‘Repressive,’ ‘risk-averse’ corrections system needs parliamentary oversight, says Sen. Pate
Almost every day since she was named to the Senate last November, Kim Pate has received a letter or phone call from an inmate. In her Ottawa office, there are boxes full of messages from prisoners who the longtime advocate said she feels a responsibility to serve. Many have her cellphone number, she said, and […]
In a world beset by too much terrorism, perspective is more important than ever
OTTAWA—It is not hard to understand why many are obsessed with terrorism these days. Every news day brings us yet another attack, more misery, and more deaths. No wonder some may want to scream “make it stop!” And yet there is a very significant difference related to where you live in the world when it […]
Can Canadians trust CSIS to help keep us safe?
OTTAWA—This piece was never going to be an easy one to write. The organization where I proudly worked for more than 15 years—CSIS—is now the subject of a $35-million lawsuit by five employees alleging racism, Islamophobia and homophobia. Canadians may very well ask whether an agency apparently “rife” with these problems should be allowed to […]
It’s time to extend pre-clearance facilities at Canada-U.S. border to enhance economic growth
Canada is a trading nation. And while we look to develop other trading partners, we musn’t forget that America remains our main dance partner. But while Canadians clearly support diversifying the markets we do business in, they also know that this country’s fate will forever be tied geographically, economically and culturally to the United States. […]
The real impact of terrorism: shattered lives
OTTAWA—In the aftermath of a terrorist attack we all go through a typical laundry list of questions. Who is behind this act and did he act alone? Are there others out there? What will he be charged with? What can we do to prevent future attacks? Why is this happening? These are, of course, good […]
Response to New York, Las Vegas attacks shows faulty logic
OTTAWA—In the wake of the Halloween day terror attack in New York City, we had the immediate media overreaction the minute it was gleaned that the alleged perpetrator, Sayfullo Saipov, was inspired by Daesh (the militant group also known as ISIS, ISIL, and Islamic State). United States President Donald Trump was at his twittering best […]
Overseas military deployment and terrorism: a mixed bag
I suppose that in many ways none of this should be unexpected. Its obviousness does not make it right, however. There are lots of things that we do not question that are nevertheless the wrong way of looking at things. I am referring here to the belief that we are at ‘war with terrorism’. The […]
What we know about the attack in Manhattan so far
The city of New York, the site of the world-changing events of 9/11, appears to have suffered its worst single attack of terrorism since that fateful date 16 years ago. A man drove a rented Home Depot truck onto a pedestrian pathway in Lower Manhattan, striking cyclists and killing at least eight (six were declared […]
Liberals supporting the RCMP with new funding
Re: “Canada’s law enforcement and security services are in crisis,” (The Hill Times, Oct. 30, p. 13). I’m writing to correct the inaccurate statements NDP MP Wayne Stetski made in The Hill Times with respect to the changes underway at the RCMP. It is a time of change at the force. Our government is working […]
We live in a world where we jump to terrorism conclusions too fast
OTTAWA—There is no question that the world has terrorism on the brain. So much has changed since 9/11 that we are both more attuned to and frightened by the spectre of terrorism that it has affected our ability to accurately measure what is happening and, perhaps more importantly, what we are doing about it. This, […]
