Ottawa Observations: Thursday-Friday, January 11-12, 2024

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Thursday-Friday,  January 11-12, 2024

Hamas/Israel/Gaza 

Trudeau says government does not support premise of South Africa's genocide case against Israel 

Urgent court order unnecessary as Gaza military campaign is scaled back, Israel tells top UN court 

Vancouver's PuSH Festival makes 'difficult decision' to cancel Israel-set play The Runner to keep Palestinian artist in line-up

Canadians helped plan US, UK attacks on Houthis in Yemen, Defence Department says 

UN aid chief calls anew for Gaza ceasefire, urges UN action to end war 

Three Palestinians killed by Israeli army after shooting at soldiers in West Bank settlement  

Israeli air strike kills 11 in Gaza; UN says Israel blocks aid to north

US military strikes another Houthi-controlled site after warning ships to avoid parts of Red Sea

Trudeau says Canada supports the UN court but not necessarily genocide claim against Israel

US, British militaries bombing Houthi sites in Yemen, US officials say 

US and Britain launch strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen; rebels say 5 fighters killed

Israel rejects 'grossly distorted' genocide allegations at UN's top court 

South Africa accuses Israel of 'genocidal intent' in Gaza at World Court 

Ottawa seeking unprecedented level of personal details from Palestinian migrant, lawyers say

Israel banned from international hockey competitions over safety concerns  

Justin Trudeau breaks silence over Canada's position on Israel genocide allegations 

At World Court, Israel provides methodical takedown - morally and legally - of genocide accusation 

Canadians helped plan US, UK attacks on Houthis in Yemen: Defence Department

Proving genocide at top UN cost requires 'compelling evidence' Mélanie Joly says 

In 100 days, the Israel-Hamas war has transformed the region,  The fighting shows no signs of ending

SickKids suspends second staffer for gross, cruel anti-Semitic remarks 

Who is behind funding for pro-Palestinian protesters?

Shameful ban punishes Israeli hockey teams 

Through its science, Canada condemns Israel 

Trudeau government rejects 'genocide' allegations against Israel at UN court 

Trudeau allergic to supporting Israel without a thousand caveats 

Canada left sending moral support and maple syrup in strikes against Houthi lawlessness 

Canada helped plan but didn't have 'assets' to participate in US-UK  strikes against Houthis 

A Wilfrid Laurier professor tweeted about Hamas. One student is trying to get her disciplined

If ICJ follows precedent, it will reject South Africa's allegations against Israel 

The evidence for paid protesters in the Canadian anti-Israel camp

Trudeau government declaring its position on prosecuting Israel for 'genocide': Here's what to know

Toronto synagogues reportedly turned down for federal security dollars 

Yemen strikes are 'consequence' of Houthi Red Sea attacks, Canada says 

Israel defends itself in genocide case, says it's fighting a 'war it did not start'

Vancouver festival joins Victoria theatre in cancelling play over Gaza tensions 

Ukraine/Russia War           

Ukraine needs more attack aircraft for war effort, ground forces commander says 

White House says more military support for Ukraine critical as latest aid package ends 

Britain's Sunak, in Ukraine, announces increase in military aid

There will be no winner in Russia-Ukraine war

Ottawa plans 'multi-stage' vetting process for visa applications from Gaza amid security fears   

Feds say Canada's air defence donation to Ukraine has final hurdle to clear from US

The Passing of Ed Broadbent

Ed Broadbent fought for the little guy against the fat cats 

Ed Broadbent the former federal New Democrat leader has died at 87

Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent dies au 87

Canadians react to death of former NDP leader Broadbent 

Ed Broadbent: A Political life in pictures 

Ed Broadbent, former NDP leader, dead at 87

'Mentor, friend, champion': Ed Broadbent remembered fondly by those who worked with him 

Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent dies at 87: 'Our country has lost a fierce champion 

Canadians react to death of former NDP leader Ed Broadbent

Former Federal NDP leader Ed Broadbent dead at 87

Ed Broadbent, former NDP leader, dead at 87

Globe and Mail

Federal ministers defend immigration strategy, say Ottawa is stabilizing numbers in face of housing crunch 

Finding affordable housing in BC will remain an uphill battle

In a quiet Ontario town, Honda considers how to embrace an electric future in its own way

Record cold in Western Canada triggers havoc in BC, Alberta 

Regulator approves Trans Mountain pipeline variance request 

David Menzies should never have been arrested, but not for the reasons Pierre Poilievre argues 

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe views his city as a 'small province' and not just a national capital

Canada embarks on pre clearance pilot project on US side of Quebec-NY land border 

Police forces across Canada probe string of extortion cases allegedly linked to Indian gangster 

Michael Kovrig lends support to ex-RCMP intelligence official found guilty of sharing secrets 

Ottawa won't say why it scrapped consultation with veterans on vision for Afghan monument

MPs to debate studying cellphone plans hikes as some companies raise prices 

Ottawa was warned two years ago high immigration could affect housing costs, documents show 

To list Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group, Canada needs a better way 

As Alberta's population zooms toward 5 million the province grapples with the challenges of growth

An RCMP arrest that assaults common sense 

CBC

Canada, China foreign ministers pledge dialogue, will attempt more collaboration 

Politicians have 'no role' in police decisions: Freeland on Rebel News arrest 

Canadian customs officers could soon be based in the US for the first time 

General Wayne Eyre stepping down from position as Canada's top military commander 

Canada joins international deal to make document certification faster, cheaper 

Immigration is making Canada's housing more expensive. The government was warned 2 years ago

Elections Canada launches online disinformation tool to prepare voters for next federal election 

Government working to stabilize immigration levels as housing pressures mount: ministers

Senior public servant Nathalie Drouin named national security adviser to PM 

RCMP counter-terrorism unit conducts search in Quebec City area 

Conditional discharge for Saskatchewan woman who threatened prime minister in TikTok group chat 

Toronto/Vancouver Star

The change required to save the CBC from Pierre Poilievre

Doug Ford's education minister spars with Catholic, French teachers' unions over blame for lagging contract talks  

Feel like you're making less money? Star analysis finds workers with these jobs are making less than they were a decade ago

Feds say US, Ukraine haven't finalized deal on air defence donation

Canada, China foreign ministers pledge dialogue, will attempt more collaboration 

Housing crunch prompts efforts to stabilize immigration levels, say federal ministers 

Income gamp between new immigrants and all Canadians shrunk by half in four years: PBO

Ontario School Boards grapple with use of the N-word in books

Ontario hospitals warn of patient surges, long wait times 

Guelph getting $21.4 million for housing in agreement with federal government

Here's how much Bonnie Combine will make as Liberal leader 

He was a rare creature in the House of Commons -- and handed me my first scoop 

Overzealous police did Rebel news a huge fundraising favour 

'Why did you give me a visa?" Iranian official takes umbrage with deportation from Canada 

Toronto Sun

Not just taxes going up - Mayor Chow looks to get a big pay hike 

No, a Toronto tax hike doesn't have to be inevitable 

Trudeau government's promises of deficit reduction ring hollow  

Trudeau's support evaporation among key demographic groups 

Voicing opposition to Toronto's massive tax hike time will spent 

Trudeau's office won't answer questions on $84,000 vacation 

Trudeau is piloting the Liberals into a spectacular crash 

What really happened with Trudeau's Christmas vacation?

Federal and provincial government debt soared 85% since 2007: report 

Canada's defence chief General Wayne Eyre plans to retire this summer 

Pierre Poilievre pledges to tie immigration levels to homebuilding

BC gang hitman sentenced to live for murders as court hears from witness,  parents of dead man

One fifth of small biz with CEBA loans won't make repayment deadline 

National Post

Western Canada's brutal record cold temperatures trigger road, air travel havoc

McMaster University apologizes for 'grave oversight' of noting Sir John A Macdonald Day 

Path to better relations involves Canada taking blame for rift, Chinese foreign minister tells Joly

When 'conservatives pounce': The right finds its cautionary tale of subtle media bias 

Government looking to stabilize immigration levels amid housing crunch: federal ministers 

Freeland on why immigration levels are high: 'Canada has the social capacity to welcome immigrants' 

Canada to launch pilot allowing preclearance on US side

Canada's defence chief, General Wayne Eyre, plans to retire this summer 

What Canada has to gain by staying in the flawed United Nations 

Ex-RCMP intelligence executive who leaked secrets deserves 'mercy' Michael Kovrig says in letter of support 

Global          

Trans Mountain pipeline project clears another major hurdle toward completion 

Trans Mountain given more billion dollar lifelines as debt costs, risks to taxpayers soar 

WesJet cancels 101 flights in Canada due to extreme cold 

Fixed mortgage rates are on the decline, Is now the time to lock in?

General Wayne Eyre, Canada's defence chief, will retire this summer

Ministers say feds working to stabilize immigration levels amid housing pressures 

China is open to talks with Canada, foreign minister says

Major Flair Airlines investor says new lawsuit over plane payments 'premature at best'

Edmonton mayor seeks homeless crisis emergency declaration: 'System is at a breaking point"

Temperature records tumble as arctic air chills BC 

Search and rescue team pulls 2 hypodermic skiers out of Whistler creek

3 Vancouver police officers acquitted of assault in 2017 arrest at SkyTrain station 

BC families increasingly denied housing because of having children: report 

Airbnb owners in Victoria try to sell micro units but no one is buying 

City of Surrey refusing to add new municipal police recruits to payroll: Union 

'Disrupt the status quo': BC opens 5 new urban Indigenous Justice Centres 

Miscellaneous            

I spent the holidays in inheritance capitalism  

BC court convicts three Indigenous land defenders 

Here's what it takes to Indigenize Higher Ed

Court calls for clarity on tenants' rights in transitional housing 

The legal reason courts may soon tackle climate change

Migrant farmworker's sexual assault allegations shine light on a wider issue 

Can the West Coast's only native oyster make a comeback?

Cutting edge theatre returns to PuSh Festival

Inside Pierre Poilievre's ploy to court the working class