Abortion: an issue that won’t go away
OTTAWA—When I was 18, Dr. Henry Morgentaler opened an abortion clinic in Montreal, and for several years after was dragged through the courts repeatedly; each time he was acquitted. In order to raise awareness, stickers were distributed calling for the repeal of Section 251 of the Criminal Code, which dealt with abortion. Because I supported […]
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 […]
Weinstein story needs to move beyond egregious acts of a single predator
OTTAWA—The ignominious end to Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has all of us in agreement. This predator got what he deserved. But the larger question remains. How did he get away with it for so long? How was he able to assault so many women with so much impunity? Why did so many people say nothing […]
It’s Canada’s time to tackle malnutrition and unlock girls’ potential
Girls all around the world have big dreams. They dream of being doctors, soccer players, and presidents. But for more than one billion women and girls, malnutrition is standing in their way. Proper nutrition is the first step to helping girls achieve their dreams. It is the critical ingredient every one of us needs to […]
NDP also opposed Harder as Status of Women Committee chair
Re: “Liberal walkout of Status of Women Committee bad form,” (The Hill Times, Oct. 4, p. 8). I heard on the CBC Radio program As It Happens MP Sheila Malcolmson said the New Democratic Party also opposed Rachael Harder becoming chair of the House of Commons Status of Women Committee. The NDP MP seemed to me to say her party deserved […]
Why Canada stands to lose its UN Security Council bid
OTTAWA—My father was no expert in political science, but he gave me some advice many years ago that stuck with me when I ran for office: “When someone tells you they are going to vote for you, they are probably fibbing. Knock on another 10 doors.” This wisdom stemmed from his loss in a workplace […]
Andrew Scheer’s pick for committee chair rejected with good reason
In decrying his failed nomination of Conservative MP Rachel Harder as chair of the House Status of Women Committee, Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer is confusing freedom of expression with the basic qualifications required for any MP holding such a position. In the process he has revealed his disregard for the committee and women’s rights. […]
Feds should be proactive on UN report that slams Canada for its history of racist policies
HALIFAX—A shocking and damning report to the UN Human Rights Council says racism against black people in Canada “lies at the core” of many Canadian institutions. We’ve known that for decades and absolutely nothing has been done about it, but now the Government of Canada has the perfect reason to be proactive. An international call […]
Liberal MP Khalid calls launch of Islamophobia study ‘exciting,’ but says MPs need to do more to combat discrimination
The launch of a controversial House study on racism and religious discrimination in Canada is an “exciting time” for rookie Liberal MP Iqra Khalid, the sponsor of the motion, but she says MPs need to do more to combat discrimination. Ms. Khalid (Mississauga-Erin Mills, Ont.), who attracted tens of thousands of angry and hateful messages, […]
I have no problem with Rachael Harder as status of women critic
Andrew Scheer’s appointment of Rachael Harder as critic for Status of Women has created quite a stir in various media outlets, including The Hill Times. It couldn’t be that abortion providers and their advocates tilt opinions in these pages, could it? Because who says the criteria for a competent, thoughtful analysis of programs and legislation […]
