Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a 2010 radio interview described David Johnston as a frequent dinner companion with whom he had “great conversations,” despite both men having downplayed their personal relationship as insignificant in the scope of Johnston’s investigation into foreign interference in his role as special rapporteur. “We had great conversations around dinner tables…

Commentary David Johnston was appointed special rapporteur by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March to look into allegations of Chinese interference in Canada’s election process. The former governor general has apparently met with Trudeau, NDP  Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet to discuss his role and mandate. No such meeting will be…

Commentary The Liberal government finally expelled Chinese consulate official Zhao Wei last week when it became virtually impossible not to. With mounting evidence that Zhao had put the family of Conservative MP Michael Chong under surveillance in Hong Kong, even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau understood he needed to do something to indicate Canada’s official diplomatic…

Commentary The Old Testament is full of stories of prophets who tried to warn their populations of impending disasters. Jeremiah is a good example. All these accounts tend to follow a pattern: prophet sees something about to happen, tells local leadership about it, is criticized and jailed/punished for doing so, and sees his warnings shunted…

Commentary Apparently it’s grand being a Liberal in Canada. You’re the best, you know it, and you want the world to see you dance before your own tabernacle. Which might not be the best approach just now. It doubtless seems weird to emerge from the heady atmosphere of the Shaw Centre to a lecture on…

Commentary The COVID-19 pandemic was the most divisive world event in generations. Differing views over government actions such as lockdowns and vaccine mandates split families, friends, and social groups. Protests erupted across the nation and the truckers’ Freedom Convoy made Canadian history as a government in panic invoked the Emergencies Act in response to the…

Commentary Coercion is not choice. It is unfortunate we have to continue to have this discussion and with the prime minister, no less. During a recent question and answer session with students at the University of Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that nobody was ever forced to be vaccinated and implied it is his…

Commentary The long-anticipated showdown between Canada and Google on Bill C-18 is nigh. When the imaginary pistols are drawn, and the invisible bullets are fired, the reputation of this country could be shattered beyond reproach. Bill C-18, or an Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada, was first…

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—One night this past winter, Lynne Lamon of Plattsburgh, New York, was driving up the U.S.-9 northbound by Canada’s border when she noticed three young men walking on the side of the road. The men were dressed poorly for the subzero temperatures and wind chill from Lake Champlain. Their down vests were tattered and…

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—One night this past winter, Lynne Lamon of Plattsburgh, New York, was driving up the U.S.-9 northbound by Canada’s border when she noticed three young men walking on the side of the road. The men were dressed poorly for the subzero temperatures and wind chill from Lake Champlain. Their down vests were tattered and…