nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Relatives, advocates worry COVID-19 second wave will shut the door on visiting loved ones

Right now , Arne Liseth is his brother Keith ’ s only remaining connection to the outside world .
Liseth is his brother ’ s sole designated visitor at the long-term care home in Campbell River , B.C.
, where Keith lives .
And as the number of COVID-19 cases spike in the province , Liseth worries what little social contact his brother enjoys will be cut off again .
“ Absolutely , his quality of life is worse , ” said Liseth .
“ A once-a-week visit , that is what ’ s allowed.
” His brother , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to a stroke , used to enjoy regular visits and outings .
Now , he only exits the care home for medical appointments .
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How factory farming could cause the next pandemic • U.S. companies threaten to use CUSMA to fight Canada 's plastics ban “ He ’ s used to getting driven around , going for lunch , visiting friends … and coming over to Quadra once a month , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Liseth said .
His brother is limited to a 30-minute weekly visit with Liseth in a common room .
And that ’ s following no face-to-face social contact other than window visits for the first fourth months of the pandemic , he added .
It has been hard on his brother ’ s spirits , who is also getting less necessary exercise , said Liseth .
But his brother is lucid , Liseth said , and unlike folks who have dementia at the home , he ’ s able to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so limited .
“ But a lot of ( people with dementia ) have really regressed , or died and stuff , ” Liseth said .
Laura Tamblyn Watts , CEO of CanAge , said visitors ' restrictions are akin to locking people up .
Photo courtesy of CanAge The guidelines for long-term care ( LTC ) facilities vary from province to province , said Laura Tamblyn Watts , CEO of CanAge , a national seniors ' advocacy group .
The # COVID19 guidelines for long-term care facilities vary from province to province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are experiencing due to visitor restrictions is nationwide , says one # seniors advocate .
But the anguish families and the residents of long-term care homes are experiencing due to visitor restrictions is nationwide , Tamblyn Watts said .
The restrictions are an attempt to keep COVID-19 in check , but the preventive measures also pose dangers to LTC residents , she added .
“ What we ’ re seeing across Canada is the hugely detrimental impacts of visitor restrictions , ” Tamblyn Watts said .
“ There ’ s increased depression , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , a willingness to stop treatments , or a lack of interest in many aspects of life .
“ But ( the impacts ) are also physical and measurable , ” Tamblyn Watts said , noting physiological effects include decreased physical mobility and cognitive declines .
In terms of visitor restrictions , distinctions need to be made between occasional social visitors and essential family caregivers whose involvement is critical to the well-being of the residents , she added .
There has been an evolution of understanding on how to stem transmission of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic when thousands of seniors died in residential care due to COVID-19 , she said .
“ What we know is we can safely have people — even in the cases of outbreaks — visit and spend time in long-term care facilities as long as the proper protocols are observed , ” said Tamblyn Watts .
Continued and increased investments in personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , staffing and funding — particularly for non-profit facilities — along with prioritized rapid testing for people who work or visit vulnerable populations are immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 without slamming the door shut at care homes , she said .
But isolating seniors living in long-term care is not a solution , she said .
“ By cutting seniors off , you are , in fact , institutionally abusing people .
You can not lock people up and prevent them basic freedoms and rights in Canada , ” she said , adding no facility or authority restricts visits with nefarious intent .
“ These actions are done with the best of intentions , but with the worst consequences , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie is calling on provincial health authorities to loosen visitor restrictions to long-term care homes .
Photo by Don Craig As the pandemic ’ s second wave advances across Canada , some provinces have stated they won ’ t lock down long-term care homes completely .
In September , Ontario announced a designated family caregiver could access residential care facilities , regardless of an outbreak .
On Tuesday , B.C.
’ s seniors advocate called for the easing of visitor restrictions at assisted-living facilities , saying they are harming residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on provincial health authorities to allow an essential care partner who can visit regularly for longer periods , as well as an additional social visitor .
Currently , seniors in residential care are limited to one social visitor , often for short periods of time in a common space .
It ’ s a sharp contrast to the past , which allowed regular visits by a family caregiver who also preformed essential tasks , such as feeding or bathing a loved one .
Mackenzie based the recommendations on a survey of 13,000 long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province .
The results were profound , Mackenzie said .
“ They were talking about how despondent they are feeling , ” she said .
“ How confused some residents are as to why they ca n't see their wife as much as they used to .
Or why they ca n't touch her .
Or why ca n't they see their daughter , who they have n't seen in nine months.
” According to the survey , most respondents supported some restrictive measures — including hand washing , temperature checks and mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits and another designated visitor .
Health authorities in B.C .
did a good job at curbing the numbers of deaths in care homes associated with COVID-19 in the first nine months of the pandemic , Mackenzie said .
But a better balance is needed between stemming the transmission of the disease and ensuring care home residents ’ quality of life , she said .
Many residents in the homes are in the last stages of life and want to spend that time with their families , Mackenzie said .
At the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term care had died from the virus , but more than 4,500 died from other causes and were unable to spend any quality time with loved ones , she added .
Additionally , most family members weren ’ t aware of the possibility of essential visits during the first four months of the pandemic , and of those who did apply for an essential visit , almost half were refused , the survey found .
Mackenzie noted that no COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care homes in B.C .
have been reported as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits is something care homes can do immediately with minimal increases in risk , Mackenzie said .
However , allowing an additional visitor is something that will require the approval of B.C.
’ s provincial health officer , Dr. Bonnie Henry .
On Friday , Henry announced B.C .
had reached another daily record with 589 new cases of COVID-19 and two additional deaths .
Six new health-care facilities reported outbreaks , for a total of 31 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and four acute-care facilities experiencing active outbreaks .
Changes to visitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
But , she added , she could not say exactly when they might occur .
Health authorities are working to ensure the appropriate measures , including PPE and adequate staffing , are in place to support increased visitation , she said .
“ Those ( measures ) are coming along , so that ’ s the good news , ” Henry said .
However , the past week showed COVID-19 and its spread posed a great risk to residents in long-term care , she said .
“ So , finding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we have been faced with knowing that this virus can be so devastating on our elders and seniors .
”

His brother, who has limited mobility and some speech problems due to a stroke, used to enjoy regular visits and outings. Now, he only exits the care home for medical appointments.
“Absolutely, his quality of life is worse,” said Liseth. “A once-a-week visit, that is what’s allowed.”
And as the number of COVID-19 cases spike in the province, Liseth worries what little social contact his brother enjoys will be cut off again.
Liseth is his brother’s sole designated visitor at the long-term care home in Campbell River, B.C., where Keith lives.
Right now, Arne Liseth is his brother Keith’s only remaining connection to the outside world.
It has been hard on his brother’s spirits, who is also getting less necessary exercise, said Liseth.
His brother is limited to a 30-minute weekly visit with Liseth in a common room. And that’s following no face-to-face social contact other than window visits for the first fourth months of the pandemic, he added.
“He’s used to getting driven around, going for lunch, visiting friends … and coming over to Quadra once a month, but that’s all gone by the wayside,” Liseth said.
But the anguish families and the residents of long-term care homes are experiencing due to visitor restrictions is nationwide, Tamblyn Watts said.
The guidelines for long-term care (LTC) facilities vary from province to province, said Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, a national seniors' advocacy group.
“But a lot of (people with dementia) have really regressed, or died and stuff,” Liseth said.
But his brother is lucid, Liseth said, and unlike folks who have dementia at the home, he’s able to understand why contact with his loved ones is so limited.
“There’s increased depression, despondency and increased loneliness. In some cases, a willingness to stop treatments, or a lack of interest in many aspects of life.
“What we’re seeing across Canada is the hugely detrimental impacts of visitor restrictions,” Tamblyn Watts said.
The restrictions are an attempt to keep COVID-19 in check, but the preventive measures also pose dangers to LTC residents, she added.
“But (the impacts) are also physical and measurable,” Tamblyn Watts said, noting physiological effects include decreased physical mobility and cognitive declines.
In terms of visitor restrictions, distinctions need to be made between occasional social visitors and essential family caregivers whose involvement is critical to the well-being of the residents, she added.
There has been an evolution of understanding on how to stem transmission of the virus since the initial stages of the pandemic when thousands of seniors died in residential care due to COVID-19, she said.
“What we know is we can safely have people — even in the cases of outbreaks — visit and spend time in long-term care facilities as long as the proper protocols are observed,” said Tamblyn Watts.
Continued and increased investments in personal protective equipment (PPE), staffing and funding — particularly for non-profit facilities — along with prioritized rapid testing for people who work or visit vulnerable populations are immediate measures that can mitigate the risk of COVID-19 without slamming the door shut at care homes, she said.
But isolating seniors living in long-term care is not a solution, she said. “By cutting seniors off, you are, in fact, institutionally abusing people. You cannot lock people up and prevent them basic freedoms and rights in Canada,” she said, adding no facility or authority restricts visits with nefarious intent.
“These actions are done with the best of intentions, but with the worst consequences,” Tamblyn Watts said.
Provincial response to visitor restrictions
B.C.’s seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie is calling on provincial health authorities to loosen visitor restrictions to long-term care homes. Photo by Don Craig
As the pandemic’s second wave advances across Canada, some provinces have stated they won’t lock down long-term care homes completely.
In September, Ontario announced a designated family caregiver could access residential care facilities, regardless of an outbreak.
On Tuesday, B.C.’s seniors advocate called for the easing of visitor restrictions at assisted-living facilities, saying they are harming residents and their families.
Isobel Mackenzie called on provincial health authorities to allow an essential care partner who can visit regularly for longer periods, as well as an additional social visitor.
Currently, seniors in residential care are limited to one social visitor, often for short periods of time in a common space.
It’s a sharp contrast to the past, which allowed regular visits by a family caregiver who also preformed essential tasks, such as feeding or bathing a loved one.
Mackenzie based the recommendations on a survey of 13,000 long-term care residents and their families across the province.
The results were profound, Mackenzie said.
“They were talking about how despondent they are feeling,” she said.
“How confused some residents are as to why they can't see their wife as much as they used to. Or why they can't touch her. Or why can't they see their daughter, who they haven't seen in nine months.”
According to the survey, most respondents supported some restrictive measures — including hand washing, temperature checks and mask protocols — but they want more frequent visits and another designated visitor.
Health authorities in B.C. did a good job at curbing the numbers of deaths in care homes associated with COVID-19 in the first nine months of the pandemic, Mackenzie said.
But a better balance is needed between stemming the transmission of the disease and ensuring care home residents’ quality of life, she said.
Many residents in the homes are in the last stages of life and want to spend that time with their families, Mackenzie said.
At the time of the report, 151 residents of long-term care had died from the virus, but more than 4,500 died from other causes and were unable to spend any quality time with loved ones, she added.
Additionally, most family members weren’t aware of the possibility of essential visits during the first four months of the pandemic, and of those who did apply for an essential visit, almost half were refused, the survey found.
Mackenzie noted that no COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care homes in B.C. have been reported as being linked to visitors.
Allowing for longer visits is something care homes can do immediately with minimal increases in risk, Mackenzie said.
However, allowing an additional visitor is something that will require the approval of B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
On Friday, Henry announced B.C. had reached another daily record with 589 new cases of COVID-19 and two additional deaths.
Six new health-care facilities reported outbreaks, for a total of 31 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and four acute-care facilities experiencing active outbreaks.
Changes to visitor restrictions were being considered, Henry said Thursday. But, she added, she could not say exactly when they might occur.
Health authorities are working to ensure the appropriate measures, including PPE and adequate staffing, are in place to support increased visitation, she said.
“Those (measures) are coming along, so that’s the good news,” Henry said.
However, the past week showed COVID-19 and its spread posed a great risk to residents in long-term care, she said.
“So, finding that balance has been the most challenging thing that we have been faced with knowing that this virus can be so devastating on our elders and seniors.”
Rochelle Baker / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Trudeau hopeful Canada will have COVID-19 vaccine by early 2021

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he hopes to see COVID-19 vaccines roll out in Canada early next year , but warned that won ’ t bring an immediate resolution to the pandemic currently seeing a resurgence in several provinces .
The prime minister said news from Pfizer that one of its vaccine candidates appears very effective in clinical trials is `` very encouraging '' but won ’ t help anyone who catches the virus in the meantime .
Speaking in Ottawa , Trudeau said other vaccine candidates have also appeared to progress well , and Canada has secured access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will be ready first , which will be more effective with certain populations and other variables .
When a vaccine is safe to distribute , the government will begin dispensing it to high-priority groups first , he said .
`` We hope to see vaccines landing in the early next year but between now and then it ’ s really , really important that we double down on our efforts , '' Trudeau said .
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next pandemic `` We need to make sure we are controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the coming months so that when vaccines get here we will be able to act quickly to protect all Canadians . ''
His comments came after a weekend that saw the two provinces hardest hit by the pandemic report record-breaking daily case counts .
Quebec and Ontario reported 1,397 and 1,328 new cases respectively on Sunday , followed by 1,169 and 1,242 on Monday .
Health officials in Quebec said Monday that while the situation has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as Quebec City and Montreal , it is worsening in others — including the Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean area , which currently has more than double the provincial rate of cases per 100,000 people .
Public health authorities reported 94 new cases in the region on Monday , for a total of 312 active cases per 100,000 people .
The region was placed under Quebec ’ s highest COVID-19 alert level on Nov. 2 , and the province ’ s health minister said it will take some time before any effects from the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see vaccines landing in the early next year but between now and then it ’ s really , really important that we double down on our efforts , '' the prime minister said Monday .
# COVID19 In Ontario , Premier Doug Ford was asked Monday whether the ballooning cases in the province pushed him to reconsider its new colour-coded system for pandemic measures , which loosened public health restrictions in all regions but Toronto when it took effect Saturday .
The tiered system places health units in colour-coded categories based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn criticism for allowing activities such as indoor dining in restaurants in all alert levels short of a lockdown .
In Peel Region , the only area currently in the red category , local health officials imposed additional measures over the weekend in order to reduce the risk of transmission .
But Ford defended the system Monday , saying it was built to give each region the flexibility to enact further rules , as Peel did .
`` That ’ s the reason we have the framework , '' he said .
Toronto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous , more stringent system until the end of the week , at the request of local officials .
The city accounted for 483 of Ontario ’ s new cases on Monday .
Mayor John Tory said the city would likely follow in Peel Region ’ s footsteps and impose `` an enhanced suite of measures '' to stem the spread of the virus , with more details to come Tuesday .
The city ’ s top doctor , Dr. Eileen de Villa , said the COVID-19 numbers seen over the last few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she ’ s seen since the start of the pandemic .
Further west , Manitoba reported 365 new COVID-19 cases Monday as it continued to lead the country in per-capita active cases .
Chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said the province is at a critical point in time , pointing to increased strain on the health system .

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he hopes to see COVID-19 vaccines roll out in Canada early next year, but warned that won’t bring an immediate resolution to the pandemic currently seeing a resurgence in several provinces. The prime minister said news from Pfizer that one of its vaccine candidates appears very effective in clinical trials is "very encouraging" but won’t help anyone who catches the virus in the meantime. Speaking in Ottawa, Trudeau said other vaccine candidates have also appeared to progress well, and Canada has secured access to several, given the uncertainty regarding which will be ready first, which will be more effective with certain populations and other variables. When a vaccine is safe to distribute, the government will begin dispensing it to high-priority groups first, he said. "We hope to see vaccines landing in the early next year but between now and then it’s really, really important that we double down on our efforts," Trudeau said.
"We need to make sure we are controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the coming months so that when vaccines get here we will be able to act quickly to protect all Canadians." His comments came after a weekend that saw the two provinces hardest hit by the pandemic report record-breaking daily case counts. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Quebec and Ontario reported 1,397 and 1,328 new cases respectively on Sunday, followed by 1,169 and 1,242 on Monday.
Health officials in Quebec said Monday that while the situation has improved in some parts of the province, such as Quebec City and Montreal, it is worsening in others — including the Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean area, which currently has more than double the provincial rate of cases per 100,000 people. "We hope to see vaccines landing in the early next year but between now and then it’s really, really important that we double down on our efforts," the prime minister said Monday. #COVID19 Public health authorities reported 94 new cases in the region on Monday, for a total of 312 active cases per 100,000 people. The region was placed under Quebec’s highest COVID-19 alert level on Nov. 2, and the province’s health minister said it will take some time before any effects from the new restrictions are seen. In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford was asked Monday whether the ballooning cases in the province pushed him to reconsider its new colour-coded system for pandemic measures, which loosened public health restrictions in all regions but Toronto when it took effect Saturday. The tiered system places health units in colour-coded categories based on their caseload and transmission levels and has drawn criticism for allowing activities such as indoor dining in restaurants in all alert levels short of a lockdown.
In Peel Region, the only area currently in the red category, local health officials imposed additional measures over the weekend in order to reduce the risk of transmission. But Ford defended the system Monday, saying it was built to give each region the flexibility to enact further rules, as Peel did. "That’s the reason we have the framework," he said. Toronto, meanwhile, is remaining under a previous, more stringent system until the end of the week, at the request of local officials. The city accounted for 483 of Ontario’s new cases on Monday.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Whales and other marine mammals susceptible to COVID-19 through wastewater: study

Humans first caught the virus that causes COVID-19 from animals and research now suggests it could also be the other way around .
A study published Monday in the journal Science of the Total Environment has found the novel coronavirus could be spread to whales and other marine mammals through improperly treated sewage and wastewater .
`` We saw there were dozens of whales and sea mammal species that were predicted to be as susceptible or more susceptible than humans , '' said Graham Dellaire , a pathologist at Dalhousie University in Halifax .
Dellaire said he 's not aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whales and seals .
But a genetic analysis found the animals have the same receptor on the cells in their bodies that make humans susceptible to the virus .
In fact , modelling the virus 's behaviour suggests some animals such as beluga whales are even more vulnerable than people .
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How factory farming could cause the next pandemic At the same time , research is emerging to suggest that the COVID-19 virus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for up to 25 days in water .
`` There 's definitely an opportunity , if there was steady effluent leaking into a waterway , that live virus could build up along coastlines to a level high enough to potentially infect a marine mammal — particularly those close to shore , '' Dellaire said .
The study suggests 18 out of 21 whale species are at least as susceptible to the virus as humans .
For seals , the figure is eight out of nine species .
Research on other coronaviruses has shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mammals .
Belugas have suffered extensive damage to livers and lungs .
As well , Dellaire points out , many of those animals live together in large groups , which makes transmission of the virus easier .
`` It only takes one .
It 's like a super-spreader event .
If they 're all hanging out sunning themselves on the beach , one infected animal can spread it quickly . ''
A new study says # COVID19 could be spread to whales and other marine mammals through improperly treated sewage and wastewater .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tertiary treatment — removes almost all coronaviruses , the team found .
But secondary treatment , which removes solids and organic compounds , only removes three-quarters of them at best .
`` Most municipalities that live near the ocean do not have tertiary treatment , '' said Dellaire .
The problem is worsened by floods or periods of high runoff , he added .
Dellaire said the chances are slight that marine mammals could become a COVID-19 reservoir that could boomerang back to humans .
People , with rare exceptions , just do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sea animals for that to be a risk .
But there are other concerns .
Scientists found that 15 of the species judged most susceptible to the virus are also species at risk .
Two of them — rare dolphins and porpoises in China and California — are on the brink of extinction .

Humans first caught the virus that causes COVID-19 from animals and research now suggests it could also be the other way around. A study published Monday in the journal Science of the Total Environment has found the novel coronavirus could be spread to whales and other marine mammals through improperly treated sewage and wastewater. "We saw there were dozens of whales and sea mammal species that were predicted to be as susceptible or more susceptible than humans," said Graham Dellaire, a pathologist at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Dellaire said he's not aware of any actual cases of COVID-19 among whales and seals. But a genetic analysis found the animals have the same receptor on the cells in their bodies that make humans susceptible to the virus. In fact, modelling the virus's behaviour suggests some animals such as beluga whales are even more vulnerable than people.
At the same time, research is emerging to suggest that the COVID-19 virus is shed in human feces and can live for up to 25 days in water. "There's definitely an opportunity, if there was steady effluent leaking into a waterway, that live virus could build up along coastlines to a level high enough to potentially infect a marine mammal — particularly those close to shore," Dellaire said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The study suggests 18 out of 21 whale species are at least as susceptible to the virus as humans. For seals, the figure is eight out of nine species.
Research on other coronaviruses has shown they can have severe effects in marine mammals. Belugas have suffered extensive damage to livers and lungs. A new study says #COVID19 could be spread to whales and other marine mammals through improperly treated sewage and wastewater. As well, Dellaire points out, many of those animals live together in large groups, which makes transmission of the virus easier. "It only takes one. It's like a super-spreader event. If they're all hanging out sunning themselves on the beach, one infected animal can spread it quickly." Treating wastewater with advanced methods — so-called tertiary treatment — removes almost all coronaviruses, the team found. But secondary treatment, which removes solids and organic compounds, only removes three-quarters of them at best. "Most municipalities that live near the ocean do not have tertiary treatment," said Dellaire.
The problem is worsened by floods or periods of high runoff, he added. Dellaire said the chances are slight that marine mammals could become a COVID-19 reservoir that could boomerang back to humans. People, with rare exceptions, just don't live closely enough to large numbers of sea animals for that to be a risk. But there are other concerns.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Trudeau to spend $1.75B to boost high-speed internet in remote communities

The Trudeau government officially launched a previously announced fund Monday that promises to provide $ 1.75 billion for rural and remote parts of Canada that currently do n't have fast , reliable internet service .
But there was skepticism about how well the government will follow through on its promises and its ability to make sure the money rolls out quickly to projects that will make a difference for families and businesses outside major urban areas..
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and OpenMedia , for instance , welcomed an extra $ 750 million that the government is making on top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 2019 .
But both the business lobby group and the non-profit consumer advocacy group said they want to see that the Trudeau government follows through on its promises of better internet and wireless service for underserved areas .
Maryam Monsef , minister for rural economic development , said the Trudeau government had been ready to officially launch the fund in March but decided to hold off to consult with members of Parliament from rural areas and officials from local governments that were overwhelmed by the COVID crisis .
• Trump 'could go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How factory farming could cause the next pandemic `` We heard that the processes have to be streamlined and more easily accessible , '' Monsef said at the Ottawa press conference .
`` We also heard that communities are , rightfully so , impatient to see progress . ''
As a response , she said , the government is ready to accept applications immediately , there 's a new service to assist with navigating the system , and $ 150 million of the $ 1.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to be completed by next November .
Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia , the Chamber 's senior director of digital economy , technology and innovation , said its members want the government to accelerate and streamline its efforts because `` everyone has moved online . ''
She described Monday 's announcement as `` another building block '' and the Chamber will work with its members and partners within governments towards getting the plans implemented .
University of Guelph professor Helen Hambly , who heads a project that has been studying rural and agricultural connectivity issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad that the government had `` opened the door '' for applications for the universal broadband fund and announced tools to make their work easier .
But Hambly said it remains to be seen how they sort through requests for a relatively small amount of money , considering how much internet and wireless networks cost to build .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is launching a $ 1.75-billion fund to expand high-speed internet to Canadians in rural and remote communities .
# internet # cdnpoli She said a `` real cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of competition in rural parts of Canada , even in relatively densely populated southern Ontario , and the result has been a lack of choice .
`` Unlimited data packages are still few and far between , so people are going over their ( limits ) at high costs to themselves and their households .
This has been a real cause of concern during COVID-19 .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , who was accompanied by four of his ministers during the official announcement in Ottawa , said reliable internet is a basic service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than ever a video chat cutting out during a meeting or a connection that ’ s too slow to upload a school assignment , that ’ s not just a hassle , that ’ s a barrier . ''
Another barrier that was acknowledged by some of Trudeau 's ministers , under questioning from reporters , is the lack of affordable internet and wireless service in some areas .
OpenMedia , which campaigns for consumer-oriented improvements to Canada 's information services , said in a statement that the Universal Broadband Fund will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's digital infrastructure .
But OpenMedia campaigner Erin Knight said it remains concerned that a majority of the funds will go to benefit Big Telecom — meaning the country 's large phone and cable companies .
`` We 'd like to see the government 's investment actively put toward smaller , local , community or Indigenous-led projects , '' Knight said .
In addition to the Universal Broadband Fund , the government announced a $ 600-million deal with Ottawa-based satellite company Telesat to link up particularly remote communities with high-speed broadband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industry Minister Navdeep Bains said Telesat 's low-orbit satellites are scheduled to be deployed in late 2021 and service is projected to begin in 2022 .
Bains also acknowledged that many communities in the North have faced bracingly high internet fees .
He said the government believes competition among different service providers would `` enable the price points to go down . ''
The Universal Broadband Fund is partly an evolution of the Connect to Innovate program that the Trudeau government announced in its first mandate , to connect more households to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its $ 35-billion infrastructure bank .
The Liberals created the Canada Infrastructure Bank in 2017 to entice funding from private-sector partners to fuel what the government has called `` transformational '' infrastructure projects that would create 60,000 jobs .
However , the bank has been criticized for its relatively small number of investments in fewer than a dozen projects so far and both the Conservatives and NDP promised in the 2019 election to abolish the bank if they were voted into power .
— With files from Christopher Reynolds in Ottawa This report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 9 , 2020 .

The Trudeau government officially launched a previously announced fund Monday that promises to provide $1.75 billion for rural and remote parts of Canada that currently don't have fast, reliable internet service. But there was skepticism about how well the government will follow through on its promises and its ability to make sure the money rolls out quickly to projects that will make a difference for families and businesses outside major urban areas.. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and OpenMedia, for instance, welcomed an extra $750 million that the government is making on top of $1 billion originally announced in March 2019. But both the business lobby group and the non-profit consumer advocacy group said they want to see that the Trudeau government follows through on its promises of better internet and wireless service for underserved areas. Maryam Monsef, minister for rural economic development, said the Trudeau government had been ready to officially launch the fund in March but decided to hold off to consult with members of Parliament from rural areas and officials from local governments that were overwhelmed by the COVID crisis.
"We heard that the processes have to be streamlined and more easily accessible," Monsef said at the Ottawa press conference. "We also heard that communities are, rightfully so, impatient to see progress." As a response, she said, the government is ready to accept applications immediately, there's a new service to assist with navigating the system, and $150 million of the $1.7 billion is designated for projects that are ready to be completed by next November. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, the Chamber's senior director of digital economy, technology and innovation, said its members want the government to accelerate and streamline its efforts because "everyone has moved online."
She described Monday's announcement as "another building block" and the Chamber will work with its members and partners within governments towards getting the plans implemented. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is launching a $1.75-billion fund to expand high-speed internet to Canadians in rural and remote communities. #internet #cdnpoli University of Guelph professor Helen Hambly, who heads a project that has been studying rural and agricultural connectivity issues since 2007, said that she was glad that the government had "opened the door" for applications for the universal broadband fund and announced tools to make their work easier. But Hambly said it remains to be seen how they sort through requests for a relatively small amount of money, considering how much internet and wireless networks cost to build. She said a "real cause for concern" has been the lack of competition in rural parts of Canada, even in relatively densely populated southern Ontario, and the result has been a lack of choice. "Unlimited data packages are still few and far between, so people are going over their (limits) at high costs to themselves and their households. This has been a real cause of concern during COVID-19.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was accompanied by four of his ministers during the official announcement in Ottawa, said reliable internet is a basic service, not a luxury. "Now more than ever a video chat cutting out during a meeting or a connection that’s too slow to upload a school assignment, that’s not just a hassle, that’s a barrier." Another barrier that was acknowledged by some of Trudeau's ministers, under questioning from reporters, is the lack of affordable internet and wireless service in some areas.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Judicial recount for B.C. seat where Liberals upset Greens by 41 votes

A judicial recount is coming for a race in the British Columbia election after mail-in ballots put the Liberals ahead by only 41 votes in an upset to the Greens .
Elections BC says the final ballot count in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky gave Liberal incumbent Jordan Sturdy 9,216 votes , ahead of Green Jeremy Valeriote 's 9,175 .
Under the Election Act , a judicial recount must take place if the difference between the top two candidates is less than 1/500 of the total ballots considered at final count .
In West Vancouver-Sea to Sky , where the Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third seat , Elections BC says that threshold is 49 .
Elections BC began counting about 660,000 mail-in and absentee ballots on Friday , 13 days after the Oct. 24 provincial election .
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How factory farming could cause the next pandemic Sturdy 's win gives the NDP 55 seats , the B.C .
Liberals 28 and the Greens two , with two other ridings still undecided as the ballot counting continues into Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement the party will await the official recount result .
`` Jeremy Valeriote is an excellent candidate and the close results in his riding show that the people of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky are hoping for a more sustainable and equitable future for their community , '' Furstenau said .
`` Every election , more and more voters have chosen to vote Green — that is cause for celebration and we will continue to work with the community to come out strong next time.
” Final results on Saturday also confirmed the victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over incumbent Laurie Throness .
Throness started the campaign as a Liberal candidate but quit to run as an Independent after causing an uproar comparing free contraception programs to eugenics at an all-candidates meeting .
A judicial recount is coming for a race in the British Columbia election after mail-in ballots put the Liberals ahead of the Greens by only 41 votes .
# recount # bcpoli # BCNDP # bcgreens Paddon took the seat by 1,304 votes .
Throness said in a tweet he called Paddon to congratulate her on her win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` an enormous privilege . ''
`` It has been my life 's joy to serve the riding of Chilliwack-Kent for 7.5 years , '' the tweet says .
In Abbotsford-Mission , the New Democrats also took away what had been considered a safe Liberal seat .
The Liberal incumbent Simon Gibson had been winning in the riding when the ballot count was finished on election night two weeks ago .
However , New Democrat Pam Alexis finished with 10,364 votes to Gibson 's 9,620 .
Alexis , who took a leave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thanked her volunteers and Gibson for his years of service in a statement on Twitter .
Liberal candidates have been elected in Abbotsford-Mission with more than 50 per cent of the votes since the riding was created for the 2009 election .
The counting continues in Richmond South Centre and Vernon-Monashee , the two remaining ridings that were too close to call on election night .

A judicial recount is coming for a race in the British Columbia election after mail-in ballots put the Liberals ahead by only 41 votes in an upset to the Greens. Elections BC says the final ballot count in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky gave Liberal incumbent Jordan Sturdy 9,216 votes, ahead of Green Jeremy Valeriote's 9,175. Under the Election Act, a judicial recount must take place if the difference between the top two candidates is less than 1/500 of the total ballots considered at final count. In West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, where the Green party had hoped to pick up its third seat, Elections BC says that threshold is 49. Elections BC began counting about 660,000 mail-in and absentee ballots on Friday, 13 days after the Oct. 24 provincial election.
Sturdy's win gives the NDP 55 seats, the B.C. Liberals 28 and the Greens two, with two other ridings still undecided as the ballot counting continues into Sunday. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau said in a statement the party will await the official recount result. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "Jeremy Valeriote is an excellent candidate and the close results in his riding show that the people of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky are hoping for a more sustainable and equitable future for their community," Furstenau said.
"Every election, more and more voters have chosen to vote Green — that is cause for celebration and we will continue to work with the community to come out strong next time.” A judicial recount is coming for a race in the British Columbia election after mail-in ballots put the Liberals ahead of the Greens by only 41 votes. #recount #bcpoli #BCNDP #bcgreens Final results on Saturday also confirmed the victory of NDP candidate Kelli Paddon in Chilliwack-Kent over incumbent Laurie Throness. Throness started the campaign as a Liberal candidate but quit to run as an Independent after causing an uproar comparing free contraception programs to eugenics at an all-candidates meeting. Paddon took the seat by 1,304 votes. Throness said in a tweet he called Paddon to congratulate her on her win and said his time in office was "an enormous privilege."
"It has been my life's joy to serve the riding of Chilliwack-Kent for 7.5 years," the tweet says. In Abbotsford-Mission, the New Democrats also took away what had been considered a safe Liberal seat. The Liberal incumbent Simon Gibson had been winning in the riding when the ballot count was finished on election night two weeks ago.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--COVID-19 case resurgence reaches new daily highs in Quebec, Ontario

COVID-19 cases surged across Canada as several provinces smashed daily infection records and the nationwide tally crested 4,000 on Sunday .
Cases swelled to new heights in Ontario and Quebec , while devastating outbreaks at two Winnipeg long-term care homes sparked an official investigation by the provincial government .
Nationally , 264,113 people have had their COVID-19 infections confirmed since the pandemic began .
Quebec reported 1,397 new cases , up slightly from a previous record set about one month ago , while Ontario announced 1,328 daily cases , nearly 200 more than Saturday 's record-breaking tally .
Manitoba , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three new deaths -- all women in the Winnipeg health region .
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How factory farming could cause the next pandemic Earlier in the day , Health Minister Cameron Friesen said the province would launch an independent investigation into how a jump in cases and deaths were handled at Parkview Place and Maples Personal Care Home , both owned by Revera .
At the Maples home , seven deaths within two days have been linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrisome climb further west as well .
Saskatchewan recorded 159 new COVID-19 cases and Alberta marked down 727 , although that province said on its website that due to technical issues the new figures are preliminary and subject to reconciliation .
Meanwhile , British Columbians living on the Lower Mainland woke up to new restrictions aimed at reining in an explosion of cases .
COVID-19 cases surged across Canada as several provinces smashed daily infection records and the nationwide tally crested 4,000 .
# COVID19 # ontario # quebec # secondwave The province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions .
Tight new measures banned social gatherings and strongly discouraged travel in and out of those two regions for the next two weeks .
Indoor physical group activities such as yoga and spin class were also paused , while local health officials said they would close businesses that don ’ t have COVID-19 safety plans in place .
In the North , Nunavut doubled its case count from one to two .
The second infected person is asymptomatic and belongs to the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
Canada 's chief public health officer said Sunday an average of more than 60,938 people have been tested daily over the past week , with 4.7 per cent testing positive .
Community spread was of particular concern in Nova Scotia , where Premier Stephen McNeil released a statement saying he 's worried about the growing number of potential exposures in and around Halifax .
Early Sunday , public health officials said anyone at a Halifax martini bar on Monday night should get tested for COVID-19 .
Similar warnings have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transit system in recent days .
Nova Scotia recorded three new cases for a total of 20 active cases , while New Brunswick and Newfoundland each recorded just one .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8 , 2020 .

COVID-19 cases surged across Canada as several provinces smashed daily infection records and the nationwide tally crested 4,000 on Sunday. Cases swelled to new heights in Ontario and Quebec, while devastating outbreaks at two Winnipeg long-term care homes sparked an official investigation by the provincial government. Nationally, 264,113 people have had their COVID-19 infections confirmed since the pandemic began. Quebec reported 1,397 new cases, up slightly from a previous record set about one month ago, while Ontario announced 1,328 daily cases, nearly 200 more than Saturday's record-breaking tally. Manitoba, which reported 441 new COVID-19 cases and three new deaths -- all women in the Winnipeg health region.
Earlier in the day, Health Minister Cameron Friesen said the province would launch an independent investigation into how a jump in cases and deaths were handled at Parkview Place and Maples Personal Care Home, both owned by Revera. At the Maples home, seven deaths within two days have been linked to COVID-19. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "Manitobans need answers," Friesen said.
Case counts continued their worrisome climb further west as well. COVID-19 cases surged across Canada as several provinces smashed daily infection records and the nationwide tally crested 4,000. #COVID19 #ontario #quebec #secondwave Saskatchewan recorded 159 new COVID-19 cases and Alberta marked down 727, although that province said on its website that due to technical issues the new figures are preliminary and subject to reconciliation. Meanwhile, British Columbians living on the Lower Mainland woke up to new restrictions aimed at reining in an explosion of cases. The province reported 567 new cases Saturday, most of them in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health regions. Tight new measures banned social gatherings and strongly discouraged travel in and out of those two regions for the next two weeks.
Indoor physical group activities such as yoga and spin class were also paused, while local health officials said they would close businesses that don’t have COVID-19 safety plans in place. In the North, Nunavut doubled its case count from one to two. The second infected person is asymptomatic and belongs to the same household as the first case, health officials said. Canada's chief public health officer said Sunday an average of more than 60,938 people have been tested daily over the past week, with 4.7 per cent testing positive.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--'Jeopardy!' quiz show host Alex Trebek dies at age 80 after cancer battle

To millions of television viewers , Alex Trebek was almost like a family member .
To his friends and colleagues , he was a quintessential quiz-show legend who could connect with almost anyone and do almost anything .
As tributes poured in for the Canadian-born `` Jeopardy ! ''
host , who died Sunday after a battle with pancreatic cancer , many remembered his unflappable demeanour , sharp wit and prolific broadcasting skills that made him a suppertime staple in living rooms .
`` As the host of 'Jeopardy ! '
for almost four decades , he hosted more episodes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone else in history , '' said a statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , who also called Trebek an `` icon '' on Twitter .
`` We looked forward to his quick wit and wry jokes -- and the questions about Canada he 'd sneak into the show .
Alex never hesitated to promote Canada on prime time TV , and to take the opportunity to stump even the brightest contestants with questions about Canadian culture , history , and geography . ''
The official `` Jeopardy ! ''
Twitter account said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and friends .
He was 80 .
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How factory farming could cause the next pandemic Trebek revealed in March 2019 that he 'd been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer .
The survival rate was low , he said in a video , but he vowed to `` fight '' and `` keep working . ''
The Sudbury , Ont.-born personality did indeed continue to work , maintaining a rigorous shooting schedule .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ status in YouTube videos , with his signature suit and measured delivery , on the `` Jeopardy ! ''
set .
`` That 's brave , to share a tough illness like that with the world , '' said Barb Williams , executive vice-president of English services at the CBC , where Trebek started his career .
`` He shared the ups and his optimism , he shared the downs when it was tough , '' she added in an interview .
Sony Pictures Entertainment said Trebek 's last day in studio was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ episodes hosted by him will air through Dec. 25 .
The show is not announcing plans for a new host at this time .
If Trebek 's life were a category on `` Jeopardy !
, '' the clues would describe a consummate professional who memorized pronunciations for all the words on the show ; a master of small talk who took a keen interest in contestants ' lives ; and an intellectual who could banter about virtually any topic .
To millions of television viewers , Alex Trebek was almost like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He told me once that getting the emphasis on the right syllable in a name or a place right is as important as getting the pronunciation right , and I try to live by that , '' said Ben Mulroney , co-host of CTV 's `` Your Morning . ''
`` He got it right every time ...
He was deeply respectful of every answer and every question . ''
For many , meeting him on the set was a life-long dream that began when they were children watching the TV personality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mere mention of his name fires up the tick-tock percussion of the `` Jeopardy ! ''
theme song in many fans ' heads .
`` I ca n't think of another TV icon that I looked up to more as a kid , '' former `` Jeopardy ! ''
contestant Seattle-based Sally Neumann told The Canadian Press in 2019 , when she organized a mass tribute of well wishes for Trebek .
Trebek was born on July 22 , 1940 , to a father who was a Ukrainian immigrant and chef at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tended the house .
He got a philosophy degree at the University of Ottawa and was still a student when he began announcing radio and TV news with the CBC as a way to help pay off his tuition .
That led to hosting gigs on CBC shows including `` Music Hop , '' `` Reach for the Top '' and `` Strategy . ''
Trebek moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s and hosted a slew of other game shows , including `` The Wizard of Odds , '' `` Double Dare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He took the helm of `` Jeopardy ! ''
as a host/producer in 1984 , shooting five episodes a day , twice a week .
`` He did everything and he did everything really well , '' said retired CBC News anchor and chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge , recalling he first met Trebek at the public broadcaster in Toronto the late 1970s .
`` He reached for the heights and he achieved them . ''
Contestants say Trebek had a natural flair for languages , particularly French .
He was also gifted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trebek wanted to ensure the show and its participants were the focal point and told announcer Johnny Gilbert from the very beginning to introduce him with the words `` And now here 's the host of the show '' — not `` the star of the show . ''
`` The game is the star , the contestants are the stars , '' Trebek said in a 2009 interview with The Canadian Press .
`` I 'm just the host and if I do my job properly , people will feel comfortable welcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'll hopefully have some longevity . ''
Trebek became an American citizen in 1998 but returned to Canada for various events .
In 2017 , he received the Order of Canada and was proud of his Canadian roots , say many .
His on-air persona was characteristically calm but droll with some sillier bits , like the time he walked onto set without pants to help cut the tension during a Tournament of Champions special .
At a taping in 2001 , he even shaved off the moustache he 'd been sporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a lunch break and shocked the audience when he returned without it .
Trebek was nominated for more than two dozen Daytime Emmy Awards for `` Jeopardy ! ''
and won seven .
His other honours included stars on the Walk of Fame in Canada and Hollywood .
He had two children with his wife , Jean Currivan .
His cancer diagnosis was among several health scares he faced .
In 2004 , Trebek escaped serious injury after he fell asleep at the wheel of his pickup truck and it drifted off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in California .
In December 2007 , he had a minor heart attack at his home .
And in late 2017 , he underwent surgery for blood clots on his brain caused by a fall .
Throughout it all , Trebek vowed to keep working on `` Jeopardy ! ''
Trebek also had guest appearances on various TV series and game shows , and was lovingly lampooned by Will Ferrell on `` Saturday Night Live . ''
He wrote about those impersonations in his 2020 memoir , `` The Answer Is ... Reflections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on everything from his upbringing to his `` penchant for cursing . ''
It was in that book that Trebek wrote if his current treatment for Stage 4 pancreatic cancer did n't work , he would probably stop pursuing medical intervention .
He said he 'd `` lived a good , full life , '' knew he was nearing the end of it , and was `` not afraid of dying . ''
He also admitted there were moments when his cancer made him `` a basket case '' before taping .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` it all changes suddenly .
I 'm myself again .
I feel good , '' he wrote .
`` No matter how I feel before the show , when I get out there it 's all forgotten because there 's a show to be done .
Work to do . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8 , 2020 .

To millions of television viewers, Alex Trebek was almost like a family member. To his friends and colleagues, he was a quintessential quiz-show legend who could connect with almost anyone and do almost anything. As tributes poured in for the Canadian-born "Jeopardy!" host, who died Sunday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, many remembered his unflappable demeanour, sharp wit and prolific broadcasting skills that made him a suppertime staple in living rooms. "As the host of 'Jeopardy!' for almost four decades, he hosted more episodes of a single television game show than anyone else in history," said a statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who also called Trebek an "icon" on Twitter. "We looked forward to his quick wit and wry jokes -- and the questions about Canada he'd sneak into the show. Alex never hesitated to promote Canada on prime time TV, and to take the opportunity to stump even the brightest contestants with questions about Canadian culture, history, and geography." The official "Jeopardy!" Twitter account said Trebek died early Sunday morning surrounded by family and friends. He was 80.
Trebek revealed in March 2019 that he'd been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The survival rate was low, he said in a video, but he vowed to "fight" and "keep working." The Sudbury, Ont.-born personality did indeed continue to work, maintaining a rigorous shooting schedule. He kept fans informed of his health status in YouTube videos, with his signature suit and measured delivery, on the "Jeopardy!" set. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "That's brave, to share a tough illness like that with the world," said Barb Williams, executive vice-president of English services at the CBC, where Trebek started his career.
"He shared the ups and his optimism, he shared the downs when it was tough," she added in an interview. To millions of television viewers, Alex Trebek was almost like a family member. #AlexTrebek #Jeopardy Sony Pictures Entertainment said Trebek's last day in studio was Oct. 29. "Jeopardy!" episodes hosted by him will air through Dec. 25. The show is not announcing plans for a new host at this time. If Trebek's life were a category on "Jeopardy!," the clues would describe a consummate professional who memorized pronunciations for all the words on the show; a master of small talk who took a keen interest in contestants' lives; and an intellectual who could banter about virtually any topic. "He told me once that getting the emphasis on the right syllable in a name or a place right is as important as getting the pronunciation right, and I try to live by that," said Ben Mulroney, co-host of CTV's "Your Morning." "He got it right every time... He was deeply respectful of every answer and every question."
For many, meeting him on the set was a life-long dream that began when they were children watching the TV personality every night with their family. The mere mention of his name fires up the tick-tock percussion of the "Jeopardy!" theme song in many fans' heads. "I can't think of another TV icon that I looked up to more as a kid," former "Jeopardy!" contestant Seattle-based Sally Neumann told The Canadian Press in 2019, when she organized a mass tribute of well wishes for Trebek.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Ottawa welcomes president-elect Joe Biden as climate fight ally

Federal cabinet ministers are welcoming Joe Biden 's election as the next U.S. president as an opportunity to advance the fight against climate change after four tumultuous years dealing with Donald Trump .
Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna were among those to specifically mention climate change as they welcomed Biden 's victory over the weekend .
McKenna also appeared to take a veiled shot at the Trump administration as she noted Biden 's promise to have the U.S. rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement after the country formally left the treaty last week .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who previously served as Canada 's environment minister , wrote on Twitter .
`` It 's been a long , tough slog these past four years internationally on climate action . ''
For his part , Wilkinson said Canada `` stands ready and willing to work constructively with the U.S. to create good jobs for citizens on both sides of the border while taking strong action to address the climate crisis . ''
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Trudeau government 's enthusiasm for Biden 's climate-change policies are well-founded , experts said , and could even provide a boost to Canada 's efforts as it seeks to move faster on the issue .
In the last four years , Canada has in some places slowed or amended its own environment policies to reflect concerns American companies facing fewer environmental regulations and taxes might hurt Canada 's competitiveness .
But Blair Feltmate , who headed the Canadian government 's expert panel on climate change adaptation , said Biden 's election should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm '' for the Trudeau government 's ambitions to build a greener economy .
That includes both adaptation in terms of working together on infrastructure as well as mitigation in terms of regulation and rolling out of greener technology and energy , all of which Biden has promised to tackle .
`` What does the Biden presidency mean to Canada ? ''
said Feltmate , who is head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo .
`` I think it will underscore for Canada that the direction we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file is correct .
But the speed at which we 're deploying on the climate file has not been adequate . ''
Joe Biden may be the president Canada needs to help fight climate change .
# USelection # ClimateChange Sara Hastings-Simon , whose many roles include serving as a member of the expert panel on clean growth for the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices , agreed that Biden 's presidency has put climate change on the `` main stage . ''
`` One of the things I think will change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that climate will be woven into economic policy and the stimulus across all dimensions , '' she said .
`` That really creates an urgency for Canada not to fall behind . ''
Yet Biden 's election is also expected to pose a further challenge to Canada 's oil and gas sector , starting with the president-elect having indicated he plans to cancel approval of the Keystone XL pipeline .
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs on Sunday joined Alberta counterpart Jason Kenney in referencing Canadian energy exports to the U.S. as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he congratulated Biden on his win .
`` We have an important trade relationship with the United States as a leading supplier of refined energy products , '' Higgs said in a statement .
`` We also supply significant amounts of softwood and other forestry products and have been hampered by an unjustified softwood lumber dispute .
Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told the CBC in an interview aired Sunday that protecting Keystone XL and other energy exports to the U.S. is a top priority for the Liberal government .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that Canada is the most reliable energy supplier to the United States , '' he said on Rosemary Barton Live .
`` This is true for Keystone XL .
This is true for electricity in the East Coast . ''
While Feltmate said he expects Biden would press ahead with cancelling Keystone , but that there would be a focus on retraining and other efforts to protect jobs as Canada and the U.S. transition to greener energy sources .

Federal cabinet ministers are welcoming Joe Biden's election as the next U.S. president as an opportunity to advance the fight against climate change after four tumultuous years dealing with Donald Trump. Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna were among those to specifically mention climate change as they welcomed Biden's victory over the weekend. McKenna also appeared to take a veiled shot at the Trump administration as she noted Biden's promise to have the U.S. rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement after the country formally left the treaty last week. "This is really sinking in," McKenna, who previously served as Canada's environment minister, wrote on Twitter. "It's been a long, tough slog these past four years internationally on climate action." For his part, Wilkinson said Canada "stands ready and willing to work constructively with the U.S. to create good jobs for citizens on both sides of the border while taking strong action to address the climate crisis."
The Trudeau government's enthusiasm for Biden's climate-change policies are well-founded, experts said, and could even provide a boost to Canada's efforts as it seeks to move faster on the issue. In the last four years, Canada has in some places slowed or amended its own environment policies to reflect concerns American companies facing fewer environmental regulations and taxes might hurt Canada's competitiveness. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions But Blair Feltmate, who headed the Canadian government's expert panel on climate change adaptation, said Biden's election should serve as a "shot in the arm" for the Trudeau government's ambitions to build a greener economy.
That includes both adaptation in terms of working together on infrastructure as well as mitigation in terms of regulation and rolling out of greener technology and energy, all of which Biden has promised to tackle. Joe Biden may be the president Canada needs to help fight climate change. #USelection #ClimateChange "What does the Biden presidency mean to Canada?" said Feltmate, who is head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo. "I think it will underscore for Canada that the direction we've been heading in on the climate file is correct. But the speed at which we're deploying on the climate file has not been adequate." Sara Hastings-Simon, whose many roles include serving as a member of the expert panel on clean growth for the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, agreed that Biden's presidency has put climate change on the "main stage." "One of the things I think will change in the U.S., which will impact Canada, is that climate will be woven into economic policy and the stimulus across all dimensions," she said. "That really creates an urgency for Canada not to fall behind."
Yet Biden's election is also expected to pose a further challenge to Canada's oil and gas sector, starting with the president-elect having indicated he plans to cancel approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs on Sunday joined Alberta counterpart Jason Kenney in referencing Canadian energy exports to the U.S. as well as the ongoing softwood lumber dispute as he congratulated Biden on his win. "We have an important trade relationship with the United States as a leading supplier of refined energy products," Higgs said in a statement.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Ottawa says federal support for airline industry tied to customer refunds for cancelled flights

New federal support for Canada 's pandemic-battered airline industry will be contingent on carriers providing refunds to passengers whose flights were cancelled , the government announced on Sunday .
Transport Minister Marc Garneau laid out the requirement as he announced that Ottawa is ready to respond to the sector ’ s desperate pleas for federal assistance by launching talks later this week .
Canada 's commercial airlines have been hit hard by COVID-19 , with passenger levels down as much as 90 per cent thanks to a combination of travel restrictions and fear of catching the illness .
That has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and technicians and discontinue dozens of regional routes since March .
They have also cancelled numerous pre-booked trips , offering passengers credits or vouchers instead of refunds .
Many Canadians have since expressed anger over not getting their money back .
The Canadian Transportation Agency received 8,000 complaints between mid-March and the end of August , most of which are believed to be related to refunds .
• Trump 'could go from the presidency to prison , ' Democracy Now !
's Amy Goodman forecasts • How factory farming could cause the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of proposed class-action lawsuits and three petitions garnering more than 100,000 signatures that call for customer reimbursement .
Garneau acknowledged the challenges facing the sector as he revealed the pending talks .
“ The air sector can not respond to these challenges on its own , given the unprecedented impacts on its operations , '' Garneau said in a statement .
“ We are ready to establish a process with major airlines regarding financial assistance which could include loans and potentially other support to secure important results for Canadians , ” he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them this week.
” Yet Garneau also made clear what the government would be demanding from airlines , starting with refunds of what is believed to be millions of dollars in prepaid flight tickets and a curb on cancelled routes .
“ Before we spend one penny of taxpayer money on airlines , we will ensure Canadians get their refunds , ” he said .
“ We will ensure Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada.
” Federal support for Canada 's airline industry will be contingent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were cancelled .
# Airline # Aviation # COVID19 # cdnpoli It was not immediately clear whether that would include pushing Air Canada and others to resume dozens of routes that are currently suspended .
The tough words around refunds were cautiously welcomed Sunday as a good first step by Canadian Automobile Association vice-president Ian Jack , whose organization is one of the largest retailers of vacations and leisure travel in Canada .
“ It ’ s the starter pistol , but it ’ s by no means a fait accompli , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching these negotiations closely .
There is now a concrete , on-the-record commitment from the government that we expect them to honour.
” In contrast to Canadian authorities , the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation have required airlines to refund passengers for cancelled flights .
The U.S. and European countries including France and Germany have also offered billions in financial relief to struggling carriers .
Ottawa has provided no industry-specific bailout to airlines .
The pandemic has devastated the airline industry , with billions of dollars in losses for Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders .
Canadian airline revenues in 2020 will fall by $ 14.6 billion or 43 per cent from last year , according to estimates in May from the International Air Transport Association .
Conservative transport critic Stephanie Kusie attacked the government for not doing more sooner while noting that Garneau did not provide a timeline for when an aid package would be ready for the aviation industry .
`` The Trudeau government has already kept Canadians who depend on the aviation sector waiting for months , '' Kusie wrote on Twitter .

New federal support for Canada's pandemic-battered airline industry will be contingent on carriers providing refunds to passengers whose flights were cancelled, the government announced on Sunday. Transport Minister Marc Garneau laid out the requirement as he announced that Ottawa is ready to respond to the sector’s desperate pleas for federal assistance by launching talks later this week. Canada's commercial airlines have been hit hard by COVID-19, with passenger levels down as much as 90 per cent thanks to a combination of travel restrictions and fear of catching the illness. That has prompted airlines to furlough hundreds of pilots and technicians and discontinue dozens of regional routes since March. They have also cancelled numerous pre-booked trips, offering passengers credits or vouchers instead of refunds. Many Canadians have since expressed anger over not getting their money back. The Canadian Transportation Agency received 8,000 complaints between mid-March and the end of August, most of which are believed to be related to refunds.
Passengers have also filed a handful of proposed class-action lawsuits and three petitions garnering more than 100,000 signatures that call for customer reimbursement. Garneau acknowledged the challenges facing the sector as he revealed the pending talks. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “The air sector cannot respond to these challenges on its own, given the unprecedented impacts on its operations," Garneau said in a statement.
“We are ready to establish a process with major airlines regarding financial assistance which could include loans and potentially other support to secure important results for Canadians,” he added. “We anticipate beginning discussions with them this week.” Federal support for Canada's airline industry will be contingent on carriers providing refunds to passengers whose flights were cancelled. #Airline #Aviation #COVID19 #cdnpoli Yet Garneau also made clear what the government would be demanding from airlines, starting with refunds of what is believed to be millions of dollars in prepaid flight tickets and a curb on cancelled routes. “Before we spend one penny of taxpayer money on airlines, we will ensure Canadians get their refunds,” he said. “We will ensure Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada.” It was not immediately clear whether that would include pushing Air Canada and others to resume dozens of routes that are currently suspended. The tough words around refunds were cautiously welcomed Sunday as a good first step by Canadian Automobile Association vice-president Ian Jack, whose organization is one of the largest retailers of vacations and leisure travel in Canada.
“It’s the starter pistol, but it’s by no means a fait accompli,” Jack said. “We'll be watching these negotiations closely. There is now a concrete, on-the-record commitment from the government that we expect them to honour.” In contrast to Canadian authorities, the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation have required airlines to refund passengers for cancelled flights. The U.S. and European countries including France and Germany have also offered billions in financial relief to struggling carriers. Ottawa has provided no industry-specific bailout to airlines.


nationalobserver--2020-11-09--Grown man defeats proud boy

Grown man defeats proud boy

As a figure unblemished by shame or reflection , Donald Trump perfectly embodies a pre-pubescent ideal of manhood as unrestrained dominance .
That he stands today unrivaled as the ultimate Proud Boy icon is entirely fitting , because Trump is childish to his core .
There 's no coincidence of course .
Trump 's 2016 path to the presidency was powered by Steve Bannon who , in his former role as publisher of Breitbart News , had mastered the social media dark arts of peddling bitterness and hatred to a massive established network of misogynist online trolls .
Add Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now convicted felon , and it was a match made in hell .
This so shows what a good and great man does pic.twitter.com/32lgJlX15O — Clyst Colt Chief ( @ ClystColtChief ) October 23 , 2020 And there it was again on the debate stage , with the world watching .
When Trump cruelly attacked Biden over his son Hunter 's history with drug addiction , his reflexive flash of anger and declaration of unconditional love struck home .
Even the scurrilous hack , apparently from the younger Biden 's laptop , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in rehab , displayed deep devotion and encouragement .
What parent read those words and did n't feel a swelling urge to express loving kindness to their own child ?
Nothing about these notes of manhood is inherently gendered , which is part of its beauty , but it is unmistakably adult .
Indeed , the Harris nomination is itself a manifestation of a comfortable masculinity altogether beyond the grasp of Donald Trump .
It 's open , warm , and welcoming ; fully at ease with itself .
In a world focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of our boys and youth struggle to find their way .
Things can only be worse with bullying now celebrated and modelled daily in the White House , and an online world filled with anger and competition .
What 's come to be known as toxic masculinity is also hurting our boys .
For them to see loving kindness modeled from the most powerful office in the world is a badly needed tonic .
And with that calm reassuring confidence , Joltin ' Joe knocked it out of the park .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obscured by the red mirage that marked the early ballots , the politics of the Electoral College , and the closeness of the vote in swing states .
He won an outright majority of votes cast -- likely to top 51 % when all are in .
He is projected by Nate Silver to receive almost 82 million votes -- almost 12 million more than Barack Obama 's previous high of 69.5 million .
His ultimate margin of victory is projected to come in between 4.5 and 5 % -- some 3 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll win the same Electoral College share that Trump won in 2016 .
While many remain shocked that so many Americans could endorse Trump , a president so devoid of redeeming qualities , it 's crucial to remember the power of presidential incumbency .
No elected President of the United States has been defeated in a straight two-candidate race in almost 90 years .
Such a feat is almost impossible .
Gerald Ford , defeated in 1976 , was never elected , having ascended to the presidency in 1974 on Nixon 's resignation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bush faced third party candidates who captured 6 % and 19 % of the votes , respectively .
Not since FDR 's victory over Herbert Hoover in 1932 has such a resounding rejection been handed to a sitting president .
Donald Trump himself understood the force of presidential incumbency -- just look how he injected the trappings of the presidency into every part of his campaign .
He gave his Republican National Committee acceptance speech in the Rose Garden ; held constant rallies in front of Air Force One ; and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear at a White House campaign event .
To the average American , such potent visual cues fuse Trump 's identity with the presidency itself .
That this was rejected by one of the largest vote margins in recent times is a much greater repudiation than has been understood .
At its heart , this was not an election about policy , but character and decency .
After all America and the world has been through , what a soothing balm it is to see a grown man ascend to the presidency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his right hand .

As a figure unblemished by shame or reflection, Donald Trump perfectly embodies a pre-pubescent ideal of manhood as unrestrained dominance. That he stands today unrivaled as the ultimate Proud Boy icon is entirely fitting, because Trump is childish to his core. There's no coincidence of course. Trump's 2016 path to the presidency was powered by Steve Bannon who, in his former role as publisher of Breitbart News, had mastered the social media dark arts of peddling bitterness and hatred to a massive established network of misogynist online trolls. Add Roger Stone, a political conservative consultant and now convicted felon, and it was a match made in hell. Biden's campaign was a study in contrasts. While his nomination of Kamala Harris as running mate filled his campaign with aspirational messaging for girls and women, it was also a vital example for boys. More subtly, the Biden campaign conveyed something else. Something more rare in these times: an alternate vision of manhood that exudes dignity, service, courage, and tenderness, delivered in the timbred tones of Sam Elliott.
https://twitter.com/meenaharris/status/1313679942832406530 And there was Joe reciting poetry--poetry--in a campaign ad. Or the stanzas of hymns in his acceptance speech. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Then there were the videos of Biden with boys. Pinning an American flag on a child, expressing deep caring for a young boy afflicted with stuttering, or spontaneously hugging and kissing the bereaved son of a Parkland shooting victim.
This so shows what a good and great man does pic.twitter.com/32lgJlX15O — Clyst Colt Chief 🔶 (@ClystColtChief) October 23, 2020 And there it was again on the debate stage, with the world watching. When Trump cruelly attacked Biden over his son Hunter's history with drug addiction, his reflexive flash of anger and declaration of unconditional love struck home. Even the scurrilous hack, apparently from the younger Biden's laptop, of his father's private texts to him in rehab, displayed deep devotion and encouragement. What parent read those words and didn't feel a swelling urge to express loving kindness to their own child? Nothing about these notes of manhood is inherently gendered, which is part of its beauty, but it is unmistakably adult. Indeed, the Harris nomination is itself a manifestation of a comfortable masculinity altogether beyond the grasp of Donald Trump. It's open, warm, and welcoming; fully at ease with itself.
In a world focused on equality for girls and women, many of our boys and youth struggle to find their way. Things can only be worse with bullying now celebrated and modelled daily in the White House, and an online world filled with anger and competition. What's come to be known as toxic masculinity is also hurting our boys. For them to see loving kindness modeled from the most powerful office in the world is a badly needed tonic. And with that calm reassuring confidence, Joltin' Joe knocked it out of the park.


nationalobserver--2020-11-10--Greta Thunberg blasts leaders as 'hypocrites' over climate crisis

Greta Thunberg has blasted politicians as hypocrites and international climate summits as empty words and greenwash .
Until humanity admits it has failed to tackle the climate crisis and begins treating it as an emergency like the coronavirus pandemic , society will be unable to stop global heating , she said .
A vital UN climate summit had been scheduled to begin on Monday in Glasgow but has been postponed for a year because of COVID-19 .
Thunberg , however , said she was not disappointed by the delay : “ As long as we don ’ t treat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have as many conferences as we want , but it will just be negotiations , empty words , loopholes and greenwash.
” “ So the first thing we need to do is understand we are in an emergency ( and ) admit the fact that we have failed — humanity collectively has failed — because you can ’ t solve a crisis that you don ’ t understand , ” Thunberg said .
Thunberg said the scale and speed of the emissions reductions needed to keep global temperature close to the limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so great that they can not be achieved by the normal operation of society .
“ Our whole society would just shut down and too many people would suffer , ” she said .
But she is inspired by the millions of students who have taken up the school strike she began by herself in Sweden 116 weeks ago .
Since then she has addressed the UN and become the world ’ s most prominent climate campaigner .
She also has hope : “ We can treat a crisis like a crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Treating the climate crisis like a crisis — that could change everything overnight.
” In an interview with the Guardian , Thunberg said leaders were happy to set targets for decades into the future , but flinched when immediate action to cut emissions was needed .
She said there was not a politician on the planet promising the climate action required : “ If only , ” said the teenager , who will turn 18 in January .
She is also unimpressed with pledges by nations including the U.K. , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2050 or 2060 .
“ They mean something symbolically , but if you look at what they actually include , or more importantly exclude , there are so many loopholes .
We shouldn ’ t be focusing on dates 10 , 20 or even 30 years in the future .
If we don ’ t reduce our emissions now , then those distant targets won ’ t mean anything because our carbon budgets will be long gone.
” Thunberg is particularly scathing about the EU ’ s MEPs who in October approved almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers , the majority of which has weak or non-existent green conditions attached .
Agriculture is responsible for about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions , and Thunberg said : “ It is a disaster for the climate and for biodiversity.
” She said MEPs had asked for her support in September when the EU was deciding its target for emissions cuts by 2030 .
“ When it ’ s about something that is in 10 years ’ time , they are more than happy to vote for it because that doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it ’ s something that actually has an effect , right here right now , they don ’ t want to touch it .
It really shows the hypocrisy.
” Thunberg said she will back the best party available when she reaches voting age , but that there were no politicians she rates as good : “ If only .
I wish there was one politician or one party that was strong enough on these issues .
Imagine how easy it would be if you could just support a politician.
” Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Thunberg said .
“ That is the root of all this , ” she said .
“ That ’ s why we are fighting for climate justice , social justice .
They are so interlinked , you can ’ t have one without the other.
” “ The climate crisis is just one symptom of a much larger crisis , ( including ) the loss of biodiversity , the loss of fertile soil but also including inequality and threats to democracy , ” she said .
“ These are symptoms that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached the end of the road.
” On campaigning , Thunberg said : “ We need to do everything we can to push in the right direction .
But I don ’ t see the point of being optimistic or pessimistic , I ’ m just realistic .
That doesn ’ t mean I ’ m not happy , I ’ m very happy .
You need to have fun , and I ’ m having much more now than before I started campaigning for this .
When your life gets meaning you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired by fellow school strikers .
“ It is so inspiring to see them because they are so determined and so brave , ” Thunberg said .
“ In some countries , they even get arrested for striking .
For instance , Arshak Makichyan in Russia , he had troubles with the police , but he just continues because he knows what he ’ s doing is right .
And then also in places like China , Howey Ou is incredibly brave.
” The school strikers brought headline-grabbing crowds to the streets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , but are now largely confined to online activism .
“ We are still around and we will have to keep pushing , unfortunately .
But we will .
We ’ re not planning to go away , ” Thunberg said .

This article was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of Canada's National Observer's collaboration with Climate Desk. Greta Thunberg has blasted politicians as hypocrites and international climate summits as empty words and greenwash. Until humanity admits it has failed to tackle the climate crisis and begins treating it as an emergency like the coronavirus pandemic, society will be unable to stop global heating, she said. In an interview with the Guardian, Thunberg said leaders were happy to set targets for decades into the future, but flinched when immediate action to cut emissions was needed. She said there was not a politician on the planet promising the climate action required: “If only,” said the teenager, who will turn 18 in January. But she is inspired by the millions of students who have taken up the school strike she began by herself in Sweden 116 weeks ago. Since then she has addressed the UN and become the world’s most prominent climate campaigner. She also has hope: “We can treat a crisis like a crisis, as we have seen because of the coronavirus. Treating the climate crisis like a crisis — that could change everything overnight.”
Thunberg said the scale and speed of the emissions reductions needed to keep global temperature close to the limit set by the Paris climate agreement are so great that they cannot be achieved by the normal operation of society. “Our whole society would just shut down and too many people would suffer,” she said. “So the first thing we need to do is understand we are in an emergency (and) admit the fact that we have failed — humanity collectively has failed — because you can’t solve a crisis that you don’t understand,” Thunberg said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions A vital UN climate summit had been scheduled to begin on Monday in Glasgow but has been postponed for a year because of COVID-19. Thunberg, however, said she was not disappointed by the delay: “As long as we don’t treat the climate crisis like a crisis, we can have as many conferences as we want, but it will just be negotiations, empty words, loopholes and greenwash.”
She is also unimpressed with pledges by nations including the U.K., China and Japan to reach net zero by 2050 or 2060. “They mean something symbolically, but if you look at what they actually include, or more importantly exclude, there are so many loopholes. We shouldn’t be focusing on dates 10, 20 or even 30 years in the future. If we don’t reduce our emissions now, then those distant targets won’t mean anything because our carbon budgets will be long gone.” “When it’s about something that is in 10 years’ time, (politicians) are more than happy to vote for it because that doesn’t really impact them. But when it’s something that actually has an effect, right here right now, they don’t want to touch it." Thunberg is particularly scathing about the EU’s MEPs who in October approved almost €400bn (£360bn) in subsidies for farmers, the majority of which has weak or non-existent green conditions attached. Agriculture is responsible for about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, and Thunberg said: “It is a disaster for the climate and for biodiversity.” She said MEPs had asked for her support in September when the EU was deciding its target for emissions cuts by 2030. “When it’s about something that is in 10 years’ time, they are more than happy to vote for it because that doesn’t really impact them. But when it’s something that actually has an effect, right here right now, they don’t want to touch it. It really shows the hypocrisy.” Thunberg said she will back the best party available when she reaches voting age, but that there were no politicians she rates as good: “If only. I wish there was one politician or one party that was strong enough on these issues. Imagine how easy it would be if you could just support a politician.” Justice is at the heart of her campaigning, Thunberg said. “That is the root of all this,” she said. “That’s why we are fighting for climate justice, social justice. They are so interlinked, you can’t have one without the other.”
“The climate crisis is just one symptom of a much larger crisis, (including) the loss of biodiversity, the loss of fertile soil but also including inequality and threats to democracy,” she said. “These are symptoms that we are not living sustainably: we have reached the end of the road.” On campaigning, Thunberg said: “We need to do everything we can to push in the right direction. But I don’t see the point of being optimistic or pessimistic, I’m just realistic. That doesn’t mean I’m not happy, I’m very happy. You need to have fun, and I’m having much more now than before I started campaigning for this. When your life gets meaning you become happy.” She said she was inspired by fellow school strikers. “It is so inspiring to see them because they are so determined and so brave,” Thunberg said. “In some countries, they even get arrested for striking. For instance, Arshak Makichyan in Russia, he had troubles with the police, but he just continues because he knows what he’s doing is right. And then also in places like China, Howey Ou is incredibly brave.”


nationalobserver--2020-11-10--Katharine the great white shark reappears off U.S. east coast

This article was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of Canada 's National Observer 's collaboration with Climate Desk .
Katharine , a 14-foot-plus great white shark with a Twitter following , appeared again off the U.S. east coast last week .
A transmitter attached to her dorsal fin had not sent out a definitive message for a year and a half .
The transmitter that was attached off Cape Cod in August 2013 is roughly half the size of an iPhone and is meant to ping whenever the shark breaks the ocean surface .
Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surfacing .
Katharine did so off South Carolina in May 2019 , according to a map maintained by Ocearch , the group tracking her .
This spring , Ocearch said it thought Katharine might have been heard from “ about 200 miles off the coast of Virginia.
” • Biden-Harris prevail !
What 's it mean for Canada ?
But last Monday , the group said she had definitely been recorded , hundreds of miles off the same state .
In a post to the Ocearch Facebook page , Dr. Bryan Franks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive and well … Katharine pinged in multiple times yesterday , confirming it was not a fluke.
” Tags used on Atlantic white sharks “ normally only send data to us for five years , ” Franks said , which meant it was “ very unusual for us to hear from a shark for this length of time , and it ’ s exactly the type of data that we are looking for to help put together the puzzle pieces or her life , and other ( northwest ) Atlantic great white sharks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patterns indicative of being a reproductively mature female white shark with trips during some winters out into the open ocean .
“ Her tracks over the past seven years up and down the coast from Cape Cod to Florida and with long forays to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland , the eastern Gulf of Mexico , and the offshore Atlantic , may cover the movements of two or three cycles of pregnancy and birth of her pups .
“ She has already provided an incredible dataset with more than 1,700 locations , covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was tagged .
It will be fascinating to see where her next moves may be.
” “ Miss me ?
” @ Shark_Katharine asked her 62,000 followers on Sunday .
Katharine , a great white shark with a Twitter following , appeared again off the U.S. east coast last week .
Some have criticized Ocearch ’ s use of social media to publicize their work .
Others point out that it raises the profile of a vital conservation effort .
Katharine was named for Katharine Lee Bates , the 19th-century lyricist who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shark resurfaced at an ugly time for American democracy , her Twitter account began tweeting again .
“ Miss me ?
” Katharine asked her 62,000 followers , adding , in reference to the coronavirus pandemic : “ So everyone knows YES I was wearing a mask when I came up.
” In response to a user who suggested she had resurfaced in time for the presidential election , she wrote : “ I mean .
I was chasing a fish , but I ’ ll roll with it.
” On Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midnight zone of vote counting and partisan warfare , she added : “ Safe to come up again ?
Ya ’ ll are having a crazy week up there.
” In fact , Katharine is not the most popular great white on Twitter .
An account for a shark called Mary Lee has 132,000 followers .
According to Ocearch , her transmitter has not pinged since June 2017 .

This article was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of Canada's National Observer's collaboration with Climate Desk. Katharine, a 14-foot-plus great white shark with a Twitter following, appeared again off the U.S. east coast last week. A transmitter attached to her dorsal fin had not sent out a definitive message for a year and a half. The transmitter that was attached off Cape Cod in August 2013 is roughly half the size of an iPhone and is meant to ping whenever the shark breaks the ocean surface. Great whites can go for long periods without surfacing. Katharine did so off South Carolina in May 2019, according to a map maintained by Ocearch, the group tracking her. This spring, Ocearch said it thought Katharine might have been heard from “about 200 miles off the coast of Virginia.”
But last Monday, the group said she had definitely been recorded, hundreds of miles off the same state. In a post to the Ocearch Facebook page, Dr. Bryan Franks of Jacksonville University wrote: “Katharine is alive and well … Katharine pinged in multiple times yesterday, confirming it was not a fluke.” Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Tags used on Atlantic white sharks “normally only send data to us for five years,” Franks said, which meant it was “very unusual for us to hear from a shark for this length of time, and it’s exactly the type of data that we are looking for to help put together the puzzle pieces or her life, and other (northwest) Atlantic great white sharks like her.
“Katharine showed movement patterns indicative of being a reproductively mature female white shark with trips during some winters out into the open ocean. “Miss me?” @Shark_Katharine asked her 62,000 followers on Sunday. Katharine, a great white shark with a Twitter following, appeared again off the U.S. east coast last week. “Her tracks over the past seven years up and down the coast from Cape Cod to Florida and with long forays to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the offshore Atlantic, may cover the movements of two or three cycles of pregnancy and birth of her pups. “She has already provided an incredible dataset with more than 1,700 locations, covering 37,000 miles of ocean since the day she was tagged. It will be fascinating to see where her next moves may be.” Some have criticized Ocearch’s use of social media to publicize their work. Others point out that it raises the profile of a vital conservation effort. Katharine was named for Katharine Lee Bates, the 19th-century lyricist who wrote America the Beautiful. After the shark resurfaced at an ugly time for American democracy, her Twitter account began tweeting again.
“Miss me?” Katharine asked her 62,000 followers, adding, in reference to the coronavirus pandemic: “So everyone knows YES I was wearing a mask when I came up.” In response to a user who suggested she had resurfaced in time for the presidential election, she wrote: “I mean. I was chasing a fish, but I’ll roll with it.” On Friday, with the election result stuck in a midnight zone of vote counting and partisan warfare, she added: “Safe to come up again? Ya’ll are having a crazy week up there.”