The human cost of manufacturing our iPhones
January 26, 2012 | 9 Comments
Canada has fared relatively well during the current economic crisis. There are many reasons why, as many as why the U.S. has suffered so much. One factor shielding Canada is also something that people lament: a lack of a substantial manufacturing base. This extends to an innovation or productivity gap. So while Canada has definitely [...]
So is dual citizenship really dangerous?
January 19, 2012 | 5 Comments
The more I think about it, the more the issue of citizenship seems to beg greater discussion than the rhetoric thrown around when political parties want to attack their competitors. (Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful comments on the previous post.) And the debate is unavoidable, since globalization continues to advance it. So Andrew Coyne [...]
More than one nationality is dangerous
January 17, 2012 | 5 Comments
The question of citizenship in political office has re-emerged. NDP MP Thomas Mulcair also holds French citizenship, which he secured through his wife, who was born in France. Perhaps this is just the Sun newspaper chain agitating the issue in a slow news period, as protest is minimal. Nevertheless, the question of dual citizenship pops [...]
This is the longest 22 minutes ever
January 9, 2012 | 5 Comments
At the risk of wasting everyone’s time, I’d like to draw your attention to the most recent development in what was, likely, the dumbest political story of 2011: Rob Ford’s boorish reaction to the boorish gotcha comendy of This Hour has 22 Minutes. In case you don’t recall, THh22M has a character named Marge Who-cares-what-her-name-is who pretends [...]
Our Offensive Oath
December 15, 2011 | 21 Comments
In the comments of a previous post, readers David* and Peter asked what I find so offensive about our oath of citizenship, which reads: I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully [...]
Quote of the Day
December 13, 2011 | 4 Comments
Ladies and gentlemen, your Immigration Minister, Jason Kenney: “I’m sure they’ll trump up some stupid Charter of Rights challenge. That’s democracy. They’re welcome to object.” A true champion of Canadian values.
Who really cares about the oath?
December 12, 2011 | 10 Comments
We talk a lot about religious face coverings around here (from this point on, I’m just going to write ‘veils’), partially because freedom of religion (and freedom from oppressive and unnecessary government sanctions) are a hobby horse of mine, and, partially, because the government keeps trying to stop people from wearing religious garments (seriously, if [...]
December 6
December 6, 2011 | No Comments
Rest in Peace.
Canada’s morale deficit
November 30, 2011 | 2 Comments
The other day, a run with a friend took me by the Lester B. Pearson building, a bunker-like structure that houses hundreds of Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade staff. The building overlooks the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings, the National Gallery. It was late afternoon, so the sunset had coloured the entire sky pink [...]
The Canadian Bear Growls
November 25, 2011 | 4 Comments
If you were in downtown Ottawa yesterday, you had the pleasure of another freudian political display of military might, as the federal government decided that it was necessary and appropriate to have multiple bombers, jets and helicopters fly over the capital in commemoration of our armed insurgence into Libya - the roars of these beasts trumpeting the [...]