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LOCAL POLITICS
Deb Matthews is set to emerge as Kathleen Wynne’s “Minister of No”.
Deb Matthews: The fate of Ontario’s Liberals in the next election depends on meeting budget targets that look tougher and tougher every time Finance Minister Charles Sousa comes out with an update on the province’s finances. It’s not just about wrestling the budget into balance, it’s about getting there without wrecking the economy, enraging public-sector workers, and depriving people who depend on major services like schools and hospitals. This is up to Deb Matthews, the president of the provincial treasury board and Ontario’s “minister of no.” She’s had a quiet autumn as the Liberal government has focused on passing legislation that got backlogged during a three-year minority government, but in 2015 Matthews’ work will be a lot more obvious. We’ll either have labour peace in the public sector or strikes, acceptable services or broken ones, and budget targets we’re reaching or that are receding further and further into the distance. Matthews, a former health minister and Premier Kathleen Wynne’s most trusted lieutenant, has the fate of Wynne’s government on her shoulders. – David Reevely
Since his appointment as CEO of the National Capital Commission, Mark Kristmanson has ushered in a new culture at the NCC.
Mark Kristmanson: Since being named CEO in February, Kristmanson has ushered in a new culture at the federal agency, which is much leaner and more focused now that it’s not responsible for ceremonial events such as Canada Day and Winterlude. The 53-year-old also has ambitious plans to illuminate the capital at night and spruce up Booth Street and LeBreton Flats with new landscaping. He also got the ball rolling on the second phase of LeBreton. The shortlist of possibilities — which could include a plan from the Ottawa Senators for a new downtown arena — should be public soon. Kristmanson’s NCC acts more like a partner these days, working with the city to allow buses on the John A. Macdonald Parkway during light-rail construction and also on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway for Ottawa RedBlacks games at TD Place stadium. But good marriages often have a bit of a friction, and the controversial western LRT extension is one such example. Kristmanson appears convinced, “we’ll end up in a good place,” and for now, it’s hard not to believe him. – Matthew Pearson
Catherine McKenney celebrates as she wins Ottawa City Council position for Somerset ward.
Catherine McKenney: The Somerset ward councillor hit the ground running at her first meeting, successfully pushing for some sober second thought on a recommendation that, if approved, would have cut the number of committee meetings each year. McKenney, who succeeded veteran councillor Diane Holmes, will have a full plate this term. She’s been named vice-chair of the transportation committee and will also sit on the environment and built heritage committees, as well as the boards of Ottawa community housing, public health and the library. That seems like a good mix for the downtown councillor who campaigned on lower speed limits on residential streets, more investment in cycling infrastructure and increased OC Transpo service. No stranger at city hall — the 53-year-old was a top adviser to deputy city manager Steve Kanellakos and also worked for both Holmes and former city councillor Alex Munter. McKenney’s also no stranger to hard work, having competed in several ultra-marathons. – Matthew Pearson
NEWS
Mohamed Harkat and his wife Sophie leave the Supreme Court after a hearing.
Mohamed Harkat: The Supreme Court has ruled that the former gas station attendant is an al-Qaida sleeper agent, but the federal government must still decide whether he poses enough of a threat to Canada to deport him to Algeria, where Harkat says he will be tortured or killed. The next step in Harkat’s security certificate process could be almost as difficult as the first, which required 12 years and two Supreme Court decisions to resolve. The deportation process will raise more thorny questions: How long can a sleeper agent remain a threat? Can Canada rely on “diplomatic assurances” to protect a deported terror suspect from torture? Does the UN Convention Against Torture, which Canada ratified in 1987, apply in the case? The Supreme Court has already ruled that terror suspects can be deported in “exceptional circumstances” to countries where they face a substantial risk of torture. But it said a real-life case was needed to define those circumstances. Harkat’s may be that case. – Andrew Duffy
Shopify CEO Tobias Lutke is expected to take his company public in 2015.
Tobias Lütke: The co-founder and CEO of Shopify may find it difficult to square his modesty with achievements in 2015. His eight-year-old electronic commerce software firm – which recently moved into new digs across from the Elgin Street courthouse – is widely expected to begin selling shares in an initial public offering on the TSX or Nasdaq exchange, or both. If Shopify follows through, it could result in the largest IPO in the region’s history – perhaps exceeding the $147.4 million U.S. raised four years ago by Mitel Networks. Private investors plowed $100 million into Shopify a year ago, in a deal that valued the firm at roughly $1 billion. Lütke’s firm has since continued its rapid growth. Shopify’s software now runs the electronic storefronts of more than 120,000 businesses around the globe. The company employs more than 500, of which 400 or so are in the Ottawa area. This makes Shopify one of the city’s larger high-tech employers. What could derail a Shopify IPO? A much larger international firm could simply acquire it. - James Bagnall
Roland Eid, the founder of bankrupt ICI Construction.
Roland Eid: For a former spy who wants his story told, the timing could hardly be worse. Eid, who carried out assignments on behalf of the Canadian Intelligence Security Service, is set to defend himself against fraud charges in a trial scheduled to begin April 7. Political watchers will know that’s the same day Senator Mike Duffy is to meet his accusers in what’s being billed as the trial of the decade. In Eid’s case, the Crown alleges that the Lebanese businessman fraudulently transferred $1.7 million from ICI Construction to his personal account in Beirut, with the result that the firm went bankrupt. Eid’s defence is the stuff of novels. He is expected to argue in the first place that the transfer was legitimate. Eid will also likely maintain that it was the government that caused ICI Construction to go bankrupt – in retribution for Eid’s refusal to do an assignment in Lebanon on behalf of CSIS. Since it’s illegal to discuss operational details involving CSIS, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in court – assuming people can stop focusing on that other courtroom down the hall. – James Bagnall
SPORTS
Brooke Henderson is turning pro. The Smiths Falls teen confirmed her decision on Thursday, Dec. 18.
Brooke Henderson: The Grade 12 student at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute had a stunning run of success in 2014. Although she won a handful of amateur titles and two Canadian events open to professionals, she agonizingly lost the Women’s U.S. Amateur final at Glen Cove, N.Y., but even that couldn’t stop Henderson from becoming No. 1 in the world amateur rankings on Sept. 10, her 17th birthday. She was the first Canadian to attain that status in the women’s rankings that debuted in 2011. The run of success has also led to a significant turn in her career path. She declined a University of Florida athletic scholarship offer, was noticeably left off the list of eight players on Golf Canada’s 2015 national amateur teams and, after weeks of speculation, announced Dec. 18 that she was starting her pro golf career. 2015 could be the year she’s in the money.
All eyes will be on Henry Burris for the Redblacks’ second season.
Henry Burris: Was it the system, or was it the quarterback? The Redblacks are banking on Henry Burris to be the man who leads the team out of the basement. A lot will be riding on his right arm. Ottawa fans like winners and won’t put up with another year like 2014. Burris was already the CFL’s oldest quarterback this past season, but he was the only QB to start all 18 regular-season games despite being sacked 54 times — second most — by opposing defences. After almost every game, Burris talked about getting the quarterback and receivers on the same page. That explanation won’t work in 2015. The cliché is that quarterbacks receive too much credit in good times and too much blame in bad times, but if Smilin’ Hank can’t deliver in 2015, the Redblacks will have to consider who comes next. — Gord Holder
Dave Cameron has stepped up to the big-time, replacing Paul MacLean as coach of the Senators.
Dave Cameron: Right place, right time. When the Ottawa Senators fired head coach Paul MacLean Dec. 8, Dave Cameron took over, stepping up the ladder from his previous role as an assistant coach. While it’s Cameron’s first kick at head coaching in the NHL, he has paid his dues. Cameron, 56, scored 25 goals in 168 NHL games with Colorado and New Jersey and went back to school to complete his business degree at the University of Prince Edward Island and to begin a teaching career. Acknowledging he’s “addicted to hockey,” Cameron took his first coaching job in the low, low minors with the Detroit Falcons and Port Huron Border Cats in the Colonial Hockey League. He spent a decade coaching in the Ontario and American Hockey Leagues — including a stint as coach of Canada’s silver medal winning 2011 world junior team — before joining the Senators as an assistant coach the following summer. – Ken Warren
ARTS AND LIFE
Alexander Shelley.
Alexander Shelley: For the first time in 15 years a new baton will direct the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Alexander Shelley couldn’t be more of a contrast with the larger-than-life Pinchas Zukerman, the outgoing director of NACO. Zukerman was a world famous violin virtuoso and conductor when he assumed the helm just after the turn of the millennium; Shelley is a handsome and diplomatic 35-year-old who is a relative unknown in North America. With NACO heading toward its 50th anniversary, Shelley’s fresh face and outlook may be just what the doctor has ordered. With the National Arts Centre’s new emphasis on commissions, audiences certainly should get ready for a steady diet of “New” music mixed into the normal repertoire of orchestras. And the country should get ready for a more present NACO under the svelte Mr. Shelley. – Peter Robb
The Ottawa glam-punk band Zex is one of the artists to watch in 2015. L-R: Gab Sex, bass. Tasha, drums. Gretchen Steel, vocals. Jo Capitalicide, guitar.
Zex: Imagine a band that clashes between metal and punk fronted by a platinum-haired punk goddess, and you’ll have a pretty accurate image of the Ottawa band Zex. In just one year, the band has gone from two people writing songs together to a full-on glam-punk machine, with a hot album, a wild stage show and a plan to tour most of the world by next summer. It all started with guitarist Jo Capitalicide and singer Gretchen Steel, who had been writing songs together for about a year before bringing bassist Gab Sex and drummer Tasha into the fold about 12 months ago. They went into Paul ‘Yogi’ Granger’s Meatlocker studio last May and emerged with Fight For Yourself, a furious romp of an album that contains raw, edgy, hook-driven songs like Savage City, Wild Blood and We’re Rebels. It caught the ears of the U.S. Label Magic Bullet Records, who are giving it a worldwide release early in 2015. Meanwhile, the band is embarking on an ambitious tour of the southwest Pacific in February, with dates in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand. A major U.S. tour is also in the works. – Lynn Saxberg
Matthew Chaffey, onstage with The Split.
The Split grew out of the Ottawa duo the Brothers Chaffey and emerged with the slickest neo-soul sound to come out of the national capital in years. Can’t Get Enough, the five-song EP released early in 2014, will lead to a full album early next year, after tours of the United States and Europe. The sound is polished, energetic, with a retro feel that’s been polished into something that is contemporary and broadly popular. The single Attitude is a highlight from the Ottawa music scene in the past year, and comfortably ranks among the best in the nation. The lineup of Matthew and Curtis Chaffey, Dan and Michael Grewal, Matt Ashton and Terry Owen are Ottawa’s best bet for a breakout performance in 2015. – Peter Simpson
Chef and co-owner of North and Navy, Adam Vettorel, is in the midst of renovations of the old Beckta restaurant, but hopes to open in late January.
Adam Vettorel: The local chef is bracing for special scrutiny when his Centretown restaurant, North & Navy, opens in late January. For one thing, Vettorel and his business partner Christopher Schlesak this fall landed as their location 226 Nepean St., where Beckta Fine Dining and Wine, now on Elgin Street, had flourished. “The expectation that people have for this space is pretty daunting,” says Vettorel, 34. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure.” His restaurant’s also on the foodie radar because of its uncommon concept. North & Navy will serve food inspired by Northern Italy. Vettorel’s even bringing cicchetti — small snacks served at Venice’s backstreet bars, or bàcari — to Ottawa. Vettorel, who previously cooked at Supply And Demand and Domus Café, comes honestly by his love for Venice. Two years ago, he first visited the storied canal city, as well as nearby relatives, while honeymooning. In October, he returned. ”I just jumped on a plane and went for six days,” he says. “I ate at every bàcari I could get into.” – Peter Hum
查看原文...
Deb Matthews is set to emerge as Kathleen Wynne’s “Minister of No”.
Deb Matthews: The fate of Ontario’s Liberals in the next election depends on meeting budget targets that look tougher and tougher every time Finance Minister Charles Sousa comes out with an update on the province’s finances. It’s not just about wrestling the budget into balance, it’s about getting there without wrecking the economy, enraging public-sector workers, and depriving people who depend on major services like schools and hospitals. This is up to Deb Matthews, the president of the provincial treasury board and Ontario’s “minister of no.” She’s had a quiet autumn as the Liberal government has focused on passing legislation that got backlogged during a three-year minority government, but in 2015 Matthews’ work will be a lot more obvious. We’ll either have labour peace in the public sector or strikes, acceptable services or broken ones, and budget targets we’re reaching or that are receding further and further into the distance. Matthews, a former health minister and Premier Kathleen Wynne’s most trusted lieutenant, has the fate of Wynne’s government on her shoulders. – David Reevely
Since his appointment as CEO of the National Capital Commission, Mark Kristmanson has ushered in a new culture at the NCC.
Mark Kristmanson: Since being named CEO in February, Kristmanson has ushered in a new culture at the federal agency, which is much leaner and more focused now that it’s not responsible for ceremonial events such as Canada Day and Winterlude. The 53-year-old also has ambitious plans to illuminate the capital at night and spruce up Booth Street and LeBreton Flats with new landscaping. He also got the ball rolling on the second phase of LeBreton. The shortlist of possibilities — which could include a plan from the Ottawa Senators for a new downtown arena — should be public soon. Kristmanson’s NCC acts more like a partner these days, working with the city to allow buses on the John A. Macdonald Parkway during light-rail construction and also on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway for Ottawa RedBlacks games at TD Place stadium. But good marriages often have a bit of a friction, and the controversial western LRT extension is one such example. Kristmanson appears convinced, “we’ll end up in a good place,” and for now, it’s hard not to believe him. – Matthew Pearson
Catherine McKenney celebrates as she wins Ottawa City Council position for Somerset ward.
Catherine McKenney: The Somerset ward councillor hit the ground running at her first meeting, successfully pushing for some sober second thought on a recommendation that, if approved, would have cut the number of committee meetings each year. McKenney, who succeeded veteran councillor Diane Holmes, will have a full plate this term. She’s been named vice-chair of the transportation committee and will also sit on the environment and built heritage committees, as well as the boards of Ottawa community housing, public health and the library. That seems like a good mix for the downtown councillor who campaigned on lower speed limits on residential streets, more investment in cycling infrastructure and increased OC Transpo service. No stranger at city hall — the 53-year-old was a top adviser to deputy city manager Steve Kanellakos and also worked for both Holmes and former city councillor Alex Munter. McKenney’s also no stranger to hard work, having competed in several ultra-marathons. – Matthew Pearson
NEWS
Mohamed Harkat and his wife Sophie leave the Supreme Court after a hearing.
Mohamed Harkat: The Supreme Court has ruled that the former gas station attendant is an al-Qaida sleeper agent, but the federal government must still decide whether he poses enough of a threat to Canada to deport him to Algeria, where Harkat says he will be tortured or killed. The next step in Harkat’s security certificate process could be almost as difficult as the first, which required 12 years and two Supreme Court decisions to resolve. The deportation process will raise more thorny questions: How long can a sleeper agent remain a threat? Can Canada rely on “diplomatic assurances” to protect a deported terror suspect from torture? Does the UN Convention Against Torture, which Canada ratified in 1987, apply in the case? The Supreme Court has already ruled that terror suspects can be deported in “exceptional circumstances” to countries where they face a substantial risk of torture. But it said a real-life case was needed to define those circumstances. Harkat’s may be that case. – Andrew Duffy
Shopify CEO Tobias Lutke is expected to take his company public in 2015.
Tobias Lütke: The co-founder and CEO of Shopify may find it difficult to square his modesty with achievements in 2015. His eight-year-old electronic commerce software firm – which recently moved into new digs across from the Elgin Street courthouse – is widely expected to begin selling shares in an initial public offering on the TSX or Nasdaq exchange, or both. If Shopify follows through, it could result in the largest IPO in the region’s history – perhaps exceeding the $147.4 million U.S. raised four years ago by Mitel Networks. Private investors plowed $100 million into Shopify a year ago, in a deal that valued the firm at roughly $1 billion. Lütke’s firm has since continued its rapid growth. Shopify’s software now runs the electronic storefronts of more than 120,000 businesses around the globe. The company employs more than 500, of which 400 or so are in the Ottawa area. This makes Shopify one of the city’s larger high-tech employers. What could derail a Shopify IPO? A much larger international firm could simply acquire it. - James Bagnall
Roland Eid, the founder of bankrupt ICI Construction.
Roland Eid: For a former spy who wants his story told, the timing could hardly be worse. Eid, who carried out assignments on behalf of the Canadian Intelligence Security Service, is set to defend himself against fraud charges in a trial scheduled to begin April 7. Political watchers will know that’s the same day Senator Mike Duffy is to meet his accusers in what’s being billed as the trial of the decade. In Eid’s case, the Crown alleges that the Lebanese businessman fraudulently transferred $1.7 million from ICI Construction to his personal account in Beirut, with the result that the firm went bankrupt. Eid’s defence is the stuff of novels. He is expected to argue in the first place that the transfer was legitimate. Eid will also likely maintain that it was the government that caused ICI Construction to go bankrupt – in retribution for Eid’s refusal to do an assignment in Lebanon on behalf of CSIS. Since it’s illegal to discuss operational details involving CSIS, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in court – assuming people can stop focusing on that other courtroom down the hall. – James Bagnall
SPORTS
Brooke Henderson is turning pro. The Smiths Falls teen confirmed her decision on Thursday, Dec. 18.
Brooke Henderson: The Grade 12 student at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute had a stunning run of success in 2014. Although she won a handful of amateur titles and two Canadian events open to professionals, she agonizingly lost the Women’s U.S. Amateur final at Glen Cove, N.Y., but even that couldn’t stop Henderson from becoming No. 1 in the world amateur rankings on Sept. 10, her 17th birthday. She was the first Canadian to attain that status in the women’s rankings that debuted in 2011. The run of success has also led to a significant turn in her career path. She declined a University of Florida athletic scholarship offer, was noticeably left off the list of eight players on Golf Canada’s 2015 national amateur teams and, after weeks of speculation, announced Dec. 18 that she was starting her pro golf career. 2015 could be the year she’s in the money.
All eyes will be on Henry Burris for the Redblacks’ second season.
Henry Burris: Was it the system, or was it the quarterback? The Redblacks are banking on Henry Burris to be the man who leads the team out of the basement. A lot will be riding on his right arm. Ottawa fans like winners and won’t put up with another year like 2014. Burris was already the CFL’s oldest quarterback this past season, but he was the only QB to start all 18 regular-season games despite being sacked 54 times — second most — by opposing defences. After almost every game, Burris talked about getting the quarterback and receivers on the same page. That explanation won’t work in 2015. The cliché is that quarterbacks receive too much credit in good times and too much blame in bad times, but if Smilin’ Hank can’t deliver in 2015, the Redblacks will have to consider who comes next. — Gord Holder
Dave Cameron has stepped up to the big-time, replacing Paul MacLean as coach of the Senators.
Dave Cameron: Right place, right time. When the Ottawa Senators fired head coach Paul MacLean Dec. 8, Dave Cameron took over, stepping up the ladder from his previous role as an assistant coach. While it’s Cameron’s first kick at head coaching in the NHL, he has paid his dues. Cameron, 56, scored 25 goals in 168 NHL games with Colorado and New Jersey and went back to school to complete his business degree at the University of Prince Edward Island and to begin a teaching career. Acknowledging he’s “addicted to hockey,” Cameron took his first coaching job in the low, low minors with the Detroit Falcons and Port Huron Border Cats in the Colonial Hockey League. He spent a decade coaching in the Ontario and American Hockey Leagues — including a stint as coach of Canada’s silver medal winning 2011 world junior team — before joining the Senators as an assistant coach the following summer. – Ken Warren
ARTS AND LIFE
Alexander Shelley.
Alexander Shelley: For the first time in 15 years a new baton will direct the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Alexander Shelley couldn’t be more of a contrast with the larger-than-life Pinchas Zukerman, the outgoing director of NACO. Zukerman was a world famous violin virtuoso and conductor when he assumed the helm just after the turn of the millennium; Shelley is a handsome and diplomatic 35-year-old who is a relative unknown in North America. With NACO heading toward its 50th anniversary, Shelley’s fresh face and outlook may be just what the doctor has ordered. With the National Arts Centre’s new emphasis on commissions, audiences certainly should get ready for a steady diet of “New” music mixed into the normal repertoire of orchestras. And the country should get ready for a more present NACO under the svelte Mr. Shelley. – Peter Robb
The Ottawa glam-punk band Zex is one of the artists to watch in 2015. L-R: Gab Sex, bass. Tasha, drums. Gretchen Steel, vocals. Jo Capitalicide, guitar.
Zex: Imagine a band that clashes between metal and punk fronted by a platinum-haired punk goddess, and you’ll have a pretty accurate image of the Ottawa band Zex. In just one year, the band has gone from two people writing songs together to a full-on glam-punk machine, with a hot album, a wild stage show and a plan to tour most of the world by next summer. It all started with guitarist Jo Capitalicide and singer Gretchen Steel, who had been writing songs together for about a year before bringing bassist Gab Sex and drummer Tasha into the fold about 12 months ago. They went into Paul ‘Yogi’ Granger’s Meatlocker studio last May and emerged with Fight For Yourself, a furious romp of an album that contains raw, edgy, hook-driven songs like Savage City, Wild Blood and We’re Rebels. It caught the ears of the U.S. Label Magic Bullet Records, who are giving it a worldwide release early in 2015. Meanwhile, the band is embarking on an ambitious tour of the southwest Pacific in February, with dates in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand. A major U.S. tour is also in the works. – Lynn Saxberg
Matthew Chaffey, onstage with The Split.
The Split grew out of the Ottawa duo the Brothers Chaffey and emerged with the slickest neo-soul sound to come out of the national capital in years. Can’t Get Enough, the five-song EP released early in 2014, will lead to a full album early next year, after tours of the United States and Europe. The sound is polished, energetic, with a retro feel that’s been polished into something that is contemporary and broadly popular. The single Attitude is a highlight from the Ottawa music scene in the past year, and comfortably ranks among the best in the nation. The lineup of Matthew and Curtis Chaffey, Dan and Michael Grewal, Matt Ashton and Terry Owen are Ottawa’s best bet for a breakout performance in 2015. – Peter Simpson
Chef and co-owner of North and Navy, Adam Vettorel, is in the midst of renovations of the old Beckta restaurant, but hopes to open in late January.
Adam Vettorel: The local chef is bracing for special scrutiny when his Centretown restaurant, North & Navy, opens in late January. For one thing, Vettorel and his business partner Christopher Schlesak this fall landed as their location 226 Nepean St., where Beckta Fine Dining and Wine, now on Elgin Street, had flourished. “The expectation that people have for this space is pretty daunting,” says Vettorel, 34. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure.” His restaurant’s also on the foodie radar because of its uncommon concept. North & Navy will serve food inspired by Northern Italy. Vettorel’s even bringing cicchetti — small snacks served at Venice’s backstreet bars, or bàcari — to Ottawa. Vettorel, who previously cooked at Supply And Demand and Domus Café, comes honestly by his love for Venice. Two years ago, he first visited the storied canal city, as well as nearby relatives, while honeymooning. In October, he returned. ”I just jumped on a plane and went for six days,” he says. “I ate at every bàcari I could get into.” – Peter Hum
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