Ottawa Observations: Thursday, January 24, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Thursday, January 24, 2019

Canadians held in China 

Canada's ambassador to China apologizes for wading into Huawei executive's legal battle
Ambassador McCallum raises eyebrows in Canada, but finds welcome audience in China
Trudeau dismisses calls to fire envoy to China John McCallum
China envoy McCallum walks back comments on Meg Wanzhou case
Trudeau dismisses calls to fire McCallum as envoy to China after eyebrow-raising comments
Trudeau sought U.S. help to release two Canadians after Trump hinted he might use Meng's extradition as a bargaining chip, official says
Ambassador McCallum's flip-flop on Meng's extradition case ramps up the pressure on Ottawa
John McCallum's 'gaffe' was telling the truth about China and Huawei
Trudeau dismisses calls to fire McCallum over Huawei comments
Ambassador to China John McCallum now says he 'misspoke' on Huawei's Meng Whanzhou

Sorry John McCallum, extradition doesn't neatly divide the courts from the politicians

McCallum says he 'misspoke' when he said Huawei executive has case to avoid extradition
Wife of Canadian citizen jailed 13 years in China fears he's been 'forgotten' amid Huawei crisis


Globe and Mail 

Freeland spoke to Venezuelan opposition leader two weeks before he declared himself interim president, source says
Canada strikes 5G wireless research deal with Nokia
Trudeau warns voters to be wary of fear-mongering about immigration
Two arrests made in Kingston  related to a national-security investigation: source
Group of Seven painting worth $200,000 stolen from Toronto home
No bargains allowed: Why is the Competition Bureau going after WestJet for cutting prices?
Federal government won't cut corners to speed up Trans Mountain review, Sohi says
Ottawa launches pilot project to boost immigration in rural, northern Canada


CBC

2 arrested in RCMP raids in Kingston, Ontario, related to anti terrorism probe
Singh calls on Trudeau to part ways with U.S., Brazil on Venezuela crisis
Hussen unveils plan to attract, retain skilled immigrants in rural and remote regions
Ottawa pledges $40M for Nokia to conduct 5G research
With 2 rivals claiming Venezuela's presidency, Canada shelters family of anti-government colonel
In Quebec, Conservatives are hoping Liberals can't fight city hall
What Venezuelan turmoil could mean for Canada's oilpatch
Formal investigation into Jason Kenney's housing claims requested by Ontario Liberal MP


Toronto Star

Hundreds of nonviolent immigration detainees sent to max-security jails as part of 'abhorrent' government program
RCMP arrests two in Kingston as part of national security investigation
Jagmeet Singh questions Canada's recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader
Canada plans to convene international meeting on Venezuela's future, sources say
Trans Mountain review won't be cutting corners, Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi says
Canada an unlikely ally of U.S. in backing Venezuela coup
Feds try enticing immigrants to rural, northern communities with new program
Recognizing a rival president in Venezuela is a dangerous move


Toronto Sun

Scheer's Tories promise to curb big Quebec toilet flushes
Grits have no clue what to do about illegal border crossers


National Post

Recent comments by Thomas Mulcair have some wondering if he is attempting to undermine Jagmeet Singh


Maclean's

Canadian MPs and their extravagant gifts, Is this bribery?
What's wrong with the Left in Canada? We asked the Left.
What's wrong with the right in Canada? We asked the Right


Global

Justin Trudeau tells voters to be wary of fearmongering on immigration during election
Ottawa won't cut corners on full review of Trans Mountain pipeline expansions: Sohi
Liberals push for investigation into alleged expense misuse by UCP Leader Jason Kenney while MP
Maduro vs Guaido: Venezuela is split between leaders and the world is taking sides
Canada to host international meeting on Venezuela turmoil, source says
Here's what is happening in Venezuela - and how Canada is involved
Fact check: Will the NDP's housing plan 'bankrupt' home builders, as Liberal MP claims?


Miscellaneous 

Where is Canada's AOC