On Monday, Ontario trucker Harold Jonker received four criminal charges for his involvement in the Freedom Convoy. The charges include one count of mischief, one count of intimidation by blocking or obstructing a highway, and two counts of counsel for an uncommitted, indictable offence. In an interview with True North’s Andrew Lawton, Jonker describes his reaction to receiving the charges, 15 months after the protests ended.
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A government funded classical music festival in Quebec has tapped children’s drag show performer Barbada de Barbades as an official spokesperson for its 94th edition.
Barbada is the drag personification of elementary school teacher Sebastien Potvin. He has been doing story hours for young children since 2016, as previously reported by True North.
His appointment as Festival des harmonies et orchestres symphoniques du Québec spokesperson comes amid an ongoing debate in the province about whether drag shows for kids should be funded by taxpayers and held in libraries, schools and daycares.
Festival director Claudine Roussel told Radio Canada, “the message that is carried by (the drag queen) is the message that our young people send us.”
“We were looking at the 1929 photo of the first Festival where there are only men. There was an evolution that took place, and this evolution has brought us to where we are today. We are extremely proud to carry this message of diversity.”
Meanwhile, the drag performer said, “We must continue… because what we do is perfectly in line with Quebec’s values of inclusion, openness and diversity.”
The artist will perform two drag queen story hours for children at the festival, in addition to participating in a workshop and an award ceremony.
The music festival recently received $55,500 from the Quebec Government. Other sponsors and partners include the City of Sherbrooke, the University of Sherbrooke, Desjardins Bank and Yamaha Canada.
Last month, the Quebec National Assembly adopted a motion from the left-wing Quebec Solidaire (QS) party that denounced opposition to drag shows for kids – sparking a debate on the issue.
Conservative Party of Quebec leader Eric Duhaime, who is openly gay, said taxpayers should not be funding these events. He launched a petition titled “Protect Our Children” that calls on governments to cease all funding for drag shows for children and respect parental consent.
Multiple prominent Quebec media figures, including columnists and radio hosts, have also spoken out against the presence of drag queens in libraries, schools and daycares – with some saying the latter is sexual, and others implying that drag queens are caricatures of women.
When asked about the classical music festival’s choice of spokesperson, Duhaime told True North, “the concern I have and the concern that many other Quebecers have is that it’s gonna be funded again by taxpayers.”
Duhaime added that platforming Potvin’s drag persona is also “not acceptable” from the perspective of a parent “who doesn’t want to expose their kids to such things.”
Potvin’s drag queen story hours are meant for kids three to six years old, but says, “younger children are welcome.” The artist has also been the host of a Radio-Canada children’s music show – and has made videos introducing children to gender ideology.
In an exclusive interview with True North last summer, Potvin defended his actions – claiming the drag queen story hours he does are age-appropriate.
“It’s important (for children) to see and understand and know… any type of art, any type of job… especially in a world where they will be living with so many different people from so many different views,” said Potvin.
He added that if children are not exposed to drag queens in a “family friendly” manner, they will eventually be exposed to regular, more mature forms of drag. “If I don’t do it, you know, be in a very respectful way for the kids… they’re gonna learn anyways,” said Potvin. “They’re gonna see stuff on TV. They’re gonna see stuff online, they’re gonna see stuff on Instagram.”
The Festival des harmonies et orchestres symphoniques du Québec takes place May 18-21 in the town of Sherbrooke.
Neither the festival or Potvin’s agent responded to True North’s request for comment in time for publication.
The Liberals have offered up amendments to their sweeping firearms legislation, Bill C-21. The new changes will outsource firearms classifications to a committee rather than codifying the Liberals’ ban on specific models. However, firearms advocates point out that this doesn’t protect law abiding gun owners. Rod Giltaca of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights joins The Andrew Lawton Show to weigh in.
Also, despite the Public Order Emergency Commission vindicating Justin Trudeau, there are still legal challenges of the Emergencies Act underway. Christine Van Geyn of the Canadian Constitution Foundation joins to discuss the “last guardrail of accountability” and her article in the C2C Journal, which you can read here.
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UCP candidates Brian Jean and Rebecca Schulz have unveiled two independent reports revealing that Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley’s plan to mandate a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 is the most expensive promise in Alberta political history.
The reports in question come from independent econometrics firm Navius Research and Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).
Both reports found that if Notley could meet her 2035 target, the cost to Alberta’s economy and ratepayers would be $87 billion, while power bills for families and businesses would increase by 40% more than they otherwise would.
Jean said the plan is unrealistic and “dangerous” to the long-term health and viability of Alberta’s economy.
“Everyone from moms and dads to business owners to farmers would bear the brunt of this reckless policy commitment that comes straight from the desk of Justin Trudeau,” he said at an announcement on Wednesday.
“Notley doesn’t want you to know how much this will cost. Notley probably doesn’t care how much it will cost, because the NDP always seems to never remember that it’s your money.”
Notley committed to moving the province’s electricity grid to net-zero by 2035 ahead of the NDP’s weekend convention in June 2021.
In response to the reports, Notley said the “so-called” study is “flawed in many different ways.” For example, she said the study overestimates the cost of renewable energy by up to 100% and that her party is hearing from industry that they can get it done.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all that Danielle’s message is out there saying it can’t be done,” she said.
“And quite frankly, under her leadership, that is probably true.”
AESO pegged the power generation part of the pledge at $52 billion. Navius Research found that the opportunity cost to the economy would add a further $35 billion between now and 2035, for a total cost of $87 billion.
According to a UCP press release, the plan also means that Alberta will need to shut down or retrofit most of its natural gas power plants that generate the vast majority of electricity for the province. The UCP said the reliability of Alberta’s electricity grid would be compromised because of the drastic shift, leading to potential “brownouts” caused by inconsistent power supply.
In 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he will mandate Canada’s electricity grid be net zero by 2035.
Schulz said Notley is signing onto Trudeau’s unreasonable policies ahead of looking after Alberta families and businesses.
“Rachel Notley says economy and affordability is an issue that matters, but just like the last time, her plan will threaten Alberta’s prosperity and will put additional costs on Albertans,” she said.
Last month, the UCP released an aspirational environmental plan which aspires to carbon neutrality by 2050.
The plan was outlined by Environment Minister Sonya Savage, who said it didn’t contain “random targets” because the government is still studying what’s achievable.
“We have an aspiration to get to net zero,” she said. “Albertans want results, they don’t necessarily want targets and especially targets that aren’t aren’t achievable.”
A Dynalife employee is accusing the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSSA) of misrepresenting United Conservative Party leader Danielle Smith to push Alberta NDP talking points and a “self-serving agenda.”
Kari Chatten, who’s paid union dues to the HSAA for over 20 years, sent her union execs an email saying she feels the need to educate them because they are portraying “one side” of the debate on Alberta’s health care crisis in communication to union members.
Chatten said the union should be non-partisan and give the best political information, meaning to fairly represent both the UCP and NDP platforms and allow members to choose freely “without interference from you.”
“You have been so biased with your attack ads and your member emails by taking a partial comment from Danielle Smith and putting that in your ad so that it is taken out of context,” she wrote.
“You are not showing both sides of the current situation AT ALL. Why would you not just present ALL the facts and allow your members to decide how they feel about things?”
HSAA is a trade union which represents approximately 29,800 members. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment from True North.
One recent HSAA email to union members accused Smith of pushing “dangerous for-profit health care, instead of real solutions to the crisis.” The union said Dynalife is an example of the “harms of privatization” with patients reporting long waits since the company took over.
“The UCP government and Dynalife promised faster patient care and a more stable workforce, but Albertans are getting neither,” the email alleged.
In her response, Chatten said the union is not accurately portraying the situation with Dynalife. The company has only just stepped in to fix a disaster created long ago, she wrote.
“Dynalife took over 5 months ago. What the heck are you expecting?”
She also noted that HSAA has represented Dynalife employees in Edmonton for years, “yet all of a sudden, now, Dynalife is an evil private company.”
Chatten went on to debunk several Alberta NDP attack lines that she said had been repeated by union communication. She said Smith isn’t pushing for for-profit health care and she won’t charge Albertans for a visit to a family doctor.
Chatten also pointed out that under Notley, Albertans were paying $40 a day for a mental health addiction bed. Those charges were dropped under the UCP.
She further wrote that HSAA is “fear mongering” about American-style health care because the Canadian constitution protects health related values and access to medically necessary services.
“Also, we have had many private services for many years,” she continued. “For example, you can pay to get an MRI privately if you have the means. This, in reality, frees up spaces for the people who are unable to pay out of pocket. How is that not beneficial?”
And Chatten said EMS began to crumble when the government took over 10-15 years ago. Smith is the “only premier who has begun to address the fractured system” and can’t be expected to fix what has been broken for decades in six short months, she said.
“The agenda you are pushing is completely self-serving and I sure hope that your members start seeing the charade if they don’t already,” Chatten wrote.
“I have many co-workers who use their brains to think and are onto the programming being carried out by HSAA.”
Toronto mayoral candidate Anthony Furey, who is currently on leave as True North’s vice-president of editorial and content, has been receiving high-profile endorsements from prominent figures.
Last week, Furey was able to gain the endorsement of renowned psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson for his bid to become mayor of Toronto in the June 26 by-election.
In a series of Twitter posts, Dr. Peterson announced his pleasure that Furey entered the by-election for Toronto’s mayoralty, giving Furey his unqualified support.
“I’ve been very happy to see the entrance of @anthonyfurey into the race for mayor of Toronto, and would like to express my unqualified support for his campaign. Let’s get the joint jumping,” wrote Peterson to his Twitter audience of over 4 million.
Dr. Peterson went on to slam the race’s frontrunner Olivia Chow, implying that if elected mayor, she would take Toronto in the direction of big American cities like New York and Chicago which are known for being plagued with high crime and gang violence.
Furey has been a vocal supporter of Dr. Peterson’s right to free speech, slamming left-wing protesters who attempted to pressure the Ottawa City Council into cancelling a January 2023 event of his.
Furey was also able to attract the endorsement of award-winning realtor Frank Leo, as the mayoral candidate announced his plan to can the land transfer tax for first-time home buyers.
Weidong Pei, a Toronto District School Board trustee for Ward 12 also placed his support behind Furey, urging his constituents that “Anthony is the only candidate with a plan that will address the drug/crime crisis.”
Furey attracted the support of Canadian celebrity chef Mark McEwan, telling his followers that he trusts Anthony to solve Toronto’s problems and clean up the city.
Former Liberal MP and President of Canadians for Affordable Energy Dan McTeague wrote multiple tweets indicating his support in favour of Furey’s campaign.
Furey isn’t the only candidate receiving high-profile endorsements.
Candidates are trying to keep up with former deputy mayor Ana Bailão, as she has received an impressive list of endorsements, including sitting Liberal MPs Gary Anandasangaree, Salma Zahid, and James Maloney, previous mayors of Toronto, city councillors and local union chapters.
A Freedom Convoy trucker has been told to turn himself into the Ottawa Police Service as he awaits four criminal charges.
Plus, as Toronto’s candidates for mayor cris-cross the city announcing their plans to combat surging crime and make Toronto safer, Olivia Chow has yet to announce an anti-crime platform.
And CSIS has confirmed that Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family were targeted by the Communist Chinese regime.
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A dedicated acknowledgement for black students, staff and faculty urging them “be unapologetically Black” is being added to some email signatures at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
As reported by Quillette journalist Jonathan Kay, the ‘Black acknowledgement’ comes in addition to an Indigenous land acknowledgement.
“To Our Black Students, Staff and Faculty: You are seen, you belong, you are beautiful, you are building a legacy, your history matters, be unapologetically Black, your existence matters, you are resilient, you are valued, your presence on campus matters, you are creative, you are innovative, you are brilliant, you matter,” reads the email signature of a UBC academic officer.
When asked about the matter, UBC spokesperson Matthew Ramsey told True North that “faculty, staff and students are free to include acknowledgements of their choosing in their email signatures” and that “there is no directive from the university to include them or not.”
The university’s email signature generator lists acknowledgements, as well as First Nations territories and gender pronouns as non-mandatory fields.
As pointed out by Kay, the phrase used by UBC faculty to acknowledge Black people in email signatures is seen in the “Blackness” section of the President’s “Task Force on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence” Final Report, which was released in January 2022.
In the same report, UBC’s Blackness Committee recommended the creation of designated spaces for black students, race-based preferential hiring of black scholars, a definition for “racist microaggressions” and an “anti-racism” office.
The committee noted that it recognized and acknowledged “its positionality and privilege as uninvited guests” on Indigenous territories, amid it “trying to understand what it means to embark on the work of addressing anti-Black racism while located on stolen lands.”
It also said that discussions “were triggering and raw as committee members recounted deeply personal experiences of anti-Blackness, of navigating daily microaggressions, and of anti-Black racism and the ensuing trauma.”
In addition to publishing the “Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence” Final Report in 2022, UBC published a communications style guide that says the term “Black” needs to be capitalized when referring to black people or culture, but “white” needs to be lowercase when referring to white people or culture.
The latter is in line with the Associated Press (AP) style guide. The organization notes that “white people, in general, have much less shared history and culture, and don’t have the experience of being discriminated against because of skin colour.”
“White people’s skin colour plays into systemic inequalities and injustices, and we want our journalism to robustly explore those problems,” adds AP. “Capitalizing the term white, as is done by white supremacists, risks subtly conveying legitimacy to such beliefs.”
North American colleges and universities are plagued with wokeness, amid institutions embracing an “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” (EDI) agenda.
EDI has earned criticism from black and racialized scholars – including renowned American Ivy League scholar Dr. Carol Swain.
True North’s Elie Cantin-Nantel, who runs the Campus Watch series, spoke with Dr. Swain about how the equity agenda is negatively impacting academia, and why merit in education is paramount. They also discussed the rise in woke racial segregation taking place on campuses.
Dr. Swain is an award-winning political scientist, a former professor of political science and law at Vanderbilt University, and a former associate professor of politics and public policy at Princeton University. She is also the author of several books.
The US has finally announced it will end its vaccine requirement for foreign nationals entering the country as of next week.
Officials said Monday the mandate would end by the end of day on May 11 for international air travellers, federal contractors, and federal employees.
The White House said its vaccine requirements bolstered vaccination across the nation while its “broader vaccination campaign has saved millions of lives.”
“While vaccination remains one of the most important tools in advancing the health and safety of employees and promoting the efficiency of workplaces, we are now in a different phase of our response when these measures are no longer necessary,” a White House statement reads.
It further said the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Homeland Security will “start the process to end their vaccination requirements for … certain noncitizens at the land border.”
“In the coming days, further details related to ending these requirements will be provided.”
Canada ended its requirement for proof of Covid-19 vaccination for all travellers last October.
Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins, whose district includes a Canada-US border, said the White House confirmed to him that the mandate will be lifted for Canadians crossing at the land border. In a press release, he said three years of barriers to cross-border travel has kept families apart and impeded economic recovery.
“While long overdue, this last lifting of pandemic restrictions is certainly welcome news and critically important as we seek opportunities to encourage a robust cross-border exchange that delivers shared prosperity.”
