Just when we thought it was time for a reprieve from the foolishness of federal politics (at least until Parliament reconvenes), another gust of hot air blows our way. This time, It’s courtesy of former prime minister Jean Chrétien. Addressing an audience at the University of Western Ontario, where he was receiving an honorary degree,… Read more »

Part III: Whitehorse, Yukon Territories to Edmonton, Alberta This is the third instalment in a series chronicling the adventures of the author; her husband, Adam; and two-year-old daughter, Kiersten, as they travelled by car from Alaska to Louisiana in summer 2008. Day 6: Whitehorse, YT to Watson Lake, YT Since today’s drive is much shorter… Read more »

Love him or hate him, you’ve got to admit that Premier Danny Williams has a certain self-confidence; the apparent conviction that his means always justify the end because he’s standing up for the little guy (in this case, Newfoundland and Labrador). And when the Conservatives won another minority in this latest federal election, Williams was… Read more »

Part II: Dawson City, Yukon Territories to Whitehorse, Yukon Territories This is the second instalment in a series chronicling the adventures of the author; her husband, Adam; and two-year-old daughter, Kiersten, as they travelled by car from Alaska to Louisiana in summer 2008. Day 3: Dawson City, YT to Stewart Crossing, YT Dawson City is… Read more »

With less than a week to go before Canada’s general election, many voters are waiting for the knockout punch, a clear moment when the tide turns on a particular issue or comment, when a decisive indicator emerges out of the sludge of rhetoric. Unfortunately, that sludge is often so impenetrable that those knockouts rely on… Read more »

Part I: Anchorage, Alaska to Dawson City, Yukon Territories This is the first instalment in a series chronicling the adventures of the author; her husband, Adam; and two-year-old daughter, Kiersten, as they travelled by car from Alaska to Louisiana in summer 2008. Normal people have normal summer vacations. They go to the beach for the… Read more »

When Stephen Harper tried to slip his recent $45 million in arts cuts under the radar, he probably didn’t count on the backlash it would create. And for a political leader who likes to keep a tight rein on who can say what and when, It’s even more surprising that, after alienating those who work… Read more »

With just three and a half weeks left until the Federal election, the pollsters are having a field day. One day, the Conservatives (or Liberals or NDP) are up; the next, they’re down. (You can also find those fluctuations on the same day, depending on which polls you consult.) But as fascinating as it may… Read more »

There’s a certain class of people?a group That’s courageous, honest, earnest, creative, and sensitive?that universally faces cruel discrimination. Instead of being perceptive of their high emotional needs, appreciative of their fresh and honest take on life, and tolerant of their creative and intellectual pursuits, we ignore them, label them, and send them away. I’m talking… Read more »

These days, Canadians can be forgiven for being overwhelmed by a sudden, giddy sensation; an undeniable feeling that we’re being swept off our feet. All this unexpected attention feels a little like being pursued by not one but several suitors, caught up in a tizzy of promises and sweet nothings in our ear, not sure… Read more »