Tory Redux

Author: Jon Siemko

  • It’s Election Time in Ontario

    Today, the Ontario PCs officially launched their campaign by unveiling their Big Blue bus of change. As the Liberals were busy lampooning a photograph Tim Hudak and the conservatives were focused squarely on families.

    “I’m proud of my beautiful little girl, my beautiful caring wife. And you know what this campaign is going to be about? It’s going to be about families; average hardworking families who are paying more and more in taxes, they’re getting less in return and they’re worried about the future of their kids and their grandkids.”
    Leader of the OntarioPC Party Tim Hudak

    The campaign to change Ontariois underway here are a couple things to keep in mind.  Will economic stewardship, and the economy become top-of- mind issues for Ontarians. As well, who will win the hearts and more importantly votes of “Ontario families”. I guess only time will tell.

     

  • Senate Reform Still Popular

    In somewhat of a fall preview, a recent poll showed an overwhelming amount of Canadians support reforming Canada’s upper chamber.

    From Windsor Star 

    Overall, 70 per cent of Canadians support limiting appointed senators to eight-year terms and 72 per cent of those surveyed said Canadians should be allowed to directly elect senators.

    As long-time readers of this blog would know. I am a strong proponent of Senate reform. Although it is not the most popular issue. It still deals with the fundamental concept of right to representation. Canadians should have a say in who represents them in both chambers on the Hill.

  • Citizen Journalists As Second-Class Citizens

    At least this is what could happen to  bloggers. If Québec culture minister Christine St.-Pierre gets her way. On Monday the minister. outlined regulations that would attempt to sanction the profession of journalism in Québec. Another round of regulation shouldn’t come as a surprise in La Belle province. More importantly, this raises the question.

    From National Post

    At the heart of the project is legislation that would define the “status of professional journalists.” The stated intention is to distinguish those dedicated to “serving the public interest” from “amateur bloggers.” Those admitted to the rank of professional journalist would enjoy unspecified “advantages or privileges,” such as “better access to government sources.”

    Why does a government feel compelled to legislate, who can and cannot be a “real” journalist.  Just like the establishment media, citizen journalists have to build their list of contacts and credibility. What do you think about this very disturbing development in Québec. Let me know by voting in the poll .