A recent Leger survey of 2,017 Canadian adults reveals healthcare ranks among the top three priorities for politicians to address, with about two-thirds advocating for significant changes to the system. Canadian Constitution Foundation lawyer Josh Dehaas joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to break down the findings.
Women who defaced “Recall Gondek” sign must do first-time offender program
The two women who were caught defacing a sign for the campaign to oust Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek won’t be charged criminally but will be required to do a program for first-time offenders.
As first reported by True North, the Calgary Police Service launched an investigation into the incident last week after videos circulated showing two women painting a “Recall Gondek” sign.
The individuals wrote over the “recall” portion, changing it to say “respect.”
Police showed up at Parkdale Boulevard NW and 30 Street NW early in the morning over reports of property damage.
Two women were identified by social media users after one of the women, Carolyn Pogue posted a selfie beside the sign on Facebook while holding a paintbrush.
According to police, the two women will not be facing charges.
“Following our investigation, the suspects involved in the property damage incident have come forward to police,” said Calgary police in a statement given to Postmedia.
Instead, the pair have had their case forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service for an adult alternative measures program.
The program is meant to reform individuals who have committed minor offences but have no prior criminal charges on their record.
The program usually includes charitable donations, restorative justice or other things including community service.
To recall Gondek, campaigners will have to get 512,284 signatures, the equivalent to 40% of Calgary’s population.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has called the requirement “a little unfair” and unrealistic given that only a fraction of that number actually voted for Gondek to be mayor.
OP-ED: Governments in Canada did not ‘follow the science’ during COVID
As the pandemic spread throughout winter 2020, many Canadians donned face masks believing they would offer protection from COVID-19. They also followed the guidance of health authorities to “socially distance” themselves, to “stay home, stay safe,” to lock down “non-vital” businesses, to limit public assembly, and to close schools, parks, beaches, and outdoor recreational and exercise venues.
In clinical speak, these unprecedented measures are known as “non-pharmaceutical interventions,” or NPIs.
Why did so many Canadians submit themselves so willingly to NPIs? Because public health authorities said these things would keep them safe, and were backed by science. But did our public health authorities actually follow the science? Or did they essentially make it up?
Let’s look at face masks, which today are still worn in some institutional health settings and by the fearful at the grocery store. The Cochrane Library, the world’s leading institution of systematic reviews of health literature, actually looked at the mask question twice—once in 2020 and again in 2023.
In 2020, researchers found 67 studies that met adequate quality standards and concluded that the “pooled results of randomized trials did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks during seasonal influenza.” They further found “no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.”
In 2023, the literature base had expanded to 78 randomized controlled trials yet still did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks, and still found no indication of N95 masks having greater effectiveness.
Clearly, our public health authorities and politicians were not “following the science” on masks. And the same is true of several other (possibly all) NPIs, including compulsive hand washing, business closures, school closures, self-isolation—the whole sorry 2020 public health playbook. And yet, nothing has been done to assure Canadians that our institutions and authorities will do better during the next crisis or flu season. No admissions have been made, no consequences imposed, and no compensation granted to victims of the scientific misinformation peddled by government authorities.
People have noticed.
A 2022 public opinion survey of Canadians suggested public trust in our institutions “cratered” during the pandemic, falling from 40% of respondents proclaiming trust in government institutions to only 22% in 2022. That percentage climbed in 2023, as COVID receded as a fear for many people. But still, only 37% of Canadians trust government to be competent and effective.
Public trust in Canada’s “science-driven” health, safety and environmental institutions is critical to Canada’s future ability to weather crises in these policy domains. It needs to be higher than a mere 37% if government expects broad compliance with guidance in future crises.
Governments across Canada, including the Trudeau government, should take the necessary steps to restore public trust. Creating a “truth and reconciliation” process for Canada’s public health agencies and authorities would be a good place to start.
Kenneth Green is a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute.
Ontario school boards sue Meta, Tiktok for $4.5 billion for distracting students
Several Ontario school boards have filed lawsuits against social media giants TikTok and Meta, accusing them of inflicting damage on students’ mental health.
The suit alleges that the social media apps are interfering with students’ ability to learn and that teachers are left dealing with the “fallout” of those effects.
The suit also alleges that these platforms have led to increased violence, bullying and racism.
Four separate but similar suits were filed in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice on Wednesday by public boards in Ottawa, Peel and Toronto as well as the Toronto Catholic board.
The claimants allege that the social media platforms in question were “designed for compulsive use (and) have rewired the way children think, behave, and learn.”
The suits are seeking $4.5 billion from the tech giants in damages for what they refer to as “widespread disruption to the education system.”
“The Defendants chose to maximize profits at the expense of student well-being and without due regard to the foreseeable harm and damage caused,” the statement of claims read.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
The boards say it’s time for TikTok and Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, to make changes to their social media platforms to mitigate these issues.
School boards have resorted to bringing in additional staff, programming and resources to alleviate the “significant impacts that these addictive platforms are having on our students,” Colleen Russell-Rawlins, director of education at the Toronto District School Board told the Toronto Star.
“We’re managing mental health challenges, loneliness and … discrimination — the slurs that we’re seeing students use, some of that emanates from what’s on social media,” added Russell-Rawlins.
She noted that studies have found that over 90% of students in grades seven to 12 are actively using social media, with 45% of students spending more than five hours per day using them.
“Our students are not fully present,” said Russall-Rawlins, who added that it’s not just their education that suffers as a result but it “takes them away from the social relationships that are part of the fabric of their growth and development and socialization.”
There is also the issue of cyberbullying.
The four boards are being represented by Neinstein LLP.
“A strong education system is the foundation of our society and our community. Social media products and the changes in behaviour, judgment and attention that they cause pose a threat to that system and to the student population our schools serve,” said Duncan Embury, the head of litigation at Neinstein LLP, in a news release.
Embury said that the school boards “view this as part of a process designed to create change, because we’re hearing first-hand from educators about the enormous harms that are occurring day-to-day in the school system because of these products.”
“We are proud to support our schools and students in this litigation with the goal of holding social media giants accountable and creating meaningful change.”
There are currently around 500 school districts that have already filed similar suits south of the border but Embury believes these four to be the first of their kind in Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has criticized the lawsuits as “nonsense,” saying that they are a distraction from what is really important.
“Let’s focus on math, reading and writing. That is what we need to do, put all the resources into the kids,” saif Ford during a press conference in Ottawa on Friday.
“What are they spending lawyers fees to go after these massive companies that have endless cash to fight this? Let’s focus on the kids, not this other nonsense that they are looking to fight in court.”
LAWTON: Is Trudeau being honest about his climate policy?
In a recent column, University of Guelph economics professor Ross McKitrick argues that despite Trudeau’s advocacy for a market-based solution like the carbon tax to address greenhouse gas emissions, there is a discrepancy between his rhetoric and his government’s heavy-handed regulatory approach outlined in the Emission Reduction Plan. McKitrick joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss.
The Alberta Roundup | Woke musicians push child mutilation
This week on the Alberta Roundup with Rachel Emmanuel, Rachel has a story about Canadian musicians at the Junos attacking Alberta government policies to protect children.
Also on the show, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith testifies at a House of Commons committee on the impact of the carbon tax.
Finally, Rachel has an update about the Alberta NDP leadership race and what it means for Premier Smith.
Tune into the Alberta Roundup now!
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British media slams “dictator Trudeau” over online hate legislation
A United Kingdom television news show recently slammed the authoritarian aspects of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s proposed online hate legislation, Bill C-63.
TalkTV host Maddie Hale devoted a segment to the Online Harms Act with a former British government adviser and research fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies, James Price, and Telegraph journalist Madeline Grant as guests.
Both guests expressed deep concerns regarding the implications of the proposed legislation.
Hale launched the discussion by asking whether the guests thought the bill was “another example of Justin Trudeau being a bit of a dictator.”
“Well, I think that it shows a real arrogance and a sense of almost megalomania that we’ve come to expect from him. It shows no understanding of the limits of what the state can and also should do,” said Price.
He highlighted the potential dangers of empowering judges to decipher individuals’ intentions merely through observation, without considering the unintended consequences of granting excessive power to the state and courts.
Bill C-63 would allow a judge to order a person into house arrest should they reasonably suspect that they might commit an online hate offence.
Grant echoed Price’s sentiments, questioning the lack of public debate surrounding such a significant shift in the law.
“How do you even begin to deliberate on something like this? It seems like a very fundamental change of law. If they were going to go in that kind of direction, you would hope that there would be some kind of proper public debate on it because it really is setting a brand new precedent,” said Grant.
“It’s not the time to be bringing in some sweeping change of precedent into the legal system.”
She went on to scrutinize the bill’s contents, noting the presence of seemingly innocuous clauses alongside more alarming provisions buried in dense legal jargon. Grant emphasized the risk of unfairly criminalizing individuals based on speculative judgments, leaving them vulnerable and devoid of proper rehabilitation measures.
The segment also further delved into Trudeau’s past actions, drawing parallels with the invocation of the Emergencies Act in 2022 to quash Freedom Convoy protesters.
“It’s kind of the new example of invoking the Emergencies Act in 2022 when he invoked that,” said Price.
“Canada’s got all kinds of problems. It’s got an even worse housing crisis than we’ve got here in the UK. It’s got problems with cultural cohesion, it’s got economic issues, all the rest of it.”
LAWTON: Government keeps growing, Canadians keep paying
A new study from the Fraser Institute measuring government size in Canada by province from 2007 to 2022 reveals government spending increased in eight out of ten provinces, while public-sector employment rose across the board. Fraser Institute fiscal studies director Jake Fuss joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss the findings.
Edmonton honours fallen police officers with renamed bridges
In a moving tribute to the valour and ultimate sacrifice of its law enforcement officers, the City of Edmonton has officially renamed two bridges in memory of Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan, who were tragically killed in the line of duty last year.
The two southwest bridges on Anthony Henday Drive, a 78-kilometre freeway that encircles Edmonton, are now dedicated in honour to the two fallen officers. The renaming will take effect immediately. The bridges will have memorial signs with the fallen officers’ names posted at the ends of them.
While both bridges are on the southwest segment of Anthony Henday Drive, the eastbound bridge will be dedicated to Constable Jordan, who was born in Digby, Nova Scotia. The westbound bridge towards Spruce Grove will be dedicated to Constable Ryan, who lived there.
Following the announcement, the Edmonton Police Service held a press conference.
Deputy Chief of the Community Policing Bureau, Darren Derko highlighted the importance of remembering the fallen officers.
“Memorializing these upstanding men will in no way make up for their loss, or the pain suffered in their absence. But it makes sure that every day Edmontonians will have a physical reminder of the sacrifice they made to keep our city safe,” he said.
Derko thanked the Alberta government for making the announcement possible, saying that it gave people hope.
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, who helped organize the process, said that the renaming is more than just a symbolic gesture.
“We will never forget their courage and their names. As Edmontonians cross these bridges every day, I hope that it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact and the ultimate sacrifice by these two heroes,” said Dreeshen.
Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said that the two officers “personified the best qualities of what it means to be a police officer: integrity, compassion, and unflinching courage.”
He added that in addition to renaming the bridge, the Alberta government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and protecting those who serve on the front line.
“Let us remember Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan not only for how they died, but for how they lived. Let us draw inspiration from their courage, their compassion, and their unwavering commitment to the duties to their communities,” said Ellis.
The Chief of the Edmonton Police Service, Dale McFee said that risk is inherent in law enforcement, but losing someone never becomes easier.
“It’s our worst nightmare. It’s the worst call you never want to get,” said McFee.
“Time is the only thing that helps us heal. But when you lose two of your own, it’s not something you ever forget,” he added.
The two officers were murdered on March 16, 2023. McFee thanked the Alberta government for expediting the naming ceremony to bring it within proximity to the anniversary of the officers’ deaths.
Constable Jordan was 35 years old and an 8.5-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service. Constable Ryan was 30 years old and had been with the Edmonton police for 5.5 years.
The last Edmonton city police officer killed before Constable Ryan and Constable Jordan was Constable Daniel Woodall in June 2015.
33,622 top-earning Ontario public servants joined the “Sunshine List” last year
Over 30,000 people have joined Ontario’s annual sunshine list detailing public sector employees with salaries over $100,000
Top earners included those in healthcare, municipal governments and post-secondary institutions.
Topping the list is Ken Hartwick, president and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, with an annual salary surpassing $1.9 million.
The top five earners are all executives from OPG.
As for the presidents and CEOs of the Hospital for Sick Children and University Health Network, Ronald Cohn and Kevin Smith – each earned salaries in the mid-$800,000 range.
This year, the sunshine list expanded to feature 300,570 names, marking a significant increase from last year when it was 266,948.
Meanwhile, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster made $838,097 in 2023. Ontario Pension Board president and CEO Mark Fuller pulled in $826,539.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford had the same salary as last year, when it was reported to be $208,974.
However, Ford’s chief of staff, Patrick Sackville, wound up with $324,000.
Ontari’s leader of the opposition, NDP Leader Marit Stiles, claimed a salary of $174,950.
Ontario Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore reported substantial earnings, to the tone of $464,148.
The Ontario government has faced questions on whether it plans on raising the earning threshold required by public servants to be included in the list, citing inflation.
The Sunshine List was introduced in 1996. An income of $100,000 for that year would be more than $180,000 in 2024 if inflation were included in the calculation. However, government house leader Paul Calandra shut down the idea.
“I think that it’s an important document that serves the people well in highlighting the salaries of public employees,” said Calandra.
Other high earners included Toronto’s city manager ($417,216), the Chief of Peel Region police ($423,050), and Toronto Transit Commission CEO Rick Leary ($562,325).
