rabble.ca blogs - Blair Redlin

Europe/Canada trade talks spark new Trade Justice Network

Blair Redlin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:38:34 -0400

An exciting new Trade Justice Network has come together in response to the proposed Canada/European Union "Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement" (C.E.T.A.)

Environmental, cultural, labour, farm, food safety and pro-democracy groups from Canada and Quebec have joined forces to inform Canadians and Europeans about the disturbing proposals that are on the table. The new trade agreement promises to go much beyond N.A.F.T.A. in constraining the ability of governments to act on behalf of citizens and communities.

Tar tankers: The mystery of the missing moratorium

Blair Redlin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:17:58 -0500

Most British Columbians, and many Canadians, probably believe there is a moratorium preventing oil tankers from plying the waters off the fragile and beautiful B.C. north coast. After all, hasn't the federal government banned oil tankers from entering Dixon Entrance, the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound since 1972?

Even worse than Harper?

Blair Redlin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:50:33 -0400

The thing that is most alarming about Michael Ignatieff's threat to force yet another election is Michael Ignatieff himself. He thinks he can win, which is a particularly scary prospect.

Based on Ignatieff's writings, musings and comments, there's every chance a Michael Ignatieff government may well be worse than Harper's.

"Not possible", you say? Well, put a spotlight on Ignatieff's policies and priorities for a minute and a disturbing picture becomes quickly clear.

Losing sight of the economic forest for 'Buy American' trees

Blair Redlin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:01:55 -0400

Who knew? It turns out the biggest threat to the Canadian economy and jobs is not collapsed global financial institutions, weak markets, lack of innovation or declining infrastructure. No -- apparently the clear and present danger Canada suddenly faces is "Buy American." As if out of nowhere, Buy American polcies are at the top of the agenda for the Harper government, premiers, business lobbies and the media. It matters little that the Buy American provisions of the recent Obama stimulus bill are much the same as those first instituted way back in 1933 and strengthened by the Reagan administration in the 1980s. It's now all hands on deck to stop the Americans from insisting that U.S. jobs be created when U.S.

Election reflection

Blair Redlin — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:32:53 -0400

Even though Gordon Campbell's B.C. Liberal government has been one of the most right wing in Canada -- and despite significant economic decline -- Campbell's Liberals have been re-elected for a third majority term. At only 48%, the voter turnout was the worst ever. Both those discouraging results merit serious reflection.

Campbell's Liberals secured 46% of the popular vote and 49 seats, versus 42% of the vote and 36 seats for the NDP. The NDP picked up three more seats than they had in 2005 and their popular vote was up slightly from 41% in 2005. The Greens only drew 8% of votes. As in the 2005 election, the Green vote declined and the Green campaign seemed less relevant than ever.

Obama - disappointing, but not surprising

Blair Redlin — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:23:06 -0500

U.S. President Barack Obama's 10 minute interview with CBC.'s Peter Mansbridge last night was very disappointing, but not really surprising. Obama made it clear that on all the major North American issues, there will be very little change from Bush administration policies without major campaigning by social movements.

Yes we can hope for change... to NAFTA

Blair Redlin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:57:40 -0500

I'm recently back to Canada after a couple of months in Asia. One thing that's striking here at home, compared to elsewhere in the world, is how reluctant our governments and corporate media are to think differently in the face of the global economic collapse.

Learning from the lowest turnout ever

Blair Redlin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:28:30 -0500

Turns out low voter turnout helps tell the tale of the 2008 federal. At 59%, the turnout yesterday was the lowest yet.

For all the arcane and complicated discussion about strategic voting, the record low turnout may explain more. Certainly the turnout offers important lessons for next time.

With megabucks in their party coffers and a focused message, the Conservatives were able to hold and grow their base in many parts of the country, particularly suburban and rural Ontario and B.C.

Good format, real issues

Blair Redlin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:30:04 -0500

The format of the French language t.v. debate, with leaders seated around a table and with taped questions from electors, allowed for a range of real issues to be covered.

It was a relief to hear discussion of Afghanistan at the end, since it's been so missing in the election so far. Stephane Dion flailed about and had trouble defending Liberal support for extension of Canada's involvement to 2011. Elizabeth May was unclear about when, or even whether, the Greens would withdraw Canadian troops. Gilles Duceppe used the opportunity of a voter question on Afghanistan to attack the N.D.P. Only Jack Layton was clear in his firm opposition to the mission, which has to be helpful for N.D.P. prospects. Of course, Stephen Harper defended his support for the discredited mission.

A Billion is a Thousand Million

Blair Redlin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:32:32 -0500

Is it just me, or are the size of these dollar figures starting to make your head spin? $700 billion to a trillion dollars for the U.S. banks. $50 billion in corporate tax cuts here at home. A billion here, a billion there.

Ever wondered what a billion is? It's a lot really. A billion is a thousand million. Like - nine zeros in a billion. 12 zeros in a trillion.

But in the alternate political universe we've entered into, all those zeros are reasonable so long as the dollars are headed to corporate coffers.

Here's a good one. At $1.5 trillion, the revenue of the top five U.S. oil companies last year was larger than the entire G.D.P. of Canada.