Why are those meant to defend democracy flouting it?
If Canada’s armed forces exist to protect our democracy, why does their leadership flout laws meant to protect citizens’ rights to know what the government is doing? The Ottawa Citizen’s David Pugliese recently reported that top military officers denied the existence of an internal report even though they were warned doing so would be illegal […]
Who’s likely to blink as Brexit showdown enters final stage?
OTTAWA—With preparations ranging from the pathetic to the deeply alarming, Britain is careening towards a breakup with the European Union that could leave the world’s fifth largest national economy in a state of destructive chaos. After nearly two years of negotiations between London and Brussels, it has come down to a matter of who might […]
Nearly two-thirds of public servants have unresolved pay issues three years after Phoenix launched, survey shows
More than half of the public servants who experience harassment at work and choose to do nothing about it say they don’t file a formal complaint because they feel it wouldn’t matter, according to the results of the latest government-commissioned survey of federal employees. Meanwhile, 65 per cent of survey respondents say they have not yet […]
Alex Benay: the public service’s disruptor-in-chief
Alex Benay, the country’s chief information officer, doesn’t really have his own office in the Flaherty Building. Instead, he sits near the window, surrounded by his staff. He was originally supposed to be in a room in the middle of a floor of the 90 Elgin St. tower, but staff said he dragged his desk […]
Time to strengthen passengers’ rights by making airlines accountable through a watchdog
With the new air passengers rights bill regulations set to become law, the new regime fails to address the overwhelming complaints between passengers and airlines. Whenever there is a dispute between the airline and passenger that the parties can’t resolve, the passenger is left to fend for for himself or herself in court, a measure […]
Canada’s tax system isn’t working for Canadians or our economy
Every day throughout Canada, the daily lives of Canadians and businesses are negatively impacted by our outdated tax system. Through recent research, we have heard about a person with a disability in Nova Scotia missing out on tax credits due to the paperwork required; a single mother in British Columbia wrestling with a decision to […]
Prevent to protect: the recruitment and use of child soldiers as an early warning indicator, the case of Venezuela
Every year, Feb. 12 is observed as the International Day to End the Use of Child Soldiers, and regrettably, the world is confronted with dangerous new crises every day that may lead to the recruitment and use of child soldiers. In Venezuela, more than 90 per cent of the population are now living below the […]
Time for the grown-ups to stand up against cyberbullies
Often when we talk about cyberbullying, we focus on children—and rightly so. Nearly half (42 per cent) of school-aged kids have experienced cyber abuse in the past four weeks, and 60 per cent have witnessed others being tormented online. In truth, though, cyberbullying can happen to anyone, including adults. Indeed, in this hyper-connected digital age, […]
Court challenges of Trans Mountain redo expected, ahead of NEB’s final report
The National Energy Board will complete its reconsideration of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project this week, but critics say the redo has been a narrow and rushed rubber-stamp, destined to fuel further court challenges. “I would be very surprised if the groups that have participated and the individuals who participated in this process will […]
Auditor General’s Office being ignored on Defence file
OTTAWA—The Auditor General’s Office plays an important role in Canada in holding government accountable and making recommendations to improve current systems of government, both in terms of service delivery and cost effectiveness. In conducting independent reviews and making recommendations the auditor general and his staff deploy significant time, money, and resources. Their objectives are noble. […]
