Basic income: the case for incrementalism
When discussing the concept of basic income, those on the front lines, whether living in poverty or helping those who struggle with it on a daily basis, are most often in favour of the “Big Bang” approach—namely, ensuring that all Canadians have a livable income now. Indeed, a national basic income program should and can […]
Two years in, Liberals doing the North well
Over the last two years, our government has made significant progress for northerners on a number of important issues. High food prices in remote Arctic communities have initiated a process that has started with extensive consultation and study of the existing subsidy program, with a goal of making the program more efficient and food more affordable. […]
More choice, less retailer control wanted in possible Nutrition North overhaul
Food security experts are hoping the federal government’s lack of action six months after releasing a report highlighting criticism of the Nutrition North program is a sign of a coming overhaul that will lead to more choice for participant consumers and increased food security. The program is aimed at reducing high food prices in remote […]
Canada’s colonial grip on the North needs to end
Earlier this month, I stood before a crowd in Reykjavik, Iceland, at the 2017 Artic Circle Assembly and again called for a strong vision for Canada’s North from our federal government. There is a lot of talk in Canada about reconciliation with Indigenous people right now. This is good news for a territory where approximately […]
Liberals dethrone Tories in Lac-Saint-Jean; Conservatives hold Alberta stronghold
The governing Liberal Party surged to victory in a competitive northeastern Quebec riding Monday night, showcasing newfound strength in a rural stretch of the province it had arguably not seen there since the early 1980s. Liberal candidate Richard Hébert beat back a spirited push from the Bloc Québécois and Conservatives to take the riding of […]
Rachel Notley and Alberta’s female firsts
In celebrating Persons Day every year, Canada salutes five tenacious women from Alberta, the “Famous Five,” who 90 years ago insisted that women be regarded as persons. In 1927, after hitting a roadblock with Canada’s own justice system, they appealed to the highest court of the land, which at the time was the Judicial Committee […]
Energy East cancellation hasn’t hurt Liberals yet, but could haunt them in 2019: pollsters
The abandonment of the country-spanning Energy East pipeline by proponent TransCanada hasn’t harmed the Liberal government’s national popularity so far, though pipelines and energy policy could still emerge as ballot box issues in Western Canada and New Brunswick in the next election, according to pollsters, with some saying it might cost the party seats in […]
He’s no nervous flyer: Nunavut MP nears goal to visit territory’s 25 fly-in communities
Last week was the first time in almost two months Independent MP Hunter Tootoo spent more than a couple days in his Iqaluit home. It was also the first time in a long while he’d slept more than two nights in the same bed. The Nunavut MP spent his summer travelling to more than a […]
Just when you thought positive politics was a thing, Ontario’s slugfest starts
OTTAWA—So much has been said and written lately about the positive, changing nature of Canadian politics. There are three main federal party leaders under the age of 46, all trying to strike a more upbeat tone with the electorate. And of course Jagmeet Singh is the first person of colour to lead one of the […]
Losing a bridge builder: the death of Gretta Chambers
The death of Gretta Chambers on Sept. 9 did not make national headlines, but it struck a profound chord with Quebecers. Chambers was one of that generation of great Montrealers who sought to build bridges to the francophone community at a time of tension and misunderstanding, and who did it with style and wit. I […]
