Ottawa Observations: Thursday, December 9, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Thursday,  December 9, 2021

Canada / China tensions                 

New US ambassador to Canada says China is greatest threat to democracy, urges Ottawa to align with US to challenge Beijing

Unresolved issues with China hang over the two Michaels, Foreign Affairs Minister says

Foreign Affairs minister says she spoke to Kovrig, Spavor about Olympic boycott 

China dismisses Canada, UK Olympic boycott as 'farce'

Canada is being drawn into a new Cold War that it doesn't need or want

Full Olympic boycott would have sent stronger message 

Mélanie Joly parrots Beijing lie about the two Michaels being on bail

'If we're not invited, we're not coming - Trudeau snubs China's Winter Olympics

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ottawa isn't property monitoring or tracking its CO42VID-19 border rules, Auditor-General says

Ontario to extend COVID-19 vaccine passport system, no plans to shut schools sources say

Three Ontario health units issue tougher COVID-19 recommendations amid rising cases

Federal government oversight failed to protect migrant workers from COVID-19, Auditor General says

Conservatives call for updated testing and quarantining advice from federal government's expert panel

Public Health Agency of Canada failed to keep tabs on most quarantine hotel stays, says AG

Hundreds of phoney COVID tests and vaccine certificates have been found by Canadian border officials. Is anyone facing consequences?

Superspreader event at restaurant leads to 42 positive COVID tests, warnings about new Ontario restrictions  

Confusion reigns about rapid tests as science table endorses 'test to stay' approach 

Ontario braces for what new measures may come for Christmas

Raptor's Ujiri tests positive following Giants of Africa gala

Science Table changes position, backs rapid tests in Ontario schools

BC reports 9 more deaths, 341 new cases

BC government faces questions about lack of access to rapid COVID-19 tests

Globe and Mail

Could Canada hold the US liable for billions in BC flood damage?

Chrystia Freeland expected to renewBank of Canada's 2 per cent inflation target

Assembly of First Nations rejects pitch to purchase $2 million residence in Ottawa for national chief

Bill to legally recognize Senate's evolution runs into unforeseen hurdle with Speaker

NDP Manitoba MLA Danielle Adams dies in car crash

Justin Trudeau shouldn't lecture attendees at the Summit for Democracy. He should take notes

If Justin Trudeau believes in Parliament, he has a funny way of showing it

China, Russia and Donald Trump  - three threats on the horizon for Canada

Freeland raIses concerns about Omicron COVID-19 variant in push for MPs to quickly pass aid bill

Conservative leader Erin O'Toole says Bill 21 is a Quebec issue while some of his MPs take tougher stand

Using Indigenous peoples as political pawns in resource development is simply wrong 

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole finally shows he's willing to fight to keep his job

CBC

Tories reject proposed compromise to allow MPs to see documents on fired scientists

In scathing report, auditor general says feds failed to protect foreign farm workers from the pandemic

Foreign privacy watchdog warns of growing dangers of 'surveillance capitalism'

Loss of secret data puts Navy's handling of storage devices under investigation - again

Father of Canadian imprisoned in Syria after joining ISIS urges Ottawa to bring him home to face trial

Military chaplain retires after report reveals abuse of students at his former school 

COVID has created an early education pandemic that school boards are ignoring

Toronto/Vancouver Star

BC floods cause at least $450 million in damage, Insurance Bureau of Canada reports

Canada's no stranger to boycotts of the Olympic Games - even at its own

BC cabinet minister hurt in assault near legislature, say police 

Quebec removed a teacher from class over her hijab. MPs are trying to walk a fine line in response

New Brunswick gets a $10 a day daycare deal, leaving Ontario as the lone holdout 

Order to produce docs on fired scientists ended with dissolution of Parliament: Rota

Former Yukon health minister ordered to pay successor following failed legal bid

Work is ongoing to end remaining long-term drinking water advisories: Trudeau

Erin O'Toole denounces religious persecution abroad. Why can't he do it in Canada?

No one likes inflation, but raising interest rates won't lower your grocery prices

Toronto Sun

'Help Wanted' going unanswered due to labour shortage: CFIB

Grocery bills will take a big jump in 2022: Report

BC flooding shows why governments should save for rainy days

High inflation warns against high taxation

National Post

Unifor head, Jerry Dias, to lead group advising Ontario on how to fight US protectionism

Politicians turn blind eye to state-sponsored discrimination in Quebec

Canadian economy is strong despite inflation, Freeland argues during finance committee appearance 

Alberta UCP to hold one-day confidence vote in April on Jason Kenney's leadership

Manitoba NDP MLA Danielle Adams dies in car crash near Thompson riding

When it comes to housing, municipalities can't be counted on to act maturely

Macleans

Will Canada help save Ukraine?

Global 

BC records deadlines month due to illicit drug overdoses in provinces history

Rainfall warning issued for Metro Vancouver, strong winds forecast for coastal areas 

Concerns raised about derelict and scofflaw vessels in Vancouver's False Creek

'Say yes to food' Nanaimo food bank overwhelmed by donations gets land for new warehouse

More than half of BC's small businesses can't find enough staff: CFIB

BC;s Coquihalla Highway could reopen earlier than expected, though new winter storm brews 

BC floods caused estimated $450 million in insured damage, industry group says

Public still hasn't seen Surrey's 2022 budget, but mayor pledges to keep tax hike under 3%

Job sites for unvaccinated  thrive as vaccine mandates exclude employees 

Afghanistan committee must zero-in on Canada's refugee efforts, veterans say

'Significant problems in COVID-19 safeguards for temporary workers, Auditor General finds

Ottawa has no idea if 75 percent of air arrivals obeyed hotel quarantine rule: AG Report

Canada's immigration boost could fuel hot housing market: experts

Miscellaneous            

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Canadian Mining companies profit as Guatemalans suffer, Authors Argue

Archaeologists have unearthed exciting secrets in Haida Gwaii's caves