Is There a Growing Tea Party Like Movement in Canada? Hell No

Jim Ramphal:

Canada and the United States of America have long shared a unique and mutually beneficial relationship that has resulted in one of the most peaceful and prosperous alliances in history.

Despite a majority of similarities between the two nations, it is often the differences among them, whether as people or as societies, which have generally defined the distinctive nature of these two vast lands and their inhabitants.

Ouster of Canadian Forces in Secret Dubai Airbase to Cost $300 Million

Jim Ramphal:

Canadian Forces officially ended their use of a classified airfield in Dubai on Wednesday November 3, in a ceremony restricted to military personnel only.

Until recently, the base was a closely guarded secret which the Canadian government forbade the media from mentioning in reports about the Afghan mission.

The dramatic and sudden move was prompted by the Harper government’s continued refusal to grant the United Arab Emirates increased access to Canadian airports, despite the Gulf nation granting our military forces use of several air bases across their country to assist in the International Security Assistance Force deployment in Afghanistan for nearly a decade.

McGuinty Downplays Murray’s Provocative Tweets at His Peril

Jim Ramphal:

Ontario Conservative Leader Tim Hudak expressed his outrage over Twitter comments made last week by Liberal Research and Innovation Minister Glen Murray that implied newly elected Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Hudak himself were bigots.

In his ill advised Tweets, Murray suggests the three men were somehow implicated in a blatantly homophobic attack ad disseminated within the Tamil community of Toronto which appeared anonymously during the recent mayoral election campaign targeting openly gay candidate George Smitherman.

Canada Awaits Impact of U.S. Mid Term Elections

Jim Ramphal:

As America’s largest trading partner and closest neighbour both geographically and culturally, Canadians have watched the tumultuous reception of Obama’s tenure down south with a keen but respectfully distant eye, painfully aware that whatever political landscape is drawn by day’s end will continue to have far reaching effects on the Great White North.

Harper Reneges on Pledge to Control Diplomatic Spending Budget

Jim Ramphal:

Despite a campaign promise to scale back on spending for such diplomatic costs as Canada’s foreign embassies abroad, the minority Conservative government of Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, has actually seen such costs balloon during his tenure.

Information supplied by federal public accounts shows a huge increase in Canada’s diplomatic spending since the Tories took office in 2005.

Latest Federal Poll Offers Good News/Bad News For Harper Government

Jim Ramphal:

Although statistically there is little change from the previous week’s polling data, some surprise results are to be found in the most recent Ekos Research survey regarding Canadians’ views on their federal political parties.

The ruling minority Conservative government of Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, has held onto a six point lead over the rival Liberal party of leader Michael Ignatieff, down only one percentage point from the last Ekos study conducted two weeks ago.

Harper Officials Continue to Peddle Upbeat Assessments on Afghanistan

Jim Ramphal:

On Wednesday, Oct. 27, Defense Minister Peter Mackay reported to the House of Commons in Ottawa on the current and future status of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, in an update to the ongoing military role of the nation’s eight year commitment to the conflict.

Our mission in Afghanistan is going through a critical phase and important developments can be expected over the coming months,” Mackay told MP’s. “Some crucial work lies ahead, and a lot will be demanded of our men and women in uniform."

Khadr Case Remains Controversial For a Host of Reasons

Jim Ramphal:

The arrest, incarceration and subsequent military trial of Omar Khadr has been among the most troubling holdovers of the so called “War on Terror” as prosecuted by the woeful Bush administration.

Khadr was charged with throwing a grenade that killed a U.S. medic in Afghanistan in 2002 when he was 15 years old, and has been languishing in the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison as an “enemy combatant” for nearly nine years as the last remaining Western inmate held there, and is the only person who has been charged with the death of an American soldier in the war torn country.

The Political Enigma That is Maxime Bernier

Jim Ramphal:

Since his much publicized ouster as Foreign Affairs Minister by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2008, Maxime Bernier has engaged in a long and arduous climb back to political relevance and credibility.

You may remember that Bernier was unceremoniously dumped from his high profile post after it was revealed that he had taken classified documents to the home of his then girlfriend, Julie Couillard; a woman whose previous amours had included members of Quebec’s notorious underworld, and had left them there in plain sight in a major breach of protocol and mind numbingly stupid carelessness.

Rob Ford Rides Voter’s Wrath to Mayoral Victory in Toronto

Jim Ramphal:

Veteran Toronto City Councilor, Rob Ford, won a hard fight and often contentious campaign to emerge as mayor of Canada’s largest city last night besting rival George Smitherman for Toronto’s top job.

Ford, whose campaign was effectively summed up by his oft repeated slogan of “Stop the Gravy Train,” clearly reflected the mood of voters fed up with the well publicized fiscal waste and budget overruns at City Hall, a tactic which overwhelmingly resonated with the electorate.

Ford and Smitherman Slug it Out While Pantalone Hangs On as Toronto Mayoral Race Heads to The Finish Line

Jim Ramphal:

Depending on which of the latest polls one reads to gauge the current standings of the three remaining candidates in the Toronto mayoral race, a margin of only a few percentage points separates frontrunners George Smitherman and Rob Ford, while Joe Pantalone trails as a distant third option.

The most recent poll commissioned by the Toronto Sun and conducted by Leger Marketing from October 15-17, shows Smitherman with 31%, Ford at 30% and Joe Pantalone with 10% support.

Tories Increase Their Lead Over Liberals in Latest Federal Polling Data

Jim Ramphal:

Despite a litany of political faux pas over the past six months, the most recent federal polling data indicates the minority Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has not succumbed to any sustained loss of support among Canadian voters.

In fact, data released last week by Ekos polling shows the Tories have even managed to extend their lead over the rival Liberal party of Michael Ignatieff to a healthy seven points.

Opposition Calls on Paradis to Resign Following Latest Scandal

Jim Ramphal:

Natural resources Minister, Christian Paradis, continues to face calls for his resignation from opposition MP’s who insist that the latest public furor to erupt during his tenure is more than enough proof that he is unfit for his post.

Previously, Paradis had been under scrutiny when it was revealed that his former aide at Natural Resources, Sebastien Togneri, had on more than one occasion actively restricted access to data requested by Canadian media under the Freedom of Information Act.

Canada and the UAE Lock Horns Over Air Rights and the United Nations

Jim Ramphal:

The recent highly publicized dispute between Canada and the Untied Arab Emirates over aviation rights has been among the latest international issues to reflect badly on the diplomatic competence of the minority Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Flaherty’s Finance Report Falls Flat With Goodale

Jim Ramphal:

One week after Canadian Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, held a highly anticipated press conference to report on the state of his Conservative government’s economic policies and Canada’s fiscal future, Liberal opposition critics began their latest round of scathing rebuttals.

Smitherman Leads Ford in Toronto Mayoral Race as Rossi Drops Out

Jim Ramphal:

Well folks, it seems the unthinkable has happened; Rob Ford hasn’t quite won the race for Toronto’s next mayor.

I know; it’s unfathomable that with two weeks remaining in a campaign that was his to lose, a race that the media and political analysts alike had predicted would be his in a landslide, is now in a literal fight for life with the man Ford could not even think of a single positive thing to say about during a TVO debate.

Federal Government’s Handling of Veteran’s Issues Goes From Bad to Worse

Jim Ramphal:

Despite the assurances of the federal government as to their commitment and concern, showcased in a highly publicized benefits announcement last month, Canadian veterans have had little reason to support the Conservative government’s policies regarding our retired armed forces personnel.

Last month, I wrote about the unfortunate decision by Prime Minister Harper not to renew the tenure of current Veteran’s Ombudsman Pat Stogran.

Canada Hands Portugal UN Security Council Seat

Jim Ramphal:

Canada suddenly withdrew its bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council late Tuesday October 12, prior to the third and final round of voting for the prestigious and influential body, and thereby giving rival Portugal the last available spot.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon placed the blame for the country’s loss squarely on the shoulders of opposition Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff.

Flaherty Delivers Economic Update With Muted Positives

Jim Ramphal:

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty held a news conference to report on the state of the Canadian economy today which although not dire, was hardly a ringing endorsement on the effects of his government’s fiscal policy.

Said Flaherty, ‘Our government will continue to follow the vigilant and responsible approach that has put Canada in a position other nations can only envy — well-prepared going into the turmoil, and with a competitive edge going out.’

Toronto Mayoral Race Enters Final Stages

Jim Ramphal:

This week saw some big announcements in the Toronto Mayoral race, as two heavyweight city councilors threw their support behind rival candidates with just three weeks to go before the October 25 vote.

On Wednesday October 6, councilor Joe Mihevc held a press conference where he declared his support for George Smitherman, but called it a painful decision to break long standing ties with fellow city council colleague Joe Pantalone saying, ‘Honestly, I've lost a lot of sleep over it.

Latest National Poll Has Tories Still Leading

Jim Ramphal:

Canadian Federal politics seems to be entering a relatively calm period after a tumultuous spring and summer which saw public support ebb and flow between the rival Conservatives and Liberals.

The latest EKOS polling data from September 30 shows the ruling Conservatives at 33% with the Liberals trailing at 30%, the NDP third with 14% followed by the Greens with 11% and finally the Bloc Quebecois with 10%.

RCMP to Probe Multi-Million Dollar Parliament Hill Contract

Jim Ramphal:

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are to begin investigating the details surrounding a lucrative project awarded to a Montreal based construction firm to renovate the west block of the venerable Parliament building in Ottawa.

Mackay Withdraws Imam’s Invitation to Speak at Defence Event

Jim Ramphal:

The Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has found itself embroiled in a controversy (what else is new?) regarding their decision to ban a Canadian Imam from speaking at a Defence Department event next week over its assertion that he and his organization represent Islamic extremism.

George Galloway Finally Enters Canada and Comes in Swinging

Jim Ramphal:

A defiant George Galloway arrived in Canada on Saturday October 2, 2010 vowing to seek restitution for what he claims were slanderous attacks on his reputation by officials of the Canadian government.

Galloway you may recall, is the former British MP who became infamous for his consistent criticisms of then Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Labor government in the weeks leading up to their ill fated invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Latest Federal Polls Show Conservatives With Slim Lead

Jim Ramphal:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s minority Conservative government remains the consensus choice among Canadian voters in recent polling results compiled by EKOS polling.

This most recent national data shows a marginal shift in both parties popularity from last week’s results, though certainly nothing significant enough to represent any worrisome change. With 33.1%, a 0.7 point rise, the Tories are maintaining a slim lead over their rival Liberals which polled at 29.9%, a rise of a full point.

Latest Poll Shows Smitherman Gaining Traction in Toronto Mayoral Vote

Jim Ramphal:

In little more than a week, George Smitherman has managed to make Toronto’s mayoral race a close and vastly more interesting contest by steadily chipping away at what was thought by most pundits to be virtually a certain win for front runner Rob Ford.

Ford, who only last week had seen his lead extend to 24 percentage points over his main rival, is now legitimately within striking distance by an invigorated Smitherman campaign.

Ontario Judge Rules Canada’s Prostitution Laws Unconstitutional

Jim Ramphal:

In a ruling that sent shockwaves through Parliament Hill, an Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled this week that laws criminalizing brothels, soliciting and prostitution to be un-constitutional.

Judge Susan Himel in her 131-page ruling stated that such laws, some of which date back to the 19^th century, violate Canada’s Charter of Human Rights by forcing sex trade workers to choose between their guarantee of safety and their livelihoods.

Hudak Wins Round One in Sparring Contest With McGuinty

Jim Ramphal:

Few people in Ontario could deny that Queen’s Park hasn’t lately seen the kind of acrimony between the leaders of the ruling party and the main opposition as currently demonstrated by Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty and Conservative party boss Tim Hudak.

Certainly history has proven little love lost between the traditional rivals of the government and its chief political critic, but the present relationship of these two men seems to have reached a new level of overt distaste.

Deconstructing Kennedy; the power of a story

Lori-Ann Campbell:

St. John’s, NL

On Wed. Sept 13^th, 2010, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Minister, Jerome Kennedy announced provincial plans to fund up to $320,000 (and more if required) for an ‘observational study’ of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who have chosen to undergo the experimental ‘Zamboni’ procedure- named after the Italian vascular surgeon who developed it. But not all medical experts are as optimistic as Minister Kennedy that so-called ‘liberation treatment’ is a safe or effective way to treat MS, raising difficult questions as to whether this was a responsible use of provincial health care resources at this time.

Feds Claim Stimulus Plans on Course for Success

Jim Ramphal:

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty today held his sixth news conference to update Canadians on the state of the Conservative’s Economic Action Plan. noting the government has thus far spent $33 billion dollars on infrastructure initiatives designed to jump start the economy.

Liberals Outraged Over Mammoth Expense of G8/G20 Summits Ahead of Another Investigation into Legality of Police Tactics

Jim Ramphal:

As if the federal Tories don’t have enough to feel badly about, given their loss this week on killing the long gun registry, yesterday Liberal MP Dan McTeague brought the House of Commons up to speed on the obscene sums of money which Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his caucus approved to host two international monetary summits in Toronto and Gravenhurst this past summer.

Opposition Alliance Saves Canada’s Long Gun Registry, For the Present

Jim Ramphal:

In a much anticipated and unnervingly close vote in the House of Commons, a coalition of Liberal, NDP and Bloc Quebecois MP’s narrowly averted the beginning of the end to Canada’s long gun registry, by defeating a private member’s bill to scrap the contested firearms program.

The debate however, seems certain to rage on.

Latest Toronto Mayoral Poll Predicts a Ford Rout, While Debate Exposes His Hubris

Jim Ramphal:

Rob Ford, having seen his lead extend to 24 points over his nearest rival George Smitherman as of the most recent polling data released just days before the fifth debate between the candidates, seems more than comfortable with the idea he is being projected as walking away with the election as the new mayor of Toronto.

Bill C-391 Vote to Test Changing Climate of Canadian Politics

Jim Ramphal:

The past week has seen a flurry of activity centered around the upcoming Parliamentary vote on a private member’s bill whose sole purpose is to end the long gun registry legislation across Canada.

The Conservative party has been attempting to do away with the registry since it was enacted in 1995 by the Liberal government of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. The program requires all rifle and shotgun owners to log these weapons with a national firearms registry.

Tories Announce $2 Billion Increase to Veteran’s Benefits

Jim Ramphal:

In a move that is designed to please Canada’s military veterans, the Conservative government has announced some considerable changes to the benefits it grants those who have served this country in uniform.

Minister of Veteran’s Affairs and State (Agriculture) Jean-Pierre Blackburn, accompanied by Minister of National Defence Peter McKay, detailed the new program in a press conference on Saturday September 19.

Ottawa Gears Up For Feisty Fall Session

Jim Ramphal:

With Parliament resuming its duties this week, Canada’s House of Commons has an itinerary literally jammed with issues that have been stewing throughout the Summer, and few of them seem to give rise to the potential for anything but a testy and contentious session.

Recent EKOS Federal Poll Reveals Meagre Conservative Lead

Jim Ramphal:

The see-saw Summer of national polling data seems to be continuing this Fall, as the most recent EKOS polling data shows the federal Conservatives with a slight lead over the rival Liberal party.

Since the last EKOS results on September 3, the Tories have managed a small advantage at 32.4% over the Grits, who have kept steady at 28.9%, the NDP have made a slight gain at 16.6%, while both the Green Party and the Bloc Quebecois saw their numbers fall to 10.7% and 8.9% respectively.

Harper’s Pledge to Fund New Quebec Arena Has Tory Caucus Perturbed

Jim Ramphal:

NHL hockey and the federal government are two entities not normally closely allied, but that could change dramatically in light of a proposal that would see a professional hockey team partially funded by the Conservative government return to Quebec City, whose loss of Les Nordiques to Colorado in 1995 still rankles many in la belle province.

Findings Detail How Conservative Government’s Law and Order Policies Will Strain Canadian Prison System

Jim Ramphal:

In his recently released report on the current and future state of Canadian correctional services, federal prison watchdog Howard Sapers delivered a bleak assessment of the predicted effects of the Harper government’s harsh policies dealing with convicted offenders.

Islamophobia Threatens North America

Steve Swamy:

With help from NATO forces, the US and Canada, nearly nine years deep in its excursion into Afghanistan and the US’s seven years in Iraq (we are still fighting there, despite the drawback of combat troops), is seen as increasingly Islamophobic. With recent events – even beyond the extraordinary rendition of and the torture of Muslims, citizen or not, by both Canada and the US – it’s becoming increasingly difficult to prove otherwise.

Historic Committee Ruling to Decide Fate of anti-HST Petition in British Columbia

Jim Ramphal:

Opposition to the 12% Harmonized Sales Tax introduced by the ruling Liberals of Premier Gordon Campbell has been considerable in British Columbia, where a petition signed by hundreds of thousands of residents has set in motion an unprecedented political debate that has seen the adoption of the provincial levy face mounting protests, legal challenges and now a legislative showdown.

The Sun TV Petition

Michael James Baker:

The opposition over Quebecor’s proposed new venture Sun TV News, a channel devoted to so-called ‘conservative-friendly’ programming, has gone from silly to ridiculous in recent days. Initially the furor started over the style of the content being modelled after Fox News in the US. Now the battle seems to have taken on its own life looking like a scene from a school playground, creating a conspiracy theory all its own.

Tories Announce Ad Campaign to Legitimize Their Response to Tamil Refugee Claimants

Jim Ramphal:

After weeks of labeling the vessel that brought nearly 500 Tamils to the shores of Vancouverthis summer as a ship full of smugglers and terrorists, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced today a Conservative government initiative to educate Canadians on the miseries of illegal human trafficking.

Known as the ‘Blue Blindfold Campaign,’ it’s the newest addition to the national Crime Stoppers program specifically designed to empower Canadians to identify the practice and report it to authorities by highlighting the worldwide phenomena of illegally transporting people for profit, which the Harper government insists is a growing problem in this country.

Federal Polls Suggest Tenuous Support Extending Into Fall Session

Jim Ramphal:

It’s been a crazy, eventful summer in federal Canadian politics that has seen the rival Conservatives of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff’s Liberals consistently challenging one another for national dominance throughout the past 4 months.

It’s difficult to recall a period in which Canada’s two main political parties have experienced such intermittent and interchangeable levels of public support, nor one fraught with so many policy pitfalls from the ruling government that have translated into a veritable stomach churning rollercoaster of highs and lows for them.

Liberal Bus Tour - End of the Line

Michael James Baker:

As the Liberal Express rolled into Nova Scotia this past week marking the official end of the summer tour, we are left to wonder – was it worth it? Was anything achieved? Certainly for Ignatieff, yes. For the Liberals as a whole, probably.

The Liberal Party began its national caucus meeting in Baddeck Nova Scotia last weekend in preparation for the resuming of Parliament on September 20^th. After 40,000 kilometres and over 140 stops, Michael Ignatieff rolled up to the shores of Bras d’Or to his awaiting faithful.

A Canadian Tea Party?

Michael James Baker:

Many times in our nation’s history, Canadians have looked south of the border for cues from American politics. When Roosevelt had his ‘new deal’ is wasn’t long before Bennett came out with his Canadian version of the new deal. When Barack Obama was elected amid the inspiring chants of ‘Yes we can’, Canada asked where our Obama was and wondered if we would ever have a figure so charismatic. Now, Canadians are taking notice of an American movement called the Tea Party. Some would like to see it cross the border, but is it really relevant in Canada?

Public Officials Lay Bare the Flip Side of Harper’s Softened Image

Jim Ramphal:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has long sought to temper his persona as a stodgy, uptight and authoritarian leader by engaging in some public displays of Conservative cool; everything from his performance of a Beatles tune with YoYo Ma last December to his recent attempts to shake his money maker with Inuit dancers in the far North, has at least lessened the public’s perception of him as a stiff.

Toronto Mayoral Candidate Rossi Promises Recall to “Take Back City Hall”

Gregory Tsagris:

On Monday August 30^th Toronto Mayoral Candidate Rocco Rossi proposed what he calls the 3 R's for voter reform; “respect, results and recall”. This is one of the first eastern Canadian politicians to make recall a part of their campaigning platform and may be the beginning of a growing trend in Canadian politics.

Layton Fires the Latest Salvo in Long Gun Registry Debate

Jim Ramphal:

Controversy continues to swirl around the long gun registry as Canada’s main political parties jostle for public and parliamentary support on either continuing or abolishing the policy..

NDP leader Jack Layton is planning to introduce changes to the program he claims will address concerns raised by native peoples and other Canadians living outside of urban and heavily populated areas of the country.

Canada’s Long-Gun Registry

Michael James Baker:

Once again the debate over the fate of Canada’s long-gun registry is causing some waves amongst politicians. First, there were questions over the reasons for the dismissal of Marty Cheliak, the director-general of the firearms program. Now, a new report released last week by the RCMP seems to contradict the Conservative government’s case that the registry is wasteful and ineffective.

Latest Poll Reveals Federal Politics More Unpredictable Than Usual

Jim Ramphal:

The summer of 2010 may well be remembered as the date when Canadian politics took a U-turn from its annual seasonal holiday.

Controversies surrounding among other things, the G8 and G20 summits, the long form census, Tamil refugees, the long gun registry and now the arrest of three Ottawa men suspected of plotting domestic terrorism, has propelled Canadians’ interest in both regional and federal politics to heights not normally seen until the final days of a national election.

Toronto’s Mayoral Race Continues to Surprise

Jim Ramphal:

With exactly two months remaining to campaign before Toronto’s mayoral election on October 25, the race has entered what is likely to become its most surprising stage as candidates seek the support of the all important undecided voter.

Arctic Circle; The largest piece of pie belongs to…

Steve Swamy:

Recently, there have been many political maneuvers to exercise sovereignty over the Arctic region because of the possibility of untapped sources of crude oil; some estimates boast 90 billion barrels.

Queen’s Park Announces Record Provincial Deficit

Jim Ramphal:

Ontario’s mounting budget woes continued throughout 2010, though it’s partly a case of good news / bad news for Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The good news is that the province’s budget shortfall this year is some $2 billion less than forecast in early March, but is still a whopping $19.3 billion, despite some better than expected economic indicators for the year and the Liberal government’s considerable efforts at concerted spending cuts.

May’s Leadership Will Not Be Challenged

Michael James Baker:

It seems that Elizabeth May will remain leader of the Green Party even after her four year term expires at the end of this month. There was speculation that her position would be challenged and one candidate, Sylvie Lemieux – a former army lieutenant had stepped forward as a contender.

Ontario Gets Ready To Rumble MMA Style

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

The government of Ontario Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty announced this week that it has finally sanctioned the staging of professional Mixed Martial Arts contests in the province, after years of sustained lobbying by the sport’s largest and most powerful leagues.

The immense popularity and substantial revenues generated by the gladiatorial combat sport have finally tipped the balance in its favor after much debate and concern about whether Ontario should recognize it as a legitimate sport and welcome its presence.

The Debate Over Alberta Oil Sands Continues

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

Recently the ongoing battle between environmentalists and the Alberta government over the Athabasca Oil Sands Project has taken a new turn. The BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico has once again highlighted the environmental concerns surrounding oil production. To the dismay of energy companies and the Alberta government, this has been particularly bad optics, providing a new rallying cry for their opponents.

Double Bunking Inmates in Canadian Prisons May Increase More Than Capacity

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

To listen to Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, the controversial practice of so called ‘double bunking,’ whereby two prisoners are housed in a cell originally designed for a single occupant, most commonly achieved by replacing a single bed with bunk beds, ‘is no big deal,’ according to his response when queried on the issue this week.

Ontario Wants a Piece of Online Gambling

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

It’s hard to resist the temptation of winning big at the casino and it appears the Ontario government is feeling the pull as well. Earlier this month the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced that it will be launching an online gambling site.

Toronto’s Mayoral Election Increasingly About Personalities Rather Than Issues

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

Toronto’s mayoral race heated up last night during a contentious three hour square off in the 4^th mayoral debate that featured five of the major players among the 26 official candidates for the post.

George Smitherman, Rob Ford, Joe Pantalone, Sarah Thomson and Rocco Rossi held a spirited and often combative discussion on a range of issues affecting metropolitan Toronto and the GTA.

Census Update – Tories Drag Feet On Probe

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

The Conservatives seem undeterred in their quest to scrap the long-form census. Even amid an almost constant wave of opposition, the Tories are in no hurry to enter into any sort of discussion on the subject. There are plans for a probe whereby both the opposition and government sides will present their respective cases. But the clock is ticking.

Flood Crisis in Pakistan – The Canadian Government’s Response

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

On Saturday, the Canadian government pledged a further $31 million to the relief effort in Pakistan. This is in addition to the $2 million that was quickly announced at the onset of the disaster. The majority of the money, around $25 million, is ear-marked for immediate relief efforts, providing food, clean water and medical supplies to those injured and displaced by the flooding. The other $8 million has been dedicated to helping rebuild the country’s infrastructure.

Sri LankanVessel Turns The Spotlight on Troubling Issues for Canada

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

The arrival in Vancouver of a converted cargo vessel carrying nearly 500 Tamils from Sri Lanka, by way of numerous other ports of call, on Friday the 13^th of August, was as portentous and rife with intrigue, controversy and uncertainty as could be found in any Shakespearean drama.

The Need for Accountability, the Need for a Recall and Initiative Act across Canada

Editor and Writer: Greg Tsagris

Elections BC has now officially recognized the petition lead by former BC premier, Bill Vander Zalm, fighting the HST as valid. Despite, the validation BC’s Chief Electoral Officer has not acted on the petition in order to await the outcome of a HST court case.

Tories Dismiss Veteran’s Ombudsman and Incur The Scorn of Canadian Veterans

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

In another surprise announcement this summer reeking of political intrigue, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government has suddenly decided not to renew the services of their veteran’s ombudsman, retired Colonel Pat Stogran, whose term in office will now officially come to an end in November 2012.

Gilles Duceppe Celebrates 20 Years

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

Known for his candour, attention to detail and love for debate, Gilles Duceppe has become a fixture in the House of Commons. This week, he celebrates twenty years as a Member of Parliament, most of which he’s served leading the Bloc Québécois. It’s no secret to Canadians his separatist agenda, which makes his longevity and that of his party an irony.

Polls Update: Grits Gain Ground On Tories

Michael James Baker:

This week saw the continuation of a trend in public opinion with the Liberals narrowing the gap between themselves and the Conservatives. The latest poll conducted by Angus Reid saw a steady gain in support for the Liberals putting them at 29%, while the governing Tories dropped to 33%, a three point drop since mid July.

A Federal Election Seems Imminent Despite Canadian's Indifference

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

In recent weeks, speculation regarding a possible federal election in Canada has grown from murmured whispers to an unmistakable din, as the minority Conservative government of Stephen Harper weighs its chances of securing another term.

Political observers would be hard pressed to predict the outcome, based on the Tories’ roller coaster ride this summer that has seen them swing from a comfortable lead in opinion polls, to a virtual dead heat with their Liberal rivals, and then back to a slim advantage, all in the space of a mere 45 days.

Tories Hold Firm on Abolishing The Long Form Census, But at What Cost?

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

It appears the decision by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to do away with the long form census is alive and well, despite widespread opposition to the plan.

The former head of Statistics Canada, Munir Sheikh, has already resigned his position in protest against the proposal, which he has emphatically maintained will restrict the government of Canada from obtaining vital information on its population.

Liberal Bus Tour Update: Iqaluit

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

Yesterday, the Liberal Express took Michael Ignatieff to Iqaluit, Nunavut for the first time in his capacity as party leader. He was greeted by Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik and Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak in addition to a throng of locals who had till that point not had a chance to meet the Opposition Leader face to face.

Changes to Lobbying Act Should Close The Book on Insider Deals

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

Of the federal government’s most recent ideas, few have likely been as well received as the decision to tighten the rules surrounding political lobbying.

Treasury Board Secretary Stockwell Day announced on August 5, 2010 that the Conservative government will close a loophole in the Lobbying Act that will now officially designate as public office holders all Members of Parliament, staff members of opposition party leaders as well as Senators.

Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta: Fringe Movement or Legitimate Contender?

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

This week the Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta (WAP) announced that it’s now seeking nominees for thirteen constituencies across the province. With no election planned until 2013, it would seem the fledgling party is mobilizing early to capitalize on a recent surge in popularity. The party plans to have candidates in every riding in place by the end of 2011, well ahead of an election.

Liberal House Leader Steps Down. Dupuis and Charest Save Face.

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

It could be seen as a politically savvy move for Jacques Dupuis to step down. Rumours have circulated for some time that a cabinet shuffle was eminent and it would likely see the current House Leader in Quebec’s National Assembly demoted. However, instead of a getting the boot, Premier Charest offered a handshake to the outgoing Dupuis during Monday’s press conference to announce the departure. This is likely an exercise in public relations for both the Charest government and the embattled Dupuis.

New Tory House Leader Faces An Uphill Battle With His Own Reputation

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

The appointment of John Baird as the minority Conservative Government House leader was a move fraught with meaning for those who have been anticipating the announcement of an election by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Baird, a die hard loyalist and one of the most aggressive and combative voices in the Tory caucus, represents a fiercely partisan direction for Harper’s government in a move which many have interpreted as the first sign that the PM is preparing his troops for battle.

Harper's Cabinet Shuffle; Is He Setting The Stage for An Election?

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

On Friday August 7, Prime Minister Stephen Harper briefly emerged from a self imposed sabbatical to preside over the official ceremonies of his re-organized cabinet.

Mr. Harper has not been a common sight for reporters or television cameras in the wake of Queen Elizabeth’s recent Canadian visit and both the G8 and G20 summits earlier this summer.

McGuinty Keeps Tight Lipped On Police Raids

Staff Writer: Michael James Baker

The Ontario Provincial Police are currently investigating at least three government agencies over allegations of corruption. The "anti-racketing" division executed search warrants on government offices near Queen’s Park last month on July 15^th after receiving information about ‘irregular transactions’ between certain agencies and outside vendors.

The Census, The Tories, And The battle for Canadian Statistics

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

Few major policy introductions in Canadian history can be said to have been as poorly received as the July 19, 2010 announcement by the federal Conservative government to scrap the national long form census.

Like any such survey, the long form census was the primary means by which the Canadian government discovered various statistical data on about its citizenry, everything from population to immigration details.

Liberal Bus Tour Update

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

Michael Ignatieff and his Liberal Express are taking a few days hiatus after a whirlwind week in Canada’s Eastern provinces, before heading into South Western Ontario this Saturday and Sunday to continue their cross country public relations tour.

After spending yesterday morning in Cupids Nfld, the oldest English settlement in Canada, a stop which included a tour of the extensive archeological dig site for the city’s founder, John Guy, as well as Cupid’s new Legacy Centre, Ignatieff and his mobile staff spent the afternoon enjoying the historic Royal St. John’s Regatta.

William Elliott and The RCMP; Are They Soon to Part Company?

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

The appointment of career bureaucrat William Elliott in July 2007 as the first civilian head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was supposed to help quell the public relations battering the force had received as a result of serious and troubling cases such as those of Mahar Arar and Robert Dzieanski.

Georges Laraque Named Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Editor and Writer: Greg

The Federal Green Party on Saturday have named Georges Laraque as a deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada.

Looks like the Federal Greens are trying to add some depth and a tough guy to step in when the other parties get rough.

The HST is 30 Days Old in Ontario But Have Consumers Even Noticed

Staff Writer: Jim Ramphal

One month after the introduction of the much maligned Harmonized Sales Tax in Ontario, an initial analysis of its impact seems to indicate that it has not caused an end to the Canadian way of life as we know it.

Much of the criticism of the new tax by its opponents focused on what they saw as the negative short term effects on consumers, primarily the increase in the cost of goods and services which had previously been exempt from provincial or federal taxation.

Enbridge Spill Latest Reminder of the Perils of Oil Production

Jim Ramphal:

Canadian energy giant, Enbridge, has become the latest petroleum company to yet again discover on a massive scale the devastating risks of oil extraction and transportation, and not for the first time.

Between 2003 and 2007, Enbridge operations in the United States suffered from several spills in Wisconsin and Michigan which resulted in over three million litres of oil being released into the ecosystem.