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A daily look inside Canadian politics and power. | | | | |  | | By Maura Forrest | Welcome to Ottawa Playbook. I’m your host, Maura Forrest, with Zi-Ann Lum. Somebody (finally) told the Emergencies Act inquiry that the Emergencies Act was justified. We take on the latest debate about mask mandates. And 24 Sussex is shutting down, but don’t worry! Nothing has really changed. |  | DRIVING THE DAY | | | 
Jody Thomas at the Rouleau commission. | Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press | A CHANGE OF TUNE — It was — dare we say it? — a good day for the government at the Emergencies Act inquiry. And there haven’t been many of those lately. On Thursday, JODY THOMAS, the prime minister’s national security adviser, testified that she believed the Emergencies Act was necessary to end the “Freedom Convoy” protests. She said as much to the Incident Response Group, including the prime minister and other members of Cabinet, on Feb. 13. The act was invoked the following day. The public inquiry, led by Justice PAUL ROULEAU, is examining whether the government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act in February was justified. A summary of an interview Thomas gave to commission lawyers ahead of the public hearings said she believed existing laws were “insufficient” to end the protests, and pointed to uncertainty about whether they might turn violent. It was her view that “the totality of the circumstances … led to what she considered to be the existence of a threat to the security of Canada, and therefore, a public order emergency.” — It was, in short, a shift from the narrative that has dominated much of the public inquiry so far. Various police agencies have said the Emergencies Act was not necessary. RCMP Commissioner BRENDA LUCKI believed the police hadn’t exhausted all available tools on the eve of the act’s invocation. And then there’s that pesky business of CSIS advising the government that the protests didn’t constitute a threat to the security of Canada as defined by the CSIS Act — something that appears to be a prerequisite for invoking the Emergencies Act. None of these revelations bodes well for the Liberals, who will make their case next week when Trudeau and several of his ministers testify. — But Thomas made clear she believes the CSIS Act offers too “narrow” a lens through which to assess national security threats. Her witness summary suggests the Emergencies Act definition of a threat needs to be updated. She also took thinly veiled shots at Lucki, claiming the RCMP commissioner never made clear her view that law enforcement still had tools at its disposal. — The public inquiry also heard Thursday from Finance deputy minister MICHAEL SABIA, who painted a dire picture of the potential economic impact of ongoing border blockades. The Emergencies Act was ultimately used to freeze the bank accounts of some protesters. In his witness summary, Sabia said existing laws gave the government only limited ability to freeze assets. — So, not a bad day for the government’s position that the Emergencies Act was justified. But then again, it was only one day. — Related: In an editorial, the National Post argues the invocation of the act was “almost certainly illegal and unconstitutional, and nothing that has been presented at the Public Order Emergency Commission so far suggests otherwise.” Did someone forward Ottawa Playbook your way? Click here to sign up for your own edition. It’s free! | | WHO'S UP, WHO'S DOWN | |
Who’s up: Senate expenses, which are up C$4.1 million from last year, according to Sen. ELIZABETH MARSHALL.
Who’s down: RCMP Commissioner BRENDA LUCKI, who is facing “growing dissatisfaction at the highest levels of the government over her leadership,” per the Globe and Mail’s ROBERT FIFE and MARIEKE WALSH. | | For your radar | |
MASK UP, OR DON’T — Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard about all the kids getting sick. Children’s hospitals across the country are being overwhelmed by a major resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in addition to other viruses like influenza and Covid-19.
Part of the issue is that many kids who might have been exposed to RSV in the last couple of years weren’t, thanks to public health measures to stop the spread of Covid. Now, all those kids are being hit at the same time, and the health system is struggling to cope. In response, some doctors and health experts have called for the reinstatement of mask mandates. To date, however, no province has been willing to go that far, though many public health officials are recommending people mask up again. On Thursday, Transport Minister OMAR ALGHABRA gave a version of the same response we’ve been hearing from leaders across the country. The federal government continues to “strongly encourage” people on trains and planes to wear masks, he said, adding that it’s “the kind thing to do.” But a mandate? Nothing to see here, thank you. The debate over a return to mask mandates has spawned all kinds of hot takes in recent days. Here are a few of the highlights: — Over at the Line, as her daughter coughs into her mouth, JEN GERSON argues it’s easier to make this a debate about “mask vs. anti-mask” than to ask hard questions about the capacity of our health-care system. — For TVO, NAM KIWANUKA says we don’t have time to waste energy debating mask mandates, and that “if masks can help keep kids safe … Ontarians should be wearing them — mandate or no mandate.” — For the Globe and Mail, MARSHA LEDERMAN argues that during cold-and-flu season , “masks need to return to our lives annually, brought back out along with the puffy coats, hats and mitts.” — On the other hand, the National Post’s COLBY COSH claims that “if your pet theory is that we have to mask the kids to prevent echo effects from having masked the kids, you’re in favour of indoor masking of children forever.” — And experts tell the National Post’s SHARON KIRKEY that masks work, but mask mandates may not . We’ll give the last word here to B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. BONNIE HENRY, in her infinite wisdom. “I do not believe we need the heavy hand of a mandate to send a clear message that masks are an important tool that we can all use during this time and in every respiratory season,” she said this week . “We should have one with us, we should use it in situations where it makes sense.” What do you think? Should we return to mask mandates? Tell us at ottawaplaybook@politico.com . |  Closing day at COP27 in Egypt. | Sean Gallup/Getty Images |
DEAL OR NO DEAL — Today is deadline day for a new climate deal out of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and the pressure is on. Some experts now say it’s likely the negotiations will extend beyond today’s deadline.
POLITICO's Brussels Playbook reports that U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres jetted in late last night to deliver a head-banging message to ministers. In a letter to delegates, COP27 President Sameh Shoukry said he and Guterres were concerned “there are still a number of issues where progress remains lacking, with persisting divergent views amongst parties.” A 20-page first draft was released yesterday, and had environmental groups up in arms . For one thing, it did not include language calling for a “phase-down” of all fossil fuels, a move supported by India, the European Union and the United States. Canada’s environment minister, STEVEN GUILBEAULT, was among those who opposed that proposal. On Thursday, he said Canada doesn’t have jurisdiction over natural resources, and the new language could make Ottawa vulnerable to a lawsuit from the provinces. The draft deal also doesn’t include details about creating a “loss and damage” fund intended to help developing countries suffering the impacts of climate change. — Happening today: Guilbeault will speak with reporters at 9:30 a.m. EST to wrap up his two-week-long trip to Egypt. — For the record: Canada registered about 380 people to attend COP27, according to a provisional list of participants (PLOP, for short). The government says the Canadian delegation ended up numbering roughly 335 people. The provisional list includes dozens of bureaucrats from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Transport Canada and other departments. It also includes delegations from provinces, territories, cities, and representatives of Indigenous organizations, environmental groups, and the energy sector. Among those on the list who didn’t end up going? Natural Resources Minister JONATHAN WILKINSON, Transport Minister OMAR ALGHABRA and International Development Minister HARJIT SAJJAN. THIS OLD HOUSE — The National Capital Commission announced Thursday it has begun the process of closing 24 Sussex Drive, the prime minister’s official residence. The NCC says the closure is required to prepare for “abatement work” next spring, including the removal of asbestos and “obsolete mechanical, heating and electrical systems.” — Wasn’t 24 Sussex already closed, you ask? Well, sort of. JUSTIN TRUDEAU and his family have opted to live on the grounds of Rideau Hall since he became prime minister in 2015. But 24 Sussex has not sat empty. Staff have used the kitchen there to prepare meals for the Trudeau family , which are then transported to Rideau Cottage. The NCC says residence employees are now being relocated. — So does this mean a decision has finally been made to renovate 24 Sussex? Ha ha, don’t be silly! This work “must be completed regardless of any future decision on the residence,” the NCC said in a statement, adding that the commission wants to avoid “potential fire hazards, water damage and air quality issues.” — Key background: A 2021 NCC report found 24 Sussex is in “critical” condition and would cost C$36.6 million to repair . Last April, the Toronto Star reported on another NCC study that suggested the official residence should be replaced by a larger building that could also be a site for official government functions. It didn’t include costs. | | TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS | |
— While you were sleeping: Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU attended the leaders’ meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Bangkok. The PM held a press conference overnight from which CP reports he announced Canada's coming Indo-Pacific strategy will include plans to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces' engagement in the region.
At 10 a.m., he’ll be taking off for the Francophonie summit in Djerba, Tunisia. 9 a.m. (10 a.m. AST) Defense Minister ANITA ANAND will make a defense announcement in Halifax, accompanied by Immigration Minister SEAN FRASER and Chief of the Defense Staff WAYNE EYRE. 9:30 a.m. (4:30 p.m. EET) Environment Minister STEVEN GUILBEAULT will hold a Zoom press conference to wrap up his participation at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. 11 a.m. Government officials will give an update on the shortage of children’s pain and fever medication. 11:45 a.m. (8:45 a.m. PST) Transport Minister OMAR ALGHABRA will be in Vancouver to make a funding announcement about marine response and preparedness. Natural Resources Minister JONATHAN WILKINSON and Fisheries Minister JOYCE MURRAY will also attend. 1 p.m. (2 p.m. AST) Anand will hold an opening news conference at the Halifax International Security Forum. She will deliver her keynote speech on Canada’s national defense priorities at 2 p.m. (3 p.m. AST). | | PAPER TRAIL | |
VISA VARIABLES — It takes 72 days on average to process a visa under Canada’s special immigration pathway for Ukrainians, according to documents tabled in the House of Commons this week.
It’s a speedy statistic relative to the roughly 23-month application processing time for other humanitarian and compassionate cases. Under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, government data shows 676,420 applications have been received as of last week. Approvals have been granted to 378,797 applications. — On the record: LARISA GALADZA , Canadian ambassador to Ukraine, touched on the topic at a Senate committee Thursday. She said an average of 14,000 applications are being filed weekly under the special three-year visa program for Ukrainians. But the figures don’t necessarily mean hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are immediately headed to Canada, she said. “My biggest theory is that it's a Plan B,” Galadza explained, calling the special Canadian visa an “insurance” for people to have in their passport, “waiting for the right moment.” TENDER TOUGH LOVE — Natural Resources Canada signed a contract in January with a Russian vendor, EMS Software Development, before terminating it as a result of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. The department made the disclosure in documents tabled in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The single-sourced contract was valued at C$1,040.32 and related to data-visualization software. It did not pose a security, data infringement or integrity risk for the government, read the disclosure. It was prompted by an order paper question that asked departments and government organizations to divulge if they’ve signed contacts with Russian vendors since the beginning of the year. Natural Resources was the only department to confirm it had signed, and terminated, a contract. | | MEDIA ROOM | |
— A Star-Narwhal team reports: “Developers owning Greenbelt land now set to be developed appear to have given significant sums to Ford’s Progressive Conservative party, donation records show. Lobbying records reveal connections between the party and five of the landowners who will benefit most from the proposed changes.”
— From POLITICO’s SARAH FERRIS : “Nancy Pelosi, one of the most powerful speakers in modern U.S. history, will cede the helm of House Democratic leadership after 20 years.” — The CBC’s MARK GOLLOM looks at why Chinese President XI JINPING publicly scolded Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU, and what it means for Canada-China relations. — And here’s the Toronto Star’s STEPHANIE LEVITZ with a preview of Defense Minister ANITA ANAND’s speech today at the Halifax International Security Forum. | | PROZONE | |
For POLITICO Pro s, catch up to our latest policy newsletter: So long 24 Sussex (for now).
In other news for s:
— European Parliament to summon Elon Musk.
— House, Senate plan FTX hearings as crypto markets reel.
— 3 Biden cyber priorities that will get much harder with a GOP-led House.
— Meta faces imminent slew of GDPR penalties.
— Ukraine’s Black Sea grain export lifeline extended for 4 months. | | Playbookers | |
Birthdays: HBD to MP BOBBY MORRISSEY, former MPP GARRY GUZZO, professor and career diplomat ANNE LEAHY, Crestview’s ALEX BYRNE-KRZYCKI and long-time CPC HQ director of membership TREVOR BAILEY.
Celebrating Saturday: Former MPs JOE JORDAN and PETER LANG. Celebrating Sunday: Ontario Premier DOUG FORD, MP CHRIS WARKENTIN, former MP RYAN CLEARY. Send birthdays to ottawaplaybook@politico.com . | 
Noted: #Anxiety on the bird app. | Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo |
Spotted: Manitoba, considering a move to year-round daylight time … DANIELLE SMITH, on JORDAN PETERSON’s podcast .
BEN WOODFINDEN, jonesing for a “real bluecheck (not a paid one)” on Twitter … Elsewhere, Twitter, imploding . Media mentions: MARCIA YOUNG and JOHN NORTHCOTT have been named the new hosts of World Report on CBC News. | | On the Hill | |
— Find the latest House committee meetings here .
— Keep track of Senate committees here . 8:45 a.m. The House foreign affairs committee’s subcommittee on international human rights has an early start to continue its study of the situation in Haiti. 8:45 a.m. The special joint committee on medical assistance in dying meets. 9 a.m. The parliamentary budget officer will post a new report titled “Supplementary Estimates (B) 2022-23.” 9:30 a.m. The Public Order Emergency Commission continues hearings in Ottawa. Today’s witness list includes Privy Council Clerk JANICE CHARETTE. 1 p.m. The House international trade committee picks up on its study of the potential trade impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act. On the witness list: the Business Council of Canada’s TREVOR KENNEDY, Carbon Infrastructure Partners’ CRAIG GOLINOWSKI, Explorers and Producers Association of Canada’s CHRIS MONTGOMERY, Parkland Corporation’s RYAN KROGMEIER and the United Steelworkers Union’s MEG GINGRICH. 1 p.m. Finance Associate Deputy Minister NICK LESWICK and Auditor General KAREN HOGAN are on the witness list for the House public accounts committee ’s meeting to dig through the 2022 public accounts. 1 p.m. The House heritage committee meets to go through clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-18 with the aid of four senior department officials. 1 p.m. The House fisheries and oceans committee launches a new study exploring the impacts of the climate crisis with an all-star slate of provincial fisheries ministers: MARGARET JOHNSON (New Brunswick), DERRICK BRAGG (Newfoundland and Labrador), STEVE CRAIG (Nova Scotia) and JAMIE FOX (P.E.I.). 1 p.m. The House citizenship and immigration committee meets to hear from four department officials in relation to MPs’ study of conditions faced by asylum seekers. Immigration Minister SEAN FRASER is a witness for the last hour of the meeting. Behind closed doors: The House environment committee meets to discuss a draft report looking at fossil fuel subsidies, a study that was launched in March. | | TRIVIA | |
Thursday’s answer: It was MARGARET ATWOOD who tweeted at fellow Canadian JIM CARREY after their names turned up on a list of individuals banned from Russia.
Props to YVES GIROUX, GORD MCINTOSH, RYAN HAMILTON, AMY BOUGHNER, KATE DALGLEISH, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, ALYSON FAIR, GORDON RANDALL, MEAGAN FITZPATRICK, MARTIN CHAMPOUX, ALEX BYRNE-KRZYCKI, MICHAEL MACDONALD, DOUG RICE, PATRICK DION, JOHN DILLON, GARY ALLEN, GREG MACEACHERN and JOHN DELACOURT. Friday’s question: On Nov. 9, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp to celebrate a stage and screen star who made her film debut in À tout prendre, almost 60 years ago. Do you know who’s on the stamp? Send your answer to ottawaplaybook@politico.com Playbook wouldn’t happen: Without Luiza Ch. Savage and Sue Allan. Want to grab the attention of movers and shakers on Parliament Hill? Want your brand in front of a key audience of Ottawa influencers? Playbook can help. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |  |
