Ottawa Observations: Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Tuesday, December 8, 2020


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Canadian envoy says Micahel Kovrig, Michael Spavor are healthy despite being in Chinese prison for 730 days

FBI was 'persistent' about getting information in Huawei CFO's extradition case, court hears

Rural internet provider Xplornet moves away from Huawei, announces Ericsson as 5G partner

Barring Huawei won't fully protect Canada's 5G wireless networks, report says

Deal to secure Meng Wanzhou's release unlikely, says former Trump adviser John Bolton

Kovrig, Spavor are 'inspiring' and 'robust' in Chinese prison, says Canada's envoy

FBI wanted Meng's border exam report, travel history: CBSA airport manager

There can be no deal with China without the Two Michael's freedom

CBSA officer 'went white' after realizing he lost Meng Wanzhou passcodes, his boss testifies

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

US bid for priority access to COVID-19 vaccine won't affect Canadian Delivery, Ottawa says

Canadian bio-manufacturing company says Ottawa passed on its offer to produce COVID-19 vaccine

First Pfizer vaccine shots to be given at delivery sites, not long-term care homes, Theresa Tams says

Alberta tightens COVID-19 measures, mandates masks for all indoor spaces

Ottawa says it's not alarmed by Trump's threat to restrict vaccine exports

Trudeau says 249,000 vaccine doses to arrive in Canada by the end of the year

Stop stigmatizing South Asians for high infection rates

Had your COVID-19 vaccine? Ontario will give you a card to prove it

Should Canadian politicians be among the first to get COVID-19 vaccinations - or the last?

Ford government talks of immunity passport for COVID vaccine

Taming of the COVID: Brit grandma, Shakespeare get poked with vaccine

A vaccination plan that protects the vulnerable

Trump signs executive order to ensure Americans have 'first priority' to get US COVID vaccines

Alberta to close restaurants, make mask mandatory and ban social gatherings as 'last resort' COVID-19 measures

Canadian Forces member investigated after calling on fellow soldiers to ignore orders to distribute COVID vaccine

Why Canada's vaccine rollout won't be easy

BC reports 16 deaths from COVID-19, 566 new cases

COVID-19 outbreak at BC mink farm raises concerns about virus mutation

Less than 600 new cases, 53 schools with new exposures

BC's death toll from COVID-19 passes 100 so far in December

Globe and Mail

Ontario had $12-billion in unspent contingency funds as COVID-19's second wave hit, report says

Pornhub bans uploads from unverified users after child exploitation allegations

Senator introduces motion in attempt to oust Red Chamber colleague Lynn Beyak

Ontario to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, those without may face restrictions

BC Premier says nearly 4,000 high-risk people to be vaccinated next week

Vacancy taxes won't solve Canada's housing problems, but they can make a real difference

A green skyscraper: In Toronto, why is it a tall order?

Michael Sabia's infrastructure vision: Build it and they will come

Freeland singles out return to prepandemic employment levels as key target

MP Dan Albas drafts legislation to open floodgates on interprovincial booze sales

Conservatives prepared to debate assisted-dying bill around the clock, Erin O'Toole

CBC
  

Military launches investigation after reservist attacks vaccine plan at anti-lockdown rally

Senator who posted anti-Indigenous letters faces prospect of expulsion again

'Risks and uncertainties' could make Trans Mountain unprofitable, says budget watchdog

Trudeau says legislation to make First Nations policing an essential service coming soon

Lametti urges MPs to pass assisted death bill as disability groups demand a halt

Military reservists preparing for possible deployment in Prairies as COVID-19 rates soar

Conservative MP pitches plan to allow alcohol sales across Canada by mail

Toronto Star

Vaccines will be here soon. But health officials warn it will be a long time before it's safe to relax COVID-19 controls

Conservative MP draws fire for George Soros comment that Liberals call 'anti-Semitic'

Jason Kenney rejects notion he's to blame for Alberta's COVID-19 struggle

Police forces across Canada are still overwhelmingly white and male, new report shows

Five things Canada can do to beat its 2030 Climate target

Saga over Senator who posted anti-Indigenous letters continues in Senate

Doug Ford's 'Government for the People' speaks, but it doesn't listen

Toronto Sun

Let's talk about lockdown-related suicides

Premier Ford stands up to over the top revenge

Trudeau stimulus plan makes little sense

The broken ethics and lost money of the Infrastructure Bank

National Post

'I will be the model citizen': Architect of Toronto 18 terrorist plot wins parole while serving life sentence

Pierre Poilievre; It's time to move beyond Canada's credit-card economy

Lower oil demand, stronger climate policies could reduce value of Trans Mountain pipeline: PBO report

Civil liberties matter, even in a pandemic. Especially in a pandemic

We can't fix the murdered and missing women problem unless life sentences really mean life

Jason Kenney finally finds some spine in condemning anti-masker nonsense

Lynn Beyak faces motion to expel her from Senate, despite her suspension having ended

Maclean's

Michael Sabia's sure going to do something

People are planning their dream vacations - for whenever it's finally safe

Global

Details released on how to apply for BC's COVID-19 recovery benefit

China woman tells VPD officer she's scared of hospital because of COVID-19 stigma

Mission elementary school principal warns of COVID-19 stigma

'Justice was in his DNA': Joe Arvay remembered as champion of legal rights

BC looks at speedy increases in fines for repeat COVID-19 offenders

'It's time for them to step up and break this up': BC nurse frustrated with anti-mask rallies

BC's Seniors advocate launches review into elder abuse

Trans Mountain Pipeline could drop in value with tougher climate laws: PBO

Surrey City Council passes 2021 budget, raises taxes by 2.9 percent

O'Toole says Tories are prepared to debate assisted dying bill around the clock

Senator introduces motion to give Lynn Beyak the first-ever boot from the Senate

'They need to take this seriously': Diplomats urge action after Havana syndrome report

Liberals plant to table Canada-UK trade deal this week as Brexit deadline looms

Miscellaneous

Disappearing Vancouver corner stores: Mount Pleasant neighbourhood grocery listed for $65,000

Pamela Anderson calls for closure of BC fur farms after Fraser Valley COVID-19 mink farm outbreak

Vancouver real estate: 2020 sales so far surpass whole of 2018, 2019, and December has just started

The City of Vancouver and SFU host online forum planning for the Post-Pandemic City on December 10

Remembering Youth Homelessness Champion Katherine McParland

'The job of the city is to get people shelter, Not Take it away'

BC officially closes the door on In-Person Holiday celebrations

BC's midwives are on the brink of a Burnout crisis

Spend some time with the Heroes of North Shore Rescue

Surrey hikes taxes 10.7% in controversial city budget

Civil rights legal warrior Joe Arvay dead at 71

BC's fentanyl market estimated to be up to $300 million

BC residents can apply for $500 COVID-19 recovery benefit starting December 18