Thoughts on BC Politics and More

With America growing more hostile and unreliable, Canada must lead in forging a deeper partnership with its closest constitutional and cultural kin.' King Charles III’s visit to Ottawa in May to open Parliament and deliver the Speech from the Throne was much more than a bit of theatre. The spectacle of a king in North America inspecting troops and taking salutes gave flesh and blood to Canada’s unique and ancient constitutional settlement — a vivid reminder of the country’s distinctness from its revolutionary, republican neighbour to the south. In the seemingly arcane rituals, such as the ceremonial challenging of the Usher of the Black Rod at the entrance to the House of Commons, we saw a physical re-enactment of the long history that gave us the liberties we enjoy today. Canada’s constitutional monarchy embodies a different kind of vision for human society, one that roots freedom in a shared inheritance and in gradual, organic change — not the codified principles of abstract re...

The sight of King Charles III receiving salutes and inspecting troops in Ottawa before delivering last month’s Speech from the Throne was more than just a bit of nostalgia. It was a potent reminder of Canada’s history and distinct political culture. In this provocative essay, Jamie Weir argues that Canada, facing a frostier neighbour to the south, should lead a revitalization of links among Commonwealth nations. Canada alongside Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom could form a major economic, diplomatic and military bloc: the “CANZUK” nations. United by a long, shared history of freedom and the rule of law under constitutional monarchy, CANZUK could become a beacon of liberty and prosperity in a darkening multi-polar world ... CLICK HERE for the full story

On February 12th of this year, I wrote in The Line about how my country, the United Kingdom, had “ghosted” Canada by refusing to come out strongly in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s egregious attacks on the country and his calls for it to become the 51st state. In writing that piece, I didn’t beat around the bush — I called the U.K.’s actions what they were at the time: cowardice and sycophancy. Since February, there have been a few (many?!) developments in Canada’s — and the world’s — relationship with President Trump. Not least among these are Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson’s depiction (or technically, implication) of the U.K. as “Asshole Britain.” As other regular Line readers will know, “Asshole Canada” or “Maximum Canada” is an idea the editors floated here some months ago, where they asserted that Canada should abandon its typical desire to be seen as a global do-gooder and simply assert its national interests, vigorously and unapologetically, and if other countries, even a...

Growing fears of the economic repercussions of the U.S. government shutdown have led smug Canadians to scoff that it couldn't happen here. But Britain's descent into even greater economic chaos and uncertainty over whether or how to leave Europe offers a timely reminder that the parliamentary system Canada shares with the U.K. is no protection against the poisonous effects of manufactured political anger. It's a warning to Canadian politicians and single-issue advocates that bitterness and division can provide short-term political gain but lead to long-term economic damage. Don Pittis ~~ CBC News ~~ Jan 17, 2019 CLICK HERE for the full CBC News story The ‘sides’ in this story are: (1) central London, home of the financial district ... and young people seeking a career in European nations ... and ... (2) the rest of the United Kingdom where negative impact decrees of the faceless and unaccountable European ...