The cultural treason of the modern rich
Sometime in the last century, the rich stopped thinking like the rich of every generation before them. They stopped feeling responsible for the cultural life of their fellow citizens and their cities.
Two cheers for a little turbulence in politics—A response to critics of the CPC leadership campaign
We should not expect politics to be drained of emotion, nor should we want it to be. Politics should be about what matters to people, and what matters is worth raising a stink about.
We need a better, not smaller, House of Commons—Why it's time to double the number of MPs
It’s time to increase the size of the House of Commons. More political oversight usually means better government, not necessarily more government.
Coaches, not politicians, are our society's best leaders
From decision-making to team-building to public communications to motivation and inspiration—is there any aspect of public life in which the best coaches wouldn’t be an improvement on the politicians?
The provinces (and conservatives) must take some initiative if they want dental care done right
Using an insurance marketplace approach would allow provinces to introduce a model of health care that is fundamentally different from the current government monopoly system but not especially threatening.
The Liberal-NDP governance agreement undermines the very notion of responsible government
By agreeing not to support a non-confidence motion—no matter what the Liberals get up to in the meantime, as long as they also abide by the terms of the agreement—Singh has committed the NDP to not holding the government to account.
The war in Ukraine demands our attention, but an eye towards China is critical too
There is a danger that in focussing too much on Ukraine we will ignore or, worse, accelerate a shift towards China that will occupy us for generations.
Howard Anglin: In our cashless society, we need to take digital jail seriously
The government’s action is troubling enough, but what should really disturb us is the ease and invisibility with which it is being done. When we can’t see the consequences of government conduct, the risks of government misconduct increases.
Civil liberties are more vulnerable now that the Emergencies Act has been invoked
Trudeau’s declaration of emergency gives the federal government new powers that make it easier for the government to act to end the Ottawa protests. If it didn’t, then why declare it?
Howard Anglin: Our generation needs its own Great Relearning
Discarding the collected wisdom of our past has led us to a present that is cheaper and more convenient, yes, but in so many ways so much worse.