NDP defection gives Greens ‘boost’ in New Brunswick, but it’s still an ‘uphill battle’
The federal Green Party’s endorsement by a group of former provincial NDP candidates—though inflated in its original number—gives the party a “bolt of energy” in New Brunswick, say observers, though the province remains an “uphill battle” for the Green Party. At a press conference on Sept. 3, a group of provincial New Democrat defectors presented […]
The world can’t take much more right-wing populism
OTTAWA—One of the more interesting little moments at every G7 summit comes toward the end when the country that will be the host the following year announces the site of the next leaders’ conference. True to Donald Trump’s usual machinations, the U.S. president turned this mildy newsy routine into a huge controversy, saying it would […]
Rookie Quebec Liberal MP Nassif unexpectedly says she won’t seek re-election
Rookie Quebec Liberal MP Eva Nassif was “confident,” until recently, the party would nominate her as a candidate. But on Thursday night, she announced unexpectedly she won’t seek re-election, “because of recent events of a personal nature” that she said she does “not take lightly.” In a statement on Twitter, Ms. Nassif (Vimy, Que.) did […]
Jack Harris throws his hat in the ring one more time
ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Jack Harris is sitting in a stylish new brewpub off Duckworth Street in St. John’s, discussing his latest foray into federal politics. He looks a lot younger than his 70 years, dressed in cotton pants and a checked blue shirt, open at the collar. It is a young crowd, and many drop by […]
Stop letting the system assault victims of sexual violence over and over
Sexual assault is one of the worst experiences any woman can face. It rightfully attracts strong opprobrium on the part of society. So why are victims often hit by a second assault in the form of avoidable emotional harm inflicted by the officials and institutions they trust when they reach out for help? That question […]
Come From Away and Oswald Fudge are ambassadors for a uniquely Newfoundland and Labrador story
GANDER, N.L.—Oswald Fudge is sitting opposite me in a restaurant in Gander. Given his busy schedule, I am flattered he has time for me. As a rookie councillor for the town of Gander, elected in the fall of 2017, he has meetings to attend, calls to make, and people to see. He is also busy […]
Founders of Nunavut right to make protection and promotion of Inuktut a priority: Fyfe
Re: “Opposition MPs skirt top soldier, place blame for DND ‘chaos’ on Trudeau, Sajjan,” (The Hill Times, July 17, p. 1). Samantha Wright Allen reports on criticism of the governments of Canada and Nunavut for their inability to do more to “protect and enhance” Inuit language and culture as part of the Nunavut Land Claims […]
Small communities on the Rock being left to erode as hard times hit
CORNER BROOK, N.L.—Politics is a hard business anywhere, but in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is a blood sport. And in a tough economy, it gets even harder. Cycling across the west coast of the island, I am reminded of how challenging life can be here. The gaps between towns are punctuated by abandoned restaurants and […]
Lack of Inuit language supports a key concern for advocates 20 years after Nunavut formed
Twenty years after legislators carved out Nunavut from the Northwest Territories as a new, majority-Inuit territory, advocates say Ottawa must do more to protect and enhance language and culture to live up to that vision. One of the main objectives in forming Nunavut was to create a homeland north of 60 for Inuit—who represent 85 […]
When the art of the possible is an impossible dream, demagoguery takes hold
HALIFAX—I recently went to a book launch in Montreal in a local synagogue, at which many prominent citizens attended. The atmosphere of civility inside was in stark contrast to the political climate outside. A few days before, the Coalition Avenir Québec government had passed Bill 21, forbidding people in authority (including teachers, police, and judges) […]
