What We’re Watching
- Last week, multiple news outlets confirmed that the government was going to end the COVID-19 vaccine mandates for travellers and make ArriveCAN optional. An official statement from the government is expected at 8:30 am.
- Prime Minister Trudeau and new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre faced off for the first time in Question Period last Thursday in the House of Commons. Amidst jabs, the two questioned the other’s approach to addressing the cost of living crisis in Canada.
- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is holding individual meetings with each Conservative MP prior to making decisions for his shadow cabinet in October. Poilievre’s office is also taking shape with Ian Todd being tapped to serve as Chief of Staff.
- Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport, launched her campaign for the Ontario NDP leadership. No candidates have declared in the race to lead the Ontario Liberals yet, but a few names keep coming up.
- A year later than expected, the government announced the launch of the Cannabis Act review. Ministers Duclos and Bennett, alongside MP Erskine-Smith, spoke to the expanded scope of the review contributing to the delay.
- Hurricane Fiona hit Atlantic Canada and parts of Quebec this weekend. Atlantic Canada was the most affected with widespread power outages, road closures and damage to homes.
In the House
- Bill C-31, the government’s relief measures to help with the cost of living, specifically related to dental care and rental housing. It was debated at second reading last week.
- Bill C-29, an Act to Provide for the Establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation, was debated at second reading last week.
- Bill C-242 amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents. It was discussed at third reading last week.
- Bill C-22 is the government’s plan to create new disability benefits under the Income Tax Act in the hopes of alleviating poverty for persons with disabilities. It is currently at second reading.
- Bill C-30 amends the Income Tax Act to temporarily enhance the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit. It was debated at second reading last week.
Legislation and Committee Updates
- INAN will meet today and Thursday to discuss Arctic sovereignty, security and emergency preparedness of Indigenous peoples, as well as administration and accessibility of Indigenous peoples to the NIHB Program.
- ETHI is meeting today to discuss the use of facial recognition technology.
- FEWO is meeting today to discuss the mental health of young women and girls.
- PACP is meeting tomorrow to discuss a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
- CHPC is meeting tomorrow to discuss Bill C-18, an Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada.
In the Senate
- Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act, is now under second reading.
- Bill C-13, a government bill to enact the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act and to make related amendments to other Acts, is at the Senate pre-study.
ICYMI
- The House returned for the first time after the summer break on Tuesday. Inflation and rising costs were high on the agenda for parliamentarians.
- After attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London, Prime Minister Trudeau travelled to the United Nations headquarters in New York City and pledged continued action on climate change, food security, global health, and maintaining economic sanctions against Russia.
- Minister Joly has condemned the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman who died in the custody of Iran’s morality police following her arrest for “unsuitable attire.” Her death has led to a nationwide flood of protests over human rights.
Provincial Updates
#ONPOLI
- Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport, announced last week that she is running to lead the Ontario NDP.
- The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo was held in Kemptville last week. It is considered North America’s largest agricultural fair, and thousands attended for its 103rd year.
- On Friday, Ontario released the 2021-2022 public accounts, outlining the final audited financial results of the province for the fiscal year. The total revenue for the province was 20.2 percent higher than previously forecasted in the 2021 Budget and resulted in a surprise $2.1-billion surplus.
- Premier Doug Ford and Leader of the Official Opposition Peter Tabuns were among the thousands who attended the funeral for Toronto police officer Constable Andrew Hong last Wednesday. Constable Hong was one of three victims killed after a shooting on September 12th.
#ABPOLI
- In the campaign’s home stretch, Alberta’s UCP leadership hopefuls spoke with hundreds of the province’s municipal officials as delegates met in Calgary for the annual Alberta Municipalities conference last week.
- Starting today, members of four defence lawyer organizations and family lawyers stated that they would refuse all legal aid cases amidst growing calls for additional funding support for Legal Aid Alberta.
- Last week, Alberta’s Finance Minister announced that the province would be reinstating the provincial fuel tax at the beginning of October.
- The Alberta government introduced a new campaign intending to lure people from Toronto and Vancouver. Billboards have been seen in Toronto subway stations with phrases such as “A bigger house. Closer to work” and “An engineer, accountant and plumber walk into a province. They all get jobs.” Premier Kenney travelled to Toronto this week to push the same message.
#BCPOLI
- Starting in December, The B.C. government announced a reduction in licensed child-care fees for children in kindergarten and younger.
- On Tuesday, the city of Merritt, B.C. approved a plan that will shift city workers to a four-day work week. This move comes as a creative measure to recruit and retain staff amid the province’s labour shortage.
- Last week, a report from the Provincial Seniors’ Advocate was released, stating that B.C. seniors have the lowest financial support in Canada. Ten recommendations were made for the provincial government, which has yet to comment in response.
#ATLPOLI
- Power outages resulting from Hurricane Fiona remain widespread across Atlantic Canada with nearly 350,000 customers without power across the four Atlantic provinces as of Sunday, including close to 250,000 in Nova Scotia.
- A state of local emergency was declared by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
- Prime Minister Trudeau cancelled his planned visit to Japan for the state funeral of former prime minister Shinzo Abe to instead focus on supporting Canadians affected by the storm and has deployed the military to assist with recovery efforts.
