Lessons for a new RCMP commissioner
PARLIAMENT HILL—The federal government is seeking a new commissioner for the RCMP. Canada’s national police force needs new management and, last June, former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna was tasked with developing a short list for the prime minister. Prospective candidates be warned: this will not be an easy job. Before accepting the position, any […]
Counter-terrorism and the evidentiary chain in Canada
We in Canada do not have a lot of experience when it comes to terrorism. That is, of course, a good thing as the opposite scenario would be tragic. No, despite the fact that the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC) in Ottawa has pegged the threat level at medium, where it has been since Oct. […]
Is Saudi Arabia serious about combating terrorism?
An awful lot has been happening in Saudi Arabia of late. There is a new sheriff-to-be in town, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman—or MBS as he is known—and he is not wasting any time in making changes about the place. Scores of senior princes have been arrested on corruption charges, women have been allowed to […]
‘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 […]
