Why Canada soccer game vs Panama was cancelled: Explaining players protest in contract dispute months before FIFA World Cup

Kyle Bonn - Sporting News


On the heels of qualification to its first men's World Cup since 1986, this summer was meant to be part celebration and part preparation for Canada in the lead-up to Qatar 2022. The Canadian men are set to play in Group F against Morocco, Belgium, and Croatia.

Instead, recent weeks have left Canadian soccer in a quagmire of controversy, public disagreement, finger pointing, statements and counter statements, and player dissent. That combustible mix led to the cancellation of a senior men's national team match on Canadian soil on the same day it was supposed to be played.

Just a week after seeing its planned June friendly against Iran called off in the wake of significant public and political backlash, the Canadian Soccer Association was forced to cancel its replacement friendly against Panama just hours before kickoff due to a player strike.

With a unique window to transform the sport's profile in Canada, and just four years prior to serving as co-host of the 2026 men's World Cup, Canada Soccer must now find a way to navigate a crisis that if not managed correctly has the potential of leaving permanent scars on the sport and its image.

Canada's men's soccer team cancels a match against Panama amid contract disputes between players and governing body Soccer Canada

This is just days after Soccer Canada had to cancel the game with Iran

Sports journalist @JohnMolinaro explainshttps://t.co/RqwxcOVVJw pic.twitter.com/oB2lDXiXsX— Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) June 6, 2022

MORE: Breaking down Canada's Group F at the 2022 World Cup
Why was Canada vs Panama soccer game cancelled?

Around 5 p.m. ET on June 5, just two hours before kickoff in Vancouver, Canada Soccer officially announced it was cancelling its friendly against Panama.

The match was called off after players announced they would not take the field in protest due to a lack of financial transparency by Canada Soccer. The men's team players released a joint statement to media members, which indicated that they "have reluctantly decided not to play our match today against Panama."

In the statement, the players outlined a host of demands required for them to retake the field, casting serious doubt over upcoming Nations League matches scheduled for June 9 vs. Curacao and June 13 in Honduras.

This is the "Dear Canada" letter released by Canada's national men's team players.

Asking for a review of Canada Soccer's broadcast & sponsorship contracts, 40% of World Cup qualification money, and a joint contract with the women's team with equal compensation for match fees. pic.twitter.com/STazGyJ9MW— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) June 5, 2022

MORE: Why Canada friendly vs. Iran was called off and replaced with Panama match
Why Canada soccer strike happened

The players are seeking to bring about changes in the way the national team program is run, demanding greater transparency from Canada Soccer.

"Despite the unprecedented success of both the Women's and Men's national teams in 2021/22, we have seen no changes. Where is the progression? Where is the money?" read the statement.

The players characterized the relationship with Canada Soccer as "strained for years". They claimed that the organization "disrespected our team and jeopardized our efforts to raise the standards and effectively advance the game in Canada" by delaying contract discussions and waiting "until the evening of June 2nd to present an archaic offer" when contract discussions had begun in March.

Provided that background, they "reluctantly decided not to play" against Panama, and instead wanted to "take a stand for the future of soccer in Canada." The players proceeded to outline a list of demands they called "fundamental elements we will stand on guard for, to shift soccer in our country":

Transparency and a review of the 10-year media and sponsorship agreement struck in 2019 with an organization called Canadian Soccer Business, owned by Canadian Premier League founders;

A leadership team that can "optimize this moment and generate revenue from corporate sponsorship";

An equitable structure with the women's national team that "shares the same player match fees, percentage of prize money earned at our respective FIFA World Cups, and the development of a women's domestic league;

World Cup compensation that includes 40 percent of prize money;

A comprehensive friends and family package for the 2022 World Cup;

More former players integrated into leadership positions within Canada Soccer.

The players are specifically citing the Canadian Soccer Business deal because they feel it "completely compromised their ability to leverage the on-field success of our senior national teams" and "hand cuffed our association [Canada Soccer]." They went on to demand that the terms of the agreement are "disclosed and corrected".

Context: Canada Soccer signed a 10-yr deal in 2019 with Canadian Soccer Business, an independent company that is owned by Canadian Premier League team owners.

CSB represents CS on all of its media & sponsor deals.

Where does $$ go? Players say they want answers.— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) June 5, 2022

The Canada women's national team, winners of Olympic gold in 2021, followed up with their own statement indicating they, too, were in negotiations with Canada Soccer since January 2022. They are seeking an agreement "that will provide equal pay to members of our team relation to the Men's National Team."

The women also say they received a proposal from Canada Soccer around the same time as the men did in June. But similar to the men, they have asked for more information "regarding its financials, including with respect to its agreement with Canadian Soccer Business."

But the women's statement also took issue with the way their male counterparts portrayed the idea of an "equitable structure" for compensation: "To be clear, the Women's National Team does not view equal FIFA percentages between our respective teams as equal pay."

It's a similar issue that the U.S. men's and women's teams ultimately resolved by pooling the disparate prize money that FIFA awards men's and women's and sharing that pooled money equally.

A statement from the Canadian Women’s National Team players: pic.twitter.com/JHqkm3iiXr— CanadianSoccerPlayers (@PlayersCanadian) June 6, 2022

Media members pointed out how the investment in the men's and women's programs has not been equitable in the past, citing previous reports of the Canada Soccer association's finances.

This is from Canada Soccer's publicly released 2021 Annual Report. From its own breakdown - 18% of funds go towards women's team. 39% go towards men's teams. #CanMNT #CanXNT #CanWNT pic.twitter.com/jXyRVgwjFi— Meaghen Johnson (@MeaghenJohnson) June 5, 2022

MORE: Why Canada's qualification to the men's World Cup can change the sport
How did Canada Soccer respond to player protest?

Canada Soccer president Nick Bontis and general secretary Earl Cochrane held a press conference hours after the match cancellation, which started with an opening statement on behalf of the organization.

The message was that Canada Soccer had serious constraints, but was available and open to negotiations.

"Canada Soccer is very disappointed in the players' decision to refuse to play today," Bontis said in his initial remarks. The federation apologized to the fans and expressed appreciation.

"Canada Soccer has been working with the players in good faith to find a way forward that is fair and equitable for all," his statement continued. "We would like to have a fact-based discussion based on the financial constraints that Canada Soccer must live in."

"We believe we made a fair offer to the players," Bontis said. "We benchmarked our offer with other offers around the world."

With regards to the gender inequity allegation by the players, Bontis stated that Canada Soccer's offer included an identical offer to the men's and women's national teams. However, he called the men's proposal "untenable" and something Canada Soccer could not afford.

According to journalist Rick Westhead, Canada Soccer revealed that the initial demands of the players was for between 75 to 100 percent of the World Cup prize money, with Canada Soccer countering with an offer of 60 percent split evenly between men and women.

The prize money share requested from the men's players in their published note (above) was 40 percent.

Canada Soccer disputes the figures in our story. Organization says CMNT demand was for 75-100% of the World Cup prize money.

Canada Soccer says it offered 60%, to be split equally between men's and women's teams. https://t.co/S36CS1LBqW— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) June 4, 2022

Canada Soccer's long-term partner Canadian Soccer Business (CSB), which was specifically cited by both men's and women's teams as they seek clarification regarding the terms of their contractual relationship, also chimed in with a statement of their own.

CSB is an agency owned by Canadian Premier League club owners, which manages commercial assets for soccer properties in Canada, including corporate partnerships and media rights for Canada's men's and women's national teams, the annual Canadian Championship tournament, and the Canadian Premier League.

Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) says it was "prepared to be fully transparent about our agreement [with Canada Soccer] which has included an unprecedented amount of revenue to Canada Soccer in the past 18 months in the forms of sponsorship and international media dollars."

CSB added that "we have invested tens of millions of dollars, and will continue to invest millions more to benefit Canadian soccer."

The Canadian Soccer Business has released the following statement. We’re back up on @onesoccer for Canada Soccer president Nick Bontis’ press conference at 8.15 PM ET.

WATCH: https://t.co/u3mtnXiFBx#CanMNT pic.twitter.com/lQmUPXcPoJ— Oliver Platt (@plattoli) June 6, 2022
How did Canada fans respond to player protest?

Canada's supporter group The Voyageurs released a statement on the situation holding a neutral position but seeming to support the players in their plight.

"Beyond their incredible achievements, [the players] represent Canada with class and dignity, and we feel both proud and fortunate to be able to support them," the fan statement read. "They are incredible human beings and are very deserving.

"However, we are not privy to the details of player compensation past or present, details regarding allocation of World Cup prize money, or the details of Canada Soccer's budget," the statement continued. "It would be inappropriate for us to take a specific stance on this issue at this time."

For those interested, we’ve decided to make a statement regarding the current #CanMNT & @CanadaSoccerEN @CanadaSoccerFR situation. pic.twitter.com/9TMAjB8JFP— The Voyageurs (@thevoyageurs) June 5, 2022
Are future Canada soccer games in jeopardy?

In the player statement, the match on June 9 against Curacao in CONCACAF Nations League play could be in jeopardy. It is scheduled to be played at BC Place in Vancouver.

"We hope Canada Soccer will take decisive steps to work with our team so we can be back on the field for our match on June 9," the statement read towards the conclusion.

Canada Soccer CEO Nick Bontis stated that he has been "immediately available" to players for negotiations both upon landing in Vancouver as well as after the press conference held on Sunday, June 5.

Bontis stated that the Curacao match in CONCACAF Nations League play would be a "CONCACAF issue" if a deal could not be reached. CONCACAF is the regional confederation comprising nations of North America, Central America and the Caribbean of which Canadian Victor Montagliani is president.

There is also a Nations League trip to Honduras scheduled to be played on June 13.

Canada and Nuclear Weapons

Article by Taylor C. Noakes
Published Online August 6, 2021
Last Edited August 6, 2021

Canada and Nuclear Weapons | The Canadian Encyclopedia


Canada helped develop nuclear weapons during the Second World War. Canada also operated nuclear weapons during the Cold War. The Canadian Forces were equipped with nuclear warheads from 1964 to 1984. Canada has never used a nuclear weapon in anger nor tested a nuclear weapon. Canada is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has historically advocated for disarmament. However, Canada is also protected by American nuclear weapons as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). (See also Canada and the United States.) Canada was the first nation to give up its nuclear weapons voluntarily.

See also Canada and Weapons of Mass Destruction.

RCAF CF-101 Voodoo alongside a Genie air rocket which could be armed with a nuclear warhead (courtesy of Library and Archives Canada/4014845)

Second World War

At the beginning of the Second World War, the United Kingdom had the world’s most developed nuclear weapons program. Because of the threat of a Nazi invasion and the bombing of Britain, the British nuclear program was transferred to Canada in 1942. Canada was already an important leader in the study of nuclear physics. (See Nuclear Fusion.)

At the Quebec Conference of August 1943, the British-Canadian nuclear research program merged with its American counterpart, the Manhattan Project. Canada’s contribution included supplying and processing uranium as well as researching the production of plutonium. Canada also provided scientists in addition to research and production facilities. (See Canada and the Manhattan Project.)

Canada’s involvement in the Manhattan Project led to the development of its nuclear energy industry. Canadian nuclear reactors have since been designed so that they cannot be used to make nuclear weapons.

Early Cold War Period and Broken Arrows

The first nuclear weapons deployed in Canada were between 11 and 15 Mark IV atomic bombs. These bombs were upgraded versions of the Fat Man bomb used to destroy Nagasaki in 1945. These bombs were deployed along with 43 American long-range bombers in the summer of 1950 to Goose Air Base in Labrador. (See Happy Valley-Goose Bay; Canadian Forces Base.) The deployment of these weapons was kept secret from the Canadian public.

Two “Broken Arrow” incidents occurred over Canadian territory in 1950. Both involved Mark IV bombs. Broken Arrow is a US military term that refers to an accident involving a nuclear weapon. On 13 February 1950, an American B-36 bomber on a flight from Alaska to Texas experienced engine failures. This forced the aircraft to jettison its bomb near Princess Royal Island, British Columbia. The bomb self-destructed in a conventional (non-nuclear) explosion. The crew bailed out and most survived. The plane, however, crashed into Mount Kologet. (See also Rocky Mountains.)


DID YOU KNOW?

Atomic weapons policy at the time was that the plutonium core of these bombs was kept at a separate location to avoid an accidental nuclear detonation.

On 10 November 1950, a B-50 Superfortress bomber experienced severe engine malfunctions. The crew dropped its Mk. IV bomb over the St. Lawrence River near Rivière-du-Loup. The bomb self-destructed over the water. The explosion spread about 45 kg of uranium into the air. Both of these Broken Arrow incidents were covered up. They only became more widely known after the Cold War.

Nuclear weapons caused a lot of controversy in Canada. In the early years of the Cold War, a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union would likely have taken place over Canadian territory. This encouraged anti-nuclear activists and led to the creation of Canadian Voice of Women for Peace. Despite this, Canada remained a close ally of the United States — the world’s first nuclear power. Both nations had co-operated in the defence of North America since the Second World War.

In the early Cold War, the main threat came from Soviet bombers armed with nuclear bombs. To defend against these, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) equipped itself with high-performance fighter jets. These included the Canadian-built CF-100 Canuck interceptor, and later, the planned CF-105 Arrow. Canada and the United States also collaborated on the construction of several lines of early warning radar stations. These stretched across the country and one — the DEW Line — was built in the High Arctic. (See Arctic Circle.) They could detect Soviet bomber formations before they entered North American airspace. Radar would form the backbone of Canada’s contribution to NORAD throughout the Cold War.

Cold War: ICBMs, Bomarcs and Genies

By the 1960s, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) began replacing bombers in delivering nuclear weapons. It was widely believed that ICBMs had made bombers and interceptors obsolete. These new threats led to the cancellation of the Avro Arrow.

NORAD, a joint Canada-United States aerospace defence command, first came online in 1957 and became official in 1958. Canada acquired Bomarc missiles as part of the continental defence strategy. The Bomarc was a first-generation surface-to-air missile that was guided to its target by ground-based radars. The Bomarcs had a range of about 700 km and were effective against targets even if they exploded up to 1 km away. Their nuclear warheads had an explosive yield of 10 kilotons (two-thirds of the strength of the weapon that destroyed Hiroshima).

In total, 56 Bomarc missiles were deployed to Canada, and were operated from 1960 to 1972. The use of nuclear warheads for the Bomarcs was highly controversial and caused a political crisis in Canada in the early 1960s. (See Bomarc Missile Crisis.)

Prime Minister John Diefenbaker had contradictory positions on nuclear weapons. He publicly opposed the use of nuclear weapons. However, his government also began the nuclear weapons acquisition process. It purchased rockets and missiles while the issue of nuclear warheads was being debated by the Canadian public. Diefenbaker was also displeased that the Canadian Forces went to high alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 — a decision essentially made by the American military. Diefenbaker was concerned that Canada was being dragged into a nuclear conflict against its will. These two crises strained diplomatic relations with the United States and made Diefenbaker seem weak on defence issues in Canada. (See Canada and the United States.) His successor, Lester B. Pearson, committed Canada to accepting nuclear warheads to defend Canada.

The cancellation of the Avro Arrow in 1959 meant Canada didn’t have a new fighter jet for continental defence. Instead, the Diefenbaker government purchased 66 CF-101 Voodoos interceptors. The Voodoo was designed to carry the Genie rocket, which was fitted with a nuclear warhead. Canada was initially supposed to purchase 330 Genie rockets with nuclear warheads. The exact number of nuclear weapons present in Canada is a matter of debate, however. Like the Bomarc, the Genies didn’t have to hit a target directly. They could knock targets out of the sky with their blast and shock wave. The Genie had a range of 10 km and a blast radius of 300 m. They had an explosive yield of 1.5–2 kilotons (roughly 10 per cent the explosive force of the Hiroshima bomb). The Genies were operated from 1965 to 1984.

Canadian Nuclear Weapons in Europe: Honest John and Starfighters

Throughout the Cold War, Canada had a large permanent military force in Western Europe. This included significant army and air force deployments in France and West Germany. Canada deployed nuclear weapons as part of its NATO contribution to the defence of Western Europe.

The only nuclear weapon operated by the Canadian Army was the Honest John short-range nuclear artillery rocket. Canada had access to 16 W31 variable-yield warheads set to the 2-kiloton explosive yield. Four complete Honest John systems were deployed in West Germany, while two systems remained in Canada for training. The nuclear warheads were only deployed in Germany. The Honest John had a range up to 50 km. Canada operated the system from 1964 to 1970.

Canada’s most destructive and numerous nuclear weapons were carried by the RCAF’s CF-104 Starfighter. Between 1964 and 1972, Starfighters had access to different types of nuclear bombs with a variety of explosive yields. These ranged from 5 kilotons (around 33 per cent of one Hiroshima bomb) up to possibly 1.45 megatons (almost 100 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb). The best estimate is that Canadian Forces in Europe had access to between 90 and 210 nuclear bombs during this period. Information regarding these weapons remains limited.
Nuclear Disarmament

Canada’s operation of nuclear weapons was controversial throughout the Cold War, and the topic remained a closely guarded national secret. Officials never confirmed nor denied the presence of nuclear weapons on Canadian military bases. Canada is generally considered to be the first nation to have voluntarily given up its nuclear weapons. Systems were deactivated beginning in 1968 and continuing until 1984. (See Disarmament.) Canada maintains the technological capability to develop nuclear weapons. Canada also remains protected by the American nuclear umbrella and the nuclear weapons of its NATO allies.

Immigration Drives Fastest Canada Population Growth Since 1957

Randy Thanthong-Knight - Yesterday 

(Bloomberg) -- Canada’s population grew at the fastest pace since around the height of the baby boom, with immigration responsible for nearly all of that growth.


Students at the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus during the first week of classes in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. Canada needs to recruit more international students in fields that are facing labor shortages and make it easier for them to become permanent residents, according to Royal Bank of Canada.© Bloomberg

The number of people living in Canada rose by 0.7%, or 284,982, to 38.9 million in the second quarter of 2022, according to Statistics Canada estimates released Wednesday in Ottawa. That’s the highest pace for quarterly growth since 1957 and represents an increase of about 3,100 people per day.

The latest estimates underscore Canada’s ambition in expanding its working-age population quickly by bringing in newcomers to replace aging workers who are leaving the labor force. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has set a target to bring in a record number of new permanent residents -- more than 1.3 million -- over the next three years.

Canada’s pace of population growth is the highest among the Group of Seven. Immigration has been one of the main drivers of the Canadian economy, and accounts for almost all of the nation’s employment growth.

Related video: Census results show growth in Indigenous population around Canada
Duration 1:29  View on Watch

From April 1 to July 1, international migration accounted for a gain of nearly 270,000 people, or 95% of the quarterly growth, the highest increase from international migration since comparable records have existed in 1971. This was in part due to high numbers of asylum claimants and permit holders, including people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The country’s population grew by 1.8% in the 12-month period that ended June 30.

While Canada has welcoming immigration policies, many newcomers face difficulties getting jobs that match their skills and qualifications. Starting next year, the federal government plans to begin targeting newcomers in specific occupations to ensure better matching with industries suffering the most intense labor shortages.

Read more:
Labor Shortage Has Canada Planning to Pick and Choose Immigrants
Out of Workers, Canada Is Throwing Its Doors Open to Migrants
Scotiabank Urges Canada to Close Immigrant Job-Education Gap
RBC Says Canada Should Tap Foreign Students to Ease Labor Crunch

Canada sees fastest population growth since 1957, driven mostly by immigration: StatCan

Aya Al-Hakim - Yesterday 

Canada has seen its highest population growth rate since the height of the baby boom, mostly driven by immigration, according to Statistics Canada data released Wednesday.

Pedestrians stroll along Spring Garden Road in Halifax on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. Canada sees the highest growth in the number of people in Canada of any quarter.

© THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

As of July 1, the number of people living in Canada sat at an estimated 38.9 million, an increase of 0.7 per cent, or 284,982 people, from April 1, 2022.

The estimate, marking the highest pace of quarterly growth since 1957, represents an increase of more than 3,100 people per day.

According to Statistics Canada, international migration accounted for 94.5 per cent of this growth, an increase of 269,305 people.

"This was the highest increase from international migration since comparable records have existed," noted Statistics Canada, adding that the majority of growth came from the largest increase in the number of non-permanent residents (+157,310) on record.

"This was due to high numbers of asylum claimants and permit holders (work, study, and other), including people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine," it added.

Statistics Canada also said the number of immigrants in the second quarter of 2022 (118,114) was the highest in any second quarter since comparable records have existed.

"This follows recent increases in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada targets and could be the result of catch-up in growth following lower levels of immigration early in the COVID-19 pandemic," it said.

Usha George, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and the director of the Toronto Metropolitan Centre for Immigration and Settlement (TMCIS), argued Canada will be taking in more immigrants because of the declining birth rate across the country.

"Definitely immigration is going to be the only source of population growth in Canada," said George in an interview.

Read more:

Immigration rules must change to keep foreign students in Canada: RBC

Related video: Census results show growth in Indigenous population around Canada
Duration 1:29  View on Watch



She referred to projections made by Statistics Canada released on Sept. 8 stating that in 2041, half of the Canadian population will be made up of immigrants and their

 Canadian-born children.

According to Statistics Canada, "immigration is projected to remain the main driver of population growth over the coming decades, continuing a trend that began in the early 1990s."

George said this is important for the economy, but Canada is not prepared for a growing population when it comes to jobs and housing.

"We have a crunch in terms of housing. We also have an issue around appropriate employment for immigrants as they come in," she said.

Video: TIFF films highlights newcomer community

George explained that Canada brings in highly qualified immigrants who are not able to get the jobs they want in their areas of specialization — especially those who are engineers, doctors or nurses.

"That's going to be an ongoing challenge," George said.

She said many of the regulation professions, such as medicine, are semi-independent organizations, which provinces do not have a lot of control over, but hopes that governments would put "soft pressure" on them.

READ MORE: Thousands of students are stuck in Canada’s immigration backlog. What’s being done?

"Some have unreasonable demands," George said, saying that in one of the cases she knows of, in order to qualify as a dentist, an immigrant from India was told she must spend $60,000 to take courses and all the exams necessary to become accredited in Canada.

"(People) don't have that kind of money, so I think we need to simplify the processes that one has to go through in order to qualify themselves for a profession without compromising standards," she said.

George recommends that regulating bodies come up with certified ways of accrediting and helping people enter and practice their professions here, especially as more immigrants will be brought into the country.

"I feel like right now the sentiment in Canada is pro-immigration. Both Conservatives and Liberals acknowledge the importance of immigration to Canada simply because by 2041 ... it's predicted that the entire replacement is going to come from immigration," said Goerge.

She said the entire labour force supply is going to come from immigration, so in order to maintain a competitive and productive economy, it's really important to be aware of the backlash that might come from the public.

"We need to be careful about public sentiment. We need to make sure that there is a sufficient understanding around the importance of immigration for Canada and that the public is aware of how needed it is so that we don't get backlash against immigrants," she added.

According to the government website, Canada aims to welcome 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022, 447,055 in 2023, and 451,000 in 2024.

Statistics Canada said the population increased in all provinces and territories except for the Northwest Territories, where the population decreased by 0.2 per cent in the second quarter.

The highest population growth rates were reported in Prince Edward Island (+1.4 per cent), Nova Scotia (+1.2 per cent) and New Brunswick (+1.1 per cent).

Ontario (-21,008), Manitoba (-2,891), and Saskatchewan (-1,948) saw the highest losses to interprovincial migration in the second quarter, while losses were also seen in Quebec (-429), the Northwest Territories (-244), Nunavut (-41), and Yukon (-32) with many coming from Ontario.

"Ontario had the highest net loss to interprovincial migration in any quarter since at least the third quarter of 1971 and this represents the tenth consecutive quarter of losses for the province," Statistics Canada said.

"The trend of people moving from Ontario to the Maritime provinces seen during the pandemic continues," it added.

Ontario has been the highest supplier of interprovincial migrants to Atlantic Canada in every quarter since the third quarter of 2017, said Statistics Canada.

It also projected in its September data that in 2041 the vast majority of the immigrant population would continue to live in a metropolitan area, while Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver would remain the three primary areas of residence of immigrants.

Canada Soccer officials defend controversial deal with Canadian Soccer Business

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General secretary Earl Cochrane grilled Monday about finances by Heritage Committee

Neil Davidson · The Canadian Press · Posted: Mar 20, 2023 

Canada Soccer general secretary Earl Cochrane on Monday said talks were underway to "modernize” its controversial agreement with Canadian Soccer Business. He also acknowledged the governing body had erred in cuts this year to the women's national team program. (David Lipnowski/Ho-Canada Soccer/Canadian Press/File)

Canada Soccer defended its controversial deal with Canadian Soccer Business on Monday under questioning on Parliament Hill by the Heritage Committee.

But Canada Soccer general secretary Earl Cochrane said talks were underway to "modernize" the agreement.

Canada Soccer board member Paul-Claude Berube said the governing body, back in 2017 when negotiations with the CSB started, was "spending hand over fist" to the tune of $1 million a year just to broadcast national team games.

"We needed income to ensure we that could continue developing soccer across Canada," Berube told the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. "And this was one of the approaches that was approved by the board of directors."

The agreement, which allows the CSB to oversee and retain funds from marketing and broadcasting rights in exchange for an annual payment to Canada Soccer, has come under fire. Critics say terms of the deal do not reflect or reward the recent success of both national teams.

Conservative MP Kevin Waugh said the CSB deal has "absolutely handcuffed" Canada Soccer.

Berube, who said the agreement was unanimously approved by the board, said Canada Soccer receives $3 million a year under the CSB deal.

Money from the broadcasting and sponsorship right has also gone to help fund the men's Canadian Premier League.

WATCH | Canadian women's soccer players take equality fight to Parliament Hill: 

Members of Canada’s gold-medal winning women’s soccer team told MPs they’re being asked to do more with less and aren’t being compensated, or treated, the same as members of the men’s team.

Cochrane said efforts are underway to rework the CSB deal, acknowledging that "today the unilateral term option and limited ability for us to share in upside revenue are drawbacks of the agreement."

• Jonathan Osorio says relationship with Canada Soccer can be mended, but it will take time

"But we hope to resolve those issues shortly," he said.

'We were wrong'

Cochrane passed on most of the CSB questions to Berube who, unlike Cochrane, was part of the board when the agreement was struck.

Cochrane also acknowledged that the governing body had erred in cuts this year to the women's team program.

"Recently Canada Soccer made some funding decisions for the operations of the women's team that it thought would have minimal impact. We were wrong," he said. "Those decisions were made with good intentions of controlling spending. But we should not have made those decisions that negatively impacted the women's team."

• Canadian women's soccer team tells MPs their program is being asked to do more with less

• 'We can make history' on gender equity, says Hamilton coach after Canada Soccer leadership change

Cochrane said Canada Soccer was in talks with the women's team technical staff to give them what they need ahead of this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Canada Soccer was also represented Monday by board director Stephanie J. Geosits. All three officials appeared via video conference.

Former Canada Soccer president Nick Bontis was invited to appear but was unable to attend.

"Everybody around this table wanted Mr. Bontis," said Waugh.

The committee moved to require Bontis, Canada Soccer chief financial officer Sean Heffernan and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, a Vancouver native who is a former president of Canada Soccer, to appear before a future hearing.

WATCH | 'We don't trust Canada Soccer:' Christine Sinclair: 

Addressing a heritage committee hearing looking into safe sports, Women's Team Canada captain Christine Sinclair describes a meeting she and her teammates had with executives of Canada Soccer to negotiate their compensation.

Bontis resigned last month after provincial and territorial governing bodies, in a letter, asked him to step down.

National team players, regardless of their gender identity, will be paid the same amount for their work in representing our country.— Canada Soccer general secretary Earl Cochrane

Committee questioning ranged from the exact date the CSB deal had been approved by the Canada Soccer board to whether the governing body was dealing with any sexual misconduct allegations [none presently, according to Cochrane] and whether it had a "slush fund" like Hockey Canada ["absolutely no slush fund," said Cochrane].

Gender equality

Cochrane repeated that Canada Soccer's offer to the national teams involved equal match fees and splitting competition prize money between them.

"Simply put, national team players, regardless of their gender identity, will be paid the same amount for their work in representing our country." Cochrane said.

He said the proposed deal would make the Canadian women the second highest-paid team in the world, behind only the U.S.

Cochrane also revealed that Canada may be getting more games to host at the 2026 World Cup given the recent match schedule expansion of the 48-team tournament that is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

• OPINION
  Canadian women soccer players defiant in wake of shameful treatment by Canada Soccer

The initial plan was to have Canada host 10 of the 80 matches. Now with the total number of matches up to 104, Cochrane said Canada could host as many as 15 matches.

"It is unknown what [financially] Canada Soccer will receive from those games," Cochrane added.

Monday's hearing came 11 days after testimony by captain Christine Sinclair and teammates Janine Beckie, Sophie Schmidt and Quinn, who goes by one name.

The players, who have made a combined 732 appearances for Canada at the senior level, told the parliamentary committee that the Canadian women's team has essentially been treated as an afterthought compared to the men's side.

Variety of roles

Sinclair, the world's all-time international leading goal-scorer among men and women with 190 goals, painted a picture of an obdurate governing body unwilling to share financial information – and favouring its men's team.

Cochrane was named general secretary last July after serving as acting general secretary since January 2022 after Peter Montopoli stepped down to become chief operating officer for Canada FIFA World Cup 2026.

Cochrane has had a variety of roles with the governing body over two stints dating back to 2001.

As general secretary, Cochrane is the "operational leader of Canada Soccer" working with the president — an elected position — and the board of directors. Charmaine Crooks has been elevated to acting president from vice-president pending elections in May.

The sixth-ranked women's team, which formed the Canadian Soccer Players' Association in 2016, has been without a labour deal since the last one expired at the end of 2021. They have struck an agreement in principle with Canada Soccer on compensation for 2022 but say other issues have yet to be resolved.

• More soccer coverage

The 53rd-ranked men, who organized last summer as the Canada Men's National Soccer Team Players Association, are working on their first formal labour agreement.

Both teams have resorted to job action over their dissatisfaction at the labour impasse.

The men boycotted a planned friendly against Panama last June in Vancouver. And the women's team briefly downed tools before last month's SheBelieves Cup before being forced back onto the pitch by threats of legal action from Canada Soccer.

The Heritage Committee has already taken Hockey Canada to task as part of its Safe Sport in Canada research.

PDAC: Canada poised to become global leader in EV manufacturing – minister of industry

Northern Miner Staff | March 10, 2021 |

General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis have announced plans to manufacture electric vehicles in Canada in the coming years. (Image: GM ultium battery – GM)

Canada is uniquely positioned to become a “global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing,” says Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, in a fireside chat with Invest in Canada’s CEO Ian McKay at this year’s PDAC.


As countries worldwide begin to electrify their transportation systems, Canada offers unique advantages, the minister said. “Canada offers renewably generated electricity, a skilled workforce, a stable and predictable jurisdiction to operate in, the rule of law – a commodity very much in demand these days – and an abundance of the critical minerals needed for the batteries that power electric vehicles.”

He continued, the “mines to mobility” approach adopted in Canada means “greening” the entire value chain, including mineral extraction, the chemistry involved in processing minerals, battery production, vehicle assembly, and the end-of-life recycling of batteries.

“People are now placing more value on the supply chains, which are moving from global to the regional and shifting from efficiency for resiliency,” Champagne said. “Canada offers enormous opportunities not just for auto manufactures but the whole ecosystem, with significant investment being made by auto manufacturers and the Canadian government.”

In the past six months, he noted, General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis have announced plans to manufacture electric vehicles in Canada in the coming years. Over the past couple of years, he said, about $6 billion has already been invested by auto companies in zero-emissions or low-emission vehicles in Canada.

CANADA ALSO HAS SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, CHAMPAGNE SAID

Last December, the Canadian government also announced that it would invest $3 billion over five years through the Net Zero Accelerator fund. Delivered via the Strategic Innovation Fund, the initiative will drive investment into large emission reducing and job-creating projects across Canada.

The fund will support the development of clean technology solutions across all industries; support clean technology development in Canada’s aerospace and automobile manufacturing areas; and support the development of Canadian battery innovation and industrial ecosystem. All of which build on Canada’s natural resources and leading experts to develop an end-to-end battery ecosystem in Canada.

Champagne said Canada offers enormous opportunities for investment across the entire value chain for the mining industry, from “green mining to green recycling and everything in between.”

Canada also has significant advantages when it comes to investment opportunities, Champagne said. “Canada has a new free trade agreement [North American Free Trade Agreement] with the U.S. and Mexico, which means that companies who open up operations here have access to supply chains and customers across North America.”

Canada trades about $2 billion a day with the U.S., more than the U.S. trades with China, Japan, and the United Kingdom combined, he said. About eight million jobs in the U.S. are dependent on trade with Canada.

The Automotive Products Trade Agreement of 1965, better known as the Canada-U.S. Auto Pact, has led to the integration of supply chains that move parts across the border, often several times, before they end-up in finished products, Champagne noted.

“People have seen how resilient this model is, particularly in the automotive industry, which has created good quality jobs on both sides of the border,” he said.

The Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, he added, also provides access for Canadian-based companies to over 500 million people, one of the largest consumer markets in the world.

A free trade agreement (the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) between Canada and ten countries in the Asia-Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, offers another huge market for Canadian companies.

Champagne noted that Canada is also the only G7 country to have free trade agreements with all the other G7 countries.

“We are uniquely positioned as a place to trade, where companies can trade freely, have the security of supplies, and have access to over 1.5 billion customers,” he said. “When the rest of the world looks so turbulent, Canada offers a beacon of stability where investors want to invest.”

Invest Canada’s McKay noted that from 2017-19 foreign direct investment in Canada increased by 84% and that Canada has also been less impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic than many of its competitors.

Canada can also take advantage of the growing importance of environment, social and governance (ESG), McKay said, with many mining companies now investing in jurisdictions with robust ESG protocols.

“This [ESG] is what consumers want and what is driving investment in the mining sector as it becomes core to the investment decisions made by big investment funds as well as company shareholders,” Champagne said.

Canada comes out “pretty much top” of the list of countries when it comes to offering an ESG framework for companies to operate in, he added. “Whether it’s labour standards, corporate social responsibility, or engagement with First Nation peoples, companies operating in Canada are making a positive difference not only for their shareholders but the communities in which they work.”

(This article first appeared in The Northern Miner)

Canada federal workers strike: What government services will be impacted?

You should file your taxes early – and expect some delays in processing

Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) demonstrate outside the Treasury Board building in Ottawa on Friday, March 31, 2023. 

THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle

Elianna Lev
Mon, April 17, 2023 a

More than 100,000 federal workers moved into legal strike position last week and could strike on Wednesday, which will likely have an impact on several services in Canada, including tax filing.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), says a significant percentage of the federal workforce across the country — more than 124,000 — could go on strike, if they don't reach an agreement by 9 p.m. on Tuesday. The union continues to negotiate with the government, namely on wages, job security and remote work policies.

That number doesn’t account for the tens of thousands of workers who are deemed essential, and therefore are unable to walk from their job.

The government’s website states that they are “committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for employees and reasonable for taxpayers.”

A strike, which could roll out between now and the beginning of June, would impact 23 federal departments and agencies, as listed on the government’s website.

Last year, the union laid out how the strike would work, suggesting that there could be selected, targeted or rotating strikes. This is when specific work locations in a city, region, or province organize picket lines for a day, or a series of days at a time, rather than one sweeping strike across the country.
What will be impacted by a strike from Canada's federal workers?

Many departments will feel an impact of the strike, which in turn, will impact Canadians.

In the midst of tax season, 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees are set to walk off the job as of Friday. The feds say "we anticipate there may be delays in processing some income tax and benefit returns, particularly those filed by paper, and increased wait times in our contact centres." Additionally, certain CRA services may be delayed or unavailable. Benefit payments will be prioritized and Canada child benefit will continue despite any potential labour disruption.

Those looking for services with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, can expect delays with procedures such as application processing, in-person appointments and events, such as citizenship ceremonies, consular citizenship and passport services in Canada.

Service Canada expects full or partial disruption for a number of services, including passport services, grants and contributions programs, the temporary foreign worker program, Canada education savings grant, Canada learning bond, Canada disability savings grant and Canada disability savings bond, the job bank and biometrics collection.

Some Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada support programs and services could be impacted.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada expect partial or full disruption to services including fisheries enforcement, aquaculture management and invasive species, Indigenous funding programs, licensing, fisheries management decisions, marine mammal response and small craft harbours.

Global Affairs Canada anticipates delays with consular services.

Veterans Affairs Canada anticipates it "will have a significantly reduced capacity to process new payments." A strike could also impact career transition services, education and training benefit, disability benefits, caregiver recognition allowance, case management services, benefits and medical services, in-person appointments and responses to calls and messages.

Departments that are deemed essential services, and aren’t expected to be disrupted by strike action include the Canada child benefit, Health Canada services and the majority of RCMP services.

Here's what happens to federal services if public servants strike on Wednesday

The Canadian Press
Mon, April 17, 2023 


OTTAWA — The union representing over 155,000 public servants says if a deal isn't reached with the federal government by 9 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, it will launch a strike this Wednesday.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says that negotiations have not progressed enough in recent days to call off a strike and its members are frustrated.

Federal departments and agencies have released a list of services that may be disrupted if workers walk off the job Wednesday.

Here's an updated list of what services may be affected:

Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada: The department says if a strike occurs there may be disruptions to call-taking at the Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada contact centre.

Some services that may be disrupted or delayed include AgriInvest, AgriStability, the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program, the Wine Sector Support Program, the youth employment and skills program and programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Canada Revenue Agency: Workers at the agency announced their own strike mandate last Friday, and the union says they, too, will walk off the job Wednesday if a deal is not reached. In the event of a strike, benefit payments would be prioritized and the Canadian Child Benefit would continue. The CRA is encouraging people to file their taxes online due to delays in processing some income tax and benefit returns, particularly those filed by paper. There may be longer wait times at contact centres.

Canadian Heritage: The department says that all funding programs will be maintained but there could be delays when it comes to application receipts, funding decisions and issuance of payments.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard: Fisheries and Oceans Canada's conservation and protection program, health and safety-related fishery closures along with the Canadian Coast Guard's search and rescue, environmental response and icebreaking services will still be running but may be operating at reduced administrative capacity.

Some services that may be partially or fully disrupted include Canadian Coast Guard lighthouses, wrecked vessels, and licensing and funding programs by Fisheries and Oceans.

Canadian Transportation Agency: The agency says it will ensure that the national transportation system will continue to run. There may be some delays to things like dispute resolution and information provision.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Essential services such as the Indian Residential Schools crisis centre, support for hunting, harvesting and community-led food programs, accessing retail subsidy, treaty and negotiations will be maintained, though there may be delays.

Employment and Social Development Canada: Essential services such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, employment insurance and social insurance numbers will be maintained. However, there could be processing delays and longer wait times.

The delivery of passports would be limited to clients experiencing humanitarian or emergency situations. There would also be partial processing delays to the Temporary Foreign Worker program, the Canada Education Savings Bond, the Canada Disability Savings Grant and the Canada Disability Savings Bond.

Global Affairs Canada: The department says it will maintain essential services such as travel advisories, the EduCanada program and international scholarships program.

Services at missions abroad, document authentication services, import and export permits, the CanExport program and international assistance programming may be partially or fully impacted.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Expect delays for most services, including processing applications, in-person appointments and citizenship ceremonies, passport services and contacting the department.

Services offered by outside organizations would still be available, and online applications, accounts and emergency services will be maintained.

Indigenous Services Canada: Services such as receiving, renewing or replacing a status card, non-insured health benefits, First Nations child and family services, emergency management and funding programs will be maintained. However, the department says labour disruptions may cause delays.

Library and Archives Canada: Service points in Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Halifax along with services for the Government of Canada, galleries, libraries, archives and museums will be maintained.

There could be delays to ordering archival and published material, requesting copies, making access-to-information requests, making licensing or copyright requests and for services to publishers.

Public Services and Procurement Canada: Services such as direct deposit, pension payments (socio-economic payments), linguistic services and public notices will be maintained.

Services that may be partially or fully disrupted include phone-assisted direct deposit and security screening.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police: Regular police services would continue across the country, but services such as administrative support, media relations, web updates and access to RCMP buildings may be disrupted.

Transport Canada: Essential services would be maintained but services such as public outreach, regulatory work, aircraft services, issuance of licenses, certificates and registrations, transportation security clearances and other motor vehicle safety hotlines could be partially or fully disrupted.

Veterans Affairs Canada: In the event of a strike, periodic payments to veterans would continue uninterrupted. That includes disability benefits, income replacement benefits and additional compensation for pain and suffering.

The department anticipates a reduced ability to process new payments. New benefit requests or those that are already in the queue will be prioritized on a needs basis.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2023.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

Cindy Tran, The Canadian Press

On Canada Project 

Opinion:    

'What is Canada doing to protect LGBTQ+ people living in Canada?'

Last month, Canada issued a safety warning for Queer folks traveling to U.S., but stuff is scary for Trans & Queer folk in Canada too

On Canada Project
Wed, September 20, 2023 


It’s scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too

On Canada Project is a social advocacy group made up of neighbourhood nerds who are here to dismantle the status quo and champion change in our lives.

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Last month, the Canadian federal government issued a safety warning for Queer folks traveling to certain parts of the USA.

Look we get why the Feds would issue an advisory- just look at this map of America.

Look we get why the Feds would issue an advisory- just look at this map of America.

Reminder, The Liberals hold a minority government in Canada. In our opinion, Liberals allyship with the Queer and Trans community isn’t as progressive as what this moment requires, but it is still more than what we could expect from Conservatives and Right-Wing politicians in Canada.

But here’s the thing - things are scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too.

It’s scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too

The Saskatchewan government prioritized "parental rights" over the human rights of students in new legislation this year.

It's scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too

This new parental inclusion policy effectively requires schools to out kids under 16 to their parents before changing the students' pronouns at school.

It’s scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too

Let’s get on the same page - “Parental Rights” is a dog whistle for anti-human rights.On Canada Project

"Dog whistles" in politics refer to coded language. Politicians use dog whistles to communicate messages that appeal to particular constituents without alienating others. By using coded language, they can signal positions on controversial topics without making overt statements that might draw public scrutiny or backlash.

Some of the reasons why politicians use dog whistle politics include plausible deniability, testing the waters, divide and conquer techniques, and mobilizing their base.

The complexity lies in the term's ability to be all things to all people, thereby enabling the politician to broaden their appeal while also activating a base that may have more exclusionary beliefs.

It's scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too

So it’s great that we’re issuing a travel advisory to protect Canadians traveling to the USA, but what is Canada doing to protect people living in Canada?

Canada has a next-level PR game, and our leaders use it to deflect criticism on the world stage all the time - just think about our country’s ‘multicultural, diverse’ branding vs the actual lived experiences of migrants and BIPOC in Canada.

And using “parental rights” to soften the blow of policies and beliefs that are decidedly anti-queer and anti-trans is no different than how U.S. states are saying the quiet part out loud with ‘Dont Say Gay’ bills and barring gender-affirming healthcare.

It's scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too

The far-right in Canada is using the language of “parental rights” intentionally, to covertly cover up their crimes against basic human rights.

It's scary for Queer & Trans folks in Canada right now too

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