Ottawa Observations: Thursday, November 18, 2021

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

For notes on the Extreme Weather in British Columbia follow this link in our Victoria Viewpoints Archive. 

The Washington Meetings

Trudeau wins no concessions on Buy America from Biden

A not-Trump North America summit where Trudeau has to settle for maybe later

Canada has three-stage approach to loosening COVID-19 testing rules, Trudeau tells US lawmakers

After talks in DC, Trudeau says he's still concerned about threats to Canada's auto sector

Biden offers sympathies to people affected by BC floods, says Canada and US in sync on climate change

Former US ambassador to Canada says electric vehicle tax credit jeopardizes USMCA

Canada is fighting for a place at the table as the world turns to electric vehicles

Ottawa should respond to American protectionism with its own 'Buy Canadian' policy

Trudeau calls Three Amigos summit 'extremely effective' but Biden unmoved on EVs

Why the US doesn't take us seriously

'I don't know' - Biden non-committal on including Canadian vehicles in EV tax credit 

Liberals set to bring in tougher version of bill to ban conversion therapy 

Canada / China tensions                 

Canada must form a strong, unified response to the challenges China presents

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Modelling suggests COVID-19 pandemic's fifth wave could be Saskatchewan's worst

Health Canada approval of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year olds expected Friday, sources say

Health Canada is set to approve the Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids. Here's what you need to know

Health Canada expected to announce approval of Pfizer vaccine for kids on Friday: source

Fully vaxxed Ottawa NHL team sidelined due to to major COVID outbreak in its ranks

Globe and Mail

Pipeline companies scramble to restore service after BC floods, natural gas prices spike

Premier Francois Legault set to announce plan to increase number of Quebec born NHL players

Close Shaw takeover, pay down debt are top jobs for new Rogers CEO Staffieri

Not entirely ousted: Senator critical of O'Toole remains member of Tory Senate caucus 

Most Tory MPs vaccinated, but those who aren't should do it, Opposition House leader says

Belarus opposition envoy urges Canada to increase pressure on Lukashenko 

CBC

Liberals to introduce tougher version of bill to ban conversion therapy 

We Charity misled donors about building schools in Kenya, records show

No injuries reported after Canadian frigate catches fire at sea

Toronto/Vancouver Star

RCMP  clear protesters off access road for BC pipeline worksite

RCMP operation puts end to Wet'suwet'en blockade, latest tumultuous chapter in northern BC pipeline saga

Supreme Court of Canada to examine timing of roadside breath tests

Conservative Senators defy O'Toole on expulsion of senator who challenged leadership

No-win situation for Alberta premier at upcoming meeting: political scientist

Alberta coal policy panel accused of bias, US influence in letters to ministers

Online response rate to census questionnaire hits new high, Statistics Canada says

Ontario high schools allowed to return to regular semesters in February

Toronto Sun

BC is underwater, Ottawa media is out of touch

Inquiry into Ottawa's LRT system coming despite Watson's objections

Islamic School in Scarborough closes as 13 COVID cases identified

Parliament Hill journalists gaze at their navels as BC floods

The three policy sins of the good Dr. Moore

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault finally forced to choose his poison

Trudeau's reckless spending means decades of deficits

Higher food, energy costs are deliberate

National Post

Ford would be wise to heed what's happening to O'Toole and Kenney

Macleans

What will happen when Jason Kenney's dissidents - and even some fans! - spend a weekend together

Global 

Vancouver approves vacancy control on single-room accommodation  

British Columbia requesting access to secure gas reserves in the United States

As Parliament opens to fully vaccinated, O'Toole says 'stay tuned' on returning Tory MPs

Miscellaneous            

Vancouver City council approves rent-increase limits for private SRO hotels

Report pitches for more Vancouver housing supply by channelling Field of Dreams line 'if you build it'

Coastal GasLink failed to warn camp employees about blockade, worker says

Rent Control for Private SROs passes in Vancouver

With BC in Emergency mode, people who use drugs need help now

Premier vows to make BC more resilient to Climate Change