Cet engagement tient en quelques mots: les socialistes y promettent de «rétablir la position historique de la France par rapport au Québec». (Cyberpresse 11 Oct. 2010) The Socialist Party of France, and the larger French political establishment, have always maintained an extraordinary commitment to Québec, except for the intervening years between the end of the Seven Years War (1763) , when Britain gained Québec as a colony from France, and the emergence of the Québécois separatist movement, culminating in de Gaulle’s famous declaration from the balcony of the Montréal City Hall …
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Cet engagement tient en quelques mots: les socialistes y promettent de «rétablir la position historique de la France par rapport au Québec». (Cyberpresse 11 Oct. 2010) The Socialist Party of France, and the larger French political establishment, have always maintained an extraordinary commitment to Québec, except for the intervening years between the end of the Seven Years War (1763) , when Britain gained Québec as a colony from France, and the emergence of the Québécois separatist movement, culminating in de Gaulle’s famous declaration from the balcony of the Montréal City Hall …
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The Bloc Québécois will tomorrow celebrate 20 years of existence, having confounded the federal parties and the political establishment since its founding. Born out of the the fervour over the failure of the Lake Meech accord, the parties progressive-nationalist policies have attracted Québécois voters in large numbers, having never polled less than a third of the Québec electorate since it was created in 1990.The party has a wide appeal, from rural conservatives to urban progressives, and every demographic in between (except of course for the Anglophone population). The progressive tone …
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The Bloc Québécois will tomorrow celebrate 20 years of existence, having confounded the federal parties and the political establishment since its founding. Born out of the the fervour over the failure of the Lake Meech accord, the parties progressive-nationalist policies have attracted Québécois voters in large numbers, having never polled less than a third of the Québec electorate since it was created in 1990.The party has a wide appeal, from rural conservatives to urban progressives, and every demographic in between (except of course for the Anglophone population). The progressive tone …
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The Liberals have gone on the offensive against the Bloc Québécois after a fire-storm has erupted in Québec over independence, sparked off by its founder's comments on the impossibility of sovereignty for Québec in the short to medium term. The Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has called on the Québécois to take part in the governance of the federation, to make their influence felt in the country, by voting Liberal. These comments have been echoed by the Liberal chief for Québec, Jean-Marc Fournier.According to the Liberals, the Québécois share their views over various issues such as …
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The Liberals have gone on the offensive against the Bloc Québécois after a fire-storm has erupted in Québec over independence, sparked off by its founder's comments on the impossibility of sovereignty for Québec in the short to medium term. The Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has called on the Québécois to take part in the governance of the federation, to make their influence felt in the country, by voting Liberal. These comments have been echoed by the Liberal chief for Québec, Jean-Marc Fournier.According to the Liberals, the Québécois share their views over various issues such as …
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Nearly two thirds of Québécois agree that independence should not be on the order of the day, and is not a pressing concern when compared to economic recovery and other important issues. These sentiments echo former PQ Prime Minister Lucien Bouchard's pronouncements on the subject last week, where in a recent speech, he stated that Québec's priorities do not lie with sovereignty, but rather the state of the economy, social services, education, etc.The Parti Québécois has hit back saying that sovereignty is essential to the improvement of the Québécois society and economy, and that …
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Nearly two thirds of Québécois agree that independence should not be on the order of the day, and is not a pressing concern when compared to economic recovery and other important issues. These sentiments echo former PQ Prime Minister Lucien Bouchard's pronouncements on the subject last week, where in a recent speech, he stated that Québec's priorities do not lie with sovereignty, but rather the state of the economy, social services, education, etc.The Parti Québécois has hit back saying that sovereignty is essential to the improvement of the Québécois society and economy, and that …
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Top economist throughout the Industrialised world have long given grave predictions regarding the future of counties' pension systems as the population ages and the birth-rate drops. Canada has now joined the ranks of those with severely negative predictions, with economists and demographers predicting that our healthy ratio of working people to those in retirement of 5:1, will drop to 2.5:1 over the next 25 years, raising questions as to how the system of pensions and social security for the elderly will be maintained.These questions arise as the Tory and Liberal policy to eliminate the new …
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Top economist throughout the Industrialised world have long given grave predictions regarding the future of counties' pension systems as the population ages and the birth-rate drops. Canada has now joined the ranks of those with severely negative predictions, with economists and demographers predicting that our healthy ratio of working people to those in retirement of 5:1, will drop to 2.5:1 over the next 25 years, raising questions as to how the system of pensions and social security for the elderly will be maintained.These questions arise as the Tory and Liberal policy to eliminate the new …
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The Tories and Liberals are on parity according to the latest Harris-Decima poll, conducted last week, with Tories polling 32%, and Liberals 30%. If continued, this trend will almost certainly mean another minority government after the election, with the NDP and Bloc Québécois again holding the balance of power.Of course if the Liberals were to form the next minority government, one would think that they would be in quite a less stable position than the current Conservative government, as Tories are known to being less compromising, especially compared to the support that they have received …
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The Tories and Liberals are on parity according to the latest Harris-Decima poll, conducted last week, with Tories polling 32%, and Liberals 30%. If continued, this trend will almost certainly mean another minority government after the election, with the NDP and Bloc Québécois again holding the balance of power.Of course if the Liberals were to form the next minority government, one would think that they would be in quite a less stable position than the current Conservative government, as Tories are known to being less compromising, especially compared to the support that they have received …
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In a new book by NDP campaign manager Brian Topp, titled «How we almost gave the Tories the boot» reveals in detail how the Liberals deliberately scuppered the chance to form an Opposition coalition with the aim of the Ignatieff grouping taking over the Liberal Party and calling elections later on in 2009.It must be noted that the majority of Canadians were opposed to this coalition, and didn't want yet another election, but it still raises the question as to why the Grits supported the federal budget in January 2009, stopping the idea of a coalition dead in its tracks. It clearly wasn't a …
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In a new book by NDP campaign manager Brian Topp, titled «How we almost gave the Tories the boot» reveals in detail how the Liberals deliberately scuppered the chance to form an Opposition coalition with the aim of the Ignatieff grouping taking over the Liberal Party and calling elections later on in 2009.It must be noted that the majority of Canadians were opposed to this coalition, and didn't want yet another election, but it still raises the question as to why the Grits supported the federal budget in January 2009, stopping the idea of a coalition dead in its tracks. It clearly wasn't a …
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A new civic group has been formed by academics and individuals across Québec for the promotion of a rational application of shared values and reasonable accommodation and the further development of a dynamic, vibrant and tolerant country. The group calls itself «Pour un Québec Pluraliste». They have published a manifesto outlining their views and rationale behind them, and one must say it is spot on.In such a diverse society as that of Québec, with its history of a distinct and separate identity, all the while accommodating mass migration, the issue of how to grapple with the challenges …
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A new civic group has been formed by academics and individuals across Québec for the promotion of a rational application of shared values and reasonable accommodation and the further development of a dynamic, vibrant and tolerant country. The group calls itself «Pour un Québec Pluraliste». They have published a manifesto outlining their views and rationale behind them, and one must say it is spot on.In such a diverse society as that of Québec, with its history of a distinct and separate identity, all the while accommodating mass migration, the issue of how to grapple with the challenges …
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The Canadian people have spoken on the question of who would be their first choice for Prime Minister of the country, and it is not good news for Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals. Of the three main parties, they come in last in the pronouncement of will of the Canadian population, with the New Democratic Party's leader Jack Layton coming in second place with 52 percent, trailing serving Prime Minister Stephen Harper at 85 percent. Michael Ignatieff comes in last with 40 percent.This must be disheartening news for all Liberals. Despite a winter of policy and round-table political initiatives …
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The Canadian people have spoken on the question of who would be their first choice for Prime Minister of the country, and it is not good news for Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals. Of the three main parties, they come in last in the pronouncement of will of the Canadian population, with the New Democratic Party's leader Jack Layton coming in second place with 52 percent, trailing serving Prime Minister Stephen Harper at 85 percent. Michael Ignatieff comes in last with 40 percent.This must be disheartening news for all Liberals. Despite a winter of policy and round-table political initiatives …
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With proposed strike action by Ontario university faculty, and the recent news that tuition fees will be raised in Québec, Canada as a whole must take a hard look at how it values, and finances, higher education. In light of the economic downturn, universities will become more and more important, not only in absorbing the economically inactive, but also in giving Canadians news skills and degrees to help them contribute to the economy in the future.We must look at the great benefits that universities bring to the economy, and not bulk at the costs that they bring. The federal government's …
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With proposed strike action by Ontario university faculty, and the recent news that tuition fees will be raised in Québec, Canada as a whole must take a hard look at how it values, and finances, higher education. In light of the economic downturn, universities will become more and more important, not only in absorbing the economically inactive, but also in giving Canadians news skills and degrees to help them contribute to the economy in the future.We must look at the great benefits that universities bring to the economy, and not bulk at the costs that they bring. The federal government's …
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The situation in Venezuela would seem to be developing quite rapidly at the moment. In the face of spiralling inflation, electricity shortages, resignations in the cabinet etc, the cracks are beginning to show more openly in the PSUV, one example is on Facebook: the PSUV has changed its endorsement of a page from the regular PSUV fan page to a new one, PSUV Militante, claiming that the former has been «taken by the Right».The lines between the masses and the bureaucracy, both in the party and the wider movement, can be seen in the contradictions of government policy, such as launching of a …
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The situation in Venezuela would seem to be developing quite rapidly at the moment. In the face of spiralling inflation, electricity shortages, resignations in the cabinet etc, the cracks are beginning to show more openly in the PSUV, one example is on Facebook: the PSUV has changed its endorsement of a page from the regular PSUV fan page to a new one, PSUV Militante, claiming that the former has been «taken by the Right».The lines between the masses and the bureaucracy, both in the party and the wider movement, can be seen in the contradictions of government policy, such as launching of a …
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The Parti Québécois has re-opened the debate on the basic values and identity of Québec with their new Bill Aiming to Affirm the Fundamental Values of the Québécois Nation. The bill aims to modify the current Québécois «Charte des droits et libertés de la personne» with the addition of several clauses aimed at stemming the tide of «reasonable accommodation» and what they see as the destruction of the basis of Québécois society. The clauses concern: gender equality, the secular state, and the primacy of the French language.While no Québécois would argue these principals, it is …
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The Parti Québécois has re-opened the debate on the basic values and identity of Québec with their new Bill Aiming to Affirm the Fundamental Values of the Québécois Nation. The bill aims to modify the current Québécois «Charte des droits et libertés de la personne» with the addition of several clauses aimed at stemming the tide of «reasonable accommodation» and what they see as the destruction of the basis of Québécois society. The clauses concern: gender equality, the secular state, and the primacy of the French language.While no Québécois would argue these principals, it is …
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The Economic Intelligence Unit, an Economist run think tank, has released it's report on the world's most liveable cities, and Canada has come up with top ranks. Its cities have made the achievement of making up a fifth of the Top 20, with Vancouver actually ranking in the top spot in a list judged on the criteria of environment, culture, infrastructure, etc.Canada should be very proud of its achievements in urban planning and social services. These are essential to its continued development and should be made a top priority. Although even cities like Vancouver have terrible problems with …
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The Economic Intelligence Unit, an Economist run think tank, has released it's report on the world's most liveable cities, and Canada has come up with top ranks. Its cities have made the achievement of making up a fifth of the Top 20, with Vancouver actually ranking in the top spot in a list judged on the criteria of environment, culture, infrastructure, etc.Canada should be very proud of its achievements in urban planning and social services. These are essential to its continued development and should be made a top priority. Although even cities like Vancouver have terrible problems with …
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A recent opinion poll reveals a sharp divide between the ROC and Québec over their views for the future of the Senate. Most of the Rest of Canada wants to see the Senate elected, with figures at around 60 percent, and higher in the Western Provinces, while the people of Québec seem to mostly want to see it done away with completely, with 46 percent favouring this option.Besides the gap of opinion between what is the best option, there is also a difference of views over how any of these options would be implemented. Most Québécois are arguing that any change to the Senate would need some …
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A recent opinion poll reveals a sharp divide between the ROC and Québec over their views for the future of the Senate. Most of the Rest of Canada wants to see the Senate elected, with figures at around 60 percent, and higher in the Western Provinces, while the people of Québec seem to mostly want to see it done away with completely, with 46 percent favouring this option.Besides the gap of opinion between what is the best option, there is also a difference of views over how any of these options would be implemented. Most Québécois are arguing that any change to the Senate would need some …
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Last year, when the Canadian public reacted with outrage at the proposed Liberal-NDP coalition, many thought such an idea would be dead in the water for years to come. Yet the idea seems to be back on the table, based on a new EKOS poll showing that no party will have a majority in Parliament. The latest survey shows that the Liberals would win only 122 seats, leaving them 32 MPs short of forming a government, which the NDP could help to make up with their projected 31 Parliamentarians.What would be the Canadian opinion of such a coalition? Well after two prorogations of Parliament, a tepid …
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Last year, when the Canadian public reacted with outrage at the proposed Liberal-NDP coalition, many thought such an idea would be dead in the water for years to come. Yet the idea seems to be back on the table, based on a new EKOS poll showing that no party will have a majority in Parliament. The latest survey shows that the Liberals would win only 122 seats, leaving them 32 MPs short of forming a government, which the NDP could help to make up with their projected 31 Parliamentarians.What would be the Canadian opinion of such a coalition? Well after two prorogations of Parliament, a tepid …
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The long-held Tory lead among the Canadian public has dropped considerably and now the Conservative and Liberal Parties of Canada are at a parity in the polls, at 32 percent each, according to a Harris-Decima poll conducted recently. While at the same level of popularity, it is the Liberal Party which has made significant inroads with the Canadian people, slashing Tory leads especially in Ontario and Québec.The lead is especially strong in the Toronto area ridings, where previously the Conservatives had made significant headway among ethnic minorities and women, but where they have now fallen …
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The long-held Tory lead among the Canadian public has dropped considerably and now the Conservative and Liberal Parties of Canada are at a parity in the polls, at 32 percent each, according to a Harris-Decima poll conducted recently. While at the same level of popularity, it is the Liberal Party which has made significant inroads with the Canadian people, slashing Tory leads especially in Ontario and Québec.The lead is especially strong in the Toronto area ridings, where previously the Conservatives had made significant headway among ethnic minorities and women, but where they have now fallen …
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The Liberal Party has opened a progressive debate concerning the future of Canada's identity as a nation, where it's headed, and what it wants. The conversation will culminate on 26-28 March in Montréal, with nearly a dozen town hall meetings leading up to it, being held all over the breadth and width of the Canadian nation.This is a poignant move by the party, who has yet to position itself in the political debate. The Party is making a play for the progressive, forward thinking voters that make up in large part this country. In framing the debate towards the future, the Liberals can put …
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The Liberal Party has opened a progressive debate concerning the future of Canada's identity as a nation, where it's headed, and what it wants. The conversation will culminate on 26-28 March in Montréal, with nearly a dozen town hall meetings leading up to it, being held all over the breadth and width of the Canadian nation.This is a poignant move by the party, who has yet to position itself in the political debate. The Party is making a play for the progressive, forward thinking voters that make up in large part this country. In framing the debate towards the future, the Liberals can put …
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Political insiders in the House of Commons in Ottawa have hinted strongly at a Spring or Autumn election, as the Conservatives try to capitalise on the economic recovery that the nation is experienced (managing 0.1% growth in the third quarter of 2009). The Conservatives are hoping to finally come out the doldrums of minority government and achieve a long-term goal, that of a definite majority in the lower house.The question remains, do the Canadian people want an election any time soon? Are they ready, do they see a need, or is the current political situation amenable to the population? Have …
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Political insiders in the House of Commons in Ottawa have hinted strongly at a Spring or Autumn election, as the Conservatives try to capitalise on the economic recovery that the nation is experienced (managing 0.1% growth in the third quarter of 2009). The Conservatives are hoping to finally come out the doldrums of minority government and achieve a long-term goal, that of a definite majority in the lower house.The question remains, do the Canadian people want an election any time soon? Are they ready, do they see a need, or is the current political situation amenable to the population? Have …
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The latest polls do not bode well for Michael Ignatieff and his party, although they do paint a rosy picture for the Prime Minister and even NDP leader Jack Layton has seen a boost in his standing among the Canadian public.Despite dodging questions on Afghan detainees, climate change, and threatening to prorogue Parliament until after the Winter Olympic games (and then actually doing so), the Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his party has won a nearly 40 percent from the Canadian public surveyed. The full results are as followed:Conservatives: 39.5%Liberals: 30.2%NDP: 18.7 …
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The latest polls do not bode well for Michael Ignatieff and his party, although they do paint a rosy picture for the Prime Minister and even NDP leader Jack Layton has seen a boost in his standing among the Canadian public.Despite dodging questions on Afghan detainees, climate change, and threatening to prorogue Parliament until after the Winter Olympic games (and then actually doing so), the Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his party has won a nearly 40 percent from the Canadian public surveyed. The full results are as followed:Conservatives: 39.5%Liberals: 30.2%NDP: 18.7 …
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The Liberal Party of Québec has scrapped a long over-due funding increase, and in fact will phase out that funding all together, to the social enterprises of the nation, those organisations that help seniors with accomplishing their daily tasks. The service was meant to get a 3.5 million dollar injection of capital to help off-set the cost of the service to seniors which usually runs at about 18$ an hour, of which the recepient of the sevice usually pays around half.Not only will that funding increase not materialise, but now Minister of Social Services Lise Thériault for the government has …
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The Liberal Party of Québec has scrapped a long over-due funding increase, and in fact will phase out that funding all together, to the social enterprises of the nation, those organisations that help seniors with accomplishing their daily tasks. The service was meant to get a 3.5 million dollar injection of capital to help off-set the cost of the service to seniors which usually runs at about 18$ an hour, of which the recepient of the sevice usually pays around half.Not only will that funding increase not materialise, but now Minister of Social Services Lise Thériault for the government has …
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