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 […]
So what have Canadians done for the U.S. lately?
With their eyes relentlessly on the hole while studiously avoiding the doughnut, Canadians have vigorously hyperventilated over the latest rounds in the softwood lumber dispute. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Although Hurricane Katrina promises a potential market in reconstruction equivalent to clear-cutting much of British Columbia and with it also a revival of the U.S. lumber industry, […]
Recently-released books
Against the Grain: An Irreverent View of Alberta by Catherine Ford, McClelland and Stewart, $34.99, 256 Pages. Blurb from the inside cover: “On the surface, [Alberta] appears to be monolithic in its politics, radically conservative in its opinions, and macho in its demeanour. But Catherine Ford shows that this is a lopsided outsider’s view of […]
Politicos dissect Conservatives’ high-profile television ads, and the opening salvo in battle for the hearts and minds of voters
Some political insiders are having a good laugh at the Conservatives’ splashy new pre-election TV ads, but Conservatives say they’re young, dynamic, and show an intellectually astute leader. The Conservatives’four pre-election television commercials, launched last month, touting the party’s commitment to campaign-friendly issues like health care and lower taxes, all under the umbrella theme “Stand […]
Amb. Frank McKenna does Fox News, again
Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S. Frank McKenna is specifically targeting the conservative Fox News for a reason. The U.S. Fox News is one of the most-watched news networks in political circles on Capitol Hill which is why Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S. Frank McKenna is using it to get Canada’s message out whenever needed, says […]
