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Feb 3 2023

MPs threatened. Excess deaths. Spy balloon:

Feb 3, 2022 - Reminder: This newsletter is still in beta!
David Akin's Roundup
Clippings of #cdnpoli, #media, and #tech content aimed at those with an interest in Canadian politics.
Canada
‘Real-world dangers’: Security memos reveal ‘intensified’ threats facing Canadian MPs
Eight of the assessments obtained by Global News reference the October 2021 slaying of British MP David Amess, who was stabbed to death by a supporter of the Islamic State.

Three Nova Scotia Liberal MPs oppose significant ‘surprise’ riding border changes in their ridings, while New Brunswick Conservative MP John Williamson says the renaming of his is inaccurate and overlooks communities.

La proposition de supprimer la circonscription d’Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia est accueillie plus que froidement par la députée actuelle, Kristina Michaud.

La nouvelle proposition de redécoupage des circonscriptions fédérales, qui soulève l’indignation dans l’Est-du-Québec, suscite aussi son lot de frustrations dans la Capitale-Nationale et Chaudière-Appalaches.
La réaction la plus émotive, dans la région, est venue de Lotbinière sur la Rive-Sud. Les 18 municipalités de cette MRC (actuellement regroupées dans Lévis-Lotbinière) seront désormais séparées dans trois circonscriptions différentes.

Former lieutenant-governor Graydon Nicholas is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to appoint three Indigenous people to fill the three New Brunswick vacancies in the Senate.
From the provinces
Alberta has seen roughly 10,000 'excess' deaths since 2020, and COVID doesn't explain it all
Since the pandemic began, roughly 10,000 more people died in Alberta than what would normally be expected for that time period. The province has officially attributed 5,300 deaths to COVID.

A longtime MLA who was kicked out of Heather Stefanson's cabinet for refusing to support COVID-19 vaccines now has a role representing his Progressive Conservative colleagues.
Elsewhere
Beijing urges calm over reports of Chinese spy balloon flying in U.S. airspace
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China has no intention of violating the territory and airspace of any sovereign country. 

The discovery, just days before Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to visit Beijing, prompted discussion of whether to shoot down the surveillance system.

... a series of Jan. 6 defendants who — when up against possible prison time in court — have expressed regret for joining the pro-Trump mob that rattled the foundations of American democracy only to strike a different tone or downplay the riot after receiving their punishment.
COVID and Vaccines
Canada extends COVID-19 measures for travellers from China to early April
Since Jan. 5, air travellers from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macau have been required to present a negative COVID-19 test before entering Canada.

Medicago has shut down its COVID-19 vaccine project in Quebec after its sole shareholder decided to no longer invest in the company, the company announced Thursday.

A federal court judge says that a man in Ontario was not entitled to receive Employment Insurance benefits after losing his job for refusing COVID-19 vaccination and testing.
Issued this day ...
... in 2006: Scott # 2144a: XX Olympic Winter Games se-tenant pair. Design: Metaform Communication. 

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