On Senate reform, Rae should choose his battles more carefully
For the record, I am still trying to figure out how I think Canada could best tackle the problem of a 19th Century Senate in the 21st Century. I am…
Purposes of sentencing
For most of the last century criminal sentencing in the Canada was based on deterrence. Certainly reference to denunciation (society's expression of revulsion at the crime) and rehabilitation was made…
What Happened To Harper’s Previous Cat?
As Sharon notes in the comments, this guy did one photo-op and disappeared. Too damn Liberal?
Thoreau, the dharma and the dark age
In the view of Buddhism, Hinduism and also the ancient Greeks, among others, we live in a dark age, or what in the East is called the Kali yuga, the…
"We have to be a national party"
As I mentioned earlier, Mark Holland gave a real barn burner at the ALP convention the weekend before last.What made it such a great speech was that he avoided the…
The "low tax plan for jobs and growth" considering user fees
Pop quiz: What do we call paying more money for government services? Mr. Clement said departments are being asked to develop two proposals for cabinet to consider: one that involves…
OECD Report: Canada’s High Roaming Fees
Today, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a report on data roaming charges. It reveals that Canada’s telecom providers charge the highest international data roaming fees of…
Debating Michael Shermer (and Bjorn Lomborg) on Climate Risks
michael_shermer-01.jpg On my latest podcast, I had the fortune of hosting Michael Shermer, who is the founder of Skeptic magazine and author of the important new book The Believing Brain.…
Counsel not to appear on their own affidavits
Speciale v. Giardino 2010 ONSC 101 is a good source for the principle that counsel ought not to appear as counsel where they have given evidence by way of affidavit.…
On accountability
Aaron Wherry picks up on a new theme in the Cons' rhetoric on health care. But since it seems to be drastically out of step with their actions since taking…
Huma Abedin, Anthony Weiner’s wife
It’s interesting to find out that Anthony Weiner’s wife is a practicing Muslim who grew up in Saudi Arabia. She is a brilliant woman, who rose from the ranks to…
RxR Post: NDP Surge in Atlantic Canada
"The New Democrats are experiencing something of a surge as of late as we’ve all seen, but now major effects are being felt on the provincial level, especially out in…
OMB: the developers’ legal arm strikes again
The Ontario Municipal Board is an unelected quasi-judicial tribunal that has traditionally acted as the developer’s best friend in Ontario. It has run rough-shod over elected city councils, democratically-decided zoning…
Rafe on Being Old, Fixed Elections and Christy Clark’s Mandate
I received an email recently saying I was too old and should begone – not his precise words but that was the gist of what he said. And I suppose…
Even Ford’s budget chief says Rob’s math is hurting Toronto
Don’t kill land transfer tax, budget chair advises - thestar.comIsn't it curious? All those people bad-mouthing David Miller and his governance of Toronto. Yet, Miller managed the finances well and…
Energy Options
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Manning Strikes Again
Everyone remember this absurd poll put out last year? Yeah, well, it’s back. So is The Mop and Pail’s pathetic coverage/pimping, including what will surely be a fascinating live chat…
Manning Strikes Again
Everyone remember this absurd poll put out last year? Yeah, well, it's back. So is The Mop and Pail's pathetic coverage/pimping, including what will surely be a fascinating live chat…
Manning Strikes Again
Everyone remember this absurd poll put out last year? Yeah, well, it’s back. So is The Mop and Pail’s pathetic coverage/pimping, including what will surely be a fascinating live chat…