Same-sex early comments could haunt Conservative leader's election bid in Canada

   Canada column for Sunday, Aug. 25/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Sex has reared its ugly head in the campaign for the fall Canadian election.

   The governing Liberals are publicizing a speech Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer gave as a Member of Parliament 14 years ago opposing same-sex marriage.

   This summer as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders participate in gay pride parades in major Canadian cities, Scheer has been notably absent.

   Same-sex marriage is an old issue in Canada, settled in 2005 after court rulings and a bill saying it is legal and recognized in all provinces and territories.

   After the 2005 video of Scheer speaking in the House of Commons against the Civil Marriage Act surfaced, his party reminded the Liberals that some of their members once voted against recognizing same-sex marriage.

   One of Scheer’s main concerns was that same-sex unions don’t result in the “natural procreation” of children.

   He also said that legally recognizing same-sex marriage could lead to infringements upon the religious liberty of those who object to such action.

   Scheer’s office said the Conservative leader “supports same-sex marriage as defined in law and as prime minister will, of course, uphold it.”

Canadian leader found in conflict over company lobbyists

   Canada column for Sunday, Aug. 18/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is unrepentant and said he will stand up for Canadian jobs, communities and residents after being found in conflict of interest.

   He’s not about to apologize – as opposition politicians are demanding – while taking “full responsibility” in the highly charged SNC-Lavalin affair.

   Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion said Trudeau violated the Conflict of Interest Act by improperly demanding then-Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould halt criminal prosecution of the engineering company.

   Trudeau tried to influence her in “many ways,” he ruled, but even so there is no punishment for his actions.

   The ruling found Trudeau and senior officials “used various means to exert influence over Ms. Wilson‑Raybould,” Dion said.

   It was found that SNC-Lavalin lobbied the government over several years to try to avoid prosecution on bribery and corruption charges concerning Libyan projects.

   Wilson-Raybould later quit her cabinet position as did Jane Philpott in protest.

Toronto's not so good any longer with guns and gangs

   Canada column for Sunday, Aug. 11/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   At one time it was known as “Toronto the Good,” reflecting its Victorian morals but now the city is battling an outbreak of guns and gang violence.

   After 14 shootings last weekend injuring 17 people and a daily occurrence of crime, Mayor John Tory wants help from the Canadian government.

   He is reiterating a demand for a handgun ban and more money to deal with the growing problem in the city of 2.7 million people.

   “Even though our city is very safe, we have an acute problem as we’ve seen this past weekend,” Tory said.

   Bill Blair, the government’s Crime Reduction Minister, said it has already allocated $65 million to the province of Ontario to address the violence.

   There have been 244 shooting this year, with 19 gun-related deaths and about 350 injuries.

   Police Chief Mark Saunders is calling for the public’s help to solve the crimes.

Canadians need not worry over prescription drug shortages with U.S. sales: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says

   Canada column for Sunday, Aug. 4/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Canadians will continue to have access to the medications they need even as concern grows over Americans importing prescription drugs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

   Health Canada ensures there is a “steady and solid supply” of medications Canadians need and “at affordable prices,” he said.

   There is mounting concern after the U.S. announcement, similar to that in Florida, to allow prescription drug imports from Canada.

   No date was announced for this to take place and Canada was not consulted on the specifics of the plan in advance.

   The issue has been forefront in the election campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders who visited Windsor, Ontario with a group of diabetic patients who bought insulin for one-tenth the price charged in the U.S.

   Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor’s office said there is a “mutual interest” in helping to lower drug prices.