Online Harms Act Stalled in House Amid Political Tensions
The Online Harms Act faces delays in the House as political disagreements persist over funding and regulatory measures
Online Harms Act, Arif Virani, Canada, Conservatives, NDP, Manitoba
Ottawa: The Online Harms Act is currently stuck in the House of Commons, and it’s causing quite a stir. Justice Minister Arif Virani is standing firm on the need for new regulators to tackle online dangers, even if it means spending a hefty sum.
Virani believes that keeping kids safe online is worth the investment, which he estimates at around $200 million over five years. But the Conservatives are not on board, arguing that this would create a huge bureaucracy.
Even if the bill somehow gets through the House, the Conservatives have promised to scrap it if they take power. It’s a real mess, especially since both major parties agree something needs to be done about online harms.
Parents who have lost children to online exploitation are pleading for action, but it seems like there’s no clear path forward. Virani has pointed out that the Conservatives seem reluctant to invest in safety, which he finds troubling.
Meanwhile, political chatter is heating up about a possible spring election. The NDP is planning to vote against the government early next year, which could lead to a national campaign.
Political analysts are predicting that the government might fall by late March, setting the stage for an election in April or May. It’s all very uncertain, but the buzz is definitely there.
In Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew is facing his own set of challenges. His popularity remains strong, but he’s got to deliver on promises related to healthcare and finances.
He’s made some strides, like hiring more healthcare workers and expanding school nutrition programs, but he still needs a solid plan to balance the budget by 2027.
In Ontario, there’s been a push for more transparency from the animal welfare body, which has finally started to communicate more publicly about its investigations.
And in the world of mountain biking, 76-year-old Betty Birrell is still going strong, riding the challenging trails of Vancouver’s North Shore and inspiring a new generation of riders.
It’s a busy time in Canadian politics and beyond, with lots of stories unfolding that are worth keeping an eye on.