Ottawa steps forward as COVID-19 crisis puts provinces in desperate straits

The latest on the coronavirus: Toll at central Ontario nursing home hits 14; Calgary police investigate virus-related threats

“In past crises, we’ve had major changes in the way we collaborate as a federation," Pedro Antunes, chief economist at the Conference Board of Canada, told me. “And this crisis might also result in changes.” One would be for the federal government, which has plenty of room to borrow, to raise funds and transfer them to the provinces. But in the past that has led to finger-pointing and a lack of accountability.“You’re diluting the ability of the citizen to know who’s responsible if they’re unhappy with the quality of their health care," Mr. Robson observed.

But temporary programs have a way of turning into permanent entitlements. Through the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, which pays suddenly unemployed workers $2,000 a month, “we might have backed ourselves into some sort of universal basic income,” Mr. Robson believes. We may have accidentally federalized welfare.

When this crisis finally ends, we will need to remind ourselves that, first, provincial governments do a better job of delivering programs and services than the federal government, because they are closer to the people they serve.

globepolitics The Trudeau government made this crisis far worse by doing nothing until a week ago when public PRESSURE forced him to say he was closing borders and airports to hotspot travel...the time to act “prudent” was in January and February...!!!!

globepolitics Well at least they are moving...way too late as usual in a reactionary mode but moving...

globepolitics Sorry by stepping forward you mean they got a raise today and increased taxes? Yup, they’ve definitely stepped forward. Guess that’s what happens when the ‘leader’ JustinTrudeau CanadianPM hides at home under the guise of ‘isolation’ and talks to children.

Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Ottawa expands efforts to tap private sector for medical technology needs in fight against COVID-19Trudeau said three Canadian startups will provide innovative solutions that will allow for one million tests for coronavirus in the next year and the production of 500 ventilator units in the coming months
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

Ottawa orders made-in-Canada ventilators, surgical masks, COVID-19 tests in rush for supplyMore than 3,200 companies have offered to help produce medical equipment since the government put out a call less than two weeks ago best quality ever Yeah!!!!! Made in Canada!!!!! Remember that when this over!!!!! Support Canadian companies!!!!!!!!! Is this stuff the world was sourcing from China on a steady state basis? Now global demand way above one country supply? Or was it always made in Canada? Thanks.
Source: nationalpost - 🏆 10. / 80 Read more »

Ottawa to spend $2-billion on medical gear as Canadian industry retools to battle COVID-19Trudeau said two Canadian startups will provide innovative solutions that will allow for one million tests for coronavirus in the next year and the production of 500 ventilator units in the coming months How much of that $2 billion is going to China? No doubt, Trudeau will also thank them.
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

Ottawa looks to domestic medical startups to secure vital supplies in fight against COVID-19Companies are being asked to transform from small operators into global players as the federal government rapidly signs orders to secure millions of masks, coronavirus test kits and other items made in Canada
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

Ottawa Senators say four more members test positive for COVID-19The team announced Wednesday that the people in question travelled with the team to California
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »