Ottawa Observations: Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Tuesday, December 22, 2020


Canadians held in China / China tensions

'Good riddance' China says as Germany leaves UN Security Council with plea to free two Michaels

How Canadians can put moral pressure on China, one Christmas card at a time

US 'deeply committed' to helping resolve China's detention of Canadians: ambassador

Canadian government invokes National Security to block Chinese takeover of Nunavut gold mine

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Discovery of COVID-19 variant should signal importance of genome sequencing, scientists say

Federal lab says COVID-19 variant may be in country undetected

New COVID-19 variant not yet identified in Canada: Tam

Ontario records another 2,202 cases of COVID-19, 21 more deaths

BC reports 444 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths

Big White cluster now at 96 cases, says Interior Health

Canada hasn't identified the UK COVID 19 strain yet - but it's a 'probability,' Tam says

BC Farm outbreak at four sites, Big White outbreak expands to 95 cases

Expert Bashes for BC for COVID-19 data gaps

BC reports 444 new cases of COVID-19

Globe and Mail

Ontario shutdown won't stop COVID-19 spread in workplaces, health experts say

Canadian snowbirds older than 70 could receive vaccine Florida within weeks

Ottawa warns against International travel as airlines report an uptick in sun-seekers

CRA reveal of wage subsidy claimants relies on change to Income Tax privacy rules

Ottawa slammed for seeking judicial review on Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision

Liberals post call out for next federal election

Feds have not 'demonstrated need' for several intrusive security-screening measures: privacy watchdog

CBC
  

Federal government launches searchable data base of firms, groups that go wage subsidy

Dozens of airline passengers in Canada hit with fines, warning letters for refusing to wear a mask

Ontario should stop playing 'jurisdictional ping pong' with First Nations' water crisis, says NDP MPP

Canada and UK make stopgap deal to avert tariffs after Brexit

Bridging the electricity gap between Alberta and BC makes perfect climate sense

As a contract tracer, I see the challenges of self-isolation - and how we're failing to address them

Toronto Star

              

A family doctor responded to a besieged nursing home's call for help, and this is what she found in one of the province's hottest COVI-19 spots

Ontario high school parents are now eligible for $200 payments

Over 3,000 doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in Ontario, just as patients in the ICU with the disease each an all-time high

Federal memorial grant program expanded to include correctional officers

COVID-19's social-distancing fails to stop MPP's from extending holiday greetings, good cheer

Alberta government says no parks to close after partnerships found

Judge who visited protest teepee on Regina legislature grounds faces judicial review

Ottawa says border controls are sufficient despite complaints from Ontario

External probe into deaths of Quebec boys calls for reform to youth protection system

Toronto Sun

COVID is coming through the borders that Trudeau left open

Trudeau piles on the Carbon Taxes

Ottawa says border controls are sufficient despite complaints from Ontario

New UK COVID strain not yet found in Canada: Tam

Toronto's gun violence roared through the pandemic

Ontario extends $200/kid payout to high schoolers

Ford government brings in flat, lower electricity rate

Ontario car insurers could find savings of up to $2.7B due to COVID-19: Study

Why COVID 19 closes some businesses and not others

National Post

Liberals' Clean Fuel Standard blasted after government analysis reveal it will hit poorest households hardest

Ottawa seems to have an "Open House' sign at all our major airports despite pandemic

During Christmas some churches appeal to a higher order to protest COVID lockdowns

Trudeau posts video call for Liberal candidates for next federal election coming 'at some point'

Canadian Forces officer who pleaded guilty to child porn charge still working at military college

Bill Blair refutes Ontario's border security criticism, touts Canada's 'strong'' COVID-19 restrictions

'I don't even know what Simon Marcill looks like': Bloc MP has been on undisclosed leave since January

Maclean's

My mom turns 80 this summer. Can we plan a party, now that Canada has COVID-19 vaccines?

Global

Health Minister apologizes for problems with BC Recovery Benefit applications

BC places 15 per cent cap on fees for food delivery services

BC could still extend winter break for students

Multiple vehicles hit, damaged by ice bombs falling from Port Mann Bridge

'We'll take a look': BC Health officials tell NHL not to expect special treatment around new season

Officials mum on how much Bank of China, anti-abortion groups got in wage subsidy

Miscellaneous

BC limits food-delivery company fees charged to restaurants during COVID-19 pandemic

Nanaimo RCMP issue COVID-19 violation tickets to 11 youths for gathering at high school

Mansion once rumoured to be eyed by Prince Harry, Meghan Markle sold for $27 million

NDP and Greens push Trudeau to answer Vancouver's call to decriminalize drugs