I don’t often disagree …

... with Norman Spector, he is a man of HUGE accomplishments, an author, diplomat and very senior public servant, who always takes a reasoned approach to situations. But this time, I must. Mr Spector said ... ... and I think he's wrong. I think Canadians should be quietly applauding today because Canada "dodged a bullet," … Continue reading I don’t often disagree … →

Three Ps

John Kirk, who is a professor of Latin American studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, and Stephen Kimber, a professor of journalism at the University of King's College, which is one of Canada's oldest universities (founded in 1789), have written a fairly tame critique of Canada's foreign policy for the CBC's Opinion section. They look … Continue reading Three Ps →

And this, too …

David Mulroney, a former very senior official who was, during a career and included many important posts, Canada's Ambassador to China said this on social media: The "this" to which he was referring was the latest scandal to engulf the Liberals, in this case, according to the Globe and Mail, Joyce Murray, the Trudeau minister … Continue reading And this, too … →

China is a bully

"China is a bully," says Scottish journalist Stephen Daisley, writing in The Spectator, and "the sooner the West understands that, the sooner we can begin to push back." I think that much, even most of the West does understand that. The evidence has been mounting for years, starting with China's push into the contested waters … Continue reading China is a bully →

Another no brainer

Yesterday national award-winning journalists Stephen Chase and Robert Fife, writing in the Globe and Mail, reported that "Close to 50 Hong Kongers – many of whom took part in the massive demonstrations that began last year as China tightened its grip on the Asian city – are seeking asylum in Canada, citing harassment and brutality … Continue reading Another no brainer →

Absolutely!

John Ibbitson, writing in the Globe and Mail, says "The House of Commons is scheduled to return Monday. Obviously, all 338 MPs must not convene. But the time has come for regular sittings of the House, either real or virtual. Despite the COVID-19 emergency – no, because of it – we need the return of … Continue reading Absolutely! →

Doug Ford

Doug Ford was not my first choice to be the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario (PCPO), nor was he my second or even third choice. I worried about his populist streak and his lack of policy experience. Canada's biggest and most important province, I thought (and still think), does not need a … Continue reading Doug Ford →

Smoke and mirrors

So, almost two weeks ago, Bill Blair said ... and yesterday Chrystia Freeland said that all travellers, including those returning from the USA, will be forced to self-isolate. Good stuff, right? The Trudeau government is finally acting like a gang of grownups, doing what e.g. Australia and Singapore and South Korea have been doing for … Continue reading Smoke and mirrors →

How to face a ‘Greater Depression:’ with a government of national unity.

Dr Nouriel Roubini is a world-famous economist. He is Professor of Economics at New York University's Stern School of Business and Chairman of Roubini Macro Associates. He was Senior Economist for International Affairs in the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers during the Clinton Administration. He has worked for the International Monetary Fund, the US … Continue reading How to face a ‘Greater Depression:’ with a government of national unity. →

A utilitarian response

I self-identify as both a classical liberal and as a utilitarian. I believe that good public policy and good individual, personal choices are grounded in the notion of doing the greatest good for the greatest number. I am also a septuagenarian, closer to being 80 than 75, and I must accept that the COVID-19 pandemic … Continue reading A utilitarian response →