Canada column for Sunday, Aug 15/21
THE CANADIAN REPORT
By Jim Fox
Canadians will have an opportunity to let the federal Liberals know how well they have handled the pandemic when they elect a new government next month.
Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau plans to visit with Governor General Mary Simon today (Sunday) to get
formal permission to “dissolve” the 43rd Parliament and set the date for an
election – a mere formality and which was granted.
With polls showing the governing Liberal minority government leading, Trudeau decided now to seek a majority government.
His minority government was elected on October 21, 2019.
Under Canada’s Parliamentary system, the leader of the party electing the most members becomes the prime minister as there is no separate vote.
In the case of a minority government, the opposition parties could combine their votes on a major bill to force an election at any time.
Observers are
suggesting that Trudeau will opt for a short 36-day campaign with an election
on Sept 20, which is now under way.
The main contenders are Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole and New Democratic Leader Jagmeet Singh who have opposed a snap election even as politicians have been campaigning all summer.
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There were long lines of Americans waiting to cross into Canada at land border points as restrictions were eased on Aug. 9.
It was a “first step” in allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
On Sept. 7, “provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favorable,” the border will be open to any fully vaccinated travelers who have completed the full course of vaccination at least 14 days earlier, the Public Health Agency said.
The U.S. continues to keep its land border closed except for essential travel.
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News in brief:
- Ontario politician Bill Davis, who helped shape the nation and the education standards, has died at age 92. Called him a “pipe-chomping” Conservative titan, and Ontario’s “education premier,” he was leader from 1971 to 1985. He established the educational TVOntario channel and oversaw the creation of several new universities and the province’s community college system, Prime Minister Trudeau said in paying tribute to him.
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Facts and figures:
Canada’s dollar is higher at 80 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.25 in Canadian funds before exchange fees.
The Bank of Canada key interest rate is steady at 0.25 percent while the prime lending rate is 2.45 percent.
Canadian stock markets are higher, with the Toronto index at 20,540 points and the TSX Venture index 922 points.
The average price for gas in Canada is higher at $1.397 a liter (Canadian) or $5.30 for a U.S. gallon.
Lotto Max: (Aug. 10) 14, 18, 19, 32, 35, 38 and 41; bonus 27. (Aug. 6) 14, 15, 24, 43, 44, 48 and 49; bonus 47.
Lotto 6/49: (Aug. 11) 12, 15, 25, 40, 44 and 45; bonus 31. (Aug. 7) 10, 13, 15, 22, 29 and 46; bonus 3.
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Regional briefs:
- “Now is the time for a new leader,” Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said as he announced he was “stepping aside” at the mid-point of his four-year term. “We need a new leader to take our province forward,” said the Conservative premier first elected in 2016. He has been criticized about his role in the pandemic fight and comments about the province’s indigenous issues but gave no particular reason for quitting.
- In what has been known as “naturally air-conditioned” Canada, heat waves are popping up across the country. Temperatures have hovered in the 90sF, with humidex readings in the 100s in many places including southern Ontario and British Columbia. Southern B.C. is enduring its third wave this summer for the past week. Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for much of the region and southern Ontario.
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Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com
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