Democracy

China Opportunities In Transition

CANADA – CHINA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY OF OTTAWA
 
CONFERENCE: CANADA-CHINA OPPORTUNITIES IN TRANSITION

Followed by a reception at the Chinese Embassy

(By invitation of the Chinese Embassy)

This is a premier event in Canada on our evolving relationship with our second largest economic partner. Timely and informative, the conference looks at the opportunities and challenges from a Canadian perspective but also with significant Chinese participation. This year in our country there will not be a better opportunity to expose yourself to the opportunities in transition with China. A relationship which is imposing itself upon us, and which deserves serious consideration.

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Let’s Talk About What We Are Fighting For

“In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts that tear nations apart, Canada stands as a model of how people of different cultures can live and work together in peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.” – Bill Clinton

 

The Cause Is What Is Important  

The story dominating headlines  early this week in Canadian politics was Liberal MP Justin Trudeau’s victory in the boxing ring. Proving the odds makers wrong he beat up a younger perceived “stronger” opponent in Senator Patrick Brazeau. Justin had no need to rope-a-dope, as I had assumed might be his strategy. Instead the match was settled by a TKO in the 3rd round. Although the showmanship and games grabbed the headlines the cause it was for was very important.

Photo Curtousey: The National Post (Lockheed Martin)

The boxing match between Trudeau and Brazeau started to make me think about what we are fighting for as a country.  As individuals we all have our own unique interest, motivations, influences, dreams and ambitions that we fight for. We work towards our dreams because we were taught by our parents, mentors and heroes that our dreams could and would come true and to not let anyone stand in our way. From a political observer’s position this logic is clearly something that has been a rallying point amongst the Conservative Party of Canada. In 2011, after several minority parliaments, Canadians decided to elect what they were told was going to be a “a strong, majority, conservative, government” that would lead us through the economic crisis. Continue reading →

A Lunch Inside Parliament Hill

Photo Credits: Ottawa Citizen

I was inspired to write a post about my first ever experience at the Parliament Center Block restaurant. However after doing some quick research for more information on the famous spot I found a person who I thought could do a much better job then me. The person happens to be the chancellor of my university “alma mater” Mount Allison and it just so happens he was inspired the same I was over 8 years ago.

In 2004 Peter Mansbridge wrote an editorial piece for Macleans Magazine. The title of his work was called. Where The Elite Eat: The Parliamentary Restaurant’s mysterious ‘voices’ can reveal secrets. It is a first hand account of the history and background of this majestic and amazing place where the halls leading up the restaurant are aligned one after the other with portraits of the  former Prime Ministers of Canada and of course the current PM Stephen Harper as well. Peter Mansbridge’s editorial captures the essence of what I felt and experienced while on the hill inside the restaurant the first time.

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A Message From Vic Toews Re: Stop Online Spying

Photo Credits Courtesy of CTV News Online.

The following letter below is a email received today from the Minister of Public Safety Vic Towes in regards to Bill C-30 concerns. 

Thank you for contacting my office regarding Bill C-30, the Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act.

Canada’s laws currently do not adequately protect Canadians from online exploitation and we think there is widespread agreement that this is a problem. 

We want to update our laws while striking the right balance between combating crime and protecting privacy. 

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Citizens For Halifax Candidates Survey

Written By Downey Campaign Official Agent , for Citizens For Halifax

The following survey was completed October 2008  for Halifax Regional Municipal Election (HRM). The organization responsible for this survey is called Citizens For Halifax. It is an independent grassroots society that was  built to promote change and progressive ideas within the HRM; they plan on doing this by encouraging and engaging the community to be active,  within the democratic process. Citizens for Halifax encourages and supports candidates for civic office. They advocate intelligent, thoughtful, fiscally responsible civic government. Their core goal as an organization is to enhance the progress of the HRM with a bold vision for a more prosperous city of the future.

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