Like Canada, South Africa is a former British colony and settler state. But the divide between these two countries regarding the world’s most aggressive ongoing European colonialism is stark. While Pretoria assists Palestinians by advocating the boycott of a cultural event, Canadians subsidize huge private donations to a wealthy apartheid state. On November 13... Continue Reading →
Reducing conflict with China an environmental necessity
Is the Canadian or Chinese military a greater threat to humanity? As the likelihood of military conflict with China grows it’s worth assessing the balance of power. This offers an indication of which parties are likely to be the primary belligerent force (because they would prevail in a conflict). When it comes to international bases... Continue Reading →
David Suzuki an environmentalist to emulate
While we need to be careful about lionizing any individual and our central focus should always be on building collective strength, this writer’s favorite high-profile environmentalist is David Suzuki. He seems committed, brave, cognizant of the big picture linking environmental, social, political and economic struggles as well as willing to speak truth to power. Suzuki’s... Continue Reading →
At what point does ‘interoperability’ simply mean buy American?
A military concept few have heard of is shaping Canada’s second largest ever government procurement. Ottawa is planning to spend tens of billions of dollars on 88 new fighter jets largely to serve the god of “interoperability”. At its most basic “interoperability” means the ability for military forces to act together seamlessly because their doctrines,... Continue Reading →
On being called ‘vile’ by Elizabeth May
Does Elizabeth May owe me an apology? You decide. Here is what happened: May called me “vile” in order to curry favor with the individual largely responsible for the Green Party unraveling. After Annamie Paul’s senior advisor Noah Zatzman threatened to defeat Green MPs and said they — as well as Jagmeet Singh, Liberal MPs... Continue Reading →
Canadian Forces promote militarism in the classroom
A friend in Montreal, whose partner is a teacher, recently messaged me: “My wife, who sat through the Grade 4 virtual Remembrance Day activity organized by the school board described what it was like: The students watched two soldiers walk around a military base giving a tour. This included tanks. … A student asked if... Continue Reading →
Toronto School Board erases Palestine
Executive officer at the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (Toronto) Jason Kunin recently posted to Facebook: “It seems that as a result of Desmond Cole’s unscripted calls of ‘Free Palestine’ during a TDSB [Toronto District School Board] conference in late September, the Board has implemented a temporary ban on ALL outside guest speakers, even for... Continue Reading →
Some simple rules to understand Canadian foreign policy
I’m often asked what determines Canadian foreign policy, but there is no cookie-cutter framework to make sense of the subject. Instead, there are broad principles. The first is principle rarely determines policy. Two major forces drive decisions: 1) support for empire and 2) Canadian corporate interests. But racism, ethnic lobbies and public pressure... Continue Reading →
Military knows it looks bad but works with neo-Nazis anyway
The Canadian military seem willing, even eager, to work with neo-Nazis in the Ukraine in order to weaken Russia, something the US, NATO and Ukrainian–Canadian groups support. On Monday Ottawa Citizen military reporter David Pugliese revealed that when Canadian military officials met with the Azov Battalion in June 2018, they knew the group used the... Continue Reading →
‘Charities’ push Israeli university-military ties
Researching registered charities is a window into the pathology of Canadian Zionism. The number, variety and sums raised by taxpayer-subsidized groups focused on Israel is remarkable. Does a country with a GDP per capita equal to Canada’s need this country’s taxpayers to subsidize 200+ organizations raising over a quarter billion dollars a year for it?... Continue Reading →
Red poppies promote militarism
Progressives shouldn’t buy or wear red poppies. Remembrance Day promotes martial patriotism and the militaristic, imperialistic, Royal Canadian Legion owns the copyright to the red poppy. Red poppies commemorate Canadians who have died at war. Not being commemorated are the Afghans, or Libyans killed by Canadians in the 2000s, or the Iraqis and Serbians killed... Continue Reading →
Eight suggestions for new NDP foreign affairs critic
As Heather McPherson settles in as new NDP foreign affairs critic here are some suggestions on how to pressure the government to improve Canadian foreign policy. Call on the Trudeau government to withdraw public support from mining companies responsible for significant abuses abroad. Call on the Liberals to immediately withdraw from the Lima Group.... Continue Reading →
Defence against critical threats requires less military spending
The government should spend whatever is necessary to ensure the security of Canadians. And to do so requires redirecting resources away from weapons of destruction towards the real and present dangers that threaten our security. Leftists have long argued that “national security” is a euphemism for promoting a violent, patriarchal, institution that aids corporations and... Continue Reading →
Garrison gone, but legacy of NDP militarism not forgotten
Randall Garrison was recently removed as NDP defence critic. Prompted by antiwar and Palestine solidarity campaigners, Garrison’s removal improves the prospect that the social democratic party will shift away from militarism. In the summer two dozen groups signed a public letter instigated by Just Peace Advocates calling for Garrison to be “removed as NDP defence... Continue Reading →
Acquittal on murder charge reveals dangers of military ethos
To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail. To a man with Canadian military training, any threat requires one to shoot first and consider other alternatives later. Recently, the Supreme Court called for a retrial in the acquittal of former army reservist Peter Khill. He was charged with second-degree murder for firing... Continue Reading →
You must be logged in to post a comment.