Even overlooking the personal smears, record fudging, or repressing the truth, the parties are filled with contradictions of the things they stand for
If there were any idealism left regarding the virtues of Canadian politics, the current federal election campaign is almost certain to have smashed it. Good governance and the common good were not the winners in last week’s English language debate. Thursday's French language debate was a slight improvement, but a one-off exception hardly undoes the…
Canadians have witnessed major scandals, offensive remarks, daily mud-slinging and policy proposals with big, shiny numbers that are wasteful enough to make adults cry
The federal election has just passed the halfway mark and many Canadians can’t wait until it’s over. This isn’t related to the usual malaise and frustration we see and hear during election season. Rather, it has everything to do with the fact this has been the most ridiculous political campaign in Canadian history. Where to…
A body language expert looks at Trudeau's latest apologies and analyzes their sincerity
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to be paying attention to experts when they share what it takes to offer a sincere apology. I suppose he ought to – after all, he spent a term being that kind of leader: one who leans on apology to help boost his public image. I’m not saying this is…
The photographs won’t influence whether I vote for the Liberal in my riding. I have four years of government actions – and inactions – on which to base my decision
Justin Trudeau caused a stir when photos and videos were revealed of him darkening his face to pretend to be characters of other ethnicities. But there are far broader issues to consider in this scandal. Green Party leader Elizabeth May stated, “I am deeply shocked by the racism shown in the photograph (from 2001) of…
Don’t believe everything you hear from the masters of spin. Do your own research using legitimate news sources
Political spin and media spin drive some Canadians up the proverbial wall. As a long-time columnist and political pundit who has occasionally utilized both of them (for my own purposes and never for a political party), I can understand why. The real key to understanding spin is there are often kernels of truth in the…
Believed to be the perfect political antidote to Trump, the blows to Trudeau's manufactured reputation just keep coming
U.S. President Donald Trump has successfully turned the political narrative toward his general direction since taking office. This includes events he had nothing specifically to do with. When left-wing Democrats like Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar make outrageous statements, their defenders often say, “but’s it’s nothing like Trump’s rhetoric.” When celebrities like Bette Midler and…
The only question for Canadians is whether the prime minister of Canada possesses a toddler’s sense of propriety
Canada’s prime minister and penitent-in-chief issued another mea culpa the other day when he accepted “full responsibility” for breaking the nation’s Conflict of Interest Act. But did he actually apologize? In a report released last week, Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion said Justin Trudeau “directly and through his senior officials, used various means to exert influence…
Conservative leader has made it clear that he intends to hold the prime minister accountable for his actions related to SNC-Lavalin on the campaign trail
My wife and I are staying at a bed-and-breakfast called the Perth Manor Boutique Hotel in Perth, Ont. It was constructed as a large private residence in 1878 by lawyer/mercantilist J.T. Henderson for £12,000, or roughly $409,000 in today’s currency. The residence, which has maintained its 19th-century beauty and charm, is a nostalgic trip back…
If not for government venality and incompetence, the vice-admiral would still be at his post, doing his job
Canada has often punched above its weight in military matters. Our contributions to both the First and Second World Wars were out of all proportion to our small population. Canada sent its best troops and the bravery exhibited by these fine souls was crucial to victory. Our troops and the competence our military leaders are…
CSIS decision is an affront to historical study, denying us deeper understanding of both the former prime minister and the RCMP
There’s a new Trudeau story in the news. It doesn’t have anything to do with the current prime minister for a change, but rather his late father. The Canadian Press’s Jim Bronskill wrote on June 15 that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service destroyed a Cold War dossier related to the late former prime minister Pierre…
If there were any idealism left regarding the virtues of Canadian politics, the current federal election campaign is almost certain to have smashed it. Good governance and the common good were not the winners in last week’s English language debate. Thursday's French language debate was a slight improvement, but a one-off exception hardly undoes the…
