It’s not just statues that are toppling in Canada

Jordan Peterson: The activists are now stalking the hard scientists | National Post

Ben Mulroney steps down as host of CTV’s ‘etalk’ to make way for Black, Indigenous voices | National Post

UBC board of governors chair steps down after ‘liking’ anti-Black Lives Matter tweets – BC | Globalnews.ca

In Canada it is no longer acceptable to question or dislike violent anti-racisim protests and anti-police protests. It is apparently not acceptable to “like” Trump tweets either, or Republican talking points. And you can lose your job, simply for liking a tweet. I saw a revealing video commentary regarding the resignation of the UBC board of governors chair, Michael Korenberg, but today it appears to have been removed from YouTube.

Here is an opinion piece by Rex Murphy who has also been a target, as I wrote about recently: Rex Murphy: The right to your own opinion is a keystone of a true democracy | National Post

And another matter of concern, that may or may not be related, is this article, Why CSIS believes Canada is a ‘permissive target’ for China’s interference – National | Globalnews.ca Here is a quote:

The committee’s report named two countries — Russia and China — among those conducting “sophisticated and pervasive foreign interference activities against Canada.”

But intelligence officials and former diplomats, including Canada’s former ambassador to China, believe China is the greater threat, in large part because the country has been successful in “elite capture.”

“China is the No. 1 threat to Canada and has been for some time,” David Mulroney, former ambassador to China, said in an interview.

China has used its economic leverage to secure “the voices” of political and business leaders in Canada with “sweetheart business deals” and “various inducements,” including lucrative board positions or honours in China, he said.

This week we have seen new pressure from the media on our government to intervene on behalf of the two Michaels that are being held in China. Our Prime Minister insists that our judicial system is independent from the government. The CBC (the official, government funded broadcasting station) featured a legal expert who claims it is within the power of the government to interfere in the Meng Wanzhou extradition case. Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were arbitrarily detained in China following the arrest of Meng who faces extradition to the U.S. on charges of bank fraud and covering up Huawei’s violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran. Meng, is “deputy chairwoman of the board and chief financial officer (CFO) of telecom giant and China’s largest privately-held company, Huawei, founded by her father Ren Zhengfei.” (Wikipedia) It is curious to me that the CBC presents a view that appears to side with China, over our Prime Minister.

While Meng is under house arrest in Canada and has every luxury, including the freedom to travel in the lower mainland during the day, with surveillance, the two Michaels sit in detention with the lights on 24/7. This is a form of torture, make no mistake. One can only imagine the psychological damage of being in confinement under trumped up charges, without contact with family, and experiencing sleep depravation and hormonal disruption for 550+ days. A simple flick of the light switch, twice a day, could make their lives much more tolerable. I’m wondering what the response would be if Meng were treated in the same way–even for a week.

The two Michaels have now been charged with espionage and stand little chance of avoiding conviction. This is clearly a very delicate situation. Kelly McParland says, We all want the two Michaels back, but Canada mustn’t give in to China.

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6 thoughts on “It’s not just statues that are toppling in Canada

  1. Dear Tina,
    In your reply to John Weiss’ story today you wrote: “I used to turn heads but since I stopped coloring my hair I’ve become invisible.” I read it as “…but since I stopped coloring my hair I’ve become invincible.” So tell me, was it your typo…or my Freudian slip?

      • Just paying life forward. Many years ago (decades, actually) I picked up a lot of life skills by attending Al-Anon meetings. Much of the wisdom of the program is embeded in short sayings which are easy to keep close at hand for when family issues (both beneficial and disruptive) arise. The wisdom is pretty universaland it has served me well. Have a good week, Rick Becker Enjoythemusic.com Life is being on the right planet at the right time. (Edited)

      • Nice to hear you’ve stepped up to the grandparenting role. Yes, Al-Anon has helped many people. Alcohol is such a devastating vice and a silent killer. The advertising definitely doesn’t tell the true story. If you are thinking of any specific “sayings” I’d love to hear them. Incidentally, I removed the post about my parenting experience because I felt it was a little too personal. All the best!

  2. Hi Tina. I feel the fear of speaking up and/or disagreeing about anything trending in the liberal news these days. I fear the pendulum may have swung too far in the opposite direction. It needed to move. But how far it needed to move seems to be a dangerous thing to debate right now.
    I love Rex Murphy. And I appreciate your thoughts here.
    May “God keep our land glorious and free.” I sure don’t want to see it muzzled.
    Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

  3. Yes, this is challenging territory to navigate. We need wisdom. As you say, I don’t want to see our freedom muzzled. It’s encouraging to find people like yourself who set such a beautiful example of what it is to be a peace-loving citizen and bring light and hope to the world. Blessings to you too!

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