Myanmar: the saint who lost her way
Almost completely obscured by the blanket global coverage of the U.S. election, they are having one in Myanmar, too. The outcome is even more a foregone conclusion, although in this case it will confirm the existing government in power. But it is only by condoning a great crime that democracy their survives. Aung San Suu […]
Member’s statements from Nov. 2
This November is the first ever Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada. Eleven million Canadians have diabetes or prediabetes and many have had a challenging time during COVID-19. Diabetes has serious consequences and impacts on our health-care system. I want to recognize organizations like Diabetes Canada, JDRF, CNA, CINA, who do the great work for diabetes. […]
Three hands could make lighter work
The complex nature of the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance of co-operation and co-ordination across governments and sectors to address the social, health, and economic impacts of the pandemic. Co-operation has been on display in relations between the federal government and the provinces and territories. But the pandemic has also highlighted the role of […]
U.S. election: more of the same?
LONDON, U.K.—By the time you read this you may know more than I do as I write it, but some conclusions about the U.S. election are already certain. First, this has been essentially a re-run of the 2016 presidential election. The final electoral college tally and therefore the presidency may still be in doubt, but […]
The path towards dignity and respect in the military is a long and winding road
OTTAWA—Last week, the Canadian military launched a new initiative to confront what the senior brass call a “wicked problem” in the form of sexual misconduct within its ranks. This most recent plan is called “The Path Towards Dignity and Respect,” and unlike previous campaigns, this one does not promise any short-term success. “There are no […]
If Canada is serious about ending systemic racism, take a hard look at temporary foreign worker program: letter writer
Re: “Pace of virtual inspections on migrant worker conditions a concern, say critics, with half completed this summer,” (The Hill Times, Oct. 28, p. 14). Any attempt to resolve the egregious problems with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) scratches the surface of this deeply flawed and inhumane program, which is essentially a state-managed indentured […]
The American election: in an obscure race, a cause for optimism
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—I am a “glass half-full” person. When the chips are down, I believe things will get better. I take my inspiration from a time years ago, when I was part of a terrified group of 20-somethings standing on the knife edge of Mount Victoria in the Rockies in an August blizzard at 11,200 feet. […]
Release the mandate letters: the financial road ahead shouldn’t be a guessing game
Chrystia Freeland was sworn in as the country’s finance minister on Aug. 18. This year especially, time can seem like an even more nebulous concept than usual, but it was—in case anyone is trying to keep track—11 weeks ago. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament on that same Aug. 18, pronouncing a need for a […]
What have we learned from Trump?
OTTAWA—It took decades for Americans’ overarching postwar notion of their country as a force for progress in the world, however flawed, to deteriorate into the current dystopian nightmare of destructive, extremist-fed mass irrationality. No one would have guessed back in those long ago hopeful days when the internet was propelled forward by various scientists wishing […]
Remembering the ‘Minister of Everything’ Don Mazankowski
OTTAWA—Another Canadian political legend died last week. Don Mazankowski, the former deputy prime minister and so-called “Minister of Everything” in Brian Mulroney’s governments, passed away at the age of 85. He joins his longtime colleague and friend John Crosbie somewhere getting eternal rest. Though, having some sense of the two, I suspect wherever they are […]
