The Veterans’ Charter: preparing for the future of future veterans
At an average release age of only 36, our veterans leave the service at an age that should mark a time of career development, high earning potential, and a focus on building homes and families. Sixty years ago, Canadians came to realize that the greatest cost of war would be paid in peace. It would […]
Minister Carroll should do more
Hurricane Katrina’s devastation reminds us, yet again, that it is poor families who bear the greatest burden and have the fewest options and opportunities to avoid disease, loss and homelessness. All over our beautiful, rich planet 1.3 billion people survive on less than one U.S. dollar a day.That some are so poor is a travesty […]
The more things change, the more they stay the same, eh? Parliament returns this week and the political landscape seems about the same as it was at the turn of the millennium
Parliament returns this week and the political landscape seems about the same as it was at the turn of the last millennium. TORONTO – Parliament returns this week and the political landscape seems about the same as it was at the turn of the last millennium: the Conservatives still have a leadership but no party […]
Secrecy, non-transparency, and contempt for Parliament permeates culture of DND, military, and Liberal hierarchy
A truly informative and engaging tour on the part of the Minister would also be a completely novel approach on the part of a government that allegedly said no to Ballistic Missile Defence, without ever telling Canadians and their Parliament much about what the Americans asked for and therefore what was refused. Defence Minister Bill […]
Life on the Rock after John Efford
John Efford’s looming departure after 20 years in Newfoundland politics has the Liberal Party searching for a new candidate for the riding of Avalon and wondering who will replace Mr. Efford as the province’s political minister. ST. JOHN’S, NFLD. – Newfoundland federal Liberals are preparing for life after John Efford, now that the federal Natural […]
Sponsorship sentence shows white-collar crime’s judicial bias
Puffball sentences like Paul Coffin’s are outrageous, but don’t blame just the judge. The sentence is the logical result of a political and judicial system that treats crime in the streets far more seriously than crime in the suites. Imagine the following scenario: A notorious house thief, caught after stealing $1.5-million in a series of […]
The 35 hottest issues, tickets, bills and events to watch this fall in federal politics
1. Governor General’s swearing in ceremony After speculation that the CBC lock out would hinder Michaelle Jean’s swearing in ceremony as the 27th Governor General, it looks as though everything will go off without a hitch, Sept. 27. 2. Justice John Gomery’s report on the Sponsorship Scandal After 131 days of testimony from 183 witnesses, […]
Canada looks at expanding cooperation under NORAD: Graham: Defence Minister Bill Graham won’t rule out Canada could be in Afghanistan for another decade
Canada’s peacekeeping role is changing, Canada is looking at expanding its cooperation under NORAD and Canadian Forces are being “re-equipped, reorganized and transformed” to defend Canada and North America from future terrorist attacks, says Defence Minister Bill Graham. Mr. Graham (Toronto Centre, Ont.) said the Canadian Forces will be transformed “to deal with any threat […]
Industry and activist groups closely watching Bill C-60, Canada’s Copyright Act, while Brian Tobin registers as a lobbyist
A friendly word of advice to clients of federal lobbyists: Don’t bother calling between the hours of 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. this week. Like the rest of official Ottawa, they’re going to be glued to the television for Question Period to get a read on the political dynamics that will set the stage for […]
Canadians must be careful not to throw ourselves too hard into the arms of our American neighbours, keep alliances open instead
It is my pleasure, as Bloc Quebecois defence critic, to present you with our analysis of the new defence policy. The defence budget represents a significant sum of money for taxpayers. Moreover, the budget will increase by 45 per cent over the next five years, to an annual total of $18.2-billion. It is thus vital […]
