Ottawa Observations: Saturday-Monday, February 26-28, 2022

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Saturday-Monday,  February 25-28, 2022

Ukraine/Russia War

Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, takes onslaught of attacks as talks held with Russia

'It's amazing how fast the shocking becomes normal in a war zone'

Global leaders look to calm energy markets as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

Canada sending anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says

How the invasion of Ukraine will impact food prices globally 

Putin takes time at his enemies, and smacks himself in the face

A first-hand account of Ukraine's 'thirst for freedom' in 1990

Ukraine and Myanmar show what heavily armed dictators can get away with

War in Ukraine could put Russia deeper in China's pocket than ever. Here's how Beijing could use that economic leverage

Ukrainian Snake Island defenders who were thought dead are alive - but in Russian captivity 

In 30 minutes, Germany ended decades of policy on military, energy, debt and Moscow

Will Putin's war threaten his hold on the Kremlin?

Another wave of sanctions, many Putin associates remain untouched 

West to limit Russia's access to major global payment system SWIFT

MPs question Ottawa's plans for Ukrainians fleeing Russian advance

Russia unlikely to deploy nukes in Ukraine conflict, says ex-NATO deputy

NATO sending part of response force to shore up European allies threatened by invasion of Ukraine

Soldiers and Sanctions 

Canada to ban Russian oil imports, send anti-tank weapons and ammunition to Ukraine says Trudeau 

Former Ukrainian PM vows to fight Russian soldiers in Kyiv

Rogers, Bell and Shaw pull Russian state-controlled channel RT over invasion of Ukraine

Canada to send additional $25 million in protective military gear to Ukraine

Canada, European Union close airspace to Russian aircraft operators 

Ukraine waives entry visa requirements for foreigners willing to join fight against Russia

The sports world is cutting ties with Russia

Ruble plummets as banks around the world, including in Canada, freeze Russia out

UN says missiles have hit a radioactive waste disposal site in Kyiv; Ukraine says 352 civilians killed, Putin puts nuclear deterrent forces on alert 

Here is a list of Russian allies during the Ukraine invasion and the reasons why

By invading Ukraine, Putin now faces the unintended consequences of megalomania - an international resistance 

Famous Russians are speaking out against the Ukraine invasion - with some too bi to be silenced   

'We are all here': Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy becomes a hero for the ages

Soccer, hockey and the IOC finally stand up to Russia. But it's too late

Vladimir Putin has misread the past and underestimated his opponents

Vladimir Putin is learning who the actual strongman of Europe is

Ukraine welcomes those who want to enlist

Putin's Reign of Terror Exposed! Peter McKay exclusive: Will Russia Fail? I He running for CPC Leader?

Putin didn't see it coming as West hits back hard

Not an easy time for Canadians with Russian roots

Everyone's watching and wondering what they can do

Radical environmentalists have helped Putin

To hit Russia effectively, Canada should stop buying its oil

World still buying Russia's natural gas, oil despite Ukraine invasion 

Russia must face pressure and penalties on all fronts

Canada keeps up the pressure on Putin

Vladimir Putin isn't 'denazifying' Ukraine

Canada banning crude oil imports from Russia, sending anti-tank weapons to Ukraine

Sanctions put Russia in an economic vice and West still has more options, experts say

How former Liberal MP and bakery owner is pushing federal cabinet friends for more Ukraine action

West must not be 'scared off' by Putin putting nuclear forces on 'high alert', Bob Rae tells MPs

As Putin goes to war, Germany grows up and Europe faces unprecedented realignment

At the UN 'a dramatic feeling that something needs to be done' this time

NATO by mandate, can't send troops to Ukraine -- but this is what it can do

Two Russian planes claiming to be 'humanitarian' flights ordered out of Canadian airspace

Ukrainian ambassador says Russia used prohibited vacuum bomb

Russia accused of war crimes as cluster bombs allegedly used against Kharkiv civilians

What nuclear weapons does Russia hold and would Putin use them?

Russian heavy artillery would unleash the full inhumanity of war on Ukraine

Canada must get tough on Russia

Canada seeing body armour, helmets, gas masks as war in Ukraine continues 

Our 'remarkable period of peace' could be coming to an end

This was never  just Ukraine's fight - Canada is vulnerable to Russia in the North 

For Putin war is not without risk

The vassalization of Ukraine and the fall of western civilization 

The West's anti-carbon obsession fulled Putin's war against Ukraine 

Putin is using a 'spiritual' lie to further his imperialist aims 

What it takes to truly fight for freedom in Ukraine 

Why sanctions over the Ukraine invasion won't stop Putin

Satellite photos show Russian military convoy over 60 km long headed toward Kyiv

'They're not alone': Thousands rally outside BC Legislature in solidarity with Ukraine

Foreign Minister Melanie July headed to Poland-Ukraine border on Tuesday

Canada will send Ukraine anti-tank weapons, upgraded ammo: Trudeau

Putin's 'deeply irrational' nuclear threat must not deter West: Rae

Over 2,000 arrested in anti-war rallies held in cities across Russia 

Just before Russian invasion, University of Chicago political scientist John J. Mearsheimer blamed West for Ukraine crisis

Canada promises $25 million in nonlethal military aid to Ukraine 

Russia versus Ukraine: Lessons from the Winter War between Soviet Union and Finland 

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ontario judge rules mother doesn't have to vaccinate children agains COVID-19

Lawsuit thrown out after anti-vaccine doctors sue over challenges to theories 

Industry groups demand Ottawa lift COVID-19 travel testing requirements

Mask mandates will soon be eliminated but don't be afraid

COVID is less front of mind now

'Just a little bit longer': End of mask mandates in Ontario 'not far away', premier says

22 more deaths recorded in Canada as Canadian travel restrictions lift 

Globe and Mail

How Bank of Canada interest rate hikes will affect your mortgage 

Another Ottawa convoy protest organizer denied bail in Ontario court

The impact of an acoustic assault by truckers could linger long after they've left

Martha, Melinda and Loretta Rogers file suit against Torys over handling of Rogers family trust advisory committee

Liberals put forward motion to create oversight committee on Emergencies Act

Anti-corruption probe into Jean Charest era of Quebec Liberals ends

Ontario's Premier must be a key witness for the Emergencies Act inquiries

High profile Quebec MP calls on Jean Charest to run for the Conservative party leadership

Jean Charest to meet with Conservatives MPs to discuss party leadership

Trump criticizes Canada over its removal of convoy protesters in Ottawa

Syrian activist Wafa Mustafa says Canada denied her application to visit mother and sister

'You always have half of your heart back home': In her youth she fought for freedom in Ukraine, Now she carries on the fight from Canada

CBC                                             

Canada among countries moving to block Russian access to SWIFT

What many convoy protesters get wrong about constitutional rights and the Governor General 

Mounties used emergency powers as a 'big deterrent' says head of RCMP

Good Luck or Good Management, Alberta's latest budget is good politically for Jason Kenney

Why you should care about the Alberta budget, even if you don't live there

Deal will see Mount Cashel abuse survivors and St. John's parish get share of Chase the Ace case

Canada's new travel rules explained 

Toronto/Vancouver Star

Ottawa invests $11.8 million in Indigenous commercial fishing ventures on West Coast

Ottawa police make another arrest related to convoy protests

The ballad of Yonge and Blood: Locked doors and empty stores

Reducing emissions won't protect lives from climate change - we need to adapt

To defeat Doug Ford in June, the opposition should defend local democracy by pledging to restore Toronto's city council

Toronto Sun

Ontario extends anti-blockade police powers another two weeks

Why Trudeau should say no to a wealth tax

The freezing of accounts was political vengeance 

Federal intelligence expert says Freedom Convoy donors no threat

National Post

Justin Trudeau has been a national embarrassment  

Jean Charest to meet MPs in Ottawa later whit week, adding to leadership speculation

Out of Kabul's frying pan and into Kyiv's fire

Trudeau's inexplicable use of the Emergencies Act must not be forgotten 

Macleans                           

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Global 

'More busy that Christmas': Customers flock to East Vancouver Ukrainian restaurant 

'We are here alone': Vancouver in Ukraine recalls chaos of escape from Kyiv

Public servants calling for BC public sector pension fund to divest Russian investments 

BC Real Estate Association criticizes cooling off period for housing 

Explosion destroys home in Nanaimo sending debris flying through the air

Rising danger, crippling costs: Climate change report a grim warning for Canada

Over %154M tied to detained Chinese-Canadian oligarch invested in GTA real estate

Donald Trump takes aim at Justin Trudeau, accuses him of undermining democracy

Quebec's anti-corruption unit drops probe into Liberal Party's financing after 8 years

BC Mayor with Ukrainian heritage 'heartbroken' by conflict as vigil gets underway

Miscellaneous            

Vancouver renters need to work 48 hours more pre month to keep housing cost at 30 percent of income

UN Secretary General António Guterres accuses world's biggest polluters of committing arson on our only home

Russian disinformation campaign rallies Canada's far-right enemy within 

Critics slam freeze on BC's income assistance and disability rates 

Is Two-Tier Health Care Growing in BC?

Monuments to What?