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Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole says the party was targeted by a deluge of disinformation orchestrated by China and its proxies that led to the defeat of up to nine candidates in the 2021 election.
In evidence today before the inquiry into foreign interference, O’Toole stressed that he does not believe that Chinese state interference would have changed the outcome of the vote that produced a Liberal minority.
But he told the commission that interference was affecting voters in some ridings, and that government officials responsible for election integrity knew about it but did not issue any warning to the public or the parties.
Full story by Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife and senior parliamentary reporter Steven Chase.
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TODAY’S HEADS
Trudeau seeks partners for multi-billion dollar housing initiative: The Prime Minister, while announcing billions of dollars in federal funding to promote apartment building, says he will avoid states that do not want to work with his government on the issue.
Canadian killed in Israeli airstrike identified, as Ottawa calls for investigation: World Central Kitchen identified the victim, a dual Canadian-US citizen, as 33-year-old Jacob Flickinger. Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Israel needed to respect international law, adding that Canada would ensure it did so.
Ontario students only at Ontario post-secondary institutions, Ford says: Premier Doug Ford indicated, in a news conference, that efforts should be made to “get rid of the 18 percent” of students in the province’s colleges and universities who come from foreign countries.
Manitoba NDP government delivers tax cuts, rebates in first budget: “This is a plan to be able to fulfill as many of the promises that we were elected by Manitobans to deliver,” said Premier Wab Kinnew.
The music industry trying to change budget so that bands and singers get royalties from TV, film: Musicians Canada is out of line with countries such as Britain, France and Japan by not allowing singers and musicians to receive performance royalties from television or film, even if their music becomes the theme tune to a popular show, film or major advertising campaign.
The new Shawarma capital of Canada: CTV reports that Ottawa city council unanimously approved a proposal to declare the city the shawarma capital of the country, paying homage to the Middle Eastern dish that includes marinated meat, garlic sauce and other toppings. Ottawa is home to nearly 200 shawarma restaurants. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe have posted on the development.
POLITICAL QUOTES TODAY
“There is a risk of that cold, people not promoting minority rights or human rights because of fear of interference or electoral challenge” – Former federal leader of the Conservatives Erin O’Toole at the hearing of the inquiry into foreign interference today, responding to a question was that the prospect of election interference by China might prompt some Canadian politicians to refrain from criticizing China on its human rights record.
“I can understand where someone who lost an election tries to look for reasons other than themselves why they might have lost an election.” – Justin Trudeau on O’Toole’s concerns that disinformation orchestrated by China and its proxies cost the Conservatives seats.
THIS AND THAT
Thibedeau joins public affairs firm: Former CBS journalist Hannah Thibedeau is joining Global Public Affairs, a strategic communications and government relations firm, as executive communications officer. Thibedeau, who has long been based in Ottawa, left the broadcaster last week. Most recently, she was the afternoon host on the CBS News Network. The advice on her appointment is here.
Ontario by-elections called: Premier Doug Ford has called provincial by-elections for May 2 in Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex to replace cabinet ministers who resigned from their seats to pursue other opportunities. Parm Gill resigned as a member of the provincial Parliament in Milton to run for the federal Conservatives in the next election. And Monte McNaughton left Lambton-Kent-Middlesex last September for an opportunity in the private sector.
Commons Committee Highlights: Darryl Vleeming, vice-president of the Canada Border Services Agency, appears before the public accounts committee on the Auditor General’s report on the ArriveCan app.
Commons, Parliament: The House of Commons is in recess until April 8. The Senedd sits again on April 9.
Deputy Prime Minister’s Day: Chrystia Freeland, in Edmonton, toured an apartment rental building and made a housing announcement. Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault was also present.
Ministers on the road: With the House of Commons not sitting, a number of ministers are out across Canada, making announcements on the government’s affordability policy. Minister of Public Services Jean-Yves Duclos, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne a Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada make a housing announcement in Quebec City. Duclos also made an infrastructure announcement in the Quebec capital. Health Minister Mark Holland a Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal make a housing announcement in Winnipeg. Immigration Minister Marc Miller a Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinsonin Halifax, a housing publication. Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan make a housing announcement in Victoria. Justice Minister Arif Virani a Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajduin Regina, make a housing announcement.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly attend the meeting of NATO foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, scheduled for today and tomorrow.
IS in Nunavut: Governor General Mary Simon and her partner, Whit Fraser, continue their official visit to the territory. It ends tomorrow.
PRIME MINISTER’S DAY
Justin Trudeau, in the Toronto area, visited an affordable housing development site and made a housing announcement, along with Housing Minister Sean Fraser. Later, Trudeau met with students attending a local after-school program.
LEADERS
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet is touring the Gaspé Peninsula this week, with commitments today that include meeting with Jean-David Samuel, president and chief executive officer of Forillon Shipyard, and Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté.
Conservative leader Pierre Polievre, in the community of Tsawwassen, Vancouver region, to host a party fundraiser.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth Mayin Winnipeg, on a trip with deputy leader Jonathan Pedneault, and was scheduled to meet with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinnew, attend an event hosted by party members, and meet with community groups.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singhin Hamilton with MP Matthew Green and the state’s New Democrat, Monique Taylor, held a news conference.
THE DECIBEL
On today’s edition of The Globe and Mail podcast, Report on Business journalist Joe Castaldo, who has reported on Canada’s artificial intelligence infrastructure, explains why the issue of computing power growth is not as simple as buying more high-end computer chips, the potential. problems of investing heavily in this technology, and what Canada can do to prevent a brain drain of AI talent.
TRIBUTE
Roger Gibbins: The former political scientist at the University of Calgary and president of the Western Canada Institute is remembered for his pioneering work on Western Canadian politics.
OPINION
Doug Ford and Bonnie Crombie both opposed new housing. One changed their mind
“Before Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie was in favor of more housing, she was against it. In early 2022, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was presented with a landmark housing report, a broad blueprint of how to build much more housing. Ford set aside most of the big ideas. Ms Crombie was then the mayor of Mississauga. She also didn’t like the report, specifically its proposal to allow four homes on lots long limited to just one. Crombie Ms warn against change, published exaggerated images, and claimed the proposal was “scary” and could “dramatically change” neighbourhoods. This space criticized Ms. Crombie and Mr Ford. One leader has changed – and one hasn’t.” – Editorial Board of the Globe and Post
The secret shrug at foreign intervention
“With CSIS, everything is top secret,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford once said of a 2022 briefing his government received about Chinese interference. It seemed funny at the time, because of course the Canadian spy agency is secret. But when you hear the way federal officials failed to pass on useful information about foreign election interference to political parties during the 2021 election campaign, you can see the problem. ” – Campbell Clark
Goodbye to budget secrecy, and a good laugh
“There was a time when you could go to jail for revealing the contents of a budget before it was presented in the House. Finance ministers who let so much as a line of the budget slip out of hand were expected to resign. But the convention of budgetary secrecy has long been observed more in ritual than in substance.” – Andrew Coyne
Canada can help establish an international protective force in Gaza
“The killing of aid workers in Gaza highlights the need to protect the supply and distribution of humanitarian aid. This week’s Israeli attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy is just the latest example: More than 200 humanitarian workers are reported to have been killed since the conflict began last October. This breakdown in security, including increased surveillance by criminal groups, is a major obstacle to efforts aimed at addressing the famine now affecting Gaza. Delivering aid is one thing, but ensuring it reaches the people in need is a separate challenge. We believe Canada can make a meaningful difference to meet that challenge.” – Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock
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