Stop letting the system assault victims of sexual violence over and over

Sexual assault is one of the worst experiences any woman can face. It rightfully attracts strong opprobrium on the part of society. So why are victims often hit by a second assault in the form of avoidable emotional harm inflicted by the officials and institutions they trust when they reach out for help? That question […]
Come From Away and Oswald Fudge are ambassadors for a uniquely Newfoundland and Labrador story

GANDER, N.L.—Oswald Fudge is sitting opposite me in a restaurant in Gander. Given his busy schedule, I am flattered he has time for me. As a rookie councillor for the town of Gander, elected in the fall of 2017, he has meetings to attend, calls to make, and people to see. He is also busy […]
Founders of Nunavut right to make protection and promotion of Inuktut a priority: Fyfe
Re: “Opposition MPs skirt top soldier, place blame for DND ‘chaos’ on Trudeau, Sajjan,” (The Hill Times, July 17, p. 1). Samantha Wright Allen reports on criticism of the governments of Canada and Nunavut for their inability to do more to “protect and enhance” Inuit language and culture as part of the Nunavut Land Claims […]
Small communities on the Rock being left to erode as hard times hit

CORNER BROOK, N.L.—Politics is a hard business anywhere, but in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is a blood sport. And in a tough economy, it gets even harder. Cycling across the west coast of the island, I am reminded of how challenging life can be here. The gaps between towns are punctuated by abandoned restaurants and […]
Canada’s upcoming federal election could expose deepening societal rifts and ‘ordered’ populism, says Graves

Canada’s upcoming federal election could expose deepening societal rifts that will test the country’s immunity from Trumpian-style populism, says one leading pollster, but other politicians and political observers say while there are worrying signs, it has limited appeal. Thanks to economic stagnation, the hyper-concentration of wealth, and a brewing cultural backlash, Canada’s political climate is […]
Conservative premiers on campaign trail give Scheer little boost, say pollsters

Campaigning conservative premiers pose little gain for federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and his party in preparation for the October election, pollsters say. A group of five conservative-minded premiers, who met two weeks ago ahead of the Council of the Federation —a biannual meeting of the 13 premiers of Canada’s provinces and territories—to present themselves […]
Lack of Inuit language supports a key concern for advocates 20 years after Nunavut formed

Twenty years after legislators carved out Nunavut from the Northwest Territories as a new, majority-Inuit territory, advocates say Ottawa must do more to protect and enhance language and culture to live up to that vision. One of the main objectives in forming Nunavut was to create a homeland north of 60 for Inuit—who represent 85 […]
When the art of the possible is an impossible dream, demagoguery takes hold

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) […]
Alberta inquiry into ‘foreign-funded’ anti-energy industry groups latest chapter in ‘misdirected attacks,’ says charity

Alberta’s inquiry into what its premier calls a “well-funded foreign campaign” against its energy industry is an attempt to put a “chill” on activism that could spill over into this fall’s federal election, say academics. Premier Jason Kenney announced the launch of the $2.5-million public inquiry on July 4, to look into “foreign special interests […]
Premiers’ meeting sheds light on the real dimensions of Canada’s energy politics

OTTAWA—With Doug Ford going on about how the increasingly conservative lineup of provincial leaders is a driver of concerted Canada-wide action, a reporter at a premiers’ press conference asked the Ontario premier if British Columbia fits that mould. “We look forward to meeting with Premier Hogirth…” replied Ford. Nearby, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney prompted: “Horgan.” […]