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Aug 25 2023

Conservatives convene. Fighting firefighters. The Scowl.

Aug 25, 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
British lord to give keynote at Conservative convention as Poilievre pushes “common people” message
Lord Daniel Hannan, a prominent voice in the Brexit debate, to speak to Canadian Conservatives’ get-together in Quebec City next month. [Global]
Le chef du Parti conservateur du Québec, Éric Duhaime, est l’un des invités attendus au congrès national du Parti conservateur du Canada qui aura lieu à Québec au début septembre. [La Presse]
Paul Wells: A leading Brexiter and a cancelled ex-general. What's up with that? [Substack]

Former health minister Jean-Yves Duclos' relationship with the NDP had 'soured,' says one former NDP staffer, and Mark Holland's relationships with that party will be a strength when it comes time to negotiate things like pharmacare and dental care as part of the supply-and-confidence agreement. [Hill Times]
This article is intended as a primer on the Canada-Southeast Asia relationship, summarizing its complex history, myriad opportunities, and ongoing challenges. It argues that Canada can meet many of its sustainable growth and diversification objectives through effective engagement with Southeast Asia, but Canada must overcome past reputational issues and navigate strategic contradictions in order to harness that potential. [Canadian Foreign Policy Journal]
Experts say the shift from political jabs to "collaborative" talks signals that political leaders are trying to earnestly make progress on an inquiry. [Global]
From the provinces
Firefighters union backed Stefanson's leadership campaign, but supports NDP in upcoming election
The firefighters union that backed Heather Stefanson's Progressive Conservative leadership bid is switching sides, supporting Wab Kinew's NDP, which committed Thursday to hiring 40 firefighters in southwest Winnipeg if elected in the upcoming election. [CBC]
British Columbia's emergency management minister is calling for unity in the fight against the province's wildfires, as she decried people defying evacuation orders to try to defend their properties. [TorStar]

"This is the latest of several decisions that have significantly impacted operational activities in the area," the BC Wildfire Service said in a thread of deleted posts. [Global]
Canada's current wildfire season is devastating evidence of the effects of climate change, scientists say, but for some conspiracy theorists, the thousands of square kilometres of burnt ground isn't enough to convince them. [CP]
Ontario is set to put $160 million toward skills training programs, prioritizing help for people on social assistance and people with criminal records. [TorStar]
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Elsewhere
Scowling Trump mugshot caps historic Georgia surrender in election case
The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted. [Global]

Former President Donald Trump is back on Twitter (now X) more than two years after he was banned from the platform in the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot. [Endgadget]
A booking photo normally reflects gravity, bewilderment or even surprise. That is not the case with some of the former president’s co-defendants. [NYT]
Justin Ling: Tucker says it's coming, Trump says maybe, Vivek says we're already there. [Bug-Eyed and Shameless]

A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment has found that the plane crash presumed to have killed Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was intentionally caused by an explosion. [AP]
Sci/Tech
Meta's Threads website is now live for everyone
People can now sign in, respond to posts, and create their own posts directly from their desktop browsers. You can follow me on Threads and Instagram at davidakin . [ZDNet]

According to a study by UBC Sauder School of Business, people feel threatened by AI art as it challenges their sense of humanity.[UBC Press release]
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Media
A Meta official previously said there is nothing that will alter the company’s plans to permanently remove news content in response to the legislation. [National Post]
The Calendar
  • 800 ET: Fredericton - Women and Gender Equality Min Marci Ien and LPC MP Jenica Atwin make a funding announcement. 
  • 1015 ET: McAdam, NB - LPC MP Jenica Atwin makes a funding announcement. 
  • 1130 ET: Edmonton - Employment Min Randy Boissonnault makes a funding announcement. 
  • 1500 ET: Regina - LPC MP George Chahal makes a funding announcement. 
  • 1900 ET: Vancouver - PM  Trudeau speaks to the Global Environment Facility’s Seventh Assembly.
Issued this day ...
... this day in 1997: Scott # 1657: Canada's Year of Asia Pacific. Design: Ken Fung.

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