Leadership is complicated. Character counts, as do vision, competence, judgment and the ability to persuade or inspire. The PM misses the mark
Looking at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of the ongoing blockade fiasco, it’s difficult to avoid comparison with how his father, Pierre Trudeau, dealt with the 1970 October Crisis. Faced with the revolutionary FLQ’s kidnappings of British trade commissioner James Cross and Quebec provincial cabinet minister Pierre Laporte, the senior Trudeau moved decisively as prime…
The province's aversion to pipelines and its ban on fracking create serious problems. It's time to let free enterprise pave the way to a better future
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has suggested to Quebec that pipelines would prevent events like the recent propane shortage caused by the CN Rail strike. The lack of propane hampered harvest for Quebec farmers, and endangered users of propane heating in seniors residences, hospitals and mobile homes. Critics have noted pipelines don’t usually carry propane. But…
It's time to break apart this dysfunctional nation so the various parts can repair their generations-long problems
By Colin Alexander Research associate Frontier Centre for Public Policy Canada’s recent federal election result exposes intractable challenges dating from Confederation in 1867. Wexit could allow Alberta to escape from a burden somewhat resembling the maladministration that afflicted Argentina, once one of the world’s richest countries. For the past half century, Canada has not been…
Quebec’s experience should offer a roadmap – and a cautionary tale – for Albertans intent on quickly divorcing from Canada
Whether they endorse or oppose the notion of an independent Alberta, Albertans would do well to proceed with caution. While Quebec went through two referendums in 15 years, it took decades for that province's sovereignty movement to develop. After the near-victory in 1995, the Bloc Québécois leader spoke about the need for “winning conditions” before…
For an issue that’s been so polarizing, the arguments against the pipeline expansion are surprisingly flawed
Nothing has been as divisive to national unity as the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in the 25 years since the Quebec independence referendum. But unlike separation, this project – approved again last week by the federal government – is good for the country and will benefit all Canadians. Moving to Vancouver two years ago from…
Study of over 200 criminal convictions gleans critical insights about how Canadian organizations can reduce fraud
The first national study of its kind, Fraud Aware 2019: National Study on Reported Fraud Cases in Canada, has found that the most convictions and the largest reported losses due to fraud were seen in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. Business advisory and accounting firm MNP LLP released the results of the study on…
The place of French in Canada 50 years after the Official Languages Act was first enacted shows we can and must do better
By Sen. Raymonde Gagné and Sen. René Cormier To mark the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act (OLA) and the International Day of La Francophonie, an open caucus was held at the Senate of Canada to reflect on the place of French in Canada. Professors Stéphanie Chouinard, Michael MacMillan and Benoît Pelletier addressed the following question:…
Liberals “backstop” carbon-tax will lead to $30 a tonne next year for Alberta, 50% higher than the rate currently in place in Quebec
By Jean Michaud and Germain Belzile Montreal Economic Institute New Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has vowed to repeal the provincial carbon levy implemented by the previous NDP government. That tax began in 2017 at $20 a tonne and rose to $30 a tonne before the NDP froze it in protest to delays over the Trans…
China's fight for cleaner air creates an unparalleled opportunity for investment in Canadian super clean iron ore
China’s war on air pollution will lead to a big win for the high-grade iron ores produced abundantly in Canada’s Labrador Trough region. Chinese President Xi Jinping is pushing to improve air quality. That has created an opportunity for Canadian iron ore projects to enter the market, offering an alternative to lower grade product that…
Canada shouldn't tolerate bullies. And we need to stand firm in the face of business practices we find unacceptable
When I was in secondary school, there was a bully who had to have his way. He figured because he was bigger and stronger than most other kids his age, he should be able to do whatever he wanted. He coerced other kids to do his dirty work and sometimes even his homework. He intimidated…
Looking at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of the ongoing blockade fiasco, it’s difficult to avoid comparison with how his father, Pierre Trudeau, dealt with the 1970 October Crisis. Faced with the revolutionary FLQ’s kidnappings of British trade commissioner James Cross and Quebec provincial cabinet minister Pierre Laporte, the senior Trudeau moved decisively as prime…
