No lasting peace until there’s a Palestinian state with viability
[Graph Not Transcribed] Only a misanthrope would wish anything but sucess to the congregation of Canadians who made the great trade trip to China. The name “Team Canada” might suggest a cadre of athletes. But clearly it is primarily a business orientation driving the venture. In a recent issue of The Hill Times, International Trade […]
Deputy minister Harder calling shots on government’s biotech strategy
[Graph Not Transcribed] The Canadian government has made biotechnology research one of its main priorities, and Industry Deputy Minister Peter Harder is the one calling the shots. As the head of a Biotechnology Deputy Minister Coordinating Committee leading the government’s biotechnology efforts, Mr. Harder sees the “biological revolution” as a way to enhance human health […]
A smooth talker faces bumpy road, Tobin leaves trouble behind
[Graph Not Transcribed] Moments after Roger Grimes began delivering his acceptance speech at this month’s Newfoundland Liberal convention, Brian Tobin began clamouring for a pen. The federal industry minister, who quit his job as Newfoundland’s premier last fall to become a star candidate in Jean Chretien’s (Saint-Maurice, Que.) re-election campaign, had returned to a blizzard-bound […]
Rethinking government the Landry way, or red rag Bernie way
[Graph Not Transcribed] By next weekend, Quebecers will have a new premier, someone they know since he’s been around for, well, nearly forever. The first thing Red Rag Bernie will do, besides accepting the great honour bestowed upon him with all the humility he can borrow, is give his government a new face. For weeks […]
Old cronies, Day and Klein
[Graph Not Transcribed] Wintering in the Canadian outback, most of the season’s pleasures are in the scenery and the silences. Both are good for the soul, but also the environment lends considerable lustre to transient celebrity. Celebrities appear, like Bigfoot, out of the bush, looking larger than life. For example, the leader of the Alliance […]
House reform suffers set-back [Motion to reaffirm Speaker’s power to rule certain amendments out of order]
[Graph Not Transcribed] Opposition House leaders are fuming over Don Boudria’s decision to hinder report stage amendments without also introducing some form of House reform. The opposition parties were expecting Government House Leader Boudria to negotiate a tradeoff for House reform with them before making a move, but Mr. Boudria has decided to act on […]
Finance is a “male bastion” [WTN Current Affairs panel]
A televised panel of veteran female lawmakers says “old-fashioned prejudice” in Parliament has barred women from appointment to the federal cabinet’s most senior post, the Department of Finance. “It’s where the power really lies,” said Flora MacDonald, a former External Affairs Minister first elected to Parliament in 1972. “How many business people, if they saw […]
Eggleton wants MPs to get a military life [Canadian Forces Parliamentary program]
MPs will soon be jumping out of planes, joining rescue missions aboard Canada’s Labrador helicopters and tagging along with Canada’s peacekeepers in Bosnia. Defence Minister Art Eggleton (York Centre, Ont.) recently sent out a pamphlet to all MPs, asking them to take part in the “Canadian Forces Parliamentary Program.” The idea is based on a […]
Hill facilities are meant for parliamentary business, not parties: should foreign diplomats be allowed to use parliament buildings for hosting personal farewells? Nope
[Graph Not Transcribed] Should foreign diplomats be allowed to use the Parliament Buildings for hosting personal farewells and national day receptions? The Ottawa-based foreign diplomats are eyeing Canada’s most recognized and respected symbol, Parliament Hill, to host personal receptions. Such was the case recently when Italian Ambassador Roberto Nigido hosted a reception to bid farewell. […]
Eyebrow-raising pay-Day scheme too typical in federal politics
[Graph Not Transcribed] A law firm defending Alliance Leader Stockwell Day receives $474,000 for its services. Just before the case is settled and the bill is paid, the firm — or perhaps a senior partner at the firm — donates $70,000 to the party. In response to haranguing by reporters over the transaction, the Canadian […]
