Ottawa Observations: Monday, December 13, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Monday,  December 13, 2021

Canada / China tensions                 

The horrors of Canada's residential schools are being repeated in Tibet

My year of not buying things from China

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Tam underlines need for COVID-19 rapid tests, boosters to help control another wave as Omicron escalates

We have a lot to learn about COVID-19 immunity

Rapid nation tests for COVID-19 can give results in as little as 15 minutes. Here's where Canadians can get the screening tool for free and for sale

How an inhaled COVID-19 vaccine might breathe life into fight against pandemic

Two COVID-19 vaccine doses not enough to fight off increased infections from Omicron variant, UK study finds

We have the tools to combat Omicron and preserve personal freedoms. Now we need the political will

Omicron variant caseload expected to 'rapidly escalate' in the coming days, Tam says

Ontario is finally treating Omicron like an emergency - but boosters alone aren't enough

'Test-to-stay' can replace self-isolation during Omicron

Why Omicron means we have to stop counting cases

Tam admits Canada wasn't ready for COVID, needs an overhaul for next pandemic

BC reports five deaths and 1,129 new COVID-19 cases over three days

Omicron variant of COVID-19 detected at University of Victoria, in person exams cancelled

1,129 new cases over three days, province will release Omicron numbers at next update

Globe and Mail

Ottawa earmarks $50 billion for First Nations child welfare, long-term reform in fall economic statement

What a long-forgotten BC RCMP task force uncovered about residential school abuses

Bank of Canada's new mandate comes with one wrinkle: politics

Michael Sabia was greeted as a game changer as Canada's deputy finance minister. A year later, he has made little headway

Traveller confusion reigns amid shifting advice and variants

Canada willing to 'align' EV incentives with US to avert tax-credit crisis: Trudeau

Several Canadian universities cancelling in-person final exams amid rise in COVID-19 cases

Canada promises net zero by 2050. Canada's energy regulator predicts lots of oil in 2050

Anand apologizes to survivors of military sexual misconduct, says Ottawa 'failed' to protect them

Don't expect Liberals to change course on economic policy

We need fiscal anchors, not just 'guardrails'

CBC

New Bank of Canada mandate maintains inflation target but keeps one eye on jobs picture, too

Ottawa earmarks $40B for Indigenous child welfare compensation, program reform

Anand, Eyre offer official apology to victims of military sexual misconduct 

NDP MP launches bill to lower voting age to 16

2 years after Trudeau pledged to plant 2 billion trees, only 8.5 million have been planted

Trudeau says he won't step into Bill 21 debate to avoid triggering jurisdictional spat with Quebec

Toronto/Vancouver Star

Parts of southern British Columbia could get up to 20 centimetres of snow

While BC is ravaged by climate change, Alberta records highest oil production ever

BC government to lift 30 litre limit on gas for general public on Tuesday 

BC commits almost $30 million for event recovery fund for fairs and festivals

'Historic injustices require historic reparations': Ottawa setting aside $40 billion for Indigenous children and First Nations families

Trudeau's minority Liberal government easily survives first confidence test

Government open to amending paid sick leave bill it wants passed by week's end

Quebec is using the Constitution to take away the rights of minorities. What if that becomes the norm?

Chrystia Freeland is giving the Bank of Canada new freedom to fight inflation, That could mean more of us keep our jobs

Toronto Sun

Hundreds attend funeral for former Mayor Mel Lastman

Provincial bureaucrats want to ban words for silly reasons 

Freeland announces monetary policies Trudeau doesn't think about 

No roses coming up in Trudeau Liberals' fiscal update 

Why I'm still angry at the unvaccinated 

Giving people choice during COVD-19

National Post

NDP, Bloc back Liberal minority government in first confidence vote of new session

Apology addict Trudeau can't be bothered to say 'sorry' to military  sexual misconduct victims

Russia warns it will deploy once banned nuclear missiles in Europe if Ukraine joins NATO

Alberta government to delay some of controversial new school curriculum as it makes revisions

Macleans                           

No charging spots and a strained electrical grid, Welcome to the electric vehicle boom

With the Omicron variant on the rise, should you attend your work Christmas party?

Global 

Taxpayers will foot legal bill for Surrey mayor charged with public mischief

BC lifts gas rationing but extends state of emergency once again

No jail time for BC drunk driver behind trail of destruction caught by his own dash cam 

Vancouver International Airport offers travel tips as holiday flight traffic returns

Video shows suspect bear spraying inside Vancouver department store, causing evacuation

Prime Minister Trudeau not stepping into fight against Bill 21 - for now

Electric vehicle dispute with US could be settled with aligned tax policies, Trudeau pitches

Miscellaneous            

Stanley Park Seawall closure extended until December 18

John Horgan and the NDP need to get serious about the survival of our species

Vancouver 2 lot assembly offered 3.7 times assessed value for more than $17.3 million

Former Vancouver Sun and Province editorial page editor writes 11,000 word article slamming some ex-colleagues

Defence Minister Anita Anand apologizes for sexual assault, sexual harassment and discrimination in the military

BC RCMP refuses to release mug shots of Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum

Life in the Flood Danger Zone

Street Market unfairly blamed for Break-Ins, say advocates

Leading in Changing times: SFU program tackles systemic Inequuities

Strong support for Horgan at NDP convention