July 9, 2005

Martin has "nice butt," says Bono

Irish rocker to kick Prime Ministerial posterior anyway If you needed even more evidence that ageing rock stars should stay out of international diplomacy, here it is. Bono, from the Irish band U2 (one of the best bands ever), announced... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 13, 2005

Takhar should have known better

Liberal Transportation Minister in apparent breach of integrity regs Ontario's Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar is in a spot of trouble. According to the Toronto Sun, Mr. Takhar has been caught visiting the company he placed in a blind trust when... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

June 8, 2005

Feds to end right to backup software

New law to be introduced next week: CTV Ottawa plans to give into pressure from the record industry next week when it introduces legislation that will ban file-sharing and effectively make it illegal for consumers to create backup copies of... More...

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Filed in: Business Politics / Canada Science and Technology

June 7, 2005

What's eating Gurmant Grewal

Tory MP takes stress leave Yesterday, the office of Official Opposition leader Stephen Harper announced the man dubbed "Secret Agent Grewal" by some in the Parliamentary Press Gallery is taking stress leave. British Columbia MP Gurmant Grewal earned his nickname... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 25, 2005

Sinclair Stevens is at it again

Former Conservative Cabinet Minister in bungled black-op A bunch of my fellow bloggers are abuzz about new shenanigans from former Mulroney-era Cabinet Minister Sinclair Stevens. Mr. Stevens detested the Reform Party and the Canadian Alliance, waged a (sometimes dirty) war... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 19, 2005

Liberals survive non-confidence vote

Cadman votes to keep government alive Independent MP Chuck Cadman saved Prime Minister Paul Martin's faltering government from defeat in a confidence vote this afternoon. The BC MP says he voted for the government because his constituents did not want... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Kilgour to vote against government

It's down to Cadman David Kilgour has issued this news release announcing his intention to vote against the Martin government in this afternoon's confidence vote. It all now comes down to BC's Chuck Cadman. May 19th/ le 19 mai, 2005.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Another Liberal seeks to remove Gomery

Former Public Works Minister Alfonso Gagliano is joining Jean Chrétien in his legal action to have Justice John Gomery as the head of the inquiry into AdScam. Mr. Gagliano, who is one of the people at the centre of the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Plot thicken for confidence vote - again

Health troubles could mean Parrish misses crucial votes Last night as we all tucked ourselves into bed, it appeared the outcome of today's votes on the Budget was fairly certain. Belinda Stronach's defection to the Liberals coupled with Chuck Cadman's... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 18, 2005

Create your own Lib lawnsign

Small Dead Animals is giving you the chance to create your own Liberal election sign. Give it a try - it's fun! Here's my effort:... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Belinda Bolts

Stronach bails on Tories, becomes Liberal Minister From time to time in politics an MP faces a crisis of identity they ask themselves if they still belong in the party they represent. Usually these crises are spurred by fundamental questions... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 12, 2005

McGuinty government delivers snoozer Budget

Budgets are usually big deals. There is hoopla and fanfare to play up the government's new initiatives. Yesterday, as Finance Minister Greg Sorbara presented his government's second Budget, there was hoopla and fanfare, but nothing really new. Certainly the government... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

May 3, 2005

All systems go: Harper

Tories to force election at the "earliest opportunity" Despite a weekend of polls showing his Conservative Party's "Gomery bounce" has evaporated, Stephen Harper reaffirmed the commitment he made last week to bring down Paul Martin's government in a non-confidence vote... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 27, 2005

Martin reneges on deal with NDP

Layton accuses PM of "playing games" It took less than twenty-four hours for Prime Minister Paul Martin to go back on his word. Last night, his Liberal government inked a deal with the NDP Leader Jack Layton that would see... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 23, 2005

Martin to court NDP

PM needs Layton's support to survive Prime Minister Paul Martin will meet with NDP Leader Jack Layton tomorrow in an attempt to save his government from falling at the hands of the Opposition Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois.Mr. Layton's credibility and... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 22, 2005

Martin calls election... for February

It will be written in the great book of bizarre political decisions that yesterday's address to the nation by Prime Minister Paul Martin clearly signaled the beginning of an election campaign. The only question is whether the campaign will be... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 21, 2005

What could the PM do tonight?

The National Post has this (somewhat humourous) look at what Prime Minister Paul Martin could say tonight. The Post ran it as a large "fact box" on its front page complete with appropriate photo illustrations. My favorite is the last... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Martin's "Magna Budget"

Remember the so-called Magna Budget? The government of then-Ontario Premier Ernie Eves decided to present its annual Budget speech at auto parts manufacturer Magna instead of in front of Parliamentarians as had been done previously. Simply, Eves Government transformed a... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 20, 2005

Martin to address Canadians tomorrow

PMO rules out resignation, prorogation, election call With his party's support plummeting as a result of damaging testimony from the Gomery inquiry and his personal integrity under attack in the Commons, Paul Martin has decided to take his case directly... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 14, 2005

Harper, Martin stake out territory for election

With the country in pre-election mode after the testimony of Jean Brault to the Gomery inquiry into AdScam, Prime Minister Paul Martin and Opposition Leader Stephen Harper are beginning the process of branding the opposing party. Mr. Harper wants Canadians... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 7, 2005

Gomery: Brault testimony claims its first victim

The Chief of Staff to Heritage Minister Liza Frulla has stepped aside as a result of being named in the course of Jean Brault's testimony to the Gomery Commission. According to Brault, Mr. Welch was paid an $80,000 a year... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Gomery: Brault testimony revealed

Phantom employees, kickbacks and envelopes of cash greased the wheels of Liberals' Quebec wing AdScam commissioner John Gomery lifted the publication ban on most of the testimony of Jean Brault, one of the advertising executives at the heart of the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Gomery may rule on publication ban today

The publication ban covering the testimony of Groupaction boss Jean Brault may be lifted or, more likely, eased by AdScam inquiry commissioner John Gomery. Mr. Brault's testimony before the inquiry has been described as explosive and devastating to the Federal... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 6, 2005

Gomery: Brault fallout prompts Liberal step-down on Kyoto

Last week Prime Minister Paul Martin's Liberals were full of vim and vigour. They dared the opposition Conservatives to defeat them in a confidence motion over the Budget by including a controversial reference to the Kyoto Protocol in the Budget... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 5, 2005

Gomery: PM playing the long game on Brault testimony

Prime Minister Paul Marin’s Liberals were on the defensive yesterday over the testimony of former advertising executive Jean Brault. Though the testimony continues to be the subject of a publication ban imposed by Sponsorship Inquiry head John Gomery, some details... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Gomery: Feds may go after bloggers

From today's Toronto Sun: Feds bid to plug Gomery leaks By Stephanie Rubec CANADA'S attorney general is probing possible breaches of a publication ban set up to protect explosive testimony at the AdScam inquiry. Justice spokesman Patrick Charette said federal... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 4, 2005

Gomery grants standing to Liberals

Justice John Gomery, who heads the inquiry into AdScam, has granted full standing to the Liberal Party Canada. Their request for standing comes in the wake of testimony of advertising executive Jean Brault last week that is reportedly extremely damaging... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 3, 2005

Gomery publication ban in tatters?

An American blogger has posted what he says are the details of ad firm executive Jean Brault's testimony last week at the AdScam inquiry. The testimony, which was described by the media as devastating to Paul Martin's Liberals, is the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 2, 2005

Privilege may not be enough to skirt AdScam ban

In the wake of yesterday's reports the Gomery inquiry into AdScam heard testimony so damning it could topple Paul Martin's Liberal government, some have speculated the Bloc Québecois might attempt to make the testimony public in the House of Commons... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 1, 2005

Secret AdScam testimony spurs election talk

Testimony heard today by the Gomery inquiry into AdScam is considered so explosive it could prompt the dissolution of Parliament and a Spring election. The testimony from Jean Brault of ad firm Groupaction is the subject of a publication ban... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

March 31, 2005

You read it here first

The mainstream media have finally caught up with the crack research team here at Max's Mewsings. This afternoon, a number of radio stations and newspapers picked up a story from the Canadian Press' Broadcast News division noting, as I did... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

March 17, 2005

Tory wins by-election easily

Ontario Conservative Leader John Tory has easily won a seat in the Provincial Legislature. With 255 of 269 polls reporting in the riding of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, Mr. Tory has 55.8% of the vote, more than three times the total of his... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

March 15, 2005

MPP wants end to gender-based price discrimiation

Is it wrong that a trip to the barber for a man costs less than a trip to the hair dresser for a woman or that a man's boring cotton/polyester dress shirt costs less to dry-clean than a woman's frilly... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

March 10, 2005

Ottawa to sue Ad Firms, says Radio-Canada

The French service of the CBC is reporting Ottawa will launch a $39-million law suit in an attempt to recover funds from four Quebec advertising firms that made millions as a result of AdScam. According to Radio-Canada, the federal government... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

March 2, 2005

McGuinty's name beckons online gamblers

When Dalton McGuinty's Liberals abandoned the ChooseChange.ca web address they used in the 2003 provincial election, I doubt they expected it would be used to advertise online gambling. But some enterprising cyber-squatter has bought the address and has it redirecting... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

Missile defense decision already hurting Canada-US relationship

When Prime Minister Paul Martin caved to pressure from his Liberal caucus and announced Canada would not support the United States Missile Defense program, he likely did not anticipated the degree of antipathy the decision would create south of the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

March 1, 2005

UK MPs sleep deprived: Report

Britain's Sleep Council says the country's Member of Parliament are among the most sleep deprived Britons. According to a survey released this morning, MPs' lack of sleep could be compromising their decision-making. The study found only on-call doctors (4.5 hours... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

February 23, 2005

Budget 2005: Government will survive

A "happier than expected" Stephen Harper said his Conservative Opposition will not force an election over the 2005 budget tabled this afternoon by Finance Minister Ralph Goodale. "We're not going to cause an unnecessary election at this point," Mr. Harper... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Budget 2005: Reaction

Here is a sampling of the early reaction to the 2005 Budget tabled by Finance Minister Ralph Goodale this afternoon. Air Transport Association of Canada: By not reducing airport rent, the Government is wilfully undermining the economic competitiveness of the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Budget 2005: No real surprises

The Federal Budget, tabled in the House of Commons this afternoon, was pretty much as advertised. Finance Minister Ralph Goodale is still delivering the non-stop list of platitudes that passes for a budget speech which could be summarized simply: "Move... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

$12B for Military

The Federal Budget, to be tabled today, will include the first true investment in Canada's armed froces since the 1980s. According several media outlets, sourced on Parliament Hill say Ralph Goodale will give the Forces a cash infusion of $12-billion... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

February 22, 2005

Singh countersuing Sgro

The Pizzas for Visas controversy simply won't go away. In a last-ditch attempt to avoid deportation last January, pizza guy Harjit Singh made public allegations that Judy Sgro, then the Minister of Citizenship, offered to help him stay in Canada... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

February 18, 2005

PM is Mr. Dithers: Magazine

Britain's The Economist paints a very unflattering picture of Prime Minister Paul Martin in this week's issue. In the article, the magazine calls the PM "Mr. Dithers" and accuses him of setting up a "fiscal cafeteria" for the provinces. It... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Broken Promise Fatigue has set in

Yesterday, Dalton McGuinty's government announced $280-million so schools can "secure financing for $4 billion worth of repairs, additions and new schools." The news release also says the new policy will "slow down school closures." So the Liberals, who at every... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

February 13, 2005

Results in for Iraqi election

Two weeks after the Iraqi election, officials have released what they are calling "final unconfirmed" results. According to Reuters, an alliance of Shi'ite groups received 47.6% of the popular vote, the Kurdish alliance picked up 25.4% and the party led... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

February 8, 2005

Chrétien ends testimony with a parting shot for Gomery

Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien finished up his testimony today with devastating parting blow aimed at inquiry Commissioner John Gomery. Justice Gomery famously called the Mr. Chrétien "small-town cheap" for the purchase of golf balls bearing his name and the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Chrétien off to a good start

Jean Chrétien's opening statement to the Gomery Inquiry into AdScam showed he hasn't lost his touch. The former Prime Minister's lengthy monologue put forward the case for the maligned Sponsorship Program in the context of the time when it was... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

February 5, 2005

Fantino appointment signals politicization of public service

Reports out of Queen's Park say Premier Dalton McGuinty will appoint Toronto's outgoing Police Chief to be the Ontario's new Commissioner of Emergency Management. Julian Fantino will replace Dr. James Young who is heading to Ottawa to take on a... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

February 3, 2005

McGuinty changes his mind - again

Newspapers, blogs and message boards have been abuzz over the McGuinty governments plans to rebrand Ontario. The government says the rebranding effort is required to increase tourism and investment in the province. One of the things they were planning on... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

January 30, 2005

Iraqis put North Americans to shame

Despite the bombs, rockets and mortars Iraqis turned out to vote. According to initial numbers from Iraqi election officials 72% of eligible voters made it to the polls for that countries first free election in more than fifty years. To... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

January 26, 2005

Strippers, Pizza and Sgro

Tracking the troubles former Immigration Minister Judy Sgro has caused for Paul Martin's Liberal government in Ottawa requires a scorecard just to keep up. Every day, there is at least one new development about her or her accuser. Here's the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada Politics / Ontario

January 24, 2005

Proposed Toronto may be in for trouble

The proposed waterfront aquarium, announced with great fanfare a few weeks ago, will be a money-loser according to an article in today's Toronto Star. According to the paper, which spoke to experts in developing aquariums across North America, the aquarium... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

January 20, 2005

US Presidential Inauguration - by the numbers

Here are some fact and figures about today's inauguration and George W. Bush. 9 - the number of official inaugural balls. 12.5 minutes - Length of the inaugural fireworks display featuring a "rainbow of color" over the White House. 58... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

January 19, 2005

It's going to get worse for Sgro

Judy Sgro says she wants to clear her name. So, immediately in the wake of the Pizza Guy's allegations of pizzas for visas, she fled to Florida and is not taking questions from the media. That probably isn't the most... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

January 14, 2005

Sgro to finally resign

The Toronto Star is reporting this morning that Immigration Minister Judy Sgro will announce her resignation today. Ms. Sgro has been in trouble for months over corruption in her Ministry and her immigration assistance to a Romanian stripper. But it... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

January 4, 2005

PM's PR play

Remember the days after Prime Minister Paul Martin declared he was "mad as hell" about the sponsorship scandal? The government's reputation was suffering as a result of its slow and inadequate response to AdScam. The Prime Minister was getting was... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

December 30, 2004

Canada finally comes through

Yesterday Ottawa either bowed to public pressure or finally came to its sense. The federal government announced an increase to its Asian Tsunami aid package making it a credible, if not yet creditable, $40-million. Today, several provinces including Ontario and... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

December 29, 2004

What is Canada waiting for?

With the death toll from the weekend's massive earthquake and tsunami now surpassing 60,000, the focus of the relief effort is now to ensure the effected areas have safe drinking water and medical facilities. Canada has a special military unit... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

December 22, 2004

I couldn't agree with you more, Howie

Ontario's NDP Leader, Howard Hampton, says Ontarians are fed up with Dalton McGuinty's attempts to impose a "nanny state." In today's National Post, Mr. Hampton says, "People do not want [Premier] Dalton McGuinty or [Health Minister] George Smitherman telling them... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

December 17, 2004

More trouble for Sgro

Immigration Minister Judy Sgro was probably thanking her lucky stars. The Fall Session of Parliament had ended and MPs, the media and the general public were turning their attention away from her woes and onto more important things. What she... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

December 16, 2004

Blunkett resignation should be a lesson to Sgro

Yesterday, Britain's Home Secretary David Blunkett resigned because he may have fast-tracked an immigration matter. The British media have been all over the Blunkett Affair for months now. First it was about how he had an affair and fathered a... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

December 2, 2004

Sushi Ban to come to an end

Finally, common sense has prevailed in Dalton McGuinty's government. After a more than a month of consultation about a policy the government should have consulted on in the first place, the McGuinty government and its hand picked Chief Medical Officer... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

November 30, 2004

Canada and US erase one international irritant

Relations between Canada and the United States are a little thorny at the moment. Canadian Steel, beef and softwood lumber continue to be the subject of American bans or hefty duties, Canadians overwhelmingly disapprove of the actions of the American... More...

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Filed in: Politics

November 21, 2004

Bush turns the tables on his security detail

US President George Bush went from protected to protector yesterday in Chile when a member of his Secret Service security detail was ran into trouble with Chilean security officials. The Secret Service agent was forcefully restrained by Chilean officials as... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

November 19, 2004

Parrish the thought

He finally did it. Prime Minister Paul Martin finally found it in himself to do the right thing and kicked Carolyn Parrish out of his Liberal Caucus. Ms. Parrish has become famous for her anti-American remarks. She has called Americans... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Gagliano denies mob links

Former federal Cabinet Minister Alphonso Gagliano had been through a lot in the last few months. He's been fingered as responsible for misspending millions of dollars in AdScam, he lost his Ambassadorship to to Denmark as a result and now,... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

November 15, 2004

Powell resigns

It is not that big a surprise, but the US Secretary of State's decision to resign will come as a blow to the reputation of the American Administration around the world. Cloin Powell was the most liked face of the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

November 13, 2004

TDSB's $400G hug fund

Thank you for your largesse, after all it is you who are paying for a $400,000 fund to help Toronto District School Board tustees get along. The money was sent to the TDSB by Education Minister Gerard Kennedy and has... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

November 11, 2004

Are Americans still fighting the Civil War?

Just an unfortunate coincidence? It's enough to make your head hurt.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

November 10, 2004

An open letter to the Bush Refugees

Dear Bush Refugee: Thank you for your interest in immigrating to Canada. Before we proceed any further, please allow me to give a brief introduction to what you will experience once you join us in Canada. Canada's health care system... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

November 8, 2004

Confusion about Arafat's health continues

As his wife accuses Yasser Arafat's advisors of plotting against him she offered no clarity about the Palestinian leader's health. Yesterday in an interview with Al-Jazeera, Suha Arafat said a group senior Palestinian officials on their way to see Arafat... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

November 4, 2004

An encore performance from Parrish

MP Carolyn Parrish, who has called Americans "idiots" and "bastards" now says they are "out of step" with the rest of the free world.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

November 3, 2004

Kerry to concede

CNN is reporting that John Kerry has called President George Bush to congratulate him on his election victory. Kerry will officially concede in a speech at 1 o'clock Eastern Time this afternoon. Update (11:25am): Mr. Bush to speak at 3:00pm.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

All eyes on Kerry

With the electoral math working out that any winner must take the State of Ohio and Bush in the lead there with only provisional ballots yet to be counted, all eyes are John Kerry. The outcome of the election is... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

It's down to Ohio

With Mr. Bush leading the electoral vote 249 to 200 (according to CNN) it all comes down to Ohio and its 20 electoral votes. Fox News has already declared that State for Mr. Bush. If the American President has indeed... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

November 2, 2004

Early exit polls suggest Kerry in good shape

CBC News is reporting John Kerry has a 9 point lead in Pensylvania exit polls up to 3:30 this afternoon. The same report has Mr. Kerry ahead nationally, in Ohio and Florida by one point. Update (7:35pm): Based on exit... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

Bush and Kerry conitnue to campaign

With the polls suggesting the election is a dead heat, the candidates for the office of President of the United States will spend another day trying to squeeze every last vote out of the so-called "battleground states" where the election... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

October 31, 2004

Blair reaches out to Kerry

Today's Independent on Sunday reveals British Prime Minister Tony Blair is hedging his bets by sending one of his key advisors to meet with officials of US Presidential candidate John Kerry. According to the the London newspaper, Mr. Blair has... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

October 30, 2004

bin Laden's October Surprise

The 'October Surprise' is the most dreaded and anticipated of American political phenomena - an event that inserts itself into the Presidential election campaign without notice, changing the complexion of the campaign with mere weeks or days to go. Osama... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

October 29, 2004

New video points to terror after Bush victory: Drudge

A video purportedly showing an Al-Qaeda operative in the United States threatening further attacks on the country should Americans re-elect George Bush, says the Drudge Report. The tape was obtained by ABC News and is being authenticated by American officials.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

October 28, 2004

Doctored Photo appears in Bush Ad

This photo (without the writing) appears in an ad released by the Bush campaign yesterday. The campaign is now acknowledging the photo was doctored. If you look closely, the same groups of soldiers appear again and again in the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

What might happen election night

A I wrote yesterday, Tuesday US Presidential Election is too close to call and the vote-counting and legal maneuvering could last weeks. At the end of the day (as I see it), there are four possible outcomes.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

TV networks promise not to jump the gun

Remember the US election night of four years ago. The major networks called the election for Al Gore. A few hours later changed their minds and called it a Bush victory. By morning, the networks had decided it was too... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

October 27, 2004

Election will come down to the Electoral College - again

With less than a week to go before Americans vote in their Presidential Election, the polls make it clear the two candidates are neck-and-neck. So as with last time around, this election is going to be decided by the Electoral... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

Smitherman must go III

Yes, I do recommend that you should get lethal injection for yourself. - George Smitherman, Minister of Health to NDP MPP Michael Prue (October 26, 2004) Has he lost his mind? This comment from yesterday's Question Period at Queen's Park... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

October 26, 2004

No more 'strangers' at Westminster

British MPs are set to end the centuries-old tradition describing visitors to the Commons as "strangers." It is argued the language alienates the public and gives the wrong impression to those who exercise their right to watch their elected officials... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

October 25, 2004

Alberta election call expected today

All of the signs point to an election call in Alberta as early as today. Massive billboards appeared last week in Edmonton and Calgary sporting Premier Ralph Klein's mug and the Conservative Party's slogan for the campaign: Proud to be... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

October 21, 2004

Smitherman must go II

The heat I'm getting, I guess because I'm a youngest child or something, it just feels like more attention. - Health Minister George Smitherman (Wednesday, October 20, 2004) With that statement George Smitherman should have brought his Cabinet career to... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

October 20, 2004

Toronto Marathon should be banned?

The Canada Free Press' Arthur Weinreb makes a case for banning the Toronto Marathon. He cites health concerns and his logic is perfect (if you believe the Sushi Ban was a good idea, that is).... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

Smitherman must go

Taking a publicly confrontational approach with Ontario's hospitals wasn't enough to deserve dismissal from Cabinet. Embarrassing his government by banning sushi without appropriate public consultation was insufficient to merit banishment to the backbenches. Chasing good public servants out of the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

October 8, 2004

They took us to the brink

Perched on the precipice of another election, Canada's federal politicians pulled back and compromised late yesterday. Nobody wanted another election but stubbornness and a desire to test each other pushed Canadians into the unenviable position of actually worrying about the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

October 6, 2004

Some Tories may be asked to skip Throne Speech vote

Yesterday's Speech from the Throne was underwhelming for the Conservatives and the Bloc. They plan to vote against the Throne Speech motion unless the amendments they propose today are approved by the Commons. Given that combined, the Tories and the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

October 5, 2004

Just who is J.C.?

I am absolutely shocked – shocked and appalled - at those who so quickly assume that those 25 dozen golf balls involved in the sponsorship scandal monogrammed with JC meant then-prime minister Jean Chretien. A senior civil servant at the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

October 4, 2004

Putting the Minority to the test

As our MPs gather in Ottawa this week to open the first Session of Parliament to feature a minority government since 1979, I have to admit I'm getting a little nervous. The Bloc Québecois and the Conservatives have said they... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

October 2, 2004

Pottery Barn responds to debate slur

Okay, that headline is a little provocative, but the US Presidential debate was so boring, I fear I need to exaggerate and sensationalize just to get you to read a piece about the lighter side - sorry. When trying to... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

October 1, 2004

A lot of ink for a non-event

There are, of course, oodles of media reports this morning on last night's Presidential Debate. CNN.com even has has a list of "Key Points" in the debate. But reading these alleged important exchanges it is clear that nothing new was... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

September 30, 2004

Ontario may back down on sushi ban

The Ontario government is having second thoughts about the ban it imposed on fresh sushi earlier this month. The ban has been suspended for three months so it can consult with those concerned. The government says its consultation on new... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

September 29, 2004

TV Networks to ignore debate agreement

A small skirmish has emerged between the US television networks and the two Presidential Campaigns. Under the agreement reached between the Bush and Kerry campaigns, the cameras at the debate will not be allowed to show the candidate who does... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

September 28, 2004

The Left is getting desperate

MoveOn.org, has become the unofficial attack dog of the Democratic Party. The group has been responsible for many of the most negative political ads on televisions in the United States at the moment and now has a new target: The... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

No more fresh sushi for Max

A misguided law has just made me cough up a furball. A new health regulation in Ontario has made it illegal to sell sushi made with fresh fish. Instead sushi chefs must freeze their fish solid for a week before... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

McGuinty won't deliver on auto insurance promise

This time last year Ontarians with cars were in the midst of a round of some of the most offensive automobile insurance rate hikes in history. For many, their insurance was doubling even without an accident or traffic ticket. The... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

September 20, 2004

The Difference between Liberals and Tories

The difference between a Liberal and a Tory: Liberals will spend a lot of money on a cheap stunt. Tories will take a cheap stunt and make a lot of money from it. Exhibit A: The John Tory Silver Spoon... More...

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Filed in: Politics

September 18, 2004

Flaherty phones it in

Hundreds of Ontario Conservatives made the trek to Toronto this weekend for the party's Leadership event. They came expecting to hear directly what leadership aspirants John Tory, Frank Klees and Jim Flaherty would do for the party and the province.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

September 16, 2004

$41B for health over 10 years

It took a while, but they got a deal. Not that anyone is going to be particularly happy with it at the end of the day. The agreement is much more expensive than Ottawa had wanted - Paul Martin was... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

September 15, 2004

Premiers still united going into day three

Canada's Provincial Premiers continue to sing from the same songbook. As they entered the convention centre for the third day of speechifying they continue to press the point that the money Prime Minister Paul Martin has put on the table... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

September 14, 2004

Tory membership list leaked

When they opened their inboxes this morning, members of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party were greeted by a message urging them to "Vote to Protect Marriage In The PC Party" when they vote in the party's leadership election this weekend. The... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

Strategy change enrages Premiers

Paul Martin's strategy of turning the health care debate into a battle for the hearts of Canadians by having this week's First Ministers' Meeting live on television backfired yesterday. As the Premiers entered the conference centre yesterday they were united... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

September 13, 2004

Health Care Conference begins

Well, the speechifying has begun in Ottawa and already the Premiers are on the attack. According to a number of provincial leaders, the Prime Minister made them a decidedly unsatisfactory offer at a private meeting last night (I thought this... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

September 9, 2004

McGuinty's Redemption Tour a Flop

In the wake of his government's disastrous budget which reinforced his image as a promise-breaker, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty took to barbeque circuit to try to rehabilitate his image. It appears the Redemption Tour™ didn't work. In a poll for... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

September 7, 2004

AdScam Inquiry begins today

Justice John Gomery will finally begin hearing testimony today as he tries to get to the bottom of how millions of dollars were misspent by the federal government. None other than Auditor-General Shiela Fraser (who became a celebrity after her... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

September 1, 2004

Schwarzenegger shatters my low expectations

As actor-turned-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger got set to speak last night at the Republican National Convention I expected his speech would be only a tad better than farcical. He has that famously stilted delivery and somehow he looks odd without an... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

August 29, 2004

U.K.-Italy Soccer controversy

Details are now emerging in soccer controversy that could strain relations between Britain and Italy. During a recent friendly match on the lawn of Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi's Sardinia mansion, the British side played to form. An aggressive tackle from... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

August 28, 2004

Spy Intrigue in U.S.

A senior policy analyst in the American Defense Department is under investigation over allegations he may be a mole for Israel. According to CBS News the FBI has "solid evidence" the alleged spy passed confidential information on to the Israeli... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

August 27, 2004

Reaping what you sow

All is not well in the Court of Prime Minister Paul Martin. There appears to be a division between backbench MPs and Cabinet over the American missile defence scheme (Citizenship Minister Judy Sgro says Carolyn Parrish "should have kept her... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

August 25, 2004

Parrish does it again

The MP who gained notoriety for saying she hates "those (American) bastards" is now calling our friends in the United States "idiots." Carolyn Parrish spoke today at a demonstration protesting the American plan to deploy a missile defence shield and... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

August 24, 2004

Do we really need Photo Radar?

Yesterday, Ontario's municipal leaders told Premier Dalton McGuinty they'd like him to reintroduce photo radar. Mr. McGuinty opened the door to redeploying cameras on Ontario highways a few moths ago, saying he would look into it if municipalities asked him... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

August 13, 2004

From the rumour mill...

With the rumoured late summer Cabinet Shuffle beginning to look unlikely, new rumours are filling the gap at Queen's Park. The latest surrounds the communications branch at Ontario's Ministry of Health. Over the winter, that branch's top three civil servants... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

August 8, 2004

British Government to investigate Atkins Diet

The Atkins Diet is coming under scrutiny from the British Government. The popular diet has recently been criticised for being unhealthy. Critics say it can cause kidney disease, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol. A recent study also links the diet with... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

England chooses new Court Jester

It took 355 years, but England has finally replaced Muckle John as Court Jester. Muckle John was Jester to the Court of King Charles I, but lost his job when Charles lost his head at the hands of Cromwell. After... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

August 6, 2004

Where's the plan, Premier?

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is touring the province this summer in an attempt to "reconnect" with average Ontarians, as one senior Liberal put it. Really, Mr. McGuinty's road show should be called the "Redemption Tour." So far, the Premier has... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

August 5, 2004

Drop the T's

Ontario Tory leadership hopeful Frank Klees' solution to the cost of providing public education in Ontario must be to start dropping the letter 'T'. How else can you explain why a news release emailed to reporters yesterday was sent with... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

August 3, 2004

Cult of personality not working for Kerry

The latest poll results have observers of the American Presidential Election scratching their heads. The conventional wisdom is parties get a jump in their popular support following their conventions - the "convention bounce." This phenomenon has been observed after every... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

August 2, 2004

Yikes!

The company that tried to use the Canadian election as marketing gimmick is at it again. The Public Relations geniuses at Unilever Canada will be running something called "Camp Touch" this September to promote its Axe brand of perfumes and... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

July 31, 2004

Ouellet's expenses

The story is now so predictable. The Liberals appoint a friend to head up a Crown Corporation or agency. That Liberal friend then robs the taxpayers blind and says he did nothing wrong. The latest Liberal crony to come under... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

July 30, 2004

Balloon-acy

I only caught the last five minutes of Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerrry's speech last night. The usual post-speech spinning is going on with Democrats saying Mr. Kerry "knocked it out of the park" and Republicans saying it was a... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

July 29, 2004

Premium may be dangerous to your wealth

A report released today by the Fraser Institute says the Ontario Health Care Premium will have to triple in the next three years to make up for the anticipated increase in health care costs for the province. The report is... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

July 27, 2004

911 report a good read

CNN reports US President George Bush says the 911 Commission report "reads like a mystery - a novel. It's well written." Uh... a novel is a work of fiction. Does the President think the 911 Commission made it up?... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

"Shove it"

America's Democratic Party must be kicking itself. Every four years the political parties south of the border get what amounts to a week-long infomercial on the television sets of American voters. Everything is planned to get the most positive exposure... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

July 25, 2004

Restroom plans upset media

The arrangement for restroom facilities at this week's Democratic National Convention have left reporters with a bad case of "potty mouth." DNC organizers have arranged for the 1200 reporters covering the convention to have access to just 20 port-a-potties outside... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

July 20, 2004

Valeri has his work cut out for him

When you're facing a minority Parliament, there is no more important position than House Leader. The person the PM puts in that role needs to be a good negotiator, understand Parliamentary procedure and above all, needs to have the full... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

New Cabinet - Winners and Losers

Prime Minister Paul Martin announced his second Cabinet this morning. As with all Cabinet Shuffles, there are winners and losers:... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

July 17, 2004

She's no Mandela

Just moments after Martha Stewart was sentenced to five months in prison yesterday she began a new media offensive designed to rehabilitate her public image. She told reporters outside the courthouse the whole thing had been blown out of proportion... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

July 16, 2004

Sense or over-sensitivity?

Yesterday the CRTC ruled cable companies can now add the Arab all-news network Al-Jazeera to their lineups but attached some rather stringent conditions. The broadcast regulator says cable companies must monitor the network and prevent "any abusive comment" (whatever that... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

July 15, 2004

Cheney says he's staying

US Vice President Dick Cheney says he's staying on the Republican ticket despite continuing rumours that President Bush will ditch him. The rumours suggest that Mr. Cheney's advocacy for war with Iraq - an increasingly unpopular decision - is at... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

July 14, 2004

Lies or Errors

Lord Butler's conclusion will hardly come as a surprise to anyone. After the former British Cabinet Secretary's review of the intelligence used to bolster the case for war against Saddam Hussein, he has come to believe it was "seriously flawed."... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

July 13, 2004

If it costs too much, don't buy it

This weekend, an arbitrator ruled the 407ETR (Ontario's only toll highway - for now) doesn't need to seek the Provincial Government's permission to raise tolls. People are outraged. The comment, editorial and letters pages of Toronto's daily newspapers have been... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

July 12, 2004

Bush/Kerry "This Land" sing-a-long

Christie found this "This Land" duel between John Kerry and George Bush. It is hilarious!... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

July 9, 2004

Politics or prudence?

Yesterday, US Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge warned that terrorists might be considering attacks designed to disrupt the Presidential Election campaign. In keeping with the highly partisan atmosphere south of the border some Democrats have suggested that Mr. Ridge and... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

July 6, 2004

Strange roll-out for VP announcement

It wasn't a traditional announcement by any stretch of the imagination. Normally when an American Presidential candidate announces his running-mate, the two appear on stage together, hands raised in anticipation of victory, smiling at the throng of insanely enthusiastic... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

July 2, 2004

It's about the company you keep

Conservatives in Alberta are angry at Ontario. They say that Ontarians' decision not to give greater support to the Conservative Party in Monday's election will lead to greater Western Alienation. Like most Conservatives in Canada I was disappointed at the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 30, 2004

It was the Conservatives' election to win

I was going to write about why I though the Conservatives lost an election that was theirs to win. But since others have made my point, I will defer to them: Today's Toronto Sun Editorial Today's column from Andrew Coyne... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 29, 2004

Why were the polls wrong?

That question is being asked in the media and around water coolers this morning after the Liberals surprised pundits with a strong showing yesterday. Under siege from the media last night, pollsters were at a loss to explain what had... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Liberals salvage the election

I don't think that many of us expected as strong a result as Paul Martin's Liberals received yesterday. The signs were there, though, he we not been taken in by the seat projections that the media were playing up over... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 28, 2004

E-Day

It's Election Day and the media are peddling stories about their election coverage and predictions that range from the rosy (minorities are great) to the dire (we're headed into the abyss). The truth is somewhere in between. The decision is... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

The Bagdad Bombshell

In a surprise move, the American-led coalition turned over power to Iraq's interim government this morning, two days ahead of schedule. The bombshell announcement was designed to foil the terrorists and insurgents, who have been killing hundreds with car bombs,... More...

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Filed in: Politics / United States

June 27, 2004

CBC to do exit polling

The National Broadcaster will be doing something different on Election Day - exit polling. This, despite the fact that they made a big deal of not commissioning any polls. The stated reason is to give Canadians some context to the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Krispy Kreme to the Rescue

On this last day of the campaign, Paul Martin is engaged in a Clinton-esque 24-hour, 5 province marathon. When his staff told the media of the PM's plans they... well they got royally annoyed. Reporters with the Liberal campaign will,... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 25, 2004

Paul Martin and public negotiations

Yesterday on CBC Newsworld's show Politics Paul Martin repeated his pledge to open the upcoming First Ministers' Meeting on Health to the public. He told Don Newman that (and I am paraphrasing) important discussions that could have a significant impact... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 24, 2004

On Minority Governments

It is now clear that (barring any surprises) this will be closest election since 1963 when Prime Minister John Diefenbaker managed to hold on to power propped up by a strong 30-seat performance by Social Credit. Diefenbaker actually lost the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 23, 2004

Why the election is not over II

First, an apology: this entry is (at least partially) a self-serving "I told you so." A week ago, I chided the media for having declared Stephen Harper the new Prime Minister of Canada in the wake of the two Leaders'... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 22, 2004

First Ministers Meetings on TV - Bad Idea

Paul Martin has promised that this Summer's First Minister's Meeting on health care will be "open to the public." By this he means that if you want, you'll be able to watch it on television. What the media and Paul... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 21, 2004

The 3's are wild

It looks like next Monday evening is going to be a long night for journalists, pundits and those interested in politics. The latest numbers from SES Research has the Tories and the Liberals tied at 33% even after an ugly... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Liberal candidates abadoning Martin brand

Greg Weston reports in the Toronto Sun this morning that Liberal candidates are removing the photo of Paul Martin and the "Team Martin" branding from their election signs, their websites and their flyers. They have, it seems, concluded that Mr.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 20, 2004

Sizing up the Campaigns: Week 4

This week began with a pair of disappointing debates on Monday and Tuesday in which none of the party leaders took charge, and ended with Conservative leader Stephen Harper taking a huge gamble. The past two weeks have seen the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 19, 2004

Most disturbing...

Periodically, most webmasters check their server statistics to find out what Google and Yahoo! searches lead people to their sites. I am no different. It helps us find out what content is popular and what is not. This morning, I... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 18, 2004

The Tory "war room" has gone mad

The Conservative "war room" have been an effective, disciplined team identifying the many inconsistencies and contradictions in the statements of Paul Martin and members of his Liberal Party. Until today. It's fast becoming the political equivalent of the famous Andres... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Liberal dirty tricks in Tinity-Spadina?

If there is one thing for certain in the election, it is that the race in the Toronto riding of Trinity-Spadina is a war. Long-time Liberal MP, Tony Ianno is locked in a fierce battle with long-time Toronto City Councillor... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 16, 2004

Why the election is not over

Last night on CTV's Countdown, noted NDP thinker and pundit, Gerry Caplan put his hand on the arm of former Liberal Party President Stephen LeDrew and said, "This election's over." Similar thoughts are being expressed elsewhere in the media and... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 15, 2004

Harper wins debate (by not losing)

Stephen Harper was able to stay out of trouble tonight and, in so doing, did enough to be considered the winner of the English Leaders’ Debate. Paul Martin need to either present his vision in a clear contrast to Mr.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

The French Debate

I watched the french language debate last night in french (oui, je suis une chatte bilingue) and came out of it with a different impression than people who watched it in english. I thought that Gilles Duceppe won based on... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Every penny will go to health care?

This from the crack research team with the Ontario NDP: In his radio ads, Dalton McGuinty says that "every penny" of his government's new health tax will go to health care. As it turns out $113-million of it will go... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 14, 2004

European voters hand their governments a rebuke

Voters viewed the this week's European Parliamentary Elections as referenda on their national governments and, almost universally gave them a slap in the face. No government of a major EU state was unscathed and to make things worse, European officials... More...

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Filed in: Politics / World

June 13, 2004

A leaders' debate primer (Part 2)

As I said in yesterday’s debate primer, it is Paul Martin and Jack Layton who have to most to accomplish to be deemed successful the election debates on Monday and Tuesday. The other two party leaders, Gilles Duceppe and Stephen... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 12, 2004

A leaders' debate primer (Part 1)

It will be quiet weekend on the campaign trail. The three national party leaders and Gilles Duceppe will retreating to meeting rooms and rented TV studios to cram and practice for the two leaders’ debates set for Monday and Tuesday.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 10, 2004

Desperate measures for desperate times

The Liberals have finally admitted the obvious – they are in trouble. To stem the tide, top Liberal thinkers have decided to use a desperate strategy: more negative ads. They are taking a huge risk. If it works for Paul... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 9, 2004

I don't understand...

This news release posted on Canada Newswire (CNW) by the now former President of a Tory riding association has me confused. I understand her argument for leaving but then there is this paragraph: I will retain my membership in the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Ontario will lose influence in Ottawa

I think that's a real stretch to say that our budget had much of an impact at all on the federal campaign -Greg Sorbarra, Ontario Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier If you were looking for evidence that the Ontario... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

McGuinty fails the Mike Harris test

Saturday will mark the beginning of the ninth month of Liberal rule in Ontario. In the eight months that have passed, the McGuinty government has done more to damage its reputation than any government in recent memory. With McGuinty’s personal... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Ontario

June 8, 2004

Paul Prevaricates Again

The man who promised Canadians that he would get to the bottom of the AdScam scandal before an election warned us yesterday that it may take a long time find out what happened to that missing $100-million. Paul Martin implied... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 7, 2004

Sizing up the Campaigns: Week 2

After two weeks of the 2004 election campaign, it is clear that three things are missing. Funny Hats: No election campaign is complete without a party leader wearing strange headgear, or a hat that doesn’t fit. The highlight of the... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 11:19 AM | TrackBack | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

Government worse than Opposition for Harper?

You have to wonder if Stephen Harper is more worried about forming a government than losing the election. First, it looks like whoever wins will have only a plurality of seats, not enough to form a majority. For the Tories,... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 09:34 AM | TrackBack | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 5, 2004

From Horse Race to Horse Trading?

Liberal leader Paul Martin says voters aren’t yet engaged in the election, so he isn’t worried about the series of bad poll results his party is facing. The latest results show the Martin Liberals (32%) effectively tied with the Tories... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 4, 2004

Owen offside

I guess Stephen Owen didn’t get the memo. You’ll remember the memo in question, it was delivered to all Liberal Party supporter, current, past and potential, via the news media earlier this week and told them all that the Martin... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 3, 2004

Martin's vicious circle

For Paul Martin’s Liberals, neither AdScam nor the McGuinty Budget would have been electorally fatal on their own. But as the former began to fade the latter arrived to reinforce the impression that “you just can’t trust a Liberal.” Of... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

June 2, 2004

Team Martin: The Scream Team

The strategists behind Paul Martin’s bid to win the PM’s office in an election have resorted desperate tactics to try to salvage their floundering campaign. In their wisdom they dispatched two Liberal Cabinet Ministers to get in Conservative leader Stephen... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 30, 2004

Sizing up the Campaigns: Week 1

It’s been a full week since Paul Martin called a General Election in Canada, so it’s a good time to look back and see how everyone’s doing so far. The Liberals: It has been a tough week for Mr. Martin... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 29, 2004

Martin's in trouble

Paul Martin’s strategy to demonize Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper isn’t working according to the latest EKOS Research Poll. Harper is almost as trusted as the PM despite the Liberals’ attempts to paint him as the Spawn of Satan and... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 28, 2004

Tories hand Martin an issue

Since the beginning of the election campaign, local Conservative candidates have had just one complaint about the Harper campaign -- they have had to go through central campaign hoops to do interviews with national media and outlets outside their area.... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 27, 2004

"No threat to Canada"

Buried in yesterday's revelation of increased terrorist activity by US Attorney-General John Ashcroft, was a reference to one of their suspected terrorists plotting to highjack a Canadian airliner. [As an aside, the Democrats think yesterday's announcement was politically motivated. Bush... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 26, 2004

Teflon Harper?

Andrew Coyne makes the interesting observation that the media have been easier on Stephen Harper than Paul Martin. He argues this is because the media have a clear understanding of where Harper stands but their understanding of where the PM... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

I want a bus!

I don't know if you've noticed, but everybody has a "bus" for this election campaign. Gilles Duceppe has a bus, so does Stephen Harper. Paul Martin and Jack Layton also have buses. But this is not unusual. What's new for... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 25, 2004

Sound familiar?

Paul Martin has promised not to raise your taxes (sort of). But he won't cut them either. The government needs that money to invest in priorities like health care. Where have we heard this before? Dalton McGuinty made the same... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

Key Martin advisor helped McGuinty break his promises

Well if the Tories were looking for something to tie Paul Martin to Dalton McGuinty's broken Election promises, they have it now. An article in today's Toronto Star quotes another anonymous senior Liberal source saying the McGuinty Liberals "knew that... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 24, 2004

I think the PM is confused

As Paul Martin campaigned yesterday he kept mentioning the Mike Harris. What the PM has apparently forgotten is that he is not running against Mike Harris. While Mr. Harris, the former Ontario Premier, thought about making a run for leader... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:56 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 23, 2004

Did you hear that? It's the sound of writ dropping

Paul Martin has fired the starting gun and the four party leaders are now (officially) campaigning for the votes of Canadians. Paul Martin took direct aim at the Conservatives and their leader, Stephen Harper, accusing him of wanting to turn... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 02:38 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 22, 2004

An election about issues?

With an election call just hours away, it's gut-check time for political hopefuls across Canada. Pollsters, desperately trying to find a word (other than the now overused "volatile") to describe the mood of the electorate, have started using "dynamic" and... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 07:35 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 21, 2004

New poll may be giving Liberals heartburn

A new poll from COMPAS gives the first hint that the Federal Liberals may have been hurt by their provincial cousins in Ontario. In the wake of the McGuinty Budget, the Martin Liberals' lead in Ontario has slipped to just... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:20 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 20, 2004

A hint of things to come

Paul Martin and the Federal Liberal election machine have made enough plays in this pre-election period that we now know their strategy: Attack, or be attacked Here are just two examples from this week: The Liberals have launched their attack... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 09:47 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 19, 2004

Ontario Budget

I really don't know what write about yesterday's Ontario Budget. Should I concentrate on the $9-billion tax increase? Or maybe I should discuss the implications of the biggest tax increase since 1993? Or perhaps I should talk about the contradictions... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:31 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

May 18, 2004

Ontario Budget: It's gonna cost you

All of the pre-budget leaking from the McGuinty government is over. It's budget day and here (according to the leaks) is what we can expect. Higher Taxes. Taxes on alcohol and tobacco are set to rise. McGuinty is also going... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 11:35 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

May 15, 2004

Another McGuinty Tax Hike

The McGuinty government floated yet another tax hike through an anonymous leak to the Globe and Mail today -- Health Care Premiums. The government says the premiums will be "progressive" in nature, meaning the more you make, the more you... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 07:25 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

May 14, 2004

Ontario Liberals Lose By-Election

Last night, the voters in Hamilton East handed the Liberals a massive defeat. It was supposed to be a fairly easy run for Dalton McGuinty's hand-picked Liberal candidate, Ralph Agostino. When the by-election was called, the Libs were high in... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 09:29 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

May 12, 2004

McGuinty's Secret Plan IV

It looks like Mr. McGuinty is going to raise your taxes. Apparently the Liberals have been in touch with Elections Ontario about the possibility of holding a referendum. The Taxpayers' Protection Act requires the government to hold a referendum on... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 06:29 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

Liberals anonymous on bad news

For the second time in two days, I have been shocked to read the response of the Ontario Liberals to bad news. It seems when it has something to say, this government likes to remain anonymous. Take, for example, yesterday's... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 04:29 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

May 11, 2004

McGuinty's Secret Plan III

Speculation is rampant around Queen's Park this evening that the McGuinty Liberals plan to harmonize the province's sales tax with the hated GST. As I predicted in McGuinty's Secret Plan I the Coffee Tax proposal was likely just a stealthy... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:12 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

Grits shut down AdScam Probe

Paul Martin's support for democracy apparently doesn't extend to scrutiny of his Liberal Government. Today, in a move worthy of his predecessor (Jean Chretien), he used his party's majority on the Commons' Public Accounts Committee to bring an end to... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 09:30 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 10, 2004

"Further irregularities have been uncovered"

In the wake of the AdScam arrests this morning, the RCMP say that "further irregularities have been uncovered" and that their investigation is continuing. The RCMP allege that Chuck Guite and Jean Brault conspired to defraud the government by way... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 01:25 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

Mounties Arrest Guité and Brault

The RCMP have just announced that they have arrested Chuck Guité (the retired bureaucrat on whom the Liberals are trying to pin the whole AdScam scandal) and Jean Brault, the President of Groupaction (the marketing firm most implicated in the... More...

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Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 5, 2004

He didn't mean it

When Dalton McGuinty signed a pledge not to raise taxes or run a deficit, he did so with his fingers crossed. That is the only explanation for his government's decision to amend the province's balanced budget legislation to allow his... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 12:30 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 3, 2004

Spring Election?

The Parliament Hill Press Gallery can barely contain itself. Why, you ask? Three opinion polls released over the weekend suggest that Paul Martin's Liberals are not doing as badly as they were a few weeks ago. Now, that isn't to... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 12:56 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

May 2, 2004

Campbell vs the Unions

Unless something changes, there's going to be a showdown in British Columbia this week. Union have asked their workers to go on strike Monday in support of health care workers who have already been on strike for a week. The... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 04:47 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics

April 30, 2004

A Mayor's Musing

Toronto's insanely myopic Mayor, David Miller, is in a wee spot of trouble this morning. In a private conversation with the Lord Mayor of London (not to be confused with the Mayor of London - they have one of those... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 08:44 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics

April 27, 2004

WHO do they think they are?

A World Health Organization spokesperson says that China's new bout of SARS is a wake-up call for Toronto health officials. (Toronto Sun) I beg your pardon? Last time I checked: China was in the midst of its third SARS outbreak.... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 04:15 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / World

April 24, 2004

Dalton, this isn't leadership

The Ontario Premier says he's going to "assume a leadership role in Confederation." To do this, he is going to cut bilateral deals with the federal government on issues like health care, labour and immigration. This is a fundamental shift... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:46 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

April 23, 2004

Guité backtracks

This morning, defender of the public purse, Chuck Guité backtracked on his allegations that Paul Martin tried to influence the selection process for advertising firms. Today's weasle words will come as little comfort to the Prime Minister who now has... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 11:42 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 22, 2004

Les Idées de Guité

Chuck Guité has been testifying about AdScam today. What have we learned? He believes he has done nothing wrong. He has made wild accusations about other witnesses and has attacked the integrity of the Auditor-General. He says the government got... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 03:27 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 21, 2004

McGuinty backs down

Well, after a couple of weeks of flailing about on the Coffee Tax, Dalton McGuinty finally saw what was plain to the rest of us. You can't make a rock float on its own. The Preem stuck to his nonsensical... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 03:14 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

April 20, 2004

I hate to break it to you...

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Dalton McGuinty lied to you. He forecast that the cancellation Private Schools Tax Credit save the government $500-million a year (or $425-million by 2006 - depending on the pamphlet you... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 09:43 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

April 16, 2004

Hotels for the homeless

Toronto City Council estimates it costs $156 per person per night to porvide shelter spaces for the city's homeless. Councillor Rob Ford says that for that price, the city could put people up in downtown hotels. The Toronto Sun did... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 06:03 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

April 15, 2004

Is he kidding?

The Liberal Government at Queen's Park is now using some revsisionist history to explain why it's okay to impose the Coffee Tax. You might recall Liberal Leader (and now Premier) Dalton McGuinty saying he wouldn't raise taxes during last Fall's... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:16 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

April 14, 2004

McGuinty's Secret Plan II

The Preem sent his Finance Minister out to talk to the hordes of ravenous media today. He wanted Greg Sorbarra to put an end to the continued speculation around the proposed "Coffee Tax" (see yesterday's mewsing). [Liberal spin doctors are... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 03:44 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

April 13, 2004

McGuinty's Secret Plan

A leak out of the McGuinty Liberal Government at Queen's Park has the Province extending the PST to cover "Fast Food" meals. Currently, meals under $4 are not subject to PST but are subject to federal GST. A quick survey... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 11:51 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Ontario

April 11, 2004

Woman of Influence

The National Geographic Society, best known for its self-titled magazine, has finally given Canada credit for having more than cold weather. In the Almanac of World History, the NGS includes a Canadian PM as one of the 50 most important... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:28 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 9, 2004

Eye on the ball

Conservative MPs in Ottawa have been positively giddy this week. They were told, at this week's caucus meeting, that internal party polls put them in a statistical dead heat with the Paul Martin Liberals outside of Quebec. MPs could barely... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 07:18 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

April 7, 2004

Mess in the Middle East

Dubya's spent the last two weeks on the defensive over his pre 9/11 policy on terrorism. His team has just made a major political climb-down and decided to let the National Security Advisor to testify in public hearings. Just when... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 10:52 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / World

April 2, 2004

AdScam Yawn

While warming myself in front of the television this afternoon, I was rudely awakened by frantic politicians waving around their copies of "secret testimony" from former AdScam 'crat Chuck Guité. Media outlets were busy pouring over every word to find... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 08:20 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

March 31, 2004

Extra! Extra!

When I heard, this morning, that the cops had broken up an organized crime ring based in Ottawa, I wasn't that surprised. Then I realized they weren't talking about the Department of Public Works...... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 03:56 PM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada

Jobs for the boys...

So the Auditor-General feels Canada's airport security is not up to snuff. She says that people with connections to organized crime are working "airside" at many Canadian airports. I, for one, am pleased that folks who have lost their jobs... More...

Posted by maxthecat at 11:58 AM | Printer-friendly version
Filed in: Politics / Canada