The Crisis of Extreme Capitalism
Our current incarnation of capitalism — variously referred to as savage capitalism, extreme capitalism or euphemistically as the “free market” (free of any constraints) — is in one of its periodic crises. For years many assumed that the smart people who ran the system and benefitted from it would find a practical way to fix...
COMMENT: Bill C-45 Continues Gutting of the Fisheries Act
The federal Fisheries Act was designed to protect aquatic species, including preventing the dumping of harmful materials into fish-bearing waters. In 2012 Bill C-38, the Budget Implementation Act, began the gutting of the Fisheries Act by the Harper Conservatives in earnest. Four former federal Fisheries ministers were compelled...
LETTER: Castlegar top cop pens response to resident critique
Dear Editor: In response to a letter to the editor (see original letter below this one) dated June 13th, regarding the dispatching of first responders to medical emergency call, it was stated that, "911 was called several times with no response, and that the RCMP were called to no avail". I would like to clear up any...
Out of Left Field: Premier's response to Alberta flooding lukewarm at best
I was a little startled to read Premier Christy Clark's press release regarding Alberta flooding (see below) - there was no mention of flooding in B.C., no pledge of mutual assistance, nor any statement speaking to assistance already en route ... really, no information at all - I could've been more enlightened by a two-minute...
LETTER: Disgruntled customer calls for change
One morning when I was “in town” I decided to take a few hours out of my busy schedule to wander around to admire the beautiful hanging baskets and other flower displays. I walked around the grounds of the art gallery, city hall and Gyro Park. I was so impressed! In the air the “city” seemed to be saying – “Welcome! ...
COMMENT: Thoughts on the future of the Doukhobors in Canada
I’ve had Doukhoborism on my mind lately. A number of months ago I was asked if I would put some thoughts together about the modern day relevance of St. Peter’s Day (or Petrov Dien) for inclusion in the Canadian Doukhobor Society newsletter. I was happy to say yes as over the past few years I’ve been thinking more and more...
Food for thought: GDS-free bacon curry, quick homemade Garam Masala
Readers couldn't agree on whether they wanted bacon or curry for this week's recipe - so I got creative and came up with a simple bacon curry recipe that met with mixed reviews. I would've preferred it with chicken or shrimp, but my son absolutely loved the bacon in it and said this recipe is a keeper. I also wasn't wild about...
Food for thought: Teenager-approved pulled pork sandwiches
Sorry I'm a day late with this. On long weekends, I always confuse Sunday and Monday (see, TOLD you I was the ADHD poster child!) at any rate, I hope you find this recipe worth the wait! Thanks to Melissa for the original idea, which I tweaked to my family's taste (we like added heat and spice, and I put garlic in almost...
COMMENT: Can political polls be trusted?
[Editor's note: This piece was posted to the Common Sense Canadian just before Tuesday's election, but in the wake of the surprising results, it's more relevant now than then] Good thing most people don’t listen to the polls. If they did, they just might throw in their cards and give up. The clearest indication yet that...
COMMENT: Endbridge
On his return from an inspection trip to examine the results of the clean-up undertaken by Enbridge following an oil spill in Michigan, a Terrace municipal official was impressed with what he saw and experienced. He cautioned citizens to “dig into [the] facts who Enbridge is” when evaluating their proposal for the Northern ...