A simultaneous fit of euphoria and vertigo weakens your knees as you gaze out the living room window of a brand new 22nd floor luxury penthouse. Amidst the flood of emotions and peer pressures, you manage to clear your head and ask yourself one sobering question -- is this a good long-term investment?
The National Citizens Coalition shouldn't be in favour of "mandatory" anything. And certainly the group should oppose, on principle, the idea of forcing Canadians to pay for the Sun News Network whether they like it or not. The NCC chose instead to mimic the Sun News Network's arguments and in doing so it has undermined its credibility.
Political parties over the years have promised more freedom for MPs, more free votes etc., but little comes of it. All too often deviance from the party line by an MP becomes a media story and it plays as an embarrassment of the respective leader. It is no wonder then that party leaders react so strongly when this happens.
With little fanfare, Canada was scolded last month by both the United Nations and Amnesty International over its human rights record. Yes you read this correctly -- Canada. The two areas that attracted the most attention by the UN/ Amnesty International human rights experts were Canada's record when it came to refugees and internally the manner in which we continue to discriminate against our First Nations people. As Canadians we consider ourselves to be open, honest -- a welcoming society. Yet for those from afar struggling to build a new life and for our First Nations right here struggling to change their lives for the better, that openness rings very hollow.
Everyone needs to read a good children's book from time to time. They remind us of the basics -- stuff like telling the truth, being kind to others and the importance of friendship. They're not just about bunnies and birthday parties. Pay attention when you read these 12 Children's Books Everyone Will Love.
Women: pay attention to your disconnection from your money. The average age of widowhood is 56. Women, you need to take control. What is important to realize, as well, is that this isn't an all or nothing proposition. Many of the women who were direct investors also maintained a relationship with an advisor. You don't have to make an absolute choice to go it alone.
The anti-choice camp has derided the Morgentaler judgment as imposing a feckless, and ultimately lawless, regime governing abortion. I would propose, however, that they look at the Morgentaler decision through a legal lens. In taking out the emotional and religious rhetoric that is so often associated with abortion, the decision can be seen for what it really is: guaranteeing a woman's right to equality in this country. I shall forever be perplexed as to why some people are unable to see that as anything but positive.
Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair became Manitoba's first Aboriginal Judge. Later Justice Sinclair was appointed co-commissioner of Manitoba's Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. Today, as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, he is building a lasting and meaningful legacy for every Canadian.
As a supporter of diversity in (news) media, and sometime collaborator with Sun News Network, it pains me to write this, but I don't think that the CRTC should give in to this application for mandatory carriage. If it wants to have a shot at greater viewership, Sun News will have to look closely at what it means to be conservative in Canada, and then adapt its style accordingly.