Kerfuffle over Russia-U.S. nuclear arms treaty shows there are idiots on both sides
LONDON, U.K.—The last time I wrote about the treaty banning “intermediate-range” nuclear missiles was 31 years ago, and I really thought I’d never have to visit that tedious subject again. More fool me. John Bolton, the ideologically rigid and bad-tempered man whom you send when you don’t want a negotiation to succeed, has just been […]
Norman affair looks a lot like Duffy trial, and that’s bad for Trudeau
OTTAWA—The lead-in and trial of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, accused of leaking cabinet secrets related to a major naval procurement, could be the 2019 version of the Duffy trial. Political twists can be cruel. The Duffy trial enlivened Liberal souls. The Norman court case may suck those same souls away. You’ll remember much of the period […]
NDP to support Liberal election bill, Tories won’t, after committee makes 73 changes
After more than 17 hours of line-by-line deliberation in committee, the House of Commons will get its chance this week to settle on 73 proposed changes to the Liberals’ sweeping election reform bill, but critics say the legislation is still flawed. “It’s better than nothing,” said NDP MP Nathan Cullen, his party’s democratic reform critic. […]
Canada, Turkey could alleviate global humanitarian crises together
OTTAWA—Turkey has traditionally been a land that offered safe haven to many people from different religions, races, and languages throughout history. Turkish people have opened their homes and hearts to those forced to leave their homelands for various reasons, including violence. Turkey’s open-door policy will continue. The Turkish nation’s attitude towards migrants, refugees, and asylum […]
After a decade, taxpayers’ ombudsman still struggling for name recognition
The taxpayers’ ombudsman has been around for 10 years, but it seems some MPs, particularly those new to the job, don’t know it exists. The office works as an advocate on behalf of those experiencing issues with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), examining and explaining individual service-related cases, as well as answering general inquiries. It […]
The best way to boost high-tech jobs for Canadians? Have government lead by example
The recent revelation the city of Calgary, the Alberta government, and Ottawa are contributing $2.5-million to help American companies find expert talent in this country was nothing short of depressing. It shows how thinking about the relationship between the state and industry has stalled in this country. Let’s be blunt: Canada’s future prosperity will depend […]
Kandahar police chief’s brazen killing another sign of Afghanistan’s crumbling security
OTTAWA—On Oct. 18, there was a brazen attack in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. General Abdul Raziq Achakzai, the provincial police chief, and local Afghan intelligence commander Gen. Abdul Momin were gunned down in cold blood by a Taliban extremist. Kandahar Governor Zalmai Wesa was badly wounded in the attack. U.S. General Austin Scott […]
Supreme Court ruling shouldn’t mean the death of Indigenous consultation
We live in an era where cultural accommodation is a cornerstone of our multicultural society. This is a necessary and natural result of multiculturalism and, in theory, is a concept that should be extended to all cultures that call Canada home. Yet, a very public struggle exists surrounding the original culture to call Canada home—that […]
WestJet: I don’t recognize you
One of the most fascinating stories in the Canadian business landscape is that of the evolution of our airline industry— particularly the morphing of WestJet from a feisty small startup to now a very real rival to Air Canada. Is there room in Canada for two big Canadian airlines? The answer is yes, to a […]
We cannot afford to have labour shortages in the aviation industry
It is projected that by 2025 there will be a significant labour and skills shortage in the aviation industry. We will need to hire 55,000 new workers, including 7,300 pilots and 5,300 new aircraft mechanics to keep up with the projected growth of the industry. Air transport is particularly important to Canada’s rural, northern communities […]
