Conservative, NDP debates a show of contrast
To compare the leadership debates of the Conservatives and the New Democrats on the basis of the latter’s first all-candidates meeting is to engage in a study in contrast. The Conservative campaign features an overcrowded podium, essentially proving in the process that an abundance of candidates does not automatically translate into an abundance of riches. […]
Mr. Big tactic should be allowed, especially in terrorism cases
OTTAWA—In a democracy that prides itself on the rule of law, no one in Canada is above the law, even—and especially—those charged with enforcing it, i.e. law enforcement agencies and their members. Nothing subverts the faith a society has in its legal institutions more than the belief that laws are not applied equally to all […]
Bill S-201 and the power of the values question
Bill S-201: An Act to Prohibit and Prevent Genetic Discrimination, was, before its passing last week, the subject of intense lobbying by organizations both for and against. Foregrounded in these conversations was the bill’s removal of the power of insurance companies to require individuals to undergo genetic testing. Such a practice, as supporters of the […]
Let’s keep seniors in the labour force longer
OTTAWA—While the current government lavishes attention on today’s youth, some greater attention is required on today’s and tomorrow’s seniors, as much in the interests of today’s youth as of the seniors themselves. It is generally accepted that the growth rate of Canada’s population will decline as we progress to the middle of the 21st Century […]
Delays, delays, delays: a constant for government-information seekers
OTTAWA—Delays for months and years are very commonplace in attempts to get access to government records. Cumbersome and, at times, unnecessary lengthy consultations, creaky under-resourced and rigid administrations, and time privileges granted to corporations all contribute to the maxim, “information delayed is information denied.” That certainly has been the case in recent requests to get to […]
Amid death threats and hate over her anti-Islamophobia motion, Liberal MP Khalid takes the high road
PARLIAMENT HILL—When rookie Liberal MP Iqra Khalid tabled her private member’s motion, M-103, last December, she said she was looking to start a conversation about systemic racism and religious discrimination in Canada. But before it even came up for debate in Parliament, she got a first-hand look at the darkest side of the issue. Since […]
Trudeau still hasn’t appointed a single parliamentary watchdog
Almost 18 months into a majority mandate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has yet to appoint a single parliamentary watchdog. That is not for lack of a vacancy to fill. Four of the eight strategic positions of officers of Parliament are currently without a permanent holder. Never in recent memory has a party in power taken […]
A guide for Canadian business: five keys to navigating Trump’s agenda
TORONTO—While Canadian businesses struggle to understand the uncertain environment south of the border, there are five keys to understanding how the Trump administration will work, and the risks and opportunities they create for Canada and Canadian business: Kick starting higher growth: Buoyant economic growth seems to be a thing of the past for Western industrialized economies. […]
Transportation and smart cities: more bits and bytes, less steel and concrete
Getting urban mobility right—for people and goods—will be critical to attracting talent, investment and the competitiveness of cities of the future. To further this goal, the fall economic statement introduced the idea of a Canadian Smart City Challenge in 2017. How can federal efforts help write the rules of the game and incent innovation in […]
Canada’s health-care report card shows way forward
For almost 20 years, consecutive Health Care in Canada (HCIC) surveys have provided data and analyses that constitute Canada’s health-care report card. Overall, the reports suggest that, while legislators and administrators at all levels of the system fiddle, they do so as care services to Canadians burn. Ask Canadians what is the top priority and […]
