Liberals short on time to deliver on 100 days promises as Parliament returns
CBC
The 44th edition of the Canadian Parliament returns Monday after its winter break — and the Liberal government has just a few days to deliver on promises for its first 100 days in office.
Those first 100 days of the government's new mandate end on Thursday, assuming the clock started ticking on Oct. 26, 2021, when cabinet ministers were sworn in.
Among legislation promised but not yet introduced are bills to combat online hate; to regulate foreign web giants; and to better protect Canada's critical infrastructure, including 5G networks.
The Liberal government delivered on several promises during the House's first session last fall.
Several pieces of legislation introduced during that session have already become law, including a ban on conversion therapy, the introduction of 10 days of paid sick leave for workers in federally regulated workplaces, and new criminal penalties for blocking access to health-care services or intimidating health-care workers or patients.
Mark Kennedy, director of communications for Government House leader Mark Holland, said in a statement the government was looking forward to moving ahead with its agenda.
"The House was very productive in the fall sitting, and we believe that with continued collaboration among parties, we can accomplish many things for Canadians in the coming weeks."
One question going into the week was whether major protests in Ottawa over the weekend could complicate the return of the Commons. The prime minister's official itinerary indicates that parliamentary business is expected to proceed as scheduled. It also notes he will be attending Question Period and a take-note debate on the situation in Ukraine virtually.
In a statement, Holland's office did not indicate changes would be made because of the disruption on the Hill.
"We've already passed a motion that gives MPs the flexibility to work in a hybrid House in this sitting — which remains in effect until June. Some MPs will be in the chamber on Monday and beyond, and others will participate virtually."
One of the most contentious pieces of legislation introduced by the Liberal government before the 2021 election was a proposal to alter Canada's Broadcasting Act to better regulate online content.
That legislation, known then as Bill C-10, died on the order paper when the election was called, meaning the re-elected Liberal government must start the process from scratch if it hopes to turn the bill into law.
Those who opposed C-10 are already preparing for a fight if and when a new version of the bill is introduced.
A new version of the bill will likely arrive soon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez to reintroduce that legislation in a December mandate letter.
P.E.I.'s Public Schools Branch is looking for 50 substitute bus drivers, and it'll be recruiting at three job fairs on Saturday, June 8. The job fairs are located at the Atlantic Superstore in Montague, Royalty Crossing in Charlottetown, and the bus parking lot of Three Oaks Senior High in Summerside. All three run from 9 a.m. until noon. Dave Gillis, the director of transportation and risk management for the Public Schools Branch, said the number of substitute drivers they're hiring isn't unusual. "We are always looking for more. Our drivers tend to have an older demographic," he said.