The Harper Way - Not the Canadian Way

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 71) April 1, 2015

Sorting out the political chaos in Ottawa is not an easy undertaking.  For many analysts the answer is that Canada is well into a national election campaign and it’s a no-holds barred contest.  I agree that a national election campaign is underway and it is a particularly dirty one but what is being ignored by analysts and pundits in this election campaign, Canada’s character as a nation is being reshaped – and in my view, it’s going in the wrong direction. 

Canada’s ISIS War, Extended and Expanded     

Last week Mr. Harper’s “majority” government voted in favor to extend its war efforts against ISIS terrorists in Iraq for another year.  As well, Canada will expand its bombing efforts against the ISIS movement into Syria without the consent of Syria’s despot leader al-Assad – Canada’s opposition leaders Mulcair and Trudeau have both voted against the motion to extend and expand these military efforts.  While there is logic for Mr. Harper’s expanded war efforts in Syria, critics have suggested that Mr. Harper’s initiatives in Syria are illegal.  What is so bewildering about Mr. Harper’s singular, military approach against the ISIS movement, there is a lack of clarity (if not contradiction) in Canada’s approach to international affairs and how he is addressing other explosive areas of international conflict – the Israeli, Palestinian conflict; the Ukraine, eastern Ukraine provinces (Russian) conflict; the Boko Haram, Nigerian conflict; the Yemen, Hutchie conflict.

Canada’s War on Terrorism, Bill–51

Mr. Harper’s anti-terrorism bill is working its way through the hallowed halls of parliament and is currently in committee for a clause by clause review.  The proposed legislation would give the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) more power to investigate and thwart suspected terrorist plots.  The proposed legislation would expand the sharing of federal security information, broaden no-fly-list powers, create a new criminal offence for encouraging someone to carry out a terrorist act, and with a judge’s approval, allow CSIS to violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provisions in the constitution.  While the Harper government will entertain amendments to the proposed legislation it appears that the government will not budge on two critical issues – having reasonable sunset clauses in the anti-terrorism legislation and having appropriate parliamentary oversight of ongoing CSIS operations.  From my perspective if Mr. Harper does not budge on having effective oversight of Canada’s spying operations, the country is heading toward police state status.    

Canada’s 2015 Economic Performance – Atrocious

First quarter economic results are starting to dribble in on Canada’s economic performance and according to Stephen Poloz, the performance is “atrocious”.  How Mr. Harper reacts to the Bank of Canada governor’s remark is going to be interesting.  Coming in the next week or so are the March, 2015 unemployment figures, hopefully they will not be equally atrocious.  The thought of a June election has again emerged as a possibility.

      

Netanyahu Wins Using the Fear Card

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 70) March 25

Last week’s election win in Israel by Benjamin Netanyahu and what is to be an ultra-right-wing coalition government, surprised and disappointed a number of world leaders including the President Obama of the United States.  Netanyahu has shown that he can win an election by promoting fear and insecurity over economic stability and social resolution – and that’s got to be a lesson, if not an omen of what could/might happen in Canada.    

Netanyahu Wins and Plays the Fear Card

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party won a surprising fourth term victory in last week’s national election.  With the votes counted it appears that Netanyahu won 30 seats in the country’s120 seat parliament – making it relatively easy for him to form an ultra-right-wing coalition.  The election was a stunning defeat for the left leaning Zionist Union Party led by Isaac Herzog.  Up until a few weeks ago the Zionist Union Party was expected to win the election, but that was before Netanyahu pulled out all the stops: snubbed President Obama in the United States Congress; suggested that Israel’s national security was being threatened; and declared that a Palestinian State was out of the question with a Netanyahu government.  To add fuel to an already anxious Israeli society, on election-day Mr. Netanyahu pleaded with the Jewish voter and suggested that Arab voters were going to the polls in “droves” – a situation that could only be countered with non-Arab voters going to vote for the Likud party candidates.  A good number of astute observers of Israeli politics have concluded that questionable rhetoric and putting national security on top of Israel’s political agenda, secured a fourth term win for Mr. Netanyahu and his ultra-right-wing coalition government.  Since the election results were announced, Mr. Netanyahu tried to mend fences with President Obama and even apologized to the Arab community citizens in Israel for his campaign rhetoric.  For me, it demonstrates the worst in politics where power becomes more important than effective political leadership.  And for Canada, will Canada go through the same routine in its national election?

Canada's War Against Terror?

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 69) March 18, 2015

The gangs in Ottawa are presently debating a number of crucial issues: the waging of war in places like Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and Ukraine; the containment of terrorism and unlawful insurrection activities within Canada; and upholding the basic principles of democratic governance in Canada, at a time of great uncertainty.  In the end and after this year’s federal election, will Canadians view themselves as a pluralistic society or something else that is quite different?  And from an international perspective, will Canada be redefined as a nation?

A War Against Terrorism, or What?

The diabolical scourge publicized by extremist jihadist fighting groups (like the ISIS groups in Iraq, Syria, Libya; the Boko Haram group in Nigeria; the Al-Shaabab group in Somalia and others equally deranged) has got the so-called “civilized” world up in arms in fear and dismay.  Led by the United States, a coalition of some 40 nations is currently in battle against the ISIS terrorist movement in Iraq.  Canada’s role in this battle against ISIS will be reviewed in Ottawa over the next month or so and all indicators suggest that Canada’s military role will be increased and expanded.  From my perspective and as a Canadian, I feel three points must be stressed because of the current, shaky, fearful circumstances: 

First, the battle against extremism, specifically religious extremism needs a more cohesive political front in Canada and that means gaining and maintaining a level of understanding and consensus between the government and the opposition forces.  Prime Minister Harper has to keep in mind, the fight against terrorism is a national effort and not an initiative to win the next election.    

Second, much of the population’s fear of terrorism and other types of insurrection activities are being focused on specific cultural, religious groups – bridges must be built and a more trusting relationships must be established between government authorities with the leaders of cultural (religious) communities where radicalization appears to be initiated, fostered and ignited – the objective for government must be to ferret out radicalization and extremism, leaving the essence of community and faith unscarred. 

Third, the anti-terrorism initiative (Bill-51) being proposed by Stephen Harper’s government, has generated an extreme negative reaction from both security experts and political elder statesmen.  Four former prime ministers of Canada have condemned the proposed legislation and have asked to speak on the matter at committee – their request to be heard has been summarily rejected by Harper operatives.  Mr. Harper’s government appears undaunted and appears unwilling to consider the changes suggested by numerous security experts and the seasoned political minds of four who have experienced the governance of Canada.  From my perspective, Bill-51 as presented does have merit in light of current circumstances but two significant changes must be made, if Canada’s democratic institutions are to remain viable.  Mr. Harper has to establish a parliamentary review system that compliments the increased powers given to affected policing and spying authorities – parliament should review the anti-terrorism legislation every five years without prejudice.  As well, an all-party committee is required and necessary to monitor the ongoing operations of the implementing authorities.

Prentice Has a Winning Strategy - if he can get Harper on side?

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 68) March 11, 2015

Both Prime Minister Harper and Premier Jim Prentice are facing huge political challenges in what has become for the general public, a year of uncertainty, anxiety and hesitation.  Stephen Harper has chosen fear and emotion as his method for re-election – the fight against terrorism and insurrection.  For Jim Prentice, his approach is more subdued and more businesslike. 

Jim Prentice Has a Plan

Premier Jim Prentice is struggling with a provincial economy that has literally gone from boom to bust in less than a year.  The economic turnaround has rattled Albertans who are now facing a new set of realities, realities that were never expected.  Premier Prentice announced that his government will be tabling at the end of March, a 10 year fiscal plan along with yearly budget estimates that acknowledges an expected $7 billion short fall in government revenues – it is expected that Mr. Prentice will then announce a provincial election.  So what can Albertans expect in the estimates?  The more obvious; big time program spending cuts and major delays, if not cancellations of important capital projects.  Also in the mix is the real possibility of re-introducing healthcare premiums to individuals; the possibility of a provincial sales tax; and re-negotiating of provincial employee contracts.  From my perspective, the intent of the 10 year business plan will be to address the $7 billion revenue shortfall, a reality that will continue to plague the province’s coffers as long as the international oil prices remain low.  What I gathered from all of the interviews Premier Prentice has given to the media, the premier has a strong view that the Alberta economy is resilient and has economic assets that should not be ignored in these very difficult times.  A key plank in getting off of the oil price roller-coaster is a more diversified economy – and if that’s the case Mr. Prentice should take heed of Jeff Johnson’s paper on resource upgrading and diversification.  Another bit of advice that I would like to offer Premier Prentice, to the person who is going to lead Alberta out of this economic mess – don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.  Also Premier Prentice, always keep in mind that Alberta is a part of Canada so it is important to meet with the prime minister and insist upon a “nation building” exercise that includes a national energy strategy, an aboriginal development strategy, and a useable environmental development strategy. One final thought for Mr. Prentice:  the province is being shocked to its core.  Not only do we need a fiscal plan, we need a vision that Albertans will buy into.         

Canada's Terrorism Wars, the Harper Way

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 67) March 4, 2015

Prime Minister Harper’s anti-terrorism legislation (Bill C-51) has dominated the headlines for the past month with a good portion of the general public accepting the prime minister’s dangerous rhetoric and somewhat vague, misleading intentions.  Given present circumstances, the war against terrorism as practiced by ISIS movement in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and Libya, is well justified by any stretch of the imagination.  However waging a war in Canada against “terrorism” needs and requires a much clearer understanding of what is considered terrorism, what is insurrection and what is legitimate dissent under the constitution.  Further, consensus is necessary between politicians and the general public as to the meaning of home grown terrorism and radicalization – as Justin Trudeau put it months ago, Canadians need to understand the “root causes” of terrorism amongst young people, if Canada is to battle the scourge of home grown terrorism, a scourge that has already blanketed a good number of other, less developed nations in the Middle East and Africa. 

Canada’s Terrorism Wars, the Harper Way

October 6, 2014, Prime Minister Harper’s “majority” government decides to join a consortium of nations lead by the United States and conduct air strikes against the extremist ISIS movement in Iraq.  Soon after the Canadian mission began, ISIS operatives target Canada as an enemy and ripe for retaliation.  The Harper government is committed to review the mission against ISIS in April, 2015.  October 20 and 22, 2014, two uniformed Canadian soldiers are killed by extremists in Quebec and Ottawa – the two culprits are also killed and later identified as loners with apparent ties to Islamic extremism.  January 30, 2015, Mr. Harper’s government tables Bill C-51 in the House of Commons.  The Bill is supported by Prime Minister Harper’s Conservatives and by Justin Trudeau’s Liberals (with important, serious reservations).  Leader of the Opposition, Thomas Mulcair calls the bill “reckless”.  Bill C-51 is currently at the committee stage for review and to hear from expert witnesses.  The most damaging criticism of Bill C-51comes from a group of experienced experts in political leadership and legal insight - the open letter criticizing C-51 was signed by; four former prime ministers (Jean Chretien, Paul Martin, Joe Clark. John Turner), five former Supreme Court Justices, seven former Liberal solicitors general and ministers of justice, three past members of the intelligence review committee, two former privacy commissioners, and a retired RCMP watchdog.  The letter, in part reads:  “Protecting human rights and protecting public safety are complementary objectives, but experience has shown that serious human rights abuses can occur in the name of maintaining national security.”  The letter goes on to say that Bill C-51 as it currently reads, will have “…a profoundly negative impact on Canada’s reputation as a rights-respecting nation.”  It’s time for Prime Minister Harper to recognize that he is head of a parliamentary democracy and not the head of a “majority” government that seems to have only one purpose – staying in power.