Cherry’s allowed to talk
TORONTO–When multi-millionaire movie stars take a moment out from congratulating their own brilliance to tell us that they’re against the war in Iraq, most people in journalism and politics think that’s fine. But when Don Cherry and Ron MacLean spend their popular five-minute Coach’s Corner talking about what everybody in the country is talking about, […]
Why anti-Americanism is as Canadian as maple syrup: We Canadians have a serious inferiority complex
There have been two recent, widely-reported examples of anti-Americanism by Canadians of some official stature. According to Francie Ducros, then director of communications for Prime Minister Jean Chretien, U.S. President George Bush is “a moron.” Liberal MP Carolyn Parrish’s condemnation was far wider: “Damn Americans. I hate those bastards.” These comments are not isolated, but […]
One more sacred cow
Regarding the column “Lack of leadership defines government’s online: strategy,” by Paco Francoli, (The Hill Times, March 17). As someone who is participating in the creation of the Canadian e-learning enterprise alliance, combined with the dealings I have had so far with those in the various government departments and agencies with regards to e-learning, I […]
Canada-U.S. Parliamentary Group doing damage control
OTTAWA–Canada is highly likely to suffer from economic consequences as a result of its decision not to join the U.S.led war in Iraq, says Liberal MP Joe Comuzzi, who is co-chair of Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group. Mr. Comuzzi (Thunder Bay-Superior North, Ont.), who is on his way to Washington, D.C., this week with the House Transport […]
MPs’ and Senators’ Birthdays
*Liberal MP Gilbert Normand, 60, March 31, 1943 *Liberal MP Lawrence O’Brien, 52, March 31, 1951 *Alliance MP Rob Anders, 31, April 1, 1972 *Liberal MP Denis Paradis, 54, April 1, 1949 *Liberal MP Alan Tonks, 60, April 2, 1943 *Liberal MP Karen Kraft Sloan, 51, April 3, 1952 *Liberal MP Robert Bertrand, 50, April […]
Goal: affordable and effective healthcare system
ANTIGONISH, N.S.–As most of you are aware, last year I had the privilege of leading perhaps the most comprehensive, inclusive and exhaustive effort ever to engage Canadians in a national dialogue on the future of their healthcare system. Tens of thousands of Canadians participated, speaking passionately, eloquently and thoughtfully about how to preserve and enhance […]
No more studies
PARLIAMENT HILL–According to Health Canada, the First Ministers Health Accord marks a turning point in efforts to renew health care for the 21st Century. The official statements call attention to the Health Reform Fund, directed towards primary care, home care and catastrophic drug coverage and the new Canada Health Transfer. In addition, there are additional […]
A Health Council to earn the trust of Canadians
PARLIAMENT HILL–The clock is ticking. The First Ministers agreed in the Health Accord on Feb. 5 that within three months we would have the much-anticipated Health Council of Canada. We are, however, justifiably concerned. As recently as Dec. 6, 2002, health ministers declared that such a council was unnecessary. The death-bed conversion of the First […]
Moving forward with healthcare reform
PARLIAMENT HILL–In a number of critical regards, the First Ministers’ Accord on health care, along with the federal budget of February, 2003, mark the beginning of a new phase in the evolution of Canada’s healthcare system. We have come to the end of a period of intensive inquiry into what should be done to solidify […]
Premiers’ appetite for health dollars insatiable: McLellan
OTTAWA–The provincial and territorial premiers will undoubtedly demand a new health care deal from the federal government within the next five years, predicts federal Health Minister Anne McLellan who also admits the country’s premiers have developed an insatiable appetite for additional health dollars. “If you’re asking me, ‘Will the provinces not ask for new money […]
