Opinion
When the art of the possible is an impossible dream, demagoguery takes hold
By Andrew Caddell Jul. 17, 2019
In this age of extreme views in social media and cynicism in the body politic, the idea of honourable compromise seems to have died.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the restrictions imposed in his province by Bill 21 is ‘what the people want.’ But, Andrew Caddell asks, how far does that go? Photograph courtesy of CAQ’s Instagram
HALIFAX—I recently went to a book launch in Montreal in a local synagogue, at which many prominent citizens attended. The atmosphere of civility inside was in stark contrast to the political climate outside. A few days before, the Coalition Avenir Québec government had passed Bill 21, forbidding people in authority (including teachers, police, and judges) from wearing clothing with a religious orientation. Anyone wearing a hijab, a turban, or a yarmulke need not apply for those jobs.
Related Stories
Politics This Morning
Your email has been added. An email has been sent to your address, please click the link inside of it to confirm your subscription.
More in News
PSAC head says avoiding Conservative government ‘No. 1’ election issue
A number of unions have registered as third party advertisers in the lead up to the October election, but PSAC, PIPSC and CUPW, all big spenders in 2015, haven't locked down their exact spending goals yet. Time for ethics commissioner to wield sharper sword, say opposition MPs in wake of Trudeau report
While opposition MPs say the ‘naming and shaming’ approach is no longer enough, others say political accountability should remain with Parliament and the public.Liberals on Ethics Committee kibosh motion for hearing with commissioner
Liberal MP Steve MacKinnon, who spoke for all but one Liberal on the committee, says a comprehensive account on the affair is already in the public record, pointing to 13 hours of committee testimony and the commissionerEarly Manitoba election call bad news for Trudeau Liberals: observers
The Manitoba Progressive Conservatives are projected to win another majority government, which would be a boon to the federal Conservative campaign. ‘Tread on Bill 21 waters very, very lightly’ Green Party warns Quebec candidates
'We have a lot of candidates running in rural ridings, and we know that in certain areas there is big support for Bill 21,' says deputy leader Daniel Green.OECD praise of ‘model’ skilled labour track system a rejection of anti-immigrant stereotypes, says Kwan
The Conservatives are trying to maintain 'the greatest level of flexibility' they can by avoiding outlining specific immigration targets leading up to the election, says pollster Nik Nanos. Opposition MPs hopeful Liberal-majority committee will give ethics watchdog green light to testify on SNC-Lavalin affair
Opposition MPs are hopeful that Liberals on the House Ethics Committee will agree to have the ethics commissioner testify on his latest report.Liberal nomination in Pierrefonds-Dollard expected to be multi-ballot, nail-biter contest, say candidates
At least seven candidates are seeking the Liberal nomination in the safe Liberal riding of Pierrefonds-Dollard, Que. and have signed up more than 6,000 riding association members.‘Fundraiser-in-chief’: Trudeau tops list of big-ticket political fundraisers
Cabinet ministers with a national profile and influential portfolios are typically in demand, say political observers.Trending Stories
