Ottawa Observations: Thursday-Friday, March 7-8, 2024

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Thursday-Friday, March 7-8, 2024

Hamas/Israel/Gaza 

Canada to resume funding for UN Palestinian relief agency

Canada confirms it will resume funding United Nations relief agency for Palestinians 

Trudeau says some Pro-Palestinian protest cross the line into hate, harassment 

Charges laid against three people who allegedly attacked pro-Palestinian protesters at synagogue demonstration 

Trudeau restores funding to UNRWA, meaning Canada funds Hamas

Nothing appropriate about protesting at a synagogue or place of worship 

Israel is not stopping aid from getting into Gaza 

Trudeau waffles on tax dollars for terrorist affiliate UNRWA

Ottawa resuming UNRWA funding after employees allegedly took part in October 7 Hamas terror attacks 

Grim fears for Israeli women who remain as hostages as Oct 7 sexual brutalities by Hamas uncovered 

Anti-Israel protesters shout "Go back to Europe" outside synagogue north of Toronto 

In Thornhill, Gaza War used as a cover to demand Israel's destruction

Hamas kidnapped my daughter. I don't know how much longer she can go on

Canada resumes UNRWA funding paused after alleged staff role in Israel attacks 

Ukraine/Russia War           

Canada's top soldier says he's worried Western support for Ukraine is faltering

Globe and Mail

Former NDP chief says Jewish members are feeling uncomfortable in the party

First Nations leaders and families  demand action from Wab Kinew on Winnipeg landfill search

Supreme Court of Canada affirms appeal review standards, rejects novel approach

Economy adds 41,000 jobs in February, but employment gains lag population growth 

Saskatchewan's response to carbon tax reveals how Liberals botched national unity 

ArriveCan contractor defends president's public service work

Ottawa's support of two Michaels does not mean either engaged in espionage, Trudeau says

Canada sanctions Iranians accused of violently repressing women and girls 

RCMP say 'potential identity fraud' found in UCP's 2017 leadership race but no charges laid

Ottawa bans use of strychnine poison, though critics warn of another allowed toxin

Ottawa asking weapons-makers for plans to ramp up ammunition production 

MPs to move on AI bill without testimony from Canadian companies, business group says

CBC

More than 100 Iranian-Canadians call for party probe of Conservative nomination race 

Montreal Chinese groups sue RCMP for alleging they hosted illegal 'police stations'

RCMP commissioner says Mounties have 'credible' info about alleged Chinese 'police stations'

Video shows alleged contract killing of BC Sikh leader

A Mountie botched her assault investigation when she was 14. The RCMP apologized 20 years later 

ArriveCan contractor exec became public servant after project was completed, company says 

Canada 'will be there' to help two Michaels after their detention in China: Trudeau

Conservatives riding high after a lopsided victory in Durham federal by-election  

Canada sanctions Iranians accused of violently repressing women and girls  

What, if anything should voters make of Pierre Poilievre's attitude toward journalists?

Federal government looked into airlifts to bring 12,000 Afghans to Canada after Kabul fell

Feds announce new money for sustainable jobs training as legislation remains in limbo

Toronto/Vancouver Star

"He's a liar and a hate-monger': Former prime minister Kim Campbell slams Pierre Poilievre

Pierre Poilievre accuses corporate Canada of 'sucking up' to Trudeau's government 

Doug Ford wants 'a detailed plan' for proposed Federal pharmacare program

Doug Ford fires back at critical Tory MP Jamil Jivani: 'He should come in, I'll give he a couple of lessons'

'These numbers are just - wow': This winter was warmest in Canadian records by a huge margin

Mobbed. Robbed. Blasted with Bear spray: Toronto small business owners describe alarming commercial break-ins

Spy service analyst loses appeal in discrimination case

New funding announced for federal programs that support Indigenous entrepreneurs 

Canada's military will soon have a new leader. Will it finally be a woman?

Support women for a better future, Governor General say son International Women's Day

After backlash, Ford government backs down and allows female MPPs to speak about Internatinal Women's Day

Ontario budget set for March 26; minister says no tax increases 

How Canada's most fiery envoy found himself in the line of fire

Could Wab Kinew convince Doug Ford to get on board with pharmacare?

Toronto Sun

We need to know details of lab leak

The unfolding World Cup 2026 debacle in Toronto 

Ford warns Trudeau, stop carbon tax hike or be crushed by voters 

Liberals at Queen's Park show ignorance on guns and justice 

Is it time for Canadians to take action against Trudeau government?

The votes are in Canada's broken 

National Post

Pierre Poilievre slams 'useless' corporate lobbyists in Ottawa who should expect no favours from him

Toronto school board's N word ban targets white authors like Steinbeck, Twain 

Vancouver homeowner forced to pay $21K  for trying to stop neighbour from building fence 

Doug Ford vows to build as many jails as needed to keep criminals behind bars 'for along time'

No criminal charges in 2017 UCP leadership race: Alberta RCMP

Canada sanctions Iranians accused of violently repressing women and girls 

It turns out Canada sends heinous killers to pleasant campus prisons pretty routinely  

Liberals 'running out of time' as NDP threatens to leapfrog them

The history of Section 13,, the controversial hate speech law the Liberals just revived

Five federal procurement employees pushed out last year after undeclared conflict of interest 

Governor General to get another pay raise, bringing annual salary to $362,800

Most Canadians think Canada is broken and are angry with Trudeau government 

Global 

Canada echoes US warning of 'imminent terrorism risk' in Moscow 

Poilievre says 'corporate lobbyists' in Ottawa are 'utterly useless'

Does class size matter? Educators have their say on a new study's findings 

No charges laid in Alberta RCMP investigation into 217  UCP leadership contest 

A closer look at the growing diversity of Conservatives under Poilievre 

Ottawa sanctions more Iranians over Mahsa Amici's death, protests 

Ottawa ends pandemic programs, shifts priorities in $449B spending plan

Canada's military facing 'death spiral' on recruitment minister says 

Canadian businesses concerned AI bill moving forward without their testimony 

Eby disputes antisemitism claim, but says NDP MLA's exit' humbling'

Eby downplays Danielle Smith's safe supply worry after BC seizure 

BC court certifies period tracker app privacy class-action suit 

Eby meets with Jewish community, vows to 'root out' public service antisemitism  

The worst fear: BC mother of neurodivergent child angry about missed diagnosis 

Federal RCMP dismantle crime networks, seize $24M worth of illicit cigarettes in BC 

Century old schoolhouse repurposed as language school for Squamish Nation's youngest  

Flaring odour possible as Burnaby's Parkland Refinery prepares restart 

BC's snowpack remains 'very low' drought concerns high despite snowfall 

Leaked map suggests BC has approved less than half of proposed old-growth deferrals 

'Rectify the disaster': Doctors renew crisis warning at Surrey Memorial Hospital

BC senior discharged from hospital alone with no ride to home 120 km away

Sooke School District mulling new school bus fee to cover rising costs 

Township of Langley frets growing pains as development boom continues 

Surrey-Langley Sky Train line: Early work to start as build team named 

Miscellaneous            

First Nations Life expectancy has plummeted, How to change that

What the heck is 'Ordered Liberty'? Beware Poilievre's paradox 

Here's what needs to change to close the Wage Gap for BC women

Watch out Alberta! Trump hates 'Tar Oil'

Secret Map shows BC playing shell game with old growth 

BC leaves door open to claw back coming Federal disability benefits 

BC's low autopsy rate is 'extremely concerning' says MLA