Ottawa Observations: Friday, April 17, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Friday, April 17, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

China shameless, it's time to call them out
Don't let anyone stop you from asking tough questions about China
Trudeau sidesteps questions as China revises Wuhan's COVID-19 death toll by 50%
Ottawa not following lead of France, UK in criticizing China's handling of COVID outbreak


The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Quebec's long term care crisis started long before the coronavirus pandemic
Ontario rejects call to take over operations at long-term care homes where 54 residents have died
BC's COVID-19 rates have begun to decline, easing strain on health care system
Indigenous leaders say federal authorities need to address outbreak at Mission Institution
Is 'a beer in the driveway' a slippery slope to quarantine anarchy?
Tension mounts in U.S. over plans to reopen the economy as Trump appears to encourage protests
This pandemic should be a nationalist dream. It hasn't worked out that way
WHO says revised Chinese COVID figures an attempt to 'leave no case undocumented'
Italy's coronavirus deaths edge higher, new lockdown approach urged
In the fight against the coronavirus, Canadians are showing what they're made of
New wave of coronavirus infections threatens to collapse Japan hospitals
'Maybe he should get up and go to work': New York Governor Cuomo blasts Trump
Trudeau defends reluctance to question China's conduct during outbreak as other allies air concerns
Military to go into Quebec long-term care homes, PM says
In the war on COVID-19, Canadians are deferential, Americans defiant. Who's right?
We didn't really see the epicentre of  COVID-19, even after it was here
Ottawa pursuing technological approaches to COVID-19 contact tracing
Air passengers will be required to wear non-medical masks starting April 20
As millions of workers apply for help, mother-to-be say they can't get CERB
More than 100 Armed Forces members dispatched to Quebec's long-term care homes
Canada should not remain silent about China's handling COVID-19
Ontario scrambling to replace 'outdated' health-data system as COVID-19 batters nursing homes
Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford and all the premiers can agree on this. Don't be like Trump
Canada needs its migrant workers - but in this pandemic we can't be bothered to value them
Some Indigenous people feel 'blessed' to be in isolated communities - until they're not
Ontario must test (and report) more to get a handle on COVID-19
TO LTC worker who died from COVID-19 says risks part of her duty to care
City of Toronto posting long term care COVID-19 data online
Anti-viral drug remedesivir offers new hope
Self-Isolation and anger are riding a handcart on the road to hell
Ontario faring better than projected in COVID-19 fight
How do we get back to 'normal?' What politician will lead the way?
We are approaching COVID-19 gut check time
As talk grows that some provinces could reopen earlier than others, Trudeau urges national coordination
The road map to reopening Canada's economy: Watch for these markers
Canada secures order for five million pills of anti-malaria medication eyed by US as treatment
Outbreak of COVID-19 in Alberta oilsands camp raises fears of 'super spreaders'
Coronavirus could decimate small and isolated communities in Nunavut

Mid-May earliest possible time to lift COVID-19 Restrictions
No new deaths in BC as hospital numbers continue to trend down
Who in BC is getting coronavirus and who is severely affected
Ottawa sending CAF nursing officers, medical technicians to Quebec nursing homes
Post-secondary students call for federal aid as survey reveals financial struggles
'Incomplete' data for Canada hurts ability to model pandemic, scientists say
Cute shoes - recognizing leadership in the time of COVID
British Columbians have made an impact in stemming the pandemic, data shows
Vancouver resumes Kitsilano and Point Grey parking enforcement to deter visitors
A 14 day quarantine is too short in Seven Per Cent of Covid cases
Our Future hinges on COVID-19 tests. Here's what's being done
BC is winning the battle, but tough prevention measures will remain
When Can We return to Normal? Not soon
BC prisons on high alert for COVID-19 following death of inmate
Stay the course, Dr. Bonnie henry tells BC




Globe and Mail

Will it be a quick or a lengthy economic rebound? Charting the possible shape of a challenging recovery
Bring back the House: We need the return of Parliament now more than ever
How is it possible for Jason Kenney to be so right and so wrong in response to pandemic?
Trump is about to become a depression-era president. Does that make him toast in November
Ottawa provides $2.4 billion to get oil and gas workers back on the job
Ottawa to give $500 million to cultural and sporting sectors
Senate extends adjournment until June 2 as talks over return of MPs continue

CBC

100 days after, the families of Flight 752 victims refuse to be forgotten
Trudeau announces aid for struggling energy sector, including $1.7B to clean up orphan wells
Talks continue on reconvening House of Commons as Senate extends its break
Get ready for a virtual Canada Day party this year



Toronto Star

Andrew Scheer's tone-deaf response to COVID-10 is bad news for the next Conservative leader
Ontario is offering 'cash advances' to doctors to save clinics
There could be a green lining to COVID-19's attack on Canada's oil and gas sector


Toronto Sun

Trudeau  helps the oil sector, just not a lot
No, we don't need climate lockdowns


National Post

'Not going to do anything:'  Oil executives say federal abandoned well program comes too late
The power to censor speech and other great ideas from our Liberal overlords
Western Canadian anger is real and fair. The proposed remedies aren't



Maclean's



Global

How big financial institutions are responding to airline passengers seeking COVID-19 refunds
Trudeau announces new aid for the arts, business and oil industry
Scheer, Trudeau disagree over House of Commons return; Senate suspended
Only 2K Canadians have used First-Time Home Buyer Incentive - so axe it, experts say
Trudeau announces $1.7B to clean up orphan wells in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan
Trudeau offers new money to oil patch, but rejects calls to suspend climate action over COVID-19



Miscellaneous

Petroleum lobby group calls on Ottawa to back off climate agenda and cancel implementation of UNDRIP
Vancouver city councillors agree to 10 percent pay cut during pandemic
Energy sector upbeat about new federal funding; green group's reaction mixed
Oil and gas commission postponing, extending permit and levy periods