Liberals must prioritize growing research and development sector
As the Conservative shadow minister for science, I think it’s important to recognize that we have some of the best and brightest minds in research labs across Canada. To support our researchers, the federal government must continue to foster an environment where their ideas can be used to improve the lives of Canadians, and exported […]
Losing a bridge builder: the death of Gretta Chambers
The death of Gretta Chambers on Sept. 9 did not make national headlines, but it struck a profound chord with Quebecers. Chambers was one of that generation of great Montrealers who sought to build bridges to the francophone community at a time of tension and misunderstanding, and who did it with style and wit. I […]
To diffuse technology or not to diffuse: that’s the question
Let me give you a choice between two compelling narratives on the topic of diffusion—efforts to make technologies available by means of government policies. The first is an argument for the broad diffusion of biotechnologies, including synthetic biology and CRISPR (a genome editing tool). The other is an argument for a slow-down or clamp-down. You be […]
True North and true Nordic, new opportunities for global solutions
This fall, a Nordic studies program opens at the prestigious Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. The program will cover politics, the economy, society, culture, international relations, and history of the Nordic region. The program will be open to undergraduate and graduate students. The initiative is supported by the Nordic Council […]
Media still challenging Sen. Duffy’s moral compass
Your editorial cartoon in last Monday’s issue of The Hill Times showing Mike Duffy volunteering to show the Senate how to fill out an expense form made me wonder if the government will be as forthcoming to settle with Sen. Duffy as a previous federal government has settled with Brian Mulroney and the current federal […]
Fall preview: foreign policy and international trade
From tweaks, to threats of ending a 23-year-old agreement, U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on NAFTA has pushed renegotiations to the forefront of all things international. Trump’s actions in general have dominated Canadian coverage of the talks, as lobbyists and politicians look for ways to strengthen ties with Canada’s largest trading partner and counter the […]
Why do we have anti-terrorism laws if we are not going to use them?
OTTAWA—I don’t get it. We make a big deal of terrorism these days, too big in my opinion, but we have collectively decided that terrorism is a serious threat (which it is) and that we need to deal with it. Part of our response is making sure organizations like CSIS and the RCMP have enough […]
INAC split about ‘manipulating’ ministerial structure to show progress
TORONTO—The decision of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government to divide ministerial responsibilities for Indigenous issues reminds me of Italy’s politicians. The only difference is that while the latter manipulate the Italian language to camouflage their inability to solve the problem, the former is manipulating the structure to give the impression that something is different. For example, […]
Latest plan won’t stunt marijuana black market
Canada is edging closer to the July 2018 target date for the legalization of marijuana in a haze of political smoke. With every new development, the gap between the political narrative attending the initiative and its actual implementation is harder to bridge. Take the federal government’s talking points. They have greatly evolved since Justin Trudeau […]
Innovation of housing policies key to fairness and opportunity
Canada is well-positioned to realize its vision of ensuring fairness and opportunity for all Canadians. The Canada Child Benefit, introduced just two years ago, is helping to lift tens of thousands of households out of poverty, while the commitment to renew the Homelessness Partnering Strategy promises to significantly reduce the trauma of homelessness. The next […]
