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Politics

Political Parties

Parties are no longer about commitment, in the sense of principles, loyalty and tradition. Long ago, partisans rallied to Sir John A. Macdonald’s Tories under the slogan “the Old Man, the Old Flag, the Old Policy.” No more. A party is not a collective project. It is a “mutual fund.” Commitment has become investment, and investment demands appropriate returns. If “wasted,” it should be pulled out and put “elsewhere.” The party’s name and symbols are no longer marks of allegiance, but are merely a “brand.” Brands are corporate marketing devices for products. Brand identification is intended to promote sales. If sales falter, re-branding may be required.” – Reg Whitaker writing… Read More »Political Parties

Senate

This is what Canadian politics has come down to. Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, announces one of most incredible moves in Senate reform since Confederation, kicking all Liberal senators out of caucus to force them to sit as independents, and he gets upstaged by Rob Ford who allegedly ordered a prison beating. Prime Minister Harper has been talking about Senate reform for at least a decade. He’s been in power since 2006, and has barely done anything. Trudeau’s step is a step in the right direction. It’s not going to end up meaning too much yet, but it could make a huge difference in the future.… Read More »Senate

Those Wacky Foreigners

I’m in America. It can often be strange to be in a foreign nation. I have the lovely fortune of living within driving distance of some wonderful cities, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, and in the United States, there’s New York City. Not only that, I have some wonderful family who are nice enough to let me stay with them. It’s beyond lovely. I am confused by my American friends and family. Sure, you don’t know the word “toque” and you may never have tried poutine1, you might say “restroom” as if you go there to have a rest, you might pronounce sorry as “sari” which I thought is a piece… Read More »Those Wacky Foreigners

Dear Mayor Ford,

I felt I had to email my mayor… Dear Mayor Ford, I was pleased to hear you finally admitted to the allegations against you. Finally you answered the questions put forward to you. This is an amazing step towards Toronto forgiving you. You’re lucky to live in a city with 2.7 million wonderful people who want the best for you, even if you are unable to admit you need help. There are still some questions that the people of Toronto feel you have inadequately addressed: Other than your conviction for a DUI in Florida, have you ever operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics? Have… Read More »Dear Mayor Ford,

Metropolitan Toronto

Metro

I like the old Metropolitan Toronto logo. Metro hasn’t existed for about 15 years, and yet the logo is everywhere in the city.

Question Period

Question Period is usually a chance for Parliamentarians to hear their own voices. It’s usually a useless exercise. It’s supposed to allow the opposition and the backbench of the governing party to hold the government to account. This is what most question periods sound like. An MP stands up and makes a long speech, asks a question, the question is ignored. This is what today’s Question Period sounded like, direct question followed by a flabbergasted prime minister unable to answer. Can we have more of this?

William Lyon Mackenzie King

On this, the birthday of William Lyon Mackenzie King, I thought I’d celebrate with a quote from the man’s diary… There is something in a Jew’s nature which is detestable. The sucking of blood. Uh…

Liberal Party and Abortion

Dear Mr. Rae, Thank you for starting a petition on your party’s website against today’s motion to re-open the debate on a woman’s right to have an abortion. However, the fact that you’re not whipping your party for this vote is very disconcerting. Unfortunately the House of Commons is not an accurate reflection of the people of Canada, and even in an ideal world it never could be. Even if it was, the Commons is a representation of the people of Canada, and the majority cannot in Canada dictate the rights of the minority. This is why your party created the Charter of Rights and Freedoms thirty years ago. It… Read More »Liberal Party and Abortion

Jury Duty

Well that was eventful. Yesterday I got a text from my second in command who informed me that he has strep, and as such cannot come to work until Wednesday at the earliest. Seeing as that would leave the school without any IT support. I emailed both the Head of School and COO to provide me with a letter on company letterhead asking for my jury duty to be deferred. I thought it would be a good idea. The COO didn’t even reply, but the Head of School did. He said he’ll try, but it won’t work. I said this: He didn’t reply to this for some odd reason. Never… Read More »Jury Duty