By Richard Forbes. The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) convened in a roomy Rideau committee room at 1 Wellington Street this week to discuss the refugee processing of vulnerable minorities from Syria and Iraq. But what began as yet another cheap opportunity for the Tories to paint the new government as deaf to … Continue reading The worst of Harper’s legacy comes back to haunt Tories
How would a “carbon neutral” federal government work, anyhow?
By Richard Forbes. Featured Image via Adrian Wyld, CP. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna dropped a large trial balloon last month when she said she hoped to see the federal government become 'carbon neutral' in the future. It appears her low key musings though may have been missed during all the fun of the Three Amigos summit. … Continue reading How would a “carbon neutral” federal government work, anyhow?
Canada will play an important role in Latvia – it’s a shame nobody seems to care
By Richard Forbes. Featured image via the Canadian Armed Forces. As the punishing summer heat brings a severe, record-breaking drought across the country, the common Canadian (in his or her natural environment) can be expected to reach for a spatula, flipping some burgers over a sizzling, open flame. Water advisories, drought reports and fire bans … Continue reading Canada will play an important role in Latvia – it’s a shame nobody seems to care
Ontario’s autistic youth deserve better
By Richard Forbes. Featured image via CP. In an embarrassing about-face, the Ontario government announced this week autistic children, ages five and older, would receive $10,000 in successive direct finding while they plan to expedite their transition to a new Ontario Autism Program for next year. Michael Coteau, Minister for Children and Youth Services, made said announcement as … Continue reading Ontario’s autistic youth deserve better
The Morning After… Brexit?
By Richard Forbes. The stomachs of viewers bottomed out with fear, shock, surprise or genuine excitement. The results for Sunderland (now anxiously worried for the fate of its Nissan plant) had just been announced, revealing a resounding win for the “Leave” camp. As the night went on, the shock and despair among the “Remain” camp … Continue reading The Morning After… Brexit?
If Canada needed an example of everything wrong with referendums, Brexit is it
By Richard Forbes. Featured Image via Niklas Halle'n. As Britain waits anxiously for a conclusion to the EU referendum, a growing chorus has emerged bemoaning the referendum itself. Critics will note the referendum was a hasty campaign promise from Prime Minister David Cameron to put a 'Brexit' to a public vote – some election pork to … Continue reading If Canada needed an example of everything wrong with referendums, Brexit is it
Ottawa’s response to the Yezidi Genocide is a debate as old as genocide itself
By Richard Forbes. Over three thousand women and children are being imprisoned and enslaved by ISIL, the UN Human Rights Council reported this week – confirming the fears of many. Women used as sex slaves; children, indoctrinated and exploited as child soldiers; men, missing and presumed dead – the vast majority of these victims of war crimes forced … Continue reading Ottawa’s response to the Yezidi Genocide is a debate as old as genocide itself
Signs of a changing parliament
By Richard Forbes. Featured Image via Neil Robertson. As Democratic Institutions Maryam Monsef took her seat in the House of Commons, having just risen in defense of the government, the unexpected happened: Silence fell over the ranks. The minister sat without the Liberal caucus cheering, clapping, jeering, banging, dancing, hallooing, or any of the other juvenile … Continue reading Signs of a changing parliament
Superforecasting: How I called the 2015 Election wrong
By Richard Forbes. Featured Image by Mark Blinch. Nik Nanos humbly bit into a hat-shaped chocolate cake this week on CTV's Power Play. The host, the colorful Don Martin, belly laughed through the segment. Nanos, one of the country's most respected and trusted pollsters, had made a wrong prediction earlier this year when he had said … Continue reading Superforecasting: How I called the 2015 Election wrong
House erupts, frustration blooms over opposition “mischief”
By Richard Forbes. Featured Image from Reuters (Chris Wattie.) It's a tense, trying afternoon in Ottawa. Government House Leader Dominic LeBlanc reads a controversial motion to the House of Commons over shouting and cries of shame – the Speaker interrupts, addressing the fury of the opposition benches, “Colleagues, we just heard arguments about the tyranny … Continue reading House erupts, frustration blooms over opposition “mischief”
The Ribbon 