Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | Latest Paper

Michael D. Gallagher

Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses reporters following the cabinet shuffle on May 13, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY THE HILL TIMES STAFF | May 14, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses reporters following the cabinet shuffle on May 13, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 14, 2025
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she wants Ottawa’s help to quell the separatism debate, but won’t stand in the way of a ‘citizen-led’ referendum. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 14, 2025
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 14, 2025
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she wants Ottawa’s help to quell the separatism debate, but won’t stand in the way of a ‘citizen-led’ referendum. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | May 14, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney made a commitment to 'protect the programs that save families thousands of dollars per year, including pharmacare,' during a May 2 press conference in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | May 14, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | May 14, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney made a commitment to 'protect the programs that save families thousands of dollars per year, including pharmacare,' during a May 2 press conference in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 14, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly stated he's willing to adopt a new approach to energy development, combining increased conventional oil production with climate mitigation tactics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 14, 2025
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 14, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly stated he's willing to adopt a new approach to energy development, combining increased conventional oil production with climate mitigation tactics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | May 14, 2025
Pierre Poilievre
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has altered the federal party, jettisoning traditional conservatism and replacing it with those nationalist and populist elements, writes William Perry. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | May 14, 2025
Opinion | May 14, 2025
Pierre Poilievre
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has altered the federal party, jettisoning traditional conservatism and replacing it with those nationalist and populist elements, writes William Perry. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | May 14, 2025
Opinion | May 14, 2025
Opinion | May 14, 2025
Opinion | BY HOSSEIN ABOUEE MEHRIZI | May 14, 2025
Inside hospitals, AI can forecast recovery times and support better discharge planning—ensuring patients are released appropriately and beds are freed up for new admissions, writes Hossein Abouee Mehrizi. Pexels photograph by RDNE Stock project
Opinion | BY HOSSEIN ABOUEE MEHRIZI | May 14, 2025
Opinion | BY HOSSEIN ABOUEE MEHRIZI | May 14, 2025
Inside hospitals, AI can forecast recovery times and support better discharge planning—ensuring patients are released appropriately and beds are freed up for new admissions, writes Hossein Abouee Mehrizi. Pexels photograph by RDNE Stock project
The government must develop a pan-Canadian framework for AI in health care that facilitates access to data for the development and effective implementation of these technologies in clinical practice, writes Samira Abbasgholizadeh-Rahimi. Unsplash photograph by Steve Johnson
The government must develop a pan-Canadian framework for AI in health care that facilitates access to data for the development and effective implementation of these technologies in clinical practice, writes Samira Abbasgholizadeh-Rahimi. Unsplash photograph by Steve Johnson
Opinion | BY MICHELLE COHEN | May 14, 2025
There’s no way to perfectly plan for an uncertain future, but another major health emergency is likely—and clapping won’t help, writes Michelle Cohen. Unsplash photograph by Martin Sanchez
Opinion | BY MICHELLE COHEN | May 14, 2025
Opinion | BY MICHELLE COHEN | May 14, 2025
There’s no way to perfectly plan for an uncertain future, but another major health emergency is likely—and clapping won’t help, writes Michelle Cohen. Unsplash photograph by Martin Sanchez
Opinion | BY WENDY ZATYLNY | May 14, 2025
Over the last five years, biotechnology has stepped into the spotlight as a critical component of public health, economic growth, and our ability to respond to future health challenges, writes Wendy Zatylny. Unsplash photograph by Timon Studler
Opinion | BY WENDY ZATYLNY | May 14, 2025
Opinion | BY WENDY ZATYLNY | May 14, 2025
Over the last five years, biotechnology has stepped into the spotlight as a critical component of public health, economic growth, and our ability to respond to future health challenges, writes Wendy Zatylny. Unsplash photograph by Timon Studler
Opinion | BY KATE MULLIGAN | May 14, 2025
Mark Carney
When Prime Minister Mark Carney promised $4-billion for ‘community health-care infrastructure’ during the campaign, Canada gained a huge opportunity, writes Kate Mulligan. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY KATE MULLIGAN | May 14, 2025
Opinion | BY KATE MULLIGAN | May 14, 2025
Mark Carney
When Prime Minister Mark Carney promised $4-billion for ‘community health-care infrastructure’ during the campaign, Canada gained a huge opportunity, writes Kate Mulligan. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Canadian institutions complying with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Day 1 executive order is a serious mistake that sets a very bad precedent, write Jocelyn Downie and Françoise Baylis. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House
Canadian institutions complying with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Day 1 executive order is a serious mistake that sets a very bad precedent, write Jocelyn Downie and Françoise Baylis. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon flanked new Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty during the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall yesterday. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon flanked new Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty during the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall yesterday. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 14, 2025
Retiring Conservative senator Don Plett sat down with The Hill Times in his third-floor office in the Senate of Canada Building on May 7. He officially retires on May 14. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 14, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 14, 2025
Retiring Conservative senator Don Plett sat down with The Hill Times in his third-floor office in the Senate of Canada Building on May 7. He officially retires on May 14. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia
News | BY MARLO GLASS | May 13, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland at the May 13 cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY MARLO GLASS | May 13, 2025
News | BY MARLO GLASS | May 13, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland at the May 13 cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Today’s Red Chamber is an essential guardrail against the takeover of our democracy by any one political party or ideological group, writes Sen. Stan Kutcher. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Today’s Red Chamber is an essential guardrail against the takeover of our democracy by any one political party or ideological group, writes Sen. Stan Kutcher. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY MARK SELBY | May 13, 2025
As we head into renewed trade discussions with the U.S., their need for critical minerals provides Canada the chance to align economic strategy with national security and climate objectives, writes Mark Selby. White House photograph by Daniel Torok
Opinion | BY MARK SELBY | May 13, 2025
Opinion | BY MARK SELBY | May 13, 2025
As we head into renewed trade discussions with the U.S., their need for critical minerals provides Canada the chance to align economic strategy with national security and climate objectives, writes Mark Selby. White House photograph by Daniel Torok
Opinion | BY ALYSON MAHAR | May 13, 2025
Volunteering is about giving back to the community, which strongly aligns to the sense of duty and service that military members develop during their careers, writes Alyson Mahar. Pexels photograph by Kampus Production
Opinion | BY ALYSON MAHAR | May 13, 2025
Opinion | BY ALYSON MAHAR | May 13, 2025
Volunteering is about giving back to the community, which strongly aligns to the sense of duty and service that military members develop during their careers, writes Alyson Mahar. Pexels photograph by Kampus Production
News | BY MARLO GLASS | May 12, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to hit NATO's defence spending target of two per cent of GDP by 2030. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | May 12, 2025
News | BY MARLO GLASS | May 12, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to hit NATO's defence spending target of two per cent of GDP by 2030. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 12, 2025
The U.S. president is handing international viewers a direct comparison of his country’s military fitness, drill, and deportment against the super well-rehearsed Russian showboats, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Dmitriy Fomin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 12, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 12, 2025
The U.S. president is handing international viewers a direct comparison of his country’s military fitness, drill, and deportment against the super well-rehearsed Russian showboats, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Dmitriy Fomin
Opinion | BY VICTORIA PRUDEN | May 12, 2025
True reconciliation requires co-developing distinctions-based tools like tariff relief, investment supports, and procurement reform, writes Métis National Council president Victoria Pruden. Photograph courtesy of the Métis National Council
Opinion | BY VICTORIA PRUDEN | May 12, 2025
Opinion | BY VICTORIA PRUDEN | May 12, 2025
True reconciliation requires co-developing distinctions-based tools like tariff relief, investment supports, and procurement reform, writes Métis National Council president Victoria Pruden. Photograph courtesy of the Métis National Council
Opinion | BY JOSH MARANDO | May 12, 2025
The story of this election isn’t that young Canadians abandoned progressivism. It’s that they’re more open to political alternatives than they’ve been in years, writes Josh Marando. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY JOSH MARANDO | May 12, 2025
Opinion | BY JOSH MARANDO | May 12, 2025
The story of this election isn’t that young Canadians abandoned progressivism. It’s that they’re more open to political alternatives than they’ve been in years, writes Josh Marando. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 12, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative leader in the House Andrew Scheer, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all got a salary increase under the Parliament of Canada Act, effective April 1, 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 12, 2025
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 12, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative leader in the House Andrew Scheer, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all got a salary increase under the Parliament of Canada Act, effective April 1, 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 12, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney said that economy would become the strongest 'in the G7.' No matter the outcome of Canada-U.S. negotiations, this new economy matters even more, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 12, 2025
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 12, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney said that economy would become the strongest 'in the G7.' No matter the outcome of Canada-U.S. negotiations, this new economy matters even more, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | May 12, 2025
Mollie Anderson, left, and her uncle Rick Anderson at the Jaimie Anderson fundraiser at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Que., in 2016. For this year's fundraiser, Mollie Anderson is organizing a political film festival in Ottawa with her father, Bruce. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | May 12, 2025
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | May 12, 2025
Mollie Anderson, left, and her uncle Rick Anderson at the Jaimie Anderson fundraiser at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Que., in 2016. For this year's fundraiser, Mollie Anderson is organizing a political film festival in Ottawa with her father, Bruce. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 12, 2025
Conservative MP Andrew Scheer was elected as the interim leader in the House at last week's Conservative Party caucus meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 12, 2025
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 12, 2025
Conservative MP Andrew Scheer was elected as the interim leader in the House at last week's Conservative Party caucus meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | May 12, 2025
If Pope Leo, left, uses his moral voice to speak against war and the unbearable suffering of the people of Gaza and Ukraine, a new sense of hope will be felt everywhere. If Mark Carney can quell Donald Trump by fostering strong co-operation with a range of other countries, Canada could be a significant player in global politics. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | May 12, 2025
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | May 12, 2025
If Pope Leo, left, uses his moral voice to speak against war and the unbearable suffering of the people of Gaza and Ukraine, a new sense of hope will be felt everywhere. If Mark Carney can quell Donald Trump by fostering strong co-operation with a range of other countries, Canada could be a significant player in global politics. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, seen here in Canada on Sept. 18, flew to Israel on Friday to meet with regional counterparts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, seen here in Canada on Sept. 18, flew to Israel on Friday to meet with regional counterparts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NICHOLAS PALASCHUK | October 16, 2023
An electric-powered OC Transpo bus on display during an announcement for new federal support for electric vehicle infrastructure at Ottawa City Hall on June 30, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NICHOLAS PALASCHUK | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY NICHOLAS PALASCHUK | October 16, 2023
An electric-powered OC Transpo bus on display during an announcement for new federal support for electric vehicle infrastructure at Ottawa City Hall on June 30, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | October 16, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | October 16, 2023
Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured, has the 'ability to work with the corporate sector,' according to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Matthew Holmes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | October 16, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | October 16, 2023
Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured, has the 'ability to work with the corporate sector,' according to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Matthew Holmes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | October 16, 2023
Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques spent 204 days on the International Space Station. He is scheduled to speak at a Space Canada event in Ottawa on Oct. 17. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Space Agency
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | October 16, 2023
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | October 16, 2023
Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques spent 204 days on the International Space Station. He is scheduled to speak at a Space Canada event in Ottawa on Oct. 17. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Space Agency
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
Defence Minister Bill Blair speaks with reporters on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 4, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
Defence Minister Bill Blair speaks with reporters on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 4, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | October 16, 2023
Former senior ministerial staffer Leslie Church, left, Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow, former city councillor Josh Colle, and former Ontario health minister Eric Hoskins are all eyeing the nomination in the safe Liberal riding of Toronto-St. Paul’s, Ont. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn, the City of Toronto, X, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | October 16, 2023
News | BY ABBAS RANA | October 16, 2023
Former senior ministerial staffer Leslie Church, left, Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow, former city councillor Josh Colle, and former Ontario health minister Eric Hoskins are all eyeing the nomination in the safe Liberal riding of Toronto-St. Paul’s, Ont. Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn, the City of Toronto, X, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY PHILIP LANDON | October 16, 2023
Canada can ensure its research granting agencies have the proper resources to fund more major discovery-oriented projects, and that stipends for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows are competitive, writes Philip Landon. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | BY PHILIP LANDON | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY PHILIP LANDON | October 16, 2023
Canada can ensure its research granting agencies have the proper resources to fund more major discovery-oriented projects, and that stipends for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows are competitive, writes Philip Landon. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY NAMIR ANANI | October 16, 2023
In the dynamic landscape of today's global economy, empowering businesses to enhance their productivity, foster a culture of risk-taking, and optimize market access is not just an option—it's a necessity, writes Namir Anani. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | BY NAMIR ANANI | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY NAMIR ANANI | October 16, 2023
In the dynamic landscape of today's global economy, empowering businesses to enhance their productivity, foster a culture of risk-taking, and optimize market access is not just an option—it's a necessity, writes Namir Anani. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY ROSEANN O’REILLY RUNTE | October 16, 2023
Canadians do face a few challenges: our population is both aging and sparsely spread across the country, labour costs are generally higher, and we need to invest in new methods and smart technologies so our smaller population can accomplish work of the highest quality and value. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | BY ROSEANN O’REILLY RUNTE | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY ROSEANN O’REILLY RUNTE | October 16, 2023
Canadians do face a few challenges: our population is both aging and sparsely spread across the country, labour costs are generally higher, and we need to invest in new methods and smart technologies so our smaller population can accomplish work of the highest quality and value. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | BY TED HEWITT | October 16, 2023
Globally, an estimated 150 million people are homeless on any given day. In Canada, an estimated 235,000 people experience homelessness annually, of which around 40,000 are youth aged 13-24. These figures are best guesses only, and likely underestimate our homeless population. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY TED HEWITT | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY TED HEWITT | October 16, 2023
Globally, an estimated 150 million people are homeless on any given day. In Canada, an estimated 235,000 people experience homelessness annually, of which around 40,000 are youth aged 13-24. These figures are best guesses only, and likely underestimate our homeless population. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Auditor General Karen Hogan, pictured, will deliver five performance audit reports to the House on Oct. 19: Inclusion in the Workplace for Racialized Employees; Antimicrobial Resistance; Modernizing Information Technology Systems; Benefits Delivery Modernization Program; and Processing Applications for Permanent Residence. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Auditor General Karen Hogan, pictured, will deliver five performance audit reports to the House on Oct. 19: Inclusion in the Workplace for Racialized Employees; Antimicrobial Resistance; Modernizing Information Technology Systems; Benefits Delivery Modernization Program; and Processing Applications for Permanent Residence. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 15, 2023
NDP MP Heather McPherson, her party's foreign affairs critic, speaks in favour of an emergency resolution on Israel-Palestine that calls for a ceasefire in the region at the NDP convention in Hamilton, Ont., on Oct. 14. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 15, 2023
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 15, 2023
NDP MP Heather McPherson, her party's foreign affairs critic, speaks in favour of an emergency resolution on Israel-Palestine that calls for a ceasefire in the region at the NDP convention in Hamilton, Ont., on Oct. 14. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 14, 2023
NDP MP Don Davies, his party's health critic, spoke in favour of an emergency resolution that backed the party on its 'red lines' on the pharmacare legislation it is currently negotiating with the Liberals. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 14, 2023
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 14, 2023
NDP MP Don Davies, his party's health critic, spoke in favour of an emergency resolution that backed the party on its 'red lines' on the pharmacare legislation it is currently negotiating with the Liberals. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 14, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh delivered a 38 minute speech to a about 1,000 NDP delegates on Saturday afternoon in Hamilton. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 14, 2023
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 14, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh delivered a 38 minute speech to a about 1,000 NDP delegates on Saturday afternoon in Hamilton. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 13, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh speaks to a resolution on adopting a wealth tax at the New Democratic Party convention in Hamilton, Ont., on Oct. 13, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 13, 2023
News | BY CHELSEA NASH | October 13, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh speaks to a resolution on adopting a wealth tax at the New Democratic Party convention in Hamilton, Ont., on Oct. 13, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | October 13, 2023
An Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tank. The IDF intends is to create a 'free-fire zone' in the northern third of the Gaza Strip where its soldiers can use maximum firepower without killing large numbers of civilians, writes Gwynne Dyer. Photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | October 13, 2023
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | October 13, 2023
An Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tank. The IDF intends is to create a 'free-fire zone' in the northern third of the Gaza Strip where its soldiers can use maximum firepower without killing large numbers of civilians, writes Gwynne Dyer. Photograph via Wikimedia Commons