JRN 509 – Journalism and the Political Arena
Section 011 – Fall 2020
Class: Mondays,
Instructor: David McKie
Office phone: 1-613-290-7380
Office hours:
Email: dmckie@ryerson.ca
Land Acknowledgement
Toronto is in the ‘Dish With One Spoon Territory’. The Dish With One Spoon is a treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and peoples, Europeans and all newcomers have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect.
Course Overview
This course will teach you how governments work at the local, provincial and national levels, and how journalists can cover them more effectively. We will explore the mechanics of government, the media’s watchdog role, and the relationship between journalists and politicians, especially now that we are in the middle of a pandemic. And because this is an election year in the United States, and our federal government would prefer the Democratic ticket to defeat Trump, we will also be examining the lead-up to that contest and its aftermath. We will use our critical lens to examine political relations with our neighbours to the south.
Lectures, guest speakers and virtual visits to Parliament Hill, Queen’s Park, Toronto’s city hall, and other relevant political institutions will provide a bird’s-eye view of raw politics in action. But we must expand the discussion beyond Canada.
Though it will not be specified week to week, an underlying theme in ALL our discussions will be an analysis of political coverage, which we will assess for content, bias, etc. This will be accomplished through an examination of the the posted news stories that that we will be reading at the beginning of each class to kick off the discussions. To this end, you will be encouraged to follow certain journalists on social media, especially Twitter.
Assignments will include reporting on political issues, class presentations, in-class exercises and quizzes.
Though is no textbook, there will still be readings each week. Their content will also be part of the quizzes.
You are also expected to consult The Canadian Press Stylebook: A Guide for Writers and Editors and CP Caps and Spelling and apply the rules and principles to your reporting.
The pandemic has forced us to offer this course virtually. But don’t worry, there will be lots of interaction, discussion and exercises to help sharpen your political IQ and develop a greater appreciation for why political coverage matters. The classes will be delivered live. Synchronous content will be recorded for students in different time zones or who have connectivity issues that prevent them from participating during your synchronous class times
By the end of this course you should be able to:
● differentiate between federal, provincial and municipal governments;
● understand the aspects of U.S. politics applicable to Canada;
● understand how the pandemic has changed the political discourse and the role of government;
● learn about open government;
● learn how to evaluate political coverage;
● write more effectively about politics.
Classes will include:
● discussion of weekly readings;
● quizzes;
● occasional guest lecturers
● virtual field trips to municipal, provincial or federal venues
Whenever possible, class discussions will be based on news events, allowing for more relevant discussions. So, it will be important to check the syllabus before class.
Your Responsibilities
You must be up-to-date on local, provincial, federal and U.S. politics and their impact on Canada. This means reading, listening and watching the political coverage of major news outlets, paying attention to social media, following key opinion leaders on both sides of a debate, and sharing your views in class.
News sources you must monitor include:
● http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/ for a round-up of major political stories
● CBC Metro Morning (99.1FM) for local political news
● CBC.ca news, including Power & Politics and The House
● local/provincial/political coverage in the Toronto Star
● #topoli #cdnpoli #climatechange #onpoli
You can also use Tweetdeck to create your own newsfeed
Plagiarism, Ethical and truthful work
Your work should be accurate, verifiable and your own; using fake interviews, interviewing friends or family members, misrepresenting or making up sources, data or using misleading visuals/audio, are all serious journalistic and academic offences. Your work also must be free of copyright restrictions. If you have ANY doubts, please speak to the instructor. Details are in the School of Journalism’s Rules of Conduct, which contain greater detail about truth-telling issues specific to the practice of journalism. These are in the student handbook.
All work you submit must be entirely your own. Penalties for fabrication, plagiarism or other forms of cheating will range from failing an assignment to failing the course and will include a disciplinary notice being placed on your academic record.
You are required to adhere to Ryerson University’s Academic Integrity policy which covers plagiarism and other transgressions. It is at:
http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol60.pdf
Additional Course Information
The following section addresses course-specific issues and general information about student access and support.
Departmental Policies and Course Practices
To learn more about course management expectations, please review Ryerson University’s Course Management Policy No.166
Accessibility
Ryerson University’s Student Learning Support office will work confidentially and directly with you if you have temporary and permanent disabilities that impact your academic functioning; your rights and responsibilities are outlined here: Ryerson Senate Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities No. 159.
After receiving an accommodation letter, the instructor should meet with the student to discuss arrangements to assignments, classes or other issues in the course.
Ryerson Student Email
All students in full- and part-time graduate or undergraduate degree programs, and all continuing education students are required to activate and maintain their Ryerson online identity at ryerson.ca/accounts in order to regularly access Ryerson’s email, RAMSS, the my.ryerson.ca portal and learning management system, and other systems by which they will receive official university communications.
Student Support and Assistance
If you are experiencing technical or administrative issues with your course, help is available by completing the Ask RSJ form.
Ryerson University offers services to address a broad range of common challenges students face. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for assistance connecting with any of these great resources.
- The Learning Success Centre: offers help with transitioning to university, English-language skills, study skills and math support (yes, journalists need math)
- Ryerson Centre for Student Development and Counselling: provides support to address personal, educational and career concerns.
There is a wide range of other services available to Ryerson students; if you need any assistance, PLEASE ask your instructor, the course lecturer, the student affairs coordinator or any other RSJ instructor or staff member.
In addition to Ryerson’s services and supports, Good2Talk is a free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365. Students can reach Good2Talk by calling 1-866-925-5454 or by dialing 2-1-1 and asking to be connected to Good2Talk.
Journalism is a demanding program; our expectations are high and the standards are rigorous. But please know that, when you encounter problems, we are here to help. For that reason, you should never hesitate to reach out.
Methods of Assessment
• Regular quizzes
• Evaluating political coverage
• Writing a feature story with multimedia elements.
• Contributions to in-class exercises, participation in group discussions
Storytelling
This isn’t a storytelling course, per se. However, evocative narrative is essential, especially for original stories. If no one reads, listens to, or watches your story, then all our effort is practically meaningless. So, storie(s) must be well-told with people at the centre.
Assessment
The normal journalistic standards will apply to the assignments. The work must be submitted on time. Generally, you will be graded on factors such as the precision and clarity of the writing, the depth of analysis, the thoroughness of the research that we’ve discussed in class, and the creativity needed to take your research and interviews beyond the regular suspects that populate too many stories, namely, spokespeople and oft-quoted officials. Specifically, you will be graded on the criteria established for each assignment. Grammatical mistakes and errors due to a lack of proofreading will all lead to a loss of marks. Factual errors may result in a failing grade. As mentioned above, stories should be written in accordance with Canadian Press style guide.
Given that stories online lend themselves to a multi-media treatment to a greater degree than print, television or radio, you’ll be graded on those elements and the extent to which they are seamlessly blended into the story. Whether it be a photo, timeline, map, chart, graph, video or sound recording, the element must not only be a natural part of the narrative, but add value.
Multimedia elements such as photos, maps and graphs must be clear, contain value-added content, proper citation of the source, cutlines and titles. Failure to include these elements will result in lost marks.
Assignments will be graded for both their journalistic and production values. Marks for the journalistic values will be based on the strength or newsworthiness of the topic; originality of research; the depth of your research and the ability to overcome obstacles in gathering research, interviews, photos and other elements critical to the assignment.
And, finally, 10% of your final grade will be based on your professionalism: showing up on time, participating in class, completing the assigned readings, keeping abreast of political news, responding to emailed queries promptly.
Students must achieve at least a B-.
Marking Scheme
Research Component 50%
Depth of research 10%
Originality 20%
Creative use of material 20%
Total 50%
Storytelling 50%
Precision and clarity 20%
Originality 30%
Total 50%
*Marks will be deducted for errors of spelling, grammar and CP style.
See detailed rubric at the end of the outline.
Assignments are to be uploaded in a manner to be determined. No extensions will be granted unless there are unusual circumstances such as a medical emergency. If an assignment cannot be completed for a medical reason, you will be required to provide a doctor’s note.
| Assessment | Course Weight | Week assigned | Week due |
| A 600-word backgrounder on the relationship between the federal, provincial and municipal governments and two examples of how they are working together during the pandemic. | 15% | One | Third |
| Group presentations on an assigned element in Speech from the Throne. | 20% | Three | Five |
| A 100-word written pitch for your feature story with a focus, explanation of news value, voices, and multi-media elements. Once the pitch is approved, you can begin working on the story. | 5% | Nine | Ten |
| An 800-word feature story about a topic we have discussed during the term (Throne Speech, U.S. election, etc.) that made news. There will be a minimum of two interviews with experts and two multi-media elements. You also have the option of doing the story as a two-minute video or podcast with the same requirement for voices. | 30% | Eleven | Thirteen |
| Quizzes 4X (of news events and reading materials)
Check the week-by-week schedule for further details. |
20% | Approximately, every second week. Quizzes will be delivered and marked in class. Make-up quizzes will be arranged for students who miss classes for legitimate reasons. Students who skip classes with a quiz will receive a mark of zero. | |
| Participation: • Infrequent or no participation; comments show little or no familiarity with the readings/current political events : zero to 3 (out of 10) • Occasional participation; comments show general but no detailed knowledge of the readings/current political events; comments tend to be expressions of personal opinion not based on the readings: 4 to 6 (out of 10) • Regular participation; comments show detailed familiarity with readings/current political events; the more analytical and critical your comments, and the better they stimulate further discussion, the better the grade: 7 to 10 (out of 10) |
10% | ||
| Total | 100% |
Grading Scale:
A+: 90-100
A: 85-89
A-: 80-84
B+: 77-79
B: 73-76
B-: 70-72
F: <70
Students must achieve a B- in all classes. Disputes over academic performance and assessment will be dealt with according to the Academic Regulations of the School of Journalism. Students may appeal decisions.
Weekly Schedule
Week one – Sept 8
Youtube hyperlink for the class video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qNFiaw7fZM&feature=youtu.be
Zoom Hyperlink for the class recording:https://ryerson.zoom.us/rec/share/pU7gzoDw6e-Yr_la_lSVmjaXq7RsSl3W0pWzro6LBCzYroEnFKwCkJgNV4ypHmxi.Dw6RrY9c-dhNumLW?startTime=1599587950000
Topics
Federal, provincial and municipal governments: their innerworkings, similarities and differences
Due Date For Assignment: 2:00 p.m., Sept 22
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Learning Objectives
What you will learn:
Evaluate the difference between federal, provincial and local governments and the roles they are playing during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Assess the concept of open government and whether it results in more transparency and accountability;
Appraise the difference between party politics and government policy.
Assignment
Students will receive the first assignment: A 600-word backgrounder on the relationship between the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and two examples of how they are working together during the pandemic. You can interview an expert, but it’s not necessary. I’m mainly looking for your assessment to gauge whether you have absorbed the material we have covered so far. Stay tuned for details about how to submit the assignment.
Story links
Federal Departments and Agencies
https://www.canada.ca/en/government/dept.html
Ontario Ministries
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministries
City of Toronto
https://www.toronto.ca/
Justin Trudeau “Grassroots Virtual Fundraiser”
https://action.liberal.ca/justintrudeau-sept10/?source=06092020+LPC+GCAYN+06092020+link+EN&subsource=sm+facebook+fund++&campid=7010a000001c46WAAQ
Scheer finds place among Conservatives’ new Opposition critics
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-critics-1.5715390
Conservatives request ethics probe into Telford, senior adviser as PMO denies wrongdoing
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservatives-request-ethics-probe-into-telford-senior-adviser-1.5714396
Singh warns NDP’s support for Liberal minority government won’t ‘come for free’
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/singh-trudeau-meeting-1.5359037
CBC Poll Tracker
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/poll-tracker/canada/
Ontario court rules Doug Ford’s gas-pump stickers attacking carbon-pricing are ‘unconstitutional’
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/09/04/ontario-court-rules-doug-fords-gas-pump-stickers-attacking-carbon-pricing-are-unconstitutional.html
Speed cameras ticketed one car 12 times in just a month, mayor says as city reveals data
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/speed-camera-data-toronto-1.5715652
Reference Material
Canadian politics Twitter hashtag
https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hashtag_click
A Parliamentary Primer
https://lop.parl.ca/sites/Learn/default/en_CA/ParliamentaryPrimer
Constitution Act 1982
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html
Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Parliament and Government
https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/parliament-government
Toronto at a Glance
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/toronto-at-a-glance/
The Distribution of Legislative Powers: An Overview
https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201935E#executivesummary
A pas de deux: The Division of Federal and Provincial Legislative Powers in Sections 91 and 92 of the Constitution Act, 1867
https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/2015128E
The constitutional distribution of legislative powers
https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/services/federation/distribution-legislative-powers.html
The Legislative Process: From Government Policy to Proclamation
https://lop.parl.ca/about/parliament/senatoreugeneforsey/book/assets/pdf/How_Canadians_Govern_Themselves_10th-ed_EN.pdf
Learn about open government
https://open.canada.ca/en
SNC-Lavalin has landed more than 100 government contracts since Trudeau ethics controversy
https://nationalpost.com/news/snc-lavalin-has-landed-more-than-100-government-contracts-since-trudeau-ethics-controversy
Download today’s data on the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases worldwide
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/download-todays-data-geographic-distribution-covid-19-cases-worldwide
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html?topic=tilelink#a1
Ontario COVID-19 Data
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/index.html
Ontario COVID-19 Data Tool
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/data-and-analysis/infectious-disease/covid-19-data-surveillance/covid-19-data-tool
COVID-19: Status of Cases in Toronto
https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/
Week Two – Sept. 15
Video recording of class
https://ryerson.zoom.us/rec/share/8cVuSSEaIbX4sRhlNRWgZ3vTQxead8MJxGQ25SSPXgINl9tBdBoYx7Zl8dDGRY-5.XiJ1q1BGg9Hu2Ro2?startTime=1600192685000
Recording on my Youtube channel in case the Zoom link above does not work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EuAPUr4nBo&t=5854s
Topics
A review of the previous week’s discussion about the three levels of government.
An introduction to party politics with a general discussion of where federal and Ontario parties stand on key issues, including the economy, racism, climate change and Indigenous issues.
Learning Objectives
Further understanding party politics and the connection to the development of policy;
Evaluating the role of political parties and effect pandemic has had on their policies.
Links
Trudeau urges Canadians to be vigilant as COVID-19 cases climb
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-liberal-cabinet-retreat-ottawa-1.5722829
Tory leader says he won’t touch Quebec secularism law, supports Bill 101 expansion
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/otoole-quebec-bill-21-legault-1.5723466
Canada to unveil retaliatory action today for ‘unjust’ U.S. aluminum tariffs: Trudeau
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/aluminum-tariffs-trade-trump-trudeau-1.5724391
Ford government loses appeal to keep mandate letters secret but takes 2-year fight to higher court
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-government-mandate-letters-court-of-appeal-1.5723231
Federal mandate letters
https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters
Required Readings
The constitutional distribution of legislative powers: An Overview
https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/services/federation/distribution-legislative-powers.html
Provincial Government
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/provincial-government
History of government: A primer on how the Ontario government is organized and works
https://www.ontario.ca/page/history-government
How Municipal Government Works
https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Municipal-101/How-Municipal-Government-Works
Toronto City Council
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/council/
Recommended Readings
NOTE: Because we will need to reference the federal and provincial party platforms and general information about the functioning of government throughout this term — and not only for this week — they are merely listed below as recommended readings for your convenience. Where possible, download the PDFs and save them on your hard drives.
The Liberal Party of Canada platform
https://liberal.ca/our-platform/
The Conservative Party of Canada platform
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6467834-CPC-Platform-8-5×11-PRINT-OCT10-v2.html
NDP platform
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7047727-2019-06-19-Commitments-Doc-En.html
The Bloc Quebecois
http://www.blocquebecois.org/
The Green Party of Canada platform
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7047726-Green-Party-Platform-2019-Web-Update-Oct-6.html
Ontario PC Party platform
https://www.ontariopc.ca/plan_for_the_people
Ontario NDP platform
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4438671-Ontario-NDP-Change-for-the-Better.html
Liberal Party of Ontario
https://ontarioliberal.ca/
Green Party of Ontario platform
https://gpo.ca/our-platform/
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
https://fcm.ca/en
How Municipal Government Works
https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Municipal-101/How-Municipal-Government-Works
The Local Government System in Canada
http://www.clgf.org.uk/default/assets/File/Country_profiles/Canada.pdf
Municipal Finance
https://amopen.amo.on.ca/stories/s/sd4q-wc68/
Tests/Exams
A quiz based on the previous week’s readings and political events making news.
Week Three – Sept 22
Class recording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA8XrbAIYXo&feature=youtu.be
Topics
A discussion about the MPs returning to work on Sept. 23 with a Throne Speech, and the issues expected to be on the table
Learning Objectives
How to evaluate the meaning of a Speech from the Throne (scheduled to be delivered on Sept. 23);
Establishing the connection between the Throne Speech and party politics;
Understanding the scenarios that could lead to an election call, and the politics involved in the calculations opposition parties will make in deciding or topple the government.
Links
Canada’s 1st female chief justice recalls ‘wonderful moments’ with Ruth Bader Ginsburg
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/beverley-mclachlin-on-ruth-bader-ginsburg-1.5731959
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thehouse/chris-hall-there-s-no-path-to-net-zero-without-nuclear-power-says-o-regan-1.5730197
Ottawa accepts Premier Doug Ford’s made-in-Ontario carbon price for heavy industry, even though it says it’s too weak
https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/09/21/ottawa-accepts-premier-doug-fords-made-in-ontario-pricing-scheme-for-heavy-industry-even-though-they-say-its-too-weak.html
B.C. voters heading to the polls as snap election called for Oct. 24
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-election-1.5732601
Federal, provincial battle over carbon tax goes before Supreme Court this week
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/supreme-court-carbon-tax-1.5732557
Liberal government will use throne speech to roll out electric vehicle strategy
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/navdeep-bains-speech-throne-batteries-1.5733220
Required Readings
Prorogation of Parliament: what does it mean and what happens next?
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-prorogation-of-parliament-what-does-it-mean-and-what-happens-next/
Assignments
Groups will be formed in order to prepare to work together for a Throne Speech assessment that will result in an in-class presentation due in week five. This is the assignment described in the “Marking Scheme” section.
Week Four – Sept 29
Week Five – Oct 6
Class recording uploaded to my Youtube account
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKt4ybcgS8o&feature=youtu.be
Topics
A discussion of Indigenous issues and the concept of reconciliation as it relates to Canadian politics.
Learning Objectives
Continuation of discussion of U.S. politics, especially the latest developments with Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis
Continuation of latest developments in Canadian federal and provincial politics
Discussion of the most recent events involving Indigenous peoples
Evaluate the Indian Act and the problems it presents to Indigenous peoples;
Indigenous relations and reconciliation as they relate to the current political landscape;
Understand the effect pipeline politics has on Indigenous relations.
Links
Trump campaign says president plans to participate in next debate in person despite uncertainty
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/519803-trump-campaign-says-president-plans-to-participate-in-next-debate-in
How the U.S. election outcome could affect Canada’s environment and energy future
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-issues-canada-environment-1.5746288
Alberta’s pipeline dreams could be riding on the U.S. election
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/10/05/news/albertas-pipeline-dreams-could-be-riding-us-election
Canada has sent election observers to fragile democracies. Donald Trump’s America should be on that list
https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2020/09/30/canada-has-sent-election-observers-to-fragile-democracies-donald-trumps-america-should-be-on-that-list.html
Presidential Poll Tracker
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/poll-tracker/presidential/
New Green Leader Annamie Paul’s political future remains uncertain
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-new-green-leader-annamie-pauls-political-future-remains-uncertain/
Opposition plans to resume investigations of WE Charity contract as committees restart
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-opposition-plans-to-resume-investigations-of-we-charity-contract-as/
Question Period
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/follow-the-house-of-commons-question-period-1.2842646
Premier speaks as Ontario sees 548 new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations steadily rise
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-ontario-october-6-report-1.5751877
Toronto’s top doctor asks residents to only leave home for essential trips, asks province to ban indoor dining, as COVID-19 cases soar
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/10/02/torontos-top-doctor-asks-residents-to-only-leave-home-for-essential-trips-asks-province-of-ban-indoor-dining-as-covid-19-cases-soar.html
Sentencing law unfair to people on remote reserves, judge rules
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-jails-are-modern-version-of-residential-schools-judge-says-in-ruling/
Atikamekw chiefs express cautious optimism after meeting with Legault on systemic racism
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-atikamekw-chiefs-express-cautious-optimism-after-meeting-with-legault/
CBC News Indigenous
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous
Sentencing law unfair to people on remote reserves, judge rules
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-jails-are-modern-version-of-residential-schools-judge-says-in-ruling/
Indigenous stories (CBC News)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous
Required Readings
A Brief History of our Right to Self-Governance
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7043882-A-Brief-History-of-Our-Right-to-Self-Governance.html
From self-determination to service delivery: Assessing Indigenous inclusion in municipal governance in Canada
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7043887-From-Self-Determination-to-Service-Delivery.html
Understanding consultation and engagement of Indigenous Peoples in resource development
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7043901-Understanding-Consultation-and-Engagement-of.html
Theorizing the resilience of the Indian Act
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7043907-Theorizing-the-Resilience-of-the-Indian-Act.html
Recommended Readings
NOTE: These readings are for your continued reference as we return to this topic later in the term. You do not have to complete them before this class.
The Indian Act and the Future of Aboriginal Governance in Canada
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7043895-The-Indian-Act-and-the-Future-of-Aboriginal.html
Unextinguished_ rights and the Indian Act
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7043911-Unextinguished-Rights-and-the-Indian-Act.html
Assignment: We have altered group project assignment to be due week eight.
Rubric for U.S. and Canadian politics group assignment
Due date: Week eight – Oct 27
American politics
Elements you need and questions that should be answered
- What’s your presentation’s title?
- What’s your topic? Avoid choosing more than one.
- Why is the topic newsworthy?
- What is the policy involved?
- Name at least two political forces at play? (Example: strategies a politician or political party might use to play to a political base; strategies to appeal to swing voters)
- Is there academic research you can use to give your topic context? Consult at last two sources.
- Workflow: Create a Google alert; interview AT LEAST one expert; consult at least two primary public records such as a government news release, advisory, study, report. A person’s own words during a recorded speech would also do the trick.
Canadian politics
- Name at least four main promises in the Throne Speech.
- Provide one-minute description of each promise (Examples: ensuring Canadians still get paid; making sure businesses can keep their doors open; making a minimum number of green investments, etc.)
- Name at least two political forces at play (Examples: the NDP taking credit for Liberal adjustments to workforce support programs; the Conservatives expressing support for COVID relief while hammering away at the Liberals’ ethical lapses in controversies such as the WE Charity)
- Is there academic research that explains how governments have functioned during times of crisis. (Examples: the 2008-9 economic collapse; the aftermath of World War 11) Consult at last two sources.
- Workflow: Create a Google alert; interview AT LEAST one expert; consult at least two primary public records such as a government news release, advisory, study, report. A person’s own words during a recorded speech would also do the trick.
Length
The presentations should be 20 minutes, with a beginning, middle and end.
Beginning: should explain the news value, recent events responsible for making headlines and getting people talking.
Middle: should be the background that explains the behaviour described in the beginning. Example: Trump’s tendency to ignore advice and have an extraordinary faith in his own abilities, tendencies which have been catalogued in books, studies, interviews, etc.
Middle: Following up on the first point, this section should also have a bit of history. Sticking with the Trump example, you might want to talk a bit about his checkered business career.
Middle: It should also explain the politics involved and how it clashes with the policies in question. For instance, the NDP is taking credit for some of the Liberal COVID-19 relief programs, which it hopes will help justify the party’s role as a small-but-influential opposition in the House of Commons. From a policy point of view, will the changes they’re pushing such as a national pharmacare program ever be realized?
Conclusion: It should wrap up the topic and explain where it moves next. In this section, be forward-thinking.
Style and format
You can designate a spokesperson to deliver the presentation, or have different members take turns. You can use PowerPoint, multimedia format or a combination. The choice is yours. Make it interesting and engaging.
What to submit?
- A 500-word Google doc that that explains your research methodology: tasks assigned to each member; experts you attempted to contact with their coordinates such as email addresses, Twitter handles and bios; the public records you consulted, complete with hyperlinked references; the Google alerts you set up; who you followed on social media, etc.
- The actual presentation.
Week Six – Oct 6
Reading Week
Week Seven – Oct 13
Reading Week
Week Eight – Oct 20
Topics
We will move the topic discussed below to further into the term, and instead focus much of today’s class on group work around the U.S. elections and the Canadian Throne Speech fallout in preparation for next week’s formal presentations.
The idea will be to use the group time to discuss the parameters we have set for the presentations.
Before next week’s class, each group will be required to submit a Google doc that you’ll be using to guide your 20 minute presentation, which will be followed by a ten-minute question and answer session.
The rubric for the assignment, which has already been shared, is also pasted below the Links section.
Links
Trump condemns ‘all White supremacists’ after refusing to do so at presidential debate
https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/01/politics/trump-proud-boys-white-supremacists/index.html
The 2020 Battleground States: Updates on the Swing Voters
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/battleground-states-2020-election
Presidential Poll Tracker
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/poll-tracker/presidential/
Parliamentary showdown looms as Conservatives, Liberals dig in heels over anti-corruption committee
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservatives-we-opposition-day-1.5768993
Toronto lawyer Annamie Paul elected leader of the federal Green Party
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/green-party-new-leader-1.5749648
‘We need a clear plan’: MPs clash during emergency debate on Mi’kmaq lobster fisheries
https://globalnews.ca/news/7405034/nova-scotia-fishery-dispute-house-of-commons-emergency-debate/
Health care system was designed to subject Indigenous people to systemic racism: Hajdu
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/health-indigenous-racism-miller-1.5764659
Rubric for U.S. and Canadian politics group assignment
Due date: Week eight – Nov 3
American politics
Elements you need and questions that should be answered
- What’s your presentation’s title?
- What’s your topic? Avoid choosing more than one.
- Why is the topic newsworthy?
- What is the policy involved?
- Name at least two political forces at play? (Example: strategies a politician or political party might use to play to a political base; strategies to appeal to swing voters)
- Is there academic research you can use to give your topic context? Consult at last two sources.
- Workflow: Create a Google alert; interview AT LEAST one expert; consult at least two primary public records such as a government news release, advisory, study, report. A person’s own words during a recorded speech would also do the trick.
Canadian politics
- Name at least four main promises in the Throne Speech.
- Provide one-minute description of each promise (Examples: ensuring Canadians still get paid; making sure businesses can keep their doors open; making a minimum number of green investments, etc.)
- Name at least two political forces at play (Examples: the NDP taking credit for Liberal adjustments to workforce support programs; the Conservatives expressing support for COVID relief while hammering away at the Liberals’ ethical lapses in controversies such as the WE Charity)
- Is there academic research that explains how governments have functioned during times of crisis. (Examples: the 2008-9 economic collapse; the aftermath of World War 11) Consult at last two sources.
- Workflow: Create a Google alert; interview AT LEAST one expert; consult at least two primary public records such as a government news release, advisory, study, report. A person’s own words during a recorded speech would also do the trick.
Length
The presentations should be 20 minutes, with a beginning, middle and end.
Beginning: should explain the news value, recent events responsible for making headlines and getting people talking.
Middle: should be the background that explains the behaviour described in the beginning. Example: Trump’s tendency to ignore advice and have an extraordinary faith in his own abilities, tendencies which have been catalogued in books, studies, interviews, etc.
Middle: Following up on the first point, this section should also have a bit of history. Sticking with the Trump example, you might want to talk a bit about his checkered business career.
Middle: It should also explain the politics involved and how it clashes with the policies in question. For instance, the NDP is taking credit for some of the Liberal COVID-19 relief programs, which it hopes will help justify the party’s role as a small-but-influential opposition in the House of Commons. From a policy point of view, will the changes they’re pushing such as a national pharmacare program ever be realized?
Conclusion: It should wrap up the topic and explain where it moves next. In this section, be forward-thinking.
Style and format
You can designate a spokesperson to deliver the presentation, or have different members take turns. You can use PowerPoint, multimedia format or a combination. The choice is yours. Make it interesting and engaging.
What to submit?
- A 500-word Google doc that that explains your research methodology: tasks assigned to each member; experts you attempted to contact with their coordinates such as email addresses, Twitter handles and bios; the public records you consulted, complete with hyperlinked references; the Google alerts you set up; who you followed on social media, etc.
- The actual presentation as a Google doc or PowerPoint presentation.
Topics (postponed to later in the term)
A discussion of some of the ways in which the Black Lives Matter conversation is impacting municipal politics, especially the “defund the police” movement. Because this is the time Ontario municipalities typically set their budgets for the following year, there could be lots of dynamics at play as both sides in the debate push hard to assert their positions.
Learning Objectives
An analysis of the general principles that underscore the Black Lives movement and its impact on Canadian politics;
An analysis of how police budgets are crafted;
An analysis of the “defund the police” debate and how it relates to municipal politics.
Required Readings
Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2020
A Disparate Impact: Second interim report on the inquiry into racial profiling and racial discrimination of Black persons by the Toronto Police Service
Q&A: Founder of Black Lives Matter in Canada explains the call to defund police
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/question-answer-sandy-hudson-black-lives-matter-defund-police-1.5613280
Canadians Divided on Whether to Defund the Police: 51% Support the Idea, 49% Oppose It
https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-and-polls/Canadians-Divided-On-Whether-To-Defund-Police
Recommended Readings
NOTE: These decisions are landmark documents, which will be handy references. Again, they do not have to be read in the lead-up to this class.
Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2018:
A Collective Impact: Interim report on the inquiry into racial profiling and racial discrimination of Black persons by the Toronto Police Service
Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2017
Under Suspicion: Research and Consultation Report on Racial Profiling in Ontario
Kim Parker, et al., Amid Protests, Majorities Across Racial and Ethnic Groups Express Support for the Black Lives Matter Movement, Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C.,12 June 2020.
Russell Rickford, “Black Lives Matter: Toward a Modern Practice of Mass Struggle,” New Labor Forum, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2016.
Tests/Exams
News and readings quiz
Week Eight – Oct 27
Youtube link to class video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a397LnhhgYs&feature=youtu.be
Link to syllabus
https://outlines.journalism.ryerson.ca/course-outlines-fall-2020/entry/66/?gvid=6603
Topics
We will continue preparing for the U.S. election, making time for groups to meet to continue preparing for next week’s presentations.
Learning Objectives
An analysis of the politics at play leading up to the Nov. 3 vote
A discussion of the latest developments in federal politics, as the opposition parties force the Liberal government to divulge information on pandemic spending, despite protests from businesses such as pharmaceutical companies who worry about granting access to commercially-sensitive information.
Links
Liberals survive stiff challenges in two Toronto byelections
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-liberals-handling-of-pandemic-put-to-test-in-two-toronto-byelections/
Saskatchewan Party cruises to fourth consecutive majority in provincial election
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-voters-head-to-the-polls-in-saskatchewan-after-four-week-provincial/
The BC NDP won the majority John Horgan craved. Now comes the hard part
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-the-bc-ndp-won-the-majority-john-horgan-craved-now-comes-the-hard/
The Commons pandemic probe could answer key questions — or devolve into empty insults
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pandemic-covid-trudeau-otoole-rempel-freeland-1.5777716
Access to Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/access-information-privacy.html
Amy Coney Barrett confirmed to U.S. Supreme Court
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-supreme-court-barrett-senate-confirmation-1.5776696
Senate Confirms Barrett, Delivering for Trump and Reshaping the Court
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/26/us/politics/senate-confirms-barrett.html
Voters in Battleground States Are Driving Record Early Turnout
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/27/us/politics/election-voter-turnout.html
Required Readings
The Parties went negative, and the media enabled them
https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/october-2019/the-parties-went-negative-and-the-media-enabled-them/
Journalists can’t be the only ones working to have an informed populace. Here’s how schools, universities and libraries can play a part.
https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/september-2019/as-media-industry-falters-civil-society-must-step-up/
With every election, the tactics of disinformation evolve and improve. Newsrooms had better get their strategies in place – and fast.
https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/september-2019/disinformation-agents-will-target-canadian-journalists/
Week Nine – Nov 3
Class video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4lykMTUH64&feature=youtu.be
Links:
2020 Election Highlights: With a Record Mail-in Vote and Fears of Postal Delays, a Federal Judge Orders a Sweep for Undelivered Ballots
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/11/02/us/trump-vs-biden?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20201103&instance_id=0&nl=breaking-news&ref=cta®i_id=29021587&segment_id=43360&user_id=6de68069fe244be82427d0bfd0d2af8e#a-judge-ordered-an-immediate-sweep-of-12-postal-districts-to-look-for-undelivered-ballots
‘FASCINATED AND HORRIFIED’: Canadians await U.S. election in fear, as poll reveals anxieties about aftermath
https://canoe.com/news/national/fascinated-and-horrified-canadians-await-u-s-election-in-fear-as-poll-reveals-anxieties-about-aftermath
2020 Election Highlights: Voters Set to Deliver Verdict After a Tumultuous Campaign
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/11/02/us/trump-vs-biden
These are the likely scenarios for how election night will play out in the U.S.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-election-guide-1.5786629
Donald Trump just admitted what everyone else already knows about the 2020 election
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/03/politics/trump-kenosha-speech/index.html
Six states that could swing the election either way
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/10/30/six-swing-states-2020-john-king-magic-wall-orig-ja.cnn
Can Biden Regain Lost Ground With Latinos?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/03/us/politics/biden-latino-vote.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage
The One Pollster in America Who Is Sure Trump Is Going to Win
https://www.nytimes.com/article/trafalgar-group-poll.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage
Topics
An examination of Canada’s relationship with the United States and the impact the impact the presidential election could have on Canada, and why we should be paying attention to the today’s vote.
Learning Objectives
Group presentations on the U.S. election and the political fallout from the Throne Speech as the government prepares for a fall economic statement and budget in early 2021.
Required Readings
Branches of the U.S. Government
https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government
U.S. Relations With Canada – U.S. State Department
https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-canada/
Resilience and Strain: Canada–U.S. Relations in 2020
https://hillnotes.ca/2020/02/18/resilience-and-strain-canada-u-s-relations-in-2020/
Assignments
Group presentations on the U.S. election and, closer to home, the political fallout from the Throne Speech.
Week Ten – Nov 10
Class recording on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQD53pKj4mI&feature=youtu.be
Topics
A postmortem of the U.S. election result and implications for Canada.
Learning Objectives
How to assess the election results;
How to analysis the impact on Canada.
Links
Presidential results
https://www.cnn.com/election/2020/results/president
Presidential Election Results: Biden Wins
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-president.html?action=click&pgtype=Article&state=default&module=styln-elections-2020®ion=TOP_BANNER&context=storyline_menu_recirc
President-Elect Joe Biden’s Transition Live Updates: Trump Starts PAC for Future Political Endeavors, and Biden Will Speak on Obamacare Case
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/11/10/us/joe-biden-trump?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage
The Biden presidency could change the terms of the climate debate in Canada
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/biden-trump-climate-trudeau-otoole-1.5795629
Trudeau says promising new Pfizer vaccine could be ‘light at the end of the tunnel’
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-pfizer-vaccine-1.5795160
Trudeau calls on premiers and mayors to ‘do the right thing’ as COVID caseloads rise
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trdueau-premiers-covid-restrictions-1.5796720
Premier Ford takes questions as Ontario reports record-high 1,388 new COVID-19 cases
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-ontario-november-10-update-1.5796429
Trudeau promises to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/broadband-internet-1.5794901
‘Tough decisions’ still to be made as city manager releases roadmap to recovery
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/10/14/tough-decisions-still-to-be-made-as-city-manager-releases-roadmap-to-recovery/
Ontario hits new one-day high with 1,388 COVID-19 cases
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/11/10/ontario-hits-new-one-day-high-with-1388-covid-19-cases.html
Tests/Exams
News quiz based on the election result and fallout.
Specs for the final assignment
An 800-word feature story about a topic we have discussed during the term (Throne Speech, Indigenous issue, Black Lives Matters, U.S. election, etc.) that made news. There will be a minimum of two interviews with experts, and a minimum two multi-media elements. You also have the option of doing the story as a two-minute video or podcast with the same requirement for voices.
Share in Google drive and email as an attachment.
What topic can I choose?
Any subject we have discussed during class concerning Canadian or American politics.
Since we have already covered those topics, don’t I run the risk of repeating myself?
No, because the aim of this assignment is to discuss the challenges; in other words, where you left off after the last assignment. For example, if you want to dig into the climate-change policies of President-elect Joe Biden, I’d be looking for a description of the policy based on information from an original record such as his campaign platform, or campaign speech, the political forces that could be working against him, especially in a Senate still controlled by Republicans, etc. If you are examining funding for Canadian health care during a pandemic, I would expect a description of the programs and services being targeted, the political challenges of maintaining the confidence of the Opposition parties and the premiers, etc. In both examples, I want a discussion of the politics and policies and how they intersect. Given that this kind of analysis has been stressed in this course, I will be looking for your analysis based on primary sources. No guessing. We support everything we say with proof!!
How many interviews do you expect?
A minimum of two interviews with experts. I stress minimum. In any story we write, it’s best to speak to as many people as possible. So, you could have more than two if it makes sense to include additional voices.
Can the experts be people we have already interviewed?
A cautious yes. The problem is the expert(s) in question being inundated with last-minute interview requests. That being said, it’s common practice to return to experts we have used in previous stories. So, using the same strategy for this assignment is fair game. Just be sure to get your interview requests in early and be persistent. I’ll be looking for evidence of persistence in your background document, which is referenced further down.
Does an emailed correspondence count as an interview?
Yes, but make sure you accurately describe the comment as one that was derived from an emailed correspondence.
Should I try to interview politicians?
Yes, because they, too, are experts. Though they may not agree to an interview, or even acknowledge your query, it’s worth while reaching out to cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MPs or MPP’s who sit on certain committees, former politicians, etc. Use your imagination. It’s also worth pursuing opposition critics for their perspective, but be sure to balance their criticisms with arguments from the government or individual being targeted. If an interview is impossible, then use something that the government official or individual has said in a news release. Always strive for balance.
Does the story have to have a headline and byline?
Yes!!
Should this assignment be written as a story?
Yes, with a lead (the beginning), context (the middle with context) and conclusion (where does the story go from here?)
Will I be penalized if the story is more than 800 words?
If it comes in at 20 or 30 words over, I won’t quibble. Anything more than 50 words over is too much?
What about submitting a story less than 800 words?
Same rationale. If it’s 20 or 30 words under, no big deal. If it’s more than 50 words under, you need more content?
What about grammar, clarity of writing and proofreading? Will these factor in my grade?
Absolutely!!!! I’m looking for clearly written stories that are easy to follow; free of jargon, acronyms and long, boring quotes. The story you submit SHOULD NOT be your first, or even second draft. So, don’t leave the writing to the last minute. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to write drafts after an interview, for instance. If possible, have someone (preferably not a significant other or family member) read your final draft. If the person is stumped by a dense quote, acronym or unclear sentence, your audience may be as well.
How should I use a quote?
Not to convey information. Quotes are best when they express emotion or opinions. They should be not be used to convey complicated concepts. That’s your job. Make sure you understand the expert. Ask the individual to offer clear, jargon-free explanations using examples. Then you can paraphrase using clear, conversational and accurate language.
Should my story have multi-media elements?
Absolutely. A minimum of two different elements: Video or audio clips (no longer than one minute), graphics, pictures (large and with cutlines and source citations).
Will I be docked marks if I have a picture or graphic without a cutline and source citation?
Yes, half a grade.
Does it have to be a written story?
No, your story can be an video or audio presentation. But YOU MUST check with me first to get the green light.
What do I submit and how?
Share the story on your Google drive and be sure to give me permission. Also send me the story as a Word document. I also want a second document that contains a 200-word backgrounder that lists the links to the primary records records you consulted and the contact information of the experts and politicians you attempted to reach. As I mentioned above, I want evidence of your persistence. One email won’t do. Sometimes it takes a few. I’m not asking you to badger people. If the answer is no, move on. If there is no response, reach out again, and again if necessary.
Week Eleven – Nov 17
Class recording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gQLuXbVtdU&feature=youtu.be
Topics
Dip into Question Period to be followed by a brief discussion of the dynamics that were at play
Discussing the final assignment, using specific examples
Reviewing examples of public records that can be used for the final assignment
Setting up one-on-one sessions to discuss the assignment
Learning Objectives
How to find the Question Period briefing notes on the federal government’s open-data portal that are prepared for ministers.;
An analysis of whether there is a connection between ministerial answers during Question Period and the transparency which is supposed to be a hallmark of the open-government concept that we first discussed in the first week.
Links
Follow the daily fireworks from the House of Commons
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/follow-the-house-of-commons-question-period-1.2842646
Ford defends provincial plan as Ontario reports record-high 1,575 new COVID-19 cases
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-ontario-november-12-new-record-high-1.5799141
It’s impossible for Ontario to hit least-restrictive green zone by Christmas, experts say
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-green-zone-christmas-williams-1.5804996
Ontario could hit 6,500 new COVID-19 cases daily by mid-December without further action, modelling shows
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-covid-19-coronavirus-modelling-1.5799394
Assess to Information
Access to Information Act
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-1/
Proactive disclosures
https://open.canada.ca/en/proactive-disclosure
Federal mandate letters
https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters
Information about programs and holdings
https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/hgw-cgf/oversight-surveillance/atip-aiprp/ai/sfgei-srgfff-eng.asp#A
Access to Information: general info
https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/hgw-cgf/oversight-surveillance/atip-aiprp/ai/index-eng.asp
Access to Information and Privacy Coordinators
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/atip-aiprp/apps/coords/index-eng.asp
Make an online request
https://atip-aiprp.tbs-sct.gc.ca/
Access to Information request forms
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct/350-57_e.asp
Completed Access to Information requests
https://open.canada.ca/en/search/ati
CBC https://cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/impact-and-accountability/access-to-information/list-of-ati-requests-processed-by-cbc-radio-canada
Provincial and Municipal Freedom of information
City Halls – GTA municipalities & municipalities outside of the GTA
https://www.toronto.ca/311/knowledgebase/kb/docs/articles/311-toronto/information-and-business-development/city-halls-gta-municipalities-and-municipalities-outside-of-the-gta.html
Brampton
https://www.brampton.ca/EN/City-Hall/Access-Privacy/Pages/Home.aspx
Burlington
https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/freedom-of-information-requests.asp
Markham
https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/onlineservices/freedomofinformation
Mississauga
https://www.mississauga.ca/our-organization/submit-a-freedom-of-information-request/
Ontario
https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-make-freedom-information-request
https://www.ipc.on.ca/access/responding-to-access-requests/
Oakville
https://www.oakville.ca/townhall/freedom-of-information.html
Oshawa
https://www.oshawa.ca/city-hall/foi-activities.asp
Hamilton
http://www.hamilton.ca/CityDepartments/CorporateServices/Clerks/MFIPPA_adn_PHIPA.htm
Richmond Hill
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/our-services/Freedom-of-Information.aspx
Toronto Freedom of Information Requests Summary
https://open.toronto.ca/dataset/freedom-of-information-requests-summary/
Vaughan
https://www.vaughan.ca/services/residential/access_and_privacy/Pages/default.aspx
Required Readings
About Open Government
https://open.canada.ca/en/about-open-government
Week Twelve – Nov 24
Class link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdA-BhJQlT4&feature=youtu.be
Topics
Final news quiz
Discussion of the latest developments in the aftermath of the U.S. election and follow up from the Democracy Dialogues US Election edition
Review of last week’s discussion of open records that can be mined for the final assignment
Discussion of next Monday’s fiscal update that the federal government will be presenting
Final assignment troubleshooting
Links
Federal government to deliver economic, fiscal update on Nov. 30, says Freeland
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/freeland-fiscal-update-november-30-1.5813196
Small business owners push back on lockdown restrictions
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1823393347756
As COVID-19 cases rise, N.L. and P.E.I. exit Atlantic bubble for at least 2 weeks
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/atlantic-bubble-burst-1.5812454
Biden unveils his administration as Trump’s firewall crumbles
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/24/politics/joe-biden-transition-donald-trump-election-2020/index.html
Obama calls Trump era an ‘anomaly’ in Canada-U.S. relations
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-nov-23-2020-1.5809458/obama-calls-trump-era-an-anomaly-in-canada-u-s-relations-1.5809466
Liberals tout climate-change targets that NDP says aren’t firm enough
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/video-liberals-tout-climate-change-targets-that-ndp-says-arent-firm-enough/
Political columnists
Trudeau turns to the bully pulpit as the pandemic surges — because that’s what he has left
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-pandemic-coronavirus-covid-1.5810721
Justin Trudeau is still selling pandemic safety, but the marketplace is increasingly hostile
https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2020/11/22/justin-trudeau-is-still-selling-pandemic-safety-but-the-marketplace-is-increasingly-hostile.html
O’Toole treads carefully as he seeks to build winning coalition
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-otoole-treads-carefully-as-he-seeks-to-build-winning-coalition/
Open government links
Census Profile, 2016 Census
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E
Proactive disclosures
https://open.canada.ca/en/proactive-disclosure
Federal mandate letters
https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters
Week Thirteen – Dec 1
Class recording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOhnXdexrIg&feature=youtu.be
Topics
A general discussion of the term and what we learned and how the new knowledge can be applied other aspects of our reporting.
Links
Why the polls weren’t as wrong as you think
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/528782-why-the-polls-werent-as-wrong-as-you-think
National Newswatch
https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/
Trudeau touts ‘historic’ $100B stimulus plan, won’t commit to boosting health transfers
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-covid19-economic-statement-1.5823212
Canada ‘not at the back of the line’ for COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna chairman says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-vaccine-moderna-covid-19-hadju-health-1.5821166
Conservatives push for parliamentary committee study of failed vaccine deal
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservative-vaccine-deal-1.5823628
Partisan sniping won’t get vaccines into Canadians’ arms. Only planning will
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-partisan-sniping-wont-get-vaccines-into-canadians-arms-only/
CBC Poll Tracker
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/poll-tracker/canada/
Office of the Auditor General of Ontario
https://www.auditor.on.ca/
Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Hampered By ‘Delays And Confusion,’ AG Finds
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/ontario-covid-response-confusion_ca_5fbe7451c5b68ca87f809b7f?123&ncid=newsltcahpmgpols
Twitter thread about the Ontario auditor general COVID-19 report
https://twitter.com/i/events/1331614576748736514
Presidential Transition Live Updates: Lawmakers Unveil Stimulus Package, and Biden Introduces Economic Team
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/12/01/us/joe-biden-trump?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
Assignments
Due: Midnight December 7
Assignments submitted after December 7 midnight extension will be docked half a grade for each day it is late.
An 800-word feature story about a topic we have discussed during the term (Throne Speech, Indigenous issue, Black Lives Matters, U.S. election, etc.) that made news. There will be a minimum of two interviews with experts, and a minimum two multi-media elements. You also have the option of doing the story as a two-minute video or podcast with the same requirement for voices. File via D2L.
The assignment is due by midnight