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 […]
What we need to know to renew our democracy: Citizens not passive consumers of government policies, want their voices heard
Here’s a poll question for you. Of these two statements, which one best captures your view: *Citizens should have a more direct say in influencing public policy and should have more opportunity to shape government decisions. *Between elections, it is the responsibility of the elected official to use their best judgment and make policy decisions […]
No focus and no priorities in Liberal government’s defence spending plan, says Conservative Party’s top defence critic
Equipment and structure decisions that are rushed to solve short-term military and political problems lead to waste and activity without any real purpose. The broad policy thrusts of the current Liberal Defence Policy have no focus and have no priorities.The improbable five-year funding plan cannot pay the demands this policy creates and essential reform of […]
Truth is: Canada one of the world’s highest military spenders: Question is not how much more should we spend, but are we spending budget wisely?
Politicians of all stripes and a platoon’s worth of retired generals like to claim we spend too little on defence and happily point out that Canada is just not pulling its weight among our allies. Well, believe none of it. The truth is that Canada is already one of the world’s highest military spenders. The […]
Government intervention needed to maintain naval capability
It’s inexplicable why the government continues to dramatically under-fund capital programs, says Tory Sen. Kinsella. The maintenance of a modern, robust navy is a critical component of Canada’s military forces. Without immediate government intervention that capability could be irrevocably lost. A commitment now could not be more timely as recent events along the U.S. Gulf […]
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 […]
