Ottawa Observations: Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Tuesday,  July 21, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Canada should work with allies to impose sanctions on Chinese officials linked to Uyghur abuses: Bill Browder
Ottawa's WE Deal has many parts - and each one contributes to the makings of a scandal



The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Surge in COVID-19 cases linked to private indoor gatherings, reopenings across Canada
In some COVID-19 survivors, lingering effects create a steep climb to full recovery
The World Health Organization plans a key role in Canada's response to the pandemic
Young people blamed as Ontario sees largest daily number of COVID-19 cases since mid-June
'This is no time for partying. This is very serious,' says Mississauga mayor
The goal now is to manage COVID-19
Alberta's COVID-19 infections rate trending in the wrong direction
Partygoers pushing BC close to tougher COVID measures
A continent divided by the pandemic
BC reports 30 new cases of COVID-19, no new deaths
Two Mexico to Vancouver flights with confirmed cases, as Dr. Bonnie Henry urges precautions
New COVID-19 infections in BC remain elevated


WE have a problem Boss

WE Charity pitch to Morneau's office prior to Trudeau announcement included student service
Protecting itself from the WE scandal is distracting the Trudeau government from the pandemic fight
Trudeau, Morneau had to be involved in WE Charity decision, top bureaucrat tells MP
Paying volunteer students less than minimum wage was federal government's idea, says WE Charity
Cabinet minister raised concerns about WE contract, top bureaucrat tells MPs
Potential conflicts weren't the only problem with the WE student grants program
Bill Morneau to testify about his involvement in the WE Charity deal on Wednesday
No way Trudeau and Morneau could have avoided being involved in WE deal, privy clerk tells committee
Trudeau wants us to deny reality on WE fiasco
WE scandal has the potential to lead to Humpty Dumpty's fall
Top bureaucrat says no red flags were raised in government about outsourcing $912M program to WE charity
WE scandal is, like all Canadian scandals, lacking in sex and drama
In defence of WE
     
                                                                                             
Globe and Mail

Alberta outlines plan for return to school full time this fall, amid a surge of COVID-19 infections
Calgary votes to make masks mandatory in indoor public spaces
RCMP make arrest after BC care home blames prank call for hampering early COVID-19 response
Doug Ford removes Tory legislator from government caucus over emergency powers vote
'Seat belts would have changed everything' says boyfriend of Jasper bus crash victim
Manhunt underway in Bridgewater Nova Scotia, for suspect accused of stabbing police officer
House of Commons should prepare for remote voting this fall due to COVID0-19 pandemic, committee says

CBC

Governor General  has created a toxic climate of harassment and verbal abuse at Rideau Hall, sources allege
RCMP watchdog calls out 'unreasonable' use of force during wellness checks
Committee says Commons should prepare for remote voting this fall
House passes bill to extend and reform wage subsidy, introduce disability benefits
BC premier asks Trudeau to decriminalize drug possession as overdose deaths spike


Toronto Star

Directors of education should have teaching experience, critics tell Ford government

Toronto Sun

Small businesses and main streets key to economic recovery
Why not include professional athletes in Canada's exemption list?


National Post

Poll show Canadians split on shutting down CERB, while majority concerned about government debt
Doug Ford kicks MPP from PC caucus for voting against controversial COVID-19 emergency measures bill
Liberals non committal as BC premier joins calls for drug decriminalization amid overdose spike
Freeland has the PMs back but doe she have any answers?
Long-time fans feeling loss as Edmonton Eskimos announced they will change name
Patio season will end so we better prepare for a pandemic fall


Maclean's

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Global

BC restaurants tightening current guidelines
52% of surgeries postponed due to COVID-19 now complete, BC health officials say
Vancouver Science world reopens to public August 1st
BC care home at centre of COVID-19 outbreak was also target of hoax
Family of UBC grad imprisoned in Saudi Arabia fears for her safety amid sudden silence
Wildfire danger rating climbing as BC temperatures expected to soar
BC Premier formally asks federal government to decriminalize illegal drugs
Tourism sector asks BC government for $680M stimulus package
93% of Vancouver hotel rooms were empty last weekend, says industry leader
Summerland mayor claims to have received threats over Confederate flag incident



Miscellaneous                            
       
Vancouver City Council narrowly approves rezoning for 258 secured rental units in tower on former Denny's site
Vancouver Pride bans BC Liberals from parade after controversy about Chilliwack MLA Laurie Throness
North Vancouver Care Centre, with Canada's first COVID-19 outbreak and death, was targeted by hoax phone call

The new Federal Paid Sick Leave Program is Not Enough
Has Suncor seen the climate crisis coming for 61 Years
I fact checked rumours swirling around this east Van Mystery Lot

Sto:lo grand chief sues First Nations Health Authority for $388, 125
Vancouver Council approves 28 storey rental tower on West Broadway
Data shows BC chipping away at surgery backlog