Incidents of misconduct, harassment involving former and current parliamentarians
John Turner pats Campagnolo’s bum, 1984 In 1984, during that year’s election campaign, then prime minister John Turner was captured on camera patting Liberal party president Iona Campagnolo’s bottom, and doing the same to then Quebec Liberal Party vice-president Lise St. Martin-Tremblay. He at first wrote it off as being a “tactile politician,” but later […]
Political developments over last 10 days astonishing, but don’t overestimate impact of this moment
OTTAWA—In an arena defined by power, ego, and the rise and fall of leaders, the political developments over the past 10 days are still astonishing. Patrick Brown, Kent Hehr, and Erin Weir—all confronting unexpected consequences for alleged behaviour. Investigations have been activated, rules are being rewritten. Is it any surprise that heads are spinning, or […]
Trudeau’s problem on the left
OAKVILLE, ONT.—While visiting in Davos recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did something a little unusual. And no I don’t mean he wore “duck-themed” socks. What I mean is, Trudeau held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and didn’t tell the Canadian media about it. Surely, this is somewhat odd behaviour for a politician […]
Fine line between hate and terrorism: murder is murder
OTTAWA—We in Canada have, thankfully, few dates that will ‘live in infamy’ to cite former U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor (9/11 would fit into this category as well). When it comes to Canada I suppose many would cite the École Polytechnique massacre on Dec. 6, 1989, […]
Let’s get building: Senate committee aims to put northern corridor on the map
PARLIAMENT HILL—Two major challenges have plagued Canada since its earliest days—how to move an unparalleled wealth in natural resources across an immense landmass and how to improve quality of life in the country’s most remote areas. A northern corridor would offer a solution to these in the form of a great, new national project. Late […]
Democracy or dynasty? It’s getting hard to tell the difference
CHELSEA, QUE.—It’s a relief to know the one per cent will be well represented in the Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership race. Wealthy populist gadfly Doug Ford has already launched his campaign—from his mother’s basement—vowing war on the “elites.” And, well-connected Ontario political veteran Christine Elliott, widow of former federal finance minister Jim Flaherty, is chasing […]
Wetlands are disappearing fast, urgent action required
Canada is home to 25 per cent of the world’s wetlands, which are important for the health of Canada and the health of our planet. In Ontario, we see proof all around us. From Lake Superior and the Great Lakes, to Lake Nipissing, these are crucial ecosystems for plants and animals, and great recreation spots. […]
#MeToo movement creating a ‘transformational change’ on Hill, inappropriate sexual conduct to be dealt with quickly and finally, say MPs, pundits
MPs say a “transformational change” is happening on the Hill, spurred by the recent “avalanche” of allegations of sexual harassment, harassment, and misconduct in Canadian federal politics, and some say they’re “terrified,” by the culture shift. “We’re certainly in a transformation moment, and to see it in the sports world, to see it in the […]
Racism is a health crisis
Lionel Desmond was a black veteran of the war in Afghanistan struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. In January of last year, after being unable to access the care he desperately needed, he killed his wife, daughter and mother before turning the gun on himself. We do not know to what extent the added stress of […]
Almost 60 per cent of Canadians don’t trust promises made by politicians before an election: poll
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians say they have no faith in promises from political leaders made in the run-up to an election, though opinion varies sharply along party lines, with 60 per cent of federal Liberal supporters voicing trust in pre-vote pledges, according to a new poll. The Forum Research random telephone survey of 1,408 voters […]
