2021 holds promise, despite challenging start
This year—marking the 45th anniversary of the European Union diplomatic mission in Canada—will be a defining time in transatlantic relations. Canada and the European Union weathered the first year of the pandemic together. We joined forces to keep vital supply chains open, support the World Health Organization (WHO) and lead international efforts to develop COVID-19 […]
It could never happen here
“It could never happen here,” is a comforting self-deception we tell ourselves, to feel superior to societies convulsed by corruption, bigotry, and violence, and to justify averting our eyes from our own societies’ evils. The past four years have stripped Americans of their illusions. But they have also caused too many Canadians to clasp our […]
The two faces of Canada’s approach to climate change increasingly confusing
CHELSEA, QUE.—You can excuse our American friends—any of our friends—for wondering where Canada stands on climate change and, more broadly, on the future of the modern economy. On one hand, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is threatening to sue the new Biden administration for its entirely unsurprising decision to withdraw support for the expansion of the […]
COVID 19: we think we have it tough?
Everyone is aware of the health crisis that COVID 19 has brought. What is getting much less attention is the largely hidden, but huge economic crisis that it has caused in many low-income countries, bringing with it unimaginable economic and social devastation. The economic hardships experienced in Canada are being multiplied exponentially in developing countries, […]
A lesson from the Trump presidency
TORONTO—The Trump presidency has brought out the need of amendments to the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution that serves as the Supreme Law of the United States was approved in 1789 and is the oldest among the current written constitutions of the world. A few examples can illustrate how certain provisions of the […]
Payette resigns after report found toxic work environment at Rideau Hall
OTTAWA—To sack or not to sack, that is the question. Three current cases, two federal and one provincial, give us some insight into differing approaches to a firing offence. Conservative Member of Parliament Derek Sloan was tossed out by a majority vote of caucus, allegedly for accepting a donation from a white supremacist. His toxic […]
Maybe we’re not so different from America when it comes to race
OTTAWA—Bad America and all those extreme, right, white supremacists storming Capitol Hill. Thank God, it’s all there and not here in Canada. Well, that’s what we like to think. But think about some folks in Canada too. Derek Sloan, the former Conservative Member of Parliament who sought the leadership of the Conservative Party, winning a considerable 14 […]
There’s an urgent need for leadership on our aging society
TORONTO—It’s an issue that cannot wait: how do we deal with the pressing challenges of an aging of society and avoid the looming fiscal costs and social failure that we face unless we get serious? Two recent reports, by experts in the field, argue that we must act now to design the policies needed for […]
One bad APP-le can spoil the bunch: why accrediting mental health apps should be top of mind
On the heels of Members of Parliament unanimously recognizing the need for a national ‘988’ crisis hotline in Canada, there is more to be done to set important standards around mental health care—specifically the need for greater accountability in the ever-expanding realm of mental health applications. Consider that you’re likely reading this on your […]
Elephant in the room remains at Veterans Affairs Canada
In these challenging times, and with a pending election on the horizon, Canadian veterans and their families will be closely monitoring all federal leaders to determine which party is prepared to make a substantial commitment to rectifying the shortfalls and inequities which continue to be found in veterans’ legislation. The National Council of Veteran Associations […]
