Ottawa Observations: Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Wednesday, March 17 2021

Canadians held in China / China tensions

Trial in China for Michael Spavor to start Friday; Kovrig's to begin Monday

Canada looks to Biden to free two Michaels jailed in China

Meng Wanzhou's lawyers argue officials had 'flagrant' disregard for her rights

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor set to go on trial in China

Michael Spavor to face trial in China on Friday, Michael Kovrig on Monday, Ottawa says

'Two Michaels' detained in China have hearings Friday and Monday: Garneau

'We are simply running out of time': China to put Spavor and Kovrig on trial in days

Actions of RCMP, border officers at centre of latest hearing

Meng Wanzhou lawyer claims RCMP, CBSA officers showed 'flagrant disregard' for rights

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Peel District School Board requires teachers to wear face shields or goggles due to COVID-19 concerns

Dr. Tam says Canada-wide drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths starting to level off

Ontario Ministry of Labour inspected Amazon site two days before public health shutdown

European's illogical ban of AstraZeneca will prolong the pandemic and cost lives

After slow start, Canada's vaccine rollout is now a race against time

White House confirms Canada asked US for help with vaccine supply - but doesn't say if it's coming

Peel school boards, public health and education ministry discuss moving to online but ministry recommends no closure

The third wave: More than triple the case counts projected for GTA as variants take over - here's what to expect

Listen to scientists about AstraZeneca over conspiracy theorists

Not mass COVID inoculation but better than nothing

Vaccine plans change again as provinces get word of delays

Bishops were right to address concerns over the ethics of vaccine production 

BC reports 498 new COVID-19 cases, four deaths

Some Whistler workers to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Deaths decrease after vaccinations, immunization scam warnings

Globe and Mail

Travel restrictions to Atlantic Canada could be lifted by July, New Brunswick premier says

Canada's inflate rate edges higher, sets stage for jump in coming months

Erin O'Toole faces challenges as Tory convention begins this week

The Kielburgers need to grow up

For the Fed and the Bank of Canada, inflation just ain't what it used to be

Conservative senator proposes changing criminal definition of exploitation as it relates to human trafficking offences

Infrastructure Bank urged to help Indigenous groups take equity stakes in resource projects

Senate passes bill to expand access to medical assistance in dying

Long-serving BC NDP politician Ian Waddell remembered for 'passion and desire to make progress for people'

CBC
  

Senate passes Bill C-7 to expand access to medical assistance in dying'

Flight PS752 shot down after being 'misidentified' as 'hostile target,' Iran's final report says 

Provinces aren't using COVID Alert app properly or widely enough, says report

Senate's new harassment policy 'a gift' for would-be abusers, senator says

The golden silence over NORAD renewal and the voices who want to shatter it

Ottawa launching bursary fund to help anglophone postsecondary students study in French

As a teacher, here are the ways I see the Indigenization of classrooms unfolding

Toronto Star

   

Why are Conservatives privately slagging Erin O'Toole? Look no further than the polls

They were to start new lives in Canada. But a year into COVID, they say those dreams now feel like 'a mirage in the desert'

A Chinese broadcaster aired forced confessions in Canada. A year later, the CRTC is still investigating

Canada has a new law on medical assistance in dying. Here's what it means

Lametti warns Senate that more amendments to judicial training bill could doom it

Could Canada's trade agreement with the US derail plans to regulate social media platforms?

We all agree on who shouldn't be allowed to make political donations. Then it gets tricky

Mounties enforced racist policies, RCMP commissioner says

Toronto Sun

End the doctatorship, elected politicians must be in charge

Trudeau's carbon tax to increase 33% on April 1

Why quarantine hotel requirements are now heading to the courts

Canada needs a COVID-19 exit strategy

National Post

Officer who put Canadian military over widespread sexual misconduct has been asked to meet with generals

Canadian government rejects Iran report that blames downing of Flight 752 on 'human error'

This isn't just a political scandal. It's a WE scandal

The Ontario NDP's ridiculous warn on snacks

BC father arrested, held in jail for repeatedly violating court orders over child's gender transition therapy

Alberta pastor jailed for holding services during COVID, expected to be released in days, lawyers say

How Erin O'Toole allegedly sidelined Peter MacKay's plan to run in next election

Maclean's

Chief David Monias: Standing on guard over Pimicikamak Cree Nation

Madeleine Peet: A travelling COVID tester in Nova Scotia

Global

BC bars hope St. Patrick's Day one of last events severely impacted by COVID-19 protocols

Daon Glagow gets ten year sentence for 2019 shooting of Vancouver Transit Police Officer

High demand leads BC to increase funding for Launch Online Grant program

BC and Washington State team up to kill 'murder hornets'

Group of BC mayors raises concerns about paramedic shortages

Mixed reaction to multi-million dollar makeover plan for Skaha Lake Park in Penticton, BC

Women in military feeling 'seething undercurrent of rage' over allegations: senior female officer

Canadian Senate passes Bill C-7, expanding assisted dying to include mental illness

Victims' loved ones say Iranian report into downing of Ukrainian flight 752 lacks details

Military ombudsman's limited role in misconduct complaints flagged repeatedly since 2014

Ransomeware demands double amid COVID-19, with health care industry. a key target

Miscellaneous

Cree-Metis lawyer Myrna McCallum makes her mark holding cops accountable and elevating awareness of trauma

Antiracist activist Markiel Simpson strives to ends are the Black Canadians are value as assets to the country

Metro Vancouver Investors fall prey to cryptocurrency scams, with total losses up to $400,000

Province says it's seeking solutions for First Nations Treatment Centre

Why is UNDRIP fine in principle but not in Practice?