Former justice minister says he's still 'confident' in decision to trigger Emergencies Act
David Lametti says PM never gave 'a substantive reason' for dropping him from cabinet
Former justice minister David Lametti says a Federal Court judge made a bad call when he ruled that the federal government was wrong to trigger the Emergencies Act to break up the 2022 convoy protests.
Lametti announced Thursday that he would be leaving political life on Jan. 31 after eight years as an MP — more than half of them as minister of justice and attorney general. In an interview airing Saturday on CBC Radio's The House, he defended the government's use of the Emergencies Act, a moment that forever marked his tenure as the country's top legal official.
"I disagree with the decision. I disagree with [Justice Richard Mosley's] analysis and I disagree with his framing of the issue and his treatment of the facts," Lametti told host Catherine Cullen.
"I'm pretty confident this decision will be overturned on appeal."
Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley found the government's invocation of the Emergencies Act "does not bear the hallmarks of reasonableness — justification, transparency and intelligibility," and actions taken under the act infringed on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was quick to cite the decision and accuse Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of acting illegally.
"He caused the crisis by dividing people," he posted on the social media platform X. "Then he violated Charter rights to illegally suppress citizens. As PM, I will unite our country for freedom."
Lametti defended the government's actions, saying cabinet tried to balance the rights of Canadians with the need to end weeks-long protests that dominated Canadian politics as the COVID-19 pandemic wore on in early 2022.
"I believe that we had minimal impairment of rights for a short period of time," he said. "And what about the rights of citizens of Windsor and Ottawa and autoworkers and people in other parts of the country, in Coutts [Alta.], whose rights were being trampled on by these illegal occupations?"
Lametti also voiced his support for revamping the Emergencies Act to clarify the circumstances under which it can be used.
"We need to have an act that's usable. We need to have a standard that reflects current reality," he said.
Reason for dismissal still unknown, Lametti says
Lametti, who has represented the riding of LaSalle-Émard-Verdun since 2015, served in a variety of parliamentary secretary roles before being named minister of justice.
He was dropped from cabinet when Trudeau overhauled his team last summer — a move that caught many observers by surprise.
He said he still doesn't know why it happened.
"I haven't been given a substantive reason other than I got caught in a numbers game ... there are a number of different balances that have to happen around the cabinet table," he said.
Prime ministers traditionally weigh a number of factors when constructing a cabinet, including experience and regional diversity. Trudeau is also the first prime minister to insist on gender balance in his cabinets.
Lametti said he understands the need for tradeoffs in constructing a cabinet and knows he shouldn't take such decisions personally.
Justice Minister David Lametti makes an announcement on bail reform in Ottawa on May 16, 2023. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
"Look, it doesn't mean it's not difficult.... It doesn't mean that the decision doesn't hurt," he told Cullen.
"It's up to the prime minister. It's his prerogative."
He said he had intended to carry on in politics at first. "But in the end, I think my mental health and my sense of happiness is also important to being an effective MP," he said. "And I don't think I could carry on."
Lametti says he's proud of his record
Lametti also reflected on some of the biggest issues he sought to address during his time as minister of justice, including delays in the justice system long enough to cause some cases to be thrown out of court.
"I appointed judges at a faster pace than anyone in Canadian history," he said.
He leaves the department with a deadline looming on medical assistance in dying (MAID). The government has until March 17 to decide whether to allow a sunset clause to kick in, which would widen MAID eligibility to include people suffering solely from a mental illness.
Lametti said MAID is a complex, difficult issue and Canadians need to be clear-eyed about the facts.
"The sky hasn't fallen. There are a number of horror stories that have been put out there that just haven't materialized," he said.
"It hasn't been open season on the disabled. We've been very careful with the balancing that we have done, and I think that if we take a step back and we actually look at the facts and we look at the evidence, we'll be able to move forward with confidence."
Lametti said he's proud of his work in politics and hopes it endures.
"I am going to look back at my record and say this is a great record," he said.
"And right now, I think the most important thing to me, and the most important thing I hope to Canadians, is to maintain that record moving forward and to not put it in jeopardy with a change of government."
Lametti will be joining the Fasken law firm, where he'll focus on Indigenous and technology law. Radio-Canada reported Thursday that Lametti was offered the position of ambassador to Spain but turned it down.
Asked whether he's unhappy with his treatment by the prime minister, Lametti again pointed to a number of accomplishments under his tenure, such as criminal law reform and the creation of a commission on wrongful convictions.
"I'm leaving with a smile on my face."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Catherine Cullen, Kristen Everson and Catharine Tunney
Date: Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many folks agree that Senator Michael L MacDonald said what HE REALLY THOUGHT about the Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
(English version follows)
Bonjour,
Nous vous remercions d'avoir contacté le bureau de l'ex-député David Lametti. À compter du 31 janvier 2024, M. Lametti a démissionné de son poste. Nous vous sommes reconnaissants de votre patience pendant cette période de transition. À noter que le personnel a été considérablement réduit.
Afin de recevoir une réponse dans les meilleurs délais, assurez-vous d'inclure votre nom au complet, votre adresse résidentielle et votre code postal dans tous les courriels. Toutes les correspondances sont lues et examinées, mais nous ne répondrons qu’aux correspondances provenant de LaSalle-Émard-Verdun.
Nous nous excusons pour tout inconvénient que cela pourrait causer et vous remercions de votre patience et compréhension.
Sincèrement,
Bureau de LaSalle-Émard-Verdun
-------
Good day,
Thank
you for contacting the office of former MP David Lametti. As of January
31, 2024, Mr.Lametti has resigned from his position. We appreciate your
patience during this transitional
period. Please note that staff has been significantly reduced.
In order to receive the most timely response, please be sure to include your full name, home address and postal code on all emails. All correspondence is read and reviewed, however only correspondence from inside the constituency of LaSalle-Émard-Verdun may receive a direct response.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Office of LaSalle-Emard-Verdun
Date: Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many folks agree that Senator Michael L MacDonald said what HE REALLY THOUGHT about the Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
The
Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
From: Freeland, Chrystia - M.P. <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many folks agree that Senator Michael L MacDonald said what HE REALLY THOUGHT about the Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
To the University-Rosedale community:
Thank you for reaching out to our office.
Our office has recently moved to a new office, now at 622 College Street, Suite 201. As we are still setting up our new office and systems, and are experiencing a higher than normal volume of enquiries, our response to email may be delayed at this time.
Thank you for your undertanding.
Office of the Hon. Chrystia Freeland
Member of Parliament, University-Rosedale
From: Irwin Cotler <irwincotler@rwchr.org>
Date: Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Subject: Thank you for your email / Merci pour votre courriel Re: Fwd: Methinks many folks agree that Senator Michael L MacDonald said what HE REALLY THOUGHT about the Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
To: <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. We appreciate the time and effort you've expended to write to Professor Cotler. Due to the volume of incoming correspondence, we cannot promise a timely response.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
------------
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous apprécions le temps et les efforts que vous avez consacrés à écrire au professeur Cotler. En raison du volume de correspondance reçue, nous ne pouvons pas garantir une réponse rapide.
Merci pour votre patience et votre compréhension.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Subject: Fwd: Methinks many folks agree that Senator Michael L MacDonald said what HE REALLY THOUGHT about the Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
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Prime minister calls two federal byelections for Sept. 16
Races will be first test for government since shocking Toronto seat loss
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Sunday that byelections will be held in two federal ridings on Sept. 16.
One race will be held in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun to fill the Quebec seat left vacant by the retirement of former Liberal cabinet minister David Lametti.
Lametti, a lawyer, served as minister of justice and attorney general. He won the Montreal riding comfortably in three straight elections since 2015. He was dropped from cabinet as part of Trudeau's massive cabinet shuffle last summer, something Lametti called "a surprise."
City councillor Laura Palestini will contest the riding for the Liberals, while the NDP is also fielding a city councillor, Craig Sauvé. Louis-Philippe Sauvé, a former political staffer, will be the Bloc Québécois candidate, and the Conservatives have put forward business owner Louis Ialenti.
In the past three elections, Bloc candidates have typically placed second and the New Democrats third.
The governing Liberals hold almost every riding on the island of Montreal, but public polling consistently shows them trailing the opposition Conservatives by double digits nationally.
The second byelection called Sunday will take place in Elmwood—Transcona to pick a successor for former Manitoba NDP MP Daniel Blaikie, who left federal politics to work with the provincial NDP government.
Blaikie held the Winnipeg riding since 2015, barely wresting back control for the NDP that year in a race against incumbent Conservative Lawrence Toet that came down to fewer than 100 votes. He expanded his lead in each of the succeeding elections, winning by more than 20 percentage points in the 2021 federal campaign.
Prior to Toet's one term from 2011 to 2015, the riding has traditionally been a New Democrat stronghold. Bill Blaikie, Daniel's father, represented the area federally from 1979 to 2008.
Leila Dance, head of a local business improvement organization, will carry the NDP banner into the race. Conservatives, who traditionally place second in the area, have nominated electrician Colin Reynolds. Liberals have tapped union leader Ian MacIntyre as their candidate.
The races will be the first test of the Liberals' electoral strength since a shocking byelection loss in Toronto–St. Paul's in June sparked internal consternation in the government.
It was the first time since 2015 the Liberals had lost a riding in the city of Toronto, and it came at a time when persistently low national polling numbers raised questions about the strength of the government going into the next election. Former Liberal cabinet minister Carolyn Bennett had previously held the riding since 1997.
Following the loss, several caucus members called for an emergency national meeting, which Trudeau refused. He has consistently maintained that he will lead the party into the next election.
Corrections
- A previous version of this story said Bill Blaikie served as a federal MP until 2004. In fact, he served until 2008.Jul 28, 2024 11:42 AM ET
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The Canadian Press
Senator's convoy rant breached ethics code, watchdog says apology not sufficient
Nova Scotia senator caught on video in February 2022 castigating downtown Ottawa residents
The Senate ethics watchdog has found Conservative Sen. Michael MacDonald violated the code of conduct with a colourful rant during the self-styled "Freedom Convoy" protest last year, and a refusal to comply with an investigation into his actions.
The Nova Scotia senator was caught on video in February 2022 castigating downtown Ottawa residents who complained about the weeks-long demonstrations against COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions and the Liberal government.
In the video, recorded by a protester, MacDonald described the residents as overpaid and underworked.
"It's everybody's f--king city, this is the capital of the country. It's not your goddamned city just because you have a six-figure salary and you work 20 hours a week. You haven't worked a full week in two years. It's sickening," MacDonald says in the recording.
In the video, MacDonald refers to his wife as "a Karen" — a derogatory term for a self-entitled woman — for opposing the protests. Despite police ordering protesters to clear the scene, MacDonald says that "I don't want them to leave."
MacDonald apologized for his remarks in the Senate last February. He told media and Senate ethics officer Pierre Legault he had been drinking that evening.
In his apology in the Senate, MacDonald said he told the man he would speak to him only if it was off the record and not recorded, to which the senator said the videographer agreed.
In the recording, MacDonald is heard saying he doesn't want to be recorded. The videographer responds by saying "okay."
Senator breached six sections of code, watchdog rules
The watchdog has ruled MacDonald breached six sections of the code that governs senators, leaving a "significant impact" on the institution.
"Senators are expected to represent Canadians, not denigrate, mock and demean them, while encouraging illegal activities at a time when a state of emergency had been declared," Legault wrote in a report released Tuesday.
He said the senator's request to not be filmed showed "an intentional failure to exercise dignified reserve and restraint."
Legault has ruled that MacDonald's comments broke rules that senators "uphold the highest standards of dignity inherent to the position of Senator" and "refrain from acting in a way that could reflect adversely on the position of Senator or the institution of the Senate."
The investigation began when nine of MacDonald's peers submitted complaints. The senator acknowledged that he'd fallen short, welcoming Legault's guidance on how to rectify the situation.
MacDonald: 'This is definitely not an ethical issue'
The watchdog asked MacDonald to undertake three actions, two of which he followed: an apology in the chamber that would also be posted on social media.
The third proposed action was to have MacDonald note to his colleagues that his conduct could merit a censure, which is a formal expression of the Senate's disapproval of something.
The report quotes MacDonald as rejecting that measure, writing that "there was nothing significant about '(his) conduct,"' as he did not break any laws, act aggressively or misuse Senate resources. "This is definitely not an ethical issue," MacDonald is quoted as having written.
His lawyer claimed that the request violated the special rights held by senators and MPs, known as parliamentary privilege, as well as the independence of the Senate. In a letter to the ethics office, the lawyer called it "an insidiously coercive example of compelled speech."
Legault, MacDonald and his lawyer exchanged a series of letters for more than a year, with the senator declining to answer a list of detailed questions he deemed to be irrelevant and matters of "partisan debate" that raised "highly controversial public policy matters."
The senator was particularly upset at the watchdog asking whom he had dined with before he made his comments. Legault said that information may have been relevant to determining who had witnessed the exchange with the person who filmed the remarks, and whether the senator was conducting parliamentary duties at the time.
MacDonald eventually sought to have a Senate committee take up the issue, which the office said would undermine the investigation process, which is supposed to be kept confidential and free of political interference.
"His lack of co-operation was a flagrant disregard for the process outlined under the code and that has been duly adopted by the Senate," Legault wrote.
He said MacDonald should have shown "true remorse" for his comments by telling his peers they could issue a censure.
Senate committee could arrange hearings
Legault found MacDonald further undermined the code's requirement to act "with dignity, honour and integrity" while undertaking parliamentary duties, because of his repeated refusal to comply with the investigation. For that reason, the officer is now recommending "sanctions of penalties by the Senate" against MacDonald.
"His conduct in this respect was so egregious that there are no measures that would remedy the harm that his actions have caused to the office of senator and the institution of the Senate," the ethics officer wrote.
"This is the first time a senator has not only refused to respect and comply with the inquiry process under the Code but has also argued for and attempted to follow a process that he himself has designed for his own inquiry."
The Senate's conflict-of-interest committee will receive the report and may arrange hearings on the matter, although the Senate is adjourned until Sept. 19.
In an email sent Tuesday, MacDonald said he would discuss the report with that committee. "Out of respect for the process, I won't be commenting further at this time."
MacDonald has been a senator since he was appointed on the advice of former prime minister Stephen Harper in 2009.
Clarifications
- This story has been updated to provide more clarity about the exchange between Sen. MacDonald and the protester who recorded him.Jul 20, 2023 5:29 PM ET
Senate censures Sen. Michael MacDonald for 'insensitive' comments on 'Freedom Convoy'
Senators have voted to condemn one of their own, following a colourful rant covertly recorded during the self-styled "Freedom Convoy" protest last year.
The Senate ethics watchdog found this spring that Conservative Sen. Michael MacDonald violated the code of conduct.
The Nova Scotia senator was caught on video in February 2022 castigating downtown Ottawa residents who complained about the protests, saying locals were overpaid and underworked.
MacDonald apologized for his remarks in the Senate, and he told media he had been drinking on the evening in question.
The Senate's ethics officer ruled he had breached six sections of the code that governs senators, including two related to his conduct and four others for a lack of compliance in the investigation itself.
The ethics officer determined that the Red Chamber must formally censure members whose conduct undermines the Senate's reputation, and senators recently voted to do so.
On Nov. 30, the chamber voted on division to issue the sanction against MacDonald, which does not come with any penalties but holds symbolic value.
Sen. Dennis Patterson spoke out against the censure, saying the scope of the ethics code seems to go beyond other parliamentary rules that only focus on senators' conduct while they are carrying out their Senate-related duties.
"Not agreeing to the remediation recommendations of the (ethics officer) is quite different than not co-operating," Patterson added, in remarks right before the vote last week.
Patterson was a former Conservative colleague of MacDonald's, but left the party during the convoy protests, which saw thousands of demonstrators gridlocking downtown Ottawa over their opposition to COVID-19 public-health measures.
He said at the time that he was "appalled that we appear to be associated with extremists," whom he argued undertook a "hostage occupation of the heart of our Canadian democracy."
MacDonald apologized again last week for his "insensitive" remarks, and added that he regretted his conduct during the investigation. He said a parliamentary committee had treated him fairly.
"I was eager to move on, yet felt embarrassed, isolated and frustrated by the process. But I could have handled it better; that is entirely on me," he told the chamber.
The watchdog's investigation had been prompted by complaints from nine of MacDonald's peers.
Shortly after the video footage emerged, MacDonald apologized in the chamber, and stressed that the conversation wasn't meant to be recorded.
In the recording, MacDonald is heard saying he doesn't want to be recorded. The videographer responds by saying "OK."
MacDonald then goes on to some frank remarks.
"It's everybody's f--king city, this is the capital of the country. It's not your goddamned city just because you have a six-figure salary and you work 20 hours a week. You haven't worked a full week in two years. It's sickening," MacDonald says in the recording.
In the video, MacDonald refers to his wife as "a Karen" -- a derogatory term for a self-entitled woman -- for opposing the protests. Despite police ordering protesters to clear the scene, MacDonald says that "I don't want them to leave."
Senate ethics officer Pierre Legault said the senator's request to not be filmed showed "an intentional failure to exercise dignified reserve and restraint," and that his comments left a "significant impact" on the institution.
The watchdog added that the senator's initial apology was undermined by his comment that his comments weren't meant to be captured on video.
"Senators are expected to represent Canadians, not denigrate, mock and demean them, while encouraging illegal activities at a time when a state of emergency had been declared," Legault said in a July report.
The ethics officer and MacDonald argued over the mandate of his office, such as pushing back on a request to know whom MacDonald was dining with before the video, to tell whether he had been conducting Senate business.
The Senate ethics committee, staffed by MacDonald's peers, issues a report in September finding that he had not appropriately complied with the investigation.
"It was a direct challenge to the integrity and mandate of the Senate-approved process by which senators -- and the Senate itself -- are to be held accountable," the report reads.
Date: Wed, Nov 23, 2022 at 9:38 AM
Subject: Methinks many folks agree that Senator Michael L MacDonald said what HE REALLY THOUGHT about the Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
To: <michael.macdonald@sen.parl.
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, <ted.raymond@bellmedia.ca>, <glen.mcgregor@bellmedia.ca>, <jason@yellowhead.vote>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, <danametcalfe@icloud.com>, <sales@easykleen.com>
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/
Senator apologizes for 'mangled remarks' about Ottawa residents
frustrated by convoy protest
Senator Michael L. MacDonald arrives ahead of the screening of
"Sharkwater Extinction" during the Toronto International Film Festival
in Toronto, on Friday, September 7, 2018. THE CANADIAN
PRESS/Christopher Katsarov.
Ted Raymond
CTV News Ottawa Digital Multi-Skilled Journalist
Published Monday, February 21, 2022 3:21PM EST
WARNING: This story contains disturbing language.
A Conservative senator from Nova Scotia has apologized in the Senate
for comments he made about the reaction of Ottawa residents to the
"Freedom Convoy" demonstration that had occupied the city's downtown
for three weeks.
Sen. Michael MacDonald was captured on video expressing support for
the protesters, and disparaging the reaction of residents opposed to
the noise, idling, and other issues that came with the occupation.
Related Stories
Conservative senator MacDonald derides Ottawa residents in video
"Oh, I hear this all the time – ‘They’re in our city’ – It’s
everybody’s f------ city," MacDonald is heard saying. "This is the
capital of the country. It’s not your g------ city just because you
have a six-figure salary and you work 20 hours a week."
When reached by CTV News Sunday night, MacDonald said he was
"mortified" and said he would apologize. MacDonald explained that the
video was recorded Wednesday night when he was returning from dinner
and had been drinking. He said he had asked the person with the camera
not to record.
Standing in the Senate on Monday, MacDonald apologized to the
residents of Ottawa for his remarks.
"I left the impression that I agreed with trucks being illegally
parked in the downtown and made some mangled remarks about the
sentiments of people in Ottawa regarding the protest," he said. "So, I
first want to apologize to the people of Ottawa for my clumsy
language. It was not my intention to disparage anyone."
During the recorded conversation, MacDonald said he didn't mind
protesters leaving Windsor or other border crossings, but when it
comes to Ottawa, "I don't want them to leave," he whispered.
In the Senate, he explained that he only supported the push to remove
COVID-19 public health measures.
"Like so many Canadians, I am mentally exhausted after two years of
lockdowns and a third year facing more of the same. It was the demand
to open this country back up that I support," he said.
MacDonald acknowledged the frustration Ottawa residents felt because
of the three-week long protest and occupation, but blamed the
municipal government for allowing it to happen.
"When I arrived for work over three weeks ago and saw the trucks all
over Wellington Street, I couldn't believe that this was allowed to
occur," he said. "Ottawa has a professional, well-trained, modern
police force, which, if properly directed, is more than capable of
preventing a situation like this from developing. This failure is the
responsibility of city hall."
MacDonald acknowledged his privilege in being able to retain a
paycheque throughout the pandemic and said if "this unfortunate
episode" brings attention to some of the issues facing Canadians who
have been unable to work or go to school because of public health
mandates, "then my present embarrassment will have accomplished
something positive."
MacDonald also apologized in the Senate to his wife, whom he called "a
Karen" in the recording, saying she is "the salt of the Earth and the
rock of my family."
A “Karen” is a derisive term often used online to describe someone who
complains about vaccination and COVID-19 mask mandates. In fact, Sen.
MacDonald’s wife is named Marilyn, according to his Senate biography.
Saying he loves Ottawa, MacDonald told his colleagues he is contrite.
"I'm sorry for those I've disappointed," he said. "I expect better
from me and I will do better going forward."
Michael L. MacDonald
@SenMacDonald
To my family, friends, colleagues and people of Ottawa:
Image
3:45 PM · Feb 21, 2022
https://www.ctvnews.ca/
Conservative senator MacDonald derides Ottawa residents in video
Glen McGregor
CTV National News Senior Political Correspondent
glen.mcgregor@bellmedia.ca
Published Feb. 20, 2022 9:35 p.m. AST
WARNING: This story contains disturbing language.
A Conservative senator from Nova Scotia was seen on a video deriding
the response of people who live in Ottawa to recent protests, saying
he’s sick of their entitlement and “six-figure salaries and 20-hour
work weeks.”
In the video recorded near Parliament Hill, Sen. Michael MacDonald
expressed support for the protesters who occupied Ottawa for more than
three weeks.
“It’s a cross-section of Canadians who have said we have had enough of
the bullying, and the duplicity and the lies,” he said.
Reached Sunday night, MacDonald said the video was recorded Wednesday
night when he was returning from dinner and had been drinking. He said
he had asked the person with the camera not to record.
“I’m mortified,” he told CTV News.
He said he will issue an apology in the Senate on Monday.
“I’m going to go up and take my medicine," he said. "I have always
been a responsible senator. I’ve let a lot of people down.”
In the video, MacDonald said he wanted protesters to leave Windsor,
Ont., and other places they are interfering with transportation, "but
in Ottawa, I don’t want them to leave,” he added.
He mocked the response of Ottawa residents to the protests, saying:
“Oh, I hear this all the time – ‘They’re in our city’ – It’s
everybody’s f------ city.”
“This is the capital of the country. It’s not your g------ city just
because you have a six-figure salary and you work 20 hours a week,” he
says.
Among those in Ottawa earning six-figure salaries are senators, like
MacDonald, who are paid a base salary of $160,000 annually and can
serve until age 75.
The video appeared to be recorded by someone sympathetic to the protests.
MacDonald thanked the person recording for having the “courage and
decency” to come to Ottawa.
MacDonald also described his own wife as “a Karen,” because she wanted
the protesters to leave.
A “Karen” is a derisive term often used online to describe someone who
complains about vaccination and COVID-19 mask mandates. In fact, Sen.
MacDonald’s wife is named Marilyn, according to his Senate biography.
“I’m so sick of the entitlement of this country and this f------
city,” he added, “and their b------- nonsense, calling people bigots
and racists and everything else. This is so unfair.”
In October, MacDonald became the first member of the Conservative
caucus to call for a review of former leader Erin O’Toole’s
leadership.
He will also be voting in the Senate on the Liberal government’s
legislation invoking the Emergencies Act in response to the protest in
Ottawa and elsewhere, should it pass through the House of Commons.
MacDonald spent most of his career working in provincial and federal
politics and served as the vice-president of the Conservative Party of
Canada until he was appointed to the Senate in 2009 on the advice of
then-prime minister Stephen Harper.
https://twitter.com/
Lindsay Hunter
@LindsayHunter1
Wow Conservative Senator Michael MacDonald caught giving a two minute
rant in support of the illegal occupation. “My wife’s a Karen, scared.
‘Oh I just wish they would leave” Admitting his family is scared of
the occupiers and egging them on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
OTTAWA SENATOR SPEAKS OUT
THE TRUTH About The Freedom Convoy 2022 
VIDSTORM
359K subscribers
588 views Nov 16, 2022
https://www.vidstorm.net https://linktr.ee/VIDSTORM
This interaction was taken in it's entirety from a video I
livestreamed February 16th, 2022.
This is what Senator Michael L MacDonald REALLY THOUGHT about the
Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa - 7 Minute Conversation Recorded
LIVE. Original Audio Re-Mastered.
Full article and transcript: https://vidstorm.substack.com/
Original livestream can be found here:
https://youtu.be/QrzF6kHcjZk?
Contact the Public Order Emergency Commission here:
https://
#FreedomConvoy2022 #EmergencyAct #Canada
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29 Comments
Pinned by VIDSTORM
VIDSTORM
VIDSTORM
Full article and transcript:
https://vidstorm.substack.com/
David Amos
David Amos
HMMMM
https://vidstorm.substack.com/
VIDSTORM
OTTAWA SENATOR SPEAKS OUT
What Senator Michael L MacDonald REALLY THOUGHT about the Freedom
Convoy Protest in Ottawa - 7 Minute Conversation Recorded LIVE
February 16th, 2022
7 hr ago
Recently, I’ve been reminded of an encounter I had during the Freedom
Convoy protest in Ottawa last winter. It was the night of February
16th, 2022 at the corner of Wellington and Elgin, just in front of the
East Block - Canada's Parliamentary Precinct.
I crossed paths with a very interesting man. He was walking past me in
a hurry. Something made him look towards me. When we made eye contact,
he began a conversation.
This memory was almost lost to me. I had been staying up, late into
the night and sleeping in my truck in negative degree temperatures.
Admittedly, I am a bit ignorant to Parliamentary hierarchy and the
who’s who in government.
I knew I was speaking to somebody important, but I never knew how important.
The man I crossed paths with was Michael L. MacDonald, a sitting
Senator with the Federal Government. He released a statement days
afterwards, apologizing for his remarks. He said he had too much to
drink at dinner that night. You know how the old adage goes,
“a drunk man’s words are a sober man’s thoughts”.
This admission by Senator MacDonald should be submitted into evidence
in the Public Order Emergency Commission.
Here is the transcript of the conversation between us:
“How ya doin’?”
Good, Yourself?
“Not bad.”
Right on.
“Where you in from?”
Pardon?
“Where are you in from?”
Toronto.
“Are you?”
Yeah.
“Good man yourself.”
Right on. Where are you from? Local?
“Nova Scotia.”
Nova Scotia?
“Yeah.”
Right on.
“Yeah.”
Thanks for coming down brother, right on.
“I’m not coming here, I work here.”
Oh, you work here?
“I do.”
Oh, right on.
“I do. I’m a… don’t turn me... don’t put that on. I don’t want to
be recorded, alright?”
Okay.
“I just want to talk to you as a friend.”
Sure, talk to me brother.
“Alright, okay then. This is so important, for the country. This
is so important.”
Oh yeah, 100%.
“Now, if people would realize - fuckin’ that you need freedom in this
country anymore? Are we a country anymore? Or are we gonna sit around
like a bunch of fuckin’ androids being told what to do?”
I agree. I agree brother.
“No, no, It’s fuckin’ not like this. Right? How old are you?”
37
“I’m 67. Right?”
67? Yeah..
“I’m just a… I’m so... happy with the people in the city don’t
break the law or nothing.”
Beautiful.
“Right? They have courage and integrity and determination… to come out
and hold the fort, hold their ground. And uh… This country is full of
people with no courage. And it’s full of Karens and silly people and
people with manginas…. and… We’ve criticized them and often people do,
but… People with better judgment have to prevail here.”
Yeah, absolutely.
‘People with better judgement have to step forward and say,
“Enough!” Right?’
Mmhmm, mmhmm. 100%
“Right? What do you do?”
Uh, I’m a streamer. Well, my day-to-day is uh, I’m a plumber.
“Are you?”
Yes sir. There we go guys.
“The world needs plumbers brother.”
Yes sir, yeah.
“There’s too many people going to university and taking useless degrees.”
Mmmhmm.
‘And I always say, “We should be… instead of subsidizing people’s
university degrees… let’s produce more pipefitters and plumbers and
electricians and and journeymen and, and carpenters and stationary
engineers. And people that could do things that are useful.”’
Yeah… yeah, 100%
‘“Instead of virtue signaling and…” and uh. You won’t know who I
am. You’d never guess who I am.’
I, I do not know.
“I’m a senator. I’m a senator in parliament…”
Oh yeah? Okay.
“I’m a conservative, so I’m the only conservative senator running
from Nova Scotia. I’m a baby of Canada. My father went to Seaway, he
was 12 to raise his family. He worked hard his whole life for
everything.”
“The shit I see in this place…”
MmmHmm.
‘People with six figure salaries telling the news to people.
Talking to worthless business people about the course of this country.
Trying to do the job. Saying, “We’re your, we’re your, we’re your
friends.”’
“Out here, they’re fuckin’ enemies. They’re a bunch of sell outs…”
“The people here who… I made a lot of different political
persuasion with them. But we have the right to be free in our own
country.”
Yeah, I hope so, yeah.
“And… When I see the government put a fuckin’ fence around the war
memorial, as if to, as if to imply that it’s in danger. I’ve been here
for three weeks. I walk from my office in the East Block to my hotel
room in the Westin. I never felt so safe than I have for the past few
weeks.”
Yeah…
“I don’t feel, I don’t feel battled or threatened. I feel safe.”
100%
“Threatened by people who are my friends??”
Yeah…
“And aren’t bullying me.”
The only thing you got to be worried about here is getting a, a hug
from a stranger.
“That’s right! That’s right! That’s right…”
It’s just… it’s… it’s beautiful.
‘Right? But I’m just... I just can’t get over how, ah, the way
people here are being lied about and misrepresented. I’m sittin’ home.
I said, “Look, I’m, I’m there!” I’m like… I bring all newspapers home
that came from Nova Scotia, all these local journalists, same old
“blah blah blah blah”. Regurgitating what they’re told out of CTV or
CBC or Global.’
Yeah…
‘I said, “Well… I’m there everyday! I’ve been here every day for
the last three weeks. Walking through everybody…”’
Nothing but peace.
“Don’t go tellin’ me there’s a problem…”
Yeah, yeah.
“I know the difference. I know it cause I’m living it.”
Yeah…
‘And you’re representing these people this way?! If you think this is
only truckers… This is a hell of a lot more than truckers. There’s a
cross section of Canadians that said, “We have had enough of the
bullshit and duplicity and the lies and the, and the social management
and the bullying and the control freaks and everything else…”
alright?’
*Inaudible*
‘The country’s full of Karens. My wife’s a Karen. Scared to death.
“Oh, I just wish they’d leave.”’
‘I said, “I don’t want them to leave.” I said, “I don’t care if they
leave Windsor or in the other places, where they’re shutting down
transportation. But in Ottawa… I don’t want them to leave.”’
Yeah, well everybody’s watching, this is worldwide. Everybody’s watching here.
‘And people, and people say, “Oh, uh” I hear this all the time,
“They’re in OUR city!”’
“It’s everybody’s fuckin’ city! This is the capital of the country!
It’s not your God damned city!”
Yeah…
“Just because you have a six figure salary and you work 20 hours a
week… we haven’t worked a full week in two years!”
Yeah, yeah.
“Now that’s sickening!”
Yeah.
“It’s sickening!!”
I hear you brother.
“Alright? It’s sickening!!”
Thanks my man, I really appreciate talking to ya.
“Look, look, look. Look - I grew up with nothing. I’m not a better
person than anybody else. I’m not a special person. I grew up. I’m a
baby of Canada. You know how I paid my way through university? I
peeled pulp. And I went to the Grand Banks. Cause my parents had no
money. You know what? You know what I’m owed? Nothing. I’m owed
nothing. This country gave me more than my father had and my
grandfathers, right?”
“And I’m so sick of the entitlement in this country and this fuckin’
city. Everybody around this city with their 6 figure salaries and
their 20 hour weeks. And their bullshit nonsense, calling people
bigots and racists and everything else. This is so unfair to the
country and so unfair to people. And I know it’s unfair cause I’m
here.”
Yeah.
“I know it’s not true. Right?”
Absolutely.
“Thanks for having the courage and the decency to come here.”
Thanks brother.
“Alright? You are not alone.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
“Alright. God bless you.”
God bless you too man.
And I mean that, Mike. God bless you for speaking from the heart in
that moment in time. This conversation should be heard in it’s
entirely by more than just the two of us and a handful of viewers
watching live, unable to hear well over the wind noise. God knows you
meant every word you said to me that night, even though not so
eloquently delivered at times. The sentiments you expressed that night
reflect the opinions of millions of Canadians across the country.
So Mike, my friend; I am sorry. I know the vultures may continue to
drag you for some of the comments you made. However, a lot can be
extrapolated from this video regarding the safety of the Freedom
Convoy protest in Ottawa and regarding the other opinions shared,
which normally go unspoken. I extend my hand to you brother, if you
ever wish to speak to me, officially on the record this time.
Let it be known that a Convoy streamer DID gain audience with a
sitting senator in Ottawa that night on February 16th, 2022.
It is my hope that this submission be entered into evidence in the
Public Order Emergency Commission.
I ask those reading this; please consider sending an email to the
Public Order Emergency Commission below.
https://
Feel free to download the original livestream here.
Canadians deserve to see and hear what this senator REALLY thought
about the Freedom Convoy and the current state of our country.
Sincerely,
Eric
VIDSTORM
November 16th, 2022
Subscribe to VIDSTORM
By ERIC · Launched 7 hours ago
Welcome to the VIDSTORM Newsletter
© 2022 VIDSTORM
Substack is the home for great writing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Day 28 - EMERGENCY ACT INQUIRY - LIVE COVERAGE
VIDSTORM
358K subscribers
1,596 views Streamed live 19 hours ago
https://www.vidstorm.net https://linktr.ee/VIDSTORM
Live coverage on DAY 28 of the Public Inquiry into the invocation of
the Emergencies Act.
#FreedomConvoy2022 #PublicInquiry #POEC
_____________________________
Disclaimer: The information contained in this program is not
professional medical, financial or legal advice. I do not align myself
with any group, individual or entity of any kind. This is purely
satire and entertainment for your amusement.
5 Comments
David Amos
David Amos
You have mail
David Amos
David Amos
Hmmm
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2022 06:29:45 -0400
Subject: Fwd: Automatic reply: Hey Higgy Methinks some Premiers and
the truckers et al must have brought up this email with Dominic
Leblanc before the cops pounced on the protesters in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
To: vidstorm@protonmail.com
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca>
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2022 10:14:41 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Hey Higgy Methinks some Premiers and the
truckers et al must have brought up this email with Dominic Leblanc
before the cops pounced on the protesters in Ottawa Nesy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued.
You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read,
reviewed and taken into consideration.
There may be occasions when, given the issues you have raised and the
need to address them effectively, we will forward a copy of your
correspondence to the appropriate government official. Accordingly, a
response may take several business days.
Thanks again for your email.
______
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de
nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations.
Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en
considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.
Dans certains cas, nous transmettrons votre message au ministère
responsable afin que les questions soulevées puissent être traitées de
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