Past issues Subscribe

Jan 4 2024

Green bucks. Phone ban. AI button. The Roundup

Jan 4, 2024
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.
Editor's Note: Some of you have written to complain that some of the links here take you to paywalled sites. For what it's worth, I do try and find content that is not paywalled but that is not always possible. That said: I understand most people cannot purchase subs to dozens of different news sites. But there is often an alternative: Speak to a librarian at your local public library as that library most likely offers an assortment of media titles through its own online site. Here in the nation's capital, a free membership card at the Ottawa Public Library can give you free access to, for example, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The Toronto Star -- all of which otherwise require a paid subscription to access content. . - DA
Canada
Canada, allies warn Houthi rebels to stop attacks on shipping vessels in Red Sea
Canada and some of its allies are warning the Houthis that they will bear responsibility for the consequences of their continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea. [CP]
Nearly 60 per cent of Canadians believe Ottawa should balance the budget though many are ready to run bigger deficits so long as the extra money is spent on housing. My latest via an ATIP request ... [Global News]
A small group of leaders of Canadian charities in the environment, conservation, and animal protection sectors are taking home compensation packages equivalent to, and in some cases higher. [CP]
 Un ancien député de la circonscription fédérale de Shefford en Estrie, Réjean Genest, est mort le 26 décembre dernier à l’âge de 77 ans. [La Presse]
From the provinces
Should cell phones be banned in B.C. schools?
Some provinces have placed limits on personal electronic devices in the classroom, and the B.C. government said it's studying the issue. [Global]
Southern Alberta Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton and council made the declaration on Tuesday. [Global]
Quebec Liberal MNAs Marwah Rizqy and Greg Kelley have announced they are having a second child. Rizqy says as a result, she will not seek the Liberal leadership. [Global]
A former Manitoba cabinet minister has denied accusations from colleagues that he attempted to rush an approval of a proposed mining project. [Global]
Elsewhere
India’s tightly controlled agricultural market has left food production highly vulnerable to climate change. Of course, Canadian plulse and grain producers would love to sell more to the Indian market but the way things are with India-Canada relations these days ... [WSJ]
“Advance people” travel ahead of politicians to make sure events and trips run smoothly. Now, a pro from Joe Biden’s team tells all. [Politico]
Media
After almost 45 years in the media business including 35 years at CBC, Susan Marjetti has announced that she is retiring from her role as General Manager of CBC News. [CBC]
Can u spare $5 a month for this newsletter? Click now!
Sci/Tech

"The transition to EVs is completely changing everything," Loren McDonald, an EV consultant, told me. "It's changing the people that automotive companies have to hire and their skills. It's changing their suppliers, their factories, how they assemble and build them. And lots of automakers are struggling with that...." Job cuts are already happening, and more may come — [The Atlantic]
Starting this month, some new personal computers that run Microsoft’s Windows operating system will have a special “Copilot key” that launches the software giant’s AI chatbot. [AP]
The Calendar
  • 1000 ET: 135B West Block - GPC MP Elizabeth May speaks about the Green Party's priorities in 2024.
  • 1130 ET: Marystown, NL - LPC MP Clarence Rogers makes a funding announcement. 
  • 1330 ET: Iqaluit - Housing and Infrastructure Min Sean Fraser makes an infrastructure funding announcement.

Previous Issues

Load More