We need consultation, and a decision-making process that is inclusive, fair and open
To referendum or not to referendum — that is not the only electoral reform question. The overall issue is ensuring the entire review process meets best-practice democratic standards. As Canada heads toward democratic reform, the first important question is the makeup of the committee of politicians who will lead the public consultation. Normally, the Liberal…
Canada’s relationship with its biggest neighbour, ally and trading partner is about to radically change
One thing this week’s presidential primary in New Hampshire has proven is that Canada’s relationship with its biggest neighbour, ally and trading partner is about to radically change. It’s about to take a dramatic turn to the right. Or is it to the left? Quite honestly, it’s hard to say which direction the relationship is…
We need a national economic strategy that details Canada's way forward
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Alberta last week doing what he does best – rallying support, acknowledging problems and making positive public statements. But bolder action will be required, and soon. After meeting with Premier Rachel Notley, Trudeau announced that upwards of $700 million in infrastructure funding would be fast-tracked to help struggling Albertans. Regrettably, the problems…
As always, the Trudeau government announces lofty goals short on devilish details
On Jan. 27, the federal government injected yet another syringe full of uncertainty into the country’s oil and gas sector, announcing a nebulous plan to overhaul Canada’s environmental assessment process to incorporate concerns over greenhouse gas emissions. As always, the initial announcements are long on lofty goals, and short on the devilish details. But some…
Blissfully unaware of the devastating impact of collapsed resource revenues on the entire nation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a penchant for clever quips. He seems to especially relish combining them with digs at Stephen Harper. He told a Davos audience, “My predecessor wanted you to know Canada for its resources. I want you to know Canadians for our resourcefulness.” Besides being a gratuitous shot that hardly dignifies his…
We should not equate change with progress, but we should expect real leadership from our prime minister
Justin Trudeau’s penchant for platitudes masks an unwillingness – or inability – to tell the difference between progress and change. Waggish columnist John Robson observes in the National Post that Trudeau's maiden speech as prime minister to the Davos Economic Forum left out much while not leaving out nearly enough. Our prime minister's oration this…
Health minister Jane Philpott has an opportunity to improve the health care system. But will she take it?
This week Canada's Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Philpott, will meet with her provincial and territorial counterparts in Vancouver. This is no ordinary get-together. In his mandate letter to the Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau tasked Philpott with "engaging provinces and territories in the development of a new, multi-year Health Accord with long-term funding agreement." This…
Surely First Nations and union leaders should be held to the same standards as other Canadians
Ask a thief why he robs banks and he will often reply because that is where the money is. Most of us are not thieves, but we live in a materialistic society where the desirability of wealth and its trappings are constantly around us. Since earning money takes time and our efforts are not rewarded…
Trudeau government attempts to squirm out of implementing Supreme Court ruling on assisted dying for a suffering few
In an odd twist of Canadian history and fate, a British Columbia lawyer is defending the Supreme Court of Canada against the federal government. Almost a year ago, on Feb. 6, 2015, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that some Criminal Code sections were unconstitutional: it said that a very small group of people are entitled under…
Any new accord needs to address particular regional concerns with a distinct contract between Ottawa and each province
In the Speech from the Throne and since, the Trudeau government has clearly said it is ready to re-engage with the provinces and territories on health care. This is a welcome development, especially after the Harper government’s unwillingness to provide any leadership or even play a secondary role in health care reform. But even though…