Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq delivered that unequivocal defence of Ottawa’s hands-off policy toward medicare in a speech Monday to the Canadian Medical Association general council meeting in Yellowknife. “Decision-making about health care is best left to the provincial, territorial and local levels,” she said. “As federal minister of health, I will not dictate to the provinces and territories how they will deliver services or set their priorities…”Libby Davies, health critic for the New Democratic Party, said the argument that Ottawa is merely respecting the provinces’ constitutional jurisdiction on health care is a cop-out. “Flexibility is a code word for lack of action, lack of leadership,” she said. “The federal government’s role is not just to provide money, but to ensure there is equity and fairness.”

In the interview, Mayor Stewart is asked… Who do you rely on most for advice? My staff, they’re extremely essential. I have a number of mentors. Paddy Smith, a prof at SFU, who can be sometimes cryptic but very, very knowledgeable. Stuart Thomas, who is a principal at Terra Housing. I worked with him for a very long time. Of course, Libby Davies. I’m in constant contact with Libby. She has a fantastic depth of knowledge. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few people…

“Our new city council has a very interesting mix of people, with varied backgrounds and experiences,” said Libby Davies, the former NDP MP for Vancouver East, who was the MC for the inaugural ceremony. “I think it’s fair to say that the eyes of Vancouver are upon you, to see what you do, both individually and collectively,” she told the new councillors. “There is no clear majority from any one group and so for the first time in many years — well, decades — there is no sure bet about anything. This presents a unique challenge that might unsettle some people. But it also produces an opportunity to be a city council that breaks through partisan histories and traditions, to find ways of learning and co-operating.”

Guests included former premier Mike Harcourt, who was elected mayor in Vancouver in 1980 as an independent. Stewart said Harcourt’s time as an independent mayor provides “historical guidance” on how the next four years will go at city hall. “Mike tells me such councils perhaps have the greatest potential for success, as all voices matter equally,” he said, noting Harcourt’s council also included his colleague, former Vancouver-East NDP MP Libby Davies, who was master of ceremonies Monday. It was Davies who urged Stewart and the councillors to break through “partisan histories and traditions to find ways of learning and co-operating.” She said the “easy road” is to slide into hyper-partisanship, which Vancouver councils have a strong history of doing because of majority governments. “We have high hopes for this new city council, and we wish you well,” she said. “Seek what unites you while respecting your adversaries, work in good faith for the greater good of our city.”

Mayor Gregor Robertson, on behalf of City Council, today honoured 18 individuals with a Civic Merit Award in recognition of their outstanding achievements benefiting the community. The Civic Merit Award recognizes individuals for achievement in a particular field of endeavour in sports, science, arts, or culture within the city and the province, or in recognition of a specific service. City Council must vote unanimously to honour someone with the Civic Merit Award. The City began awarding the Civic Merit Award in 1942.