Integrity of the institution
Former Privacy Commissioner George Radwanski apparently once threatened that if he ever found the “rat” who tipped off the Government Operations and Estimates Committee, their careers in the public service would be over. This is an irony today. And although the George Radwanski scandal has done some serious damage to the integrity of the Office […]
Peace may well be about Iran
“I never thought I’d be looking at these neo-conservative, pro-Israeli, right-wing Christian extremists to improve our lot, but the fact is that as a result of this adventure there is a chance for change.” –Lebanese commentator Leila Qadi, quoted in Britain’s Guardian newspaper. In Iraq itself, the place where the “adventure,” or the U.S.-led invasion, […]
“Nightmare” in the Heritage Committee?
The copyright implications of Bill C-36 are actually even worse than Kady O’Malley described in her story of ambush in the Heritage Committee, (“Political nightmare’ awaits Libs on National Archives bill,” The Hill Times, June 23, 2003) Few have managed to parse the post-humous publication provisions of Bill C-36. Even the lawyer for the Montgomery […]
That’s Sen. Percy Downe to you, buddy
Less Pay, But Free Travel… Glad to see that sticking around to be chief of staff to the Prime Minister has paid off for Percy Downe, who last week was among what many expect to be a long list of appointments by Jean Chretien in his last months in office. Mr. Downe was set to […]
What’s Martin’s take on Radwanski?
Paul Martin must offer an opinion on George Radwanski’s disgraceful conduct as an Officer of Parliament. Since Martin was finance minister and responsible for approving the departmental budgets during the Privacy Commissioner’s expense account adventures, his silence is troublesome. Either Martin was complicit in the departmental mismanagement of the Privacy Commission’s Office, or was unable […]
MPs’ and Senators’ Birthdays
*Alliance MP Deborah Grey, 51, July 1, 1952 *Liberal Sen. Jane Marie Cordy, 53, July 2, 1950 *Bloc MP Serge Cardin, 53, July 2, 1950 *Liberal Sen. Raymond Setlakwe, 75, July 3, 1928 *PC Sen. Marjory LeBreton, 63, July 4, 1940 *Alliance MP Deepak Obhrai, 53, July 5, 1950 *Liberal MP Helene Scherrer, 53, July […]
Who were those masked public servants?
It was one of the most dramatic images that foreshadowed the final fall from grace of former Privacy Commissioner George Radwanski: dozens of his own officials protesting outside his office in downtown Ottawa. Even in a city with an activist public service union, sign-waving staffers calling on their boss to resign was an unprecedented spectacle. […]
Senate’s doing one of the most ambitious media studies in history
“Our principle focus is to see whether and if so how public policy needs to change in order help to ensure that Canadian media remains healthy and diverse and independent,” says Quebec Liberal Senator Joan Fraser, chair of the Senate’s Transport and Communications Committee’s media study. “In its own right, that’s a pretty big challenge […]
The ‘You’re a Great Canadian’ Canada Day Quiz 2003: True or false? Wilfrid Laurier was the first Prime Minister born in what is now Quebec
Canada Day is a time for enjoying a ball game, lounging around the pool or taking part in the fireworks and festivities at Parliament Hill. But let’s not forget the other national pastime that commands the attention of Canadians — politics. Canadians of all stripes love talking, reading, and debating about the people and events […]
Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill this week
Annual Liberal Summer Caucus meeting on Aug. 19-21 in North Bay, Ont. MONDAY, JUNE 30 House Sitting–The House has adjourned for the summer for a 12-week break and is scheduled to return on Monday, Sept. 15. For more information on the House’s schedule, please contact the Government House Leader’s Office at (613) 952-4930. TUESDAY, JULY […]
