Ottawa Observations: Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for    Tuesday, May 25, 2021

 

Canadians held in China / China tensions                 

New questions about whether COVID escaped from a lab

We need an open investigation into the Wuhan lab leak theory

How China seizes on global 'chaos' so it can dominate Canada - and the world

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Why it's time to stop wiping down groceries and other COVID-19 cleaning measures that don't reduce transmission risk

Provinces move to shorten interval between vaccine doses

Millions of Moderna doses expected next month, but delivery dates still in question

Seniors over 80 have lower vaccination rates in Toronto and Peel than other age groups. How groups are working to change that

Start mass second-dose program now, experts say, as Toronto hits 'incredible milestone' in COVID-19 inoculations

Second shot AstraZeneca being shipped to select pharmacies but limited supply causing frustration

Man dies of blood clot after AZ, link still unclear, says Health Official

Ontario reports just over 1,000 new COVID cases on Tuesday

Vaccine management in Canada could be much improved

Manitoba flies critically ill COVID patients to other provinces as it becomes North America's hot spot

What we know about the COVID variant first found in India

2nd COVID-19 vaccine doses to be sooner than expected, but no 'too soon: BC's top doctor

BC reports 289 new COVID-19 cases, one death as province outlines restart plan

COVID-19 in BC: Hospitalized cases increase, 14 flights with exposure and more

Globe and Mail

US challenges Canada's managed dairy supply under USMCA agreement

Big Data company Palantir looks at expansion into Canada's health sector

BC outlines four step plan to end restrictions, return to normal by September

Members of Parliament agree election should not be called amid COVID-19

Facebook deal the result of Liberal inaction on web giants, says opposition

Former Supreme Court Justice to soon release report on military justice system

Alberta calls for national security rules for academics to prevent intellectual property transfer to China

Shortlist for governor-general expected in weeks, setting stage for new representative of Queen in Canada

New initiative will se Facebook pay 14 Canadian media outlets for content

CBC

Civilian DND employee says she suffered retribution after reporting abuse

CNN anchor Jake Tapper talks Canada's vaccine rollout, his new book and the state of US politics

US amping up dispute with Canada over allowed exports of American dairy products

Trudeau considering further sanctions on Belarus as regime announces Ottawa embassy closure

Military officer facing mutiny charge after anti-vaccine speech

Ottawa failed to properly implement sexual misconduct report, top Defence civil servant says

Court rules NEXUS cards can't be cancelled for minor rules infractions

Toronto Star

 

Some schools could open May 31 - but now it's up to the government to decide, says Dr. David Williams

Up for a post-pandemic 'Hug Day'? BC unveils a quicker reopening than Ontario, eyes future with COVID as 'just another virus'

Canada's secret COVID-19 vaccine contracts hinder the fight to boost vaccine confidence, researchers say

Antimasker Chris Sky threatened to kill Premier Doug Ford, say court documents

'Inconsiderate behaviour': Toronto officials dismayed after party goers trashed Woodbine Beach and shot fireworks into crowds

Justin Trudeau has reasons to travel abroad, but no excuse to avoid quarantine when he comes home

Windsor mayor fumes as government policies prevent cross-border COVID-19 vaccinations

Under fire, the company managing COVID-19 testing at Canada's border insists it's ready for the next phase of the pandemic

'This favour from Ford to McVety is still on the books': NDP says reference to Christian college should be removed from legislation

Senate's old guard and new guard clash over role of independent senators

Manitoba premier says sorry after unparliamentary language directed at opponent

Doug Ford's Tories fundraising off the pandemic with an election a year away

Toronto Sun

Chris Sky carries a dangerous message

TDSB petition portrays anti-Israeli manual author as a hero

Canadian soldier who called on troops to refuse vaccine distribution faces mutiny related charge

Anti-masker accused of threatening to kill Ford, Premiers

The over-the-top response to O'Toole's beer tweet

Happy Tax Freedom Day - higher taxes loom on the horizon

National Post

Mike Duffy has parting shot for Senate

Immigration applicants forced to file access to information requests to get answers on status: report

Trudeau calls arrest of Belarusian journalist a 'clear attack on democracy' threatens to impose further sanctions 

Facebook to pay 14 Canadian media outlets for content, but deal excludes major publishers

If Canada were Texas we'd be trusted with our freedom instead of in lockdown

Stéphane Dion backs Trudeau on Quebec's bid to change constitution 

Singh takes a leap beyond logic on Quebec's constitutional superpowers

An open letter to Canada: It is starting to be unsafe to be a Canadian Jew

Maclean's

Trudeau le Québecois

Global

BC lays out restart plan including a return to normal by September

10 things you need to know about BC's COVID-19 restart plan

BC's restart plan offers roadmap to the return of sport and fitness

Wearing a mask in BC indoor public spaces could be optional by July 1

PNE organizers start planning for an in person fair this summer

More than 200 properties on evacuation alert in East Kootenay after heavy rainfall

MPs adopt Bloc motion saying it would be irresponsible to hold election amid COVID-19

Bill C-15 which aligns Canada's laws with UN Indigensou declaration passes 3rd reading

Belarus arrest of journalist on Ryanair flight a 'clear attack on democracy': Trudeau

'A tragedy': Trudeau commits to fight racism on anniversary of George Floyd's murder

Miscellaneous            

 

British Columbia unveils four-step plan for reopening province

Police issue over $11,000 in fines to 17 partiers at downtown suite

Lions Gate Bridge to undergo overnight closures during counterflow traffic system upgrades

BC officials share 'light' at the end of a long, dark COVID tunnel

Why is Surrey BC's hottest COVID spot? And more insights into pandemic divisions

Jason Kenney's favourite researcher just gave him a headache

Near Port Alberni, Anger over planned  pot facility near Indigenous healing centre