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...

Those of you who have read my previous pieces in The Line know that I haven’t been afraid to call Canada out when it deserves it — particularly when it comes to defence spending and trade barriers with my native United Kingdom. Those issues are still a problem, and Canada does need to step up to the plate — now more than ever. But at the same time, the Western world (and particularly the UK) needs to be clear about one thing: what US President Donald Trump is currently doing to Canada (and Mexico) isn’t just wrong. It’s unacceptable extortion. On February 3rd the European Union signaled its support for Canada (though I think everyone should be cautious about suggestions that Canada should join the EU …) when Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, stated there are “no winners in trade wars.” Meanwhile, the UK has been studiously quiet — not a great look for a country that has long advocated for free trade and is the birthplace of Adam Smith ... CLICK HERE for the full commentary

Lessons from Brexit: The Brexit debates in the UK Parliament are surreal. It is hard to believe the current incumbents, of the UK Commons, are working in the heart of modern democracy. When the government decided to hold a referendum on Brexit, it consulted with the highest power in any democratic nation – the people. Following several months of intense political campaigning for and against, the people spoke. Leave the European Union. It is hurting us. Some politicians kept acting as if they had a choice. Initially they focused on negotiating an exit deal. The minority government did so. Opposition parties screamed: “ Not good enough !”. Nothing would have been ‘good enough’ as many were opposed leaving the EU, and this was how they could throw a wrench in the works. Opposition benches have managed to delay and stall an orderly and rational parting with the EU not because it is right, but because they can. They are not certain enough of their g...

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 ...