When it comes to election administration, there are always common questions that are asked. Does everyone have an equal opportunity to participate in our democracy? Who is responsible for the elections? What happens in between and after elections? Are election laws respected? Democracy isn’t … [Read more...]
Running for Office: A Candidate’s Journey
In April 2010, I was sitting in a hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia with a remarkable group of women from all around the world who were attending a conference of the World Movement for Democracy. Each of them had been a candidate for parliament in their home countries, many of them had not succeeded. Most … [Read more...]
Democracy After Post-Conflict Elections: Are we there yet?
“The election went reasonably well, millions voted, not too many died and the fraud was mostly detected and removed. But the elected members sit in a chaotic and dysfunctional assembly, concerned mainly to gain personal power and caring little for those whom they represent. As a result the … [Read more...]
Bench Press: Reid This: Police Tactic Oppressive
The “Reid Technique” was invented in the 1950s by an American company and is used extensively by police forces in North America for interrogating suspects. A Calgary daycare worker was questioned for over eight hours using the technique, after a child at the daycare suffered serious injuries. She … [Read more...]
Bench Press: A Task for Solomon?
An Alberta judge had the daunting task of deciding whether or not to remove a toddler from life support. One of her doctors testified that the child existed in a state between brain death and a persistent coma, and was completely dependent on technology to survive. Her medical team recommended … [Read more...]
Freedom from bias always your right: First Nations people can now seek equality other Canadians enjoy
Given the toxic stew of brutality and intolerance that envelops so much of the world, Canadians are right to feel a deep sense of privilege. We should be thankful not just for good institutions and laws, but for the force of our collective aspiration to build a society in one small corner of the … [Read more...]
Bench Press: What do We Mean by Public Standing?
In British Columbia, an individual and a Society in Vancouver who have worked with prostitutes for over 30 years asked for standing to challenge Canada’s prostitution laws under the Charter. The Supreme Court of Canada said that in determining whether to grant public standing to applicants, courts … [Read more...]
Miss Julie’s Revenge, or Men Who Hate Women, Please Meet Lisbeth Salander
One of the great events of our summer in Edmonton is the Fringe Festival which offers an amazing assortment of acting talent, both local and international. While there is certainly something for everyone amongst the plays and musicals on offer, many are on the zany or surreal side. When I noticed … [Read more...]
Sexual Harassment is a Continuing Issue in Canada
Sexual harassment has long been recognized in Canada as a form of gender discrimination. For several years, gender discrimination (which includes discrimination based on breast feeding, sexual harassment, transgender and pregnancy) was the most commonly alleged ground of discrimination in both … [Read more...]
Whatever Happened To … Roncarelli v. Duplessis
[A]ction dictated by and according to the arbitrary likes, dislikes and irrelevant purposes of public officers acting beyond their duty, would signalize the beginning of disintegration of the rule of law as a fundamental postulate of our constitutional structure. – Roncarelli v. Duplessis, … [Read more...]
