CFL fans still awaiting a legitimate apology from Garrett Marino

 Garrett Marino (picture above) is back from a four game suspension after an “incident” that sidelined REDBLACKS quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for at least 12 weeks.  PHOTO of Garrett Marino via TSN.ca

Anti-elitism ain’t what it used to be

 Photo by Jean-Marc Carisse My parents were adults during the Great Depression. While solidly middle-class, they had a deep appreciation and sympathy for the plight of the less fortunate and the dispossessed. I was born in Toronto during the Second World War, and I have strong memories from the 1950’s

A learning moment for Erin O’Toole and Rex Murphy on racism in Canada

 Erin O’Toole’s refusal to outright apologize for his hurtful comments about residential schools sends a stealth signal to the extremists on the fringes of the Conservative Party that he has their back. This will drive away the middle of the road voters he needs if he wants to be PM. Worse, it shows a complete

The little-known story of the Ku Klux Klan in Canada

 Title:The Ku Klux Klan in Canada: A Century of Promoting Racism and Hate in the Peaceable Kingdom By: Allan Bartley PAPERBACK ISBN: 9781459506138 EBOOK ISBN: 9781459506145 A story that will astonish most Canadians. The Klan was active in almost every province in the 1920s and ’30s. Tens of thousands of members terrorized

One fish, two fish; red fish, arson.

 They’re ugly. They’re bottom feeders. And they’re delicious – especially with a little melted garlic butter. It is virtually impossible for anyone in Upper Canada or points west to understand how important, lucrative and competitive the lobster industry is in Atlantic Canada. This results in national news stories about the

Canada needs guardian police not warrior police

 ABOVE: Commissioner of the RCMP Brenda Lucki and Alberta Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki both said that there was no racism in policing in Canada until the Prime Minister stated there was. Twenty-four hours later, both officers exclaimed that indeed there was racism. ABOVE RIGHT: Chief Allen Adam being assaulted by the Alberta

Oversight and temperament problems at Ottawa Police Service

 Above: Ottawa Police Chief, Peter Sloly I am not sure which is more troubling, the ongoing failure of the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) to properly adjudicate their responsibilities over the Ottawa Police Services (OPS) or the continuing systemic and structural problems at the force. These include flawed leadership, racism,

Halifax Police Chief Dan Kinsella is proof a fish rots from the head down

 On November 29, 2019, just two months ago, Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella (pictured above) appeared at a resplendent podium emblazoned with the Halifax Police Coat of arms. He was dressed in police formal attire with a bunch of self-aggrandizing medals to give what spinmeisters described as an historic apology

Film review: Queen & Slim

 Synopsis: A couple's first date takes an unexpected turn when a police officer pulls them over. Stars: Daniel Kaluyya, Jodie Turner-Smith Director: Melina Matsoukas

Canada’s Racism: Are we better than our southern neighbours?

 Whether you’ve lived in Canada for 10 seconds or for 10 years, you’ve probably heard that this country is one of the few countries in this day and age that celebrates ethnic diversity and multiculturalism. Though we live in a society in which racial tension plagues public discourses, we Canadians

When is Police Use of Force Justified?

 I am a seventh generation Black Canadian. I was also a police officer for 36 years. I have worked in a city, rural, and federal environment. The growth of the Black Lives Matter movement has come out of the lack of information, accountability, and racist behavior by some individual police officers.

BREXIT – The Economics

 "Britain's exit from the European Union is of less significance than the economists have contemplated" at least to the UK. The economic pundits, always in sync with the status quo have hopped on a new bandwagon!  They shout "The evil English have separated from the EU and they will be

Before the National Inquiry: Countering Stereotypes Through Education, Employment and Art

 Aboriginal community members at the annual Sisters In Spirit Candlelight Vigil in Ottawa in October. Photo by Damira Davletyarova. "I embrace you my sisters; and myself too We will go forward with strength anew Our friendships will travel with us down the road Fortified by the stories we now hold..." Excerpt from

Giving Up On Government As An Agent For The Public Good…Is Not A Good Idea

 When I first got into the commercial polling business, about 70% of Canadians held a somewhat favourable impression of politicians. Today, more believe in the devil or that Elvis is alive than hold this particular point of view. Now, I know all of us smirk knowingly, from time to time,

To Veil Or Not To Veil

 Quick, what do the words "Muslim woman" bring to mind? Is it the austere beauty of a face untouched by make-up, framed by a sober headscarf? What about the fresh-faced girl celebrating the end of exams over coffee with her friends, their shining hair swinging free? Could she be a