Canadian Politics Redux

Parksy · December 17

erebus said:

Anyone watch the interview with Mr. Poilievre on Sunday morning with Rosemarie Barton?

Could not answer a question with a straight answer. He comes across as very arrogant. The liberals must love having him as the leader of the opposition as in my opinion he will never be prime Minister.

And yes, the liberals have faults of their own, but at least you feel you could have a conversation or rational debate with them.

Carney has essentially usurped the conservatives. Why vote for PP when you have a conservative platform without having to be led by a petulant child.

Caught both interviews with Barton and Kapelos (sp?)

The man has nothing. It's beyond over for him. If they (Conservative Party) had half of a brain, they ditch him now and lick their wounds. Interestingly... if and when they do, it will be fascinating to see who they vote as leader.

Parksy · December 17

@HughFreakingDillon .. I chose this excerpt from your post:

"Second, Canada must invest in real autonomy focused on defence, Arctic security, cyber capacity, and supply-chain resilience. Not to oppose the U.S., but to avoid being cornered by it."

I think in general, everything this person is opining on comes from a viewpoint of hope, not realism.

I don't think we're anywhere close to being able to invest in our country right now. To me this is based on our already high taxes, lack of infrastructure, in-fighting, lack of global investment. (see Stellantis, etc.)

To be equally as blunt and honest as they are being... the grim truth to me is that we are too small and too weak.

I agree that more than ever we should be united... but we are not. Even if we were... we still require money and people that we just don't have.

I've said it before... I think our best option is to wait out the Trump storm. An allegiance with the U.S. is our very best option to be prosperous and to also make America prosperous.

I think Trump is literally expecting our leaders to be having the same conversation we are. Trying to figure out how to not only survive, but thrive without the U.S. I think he knows they are coming to similar conclusions.

HughFreakingDillon · December 17

I think where we need to be is somewhere in the middle of that opinion and what some say we should do just "kiss the ring". But I don't think we're weak. But I do think we have depended on a handshake and trust for far too long. It worked for the most part, until douchebag came into it. Which is a good thing. Carney is diversifying, which we probably should have done a long time ago. Putting all or most of our eggs in one basket is never a good idea, even with your "best friend".

Parksy · December 18

HughFreakingDillon said:

I think where we need to be is somewhere in the middle of that opinion and what some say we should do just "kiss the ring". But I don't think we're weak. But I do think we have depended on a handshake and trust for far too long. It worked for the most part, until douchebag came into it. Which is a good thing. Carney is diversifying, which we probably should have done a long time ago. Putting all or most of our eggs in one basket is never a good idea, even with your "best friend".

I think what I'm getting at is... how many eggs do we really have to place where we please? And if we do diversify, does that give us more eggs, or less. I believe less. The only chance we have to succeed is with help. I've used this analogy especially with regards to Trump. (It also applied to PJ's fight with Ticketmaster.) To defeat a bully that is much larger than you, you need numbers and help.

In me saying we are weak compared to the US... very, very, very, very much so. Not that Trump has a lot to do with that... Population, economy, military, technology... we're not even close. What we're also seeing everyday is our comparison with regards to global influence which.... US also dominates.

Parksy · December 18

Are floor-crossers traitors? | About That

Good segment on floor crossing IMO.

HughFreakingDillon · December 18

I don't know. Maybe it's splitting hairs, but I wouldn't call us weak. We just bring different things to the table. If you are looking at sheer numbers, most other countries look "weak" in terms of the US. But right now, in terms of respectability, the US is one of the weakest. Trump has been an asshole, and so we've moved on. Carney isn't flipping the bird to the US, he's just saying "we have other options, you can't bully us the way you think you can". Isolationism is never good for anybody (except the powerful), but if that's what Trump wants to do, he's going to do that, to the detriment of his own people. We are building new alliances and relationships, and that can only increase our standing on the global stage.

I'm glad we have a new leader, cuz I don't think JT could have gotten this done. We'll see if Carney can, but as of now, I have confidence.

HughFreakingDillon · December 18

ok, so about the floor crossing thing. I'm reconsidering after watching this Conservative MP's position on it:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CBtXjCnX4/

HughFreakingDillon · December 18

HOW ALBERTA IS PUTTING WOMEN AND GIRLS AT RISK (From a group called Democracy Inc on Facebook)

Danielle Smith’s education reforms are increasing danger and eroding prevention efforts.

Jamie Anderson and Hilary Jahelka

Jamie Anderson is a PhD candidate in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, where Hilary Jahelka is an instructor in gender and sexuality studies.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s anti-trans laws and limits on sexuality and gender education will result in even higher rates of gender-based violence, critics argue. Photo via Facebook.

The Supreme Court of Canada recently released its ruling that mandatory minimum sentences for access or possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material — previously called child pornography — may be unconstitutional in some cases.

The court found that these crimes are uniquely damaging and deserve severe sentences, but faulted how the Criminal Code applies mandatory minimums to “a very wide range of circumstances.”

Certain Canadian politicians have publicly criticized the decision, prompting some legal experts to warn them not to mislead the public by attacking the legal system.

Gender-based violence prevention research shows it’s more effective to address the social conditions that enable people to cause harm than to intervene after the harm has been caused.

While Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stoked outrage about the Supreme Court decision, a closer look at her legislative record reveals a suite of policies that are damaging gender-based violence prevention in the province.

Anti-trans policies in health, education and sport will normalize gender-based inequality for transgender Albertans, girls and women.

Additionally, limits on sexual health education and resources mean that fewer students in Alberta will receive sexual violence prevention education.

Online child exploitation

Online child exploitation describes a number of criminal behaviours. In 2022, there were 9,131 online child sexual abuse material offences, which increased to 16,892 in 2023.

This number includes incidents reported to police, which does not demonstrate the full scope of the problem. Unfortunately, the criminal legal system is not very effective in responding to most forms of sexual violence.

Advocates argue for more legal interventions that focus on prevention and not only prosecution, with a focus on greater accountability for technology platforms.

They also call for alternative forms of justice that centre survivors.

Advocates have been calling on federal and provincial governments to do more to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in all forms.

Gender-based violence includes any form of violence based on someone’s gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender.

This includes sexual violence, like child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, as well as hate-motivated violence. If we consider the Alberta government’s definition of gender-based violence, homophobia and transphobia would be included.

It is widely accepted that gender-based violence is rooted in forms of structural violence like racism, sexism and colonialism.

Primary prevention strategies address gender-based violence through education and programs that decrease inequality and address its root causes.

Prevention efforts target the beliefs that normalize violence and address risk factors for offender behaviours to stop victimization before it begins.

Things like traditional gender norms, homophobic teasing and victim-blaming are examples of attitudes and behaviours that contribute to sexualized violence.

School-based programs

Prevention education includes public awareness, training and school programs. School-based comprehensive sexual health education, child sexual abuse prevention education and even gay-straight and queer-straight alliances help prevent violence.

Beyond producing positive health outcomes, comprehensive sex ed teaches human rights, bystander intervention, digital literacy, healthy relationships and more. When sexuality education is comprehensive, it reduces sexual violence. Programs that use queer and trans joy as a framework affirm identities, prioritize care and challenge norms that perpetuate homophobia and transphobia.

Eroding prevention strategies

Despite the evidence supporting primary prevention in schools, Smith’s legislative agenda has thoroughly weakened gender-based violence prevention in schools.

The Alberta government announced a 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence in May, but it cannot be eradicated when the governing United Conservative Party’s policies are based on harmful myths.

Teaching about gender inequality and diversity is an important aspect of primary prevention, but Alberta’s curriculum scores the lowest in Canada on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

In Alberta, students between kindergarten and Grade 6 have only one opportunity to learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. During Grade 3 physical education and wellness classes, students learn that families can have two mothers or two fathers — but under Alberta legislation, these lessons aren’t universally taught: families must opt their children in.

Alberta has become the only province that requires parent permission for lessons on puberty, hygiene and consent. Experts worry that this means fewer students will have access to sex ed.

In addition to the opt-in policies, Smith’s government now requires prior minister approval for all resources and third-party organizations that support human sexuality education.

Despite being separate from human sexuality, these regulations also apply to sexual assault centres that teach abuse prevention.

As of this month, only four organizations have been approved, leaving significant programming and expertise gaps in schools across the province, especially in rural communities that have higher rates of gender-based violence.

Policy harms

Danielle Smith Goes Nuclear on Trans Rights

As well, under Smith’s leadership, parent permission and notification is now required for trans youth to use a different name or pronouns at school. This policy denies access to a very reasonable accommodation when it is requested for “trans” reasons.

One study shows that being able to use a preferred name in various contexts — like school — reduces suicidal behaviour by nearly 60 per cent in trans youth.

Saskatchewan’s top court ruled that their province’s name and pronoun policy — which Alberta copied — creates the risk of irreparable harm to youth, including the increased risk of family violence.

Still, the government has legislated that teachers must participate in the harm of their trans students or face disciplinary action.

Smith’s government has also moved to limit gender-affirming health care for trans youth. First introduced in a video titled “Protecting Future Choices of Children,” Smith’s policy bans a number of gender-affirming procedures that are already unavailable under the age of 18.

Smith said her goal was to preserve the future fertility of children until they can make decisions as adults. In other words, Smith believes that someone’s ability to reproduce is a matter of state concern. This belief is rooted in misogyny, especially rigid gender roles that expect women to be mothers and exerts control over their reproductive autonomy. Misogyny is a key driver of gender-based violence.

Alberta’s War on Kids and Classrooms

Bodily autonomy is core to preventing gender-based violence and is strictly limited by the ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth included in Bill 26.

Although the courts granted an early injunction that delayed its implementation, Smith’s government has invoked the notwithstanding clause for the three anti-trans bills to deny rights to trans Albertans.

Effective violence prevention needed

Without effective prevention, gender-based violence will continue to grow and strain the already underfunded and overburdened networks of support for survivors.

If Smith were invested in gender-based violence prevention, her legislative agenda — not just her X account — should reflect as much.

HughFreakingDillon · 2:47AM

I bring you, the education minister of the wannabe 51st state:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021252/uploads/editor/tm/abbnllpgnjc3.png

Zod · 6:29AM

So much for separation of church and state

I would of respected a heartfelt Merry Christmas. I grew up religious, but it faded decades ago when I moved away from home. I still love all the other aspects of Christmas, so I find it sad when sometimes it gets blended into happy holidays. On the flip side I think separation of Church and State has helped societies for internally imploding or going to war. The part about celebrating the birth of Jesus really does cross the separation of church and state line.

Halifax2TheMax · 8:40AM

HughFreakingDillon said:

I bring you, the education minister of the wannabe 51st state:

* The following opinion is mine and mine alone and does not represent the views of my family, friends, government and/or my past, present or future employer. US Department of State: 1-888-407-4747.

What’s up with the PhD designation after their name? Is that how someone of stature, as Minister of Education, broadcasts street cred? What if it were Joe The Plumber who rose to such status? “Licensed Plumber #715” follows the name on letterhead? Weird.

Evangelicals and White Nationalists are everywhere.

Parksy · 7:20PM

HughFreakingDillon said:

I don't know. Maybe it's splitting hairs, but I wouldn't call us weak. We just bring different things to the table. If you are looking at sheer numbers, most other countries look "weak" in terms of the US. But right now, in terms of respectability, the US is one of the weakest. Trump has been an asshole, and so we've moved on. Carney isn't flipping the bird to the US, he's just saying "we have other options, you can't bully us the way you think you can". Isolationism is never good for anybody (except the powerful), but if that's what Trump wants to do, he's going to do that, to the detriment of his own people. We are building new alliances and relationships, and that can only increase our standing on the global stage.

I'm glad we have a new leader, cuz I don't think JT could have gotten this done. We'll see if Carney can, but as of now, I have confidence.

Not that I don't understand all of this.. but if our standing is so good, and if Trump is so bad... if America has completely isolated themselves.... where is everyone at? Even looking at it from our Commonwealth allies... The UK in particular... I don't see our King or the UK Prime Minister stead heartedly defending our independence and best interests. It begs the question... why?

I look at our two countries similar to sports teams in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Canada is the Mighty Ducks... US are the Hawks. In the end, even though we banded together... we still needed Adam Banks lol

I think what's overall concerning for me at least... is the 'respect' you refer to is starting to mean less and less to each and every country.

Parksy · 7:27PM

HughFreakingDillon said:

ok, so about the floor crossing thing. I'm reconsidering after watching this Conservative MP's position on it:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CBtXjCnX4/

Darn that internet and it's receipts lol

Parksy · 7:33PM

HughFreakingDillon said:

I bring you, the education minister of the wannabe 51st state:

It's stuff like this that makes me 'woke' lol

HughFreakingDillon · 7:58PM

Parksy said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

ok, so about the floor crossing thing. I'm reconsidering after watching this Conservative MP's position on it:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CBtXjCnX4/

Darn that internet and it's receipts lol

I'm always interested in understanding from all angles. I really hadn't thought about most of what she said, and it makes sense.

HughFreakingDillon · 7:58PM

Parksy said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

I bring you, the education minister of the wannabe 51st state:

It's stuff like this that makes me 'woke' lol

totally

Canadian Politics Redux

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