Inside Politics

Orders of the Day - As websites go dark to protest omnibudget bill, a dectet of ministers goes on the defensive offensive

by Kady O'Malley Posted: June 4, 2012 8:42 AM Last Updated: June 4, 2012 8:55 AM
With the battle over the omnibudget bill heading into the final stretch, hundreds of websites across the country have gone dark as part of a one-day protest,  

Black Out Speak Out supporters -- including Amnesty International, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Environmental Defence and Nature Canada -- hit the Hill media circuit to discuss the campaign, and reiterate their concerns over proposed changes that they fear will "weaken environmental laws and silence the voices of those who seek to defend them." 

In what could be seen as a somewhat defensive move, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver will "lead a series of events in 10 cities from coast to coast," in which, according to the advisory, "Government of Canada Ministers will detail the benefits of the Government's Plan for Responsible Resource Development," which, it avers, includes not only "jobs, growth and long-term prosperity" but also "maintaining the highest possible standards for protecting the environment." 

While all that is underway, later this afternoon the Finance committee is set to begin clause-by-clause review of the bill itself, which is slated to be reported back to the House by Thursday. That could, however, be preempted by another marathon voting session in the Chamber, which is scheduled to hold a final round of report stage votes related to the refugee reform bill, which could keep MPs in the Chamber until 10pm. 

Elsewhere in the precinct, a newly formed "educational charity" holds a press conference to alert the world to its existence: According to the advisory, 'Your Canada, Your Constitution' will "conduct research and undertake educational initiatives and programs about the history of, and ongoing development of, Canada's Constitution and government," starting with a free afternoon conference at the Chateau Laurier. 

In the Senate Chamber, the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians holds a memorial service in honour of 22 former parliamentarians. This afternoon, former Waterloo MP Walter McLean will receive this year's Distinguished Service Award.

Also this evening: UNICEF Canada advisor Marvin Bernstein will provide commentary on cyberbullying, children's safety and privacy.

Outside the precinct, Labour Minister Lisa Raitt will deliver the opening address at the 5th annual Stigma Conference, 'Together Against Stigma: Changing How We See Mental Illness". Also scheduled to speak this morning: American actress Glenn Close.

Finally, the PM is in London to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. On tonight's agenda: an outdoor concert on the roof of Buckingham Palace, featuring performances by Madness, Stevie Wonder and others.

Back in Ottawa, the House of Commons is set to mark the occasion later this afternoon by passing a special resolution that will offer the Queen "sincere congratulations on the happy completion of the sixtieth year of [Her] reign."

For up to the minute dispatches from the precinct and beyond, keep your eye on the Parliament Hill Ticker below -- or, alternatively, bookmark it and check back throughout the day. 

Mobile-friendly auto-updating text feed available here

Tags: blackberry jungle, orders of the day