As the World Economic Forum annual meeting kicks off in Davos, Switzerland, a large group of far-left protesters began their trek to the alpine resort village to voice grievances ranging from anti-Israel complaints to demands for climate justice.
The protesters, who belong to various movements such as Strike WEF, Young Socialists Switzerland and Group for a Switzerland without an army, are expected to join a demonstration in central Davos on Sunday afternoon.
Strike WEF has circumvented a ban on demonstrations on the main road to Davos and embarked on a hike from the nearby town of Klosters using backroads.
The group says it is protesting against the “global elite” who attend the WEF and their role in perpetuating inequality, fascism and ecological destruction.
They also express solidarity with various causes such as the Israel-Hamas war, LGBTQ rights and Antifa.
Strike WEF posted photos of the march on Instagram. Protesters headed for Davos carried signs reading “fuck capitalism” and “there is no justice in capitalism.”
Another video clip showed protesters chanting “free, free Palestine” while holding a banner that reads “no climate justice on occupied land.”
On social media, the group posted photos showing them carrying Pride and Palestinian flags.
The WEF, which brings together political, business and civil society leaders from around the world, is expected to see hundreds of delegates speak under the theme of “Rebuilding Trust.”
True North will provide on-the-ground exclusive coverage for the entire duration of the World Economic Forum.
The Swiss authorities have deployed a heavy security presence in and around Davos, with up to 5,000 military personnel authorized by parliament to assist the local police. They have also set up checkpoints and barricades to prevent unauthorized access to the conference venue.
\Among the high-profile attendees of this year’s WEF are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron.
Despite Canada’s long history as a pluralistic and multiethnic society, challenges in the 21st century related to immigration policy have led to questions about economic impact, infrastructure capacity, and cultural friction. Macdonald-Laurier Institute domestic policy director Aaron Wudrick joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss the need for an honest and robust conversation about the future of Canadian immigration policy.
Open displays of anti-Jewish hate marred this past holiday season, while rising social and political tensions continue to cast a dark shadow over the new year for Canada’s Jewish community.
Last week, a Jewish-owned deli International Delicatessen Foods was set on fire, with the words “free Palestine” spray painted on its doors, while other Jewish-owned businesses have been swarmed or vandalised since Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israeli civilians.
“The concern that we have right now isn’t just about the disruption or the hateful words, the property damage or graffiti intended to intimidate, it’s about what comes next,” said Noah Shack, vice-president of countering antisemitism and hate for UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.
“Past experiences of antisemitism are top of mind for the community right now and the warning signs from the lead-up to the Holocaust are alarming all of us,” said Shack.
Police have conceded these displays are significant.
“This is not graffiti on a bus shelter. This is not a lawful protest protected by constitutional right. This is a criminal act. It is targeted. It is organised,” Toronto police Staff Supt. Pauline Gray told reporters at the scene of the fire.
The targeting of Jewish-owned businesses is particularly distressing for the Jewish community as it was a pogrom used by the Nazis in the years leading up to the genocide of European Jews during World War II.
“The words painted across the doors of the deli make clear the link to the protests,” said Shack.
In the last few weeks, an Israeli flag was ripped outside of a home in Mission, B.C.;
a vehicle displaying an Israeli flag was vandalised in Toronto, and; demonstrators stormed malls full of Christmas shoppers to protest a store’s ad campaign and disrupted skating parties organised by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
“Everyone is afraid that people are going to get hurt,” said Shack. “These protests that we’re seeing in our city are not just being disruptive, but targeting Jewish people in largely residential Jewish neighbourhoods, even referring to these neighbourhoods in Canada as an infestation,” he said.
Weekly pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been taken place at the Avenue Road overpass over Highway 401, near an area with a large Jewish community.
In a press release Thursday morning, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the demonstrations that had been taking place on the bridge had escalated, becoming more confrontational, and posing a threat to the public and officers.
“Hate and intimidation can have no space in our city and we have been unwavering in our commitment to restore the sense of public safety, and not tolerate behaviour that crosses the line to criminal activity,” said Demkiw.
“Moving forward, demonstrations or the congregation of individuals on the Avenue Road overpass will not be permitted. People can expect to be arrested if necessary,” said Demkiw in the statement.
Since the events in the Middle East began, Demkiw said that there had been an unprecedented 308 protests and demonstrations across the city, and Toronto police have arrested 54 people and laid 117 charges.
Over the week-end, Toronto police arrested and charged a 41 year-old-man, after he allegedly marched in the city’s downtown area waving a flag of an organisation listed as a terrorist group by Public Safety Canada.
“Hateful, slogans, and hateful messages that are being communicated as part of these protests don’t call for policy change on the part of the government of Israel or from Canada, but are directed at Jewish people,” said Shack.
There are other methods that demonstrators can use to communicate their concerns, said Shack. “The Avenue Road overpass is a long way from consulates in downtown Toronto, which are more effective places to protest and get a message across without targeting Jewish residents.”
The Canadian Constitution Foundation is offering a new online course about Canada’s constitution and the right to freedom of expression to all members of the public for free, according to the constitutional rights group’s website.
“Freedom of expression is fundamentally important to the functioning of democracy and requires a strong understanding by the citizenry. It is through freedom of expression that we define the contours of all our other rights. Without these guarantees, governments would be free to act unopposed, and their policies, including unjust policies, would be uncontested,” said executive director Joanna Baron.
The course involves a series of video lectures followed by quizzes. Once the course is complete, students will receive a personalized digital certificate, which can be shared and printed.
The course was created by some of Canada’s leading constitutional lawyers and scholars, who collaborated over the last several months, the Canadian Constitution Foundation said.
The organization said topics include “the constitutional framework for freedom of expression political expression, compelled speech, the philosophical underpinnings of freedom of expression, major freedom of expression cases on issues from hate speech to defamation to pornography, as well as unexplored areas of freedom of expression, including the rights to thought, belief and opinion as well as press freedom.”
The Canadian Constitution Foundation is a registered charity that aims to defend Canadians’ constitutional rights and freedoms in courts of law and public opinion. One of its higher profile cases is a challenge against the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act to address the Freedom Convoy.
Baron said there is a constitutional literacy problem in Canada, which she hopes the course will address.
“Without an understanding of how our constitution functions and how our rights are guaranteed, Canadians are poorly positioned to protect themselves against government overreach,” she said. “There is a lot of misunderstanding about our constitution and the right to freedom of expression, and public education is a core part of our mandate. That’s why we created this free course.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was questioned about the government’s failure to heed the warning of public servants that immigration had long since outpaced the housing supply at a press conference on Thursday.
Freeland was speaking at Toronto’s Canary Landing, a recently constructed rental community downtown, to speak about the Liberal’s new plans to alleviate the housing crisis.
“The job is getting done,” said Freeland in her opening statement about the government’s plans to incentivise construction on new housing, “and it’s being done in a way to really transform lives and build communities.”
“We can now tell you that more than 500,000 Canadians … have now opened a tax-free first home savings account, and that account only became available in the spring. So that is more than half a million Canadians who are one step closer to getting those first keys of their own,” continued Freeland.
Chrystia Freeland is asked why the Trudeau government didn’t lower immigration levels when it had been warned that housing levels could not keep up with immigration growth. pic.twitter.com/Itiz93CvRs
CBC reporter Simon Dingley then questioned her about why the Trudeau government ignored warnings from an analysis conducted by public servants over two years ago regarding the effects record-high levels of immigration would have on housing affordability.
“As a country, Canada is probably the country in the world which is the most welcoming of new Canadians,” responded Freeland.
“That is a huge economic strength. It is a real driver of our country’s economic growth … at a time when all of the industrialized countries in the world are facing huge demographic challenges, we are extremely fortunate … that we have the social capacity to welcome immigrants.”
“If we want to be a country that welcomes new Canadians — and I strongly believe that’s the right thing for all of us — we have to build more homes faster. And that’s one of the reasons I’m here. Our government is totally committed to getting more homes built for Canadians,” she added.
Canadian Press reporter Nojoud Al Mallees responded to her answer by asking about “tempering demand” in the housing market by lowering what are currently record-high immigration levels.
“I think it’s important for us … to recognize the really positive role that immigration plays for our country,” answered Freeland, skirting the question.
She went on to say that immigration is a strength for Canada’s economy and that it’s important that housing construction matches its pace.
“For immigration to work as a Canadian economic strategy, we have to make sure housing supply keeps up,” said Freeland. “And I do think we have to be sure that our immigration system is working as intended.”
Source: 1 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Visits 10th CAB
The latest issue of the Canadian Military Journal has dedicated a significant portion of its coverage to concepts such as critical race theory and critiques of “whiteness” within the military, with articles such as “‘I’m Not Your Typical White Soldier’” and “Supporting Military Families: Challenging or Reinforcing Patriarchy?” Veteran and author Tom Marazzo and Veterans 4 Freedom president Drew MacGillivray joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss.
This week on the Alberta Roundup with Rachel Emmanuel, Rachel discusses some of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s plans to continue addressing the healthcare crisis in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton police are warning of gang activity in homeless encampments, and the UCP government is once again coming under fire for a deal it made last year to procure children’s medication from a Turkish manufacturer.
Finally, it’s hard to believe with all this snow, but do you know Alberta is facing a possible drought this spring?
A federal government event meant to honour bureaucrats has cost taxpayers nearly half a million dollars over the past decade, new documents reveal. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Alberta director Kris Sims joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss the concerning use of public funds, and the need for greater transparency in government spending.
Perjury, witness intimidation and obstruction of justice are among allegations the defence team for detective Helen Grus levelled at senior Ottawa Police Service personnel during week three of her disciplinary hearing, which adjourned on Thursday afternoon in Stittsville, Ont. but could stretch well into the year.
“Provided there’s not a mistrial for intimidation of a witness,” remarked Grus’ co-counsel Blair Ector, who had just filed a criminal incident report with Ottawa police against a senior Professional Standards Unit inspector for alleged witness intimidation.
Just as Grus was to testify in her own defence Wednesday afternoon, Ector announced to the tribunal that his client had received a suspect communication earlier in the day.
“It’s come to my attention today that Inspector Hugh O’Toole sent an email to my client stating that she cannot rely on any (Ottawa Police Service) documents,” said Ector, noting O’Toole had a law degree.
“That is witness tampering. That is intimidation. That is obstruction. This tribunal should be outraged. I am outraged.”
Exasperated that tribunal officer Chris Renwick denied his attempts to speak about O’Toole’s offending email, table it as evidence or even allow a brief statement on the matter, Ector, co-counsel Bath-Sheba van den Berg, and Grus stood together and faced Renwick.
“I am a witness of a crime and I’m filing a police report right now,” said Ector before the trio turned and exited the hearing room, conveniently located at the Ottawa police’s Huntmar Dr. detachment.
Grus stands accused of discreditable conduct, which hinges on alleged Ottawa Police Service policy violations she committed in her probe of a possible link between COVID shots and sudden infant deaths in the region.
Related activities have been described by prosecutors as an “unsanctioned…quality control project,” including allegations that she interfered in ongoing investigations by seeking the COVID vaccination status of the related mothers.
Throughout 14 hearing days to date, Renwick has ruled more often in favour of Stewart and the Ottawa police, in so doing suppressing seemingly key pieces of evidence like related autopsy reports and a notebook containing Grus’ last entry before she was suspended in February 2022 – items her lawyers argue could prove exculpatory.
This pattern of denying evidentiary disclosure reached new levels this week as Stewart insisted that Grus cannot use generic Ottawa police policy documents and job descriptions for her defence without express permission. In the coming weeks, Renwick must decide whether Grus can access such documents; he must also rule on a separate defence motion to have Stewart removed from the case for alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
Buckling under the weight of these legal maneuvers, at points Renwick admitted that he was overwhelmed by adjudicating this administrative law matter now rife with constitutional implications. Renwick also lost his cool when the defence accused a police witness of committing perjury during his testimony, and ordered Grus’ lawyers to refrain from such accusations.
On Tuesday, Renwick threw in the towel on proceedings 30 minutes early stating he had to “end it here for today…I’m suffering from fatigue and I’m challenged in giving direction in running this hearing.”
Remarks like these from Renwick prompted van den Berg to remind the retired police superintendent that he had the opportunity to hire independent legal counsel to assist in managing the tribunal, but declined.
“I have a vast amount of experience in policing, but I’m not a lawyer. You as trained counsel have much more experience in these matters,” Renwick explained to participants during one legal impasse. “I feel like more of a referee function.”
Prior to the tribunal’s resumption on Monday Jan. 8, Renwick ruled in Nov. 2023 to deny all of Grus’ proposed expert witnesses, including three medical doctors whose statements indicate Grus’ concern about vaccines billed as safe and effective by public health officials was reasonable.
Family physician Gregory Chan noted in a questionnaire provided by the defence that COVID vaccines were not sufficiently tested, that a patient of his suffered a “chronological” stillbirth two months after receiving a COVID shot and the overall “lack of safety information generates questions/concerns.”
Pediatric neurology specialist Dr. Eric Payne’s expert statement also notes the dearth of safety data, particularly for pregnant women and babies.
“Pregnant women and babies less than six months of age have been excluded from all of the clinical trials. We also know that the spike protein product of these genetic vaccines can circulate widely throughout one’s body, including the reproductive organs, brain and heart (and)… has been found to distribute through breastmilk,” he wrote. He also indicated Grus was “astute” in her questioning and that there was “solid scientific and medical support for her inquiries.”
Though Renwick also denied retired Ottawa police Staff Sgt. Major Peter Danyluk the opportunity to appear as an expert witness for the defence, in a rare victory for Grus, Renwick allowed Danyluk to appear as a lay witness. He testified this week.
Danyluk, a retired member of both the Canadian Armed Forces and more recently the Ottawa Police Service, testified that he co-wrote the force’s ethics manual and in his expert statement indicated that he did not agree with the charge against detective Grus. He also testified that Grus had told him about her vaccine inquiries. He described her actions as “fact-finding” in nature and didn’t see anything amiss.
“She wasn’t asking my permission, she was just bouncing ideas off me like ‘I’ve seen the statistical anomaly.’ I think she said it was double the amount of SIDS (year-over-year 2020-21),” recalled Danyluk of their conversation.
“It’s so basic, it didn’t raise any red flags for me.”
In other testimony, Danyluk described Grus as “rational” and “articulate” and said that others who spoke about the detective, then part of the sex assault and child abuse unit, “had nothing but extraordinary things to say about her, her work ethic, her integrity, her honour.”
Before Renwick adjourned proceedings on Thursday afternoon, he agreed with Stewart’s motion to impose 14-day timelines for introducing new motions to the tribunal as well as a seven-day period for lawyers to respond.
Van den Berg described these new rules, introduced late in the proceedings, as financially onerous for Grus and would likely delay the disciplinary tribunal even further. It’s been almost 18 months since Grus was charged with discreditable conduct. While she was originally suspended with pay, the Ottawa Police Service has since brought her back as a detective in the robbery unit.
If Grus is found guilty, she could face demotion or termination.
Correction: This article originally said Grus was suspended without pay when she had been suspended with pay. It has been updated.
Alberta’s social services minister is slamming the Edmonton mayor’s planned declaration of a homelessness emergency as a “political stunt.”
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi called for a special city council meeting on Monday, saying he wants to declare a citywide housing and homelessness emergency.
The day after Sohi’s announcement, Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community, and Social Services Jason Nixon said Edmonton and Calgary shelters have have more than enough space and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
He denounced Sohi’s rhetoric as having “no value.”
Sohi wrote in an essay that the number of people falling into homelessness exceeds the capacity of the system, claiming Edmonton has seen a 68% increase in the number of people seeking housing services between 2019 and 2022, but the number of people placed in housing only increased by 7%.
Nixon said Sohi’s comments are harmful as they could discourage homeless people from seeking refuge.
“This is dangerous for anybody to imply that there is not adequate space for somebody to get warm on a day when it is -40. If it causes one person not to go in and get help because they think there is no adequate space to get help and that person loses their life, that is completely and utterly unacceptable,” said Nixon.
Nixon announced during a Friday press conference that the province would provide another $10 million to its 87 housing providers.
Nixon said his department is investing about $100 million in emergency homeless housing this year alone in Edmonton, with similar investments coming in Calgary and other cities across the province.
“I want to be very clear about this. We have more than enough emergency shelter space in the cities of Edmonton and Calgary,” said Nixon. He added that both cities were at 94% capacity last night, during one of the year’s coldest days. Nixon assured that capacity could be increased if necessary.
“Hundreds and hundreds of people slept in our shelter system last night, and they are alive and not frozen to death because they chose to sleep inside that shelter system.”
Nixon also assured that “Nobody will be turned away from an emergency shelter.”
He expressed skepticism about Sohi’s motivations for declaring an emergency.
“The reality is that the mayor of Edmonton made a statement yesterday about declaring an emergency that would have no value,” Nixon said. “It would not change the situation at all. He did so from vacation in Hawaii, a political statement instead of actually bringing forward constructive solutions.”
The situation is worse because city officials have been in meetings with the provincial government for the last several weeks, developing a long-term plan to deal with the encampments in Edmonton, said Nixon.
Sohi said Nixon’s depiction of the shelter situation simply isn’t accurate, however.
“Much of the existing shelter space does not meet the City of Edmonton’s Emergency Shelter Standards. I have also heard directly from people with lived experience who don’t feel safe accessing shelter spaces,” wrote Sohi in his article.
The shelters do not receive funding if they do not meet the province’s standards, explained Nixon.
Nixon said that he had worked with Sohi in the past on housing issues and would continue to stand with him in advocating for fair funding from the federal government. However, he said he would not be attending a meeting with the mayor regarding the call for an emergency.
“It’s a complete political stunt. We’re not interested in that. We’re interested in real action, in helping individuals,” said Nixon. “That’s why we’ve invested more in shelters and affordable housing and rehabilitation facilities than any government in the history of the province.”
If the mayor is interested in coming to the table to do real work, then the province is interested in working with him; however, Nixon said that going through political motions that have no impact is a waste of time.
