It is time to reconsider the development of Resolute Bay
OTTAWA—The Russian invasion of Ukraine has amplified the need for Canada to review its security posture in the Arctic. Even the territorial leadership is now concerned with the government’s ability to provide security in the Arctic, and have requested a meeting with the prime minister. Although our critical arctic domain awareness has improved over the […]
Canadian political landscape could change dramatically by summer’s end
OTTAWA—By summer’s end, the Canadian political landscape could change dramatically. Ontario is into a provincial election in less than two months, smack in the middle of a national Conservative leadership race. Quebec must have an election by Oct. 3, and next month Alberta’s controversial premier faces an internal review which could plunge his party into […]
Increased military presence in the North could provide much-needed infrastructure to the region: MPs, experts
Northern MPs are open to the idea of an increased military presence in the Arctic, and say they could see the benefit of sinking military dollars into the remote region, insofar as it would have the side effect of improving infrastructure for locals. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine has some in Canada worried […]
Time to re-evaluate Canada’s defence spending, writes Mike Mueller
Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is forcing a close examination of defence and foreign policy with a focused attention on the need for Canada to have the means to play a bigger role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and continental defence within NORAD. From a NORAD perspective, more than ever, the security of […]
Military investments in the North must also benefit northern communities
Any increase to military spending and resources in Canada’s Arctic must also have the dual function of serving Canada’s northern communities. Amid Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine, Russia’s involvement in Arctic co-operation has been called into question, as seven of the eight members of the Arctic Council have withdrawn their membership and refused […]
What’s up with gas? Explaining the global and local politics behind the price at the pump
In the wake of rising oil and gas prices, Conservative politicians have been urging the government to decrease its dependence on oil imports and ramp up Canadian production, but Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says the opposition is “playing politics.” Gas prices have been climbing steadily for months now, but in the last two weeks, Canadians […]
Canada’s greater potential, bigger strengths are hydrogen and fuel cells technology
TORONTO—If it plays its cards right, Canada should benefit much more from pursuing an aggressive strategy for hydrogen and fuel cells than it would from pinning its hopes on electric vehicle battery plants and battery-ready minerals. This is not an either-or-choice. We should do what we can to be part of the battery-powered future. But […]
Bloc bill seeks to protect Quebec seats as riding redraw gets underway
The Bloc Québécois has begun its push to protect Quebec’s share of seats in the House of Commons through a new private member’s bill from MP Martin Champoux, following leader Yves-François Blanchet’s vow to “unleash the fires of hell” if the province loses a seat through the now-ongoing electoral redistribution process. Tabled on Feb. 8, […]
Leave the uniform out of this so-called ‘freedom’ fight
OTTAWA—On the evening of Thursday, Feb. 17, the Ottawa Police Service began its large-scale crackdown on the remaining holdouts of the so called “Freedom Convoy” that had occupied our nation’s capital for the previous 21 days. As many of us predicted, the raucous, would-be revolution petered out with nary a whimper. At the height of […]
To the protesters: it’s not about you
I’d like to say to all the protesters: the public health restrictions obviously affect you, but they are not about you. Your freedom is very important. But nobody is actually trying to take it away, or to control you. None of us likes the restrictions, but unfortunately, they are necessary for protection because of the […]
