© the eyeranian

Tommy Douglas Day

Today, my Canadian family in Saskatchewan are recognizing Tommy Douglas Day. 101 years ago today, “The Greatest Canadian” was born. I am going to re-post his Mouseland story again, as it has never been more timely or appropriate. Perhaps one day we will stop electing our own varied version of cats.

The story of Mouseland

But I want to remind you: That you can lock up a mouse or a man but you can't lock up an idea.

Canada Day 2005

Yet another Canada Day in California and I feel less and less "Canadian" by each passing year. Today and for the first time, I left home without the annual ritual of wearing my Maple Leaf pin on first day of July. The situation was rectified though when I had to stop by at home later in the morning. I can't remember the last full hockey game I watched (damn you NHLers, I'm finally in a city where they beg you to buy season tickets and you are on strike), the taste of a back bacon sandwich is a distant memory, haven't walked in slush since last time visiting Toronto in the winter of 2001 and I've started to notice the sound of "oo" in people's pronunciation of about, out and house.

Deep down however, I'll always remain a Canadian. It is much deeper than a passport, a SIN card or nationalized healthcare. I will always be much wiser, less violent, more tolerant and gentler with the world around me because I am Canadian.

Happy birthday Canada. I owe you much.

Just Say No To Turkey

Since it's the "holiday season", consider this my anti-turkey manifesto. Not the country of Ottomans and old Constantinople, but the bird regularly slaughtered around these times for out of the ordinary consumption.

This is an animal who produces a very tough, dry meat. It is not easy to carve, carry or distribute and at the end of the day tastes far less savory than her cousin the good ol' chicken.

Even the next day sandwiches are more delicious with the chicken instead of turkey (my favorite would include a bit of Mayo and pickles).

So, why do we insist on eating the inferior meat? nobody has been able to present a rationale argument to me yet.

Bush, Martin '04

My Canuck friends at the New Democratic Party still mange to bring a smile to my face once in a while with their very creative and clever promotional material including this sticker against Canada's involvement in the stupid "Star Wars" project:

I just love it!

Happy Birthday, Tommy!

Today was the 100th anniversary of the birth of a great Canadian; Tommy Clement Douglas.

Tommy Douglas was born in Scotland and served as Premier of Saskatchewan (1944-1961); the first federal leader of the New Democratic Party (1961-1971); and a Member of Parliament for the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (1935-1944) and the New Democratic Party (1962-1968, and 1968-1979).

His accomplishments are well known by most Canadians, including being the father of Medicare. I have written about Douglas in the past but this time, I'd like to share his "Mouseland" story. I think it is appropriate and very timely too:

Mouseland

It's the story of a place called Mouseland. Mouseland was a place where all the little mice lived and played, were born and died. And they lived much the same as you and I do.

But I want to remind you: That you can lock up a mouse or a man but you can't lock up an idea.

Incidentally, the CBC has a current site dedicated to naming "the Greatest Canadian" and Tommy is one of the names on the ballot. I hope you can stop by here and vote for him.

Happy Birthday Canada!

You Go Canada!

Ah, I'm so proud of my Canadian compatriots. I received my Canada Day present early this year, as the best scenario possible for the election outcome was exactly what happened (yes, best possible. nothing further was even remotely possible). As I write this, the numbers aren't final but it appears that the liberals will end up with about 140 seats, forcing them to seek out a coalition in order to win the confidence vote needed for them to form government. Even if the abdicate in favor of conservatives (Coke giving way to Pepsi), hoping to take over after a non-confidence vote, they will still need to run a parliament where now the two smallest parties hold the balance of power.

So, let the Martin ass-kissing begin, even if he chooses to step down as leader (unlikely knowing his ego). Separatist Bloc is a possibility but perhaps a long shot at best, which leaves the floor open for New Democrats. Proportional Representations and a stronger commitment to social spending are the minimum price of admission, which in both case will undoubtedly result in a more democratic and stronger Canada.

My two main concerns were the Ontario seats sought by Layton and Broadbent, with both going to the NDP thankfully. Congratulations to all Canucks from coast-to-coast, particularly for proving once again that ultra-conservative ideology has no place in a society built on principals of equity and justice.

Go Jack!

The Calgary Flames

The election call in Canada and my post on that topic must've brought back some sense of nostalgia, as I felt particularly Canadian today. I even wore my tiny Maple Leaf lapel pin to work, although hardly anyone noticed. So in that spirit, I'm turning my attention to hockey (in a city that is Lakers-Crazy in and out) and the team carrying Canadian wishes to the Stanley Cup finals; the Calgary Flames.

Go Flames, Go!

On an unrelated note, my new local team (just can't get into the National League spirit, sorry), may have the best record in all of baseball, but can somebody please remind the Angels to cover the plate in a rundown? Go Jays, Go!

Canada Goes To Polls June 28

Had I still lived in Canada, this could've been one of the most important days of the year. But being so far away, I must admit that it's hard to have the same emotional upshot. So, what happened, you ask?

Paul Martin (one of the most conservative people I know) actually took a big gamble and by dropping the writ, called for an election to be held at the end of June. Why this is a gamble has to do with where his party stands in opinion polls and his attempt at turning the tide that has constantly been in favor of his opposition. He could've waited until Fall, but he probably thought he had more to lose than gain by the wait and might as well try his luck while his support is still respectable enough to perhaps give him a chance at forming a minority or coalition government.

His Liberal Party (don't be fooled by the name) has steadily swayed away from the middle-of-the-road policies of his predecessors, including the man who brought him in to politics, Pierre Elliott Trudeau and even his one-time close ally and boss Jean Chrétien. Now the liberals (lower case "L") resemble the Democratic Party in U.S. or even the Labour in England, in both cases minus the support of trade unions.

The main challenger to this right-wing party is the even further right-wing party created out of the ashes of two other precursors under the banner of Conservative Party. But as usual, and unlike in U.S. (and for most parts UK), Canada still has its progressive alternative.

Although never elected to power in federal level, Canada's New Democratic Party and it's provincial entities have always managed to be a force in Canadian politics. Be it by holding power in several key provinces or acting as the party with balance of power federally, the NDP has somehow achieved monumental victories for all Canadians.

In fact, I often say that to me one of the major differences between Canada and USA is NDP. If there was no third party representation in Canada, Tommy Douglas wouldn't have been there to father the universal health care system, for example. There'd also not be an entity that defends the rights of and often acts as the only voice for aboriginal communities, the organized labour, minorities, environmental movement and other vital issues.

Not accepting corporate donations, the NDP has relied only on support from individual Canadians and labour supporters to stay true to the goal of putting interest of people ahead of corporate greed. This is why I joined the party while living in Canada and was honored to accept their nomination as a candidates for Canada's federal parliament in 1997.

With all of that, I can only imagine what must be going on in party headquarters, local campaign offices, riding association meetings, candidate's homes and hearts or minds of the party activists over the next few weeks. I ache to be there to go knock on a few doors, organize a couple of rallies and hammer a stake or two on yards to hold election signs.

I wish my friend Jack Layton and the rest of the party all the best and know whether they win it all, gain enough seats to force the liberals into seeking a coalition (boy, will they be in for a LONG list of demands if that happens), hold balance of power in a minority government or continue to act as the voice of ordinary Canadians in end benches and corridors of the parliament, they'd still be the conscience of Canada and one more reason Canadians are so proud of their homeland.

Ed Broadbent, MP

It was all a rather dull day until I got the news in my inbox. Ed Broadbent has won the NDP nomination to run in the Ottawa Centre riding for Canada's next federal election to be held sometime this spring. This is indeed great news on many fronts. First for people of Ottawa Centre who will have a member of Parliament with 21 years of experience, impeccable credentials and a team that will be second to none. Second for all Canadians who have missed the presence of a strong progressive voice in their federal politics over the past decade or so and now with Ed onboard and Jack Layton at the helm, may get the opportunity to bring some balance to what has been a government of right, with extreme-right as opposition. Lastly for NDP members and activists, plus all others who have struggled for so long to keep the principals and values of a great nation alive under the most severe attacks by the forces of money and power, and will now probably get an opportunity to see the fruits of their effort.

Although I didn't have the honour to work closely with Ed and ran for the party after his leadership tenure had ended, I have had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions, attend various functions and participate in discussions with him involved. He has never failed to impress me and I am sure he will continue to amaze other Canadians as well, the way he did for so many years. A prominent political opponent once pulled me aside in a public function to say despite his qualms with our message, he felt Ed was perhaps the best Prime Minister Canada never had. He certainly was and will be again one of the best Members of Parliament we have ever had and after this spring may be a big part of the official opposition. Go Ed, Go!

Canada and USA

One of the other differences between U.S. and Canada is on the way alternative medicine is viewed and used. As an example, Chiropractors in U.S. are actually referred to as Doctors, are valid and well-respected components of acceptable treatment procedures for accident victims, injured workers, those who believe regular spinal adjustment helps in preventing a variety of illnesses and others. Most insurance policies include them in their coverage and even the odd "traditional" physician may recommend a visit to one. In Canada, Chiropractors are mostly viewed as just snake oil salesmen who crack your back.

By contrast a Canadian Massage Therapist (RMT) is a trained professional sought by anyone with soft tissue injuries or seeking stress-relief and about 1,000 other benefits of a pro's healing touch. Here, anything associated with the term "massage" is automatically associated with images of dark rooms in the back of a rundown storefront in the industrial area of town and scantly-clothed imported attendants. After all, it is just 14 days of classes to become a "Massage Technician" in California, something unheard of in the country just a bit further up north.

Canadian Apology

Faramin who has a weblog with a very long name (Human first then proud Iranian) posted a link to something that is a few months old but is still worth watching. This is a Canadian apology towards their neighbors south of the border, from that witty and hilarious CBC show; This Hour Has 22 Minutes: Enjoy!

It's Miller Time in T.O.

It's rather strange when someone you have known for years is suddenly the mayor of the largest city in Canada and a major economical and cultural center for the entire continent. Last night, Torontonians elected David Miller as their new mayor. Miller is a lawyer with an economics degree from Harvard. For years we worked within the same party structure, although he was a City Councilor and more involved with municipal politics while my interest was on federal issues. We attended meetings, councils and rallies where as an elected politician he'd often be a guest speaker and I worked commonly behind the scenes. But this post is not about David Miller, as I have had my own mixed feelings on him (a now-cleared miscommunication with his office staff made me somewhat guarded with him). To me the most significant part of the story is that David is an NDPer (an activist within Canada's New Democratic Party) as I was for years, and as such a declared Socialist.

This is significant in two ways, one is the perception held by NDP with Torontonians. After the extreme right masterfully alienated the only Provincial government of NDP in Ontario, causing their defeat in '95 elections, it often felt as if being known as a party activist was a burden for some. The rightists still use the term as if it is derogatory, most recently demonstrated by another mayoral candidate John Nunziata who tried to discredit Miller in Nov. 3rd debate with it. But now, people vote a Socialist and an NDPer to what some have described as the second most important political position in the country (Toronto's city budget is over $6.5-billion, more than many provinces). Some credit, without a doubt should be reserved for two men; 1 - My great friend, Howard Hampton, leader of Ontario NDP and the man selected by a majority of voters as the best possible Premier, despite not winning a mandate and 2 - another former Toronto City Councilor and often partner of Miller's in city hall debates Jack Layton, now leader of Federal NDP.

Election of an NDPer to such significant office is the fruit of the hard work by them, along with thousands of unknown and little-known other activists who have continuously pushed an agenda of fairness and social justice to the forefronts of every political debate held in every corner of the city, the province and the country. As I said when the party activists chose to nominate me as one of their federal candidates in 1997: "Canada is very lucky to have clusters of her best children assemble together under one banner and one party to be the guardians of values all Canadians cherish as their greatest achievements. "

The other significant side of Miller's election can be summed up in one word; integrity. The outgoing mayor was the personification of corruption and deceitfulness. Mel Lastman came to power dishonestly and managed the city in the same manner. There was everything from a multimillion dollar computer leasing scandal to his numerous verbal blunders that made the city look ridiculous and weak. Some of his most recent gaffes included not knowing who the World Health Organization was and then going on a bizarre tirade against it shortly after (Jon Stewart said of him in his Daily Shoe that he was thinking about a trip to Toronto "but I've heard the mayor's kind of a dick.") to his famous insult while on way to Kenya as part of the Olympic delegation trying to win the 2008 for Toronto and courting African votes, when he said "I just see myself in a pot of boiling water with all these natives dancing around me." He was credited months later with killing Toronto's chances by that one single line. Lastman actually helped strengthen Miller's resolve to run in May 2002. "You'll never be mayor of this city. You say dumb and stupid things!'' he screams at him in city council. David Miller started assembling his election team shortly after.

With Miller, Torontonians decide to go with someone with a clear record of integrity. Someone who ran on a campaign to stop the influence of money within the city hall. "Tonight, the people of Toronto have voted to take back their city," Miller said in his victory speech. "Together we will open up the doors of city hall for the people of Toronto. And we will padlock the backdoors to the dealmakers and influence peddlers. Access will not be bought and sold in my administration, ever, because the public interest will always be paramount in David Miller's city hall."

This may be an entirely new beginning for an amazing city.

NDP Succeeded?

I wanted to write about how the New Democratic Party of Ontario succeeded in yesterday's election, but am a bit tired tonight. Maybe tomorrow I'll get to it. Where's my newest fiancé when you need her? Here's a quick glimpse for y'all (do I sound Texan enough there or still like an Iranian Cabdriver?):

Vote NDP!

Above Picture - My very dear friend Howard Hampton, leader of Ontario's New Democratic Party holding a news conference with U.S. presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich in Windsor in September, with city of Detroit in the background and speaking against deregulation and privatization of Hydro industry in both countries.

Ontario's provincial elections are upon us and I can't help but to feel left-out writing about this from so many miles away. By the time I post my tomorrow's message, the conservative government of Ernie Eves has been defeated by a tide of discontent, probably resulting in a new administration by the centrist Liberal Party.

The best possible scenario would be a minority government, as parties with majority control of legislator have all historically become arrogant and out-of-touch with the voters.

I wish my friends and one-time teammates in NDP all the best and regardless of the final vote count, they know they are the ultimate champions of what most Canadians value and tomorrow morning, they'll just get back to do what they do best, standing up for what is right.

Che Canada

Thanks VT

Zahra Still!

Think of this as a sort of reminder and dare I say a 'told you so' of sort to at least two of my Canadian friends who had so assured me of the speedy and decisive results that will be achieved by handling the case of murder of Zahra Kazemi through the "proper channels" and how fast this was going to happen.

At lease a month has passed my dear buddies and nothing of substance has been accomplished. Time to wake up (and perhaps even admit you don't know Jack?), smell the pomegranate and maybe learn to listen for a change. Even if your lofty positions have raised your profile so high, you find the rest of us mortals to not be within touching proximity.

I'm still sticking to my own original proposition. Better late than never. Contact me if interested.

Canada VS. Southern California

Some Random Observations About Canada, Southern California and More...

► Canadians are in much better shape than I remember. However, a national campaign to encourage the usage of more thongs is highly needed. 'nuf said.

► Way more people seem to smoke in Toronto, compared to Southern California. Drop the nasty habit my Canuck friends!

► Ontario's universal health plan pays for gastric bypass surgery. Love it! I'm not fat enough to need it (yet) but these types of preventative treatments are a great idea, I think.

► Need a great, inexpensive place to stay while in Toronto? Try this one.

► Before going to Toronto, or right away upon arrival, pick up a copy of the latest issue of NOW, as well the more upscale Toronto Life. You'll know everything you'll need to know, from the hottest new clubs, upcoming shows, latest cool places to eat, not to mention the going rate for "she-male" escorts.

► Pretty much everything is less expensive in Toronto. It is great to buy a whole box of mangos or a great martini for $3, pay less than $20 a month for "high speed" internet connection, fill up your trunk with groceries for $35, have a very fancy dinner for two for under $100 and pay $200 for a decent men's suit. (All figures in US $)

► Toronto is certainly THE place to taste the world, in the most authentic way; excellent Dim Sum, real (not processed) Shawarmas, decent Indian Buffets, Sheftalia from Cyprus and Chilean Parilladas are just some of the great food I enjoy there.

► Between the CBC, the TVO and some of the great shows on Roger's Cable's community channel, Toronto has an amazing TV line-up. Besides, can you think of another North American city with soft porn on their regular television in late evenings?

► A newspaper like The Toronto Star would never exist here.

► Hey, our weather is better!

Love It!

I'm having coffee with a friend at a Tim Horton's in the most Asian area of Markham, Ontario. The place is packed, although 5:30 in the afternoon is hardly prime donut shop hours. I'd guesstimate that over 90% of "donuters" are Asian, most probably of Chinese descent. Markham was a primary destination for many families from Hong Kong, prior to the historic handover of their home back to China and that trend has continued ever since. The rest of the crowd is also largely of other visible minority groups and immigrants.

Almost everyone is engaged in this most Canadian experiences; having some Timbits and a fresh cup of coffee. Gotta love the Canadian multi-cultural experience, where there's no insulting "melting-pot" concept and no one is forced or even encouraged to "assimilate", yet everyone is quick to find their own new identity and how it fits within the "tapestry" that is Canada.

Canada's Pride

Canada's health care system used to be the envy of many around the world. The universal services available to all residents of the great white north was also a source of pride for Canadians from cost to coast to coast. It obviously wasn't ever perfect and most certainly the odd patient would find a crack to fall through. But overall the standard of care was equal to what you could expect in any industrialized country and you could be sure of two facts: everyone got the same quality treatment (regardless of their wealth or social standing) and you never had to pay for any of it. Looking at how my father is received and treated as a patient, that entire system has obviously all changed now. Here's a brief look at what happened;

It all started with a rather significant and well publicized speech by none other than Hillary Clinton. Sounds strange? Well, it's not. Hillary, before she started using Rodham again, once made what was seen as a major statement as to (paraphrasing) if Canada can maintain a social health care system for all its citizens, why can't the U.S. do the same? Sounded simple enough. Canada with it's lower tax base and wide spaces to deliver services had managed to maintain a pretty darn good system for decades and looking for a way to cover millions of uninsured and uncovered people in U.S., using Canada as a model seemed obvious.

That speech however, sounded very loud alarms at every HQ of for-profit U.S. institutions and professional association that made billions annually from their customers as their future looked at risk. Something had to be done and the best solution was to make sure the Canadian system either failed or at least appeared less-than-perfect. Suddenly and overnight, a major smear campaign begun. Suspicious groups with benign names were funded in small towns and cities between Halifax and Victoria to oppose various aspects of the system, and a PR machine started an extensive search to find examples of failures all over Canada. There was the MRI patient that didn't get a priority appointment, the patient that had her elective surgery postponed and even the odd poor little kid who received the wrong prescription and had a reaction to the drugs.

This served another group very well: the right-wing Canadian politicians. In particular the new Reform Party taking shape in Western Canada, plus the Axis of Evil of Canadian health care system; Ralph Kline, Mike Harris and Jean Chretien. The first extreme right entities, plus "right light" Chretien were all preaching this fiscal responsibility mantra of the right and needed places to make cuts, particularly if their rich friends were about to get their tax breaks. So the stage was set for the cutting game to begin.

Conservatives Kline and Harris dismantled their provincial systems slowly while Liberal Party's Chrtien started what can be described as the largest program of dismantling the Canada's federal health care system. Conservative and Reformers' motives were clear, they are for transfer of all power to the private sector and never liked a program that resembles socialism. Liberals however, were acting on same motifs plus trying to avenge a historical defeat.

You see, the Liberals Party had originally introduced the concept of socialized and universal health care for all Canadians as early as 1919. However, by the mid-40's, despite holding the power more than any other party in Canada during that period, they failed to deliver on their promise and all but abandoned it citing it was impossible to implement. Then came Tommy Douglas. Known as the father of Canadian health care system, Douglas was a former Baptist preacher who had led his Cooperative Commonwealth Federation to power in tiny Saskatchewan and was busy putting into operation various health schemes to cover his constituents. He started by making cancer treatment a program supported by the government. Next came free medical, hospital and dental care for pensioners and native communities. Polio and mental illness treatments, plus a free air ambulance service to service rural communities was added shortly after and in 1947, Douglas' government implemented their Hospital Insurance Plan, entitling all residents to hospital care without a bill to worry about.

Realizing the final stage of his grandiose venture and bring doctors under his plan however, required much maneuvering by Douglas. It was finally achieved when the Conservative government of Diefenbaker agreed to share the cost of his hospital program and supplied federal funding for it in 1957. Two years later, Tommy Douglas proudly announced the implementation of Canada's first Medicare program. This infuriated the Liberals who watched the rug pulled from beneath them and the little man from Saskatchewan, with the federal help from Tories, managed to achieve the impossible, the task they had proposed but now considered impractical. Forty odds years later, they would get their chance to take revenge on the program they always despised.

Canada's health care system is severely ill and needs immediate attention. Roy Romanow's report is a starting point for all Canadians who care about their once proud system to function again. If it can work in Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark, universal health care will surely work for Canada and who knows, maybe one day the only western power without one can also get out from the control of special interest groups and implement their own system.

Cartoon

SARS-affected Toronto

1 - Do you have a fever?

2 - Do you have one or more of the following symptoms; cough, shortness of breath OR difficulty breathing?

3 - Have you been in contact with a SARS-affected person in the last 10 days?

These 3 questions are basically the only encounter most visitors will have with the difficult situation Torontonians faced during the SARS episode of last few months. They are presented to each visitor, both on entry (yellow sheet) as well as upon departure (pink one) and must be filled, although it is then largely ignored by those at the gates. On Saturday, there was also a walking memorial to the 39 people who lost their lives to SARS, attended mostly by Toronto's Asian community. North York General Hospital, the main battleground with the virus is slowly turning back to normal, but the scars on the fabric of the community are obvious and plenty. CBS did a great job on broadcasting the weekend's Molson Indy without mentioning anything though, while appraising everything about Toronto. Thank you CBS and Congratulations to Toronto's own Paul Tracy (start-to-finish winner). But F1 still rules!

Toronto The Cool

Vancouver 2010

Congratulations to the city of Vancouver for winning the opportunity to host the 2010 winter Olympic games. Although this in fact kills the possibility of Toronto's bid for the following summer games, it would offer Vancouver an opportunity to show off one of the most beautiful cities in the world, in front of a global audience.

Let's hope they take this opportunity to address some social issues and use the games to build a better city and province for all it's citizens.

Is it too early to bid for Tehran games in 2020?

Happy Canada Day!

O' Canada!

The latest supporter of MKO to end her life as a human torch in London last week, was a Canadian from Ottawa named Meda Hassani.

My condolences to her people and coutrymen (in both Iran as well as Canada) for losing yet another bright star in a useless excercise of sensationalistic misconduct.

Hope this was the last of yet another vein tactic.

Yes, Canada!

I know I've been kinda too far from Canada and a bit removed from the politics up there. But I don't know if it is Chretien's last ditch effort to leave the office with some sort of a positive legacy instead of being known as the PM with the most cuts to vital social programs including healthcare, or it is the political pendulum swinging the left way, whatever it is he should be applauded for making some progressive decisions.

The latest is his decision to not challenge the court's decision to allow same-sex marriages. I know it is partially because he had no hope of reversing the decision anyways but that has never stopped the Liberals to waste valuable time, energy and money to pursue useless ventures.

So, I applaude him for not being stupid again and offer my condolences to the LGBT community in Canada that now gets the right to marry their loved ones and be miserable like the rest of us.

Hooray!

Those who know me from my activist days in Canada know about my dislike of the Liberal party up there. To me it is much easier and better for the sheep to fight the wolf while he/she is still in his/her wolf appearance and Canada's Liberals are the same wolf, dressed like a sheep. More on that later.

However, even the wolves deserve credit when they do something right.

I must preface this by admitting to my own considerable lack of coolness in stating that I have never personally inhaled. Not that I'm bragging, but I grew up in a different set of circumstances and my concerns at the time when "fun" should have been a priority were other things. With that in mind, I applaud Jean Chretien's government for having the necessary gall to put forward legislation to decriminalize pot.

It takes great chutzpah to swim against the tide and ruffle some feather, and Liberals known for the lack of such qualities, have for once showed there may be hope for them afterall. Well, at least some of them, maybe.

Now only if they could do the same with prostitution.... I know, I'm dreaming again. Sorry!

Canada Cares Too Much

I just love this story from The Ottawa Citizen. Canadians, be proud.

U.S. says Canada cares too much about liberties

Terrorism report also says too little spent on police

Jim Bronskill, with files from Janice Tibbetts
The Ottawa Citizen

Thursday, May 01, 2003

The United States says the lack of funding for police and restrictive privacy legislation in Canada are frustrating probes of political extremists.

The comments in an annual report on international terrorism were the latest critical remarks from the U.S. apparently aimed at prodding Canada to bring its security measures in line.

The State Department report on global terrorism for 2002 suggests that while Canada has been helpful in the fight against terrorism, it doesn't spend enough on policing and places too much emphasis on civil liberties.

It says "some U.S. law enforcement officers have expressed concern" about Canadian privacy laws.

The U.S. officers feel those laws, as well as funding levels for law enforcement, "inhibit a fuller and more timely exchange of information and response to requests for assistance," the report says.

"Also, Canadian laws and regulations intended to protect Canadian citizens and landed immigrants from government intrusion sometimes limit the depth of investigations."

Under the U.S.-Canada Terrorist Interdiction Program, known as TIP, Canada records about one "hit" of known or suspected terrorists a week from the State Department's visa lookout list. The initiative involves software that enhances the ability of border officials to collect, compare and analyse traveller data, allowing them to identify and track people of interest.

Spokesmen for the Solicitor General's Department were not available to comment on the report.

The U.S. observations come amid heightened tension between the two countries following Washington's public expression of disappointment that Canadian forces did not join the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

In releasing the report, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said although there has been great progress in the last year, terrorism still "casts its grim shadow" across the globe.

The number of terrorist attacks dropped to 199 in 2002 from 355 the previous year. Still, Mr. Powell noted, assaults occurred in every region of the world, claiming 725 lives. Terrorist bombings in Bali last fall killed about 200 people from two dozen countries, including Canada.

Despite the report's criticism of certain Canadian practices, it included effusive praise for the federal government's overall efforts to work with the U.S. in the fight against extrem-ism, calling the relationship "a model for bilateral co-operation on counter-terrorism issues."

Seven American law-enforcement agencies have posted officers to Ottawa and other Canadian cities, while a number of Canadian personnel are assigned to the U.S.

The report also notes Canada's passage of anti-terrorism legislation, its move to create a formal list of terrorist organizations and participation in various international anti-crime forums.

The comments follow State Department remarks in a March report on narcotics and money laundering that urged Canada to ensure privacy protection measures do not prevent the timely sharing of financial information that might be critical to police investigations.

The same report took issue with Canada's move to make possession of small amounts of marijuana a ticketing offence rather than a criminal one. "This will not only harm Canadian society, but have consequences for the United States as well," the report said.

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon reiterated yesterday that legislation to decriminalize marijuana will be tabled soon, while Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper said the move would inflame tensions with the U.S.

"Now would not be the time to irritate trade relations and we've already had plenty of warning that this would do just that."

© Copyright  2003 The Ottawa Citizen

It's Over!

Maybe Next Year?!

SARS & Race Relations

Wouldn't it be nice if someone in Toronto or Ontario or Canada in general had enough sense and leadership ability to stand up against the nonsense of racial biases resulted from the SARS epidemic in Toronto? Wouldn't it be cool to have a progressive Mayor, Premier or Prime Minister to stand up and be the flag-bearer when the community needs it? Is that just too much to ask from one of the most diverse, liberal (ideology, not the party), freethinking countries in the world? Will somebody please stand up?