<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>David Johnston – Routine Proceedings</title> <atom:link href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/tag/david-johnston/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com</link> <description>The adventures of a Press Gallery journalist</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:04:11 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-CA</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://www.routineproceedings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-DSmith-2024-32x32.jpg</url> <title>David Johnston – Routine Proceedings</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">34256478</site> <item> <title>Roundup: Johnston’s classified last word</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/27/roundup-johnstons-classified-last-word/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:45:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Political Roundup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blaine Higgs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Canadian Forces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CBSA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Justin Trudeau]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Line 5]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NSIRA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Olivia Chow]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Public Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Syria]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11633</guid> <description><![CDATA[In what appears to be a growing habit of waiting until the prime minister is out of the country, His Excellency David Johnston turned in the final version of his report last night, stating that this was all classified material … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/27/roundup-johnstons-classified-last-word/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In what appears to be a growing habit of waiting until the prime minister is out of the country, His Excellency David Johnston <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/26/david-johnston-files-final-report-on-foreign-meddling-done-as-special-rapporteur-2/">turned in</a> the final version of his report last night, stating that this was all classified material added to the confidential annex to his previous report, and that the public title page was updated, and with that, he’s not answering any more questions as he is no longer Special Rapporteur. You can pretty much imagine him giving the finger as he did so, considering what he was subjected to for stepping up (though I will reiterate the point that Philippe Lagassé correctly makes in saying that former Governors General should not be seen or heard). The Privy Council Office responded publicly that they received it, and thanked him for his service.</p> <p>https://twitter.com/SusanDelacourt/status/1673445165191643137</p> <p>As this was happening, NSIRA put out a <a href="https://nsira-ossnr.gc.ca/statement-from-the-national-security-intelligence-review-agency-on-its-review-of-the-government-of-canadas-production-and-dissemination-of-intelligence-on-foreign-interference-in-the-43rd-and">public statement</a> saying that they’re going through Johnston’s findings in the confidential version of his report, but said that certain Cabinet confidences were not being disclosed to them, and that only a limited number of documents were handed over, and if they are to examine things, they and NSICOP need to see everything, which is fair enough. Given that Trudeau had waived Cabinet confidences for Johnston, I suspect this is more the work of the civil servants and their obsessive desire for secrecy, but it is a bit curious that NSIRA did call the government out so publicly like that, and once again, Trudeau pretty much needs to be shamed into doing something that should have been a matter of course.</p> <p>Ukraine Dispatch:</p> <p>Despite <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-has-retaken-southeastern-village-rivnopil-2023-06-26/">reclaiming</a> another village in the southeast, Ukraine <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-little-changes-along-southern-frontline-past-week-2023-06-26/">admits</a> that not a lot has changed along the southern front just yet. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-hands-out-awards-poses-selfies-with-ukrainian-troops-2023-06-26/">visit</a> with troops along the eastern front, and presented medals to those on the front lines. Meanwhile, the Russia/Wagner Group infighting has <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2023/06/26/the-chaos-in-russia-is-a-morale-booster-for-ukraine-as-it-pushes-forward-with-its-counteroffensive.html">improved</a> Ukrainian morale along the front lines.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="und" dir="ltr">Дороги Донеччини, заправка, спілкування з нашими воїнами. Дякую за все, що ви робите для України! Дякую за захист! Бажаю кожному здоровʼя та бойової удачі!<br />____</p> <p>The roads of Donetsk region, gas station, communication with our warriors. Thank you for everything you do for… <a href="https://t.co/qy2sUI4n3Y">pic.twitter.com/qy2sUI4n3Y</a></p> <p>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1673372614973087744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Armed Forces of Ukraine mopped up the western bank of the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal, – the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. <a href="https://t.co/5Blg0jGm9o">pic.twitter.com/5Blg0jGm9o</a></p> <p>— UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1673315172025266179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>https://twitter.com/defenceu/status/1673301190753550341</p> <p>As for the aborted mutiny/attempted coup, here are <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-ukraine-what-s-next-1.6888461">four things</a> we do know about the outcome, and four things we don’t. In the meantime, the memes are just getting started, and there are some pretty good ones.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Belarus. A beautiful place to spend one’s prefenestration.</p> <p>— Nein. (@NeinQuarterly) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeinQuarterly/status/1673351335184310274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">‘Later that day I started to wonder..are all men like Prigozhin..making big spectacular gestures but then refusing to commit at the pivotal moment? Was I, like Putin, running scared from true love? Was Miranda my Lukashenka, trying to pick up the pieces of my bad choices in men?’ <a href="https://t.co/IYxNt86hMD">pic.twitter.com/IYxNt86hMD</a></p> <p>— John Paul Newman (@johnpaul_newman) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnpaul_newman/status/1672880381622616064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><span id="more-11633"></span>Good reads:</p> <ul> <li>From the Nordic leaders’ summit in Iceland, Trudeau <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/26/swedens-nato-membership-bid-on-the-agenda-as-trudeau-nordic-leaders-meet-in-iceland/">sounded</a> a cautious note on commenting about the Russian mutiny/attempted coup.</li> <li>The federal government says they <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/26/canada-considers-quebec-woman-with-six-children-in-syria-a-security-risk-lawyer-says/">won’t repatriate</a> a Quebec woman and her six children from a Syrian detention camp because of her “extremist views.”</li> <li>While the government pledges to phase-out “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies” by the end of the year, there is <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/canada-inefficient-fossil-fuel-subsidies-1.6885526">debate</a> as to what qualifies as a “subsidy” or “inefficient.”</li> <li>A group of doctors in the Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling on all provinces to <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/26/advocates-urge-collection-of-race-based-data-via-health-cards-to-address-inequities/">collect</a> race-based health date in order to address inequities.</li> <li>Some three hundred current and former Canadian Forces personnel are <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/hundreds-of-military-part-of-lawsuit-over-mandatory-covid-vaccine">hoping to sue</a> the government for the mandatory vaccination policy.</li> <li>Human rights groups are calling on the federal government to <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/06/26/canada-should-stop-using-provincial-jails-to-house-immigration-detainees-human-rights-groups-tell-trudeau-in-an-open-letter.html">end the use</a> of provincial jails for immigration detention (as provinces are cancelling agreements).</li> <li>A US federal judge says that Enbridge <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/26/levy-sanctions-against-foreign-aggressors-targeting-canada-with-disinformation-mps/">must complete</a> their detour of Line 5 out of Bad River Band territory by June 2026.</li> <li>The Commons’ defence committee is <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/26/levy-sanctions-against-foreign-aggressors-targeting-canada-with-disinformation-mps/">calling on</a> the government to levy sanctions against groups or individuals who target Canadians with disinformation.</li> <li>Blaine Higgs is being accused of <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/premier-blaine-hoggs-pc-party-leaders-1.6888472">launching</a> a “vicious” verbal tirade on his party’s grassroots leadership over the weekend. (Expect calls for his ouster to grow).</li> <li>Former NDP MP Olivia Chow has <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/06/26/toronto-mayoral-election-olivia-chow-elected-mayor-in-historic-vote.html">won the by-election</a> to become mayor of Toronto.</li> <li>Over 100 doctors in Alberta are <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/26/alberta-doctors-call-for-investigation-apology-over-decision-about-hinshaw/">calling for</a> an investigation and apology for the hiring and rapid firing of Dr. Deena Hinshaw and the likely political interference.</li> </ul> <p>Odds and ends:</p> <p>Umair Haque <a href="https://eand.co/how-canada-saved-my-life-and-why-it-still-matters-a14e3c9a3b2f">writes about</a> how coming to Canada for university literally saved his life, and it’s a wonderful, haunting essay to read.</p> <p><strong>Want more Routine Proceedings? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/journo_dale">Become a patron</a> and get exclusive new content. </strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11633</post-id> </item> <item> <title>QP: A few last kicks at David Johnston</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/12/qp-a-few-last-kicks-at-david-johnston/</link> <comments>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/12/qp-a-few-last-kicks-at-david-johnston/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:55:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Question Period]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Budget 2023]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[First Nations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inflation]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11589</guid> <description><![CDATA[While the prime minister was in town, he was not at QP, though his deputy was. Most of the other leaders were also present, for what that’s worth. Pierre Poilievre led off in French, accusing the prime minister of letting … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/12/qp-a-few-last-kicks-at-david-johnston/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While the prime minister was in town, he was not at QP, though his deputy was. Most of the other leaders were also present, for what that’s worth. Pierre Poilievre led off in French, accusing the prime minister of letting China interfere in two elections on his behalf, slandered David Johnston, and with Johnston’s resignation, he said that the Conservatives were willing to work with other parties on a public inquiry and demanded one be called. Dominic LeBlanc said that he appreciates the desire to work collaboratively, that a public inquiry was always an option, and that Johnston’s advice was that it would be difficult because of national security matters, but wanted opposition input on a commissioner, the timeline, and terms of reference. Poilievre pivoted to the rising cost of housing, blamed the prime minister, and demanded a balanced budget (as though there was a correlation between the two). Chrystia Freeland noted that while the country was burning and the government was trying to build a green economy, the Conservatives were block action. Poilievre switched to English to repeat his same nonsense-laden question, and Freeland noted the OECD projections about our strong economic growth before repeating her point about partisan games over a green economy. Poilievre cited the IMF’s concerns about the possibility of a major mortgage default in Canada, and again demanded a balanced budget. Freeland cited IMF praise for Canada and criticised the appalling behaviour of Conservatives blocking budget measures. Poilievre raised a CBC story about the state of student housing, to which Freeland pointed out that the Conservatives were blocking measures to punish Russia for their invasion of Ukraine.</p> <p>Alain Therrien led for the Bloc, praised David Johnston for stepping down, and demanded a public inquiry with the commissioner chosen by the House (which is a bad thing) and that it be wide-ranging. LeBlanc said that he looked forward to working with opposition parties on next steps in a responsible manner. Therrien demanded a full public inquiry no matter what, and LeBlanc insisted it was not off the table but there were a lot of things that could not be made public.</p> <p>Jagmeet Singh worried about mortgage increase and wanted advice for how people could cope. Freeland thanked him for the question, and praised their tax-free first home savings account and the housing accelerator fund. Singh said that doesn’t help a family now and repeated the question in French, with a Quebec figure instead of a Toronto one, and Freeland repeated her response.</p> <p><span id="more-11589"></span>Round two, and Melissa Lantsman demanded a public inquiry (LeBlanc: We would benefit from lowering the partisan temperature, but we need to agree on terms of reference), Michael Chong cranked up the sanctimony to demand a public inquiry (Mendicino: Hooray NSICOP and NSIRA) and railed about the Winnipeg Lab process (Holland: Your leader refused to do the work on this when we offered the documents), and Luc Berthold spun a bunch of libellous bullshit around David Johnston and foreign interference (Mendicino: We must do the work together; LeBlanc: It’s telling that when we say we want to work together you call it political games).</p> <p>René Villemure said that the Bloc would cooperate but only if it was an independent public inquiry (Mendicino: We have always been willing to Bloc and you were invited to get top secret briefings so we could be on the same page), and Marie-Hélène Gaudreau repeated the same (Mendicino: We have taken tangible actions and added resources in the budget).</p> <p>Tim Uppal recited a half-hearted script about balanced budgets (Freeland: Your riding has a large Ukrainian population and you should be ashamed that your party blocked support for Ukraine in the budget; Gould: You should be ashamed of your partisan games) and Dominique Vien read some nonsense that the Bank of Canada raised rates because of the deficit, which is blatantly untrue (St-Onge: I know you would like to forget about the pandemic but we were there when people needed it).</p> <p>Lori Idlout worried that Indigenous police funding was being allowed to lapse (Mendicino: I have had constructive discussions and we are committed to resolving the situation), and Jenny Kwan demanded the international students who were defrauded a path to permanent residency (Fraser: We are working on a process to assist the victims).</p> <p>Round three saw questions on inflation versus deficits (Freeland: It’s sad to watch staffers from the leader’s office bully you MPs into childish games; You have the temerity to talk about fires when you refuse to do anything about climate change as the country burns; What would you cut that we are investing in?; Fraser: You seem to be objecting to the assistance we gave to people during the pandemic; Gould: Your assertions are false; Inflation is global but we have lower rates than other countries and we have assistance for those who need it; Wilkinson: You need to start thinking about climate change; Guilbeault: There is no magic wand to solve climate change), assistance for farmers (Drouin: We have programmes for farmers; Freeland: Our government has made supports for farmers), setting up a national school food programme (Gould: I look forward to working with you on this issue as I have been engaging stakeholders), and on weather-related disasters (Blair: We are working with the insurance industry to help manage risk).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">“You guys love Paul Bernardo,” Conservatives chant as their motion calling for clearly unconstitutional measures is denied. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HoC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cdnpoli</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1668335726721925120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Overall, I was surprised that there weren’t more questions about Johnston’s resignation today, other than a few smears here and there, but mostly it was extremely repetitive with the same nonsense assertions that deficits caused inflation which caused interest rates to rise. Once again, deficits did not cause this spike in inflation, and when the Bank of Canada governor says there drivers of inflation are home-grown, that’s not what he means, but rather that global inflation has metastasised through our economy. And could a single minister ever point this fact, including one of the economists on the front bench? Of course not. And so we keep getting this same narrative, repeating over and over again, ad nauseum.</p> <p>Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/jean-yves-duclos(89408)">Jean-Yves Duclos</a> for a tailored dark blue suit with a crisp white shirt and a pinkish tie, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/melanie-joly(88384)">Mélanie Joly</a> for a simple collared white shirt with structured navy slacks with four rows of buttons along each side. Style citations go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/patty-hajdu(88984)">Patty Hajdu</a> for a red wrap dress with white and pink florals, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/david-lametti(88501)">David Lametti</a> for a greyish-purple jacket over a taupe shirt, blue tartan tie, and tan slacks.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/12/qp-a-few-last-kicks-at-david-johnston/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11589</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Roundup: LeBlanc wants the opposition to put up</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/12/roundup-leblanc-wants-the-opposition-to-put-up/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 07:43:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Political Roundup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Justin Trudeau]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pierre Poilievre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tough on Crime]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trade]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11587</guid> <description><![CDATA[In the wake of David Johnston’s resignation (and because it happened on a Friday evening when the prime minister was out of the country, we are counting this as being done with spite), Dominic LeBlanc held a press conference on … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/12/roundup-leblanc-wants-the-opposition-to-put-up/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the wake of David Johnston’s resignation (and because it happened on a Friday evening when the prime minister was out of the country, we are counting this as being done with spite), Dominic LeBlanc held a press conference on Saturday to try and turn the tables. Yes, they <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/10/liberal-government-leaves-door-open-for-public-inquiry-on-foreign-interference/">will consider</a> a public inquiry, but the opposition parties need to get together to determine a commissioner, a timeline, and terms of reference, and godspeed to them in doing so. The theory is that the opposition wanted to be in this so badly, and they blew up the last process, so now they need to show up and do the work. I’m…dubious. I mean, I get that he wants to make the opposition leaders eat their words, and it may yet happen, but I’m not a fan of the government just taking their hands entirely off the wheel here because the Inquiries Act determines that this is a government process, and turning over these decisions is laundering the accountability for them, which is always a very bad thing.</p> <p>Pierre Poilievre said on Sunday that he <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/11/tories-to-work-with-ndp-bloc-to-set-terms-on-potential-foreign-interference-inquiry/">would be willing</a> to work with the Bloc and the NDP on doing said work, in order to ensure that a commissioner is “independent and unbiased,” but good luck finding someone who is acceptable to everyone, and who is willing to take on the job, considering how much the opposition parties have fouled the well with the spate of character assassination and willingness to outright lie in bad faith about everything in order to score points. (Note that the government is not blameless in that they never should have picked Johnston in the first place, and should have taken more responsibility around the decision of whether or not to hold an inquiry at all instead of outsourcing the credibility responsibility). I expect these negotiations to drag on, and for the government to find the eventual outcome to be so poisonous as to reject them outright, because we are not dealing with serious people who act in good faith any longer.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Andrew Scheer continues to be the klassy parliamentarian he has always proved himself to be. I would say it’s unbelievable, but sadly, this is who he is, and it’s all too believable.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The absolute, unmitigated gall. <a href="https://t.co/Z5EzAZv180">pic.twitter.com/Z5EzAZv180</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1668060405468475394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Ukraine Dispatch:</p> <p>President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seems to have <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ukraine-trudeau-counteroffensive-russia-1.6871425">indicated</a> that the counter-offensive has begun, but offers no details at this particular time, while the Russians counter with disinformation. Ukrainian forces did report <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2023/06/11/ukraine-says-it-recaptured-a-village-russia-insists-it-is-repelling-attacks.html">recapturing</a> a south-eastern village on Sunday, with reports that Russian forces opened fire on a boat carrying civilians evacuating from flooded areas. Ukrainian forces also <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-army-reports-new-gains-against-russian-forces-near-bakhmut-2023-06-10/">advanced</a> some 1400 metres near Bakhmut. Also over the weekend, Russian <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/three-killed-russian-drone-attack-odesa-overnight-ukraine-2023-06-10/">strikes</a> killed three in Odessa, and killed and wounded others attacking Kharkiv.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">I welcome Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> and representatives of his team to Ukraine.</p> <p>Despite all Russia's efforts to bow our people, Ukrainians continue to fight for independence and freedom. And in our victory, we will stand together just as we are standing now – on our… <a href="https://t.co/sX5dUfP5kK">pic.twitter.com/sX5dUfP5kK</a></p> <p>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1667519020965273601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Grateful to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> and all the people of Canada for their support in the fight against Russian aggression and the new defense package. Weapons and rounds, in particular the important 155mm. Air-to-air missiles. Training of our pilots and a coalition of…</p> <p>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1667583431360823296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">More consequences: <a href="https://t.co/6eLflX5Ivu">pic.twitter.com/6eLflX5Ivu</a></p> <p>— UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1667440820113293313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><span id="more-11587"></span>Good reads:</p> <ul> <li>Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland made a “surprise” trip to Kyiv on Saturday to <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-ukraine-visit-counteroffensive-russia-1.6871411">announce</a> more military aid, and to <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/10/canadas-pm-trudeau-meets-ukraines-president-zelenskyy-on-surprise-trip-to-kyiv-2/">address</a> the Ukrainian parliament.</li> <li>Thanks to the New NAFTA, Canada has been <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/11/left-leaning-mexico-seeks-closer-canada-ties-in-labour-and-business-amid-mining-spat/">helping Mexico</a> modernise and expand its labour movement.</li> <li>There is some online drama and backroom lobbying around the railway interswitching <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/11/in-backrooms-and-on-social-media-battle-rages-over-law-to-expand-railway-competition/">rule changes</a> in the budget bill.</li> <li>Here is an <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/clean-fuel-regulations-carbon-tax-climate-change-1.6871116">explainer</a> about the clean fuel standard that has been derided as a second carbon price (which it is not).</li> <li>Everyone <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/no-plans-to-invite-canada-to-join-aukus-white-house-1.6436328">keeps saying</a> that AUKUS is about nuclear submarines, which we’re not in the market for, and yet people keep freaking out that we’re excluded.</li> <li>Pierre Poilievre announced a policy of keeping mass-murderers in maximum security prisons <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/06/11/poilievre-announces-plans-for-conservative-bill-to-mandate-max-security-prison-for-mass-murderers-after-paul-bernardo-outcry.html">indefinitely</a> (which is blatantly unconstitutional).</li> <li>The Star goes behind the scenes with the NDP’s <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/06/10/inside-the-ndps-refusal-to-bring-down-justin-trudeaus-government-over-foreign-interference.html">refusal</a> to play hardball with confidence over the foreign interference allegations.</li> <li>Althia Raj <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2023/06/10/i-listened-to-all-four-hours-of-pierre-poilievres-fake-filibuster-here-are-7-things-i-learned.html">sat through</a> Pierre Poilievre’s fauxlibuster and wrote down what it revealed about himself and his beliefs (and how contradictory they are).</li> <li>Chantal Hébert <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2023/06/11/pierre-poilievre-keeps-trashing-justin-trudeaus-climate-plan-but-where-is-his-and-does-it-even-matter.html">wonders</a> about the Conservatives’ climate change plans in light of the current situation, since it hasn’t hurt any provincial conservative party.</li> <li>Susan Delacourt <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2023/06/10/our-safe-places-suddenly-feel-unsafe-heres-why-canadas-politicians-are-making-it-worse.html">looks at</a> the issue of moral disengagement and how politicians can fuel it with the kind of rhetoric they associate with their rivals.</li> <li>Delacourt also <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2023/06/10/trudeaus-government-wants-opposition-parties-to-create-their-own-public-inquiry-good-luck-with-that.html">remarks</a> on the “you broke it, you bought it” principle the government is implementing for the opposition around a possible public inquiry.</li> <li>Paul Wells <a href="https://paulwells.substack.com/p/ostriches-on-the-runway">suspects</a> the government is rattled because they now say they’re going to do things they should have done three months ago.</li> <li>My <a href="https://looniepolitics.com/permanent-hybrid-sittings-will-hasten-parliaments-decline/">weekend column</a> denounces the plans for permanent hybrid sittings, because their benefits are oversold and they present a kind of false economy to MPs.</li> </ul> <p>Odds and ends:</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">New episodes released early for C$7+ subscribers. This week I explain how the Inquiries Act works as it relates to public inquiries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cdnpoli</a> <a href="https://t.co/mzFEavYTee">https://t.co/mzFEavYTee</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1668079921866985472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Want more Routine Proceedings? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/journo_dale">Become a patron</a> and get exclusive new content. </strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11587</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Roundup: Exit David Johnston</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/10/roundup-exit-david-johnston/</link> <comments>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/10/roundup-exit-david-johnston/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jun 2023 09:49:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Political Roundup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Access to Information]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Afghanistan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CRTC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cyber-security]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[GLBT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mélanie Joly]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Privacy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[RCMP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Terrorism]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11585</guid> <description><![CDATA[Around 5.30 PM on a Friday evening, the Rt. Hon. David Johnston tendered his resignation as the special rapporteur on foreign interference, citing that the political firestorm around him has reached a point where his job of trying to restore … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/10/roundup-exit-david-johnston/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Around 5.30 PM on a Friday evening, the Rt. Hon. David Johnston <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/david-johnston-resigns-1.6871761">tendered his resignation</a> as the special rapporteur on foreign interference, citing that the political firestorm around him has reached a point where his job of trying to restore confidence in our electoral system is now impossible, and while he does not counsel a public inquiry, he did urge consultation on choosing a replacement, for what it’s worth. Of course, what this really means is that instead of doing the work of the actual process part of this issue, sorting out what happened in the senior levels of bureaucracy and how to fix it going forward, we now get to spend the next six months fighting over a name that will be acceptable to all parties, whether it’s to continue the existing process or a public inquiry like everyone thinks they want.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">So now we get to spend the next six months fighting over who will replace him/head a public inquiry, rather than just getting the job done. Well done, everybody! <a href="https://t.co/ZXjaRJk1Lx">https://t.co/ZXjaRJk1Lx</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1667284197428592640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Statement from Dominic LeBlanc: <a href="https://t.co/jJMoUU8AEG">pic.twitter.com/jJMoUU8AEG</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1667305330332643330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shorter David Johnston: <a href="https://t.co/1Kl7H9fed8">https://t.co/1Kl7H9fed8</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1667286609841061888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>In response, the Conservatives crowed and declared that this “proves” that Johnston was flawed from the start, and that his determination that we don’t need a public inquiry was also wrong, so launch a public inquiry, with a lot of Trudeau Foundation conspiracy theories thrown in for good measure. The Bloc were insisting that the head of an inquiry be chosen by Parliament (which is wrong and insane), while the NDP were declaring victory and patting themselves on the back because Johnston, in their estimation, heeded their motion to resign, never mind that he said nothing about that in his resignation letter, and repudiated their performance while at committee. (Peter Julian insisted that by his action of resigning, he took the NDP’s position, which is the most self-aggrandising bullshit this side of Pierre Poilievre). But the underlying notion that Parliament choose the head of an inquiry is both contrary to the law, which clearly states that the head of an inquiry is a Governor-in-Council appointment, and it also launders accountability going forward, which of course MPs can’t get their heads around because almost none of them understands that their role is about holding government to account.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Parliament nominating someone launders accountability. It’s actually a very bad thing. <br />Would that MPs could understand this basic bit of civics. <br />FFS<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PnPCBC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PnPCBC</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1667290124151816195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>None of this solves the underlying problem that a public inquiry is not magic. Everyone demanding one seems to think it can be wrapped up in the space of a few months, and that can be broad enough in scope to fully understand how deep Chinese infiltration goes into our country, while also providing concrete recommendations for protecting the next election. That’s not going to happen in a few months—that kind of scoping takes years, and is not going to get to the fundamental issue here, which is that this is ultimately a process story about the machinery of government, dealing with classified information, and that a public inquiry can’t hear most of it. That is, if they can find someone to head it who meets everyone’s satisfaction and who is willing to put themselves through the character assassination that will follow. This is one giant mess, and there’s more than enough blame to go around to absolutely everyone, and it’s not going to get any better.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The dirty little secret here is that we actually have a pretty good idea of the reforms that are necessary to better counter foreign interference <a href="https://t.co/dfbZx5zXAz">https://t.co/dfbZx5zXAz</a></p> <p>— Thomas Juneau (@thomasjuneau) <a href="https://twitter.com/thomasjuneau/status/1667288344475103232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Ukraine Dispatch:</p> <p>Russian authorities <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-repelled-major-ukrainian-overnight-attack-southern-front-2023-06-08/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claim</a> that they have repelled a Ukrainian advance into Zaporizhzhia, and inflicted heavy casualties, but there is no confirmation of these claims. Meanwhile, more Ukrainians are <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trapped-villagers-saved-roofs-flooded-south-ukraine-more-await-help-2023-06-08/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">being evacuated</a> from flooded homes after Russia destroyed the dam on the Dnipro river.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are working at all levels of state and local authorities to rescue as many people as possible from the flooded areas. The evacuation is ongoing. Wherever we can get people out of the flood zone, we do so. The State Emergency Service, police and military are doing a great job!… <a href="https://t.co/lTEHoReSY6">pic.twitter.com/lTEHoReSY6</a></p> <p>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1667102335191994370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1667133462787047425?s=61&t=OQl-ixPj-I_27b0NFGeMZg</p> <p>https://twitter.com/kyivpost/status/1667094711994052609?s=61&t=OQl-ixPj-I_27b0NFGeMZg</p> <p><span id="more-11585"></span>Good reads:</p> <ul> <li>Justin Trudeau <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/we-have-to-stand-against-this-trudeau-denounces-n-b-gender-policy">criticised</a> Blaine Higgs’ gutting of his province’s safe schools policy for LGBTQ+ students.</li> <li>At one point, Canada <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/09/canada-sought-use-of-european-union-compound-in-kabul-for-fingerprinting-reneged-2/">considered</a> using space at the EU compound in Kabul to help get Afghans from the country, but quickly determined it wasn’t feasible or safe.</li> <li>Former diplomats are <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/experts-cautiously-optimistic-about-jolys-gac-reform-but-say-situation-urgent">cautiously optimistic</a> about Mélanie Joly’s promised overhaul of Global Affairs, but also say that they’ve heard these promises plenty of times.</li> <li>The head of the RCMP Civilian Review and Complaints Commission says she <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/lahaie-resources-crcc-rcmp-1.6871091">doesn’t have the resources</a> to undertake investigations on systemic issues.</li> <li>The <em>Globe and Mail</em> has a <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canada-freedom-of-information-laws/">major project</a> on the state of Access to Information laws across Canada, and how the systems are all fundamentally broken.</li> <li>Nova Scotia has <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/09/nova-scotia-identifies-thousands-of-stolen-records-in-global-security-breach/">identified</a> thousands of personal records stolen in the global MoveIt global hack.</li> <li>Emmett Macfarlane <a href="https://emmettmacfarlane.substack.com/p/the-n-word-quebec-and-the-crtc">remarks</a> on a recent Federal Court of Appeal decision around the CRTC upholding a complaint around use of the N-word on the air.</li> <li>Jessica Davis <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canadas-terrorism-laws-have-finally-started-expanding-their-definition/">praises</a> the courts starting to expand the definition of terrorism to include more ideologically-motivated violent extremism.</li> </ul> <p>Odds and ends:</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">I was deeply honored to accept the Walter Cronkite Award today, and ask my fellow journalists an important question:</p> <p>The next time someone asks you to couch the truth with a lie pushed by a powerful person, what will you do?</p> <p>Will you help that liar? Or will you fight? <a href="https://t.co/G3pGBQiHgX">pic.twitter.com/G3pGBQiHgX</a></p> <p>— Ben Collins (@oneunderscore__) <a href="https://twitter.com/oneunderscore__/status/1667290076152311810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Want more Routine Proceedings? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/journo_dale">Become a patron</a> and get exclusive new content. </strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/10/roundup-exit-david-johnston/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11585</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Roundup: Empty threats to sit into the summer</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/09/roundup-empty-threats-to-sit-into-the-summer/</link> <comments>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/09/roundup-empty-threats-to-sit-into-the-summer/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jun 2023 09:25:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Political Roundup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Broadcasting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Budget 2023]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Citizenship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[GLTB]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[India]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Refugees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11583</guid> <description><![CDATA[Because this whole thing is nothing but really bad theatre, Pierre Poilievre went back before the microphones yesterday morning, declared victory from his fauxlibuster that didn’t accomplish a single gods damned thing, and then said that he was prepared to … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/09/roundup-empty-threats-to-sit-into-the-summer/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Because this whole thing is nothing but really bad theatre, Pierre Poilievre went back before the microphones yesterday morning, declared victory from his fauxlibuster that didn’t accomplish a single gods damned thing, and then said that he was prepared to sit through the summer to make sure that the he got his budget demands. But that was another empty threat, because he doesn’t have the votes to block anything.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Using what leverage? They don’t have the votes to stall anything. The bill is being voted on at third reading today. <br />This is just more bullshit theatre. <a href="https://t.co/a1OevfDQZ4">https://t.co/a1OevfDQZ4</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666850184989487114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>And lo, after Question Period, the budget bill <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/08/liberal-budget-bill-passes-in-house-of-commons-after-conservative-filibuster-attempt-2/">passed</a> as it was expected to, and is off to the Senate. Poilievre says his senators will try to stall or stop the bill there, but again, they don’t have anywhere near enough votes for that to make a difference, even if they do have a few more procedural opportunities to slow it down a little. Of course, this is a government bill so the Leader of the Government in the Senate can attempt time allocation if he thinks he has the votes to pull it off (and he probably does), so the delays will likely be fairly minimal.</p> <p>This being said, the Government House Leader also said that he <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/liberals-conservatives-ready-to-stop-house-from-rising-for-summer-break">won’t let the House rise</a> for the summer until they pass his motion to make <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/liberals-unveil-plan-to-make-hybrid-house-of-commons-sittings-permanent-1.6432553">hybrid sittings permanent</a>, which is an abomination that is going to hasten the decline of our already weakened Parliament. (And yes, I have a full column on this coming out later today).</p> <p>https://twitter.com/EmmMacfarlane/status/1666830949420609537</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Frankly, this kind of presenteeism is dangerous and should be avoided. <br />MPs can take sick days. Parliament will not end. <a href="https://t.co/PgZv9YLTt3">https://t.co/PgZv9YLTt3</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666856735083048968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Ukraine Dispatch:</p> <p>While evacuations are taking place <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2023/06/08/deluge-from-ruptured-ukrainian-dam-is-latest-tragedy-for-kherson-residents-since-russian-invasion.html">in Kherson</a> as a result of the flood caused by the breached dam, Russians are shelling the area, including evacuation hotspots, because of course they are. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the area to see the flood devastation first-hand. Russians launched another overnight air attack, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/one-killed-latest-russian-air-strike-ukraine-kyiv-says-2023-06-09/">killing</a> one person in Uman in the Cherkasy region.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kherson region.<br />From the Government and the State Emergency Service to the regional authorities and local communities, everyone is involved to the maximum extent possible to save and protect as many people as possible.<br />And I thank everyone who saves and helps! Let's take care of… <a href="https://t.co/TwK0uI14nm">pic.twitter.com/TwK0uI14nm</a></p> <p>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1666767421732970498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1666798523793244162</p> <p><span id="more-11583"></span>Good reads:</p> <ul> <li>Justin Trudeau <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/08/trudeau-says-kids-denied-a-pride-flag-at-their-schools-have-one-on-parliament-hill/">led a Pride flag raising</a> on Parliament Hill, and spoke about countering rising levels of hate and intolerance.</li> <li>The draft policy on implementing Bill C-11 <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/08/government-policy-tells-crtc-to-exclude-social-media-users-from-online-streaming-bill-2/">instructs</a> the CRTC to exclude social media users from regulation, (which was the aim the whole time).</li> <li>David Johnston <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-david-johnston-navigator-foreign-interference/">ended his relationship</a> with Navigator because Han Dong may also have hired them (which should be Navigator’s problem to manage).</li> <li>The prime minister’s former national security advisor, Vincent Rigby, says the system for flagging intelligence is <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/vincent-rigby-foreign-interference-china-1.6869603">ad hoc and inconsistent</a>. (You don’t say!)</li> <li>The chair of the Trudeau Foundation’s board says that Chinese donation has <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/08/trudeau-foundation-board-chair-says-donation-from-chinese-company-has-been-returned-2/">been returned</a> now (for what it matter).</li> <li>India’s foreign minister is <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/08/india-angered-by-apparent-sikh-parade-float-in-canada-portraying-assassination-2/">lashing out</a> at Canada after a Sikh parade float in Brampton appears to have portrayed the assassination of Indira Gandhi.</li> <li>The Conservatives ended their filibuster at immigration committee and the bill on restoring citizenship to certain groups has been <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/08/amended-bill-that-would-extend-citizenship-rights-to-some-born-abroad-heads-to-house/">amended</a>.</li> <li>In spite of the attempts to focus on the climate issue this week, Pierre Poilievre’s climate plans <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/06/08/pierre-poilievres-plan-for-tackling-climate-change-remains-hazy.html">remain vague</a>, and reliant on the “technology not taxes” slogan.</li> <li>In New Brunswick, six ministers and two backbenchers have <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/blaine-higgs-policy-713-new-brunswick-election-pc-caucus-1.6869622">revolted</a> over Blaine Higgs’ gutting the LGBTQ+ safe schools policy, and Higgs is threatening an election.</li> <li>Danielle Smith is <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/08/alberta-premier-danielle-smith-downplays-link-between-wildfires-and-climate-change/">downplaying</a> the link between wildfires and climate change, and instead wants to investigate arson, because of course she does.</li> <li>Paul Wells <a href="https://paulwells.substack.com/p/how-did-canada-do-on-covid-whats">wonders</a> whatever happened to those plans for a big lessons-learned exercise post-COVID, and gets a few answers.</li> <li>Colin Horgan <a href="https://modernhell.substack.com/p/modern-hell-30-the-climate-conspiracy">reflects on</a> why people turn to conspiracy around complex problems, and what that says about where we’re at.</li> </ul> <p>Odds and ends:</p> <p>For <em>Xtra</em>, I have a <a href="https://xtramagazine.com/power/politics/rainbow-railroad-refugee-partnership-government-canada-252324">one-on-one</a> with Sean Fraser about the government’s new partnership with Rainbow Railroad to streamline LGBTQ+ refugee referrals.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">On behalf of the judges and staff of the Supreme Court of Canada, Chief Justice Wagner extends his condolences to the family and friends of retired Justice Louis LeBel, who passed away today. <a href="https://t.co/r5fpxxcbhY">pic.twitter.com/r5fpxxcbhY</a></p> <p>— Supreme Court of Canada (@SCC_eng) <a href="https://twitter.com/SCC_eng/status/1666923493949153280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Want more Routine Proceedings? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/journo_dale">Become a patron</a> and get exclusive new content. </strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/09/roundup-empty-threats-to-sit-into-the-summer/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11583</post-id> </item> <item> <title>QP: What about the sky in New York?</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/08/qp-what-about-the-sky-in-new-york/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2023 22:17:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Question Period]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[GLBT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inflation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trans Mountain]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11581</guid> <description><![CDATA[While the prime minister was on the Hill earlier for the Pride flag raising, he was not in the Chamber for QP, nor was his deputy, or most of the other leaders. Melissa Lantsman led off worrying about the Bank … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/08/qp-what-about-the-sky-in-new-york/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While the prime minister was on the Hill earlier for the Pride flag raising, he was not in the Chamber for QP, nor was his deputy, or most of the other leaders. Melissa Lantsman led off worrying about the Bank of Canada raising interest rates, and blaming the prime minister for it, and demanded to know what the Department of Finance figure show about how much mortgages will go up as a result. Terry Beech pointed out the strength of the economy, that we have lower inflation and interest rates than comparator countries, and that we can get through global inflation by working together. Lantsman demanded to know how many people would lose their homes because of rising interest rates. Beech reiterated that the Conservative only want to cut instead of help people. Lantsman then pivoted to news that David Johnston fired Navigator and state that they had also been hired by Han Dong, and demanded to know what the hell is going on. Marco Mendicino got up do praise Johnston and demand that Pierre Poilievre take the security briefing. Gérard Deltell got up next to worry about Quebec families who may not be able to keep their homes because of rising interest rates, and demanded a balanced budget. Rachel Bendayan noted that Poilievre talked for hours last night and said nothing about an economic plan. Deltell insisted that they had a plan, and again demanded a balanced budget, to which Bendayan said they found a balance of helping people in need while being fiscally responsible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Yves-François Blanchet led for the Bloc, and wanted agreement that hydrocarbons cause forest fires. Steven Guilbeault said there was an undeniable link between them, and that they would support the Bloc’s Supply Day motion. Blanchet demanded the government end all direct or indirect funding to oil companies and to send that money to provinces instead, and Guilbeault said that they can walk and chew gum at the same time, and that they are phasing out subsidies while investing.</p> <p>Alexandre Boulerice rose for the NDP, worrying about the air quality in New York and that climate change has no borders and demanded action from this government. Guilbeault reminded him they are eliminating subsidies and have been commended as an example to follow. Boulerice railed about Trans Mountain and water bombers not being built in Canada, and demanded investments in renewable energy. Guilbeault reminded him that they already are.</p> <p><span id="more-11581"></span>Round two, and Jasraj Hallan gave his usual angry word salad (Beech: Inflation is coming down and we are lower than anyone else in the G7, while we help Canadians; Holland: They want to solve global by slashing supports to Canadians), Philip Lawrence read some nonsense about deficits leads to inflation (Holland: Yesterday you praised Ireland but this is the greatest country; Gould: Your only solution is to cut), and Joël Godin gave the same overwrought talking points in French (Bendayan: The Bank of Canada expects inflation to keep falling).</p> <p>Monique Pauzé demanded the government ban all new oil projects (Guilbeault: We have one of the best carbon prices in the world and are taking action; Dabrusin: Those are only exploration permits offshore and no production permit has been proposed in a protected area and would likely be rejected), and Kristine Michaud repeated the concern both offshore oil exploration (Dabrusin: Same answer).</p> <p>Michael Barrett and Luc Berthold railed about David Johnstone and Navigator (Mendicino: Your leader used to sing Johnston’s praise and he needs to take the briefing).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michael Barrett just called former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci a Liberal insider. <br />Okay then. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666879779868495872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Charlie Angus appeared by video to demand a cap on oil (Dabrusin: We have been clear we are putting a cap on emissions and we are reducing combustion), and Laurel Collins appeared by video to decry oil subsidies (Guilbeault: We eliminated international subsidies already and are ending domestic subsidies this year).</p> <p>Round three saw questions on deficits inflation (Beech: Inflation is coming down; Gould: We have spent money on things like the CERB which kept households afloat in the pandemic; Hussen: Your party is incoherent on housing policy; Khera: We have supported seniors; Virani: You keep voting against help for small businesses; Bendayan: Your priority is to filibuster the budget while the country burns; Vandal: We understand the needs of northerners and have introduced new money for Nutrition North), foreign interference in elections (Mendicino: We are taking this seriously), Punjabi students facing deportation as victims of fraud (Lalonde: We agree that this is unacceptable, and we are seized with this situation), trans-exclusionary policies in sports (St-Onge: We are ensuring that the rights of women will always be respected in sport), and action on climate change instead of loans to Trans Mountain (Guilbeault: We are phasing out all subsidies this year).</p> <p>Overall, it was pretty dull and repetitive, and was a little more toned down for the same nonsense that we’ve had all week, on the same three topics, and the same back-patting responses. There’s not much else to say, really, because things are at given the deeply unserious point at which our Parliament is at.</p> <p>Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/karina-gould(88715)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karina Gould</a> for a fitted navy blazer over a white top and black slacks, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/anthony-housefather(88558)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Housefather</a> for a dark grey suit over a white shirt and lavender tie. Style citations go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/rene-arseneault(89383)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">René Arsenault</a> for a dusky rose jacket over a white shirt, grey slacks, and black tie, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/kristina-michaud(104648)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kristina Michaud</a> for an oversized mint ice cream green jacket over a black top. Dishonourable mention goes out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/marie-helene-gaudreau(104806)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marie-Hélène Gaudreau</a> for a dark yellow jacket with a black panel over a black top and slacks, to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/denis-trudel(88530)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Denis Trudel</a> for a dark grey suit over a black shirt and yellow tie, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/gerald-soroka(105751)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gerald Soroka</a> for a black suit with a pale yellow shirt and a brown striped tie.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11581</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Roundup: The “filibuster” that wasn’t</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/08/roundup-the-filibuster-that-wasnt/</link> <comments>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/08/roundup-the-filibuster-that-wasnt/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:43:35 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Political Roundup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Appointments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bank of Canada]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Budget 2023]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CBSA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Euthanasia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mary May Simon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pierre Poilievre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Public Service]]></category> <category><![CDATA[RCMP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Senate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tough on Crime]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11579</guid> <description><![CDATA[A particular level of self-aggrandisement seems to be taking hold in the Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, as he describes things that are not reflective of reality. Yesterday morning, he summoned the media to a speech he delivered to … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/08/roundup-the-filibuster-that-wasnt/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A particular level of self-aggrandisement seems to be taking hold in the Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, as he describes things that are not reflective of reality. Yesterday morning, he summoned the media to a speech he delivered to caucus—something that is not uncommon for the last caucus meeting before the summer break, but we are still two weeks away from that. There, he <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-trudeau-financial-crisis-1.6868602">promised</a> that he was going to rise in the House of Commons at 7 PM and begin a filibuster of the budget bill, and that he wouldn’t stop until the government backed down and acceded to his demands.</p> <p>Except it was all bullshit.</p> <p>There wasn’t going to be a filibuster. The House had already passed a programming motion, thanks to the NDP, that laid out just how many hours left of debate there were before the final debate, and Poilievre couldn’t just talk and talk past he expiry of that clock. It was already set in stone. So, after another attempted abuse of remote voting as a procedural tactic (which the Deputy Speaker lost all patience with), Poilievre got up to give his five hours of allotted time. But again, this isn’t actually a filibuster because the leader of the opposition gets unlimited speaking time to certain items on the Order Paper, and this was one of them. He wasn’t filibustering anything. He was showboating.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Speaker warns Conservatives who appear to be filibustering again that he will discount their votes if they keep up with the preambles. <br />Speaker Chris D’Entremont seems visibly annoyed, especially when one MP’s virtual shot shows CPC MPs in the lobby but all get to vote. <a href="https://t.co/0FUKMEsWRK">https://t.co/0FUKMEsWRK</a></p> <p>— Althia Raj (@althiaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/althiaraj/status/1666573747598376960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not only are the Conservatives playing procedural games, they are causing harm to the translators. There are strict rules around headsets to prevent workplace injury of the translators. This is a grotesque abuse of privilege that disregards everything but their power. <a href="https://t.co/0CIThstqqL">https://t.co/0CIThstqqL</a></p> <p>— Leah ProudLakota (she/her) (@LeahGazan) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeahGazan/status/1666576592485613568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>While Conservatives flooded social media with effusive praise about how he was standing up for defenceless Canadians against the predations of the government, and they kept praising how long he was speaking, he wasn’t actually accomplishing anything other than playing to his own backbenches. It’s not like anyone other than a few shut-ins and reporters who drew the short straw were watching. He didn’t stop the budget bill, because it was already the subject of a programming motion. He just talked for the sake of it, and was even finished before midnight hit, when the time would have expired automatically. There was nothing heroic about this action, and it accomplished exactly nothing at all.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The “filibuster” is over, and he didn’t even make it to midnight. <a href="https://t.co/L6BU0WV9XK">https://t.co/L6BU0WV9XK</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666654949793574913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>https://twitter.com/a_picazo/status/1666653154694266880</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s filibuster season in Parliament! <a href="https://t.co/1YSEG1TQbf">https://t.co/1YSEG1TQbf</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666492315920211968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Ukraine Dispatch:</p> <p>President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-kherson-dam-aftermath-1.6868007">calling for</a> international assistance in dealing with the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, as they continue to evacuate people from floods, and local authorities <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2023/06/07/waters-continue-to-swell-as-flooded-southern-ukraine-copes-with-day-after-dam-breach.html">rush</a> things like drinking water to the affected area. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kiyv-reports-gains-near-bakmhut-denies-broad-counter-offensive-under-way-2023-06-07/">gained more ground</a> around Bakhmut, but insist that this is not part of any ongoing spring offensive.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Russian terrorists have once again proved that they are a threat to everything living. The destruction of one of the largest water reservoirs in Ukraine is absolutely deliberate. At least 100 thousand people lived in these areas before the Russian invasion. At least tens of… <a href="https://t.co/ISjIwKc2QN">pic.twitter.com/ISjIwKc2QN</a></p> <p>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1666348377028673536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is what Russia has done to Ukraine.</p> <p>This is the city of Kherson, administrative center of the Kherson region.</p> <p>Before the Russian invasion, it had a population of 300 000 people. <a href="https://t.co/WbPp56UXLo">pic.twitter.com/WbPp56UXLo</a></p> <p>— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1666391811965833216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>https://twitter.com/defenceu/status/1666417873776959489</p> <p><span id="more-11579"></span>Good reads:</p> <ul> <li>Justin Trudeau says he has <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/07/trudeau-shows-no-interest-in-compromising-with-meta-google-over-online-news-bill/">no intention</a> of bowing to Facebook or Google’s bullying tactics around provision of online news.</li> <li>Trudeau is also <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/trudeau-says-feds-looking-at-new-ways-to-respond-to-fires-floods">musing about</a> the possibility of some kind of new federal disaster assistance body so it doesn’t entirely fall on the Canadian Forces. (<a href="https://looniepolitics.com/can-canada-manage-a-civilian-disaster-management-agency/">Good luck</a>).</li> <li>Mélanie Joly announced plans to do a <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/07/joly-pledges-foreign-service-reboot-in-which-diplomats-better-grasp-languages-topics/">complete overhaul</a> at Global Affairs to modernise the department and deal with problems that have lingered for decades.</li> <li>Steven Guilbeault says he <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/environment-minister-says-he-could-accelerate-action-on-climate-change-if-he-didn-t-have-to-fight-the-conservative-party-1.6430497">could do more</a> to fight climate change if he didn’t have to constantly fight the Conservatives over every step.</li> <li>David Lametti <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/07/justice-minister-says-government-to-reject-senate-changes-to-judicial-oversight-bill/">plans to reject</a> several Senate amendments to the judicial oversight bill because they run contrary to the intention of the legislation.</li> <li>Pablo Rodriguez appointed a <a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/jean-francois-belisle-named-new-director-and-ceo-of-national-gallery-of-canada">new director</a> of the National Gallery of Canada after a couple of years of turmoil in the organization.</li> <li>The former director-general of corrections and criminal justice at Public Safety Canada reminds us that the correctional system is <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/07/canadians-want-revenge-on-bernardo-but-thats-not-how-prison-works-ex-official/">not about revenge</a>.</li> <li>As you probably heard, the Bank of Canada <a href="https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2023/06/fad-press-release-2023-06-07/">raised</a> the policy rate by 25 basis points.</li> <li>Somewhat ironically, it was <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/07/feds-looking-at-options-for-a-national-disaster-response-agency-as-wildfires-rage/">Clean Air Day yesterday</a>, as we are blanketed in smoke.</li> <li>The RCMP’s union wants the <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rcmp-union-watchdog-bill-1.6868397">oversight legislation</a> to end the practice of the Mounties investigating one another.</li> <li>A scientist accused of helping Syria develop its chemical weapons programme has been <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/9736428/scientist-syria-chemical-weapons-sarin-edmonton-canada-csis/">traced</a> to an Edmonton suburb.</li> <li>On an official visit to Manitoba, Mary May Simon says she <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/07/governor-general-wants-to-help-both-sides-in-statue-debate-understand-each-other/">hopes to help</a> “both sides” in the current statue defacement debate happening in the province.</li> <li>As wildfires around the country burn out of control, the Conservatives in particular are absolutely <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/06/07/as-wildfires-rage-across-canada-debates-about-anything-but-dominate-parliament.html">ignoring the issue</a> in the House of Commons.</li> <li>The Commons’ immigration committee sent a letter to CBSA <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/06/07/the-students-are-victims-stop-deporting-indian-students-caught-in-fake-admission-letter-scandal-parliamentary-committee-urges-cbsa.html">urging</a> them to halt the deportation of Indian students caught up in fraudulent admissions scandals.</li> <li>Quebec is <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/07/quebec-expands-law-for-doctor-assisted-death-permits-early-requests-for-procedure/">expanding</a> MAiD provision in the province to include advance directives.</li> <li>Jason Markusoff <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-council-affordable-housing-density-nimby-poilievre-1.6869177">details</a> how conservative councillors in Calgary are rejecting housing plans that their federal allies are demanding/threatening over.</li> <li>Althia Raj <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2023/06/07/critics-are-hammering-david-johnston-but-his-most-serious-wounds-are-self-inflicted.html">adds her voice</a> to those pointing out that David Johnston did himself no favours with his answers at committee.</li> <li>Paul Wells <a href="https://paulwells.substack.com/p/at-the-national-gallery-an-olive">weighs in</a> on the announcement of the new director of the National Gallery and the dynamics over the past year that led to this.</li> </ul> <p>Odds and ends:</p> <p><iframe title="Should We Transition NSICOP?" width="584" height="329" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nuSfBvAsRO8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><strong>Want more Routine Proceedings? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/journo_dale">Become a patron</a> and get exclusive new content. </strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/08/roundup-the-filibuster-that-wasnt/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11579</post-id> </item> <item> <title>QP: Blaming the wrong things for the rate hike</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/qp-blaming-the-wrong-things-for-the-rate-hike/</link> <comments>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/qp-blaming-the-wrong-things-for-the-rate-hike/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:37:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Question Period]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Budget 2023]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inflation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trans Mountain]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11575</guid> <description><![CDATA[Another day of smoke blanketing the nation’s capital, and another day of all of the leaders being present in the Chamber for Question Period. Pierre Poilievre led off in French, decrying the Bank of Canada’s rate increase, blaming deficits for … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/qp-blaming-the-wrong-things-for-the-rate-hike/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Another day of smoke blanketing the nation’s capital, and another day of all of the leaders being present in the Chamber for Question Period. Pierre Poilievre led off in French, decrying the Bank of Canada’s rate increase, blaming deficits for fuelling inflation (which is, of course, economically illiterate). Justin Trudeau says that he has heard from Canadians about their concerns over cost of living, and while the Bank of Canada does their work, the government is doing non-inflationary work to help Canadians like the grocery rebate and dental care. Poilievre misquoted the governor of the Bank of Canada about deficits—which he said nothing at all about—and Trudeau repeated that they are helping Canadians in a non-inflationary way. Poilievre switched to English to call the rate hike a “sucker punch,” and gave a series of misquotes before demanding to know how much average mortgage payments would go up over three years. Trudeau repeated his line about the Bank of Canada doing their job while the government does their, and that austerity is not the answer. Poilievre insisted that Canadians are feeling austerity in their households while the government was rolling in cash, worrying about household insolvencies. Trudeau insisted that Poilievre wants to do less for Canadians who need it, while the government supports people in targeted, non-inflationary ways. Poilievre quoted John Manley to denounce the government’s spending, to which Trudeau gave a paean about dental care, which the Conservatives voted against.</p> <p>Yves-François Blanchet led for the Bloc, and worried that Erin O’Toole’s testimony contradicted things in David Johnston’s report, and because it was incomplete, Johnston needed to go. (Not sure the logic flows there). Trudeau noted that Blanchet had the opportunity to read the full, classified briefing, but he refuses to. Blanchet said that he refuses to see in secret what everyone should see (which is not how intelligence works), and demanded a public inquiry. Trudeau repeated that Blanchet was abandoning his responsibility to Canadians in refusing to see the classified information.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Jagmeet Singh rose for the NDP, and in French, noted that it was Clean Air Day, with all of the smoke outside, and demanded the government immediately save the environment. Trudeau noted the irony of the day, and that it will likely get worse in years to come because the Conservatives are still debating on whether to act on climate change instead of how to act. Singh repeated the question in English, and this time, Trudeau patted himself on the back for the work the government has done.</p> <p><span id="more-11575"></span>Round two, and Larry Brock slandered David Johnston (Trudeau: Let me read the quote from Poilievre), Michael Chong demanded a public inquiry with some added sanctimony (Trudeau: Your leader is not taking this seriously by not taking the briefing so that he can make partisan attacks), Michael Cooper concern trolled about the contradiction with O’Toole’s testimony (Trudeau: The evidence is available to your leader if he chooses to see it; These are the conclusions of the top public servants who monitored the election), and Luc Berthold took the opportunity to slander Johnston in French (Trudeau: If you wanted to take this seriously, your leader would take the top-secret briefing; You are taking a page from the Trump playbook in discrediting the investigators.</p> <p>Blanchet got back up to insist that the government is doing nothing to protect people from diaspora communities (Trudeau: We know they are the first targets, and they are at the heart of our decisions), and demanded that any commissioner be truly independent (Trudeau: You know full well that there are national security elements that cannot be made public).</p> <p>Poilievre got back up to misquote more officials about deficits and inflation (Trudeau: This is the first time you have blamed provinces for inflationary spending), demanded a balanced budget (Trudeau: The Bank of Canada is bringing down inflation and it’s working while we support Canadians; You are true to your record of not letting facts get in the way of a good narrative; You are going to block measures to help Canadians).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Poilievre insists that inflation ticked up last month because there was a deficit budget. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a> <a href="https://t.co/9Mhi1rWD5X">pic.twitter.com/9Mhi1rWD5X</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666519011603914780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Poilievre doesn’t seem to understand how mortgages work. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666519326201880587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Singh got back up, and blamed CEO greed for inflation (Trudeau: Inflation has global roots).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Singh: Greedflation! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a> <a href="https://t.co/Td5fRVeAY8">pic.twitter.com/Td5fRVeAY8</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666519892021878788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Round three saw Poilievre asked yet more misleading questions on inflation (Trudeau: We have the lowest deficit and best fiscal position in the G7, and you are blocking help to Canadians; We lifted 2.7 million out of poverty, and grew the economy; We all know Canadians are hurting but the difference is that we have targeted non-inflationary measures while you just want to cut; You keep repeating this because you refuse to go outside and admit that climate change is real; In 2020 and 2021 we ensured that Canadians made it through the pandemic; Your logic is that if we cut child care and dental care, that suddenly we would solve global inflation, and that is complete garbage). There were other questions on the Johnston report (Trudeau: I answered this already, so let me praise firefighters), the possible deportation nor Punjabi students who were defrauded (Trudeau: Our focus is on catching the fraudsters, and the victims can speak in their own cases), and cancelling Trans Mountain (Trudeau: It’s unfortunate we have to debate whether or not climate change is real).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trudeau misspeaks, says the Harper government let the “2008 pandemic” linger too long. <br />Pretty sure he meant recession. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666521384120360967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trudeau: I answered this already so let me take a moment to praise firefighters. <br />Huh? Seriously? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666522449263972370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Poilievre now accuses Trudeau of bringing up the forest fires to distract from his economic record. <br />Trudeau says it’s because he keeps asking the same thing over and over. <br />This is getting ridiculous. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666523888799436827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">“That was better in rehearsals,” one Conservative quips after Trudeau’s tirade in climate. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666524094722916352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Overall, it was a fairly dull day, with the same economically illiterate questions being volleyed, and Trudeau largely giving his usual back-patting, with the very occasional note about things like the global roots of inflation or that Canada balancing its budge would do nothing for the global situation. That he waited for the very end of QP to respond like that, in particular exasperation, was part of the problem in that he didn’t call Poilievre on his bullshit off the start, or to put his misquotes into context, or pointing out that Conservatives doing nothing about housing when they were in power is what helped fuel today’s crisis, or anything like that. There are so many more things that Trudeau or other Liberals could say to these constant questions, and they don’t. I would reiterate that I don’t get it, but I’m not one of the geniuses designing the Liberals’ communications strategy.</p> <p>Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/melissa-lantsman(110665)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Melissa Lantsman</a> for a navy blazer over a white collarless top and black slacks, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/pierre-paul-hus(71454)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pierre Paul-Hus</a> for a tailored navy suit over a crisp white shirt and fuchsia tie. Style citations go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/darren-fisher(88323)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Darren Fisher</a> for his hateful brown corduroy jacket over a medium blue shirt and blue jeans with no tie, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/jennifer-oconnell(88925)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jennifer O’Connell</a> for a grey top with a ruffled collar and cuffs with pink and blue florals across it over blue jeans.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/qp-blaming-the-wrong-things-for-the-rate-hike/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11575</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Roundup: Johnston’s day at committee</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/roundup-johnstons-day-at-committee/</link> <comments>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/roundup-johnstons-day-at-committee/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:42:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Political Roundup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Citizenship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tough on Crime]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trade]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11573</guid> <description><![CDATA[As expected, David Johnston’s testimony at the Procedure and House Affairs committee was largely a three-hour exercise in partisan showboating, most especially typified by the fact that Jagmeet Singh decided to make a personal appearance at committee so that he … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/roundup-johnstons-day-at-committee/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As expected, David Johnston’s testimony at the Procedure and House Affairs committee was largely a three-hour exercise in partisan showboating, most especially typified by the fact that Jagmeet Singh decided to make a personal appearance at committee so that he could get clips of himself haranguing Johnston, like he tried to do with Galen Weston (and looking like a fool for the most part considering he made the big song and dance about getting thousands of questions from Canadians and asking none of them). In fact, there were almost no actual questions on foreign interference over those three hours, because of course there weren’t.</p> <p>Once again, Johnstone <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/johnston-power-politics-accusations-bias-1.6867443">disputed</a> the claims that he is biased, or in any number of <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/06/06/david-johnston-to-testify-before-mps-just-days-after-some-of-them-asked-him-to-quit.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conflicts of interest</a>, and further made the point that he believes the vote in the House of Commons about him was based on false information. (Also, the House of Commons has been known on several occasions to hold these votes on risible matters, especially if they think they can embarrass the government, while the only votes that really matter are confidence ones, and that’s not going to happen). He said that he <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/johnston-committee-foreign-interference-1.6866083">didn’t reach out</a> to MP Han Dong before he cleared him in the report, in part because of Dong’s lawsuit and because he read intelligence that countered what had been reported. (I’m also not sure why that would have been necessary if the point of the exercise was to review the intelligence). He also made it clear he didn’t see every single document, because that would be impossible, but that the intelligence services were entirely forthcoming.</p> <p>One of the things we ultimately need to grapple with in this story, which media outlets are incapable of doing, is that this is a process story. It’s almost entirely a machinery of government issue in terms of intelligence dissemination and consumption, and that’s unsexy and difficult to explain, so instead, the focus remains on Johnston himself, and making details about what the government did and didn’t know as lurid as possible, helped along by the fact that the leaker(s) is shaping the narrative in a particular way, using draft documents that contained items not found in the final documents that were pushed up the chain, and there is almost certainly intention behind that, which again, there has been absolutely no self-reflection around on the part of the media organisations doing the reporting. Instead of stopping to ask if they’ve been played, they rationalise and justify. And because this is a process stories, and mainstream outlets are allergic to those, this whole affair just spins further into both-sidesing the meathead partisanship on display.</p> <p>Ukraine Dispatch:</p> <p>With the explosion at the Kakhovka Dam, there is now an <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2023/06/06/citizens-embark-on-chaotic-scramble-to-escape-floodwaters-after-ukraine-dam-breach.html">evacuation</a> effort underway as the region begins to flood, with 22,000 people in areas in most danger. It could also have <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-russia-war-dam-breached-1.6866723">repercussions</a> for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which uses that water for cooling operations. There is concern that this could <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2023/06/06/why-the-destruction-of-one-ukraine-dam-could-be-pivotal-in-the-war-with-russia.html">forestall</a> any Ukrainian counter-offensive in the region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the dam attack is an “<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-says-dam-destruction-is-environmental-bomb-mass-destruction-2023-06-06/">environmental bomb</a> of mass destruction,” and has already approached the Hague about the incident. Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-says-awaits-final-agreements-powerful-f16-jets-offer-2023-06-07/">awaiting</a> the final agreement on acquiring F-16 fighter jets. Russian, meanwhile, have been <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-repeatedly-shell-ammonia-pipeline-ukraines-kharkiv-region-2023-06-06/">shelling</a> an ammonia pipeline in the Kharkiv region, which has been part of the Black Sea deal around exporting grains and fertilizers.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Article 56 of Protocol I of 1977 to Geneva Conventions 1949 «dams, dykes and nuclear electrical generating stations, shall not be made the object of attack… if such attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilian population».<br />06… <a href="https://t.co/r8WvNcl4bH">pic.twitter.com/r8WvNcl4bH</a></p> <p>— Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) <a href="https://twitter.com/oleksiireznikov/status/1666081031697612801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">As a result of the flooding caused by the dam's blow-up landmines are being washed up to the shores of the Dnipro river. Some of them detonate <a href="https://t.co/Khlyc9CVab">pic.twitter.com/Khlyc9CVab</a></p> <p>— UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1666109353508651009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><span id="more-11573"></span>Good reads:</p> <ul> <li>Documents show that Justin Trudeau <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/06/internal-docs-suggest-trudeau-wants-china-blocked-from-pacific-rim-trade-deal/">told Liz Truss</a> that the bar for entry into the CPTPP was high in order to keep China out (because they don’t live up to promises).</li> <li>Bill Blair has <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/blair-says-canada-has-adequate-resources-for-wildfires-following-house-emergency-debate">reiterated</a> again that there are sufficient federal resources to assist in combatting wildfires if current projections hold.</li> <li>François-Philippe Champagne says that Stellantis <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/06/stellantis-has-what-it-needs-to-make-decision-on-windsor-battery-plant-champagne-2/">has what they need</a> in order to decide whether or not to carry on with their battery plant.</li> <li>Sean Fraser <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/06/known-travellers-from-13-more-countries-can-skip-visa-to-come-to-canada-minister-2/">announced</a> that low-risk travellers from thirteen more countries can come to Canada visa-free.</li> <li>Dominic LeBlanc says he will <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/review-independent-mp-han-dong-liberal-caucus-1.6867540">consult</a> intelligence agencies as he determines whether MP Han Dong should be allowed back into caucus.</li> <li>A Conservative <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/06/conservative-filibuster-threatens-potential-citizenship-for-children-born-abroad/">filibuster</a> at immigration committee means that certain people with connections to Canada may not get citizenship restored after a 2009 change.</li> <li>Pierre Poilievre is <a href="https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/06/poilievre-calls-on-liberals-to-make-killers-like-bernardo-stay-in-max-security-prison-2/">railing</a> about changes to sentences after the Paul Bernardo transfer, never mind that there is a reason politicians should not be involved.</li> <li>Susan Delacourt <a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2023/06/06/david-johnstons-in-damage-control-mode-and-its-not-working.html">details</a> how David Johnston’s attempts at damage control are not working out, no matter how many communications firms he works with.</li> <li>My <a href="https://looniepolitics.com/meathead-partisanship-continues-to-rule-the-day-on-foreign-interference/">column</a> looks at things MPs could be doing right now to deal with foreign interference if they weren’t so invested in their meathead partisanship.</li> </ul> <p>Odds and ends:</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">1/3 Today, I had the honour of presiding over the ceremony for the unveiling of the official portrait of the Hon. Geoff Regan, P.C., 36th Speaker of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HoC</a>, by Nova Scotia artist James Middleton. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CdnPoli?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CdnPoli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Art?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Art</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Heritage?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Heritage</a> <a href="https://t.co/EdjOajgZfn">pic.twitter.com/EdjOajgZfn</a></p> <p>— Speaker of the HoC (@HoCSpeaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoCSpeaker/status/1666256327482417153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">3/3 In the 42nd Parliament, I had the privilege of serving as Assistant Deputy Speaker of the of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HoC</a> and really enjoyed working with the Hon. Geoff Regan. He was an outstanding parliamentarian and an excellent Speaker. <a href="https://twitter.com/geoffregan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@geoffregan</a> <a href="https://t.co/cDX5Jkg8HO">pic.twitter.com/cDX5Jkg8HO</a></p> <p>— Speaker of the HoC (@HoCSpeaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoCSpeaker/status/1666256334210191362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Want more Routine Proceedings? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/journo_dale">Become a patron</a> and get exclusive new content. </strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/07/roundup-johnstons-day-at-committee/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11573</post-id> </item> <item> <title>QP: Inflation isn’t burning, the country is</title> <link>https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/06/qp-inflation-isnt-burning-the-country-is/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:38:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Question Period]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Budget 2023]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CRA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[David Johnston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[First Nations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Interference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inflation]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.routineproceedings.com/?p=11570</guid> <description><![CDATA[As the city was blanketed in smoke from the forest fires burning further north, things got underway in the West Block. The prime minister, his deputy, and all other leaders were present for the day, which was always a good … <a href="https://www.routineproceedings.com/2023/06/06/qp-inflation-isnt-burning-the-country-is/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the city was blanketed in smoke from the forest fires burning further north, things got underway in the West Block. The prime minister, his deputy, and all other leaders were present for the day, which was always a good sign. Pierre Poilievre led off in French, denigrated David a Johnston and his staff, and demanded a public inquiry. Justin Trudeau said that if Poilievre wants the facts he can get the top secret briefing, but he won’t because he would rather make baseless partisan attacks. Poilievre repeated the demand in English, and this time, Trudeau recited Poilievre singing his praises a decade ago. Poilievre said that it was tragic that the prime minister destroyed Johnston’s reputation, and demanded a public inquiry. Trudeau said that he didn’t hold Johnston’s previous appointments by Conservatives against him, while it was Poilievre’s judgment that was in question because he refuses the briefings. Poilievre pivoted to the topic of deficits and inflation, with all of the attendant misinformation, to which Trudeau decried the Conservative focus on austerity and listed things the Conservatives are blocking in the budget. Poilievre repeated the misinformation-laden demand in French, and got much the same response.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">When Trudeau points out that the Conservatives are blocking the anti-flipping tax in the budget, Conservatives sound “grrr!” from their benches. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666151307013390343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Yves-François Blanchet led for the Bloc, and he took his own kicks at Johnston, and Trudeau said that he knows Blanchet looks forward to Johnston’s public hearings, and pointed out that they too are refusing the briefings in order to make unfounded partisan attacks. Blanchet chided that Johnston said that a public inquiry would be too long and too costly, and accused of him being hired to put a lid on the issue. Trudeau said that Blanchet would be more credible if he got the briefing.</p> <p>Jagmeet Singh rose for the NDP, and he worried about the exploding costs of houses in Toronto, and demanded steps to deal with it. Trudeau picked up a script to pat himself on the back for the action the government is taking on “so many fronts.” Singh switched to French to grouse that Trudeau has official housing which he equated to meaning that Trudeau was out to protect the rich. (How?) Trudeau repeated his list of actions.</p> <p><span id="more-11570"></span>Round two, and Jasraj Hallan sped through a script of angry nonsense about inflation (Freeland: Are your constituents supporting the aid for Ukraine you are blocking in the budget?), Tim Uppal read some more nonsense about deficits and inflation (Freeland: Canada suffered the deepest recession when COVID hit, but we now have lower unemployment than Harper ever achieved), and Gérard Deltell have the French version of the same disingenuous talking points (Champagne: You guys are blocking investments in clean energy; Freeland: Let’s talk about facts, and credit ratings agencies renewed our Aaa rating).</p> <p>René Villemure demanded a public inquiry (LeBlanc: What was wasting time was dragging Johnston to committee for three hours of being attacked rather than asking about foreign interference; We have offered your leader a briefing so he can know the truth), and Marie-Hélène cited the Arar and Air India inquiries as examples of being able to hear information in secret (Rodriguez: Why don’t you ask about things people care about like forest fires?)</p> <p>Eric Melillo demanded the carbon price be cancelled (Freeland: It’s appalling that you talk down our economy; Champagne: It’s appalling that you are blocking the things we need to build the economy of the future), and Stephanie Kusie misquoted Freeland and basic statistics (Freeland: It’s astonishing that at a time when the country is burning, you would resist climate action; Gould: We need to act for future generations).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">No, Stephanie Kusie, the carbon price did not fuel inflation. The impact on inflation was negligible. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666155615398264851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Gord Johns worried about firefighter vacancies and trolled for support for his private member’s bill to give them a higher tax credit (Blair: Hooray volunteer firefighters), and Taylor Bachrach worried about people with disabilities getting CERB clawback letters (Lebouthillier: Things are done on a case-by-case basis at the CRA).</p> <p>Round three saw questions on the clean fuel standard disinformation (Guilbeault: You talk about farmers but I have a letter from the canola growers association congratulating us on the standard because it encourages biofuels; Let me read the special air quality statement from the forest fire smoke; Bibeau: What you call are a typical farm are the top three percent in a situation where they take no actions to reduce emissions; Duclos: Your leader encouraged people to invest in crypto; Lebouthillier: While you tell us you’re the party of common sense, you won’t tackle climate change and endanger women’s rights; Champagne: While the country is burning, you are delaying clean energy; Gould: We are fighting climate change while helping those in need), oil exploration in a protected marine area (Dabrusin: We have increased protected areas to 14 percent from one percent, and we are getting to 30 percent; These are exploratory permits whereas there is an environmental assessment process), inflation (Freeland: What is burning right now are the forests of our country, and this is a desperately serious moment for our country, and we need climate action), Poilievre got back up to decry the students who got fraudulent letters for their studies (Lalonde: We want to ensure those responsible for the fraud to be able to present evidence to support their cases), Indigenous police funding (Mendicino: We have made historic investments), and hate crimes (Virani: The budget contains funds to help combat racism and Islamophobia).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">No, the carbon price is not fuelling food price inflation. <br />Climate change is fuelling food price inflation because of droughts and floods. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QP</a></p> <p>— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) <a href="https://twitter.com/journo_dale/status/1666156827245936651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Overall, it was a lot of the same today—the same back-and-forth about David Johnston and opposition leaders not taking briefings, the same misleading questions about the deficit and inflation, the same disinformation about the clean fuel standard, mostly met by the same back-patting responses from the government, with a few added admonishments about the Conservatives trying to reduce climate action while the country is literally on fire. I will say that Marie-Claude Bibeau gave probably the best answer she has in months today in pointing out that the scenario about farmers being posed to her would only apply to the top three percent of farms if they took no action to reduce emissions at all, which was what made it a misleading question. Ministers should call bullshit like this far more often, but they never do.</p> <p>Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/marci-ien(107097)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marci Ien</a> for a hot pink jacket over a white collared shirt, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/terry-beech(89236)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Terry Beech</a> for a tailored black suit over a white shirt with a cranberry tie and pocket square.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Style citations go out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/arif-virani(88910)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arif Virani</a> for a light tan jacket over a white shirt and black slacks with a navy tie and pocket square, and to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/gudie-hutchings(88292)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gudie Hutchings</a> for a black collared shirt-dress with large floral patterns. Dishonourable mention goes out to <a href="https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/ginette-petitpas-taylor(88364)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ginette Petitpas Taylor</a> for a mustard yellow jacket over a white collared top and black slacks.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11570</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>