"Lest We Forget"

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 51) October 29, 2014

In the past ten days Canadians were numbed by two traumatic, if not earth-shaking events.  On October 20 a hit and run incident south of Montreal caused the death of a uniformed soldier.  Two days later another uniformed soldier performing ceremonial duties was shot at Canada’s National War Memorial in Ottawa.  Authorities have assured Canadians that the two horrific incidents were undertaken by “radicalized” loners. 

 ‘Lest We Forget’ – October 20, 22, 2014 

Ten days ago Canadian born Martin Rouleau mowed down two Canadian Armed Forces personnel with his car, killing Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.  After a short car chase, Martin Rouleau was shot dead by Quebec police.  Two days later, Canadian born Zehaf Bibeau shot Corporal Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.  Seconds later Bibeau commandeered a vehicle and then stormed the nation’s parliament buildings.  Zehaf Bibeau was shot dead by security forces in the halls of Canada’s seat of government.  As to whether there is a connection between the two horrific acts, I still feel is an open question – there are just too many disturbing threads that connect the two “radicalized” assailants and their respective missions.  For the present I as well as most other Canadians can accept the secrecy attached to the work of the RCMP and other authorities when dealing with the subversive activities of those terrorist groups who are out to destroy the Canadian Way.

Political Reaction to the Acts of Terrorism 

As to the political response for the terrorist acts in Quebec and Ottawa, Prime Minister Harper and the other parliamentary leaders of Canada acted with solidarity, determination and conviction, as they should.  On the evening of the Monday attack, the Prime Minister went on national television to reassure Canadians.  The day after the attack on parliament hill, parliament was called into session with a strong show of solidarity and resolve by all the parliamentary leaders.  And this last Monday Steven Blaney, Public Safety Minister tabled Bill C-44, a bill that will beef up the powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) – Canada’s spy agency.  From my perspective two cautions must be stressed when contending with domestic terrorist acts and threats (and there are more threats than what was just experienced).  First, when the powers for CSIS are expanded, Harper, Mulcair and Trudeau must make sure there is consensus on proper, effective oversight.  Second, from what I’ve read there are at least one hundred extremists in Canada that support the ISIS theology.  If CSIS is given the power to detain without “normal” proof and evidence, a major political problem arises.  Canadians don’t want a Canadian Guantanamo Bay.

Prentice Sweeps in Alberta’s By-elections – the Prentice Way

Premier Jim Prentice legitimized his title with Progressive Conservative wins in all four by-elections.  Official Opposition Leader Danielle Smith indicated after the wins, Jim Prentice is now “on probation”.  From my perspective, who’s the one on probation?  With the Progressive Conservative wins on Monday, Jim Prentice proved that he is representing change and a rebirth of the Alberta PCs.  For Danielle Smith, she is the one on probation.