Ottawa Observations: Friday, May 3, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Friday, May 3, 2019 


The SNC-Lavalin Files

Elections commissioner says PMO did not try to interfere in SNC campaign-finance case
No political interference in SNC-Lavalin donations probe, top election officer says
SNC-Lavalin is still trying for a settlement. Canada's public prosecutor wants to make that harder for them


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Canadians have more positive opinion of relationship with European countries than U.S. China: Poll
Soy producers want interest-free loans boosted for other crops, industry rep says
Hong Kong-Canadians say changes allowing extradition to China a 'knife hanging over their heads'


Globe and Mail 

Carbon tax decision boosts Trudeau's Liberals, but ruling is first of many
Trade pact with Europe could be hurt by climate-action infighting, McKenna says
Conservatives to adopt new HR policies as Rick Dykstra investigation reveals absence of clear protocols
Federal commission urged to make leaders' debates more civil, accessible and educational
Google sticking with election ad ban, will launch YouTube channel to highlight 'authoritative' news coverage of campaign
Fuming over fuel prices: Alberta's threats to inflict pain at the pumps add to 'perfect storm' of BC gas costs


CBC

Trudeau reaches out to Cuba on behalf of Lima Group to end Venezuela crisis
Saskatchewan premier plans to appeal carbon tax decision to Supreme Court
Ottawa proposes making some employers offer menstrual products for free at work
Andrew Leslie set to testify for the defence in Mark Norma's breach of trust trial
Federal government rolls back retaliatory tariffs on boats from U.S.
PSAC rejects government's offer on Phoenix
Why Jason Kenney needs Justin Trudeau ... as a punching bag
Bill Blair says he never saw plea for help from amputee now running against him
Conservatives didn't properly investigate allegations against Dykstra: report
Catalan leader re-applying for entry to Canada after travel permit mix-up
Anti-carbon tax crusaders Doug Ford, Jason Kenney meet at Queen's Park
How biometric data-sharing with U.S. is barring Mexican workers from Canada


Toronto Star

Move over, Doug Ford, Jason Kenney is Canada's new disruptor
Liberal MP Andrew Leslie offers to testify against Trudeau government in upcoming criminal trial
Liberals are stuck on Justin Trudeau's rudderless ship
CBSA has seized more than 600 cases of illicit food, plant and animal products in 2019
Conservatives didn't properly investigate allegations against Rick Dykstra, report says


Toronto Sun

Brace yourself the Mark Norman trial is about to overtake Lavscam
Kenney visits T.O., declares 'Alberta open for business'
Carbon tax ruling splits court, appeal to come
Just because the carbon tax is legal doesn't make it right


Maclean's

Maybe stop calling it Team Trudeau
Carbon tax ruling is a modest win for Trudeau - but after a string of losses, whatever works
The Conservatives introduce new measures in wake of Dykstra complaint


National Post

Carbon tax ruling a victory for the planet, federalism and common sense
Why Justin Trudeau's French elicits howls of rage
Two Ontario First Nations are claiming title to large parts of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Here's what that means
Liberal MP Andrew Leslie offers to testify for Vice Admiral Mark Norman at upcoming trial
Quebec should have outgrown this nonsense
Saskatchewan carbon tax challenge: Court of Appeal rules in favour of federal government
Jason Kenney's 'open for busines's message finds receptive audience on Bay Street
Jason Kenney delivers a warning to Ottawa. It had better be heard
Ghost of Mike Duffy scandal invoked in Senate with proposal to ask Harper, Nigel Wright to testify alongside Jody-Wilson Raybould


Global

Canada vows to stand up for tis businesses in Cuba as the U.S. makes it easier to sue investors there
Maxime Bernier mixes with Yellow Vest protestors at Toronto event
Activists say Saskatchewan carbon tax ruling is 'great news for climate action'
Canadian firm optimistic about prospects in Saudi Arabia despite diplomatic row
Saskatchewan loses carbon tax challenge - what it means for the rest of Canada
Federal Tories to strengthen police checks of candidates following Rick Dykstra case
Federal Carbon tax is constitutional: Saskatchewan Court of Appeal
Upcoming federal election debates need to be more 'civil', commission says


Miscellaneous

A Canada that honours Indigenous Art and Oppresses Indigenous People
Countering Jason Kenney's 'dirty energy' crying game