Ottawa Observations: Saturday-Monday, February 3-5, 2024

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Saturday-Monday, February 3-5, 2024

Hamas/Israel/Gaza 

Senior BC minister Selina Robinson removed from cabinet for saying Israel founded on 'crappy piece of land' 

Palestinians hope Anthony Blinken visit can deliver Gaza truce before Rafah assault 

Far-right Israeli minister's criticism of Biden sparks anger at a sensitive time for US ties 

Hamas hounds Israeli forces in main Gaza cities 

In the line of fire: In Gaza, anyone can wind up a 'human shield'

Judge dismisses B'nai Brith injunction against 401 bridge protesters 

Latest wave of US. Britain strikes on Yemen's Houthis had Canada's support 

Jews and Israel supporters the target of cancel culture 

People in Israel don't want war 

Many Gen Zers and Millennials in North American embrace Jew hatred 

Shut down UN's discredited relief agency 

NHL criticized for hiring anti-Israel anthem singer Kiana Ledé for all-star game in Toronto 

BC minister agrees to step down after 'crappy piece of land comment offends pro-Palestinian groups  

McDonald's sales dip in Middle East due to anti-Israel BDS movement boycott 

Disruptive protests are best curtailed by court orders, not police guesswork

UNRWA has subjugated the Palestinian people 

Israeli banks freeze accounts after US sanctions over 'settler violence'

Hamas rejects Israel's hostage-for-ceasefire proposal , demands release of more prisoners; report 

Israeli forces raid Khan Yunis base where Hamas terrorists trained for Oct 7 attack 

Biden team denies US president insulted Netanyahu in private 

Israeli's growing lure for Canadians: Some immigrate because of the war, others in spite of it 

Selina Robinson steps down as BC minister following controversial comments

Ukraine/Russia War           

Zelensky visits front line amid speculation about the fate of top general 

Foreign minister says Canada-Ukraine security assurance deal could be reached in weeks 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy signals a shakeup of Ukraine's military leadership is imminent at a critical point in war 

Ukrainian general wants Canada's 83,000 decommissioned rockets 

Globe and Mail

King Charles, 75, diagnosed with cancer

Health announcements about King Charles and Kate mark a departure for tight-lipped Royals 

Cape Breton appeals for help after being snowed din by days -long storm 

Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek faces recall petition in attempt to remove her from office 

Deal to prop up Liberals will be off if Ottawa doesn't meet pharmacare deadline Singh

Crypto mining company loses bid to force BC Hydro to provide power 

Alberta NDP leadership race kicks off with first official candidate Kathleen Ganley 

Air Canada CEO blasted over accessibility services at House Committee 

The dithering on MAID reveals the ingrained cowardice in Canadian Politics 

Our clinical trials system is failing Canadians with cancer 

CBC launches first national Indigenous strategy, aiming to increase staff, promote languages 

The Liberals ignored conflict warning and now green-tech agency is in limbo 

Poilievre says three auto theft convictions should mean three years in prison 

CBSA investigator reviewing allegations former VP destroyed e-mails has found no wrongdoing to date 

Danielle Smith set to meet with Federal cabinet minister from Alberta who is critical of transgender policy 

Sponsored travel for MPs could be on the way out 

Liberals say Pierre Poilievre is feeding you Rage Kristie's, but they want you to eat your veggies 

BC's Iain Black joining other high-profile candidates in run for Federal Tories as party's fortunes surge 

Prime Minister invited Waffen-SS veteran Hunka to his official reception for Zelensky 

London Police Chief apologizes to woman at centre of Hockey Canada sex-assault case 

The Hockey Canada scandal shows the harmful escalation of non-disclosure agreements 

CBC

What happens when a Monarch falls ill? The plan for royal health issues explained 

Danielle Smith. Liberals trade shots over transgender policies during her trip to Ottawa 

Will Trudeau end up regretting his decision to walk away from electoral reform?

Poilievre vows to crack down on auto theft with harsher sentences, tightened bail conditions 

Trudeau and Poilievre have very different theories of change 

Government extends ban on foreign buying of Canadian housing  

PM Trudeau invited veteran of Nazi unit to attend Zelenskyy rally in Toronto

With 'superhuman' artificial intelligence looming, Canada needs law now: AI Pioneer 

Parliament spent nearly $600,000 on luxury hotel rooms it never used 

Woman testifies she froze, feared for her life during alleged sex assault by former head of military HR

Application window for the Greener Homes grant program to close within two weeks

24 Sussex is now asbestos and rodent free - and nobody knows what to do with it 

'Shocking' : Air Canada CEO blasts over accessibility services at House committee 

As five professional hockey players face sexual assault charges, a hockey culture expert says there's still more work to be done 

Toronto/Vancouver Star

King Charles cancer diagnosis; Here's what we know 

When should a secret stay secret? Here's what we know after Week 1 of the foreign interference inquiry 

An optimistic turn in Toronto's budget  

"It's irresponsible': Justin Trudeau's natural resources minister is worried about a provincial rebellion brewing against Ottawa 

Danielle Smith and Justin Trudeau want a fight that Pierre Poilievre is trying to avoid 

Canada's democracy is seriously endangered by artificial intelligence threats, expert warns 

Looking for an 'IELTS clear girl': Why Canada's international student reforms may spoil these kinds of marriages in India

As Canada lags on Sudan sanctions, ex-ambassador suggests ic Ould play a peace role 

Ontario to launch consolidated transit fares for Toronto-area commuters  

Doug Ford takes aim at Bonnie Crombie in speech to the Tory troops in Niagara Falls   

Doug Ford hails Supreme Court ruling on ministers' mandate letters as 'good news'

Should Canada stop oil and gas companies from advertising the supposed benefits of fossil fuels?

Canada cancels deal for high speed boat to get Canadians out of Lebanon 

Five 2018 Canadian World Junior hockey players are charged with sexual assault. What happens now?

London Police apologize for delayed charges in World Junior hockey sexual assault investigation 

In the Hockey Canada case, the apologies don't make up for the words unspoken 

Toronto Sun

King Charles III is being treated for cancer and will temporarily halt his public duties 

Trudeau invited veteran Nazi fighter Hunia to Zelenksyy reception: Reports 

Still no word from Metrolinx on when Eglinton Crosstown will open 

200 billions spent on 'climate action' - for what?

Taxpayers getting fleeced and have little to show for it 

Glen Beck talks Trudeau, Trump and free speech in the West 

Biased media showing their hand against Poilievre 

CBC boss thinks she's entitled to her entitlements  

CBC floundering while executives reap bonuses 

CBC boss demonstrates need for more accountability 

Employee proves constructive dismissal in court following COVID layoff

Trudeau government doesn't know how much its Caron tax reduces emissions 

Chow eyes police budget while crime rises 

Why Bonnie Crombie is betting against Justin Trudeau

Everyone is warning Trudeau not to campaign against Trump 

Federal government needs to go on a diet 

Canada's biased media do themselves no favours with Poilievre

Allied Team Canada gang sex assault puts hockey on trial 

Treading a careful path on changes to MAID

National Post

Here's everything we know about King Charle's cancer and who can fill in for him

Prince Harry to visit Britain on news of King Charle's cancer diagnosis 

Petition seeks to recall Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek as her popularity plummets  

Nope Alberta's gender policy isn't a matter of 'life and death' 

Jean Chretien looks better now compared to the alternative 

$50K banquet at Trudeau Liberal's 'affordabilty' cabinet retreat, total cost approaches $500K

Gender Politics overwhelms Danielle Smith's economic visit to Ottawa   

Quebec government to spend $870 million to replace Montreal's Olympic Stadium roof 

Even U of T's scientists are captive to the irrational ideology of DEI

Child poverty is on the rise in Canada, putting over 1 million kids at risk 

Public backlash forces Manlike to scrap exclusive deal with Loblaw. Here's what to know 

BC knows 'safer supply' isn't working. They're expanding it anyway 

Fury at Smith's new transgender rules sparks giant city hall protest

The gender activists are the ones spreading division 

Alberta to open new office in Ottawa on Monday amid growing federal-proviral strife 

Canadian conservatives have been using courts to thwart the Liberal government - and winning

Global 

King Charles diagnosed with cancer, has begun treatment: Buckingham Palace 

Higher Grocery bill? Here's why some food prices may be rising in Canada 

Wegovy will be available for Canadians in spring 2024, company says 

Lenders, police warn about capping the criminal interest rate. Here's why

8 in 10 Black Canadians say they still face discrimination at work: report 

Quebec to dole out $870M for Olympic Stadium's new roof 

Nova Scotia storm: Province requests federal aid after 'massive' winter snowfall

London Police apologize for delay in World Juniors sexual assault case 

Premier Danielle Smith in Ottawa as Liberals decry Alberta's 'draconian' policies 

 

Dozens protest BC NDP retreat, demanding Selina Robinson resign following Israel comments 

Woman pulled into alley, sexually assaulted in Surrey: RCMP

Councillor 'belittled and mocked' language in Powell River name change debate: First Nation 

'Not normal': BC Crown counsel group floats moving Vancouver courthouse after assault 

Deaths in Vancouver SRO fire ruled 'accidental' by inquest jury 

Politics, public safety clash amid spike in Surrey shootings 

Crypto firm fails in court bid to force BC Hydro to power it 

Chilliwack shooting leaves 1 with serious injuries, locks down local hospital 

Miscellaneous            

When Trans Mountain says it's too busty to be held accountable 

Alberta's new policies: Anti-Trans, Anti-evidence 

Upzoning shouldn't be given for free, says Economist

BC's First Seniors Advocate steps down