Ottawa Observations: Thursday, April 23, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Thursday, April 23, 2020 

Mass Murders in Nova Scotia

Premier asks Nova Scotians to withhold criticism of RCMP, help solve questions in gunman's rampage
Recordings of first responders reveal frantic bid to help victims of Nova Scotia shooting
The Nova Scotia shootings began with an act of domestic abuse - and there were red flags that came before
TV show aired days before NS shooting rampage featured eerie similarities to real-life event
RCMP need to be more forthcoming about potential faults in Nova Scotia response, experts say
A long night of terror: The 13 hours a rampaging gunman terrorized rural Nova Scotia
Police say NS RCMP officer with same last name as Mountie-impersonating killer is no relation


Canadians held in China / China tensions

The world has a big China problem now
Two Canadians jailed in China mark 500 days in confinement


The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

How Canada's crucial data gaps are hindering the coronavirus pandemic response
Canada says one million face masks from China failed to meet proper standards, won't be sent to provinces
MPs seek to overcome hurdle in getting WHO adviser to testify
Canada must protect itself from America's response to COVID-19
Francois Legault pushes 'herd immunity' ahead of Quebec's gradual restart
Premier Doug Ford's mother in law tests positive for COVID-19 in long term care home
Soldiers shouldn't permanently care for seniors, Trudeau says, as Ottawa approves help for Ontario, Quebec
Ecuador's death toll during coronavirus outbreak is among the worst in the world
Trudeau announces $1.1 billion for COVID-19 research
WHO set pandemic response back by 2-3 weeks, says doctor on new federal task force
Conservatives blast MP who asked whether top pandemic doctor 'works for China' as Scheer steers clear
Concerns about low uptake, flawed pandemic data linger as provinces pursue contact tracing
Trudeau announces $1.1B scientific strategy to fight COVID-19
Why ending Quebec's COVID-19 lockdown could mean freedom for some, but not all
Conservative MP's ugly smear against Theresa Tam comes from an infection in Canadian politics
Lewis Lawson,78 is waiting for his dialysis; the COVID outbreak has delayed it
Trump and Trudeau may take different paths, but Canada will get those US made N95 masks
'Does she work for Canada or for China?' Conservative MP's attack on Dr. Theresa Tam draws fire
Trudeau bets on COVID-19 blood tests for now as Canada ramps up long effort for a vaccine
'He was holding my mom's hand': Maintenance worker comforts dying LTC home resident
Oshawa hairdressing school accused of asking students to ignore health officials' advice
Wuhan lab did 'crazy things' in COVID-19 research
Trudeau's Liberals spinning tales of missing PPE stockpile
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's mom-in-law, 95, diagnosed with COVID-19
Nursing homes are COVID-19's epicentre
Federal COVID-19 testing program will determine how far coronavirus has really spread
BC reports coronavirus outbreak at second poultry plant, 4 new deaths
BC families voice frustrations as Ottawa pledges to bring Canadians home from India
Trudeau says Canada 'failing; elders; military a short-term solution
Vancouver researchers lead international study to predict novel coronavirus presence
Second food facility outbreak, collecting racial data, and restarting BC, 'without rebooting he virus"
André Picard on Health reporting, what we can learn from the Pandemic, and why we probably Won't
Second Metro Vancouver poultry processor has COVID-19 outbreak
Scientists get $1.1B boost from Ottawa in COVID-19 fight


                                                                                                                                              
Globe and Mail

Scheer, Conservative leadership candidates refrain from criticizing MP accused of racist comments
Child protection organizations seeing 'significant uptick' in predators using COVID-19 as opportunity to exploit online
Saskatchewan first province to unveil comprehensive plan to reopen economy
Ottawa proposes commercial relief that would cover up to 75 percent of rent payments for three months
We need an exit strategy for the economy
AIMCo's $4billion debacle strikes a blow to public confidence
Trump envoy to Canada defends pause in World Health Organization funding

CBC

Provinces will decide when to reopen their economies, Trudeau says
Free online 'threat blocker' launched in Canada as successful COVID-19 scams multiply
Cities ask Liberals for up to $15B in emergency funding to stave off COVID-19 budget crisis
An ill wind: The pandemic is giving states political cover for controversial acts


Toronto Star

As Ontario gears up to reopen, we asked experts which businesses will open first - you won't like the answer
Here's what's missing from the debate over how to reopen Canada's economy
Minister says empty planes left China, pushes for virtual access to 'Michaels'
Piglets are being euthanized say farmers warning they are fighting to stay afloat as COVID-19 drives down prices
Municipalities ask Ottawa for $10B in COVID-19 aid

Toronto Sun

PM using Nova Scotia massacre to push misguided rifle ban agenda


National Post

Scheer's lame response to fringe Tory leadership intolerance proves his lack of leadership again
Trudeau rejects turning CERB's $2,00 a month into a universal benefit for Canadians
Cash strapped cities plead with federal government for $10B to run essential services
'A punch in the gut': COVID-19 forces cancellation of Calgary Stampede for first time in early a century
Effects of COVID-19 lockdown most difficult on single people, modelling by economists suggests



Maclean's

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Global

Union launches legal challenge to TransLink layoffs amid COVID-19 crisis
2020 Calgary Stampede cancelled for first time in over 100 years amid COVID-19
Applications to open for BC employment relief on May 1
Saskatchewan to start reopening from the coronavirus pandemic on May 4
As provinces mull reopening, experts say borders remain a challenge

Miscellaneous

Metro Vancouver freezes rent increases in regional public housing properties
COVID crisis is an opportunity to change schools for the better
City of Vancouver announces Downtown Eastside measures for banking food and water and information
$70M social housing offered to City of Vancouver in curvy West End tower project
Canada's Housing System is cracking under the crisis
Big Oil Leaders should stop trying to push back Indigenous rights