Ottawa Observations: Friday, February 19, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Friday, February 19, 2021

Canadians held in China / China tensions

Canada's days of 'sunny ways' with China are over

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Canada's top public health doctor says COVID-19 vaccine results so far are very encouraging

As variants spread, modelling shows current public-health restrictions aren't enough to stop a third wave of COVID-19

Trudeau says vaccine 'big lift' is coming as Tam warns of threat posed by COVID variants

COVID-19 variants will drive resurgence without stronger health measures, modelling warns

Canada needs to vaccinate 11 times more people every day to hit its target of inoculating 14.5 million citizens by June 30

New variants could fuel huge spike in COVID-19 cases if health measures lifted, new federal model shows

Variant spread could lead to renewed spike in COVID cases and third wave, Tam warns

Dr. Bonnie Henry sits down with Paul Wells: Maclean's in Conservation

BC reports 598 new COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths, updates vaccine timeline

Leading BC doctor says 1 shot of COVID-19 vaccine is good enough - for now

Federal model warning of variant-driven COVID-19 spike won't change BCs approach, officials say

Administrator resigns at care home that was site of BC's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak

Over 500 new cases ...

Globe and Mail

Off the Charts: How Canada's real-estate market defied expectations in the COVID-19 pandemic

What Canada should learn from the Texas power-grid disaster

'No runway left': Retailers rattled as COVID-19 lockdowns extended in Toronto, Peel Region

Tory MP Cheryl Gallant accused of peddling 'deranged' conspiracy theories' by Liberals

Doug Ford's opposition to paid sick days is about his image, not evidence

BC's investment fund commits $5 billion to green bonds and plans to reduce its carbon exposure

AFN chiefs launch full investigation of harassment allegations against Ontario regional chief

Federal government seek fourth extension to update assisted-dying law

Search on for Ontario judge to succeed Justice Abella on Supreme Court

Ottawa to add 12 weeks of eligibility to two COVID-19 benefits for unemployed workers, parents

Indigenous communities are denied the most important medicine people can receive: kindness

More than most, Canada knows the importance of a new Iran nuclear deal

The pandemic has reversed our momentum on closing gaps for marginalized Canadians

CBC
  

Sajjan grilled by Commons committee over allegations against General Vance

Federal government seeks fourth extension to update assisted-dying law

Mandatory hotel quarantine rates far lower than $2,000 figure offered by government

Federal government extending Canadians' access to pandemic benefits

Search is on for Ontario judge to succeed Justice Rosalie Abella on Supreme Court

Federal government proposes to expand right to work in French in federally regulated companies

Why the Liberals took the long road to sentencing reform

Trudeau pledges another $75M to COVAX as G7 leaders discuss wider COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Plans to sell Trans Mountain pipeline to Indigenous groups take another step forward

The only way to control tech giants like Facebook may be for governments to gang up

Why proper home care should be a cornerstone of how our health system looks after seniors

Kenney in a no-win position as clock ticks down to a new provincial budget

Toronto Star

   

Public health chair says keeping restrictions in place gives Toronto a chance to avoid third wave of COVID-19

Toronto and Peel will remain under stay-at-home orders until at least March 8

'These were life-and-death decisions': Inside a Toronto long-term-care home fighting two waves of COVID-19

Here's what Ontario really god wrong on COVID-19

Tory MP Cheryl Gallant accused of peddling 'deranged conspiracy theories' by Liberals

Liberals using interpreter shortage to dodge accountability, Conservatives allege

Conservatives say they are 'looking for a more compassionate approach' to drug users

Survivors say Pornhub's indifference to exploitive videos traumatized them

Ex-Saudi spy urges Canadian court to free up assets; says he's victim of death plot

Toronto Sun

Trudeau and Tam are failing Canadians at a crucial time

Hotels become jails when healthy citizens not allowed to leave

Enough with the fear, how about confidence?

Powerful health officials need to be made more accountable

Trudeau's gun ban and buyback could end up costing a bundle

Dear Trudeau - what the heck is going on with Canada?

Trudeau reduces sentence for serious guy crimes

National Post

MPs pass motion requiring Liberal government to let them see COVID vaccine contracts

Ontario extends stay-at-home order in Toronto, Peel, North Bay for two more weeks

Conservatives and Liberals are too ideological and it is hurting democracy

Maverick Party stand alone in push for Western Independence - for now

'Keep the price quiet': All you need to know about government-authorized hotels for mandatory three-day COVID stays

By debasing religion, Canadian intellectuals are playing a dangerous game

It's been 25 years since Jean Chretien choked a protester

Canadians to Trudeau - don't choose the next Governor General

Maclean's

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Global

BC residents least likely to follow COVID-19 restrictions, poll finds

Victoria bylaw staff patrolling homeless camps to keep police escort until April

Okanagan bakery owner fed up with anti-maskers ignoring public health order

Conservative MP alleges Liberals want to 'normalize sexual activity' with kids

Defence minister tells committee he was 'surprised' by Vance allegations

COVID-19 emergency benefits including CRB, sickness benefit, to be extended: Trudeau

Miscellaneous

Why healthy aging must be the upshot of the COVID-19 pandemic

BC sets record for lung and heart transplants despite COVID-19 pandemic

It's time to transform our society with a basic income

Horgan hears a "Who?": BC Premier John Horgan mistaken for US university professor namesake

Snap Out of Your pandemic passivity, Canada

Indigenous Youth Demand End to Trans Mountain Insurance

Porters feel like 'Second-Class Citizens' on Hospital Frontlines

BC blasted for joining Ontario's Fight to limit rights of Municipal voters