The Bigotry of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Jonathan McLeod

May 8, 2013 | 4 Comments

Is there any more annoying chatter than two people arguing about how to fix something that is, by design, fundamentally broken? That’s what we have been subjected to recently with all the arguments about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. For those not familiar the TFWP allows Canadian employers to import non-Canadian workers. These privileged few [...]

Stompin’ Tom, RIP

Jonathan McLeod

March 6, 2013 | No Comments

Canadain music icon Stompin’ Tom Connors passed away Wednesday at the age of 77. His contribution to the Canadian identity cannot be understated. His appeal spanned time zones and generations; he was loved across the country by fans of all ages. Rest in peace, Stompin’ Tom.

Benedict steps down

Jonathan McLeod

February 11, 2013 | 3 Comments

So Pope Benedict XVI has resigned. For eight years, he led one of the largest and most troubled churches. He had the opportunity to do great things. He could have worked to reform an institution steeped in rape and misogyny. Instead, Joseph Ratzinger tweeted.

Quebec and Common Law Marriage

Jonathan McLeod

January 30, 2013 | No Comments

I had intended to write about the Supreme Court decision that upheld Quebec’s policy of not recognizing common law marriage, but then I read this column in National Post by Toronto lawyer Gerard Kennedy*: The case demonstrates the limitations of courts as appropriate venues to shape social policy. This Quebec legislative scheme did not arise by [...]

Franco-bigotry

Jonathan McLeod

September 2, 2012 | 2 Comments

From what I have seen, the Parti Quebecois is poised to win Tuesday’s provincial election in Quebec. Also, from what I have seen, the PQ is still obsessed with the French language and with other-ing those who do not fall into their preferred vision of a Quebecer. Aside from the wretched proposal to outlaw faiths [...]

Hate and the Parti Quebecois

Jonathan McLeod

August 18, 2012 | 5 Comments

It’s quite… well… Orwellian to target minority religious groups at the same time that trumpet your tolerance. Using the might of the state to oppress religious views you find undesirable (or, perhaps more truthfully, religious people you find undesirable) is, by most standards, the antithesis of tolerance. Many Canadians (myself, sometimes, included) will often mock official [...]

More dead horses

Jonathan McLeod

July 13, 2012 | 1 Comment

As the Calgary Stampede approached, I had resolved not to write about it. I am not a fan of putting animals in harm’s way purely for the sake of spectacle, but there wasn’t much I could say that hadn’t already been said. And, anyway, I always assumed that the human participants treated the animals (outside [...]

Canada Day, 2012

Jonathan McLeod

July 1, 2012 | 6 Comments

I’m not feeling too bullish on Canada these days. There’s a lot wrong with this country. We have a government that cares more about petro-dollars than about people. Basic workers rights take a backseat to GDP-desires and the convenience of middle class vacationers. Stephen Harper is a grand disappointment in many many ways. However, he [...]

Definitions and pet peeves

Jonathan McLeod

May 29, 2012 | 4 Comments

At times, I am too much of a stickler for the established rules of the English language. I understand that language evolves, but when it does so stupidly, I tend to resist. I’m working on this. Anyhoo, as much as I’m trying to embrace new and shiny uses of the language, it would help if [...]

Is helicopter parenting an American thing?

Jonathan McLeod

May 29, 2012 | 4 Comments

The other day, I saw a headline about a new book that purports to help parents not be helicopter parents. I’d offer a link to the book, but I don’t remember the exact title. I do remember that it was thoroughly silly and useless, something about a “Worry-Bomb” and entitlement. I tried to find it [...]

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About the Commons

The Commons has brought together a diverse cross-section of unique and intelligent voices to generate meaningful debate and discussion. All contributors have made the solemn commitment to cultivate respectful, honest, vigorous, and open dialogue—and to promote that very kind of dialogue within the larger Canadian political discourse.