Inside the Chamber - 18 Nov 2024
Your weekly parliamentary monitoring update for what's happening on the Hill.
Headline News
American student interest in studying abroad spikes post-election — Data from Student EU — an education website for students wishing to study in the EU — saw a more than 350% spike in internet traffic from American students following the US Election results from Nov 5.
Canada Ends Express Study Permit Streams — Earlier in November, Federal Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced that effective immediately — the federal government would end both Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express stream. These two streams were meant to expedite study permit applications from “highly desirable” countries, including India, China, and Nigeria. This policy produced strong negative reaction from post-secondary stakeholders, particularly Ontario public colleges.
Trump continues to Anoint New Members of Cabinet — Recently picked RFK Jr— a known anti-vaccine activist — as next Secretary of Health services has scientists worried. Other Trump nominations, including Sebastian Gorka have harshly criticized the Trudeau government for its stance on abortion rights.
Upcoming by-election challenge in BC — The Cloverdale-Langley City by-election promises a tough challenge for Liberals,
Ottawa Draft Budget Announces More Costs for Citizens — The City of Ottawa’s draft budget was release last Wednesday, and included a 3.9% property tax increase, alongside a 5% increase in transit fares and 8% increase in transit levy.
Minister of Health announces new Pharmacare Expert Committee — Minister Mark Holland announced last Thursday a newly created committee of experts to provide advice on “how to operate and finance a national, universal, single-payer pharmacare program in Canada”. Appointments include Canada Research Chairs, Indigenous pharmacy rep, UBC professor, Nursing Union rep, etc. Deadline for a plan is 1 year from now.
Canada Post Workers on Strike — Postal strike ordered by Union to strike after talks with Canada Post breakdown. Warning of long delays ahead.
Public Perception on Education High — New Abacus Data survey highlights that the Canadian public hosts high value in investing in public education, but think more should be done to support it.
Inside the Chamber
Tracking the Political Mood
Hansard / Senate (as of Nov 14 2024)
The House of Commons did not meet last week.
The Senate met to did not meet last week .
Committee Updates
Very active House committees meeting all week (~40 House committee meetings this week):
ETHI (Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics) – Produced new reports on recommendations for positions of Information and Lobbying Commissioners. Issued report on the use of AI technology in facial recognition.
CIMM (Citizenship and Immigration) — Latest study on “Recent Reforms to the International Student Program”.
HUMA (Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities) - Still working on the “Canada Disability Benefit”.
INAN (Indigenous and Northern Affairs) - Continuing work on Bill C-61 (“First Nations Clean Water Act”)
FINA (Finance) holding study on “Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget”
SECU (Public Safety and National Security) focusing on two studies:
“Russian Interference and Disinformation Campaigns in Canada”
“Electoral Interference and Criminal Activities in Canada by Agents of the Government of India”
SRSR (Science and Research) focusing on two studies:
“Federal Government Funding of Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions”
“The New Capstone Research Funding Organization Announced in Budget 2024”
Also very busy in Senate (20 Senate committee meetings this week)
Upcoming Watchlists
Tomorrow’s Overwatch will cover top priority watchlists for democracy, governance, and elections. Check your inboxes then!