Ottawa Observations: Thursday, March 18, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Thursday, March 18, 2021

Canadians held in China / China tensions

No information, no foreign observers: Michael Spavor's secret trial ends without verdict in China

China's Xi Jinping sends a cruel lesson about jailed Canadians

US, China spar in first face-to-face meeting under Biden

Strengthening Canada-China relations can economically benefit both countries

Canada says it's being locked out of detained Canadians' trials in China

Meng Wanzhou lawyers attack 'unprecedented' refusal of key RCMP witness to testify

'No evidence can help them:' Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor will be found guilty by China, exiled lawyer says

Meng Wanzhou, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig: Here's how we got here and what's likely to happen next

High level US, China meeting in Alaska off to contentious start as both sides go on attack

China is a hostile state and Trudeau is out of excuses for his silence

There are currently 119 Canadians detained in China, held for a variety of reasons

Despite Anger towards China, we must not act rash

What it's like to be on trial in China

Canada should have taken strong action on China as 2 Michaels were detained, experts say

Prepare 'for the worst' ahead of Michael Kovrig, Michael Spavor trials: experts

Michael Spavor's trial ends without verdict, Canadian officials barred from attending

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

US prepares to lend Canada 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 outbreak at British Columbia long-term care home includes vaccinated residents

Canada on track to have on COVID-19 vaccine dose for every adult by July 1, barring production issues

COVID-19 vaccine passports would discriminate against Canadians if used here at home

White House says US plans to send 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Canada

Dufferin-Peel board closes 10 schools because of COVID

Canada on track to finish first round of COVID-19 vaccinations by June, Ottawa says

What are the risks? Trust in vaccines requires straight talk from experts

I used to be an anti-vaxxer. Here's why I got the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Indigenous people are vaccine savvy - we don't need pampering woke saviours

Everyone hates a queue jumper. But are Canada's current vaccine queues fair?

BC's updated COVID vaccination timeline

British Columbia prioritizing teachers, child care staff and first responders for COVID shot

BC reports 622 new COVID-19 cases and 8 deaths, as vaccinations ramp up

BC may need more COVID-19 restrictions to 'bend the curve' again as variant cases rise

New case count rises above 600, eight new deaths 

BC announces next priority and age based groups for COVID-19 immunization program

Teachers and other frontline workers to receive earlier vaccinations in BC

Globe and Mail

As Atlantic Canada prepares to reopen bubble, questions remain about domestic travel

Chevron to halt funding for Kitimat LNG after no buyers surface 

Former military watchdog disagrees with Harjit Sajjan's assertion he could have done more

BC judge dismisses churches' petition against COVID-19 rules: lawyer says

Member of Canada's military police charged for allegedly distributing racist images

Flair Airlines plans European style relaunch with its new 737 Max fleet

When COVID-19 strikes workplaces, what does real transparency look like? Why disclosure is rare, but revealing

It's time to put consumers first. How about we start with the Rogers-Shaw deal?

Jason Kenney goes toe to toe with Bigfoot - but the real monster is his own unpopularity

Conservatives say they have the funds needed to fight a snap election

The Conservatives, while still obsessed with cutting taxes and balancing budgets, must put a price on carbon

CBC
  

Lawyer for ex-Nazi interpreter Helmut Oberlander flies motion to permanently end deportation proceedings

Conservatives say they're united and flush with cash as policy convention kicks off

Canadian officials say Iran failed to prove Flight 752 was shot down in error

Abortion issue is off the table as Conservatives launch pre-election policy convention

Justice advocates await Ottawa's promised national Indigenous Justice Strategy

Apathy might be what's keeping Canadians from ditching the monarchy

Invaders to the buffalo hunt: False claims of Indigenous heritage in education

BC judge dismisses churches' petition against COVID-19 rules

Toronto Star

   

'Where does Erin stand?" Conservatives face threat of heading into election campaign without a firm platform

Ontario's top doctor says COVID-19's third wave is here, but he would ease restrictions in Toronto and Peel

Think Erin O'Toole can't win the next election? That's what they said about Justin Trudeau, too

With no budget in two years, Justin Trudeau has been spending with our eyes closed

Tsilhqot'in call on BC, Canada to recognize Indigenous jurisdiction amid COVID-19

Montreal massacre survivors to Justin Trudeau: Keep your gun control promise, or stay away from our memorial service

Conservatives say finances are solid, but have yet to pay back federal wage subsidy

Feds ask for Independent review of documents for St. Anne's residential school claims

The pandemic has exposed cracks in Canadian society. Will we do anything about them?

Toronto Sun

Ontario should follow BC's lead in reopening the province

Only thing York's top doc shut down is talk of another lockdown

Why is Ontario the most restrictive area in North America?

Dear Prime Minister -- where's our budget?

'Super Cautious': Ford standing by medical advisors when it comes to reopening

Debt interest payments fastest-growing component of Ontario budget

National Post

Conservatives building war chest for election that could be 'weeks away,' virtual convention hears

Upcoming Ontario budget is bound to agitate both PC supporters and the public sector

Vaccine supply is still fragile but existential threat to Liberal government has passed

Budget watchdog slams federal government on lack of fiscal transparency during pandemic

Gun control groups hit Justin Trudeau where it hurts

Canada's protectionism resembles a Third World country

Maclean's

What to expect from the Liberals: an election, ASAP

Global

BC Supreme Court upholds provincial ban on in-person religious services

'Huge relief': BC's teachers, police officers, front line workers react to COVID-19 vaccine news

Surrey's new police chief to make a base salary of $285,000

Report into downed jetliner leaves BC Iranian community with unanswered questions

Alberta takes aim at Netflix kids' movie over oil concerns. Is it overreaction?

In the military, speaking out on misconduct can leave members 'alienated': Senior female officer

Miscellaneous

BC elementary school teachers infected at triple the rate of secondary teachers

Vancouver housing co-op wins dispute with resident who failed test of 'good neighbourliness'

Asian Canadian organizations denounce 'anti-Asian, white supremacist and misogynistic' shootings in Atlanta

Hogan's Alley Society co-founder Stephanie Allen boldly questions white supremacy's continuing grip over society

BC's Deadliest Care Home Outbreak Took Yuet Sheung Wan. Her family wants change

The Faces, and Realities, of those living on disability assistance

An App Designed to Curb drug overdose deaths has saved 15 lives