Good evening,
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Women turn backs while Trudeau speaks at event; Wilson-Raybould and Philpott say they did the right thing
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tried to explain his expulsion of MPs Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott from Liberal caucus at a Daughters of the Vote gathering in the House of Commons today. Roughly 50 women slowly rose and turned their backs as he began to speak.
The event came one day after Mr. Trudeau announced the two MPs’ ouster from caucus and that they would not be candidates for the party in the October federal election, saying their criticism of his role in the SNC-Lavalin affair had broken bonds of trust.
Today, the former attorney-general and ex-Treasury Board president said at a press conference they did the right thing by standing up to Mr. Trudeau on SNC-Lavalin, even though it might mean the ends of their political careers.
Opinion: “Trying, however, to paint Ms. Wilson-Raybould and Ms. Philpott as the villains of this story just doesn’t wash. Canadians are smarter, and more principled, than that.” - Konrad Yakabuski (for subscribers)
Independent MPs Jane Philpott and Jody Wilson-Raybould arrive at Parliament Hill to speak to journalists today. (Photo by Chris Wattie/Reuters)CHRIS WATTIE/Reuters
People can call police if secular dress code not adhered to, Quebec Deputy Premier says
Quebec citizens who see municipalities or school boards failing to apply the province’s proposed secular dress code can call the police to have the law enforced, the Public Security Minister and Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault says. “The law is the law.”
The new legislation has been denounced by many, and several Montreal-area municipalities and school boards say they would not enforce a ban on religiously symbolic garments such as the turban, kippa, hijab and crucifix from being worn by people in positions of authority, including teachers and police officers. Protests continued today.
Opinion: “The proposed law is both an expression – and betrayal – of Quebec’s basic values.”- Robert Calderisi, former World Bank director and author of the forthcoming Quebec in a Global Light: Reaching for the Common Ground
Great-West Life, Hudson’s Bay Co. in business spotlight today
Great-West Lifeco plans to merge three of its well-known Canadian subsidiaries under one roof as it retires two brands that have been in the market for more than 170 years (for subscribers).
Great-West Life Assurance, London Life Insurance and Canada Life Assurance will operate as one company under the Canada Life brand, subject to regulatory approval, the country’s second largest life insurer announced today.
Separately, Hudson’s Bay Co. lost out on sales in its fourth quarter at its namesake chain because it lowered prices too much to try to draw former customers of the failed Sears Canada, CEO Helena Foulkes said (for subscribers).
Sales at HBC’s Hudson’s Bay division, which includes its soon-to-close Home Outfitters chain and U.S. banner Lord & Taylor, fell a surprising 5.2 per cent at outlets open a year or more.
British PM Theresa May optimistic for end to Brexit impasse after initial talks with Opposition Leader
British Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed optimism that a way out of the Brexit impasse can be found after she ended the first day of talks with Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn.
She reached out to Mr. Corbyn yesterday, hoping to find a resolution to the Brexit deadlock which has seen her withdrawal agreement with the European Union rejected by Parliament three times. If their talks fail, she said the government will let Parliament vote on various options. She also plans to seek an extension to the April 12 Brexit deadline.
It’s a risky move that has deepened divisions within her Conservative Party caucus, and today two junior cabinet ministers resigned in protest.
Catch up on Brexit background and issues in our explainer.
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ALSO ON OUR RADAR
Global outcry over new Brunei laws: New Islamic criminal laws that took effect in Brunei today, punishing gay sex and adultery by stoning offenders to death, have triggered an international outcry. Celebrities including George Clooney, Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres have rallied a boycott of nine hotels in the U.S. and Europe with ties to the sultan of Brunei.
Doctors call for tougher gun control: A group representing doctors and other health-care workers pushing for stronger gun laws was holding rallies across the country today, calling for a national ban on private ownership of handguns and assault rifles.
Subpoenas authorized for Mueller report: The Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives judiciary committee voted today to authorize subpoenas for Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s full, unredacted report and underlying evidence from his probe into Russia’s role in the 2016 election.
Second alleged abduction suspect in custody: A second man has been arrested in the alleged abduction of Chinese student Wanzhen Lu in Markham, Ont., on March 23.
Boeing anti-stall software in spotlight: Boeing anti-stall software forced down the nose of a doomed Ethiopian Airlines jet even after pilots had turned it off, sources told Reuters today, with a preliminary report into the March 10 crash due to be published within days.
MARKET WATCH
Stocks climbed today on optimism over U.S.-China trade talks and for a softer British exit from the European Union, while oil prices retreated after an unexpected rise in inventories.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 39.00 points to 26,218.13, the S&P 500 gained 6.16 points to 2,873.40 and the Nasdaq Composite added 46.86 points to close at 7,895.55.
Canada’s main stock index finished a bit higher as resource stocks weighed. The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index was up 15.99 points at 16,279.86.
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TALKING POINTS
Climate change is more expensive than the carbon tax
“A scenario in which we don’t pay to slow down climate change, and also don’t pay to deal with its effects, is imaginary. Stabilizing the climate means reducing the amount of carbon that humans pump into the atmosphere and oceans, a complicated process that won’t be free.” - Denise Balkissoon (for subscribers)
Overdose-prevention sites are a matter of life or death. Ontario’s government has made its choice
“The Ford government is effectively privatizing a life-saving service during a public-health emergency by forcing caring Ontarians to crowd-fund to keep it going – and in Alberta, United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney appears to be watching closely.” - Carlyn Zwarenstein, who has written extensively about opioid painkillers, substance use and pain
It’s time for Canada to ban handguns
“Guns don’t cause crime, nor do they lead to gang affiliation. But the presence of handguns makes each criminal act – from random robberies to gangs settling scores – more dangerous and deadly.” - Globe editorial
LIVING BETTER
We’ve all been there: It’s been a long day, nothing’s been planned for dinner and it’s time to get some food on the table - quickly. Help is on the way. The Globe asked popular food personalities to share their last-minute go-to meals with ingredients they have on hand (for subscribers). For cookbook author and TV host Ricardo Larrivée, a quick family favourite is risotto, which can be made with fresh asparagus or frozen peas. For Montreal chef Chuck Hughes, jarred clams from PEI is the star ingredient in a quick pasta dish or chowder. And Canadian Living food editor Elizabeth Baird’s pick is classic: grilled cheese (take it to the next level with Dijon mustard).
LONG READS FOR A LONG COMMUTE
Dear Algorithm that’s Tracking My Life: sometimes you get things wrong
"Dear Algorithm,
"Things were different when I first met you. You had my back. I remember the first time you mapped a transit route for me. That was hot. Never again would I get lost or have to ask for directions. You made my life easier and I trusted you. So when you asked to see my phone’s contacts, use my microphone or my camera, I agreed. Friends share. Things were going really well, but at some point you changed, and I can’t keep it bottled in anymore. I have to let you know how I feel.
"Last night, I woke up from a nightmare, talking to myself, only to find you next to me, listening from my Amazon Echo. You probably heard me in my sleep. My subliminal thoughts turned into recorded snippets, now somewhere in the cloud. Unable to fall back asleep, I picked up my phone and began scrolling through my Instagram feed. “It was just a bad dream,” I told myself, comforted by the images on my screen. That’s when I realized I had dreamed of you.
“You’ve seen every social media post, every Google search. You’ve seen exactly who I am. I know, you’re just following my lead, learning along the way. It’s your job. But you know me too well. You’ve studied me carefully, at my best and at my worst. You’re always there. More than anyone, you know the weirdest, darkest facets of my being. For that I’m ashamed, with mostly myself to blame.” Read Stephane Lavoie’s full essay here.
Match: "I was not wealthy … she had great legs’
Andrea: We met in 1971. I was in Toronto visiting a friend who was working at Central Don Stables. I wanted to go out and I said, ‘You must know some fellow who’s single, good looking and rich.’ She said, ‘Well there’s my boss …’
Garry: For the record, I was not wealthy when we met. Or single. But she made an impression on me. She had great legs.
Andrea: After we met that first night I went home to Montreal and I happened to be talking to this woman who told me she was engaged to a man from Toronto who owned a stable. It was Garry! I was shocked.
Garry: We were not engaged! I have no idea why she would have said that. I was casually dating a couple of women before I met Andrea. And I was separated. I definitely wasn’t looking for a serious relationship.
Andrea: One week later I was back in Toronto, moved into his place. We’ve been together ever since.
Read Andrea and Garry Leeson’s love story here.
Who: Andrea Leeson, 71, retired; Garry Leeson, 76, retiredSupplied
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