‘Appropriation prize’ controversy a learning opportunity, say journalists, writers
PARLIAMENT HILL—From op-eds to Twitter threads, the issue of cultural appropriation in writing—of indigenous cultural in particular—has recently taken a spotlight among Canadian writers. Sparked by a controversial editorial in a magazine edition meant to showcase indigenous talent, it’s led to multiple people leaving their jobs, and sources say they hope the recent controversy sparks […]
Scheer, Lemieux, Chong score endorsements as advocacy groups release mock ballots
MP Andrew Scheer won a juicy endorsement from Quebec dairy producers last week, one of several candidates in the Conservative leadership race to gain momentum from third-party advocacy groups proclaiming their picks. Mr. Scheer (Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask.) got the nod from Quebec’s Les amis de la Gestion de L’offre et des Régions—friends of supply management and […]
Sexual harassment still taboo among press gallery members
Experiences with sexual harassment are still difficult for female reporters to talk about on the public record. Fear of repercussions, including but not limited to ruining a relationship with the harasser, potentially being blamed for the harassment, and having to deal with questions from coworkers about the harassment, deterred some female reporters from attaching their names […]
Malala reminds us of how lucky we are
Granting Malala Yousafzai honorary citizenship has re-emphasized that Canada continues to operate synonymously with the values of peace, tolerance, and acceptance. My family and I were personal recipients of Canada’s mercy, as we fled to Canada as refugees from religious persecution that plagued my country back home. Living in this country—which offers equal opportunity for […]
My name, ethnic diversity don’t need to be hidden
I am not in favour of the Liberal government’s pilot project of “name-blind hiring,” with the rationale that Anglo- and Franco-Canadian names should not get hiring preference. I am Roman (Slovak) Mukerjee (East Indian-Bengal). I am proud of this expressed diversity. I have nothing to hide, with my full place in Canadian society. I came […]
Trudeau can’t fake feminism
OTTAWA—At the cost of up to US$350 a head, guests got to see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau again take to the international spotlight this month to discuss women’s rights at the Women in the World Summit in New York City. There, Trudeau conveyed what he seems to have haphazardly appropriated as “feminism.” We saw a […]
‘She challenged us’: MPs praise Malala Yousafzai’s Parliament speech, opposition urges more funding for girls’ education
Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai made a clear pitch to the Canadian government to lead on global education and women’s rights when she spoke to Members of Parliament and Senators in a special joint session of Parliament on April 12. MPs from several parties called it inspiring. “To hear a speech like […]
Educate new Senators on how to report sexual harassment: Sen. Hartling
Independent Senator Nancy Hartling says the findings of ethical misconduct against Senator Don Meredith have raised questions for her about what she might do if faced with sexual harassment on the Hill. “I think there needs to be more awareness of what [we] could do. Supposing it happened to me, supposing it happened to one […]
‘It’s still very much a man’s world,’ female Hill staffers still face double standards, sexism, harassment
PARLIAMENT HILL—Progress continues, but female staffers on Parliament Hill continue to face double standards, sexism, and harassment, both in their daily jobs and during the evening receptions that are part of Hill life, say current and former female staffers. But they also say the more women there are on the Hill—whether working “behind the curtain” […]
Why the world isn’t in as bad a state as you think
The bursts of terrorism, bombings, and political turmoil in today’s world have convinced many people that peace is impossible. I dissent from this view. We are not having a “clash of civilizations.” There are many reasons to express a realistic hope that a safer world can be built. We must be able to see beyond […]
