What We’re Watching
- Following WestJet’s eleventh-hour agreement with the union representing its pilots last week, further discussions could mean the end of Swoop. Sources have said that one of the terms of the agreement is that Swoop must be fully integrated into WestJet by October 2024.
- Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has launched an exploratory bid to run for leader of the Ontario Liberals. Premier Ford has called her potential run a “slap in the face” to the residents of Mississauga.
- Following Special Rapporteur David Johnston’s report that a public inquiry into foreign election interference is not required, Prime Minister Trudeau invited independent MP Han Dong to rejoin the Liberal caucus, if he wants to.
- Ottawa is set to spend $2.5 billion on the creation of dozens of new coast guard vessels. The funding will provide 61 small vessels including small craft, barges, work boats and modern equipment.
In the House
- Bill C-35, the Canada Early Learning and Childcare Act, is currently at report stage.
- Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act, is currently being considered in committee.
- Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair) is currently at report stage.
- Bill C-27, An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, is being considered in committee.
- Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Act, is in consideration of messages from the Senate.
Committee Updates
- CHPC will meet today for a briefing with the Minister of Canadian Heritage on his mandate letter.
- CIIT will meet today to discuss Canadian mining firms abroad.
- ENVI will meet today to discuss fossil fuel subsidies.
- AGRI will meet today and Wednesday to discuss food price inflation and the environmental contribution of agriculture.
- CACN will meet today to discuss Canada-People’s Republic of China Relations.
- SRSR will meet tomorrow to discuss support for the commercialization of intellectual property.
- FAAE will meet tomorrow to discuss the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women globally.
- NDDN will meet tomorrow to discuss cybersecurity and cyberwarfare.
- DEDC will meet tomorrow to discuss the declaration of emergency in effect from Monday, February 14, 2022, to Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
In the Senate
- Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act, is currently at Senate pre-study.
- Bill C-13, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, is currently at Senate pre-study.
- Bill C-18, the Online News Act, is currently being considered at committee.
Senate Committee Updates
- SECD will meet today to examine and report on issues relating to security and defence in the Arctic.
- TRCM will meet tomorrow to discuss Bill C-18, the Online News Act.
- NFFN will meet tomorrow to examine the subject matter of all of Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act.
- AGFO will meet tomorrow to examine and report on the status of soil health in Canada.
- DEDC will meet tomorrow to review the exercise of powers and the performance of duties and functions pursuant to the declaration of emergency that was in effect from February 14, 2022 to February 23, 2022.
- SOCI will meet on Wednesday to discuss the subject matter of certain elements of Bill C-47.
ICYMI
- Special rapporteur and former Governor General, David Johnston, advised against a formal inquiry into foreign interference, suggesting instead that public hearings be held as part of his mandate. Johnston’s report found that there were serious issues in how the intelligence was communicated from security agencies to the government, but did not identify any instances where the prime minister failed to act on intelligence or advice.
- Last week, Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra announced a new verified-traveller program with dedicated security screening at Canada’s six biggest airports. Eligible passengers will include NEXUS members, military personnel and aviation workers, and will be implemented by June 21.
- Prime Minister Trudeau attended the G7 leaders’ summit in Japan last week. While there, the prime minister announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. The new sanctions are on individuals and entities linked to Russian companies that provide military technology and know-how to Russia’s armed forces, members of the Kremlin elite and those involved in Russia’s ongoing human rights violations.
- Last week, WestJet and its pilots reached a last-minute deal, averting a potential strike. After more than nine months of negotiations for new pilot contracts, the Air Line Pilots Association said members voted to approve an agreement-in-principle with WestJet management.
Provincial Updates
#ONPoli
- Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has launched an exploratory bid to run for leader of the Ontario Liberals. Premier Ford has called her potential run a “slap in the face” to the residents of Mississauga.
- A debate was held on May 24th for the frontrunners of the Toronto mayoral race. A variety of issues were discussed ranging from arts and culture to affordable housing. Polls show former NDP MP Olivia Chow with a comfortable lead over other candidates as the campaign heads into its final month.
- Talks are stalled between Stellantis and the federal and provincial Ontario governments, following the company’s threat to pull out of the Windsor battery plant. The auto giant stated that it won’t follow through with the deal unless the government tops up its subsidy agreement to match another recent deal made with Volkswagen.
#ABPoli
- Alberta’s former attorney general is condemning Premier Smith for contravening Alberta’s Conflict of Interest Act by speaking to her justice minister about criminal charges against a Calgary pastor, while premier.
- Today is election day in Alberta, and there is still no clear frontrunner between the NDP and UCP. In the last week, a still-undecided bloc continued to be the key focus for the parties.
#BCPoli
- On Thursday, the B.C. government announced a new rebate for electric bikes starting in June. The rebate will be available for those 19 or older, and will be based on a person’s income, ranging anywhere from $350-$1,400.
- Last week, Minister Champagne and Premier Eby announced joint funding of $300 million to AbCellera to create a new biotech campus in Vancouver.
#ATLPoli
- An MP in Nova Scotia is questioning potential Chinese control over the lobster industry. A major Chinese seafood exporter in the area is calling these claims racist.
- An environmentalist in New Brunswick accused the Atlantic premiers of using scaremongering tactics in their call for Ottawa to delay certain rules that would require refineries to reduce carbon in gasoline and diesel production.
