Ottawa Observations: Thursday, July 16, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Thursday,  July 16, 2020 




Canadians held in China / China tensions

Abandoned and coerced, Canada prepares for its humiliation
Defeated and isolated, China keeps digging a geopolitical hole
Chinese government-owned firm wins $6.8M contract to supply security equipment to Canada's embassies

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Russian hackers accused of trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine research from Canada, UK and US
Saskatchewan records highest daily COVID-19 cases, province urges number of rural communities to limit spread
Alberta has highest daily COVID-19 jump since May, but no return to shutdown planned
Russian group targeted COVID-19 vaccine research in Canada, US and UK, say intelligence agencies
We're infectious disease experts and 'eliminating' COVID won't happen any time soon
Israel goes from COVID triumph to the brink of disaster in only four months
COVID-19 confirmed at St. Paul's Hospital NICU
27 cases of COVID-19 now linked to Kelowna exposures
Masks on transit, air travel issues, and a bravo to British Columbians
More than half of BC's 681 seniors' homes lack plans to allow visitors


WE have a problem Boss

Senior official speaks: Says Craig Kielburger e-mailed her a plan the day Trudeau announced $912 million student grant program
Wernick testimony fails to answer lingering questions over WE Charity agreement
WE Charity contract could have been worth up to $43.53 million, says Chagger
MPs begin probe into government's choice of WE Charity for student grant contract
Ottawa was prepared to pay $43.5M to WE Charity, Chagger tells committee
The ethics of Justin Trudeau: not evil but he can be a real putz
Testimony shows WE, not civil servants, dreamt up dream contract
Morneau almost as conflicted as Trudeau
Trudeau government was willing to pay WE Charity up to $43.5M to run student volunteer grant program
Despite the WE scandal the Liberals know losing Trudeau only leaves a black hole
A parliamentary committee hopes to demystify the WE deal

                                                                                                         
Globe and Mail

Ottawa to provide provinces, territories with $19-billion in funding for reopening
Billions in projected losses at Crown corporations raises concern over COVID-19 credit plans: PBO
Federal Court calls out CSIS, orders systemic review of the spy agency
Liberals seek to recall House of Commons for new COVID-19 legislation
Ottawa adding new census quesitons on gender, Indigenous people, linguistic and ethnic minorities
Bob Rae says UN can 'prevail' amid attacks on multilateralism but quesitons effectiveness

CBC

Federal government to provide provinces and territories with $19B for 'safe restart' of economy
Judge calls for review after CSIS fails to flag info likely obtained illegally
Ethics commissioner launches investigation into Morneau's involvement in WE Charity contract



Toronto Star

Premier Doug Ford further relaxes alcohol laws as campaign swings hits southwestern Ontario
TTC expected to be major beneficiary of Ottawa's $19B in COVID-19 aid
The worst may be over for Canada's economy, but we're still a long way from business as usual
Bill Morneau's lapse in judgement raises questions about his pandemic priorities
Federal Court reprimands CSIS for breaking the law in national security investigations
Quebec firm made illegal donations to Liberals, Tories over seven years
Ottawa sending $19B to provinces for Covid-19 aid
Democracy Watch starts legal fight with Doug Ford over appointments to tribunals
Justin Trudeau's a better leader than Trump, but family dysfunction has ensnared them both

Toronto Sun

Why are essential family caregivers being ignored?
High-flying health minister ignored her own pandemic rules
Difficult phone hack leads to organize crime takedowns
CERB leading to small biz staffing issues
CERB cash hitting wrong target, study finds




National Post

Controversy over wearing masks during COVID-19 pandemic has escalated into rage and now, death
Haliburton Senior who refused to wear mask at store fatality shot in altercation with Ontario police
Chinese government-owned firm wins $6.8M contract to supply security equipment to Canada's embassies
Senate's proposed new anti-harassment policy aims to end name-calling among Senators
All school's should be Charter Schools during a pandemic


Maclean's

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Global

Golden Ears Park's campsites are 100% reserved. So why are so many sites empty?
BC RCMP officer who dragged woman in wellness check faces new lawsuit
BC eviction ban to end September 1, tenants have until July 2021 to pay unpaid rent
Amid record overdose deaths, BC's top doctor calls for decriminalization
Woman sent violent, disturbing message via iPhone AirDrop while riding BC bus
BC Premier pleased feds are adopting national sick-pay plan
CERB did its job, but many Canadians polled say it's time to move on

Miscellaneous                            
       
Glacier Media reveals that its consolidated revenues declined by approximately 36  percent in April and May
Distressed DAVIDsTEA owes owners of Metro Vancouver malls plenty of back rent
BC's no-drink, no-liver-transplant policy discriminates against Indigenous people, says UBCIC complaint
Real solutions exist for homeless encampments


June overdose toll hits record; 15 times more deadly than COVID-19
How COVID-19 could bring needed change; a conversation with Andrew MacLeod
Thirty years after Oka, Wet'suwet'en battle shows how little has changed
We're dumb about exponential growth. That's proving Lethal


Liver transplant alcohol abstinence policy discriminatory: Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
Is it time for a sanctioned homeless camp in Vancouver?
BC commits to 50.50 funding-share with Ottawa on $600M needed for transit recovery
BC's hands tied on issue of COVID safety on flights, Horgan says
Vancouver poised to ban use, sale of 'bear bangers'