Canada’s Debate

Well last week was fairly busy. I would have posted, but I’ve been buried by some academic detritus and I’m a bit jittery about my pending flight to Israel; which departs in only 5.5 hours. (Yikes.) I wish I had time to write more, but I don’t. I haven’t even packed yet. I will be posting upon my return (assuming Canada still exists in 9 days), but I’ll just leave with some parting thoughts. (Continue reading…)

Originally written Jan. 23rd, 2005;

Anyone who has been following federal politics of late knows that Paul Martin has said that he is ready to fight an election over the issue of same-sex marriage. Some people are understandably underwhelmed by his idealism, especially considering that it was apparently dormant for Jean Chretien’s term as Prime Minister. But regardless of his motives, his recent declarations on the subject mark an important chapter in the evolution of post-Charter politics in Canada.

Federal politics in the years following the repatriation of the Constitution and the establishment of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms have been primarily concerned with areas of ‘liberal’ political discourse. (Continue reading…)

Well, you may have heard (especially if you’re a Canadian) that there is an election on the horizon. The writ hasn’t been dropped, and there is no formal plan to call an election, but the undeniable truth is that this government is standing on a pretty high ledge, and seems determined to strap the budget to its back and jump.

This phantom election is really one of the chief reasons that I am launching this blog when I am (more specifically; now). Before I start posting about what’s brewing in Ottawa however, I’m going to dig up a few editorials I wrote about Canadian politics and post them, just to give you an idea where I am coming from.

Anyone that knows me knows that I have both a deep fascination for politics, and a bottomless pit of disdain for it. So, as a result, I’m often left holding the bag as the “political guy” in whatever social/peer group I’m moving through despite not having any interest in the role. (Continue reading…)