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) […]
Alberta inquiry into ‘foreign-funded’ anti-energy industry groups latest chapter in ‘misdirected attacks,’ says charity
Alberta’s inquiry into what its premier calls a “well-funded foreign campaign” against its energy industry is an attempt to put a “chill” on activism that could spill over into this fall’s federal election, say academics. Premier Jason Kenney announced the launch of the $2.5-million public inquiry on July 4, to look into “foreign special interests […]
Premiers’ meeting sheds light on the real dimensions of Canada’s energy politics
OTTAWA—With Doug Ford going on about how the increasingly conservative lineup of provincial leaders is a driver of concerted Canada-wide action, a reporter at a premiers’ press conference asked the Ontario premier if British Columbia fits that mould. “We look forward to meeting with Premier Hogirth…” replied Ford. Nearby, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney prompted: “Horgan.” […]
Singh looks to defend Quebec seats in weeklong tour across province
As federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh continues his tour across Quebec, where he’ll be defending the party’s remaining foothold in the province, pollsters say he should tread carefully when confronted with questions about the contentious secularism bill recently passed. Mr. Singh, who began his week in Montreal, has been hitting key ridings in cities, including […]
Here’s a truth about democracy
TORONTO—Here is a truth about democracy. When faith in our judicial system is lost—and when the reputation of those who preside over it is similarly gone—we start to become much less of a democracy. We start sliding downward, inexorably, towards something else. Something diminished. Something dangerous. Recent events in New Brunswick have reminded us of […]
Bills C-48, C-69 seen as ‘direct attack on Alberta and the energy sector,’ linked to rising alienation, say Conservative MPs
The passage of bills C-48 and C-69 are exacerbating rising sentiments of alienation in Alberta and Saskatchewan, say some Alberta Conservative MPs and experts. Since the two bills were passed in a marathon voting session on June 21 in the House, the bills have together become a “flashpoint” for existing anger that Ottawa is not […]
Here’s a thought: why not just forbid ad hominem, anywhere?
Re: ” ‘Embarrassing,’ ‘bullying’ social media posts prompt some Senators to push for policies governing how Senators, staff use the platforms,” (The Hill Times, June 19, p. 1). In theory, Senators are supposed to be the adults in the room. But, for at least a decade, Canadians have witnessed disgraceful, and embarrassingly juvenile, ad hominem […]
Managing economic tightrope a make-or-break factor for October
OTTAWA—Embroiled in an uncertain Ontario election campaign back in 2011, then-premier Dalton McGuinty observed: “The polls tell us I’m not the most popular guy in the country. I accept that.” But McGuinty went on to win that election by keeping the focus on the Liberals’ commitment to a moderately activist role in promoting economic growth […]
