We don’t know what will make headlines in 2014. After all, most political predictions are about as accurate as a Forum poll. So I won’t try to guess how 2014 plays out, but here are a few things we can reasonably expect to see this year: With the new electoral
Continue readingTag: Quebec politics
Canadian Soapbox: Québec’s values charter, starting to win me over
Like anyone I can be prone to knee jerk reactions, its normal. When Québec proposed values charter was first put forth I was opposed. I cheered when I saw an Ontario ad seeking to attract employees of the Islamic faith to Lakeridge health centre in Oshawa with the tag line:
Continue readingCanadian Soapbox: Québec’s values charter, starting to win me over
Like anyone I can be prone to knee jerk reactions, its normal. When Québec proposed values charter was first put forth I was opposed. I cheered when I saw an Ontario ad seeking to attract employees of the Islamic faith to Lakeridge health centre in Oshawa with the tag line:
Continue readingCanadian Soapbox: Québec’s values charter, starting to win me over
On aimerait vous entendre, Fatima Houda-Pépin
Continue readingCalgary Grit: Charter Polling Misses Mark
For those hoping Quebecers would abandon Marois over her utterly repugnant charter, this is an encouraging headline: Quebec Liberals jump to 7% lead over PQ as backlash grows over values charter A recent boost in support for the Quebec Liberals means the party could secure a “hair thin” majority in
Continue readingCalgary Grit: Chopping Bloc
The good news for the Bloc is that there’s now a bit more elbow room in the back of the caucus car: Maria Mourani, Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Ahuntsic, has been kicked out of the Bloc Quebecois caucus over her opposition to the controversial “charter of
Continue readingPolitics and its Discontents: More On Quebec’s Purity Charter
If the above interests you, you may wish to take a few minutes to check out Haroon Siddiqui’s column in today’s Star. Entitled Pauline Marois issues fatwa on Quebec secularism, his thesis can be summed up in his final paragraph: Marois is engaged in an ugly cultural warfare of the
Continue readingPolitics and its Discontents: Quebec’s Purity Values Charter
The following is reported in today’s Vancouver Sun about Quebec’s impending purity values charter: The Quebec government has released plans for a “values charter” that would impose unique-in-North America restrictions on religious clothing for employees at all government institutions starting with schools, hospitals and courts. If adopted by the legislature,
Continue readingCalgary Grit: Nos Valeurs
It’s unclear if Habs jerseys count as religious symbols or not. This is going to be a hot topic for the foreseable future in Quebec, and since hot topics in Quebec have a way of becoming hot topics outside Quebec, expect to hear a lot about the PQ’s “Values Charter”.
Continue readingPolitics and its Discontents: My Second Surprise Today
Earlier today., I posted a brief piece on how, despite my reservations about Justin Trudeau’s leadership capacity, I found his openness and honesty refreshing when it came to pot. The second surprise I got today was the fact that he spoke quite candidly about his opposition to Quebec’s proposed ban
Continue readingCalgary Grit: Poutinesque
With their raison-d’etre of separatism neutralized, one would have hoped the PQ would set to work trying to turn around Quebec’s economy. Instead…this: Quebec is heading into another fierce debate over the future of religious freedom in the province with the Parti Québécois government set to release a Charter of
Continue readingMusings on Canadian Politics: The Quebec Soccer Federation deserves condemnation
In the wake of the Quebec Soccer Federation’s banning of “turbans” on the playing field, FIFA has announced “turbans” can be worn on the field of play. FIFA issued a news release yesterday saying the Canadian Soccer Association should “allow male players in Canada to wear head covers.” Of course,
Continue readingMusings on Canadian Politics: Quebec at forefront of right-to-die movement
The Quebec National Assembly introduced a bill on Wednesday that will allow health professionals to use medical procedures to end the lives of patients near death who are suffering and want to end their lives. The legislation “is intended for people at the end of their life to die with
Continue readingMusings on Canadian Politics: Soccer, Sikhs and multiculturalism in Quebec
Quebec’s Soccer Federation is going into hiding. The names and contact information of its board of directors have been pulled from the federation’s website. They’re refusing to talk to the media. Are they being accused of embezzlement? Did they steal children’s money? No, they’re refusing to allow Sikh kids to
Continue readingThe Ranting Canadian: Young woman arrested for posting photo of graffitti online
Young woman arrested for posting photo of graffitti online: According to CBC News: A 20-year-old woman has been accused of criminal harassment and intimidation against a high-ranking Montreal police officer after she posted a photo of anti-police graffiti online. … Pawluck insists that she’s done nothing wrong and the actions
Continue readingCanadian Soapbox: One Anglo-Quebecer’s take on the language debate
The anglophone community has deep roots in Quebec, I however do not. I moved to Quebec back in October of 2011, so that’s less than two years that I have been residing here in the provincial capital of Quebec City. When it comes to opinions on Quebec’s never ending
Continue readingCanadian Soapbox: One Anglo-Quebecer’s take on the language debate
Canadian Soapbox: One Anglo-Quebecer’s take on the language debate
The anglophone community has deep roots in Quebec, I however do not. I moved to Quebec back in October of 2011, so that’s less than two years that I have been residing here in the provincial capital of Quebec City. When it comes to opinions on Quebec’s never ending
Continue readingSong of the Watermelon: Quebec, Referendums, and Formulas for Secession
National unity is back in the news after the NDP tabled a private member’s bill yesterday, a bill that would repeal the Clarity Act and set the bar for Quebec sovereignty negotiations at a mere 50 percent plus one in a clearly worded referendum. We all know what that means.
Continue readingCanadian Soapbox: Québec considers lowering voting age to 16?
Recent news is suggesting that Québec Premier Pauline Marois is intrigued with the thought of extending voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds. –CTV STORY HERE– Québec’s first minister was in Scotland recently, where a vote on independence will take place in 2014. Scotland will be allowing 16 and
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