The incident does not signal the end of the world as we know it, but it is serious and symbolic nonetheless. Earlier this week, the chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance refused a request for the Committee to examine a proposal to reduce the tax burden on micro-breweries.

This decision might be chalked up as merely more proof of the tight grip of big corporate lobby groups on Liberal MPs. But there’s more. The Committee chair, Sue Barnes, happens to be the wife of a member of the board of directors of Labatt Breweries. And it so happens that Mr. Barnes also sits on the board of directors of the Brewers Association of Canada.

[…continues below…]

— Translation by Nathan Rao.

Editor notes: Today, Quebec-based commentator Gil Courtemanche joins rabble’s stellar list of progressive columnists from across English Canada. Gil’s column, also published every two weeks in Le Devoir, appears at rabble.ca with permission.

Gil Courtemanche writes in French. We’ve translated the opening passage into English for you, and we’ll continue to do this. But many of you do read French — to a greater or lesser degree — and we’re offering you a chance to read Gil’s commentaries in the language in which they’re written. Please write rabble and tell us what you think of this approach.

As rabble joins forces with Alternatives, our new administrative host, we will offer more Quebec-oriented coverage, in both official languages.

L’insouciance et l’arrogance de Jean Chr