What We’re Watching
- According to media reports, Prime Minister Trudeau convened a meeting of cabinet late Sunday evening to discuss implementing emergency measures to address ongoing blockades and demonstrations related to the Freedom Convoy. It has also been reported that Trudeau will hold a call with provincial leaders today to discuss next steps.
- Canadians may get more clarity today on how the federal government may address ongoing blockades resulting from the Freedom Convoy. Media reports suggest Prime Minister Trudeau has discussed the possibility of invoking the Emergencies Act with cabinet ministers, and that he will seek buy-in from provincial leaders to do so early this week. Notably, the federal government does not need official approval from Premiers to bring in the Act, however, it must be approved by both the House of Commons and the Senate.
- Today, the anti-vax convoy protest in Ottawa begins its third week of occupation, with tensions between police and protestors rising as time goes on. Blockades have had devastating impacts on international trade, and forced the closure of auto-manufacturing late last week.
- The race for the new leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada is heating up, with Pierre Poilievre having already launched his bid for the position this past week, and rumours about other potential candidates circulating.
In the House
- Today, the Leader of the Official Opposition, Candice Bergen will put forth a motion regarding Federal COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. This motion will call for an end to all COVID-19 mandates by the end of the month.
- Later today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources will continue its study of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap for the Oil and Gas Sector.
- Thursday will be another allotted day for the Business of Supply for the official opposition, though the topic of debate is not yet public.
In the Senate
- After a busy week back after the winter break, the Senate is not sitting this week. The Red Chamber will return on Monday, February 21st.
- The Audit and Oversight Committee will meet on Tuesday, reviewing Senate spending and operational practices, first in Camera, and later with witnesses from Ernst & Young LLP.
ICYMI
- Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have become the first provinces to announce ending some mask mandates and vaccine passport systems. Alberta’s vaccine passport system ended on Wednesday last week, while Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced the end of vaccination requirements beginning today. Mandatory masking will remain in place in Saskatchewan until the end of February, and Alberta will begin to loosen masking requirements later this week. Manitoba’s vaccine passport system will end on March 1, and mask mandates will be lifted on March 15.
- Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island also announced plans to ease public-health restrictions, though these provinces plan to follow a slower path to reopening than Alberta and Saskatchewan.
- On Tuesday last week, Liberal MP Joël Lightbound spoke out against his own party’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lightbound called on the government to “stop dividing Canadians” and to provide a clear plan for when it will lift vaccine mandates. Following this, Liberal MP Yves Robillard broke rank on Wednesday, stating he agreed with Lightbound’s comments.
#ONpoli
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that plans are in the works to remove the vaccine passport system in the province. On Friday, Ford stated that, “Today we are on track to very soon remove almost all restrictions for businesses as a part of our reopening plan.” This comes after several other provinces, namely Alberta and Saskatchewan, began lifting mandates beginning last week.
- COVID rapid tests are now available at drug stores and grocery stores across the province. The Ontario Government stated that 5.5 million tests will be distributed each week at more than 2,300 retailers across the province.
- The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted a request from the provincial government to freeze millions of dollars raised through GiveSendGo to the truckers’ convoy protesting COVID-19 restrictions in Ottawa and at several border crossings.
- In response to the convoy blockades, Premier Doug Ford announced last Friday morning that Ontario has declared a state of emergency. Penalties for non-compliance include a maximum fine of $100 000, up to a year imprisonment, and taking away personal and commercial licenses.
#BCpoli
- Last week, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Janet Austin delivered the Speech from the Throne, outlining the province’s vision for the next year. Priorities include COVID-19 recovery, childcare, safe workplaces, and increasing healthcare transfers from the federal government.
- British Columbia is moving forward with mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for healthcare workers. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that as of March 24th, 2022, family doctors, dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and pharmacists will be required to be vaccinated.
#ABpoli
- Though Alberta is ending masking and vaccine mandates, many municipalities in the province, notably Edmonton, are exploring implementing alternate citywide vaccine passport requirements and masking mandates. This comes after Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney, previously said he would consider amending the Municipal Government Act in Alberta to prevent municipalities from implementing separate mandates, though this would require a legislative change.
#ATLpoli
- Nova Scotia NDP MLA Claudia Chender has announced that she will indeed be seeking the party leadership.
- Nova Scotia has announced it will spend $65 million to increase wages for continuing care assistants by around 23 per cent, making these employees the highest-paid in Atlantic Canada. This comes after employees of long-term care homes rallied for increased wages in late 2021.
