ICYMI
- Following a number of sexual misconduct allegations against high-ranking officials in the Canadian Armed Forces, including former Chief of the Defence Staff Jonathan Vance, the federal government announced on Thursday that it is launching an independent review into sexual misconduct in the military — the second in six years. The review will be led by Louise Arbour, a former Supreme Court Justice and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.
- In an effort to end an ongoing strike in the Port of Montreal, the House of Commons passed a back-to-work order early Thursday morning. The Liberals received support from Conservative MPs, while the NDP, Bloc Québécois, and Green Party voted against the order. The Senate approved the measure on Friday morning.
- With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise across the country, Ontario Premier Doug Ford asked the federal government on Thursday to extend its three-day mandatory hotel quarantine to travellers arriving into Canada via land borders.
- Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault is facing an uproar from industry experts and opposition parties over a government amendment at committee to Bill C-10, the Broadcast Modernization Act. On Friday, the Conservatives introduced a motion to suspend clause-by-clause consideration until Justice Canada provides an updated Charter Statementadvising parliament on the Charter consistency of the legislation as amended.
- Canada’s spending watchdog, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, released a report last Tuesday concluding that a tax on corporate profits would have generated $7.9 billion in 2020. The report was commissioned in response to calls by the NDP for a 15% tax on excess corporate profits.
- Last Monday, the Liberal government survived the last of three confidence votes held on the federal budget. The House of Commons voted in favour of the budget 178-157, with the NDP supporting the Liberals in hopes of avoiding an early election.
- Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 (Bill C-30) was introduced on Friday. The bill includes many of the legislative measures from the 2021 budget and it will be the focus of government business in the House in the back half of this week.
In the House
- The House will resume debate of Bill C-12, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, at second reading today.
- Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be a Conservative opposition day. The Conservatives have 3 motions on the notice paper:
- One calling on the Prime Minister to dismiss his Chief of Staff over the handling of sexual harassment allegations in the Canadian Armed Forces
- One on the government’s plan to give itself broad new powers to regulate, censor and block social media users without effective legal protections or safeguards (Bill C-10)
- And one condemning the election of Iran to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
- From Wednesday through Friday, MPs are expected to debate Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 (Bill C-30)
Committee Business
- The Standing Committee on International Trade will meet today to begin a study of Canada’s exports of environmental and clean technology.
- The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage will meet today to carry out clause-by-clause consideration and hear from witnesses regarding Bill C-10
- The Standing Committee on Health will meet today to continue hearing from witnesses regarding the emergency situation facing Canadians in light of COVID-19.
- The Standing Committee on Natural Resources will meet today to consider a draft report on economic recovery in the forestry sector.
- The Standing Committee on Finance will meet tomorrow to continue studying COVID-19 spending, programs, and related monetary policy.
- The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development will meet tomorrow to continue hearing from witnesses on the topic of arms export permits, with a particular focus on Turkey.
#ONpoli
- After months of pressure from opposition parties and voters, Ontario’s Legislative Assembly passed three days of paid sick leave on Thursday. The temporary benefit, which expires on September 25, provides workers with $200 for up to three days of sick leave, with the provincial government reimbursing businesses for the program’s costs. Both the Ontario NDP and Liberals have called the program inadequate and said that they will continue fighting for more paid sick leave measures.
- Last week, the federal government announced that members of the Canadian Armed Forces will be sent to support the province’s critical care activities.
- Some good news: On Thursday, Ontario announced that it will expand eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines throughout the month of May, largely thanks to shipments that are expected to arrive in Canada over the coming weeks. According to the province’s updated plans, all adults over the age of 18 will be eligible for the vaccine by the week of May 24.
- Amidst a very busy week, Ontario also released its Digital and Data Strategy on Friday. Coming after two years of consultations, the strategy represents the government’s effort to position Ontario as the “world’s leading digital jurisdiction.”
#QCpoli
- With COVID-19 case numbers gradually declining, Québec is easing some lockdown restrictions across the province. Starting today, Montreal and Laval will have their curfews moved from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and elementary schools are expected to reopen in both Québec City and Chaudière-Appalaches
- Like Ontario, Québec announced that it plans to expand vaccine eligibility to all adults by May 14.
#ABpoli
- After Alberta broke several of its own pandemic records last week, Premier Jason Kenney introduced a number of new province-wide restrictions. Several hotspot regions, including Edmonton and Calgary, will see the shuttering of schools and fitness centres.
- Amidst Alberta’s rising COVID numbers, the provincial legislature suspended its spring session over the weekend. Official Opposition Leader Rachel Notley criticized the suspension, accusing Premier Jason Kenney of “abandoning his post.”
#ATLpoli
- Nova Scotia began its two-week province-wide lockdown last Wednesday amidst rising case numbers. Prime Minister Trudeau also announced last week that the Canadian Armed Forces will be sent in to support the province’s testing centres.