Manitoba Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Tom Lindsey, issued an important ruling on Monday.
It is the sort of behind the scenes work that most people never see. When a government makes a major policy announcement, for the public, it is often the first time they become aware of it.
One of the things that shows up repeatedly in both public conversations and in polling done of Canadians is the growing concern that it is becoming increasingly difficult to discern truth.
In the world of economics, a term that is often used is leading indicator. A leading indicator is some data point or a set of data that show or predict where things might be heading.
It is, as far as anyone knows, the first time that former Premier Brian Pallister had stepped back into the Manitoba Legislature since he resigned as Premier of the province almost five years ago.
It’s not unusual for provincial leaders to comment or be engaged with issues that go beyond their provincial borders, most often involving other parts of Canada or in some cases other parts of the world.
It’s an often used strategy in politics that before any significant announcement, leaders and officials work to lower the bar of expectations.
Mike Campbell, a character in the Ernest Hemingway novel The Sun Also Rises, is asked about his financial trouble and how he went bankrupt. His response was “Gradually, then suddenly.”
At one time in Canada, the contents of provincial and federal budgets were the best kept secrets in town.
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion in Canada. While many Canadians are aware of the Legion, few know its history or likely the broader purpose of the organization.
