nationalobserver--2020-08-18--Next Conservative party leader best not take Alberta for granted: MPs

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner is warning that whoever is elected as the new party leader on Sunday must be prepared with robust policy for the West .
Considering the Liberal government was shut out of Alberta in the last election and a western separatist party is in the wings , the next Conservative leader needs more for the province than a pledge to axe the carbon tax , said Rempel Garner , an Calgary MP since 2011 .
`` That 's how people will be making their decisions on how to vote in the next election in Alberta , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four leadership candidates have roots in the West , a first in the party 's modern-day history .
The inaugural leader , Stephen Harper , was born in Ontario and moved to Alberta after high school .
Rona Ambrose , who temporarily replaced him after he stepped down in 2015 , was born and raised in the province .
• Speaking out comes at a cost in Alberta .
Just look at the former CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Outgoing leader Andrew Scheer grew up in Ottawa , but has represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garner was one of the few western MPs who considered a run at the top job .
She said one of the reasons she opted not to run was the need to be an unabashed booster for her province .
After the Liberals lost what few seats they held in Alberta and Saskatchewan in the last election , Rempel Garner , with three other Conservative MPs , issued the `` Buffalo Declaration . ''
It was billed as an outline of structural reforms designed to make Alberta an equal player in Confederation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take up its ideas as part of their respective platforms .
`` That 's why I 've struggled with my vote , '' she said .
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner is warning that whoever is elected as the new party leader on Sunday , August 16 , 2020 , must be prepared with robust policy for the West .
Leadership contender Erin O'Toole has a page in his platform devoted to Alberta , promising among other things to fix existing federal funding programs which top-up provincial revenues , a system that critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rival Peter MacKay references Alberta in his energy policy , an area where O'Toole attracted criticism for initially promising to remove subsidies on fossil fuels , though he later recanted .
Shannon Stubbs , who represents the central Alberta riding of Lakeland , agreed that the next leader has to get beyond promises to the oil and gas sector .
She said she wants a revival of conservative philosophy and positions and a more `` substantial value proposition '' for the province .
`` More than just 'We support some jobs , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against certain laws or are against certain taxes , ' '' she said .
`` I hope that the next leader and we as the Conservative party run on more than that for people from Alberta and the West . ''
Stubbs and Rempel Garner are among the few Alberta MPs who have n't publicly endorsed a candidate .
From the 33 Alberta MPs , MacKay has 13 endorsements and O'Toole 11 , though he also counts among his backers Alberta Premier and former federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney .
Leslyn Lewis has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — who also signed the Buffalo Declaration — while Derek Sloan has no sitting MPs in his corner .
Lewis , however , has seen a marked rise in her grassroots support in Alberta .
She trails just behind O'Toole when it comes to individual donors from the province , where he is the fundraising leader .
The number of Conservative party members overall has risen by about 100,000 during to the race to around 269,500 .
Among the ridings with the most members in the country is Foothills , parts of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Harper and Preston Manning , the founder of the Reform party .
The Reform party would later become the Canadian Alliance and then merge with the Progressive Conservatives to form today 's Conservative party .
O'Toole has run in the spirit of the olden days , casting himself as a `` True Blue '' Tory .
But John Barlow , who currently represents Foothills , has endorsed MacKay , who was the leader of the PCs during the merger .
He said he feels the old-time Reformers in his riding want the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : to win .
`` What they are looking for is that leader who is going to beat Justin Trudeau , that leader who is going to win us seats in urban ridings , which we have to do , '' he said .
But , many are seeing echoes of the Reform days in the formation of a new political party based in Alberta : Wexit .
It is calling for either the West to separate or for major constitutional reform to give it more clout and is currently led by Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an MP , including as Harper 's government House leader .
Rempel Garner stopped short of saying she 'd cast her lot in with Wexit if the new Conservative leader does n't deliver , saying she still supports her party .
Albertans are watching closely , she said .
`` This is real and we have to have a real response , '' she said of the talk of separation .
`` That is what I expect .
Not just as a member of caucus but as an Albertan . ''
This report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 17 , 2020 .

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner is warning that whoever is elected as the new party leader on Sunday must be prepared with robust policy for the West. Considering the Liberal government was shut out of Alberta in the last election and a western separatist party is in the wings, the next Conservative leader needs more for the province than a pledge to axe the carbon tax, said Rempel Garner, an Calgary MP since 2011. "That's how people will be making their decisions on how to vote in the next election in Alberta," she said. None of the four leadership candidates have roots in the West, a first in the party's modern-day history. The inaugural leader, Stephen Harper, was born in Ontario and moved to Alberta after high school. Rona Ambrose, who temporarily replaced him after he stepped down in 2015, was born and raised in the province.
Outgoing leader Andrew Scheer grew up in Ottawa, but has represented a Saskatchewan riding since 2004. Rempel Garner was one of the few western MPs who considered a run at the top job. She said one of the reasons she opted not to run was the need to be an unabashed booster for her province. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions After the Liberals lost what few seats they held in Alberta and Saskatchewan in the last election, Rempel Garner, with three other Conservative MPs, issued the "Buffalo Declaration."
It was billed as an outline of structural reforms designed to make Alberta an equal player in Confederation. She said she'd hoped candidates would take up its ideas as part of their respective platforms. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner is warning that whoever is elected as the new party leader on Sunday, August 16, 2020, must be prepared with robust policy for the West. That didn't happen. "That's why I've struggled with my vote," she said. Leadership contender Erin O'Toole has a page in his platform devoted to Alberta, promising among other things to fix existing federal funding programs which top-up provincial revenues, a system that critics say can be unfair to Alberta. Rival Peter MacKay references Alberta in his energy policy, an area where O'Toole attracted criticism for initially promising to remove subsidies on fossil fuels, though he later recanted.
Shannon Stubbs, who represents the central Alberta riding of Lakeland, agreed that the next leader has to get beyond promises to the oil and gas sector. She said she wants a revival of conservative philosophy and positions and a more "substantial value proposition" for the province. "More than just 'We support some jobs, or we support certain infrastructure or we are against certain laws or are against certain taxes,'" she said.


nationalobserver--2020-08-18--New Brunswickers to head to polls in snap election despite pandemic

New Brunswickers will be heading to the polls Sept. 14 after Premier Blaine Higgs on Monday said the province needed stability to face the coming challenges and triggered the first election in Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic hit .
`` We are in a pandemic and the coming election campaign will not be like any election we have ever experienced , '' Higgs told reporters following his meeting with Lt.-Gov .
Brenda Murphy , during which he asked her to dissolve the province 's 59th legislature .
He said candidates will need to be creative and innovative to get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they follow health directives to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus .
`` As difficult as it is to imagine , our candidates will not be going door-to-door and they will not be leaving any hand-delivered papers or brochures on your doorstep . ''
Higgs said he spoke with Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell before his decision to call the snap election and she advised that a general election could proceed safely .
• Speaking out comes at a cost in Alberta .
Just look at the former CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory leader said he was forced to go to the polls after the Opposition Liberals abandoned talks on Friday aimed at preventing an election until 2022 .
But Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers accused Higgs of listening to political advisors instead of the people of New Brunswick by plunging them into an election they do n't need or want .
`` Blaine Higgs chose to send New Brunswickers to the polls in the middle of a pandemic , '' Vickers told reporters outside the legislature .
`` The premier of New Brunswick chose political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our citizens . ''
Higgs threatened last week to trigger a provincial vote unless opposition parties agreed to keep his minority government in power until 2022 — or until the pandemic was declared over .
But Vickers walked out of talks aimed at reaching a multi-party power-sharing arrangement Friday , saying they amounted to a power grab by the leader of the Progressive Conservatives .
Vickers said Monday his party was willing to make concessions that would 've meant stability in government until well into 2021 .
New Brunswickers will be heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blaine Higgs on Monday , August 17 , 2020 , said the province needed stability to face the coming challenges and triggered the first election in Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic hit .
Higgs said he felt Vickers `` had a lot of pressure not to get an agreement , not to have a path forward , and I think that 's extremely unfortunate . ''
The premier said this election is about `` substance and stability . ''
`` New Brunswickers will need to decide who can lead them into the unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and years . ''
Green Leader David Coon said New Brunswickers have greater concerns right now than an election .
`` It 's very alarming that the premier has called an election during the pandemic when people are so concerned with their health , with the health of their children , the health of their elders and their parents , when so many other concerns are going on , '' he said .
This campaign , Coon added , will be about the well-being of New Brunswickers .
People 's Alliance Leader Kris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat count in the legislature from its current three members .
He said New Brunswickers were pleased with the work of the all-party COVID-19 cabinet committee and have embraced the advantages of a minority government .
`` We 've seen good changes in the province , '' Austin said Monday .
`` We 've seen a sense of stability that we have n't seen in quite some time .
We 've seen varying opinions brought to the table , and I think the people of New Brunswick like that . ''
Higgs was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said in recent weeks he needed to ensure stability in New Brunswick as the province recovers from the impacts of COVID-19 and prepares for a possible second wave of the pandemic .
On Aug. 10 , Higgs invited opposition leaders to talks to reach a formal agreement not to trigger an election until September 2022 , or no earlier than 30 days after public health officials declare the COVID-19 pandemic over .
At dissolution , the Progressive Conservatives and Liberals each have 20 seats in the legislature , while the Greens and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are two vacant seats and one Independent .
Higgs said Monday the election could be halted or delayed if a major outbreak of COVID-19 occurs during the campaign , but did n't provide details .
Chief Electoral Officer Kim Poffenroth recently said there would be no way to stop the campaign once the writ was dropped .
Poffenroth has said more than $ 1 million had been spent on personal protective equipment for both electors and elections staff for a province-wide vote .
She said that included cleaning supplies , hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for mail-in ballots .
About $ 250,000 will be spent on additional staff for polling stations .
In a recent interview , Poffenroth said a media campaign will be launched to ensure voters understand they do n't have to wait until election day to cast their ballot .
`` Once the returning offices are open , any elector in the province can go into any of the 50 returning offices , six days a week to vote , '' she said .
`` There is also the advance voting opportunities and election day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply for a mail-in ballot as well . ''
Poffenroth said her office will also encourage people to go to the polls at off-peak hours in an effort to `` flatten the election curve . ''
`` We want to reduce the number of people in the polls at any given time , and reduce the waiting time , '' she said .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17 , 2020 .

New Brunswickers will be heading to the polls Sept. 14 after Premier Blaine Higgs on Monday said the province needed stability to face the coming challenges and triggered the first election in Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. "We are in a pandemic and the coming election campaign will not be like any election we have ever experienced," Higgs told reporters following his meeting with Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy, during which he asked her to dissolve the province's 59th legislature. He said candidates will need to be creative and innovative to get out the vote during the 28-day campaign while they follow health directives to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. "As difficult as it is to imagine, our candidates will not be going door-to-door and they will not be leaving any hand-delivered papers or brochures on your doorstep." Higgs said he spoke with Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell before his decision to call the snap election and she advised that a general election could proceed safely.
The Tory leader said he was forced to go to the polls after the Opposition Liberals abandoned talks on Friday aimed at preventing an election until 2022. But Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers accused Higgs of listening to political advisors instead of the people of New Brunswick by plunging them into an election they don't need or want. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "Blaine Higgs chose to send New Brunswickers to the polls in the middle of a pandemic," Vickers told reporters outside the legislature. "The premier of New Brunswick chose political opportunism instead of the health and safety of our citizens."
Higgs threatened last week to trigger a provincial vote unless opposition parties agreed to keep his minority government in power until 2022 — or until the pandemic was declared over. New Brunswickers will be heading to the polls Sept. 14 after Premier Blaine Higgs on Monday, August 17, 2020, said the province needed stability to face the coming challenges and triggered the first election in Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But Vickers walked out of talks aimed at reaching a multi-party power-sharing arrangement Friday, saying they amounted to a power grab by the leader of the Progressive Conservatives. Vickers said Monday his party was willing to make concessions that would've meant stability in government until well into 2021. Higgs said he felt Vickers "had a lot of pressure not to get an agreement, not to have a path forward, and I think that's extremely unfortunate." The premier said this election is about "substance and stability."
"New Brunswickers will need to decide who can lead them into the unknown that may surface in the coming months and years." Green Leader David Coon said New Brunswickers have greater concerns right now than an election. "It's very alarming that the premier has called an election during the pandemic when people are so concerned with their health, with the health of their children, the health of their elders and their parents, when so many other concerns are going on," he said.


nationalobserver--2020-08-18--Many parents nervous about return of school: survey

With only weeks until classes resume , a new survey suggests the majority of Canadian parents plan to send their kids back to school but most would want classes cancelled if there is a new COVID-19 outbreak in their community .
The survey by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies is the latest to take parents ' temperature as provinces prepare to reopen schools after sending children home this spring when the pandemic arrived .
The results suggest many parents are torn , with 66 per cent of respondents with children admitting they were worried about children returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned to send their kids anyway .
Yet 69 per cent also felt all classes should be suspended and learning shifted back to home if there is a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in their community , with 19 per cent saying classes should continue and 12 per cent unsure either way .
The online survey of 1,510 Canadians over age 18 , including 385 parents with school-aged children in their households , took place Aug. 14-16 .
An internet poll can not be given a margin of error because it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes at a cost in Alberta .
Just look at the former CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce The results underscore the nervousness and sensitivities around the planned reopening of school , says Leger president Jean-Marc Leger , with many parents supporting the return of classes but ready to shut it down again at the drop of a hat .
`` People are nervous , '' he said .
`` It 's a very sensitive question . ''
The survey also found strong support among respondents with children for requiring certain protections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 at schools , including 76 per cent who said students should have to wear masks .
The result was not broken down by whether masks should be required for only high school students or students in both high school and elementary .
Some provinces such as Ontario are requiring masks for students in certain grades but not others .
Eighty-four per cent of respondents with kids said teachers and school staff should be required to wear masks while 75 per cent supported temperature checks for children and 71 per cent wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 'Okay , we agree .
We support the government 's initiative .
But at the same time , you should ensure that the rules are respected at school , ' '' said Leger .
With only weeks until classes resume , a new survey suggests the majority of Canadian parents plan to send their kids back to school but most would want classes cancelled if there is a new COVID-19 outbreak in their community .
Parents were more divided over what to do if a student or teacher in their kid 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 per cent reported they would keep their kids home from school indefinitely , 35 per cent said they would keep them home for at least 14 days while 33 per cent indicated they would follow the advice of their school on next steps .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18 , 2020 .

With only weeks until classes resume, a new survey suggests the majority of Canadian parents plan to send their kids back to school but most would want classes cancelled if there is a new COVID-19 outbreak in their community.
The survey by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies is the latest to take parents' temperature as provinces prepare to reopen schools after sending children home this spring when the pandemic arrived.
The results suggest many parents are torn, with 66 per cent of respondents with children admitting they were worried about children returning to school but 63 per cent saying they planned to send their kids anyway.
Yet 69 per cent also felt all classes should be suspended and learning shifted back to home if there is a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in their community, with 19 per cent saying classes should continue and 12 per cent unsure either way.
The online survey of 1,510 Canadians over age 18, including 385 parents with school-aged children in their households, took place Aug. 14-16. An internet poll cannot be given a margin of error because it is not a random sample.


nationalobserver--2020-08-18--CRA expects online services restored Wednesday following cyberbreaches

The Canada Revenue Agency expects online services to be fully restored by Wednesday after fraudsters used thousands of pilfered usernames and passwords to obtain government services .
About 5,600 CRA accounts were targeted in what the federal government describes as `` credential stuffing '' schemes , in which hackers used passwords and usernames from other websites to access Canadians ' revenue agency accounts .
The suspension of CRA 's online services comes as many Canadians are relying on the revenue agency 's website to access financial support related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
People can still apply for benefit programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Canada Emergency Response Benefit by calling 1-800-959-8281 , said Annette Butikofer , chief information officer of the revenue agency .
In addition , employers can apply for the latest wage subsidy as planned , she said during a briefing Monday on the cyberattacks .
• Speaking out comes at a cost in Alberta .
Just look at the former CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce `` We know employers are counting on these funds . ''
The government is advising Canadians to use unique passwords for all online accounts and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been grappling for the last week with the credential stuffing attacks , made possible through information that was previously stolen from non-government accounts .
The technique , often beginning with huge caches of usernames and passwords found in the darker reaches of the Internet , takes advantage of peoples ' tendency to reuse passwords .
Fraudsters then use automated web bots to hammer websites with various credentials until they hit upon the right combination and get in , said Marc Brouillard , acting chief information officer of Canada .
Once in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and steal personal information or undertake activities as that user , he told the briefing .
The Canada Revenue Agency expects online services to be fully restored by Wednesday , August 19 , 2020 , after fraudsters used thousands of pilfered usernames and passwords to obtain government services .
The first of three attacks in the last week took aim at the GCKey service , which is used by about 30 federal departments and allows Canadians to access services like the My Service Canada account .
By using the previously stolen usernames and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraudulently acquire about 9,000 of the some 12 million GCKey accounts , one-third of which accessed federal services and are being further examined for suspicious activities , Brouillard said .
Affected GCKey accounts were cancelled , and the government is contacting users whose credentials were compromised with instructions on how to obtain a new GCKey .
Separately , CRA 's system was hit by credential stuffing attacks .
The perpetrators were able to use previously hacked credentials to access the CRA portal .
They were also able to exploit a vulnerability that allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get into thousands more accounts .
In addition , early Saturday morning , the CRA portal was directly targeted with a large amount of traffic trying to attack the services through credential stuffing .
`` Out of an abundance of caution the CRA portal was shut down to contain the attack and implement measures to protect CRA services , '' Brouillard said .
Credential stuffers are difficult to detect because they are not trying to sneak through a back door , he said .
`` They are applying credentials just like normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to detect that pattern from all of the good traffic .
But we have systems to monitor and look for these behaviours and identify when patterns do n't seem to make sense and that 's how this particular ( attack ) was identified . ''
The government is looking at greater use of two-factor authentication , where a user trying to log in to a system enters not only a password but receives a message with a code or link they must act on before being allowed in .
But putting this in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brouillard suggested .
`` We also have to worry about making our systems accessible and easy to use , so it is a balancing act , '' he said .
`` We 're looking at ways of strengthening our systems to be able to address these issues . ''
Several federal agencies are investigating the incidents and since their work is ongoing , nothing will be said about the suspected perpetrators , said Scott Jones , head of Canadian Centre for Cyber Security .
The RCMP was notified of unusual activity Tues. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The confidence and trust that individuals and businesses have in the CRA are the cornerstones of Canada 's tax system , '' she said .
She said the revenue agency 's teams have been `` working around the clock to resolve these issues and protect the confidential information of Canadians . ''
Accounts of affected individuals have been revoked and letters have been sent to these people , she added .
Asked during the briefing if the government would apologize , Brouillard sidestepped the question .
`` It 's not a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` Of course , this is not something we want to happen .
But we are reacting to those attackers and addressing them and mitigating those services as much as possible .
And that does include supporting Canadians . ''
An expression of regret did , however , come from Lori MacDonald , chief operating officer at Service Canada .
`` Certainly we apologize for any inconvenience on behalf of the government of Canada caused to any of our clients , '' she told the briefing .
All CRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services have been reactivated , to enable email notifications as a security measure , Butikofer said .
This allows taxpayers to be contacted by email if their address or direct-deposit information has been changed on CRA records .
`` These notifications act as an early warning to Canadians of potentially fraudulent activity on their accounts . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17 , 2020 .

The Canada Revenue Agency expects online services to be fully restored by Wednesday after fraudsters used thousands of pilfered usernames and passwords to obtain government services. About 5,600 CRA accounts were targeted in what the federal government describes as "credential stuffing" schemes, in which hackers used passwords and usernames from other websites to access Canadians' revenue agency accounts. The suspension of CRA's online services comes as many Canadians are relying on the revenue agency's website to access financial support related to the COVID-19 pandemic. People can still apply for benefit programs including the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit by calling 1-800-959-8281, said Annette Butikofer, chief information officer of the revenue agency. In addition, employers can apply for the latest wage subsidy as planned, she said during a briefing Monday on the cyberattacks.
"We know employers are counting on these funds." The government is advising Canadians to use unique passwords for all online accounts and to check for suspicious activity. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Federal officials have been grappling for the last week with the credential stuffing attacks, made possible through information that was previously stolen from non-government accounts.
The technique, often beginning with huge caches of usernames and passwords found in the darker reaches of the Internet, takes advantage of peoples' tendency to reuse passwords. The Canada Revenue Agency expects online services to be fully restored by Wednesday, August 19, 2020, after fraudsters used thousands of pilfered usernames and passwords to obtain government services. Fraudsters then use automated web bots to hammer websites with various credentials until they hit upon the right combination and get in, said Marc Brouillard, acting chief information officer of Canada. Once in, the attacker can take over these accounts and steal personal information or undertake activities as that user, he told the briefing. The first of three attacks in the last week took aim at the GCKey service, which is used by about 30 federal departments and allows Canadians to access services like the My Service Canada account. By using the previously stolen usernames and passwords, the perpetrators were able to fraudulently acquire about 9,000 of the some 12 million GCKey accounts, one-third of which accessed federal services and are being further examined for suspicious activities, Brouillard said.
Affected GCKey accounts were cancelled, and the government is contacting users whose credentials were compromised with instructions on how to obtain a new GCKey. Separately, CRA's system was hit by credential stuffing attacks. The perpetrators were able to use previously hacked credentials to access the CRA portal. They were also able to exploit a vulnerability that allowed them to bypass the CRA security questions and get into thousands more accounts. In addition, early Saturday morning, the CRA portal was directly targeted with a large amount of traffic trying to attack the services through credential stuffing.


nationalobserver--2020-08-18--Cabinet shuffle imminent to replace Morneau in crucial finance post

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to name a new finance minister as early as today following the abrupt departure Monday of Bill Morneau .
Trudeau ca n't let the crucial post go vacant for long when the country is mired in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and running up unprecedented deficits — both of which could deepen this fall if Canada is hit with a second wave of the novel coronavirus .
At a hastily announced news conference Monday evening , Morneau announced that he 's quitting both as finance minister and as the Liberal MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safe Liberal seat for Mark Carney , the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England , should he choose to jump into the political arena — a leap he 's long been rumoured to be interested in making , with an eye to eventually running for Liberal leader .
News last week that Trudeau has tapped Carney for informal advice on a post-pandemic recovery plan triggered fevered speculation that the prime minister was about to replace Morneau , with whom he reportedly had disagreements over policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost in Alberta .
Just look at the former CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce It would n't be the first time a prime minister has named someone to cabinet who did n't hold a seat in the House of Commons .
Stephane Dion and Pierre Pettigrew entered Jean Chretien 's cabinet in 1996 and won byelections a couple of months later .
Louis St. Laurent was named to William Lyon Mackenzie King 's cabinet in 1941 , before winning a byelection .
Speculation has now shifted to some of Trudeau 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First among them : Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland , a former journalist who has written extensively about the global economy , including the best-selling book `` Plutocrats : The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else . ''
Freeland would be the first female finance minister in Canada 's history .
Other names circulating in the Parliament Hill rumour mill include Treasury Board president Jean-Yves Duclos , a distinguished economist before entering politics in 2015 , Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough , Justice Minister David Lametti and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he chooses , Trudeau is expected to involve a minimal number of ministers in the shuffle necessitated by Morneau 's exit .
Morneau insisted his decision was based strictly on the fact that he does n't intend to run for re-election and his belief that the finance minister must be someone who will be around for the long , hard road to recovery ahead .
He said he intends to run to be the next secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development instead .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as today , August 18 , 2020 , following the abrupt departure Monday of Bill Morneau .
His explanation was plausible insofar as Trudeau needs a finance minister who can play a lead role in the next election campaign .
That could come at any time , since the Liberals hold only a minority of Commons seats and it will inevitably revolve around plans for economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic .
But it 's unlikely to silence speculation that he was pushed out over disagreements with Trudeau and the ongoing controversy over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to administer a student grant program .
Both Trudeau and Morneau have close family ties to the charity and have apologized for not recusing themselves from the decision .
And both are under investigation by the federal ethics watchdog for possible breaches of conflict of interest rules .
Morneau compounded the controversy by revealing that WE Charity had paid over $ 41,000 in expenses for family trips to see its humanitarian projects in Ecuador and Kenya .
Morneau repaid the charity just hours before disclosing the trips during testimony before the Commons finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be coming when the committee finally releases thousands of pages of documents the government turned over 10 days ago about the WE affair .
The documents are currently being vetted by Parliament 's law clerk to ensure there are no breaches of cabinet confidentiality or personal privacy .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18 , 2020 .

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to name a new finance minister as early as today following the abrupt departure Monday of Bill Morneau. Trudeau can't let the crucial post go vacant for long when the country is mired in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and running up unprecedented deficits — both of which could deepen this fall if Canada is hit with a second wave of the novel coronavirus. At a hastily announced news conference Monday evening, Morneau announced that he's quitting both as finance minister and as the Liberal MP for Toronto Centre. That opens up a safe Liberal seat for Mark Carney, the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, should he choose to jump into the political arena — a leap he's long been rumoured to be interested in making, with an eye to eventually running for Liberal leader. News last week that Trudeau has tapped Carney for informal advice on a post-pandemic recovery plan triggered fevered speculation that the prime minister was about to replace Morneau, with whom he reportedly had disagreements over policy.
It wouldn't be the first time a prime minister has named someone to cabinet who didn't hold a seat in the House of Commons. Stephane Dion and Pierre Pettigrew entered Jean Chretien's cabinet in 1996 and won byelections a couple of months later. Louis St. Laurent was named to William Lyon Mackenzie King's cabinet in 1941, before winning a byelection. Speculation has now shifted to some of Trudeau's tried-and-true ministers to fill Morneau's shoes. First among them: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a former journalist who has written extensively about the global economy, including the best-selling book "Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else." Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Freeland would be the first female finance minister in Canada's history.
Other names circulating in the Parliament Hill rumour mill include Treasury Board president Jean-Yves Duclos, a distinguished economist before entering politics in 2015, Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough, Justice Minister David Lametti and Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to name a new finance minister as early as today, August 18, 2020, following the abrupt departure Monday of Bill Morneau. Whomever he chooses, Trudeau is expected to involve a minimal number of ministers in the shuffle necessitated by Morneau's exit. Morneau insisted his decision was based strictly on the fact that he doesn't intend to run for re-election and his belief that the finance minister must be someone who will be around for the long, hard road to recovery ahead. He said he intends to run to be the next secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development instead. His explanation was plausible insofar as Trudeau needs a finance minister who can play a lead role in the next election campaign. That could come at any time, since the Liberals hold only a minority of Commons seats and it will inevitably revolve around plans for economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. But it's unlikely to silence speculation that he was pushed out over disagreements with Trudeau and the ongoing controversy over the government's choice of WE Charity to administer a student grant program.
Both Trudeau and Morneau have close family ties to the charity and have apologized for not recusing themselves from the decision. And both are under investigation by the federal ethics watchdog for possible breaches of conflict of interest rules. Morneau compounded the controversy by revealing that WE Charity had paid over $41,000 in expenses for family trips to see its humanitarian projects in Ecuador and Kenya. Morneau repaid the charity just hours before disclosing the trips during testimony before the Commons finance committee last month. Further damaging revelations could be coming when the committee finally releases thousands of pages of documents the government turned over 10 days ago about the WE affair. The documents are currently being vetted by Parliament's law clerk to ensure there are no breaches of cabinet confidentiality or personal privacy.


nationalobserver--2020-08-18--B.C. imports 99 million kilos of American onions. Why?

It ’ s a sourcing decision the head chef for Victoria ’ s Cool Aid Society , an organization that provides housing and meals to those in need , doesn ’ t regret .
Onions from a processing plant and farm in the Golden State , Thompson International Inc. , were recalled across Canada earlier this month because of a salmonella outbreak that has left 339 people ill , including 78 in B.C .
“ We were pretty safe right from the get-go , ” he said .
“ But if I hadn ’ t been buying local right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different ballgame.
” About four per cent of the onions consumed in B.C .
are grown in the province .
The remainder — 99 million kilograms — are imported , primarily from the United States .
Most onions and similar vegetables , including shallots , are imported into B.C .
from the U.S. to the tune of 99 million kilograms annually .
Photo by Marc Fawcett-Atkinson California accounted for 5.3 million kilograms , with the remainder coming mostly from farms in Washington state , one of the world ’ s largest onion producers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost in Alberta .
Just look at the former CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Onions aren ’ t the only vegetable brought in from outside the country .
According to an April report commissioned by Metro Vancouver , about 63 per cent of produce consumed in the province is imported .
That dependence makes British Columbians more vulnerable to forces beyond their control .
For instance , over the past four years , California has seen reduced production and increased prices due to drought — a situation that ’ s anticipated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change .
COVID-19 has also slammed farm workers in the Western U.S. , with hundreds of cases reported in Washington , Oregon and California .
In Monterey Country , one of the region ’ s most productive agricultural hubs , farm workers accounted for nearly 36 per cent of cases .
About four per cent of the onions consumed in B.C .
are grown in the province .
The remainder — 99 million kilograms — are imported , primarily from the United States .
For Stewart , the pandemic has only increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can .
Cool Aid offers free meals and relies on grants and donations , meaning he doesn ’ t have the same flexibility as restaurants when it comes to sourcing his supplies .
And while the pandemic has made buying local easier — more funds are available and B.C .
farmers have surplus crops — that money isn ’ t guaranteed long-term .
Nor does it solve the deeper forces that are pushing U.S. produce onto British Columbians ’ plates .
“ An unfortunate reality is that when you buy California produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how they subsidize it or because of the inexpensive labour they have , ” he said .
Hannah Wittman , a professor of land and food systems at the University of British Columbia , agreed .
“ ( The U.S. ) has lower environmental standards , lower labour standards and the benefit of NAFTA , ” she said .
California also has the benefit of economies of scale , with massive , industrial farms that can produce year-round dominating the Central and Salinas valleys .
It ’ s a pattern that goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Canada and the U.S. implemented the Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement ( CUSFTA ) , the precursor to NAFTA , and continues today with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement that came into force last month .
The CUSFTA made it easy for American produce to be trucked into Canada and sold .
Most of these sales went through one of the country ’ s four major grocery chains , which account for 65 per cent of Canadian retail food sales combined .
Buying produce from a few big farms lets those grocers increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pricing out the smaller Canadian farmers and processors ( processors are essential to making local produce available out of season ) who couldn ’ t compete .
“ Growers are paid the market value , ” said Leisa Yee , secretary-manager of the B.C .
Potato and Vegetable Growers Association .
“ They ’ re price takers , they can ’ t sell their produce for what they want.
” Unable to access their old markets , many farmers quit — the number of Canadian farmers dropped almost 25 per cent between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went out of business .
Blueberries occupy more than 10,000 hectares of arable land in B.C .
Other field-grown crops occupy about three-quarter that area , covering 8,000 hectares .
Photo by Marc Fawcett-Atkinson Many of those who remained started growing blueberries at an industrial scale and exporting them into the U.S. Produce that ’ s grown more cheaply in the U.S. is prevalent in B.C .
Meanwhile , blueberries occupy about a quarter more arable land as other field-grown crops in the province .
That ’ s not great news for British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get something imported — you have no idea how it was made , where it was from , what the ingredients are in it , ” she said .
Including California onions .
As of Monday , more than 30 products had been affected and recalled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency .
For Stewart , the recalls are only further encouragement to feed his clients at the Cool Aid Society more local food — even as the days get shorter .
“ I ’ m just buying everything that ’ s in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freeze stuff and just put it away for fall and winter , ” he said .

Paul Stewart cooks a thousand meals a day. None use California onions. It’s a sourcing decision the head chef for Victoria’s Cool Aid Society, an organization that provides housing and meals to those in need, doesn’t regret. Onions from a processing plant and farm in the Golden State, Thompson International Inc., were recalled across Canada earlier this month because of a salmonella outbreak that has left 339 people ill, including 78 in B.C. “We were pretty safe right from the get-go,” he said. “But if I hadn’t been buying local right now, maybe it would have been a different ballgame.” About four per cent of the onions consumed in B.C. are grown in the province. The remainder — 99 million kilograms — are imported, primarily from the United States. Most onions and similar vegetables, including shallots, are imported into B.C. from the U.S. to the tune of 99 million kilograms annually. Photo by Marc Fawcett-Atkinson
California accounted for 5.3 million kilograms, with the remainder coming mostly from farms in Washington state, one of the world’s largest onion producers. Onions aren’t the only vegetable brought in from outside the country. According to an April report commissioned by Metro Vancouver, about 63 per cent of produce consumed in the province is imported. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions That dependence makes British Columbians more vulnerable to forces beyond their control.
For instance, over the past four years, California has seen reduced production and increased prices due to drought — a situation that’s anticipated to get worse as a result of climate change. About four per cent of the onions consumed in B.C. are grown in the province. The remainder — 99 million kilograms — are imported, primarily from the United States. COVID-19 has also slammed farm workers in the Western U.S., with hundreds of cases reported in Washington, Oregon and California. In Monterey Country, one of the region’s most productive agricultural hubs, farm workers accounted for nearly 36 per cent of cases.
For Stewart, the pandemic has only increased his efforts to source locally — when he can. Cool Aid offers free meals and relies on grants and donations, meaning he doesn’t have the same flexibility as restaurants when it comes to sourcing his supplies.


nationalobserver--2020-08-18--A real and present fear. What it's like to be a woman, Indigenous and a reporter in Canada

I expected friction .
But I never imagined I ’ d be leaving just two days later afraid for my life .
I was there to cover a protest being held by townspeople upset with Secwépemc land defenders called Tiny House Warriors who have been occupying a piece of their traditional lands to oppose pipeline expansion through the area .
Tensions were high when I arrived in Blue River , B.C.
, on July 24 .
I was invited to join two elders and a few pipe carriers as they held a ceremony across from the Trans Mountain pipeline pump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day that would be long , exhausting emotionally , mentally and spiritually .
The stories I cover often are , but this one felt even more heightened .
Everyone seemed on edge and uncertain about what would unfold .
A rally planned by locals and supporters of oil and gas who want the Tiny House Warriors opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion gone was planned for the morning after I arrived .
I didn ’ t want to put myself in the line of fire .
Then I knew I couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to happen and police got involved , there ’ s a good chance I ’ d be targeted if I wore it .
Not only was I concerned about potential police violence , but also violence from counter-protesters .
I didn ’ t even connect the two when I packed , until I got to Blue River .
It just so happened I had brought a camouflaged hoodie with me .
Because it was comfy .
They are on guard for the health of Secwépemc lands , waters and air .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development that ’ s harmful to the intrinsic ecosystems of their ancestors and future generations .
But the camouflage gear some land protectors wore was a reminder of a people at war and on guard .
The smell of sage , cedar and other smudge was soothing .
A slight wind carried the smoke high , weaving in and away from the four directions it decided to blow .
The elders prayed for the day , for the people on both sides of the divides .
Prayers of thanks were sent for Mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide for our sustenance .
At the ceremony , seeing and hearing our people sharing their stories of brokenness , violence and strength , outside a chain-link fence that separated them from this pipeline project owned by the Canadian government was symbolic of the broken relationships we ’ ve been in for more than 150 years .
I also packed a favourite T-shirt that reads “ Strong , Resilient , Indigenous ” printed in white letters on a black background .
Oh , darn .
I couldn ’ t wear that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proud Indigenous woman I am .
No violence in a physical sense broke out that day .
But I did encounter racists shouting slurs while I was reporting at the counter-rally .
And I witnessed a white man violently ripping red dresses , symbols for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls ( MMIWG ) , down from where they were hung in trees and on fences .
A couple of hours before sunset , I joined Neskonlith First Nation elected Chief Judy Wilson and her 88-year-old mother , Minnie Kenoras Manuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her mother are Secwépemc , and travelled to Blue River to support the Tiny House Warriors .
The mother and daughter wanted to see a bit of the countryside , and I was eager to join them in the back seat .
Chief Judy talked about her work advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty and for the environment .
She shared some history of the Secwépemc traditional territories and so did her mother , who is smart as a whip and overflows with eccentric character .
Chief Judy also shared something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening : Two years ago , Chief Judy travelled to Houston , Texas , to the Kinder Morgan headquarters to meet with Kinder Morgan shareholders at the company ’ s annual general meeting .
She was tasked with informing the pipeline CEOs , face to face , that there was Secwépemc and other Indigenous opposition to the TMX .
She was also there to tell them that Kinder Morgan was violating Indigenous human rights .
The exchange , she said , didn ’ t go well , and Richard Kinder became visibly upset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2018 , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bought that pipeline from Kinder Morgan in an apparent eleventh-hour attempt to save it from dissipating .
So , it ’ s now the Canadian state , and with it Canadian taxpayers , against the Indigenous Peoples who oppose its construction .
Our drive ended with Chief Judy singing classic country and Elvis songs with her mother holding hands together , while I joined in when I knew the words .
It was a lovely and inspiring end to my day .
Or so I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel , my two-year-old baby daughter was already asleep .
She was on this trip because I had been working away from home a lot and wanted to keep her with me this time .
Her dad came to care for her while I worked .
I washed my face and got into cozier clothes .
That ’ s when I got a notification on my phone .
I get a lot of social media alerts , especially when I ’ m out on a story .
But this one caught my eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an app I use to broadcast live coverage to my Twitter account .
I had been using it during the day .
The notification was of a new , verified follower .
I was intrigued to know who that verified follower was , so I checked it .
Wait , who ?
What homicide team ?
Who ’ s killing whom ?
What ?
Weird .
So I googled it .
And when I read it I was shocked .
It ’ s a specialized unit responsible for investigating homicides , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B.C.
’ s Lower Mainland .
Why were they suddenly following me , at night when I ’ m reporting on a highly controversial subject out in the middle of practically nowhere ?
Blue River ’ s population is less than 300 .
It is no secret Canada has been monitoring and tracking the behaviour of Indigenous groups for years .
Most notably the RCMP , in an operation dubbed “ Project Sitka , ” compiled a list of 89 individuals considered “ threats ” according to the RCMP report , obtained under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers working on a book about state surveillance of Indigenous Peoples .
That RCMP operation and other surveillance by police , military , national security intelligence agencies and other government bodies has been called “ disproportionate and alienating.
” All that history was in my mind as I stared at my phone wondering , was the RCMP tracking me as a terrorist ?
Plus , I ’ m an Indigenous woman , there ’ s a crisis of MMIWG in this country .
And some families of MMIWG I ’ ve recently spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be behind some murders and disappearances of Indigenous women along the Highway of Tears in northern B.C .
Wild , right ?
True or not , it ’ s heartbreaking they even believe there ’ s a connection .
But , I ’ m a journalist .
Is that why they suddenly followed me ?
OK , but why the homicide investigations unit ?
I was also recently reporting heavily on police violence and killings against Indigenous Peoples in Canada .
There is long-standing mistrust and injustice between the RCMP/Canadian police forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been going on since the founding of the Canadian state .
You could imagine the thoughts running through my mind as I was looking at my phone , in the dark of night , on a high-tension assignment far from home .
When the Tiny House Warriors are patrolled and droned by police on a regular basis .
When Wet ’ suwet ’ en are forcibly removed from their lands to make way for a pipeline to be built .
When police shot and killed 26-year-old Tla-o-qui-aht woman Chantel Moore on June 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a week later police shot and killed Rodney Levi of Metepenagiag Mi ’ kmaq First Nation in New Brunswick .
In April , Winnipeg police killed three Indigenous Peoples in 10 days .
I met with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations Chief Allan Adam in June .
He was beaten and arrested by Fort McMurray RCMP over an expired licence plate .
I could go on and on .
I have journalist colleagues such as Jerome Turner from the Gitxsan Nation who had police guns pointed in his face while covering the Wet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My friend , photojournalist Amber Bracken , also covered the raids and was on the front lines of violence incited against the Wet ’ suwet ’ en , along with a handful of other journalists .
And TC Energy is the contested CGL LNG pipeline owner behind the crisis in Wet ’ suwet ’ en lands .
It ’ s also the same company contracted to build the TMX .
I went down the hall and knocked on Chief Wilson ’ s room to show her .
The way she said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the threat I felt even more tangible .
She apologized when she saw the look of shock on my face .
“ I ’ m sorry , I ’ m so used to this , I should ’ ve been gentler .
This is normal for us , ” she said .
Used to this ?
Yes , this and more she ’ s dealt with from police and authorities throughout her years of asserting her rights .
This , to her , was no surprise .
I went back to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was concerned and advised me to barricade my door .
I did and it was unnerving .
I brought my baby ’ s playpen close to the bed and prayed .
The feeling sucked .
I shouldn ’ t have to feel afraid as a journalist , but I was because of how this country treats Indigenous Peoples .
I was curious to see who else the IHIT team was following .
The account had almost 500 followers , but was only following 12 .
So , why the heck did they randomly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few mainstream news stations from Vancouver and a couple other random accounts .
But it followed another verified account , so I checked it out .
It was the Houston , Texas , and area sheriff 's department ... chills ran up my spine .
Adrenaline rushed through my veins and I momentarily wanted to vomit .
Remember Chief Judy sharing she went to Houston to address the former pipeline owners ?
Yeah .
So why was this IHIT account randomly following the Houston police account when it ’ s all the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 , CTV News Calgary reported that after more than five years into an economic downturn , Alberta oil and gas companies continue to make a shift south of the border , relocating deep into the heart of Texas .
“ Energy industry analysts say in the last five years , 'hundreds ' of companies from Western Canada have migrated to Texas , specifically in the Houston area , as regulatory uncertainty and a sluggish economy persists in Alberta.
” Serendipitous ?
Maybe .
But that ’ s not how I took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned that three Kukuma Indigenous Peoples in Peru were killed , reportedly by state police , after a Calgary-based oil and gas company called for “ enhanced security ” at one of its pump stations there .
The Kukuma were protesting at the PetroTal oil pump station due to concerns of the spread of COVID-19 and ongoing environmental impacts to their lands .
Since the deaths have made global headlines , PetroTal — which has its headquarters in Houston , Texas — has now shut down operations at that oilfield .
And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Canadian executive directors from the Prairies , called 40 national police guards in to protect their pump station .
This is what Indigenous Peoples get when protecting their territories and asserting their rights .
I was supposed to leave Blue River a couple of days later .
Instead , I decided to leave the morning after this alarming encounter with the IHIT unit .
I was honestly afraid for my life .
Would I be scooped out and snipped because the RCMP is watching me ?
It ’ s not too far-fetched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective of opposition to the economic interests of the Canadian state because it owns TMX .
Journalists around the world are often threatened , stalked and harmed for doing their job when it comes to holding power to account .
We don ’ t think this kind of intimidation could happen to a journalist in Canada , but just look at the recent actions of industry here and internationally .
There were several “ dead ” areas where there ’ s no cell service driving through the mountains back home .
Some police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me she and others noticed them lurking within sight at the ceremony .
I wasn ’ t looking forward to being on the road under these circumstances .
She also shared an email from Amnesty International Canada secretary general Alex Neve , sent two days before the counter-protests .
Neve wrote to the B.C .
RCMP deputy commissioner , chief superintendent and assistant commissioner to express concerns for the safety of the land defenders and urged the RCMP to play a peacekeeping role , and to remind them to uphold Indigenous rights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to rely on an international human rights organization to advocate for their safety .
The drive home felt heavy .
My heart beat faster along the way as I thought of the constant state of fear and intimidation thousands of Indigenous Peoples face every day .
How dare they ?
Even if it was a coincidence , how dare they put us in these positions that we feel afraid for our lives ?
I was doing my job as a journalist .
And , as a journalist , I have certain freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt threatened .
I felt my baby was in danger , too .
Our lives as Indigenous Peoples — and especially Indigenous women — are in endless danger .
Something pointed out to me by land protectors and advocates of MMIWG is that RCMP and other law enforcement do the bidding of corporations to enforce injunctions that remove Indigenous Peoples from their lands , but do next to nothing when it comes to solving the genocide of MMIWG .
That might sound like opinion .
But the national inquiry into MMIWG pointed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada ’ s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women , girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
” So my reality sitting alone — and scared — in that hotel room with my baby was a different one than many of my non-Indigenous colleagues .
It was that reality that pushed me to leave as soon as day broke .
It was that reality that left me fearing for my safety and the safety of my child .
I don ’ t want to feel afraid for my life in my own country from its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the narrative must change .
I have a voice .
Others do not .
If the RCMP and other law enforcement want to do their jobs of serving and protecting , I don ’ t want them to waste it on investigating journalists for reporting from the front lines .
On Monday , after I returned home , I called Frank Jang , the communications manager who manages the IHIT Periscope account .
He answered .
I introduced myself and asked why he followed me .
He was surprised and told me he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow my work .
I told him it freaked me out when he followed me ; Periscope showed me that IHIT had watched replays of my coverage that day and on the night when I received the notification .
He was cordial and understood my reasoning for being concerned .
He assured me it was a coincidence .
I told him I ’ m also working on stories in B.C .
regarding the MMIWG crisis for an international audience .
He said if I need to be connected to a unit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help facilitate .
I ’ ll definitely be following up .

Everyone seemed on edge and uncertain about what would unfold.
A rally planned by locals and supporters of oil and gas who want the Tiny House Warriors opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion gone was planned for the morning after I arrived.
I expected friction. But I never imagined I’d be leaving just two days later afraid for my life.
I was there to cover a protest being held by townspeople upset with Secwépemc land defenders called Tiny House Warriors who have been occupying a piece of their traditional lands to oppose pipeline expansion through the area.
Tensions were high when I arrived in Blue River, B.C., on July 24.
I was invited to join two elders and a few pipe carriers as they held a ceremony across from the Trans Mountain pipeline pump station.
I was ready for a day that would be long, exhausting emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The stories I cover often are, but this one felt even more heightened.
They are on guard for the health of Secwépemc lands, waters and air. They are protecting the land against encroachment and development that’s harmful to the intrinsic ecosystems of their ancestors and future generations.
But the camouflage gear some land protectors wore was a reminder of a people at war and on guard.
The smell of sage, cedar and other smudge was soothing. A slight wind carried the smoke high, weaving in and away from the four directions it decided to blow.
The elders prayed for the day, for the people on both sides of the divides. Prayers of thanks were sent for Mother Earth and all she provides and continues to provide for our sustenance.
Then I knew I couldn’t wear it, because if something were to happen and police got involved, there’s a good chance I’d be targeted if I wore it. Not only was I concerned about potential police violence, but also violence from counter-protesters.
I didn’t even connect the two when I packed, until I got to Blue River.
It just so happened I had brought a camouflaged hoodie with me. Because it was comfy.
I didn’t want to put myself in the line of fire.
I also packed a favourite T-shirt that reads “Strong, Resilient, Indigenous” printed in white letters on a black background. Oh, darn. I couldn’t wear that one either. It would identify me as the proud Indigenous woman I am.
I didn’t want to become a target.
At the ceremony, seeing and hearing our people sharing their stories of brokenness, violence and strength, outside a chain-link fence that separated them from this pipeline project owned by the Canadian government was symbolic of the broken relationships we’ve been in for more than 150 years.
No violence in a physical sense broke out that day. But I did encounter racists shouting slurs while I was reporting at the counter-rally. And I witnessed a white man violently ripping red dresses, symbols for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), down from where they were hung in trees and on fences.
Red dresses hanging on a fence near Blue River, B.C. The red dresses symbolize missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Photo by Brandi Morin
A couple of hours before sunset, I joined Neskonlith First Nation elected Chief Judy Wilson and her 88-year-old mother, Minnie Kenoras Manuel, for a drive. Chief Judy and her mother are Secwépemc, and travelled to Blue River to support the Tiny House Warriors.
The mother and daughter wanted to see a bit of the countryside, and I was eager to join them in the back seat.
Chief Judy talked about her work advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty and for the environment. She shared some history of the Secwépemc traditional territories and so did her mother, who is smart as a whip and overflows with eccentric character.
Chief Judy also shared something that turned out to be significant later that evening: Two years ago, Chief Judy travelled to Houston, Texas, to the Kinder Morgan headquarters to meet with Kinder Morgan shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting. She was tasked with informing the pipeline CEOs, face to face, that there was Secwépemc and other Indigenous opposition to the TMX. She was also there to tell them that Kinder Morgan was violating Indigenous human rights.
The exchange, she said, didn’t go well, and Richard Kinder became visibly upset and walked out of the room.
In 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bought that pipeline from Kinder Morgan in an apparent eleventh-hour attempt to save it from dissipating.
So, it’s now the Canadian state, and with it Canadian taxpayers, against the Indigenous Peoples who oppose its construction.
Our drive ended with Chief Judy singing classic country and Elvis songs with her mother holding hands together, while I joined in when I knew the words.
It was a lovely and inspiring end to my day. Or so I thought.
Neskonlith First Nation elected Chief Judy Wilson and her 88-year-old mother Minnie Kenoras Manuel. Photo by Brandi Morin
When I arrived back at my hotel, my two-year-old baby daughter was already asleep. She was on this trip because I had been working away from home a lot and wanted to keep her with me this time. Her dad came to care for her while I worked.
I washed my face and got into cozier clothes.
That’s when I got a notification on my phone. I get a lot of social media alerts, especially when I’m out on a story. But this one caught my eye.
It was from Periscope. That’s an app I use to broadcast live coverage to my Twitter account. I had been using it during the day.
The notification was of a new, verified follower. I was intrigued to know who that verified follower was, so I checked it.
I didn’t recognize the name.
An acronym: @IHIT Homicide Team.
Wait, who? What homicide team? Who’s killing whom? What? Weird.
So I googled it. And when I read it I was shocked.
IHIT stands for Integrated Homicide Investigations Team, RCMP E Division.
It’s a specialized unit responsible for investigating homicides, high-risk missing persons and suspicious deaths in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.
A screenshot of IHIT Periscope account on July 25, 2020.
Why were they suddenly following me, at night when I’m reporting on a highly controversial subject out in the middle of practically nowhere? Blue River’s population is less than 300.
It is no secret Canada has been monitoring and tracking the behaviour of Indigenous groups for years. Most notably the RCMP, in an operation dubbed “Project Sitka,” compiled a list of 89 individuals considered “threats” according to the RCMP report, obtained under the Access to Information Act by two researchers working on a book about state surveillance of Indigenous Peoples. That RCMP operation and other surveillance by police, military, national security intelligence agencies and other government bodies has been called “disproportionate and alienating.”
All that history was in my mind as I stared at my phone wondering, was the RCMP tracking me as a terrorist?
Plus, I’m an Indigenous woman, there’s a crisis of MMIWG in this country. And some families of MMIWG I’ve recently spoken with tell me they believe the RCMP could be behind some murders and disappearances of Indigenous women along the Highway of Tears in northern B.C.
Wild, right? True or not, it’s heartbreaking they even believe there’s a connection.
But, I’m a journalist. Is that why they suddenly followed me? OK, but why the homicide investigations unit?
I was also recently reporting heavily on police violence and killings against Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
There is long-standing mistrust and injustice between the RCMP/Canadian police forces and Indigenous Peoples. That mistrust has been going on since the founding of the Canadian state.
You could imagine the thoughts running through my mind as I was looking at my phone, in the dark of night, on a high-tension assignment far from home.
When the Tiny House Warriors are patrolled and droned by police on a regular basis.
When Wet’suwet’en are forcibly removed from their lands to make way for a pipeline to be built.
When police shot and killed 26-year-old Tla-o-qui-aht woman Chantel Moore on June 4, during a wellness check.
Just over a week later police shot and killed Rodney Levi of Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq First Nation in New Brunswick.
In April, Winnipeg police killed three Indigenous Peoples in 10 days.
I met with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations Chief Allan Adam in June. He was beaten and arrested by Fort McMurray RCMP over an expired licence plate.
I could go on and on.
I have journalist colleagues such as Jerome Turner from the Gitxsan Nation who had police guns pointed in his face while covering the Wet’suwet’en raids in February.
My friend, photojournalist Amber Bracken, also covered the raids and was on the front lines of violence incited against the Wet’suwet’en, along with a handful of other journalists.
And TC Energy is the contested CGL LNG pipeline owner behind the crisis in Wet’suwet’en lands. It’s also the same company contracted to build the TMX.
The threats are real.
I was scared.
I went down the hall and knocked on Chief Wilson’s room to show her.
She responded pretty nonchalantly.
“Ya, they’re trying to intimidate you.”
The way she said it was matter-of-fact and with conviction.
That made the threat I felt even more tangible.
She apologized when she saw the look of shock on my face.
“I’m sorry, I’m so used to this, I should’ve been gentler. This is normal for us,” she said.
Used to this? Yes, this and more she’s dealt with from police and authorities throughout her years of asserting her rights.
This, to her, was no surprise.
OK.
I went back to my room and contacted my editor.
She was concerned and advised me to barricade my door. I did and it was unnerving.
I brought my baby’s playpen close to the bed and prayed.
The feeling sucked. I shouldn’t have to feel afraid as a journalist, but I was because of how this country treats Indigenous Peoples.
I was curious to see who else the IHIT team was following.
The account had almost 500 followers, but was only following 12.
So, why the heck did they randomly follow me?
I wondered.
The account followed a few mainstream news stations from Vancouver and a couple other random accounts.
But it followed another verified account, so I checked it out.
Another acronym: @HCSOTexas.
It was the Houston, Texas, and area sheriff's department ... chills ran up my spine.
Adrenaline rushed through my veins and I momentarily wanted to vomit.
Remember Chief Judy sharing she went to Houston to address the former pipeline owners?
Yeah. So why was this IHIT account randomly following the Houston police account when it’s all the way up in B.C., Canada?
A screenshot of Hcsotexas Periscope account on July 25, 2020.
In December 2019, CTV News Calgary reported that after more than five years into an economic downturn, Alberta oil and gas companies continue to make a shift south of the border, relocating deep into the heart of Texas.
“Energy industry analysts say in the last five years, 'hundreds' of companies from Western Canada have migrated to Texas, specifically in the Houston area, as regulatory uncertainty and a sluggish economy persists in Alberta.”
Serendipitous? Maybe. But that’s not how I took it.
Just this week, I learned that three Kukuma Indigenous Peoples in Peru were killed, reportedly by state police, after a Calgary-based oil and gas company called for “enhanced security” at one of its pump stations there.
The Kukuma were protesting at the PetroTal oil pump station due to concerns of the spread of COVID-19 and ongoing environmental impacts to their lands.
Since the deaths have made global headlines, PetroTal — which has its headquarters in Houston, Texas — has now shut down operations at that oilfield.
And that Canadian-based company, with a Canadian executive and Canadian executive directors from the Prairies, called 40 national police guards in to protect their pump station.
This is what Indigenous Peoples get when protecting their territories and asserting their rights.
I was supposed to leave Blue River a couple of days later. Instead, I decided to leave the morning after this alarming encounter with the IHIT unit. I was honestly afraid for my life.
Would I be scooped out and snipped because the RCMP is watching me? It’s not too far-fetched, given my reporting includes the Indigenous perspective of opposition to the economic interests of the Canadian state because it owns TMX.
Journalists around the world are often threatened, stalked and harmed for doing their job when it comes to holding power to account.
We don’t think this kind of intimidation could happen to a journalist in Canada, but just look at the recent actions of industry here and internationally.
There were several “dead” areas where there’s no cell service driving through the mountains back home.
Some police work undercover, and Chief Judy told me she and others noticed them lurking within sight at the ceremony.
I wasn’t looking forward to being on the road under these circumstances.
She also shared an email from Amnesty International Canada secretary general Alex Neve, sent two days before the counter-protests.
Neve wrote to the B.C. RCMP deputy commissioner, chief superintendent and assistant commissioner to express concerns for the safety of the land defenders and urged the RCMP to play a peacekeeping role, and to remind them to uphold Indigenous rights.
Imagine that. Indigenous Peoples in Canada having to rely on an international human rights organization to advocate for their safety.
I prayed again.
The drive home felt heavy. My heart beat faster along the way as I thought of the constant state of fear and intimidation thousands of Indigenous Peoples face every day.
Then I was angry.
How dare they? Even if it was a coincidence, how dare they put us in these positions that we feel afraid for our lives?
I was doing my job as a journalist. And, as a journalist, I have certain freedom of the press rights. But I felt threatened. I felt my baby was in danger, too.
Our lives as Indigenous Peoples — and especially Indigenous women — are in endless danger.
Something pointed out to me by land protectors and advocates of MMIWG is that RCMP and other law enforcement do the bidding of corporations to enforce injunctions that remove Indigenous Peoples from their lands, but do next to nothing when it comes to solving the genocide of MMIWG.
That might sound like opinion. But the national inquiry into MMIWG pointed at law enforcement’s complacency in “Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.”
So my reality sitting alone — and scared — in that hotel room with my baby was a different one than many of my non-Indigenous colleagues. It was that reality that pushed me to leave as soon as day broke. It was that reality that left me fearing for my safety and the safety of my child.
I don’t want to feel afraid for my life in my own country from its authorities ever again. This is why the narrative must change. I have a voice. Others do not.
If the RCMP and other law enforcement want to do their jobs of serving and protecting, I don’t want them to waste it on investigating journalists for reporting from the front lines.
On Monday, after I returned home, I called Frank Jang, the communications manager who manages the IHIT Periscope account. He answered.
I introduced myself and asked why he followed me. He was surprised and told me he randomly found me on Periscope and wanted to follow my work.
I told him it freaked me out when he followed me; Periscope showed me that IHIT had watched replays of my coverage that day and on the night when I received the notification.
He was cordial and understood my reasoning for being concerned. He assured me it was a coincidence.
I told him I’m also working on stories in B.C. regarding the MMIWG crisis for an international audience.
He said if I need to be connected to a unit for interviews he’s more than happy to help facilitate.
I’ll definitely be following up.