People-first Federalism
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People-first Federalism

When I moved from Edmonton to Ottawa in 1993 I made a promise that, whatever else I would do in Ottawa, I would try to help “Easterners” better understand the real Alberta – the one beyond the stereotypes of cowboys, large pick-ups and anti-Ottawa slogans. I promoted the can-do, community spirit of Edmonton, the rich…

‘A united Canada’
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‘A united Canada’

Federal-provincial relations are testy even in the best of times, but these are not the best of times. Pandemic, war, inflation and global supply-chain disruptions have affected us all, and it is scarcely surprising that they would also affect Canada’s federal system, as a new threat to national unity has recently demonstrated. In early 1830s…

From Aging to Aged
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From Aging to Aged

When the results of Census 2021 were released, headlines labelled Canada an aged society. The previous census described Canada as an aging society. Is the shift from aging to aged significant? Census 2021 highlighted a dramatic growth in the population over 85 years (a 12 percent growth since 2016) as well as the reality that…

Duet in Parliament
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Duet in Parliament

Duets were a favorite part of piano practice for me and my children. Each player is essential; the whole sound is much richer than each tune alone. Duets produce a different sound than 3-chord harmony, solos or choirs. If the new Liberal/New Democrat agreement plays as a duet, it may be a growing-up moment for…

Budget 2022 marks transition from old to new economy
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Budget 2022 marks transition from old to new economy

Federal Budget 2022 turned out to be a sober document, contrary to media hype about New Democrats hijacking the agenda, fears of reckless spending and Corporate Canada’s push to return to 1990s-era budgeting. Instead, this budget charts a middle-of-the-road approach, bending over backwards, it seems, to dispel fears that the Liberals have become socialists. It…

The Liberal-New Democrat pact
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The Liberal-New Democrat pact

Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government in Ottawa entered into a supply and confidence agreement with Jagmeet Singh’s New Democratic Party in an effort to prolong the life of the current parliament until September 2024. Although such pacts are unusual in Canada, they are not entirely unprecedented. In 1985, Ontario’s Liberal leader David Peterson made a…

Tam asks faith leaders to remain ‘vigilant’, promote vaccine acceptance
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Tam asks faith leaders to remain ‘vigilant’, promote vaccine acceptance

Canadian faith leaders have an important role to play in promoting COVID-19 vaccines, including helping their members overcome vaccine hesitancy. That was the message Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, delivered to more than 1,300 participants of an online information event last Wednesday. The event was arranged by the Canadian Council of Churches, Canadian…

Independent School Growth
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Independent School Growth

IF YOUR CHILDREN or grandchildren attend an independent Christian school, they are part of a growing trend. Independent school enrolments are increasing while public school enrolments are declining.

Security on the Hill
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Security on the Hill

The Hill Lobby Day provides a great opportunity for farm representatives to bring key messages directly from grassroots members to the federal leaders.

Finding your political voice

Finding your political voice

The biggest threat to our democracy is public apathy.

Breakfast with MPs
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Breakfast with MPs

It’s great to have an agriculture minister who has milked cows and tilled the soil.

Trudeau strikes again

Trudeau strikes again

In the absence of a popular consensus on an issue, there is much to be said for party leaders permitting their members to vote their conscience. Whether the controversial measure passes or is defeated, the party as a whole does not have to assume collective responsibility and can focus instead on other potentially less divisive issues. It can thereby avoid alienating potential voters.