I am constantly reminded of the huge benefits of strong and vibrant public television networks. In Canada, we need to ensure that the regulations (think CRTC content laws) and federal funding currently in place be strengthened to continue to protect and strengthen Canadian culture and content. Check out Our Public Airwarves a campaign for a revitalization of Public Broadcasting. We need increased funding of public broadcasters and continued support for the Canadian Television Fund and Telefilm Canada among others.
Do your part, sign this online petition for a Strong CBC.
This weekend, I have had the chance to watch TVO's Big Ideas program which has brought coverage of Navigating a New World Symposium at UofT on November 6th, 2004. I am currently watching Naomi Klein talking about Iraq and the Bush Agenda, after seeing Romeo Dallaire, Irshad Manji and Loyd Axworthy. I have been thoroughly impressed with programming coming out of TVO and CBC. Check out TVO's 2005 fall programming preview here.
For the cynics reading this, all I can do is point to Quebec. The laws, regulations and government funding have ensured a vibrant cultural industry in Quebec. It is in Quebec where Canadian and Quebec films remain the most popular and successful. Yes, the language barrier makes it easier competing against Hollywood by it shouldn't mean that we shouldn't put up a fight in English Canada.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
Frist Flip-flops on Stem Cell, Goes Against Bush
Wow, turmoil in the republican party now that Bill Frist, the senate majority leader has decided to break With bush on the stem-cell bill.
This could mean that up to 7 or 8 other moderate republicans might see some political room to do the same thing and vote their conscious. This could precipitate a veto showdown between the President and his Republican congress.
Already, Tom Delay has criticized Frist on his flip-flop in an interview with CNN this afternoon.
Interesting times to be a Democrat :)
With Rovegate going on, now Bush is losing his grip in Congress. This week, on the vote on CAFTA, 39 republicans voted against the president. Bush has also lost republicans on his position on social security. Now this. I hope the democrats can capitalize.
This could mean that up to 7 or 8 other moderate republicans might see some political room to do the same thing and vote their conscious. This could precipitate a veto showdown between the President and his Republican congress.
Already, Tom Delay has criticized Frist on his flip-flop in an interview with CNN this afternoon.
Interesting times to be a Democrat :)
With Rovegate going on, now Bush is losing his grip in Congress. This week, on the vote on CAFTA, 39 republicans voted against the president. Bush has also lost republicans on his position on social security. Now this. I hope the democrats can capitalize.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Update: Post-Secondary Transfer already Liberal Policy
I was reminded today that what the dedicated post-secondary transfer that the premiers were in the news about, is already Liberal Party policy.
I was at the Liberal Policy convention in March so I should have remembered. It was one of the Young Liberal resolutions and ended up being combined and adopted as a priority resolution.
Check out Jason Cherniak's posts to that effect:
Comments after Liberal Policy Convention in March Premiers take up Young Liberal Cause
Some news articles which appeared after March Policy Convention:
BC Campus Paper The Charlatan Paper
I was at the Liberal Policy convention in March so I should have remembered. It was one of the Young Liberal resolutions and ended up being combined and adopted as a priority resolution.
Check out Jason Cherniak's posts to that effect:
Some news articles which appeared after March Policy Convention:
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Liberal Fortunes Improve in Quebec!
Encouraging news out of Quebec yesterday! A new Decima Research survey, reported here in the Globe, suggests the Liberals, who were in the mid-teens in April, have clawed back from rock bottom and now stand at 28 per cent in that province. It looks like the Liberal strategy is working of avoiding any attention in Quebec is working.
I have been giving much thought to the dismal polling numbers coming out of Quebec and what that means for Canadian federalism and unity. After hearing from friends in Quebec about the situation there, I realized how grave the situation is. It is much more than just poor poll numbers. The seperatist cause has been slowly gaining momentum for a while now and is only picking up steam.
Building on my earlier posts about the importance of education, in Quebec they find themselves at the mercy of the educational sector (teachers, etc...) which is by highly inclined to favour and spread the seperatist cause. Case in point, Parizeau is on a speaking tour to Cégeps across Quebec. From my vantage point, there is absolutely no voice proposing an alternative to seperation. We need political leaders who will stand up for a unified and strong Canada, which includes a vibrant francophone Quebec. I believe that once there is a debate about it, the polling numbers in support of seperation will fall back down. Until then, the one-sided debate looks like it is producing a generation of young Quebecers who want nothing to do with Ottawa and want to seperate.
I think the other issue is the provincial political situation. Especially for young Quebecers but also for the generally more progressive Quebec population, the only way to express a desire for progressive government is by voting for the Parti Quebecois. The provincial liberals are being led by a conservative, read the unpopular Charest, and the ADQ is even more right-wing. What would change the dynamic is the emergence of a leftish provincial party who does not advocate seperation. Enter the NDP perhaps?
I have also been trying to wrap my head around how to reverse the huge tide of seperatist sentiment especially among young francophones. More posts to come on that, but I would love to hear your thoughts!
I have been giving much thought to the dismal polling numbers coming out of Quebec and what that means for Canadian federalism and unity. After hearing from friends in Quebec about the situation there, I realized how grave the situation is. It is much more than just poor poll numbers. The seperatist cause has been slowly gaining momentum for a while now and is only picking up steam.
Building on my earlier posts about the importance of education, in Quebec they find themselves at the mercy of the educational sector (teachers, etc...) which is by highly inclined to favour and spread the seperatist cause. Case in point, Parizeau is on a speaking tour to Cégeps across Quebec. From my vantage point, there is absolutely no voice proposing an alternative to seperation. We need political leaders who will stand up for a unified and strong Canada, which includes a vibrant francophone Quebec. I believe that once there is a debate about it, the polling numbers in support of seperation will fall back down. Until then, the one-sided debate looks like it is producing a generation of young Quebecers who want nothing to do with Ottawa and want to seperate.
I think the other issue is the provincial political situation. Especially for young Quebecers but also for the generally more progressive Quebec population, the only way to express a desire for progressive government is by voting for the Parti Quebecois. The provincial liberals are being led by a conservative, read the unpopular Charest, and the ADQ is even more right-wing. What would change the dynamic is the emergence of a leftish provincial party who does not advocate seperation. Enter the NDP perhaps?
I have also been trying to wrap my head around how to reverse the huge tide of seperatist sentiment especially among young francophones. More posts to come on that, but I would love to hear your thoughts!
Friday, July 22, 2005
A Welcome Focus on Post-Secondary Education
It seems that our official past-time in Canadian politics for the last few years has been the state of Health Care. Don't get me wrong, I do think that maintaining a high-quality publicly funded equitable health care system is important. But, health care spending simply amounts to spending on consumption. If we want to improve the quality of life of Canadians we need to make investments that will pay off in the future. Which leads to the focus of this post: Education Funding.
Yesterday, Canadian Premiers announced that they would begin to push for more education funding from the federal government in the form of a dedicated fund like the one established for health care. This is welcome news! Although education is under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government can play a positive role in improving education across the country.
Today, Universities gave this education plan top marks saying that this dedicated funding in the form of increased transfers to provinces would improve universities. Universities could hire more professors, increase the number of spaces, increase financial aid and further fund research projects.
Where I disagree, is when people talk about the need to halt tuition-fee increases. For instance the folks over at Canadian Federation of Students who started this campaign denouncing Bob Rae's review of Ontario's post-secondary institutions.
Contrary to popular belief, it is PROGRESSIVE to increase tuition fees if it is coupled with increases in financial aid based on need. By keeping tuition fees artificially low, which they are in Canada, the government is essentially subsidizing better-off Canadians and foreign students who are able to pay more for their education. If tuition fees were increased then we would have a progressive system based on a student's ability to pay for education. The government would have more funds available to provide even lower fees to poorer individuals. Moreover, the increased revenue from the higher tuition rates paid by well-off Canadians would allow post-secondary institutions to provide better quality education.
It seems that Rae is advocating this course of action. According to Rae, tuition should not increase at all until the student assistance system is reformed and government has made significant new investments.
Instead of vehemently denouncing the Rae review, CFS and others who I consider my progressive peers, should truly think about how we can make our post-secondary education system more progressive and beneficial to students.
Yesterday, Canadian Premiers announced that they would begin to push for more education funding from the federal government in the form of a dedicated fund like the one established for health care. This is welcome news! Although education is under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government can play a positive role in improving education across the country.
Today, Universities gave this education plan top marks saying that this dedicated funding in the form of increased transfers to provinces would improve universities. Universities could hire more professors, increase the number of spaces, increase financial aid and further fund research projects.
Where I disagree, is when people talk about the need to halt tuition-fee increases. For instance the folks over at Canadian Federation of Students who started this campaign denouncing Bob Rae's review of Ontario's post-secondary institutions.
Contrary to popular belief, it is PROGRESSIVE to increase tuition fees if it is coupled with increases in financial aid based on need. By keeping tuition fees artificially low, which they are in Canada, the government is essentially subsidizing better-off Canadians and foreign students who are able to pay more for their education. If tuition fees were increased then we would have a progressive system based on a student's ability to pay for education. The government would have more funds available to provide even lower fees to poorer individuals. Moreover, the increased revenue from the higher tuition rates paid by well-off Canadians would allow post-secondary institutions to provide better quality education.
It seems that Rae is advocating this course of action. According to Rae, tuition should not increase at all until the student assistance system is reformed and government has made significant new investments.
Instead of vehemently denouncing the Rae review, CFS and others who I consider my progressive peers, should truly think about how we can make our post-secondary education system more progressive and beneficial to students.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Genocide IS news!
There is a genocide going on in Sudan! Oh, why so confused? Have you not heard about it? That might be because it is getting barely any media coverage in Canada and even less in the U.S.
This morning both Canadian and American media had the opportunity to cover the genocide. Secretary of State Rice visited Sudan yesterday where her "entourage was roughed up". This Associated Press coverage on the Globe and Mail's website was concentrates on the brief scuffle and barely covers the reason for the visit which was the genocide itself. Give me a break!
Since 2003,
2 million people have been displaced by a campaign of genocide Estimated that 400,000 people have died due to violence, starvation and disease More than 6,000 continue to die every month according to a recent U.N. mortality assessment 3.5 million people will be in urgent need of food assistance in the very near future (Source: United Nations)
Safe Darfur.org has great resources. Amnesty International Canada: Take Action Protect Darfur Students For Darfur
Some blogs to check out:
Coalition For Darfur Sudan Watch
FYI - I just added the white Make Poverty history band to my blog. Click here to find out how you can as well.
This morning both Canadian and American media had the opportunity to cover the genocide. Secretary of State Rice visited Sudan yesterday where her "entourage was roughed up". This Associated Press coverage on the Globe and Mail's website was concentrates on the brief scuffle and barely covers the reason for the visit which was the genocide itself. Give me a break!
Since 2003,
The New Republic has Eric Reeves, a professor at Smith College and an expert on Darfur, guest blogging this week on the situation in Darfur. Check the blog here. His first post gives a great base of knowledge about the crisis.
I can't find any info on Canadian media but in the U.S., American Media monitoring groups have produced studies and statistics which show the disgusting state of American media, providing analysis of the coverage of the genocide in Darfur. Check here, here and, here.
This BeAWitness.org video has been viewed by over 40,000 people, as of today, and I recommend taking a look. BeAWitness.org, which is a joint campaign of the American Progress Action Fund and Genocide Intervention Fund, is leading the charge to ensure coverage of the crisis in Darfur.
I am so proud of the Liberal government for attempting to take a leadership role in addressing the Darfur crisis. Check out their detailed website.
Take Action!
Some blogs to check out:
FYI - I just added the white Make Poverty history band to my blog. Click here to find out how you can as well.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
U.S. Political Happenings: SCOTUS & Rove, Coulter, DST
There is a ton of political activity south of the border, especially as there seems to be barely any activity up here in Canada in terms of federal politics.
Supreme Court Nomination - It's about the Timing!
I will reserve comment on John G. Roberts, who is the actual nominee, and rather talk about the communications genius of Karl Rove and the Bush administration. Things were heating up regarding the CIA leak and information was leaking out about White House adviser Karl Rove and vice presidential Chief of Staff I. Lewis Libby having provided information to Matthew Cooper. Oh, wait! We now have a Supreme Court nominee and everyone drops everything to talk about the strong conservative judge which Bush hopes will change the face of America for a very long time through the Court.
I hope that the calls for Rove's resignation continue and that we get to the bottom of this whole thing. Poor Judith Miller is still sitting in jail. The question is, who is she protecting. There is also the matter of Bob Novak's involvement and I would love to see him go down as well. How CNN can bring him on as an unbiased commentator now is ridiculous considering how much of a right-wing conservative he is.
For now:
O'Connor's reaction here.
Ann Coulter Plagiarized?
From this article at The Raw Story Ann Coulter has been caught plagiarizing pieces in magazines dating as far back as 1985 and a column written for the Boston Globe in 1995 for her recent June column: "Thou Shall Not Commit Religion,". Ann Coulter should be stripped of her column, which of course won't happen, but at least this will help discredit her often ludicrous claims.
Props to Doucheblog with this post on the Coulter story.
Changing Daylight Savings Time??
Front page story today in the Toronto Star about a provision in the Energy bill before Congress that would extend daylight savings time by two months to reduce electricity. Now, I gave some thought to how this might work, and intuitively I see how it can work but wouldn't expect huge electricity savings. Of course, people are screaming about how this might affect Canada. Well, here in Ontario, we have legislation called the "Time Act" under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General. So, we could easily make changes to keep in line with the U.S. I really don't see how this warrants a front page story. The Star buried the Ontario government's $112.7 million funding boost to Home Care on A6. hmmm...[shaking my head]...
Antonia Zerbisias has a humourous take on what Canada will do about this.
Supreme Court Nomination - It's about the Timing!
I will reserve comment on John G. Roberts, who is the actual nominee, and rather talk about the communications genius of Karl Rove and the Bush administration. Things were heating up regarding the CIA leak and information was leaking out about White House adviser Karl Rove and vice presidential Chief of Staff I. Lewis Libby having provided information to Matthew Cooper. Oh, wait! We now have a Supreme Court nominee and everyone drops everything to talk about the strong conservative judge which Bush hopes will change the face of America for a very long time through the Court.
I hope that the calls for Rove's resignation continue and that we get to the bottom of this whole thing. Poor Judith Miller is still sitting in jail. The question is, who is she protecting. There is also the matter of Bob Novak's involvement and I would love to see him go down as well. How CNN can bring him on as an unbiased commentator now is ridiculous considering how much of a right-wing conservative he is.
For now:
O'Connor's reaction here.
Ann Coulter Plagiarized?
From this article at The Raw Story Ann Coulter has been caught plagiarizing pieces in magazines dating as far back as 1985 and a column written for the Boston Globe in 1995 for her recent June column: "Thou Shall Not Commit Religion,". Ann Coulter should be stripped of her column, which of course won't happen, but at least this will help discredit her often ludicrous claims.
Props to Doucheblog with this post on the Coulter story.
Changing Daylight Savings Time??
Front page story today in the Toronto Star about a provision in the Energy bill before Congress that would extend daylight savings time by two months to reduce electricity. Now, I gave some thought to how this might work, and intuitively I see how it can work but wouldn't expect huge electricity savings. Of course, people are screaming about how this might affect Canada. Well, here in Ontario, we have legislation called the "Time Act" under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General. So, we could easily make changes to keep in line with the U.S. I really don't see how this warrants a front page story. The Star buried the Ontario government's $112.7 million funding boost to Home Care on A6. hmmm...[shaking my head]...
Antonia Zerbisias has a humourous take on what Canada will do about this.
Back from brief hiatus...
Sorry for the complete lack of posting recently. I have been pretty busy and caught up with living in downtown Toronto on my own, and couldn't seem to find any time for posting.
On the upside, I have had lots of time to think about politics and what is going on here in Canada and in the U.S. I have also given some thought to what types of things I want to concentrate on through this blog.
Ideally, I would be able to section off my blog into distinct categories so that people who aren't interested in Canadian politics can just read my other posts and vice versa. Alas, I don't have the time to create a non-blogger.com blog so I am stuff with what I have or the option of starting a second blog. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
Here are some great American progressive blogs that I have been reading pretty regularly:
Liberal Oasis: Has a decent blog but has great links and compiles recent posts from other leading progressive blogs. Great one-stop site. Daily Kos: One of the top progressive blogs Talking Points Memo: Another top progressive blog. He founded TPMCafe, which is a great forum, discussion site Ruminate This!: Witty and succinct commentary. Updates very often so always new stuff to read.
On the upside, I have had lots of time to think about politics and what is going on here in Canada and in the U.S. I have also given some thought to what types of things I want to concentrate on through this blog.
Ideally, I would be able to section off my blog into distinct categories so that people who aren't interested in Canadian politics can just read my other posts and vice versa. Alas, I don't have the time to create a non-blogger.com blog so I am stuff with what I have or the option of starting a second blog. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
Here are some great American progressive blogs that I have been reading pretty regularly:
Of late, there has been a huge amount of posts on these blogs surrounding Karl Rove and controversy surrounding the Valerie Plame affair. It was interesting to see how things percolate on blogs for awhile then start hitting more mainstream media sources.
I am convinced about the power blogs have and will increasingly gain in the media realm. More about this to come soon.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Track your MP's record
I just stumbled upon this amazing website. The CP has this story about it.
It has some amazing functionality. See your MP's voting records and attendance. Also, easy cross-referencing for looking about the bills that were voted upon. You can also see your MP's quotes and there are stats on word counts and number of quotes.
Props to Cory Horner for putting this together!
It has some amazing functionality. See your MP's voting records and attendance. Also, easy cross-referencing for looking about the bills that were voted upon. You can also see your MP's quotes and there are stats on word counts and number of quotes.
Props to Cory Horner for putting this together!
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Live 8: "We're Looking for Justice"
Bono summed it up like none other: "We're looking for justice". Simple and powerful. I have been watching the Live 8 coverage on CTV and have been amazed thus far with what an amazing feat this is. It's interesting how many artists became so well known from the original Live Aid and now they are headlining Live 8 this many years later.
I believe that all the hype and media coverage is working to spread the simple message that: We can make history, by making Poverty History!
When asked the question of what you want our generation to remembered by, I can't think of anything better than to rid the world of preventable and unnecessary poverty.
Check out the Live 8 website for information about the concerts going on worldwide.
The Make Poverty History website is a really great resource to find out about the worldwide campaign.
Watching Coldplay now from London...more to come...
I believe that all the hype and media coverage is working to spread the simple message that: We can make history, by making Poverty History!
When asked the question of what you want our generation to remembered by, I can't think of anything better than to rid the world of preventable and unnecessary poverty.
Check out the Live 8 website for information about the concerts going on worldwide.
The Make Poverty History website is a really great resource to find out about the worldwide campaign.
Watching Coldplay now from London...more to come...
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