Politics on TV: Manitoba Métis, Kevin Page, and economists

Here are the three things you should not have missed:

1. The Supreme Court decision on Manitoba Métis
2. Kevin Page on his interim successor
3. Jim Flaherty’s meeting with private sector economists

Métis decision:

Power & Politics spoke with the president of Manitoba Métis Federation, David Chartrand, about the court’s decision. Chartrand called it a vindication of history for his people and for Louis Riel, who paid the ultimate price. Chartrand said that this was a story not being taught, but all of the documents came from the government’s own archives. While the land claim would encompass Winnipeg and the surrounding area, they are not asking for it back, but hope to use this declaration to get the Prime Minister to the table to resolve their unfinished claims. Chartrand spent 17 years, and over $5 million in costs on the challenge.

Kevin Page:

Power Play spoke with outgoing Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page about the appointment of the Parliamentary Librarian as his interim replacement. Page said that this was a mistake on the part of the Prime Minister, and a mistake on the part of the Librarian in accepting it, as the people in his office have experience that the Librarian doesn’t have. Page said this is a signal that the office is being marginalized and that it looks like the plan is to drift his office back into the Library for a more research-oriented role. Don Martin also made this the subject of his Last Word.

Economic forecasts:

Don Martin spoke with RBC Chief Economist Craig Wright about the meeting with Jim Flaherty, to which Wright told him that they expect some reductions in government and consumer spending, but that they hope to be pleasantly surprised by overall economic growth. Wright also said that they were less worried about risk of debt-to-income because of a cooling – but not collapsing – housing market. Hannah Thibedeau had an MP panel to discuss the meeting, where Peggy Nash accused the government of painting too rosy a picture with its “growth-killing austerity budget,” while Scott Brison said that he is looking for a commitment to investments in creating jobs for young Canadians in the upcoming budget.

Worth Noting:

• Hannah Thibedeau spoke with author Sally Armstrong about her book Ascent of Women on International Women’s Day.
• Current Security and Intelligence Review Committee Chair Chuck Strahl spoke about some of the realities around security screenings as they relate to his predecessor, Dr. Arthur Porter.