Canada "wants justice, answers" as 63 Canadians among victims in Iranian jet crash

   Canada column for Sunday, Jan 12/20

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Dozens of Canada’s gifted researchers, university students, medical and engineering professionals and families were among 63 of the 176 victims of the Iranian jet crash near Tehran.

   Anger is growing across Canada as memorials are held to honor those killed in what is now confirmed to have been an act of war – the use of a missile to bring down the plane – a claim originally denied in Iran.

   On the plane were 138 passengers planning to connect to a flight to Canada.

   “We want justice,” mourners yelled as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau laid flowers at a makeshift memorial in Ottawa.

   “This is a national tragedy and all Canadians are mourning together,” he said.

   Canada, which severed its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2012 and expelled Iranian diplomats, has sent its officials and members of the Transportation Safety Board to Tehran seeking answers.

   It is not known, however, if they will be allowed near the crash site or to inspect the debris.

   “Our focus remains closure, accountability, transparency and justice for the families and loved ones of the victims,” Trudeau said.

Snowbirds upset over Ontario government ending out-of-country health insurance

   Canada column for Sunday, Jan 5/20

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Canadian “snowbirds” are in a flap over the decision by the Ontario government to end out-of-country health insurance coverage.

   The Canadian Snowbird Association has filed a legal challenge against the changes that came into effect on Jan. 1.

   The group said the government’s cost-saving move violates terms of the Canada Health Act that “protect the right to out-of-country emergency medical care.”

   Used to “free” health and hospital care at home, the now-ended program covered out-of-country inpatient services up to $400 a day for higher level of care and $50 daily for emergency outpatient and doctor services.

   Health Minister Christine Elliott said the program was costly and did not provide value to taxpayers.

   “With this limited coverage and low reimbursement rate, eligible Ontarians who do not purchase private travel health insurance can be left with catastrophically large bills to pay,” her office said.

   The province spent $2.8 million to administer $9 million in claim payments through the program every year.

Justin Trudeau pledges a make-over in his second term as prime minister

   Canada column for Sunday, Dec. 22/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau settles into his second term, he plans to take on a new persona.

   He will adopt a “lower-profile, more businesslike approach” in his role that was somewhat tarnished in his first term.

   The government’s achievements on major issues were obscured by the focus on him and his talk of sunny ways’ values.

   As the son of the late, flamboyant Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the younger politician restored the Liberals status in Parliament with his celebrity status.

   His image, however, was “tarnished by ethical lapses, misadventures on the world stage and the embarrassing revelation during this fall’s federal election campaign that he had repeatedly donned blackface in his younger days,” the Canadian Press newswire said.

   In his year-end address, Trudeau, who heads a minority government that has to work with opposition parties in order to survive, said he will take a “more respectful and collaborative” approach.

Andrew Scheer quits as Canada's Conservative leader

   Canada column for Sunday, Dec. 15/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Andrew Scheer, in a surprise move, has quit as Canada’s Conservative leader.

  He faced severe criticism for failing to lead the party to victory over Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in last October’s election.

   Scheer also became unpopular with voters during the campaign when hounded with questions about his personal opinions on same-sex marriage and abortion.

   Saying it was “one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made,” Scheer will stay on until the party chooses a new leader.

   The 40-year-old politician said he “felt it was time to put my family first” and quit.

   “In order to chart the course ahead, this party, this movement, needs someone who can give 100 percent to the efforts,” he said.

   Trudeau thanked Scheer for his dedication and service, saying he “understood the many sacrifices made by the families of politicians.”

   Among those considered as a possible successor is former interim leader Rona Ambrose.

   She united the Conservatives when former Prime Minister Stephen Harper quit after his party’s 2015 election defeat.

BullyingCanada needs your help -- Share holiday happiness with the homeless

Spread Christmas Joy With Christmas Cards

Fredericton, N.B., 10 December 2019 News Release— BullyingCanada is looking for individuals willing to lend a hand by writing a card to homeless or recovering people to help them this holiday season.

To get involved, simply go to BullyingCanada.ca/HomelessHoliday for details on how to write and send in greeting cards.

Though this isn’t an anti-bullying project in the traditional sense, as we work with Canadian youth and schools, we would like to remind everyone that the homeless are valued, too. They’re often bullied while on the streets, let’s make sure they know we care.

Canada could 'pay a price' for Trudeau mocking Trump, analysts say

   Canada column for Sunday, Dec. 8/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Political analysts suggest Canada might pay a price for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provoking President Donald Trump.

   It’s because Trudeau appeared to mock Trump in a “hot mic” conversation at a Buckingham Palace event for world leaders.

   Trudeau was talking with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Princess Anne where they appeared to make fun of the president.

   Later Trump said Trudeau is “two-faced, but I find him to be a nice guy.”

   “Canada could well pay for this . . . it could have very serious consequences,” said Michael Byers, politics and law professor at the University of British Columbia.

   “It sets back years of effort . . . to keep Canada out of the gunsights, so to speak, of an impulsive and vindictive president,” he added.

   Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said “Trudeau’s poor judgment, lack of professionalism, and love of drama continues to weaken Canada’s position on the world stage.”

Push is on to ratify new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal by year's end

   Canada column for Sunday, Dec. 1/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The signatures have dried long ago but the new North American free-trade deal has yet to “cross the finish line.”

   The three countries have signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement but it has to be ratified by their legislatures before it takes effect.

   There’s a push on now to get the deal done by the end of the year but Mexico’s Jesus Seade said issues raised by the Democrats are valid but not an impediment to derail the deal.

   Seade met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and deputy Chrystia Freeland in Ottawa and said there are “improvements where all three of us are on the same side.”

   The deal is stalled in the U.S. Congress as Democrats want stricter enforcement measures for its labor and environmental standards.

   One issue where Canada can help is encouraging Mexico to adopt its system for certifying unions.

   Canada is “extremely supportive of Mexico’s steps towards labor reforms” and the countries had been working on this, Trudeau said.

   U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that a version of the trade deal was “within range” but a final review is needed.