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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Lessons from the Doug Ford School of Public Administration
OTTAWA—School is out at Queen’s Park, but here are the lessons for the next semester based on the first year of Premier Doug Ford’s government in Ontario: Talk about helping “the people” while you slash programs that many need: Roll back promised funding increases for rape crisis centres, cut legal aid by 30 per cent, […]
International interest in the Arctic continues to heat up, is Canada ready?
The Arctic has always been an important symbol for Canada, a geographic statement of our place and status in the world as a northern power. Unfortunately, Canada’s interest in and attention to the Arctic has often been just symbolic. Generations of Canadians and their governments have grown used to thinking of the Arctic as “up […]
Inuit Nunangat policy space would be a sign of genuine reconciliation
All perspective is relative, including what is North. “The North” means different things to different people in different contexts; Thunder Bay, Churchill and Grise Fjord are all “northern” from various policy perspectives, but have very different and distinct needs. “The North” as a policy space within the Canadian context is a notional concept without a […]
