Canadian fallout from Weinstein effect has hit hardest in Quebec’s glitterati world
OTTAWA—When does the punishment outweigh the crime? The Harvey Weinstein debacle continues to spill over into other sectors. Just last week, two iconic Quebec entertainment moguls suffered similar fates, losing public support, contracts and credibility after two separate journalistic exposés of predatory proportions. First, a La Presse article cited 11 different individuals alleging sexual harassment […]
Hill construction on track, House expenses rise, MPs hear in first public Commons Board of Internal Economy meeting
The powerful House of Commons Board of Internal Economy met for the first time in public last week, ending years of secrecy over the board’s activities. MPs heard the cost to run the House of Commons rose $33-million last year to nearly $546-million. Public Services and House officials also updated board members on three big […]
As with mass murderers so with terrorists
OTTAWA—U.S. authorities are still searching for a motive behind Stephen Paddock’s rampage in Las Vegas two weeks ago. A number of ‘theories’ have been put forward, none of which are very helpful. For instance, the fact that Paddock’s father was a bank robber and once on the FBI’s most wanted list has turned out to […]
Liberals can’t handle the truth
OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the most basic rules in politics is that the perception of truth always trumps the actual truth. Ignore that rule when plotting a communication strategy and you’re just asking for trouble. What kind of trouble? Well, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent ill-fated efforts to sell his controversial tax reform plan provides a […]
Canada’s slow progress on animal transport
Last December, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency published updates to transport regulations in Canada Gazette I. CFIA’s Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) notes that current regulations are so outdated that: they do not reflect current science on the care and handling of animals; they’re not “clear and science-informed”; and they don’t “align with Canada’s international trading partners and […]
Bombardier jet giveaway hands Trump another win
TORONTO—Score another win for Donald Trump’s high-handed version of protectionism. Monday’s decision by Montreal-based Bombardier to give away control over its much-vaunted C Series jet virtually guarantees that the U.S. will get the lion’s share of any new jobs created. It also threatens to saddle taxpayers in Quebec and the rest of Canada with a […]
The paranoid politics of Islamophobia
TORONTO—For the last few weeks, Parliament has conducted hearings on M-103, the motion to study, among other things, Islamophobia. If you listen to conservative opponents of the motion, their overwhelming belief is that this motion will doom Canada into an illiberal fate where our most cherished freedom, the freedom of speech, will fall at the […]
We need to collectively and continually work towards common goal of giving women a voice
OTTAWA—“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” These words were written by Malala Yousafzi in 2013 and they resonate deeply for those who tirelessly strive for a better society and progressive change. They are words that inspire those working towards women’s human rights and gender equality. They are […]
Liberal political financing bill moves ahead, after opposition amendments voted down
The Liberal government’s political financing bill, C-50, is moving ahead, having passed the committee stage with only technical amendments made, but Conservatives remain steadfast in opposition, calling the proposed changes “window dressing.” “There was a practice which Canadians didn’t approve of, it didn’t pass the sniff test, and created a very significant public backlash, and […]
Trudeau government ignoring single most important program to help small, midsize companies
TORONTO—How much should the country pay to save Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s political neck and rescue the Trudeau government from a looming political disaster? How about $3-billion over six years? This doesn’t include costly photo-ops across the country to unveil tax changes so that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and cabinet ministers could avoid facing Parliament. […]
