Ottawa Observations: Friday, March 19, 2021

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

Canadians held in China / China tensions

Chinese embassy defends secretive trials for Canadian Michaels, links their cases with Huawei executive's

China's 'coercive diplomacy' threatens its relationship with the West, says Trudeau

The two Michaels have been reduced to pawns in a power struggle between China and the US

Verdict in Michael Spavor's trial will come from Beijing, not the court, lawyer says

Canada could tell China to release our prisoners - or else. But 'or else' what?

Trying not to offend China is a loser's game. It's time Justin Trudeau took a stand

Yes, Prime Minister, China's show trials are unfair

China's lawless treatment of the two Michaels 

'Not just two Canadians:' Trudeau warns China against attack on Western allies as detained Michaels face trial

Meng Wanzhou's electronic devices were 'gateway' to he private information, lawyer argues

Lack of transparency around trials for 2 Michaels is 'unacceptable' Trudeau says

US-China likely to be a chilly one, and not just because it's in Alaska

'Tough and direct': US says as talks with China wrap up in Alaska

Meng Wanzhou lawyer claims CBSA examination was intended for US audience only

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

'They're jealous': Quebec snowbirds shrug off criticism  and enjoy Florida's sunshine - and COVID-19 vaccines

Alberta reports almost 700 new COVID-19 cases for highest daily total since January

White House confirms it it sending vaccines to Canada

To help end the pandemic, don't pick and choose - take the first vaccine available

Canada's deal with the US means another 1.5 million AstraZeneca vaccines are expected before the end of March

Quebec seeking 20 to 50 private businesses to help in mass vaccination efforts

BC reports 737 new cases of COVID-19, highest daily total since January 7

1-on-1 with Dr. Bonnie Henry: Looking back at one year of COVID-19 pandemic 

New case count surges past 700; active cases surpass 5,000

US to reportedly send 1.5 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Canada

Globe and Mail

Erin O'Toole challenges Conservatives to be bold as election looms

Supreme Court to rule on whether carbon tax constitutional next week

For Jason Kenney, everything is interconnected - even a Bigfoot movie

The WE Charity scandal was 25 years in the making

Ontario to allow outdoor dining in Toronto and Peel, loosens rules for indoor dining in many regions

When Kenney's done with the treat of 'Bigfoot Family' he should get to Sesame Street

NDP membership wades into debate over controversial definition of anti-Semitism

Federal government to sow farm-based climate research hub in Saskatchewan

Liberals eye more money for rapid-housing program as demand outstrips available funds

McKinsey denies MPs request for Chinese state-owned clients

CBC
  

Erin O'Toole says Conservatives must change or risk losing to Trudeau

Conservatives debate whether to declare that 'climate change is real' at policy convention

If he's going to win, Erin O'Toole needs to start broadening the Conservative tent

Why does Canada's foreign aid policy keep stumbling?

Canada infrastructure bank set to launch $1B initiative for Indigenous community projects

Here's why Alberta's recall legislation is as mythical as Bigfoot

Toronto Star

   

Patios can open this weekend inToronto and Peel Region - but no haircuts 

School boards are opting out of Grade 10 literacy test pilot, citing pandemic logistics, stress

Erin O'Toole says the Conservative party 'has to change' to win

Long term-care homes needed staff during COVID-19. So they turned to gig workers. Inside the "Uber-izaton' of health care

Red zone, grey zone, twilight zone? Doug Ford loosens COVID-19 restrictions in a way that makes no sense - amid a backlash against public health

Toronto is redrawing its map, creating 34 new neighbourhoods - including one called "Ryerson'

Defence minister knew of allegations against military's top official years ago. So what happened?

Toronto Sun

Ford needs to explore alternatives to lockdowns

Ontario Sunshine List sheds light on highest paid public servants

Nearly every India-Toronto flight this month had COVID-positive passengers

Canada gets extra doses but it ain't due to Toronto

Cost-cut Yonge North subway proposal includes fewer stations, less digging

Canadian Armed Forces needs more Eleanor Taylors - not fewer

Why is Ontario the most restrictive area in North America

Trudeau's vaccine mishap embarrassing for Canada

National Post

To woke or too socially conservative -- many Canadians feel politically homeless

Can Justin Trudeau ever say anything good about Canada?

Is Trudeau gambling on turning a minority budget into a majority government?

Conservative party must have 'the courage to change,' Erin O'Toole tells party convention

Change to Conservative leadership rules could dampen Quebec's 'outsized' influence on results

Restrictions on in-person church services are justifiable violation of freedom of religion: BC court

Brian Mulroney turns 82, a birthday he almost didn't make

Canadians still stuck in the endless lockdown cycle

Maclean's

Erin O'Toole starts to define his conservatism

Erin O'Toole's all tell, no show speech

Global

BC churches won't rule out appeal on 'surprising' ruling upholding in-person service ban

BC Ferries workers feel 'betrayed' after being left off COVID-19 vaccine priority list

Dubai man arrested in Vancouver for allegedly helping terror-linked Iranian airline evade sanctions

Tory government would restore 1 million jobs in a year if elected, O'Toole pledges

Miscellaneous

Romance and investment cryptocurrency scams bilk Vancouverites of almost $2 million in one week

BCs Francophone Day honours Vancouver's La Boussole for helping francophones during COVID-19 pandemic

Governments are making taxpayers subsidize corporate cleanup of Oil and Gas Wells

Yet another housing survey, for a City that seems to love them

Five things to know about massage parlour workers in Canada and their rights

Alberta's War Room creates a job

Youth Climate activists aim to rally support for Indigenous Land Defenders

BC Prawn Fishers face uncertain future as Feds Target Freezing at Sea practice