In 2012, child welfare authorities sought to remove a new-born baby immediately after birth from a couple who both had cerebral palsy. Authorities identified that the parents would need support in caring for their child, but instead of the state providing that support, they were willing to spend … [Read more...]
Viewpoint 38-3: Bus Ads Target and Isolate Muslims
We would like to provide some context and background surrounding the “honour killing” ad campaign on Edmonton Transit buses sponsored by the America Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI). The term “honour killing” must stop being used. It needs to be called what it is: murder, femicide, wrong. … [Read more...]
Immigrate or Emigrate: A Life-Long Journey
I migrated. That is, I moved from point A to point B and “never the twain shall meet”—Rudyard Kipling from The Ballad of East and West. Did I emigrate or did I immigrate? Did I move away or did I reach my destination? The topic of immigration is full of paradoxes that take a lifetime to satisfy. … [Read more...]
Viewpoint: Planning Ahead
Not long ago, a class of Grade 4 students in Glenbow Elementary School in Cochrane got to work planning Alberta’s future. First, they watched a series of videos exploring different industrial land-uses such as forestry, energy and agriculture. They also watched videos about other land-use factors … [Read more...]
Stop the Hurt: Young people deserve a coordinated anti-cyberbullying strategy says Senate report
The hurt caused by cyberbullying is known all too well by young Canadians and it’s time for the federal government to coordinate an anti-bullying strategy with provincial and territorial counterparts says a report by the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights. Cyberbullying Hurts: Respect for … [Read more...]
Building a Child-Sensitive Canada
As one of the most affluent countries in the world – a country that has weathered the financial crisis better than most – Canada's children should be thriving. Instead, they are more likely than children in most other affluent countries to be poor. We talk about the strength of our economy, but our … [Read more...]
Viewpoint 37-4: The Economy and The Environment
The economies that will dominate in the future will be those that embrace environmental challenges and see them as opportunities and not cost. For the longest time, the message has been that dealing with environmental issues incurs a cost to the economy that will harm our competitiveness. More … [Read more...]
Let’s hear more indigenous success stories
Ask your average Canadian their impression of this country’s indigenous people and their hopes for prosperity, stability and success in their communities. In all likelihood, you will hear about a story they read recently involving an aboriginal community’s struggle with housing, education, youth … [Read more...]
Freedom from bias always your right: First Nations people can now seek equality other Canadians enjoy
Given the toxic stew of brutality and intolerance that envelops so much of the world, Canadians are right to feel a deep sense of privilege. We should be thankful not just for good institutions and laws, but for the force of our collective aspiration to build a society in one small corner of the … [Read more...]
Viewpoint 34-2: Parliamentary Fairy Tales
As we contemplate the pathetic spectacle of Parliament’s return after its prorogation in December, the name Eugene Forsey is once again being invoked by thoughtful Canadians. And well it should be. At no time in recent history has the need for my father’s constitutional and historical expertise been … [Read more...]