Why Trudeau’s reversal on electoral reform is so risky

This past week, Canada’s prime minister announced an about-face on a major campaign promise -- electoral reform. Sadly, he barely blinked as he explained his reasons for betraying voters. Meanwhile, the world was spellbound as President Donald Trump proceeded to honour his campaign promises…one-by-one. Such is the sad, confused state of democracy in North America …

Insidious ageism affects us all

There's no discrimination as widespread as ageism. Even sexism and racism can't claim to affect as many people as does ageism. We're all subject to the unfairness of ageist stereotyping simply because as we move through the phases of our lives, we can't escape the aging process. We are all young, and as long as …

The brilliance of Snapchat

This Snapchat is brilliant. It's the next big thing right here under our noses. You may have thought it was a passing Millennial-fancy but think again. The social app is gaining popularity with 25-34 year-olds. Marketers are calling the growth to 50 million users this year "startling." And they're wasting no time rolling out their revenue …

Father’s flight from the Klan: Searching out his roots

By Jody MacPherson Published in the Fort McMurray Express, 1986 Gilbert Williams has a dream. He wants to write a book about his father. Longtime resident Walter HIll planted the idea in his head about 10 years ago, but Williams only really began doing research in earnest a year ago. It was not until Williams …

Thoughts of a Part Time Taxi Driver

By Paul MacPherson October 18, 1972 Going through Mom's old trunk full of memorabilia about my dad. Found this essay he wrote for an English assignment on stream of conscience narrative. Dad never finished high school but went back to school after he was married and had a young family at home. This was written …

My home office – or what’s left of it

There are some things in life that are just not worth it. The trouble, I mean. Take my former home office, for example. No - I really am serious. Take it.  In fact, someone already did and I'm so relieved. Back when I was married (seems so long ago!) my ex-husband and I lived well...beyond …

How to vote: You’ve been told

You embrace change. You are optimistic about the future. You value diversity, creativity and are not afraid to challenge authority. You want to be fiscally responsible for the sake of future generations. Yet, you do not worship at the altar of the almighty dollar nor define yourself by how much you consume or acquire. The …

Remembering Al Sacuta – crusader, satirist and hero

“Right now we have two crackhead drivers in Rocky View (Calgary and the MD): both hopped up on growth and both fighting to take control of the bus. For now, we're just along for the terrifying ride.” (Al Sacuta) I tracked down this gem in one of my first email exchanges with Al Sacuta and …

Harper slams a culture that is “anti-women;” no problem though, let’s do business

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the practice of covering one’s face with a niqab is “rooted in a culture that is anti-women.” Harper and his caucus have been caught spanking entire cultures and attacking various religions for their practices with regards to women. Well, if anyone knows about cultures that are anti-women, it’s Harper. In …

This changes everything: Social media during a crisis

Now, every crisis explodes onto our radar in a flurry of tweets, texts and visuals. By the time the evening news is broadcast, the public already knows what is going on via social media. It’s an all-out, cross-channel, adrenaline-pumping free-for-all. So, how do you deal with the fact that most of the information about the crisis is going to be reported by a random and potentially anonymous group of citizen journalists who have little or no training, context or accountability?