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Jun 15 2023

Brick force. Smith Blocked. Fake Aliens.

Jun 15, 2023
David Akin's Roundup
Clippings of #cdnpoli, #media, and #tech content aimed at those with an interest in Canadian politics and policy. And sometimes Canadian postage stamps.
Canada
Canada missing vital NATO exercise because Air Force is up on bricks
John Ivison: DND said the RCAF was unable to participate because 'many of our aircraft and personnel are currently committed to modernization activities' [National Post]
Accused procuring metals for Syrian missiles that carry chemical agents, the owner of Hournieh & Sons said the allegations were false. [Global]
The federal government refused a request last fall from Canada’s Information Commissioner for additional funding, which she was seeking in order to reduce a backlog of complaints about how Ottawa responds to access to information requests. [Globe and Mail]
The ever-evolving timeline comes as the Conservatives call for Mendicino's resignation over how his office handled the information about Paul Bernardo's transfer. [Global]
The Antonov 124 plane will be the first Russian physical asset captured by Canada under its asset forfeit law, with Ottawa planning to give the plane to Ukraine. [Global]
Ottawa will launch a review of allegations made by a Canadian official who resigned as the bank's communications director, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said. [Global]
The parliamentary budget officer said the total cost to the federal government of building Volkswagen’s first overseas plant is higher than what Ottawa had announced [Global].
The bill was sponsored by Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall, who opposes abortion but said recently the legislation is entirely focused on violence against women. [Global]
Borden-Kinkora MLA Jamie Fox says he is considering a run for the Conservatives in the next federal election. (Malpeque was the long-time fiefdom of Wayne Easter. Easter was succeeded at the 2021 federal election by another former PEI MLA and former PEI finance minister Heath MacDonald.) [SaltWire]
7th Report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women. 
14th Report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
15th Report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
11th Report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs
From the provinces
Alberta Premier decries big tech and government censorship as Facebook account temporarily suspended
Danielle Smith said her Facebook account has been suspended for a "few days." [Global]

Bonnie Crombie outlined a situation to reporters in which she would be open to swapping land out of the Greenbelt, if she eventually becomes premier. [Global]
Nova Scotia Cybersecurity Minister Colton LeBlanc says his department has identified thousands more people affected by a recent global data breach, and this week it is beginning the process of notifying the "most vulnerable" victims of the hack. [CP]
Health Minister Adrian Dix says in a news release that full coverage of the medications will be available to all B.C. residents with an active medical services plan. [Global]
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Elsewhere
What Was Nate Silver’s Data Revolution?
Silver, a former professional poker player, was in the business of measuring probabilities. Many readers mistook him for an oracle. [New Yorker]
EU lawmakers agreed on Wednesday to changes in draft artificial intelligence rules proposed by the European Commission in a bid to set a global standard. [Global
Tom Ginsburg: The former president’s alleged crimes are egregious, and prosecution is an important deterrent. [Persuasion]
Media
Bell Media cuts 1,300 jobs, shutters 6 radio stations
Bell Media cuts 1,300 jobs, shutters 6 radio stations, foreign news bureau, lays off high-profile national reporters in Ottawa and elsewhere. [Global]
An advocacy group that wants the CRTC to ban Fox News says the network's "abusive content" extends beyond its divisive personalities such as recently fired host Tucker Carlson. [CBC]
Tech
Toyota Says Its New Battery Will Double the Range of Current EVs
A solid-state battery coming to electric vehicles in 2028 will be able to go 750 miles and recharge in just 10 minutes, the Japanese carmaker says. [CNET]
They were caught off guard this spring. They’re already planning for the fall. [Chronicle of Higher Education]
The real use of artificial intelligence by municipalities isn't known, say Ontario's privacy commissioner and human rights commission, because there are no reporting requirements. [Global]
A coded message has been sent from a spacecraft orbiting Mars to simulate potential communication from an advanced alien civilisation. [New Scientist]
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Issued this day ...
Issued this day in 1979: Sc 832a pane of 12: Provincial and Territorial Flags. Design: Raymond Bellemare. 

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