Scarborough-born superstar The Weeknd donates half a million dollars to support frontline hospital workers at Scarborough Health Network 

Scarborough Health Network Foundation


SCARBOROUGH, ON, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and record producer Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has donated $500,000 CAD to Scarborough Health Network (SHN) in support of COVID-19 relief efforts through sales of his popular line of XO face masks. The donation is a leading gift to the health network's COVID-19 Emergency Fund, which now totals more than $2.7 million.

"I was raised in Scarborough and felt it was important to give back to the community that raised me during the hard times of this pandemic," said Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd.

The Weeknd - Photo by Pari Dukovic (CNW Group/Scarborough Health Network Foundation)

Since the outset of the pandemic, the Grammy Award-winning Scarborough native has been raising awareness and support for many charities, including SHN Foundation. All of the proceeds from sales of The Weeknd's XO face masks will be donated to COVID-19 relief, with the artist matching every dollar raised.

"Our vibrant and diverse community represents the best of Canada, and we are fortunate to have ambassadors like The Weeknd in our corner," said Elizabeth Buller, President and CEO, SHN. "This gift will help our community hospitals continue to deliver exceptional care for the people of Scarborough in the wake of COVID-19, and demonstrates to our courageous staff and physicians that their critical work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated."

SHN's COVID-19 Emergency Fund was established to support frontline staff and doctors by addressing urgent and changing equipment needs. This includes equipment such as ventilators, ICU beds, vital signs and ECG monitors, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), health and wellness supports for frontline workers, and other urgent needs. More than 3,500 community donors have contributed to the Fund to date.

"Like The Weeknd, many of my fellow frontline workers either come from Scarborough or call this community home. It is amazing to see one of our own on the world stage, giving back during our community's time of need; generous support like this inspires us to keep going," said Dr. Elaine Yeung, Corporate Chief and Medical Director, Medicine. "This gift represents Scarborough's incredible spirit and collective passion for shaping a brighter, healthier future."

"Throughout the pandemic, SHN Foundation has worked to inspire the generosity that will support our courageous frontline staff in their work," said Alicia Vandermeer, President and CEO, SHN Foundation. "Thanks to The Weeknd's phenomenal support for our hospitals, and that of thousands of donors over the past several months, we are ensuring that our health care teams have everything they need to safely treat all of our patients."

For more information about how to support SHN through COVID-19, visit SHNFoundation.ca. To learn more about and purchase The Weeknd's XO face masks, visit shopca.theweeknd.com.

About Scarborough Health Network Foundation
Situated in one of the most diverse communities in Canada, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation inspires the support necessary to improve patients' lives through exceptional care at Scarborough Health Network across three hospitals and eight satellite sites. Since its inception, the Foundation has worked with generous donors, volunteers and community members to raise funds needed to build state-of-the-art infrastructure and purchase the latest medical technology, supporting the SHN's vision to be Canada's leading community teaching health network.

About Scarborough Health Network
Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada's most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America's largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. Learn more at shn.ca.

SOURCE Scarborough Health Network Foundation

For further information: Media contacts: Phil Sach, Scarborough Health Network Foundation, psach@shn.ca, 647-707-5028; Lisa Cipriano, Scarborough Health Network, lcipriano@shn.ca, 416-356-7950

Organization Profile

Scarborough Health Network Foundation

MindFuel saw a 207% increase in users across Canada from March to May 2020

Demand for Online Learning Resources Continues to Rise as Longer-Term Distance Learning Becomes New Reality 

MindFuel

CALGARY, AB, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - With schools and school boards continuing to shift to online formats throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, online educational resources are seeing a large spike in users to help supplement their learning.

MindFuel, a national education technology leader that brings STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to life for students, teachers and parents, has been providing no-cost access to all of their K-12 STEM education resources, and saw an average 207% increase in Canadian users from during March through May 2020.

The most significant increases occurred in Northwest Territories at 1475%, Yukon at 550%, Quebec at 237%, Ontario at 202%, and British Columbia at 124%.

The total number of virtual classrooms supported during the learn-from-home period exceeded 60,000, with the most dramatic increase occurring in Ontario and Quebec on MindFuel's student engagement platform – Wonderville French. In order to support educators and parents to adapt to distributed learning, MindFuel created a series of instructional webinars focused on building a community of learners through distance education, critical to student engagement.

In 2018 alone, globally, MindFuel delivered 3.9 million STEM learning experiences across 14,000 communities in 195 countries. In 2020, MindFuel is expected to increase that number significantly.

"COVID-19 has caused a massive disruption to in-classroom learning, and we don't want to see children's learning suffer or fall behind. To ease this burden on teachers, students and parents, we have been providing easy access to all of our online educational platforms," said Cassy Weber, CEO of MindFuel. "Our programs are developed by educators for educators and have been designed to encourage curiosity and inspire students through interactive games, real-life and animated videos, comics and more. We're providing libraries of resources to allow students to dive deeper into STEM subjects that pique their interest and most importantly, to ensure they remain engaged in their learning, while supporting educators and parents in their shift to distributed learning."

While some provinces have recently reopened schools, it remains unclear what the new school year will look like for Canadian students in terms of in-classroom learning. MindFuel is preparing for additional educational supports for the anticipated continued increase in demand for virtual teaching and learning tools. Throughout the summer months, MindFuel's STEM learning resources will remain available to parents and year round schools.

"While families await further information on return to school plans, it is clear that online learning will be a large component of this system," said Weber. "We are ramping up our online supports so that we can meet anticipated higher future demands from parents and teachers."

About MindFuel

MindFuel is a registered charity, established in 1990, focused on creating future generations of innovators and problem-solvers. As a digital literacy and online learning pioneer, MindFuel is helping Canada diversify its economy through a focus on online STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education resources and in-field learning. Recognized with many awards of excellence, MindFuel supports teachers with 21st century learning services and helps immerse students in the fun world of STEM through blended learning, which includes both digital and hands-on training, critical to advancing Canada's Innovation Agenda. MindFuel places a large emphasis on empowering girls, Indigenous youth and students in rural and remote regions to pursue studies and careers in STEM. In 2018-19, MindFuel programming reached hundreds of thousands of students across Canada in both French and English and is used in over 170 countries around the world.

For more information on programming, please visit mindfuel.ca.

SOURCE MindFuel

For further information: Media inquiries: Paula Worthington, For MindFuel, paula@worthingtonpr.com, (403) 585-2429
Related Links

http://www.sciencealberta.org


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MindFuel


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Front-Line Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and Health-care Professionals Hold a Peaceful Protest to Repeal Bill 124




Ontario Nurses' Association

WATERLOO, ON, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Hundreds of front-line registered nurses, registered practical nurses and health-care professionals will hold a peaceful protest today to encourage the repeal of Bill 124.

Health-care workers from Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas will be rallying from noon until 2 p.m. at Waterloo Town Square.

Bill 124 is wage-suppression legislation that was passed by the Ford government late last year. The Bill negatively impacts female-dominated professions including registered nurses, registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners, and health-care professionals. It limits wage increases to a maximum of one per cent total compensation each year for three years. It interferes with Charter rights to freely bargain, and it is gender biased.

ONA is the union representing more than 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

WHAT:

Peaceful protest by nurses and health-care professionals regarding the repeal of Bill 124.


WHEN:

Monday, June 29 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.


WHERE:

Waterloo Town Square, 75 King Street South, Waterloo


www.ona.org; Facebook.com/OntarioNurses; Twitter.com/OntarioNurses instagram.com/ontario.nurses

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association

For further information: Sarah-Jane Wilke, 519-575-8475; Sheri Trudel, 519-577-9920
Related Links

www.ona.org


Organization Profile



Ontario Nurses' Association

The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) represents the heart and soul of Ontario's healthcare — the nurses and allied health workers on the front lines. As an organization, ONA not only represents them at the bargaining table, but is their collective voice to the world. ONA...


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Investing in Net-Zero Energy Residential Buildings Across Canada


Natural Resources Canada


OTTAWA, ON, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is building a clean energy future that will strengthen the economy, create good jobs and support the natural resource sectors. This will be more important than ever as we prepare to reopen the economy and plan our recovery.


The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced an investment of over $2,445,000 toward the construction of energy-efficient residential buildings across Canada. The funding will support a project led by the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) that will enable seven housing builders to construct net-zero energy and net-zero energy ready residential buildings in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Buildings and homes contribute approximately 17 percent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. Net-zero energy buildings are designed and constructed to produce at least as much energy as they consume on an annual basis.


The project is looking to demonstrate it is possible to construct net-zero energy ready housing with reduced cost and construction time, which will in turn inspire energy-efficient changes throughout Canada's construction industry. The investment is part of the government's commitment to fight climate change, advance our clean energy future, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Federal funding is provided through Natural Resources Canada's Green Infrastructure program, which aims to accelerate the deployment and market entry of next-generation clean energy infrastructure in Canada.

By enhancing the pace and scale of clean technology, we significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Quotes


"More energy-efficient homes means less emissions in our atmosphere and more money in the pockets of Canadians. It's a win-win. That's how we'll get to net-zero emissions by 2050, with partners like the Canadian Home Builders' Association."


The Honourable Seamus O'Regan
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources


"To be able to give large numbers of Canadians the option of living in homes that are even more efficient than those built to the current building code, without negatively impacting affordability, we need to find new solutions, technologies and approaches. This partnership between the residential construction industry and the federal government to facilitate information-sharing and research among industry leaders who are voluntarily striving to build low-rise multi-family residential buildings to net-zero energy levels using pre-fabrication is an important step in getting us closer to that goal."


Kevin Lee, Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Home Builders' Association


Associated Links

Green Infrastructure
Project description
Canadian Home Builders' Association


Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

For further information: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, NRCan.media.RNCan@canada.ca; Ian Cameron, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 613-447-3488, Ian.Cameron@canada.ca
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www.nrcan.gc.ca


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Métis Nation Launches Métis Veterans Legacy Program

Métis National Council 

I LIVE IN METIS NATION IN EDMONTON

OTTAWA, ON, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - The Métis National Council (MNC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Métis Veterans Legacy Program. The Program is an integral part of the $30 million agreement signed by Canada and the Métis Nation on June 13, 2019 to honour Métis Veterans of the Second World War including the payment of compensation. The Agreement was accompanied by an apology from Canada for the wrongs Métis WWII Veterans experienced upon their return to Canada.

"Our Nation has waited 75 years for this. Canada's apology to our Veterans has resonated throughout the Métis Homeland with reverence," says MNC Veterans Minister David Chartrand who led efforts over two decades to seek justice for the Métis Veterans who served in WWII. "Those we have lost during our struggle for recognition can finally rest in peace, knowing they have been recognized and honoured for their contributions and sacrifice. Our Nation rejoices as we celebrate the surviving WWII Veterans and honour them as they receive their Recognition Payment."

The Métis Nation Veterans Legacy Program (MVLP) has two objectives:

To recognize, through individual Recognition Payments, Second World War Métis Veteran's pre- and post-war experiences that may have negatively impacted their demobilization success; and

To support commemorative initiatives through the Commemoration Program that promotes awareness and appreciation of our Métis Veterans' sacrifices and contributions throughout the Métis Nation and all of Canada.

As very few of the Second World War Métis Veterans are still living, Minister Chartrand has initiated Phase I of a campaign throughout the Métis Homeland to identify our living WWII Métis Veterans. During the past year, 23 WWII Métis Veterans have been presented with their $20,000 Recognition Payments, along with the heartfelt thanks of the Métis Nation, an apology from the Government of Canada, a ceremonial Métis Sash and a hand-beaded traditional Métis broach. The Program will support further efforts to identify all other Second World War Métis Veterans living and present them with their Recognition Payment as soon as possible.

In consideration of those Veterans who passed during the negotiation period with Canada, Phase II of the campaign was initially designed to compensate the spouses and common-law partners of deceased WWII Métis Veterans who passed after January 2016. In addition, should the spouse or common-law partner have also passed, the surviving children of the Veteran are entitled to receive equal portions of the $20,000 Recognition Payment.

After careful consideration and deliberations with community members and family members of our WWII Veterans, Minister Chartrand announced today that the policy is now inclusive of Recognition Payments being presented to all surviving spouses and common-law partners regardless of when their loved one passed. The policy remains the same that if the spouse or common-law partner has also passed, all living children of a WWII Métis Veteran who has passed after January 2016 are eligible to receive equal portions of the $20,000 Recognition Payment.

"The importance of family remains the essence of the Métis Nation," states Minister David Chartrand. "Our WWII Métis Veterans who have passed would want to take care of their families and ensure their future and prosperity. Phase II of the MVLP will accomplish this and help the families of our Veterans heal, and take comfort knowing their loved one is being honoured as a Hero of this country."

Phase III is the Commemoration Program which is expected to be launched in August of 2020. The intent of the Commemoration Program is to keep the Second World War Métis Veterans' legacy alive by promoting awareness and appreciation amongst Métis and the Canadian public of their achievements and sacrifices for generations to come. It will support the work that Métis communities have traditionally undertaken to honor our Veterans such as the erection of monuments and ceremonies as well as undertake new initiatives. Grassroots consultations with Métis Nation citizens will assist in identifying the scope and eligibility requirements of these initiatives as we further develop the Commemoration Program.

In April 2020, Métis National Council launched a new Métis Veterans on-line portal to support efforts to recognize Veterans and promote commemoration of their immense contributions and sacrifices. You can also use the portal to apply online for the Recognition Payment. (visit: www.metisveterans.ca)

"Our Heroes Today, Tomorrow, and Forever."

The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international levels. The Métis Nation's homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into the contiguous parts of British Columbia, Ontario, the Northwest Territories and the United States. There are approximately 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.

SOURCE Métis National Council

For further information: Ke Ning, Métis National Council, ken@Métisnation.ca, c: 613-297-5193
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www.metisnation.ca


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Ontario Long term care home negligence class action

Koskie Minsky LLP

TORONTO, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Koskie Minsky LLP has commenced a class proceeding against the Province of Ontario in respect of the widespread illness, suffering and loss of life among long-term care home residents due to COVID-19.

The class action is brought on behalf of all individuals who reside or resided in long-term care homes in Ontario where one or more individuals tested positive for COVID-19, and their parents, spouses, siblings and children.

It is alleged that Ontario's longstanding systemic failures to properly regulate and oversee long-term care homes in Ontario. It is further alleged that the system was primed for rapid spread of a disease like COVID-19. In addition, it is alleged that Ontario failed to take steps to protect residents, and that the measures Ontario did implement were inadequate and amount to "too little too late".

Kirk Baert, a partner at Koskie Minsky, has stated: "This case concerns systemic issues that have plagued long-term care homes in Ontario for years. The Province has long been aware of these issues and has ignored them for far too long."

SOURCE Koskie Minsky LLP

For further information: If you are interested in participating in the class action, please contact us at Toll Free: 1-833-630-1787 or Email: longtermcareclassaction@kmlaw.ca
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A Look Back at the First 100 Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Quebec: CMA Survey Shows Quebeckers Are Heeding Prevention Advice, While Mask Wearing Is the Least Followed Measure 

QUEBEC HAS AN ANTI MASK ANTI MUSLIM LAW

Français

Canadian Medical Association

MONTREAL, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) today presented the results of a Quebec survey indicating that preventive measures such as two-metre physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and coughing etiquette (coughing into one's elbow) have been widely adopted by Quebeckers since the pandemic began. However, mask wearing appears to be the least followed measure.

The survey, conducted in Quebec by L'Observateur from June 13 to 17, 2020, reveals that handwashing, physical distancing, and coughing etiquette have adoption rates of 70, 95, and 93% respectively. Mask wearing is the least followed measure: less than half of Quebeckers surveyed (42%) report wearing a mask regularly in public since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paradoxically, although 82% of respondents in the 18–34 age group believe there will be a second wave, only 27% report wearing a mask.

The survey also indicates that 87% of Quebeckers in the 18–34 age group do not consider themselves to be at risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. Thus, it appears that the older they are, the more Quebeckers consider themselves "at risk" and the more they observe preventive measures.

The survey also shows that three out of four Quebeckers (74%) expect there will be a second wave of COVID-19 in the coming months.

"The message is clear. We must continue our efforts to protect our neighbours, our friends, and our families," said Dr. Abdo Shabah, emergency physician and AMC board member. "The reality today is that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and we must use every possible measure to avoid a second wave that could be even more devastating than the first."

The survey also dealt with tracing technologies. If a mobile app were available to facilitate community tracing of the virus, 42% of Quebeckers would download it.

About the CMA
Since 1867, the Canadian Medical Association has been the national voice of Canada's medical profession. We work with physicians, residents and medical students on issues that matter to the profession and the health of Canadians. We advocate for policy and programs that drive meaningful change for physicians and their patients.


SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

For further information: To schedule an interview or for further information, please contact: Media inquiries, 514-839-7296, mediainquiries@cma.ca

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Canadian Medical Association


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Staff, youth put at risk of COVID-19 in custody centres
Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

TORONTO, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - OPSEU is greatly concerned that six youth custody centres run by the Ontario government have been denied the ability to isolate or test new admissions for COVID-19.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says it's hard to believe that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is resisting such sensible safety precautions this deep into the pandemic.

"We're four months into this pandemic. Over 2,600 have died in Ontario alone. COVID-19 cases are on the rise among young people. What's it going to take to get the ministry to take action to protect our youth and the workers who care for them? More fatalities?"

OPSEU represents the workers who watch youth serving sentences or on remand orders while awaiting trial. For weeks the union has been trying to get ministry officials to agree to testing.

"Our members have suggested several options to limit the possibility of COVID-19 entering one of our facilities, and we've offered to work with the employer to develop a protocol," said Youth Justice Divisional Health and Safety Co-Chair Tom Gibson. "Unfortunately, the employer has failed to respond in any fashion for over a month."

In contrast, the province's adult correctional facilities, as well as many privately run transfer payment youth facilities, have been using full protections and quarantining new admissions for many weeks. Gibson says youth facilities face the same difficulties as adult facilities with setting and maintaining physical distancing. He says there are alarming reports of spikes in the number of youth now testing positive for COVID-19.

"Preventing the disease at the point of admission is key. Our workers face the same dilemmas that led to many of the long-term care facility outbreaks. Pretending there's no problem won't make it go away."

OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, who is a correctional officer, says Minister Todd Smith must intervene with his officials to ensure safety comes first.

"Mr. Smith, your youth justice workers are pleading with ministry managers to stop gambling with the lives of staff and vulnerable youth," said Almeida. "It's time to put test-and-isolate protocols in place at all youth facilities before it's too late."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

For further information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
Related Links

www.opseu.org


Organization Profile



Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is one of the most progressive and powerful unions in Ontario. It represents 165,000 frontline workers who provide a vast array of public services in communities across the province. They work in provincial government...


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OPSEU stands with vulnerable migrant workers

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)


TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU, and OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida have issued the following statement:

One of the great tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic is how it has spread through migrant workers who have come to Ontario to do temporary, seasonal jobs on farms and in greenhouses. Approximately 20,000 migrant workers come to Ontario each year, mainly from Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean.

The spread is severe enough that parts of southwest Ontario remain under restrictions that have been already lifted in the rest of the province. There are media reports that some 470 farm workers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Windsor-Essex region alone. Tragically, three of these workers have died.

But it's hard to tell the full extent of the spread among the approximately 8,000 migrant workers who have arrived. Only 750 of them have been tested. Some mobile testing sites in Ontario had to close due to a lack of workers coming in, probably because many of them are afraid of losing their precarious jobs if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Migrant workers have few rights and don't have the benefits like paid sick leave that come from being in a strong union.

OPSEU has been working with the group Justicia for Migrant Workers for years to try to educate Ontarians about the working conditions of migrant workers.

This pandemic has shown us how vulnerable these workers are and how little governments have done to protect them.

The labour movement needs to be an even stronger voice in calling for better working conditions for these workers who put food on our tables.

We at OPSEU stand in solidarity with migrant workers and say it's time they started to get the benefits and rights the rest of us take for granted.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

For further information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
Related Links

www.opseu.org


Organization Profile



Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

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CMG calls for funding to convert temporary employees at CBC to full-time
Canadian Media Guild

TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - CMG is encouraged by a positive meeting with Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault where CMG CBC/Radio-Canada Branch president Kim Trynacity, asked the minister for targeted funding to convert 50% of temporary/precarious workers at CBC to full-time staff.

"Many of the temporary employees are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour," Trynacity told the minister. "Converting so many temps to full-time will make the corporation more reflective of Canada, and go a long way to repairing a damaged workplace culture that must work to address issues of racism at CBC/Radio-Canada."

Since the brutal killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a groundswell of protest has emerged with rallies being held across the world to demand the end to systemic racism against Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Within CBC/Radio Canada, employees have called for real change at all levels of the corporation, from decision-making, to the stories we cover and how we cover them, as well as equity and respect for BIPOC workers at the public broadcaster.

Several CMG members have spoken publicly about their experiences and the problems they've encountered in the crown corporation .

More than 1,200 employees, representing approximately 25% of the workforce at CBC/Radio-Canada are temporary workers who lack job security, and any certainty about future work. Many of these are generally younger workers from diverse backgrounds.


While not promising funding, Guilbeault assured Trynacity, and CWA-Canada President Martin O'Hanlon, that addressing issues of racism across Canada is a priority.

During the 40-minute meeting, CMG also stressed the need for a resumption of all CBC regional television news programming, which in some locations remain abbreviated during the pandemic. The union also sought assurance that future CBC/Radio Canada funding will be linked to a moratorium on job cuts. Since 2008, there have been continuous job cuts at the public broadcaster resulting in drops in employment, diversity, and news programming, as well as increased reliance on temporary workers.

Trynacity asked that public funding for CBC/Radio-Canada be increased to $50 per capita in the next budget to help stabilize the country's largest news service and major cultural institution at this critical time. Overall federal funding has declined significantly over the years due in part to unfunded inflation, and compares poorly to the levels of funding for public service media in other countries.

SOURCE Canadian Media Guild

For further information: Jeanne d'Arc Umurungi, Communications Director, Canadian Media Guild, jeannedarc@cmg.ca, 416-708-4628
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http://www.cmg.ca/


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Canadian Media Guild


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Unifor releases Road Map for a Fair, Inclusive and Resilient Economic Recovery 

NEWS PROVIDED BY Unifor

OTTAWA, ON, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Unifor calls on governments to #BuildBackBetter and reveal a detailed plan to rebuild the economy in a virtual news conference live on Facebook.

"Tomorrow's economy cannot look like the one that we left behind, where essential workers could barely get by on low wages, could not access sick pay, and where the social safety net failed them," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Eventually this crisis will end and we want to ensure that a more fair, inclusive, and resilient economy takes shape on the other side."

Built on the principles of economic justice, the new recovery plan is based on consultation with rank-and-file members and includes dozens of recommendations targeting all levels of government.

The plan organizes policy recommendations into five themes:
Build an income security system that is accessible
Build sustainable green jobs and decarbonization
Build critical physical and social infrastructure
Rebuild domestic industrial capacity
Set strong, enforceable conditions on corporate support packages

"The steps that governments take in the coming months and years will define workers' well-being and progress for a generation," said Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director. "It is vital that we get it right, and rebuild the economy not to what it once was, but to an economy that meets people's needs no matter the crisis."

Visit buildbackbetter.unifor.org to read the recommendations and download the Road Map for a Fair, Inclusive and Resilient Economic Recovery.

Watch the digital media conference on www.fb.com/uniforcanada to see Jerry Dias and Unifor members from across the country present the vision.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For further information: contact Sarah McCue, Unifor National Communications Representative at 416-458-3307 (cell) or sarah.mccue@unifor.org; For French interviews, please contact Unifor Quebec Communications Representative, Véronique Figliuzzi at Veronique.Figliuzzi@unifor.org or 514-212-6003
Related Links

http://www.unifor.org


Organization Profile



Unifor

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create...


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SEIU Healthcare Renews our Demand for a Judicial Inquiry After the Breaking News from Brian Lilley


NEWS PROVIDED BY SEIU Healthcare
Jun 24, 2020


The Ford government response leaves workers and families with more questions than answers

RICHMOND HILL, ON, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - SEIU Healthcare, the union that represents over 60,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario, is renewing our demand for a judicial inquiry into the long-term care scandal after breaking news reveals how the Doug Ford government rejected funding requests as recently as February, after the first case of COVID-19 hit the province.

STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT, SHARLEEN STEWART:

"It's unconscionable to think that senior ministers in Ontario's government actually rejected proposals for urgent funding into long-term care after the first case of COVID-19 had already hit the province. Unfortunately, the Ford government response to this story leaves Ontarians with more questions than answers. That's why Premier Ford must commit to nothing less than a full judicial inquiry with both Ministers Fullerton and Bethlenfalvy agreeing to testify about what they know, under oath. The 1800 families who needlessly lost loved ones—residents and workers—deserve justice for this scandal."

SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. www.seiuhealthcare.ca

SOURCE SEIU Healthcare

For further information: For media inquiries, contact: Corey Johnson, SEIU Healthcare, Head of Strategic Communication, 416-529-8909, c.johnson@seiuhealthcare.ca
Related Links

http://www.seiuhealthcare.ca/


Organization Profile

SEIU Healthcare


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Unifor disappointed as Kenney presents support for corporations and slim pickings for workers


NEWS PROVIDED BY Unifor

EDMONTON, AB, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Unifor urges Premier Kenney to change course and invest in workers instead of further padding corporate profits.

"Alberta's workers are looking for leadership, and instead, Kenney launches an incomplete plan that squeezes education, and school boards, and proposes two-tiers of minimum wage. That's not going to cut it," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "While Albertans are supporting one another, the least he can do is recognize that this crisis is the time to invest in Albertans, not funnel more profit off of workers' backs into the pockets of corporate bosses."

In the June 29 announcement, Premier Kenney floated possible changes to labour relations legislation that would no doubt take from workers, and refused to commit to not making deeper cuts to public services that are supporting the province through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While details are sparse, his message is clear. Kenney is still turning his back on workers in order to hold the hands of corporate Alberta," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. "A fair economic recovery can build public services that this province needs, and protect labour standards while providing the conditions that business needs to grow. Don't let anyone tell you that we cannot achieve both."

On June 24, Unifor released its Road Map for a Fair, Inclusive and Resilient Economic Recovery. Our bold plan is available at buildbackbetter.unifor.org, and focuses on five key economic areas to not only rebuild the economy, but also to support Canada's workers.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change

SOURCE Unifor

For further information: contact Sarah McCue, Unifor National Communications Representative at 416-458-3307 (cell) or sarah.mccue@unifor.org.
Related Links

http://www.unifor.org


Organization Profile



Unifor

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create...


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Sweeping Workplace Changes Expected in a Post-pandemic World, Says Research From The Adecco Group

Businesses and workers call for greater flexibility, questions raised over the hours-based contract, and a new empathetic leadership profile emerges


NEWS PROVIDED BY The Adecco Group




ZURICH, June 30, 2020 /CNW/ --
Workers demand greater flexibility after coronavirus, with a 50/50 split of remote and office time confirmed as the universal ideal

Questions raised over the hours-based contract, with 69% saying contracts should be based on results delivered rather than hours worked

Boom in digital skills an unintended consequence of lockdown, with tech knowhow improving for six in 10 (61%), and two thirds (69%) eager for further digital upskilling post-pandemic

Leaders need to reinvent themselves as more emotionally intelligent, but they are not prepared, as less than half felt equipped to support employees holistically during the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in pivotal shifts in attitudes and expectations among workers and leaders, as both call for permanent changes in how and where we work, workplace relationships and future skills, according to new research from the Adecco Group.

The Adecco Group, the world's leading HR solutions company, today unveiled the results of its latest study, Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work, examining the expected short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on resetting workplace norms. Fieldwork was conducted in May 2020, with 8,000 office-based respondents (aged 18-60) across Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the USA.

The Adecco Group's Chief Executive Officer, Alain Dehaze, said: "The world of work will never return to the 'normal' we knew before the pandemic struck. The sudden and dramatic change in the workplace landscape has accelerated emerging trends such as flexible working, high-EQ leadership, and re-skilling, to the point where they are now fundamental to organisational success. As many countries emerge from the acute crisis phase of the pandemic, employers have an opportunity to 'hit reset' on traditional workplace practices – many of which have remained largely unchanged since the industrial revolution. This research highlights that employee attitudes have shifted and gaps between workforce expectations and entrenched labour market processes have been exposed. As we step into the new era of work, now is the time to establish better norms that will enable a holistically healthy, productive and inclusive workforce into the future."

Key research highlights:

The research revealed that the working world is ready for a new "hybrid" model, with three quarters (74%) of workers surveyed saying a mix of office-based and remote working is the best way forward. The universal ideal of spending half (51%) of their time in the office and half working remotely (49%) transcends geographies, generations and parental status. And company executives agree, with almost eight in ten (77%) C-suite leaders saying businesses will benefit from increased flexibility.

Another stark finding could signal the end of the hours-based contract and 40-hour week. More than two thirds (69%) of workers are in favour of "results-driven work," whereby contracts are based on delivering against business needs rather than working a set number of hours. A high proportion of C-suite executives (74%) agree that the length of the working week should be revisited.

The pandemic has also demanded a new set of leadership competencies and these expectations are expected to accelerate a reinvention of the modern-day leader. Emotional intelligence has clearly emerged as the defining trait of today's successful manager, but the soft skills gap is evident. Over a quarter (28%) of those questioned said their mental wellbeing had worsened due to the pandemic, with only 1 in 10 rating their managers highly on their ability to support their emotional health.

In a similar nature to flexible working, the findings demonstrate a universal appetite for mass upskilling. Six in 10 say their digital skills have improved during lockdown, while a further two thirds (69%) are looking for further digital upskilling in the post-pandemic era. A broad range of skills development were identified as important by the workforce, including managing staff remotely (65%), soft skills (63%) and creative thinking (55%).

Finally, the findings highlighted the importance of sustaining trust in the new working world. Companies have risen to the challenge of supporting their people during the crisis, and as a result, trust in corporations has increased. In fact, 88% say that their employer met or exceeded their expectations in adapting to the challenges of the pandemic. And with this increased trust comes increased expectations. While the future of work is a collective responsibility, 80% of employees believe their employer is responsible for ensuring a better working world post-COVID and resetting norms, compared with 73% who say the government is responsible, 72% who agree it is an individual responsibility, and 63% who believe it is in the hands of labour unions.

For more information:
Download the Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work full report here.
Follow us on social #ResetNormal for updates

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading HR solutions company. We believe in making the future work for everyone, and every day enable more than 3.5 million careers. We skill, develop, and hire talent in 60 countries, enabling organisations to embrace the future of work. As a Fortune Global 500 company, we lead by example, creating shared value that fuels economies and builds better societies. Our culture of inclusivity, entrepreneurship and teamwork empowers our 35,000 employees and we are proud to have been consistently ranked one of the 'World's Best Workplaces' by Great Place to Work®. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN) and powered by nine global brands: Adecco, Adia, Badenoch & Clark, General Assembly, Lee Hecht Harrison, Modis, Pontoon, Spring Professional and Vettery.

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Facebook: facebook.com/theadeccogroup
Twitter: @AdeccoGroup

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Food Recall Warning - Fresh Express brand salad products recalled due to Cyclospora 

Français

NEWS PROVIDED BY Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Jun 29, 2020, 

Product photos are available: https://www.inspection.gc.ca/eng/1593481825568/1593481826383

OTTAWA,ON, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - The food recall warning issued on June 28, 2020 has been amended to correctly identify the affected products. The corrections for these products are marked by an asterisk (*).

Fresh Express is recalling Fresh Express brand salad products from the marketplace due to possible Cyclospora contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

The following products have been sold nationally.

Recalled products
Brand
Product
Size
UPC
Production Code
Best Before Date


Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar
323 g
0 71279 30931 6*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 08*

Fresh Express
American
312 g
0 71279 24100 5*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Thai 'N' Cashews
332 g
0 71279 30925 5*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Veggie Lover's
312 g*
0 71279 28106 3*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp
315 g
0 71279 30933 0*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*

Fresh Express
Iceberg Garden
680 g
0 71279 10411 9*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Iceberg Garden
340 g
0 71279 10302 0*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Shreds
Iceberg*
227 g*
0 71279 15101 4*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Green & Crisp
312 g
0 71279 10813 1*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Asian
340 g
0 71279 30929 3*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 13*

Fresh Express
Chopped Kit Southwest
326 g
0 71279 30930 9*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*

Fresh Express
3 Colour Deli Cole Slaw*
397 g
0 71279 12302 8*
All packages bearing a lot code beginning with "Z177" or a lower number
All best before dates up to and including Jul 14*

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Cyclospora may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. People infected with Cyclospora can experience a wide range of symptoms, including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Some people do not get sick at all, while others suffer from a severe upset stomach. Few people get seriously ill.
Learn more about the health risks
Sign up for recall notifications by email and follow us on social media
View our detailed explanation of the food safety investigation and recall process
Report a food safety or labelling concern

Background

This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products in Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

For further information: Public enquiries and media: Company information, Fresh Express, Consumer Service Centre: 1-866-709-8410; Media Inquiries: Barbara Hines 972-677-8127; Public enquiries, Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.), Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international), Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca; Media relations, Telephone: 613-773-6600, Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

China Enacts Security Law, Asserting Control Over Hong Kong
June 30, 2020 EMILY FENG


Pro-mainland supporters in Hong Kong hold Chinese and Hong Kong flags during a rally to celebrate the approval of a national security law on Tuesday.Kin Cheung/AP

Beijing's top legislative body has unanimously passed a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong, a controversial move that could effectively criminalize most dissent in the city and risks widening the rift between China and western countries who have criticized the law.

The news was reported by NOWNews — a Hong Kong cable television station — the city's public broadcaster and a slew of local newspapers, including Wei Wen Po and Ta Kung Pao, two pro-Beijing outlets which often signal official Chinese policy. Beijing state media have yet to confirm the law was passed.

National security cases relating to subversion, secession, terrorism or foreign interference can now be tried by a special agency, likely to bet up within Hong Kong's police force, and subject to a more constrained judicial process in which Hong Kong's Beijing-backed chief executive can select the judges overseeing the cases. The law also allows Beijing to set up its own security force on Hong Kong soil to investigate security cases and collect intelligence.

The law will likely take effect on July 1, which is also the anniversary of Hong Kong's 1997 handover from British to Chinese rule.


"The legal firewall, if you like, that separates the two systems [of Hong Kong and Beijing] is now gone," said Alan Leong, a former chair of Hong Kong's bar association and chair of Hong Kong's Civic party. "We are allowing the long arms of the Chinese Communist Party to reach Hong Kong."

Beijing has defended the law by arguing such a measure is needed to restore stability to Hong Kong, which has been rocked by sometimes violent protests over the last year stemming first from a now-shelved extradition bill and general dissatisfaction with Beijing's heavy-handed governance.

Pro-Beijing legislators in Hong Kong tried to pass a similar but more limited national security measure in 2003 but the measure was rescinded after an estimated half-million peaceful protesters took to the streets in opposition.

Protesters gather at a shopping mall in Hong Kong during a pro-democracy protest against Beijing's national security law on Tuesday.Vincent Yu/AP

This time, Beijing took no chances. It announced in May that its own parliament would ram through the legislation in a swift and secretive process that has bypassed Hong Kong's own legislative council.

In passing the law in Beijing, China is making clear its legal system is paramount.

The end of Hong Kong self-governance?

Per the terms of its handover to Chinese rule in 1997, Hong Kong was promised 50 years of limited autonomy under a principle called "One Country, Two Systems." Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, and its decades of independent judicial rulings protecting civil rights were to take precedence over Beijing's governance until at least 2047.

But legal experts say the national security law demonstrates how Beijing sees its own political diktat as now superseding Hong Kong's rule of law.

"China gets to determine when its interests are involved and when a [legal] interpretation is warranted," said Cora Chan, an associate professor of law at the University of Hong Kong. "The [national security law] opens up a window into widespread interference in people's lives and potentially penetrates into a lot of activities that contribute to a lot of the vibrancy of civil society and the character of this financial center."

Breaking with procedure, a public draft of the law was not made available before it was passed in Beijing. Instead, in the weeks leading up to the law's passage, even proponents in Hong Kong were left to parse scant details fro Chinese state media about what the law would entail.

"That is just completely contrary to the notions of law that we had in Hong Kong, which is law as an accessible, transparent process, where before you enact a law you discuss, you get the draft out, you debate it," said Wilson Leung, a commercial litigator and a council member of Hong Kong's bar association, which has criticized the national security law and demanded greater transparency in the drafting process.

Beijing has also pushed ahead with the law despite sanctions from the United States and criticism from other western countries. The U.S. ended its preferential trading status with Hong Kong in May, saying the city no longer had any autonomy from mainland China, and has slapped visa restrictions on Chinese officials in Hong Kong. (China announced it would put retaliatory visa restrictions on Americans who exhibit "egregious conduct" toward Hong Kong.) The United Kingdom, Hong Kong's former colonial ruler, has offered a path toward citizenship for up to 3 million Hong Kong residents.

It is not yet clear how strictly the law will be applied in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has defended the law, asserting earlier this month that the measure "will only target an extremely small minority of illegal and criminal acts and activities."

Yet Lam also admitted that Hong Kong officials had not seen the full proposed text of the national security law in the weeks leading up to its passage. On Tuesday morning, as Hong Kong outlets began reporting the law had passed, Lam refused to comment, saying that it would be "inappropriate" to do so given the legislative body was still meeting in Beijing.

The fallout from the law is already being felt in Hong Kong.

Sales of VPN software, used to circumvent China's Internet censors and evade some measures of digital surveillance, have skyrocketed.

Hundreds of outspoken Twitter accounts run by Hong Kong residents have been voluntarily deleted in the last few days as people rush to clear any potentially incriminating web-browsing history and online political posts.

And mere hours after the national security bill was approved, at least two opposition political parties announced they had effectively dissolved themselves.

Activist Joshua Wong and fellow activists Agnes Chow and Nathan Law announced their resignations from Demosisto, the youth political party they founded in 2016, on Facebook Tuesday. They resolved to continue their activism individually.

Andy Chan, an activist who advocates for outright independence from Beijing, also said he was disbanding the Hong Kong branch of his political party and shifting operations to Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

"Great changes are coming....no one can be sure about their tomorrow, " Wong wrote on his Facebook page.



I hereby declare withdrawing from Demosisto...

If my voice will not be heard soon, I hope that the international community will continue to speak up for Hong Kong and step up concrete efforts to defend our last bit of freedom. pic.twitter.com/BIGD5tgriF— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) June 30, 2020

As Poland’s Duda seeks election ‘Trump bump,’ Putin looks to revise history

June 26, 2020 · By The World staff
Producer Joyce Hackel

US President Donald Trump holds a joint news conference with Poland's President Andrzej Duda in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, June 24, 2020.
Credit: Carlos Barria/Reuters

US presidents don’t usually meet with world leaders days before a presidential vote. But this week, President Donald Trump welcomed President Andrzej Duda of Poland to the White House just ahead of Poland's national election this Sunday, in which the conservative Duda is running a tough reelection bid.

From the Rose Garden, Trump, a Republican, did his best to give Duda a "Trump bump."

"I do believe he has an election coming up and I do believe he’ll be very successful," Trump said.

Related: Young people in Poland are rediscovering their Jewish roots

From her vantage in Warsaw, author Anne Applebaum says Duda’s photo-op with Trump might have gained him points at home. Or it might be a gamble that doesn’t pay off.

"... it was a kind of clear intervention in the election."Anne Applebaum, historian and author

"Those in his party thought that this meeting would be a kind of slam dunk reason to vote for him, and they played it up as a great diplomatic success," Applebaum said. "Those who aren't going to vote for him thought it was a very strange thing for the American president to do. I mean, it was a kind of clear intervention in the election. There was no other purpose to the meeting. There was nothing achieved. There were no documents signed. It was a long trip to get a photograph."

Applebaum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and expert on central and Eastern Europe. Her forthcoming book is called "Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Allure of Authoritarianism." Applebaum spoke with The World's Marco Werman about the presidential meeting and Trump's indication he may move US troops out of Germany to Poland — and how Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts at historical revisionism play into security considerations on NATO's eastern flank.

Related: How Russia laid the groundwork for future disinformation campaigns

Marco Werman: The two presidents have met one-on-one five times in recent years, three times at the White House. How do you understand their alliance? What can they actually do for each other?

Anne Applebaum: [From] Trump's point of view, Duda is useful because he's one of the few European leaders who openly admires him and openly wants to be around him and be seen with him. Most of the others have now become pretty wary. From Duda's point of view — look, the United States remains very popular in Poland. NATO is very popular. And so from Duda's point of view, it makes him seem like he's close to the United States. Of course, this is incredibly risky from Duda's point of view, because the next president, if it's not Trump, might feel very differently about Poland.

Duda has also been pushing for additional US troops in Poland. He's offered to build a Fort Trump in Poland. And just this week, President Trump confirmed he has plans to move more than 9,000 US forces out of Germany, sending some — not clear how many — to Poland. So if that does happen, what will be the upshot for NATO and security on Europe's eastern flank?


Everybody in Europe would like to see the US commit more troops and be more present. The disturbing piece of the story is that it seems as if Trump's reasoning for moving troops out of Germany isn't to do with security or to do with calculations about where those troops would best be placed. It seems like it's some kind of revenge against Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, who refused to come to Washington recently, saying that she didn't think the timing was good and it wasn't a good moment to have an international meeting in the middle of the pandemic.





Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu leave after the Victory Day Parade in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, June 24, 2020. The military parade, marking the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, was scheduled for May 9 but postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Credit:

Ekaterina Shtukina/Sputnik/Pool via Reuters

So from the West, Trump talks about pulling out of NATO. In the east, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has been offering up a revised history lesson. Putin just published in a conservative magazine a 9,000-word essay on World War II, defending the Soviet non-aggression pact with Hitler. He describes the occupation of Baltic states as "with consent." How is it going over in Eastern Europe?


What he's referring to is the Hitler-Stalin Pact. The two dictators actually divided Europe up between them. And so Hitler invaded western Poland. The Soviet Union invaded eastern Poland. And Putin now wants to rewrite that piece of history and somehow imply that it was Poland's fault, that Poland got invaded and that it was somehow the Baltic states agreed to be invaded. There is no historical justification for it at all. Nobody is sure why it is that Putin has chosen to make this argument right now. I think it's part of a bigger effort that he's been making in recent years to rewrite the history of the 20th century in order to make the Soviet Union more heroic and to make our memories of it more heroic and triumphant.

Related: This pact between Hitler and Stalin paved the way for WWII

Putin's essay was being pushed precisely during this week of the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, which was postponed because of the coronavirus. Is Putin in a position to celebrate "great power status" at this moment?


The kind of argument he's been making to the Russian people over the last several years is, "OK, your wages are not going up. The economy is not great. There's a lot of corruption. But I'm making Russia great again. I am restoring Russia. I'm putting her back in the center of world politics where she belongs. And you should keep me in power for that reason." But the point of your question is correct. Russia remains a very dangerous, but medium-sized power. The Russian economy is weak, and it's weakened partly by low oil prices. But it's also weakened by really profound corruption and very profound inequality as well, which has caused a lot of discontent. There have been, just under the radar, on and off over the last couple of years, quite a lot of protests and a lot of dissent, not just in the big cities, not just in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but all over the country. And he's very anxious to damp that down.

Related: Coronavirus postponed Russia's Victory Day. For Putin, it's a problem.

I'm just curious. In Warsaw, is talk of this revisionist history making Poles at all nervous?


So whenever the Russians start to revise history, Russia's neighbors become nervous because Russia has used historical revisionism as an excuse to invade its neighbors in the past. Right now, that seems unlikely. It doesn't seem that Russia wants to pick a fight with the United States and with NATO at this exact moment. But, you know, we began this conversation by talking about the American president's weak commitment to NATO. Maybe this is something that Putin sees in the future he'll be able to take advantage of.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.