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This just in: capitalism is a terrible boss. Thankfully, Nora Loreto is giving it a long-overdue performance review. It’s certainly overdue — as Loreto reports, “Canadian media companies are sawing off their arms and legs in a desperate attempt to please their shareholders.” Meanwhile, giants like Rogers continue to lay off media professionals while raking in billions in profit. That’s a pretty strong signal that something has got to change.
Rogers isn’t the only company that needs to do some introspective thinking. Daniele Landry looks at Bell’s “Let’s Talk” program, and turns the conversation back on the telecoms giant. Now, the discussion is about reinforcing negative stereotypes, the questionable effectiveness of ‘give-a-nickel’ campaigns, and the erosion of our social systems. For those seeking psychiatric help, the corporation is in.
Moving now to police oversight in Toronto, Krystalline Kraus takes a look at the tragic death of Sammy Yatim, the Toronto teenager who was killed — shot nine times and then Tasered — by Toronto Police Constable James Forcillo. Forcillo was found guilty of attempted murder in a decision his lawyer is calling “trial by YouTube.” Kraus isn’t buying it, and instead takes a closer look at the proceedings and eventual decision, and what this means for future confrontations in law enforcement.
Online feminism took a hit this week, after Twitter creeper Gregory Alan Elliott was acquitted of criminal harassment. The judgement was widely publicized, but according to J. Baglow, there’s one thing the papers haven’t covered properly: The women’s refusal to play perfect victims. What first seems a disappointing ruling is now much more powerful. It sets a precedent, where the judge “effectively licensed” internet harassment, provided no specific threats are made.
David Climenhaga brings us a cheerful salutation this week, pronouncing today apocalypse Friday! That’s right, Rachel Notley is releasing Alberta’s new oil royalty framework — and the public discourse won’t be pretty. The Wildrose Opposition has been fighting any attempts to change the existing structure, and today will likely mark the first of a series of final showdowns. Climenhaga takes us into the maelstrom, to make sense of it all before the fur begins to fly…
And that’s the best of blogs for this week. If you’re looking to stay low and avoid the Apocalyptic fallout, consider reading some of the many excellent blogs not shown here. There’s more than enough insightful content to keep you going for days to come. Until then, enjoy the weekend!
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