An Insider’s View of the Harper Government

2013/10/22 Leave a comment

Another book review, this time by New Canadian Media, my first in the ethnic media. Quote:

Policy Arrogance or Innocent Bias is a must-read for anybody in Canada who is part of the vast immigration sector (nay, industry) or is interested in the sausage-making policy apparatus in Ottawa. It offers unique insight into how Ministers relate to the public service, how bureaucrats try their hardest to have their way in dubious “Yes, Minister” style, and the extent of disconnect between these two pillars of democracy in particularly contentious areas such as citizenship-immigration, environment or foreign affairs. This consummate public servant of 30 years must be given credit for calling it like it is: “After all, governments are elected, whereas public servants are not, and governments are ultimately accountable for their decisions before the public.”

An Insider’s View of the Harper Government

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Joseph Health on the Public Service

2013/10/19 Leave a comment

Attended an interesting talk this week by Joseph Heath on the three “poles of allegiance” of the public service: to elected officials, to the public, and to their professional values. Although his working through the issues in each category is a helpful analytical exercise, as a former public servant not sure that helps us much in the end in the Canadian context, where “fearless advice and loyal implementation” to the minister prevails.

My experience, as outlined in Policy Arrogance or Innocent Bias: Resetting Citizenship and Multiculturalism, was that whenever public servants deviated from serving elected officials, problems emerged. Should they try to serve the public in recommending Grant & Contribution projects, they missed the change in policy with projects being rejected. And should they try to follow their professionalism with respect to providing advice without taking political context into account, public servants were viewed as obstructive.

But alway good to have a theoretical framework challenge the status quo, and be provoked!

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Access to information at ‘serious risk,’ watchdog warns – Politics – CBC News

2013/10/18 Leave a comment

More on just how broken our access to information system is. While the basic issue of not enough resources to process requests predates the current government, the delays and inability to respond to requests has gotten worse under the current government. Given that one of the reasons they were elected in the first place was for  accountability, ironic that one of the cornerstones of accountability, transparency, has been undermined.

Access to information at ‘serious risk,’ watchdog warns – Politics – CBC News.

I have still not received any documents from my current ATIP request, submitted 24 April. My last communication with ATIP dates from 12 August, saying still waiting for feedback from CIC and other departments.

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Canada’s 150th anniversary plans big on battles and birthdays

2013/10/10 Leave a comment

Not surprising, and consistent with the narrative of Discover Canada, our guide for new citizens, focussing on an arsenal of battles and wars, a smattering of sports and a nod to the Arctic. A bit narrow, however.

Canada’s 150th anniversary plans big on battles and birthdays | Toronto Star.

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The Royal Proclamation celebrates its 250th birthday

2013/10/08 Leave a comment

A short piece on the Royal Proclamation that recognized aboriginal rights in 1763. These have now been enshrined in Section 25 of the  in Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Of course, implementation of the Royal Implementation and aboriginal rights was another matter.

The Royal Proclamation celebrates its 250th birthday – Editor’s Picks, Need to know, Nick Taylor-Vaisey – Macleans.ca.

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Harper’s Greatest Hits: the science of fundraising | iPolitics

2013/10/07 Leave a comment

One of the stronger critiques, and a bit over the top, of the Conservative government’s rejection of science-based evidence, fitting into one of the themes in Policy Arrogance or Innocent Bias, evidence or anecdote.

Harper’s Greatest Hits: the science of fundraising | iPolitics.

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Canada’s dangerously distorted tax conversation | Toronto Star

2013/10/07 Leave a comment

The alternate and needed conversation on taxes to ensure a balanced discussion by Alex Himmelfarb, former Clerk of the Privy Council and Director of the Glendon School of International and Public Affairs.

As someone who has benefitted from healthcare over the past few years (more than I ever wanted), looking at both services provided and cost of taxes provides a balanced perspective and conversation.

While this does not necessary resolve issues related to levels of taxation, it does reinforce a more sound political discussion about what level of services, and what kind of services, we as citizens wish to pay for, as government services are not free.

His book, Tax Is Not a Four-Letter Word, is coming out later this month.

Canada’s dangerously distorted tax conversation | Toronto Star.

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Allan Gregg » Tecumseh’s Ghost

2013/10/06 Leave a comment

For your Sunday reading.

A long piece by Allan Gregg on the history of the War of 1812, Tecumseh, and the taking of Indian land in North America. Long but engaging, and one of the uncomfortable truths of Canadian history.

Allan Gregg » Tecumseh’s Ghost.

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Canada’s voluntary census is worthless. Here’s why – The Globe and Mail

2013/10/05 Leave a comment

Another illustration of the effects of the move to a voluntary census.

Canada’s voluntary census is worthless. Here’s why – The Globe and Mail.

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Jonathan Kay: ‘In all thy sons command’ has had its day | National Post

2013/10/03 Leave a comment

Good commentary by Jonathan Kay on the campaign (Restore Our Anthem) to make our national anthem gender neutral, given the reality of today’s military and society. The government clumsily floated this idea a few years ago, but perhaps this time can manage the pressure from the traditionalists (who forget that the “sons” reference dates from WW 1) was in fact an addition deemed appropriate to the times.

A way for the government to reinforce its attachment to all things military while showing a more contemporary perspective on gender.

Jonathan Kay: ‘In all thy sons command’ has had its day | National Post.

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