Ottawa Observations: Monday, December 4, 2017

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Monday, December 4, 2017


Canada-China free-trade talks uncertain, but exploratory discussions continue
Tory MP James Bezan accused of making 'humiliating' sexual comments
Ireland settles mefloquine case with veteran as Canada prepares to fight suit
Revenue Minister steps back from claim Ottawa is close to recovering $25 million in unpaid taxes
Small-business advocates lament 'appalling' lack of detail ahead of Jan. 1 tax changes
Trudeau names new senators for Nova Scotia, Manitoba
Alberta tightens campaign-financing rules, targets third-party operations
Canada to provide $12 million more for land-mine clearing around world
Now is the time for a strong Canada-China energy partnership
The breakdown of Canada-China talks is a blessing in disguise
No, Ottawa has not put forth a national housing strategy
'Inappropriate, humiliating': Liberal MP accuses Conservative of unwanted sexual remarks
Indigenous Affairs is no more - departmental split is underway, Liberal government says
Justin Trudeau's great expectations clash with reality in China 
'The CRA lied to us' about tax credit, say diabetes advocacy groups
Trudeau names 2 new senators including Canada's first female Indigenous dentist
Free trade talks with China will not yet begin
B.C. court rules against injured veterans in fight for disability pensions
Does the law prevent Canada from killing its 'terrorist travelllers'
Canada in talks with Trump officials over fresh demands to curb phoney goods
Feds willing to give more pot tax revenue to provinces to help municipalities
In Bill Morneau's fight to keep his job, a falling unemployment rate helps
Pot Black market isn't expected to disappear even as marijuana becomes legal
'A lot of mixed emotions': MMIWG inquiry to begin hearings in Thunder Bay
Campbell says 14 applied for top court job
Conservative MP James Bezan apologizes for 'threesome' quip
Trudeau names new senators for Nova Scotia, Manitoba
Opposition attacks on Bill Morneau veer into character assassination territory
Trudeau's trade deal with China turns into an embarrassment
Canadians need to wake up to our buried energy riches
No Need to rush deal with China
Pursue a trade deal with China, but not at the risk of Canadian interests and values
Five 'extreme' NAFAT proposals by U.S. that Canada will not accept, according to our lead negotiator
Would it be too cynical to say China just ambushed Trudeau on trade talks?
China cancels planned press conference, PMO says, amid Trudeau's state visit
Wealthy baby boomers may be keeping Canada unequal by helping their kids buy homes: report
Kinder Morgan complains about Trans Mountain permit issues at NEB hearing
Equifax didn't do enough to protect Canadians in data breach, MPs say
Think liquor taxes are too high? They'll get higher next year ... and every year after
MMIW talks in Thunder Bay focus on 'indifferent' police over girl's disappearance in 2016
Conservatives accuse Trudeau of smug approach to returning foreign fighters
Canada-China Trade talks fail to materialize as Justin Trudeau continues state visit
Rights groups slam inaction as Trudeau Tours China
Trudeau, Scheer duke it out in Surrey as razor-close byelection nears