COVID-19 invades and compromises our privacy
OTTAWA—COVID-19 puts privacy rights under attack. Zoom-bombers, COVID-19 scammers, and cellphone trackers are gaining ground as Canadians self-isolate. With the necessity of greater cyberspace interactions, the crisis continues to introduce or enhance more grounds for privacy invasion. Contact tracing, for instance, is important for tackling the COVID-19 virus. Using wireless smartphones to identify people’s movements […]
Where does Canada go post-COVID-19?
As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, Canada will engage in fundamental debates about its future—health care, economic strategy, the role of government in the economy, and Canada’s international relations. In many ways, these debates will not only be between differing viewpoints on any one issue but on those who look to the past for inspiration and […]
Parliamentary accountability or pandemic pandemonium?
CHELSEA, QUE.—In theory, a healthy democracy needs a vigorous opposition. In reality, there’s Question Period. That may be why Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer appears to be having trouble rousing public opinion to his cause. His cause, essentially, is more face time for the official opposition. Or, as he puts it, more “accountability.” He has already […]
Prime Minister Trudeau offers an encouraging, spring message of hope, says reader
It was very moving to listen to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s speech last Saturday in the House of Commons. He made reference to the full Canadian and sacrificial stance to meet the invisible enemy of the coronavirus. In particular, he paid full respect to the front-line health workers, grocery shop members, transport workers and, to […]
Toddler-in-chief in the White House is frantic to reopen the economy
LONDON, U.K.—Wuhan, the Chinese city where it all started, was locked down for 79 days before the restrictions on movement were finally lifted last week. A bit over-cautious, perhaps, but in China the coronavirus does really seem to be under control—not totally eradicated, but controllable without extreme measures. If Donald Trump “reopens” the United States […]
de Adder’s Take: 04-20-2020
Fundraisers face tough challenge
OAKVILLE, ONT.—We all know how the COVID-19 “lockdown” has decimated the entire world’s economy. But what’s less appreciated is how the pandemic will negatively impact on the bottom line for Canada’s federal political parties. After all, as long as the virus crisis is in full swing, the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP are going to have […]
The COVID-19 cohort debt professionals are expecting
TORONTO—One of the greatest fallouts from the COVID-19 global pandemic is the financial impact it will have, and we are witnessing first-hand the full economic repercussions unfold. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit has been introduced, providing temporary income support to Canadian workers; the big banks are offering reduced interest rates on personal credit cards; and […]
Feds should have been better prepared for pandemic, previous governments can’t be blamed, says reader
Re: “Hajdu made a courageous and dangerous statement last week,” (The Hill Times, April 6, by Sheila Copps). One of the core functions of Health Minister Patty Hajdu’s Health Ministry is being responsible for ensuring that the country as a whole is ready and has sufficient emergency stockpile of supplies. Unfortunately, this Public Health Agency […]
A view to the horizon after COVID-19
You too may have seen the many “before and after” photos showing how our collective response to COVID-19 has literally given us a clear view to the horizons of our various cities. Once this is over, I wonder if our view to the horizon will also be over. As a collective, a culture and a […]
