“Hi,” said the cheery recorded voice. “I’m Erin O’Toole, leader of the official Opposition.” I thought: Sure wish this were a Canada Revenue scam. Nope, it was a robocall, and what’s worse THE CALL WAS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE! Well, no, but it was still scary, given that the partisan message was yet another sign that Canada’s political parties really are gearing up for a federal election this spring, just a year and a half after the last one, which is kind of like the doctor saying: “Hey, I know you’re not really due for a prostate exam, but….”
Virtual Town Hall set for Tonight
SHARE ON: Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor in Parliament. Supplied by Alistair MacGregor.
Fresh off his nomination to run again in the next federal election, Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor is hosting a virtual town hall tonight (Thursday) on the Zoom platform.
MP Peter Julian and BC Nurses Union President Christine Sorenson will join MacGregor to discuss Bill C-213, Canada’s Pharmacare Act.
MacGregor said Canada has the dubious distinction as the only country in the world that doesn’t include medication in its universal health care system.
“To have pharmaceuticals excluded from that for all this time really is a head-scratcher,” said MacGregor. “We think it’s high-time to address this glaring hole. Canadians spend billions of dollars each year on their prescriptions and, for some people, it leads to very difficult decisions.”
Some anonymous online messages urged off-reserve employers to fire First Nations staff if they deal with the public. One woman said a dental appointment was postponed when the office learned she lived on the reserve. Cowichan Tribes has issued a shelter in place order in effect until Jan. 22. Other restrictions include limiting events and putting up barriers regulating access to the reserve. As of Monday, there were 70 confirmed cases, with six classified as recovered, Cowichan Tribes Coun. Stephanie Atleo said in an interview. Some Cowichan Tribes members have faced discrimination when they go out for essentials or are doing their daily business, she said. “Being a member of council, I get those messages so I’m aware that it’s happening.”
The destruction on Wednesday halted the certification of president-elect Joe Biden s victory and led to parts of Capitol Hill being evacuated, as some people inside were ushered into lockdown. Photo via US Capitol / Flickr
Canadian political leaders expressed shock and dismay at events Wednesday in Washington, D.C., as a violent mob loyal to U.S. President Donald Trump paraded through the Capitol building, stealing items and vandalizing property. Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the U.S. must be upheld and it will be.
LANGFORD V2V Black Hops Brewing is a locally owned brewery in the West Shore. It’s an establishment owned by a veteran that’s known for donating a portion of its profits to organizations that help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Now, the brewery is the one that’s in need of help. “You know, I’m looking at potential bankruptcy or filing a consumer proposal if I don’t make this,” said Graham Hafey, owner of V2V Black Hops Brewing in Langford. V2V Black Hops is in jeopardy of having to close its doors for good as it can’t qualify for crucial government COVID-19 relief funding, even though its owners believe it should.