| | | | |  | | By Maura Forrest | Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Maura | Follow Politico Canada WELCOME TO OTTAWA PLAYBOOK. I'm your host, Maura Forrest, with Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Zi-Ann Lum. Today, we speculate wildly about Rolling Thunder (impending doom or nothingburger?). Also, PIERRE POILIEVRE takes on the Bank of Canada (again). And a shout-out to The Room!
|  | DRIVING THE DAY | | | 
A temporary no-stopping sign is fixed with paper clips to a road sign near Parliament Hill, Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Ottawa. The area is part of a motorized vehicle exclusion zone set by the Ottawa Police Service. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld | Adrian Wyld | INCOMING — Rolling Thunder is rolling into Ottawa later today (descending, if you will) , and tensions are running high. The motorcycle convoy is planning rallies at Parliament Hill today and Saturday, to ride through Ottawa Saturday morning and lay a wreath at the National War Memorial and attend a church service on Sunday at the Capital City Bikers Church (it's a real thing!). Authorities in Ottawa, of course, are preparing for an attempted repeat of February's Freedom Convoy, which … well, you know. Many trucks, much honking. We present to you three scenarios: In the first, vastly more bikers show up than the 500 or so Ottawa police say they're expecting. They decide not to leave, as promised, after church on Sunday, but instead manage to entrench themselves in the downtown core, camping out on their motorcycles and generally being a nuisance. The police, having lost control of the situation yet again, call for help. The Emergencies Act is invoked. Everybody gets upset. Resignations ensue. – Or: Maybe it'll be more like this. A few hundred bikers arrive in town to find themselves outnumbered by police, since the Ottawa force has called in officers from the RCMP and the OPP to help. They end up walking to Parliament Hill because of roadblocks downtown. They lay a wreath. They go to church. They leave. The Ottawa police count it as a win (albeit a pricey one) in their campaign to regain the city's trust. — Or: Maybe the reality will land somewhere between the two. Regardless, authorities in Ottawa want it to be clear how seriously they're taking this. At a press conference Thursday, they said many serious things: "Enhanced operational plan!" "Exclusion zone!" "Significant consequences!" "Proactive stance!" It's hard to imagine they'll allow anything like what happened in February to happen again. — Here's one thing that jumped out, though: Interim Police Chief STEVE BELL said Ottawa has seen lots of vehicle demonstrations that have been managed without incident, but now public expectations have changed. It does make one wonder if this kind of reception — hundreds of police officers, downtown streets blocked off — will be the new normal for protests to come. And this isn't an idle question. Here's at least one more convoy that says it's headed for Ottawa in July to "do circles of the downtown core" to protest "government overreach" and the carbon tax. — Speaking of Rolling Thunder: Playbook couldn't help but wonder about the name. Yes, motorcycles roll, and they can be thunderously loud. Maybe it's that simple. But this group is hardly the first to use the moniker. Here are some of the other Rolling Thunders out there that could have provided inspiration: — An annual veterans' motorcycle rally in the U.S. — A 1977 drama thriller starring William Devane — Bob Dylan's 1975-76 musical tour — A hippie spiritual leader from Nevada — An extinct anarchist periodical — An IT company in Hamilton, Ont.
| | AROUND THE HILL | | EMERGENCIES PAST — Parliament Hill was abuzz with talk of the Emergencies Act this week, after Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU announced an official inquiry Monday into its use during the convoy protests. A special joint committee is also looking into the emergency declaration. This, of course, is the first time the Emergencies Act has been invoked in Canada. Its predecessor, the War Measures Act, was most recently and controversially invoked during the 1970 October Crisis by Trudeau's father. — Out of curiosity: Playbook took a look at when other countries have most recently used their own emergency powers. Here's a (not exhaustive) list of what we found, not counting Covid. One observation: it's fair to say that most of these have been controversial. — Northern Ireland, 1939-1995: Ireland declared a state of emergency in 1939 in response to the outbreak of the Second World War that wasn't formally rescinded until 1976. It was then immediately replaced with a fresh state of emergency related to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. That one lasted until the IRA ceasefire in 1995. — United Kingdom, 1974: Prime Minister Harold Wilson declared a state of emergency that lasted four months, related to striking coal miners. — Portugal, 1975: The president declared a partial state of siege after left-wing paratroopers attempted an unsuccessful coup on Nov. 25. — Spain, 2010: The prime minister ordered in the military after air traffic controllers went on strike, stranding thousands of passengers over a holiday weekend. — France, 2015-2017: A state of emergency was upheld for two years after terrorist attacks in Paris. Thousands of homes were searched and hundreds of people were placed under house arrest. ONLINE FUTURE — Canada was one of 56 signatories to a new " Declaration for the Future of the Internet" on Thursday, which comes as Ottawa looks to regulate hateful content online. Here's one excerpt that caught our attention. The signatories: "Reaffirm our commitment that actions taken by governments, authorities, and digital services including online platforms to reduce illegal and harmful content and activities online be consistent with international human rights law, including the right to freedom of expression."
| | CONSERVATIVE CORNER | | POILIEVRE VS. EVERYBODY — When the Bitcoin bandit of a Tory leadership frontrunner sauntered up to a podium in front of the Bank of Canada's museum, everyone expected fireworks. Poilievre has railed against Governor TIFF MACKLEM's monetary policy at every opportunity for months and months and months. In the end, he offered milquetoast frontrunner policies and vicious attacks against perceived bad guys. — The policy: Poilievre bashed the process by which the BoC's books are audited. The finance minister hand-picks the accountants for the job, he said. How can we trust them? (The two most recent firms hired to run the numbers were KPMG and PWC, not exactly bastions of nefarious Liberal boosters.) Still, Carleton's man in Ottawa says the auditor general is the woman for that job. He also pledged to ban a central bank-run digital currency that would make money available to the public in retail settings — like a debit card, but with money held by the BoC. The bank is studying that idea, but "currently has no plans to launch" one. — The bad guys: Reuters reporter STEVE SCHERER was first to put a question to Poilievre: Does he worry that his harsh criticism of the Bank of Canada will erode trust in the institution? Poilievre dismissed Scherer's query as "the problem with corporate media." He told the CBC's DAVID COCHRANE that he'd defund the CBC. The feisty populist refused to respond to the substance of questions about whether or not he'd fire Macklem, painting the governor as something of a misguided lapdog of the prime minister. — The irony: A protester whose point of view was nearly impossible to decipher interrupted the press conference — eventually standing right beside Poilievre, shouting as he jabbed a placard into the air. Comms people scrambled to contain the damage, and at least one reporter recognized the man from a certain trucker convoy. ELSEWHERE — Tory candidate PATRICK BROWN had this to say about his rival in a news release: "Giving Pierre Poilievre an even bigger megaphone to promote his dangerous economic ideas will spell certain doom for the Conservative Party in the next election and, more importantly, could result in millions losing their pensions, retirement savings, or even their homes." — Speaking of which: Former Reform Party leader PRESTON MANNING is warning the leadership contenders against personal attacks, CBC News reports. — Also from CBC: Former candidate PETER MACKAY still owes nearly C$300,000 from the 2020 leadership contest. That's down from C$1 million.
| | PAPER TRAIL | | (FARM)HOUSE HUNTING IN THE GTA: Is your heart heavy with house lust? Parks Canada is still looking to lease a two-storey, 4-bedroom + den farmhouse. There's a wraparound deck to admire the new storm windows, inside and out, and restored "exquisite original mill-work." The farmhouse, built in the 1800s, is at the northern end of Rouge National Urban Park and was renovated last year. This one is in better condition than the government-owned 19th-century brick farmhouse we wrote about last week. — HGTV-o-vision: It's clear someone at Parks Canada had fun writing the description. "This beautiful farm house is filled with loads of old-time character yet the main floor features a brand new open-concept eat-in kitchen/living room that any modern farm family is sure to enjoy. A spacious north-facing den/study, a newly constructed laundry room, and a full washroom — including bathtub, toilet and single-sink vanity — complete the look and feel of this floor." — The catch: For the farmhouse, the lease is C$1,650/month under a 15-year term "with possibility for multi-year extension." The tenant doesn't pay property tax. Here's where that lusty house hunger may fade for some. On Tuesday, Parks Canada posted responses to frequently asked questions about the lease since posting the property at the end of March. Questions asking when the roof was replaced, when the septic bed was last pumped, if the water is potable, when the water heater was installed, if the well is old or new, how deep said well is, what the farm lands' soil type is were all met with the same copy and pasted response: "For the purpose of this solicitation, Parks Canada is providing a response of 'unknown' representing that a bidder is responsible for assuming the assets in an 'as is' condition." Another question that made the FAQ list: "Are you allowed to tap the trees for maple syrup making?" On that, Parks Canada was unequivocal: "No."
| | TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS | | Deputy Prime Minister CHRYSTIA FREELAND's itinerary suggests a day of "private meetings." 8:30 a.m. Statistics Canada will release gross domestic product by industry figures for February. 10 a.m. Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU will make a health care announcement with Moderna CEO STEPHANE BANCEL. Also on hand for the announcement: Industry Minister FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE, Health Minister JEAN-YVES DUCLOS and Quebec Premier FRANÇOIS LEGAULT. 12 p.m. The PM will take part in a Budget 2022 Q&A discussion with Conseil du patronat du Québec President and CEO KARL BLACKBURN. 12:10 p.m. Governor General MARY SIMON will speak virtually at the Employment Equity Partners' Roundtable. 2:30 p.m. (Pacific) NDP Leader JAGMEET SINGH will speak at the annual CUPE B.C. convention in Victoria. 4 p.m. The PM will meet with Markham Mayor FRANK SCARPITTI. 6:30 p.m. The PM will attend a Liberal fundraiser at the Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel in Toronto.
| | MEDIA ROOM | | — At The Line, JUSTIN LING begs the federal government to stop handing out money to new home buyers that only makes homes more unaffordable. — On The Star's This Matters pod, DAVID RIDER and JENNIFER PAGLIARO discuss changing political dynamics at Toronto city hall. — In POLITICO's Magazine, Elon Musk's biographer explains what could be behind the billionaire's recent buy of Twitter, and what it could mean for politics. — 'We're behind. We're way behind, JOHN KERRY tells editor RAVI AGRAWAL in a Foreign Policy Q&A. — "Spend and build or bait and switch?" The Star's ROBERT BENZIE breaks down Ontario Premier DOUG FORD's pre-election budget.
| | PROZONE | | For POLITICO Pro subscribers, our policy newsletter by ZI-ANN LUM: Anand sheds light on a Washington mystery. In other headlines for Pros:
— Global regulator: More scrutiny needed on how climate change could roil the financial system.
— Judge questions if Musk may blow up Twitter free-speech case.
— The Biden boom turns into a GDP bust.
— Manchin: EV tax credit is 'ludicrous.'
— Greta Thunberg doesn't want you to talk about her anymore.
— Whistleblower warned FDA about formula plant months before baby deaths.
| | Playbookers | | Recovering: Playbook has been checking in on House Speaker ANTHONY ROTA, who underwent triple-bypass surgery in March. As of Wednesday, he was trying to rest — "not in his genes," says comms director HEATHER BRADLEY — and "rebuild his stamina." The deputy Speaker told a parliamentary committee on Thursday that Rota would be back in the big chair next week. But he's not quite there yet, says Bradley. Birthdays: Happy 70ths to Sen. SALMA ATAULLAHJAN and former Conservative Cabinet minister ROB NICHOLSON … CHEO CEO ALEX MUNTER and Saskatchewan's CAM BROTEN also celebrate today. Saturday: HBD to former PM STEPHEN HARPER, retired Maj. Gen. LEWIS MACKENZIE, Liberal MP PETER FRAGISKATOS, professor and former BQ MP DANIEL TURP and former MPs DAVE NICKERSON and ALEXANDRINE LATENDRESSE. Sunday: Sen. MARY JANE MCCALLUM will be 70. Manitoba's BECKY BARRETT will also celebrate a milestone: 80! Media mentions: HANNAH SUNG has a new pod. Deputy editor COLIN CAMPBELL has bid adieu to Maclean's: "On to new things!" Spotted: MICHÈLE AUDETTE, after her maiden speech in the Senate. … FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE voting remotely from the Canada Growth Summit. … MÉLANIE JOLY and ROMÉO DALLAIRE, in conversation. … P.E.I. entry points becoming a little less fun. … Parks Canada, returning to the Franklin Expedition wrecks after a two-year hiatus. CAPRICIA MARSHALL, GINA RAIMONDO and ELISABETH BUMILLER at the Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C. for an event hosted by the Women's Foreign Policy Group. ... And BRIAN CLOW and SCOTTY GREENWOOD out and about in D.C. Farewells: MP TERRY DUGUID paid tribute in the House Thursday to DAVID BARBER, a distinguished professor at the University of Manitoba who died earlier this month. "His tireless work has helped to place Canada at the forefront of Arctic research," he said. "His dedication helped secure major Arctic research infrastructure, including the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen and the Churchill Marine Observatory."
| | ALSO FOR YOUR RADAR | | Oh, hi Mark: You know about The Room, right? The best worst movie ever made? If you don't know about it, you absolutely need to go watch some highlights right now. But assuming you do, here's a little piece of news. TOMMY WISEAU , the genius behind The Room, has been locked in litigation in Ontario courts for years with the Canadian makers of a documentary about the cult classic. He's accused them of copyright infringement, but he seems to be trying to prevent the release of the documentary — which he's successfully managed so far. Wiseau has lost all of his legal bids, including an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada that was rejected earlier this month. He had launched a separate suit in Federal Court, but just last week the judge put a stop to it, saying that allowing it to proceed "would be an abuse, not only for the defendants, but also for the Court." In other words: "You're tearing me apart!" Filmmaker RICK HARPER tells Playbook he's taking steps to finally release the documentary. We just thought you should know.
| | HOUSE BUSINESS | | Keep up to House committee schedules here. Find Senate meeting schedules here. 8:30 a.m. Statistics Canada to release gross domestic product by industry figures for February. 10 a.m.The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee holds a hearing: "Fostering American competitiveness global climate action." 1 p.m. Procurement Minister FILOMENA TASSI will be in front of the House committee on government operations and estimates with department officials. 1 p.m. The House veterans affairs committee will hear from witnesses on survivor pension benefits. The committee will then move behind closed doors to discuss their report on service dogs. 1 p.m. The House committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs is studying the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program. Witnesses will include Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President NATAN OBED, Métis National Council President CASSIDY CARON and the AFN's DAVID PRATT, First Vice-Chief, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. 1 p.m. The House justice committee is studying Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. RAPHAEL TACHIE and JACQUELINE BECKLES of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers are among the experts scheduled to appear. 1 p.m. The House status of women committee will hear from PAMELA PALMATER and other experts on resource development and violence against Indigenous women and girls. 1 p.m. The House industry committee meets in camera to discuss its report on sourcing and processing critical minerals. Check out POLITICO Pro's calendar for additional committee activity, events and more.
| | Talk of the town | | TRIVIA NIGHT x 2 — Ottawa Playbook's next virtual trivia night is set for May 4 at 8 p.m. Think you have what it takes to vanquish two-time champ BROCK STEPHENSON or the Round Three winners from MCMILLAN VANTAGE? Gather up your nerdiest friends and fire us an RSVP. Playbook Trivia is also going non-virtual: Thursday, June 9 at the METROPOLITAIN in Ottawa! Festivities will get underway at 7 p.m. There will be special guests. There will be fierce competition. There will be drama. There will be bragging rights. Space will be limited, so find your team and then send us an RSVP.
| | TRIVIA | | Thursday's answer: PIERRE TRUDEAU said "Zap you're frozen!" during the 1974 election campaign in a response to ROBERT STANFIELD's pitch for wage and price controls to combat inflation. As HUGH WINSOR wrote in The Globe in 2000: "It was not by any means Mr. Trudeau's finest hour, and indeed it was barely a year later that he adopted the Stanfield policy he had so successfully ridiculed." Retired Sen. JIM MUNSON writes, "I am getting to an age where I still remember these questions because I was there." Props to KEVIN BOSCH, TOD COWEN, JOANNA PLATER, VICTOR KRISEL, ALAN KAN, TED FRASER, GREG MACEACHERN, HEATHER CHIASSON, MICHAEL MACDONALD, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, GUY SKIPWORTH, RODDY MCFALL, SCOTT LOHNES, TIM MCCALLUM, DAVID MCLENNAN, JOHN ECKER, JOHN DILLON, DANIEL PROUSSALIDIS, BEN ROTH, LEIGH LAMPERT, RYAN HAMILTON, ANDREW SVENDE, DAN MCCARTHY, SEAN WEBSTER and SHEILA GERVAIS, who tells us she uses "Zap you're frozen!" almost daily on Zoom calls. Friday's question: What is the basic salary of a Canadian senator? Send your answers to ottawaplaybook@politico.com Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Alejandra Waase to find out how: awaase@politico.com. Playbook wouldn't happen without Luiza Ch. Savage, John Yearwood and editor Sue Allan. | | | | 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 | | | | |
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