Roundup: Acknowledging anti-Black racism

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It was not really surprising that right off the top of his daily presser, prime minister Justin Trudeau addressed the situation of the anti-Black racism protests across the country, saying that Canadians can’t pretend that it doesn’t exist in Canada, and that that he hears Black Canadians, that he’s listening to them, and says that the government knows they need to do better. From there, he announced that the federal government had accelerated the $2.2 billion allocation to municipalities via the federal gas tax fund, but this is an advance of existing funds which are earmarked for infrastructure. When pressed, Trudeau said they are willing to do more, but they can’t go ahead and do it because municipalities are the creature of the provinces, and they need provincial coordination for that to happen, again placing the onus on them. (Speaking of premiers doing things in their jurisdiction, BC banned commercial landlords from evicting tenants if they forgo the federal rent subsidy, so that’s something).

During the Q&A, Trudeau reiterated several times that when it comes to race-based data collection on the pandemic, the federal government has been working with the provinces on a data collection strategy to provide disaggregated data, and ensure that they’re all measuring the same things so that they can provide a more accurate picture of what’s happening in the country. But again, that relies on the provinces doing their part. Federalism! *jazz hands* When asked about the plans for the G7 being pushed back, but also Trump’s suggestion that Russia participate, Trudeau reminded everyone that Russia was kicked out of the G8 – returning it to the G7 – because of their illegal invasion of Crimea, and the UK later stated that they too agreed with that position.

In keeping with the messages about racism, here is Liberal MP Greg Fergus, and former Nova Scotia lieutenant governor Maryann Francis

Good reads:

  • The CRA has opened up its “snitch lines” for people suspected of abusing their pandemic benefits like CERB or CEWS.
  • The preliminary investigation of the Snowbird crash in BC shows that it was likely a bird strike that brought the plane down.
  • The federal leaders’ debate commission tabled its report from the last election, and they recommend that they be made permanent. Look surprised, everyone!
  • Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde, who used to operate a retirement home, offers some perspective on the situation in Ontario.
  • The Conservatives announced that they will hold leadership debates on the 17th and 18th in Toronto – with appropriate social distancing and no audience.
  • Jason Kenney is proposing a provincial parole board for inmates in provincial jails (under two-year sentences) so that he can play tough-on-crime and blame Ottawa.
  • Lori Turnbull examines what Chrystia Freeland’s role is in the current government.
  • Heather Scoffield looks at how Canada’s social cohesion – which outstrips that of our neighbours to the south – will help our economic recovery.
  • Susan Delacourt outlines how Trudeau’s government has better managed crises than Trump’s in the past week, including tips for protesting safely in a pandemic.
  • Colby Cosh delves into the epidemiological data between Edmonton and Calgary.

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