Alan F. Cooper
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Rutland, VT (05701)
Today
A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low -8F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph..
Tonight
A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low -8F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
The Radiators top this week’s online concerts
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New Orleans mainstays the Radiators enjoyed last year’s reunion run so much the quintet is doing it again. The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame troupe, which ceased active duty in 2011, regroups for shows at 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 13-15, at Tipitina’s in Crescent City, with its original 1978 lineup still intact. Tickets for the virtual bashes are available via nugs.net.
FRIDAY, JAN. 14
Sneaker Pimps’ Chris Corner dons his IAMX alter ego for a 1 p.m. performance celebrating his 2021 album “Machinate.” Tickets via momenthouse.com.
Singer-songwriter Laura Cheadle plays live at 1 p.m., free via Instagram.
Jam community favorite Mihali plays a free show at 2 p.m., via twitch.tv/therelixchannel.
Halestorm is back on the VIP:One meet and great trail at 3:30 p.m., with another session at the same time on Sunday, Jan. 16. Tickets via mandolin.com.
Melissa Etheridge and Linda Wallem play live at 6 p.m. Tune in via etheridgetv.com.
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet bring the Cajun at 7:30 p.m., paying tribute to fiddle pioneer Dennis McGee. Tickets via ourconcerts.live.
Hard rock quartet Red plays its 2011 album Until We Have Faces acoustically at 8 p.m. Tickets via veeps.com.
The Monmouth University Center for the Arts presents its first-ever “Studio Sessions” at 8 p.m. Tickets via mandolin.com.
Jazz vocal great Dee Dee Bridgewater sings live at 10:30 p.m. Tickets via sfjazz.org.
SATURDAY, JAN. 15
Voyo Sotashe, Brianna Thomas and Shenel Johns present Songs We Love” at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. from Dizzy’s Club in New York City. Tickets via jazz.org.
Modern rockers Driveaway, Estro and Haunches team up at 8:30 p.m. from the High Dive in Gainesville, Fla. Tickets via veeps.com.
Chase Bryant, Joe Bonamassa, MercyMe and the Bellamy Brothers provide the lineup for this week’s livestream at 9 p.m. from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, free via circleallaccess.com.
TikTok star Cooper Alan plays at 9:30 p.m. from the Mulehouse near Nashville. Tickets via mandolin.com.
St. Vincent and Joy Oladokun will be featured on this week’s episode of PBS’ “Austin City Limits.” Check listings for times and channels.
*Bleachers” will make its “Saturday Night Live” debut at 11:30 p.m. on NBC, replacing rapper Roddy Ricch due to Covid-19. Check listings for channel.
SUNDAY, JAN. 16
Wake up early with Australian prog rockers AlithiA for a “cinematic concert stream” at 4 a.m. Tickets via veeps.com.
Emily Barker celebrates “Room 822,” a collection of Australian cover songs, at the same 4 a.m., free via YouTube.
Singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier is joined by Peter Case for a 3 p.m. livestream, free on YouTube.
Keith Harkin celebrates his years with Celtic Thunder at 4 p.m. Tickets via stageit.com.
Cellist Tanya Anisimova plays Brahms, Dvorak and Schumann at 3 p.m. Tickets via mandolin.com.
MONDAY, JAN. 17
The Watkins Family Hour – Nickel Creek siblings Sean and Watkins – plays a Family Hour concert at 8:45 p.m. from City Winery. Tickets via mandolin.com.
TUESDAY, JAN. 18
Dizzy’s Club in New York City hosts “A Ralph Peterson Celebration” at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets via jazz.org.
Dead & Company may have had to cancel its Playing in the Sand festival, but embers of The National, Garden of the Ark, Day of the Dead and more play a “Dead Night” at 8 p.m., free via twitch.tv/therelixchannel.
EDM’s Dillon Francis teams up with rapper Yung Gravy at 10:30 p.m. Tickets via flymachine.com.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 19
A new weekly Garden Sessions series begins streaming with a performance by the quartet Valley via livexlive.com.
The Atlanta Opera presents “The Pirates of Penzance” as a Young People’s Concert at 11 a.m. Tickets via ourconcerts.live.
Singer and cover specialist Sam Ryder presents “The Sun’s Gonna Rise” with 4 and 9 p.m. streams from London. Tickets via momenthouse.com.
Robyn Hitchcock plays his weekly virtual show at 9 p.m. Tickets via mandolin.com.
THURSDAY, JAN. 20
The funky New York State rock trio Baked Shrimp plays a Relix Studio set at 7 p.m., free via twitch.tv/therelixchannel.
Harmonica veteran Dennis Gruenling plays DJ, spinning rock, blues, swing, jazz and more at 9 p.m., free via badassharmonica.com.
Alexandra Kay Emotionally Reflects on the Highs and Lows of Her Career: ‘When People Said No, I said Yes’
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Alexandra Kay Emotionally Reflects on the Highs and Lows of Her Career: ‘When People Said No, I said Yes’
2022 is already shaping up to be a milestone year for Alexandra Kay. Soon, she’ll be hitting the road with country hitmakers Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker and later this spring, she’ll join superstar Tim McGraw on his amphitheater tour, running through early June.
Before her touring schedule kicks into high gear, the rising star took to social media to reflect on her musical journey through a series of a photos of New York City’s Times Square.
Kay explained the photos and the meaning they have to her within the caption.
“This first photo is of me in 2013 in Time’s Square for the first time after JUST signing my first record deal. When the label dropped me later that year.. a part of me thought.. ‘Just wait.. I’m going to be on one of those Billboards one day,’” her post began.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alexandra Kay (@alexandrakaymusic)
She want on to share that the second photo was taken in 2018 and shows her in front of a Times Square billboard promoting the Netflix show Westside, in which she starred in alongside several other artists.
“I was signed to my second record deal with a major label when this was taken.. When that label dropped me shortly after and the show only went for one season I thought.. ‘I’m going to keep working my ass off.. and one day I’ll see my name back up on a billboard in Times Square,’” she recalled.
“This third picture,” she continued, “was taken this year.. and if you look close..you’ll see my name right along with @brandondavis_music @russelled and the legendary @thetimmcgraw promoting his 2022 tour that I get to join him on this summer.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alexandra Kay (@alexandrakaymusic)
The “Tall Boys” singer then admitted seeing the photos brought her to tears as reflected on her musical journey.
“As a completely independent artist. I found all 3 of these photos today while scrolling through my pictures and it choked me up.. I really could have hung it up so many times.. but when people said no. I said Yes. And when I wanted to cry I decided to work instead.. and I’m just really grateful I did. ♥︎,” Kay wrote.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alexandra Kay (@alexandrakaymusic)
After capturing the attention of millions of fans on social media with her coffee covers, Alexandra Kay took her music on the road in 2021 with fellow viral artists Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac. The shows sold out across the country, proving TikTok can sell tickets.
2021 also saw the release of “Tall Boys” and the rise in her social following as she became the most-followed solo female country artist on TikTok.
“This entire year has felt like a dream come true. I have always kept my goals at the forefront of my mind during this ten year grind. I really feel like doing so and staying focused especially during the times when I’ve felt completely defeated is the reason I’m getting to experience so many highs this year,” Kay shared at the end of 2021.
With a slew of tour dates on the books, Alexandra Kay is showing no signs of slowing down.
31 Country Newcomers To Watch in 2022
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Country music has welcomed so many upcoming artists over the years, and they come from all corners of every genre. Among the genre’s singer-songwriters, soloists, and groups, some are as traditional as possible while others explore an innovative sound and push the genre’s limits like no other.
Several of country’s hot new artists first gained fame through singing competitions such as American Idol and The Voice, while others developed fan bases independently through social media or TikTok videos.
Nevertheless, PopWrapped’s 22 Country Newcomers to Watch in 2022 are all set for success in the year ahead, no matter how they got into here.
Alexandra Kay
Photo Credit: Curt Simshauser
Singer-songwriter, Alexandra Kay, has made waves throughout social media this past year. With her fan-favorite TikTok “Coffee Covers” series, Kay has navigated her way throughout the app and has caught the attention of country music legends such as Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, and even Randy Travis. With a special thanks to the viral platform, Kay’s tracks “Tall Boys,” “We Wouldn’t Be Us,” and “How Do We Go” even went to find major streaming and charting success.
Conner Smith
Photo Credit: Valory Music Co.
The buzzed-about artist Conner Smith has blown throughout 2021 with major success. Last year, the internet caught hit of his now-viral single, “I Hate Alabama,” which put his career into overdrive. With that release, he continued to catch attention with other releases like “Why I Can’t Leave,” plus his loyal fans can catch up on the road in 2022 with Ryan Hurd and Sam Hunt.
Lily Rose
Photo Credit: Anthony Stone
The Georgia native, Lily Rose, is very fresh into the country music industry. However, in little over a year she’s simply become one of the most buzzed-about country artists. The Big Loud artist released her debut project, “Stronger Than I Am,” in October, which her career-launching single, “Villian.”
Priscilla Block
Photo Credit: Logen Christopher
As with many breakout stars today, Priscilla Block got her start on TikTok during quarantine, when performing live music was not possible. She continued to captivate fans throughout the year with her personality and talent after sharing her anthem “Thick Thighs.” Following that success, Block found success with her breakup ballad “Just About Over You,” which reached the top of the iTunes Country and All Genre Chart and became her first single at Country Radio.
Restless Road
Photo Credit: Matthew Berinato
Nashville’s hottest trio, Restless Road, consists of Garrett Nichols, Colton Pack, and Zack Beeken. With their captivating covers, mashups, and original songs, the group has made an impression on the country music scene. Their debut single, “Take Me Home,” featuring Kane Brown marked their debut as signed musicians. They went on to record several other radio-friendly tunes including “Bar Friends,” “Headlights,” and “Hometown Tonight,” after creating the soulful ballad.
ERNEST
Photo Credit: Delaney Royer
Ever since ERNEST entered the country music scene, Big Loud Records‘ multi-platinum artist has turned heads. He put his songwriting skills to the test before becoming a well-respected vocalist, writing hit songs for some of the biggest names in the industry including Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, Sam Hunt, and several others. The breakout star recently teamed up with David Lee Murphy and Ben Burgess for “Red Dirt Clouds,” the ninth release in HARDY’s project “HIXTAPE: Vol. 2.” Additionally, the singer just released his career-changing single with Morgan Wallen, “Flower Shops.”
Leah Marie Mason
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Leah Marie Mason was boosted by vulnerable songwriting, in part thanks to TikTok. Mason posted a video on TikTok in which she played her song “Far Boy” to her then ex-boyfriend and recorded his reaction to it, as the song was about him. Since then, “Far Boy” has earned millions of streams and helped pave the way for more releases including “I Wish,” “Hannah,” and most recently “Miss Us Then.”
Spencer Crandall
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Spencer Crandall has been going viral thanks to TikTok. His song “My Person” became a wedding video soundtrack after people used it in their videos. He has also received much-deserved attention for his latest single, “Made.” Additionally, he launched a podcast named “Why Are We Here” in 2021, and went on his own headlining tour. Next year, he’ll open for Lauren Alaina on her “Top Of The World Tour.”
Brittany Spencer
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
In spite of only having released one single so far this year, the gorgeous and harshly realistic “Sober & Skinny,” Brittney Spencer has taken the country world by storm, performing with Jason Isbell and The Highwomen, and is currently on her own headlining tour. A very moving performance of hers was also given at the CMA Awards 2021 along with Mickey Guyton and Madeline Edwards.
Julia Cole
Photo Credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia
If consistency is key, Julia Cole is the definition of. With a large catalog of releases in 2021 including the release of her album, “Julia Cole,” the singer-songwriter continues to prove that she’s one of the hottest newcomers in the scene. Throughout the year, Julia teamed up with rising artists Cooper Alan, Renne Blair, and Thomas Mac for career-changing collaborations.
Jake Banfield
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
With a little hustle and grind, the singer-songwriter Jake Banfield has a promising lead into the new year. With major songwriting cuts by Madison Beer, Little Mix, and Anne-Marie, the promising newcomer has created his craft and sound. Throughout the past year, Banfield has released his fan-favorite singles “If I Were You,” “Drowning In Your Love,” and several others.
Alana Springsteen
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
In 2021, singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen shared her highly anticipated EP “History Of Breaking Up (Part One)” which is full of relatable songwriting. Additionally, her latest single co-written by Walker Hayes, “Zero Trucks” has amassed over three million streams on Spotify alone. To finish out the year, she opened up for LANY across the southern part of the US.
Dylan Jakobsen
Photo Credit: Matt Bacnis at Classic 77 Creative Co
Being named ‘One to Watch‘ by several other publications, singer-songwriter Dylan Jakobsen is leading into 2022 very promising. Last year, Jakobsen released his album “Set Fire To The Night” and has promised to share plenty of new music in 2022.
Ashley Cooke
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Following her success on TikTok, Ashley Cooke went on to release her debut full-length album titled “Already Drank That Beer – Side A“, which features collaborations with Jimmie Allen. Cooke has already secured a slot on Cole Swindell‘s ‘Down To The Bar Tour‘ next year.
Colby Acuff
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Colby Acuff, an Idaho native who writes and sings words of honesty, embodies experiences of real-life in his songs. He released his latest album, “If I Were the Devil,” in 2021. There have been over three million streams of the title track on Spotify alone.
Cooper Alan
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Cooper Alan has enjoyed tremendous success on TikTok thanks to his deep voice and his creativity; he has over 6 million followers and 54 million total likes. Throughout 2021, he has released singles like “Can’t Dance,” “Too Soon,” and “Came After You.” He has also worked with artists like Sammy Arriaga and Julia Cole. In addition, he toured with fellow independent artists Alexandra Kay and Thomas Mac.
Morgan Wade
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Morgan Wade, a tatted songwriter with a distinctive sound, put her name at the forefront of the pack with her debut album, “Reckless.” The native of Virginia will open for Luke Combs on his 3 stadium tours in 2022, showcasing her special talent to a whole new audience.
Becca Bowen
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
The songstress Becca Bowen soared into newfound heights with releases like “Home,” “Better Than The Dream,” and “Gunshots and Fireworks“. In late 2021, the newcomer signed an artist development deal with Sincerely Music Group.
Warren Zeiders
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
The gritty vocals of Warren Zeiders coupled with his own unique blend of country music and southern rock influences set him apart from other rising country music acts. His lead single, “Ride the Lightning”, was penned by himself along with Eric Paslay and Rob Crosby.
Sean Williams
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
With the powerful TikTok app, Sean Williams‘s career was launched and brought to the attention of Bobby Bones. Later, Bobby invited Sean onto his radio show ahead of his song landing #5 on the iTunes Country Charts. Bobby then named his single “Where You Left Me” his Top 5 New Music Picks of the Week.
Callista Clark
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
It has been years since multiple videos of Callista Clark performing at local events were shared on social media and became viral. Clark signed a deal with Big Machine when she was just 15 years old. Nevertheless, Clark released her debut EP “Real To Me” this year, which included her debut single “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” which has been making waves at country radio.
Chase Matthew
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Chase Matthew achieved unprecedented, rapid success in the year 2021, quickly becoming a rising force in country music. Matthew released his 6-song EP “Country Line” this year, which was well-received. The title track from that EP, “Country Line,” has made waves throughout the industry, with nearly 19 million streams on Spotify alone. In July, Ryan Upchurch‘s Holler Boy Records signed Chase Matthew via ONErpm in July; this greatly accelerated his career in the new year.
Johnny Dailey
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
With over 545k streams after a handful of releases, Johnny Dailey is a force within the music realm. In 2019, he signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Jordana Bryant
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
At a young age singer-songwriter, Jordana Bryant has more than proven her worth. The release of her debut EP “Last First” has been streamed over 1.3 million globally. Her debut single “This Love” has over 350k global streams itself.
Jordan Fletcher
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Jordan Fletcher has over 1.5 million streams on Spotify alone. The current single by Fletcher, “Rather Be Broke” has over 250k streams itself. Not only an artist, but Fletcher has also penned fan-favorite hits by Riley Green and Chris Bandi.
Walker County
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
The duo Walker County was selected in the class of CMT‘s Next Women of Country. This past year they’ve released their single “Liar” penned by the pair, Hillary Lindsey, and David Garcia. They even made their national TV debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Nate Smith
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
In November 2021, Nate Smith will sign a record deal with Sony Music Nashville. He has been building his fan base for years with his captivating, story-filled songs and emotional singing. Nate rang out 2021 with the release of his fan-favorite piano ballad “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven.”
Callie Twisselman
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Callie Twisselman busted the doors with her debut single “Two Hands” which has gained over 500k global streams. The single was produced by Grammy-Award winner Aaron Pearce. Recently, she released her debut EP “Closure,” which has gained nearly 1 million total streams on Spotify alone.
Casi Joy
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
From NBC’s The Voice to the country music industry, Casi Joy has been making waves throughout. Her latest single “Senses Fail,” is just one of the many talented things that have come from Joy throughout the past year.
Liddy Clark
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Liddy Clark has gained over 2.5 million likes across the viral platform, TikTok. Thanks to that viral app, the singer-songwriter saw her original song “Wrapped Up In Roses” gain over 1.7 million views alone.
Drew Green
Photo Credit: Photo Provided
Despite the fact that he continues to blend genres, Tennessee native Drew Green has a unique sound that is all his own. Combined with his honest approach to songwriting and compelling storytelling, this newcomer’s catalog has hints of country, trap, and rap.
Turns out Covid comms could get worse
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Turns out Covid comms could get worse
Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Nick | Follow Politico Canada
WELCOME TO OTTAWA PLAYBOOK. I’m your host, Nick Taylor-Vaisey. The Rideau Canal skateway is open at 8 a.m. — all 7.8 km from the Hill to Dow’s Lake. Ottawa still plans to enforce a vaccine mandate for truckers, despite all indications to the contrary on Wednesday night. And is PHAC really tracking Canadians’ individual movements? (No, but a Commons committee remains concerned.)
DRIVING THE DAY
MANDATE MISFIRE — We knew it smelled fishy. A federal spokesperson reversing a high-profile federal vaccine mandate late on a Wednesday, a matter of hours after Cabinet ministers refused to back down at a presser, seemed too bizarre even for a government that’s no stranger to communications snafus.
Everyone reported it .
As it turned out, a Canada Border Services Agency comms flack didn’t have it right when she told a long list of national reporters that the feds were granting cross-border truckers an exemption from a mandate set to take effect Saturday.
But then reporters called industry sources on Thursday morning. No one had heard a peep about the apparent flip flop.
Nineteen hours after those first reports, the official word came from three ministers. The mandate remained intact. “Let us be clear: This has not changed. The information shared yesterday was provided in error,” said a statement attributed to Health Minister JEAN-YVES DUCLOS, Transport Minister OMAR ALGHABRA and Immigration Minister MARCO MENDICINO.
Unvaccinated Canadian truckers will have to follow the direction of border guards on Covid testing and quarantining. Americans who can’t prove they’re double-vaxxed will be turned away.
When Politico heard back from the CBSA, the agency referred questions to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
— Exporters are scared: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters CEO DENNIS DARBY pleaded with the government Tuesday to delay the mandate and help vaccinate truckers.
In a letter to Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU, Darby cautioned that a mandate could reduce the available workforce by 20 percent — and exacerbate existing shortages he claimed had risen to 23,000.
— What’s next: Conservatives like ERIN O’TOOLE and (d’uh) PIERRE POILIEVRE will not let this one go. Welcome to the new front in the Vaccine Wars.
MEDITATION ON MOBILITY — The House Ethics Committee agreed Thursday to pull out its microscope for a closer look at the Public Health Agency of Canada’s harnessing of anonymized mobility data.
This is device-specific location data that is, unbeknownst to most of us carrying cell phones, captured by cell towers and aggregated by third parties.
— The issue: PHAC publishes weekly reports on mobility data as part of a broader dashboard on Covid data trends. A disclaimer says the government buys the data from “companies who specialize in producing anonymized and aggregated mobility data based on location-based services that are embedded into various third-party apps on personal devices.” The feds say no individual person can be tracked.
PHAC’s program recently made headlines when the agency published a request for proposals that would extend its mobility analysis program until at least 2023. The RFP went online on Dec. 17, just as Parliament was adjourning for the holidays.
The deadline for bids was originally set for Jan. 21, but was extended Wednesday until Feb. 4.
— The study: Tory ethics critic JOHN BRASSARD led the charge on the study. He raised legit concerns about PHAC’s internal processes, as well as those of the companies contracted to supply the juicy data.
Brassard also tossed in a little hyperbole for good measure, worrying that Ottawa was using the pandemic as a “means and a cause for massive overreach into the privacy rights of Canadians.”
— The motion: Brassard wanted to hear from three key officials: Chief Public Health Officer THERESA TAM, Indigenous Services Minister PATTY HAJDU, and Duclos. The committee agreed to drop Hajdu, the former health minister, from the list. But they passed the motion unanimously.
— Wait, there’s more: Bloc Québécois MP RENÉ VILLEMURE, an accomplished ethicist before he was first elected last year, tabled a second motion that would move to suspend PHAC’s request for proposals.
Villemure said the agency’s goals were “laudable,” but cautioned that he was unconvinced that measures were in place to prevent “de-identified” data from being “re-identified.” The committee ran out of time before it could vote on Villemure’s motion, which will be the first item on the agenda at the next meeting — likely early next week.
— The watchdog’s view: Privacy Commissioner DANIEL THERRIEN’s office is looking into PHAC’s conduct. “We will turn our attention to the means chosen to de-identify the data mobility information relied upon by the government for public health purposes,” spokesman VITO PILIECI said in a statement.
The commissioner’s office published advice in the pandemic’s early days on how the feds could use data to fight Covid without endangering privacy. One of the key recommendations: Use de-identified or aggregates data wherever possible.
PHAC has had regular meetings with Therrien’s office about Covid-related programs, Pilici said, but didn’t seek advice on whether or not the mobility data program “provided adequate safeguards against re-identification.
“The government relied on other experts to that end, which is their prerogative.”
— What MPs didn’t talk about: Not a single MP expressed interest in hearing from the companies that supply the actual mobility data to the committee. ALEX BOUTILIER, the Global newshound who has led the reporting on this file , pointed out that “the private sector companies that sell this data will continue to collect it with or without PHAC.” They would have insight into all kinds of interesting questions .
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
— It’s Nova Scotia Day at the PMO. Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU, Families Minister KARINA GOULD and Immigration Minister SEAN FRASER will virtually join Nova Scotia Premier TIM HOUSTON and BECKY DRUHAN, the provincial minister of education and early childhood development, for an early learning and child care announcement at 9:15 ET.
The PM will also pop up on a couple of afternoon radio shows in the province.
— Via Zoom at 10 a.m., Mental Health and Addictions Minister CAROLYN BENNETT will announce a new initiative “to make it easier for Canadians to access mental health and substance use resources and support.” She’ll be joined by MP ELISABETH BRIÈRE.
— Public health officials will provide new Covid models and projections at 11 a.m.
— At noon, the Bank of Canada and Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions will release the Final Report of a co-developed Climate Scenario Analysis Pilot.
HOUSE BUSINESS
— The Commons Health Committee meets at 1 p.m. to “discuss recent Covid-19 developments.” Both finance and ethics committees found unanimous consent for their first studies of 2022. Can MPs make it three in a row?
PAPER TRAIL
POT POLL — Health Canada enlisted the pollsters at Avanis to conduct the annual Canadian Cannabis Survey , a monster poll last year of nearly 11,000 Canadians who were 16 years of age or older. The C$249,730 project wasn’t cheap, but it’s packed with highlights on who’s getting high.
— One-in-four Canadians said they’d used cannabis in the previous 12 months.
— That includes 54 percent of Canadians who identify as bisexual, more than 41.3 percent of gay or lesbian respondents who say they consumed the drug — and way more than 23.6 percent of heterosexual folks who said the same.
— 39.2 percent of Indigenous people used cannabis, more than any other race category. (White people were second at 28.4 percent.)
— 28.6 percent of Canadian-born respondents use cannabis, about double the proportion for people born outside of Canada.
— Stress (60.3 percent) and anxiety (55 percent) were the second- and third-most cited reasons for increased cannabis use during the Covid era. But the most popular reason? Boredom, cited by 61.6 percent of respondents.
— Ironically, the top reason for a decrease in pandemic cannabis use was a lack of social gatherings or opportunities to socialize.
— 26.2 percent of Canadians who use cannabis said their routine was daily or almost daily. Most provinces and territories fell within a few percentage points on their side of that mark. The exception was New Brunswick, where daily usage spiked to 42.2 percent.
WE GET MAIL
On Tuesday, Playbook asked readers what should come of the ever-dilapidating 24 Sussex Drive . You didn’t disappoint. Here some of your most finely crafted replies:
START FROM SCRATCH: My suggestion would be to demolish the inhospitable and horribly hazardous building and build a smashing, yet stately, new edifice on-site.
— Maureen MacGillivray
Another reader writes…
GO GREEN: I think it should be replaced by a stunning green residence designed by a Canadian architect. If funding needs to come from the private sector, certainly not the best, but is better than having the embarrassment of this building and the fact that no PM has had the backbone to do anything about it. It is an international embarrassment.
—Anonymous
Playbook also reached out to living former prime ministers for their thoughts on J.D.M. STEWART’s proposal that they all join forces to support necessary renovations — collectively gifting PM Trudeau the political cover he needs to make it happen. We’re still waiting for a single reply.
— Cost savings? Not so much: In the Toronto Star, TOM SPEARS unearths via access-to-information request all of the costs associated with keeping the Trudeaus’ digs at Rideau Cottage in ship shape. On the list? C$780 for piano tuning.
ASK US ANYTHING
What are you hearing that you need Playbook to know? Send it all our way .
PROZONE
For POLITICO Pro subscribers:
The Pro Canada PM Memo by ZI-ANN LUM: The latest on U.S. vs. MCA.
In other headlines for Pros:
— IEA advises Canada to increase clean energy funding.
— Canada joins Mexico’s request for USMCA panel on auto rules.
— Energy Department moves to fill 1,000 Clean Energy Corps jobs.
— Biden administration will double at-home Covid test order as it readies public rollout.
— Ethics committee to study use of mobility data during Covid.
MEDIA ROOM
— POLITICO’s BETSY WOODRUFF SWAN and LEAH NYLEN report: Jan. 6 investigators subpoena Twitter, YouTube, Facebook’s parent and other tech giants.
— From earlier this week, here’s TVO’s STEVE PAIKIN in conversation with author STEPHEN MARCHE: “Is the U.S. on the verge of civil war?”
— LEAH WEST, STEPHANIE CARVIN and THOMAS JUNEAU appeal in a Globe op-ed for political parties to stop using national security as a tool of partisan warfare.
— “Call me naïve but after nearly 20 years of covering politics some things still surprise me — namely the comfort and ease with which some politicians will distort the truth,” The Star’s ALTHIA RAJ writes.
— ALEX MCPHEE shared a map of party standings in the Senate of Canada.
— And from POLITICO’s ESTHER WEBBER in London: 5 ways Boris Johnson’s Partygate scandal could play out.
Playbookers
Spotted: The CBC’s IAN HANOMANSING, eager to talk to Canadians about burnout on Sunday’s Cross Country Checkup.
The Federal Ministerial Coordinating Committee on P.E.I. Potatoes: In session .
Saskatchewan Premier SCOTT MOE, working from home after testing positive for Covid-19 . “I’m feeling fine, but will be self-isolating.”
Movers and shakers: The PMO will need a new " air traffic controller .” MARCI SURKES, executive director for policy and Cabinet affairs, is leaving the Hill after 15 years . In a Twitter thread, she thanked JUSTIN TRUDEAU and KATIE TELFORD — and shouted out former bosses RALPH GOODALE, BOB RAE, MICHAEL IGNATIEFF and UJJAL DOSANJH.
The Hill Times reported that JON BRODHEAD will take over as director of policy .
INGRID RAVARY KONOPKA has left the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the British High Commission to work at Sussex Strategy Group.
Coming from ROOM RATERS in June: The ultimate users’ guide to curating your Zoom background. “Whether we like it or not, the remote workplace is here to stay,” they write.
Birthdays: HBD to ALLAN GREGG of Earnscliffe Strategies, who is somehow 70 today.
Celebrating Sunday: Foreign Affairs Minister MELANIE JOLY (43), NDP MP DON DAVIES (59), news anchor SANDIE RINALDO (72), former AFN chief SHAWN ATLEO (55), former premier RUSSELL MACLELLAN (82) and former MP JUDY EROLA (88).
Media mentions: TAMARA KHANDAKER will host Nothing is Foreign, a CBC podcast billed as “a weekly trip to wherever the story is unfolding” launching Feb. 11.
Veteran journalist ANNA MARIA TREMONTI will host Welcome to Paradise, a six-part memoir on surviving an abusive marriage.
“Decades ago, I got away from the man who abused me,” she is quoted saying in promotion for the podcast, which releases Feb. 15. “But what he did to me has followed me for the rest of my life — in the form of shame, self-blame and loathing. I’m finally letting that go — Welcome to Paradise is my story.”
Last call for the CJF-IJB Black Investigative Journalism Fellowship … The Logic is hiring an assistant editor .
TRIVIA
Thursday’s answer: Among the books NDP MP RICHARD CANNINGS has authored: Birdfinding in British Columbia, An Enchantment of Birds, and The Rockies: A Natural History.
Props to MIKE MORRICE, GWENDOLYN MONCRIEFF-GOULD, CHRIS LALANDE, SEBASTIAN COOPER, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, ALAN KAN, BOOTS VAISEY, SHANNON SOMMERAUER, ANDREW KOSTER, BRENDAN HALEY and AIDAN CHAMANDY.
Friday’s question: What sitting Conservative MP was an original member of the National Post’s editorial board?
Send your answers to [email protected]
Playbook wouldn’t happen without Luiza Ch. Savage, editor Sue Allan and Zi-Ann Lum.
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