Tous les articles
Triés par date de parution
Les femmes trahies
Par Djemila Benhabib le 28 mai 2009
Fortement épaulée par des représentantes du Conseil islamique canadien et de Présence musulmane, la Fédération des femmes du Québec (FFQ) a adopté une résolution banalisant le port du voile islamique dans les institutions publiques québécoises, lors d’une assemblée générale spéciale qui s’est déroulée à l’université Laval, le 9 mai dernier, et à laquelle j’ai assisté en qualité d’observatrice. Il y a des alliances et des prises de position qui minent les principes...
SPVM denies ticket quotas
Par Dan Delmar le 28 mai 2009
Every traffic cop must write up 18 daily, Brotherhood says
Upset over budget cuts, the Montreal Police Brotherhood took a shot at the SPVM recently by acknowledging the existence of daily traffic ticket quotas; a system the department’s brass continues to insist does not exist...
Is the $64 billion party over?
Par Alan Hustak le 28 mai 2009
It’s been four years since Mayor Gérald Tremblay first sketched out his ambitious $64-billion plan to transform the face of Montreal. Armed with flow charts, maps and architectural renderings of ‘‘dream schemes,” Tremblay spoke to the Montreal Real Estate Board about the “Tremendous potential ahead.’’ He was going to tear up the Bonaventure Expressway, reclaim the waterfront, and in a partnership with private enterprise, develop 557,000 square metres of vacant lots downtown. At the time, the city was running a $400-million surplus and the Dominion Bond Rating Service assigned the city an A-Rating for its “spending prudence.”
AnGLAID !?! ET SI C'ÉTAIT FrenchSHIT ?
Par Sébastien Dhavernas le 28 mai 2009
Depuis quelques semaines, on a pu apercevoir dans les rues de Montréal, et même sur le pont Jacques Cartier, des publicités qui attirent notre attention : « ANGLAID ». Cette publicité fait référence à un livre, récemment paru et écrit par Michel Brûlé. La prémisse de ce livre est que la structure de la langue anglaise aurait un lien direct avec les abus des peuples anglo-saxons. Ma critique ne porte pas sur le livre comme tel, ni sur les événements du passé, mais plutôt sur la propagation d'une intolérance banalisée et véhiculée par ces affiches, et que je tiens à dénoncer...
The Dziekanski Taser Tragedy: Baseless finger-pointing
Par Mischa Popoff le 28 mai 2009
A year and a half later and Robert Dziekanski’s calamitous death is still making headlines. There’s no such thing as too much coverage when someone dies tragically, but the notion being perpetuated that the officers who responded to Dziekanski’s still unexplained fit of violence are in any way to blame for his death must be laid to rest...
Principles needed in Canada-China engagement
Par The Hon. David Kilgour le 28 mai 2009
While in Shanghai recently, Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon correctly noted that Canada can keep its “principled position” on human dignity while pursuing trade with China. Principles and reality, however, should have kept him from saying that his hosts”had made progress” on human rights. He ought to know that basic rights for the most vulnerable among the Chinese people are worsening today...
The New Lilliputians - prohibit now, discuss never
Par David T. Jones le 28 mai 2009
Washington, DC - There are basic needs for human beings: the obvious are food; shelter; sex. And then it becomes complicated for societies where the basics are “givens,” and needs become more abstract. Are the freedoms enumerated in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (and the U.S. Constitution) “freedoms”—or limitations on the actions that a citizen might take otherwise?
Freedom of speech—but at what point does it become slander?
Freedom of the press—but what are the parameters of libel, let alone “hate” when making such speech?
Freedom of religion—but to practice polygamy, let alone human sacrifice?
The Next Phase of the Banking Crisis
Par Robert Presser le 28 mai 2009
Relaxing the mark-to-market rules means we will never know what the banks are really worth
The Federal Reserve’s stress test results are in and to no one’s surprise, all the big US Bank Holding Corporations (BHCs) passed. Getting a passing grade in the stress test, more formally known as the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program (SCAP) was a lot like getting a passing grade in gym class – just because everyone gets by, this does not mean that all the subjects are equally capable and robust. The SCAP report indicates that 10 of the 19 largest US banks should collectively raise an additional $75 billion USD in tier-one capital in order to bolster their reserves to face a protracted recession. The report outlines the various types of assets held by the banks, including toxic assets like securitized mortgages, commercial loans and mortgages originated in-house, consumer loans and revolving credit card debt.
Another incomprehensible ban
Par Iro Cyr le 28 mai 2009
It is beyond comprehension to see that Health Canada is calling for a ban on the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in this country...
What do Concordians have to say about staying in school?
Par Teresa Seminara le 28 mai 2009
As I was walking to school one Monday morning, from Guy-Concordia metro station to the SGW Campus, I could not help but wonder what students’ motivations are to be in University and whether the recession plays a decisive factor in their pursuit of earning a higher education. Above all, the thought that lingered in my mind as I passed my fellow Concordians was whether they are in University because of what other people want or expect from them or because they simply consider education an investment in themselves...
Le Monde de Piperberg
Par Roy Piperberg le 28 mai 2009
The real, earnest life of Arnold Steinberg
Par Alan Hustak le 28 mai 2009
“Life is real, life is earnest, and the grave is not the goal,” reads the caption in the 1954 McGill University Yearbook under Arnold Steinberg’s graduation photograph. Whatever life’s goal, as a commerce student at McGill five decades ago Steinberg never imagined that one day he would become the university’s 18th chancellor.
In Jewish culture, 18 is considered a lucky number - representing as it does the numeric value of the word, Chai, which means Life and is also the 18th letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The irony that he will be sworn in as McGill’s 18th chancellor in November is not lost on Mr. Steinberg. “On the day of the announcement I hadn’t even thought of it, to be perfectly honest,” he said in an interview.
In Defence of Anti-Discrimination Laws
Par l'Hon. Irwin Cotler le 28 mai 2009
Tom Flanagan, the former Conservative campaign manager and university professor, went on the offensive last week arguing that anti-discrimination legislation should rightly target only government – but not private individuals’ – action. This thesis is as provocative as it is dangerous. Far from demonstrating the uselessness of the law, Mr. Flanagan’s comments instead remind us of how vital a role it plays...
“It’s been fifteen years…” Michael Manning
Par P.A. Sévigny le 28 mai 2009
As of two weeks ago, it’s been fifteen years since Michael Manning heard his daughter Tara’s alarm clock go off while he was making an egg sandwich for breakfast. When nobody turned it off, he went to her room to wake her up for school.
“I still remember how the cover was drawn up to her chin,” he said as the tears flowed down his face. “I still recall how I thought she was sleeping until I touched her….and when I pulled the cover off, that’s when I knew my baby was dead.”..
ART DECO REVIVAL
Par Alan Hustak le 28 mai 2009
10 WORLD CONGRESS opens in Montreal
Montreal isn’t the first city that comes to mind when you think of Art Deco, so Peter Sheridan, wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived here from Australia for the 10th World Congress on Art Deco. Sheridan, a Sydney, Australia, dentist who collects art deco radios is one of about 200 enthusiasts from 30 Art Deco societies around the world attending the week-long convention that opened Sunday. The get together was organized by Sandra Cohen-Rose, who 15 years ago wrote a book on the subject, Northern Deco; Art Deco in Montreal.
Devenir mozartien, un art aussi simple que l’amour
Par Louise V. Labrecque le 28 mai 2009
En vue de l’écriture de cet essai, Émile Ortenberg semble n’avoir eu pour seule ambition que de vivre un message de lumière. On constate à sa lecture que son propos se résume à merveille par cette seule idée, car c’est bel et bien dans cette optique que l’auteur rend compte de la lucidité, de l’amour et du bonheur que comporte la musique mozartienne, une musique à laquelle, d’ailleurs, de plus en plus de mélomanes accordent un statut tout à fait spécial...
The Thousand Words
Par Robert J. Galbraith le 6 mai 2009
Westmount-Ville-Marie MP Marc Garneau speaks during the Israel Rally in downtown Montreal on April 29.
Nous sommes tous des femmes afghanes
Par Pierre K. Malouf le 6 mai 2009
Je l’ai dit dans un précédent article, Obama vient de le confirmer, on ne le répétera jamais assez : si les attentats du World Trade Center n’avaient eu lieu, ni les États-Unis, ni le Canada, ni aucun pays occidental ne seraient intervenus militairement en Afghanistan. Ce qui se passe actuellement, ce sont les Talibans qui l’ont provoqué naguère en s’alliant à Ben Laden. L’Afghanistan des Talibans était pour Al-Qaïda une base de lancement pour ses attentats. Mettons-nous ça dans la tête : ce qui se passe en 2009 est la conséquence directe de ce qui s’est passé en 2001...
Community activist wins Vice-Presidency of Liberal Party of Canada
Par Beryl Wajsman le 6 mai 2009
Montreal community activist and Robinson, Sheppard, Shapiro family law specialist Brigitte Garceau won election last weekend as Vice-President (Francophone) of the Liberal Party of Canada at its Vancouver convention. The Beaconsfield resident organized a campaign worthy of leading political strategist Warren Kinsella. The title of one of his books, Kicking Ass in Canadian Politics, could well describe the successful run she made.
Sur quoi devrait être fondée l’identité canadienne ?
Par Phillipe Allard le 6 mai 2009
Au Canada, comme on dit en anglais, there’s an elephant in the room. Je parle ici d’une chose dont personne ne semble vouloir parler, mais dont la majorité subit la présence encombrante avec une indifférence résignée. Cette chose qui nous gêne, plutôt que d’être le symbole de liberté et d’autonomie qu’elle devrait être, nous empêche de bouger et de penser librement. Cette présence, plutôt que d’être le symbole d’unité nationale qu’elle devrait être, fut, est et sera toujours une source de division permanente...
A letter to Delara
Par Nazanin Afshin-Jam le 6 mai 2009
On May 1st 2009, artist Delara Darabi was executed in the Islamic Republic of Iran after spending almost six years in prison for an alleged offence committed at age 17. She maintained her innocence up until the very end. I am at a loss for words. My heart is empty and my tears are flowing...
They don’t even pretend anymore
Par Beryl Wajsman le 6 mai 2009
Though we can’t be surprised anymore, we still need to condemn. The World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, commonly called Durban 2, concluded recently in Geneva. Durban I, eight years ago, at least had the veneer of civility however quickly disabused by the contents. This year’s incarnation didn’t even pretend. How could it? Two gangster regimes — Iran and Libya — co-chaired and co-organized it. The result was as anticipated. But the date was filled with pathos...
Canada vindicated at Durban II
Par Pierre Poilievre le 6 mai 2009
We Canadians are often too polite to say, “I told you so.” But 16 months after we told the world that the Durban “anti-racism” conference was anything but, we have been vindicated. Canada was the first nation to pull out of the Durban II conference and to cut off funds for NGO participation. Countries like Italy, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Israel and the United States of America followed us. Many other nations later walked out of the conference when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad poured verbal acid all over Israel, the United States and Europe...
Obama and the art of double speak
Par Mischa Popoff le 6 mai 2009
How does B.H. Obama get away with it? He directed his campaign against George W. Bush, accusing him of taking the United States into an unjust war in Iraq, but now plans to launch a renewed effort in Afghanistan. I’m confused. Aren’t freedom, innocent people’s lives and democracy all worth protecting in both of those countries?
Why anti-semitism persists
Par David Solway le 6 mai 2009
In his 1995 book [1] Assimilation and Its Discontents, Israeli political historian and prolific author Barry Rubin speaks of a time when “anti-Semitism became too minimal to inspire fear or defiance.” Indeed, for both the Israeli sabra and the diaspora Jew, particularly in America, “anti-Semitism’s rout and the acquisition of equality … raises the question of what to do next.” Only a little more than a decade has passed since Rubin wrote those lines but the “question of what to do next” has taken on a completely different complexion. For once again anti-Semitism has returned with a vengeance...
China Targets Canada!
Par Robert Presser le 6 mai 2009
International Trade Minister Stockwell Day has returned from a goodwill trade tour of China making all the right gestures and remarks; a commitment to fight protectionism, two new Canadian trade offices to promote our goods and services in China, and kind words for Chinese officials in an effort to improve bilateral relations. There is even talk of a visit by Prime Minister Harper at a later date, a change of heart from his failure to attend the 2008 Olympics...
Taste of the Nation’s Laurie Normand-Starr is gone
Par Alan Hustak le 6 mai 2009
Laurie Normand-Starr, a community volunteer who died recently at her home in Westmount, threw lavish charitable fund-raising dinners where the rich were charged to feed the poor.
Mrs. Normand-Starr spearheaded Taste of the Nation, the annual event which collected more than $2 million for three Montreal charities since the Montreal chapter was founded 16 years ago. The money raised by the event was divided among three charities: Share the Warmth, the Pointe St. Charles community organization, Dans le Rue, and Oxfam-Quebec.
“Enemies of equality” Author warns of Islamist interference in politics
Par Dan Delmar le 6 mai 2009
A Syrian national is warning fellow Canadians to stand up for secular values and not make unreasonable accommodations for Islamists.
Djemila Benhabib, author of Ma vie à contre-Coran, spoke to a group of roughly 50 last week at a Côte des Neiges bookstore. Describing herself as an ordinary woman having experienced extraordinary hardships, she told the audience of her family’s persecution in Syria and the constant threats that came from religious fanatics that forced them to leave the country in the early 1990s. The title of her book refers to the battle she fought as a child and teenager against Islamist indoctrination in her homeland and the threat it now poses to the West.
L'apostasie : pas si inutile que ça
Par David Rand le 6 mai 2009
Depuis plusieurs semaines, les médias nous parlent de la vague d’apostasie suscitée par un sentiment généralisé de dégoût face à l'opposition réactionnaire de l'Église catholique à l'avortement et à l'utilisation du condom. Dans sa chronique du dernier numéro du Métropolitain, intitulée « Les apostats de la dernière pluie », Pierre Malouf ne saisit pas la pertinence de ce phénomène, et va même jusqu'à contester la réalité des dommages causés par l'interdiction catholique du condom...
Piperberg's World
Par Roy Piperberg le 6 mai 2009
City’s red light district moves to the ‘Net
Par P.A. Sévigny le 6 mai 2009
Police officials report street prostitution for both genders has nearly been eliminated and swept off the streets in both the downtown core and the east-end’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve districts.
There’s always a market for sex,” said one downtown police officer, “…but now it’s off the streets and on the web which is fine with us.”
Two theatres: Two kinds of family portraits
Par Alidor Aucoin le 6 mai 2009
Family values are at the heart of Over the River and Through the Woods, Joe DiPietro’s heartwarming intergenerational comedy at the The Segal Centre for the Performing Arts until May 10. It’s a slight play, normally dinner theatre fare, but, like a plate of delicious pasta, the Segal’s production is hugely satisfying. It appeals to anyone who has ever found themselves caught between the demands of their increasingly dependent childish parents and grandparents, and their own, ever demanding professional obligations.
On n’entre pas au désert avec le goût du chaos
Par Louise V. Labrecque le 6 mai 2009
Dans les vingt nouvelles constituant ce livre, on constate un écrivain qui n’écrit pas pour s’éloigner des gens, mais au contraire pour essayer de s’en rapprocher. Salah Benlabed nous révèle que s’il n’a jamais eu besoin de certitude et que, selon lui, tout est une entreprise à perte, c’est là qu’il veut tout de même travailler, c'est-à-dire dans une entreprise qui est humaine avant d’être littéraire.
AMADEUS
Par Alidor Aucoin le 6 mai 2009
Benoit McGinnis fait une impression inoubliable sous les traits de Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart dans la brillante adaptation qu’a faite René Richard Cyr de la pièce Amadeus, de Peter Shaffer. La pièce est à l’affiche du Théâtre Jean Duceppe jusqu’au 21 mai prochain.
GALLANT WOMAN
Par Alan Hustak le 6 mai 2009
Mavis Gallant has spent a life time doing what many writers can only dream of – living in Paris and consistently crafting some of the finest short stories in the English language that have been published for six decades in the New Yorker. Reading Going Ashore, the thirty or so recently published short stories that Gallant wrote early in her remarkable career, not only demonstrates how durable her work has always been, but also serves as a reminder of just how important the art of the short story remains to those who make their living as writers. In a digital age that threatens the survival of newspapers and mass circulation magazines, renders the novel impotent and makes biography almost irrelevant, the short story might be the last salvation for those who care about literate expression.
Précédente 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 Suivante