deshman , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadly written a law is , the more it ’ s open to interpretation .
`` It enables discriminatory patterns of policing that disproportionately impact Indigenous Canadians , Black Canadians , people that are living on the streets , people with mental health issues and addictions , communities that are already disproportionately policed , '' she said .
The most notable example of this came in early April , when Ontario passed an emergency order that allowed police services to obtain the names , addresses and dates of birth of people who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was aimed at helping to protect first responders .
A legal challenge filed by a group of human rights organizations put an end to the practice on Aug. 17 .
A CCLA audit of the database ’ s usage found that more than 40 per cent of the 95,000 searches of the database were conducted by police in Thunder Bay and Durham Region .
Thunder Bay police accessed the personal health information in the database more than 14,800 times — a rate of access 10 times higher than the provincial average — even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 100 COVID-19 cases while the database was active .
Caitlyn Kasper , a lawyer with Aboriginal Legal Services , said that her organization is asking that police services that abused the database be penalized .
`` There were widespread entire postal code area searches , there were searches done for individuals who did not call in for a service request , there were searches done by police services that were outside the jurisdiction of the service that accessed it , '' said Kasper .
Fareeda Adam , staff lawyer at the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that emergency measures disproportionately impacted racialized communities .
However , she hoped that the use of online streaming platforms to broadcast high-profile court cases would continue after the pandemic .
Adam pointed to the thousands of people who watched the trial of a Toronto police officer convicted of assault in the brutal beating of a young Black teen in Oshawa , Ont .
`` The number of people who accessed that broadcast , who watched what was happening in real time , the decision of the judge , that ’ s so important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam .
`` To have it available and accessible at a widespread level , that ’ s so important . ''
Kasper agreed that broadcasts of court proceedings helped elevate some cases , like an ongoing land dispute between residents of Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation and a land development corporation .
But she also pointed out that Canada ’ s jump to online education and justice services has further disenfranchised remote Indigenous communities in the north that do not have reliable access to the internet .
`` You don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t even have a dial-up connection that is reliable and that you can access any kind of video feed , '' said Kasper .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30 , 2020 .

TORONTO — Canadians willingly, unwillingly and sometimes unknowingly, gave up some of their civil liberties over the past eight months to try and slow the spread of COVID-19. Legal experts who specialize in personal freedoms have spent most of 2020 making sure those public health restrictions didn’t go too far, and now they’re working to ensure those rights are restored when the pandemic finally comes to an end. Abby Deshman, the director of the criminal justice program for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, said that a lot depends on how long COVID-19 remains a general health concern. "After 9/11 things did not go back to pre-9/11 conditions in terms of civil liberties," said Deshman. "We radically altered our expectations in terms of security at airports, courthouses, government buildings, all kinds of places. "Part of the reason that has such a long-term impact (is) because there was still the idea that the threat was out there."
COVID-19 will hopefully be different because its impact is measured provincially and regionally on a daily basis, said Deshman. Experts agree that mandatory masks in public spaces, limits on the number of people that can attend public gatherings, restrictions for worship services and freedom of movement are among some of the public health measures that most clearly infringe upon constitutional rights. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Christine Van Geyn, litigation director for the Canadian Constitution Foundation, said that although all those restrictions are unconstitutional, they are acceptable as long as they are clearly designed to protect Canadians’ right to life and security.
"It’s a really complicated question," said Van Geyn. "We don’t know where the court would say these restrictions have gone too far, there’s not a bright line where we can say, 'Aha! You’ve gone too far!'" Legal experts who specialize in personal freedoms have spent most of 2020 making sure #COVID19 public health restrictions didn’t go too far, and now they’re working to ensure those rights are restored when the pandemic finally comes to an end. Van Geyn also pointed out that most provincial emergency orders have to be renewed every few months to keep them enforceable. When the pandemic is over, the orders will simply be allowed to lapse. But just because orders are constitutionally acceptable or temporary doesn’t mean they haven’t been problematic. Both Deshman and Van Geyn pointed to orders in Atlantic Canada as too restrictive. Deshman said that Nova Scotia’s original orders were so broad that they basically forbid people from gathering outside the home, even as it had been proven that limited gatherings in outdoor settings could be safe. Van Geyn pointed to Newfoundland and Labrador’s ban on travel, which was challenged in court and subsequently overturned. Advocates said that the laws and policies created in the early days of the pandemic were more problematic because they were written hastily and were very broad. According to Deshman, that’s a concern because the more broadly written a law is, the more it’s open to interpretation.
"It enables discriminatory patterns of policing that disproportionately impact Indigenous Canadians, Black Canadians, people that are living on the streets, people with mental health issues and addictions, communities that are already disproportionately policed," she said. The most notable example of this came in early April, when Ontario passed an emergency order that allowed police services to obtain the names, addresses and dates of birth of people who had tested positive for COVID-19. The portal was aimed at helping to protect first responders. A legal challenge filed by a group of human rights organizations put an end to the practice on Aug. 17.


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Rules and restrictions for travellers amid rising COVID-19 case counts

A slew of travel restrictions and rules meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 will be extended into January , the federal government said Sunday , as case counts continued to rise steadily across the country .
In a statement , Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the measures would be in effect until Jan. 21 , 2021 for travellers entering Canada from a country other than the United States .
The rules were first imposed near the start of the global outbreak .
`` We have introduced a number of policies to keep Canadians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the evolving COVID-19 situation , '' Blair said in a statement .
The ministers said restrictions for visitors crossing the border from the U.S. are currently in place until Dec. 21 , but may be extended .
• The glaring problem with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to fix it • Canadian warship 's passage through sensitive strait near China was monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce pollution without more public money , bank report says Among the new rules is a requirement for anyone entering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the ministers also said they 're looking to make it possible for `` high-performance , amateur sporting organizations '' to hold major international events on Canadian soil .
They said the successful applicants would need to present a public health plan as well as show they 've secured the support of provincial and territorial governments and health authorities .
The Department of Canadian Heritage will issue authorizations in consultation with the Health Agency of Canada , the ministers said .
The announcement comes as COVID-19 case counts continued to mount , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tallies seen in several regions in recent weeks .
Public health officials in Quebec reported 1,395 new cases on Sunday , while Ontario recorded 1,708 new infections -- pushing the provincial totals since the pandemic began to 141,038 and 114,746 , respectively .
A slew of travel restrictions and rules meant to curb the spread of # COVID19 will be extended into January , the federal government says.
# cdnpoli # COVID-19 # travelrestrictions # coronavirusCanada Cases also have gone up steadily in Atlantic Canada , with New Brunswick reporting 14 new diagnoses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four additional infections .
Public health officials in Nova Scotia logged 10 new cases , all in the province 's central zone , which includes Halifax .
Manitoba reported 365 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday and 11 new deaths -- almost all of which were linked to outbreaks in care homes .
Health officials said nine of the 11 deaths were people in their 80s and 90s , one was a man in his 60s and one was a man in his 70s .
The case count in Nunavut also rose by 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Alberta reported its second highest number of new COVID-19 cases , logging 1,608 , with nine more deaths .
Canada 's top public health officer , Dr. Theresa Tam , said the highest rate of infection is among people aged 80 and over , while more outbreaks are happening in long-term care homes .
`` Cases are increasing among older adults , '' Tam said in a statement .
Both Quebec and Manitoba reported new , significant outbreaks at such facilities .

A slew of travel restrictions and rules meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 will be extended into January, the federal government said Sunday, as case counts continued to rise steadily across the country.
In a statement, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the measures would be in effect until Jan. 21, 2021 for travellers entering Canada from a country other than the United States.
The rules were first imposed near the start of the global outbreak.
"We have introduced a number of policies to keep Canadians safe but must remain flexible and adapt to the evolving COVID-19 situation," Blair said in a statement.
The ministers said restrictions for visitors crossing the border from the U.S. are currently in place until Dec. 21, but may be extended.


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Draft fishery deal would be a game-changer for treaty rights: Mi'kmaq chief

A draft agreement between Ottawa and a Nova Scotia First nation over a `` moderate livelihood '' fishery has the potential to be a historic recognition of Mi'kmaq treaty rights , the community 's chief said Sunday .
Mike Sack of Sipekne'katik First Nation said he is reviewing a draft memorandum of understanding he received from the office of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan late Friday .
He said the Sipekne'katik Treaty Fishery agreement would allow the Mi'kmaq community to legally sell their catch .
An escalating series of events ensued , leading to the destruction of a lobster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' catch .
Other flareups included the cutting of Mi'kmaq lobster traps , wharf-side gatherings of large crowds of protesters hurling racist insults at fishers and the alleged torching of multiple vehicles .
The attacks prompted widespread condemnation and calls for clarification on Mi'kmaq treaty fishing rights .
A draft agreement between Ottawa and a # NovaScotia First nation defines `` moderate livelihood '' fishery and would be a historic recognition of # Mikmaq treaty rights , the community 's chief said on Nov. 29 , 2020 .
# cdnpoli # lobsterdispute Jane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Oceans Minister , said the federal government and the Sipekne ’ katik First Nation are continuing to work collaboratively towards an agreement .
`` Our negotiations have been positive , constructive , and progress is being made , '' she said in an email on Sunday .
`` While there is still more work ahead of us , we are making progress together.
” She confirmed that a draft memorandum of understanding is currently with Sipekne ’ katik First Nation .
`` We share the same goals of a productive and sustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ katik First Nation ’ s Treaty Rights , '' Deeks added .
Meanwhile , Sack said the agreement follows through on the Supreme Court of Canada 's recognition of Indigenous treaty rights in its landmark 1999 Marshall decision .
The ruling affirmed the Mi'kmaq treaty right to fish for a `` moderate livelihood , '' though the top court later clarified that the federal government could regulate the fishery for conservation and other limited purposes .

A draft agreement between Ottawa and a Nova Scotia First nation over a "moderate livelihood" fishery has the potential to be a historic recognition of Mi'kmaq treaty rights, the community's chief said Sunday. Mike Sack of Sipekne'katik First Nation said he is reviewing a draft memorandum of understanding he received from the office of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan late Friday. He said the Sipekne'katik Treaty Fishery agreement would allow the Mi'kmaq community to legally sell their catch. "It's very significant," Sack said in an interview. "It can help lift our people out of poverty." The community's lawyers are going over the agreement and clarifying a few points to ensure nothing infringes on the treaty rights of future generations, he added.
But the chief said he'd like to get a deal finalized as soon as possible, noting that "these last couple of months have seemed like a lifetime to us." Indigenous fishers faced violence and vandalism earlier this fall after launching a rights-based fishery in southwest Nova Scotia. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Tension with non-Indigenous fishers ignited almost as soon as Mi'kmaq boats entered the St. Marys Bay area.
An escalating series of events ensued, leading to the destruction of a lobster pound that had housed the Indigenous fishers' catch. A draft agreement between Ottawa and a #NovaScotia First nation defines "moderate livelihood" fishery and would be a historic recognition of #Mikmaq treaty rights, the community's chief said on Nov. 29, 2020. #cdnpoli #lobsterdispute Other flareups included the cutting of Mi'kmaq lobster traps, wharf-side gatherings of large crowds of protesters hurling racist insults at fishers and the alleged torching of multiple vehicles. The attacks prompted widespread condemnation and calls for clarification on Mi'kmaq treaty fishing rights. Jane Deeks, press secretary for the Fisheries and Oceans Minister, said the federal government and the Sipekne’katik First Nation are continuing to work collaboratively towards an agreement. "Our negotiations have been positive, constructive, and progress is being made," she said in an email on Sunday. "While there is still more work ahead of us, we are making progress together.”
She confirmed that a draft memorandum of understanding is currently with Sipekne’katik First Nation. "We share the same goals of a productive and sustainable fishery, and to further implement Sipekne’katik First Nation’s Treaty Rights," Deeks added. Meanwhile, Sack said the agreement follows through on the Supreme Court of Canada's recognition of Indigenous treaty rights in its landmark 1999 Marshall decision.


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--PM Trudeau put all vaccine 'eggs' in one China basket, didn't consider other options: O'Toole

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole accused the Liberal government Sunday of putting too much emphasis on partnering with a Chinese company for a COVID-19 vaccine in what turned out to be a failed deal .
O'Toole said the Trudeau government only turned its attention to pre-ordering tens of millions of vaccine doses from companies such as Pfizer and Moderna in August when its collaboration between the National Research Council and Chinese vaccine-maker CanSino finally collapsed after months of delays .
The Council had issued CanSino a licence to use a Canadian biological product as part of a COVID-19 vaccine .
CanSino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine for clinical trials at the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology at Dalhousie University , but the Chinese government blocked the shipments .
`` I would not have put all our eggs in the basket of China , '' O'Toole said at a morning news conference .
`` If you look at the timeline , that 's when Canada started getting serious with Pfizer , Moderna , the other options , '' he added , saying he was concerned that `` the Trudeau government was willing to almost double down on partnering with China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The glaring problem with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to fix it • Canadian warship 's passage through sensitive strait near China was monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce pollution without more public money , bank report says The government announced its major vaccine purchases in August after it confirmed the CanSino partnership had fallen through .
At the time , it said its decision had come after careful consultations with its vaccine task force of health experts .
The CanSino partnership with Dalhousie predated the deep freeze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People 's Republic imprisoned two Canadian men , Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor , in apparent retaliation for the RCMP 's arrest of Chinese high-tech executive Meng Wanzhou nearly two years ago on an American extradition warrant .
This past week , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau created a firestorm when he said Canadians will have to wait a bit to get vaccinated for COVID-19 because the first doses off the production lines will be used in the countries where they are made .
As questions grew about the CanSino deal , Trudeau continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy , which he says has secured multiple options for the country .
Trudeau also appointed a Canadian Forces general to lead the logistics of an eventual vaccine rollout with the Public Health Agency of Canada .
The chairman of American vaccine maker Moderna told the CBC on Sunday that Canada is near the front of the line to receive 20 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine it pre-ordered .
Noubar Afeyan was asked on CBC 's Rosemary Barton Live whether the fact that Canada committed to pre-purchase its doses before other jurisdictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Afeyan confirmed that was the case .
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole accused the Liberal government on Nov. 29 , 2020 , of putting too much emphasis on partnering with a Chinese company for a # COVID19 # vaccine in what turned out to be a failed deal .
# cdnpoli # Pfizer # Moderna # CanSino `` The people who are willing to move early on with even less proof of the efficacy have assured the amount of supply they were willing to sign up to , '' he said .
O'Toole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver the government 's long-awaited fiscal update on Monday , the Liberals need to do two things to spur economic recovery : offer a better plan on how it will rollout vaccines for Canadians and step up the distribution of rapid tests .
`` There ca n't be a full economy , a growing economy , people working , people being productive without the tools to keep that happening in a pandemic .
Those two tools are rapid tests , and a vaccine . ''
Freeland 's fall economic statement is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s record spending on programs to combat the pandemic .
In July , the deficit was forecast to be at a record $ 343.2 billion but some estimates say it could easily top $ 400 billion .
The government could announce new spending such as taking steps towards a national child-care system , and relief for battered industries such as travel and restaurants that will face an uphill struggle to recover from the pandemic .
NDP finance critic Peter Julien sent Freeland a three-page letter urging her to take action on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian families during the pandemic .
They included taking concrete action on establishing a national pharmacare plan to help Canadians pay for soaring prescription drug costs , and establish a national day-care strategy to help women who have been disproportionately hindered by the pandemic .
Julien also urged Freeland to help Indigenous communities and abandon the government 's plans to pay for the Trans-Mountain Pipeline and ramp up its fight against climate change .
Green party Leader Annamie Paul called on Freeland to deliver `` a positive vision for a green recovery '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon-neutral economy .
`` We are optimistic that a vaccine for COVID-19 will be widely available next year and so we must be prepared for what comes next , '' Paul said in a statement .

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole accused the Liberal government Sunday of putting too much emphasis on partnering with a Chinese company for a COVID-19 vaccine in what turned out to be a failed deal. O'Toole said the Trudeau government only turned its attention to pre-ordering tens of millions of vaccine doses from companies such as Pfizer and Moderna in August when its collaboration between the National Research Council and Chinese vaccine-maker CanSino finally collapsed after months of delays. The Council had issued CanSino a licence to use a Canadian biological product as part of a COVID-19 vaccine. CanSino was supposed to provide samples of the vaccine for clinical trials at the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology at Dalhousie University, but the Chinese government blocked the shipments. "I would not have put all our eggs in the basket of China," O'Toole said at a morning news conference. "If you look at the timeline, that's when Canada started getting serious with Pfizer, Moderna, the other options," he added, saying he was concerned that "the Trudeau government was willing to almost double down on partnering with China" earlier in the pandemic.
The government announced its major vaccine purchases in August after it confirmed the CanSino partnership had fallen through. At the time, it said its decision had come after careful consultations with its vaccine task force of health experts. The CanSino partnership with Dalhousie predated the deep freeze in Canada-China relations that occurred after the People's Republic imprisoned two Canadian men, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in apparent retaliation for the RCMP's arrest of Chinese high-tech executive Meng Wanzhou nearly two years ago on an American extradition warrant. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions This past week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau created a firestorm when he said Canadians will have to wait a bit to get vaccinated for COVID-19 because the first doses off the production lines will be used in the countries where they are made.
As questions grew about the CanSino deal, Trudeau continued to defend his government's vaccine procurement policy, which he says has secured multiple options for the country. Trudeau also appointed a Canadian Forces general to lead the logistics of an eventual vaccine rollout with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole accused the Liberal government on Nov. 29, 2020, of putting too much emphasis on partnering with a Chinese company for a #COVID19 #vaccine in what turned out to be a failed deal. #cdnpoli #Pfizer #Moderna #CanSino The chairman of American vaccine maker Moderna told the CBC on Sunday that Canada is near the front of the line to receive 20 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine it pre-ordered. Noubar Afeyan was asked on CBC's Rosemary Barton Live whether the fact that Canada committed to pre-purchase its doses before other jurisdictions means it will get its supply first. Afeyan confirmed that was the case. "The people who are willing to move early on with even less proof of the efficacy have assured the amount of supply they were willing to sign up to," he said. O'Toole said with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland poised to deliver the government's long-awaited fiscal update on Monday, the Liberals need to do two things to spur economic recovery: offer a better plan on how it will rollout vaccines for Canadians and step up the distribution of rapid tests.
"There can't be a full economy, a growing economy, people working, people being productive without the tools to keep that happening in a pandemic. Those two tools are rapid tests, and a vaccine." Freeland's fall economic statement is expected to give a full accounting of the government’s record spending on programs to combat the pandemic. In July, the deficit was forecast to be at a record $343.2 billion but some estimates say it could easily top $400 billion. The government could announce new spending such as taking steps towards a national child-care system, and relief for battered industries such as travel and restaurants that will face an uphill struggle to recover from the pandemic.


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Why COVID-19 is spreading so rapidly in Brampton

When Kelly Lopes learned back in the spring that the Ontario government was ordering her teenaged children to stay home from school for their own safety but expected them and their parents to continue going to work , fear and anger set in almost immediately .
In the seven months since then , however , the grocery store cashier said those emotions have given way to a numbness she said is sustaining her as she battles through the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario 's hardest-hit region .
She said that as the second wave has swelled to shocking heights in Brampton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harder and customers have gotten more combative .
`` A lot of us are burnt out , '' Lopes said Friday .
`` I get that we 're not paramedics or first responders , but we 're still a huge essential to a country that needs to eat .
Without us being here , how do you get your food ? ''
Peel Region , just west of Toronto , has led the province in COVID-19 cases per capita for weeks now , with upwards of 180 new weekly cases per 100,000 residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province as a whole .
• The glaring problem with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to fix it • Canadian warship 's passage through sensitive strait near China was monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce pollution without more public money , bank report says Brampton makes up less than half of Peel 's population , but accounts for more than 60 per cent of its COVID-19 cases .
Lopes said the fear she feels working on the front lines is compounded by customers who push back when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a mask .
`` We 're tired .
We 're numb .
We 're overworked .
We 're frustrated , because it 's not our rules , '' she said .
`` We 're just trying to keep everybody else safe . ''
And data from Peel suggests that workplaces like Lopes ' have some role to play in the virus 's spread .
Dr. Adalsteinn Brown , a public health expert involved in preparing the province 's COVID-19 projections , said Thursday that the virus is hardest to control in regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there 's a higher proportion of essential service workers .
`` These are long-standing structural factors here , '' he said .
`` These are not transient things related to the pandemic that drive these much higher rates of infection . ''
Spread of COVID-19 in # Brampton linked to health care and manufacturing workers living in larger households .
# COVID19 # TOpoli # ONpoli # cdnpoli A quarter of all households in Brampton consist of five or more people , compared to less than 10 per cent of households provincewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And just 12 per cent of Bramptonians live alone , the census data shows , compared to nearly a third of Torontonians .
Meanwhile , Peel Public Health said there have been 137 workplace outbreaks of COVID-19 in the region since the pandemic began .
A full third of those were in manufacturing or warehouse settings , while 14 per cent were in retail and 11 per cent were in food processing .
Brampton has a disproportionately large number of people who work in the manufacturing industry , said Gagandeep Kaur , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The city is home to numerous Amazon `` fulfilment centres '' and other large-scale warehouses .
Kaur said she 's heard from workers that it 's hard to maintain physical distance while moving around some of those warehouses .
But she said seeking safer employment is n't a simple matter , noting many workers are new immigrants to Canada trying to get on their feet .
`` If you are a new hire in that facility , and you are a new immigrant in this country , your priority at that time is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employer is offering , because you have a family to feed or you have bills to pay , '' she said .
Dr. Farah Mawani , a social and psychiatric epidemiologist , said that 's the sort of systemic racism that has put racialized people — and particularly new immigrants — at greater risk during this pandemic .
`` We know that there 's a very high portion of racialized immigrants who are highly trained and skilled , but very underemployed .
So they 're forced to work in manufacturing because they ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said . ''
She said the issue is even worse for temporary foreign workers , whose migration status is tied to their employment at a certain company .
If they complain about poor working conditions , Mawani said , they risk losing not only their income but their place in Canada .
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said he feels his city has been unfairly maligned by those who grouse about high rates of COVID-19 without examining the root causes .
`` There needs to be a bit of appreciation for the sacrifice that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking on , '' he said .
`` When you think about it , if you go to a grocery store , wherever you are in Canada , the likelihood is that someone from Brampton has helped process that food . ''
He said essential workers in the city need greater support from the provincial and federal governments , while the city itself requires its own COVID-19 isolation centre .
Ottawa announced Thursday that it would open such a facility in Mississauga , Ont.
, another part of Peel Region .
But Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride away for some of Brampton 's more vulnerable residents , many of whom do n't have cars .
`` An isolation center is useful when people ca n't afford to rent a hotel room for 14 days , or they do n't have a place where they can safely isolate , '' he said .
`` So I want to make sure that we have that support . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29 , 2020 .

When Kelly Lopes learned back in the spring that the Ontario government was ordering her teenaged children to stay home from school for their own safety but expected them and their parents to continue going to work, fear and anger set in almost immediately. In the seven months since then, however, the grocery store cashier said those emotions have given way to a numbness she said is sustaining her as she battles through the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario's hardest-hit region. She said that as the second wave has swelled to shocking heights in Brampton, Ont., her job has gotten harder and customers have gotten more combative. "A lot of us are burnt out," Lopes said Friday. "I get that we're not paramedics or first responders, but we're still a huge essential to a country that needs to eat. Without us being here, how do you get your food?" Peel Region, just west of Toronto, has led the province in COVID-19 cases per capita for weeks now, with upwards of 180 new weekly cases per 100,000 residents — nearly triple the rate of the province as a whole.
Brampton makes up less than half of Peel's population, but accounts for more than 60 per cent of its COVID-19 cases. Lopes said the fear she feels working on the front lines is compounded by customers who push back when she reminds them to keep a distance or wear a mask. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "We're tired. We're numb. We're overworked. We're frustrated, because it's not our rules," she said. "We're just trying to keep everybody else safe."
And data from Peel suggests that workplaces like Lopes' have some role to play in the virus's spread. Spread of COVID-19 in #Brampton linked to health care and manufacturing workers living in larger households. #COVID19 #TOpoli #ONpoli #cdnpoli Dr. Adalsteinn Brown, a public health expert involved in preparing the province's COVID-19 projections, said Thursday that the virus is hardest to control in regions such as Brampton where households are larger and there's a higher proportion of essential service workers. "These are long-standing structural factors here," he said. "These are not transient things related to the pandemic that drive these much higher rates of infection." A quarter of all households in Brampton consist of five or more people, compared to less than 10 per cent of households provincewide, according to the latest census. And just 12 per cent of Bramptonians live alone, the census data shows, compared to nearly a third of Torontonians. Meanwhile, Peel Public Health said there have been 137 workplace outbreaks of COVID-19 in the region since the pandemic began. A full third of those were in manufacturing or warehouse settings, while 14 per cent were in retail and 11 per cent were in food processing.
Brampton has a disproportionately large number of people who work in the manufacturing industry, said Gagandeep Kaur, an organizer with the Warehouse Workers Centre. The city is home to numerous Amazon "fulfilment centres" and other large-scale warehouses. Kaur said she's heard from workers that it's hard to maintain physical distance while moving around some of those warehouses.


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Few federal prisoners moved from solitary after external reviews, new data show

Independent reviews of the hundreds of inmates placed in segregation over the past year found only a handful were inappropriate , new government data indicate .
According to the previously unpublished information from Correctional Service Canada , only two per cent of reviews by independent external decision-makers resulted in inmates moved out of isolation , and then not always right away .
`` There can be rare cases where the removal may not be immediate , for example , if the inmate refuses to leave or a transfer is pending for a suitable placement , '' the service said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be safely returned to a different environment , which in most cases is to a mainstream population . ''
The data , viewed with skepticism by critics , indicate that external reviewers weighed in 1,475 times as of Nov. 1 .
Of those , 905 were triggered by inmates isolated for longer than the legally allowed stretches .
One year ago , after the courts had repeatedly struck down administrative segregation used to isolate prisoners who posed a threat to themselves or others , the government implemented a new system called structured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to fix it • Canadian warship 's passage through sensitive strait near China was monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce pollution without more public money , bank report says Key changes included allowing inmates out of their cells for at least four hours a day , giving them a daily minimum of two hours of meaningful interaction with others , and putting an external oversight mechanism in place that can result in binding directives .
Since then , reviewers have looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates .
The aim was to see whether authorities were abiding by the new rules , such as giving prisoners a chance to be out of their cells and interact with others .
Overall , the reviews concluded authorities took all reasonable steps to meet their obligations in 79 per cent of the cases , the service said .
Critics , however , have called the new system rebranded solitary confinement .
For example , criminologist Anthony Doob , who led a government advisory committee on the issue , and colleague Jane Sprott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live up to the legislated requirements .
Among other things , their analysis found a sizable percentage of inmates had spent more than two months in confinement and few had received the mandated four hours daily out of their cells and two hours of human contact .
Dr. Adelina Iftene , an assistant law professor at Dalhousie University , said the new data raise questions about the review process or IEDMs .
Few federal inmates moved from solitary after external reviews , new data show .
# cdnlaw # cdnpoli # cdnlegal # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clarity on what exactly are the role and powers of the IEDMs , or the IEDMs are tigers without teeth , or the IEDMs are not fulfilling their role , '' Iftene said .
`` The implication remains that there may still be no effective oversight of placements in the SIUs . ''
The tiny number of reviews resulting in directives to move an inmate from confinement also raises questions about the quality of the information fed to reviewers , Iftene said .
`` Did they know that so many people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` If so , how is it possible that they recommended removal from the SIUs only in two per cent of cases ? ''
Whether individuals ’ rights are being upheld is a yes or no question , Iftene added .
There are no “ reasonable steps.
” Correctional Service Canada defended its approach , saying the new system is part of a `` historic transformation '' that ca n't happen overnight .
`` It takes time to instill cultural and transformational change , '' the service said .

Independent reviews of the hundreds of inmates placed in segregation over the past year found only a handful were inappropriate, new government data indicate. According to the previously unpublished information from Correctional Service Canada, only two per cent of reviews by independent external decision-makers resulted in inmates moved out of isolation, and then not always right away. "There can be rare cases where the removal may not be immediate, for example, if the inmate refuses to leave or a transfer is pending for a suitable placement," the service said. "Our goal is to ensure they can be safely returned to a different environment, which in most cases is to a mainstream population." The data, viewed with skepticism by critics, indicate that external reviewers weighed in 1,475 times as of Nov. 1. Of those, 905 were triggered by inmates isolated for longer than the legally allowed stretches. One year ago, after the courts had repeatedly struck down administrative segregation used to isolate prisoners who posed a threat to themselves or others, the government implemented a new system called structured intervention units.
Key changes included allowing inmates out of their cells for at least four hours a day, giving them a daily minimum of two hours of meaningful interaction with others, and putting an external oversight mechanism in place that can result in binding directives. Since then, reviewers have looked at the confinement conditions of about 740 individual inmates. The aim was to see whether authorities were abiding by the new rules, such as giving prisoners a chance to be out of their cells and interact with others. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Overall, the reviews concluded authorities took all reasonable steps to meet their obligations in 79 per cent of the cases, the service said.
Critics, however, have called the new system rebranded solitary confinement. For example, criminologist Anthony Doob, who led a government advisory committee on the issue, and colleague Jane Sprott, concluded the government was failing to live up to the legislated requirements. Few federal inmates moved from solitary after external reviews, new data show. #cdnlaw #cdnpoli #cdnlegal #justice Among other things, their analysis found a sizable percentage of inmates had spent more than two months in confinement and few had received the mandated four hours daily out of their cells and two hours of human contact. Dr. Adelina Iftene, an assistant law professor at Dalhousie University, said the new data raise questions about the review process or IEDMs. "Either there is a lack of clarity on what exactly are the role and powers of the IEDMs, or the IEDMs are tigers without teeth, or the IEDMs are not fulfilling their role," Iftene said. "The implication remains that there may still be no effective oversight of placements in the SIUs." The tiny number of reviews resulting in directives to move an inmate from confinement also raises questions about the quality of the information fed to reviewers, Iftene said.
"Did they know that so many people were effectively experiencing solitary confinement?" she said. "If so, how is it possible that they recommended removal from the SIUs only in two per cent of cases?" Whether individuals’ rights are being upheld is a yes or no question, Iftene added. There are no “reasonable steps.” Correctional Service Canada defended its approach, saying the new system is part of a "historic transformation" that can't happen overnight.


nationalobserver--2020-11-30--Wild winter in store for Canada this year: Weather Network

Chief Meteorologist Chris Scott says this means most Canadians can brace for a wildly variable winter with major departures from seasonal norms .
The Weather Network says cooler Pacific Ocean temperatures off the coast of South America , also known as `` La Niña , '' will create a strong jet stream separating warm southern air masses from their colder northern counterparts .
A prominent Canadian forecaster says the country 's residents could experience everything from winter wonderlands to spring-like spells in the months ahead .
In British Columbia and the Prairies , for instance , Scott says forecasters are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below seasonal norms .
He says major swings in both temperatures and precipitation levels are on tap for Ontario , Quebec and the Atlantic provinces , with stretches of both extreme cold and unusually mild air forecast alongside a mix of storms and dry spells .
Scott says Newfoundland and Labrador and northern Canada are slated to buck the trend , with the eastern-most province set to experience a more typical winter while colder than average conditions are expected across all three territories .
But Scott said the long-term patterns may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecast is calling for conditions that defy the overall forecasts .
In broad strokes , he predicted an overall milder month for western Canada with more wintry conditions likely in Ontario and points east .
`` It 's going to be quite a winter , '' Scott said in a telephone interview .
`` A lot of extremes within the given regions .
And if you 're talking to your friends or family back east or out west , you 're probably going to have a very different experience from week to week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

A prominent Canadian forecaster says the country's residents could experience everything from winter wonderlands to spring-like spells in the months ahead.
The Weather Network says cooler Pacific Ocean temperatures off the coast of South America, also known as "La Niña," will create a strong jet stream separating warm southern air masses from their colder northern counterparts.
Chief Meteorologist Chris Scott says this means most Canadians can brace for a wildly variable winter with major departures from seasonal norms.
In British Columbia and the Prairies, for instance, Scott says forecasters are calling for above-average snowfall levels and temperatures below seasonal norms.
He says major swings in both temperatures and precipitation levels are on tap for Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, with stretches of both extreme cold and unusually mild air forecast alongside a mix of storms and dry spells.


nationalobserver--2020-11-29--Now Canada's COVID-19 numbers keep rising

Canada remains on a troubling path for new COVID-19 infections as case counts continue to mount , the country 's top doctor said Saturday .
The most recent infection rates indicate Canada is on track to hit as many as 10,000 new cases a day by next month , Dr. Theresa Tam said .
`` If we continue on the current pace , our longer range models continue to forecast significant increases in daily case counts and estimate that there could be up to 10,000 cases reported daily by mid-December , '' Tam said in a written statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of opportunity to act collectively together with public health authorities to bring the infection rate down to a safer trajectory . ''
Canada is currently recording caseloads at about half that level , with the most recent seven-day average standing at 5,335 between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26 .
• The glaring problem with Canada ’ s solar sector and how to fix it • Canadian warship 's passage through sensitive strait near China was monitored by top officials • Oilpatch unlikely to reduce pollution without more public money , bank report says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths a day and more than 2,100 people in hospital .
People 80 years and older are experiencing Canada 's highest COVID-19 death rate , and there are now more and larger outbreaks in long-term care facilities , hospitals , group living settings , Indigenous communities and remote areas , she said .
`` Those developments are deeply concerning as they put countless Canadians at risk of life-threatening illness , cause serious disruptions to health services and present significant challenges for areas not adequately equipped to manage complex medical emergencies , '' Tam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts continued to soar in numerous provinces .
Quebec set a new single-day record with 1,480 new infections Saturday as the provincial death toll crossed the 7,000 threshold .
Alberta also broke its own record , reporting 1,731 new cases of the virus on Saturday .
It also counted five new deaths .
# Canada remains on a troubling path for new # COVID19 infections as case counts continue to mount , the country 's top doctor said on Saturday , November 28 , 2020 .
Ontario logged case numbers just shy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,822 new diagnoses in the past 24 hours .
Case numbers also jumped sharply in Manitoba , where officials recorded 487 new infections and 10 new deaths .
Among those who died was a boy under the age of 10 , officials said , though they offered no other details .
The province ordered the suspension of team sports earlier this week until Dec. 17 after confirmed COVID-19 cases among several minor and recreational hockey teams .
The Saskatchewan suspension applies to hockey and curling leagues and dance studios .
The Saskatchewan Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks at curling and recreation centres at Christopher Lake and Shellbrook .
Those curling or socializing at either of the two facilities last month must self-isolate for 14 days , the health authority said .
In British Columbia , Fraser Health announced the closure of an elementary school in Surrey after confirming 16 COVID-19 cases .
Newton Elementary School will close for two weeks , said Fraser Health .
B.C .
reported a daily record of 911 COVID-19 cases Friday .
The province will update its numbers Monday .
People must continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and staying home as much as possible , said a newly appointed member of B.C .
Premier John Horgan 's cabinet .
`` I just think it 's important for us to be thoughtful and caring , but at the same time it 's critical that people follow the rules because it 's vital to be able to keep our schools open and keep as many of our business open as possible , '' said Ravi Kahlon , whose ministry includes economic recovery .
Figures from New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , respectively .
Prince Edward Island reported two new COVID-19 cases , but they involved young males aged 10 and 19 .
There were 14 new cases in Nova Scotia and five COVID-19 cases in Nunavut .
Tam redoubled her calls for Canadians to heed public health advice , limit their social interactions and practice physical distancing in a bid to bring surging case counts under control .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 28 , 2020 .

Canada remains on a troubling path for new COVID-19 infections as case counts continue to mount, the country's top doctor said Saturday. The most recent infection rates indicate Canada is on track to hit as many as 10,000 new cases a day by next month, Dr. Theresa Tam said. "If we continue on the current pace, our longer range models continue to forecast significant increases in daily case counts and estimate that there could be up to 10,000 cases reported daily by mid-December," Tam said in a written statement. "Right now, we have a window of opportunity to act collectively together with public health authorities to bring the infection rate down to a safer trajectory." Canada is currently recording caseloads at about half that level, with the most recent seven-day average standing at 5,335 between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26.
Tam said Canada is also averaging 76 deaths a day and more than 2,100 people in hospital. People 80 years and older are experiencing Canada's highest COVID-19 death rate, and there are now more and larger outbreaks in long-term care facilities, hospitals, group living settings, Indigenous communities and remote areas, she said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "Those developments are deeply concerning as they put countless Canadians at risk of life-threatening illness, cause serious disruptions to health services and present significant challenges for areas not adequately equipped to manage complex medical emergencies," Tam said.
Her assessment came as case counts continued to soar in numerous provinces. #Canada remains on a troubling path for new #COVID19 infections as case counts continue to mount, the country's top doctor said on Saturday, November 28, 2020. Quebec set a new single-day record with 1,480 new infections Saturday as the provincial death toll crossed the 7,000 threshold. Alberta also broke its own record, reporting 1,731 new cases of the virus on Saturday. It also counted five new deaths. Ontario logged case numbers just shy of Friday's one-day record as it reported 1,822 new diagnoses in the past 24 hours. Case numbers also jumped sharply in Manitoba, where officials recorded 487 new infections and 10 new deaths.
Among those who died was a boy under the age of 10, officials said, though they offered no other details. Saskatchewan reported 197 COVID-19 cases and one death Saturday. The province ordered the suspension of team sports earlier this week until Dec. 17 after confirmed COVID-19 cases among several minor and recreational hockey teams.


nationalobserver--2020-12-01--Feds’ economic update eyes ‘green transformation’

The federal Liberal government unveiled a suite of environmental measures on Monday as part of its fall fiscal update , proposing spending on things such as ecosystem restoration , clean transport and energy efficiency .
The government ’ s Fall Economic Statement , tabled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland , also sets up some signposts pointing to a “ green transformation , ” including issuing the first federal green bonds next year .
Ottawa will be exploring the possibility of border carbon adjustments , where a fee is imposed on imports from countries without carbon pricing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those produced in Canada by companies subject to Canadian carbon pricing systems .
The Liberals were “ not willing to ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share , ” said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh , by taking steps to secure new revenue sources from large corporations making “ massive profits ” during the pandemic .
“ This is the exact opposite of what people need , ” he said .
$ 2.6 billion over seven years for energy retrofits Monday ’ s economic statement commits to $ 2.6 billion over seven years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 700,000 grants of up to $ 5,000 each for homeowners and landlords to carry out energy-efficiency upgrades .
The federal Liberal government unveiled a suite of environmental measures on Monday as part of its fall fiscal update , proposing spending on things like ecosystem restoration , clean transport and energy efficiency .
The government said buildings account for 17 per cent of emissions , and “ helping Canadians make their homes more energy efficient can support our environmental objectives , while making homes more comfortable and more affordable to maintain.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitiveness depends on our ability to take advantage of the net-zero green economy , ” Freeland said in Parliament after tabling the document .
“ Our growth plan must continue to advance our progress on climate action and promote a clean economy.
” Efficiency Canada executive director Corey Diamond told Canada 's National Observer that home retrofits were a big environmental and economic boost , creating local jobs nationwide and contributing to Canada 's journey to net-zero emissions .
“ The announcement today is a start , and a piece of the puzzle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot more is required if we 're going to be able to help Canadians.
” He said there appeared to be “ gaps in some high-impact areas , ” including specific supports for low-income programs .
“ What is essential in all of this , however , is that the federal strategy integrates with existing programs on the ground , across the country , ” he said .
Funding to address issues such as retrofits , clean transport and protected areas was central to proposals issued last month by a coalition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups in Canada .
The Green Budget Coalition ’ s roadmap for a federal green recovery called for billions of dollars to be invested in each of those areas .
The economic statement acknowledges that Canada ’ s grasslands , wetlands and peatlands are “ highly valuable for their ability to store greenhouse gases , ” and proposes funding to “ restore degraded ecosystems , protect wildlife , and improve land and resource management practices.
” The government estimated that these kinds of “ nature-based solutions ” can provide “ almost 40 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2030.
” As a result , the government is proposing to spend $ 3.16 billion over the next decade , starting in 2021-22 , in order to follow through with its promise to plant two billion trees .
It also proposed up to $ 631 million over 10 years , starting next year , to “ implement climate smart , natural solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to ecosystem loss.
” Because of jurisdictional issues , both of those initiatives will require Ottawa to work with a wide range of partners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , conservation authorities and non-governmental organizations .
Finally , the government is proposing a new , $ 98-million Natural Climate Solutions for Agriculture Fund , to capitalize on the potential of Canadian farms to increase carbon sequestration and “ realize other environmental benefits ” that will come out of a future “ Canadian Agri-Environmental Strategy.
” Keith Stewart , senior energy strategist at Greenpeace Canada , said the economic statement was “ yet another promise to go big on climate change and inequality at a future date.
” Canada has made decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal , ” Stewart said .
“ We can fight the pandemic in a way that lays the groundwork for a greener , more equitable and inclusive future but this economic update doesn ’ t do that.
” He said environmental groups will have to `` keep the pressure on '' for the forthcoming new 2030 emissions reduction target , and plan to achieve it , as well as the 2021 budget .
New ‘ action council ’ will look at climate risk disclosure The Fall Economic Statement gives a nod toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ committed to ensuring that Canada ’ s transition to a low-carbon economy is achieved in a way that is fair and predictable for our businesses , and supports Canada ’ s international competitiveness.
” To this end , the government said it was “ exploring the potential ” of a border adjustment for carbon .
It said it would be working with the United States , Mexico and “ like-minded economies ” in Europe to “ consider how this approach could fit into a broader strategy to meet climate targets while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government also plans to set up a public-private Sustainable Finance Action Council , as institutions and investors around the world increasingly evaluate climate change risks to company assets .
The Bank of Canada has warned that sectors such as oil and gas are exposed to risks that could spill over into “ fire sales.
” “ Developing sustainable finance in Canada will promote the long-term growth and stability of our financial system in the face of climate change , ” reads the economic statement .
The commitment is worth $ 7.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its intention to “ issue the federal government ’ s first-ever green bond in 2021-22 , ” that it said would help finance its green infrastructure spending .

The federal Liberal government unveiled a suite of environmental measures on Monday as part of its fall fiscal update, proposing spending on things such as ecosystem restoration, clean transport and energy efficiency. The government’s Fall Economic Statement, tabled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, also sets up some signposts pointing to a “green transformation,” including issuing the first federal green bonds next year. Ottawa will be exploring the possibility of border carbon adjustments, where a fee is imposed on imports from countries without carbon pricing, so foreign products don't undercut those produced in Canada by companies subject to Canadian carbon pricing systems. And it will be setting up an “action council” focused on developing a sustainable finance market in Canada that would see capital flows redirected toward green initiatives. That will include looking at “enhancing climate disclosures,” the government said, as directors of Canadian corporations face mounting obligations to act on the risks posed by the climate crisis as part of the responsibilities of their jobs.
But with Canada’s deficit projected to hit $381 billion in 2020-21, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is pushing back any larger stimulus plan until a vaccine is being distributed and outbreaks and shutdowns are in the rearview mirror. “When the virus is under control and our economy is ready to absorb it, we will deploy a three-year stimulus package to jumpstart our recovery,” reads the statement. “Key to this stimulus plan will be smart, time-limited investments that can act fast and make a long-run contribution to our future shared prosperity, quality of life, competitiveness and our green transformation.” Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Reaction was muted from some opposition members. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole dismissed the economic statement soon after Freeland tabled it as “putting the economy on hold.” He portrayed the government’s approach as wrongheaded, looking forward to future stimulus potential without first getting public health fundamentals correct.
The Liberals were “not willing to ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share,” said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, by taking steps to secure new revenue sources from large corporations making “massive profits” during the pandemic. The federal Liberal government unveiled a suite of environmental measures on Monday as part of its fall fiscal update, proposing spending on things like ecosystem restoration, clean transport and energy efficiency. “This is the exact opposite of what people need,” he said. $2.6 billion over seven years for energy retrofits Funding to address issues such as retrofits and clean transport was central to proposals issued last month by a coalition of more than two dozen environmental and conservation groups in Canada. The Green Budget Coalition’s roadmap for a federal green recovery called for $10 billion for energy efficiency retrofits in buildings, among other commitments.
Monday’s economic statement commits to $2.6 billion over seven years for Natural Resources Canada to provide up to 700,000 grants of up to $5,000 each for homeowners and landlords to carry out energy-efficiency upgrades. The government said buildings account for 17 per cent of emissions, and “helping Canadians make their homes more energy efficient can support our environmental objectives, while making homes more comfortable and more affordable to maintain.” “We know that Canada’s future competitiveness depends on our ability to take advantage of the net-zero green economy,” Freeland said in Parliament after tabling the document. “Our growth plan must continue to advance our progress on climate action and promote a clean economy.”


nationalobserver--2020-12-01--New B.C. cabinet includes more fisheries oversight, but advocates say it's not enough

Fisheries appear to be taking a more prominent role in B.C .
Premier John Horgan ’ s new cabinet .
On Thursday , Horgan announced a new parliamentary secretary for fisheries position within the Agriculture Ministry .
Fin Donnelly , MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain , will take up the portfolio that is focused on revitalizing salmon population , protecting habitat , creating a provincial-level “ coastal strategy ” and increasing domestic fish processing capacity .
Fisheries are a major industry in the province , with the wild harvest worth roughly $ 476 million in 2018 .
But unlike its East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have a fisheries ministry .
That has meant responsibility for the sector ’ s myriad issues has been scattered across multiple ministerial portfolios .
“ Fisheries are complicated , they touch on so many different aspects of politics and policy , ” said Tasha Sutcliffe , senior policy adviser at Ecotrust Canada .
Those include environmental issues , rehabilitating wild salmon populations , the creation of culturally relevant jobs in rural communities and First Nations , food security ( most fish caught in B.C .
is exported ) and ensuring the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the province .
• What Indigenous knowledge can teach us about resilience in a time of climate crisis • Is Ontario 's back-to-school strategy working , or are COVID-19 cases going untraced ?
Donnelly ’ s mandate will require him to co-ordinate with at least three ministries — agriculture ; environment and climate change ; and forests , lands , natural resources operations and rural development .
But without the administrative resources of a ministry , Sutcliffe expects it will be hard for him to address the plethora of environmental , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For some environmentalists , concerns about the previous government 's approach to wild salmon restoration have been amplified by Donnelly 's new mandate .
“ We ’ re concerned ( about ) the directive to support innovation in fish hatcheries , which on the surface of it sounds great , but there ’ s a large body of science that shows hatcheries pose a lot of risks to wild salmon , ” said Aaron Hill , executive director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society , an environmental non-profit focused on rebuilding B.C.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farms — a controversial type of aquaculture where Atlantic salmon are reared in floating nets — salmon hatcheries raise young Pacific salmon and release them into creeks and streams , allowing them to migrate into the Pacific to reach adulthood .
Then , like wild salmon , they return to the streams of their birth to spawn .
In Alaska , “ ocean ranching , ” or widespread hatchery use , is essential to sustaining the state ’ s massive commercial salmon industry .
However , it has proved controversial , as hatchery-raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , through interbreeding , reduce wild fish populations ' genetic diversity and resilience to environmental change .
In contrast , open-pen fish farms threaten wild salmon through parasites , diseases , pesticide use and interbreeding with wild Pacific salmon .
B.C .
is the only jurisdiction on the West Coast where the salmon aquaculture industry can operate .
B.C .
Premier John Horgan has created a new position within the Agriculture Ministry aimed at revitalizing salmon population , among other things , but advocates say the province needs to put more resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report prepared for the province by an appointed advisory committee to inform its salmon-related policies recommended that hatcheries be used only to “ rebuild weak or extirpated stocks ... or for short-term interventions to help rebuild stocks for southern resident killer whales.
” Protecting and restoring spawning habitats and developing a more equitable distribution of the fisheries ' economic benefits are more important priorities , the report noted .
However , the report has been criticized by Hill and other conservationists for having a pro-industry bias ( many of the committee members are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill ) and “ failing to address the root causes of the salmon crisis.
” Still , the province ’ s continued focus on salmon and Donnelly ’ s appointment were welcomed by Robert Chamberlin .
The former chief of the Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation and former vice-president of the Union of B.C .
Indian Chiefs played a key role in the removal of open-pen fish farms from the Broughton Archipelago through a collaborative , nation-to-nation process he hopes can be replicated in other areas of the province .
“ I think ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said , noting that in addition to Donnelly , Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham and Nathan Cullen will also be shaping future provincial fisheries policy , and all are familiar with the Broughton Island process .
Cullen is the MLA for Stikine and provincial minister of state for lands and natural resource operations — another new role — tasked with a suite of responsibilities , including habitat protection and co-developing a coastal strategy with Donnelly .
“ ( Their appointments ) match the statements ( Horgan ) made about sending a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
government is taking a very strong focus on salmon.
” But that focus on salmon , while important , still leaves out large parts of the province ’ s fisheries , Sutcliffe said .
“ Salmon is iconic , it is rooted in our identity and affects the lives of so many people — you don ’ t have to be a fisherman to care about salmon .
( But ) we also can ’ t ignore the fact that many other species are fished and relied upon for the same reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
food system , it ’ s not enough to just focus on salmon.
” Many of the challenges facing fisheries and the communities that rely on them aren ’ t about salmon , but the dozens of other species harvested in the province such as prawns , crabs and halibut .
Those include everything from issues of unequal wealth distribution to access to credit to participation in conservation decision-making .
While many of these issues fall primarily under federal jurisdiction , she said that federal efforts at reform will be hampered without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could provide .

Fisheries appear to be taking a more prominent role in B.C. Premier John Horgan’s new cabinet. On Thursday, Horgan announced a new parliamentary secretary for fisheries position within the Agriculture Ministry. Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, will take up the portfolio that is focused on revitalizing salmon population, protecting habitat, creating a provincial-level “coastal strategy” and increasing domestic fish processing capacity. Fisheries are a major industry in the province, with the wild harvest worth roughly $476 million in 2018. But unlike its East Coast counterparts, B.C. doesn’t have a fisheries ministry. That has meant responsibility for the sector’s myriad issues has been scattered across multiple ministerial portfolios. “Fisheries are complicated, they touch on so many different aspects of politics and policy,” said Tasha Sutcliffe, senior policy adviser at Ecotrust Canada. Those include environmental issues, rehabilitating wild salmon populations, the creation of culturally relevant jobs in rural communities and First Nations, food security (most fish caught in B.C. is exported) and ensuring the economic benefits of B.C.’s fish remain in the province.
Donnelly’s mandate will require him to co-ordinate with at least three ministries — agriculture; environment and climate change; and forests, lands, natural resources operations and rural development. But without the administrative resources of a ministry, Sutcliffe expects it will be hard for him to address the plethora of environmental, social and economic issues facing the sector. For some environmentalists, concerns about the previous government's approach to wild salmon restoration have been amplified by Donnelly's new mandate. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “We’re concerned (about) the directive to support innovation in fish hatcheries, which on the surface of it sounds great, but there’s a large body of science that shows hatcheries pose a lot of risks to wild salmon,” said Aaron Hill, executive director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society, an environmental non-profit focused on rebuilding B.C.’s wild salmon.
Unlike open-pen fish farms — a controversial type of aquaculture where Atlantic salmon are reared in floating nets — salmon hatcheries raise young Pacific salmon and release them into creeks and streams, allowing them to migrate into the Pacific to reach adulthood. Then, like wild salmon, they return to the streams of their birth to spawn. B.C. Premier John Horgan has created a new position within the Agriculture Ministry aimed at revitalizing salmon population, among other things, but advocates say the province needs to put more resources toward fisheries management. In Alaska, “ocean ranching,” or widespread hatchery use, is essential to sustaining the state’s massive commercial salmon industry. However, it has proved controversial, as hatchery-raised fish compete against wild fish for food and, through interbreeding, reduce wild fish populations' genetic diversity and resilience to environmental change. In contrast, open-pen fish farms threaten wild salmon through parasites, diseases, pesticide use and interbreeding with wild Pacific salmon. B.C. is the only jurisdiction on the West Coast where the salmon aquaculture industry can operate. A 2019 policy report prepared for the province by an appointed advisory committee to inform its salmon-related policies recommended that hatcheries be used only to “rebuild weak or extirpated stocks ... or for short-term interventions to help rebuild stocks for southern resident killer whales.” Protecting and restoring spawning habitats and developing a more equitable distribution of the fisheries' economic benefits are more important priorities, the report noted. However, the report has been criticized by Hill and other conservationists for having a pro-industry bias (many of the committee members are involved in the fisheries, according to Hill) and “failing to address the root causes of the salmon crisis.”
Still, the province’s continued focus on salmon and Donnelly’s appointment were welcomed by Robert Chamberlin. The former chief of the Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation and former vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs played a key role in the removal of open-pen fish farms from the Broughton Archipelago through a collaborative, nation-to-nation process he hopes can be replicated in other areas of the province. “I think (Horgan) put in key players,” he said, noting that in addition to Donnelly, Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham and Nathan Cullen will also be shaping future provincial fisheries policy, and all are familiar with the Broughton Island process. Cullen is the MLA for Stikine and provincial minister of state for lands and natural resource operations — another new role — tasked with a suite of responsibilities, including habitat protection and co-developing a coastal strategy with Donnelly. “(Their appointments) match the statements (Horgan) made about sending a strong signal to Ottawa that the B.C. government is taking a very strong focus on salmon.”