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Apr 4 2024

Interference losses. Biden’s protests. Journalism profits : The Roundup

Apr 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.
Canada
Foreign interference led to loss of some Conservative seats in 2021 election, O'Toole alleges
Former Canadian Conservative leader Erin O'Toole told the foreign interference inquiry on Wednesday that he and his party did not lose the 2021 general election because of China foreign intereference -- but as many as nine of his party's candidates did. One of those was former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu. The Prime Minister all but dismissed their testimony. [Global National]
Kenny Chiu said his team began noticing weeks before the election that Chinese language social media labelled him as a “race traitor" [National Post]
New documents paint a clearer picture of what former Liberal MP Han Dong allegedly discussed with a Chinese diplomat over the “Two Michaels” detentions. [Global]
As part of the cross-country pre-budget tour, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to add $15B to the apartment loan construction program.  [Global]
From the Provinces
The Alberta government says it has "deep concerns" and not enough information about a $6-billion federal housing announcement made Tuesday. [Global]
The protest over COVID-19 pandemic health restrictions ground traffic through Alberta’s main border crossing with Montana to a halt for more than two weeks in 2022. [Global]
N.B.'s public safety minister said the bill would force people with severe drug addiction into treatment if they are not in a mental state to make that decision voluntarily. [Global]
Elsewhere
Why Trump events aren't drawing protesters and what it means for Biden
Donald Trump has routinely faced protesters as a candidate eight years ago and during his presidency. No longer. In a twist, it’s now President Joe Biden who is facing a sustained protest movement, largely by those furious over the administration’s support for Israel in its war against Hamas. [AP]
Private money to fund elections will be banned in Wisconsin after voters approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday put forward by Republicans in reaction to grants received in 2020 that were funded by donations from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Zuck's money was not supporting a candidate or party, it was just supporting free and fair elections. Republicans opposed.  [AP]

Campaigns and advocacy groups may spend up to $17 billion on political ads for the 2024 elections. Many will focus on local and personal angles. [NPR Marketplace]

Voters in Kuwait are heading to the polls to elect new members of parliament as political disputes in recent years have created a deadlock between the National Assembly and the ruling family. Thursday’s election is the first under the new emir, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad Al Sabah, 83, who took over in December after the death of his half-brother, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Sabah. [Al Jazeera]
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Media
A new kind of activist journalism: Hunterbrook investigates corporations (and hopes to make bank trading off its reporting)
Reporters dig up a story about a publicly traded firm. But before the story runs — and the market moves accordingly — their corporate sibling will buy, short, or otherwise trade the firm’s stock in anticipation of the move. Step 3: Profit! [Nieman Journalism Lab]
Science and Tech
AirTags, GPS trackers can help car thieves, experts say
Canadians need to be aware thieves are using GPS tracking devices like Apple AirTags to steal vehicles, an anti-theft advocate warns. [Global]
An artificial intelligence-powered chatbot meant to help small business owners in New York City has come under fire for dispensing bizarre advice that misstates local policies and advises companies to violate the law. [AP]
The Calendar
  • 1000 ET: 225A West Block - Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) | Meeting  112 - Report 1, ArriveCAN, of the 2024 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada
  • 1030 ET: Winnipeg - GPC MP Elizabeth  May meets with La Société de la francophonie manitobaine.
  • 1115 ET: Winnipeg - PM Trudeau , Housing and Infrastructure Min Sean Fraser and Northern Affairs Min Dan Vandal make a housing announcement.
  • 1130 ET: Toronto - Deputy PM and Fin Min Chrystia Freeland speaks about Budget 2024
  • 1215 ET: Ottawa - Families and Social Development Min Jenna Sudds and Acting Govt House Leader Steven MacKinnon make a housing announcement.
  • 1230 ET: Whitby, ON - FEDDEV Min Filomena Tassi and LPC MP Ryan Turnbull make a housing announcement.
  • 1230 ET: Halifax - Public Services and Procurement Min Jean-Yves Duclos , Natural Resources Min Jonathan Wilkinson and Women and Gender Equality Min Marci Ien make a housing announcement.
  • 1300 ET: Vancouver - PACIFICCan Min Harjit Sajjan and Sport MIn Carla Qualtrough speak about Budget 2024.
  • 1300 ET: Quebec City - Transport Min Pablo Rodriguez and Tourism Min Soraya Martinez Ferrada speak about Budget 2024
  • 1300 ET: Edmonton - Employment Min Randy Boissonnault makes a housing announcement.
  • 1300 ET: Winnipeg - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh joins workers on a picket line.
  • 1330 ET: Calgary, AB - Treasury Board President Anita Anand speaks about housing.
  • 1600 ET: Winnipeg - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh meets with Premier Wab Kinew.
  • 2100 ET: Campbell River, BC - Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre speak to supporters
Issued this day ...
… in 1955: Sc #252: Wildlife: Musk Ox. Design: Emanuel Otto Hahn

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