Talks stalled. Sudan scramble. Blue blockers. David Akin's Roundup

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Apr 23 2023

Talks stalled. Sudan scramble. Blue blockers.

Apr 23, 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

Ottawa disputes PSAC claim of ‘incompetence,’ ‘disrespect’ stalling strike talks

Government officials offered a different accounting of attempts to reach a deal, accusing PSAC of "inflexibility" and not responding to the government's offer. [Global]

Updating RCMP ‘militaristic’ training is long overdue, experts say

Scott Blandford considered attending the RCMP Academy when he was looking to become a police officer about 40 years ago, but he soon realized the training centre in Regina wasn't for him. [CP]

South Africa envoy urges Ukraine peace talks, says Canada stance on war ‘shocking’

South Africa’s envoy to Ottawa is urging Canada to help broker an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that sending arms to Kyiv will only prolong a dangerous conflict that is aggravating hunger in developing countries. [TorStar]

From the provinces

Premier Smith questioned on pregnancy care at Lethbridge hospital

Premier Danielle Smith took questions from members of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce this week, and was pressed on the need for obstetrical care in the city. [MyLethbridgeNow]

Tany Yao running again for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo after UCP board removes candidate

United Conservative Party MLA Tany Yao will once again run for the Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo seat in the upcoming provincial election after a candidate who beat him in the nomination race was removed from the ticket. [CBC]

Barnes remains undecided as election call looms

With less than 10 days before an election call and six weeks before voting day, voters in the Cypress-Medicine Hat riding still don’t know if the incumbent will be on the ballot. Drew Barnes is the three-term MLA for the area, winning twice as a Wildrose Party candidate and once as a United Conservative, [Medicine Hat News]

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Elsewhere

Governments race to rescue diplomats, citizens from Sudan

The U.S. military has airlifted embassy officials out of Sudan and international governments were racing to evacuate their diplomatic staff and citizens trapped in the capital. Meanwhile, rival generals battled for control of Africa’s third-largest country for a ninth straight day Sunday. Fierce fighting rage. [AP]

'Very difficult situation:' Canadians in Khartoum take shelter amid violence

Abdelgadir Eltayeb and his family have no electricity, dwindling food and water, and haven't been able to venture far from the home in Khartoum where they took shelter. [CP]

Taiwan preparing for when — not if — China launches military attack: minister

In an interview with Global News, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said Taiwan is shoring up international support and focusing on military reforms to be "as ready as possible." [Global]

Why the 155 mm round is so critical to the war in Ukraine

The 155 mm howitzer round is one of the most requested artillery rounds of the Ukraine war. Already the U.S. has shipped more than 1.5 million rounds to Ukraine, but is seeking more. One reason it is so commonly used is the size and weight of the munition, which have been refined to give it the best range and striking power. According to defense experts, it's long been a favorite of ground troops because of its reach and arc. Ryan Brobst, a research analyst at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, says: “Adversaries don’t have much warning of it coming." [AP]

Media