And hiring a director of ethics won't do much to curb his natural tendencies
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will soon visit Canada’s ethics commissioner for the third time in five years. His ethical standards and lack of a moral code have been in question as the result of two previous controversies – visiting the Aga Khan’s private island and the SNC-Lavalin boondoggle. This new political controversy could be the…
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” the mischievous Puck tells Oberon, king of the fairies, in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It’s one of the Bard’s most popular lines and can still be frequently used in modern society. Far too frequently, in fact. Here’s a prime example in the Great White North. A house…
He’s become the Rodney Dangerfield of Canadian politics: no respect at all
Picture this imaginary scene. In a dark corner of dank Rideau Cottage sits Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He’s resting comfortably in an old armchair, thinking about his future – and what he might wear to his next costume party, one assumes. His political honeymoon ended what seems like several lifetimes ago. His role as a…
It really comes down to your comfort level, belief system and what you want to do until instructed otherwise
Toronto Mayor John Tory announced on June 30 that face masks would become mandatory inside enclosed public spaces in the city. This would include grocery stores, shops, malls and on public transit. Children under the age of two and people with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear a mask would be the only…
His plan is the most intelligent, detailed and realistic approach to beating the Liberals in the next federal election
The Conservative Party of Canada will choose a new leader next month. It’s been a difficult leadership campaign. A slew of potential candidates, including Rona Ambrose, Jean Charest and Pierre Poilievre, declined to run. Meanwhile, COVID-19 temporarily suspended campaigning and fundraising – and led to the cancellation of the June 27 party convention. Delegates will…
You’ll forgive me if we take a slight detour from politics this week. An important event in sports just occurred that requires some personal attention. On June 25, Liverpool Football Club broke a 30-year drought and clinched the English Premier League title. Yes, this winless streak pales in comparison to the Chicago Cubs (108-year drought)…
Police must thoroughly investigate the allegations now rocking the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race
In 1985, the late soul singer Aretha Franklin released her 13th studio album, Who’s Zoomin’ Who? The album did well on the charts (the title track went to number seven on the Billboard Hot 100), with significant crossover appeal due to collaborations with Annie Stewart (Eurythmics) and Peter Wolf (J. Giles Band). It became the…
Racism isn’t easy to discuss, but we shouldn’t shy away from it or we’ll never stop wounds from being inflicted
Is our society afraid to discuss the issue of racism? I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest most people would rather not broach this subject. It doesn’t constitute a pleasant conversation at the dinner table or coffee shop, and it can lead to tense moments with family members, friends and loved ones. But while racism…
Something is terribly wrong when Canada’s political parties start applying for a federal wage subsidy
Canada, like many other countries, has introduced emergency relief services to help individuals and businesses facing financial hardship during COVID-19. The overall cost will be enormous once everything is said and done. An interesting recent twist with the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, however, is making some people wonder if our nation’s generosity is getting out…
Donald Trump wants to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization. But how will he do it and will it have any impact?
“The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.” – @realDonaldTrump, May 31, 2020 With that tweet, U.S. President Donald Trump has started the process of changing the narrative about radical left-wing individuals, parties and groups in his country – and around the world. How he’s going to actually do it…
Will the gathering at Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park be an isolated incident or a sign of things to come?
It was hard not to be caught off guard by the stark images of last Saturday’s massive gathering at Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park. The crowd reportedly reached about 10,000 people. Most of the park visitors appeared to be in their 20s and 30s. Encouraged by the sunshine and an overwhelming desire to be with people,…
Former U.S. president Barack Obama has decided to start criticizing Donald Trump. But he’s just trying to protect his legacy
Should former politicians speak out against current officeholders? This question has nothing to do with a former politician’s democratic right to support or oppose someone or something. Rather, it’s part of a larger debate related to the ex-officeholder’s decision to jump back into the political process, and whether he or she should just resist temptation…
The positive cases in the White House have far more to do with America’s battle against the virus than Trump’s choices
Governments around the world have dealt with the pandemic not only in terms of policy, but also personal health and well-being. A smattering of cabinet ministers, backbenchers and diplomats have tested positive for COVID-19. This includes Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Iranian Vice-President Masoumeh Ebtekar, Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, Israeli Health Minister Yaakov…
Huge financial losses, massive layoffs and stringent safety protocols for the few remaining passengers sets a dark tone
Many Canadians look forward to travelling when the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end (whenever that may be). Unfortunately, flying the friendly skies is quickly becoming far less friendly. Air Canada temporarily suspended all flights to the U.S. on April 26. Passengers are required to wear masks for the entirety of any trip, and flight…
Life has to continue, even though it may end up being a different life than Canadians once had
The slow, gradual process of reopening the Canadian economy has finally begun. Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island announced last week that the economic lockdown in their respective provinces would be relaxed. None of the timelines are fixed, local businesses won’t open up at once, and everything could theoretically change if an unexpected uptick…