In Christchurch, South Carolina, Pittsburgh and elsewhere, we've seen what hate brings if we don't find common ground
One of Charles Dickens’ most beloved books is A Tale of Two Cities. The novel focuses on several characters, including Dr. Alexandre Manette, who was imprisoned in the Bastille in Paris, France, for 18 torturous years. His long-held desire was to join his daughter, Lucie, a brilliant physician who lived in London, England, and had…
Failing to do so creates the horrible image of a government unwilling to get to the bottom of an important controversy
The House of Commons justice committee heard the testimonies of former principal secretary Gerald Butts, Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick and deputy justice minister Nathalie Drouin last week. They provided different accounts to what former Justice minister and attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould told the committee about allegedly being pressured by the prime minister’s office to…
We shouldn't have to count on government to force common-sense solutions. But drivers can't seem to figure it out for themselves
Canada has experienced many cold, harsh winters. That’s why we check the weather forecasts, dress warmly, shovel plenty of snow, and take extra care when we’re on the streets and highways. You know what? Scratch that last one off the list. There are far too many drivers in Canada who don’t put winter tires on…
Jody Wilson-Raybould controls the narrative over the SNC-Lavalin controversy. But how do we know what's really true?
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32) There was a time in our society when this important biblical passage meant something. Honesty was the best policy. Always follow the straight and narrow path in life. Young George Washington couldn’t lie to his father about chopping down a…
When someone this powerful steps down, it means the political dam is about to burst
Like most Canadians, I was having a pleasant and relaxing Family Day. I spent time with my wife, took my son sledding and enjoyed a few rays of sunshine. Then all hell broke loose at the prime minister’s office in the most unexpected of ways: Gerald Butts announced his resignation. Butts was the principal secretary…
Jody Wilson-Raybould won't talk about her role in the SNC-Lavalin controversy. And others are being very guarded
Did you hear the news? A Canadian politician has decided to say nothing on a particular issue. That’s right – absolutely nothing! Whoa! Take it easy, ladies and gentlemen. Put the party hats and streamers back in the box, keep the champagne on ice and tell the marching band to take five – and then…
Canadians need to be reminded that conflicts and human tragedies sometimes come perilously close to home
Wise politicians realize that the people, also known as taxpayers, are always concerned about how their money is spent by government. The cost of a policy, program or item can be large or small, but every penny – or nickel, in this era – must be used responsibly and prudently. This brings us to the…
Jason Kenney and Doug Ford don't have great approval ratings. But voters seem to favour their parties in Alberta and Ontario
An intriguing phenomenon is beginning to occur in our nation’s politics. Some Canadians seemed to be pleased with the policies of Conservative parties and are willing to vote for them – in spite of some apprehension toward certain party leaders. Here are two recent examples. A Mainstreet Research poll released on Jan. 22 revealed that…
The Liberals forced out Karen Wang and Singh looked certain to win the byelection. Then the Liberals found a formidable replacement
After federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s horrible interview with CTV’s Evan Solomon last week, some political observers believed his chances of winning the Burnaby South byelection in B.C. had seriously diminished. Then he received a stroke of luck that even a Las Vegas bookmaker would have admired. His Liberal opponent, Karen Wang, resigned on Jan.…
The federal leader seems unaware of key issues. That can hardly give party supporters confidence in his abilities
In only a couple of minutes, Jagmeet Singh showed why he’s not going to last in federal politics. The federal NDP leader had an interview on CTV’s Question Period with host Evan Solomon on Sunday. Near the end of their discussion, Solomon asked him about a Jan. 9 Hill Times opinion piece written by Lu…
The late conservative MP from Alberta held strong views and wasn't afraid to voice them, but he was also willing to listen
If you’ve been around politics for a spell, the name Myron Thompson will be permanently etched in your memory banks. He was a unique figure in Canadian politics, the likes of which we likely won’t see grace the hallowed halls of Parliament anytime soon. Thompson, who served as a Reform Party, Canadian Alliance and Conservative…
When Ontario Premier Doug Ford slashed the size of Toronto city council, he involved the judiciary and flirted with a controversial federal law
What was Canada’s biggest political story of 2018? In my opinion, when all four levels of government were briefly involved in one small area of public policy debate. It started when Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government announced on July 27 that it would decrease the number of city council seats in Toronto from…
The free market only sustains a faltering enterprise for so long. Consumer demands rapidly change, new products are always waiting
Just about every year before Christmas, I sit down next to my wonderfully decorated tree, often with a beverage in hand, and clean up my computer files. Inevitably, I’ll unearth a few column ideas I didn’t get around to writing. This year, I found one older topic that I’ve decided was still intriguing enough to…
The closure of the Weekly Standard puts an end to an independent and influential U.S. vehicle for conservative thought
One of America’s finest conservative publications, The Weekly Standard, is no more. That’s not a line I ever thought I would have to string together, but it’s true. Last Friday, MediaDC, a subsidiary of Philip Anschutz’s Clarity Media Group, announced that the opinion magazine would cease operations. Created in 1995 by William Kristol and Fred…
His political acumen falls short, as does his ability to stay on narrative or even appear genuine
Canadian conservatives like to argue that the mainstream media does its darnedest to protect Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public image at all costs. By and large, this statement is valid. Yet there are moments when even the media can’t protect his backside – or doesn’t want to. Case in point: the PM’s interview with Rosemary…
One of Charles Dickens’ most beloved books is A Tale of Two Cities. The novel focuses on several characters, including Dr. Alexandre Manette, who was imprisoned in the Bastille in Paris, France, for 18 torturous years. His long-held desire was to join his daughter, Lucie, a brilliant physician who lived in London, England, and had…
