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An outstanding Canada Day in CSL

Does anyone do Canada Day better than the City of Côte Saint-Luc? As a member of city council and co-chair of this year’s event with Councillor Allan J.  Levine, I am obviously a bit biased. But I believe that this July 1st we really outdid ourselves.

By the time the fireworks lit up the sky towards 10 p.m. there were thousands of people crowding Pierre Elliott Trudeau  Park. Allan and I saw  it fitting this year to honour our Canadian troops overseas, particularly in Afghanistan. Thanks to Harold Cammy of our Parks and Recreation Department and Howard Liebman of Mount Royal Liberal MP Irwin Cotler’s office for securing Lt. Col. Pierre Sasseville (with Allan J. Levine and I left) who joined us on stage. His remarks really touched everyone and set the tone for the singing of our national anthem by Alex Cohen and the fireworks.

We opened things up at 1 p.m. by opening the pedal boats and the inflatable and kids zone to the public. One of things I always worry about when we start the process of many, many hours of work in the winter is what the weather will be like on July 1st. It is a real downer when this big day arrives and it rains. Well we fortunately did not have to worry about this for the last two years. Weather conditions could not have been nicer.

Once again this year we hosted a Canadian citizenship ceremony (right). Retired Judge Barbara Seal presided over the ceremony, chaired by Councillor Mitchell Brownstein, during which 36 new citizens from 20 countries were sworn in. It is such an appropriate way for us to begin this event. As the new citizens arrived, they were serenaded by the musical group Rafi’s Accordion. Côte Saint-Luc resident Rafi Zeira heads this new group, which later set up at the entrance of the park and welcomed people as they walked in.

CJAD Radio’s Dan Laxer (below with his daughter) served as our emcee once again. Dan grew up in CSL, moved to NDG when he got married, but has now returned to our community.

After the citizenship ceremony he invited Mayor Anthony Housefather, Quebec Liberal MNA for D’Arcy McGee Lawrence Bergman, Marc Leiter from the Federal  Mount Royal Liberal Association and Councillors Glenn J. Nashen and Ruth Kovac to the stage for our Human Rights Walkway induction ceremony. This year’s inductee was Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese opposition politician and the General Secretary of the National League for Democracy. In the 1990 general election, Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won 59 percent of the national votes and 81 percent of the seats in Parliament. She had, however, already been detained under house arrest before the elections. She remained under house arrest in Burma for almost 15 of the 21 years from 20 July 1989 until her release on November 13, 2010. Canada has made her an honourary citizen. While Kyi was unable to join us, some local members of the Burmese community were. She also recorded a special message for us, which was played over the loud speaker.

 

There was something for everyone at this Canada Day: a model airplane show exhibit put on by the  Model Aeronautics Association of Canada, games for kids, delicious cupcakes sponsored by Scotia Bank  (right) on Westminster Avenue, the presence of the Montreal Police horses, a roaving magician, a children’s train, information kiosk for our CSL Cat  Committee and  Eco Action and some great music.  Michelle Heisler (Dan Laxer’s wife) brought us the wonderful  Magilla singers. The Baratanga Drum Circle were a big  hit.  But then  came the big players: Fresh Entertainment and the Director’s Showband. Wow! 

Fresh, the outfit created by Côte Saint-Lucer Mike Goldfarb just a few years ago, added a new dimension to our event. Their deejays and on stage animators got the youngsters in the crowd up to dance in very significant numbers (see below) and spread  the electricity throughout the entire park. As for the Directors, who were seen in the Golden Globe winning motion picture Barney’s Version (they were the band that played at Barney’s second wedding). I knew they were good, but their three sets really blew everyone away. Lead singers Tony Picciuto and Randi Katz (below) head a group which sizzles on stage. They play such a wide variety of music, from some oldies to the latest hits. The Directors energized our audience and many  in the crowd were begging for their business card to try and hire them for a future occasion.

 
It was an absolutely great night. A special thanks to event coordinator Brad Horner, veteran Parks and Recreation staffer Harold Cammy and the rest of David Taveroff’s wonderful staff. Our Public Security and Volunteer Citizens on Patrol were there all day and kept everything in check. The Public Works Department had all of the right equipment in place.

Indeed, I have never been prouder to be a Canadian and a Côte Saint-Lucer! Now on to some other big events: our Seniors Golf Open July 12 and the ceremonial opening of our new Aquatic and Community Centre.

 Rafi's Accordion was a hit with youngsters who got a chance to try out their equipment.

Here is a look at the fireworks courtesy of Glenn J. Nashen

 

 

Candidates debate in Mount Royal riding

Côte Saint-Luc City Council and B'nai Brith Canada sponsored a debate April 28 at Beth Zion Congregation between the federal election candidates in the Mount Royal riding.

Councillor Glenn J. Nashen prepared an excellent summary on his blog.

And see this very clever YouTube video just posted by the Cotler team:

 

 

It is Drabkin vs. Garneau in Westmount-Ville Marie riding

The federal election race in the riding of Westmount-Ville Marie has been very colourful.

 While former astronaut Marc Garneau, who headed the Canadian Space Agency, is the Liberal incumbent he is facing star candidate Neil Drabkin of the Tories. Drabkin was the chief of staff to Stockwell Day the last five years in  the portfolios of public safety, international affairs and president of the Treasury Board.  While working in Ottawa for seven years during then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s tour of duty, he served as deputy chief of staff and senior policy advisor to Canada’s Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, Gerry Weiner (with Drabkin below). 

A native Montrealer and prominent lawyer, Drabkin completed his law studies at McGill University and Université de Montreal, graduating with degrees in civil and common law. He has an honours degree in political science and was admitted to the Quebec Bar in June of 1989. Prior to accepting his present-day role, Drabkin ran a highly successful immigration practice, and also served as a federal crown prosecutor.

In addition, over a four-year period, Drabkin hosted his own radio talk show on CIQC AM 600. He also hosted several cable television specials and ultimately became a frequent commentator on immigration and citizenship matters in the print media and on television.

  “The Prime Minister has asked for the support of the Canadian people to form a majority government on May 2 and I believe the citizens of Westmount—Ville-Marie want to be represented in that government,” says Drabkin. “The Conservative Government’s stellar performance in managing the economy during the international economic crisis and the requirements necessary to maintain effective recovery and create new jobs moving forward are of utmost importance to all Canadians. Now is not the time to impose punishing new taxes on Canadians. In these uncertain times, we need the certain leadership of Stephen Harper more than ever.”

  Garneau (below)  was born in Quebec City in February of 1949.   His education took place in Quebec, Ontario and England. He attended primary and secondary schools in Quebec City and Saint-Jean.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the Royal Military College of Kingston in 1970, and in 1973 received a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, England. From 1982 to 1983, he attended the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College of Toronto. Garneau began his service to Canada as a Navy combat systems engineer on HMCS Algonquin from1974 to 1976.  He was promoted to Commander in 1982 while at Staff College and was transferred to Ottawa in 1983. In January 1986, he was promoted to Naval Captain and retired from the Navy in 1989.

 Garneau   was one of six Canadian astronauts selected out of over 4,000 candidates in December 1983. He was seconded to the Canadian Astronaut Program from the Department of National Defence in February 1984 to begin astronaut training. Marc made history by becoming the first Canadian Astronaut to fly in space as a payload specialist on Shuttle Mission 41-G, October 5-13, 1984. In 1989 he was named Deputy Director of the Canadian Astronaut Program, providing technical and program support in the preparation of experiments to fly during future Canadian missions. Garneau reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1992. He completed a one-year training program until he became qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist. He initially worked on technical issues for the Astronaut Office Robotics Integration Team, and subsequently served as Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) in Mission Control during Shuttle flights. With three space flights (STS-41G in 1984, STS-77 in 1996 and STS-97 in 2000), Marc Garneau has logged over 677 hours in space. In February he was appointed Executive Vice President of the Canadian Space Agency. He was subsequently appointed President of the same Agency on November 22, 2001 and left in 2005 to pursue a career in politics.

Garneau resigned from the Canadian Space Agency to run under the Liberal banner in Vaudreuil–Soulanges in 2006.  He was unsuccessful there, but won two years later in Westmount-Ville Marie.

I was asked by the Jewish Tribune Newspaper to talk to the candidates and here is what they had to say on some of the issues.

 Question: Vis a vis attacks on  Jewish institutions , such as synagogues, community centres, schools and seniors' homes,   what, if anything, would you do to push for an increase in government funding to help Jewish institutions stay safe? Would you work to increase sentences for hate-motivated crimes?

 Drabkin: There has already been substantial investment in increased security spending around Jewish community institutions funded by the Conservative government over the past three years.  What is required is a proactive approach by government that condemns anti-Semitism in the strongest possible terms and makes it clear to Canadians that hate crimes against any individual or community are not tolerated in our society.  Canadian families are in favour of our increasing community safety and that is why the Conservative government has introduced substantial anti-crime legislation, notably the Truth in Sentencing Act, broadly supported by the law enforcement community.  Stricter sentencing will increase deterrence for hate crimes and other offences directed at religious and cultural communities.

 Garneau: The Liberal Party remains extremely concerned about such attacks on Jewish institutions. We are glad that the Conservatives finally made the Security Infrastructure Program permanent, after considerable delays, given how successful the pilot program was. We would maintain that program and look to grow it moving forward based on the needs of communities.

A Liberal government would examine the sentencing provisions sentences for hate-motivated crimes and would consider amendments for when hate-based motivation is an aggravating factor.

Question: Do you support the full implementation of Canada's anti-terror legislation, with equal application to all individuals and organizations deemed to be a terror threat, regardless of whether that might give rise to claims of Islam phobia? 

Drabkin: I had the honour of serving as Stockwell Day’s Chief of Staff for over five years, which included his tenure as Minister of Public Security.  Our department originated the strengthening of Canada’s anti-terror legislation and our government has been direct and forthright in identifying organizations supporting terrorist organizations abroad, labelling them as such, and moving to revoke their status in Canada, charitable and otherwise.  The Canadian government does not single out Islamic organizations for special scrutiny, but rather applies the law uniformly across all organizations as it reviews their activities within Canada.

 Garneau: We gave our support to Bill C-19 in the last Parliament, which has to do with investigative hearings and recognizance, the anti-terror measures that had been previously sunsetted. We supported these measures, and will do so again, because we feel they strike the appropriate balance between collective rights and security concerns. Our position is based on a very in-depth study done by Liberal MPs and Senators.

The Liberal Party also supports Bill S-7  in principle. We stand with the families of victims of terror who have long sought legal remedies for their losses. This legislation responds to numerous calls from victims of terror and their families for a legal mechanism with which to pursue domestic and international terrorists and their sponsors.

 We are, however, concerned about the authority granted to Cabinet to list which states will have immunity, and which could be subject to civil actions. This process could become overly politicized. Liberal MP Irwin Cotler introduced a Private Member’s Bill that closely resembles Bill S-7 but does not contain the contentious listing framework that could allow the government to target countries for political reasons.

 Question: Some say that the Liberal Party policy on Israel would not continue Harper’s strong pro-Israel stance. How do you respond? 

 Drabkin: The Liberal party has been peddling the concept of being an ‘honest broker’ in the Middle East peace process, which translated into practical terms would be a return to either voting for or abstaining from voting on anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations as they did between 1993 and 2006.  If being an honest broker means voting together with Arab states that are undemocratic and stand against Israel with the objective of undermining its continued existence, then as Conservatives we are completely against that approach.  Mr. Ignatieff only repealed his 2006 accusation against Israel of war crimes in the Lebanese conflict under extreme duress from his fundraisers – his sincerity deserves to be called into question.  The Harper Conservatives have stood steadfastly in support of Israel as the region’s only true democracy since 2006, and Prime Minister Harper was prepared to lose a seat on the UN Security Council in order to remain true to his values.  We will let Canadian voters decide if an Ignatieff government would have been as principled, but we think not.

 Garneau: Under the Liberal Party, Canada always has and always will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. Liberals believe in the two-state solution and that true stability in the region can only happen when a safe, secure and democratic Israel exists in peace beside a viable, secure and democratic Palestinian state.

 Canada’s ultimate objective must be peace in the region. In the short term, we should aim for a reduction in hostilities, economic growth for the most vulnerable, and a de-escalation of inflammatory rhetoric. But let us also be very clear – a democratic state like Canada cannot be neutral as between a democratic state and terrorist organizations.

 Here in Canada, the challenges demand that our policy be based on the substance of the issues at play, rather than the exploitation of politics at home. Stephen Harper has polarized debate in Canada for partisan reasons, using this issue to divide Canadians. You won't see Michael Ignatieff or the Liberal Party attacking the positions of the other parties on Israel. That is because we believe the issues are too important to politicize. We don’t want our party to be alone in the defence of Israel – we want all parties to be genuine defenders of Israel, not seeking to divide our unity and our communities for partisan gain.

Question: B’nai Brith Canada has an extensive program of Affordable Housing directed at the senior members of our community.  It is presently constructing an Alzheimer Residence to care for those afflicted with dignity.  How do we best care for the vulnerable in our Society especially seniors.

 Drabkin: Affordable housing is made possible, in part, by contributions from a variety of federal funding initiatives either through direct spending or in cooperation with provincial and municipal organizations.  The $50 billion, 2-year stimulus package included funding for local infrastructure to improve the conditions of Canada’s senior population, which is growing as the boomer generation ages.  The key to helping seniors is the make sure that they stay in good health – and that is why the Conservatives have pledged to add billions of new dollars in federal health care spending when the federal-provincial health accords are renegotiated in 2014.

Garneau: The Liberal platform calls for numerous initiatives to help the most vulnerable members of our society. Of particular interest :

Our Family Care Plan will invest $1 billion annually to reduce the economic pressure on hundreds of thousands of struggling Canadian families. This will be done through (1) A new six-month Family Care Employment Insurance Benefit so that more Canadians can take time off work to care for gravely ill family members at home without having to quit their jobs; (2) A new Family Care Tax Benefit, modeled on the Child Tax Benefit, to help low- and middle-income family caregivers who provide essential care to a family member at home. We will boost the GIS benefit for low-income seniors by $700 million per year.  A  Liberal government will put in place a Canadian Brain Health Strategy in its first year in office. Its main objective will be helping Canadian families cope and it will encompass such diseases as Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis  and Parkinson’s Disease.

A Liberal government will work with provincial, territorial and municipal partners to put in place a renewed Affordable Housing Framework (AHF). The main objectives of the new Framework will be to: (1)  Reduce homelessness; (2) Maintain and renew existing affordable housing stock; and (3) Stimulate new construction of affordable housing.

New entry in Mount Royal Federal Riding

Since my profile of the Mount Royal Federal  Riding came out, a new candidate has entered the fray: independent  Abraham Weizfeld (pictured below).
 
In a press release, Weizfeld says he us for Direct Democracy, which is an innovation in Canada’s electoral and political history. His seven principles feature the Jewish voice for the reciprocal rights of the Palestinians, together with the Israelis, for peace and security.

Weizfeld says that his campaign is being supported by the Jewish anti-occupation movement the Alliance  of  Concerned  Jewish  Canadians.
 
"We note that the standard mode of political practice is an abuse of power." his press release reads. 

A lot of what he says is very controversial.  I guess we will have to see if he gets into one of the remaining debates.

  

 

Jewish vote is key in Mount Royal riding

Voters in the federal riding of Mount Royal have sent a Liberal to Parliament in every election since 1940. Yet given Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s strong defence of Israel and the presence of a true star candidate for the Conservatives in former Montreal city councillor Saulie Zajdel, this matchup is already garnering a lot of media attention given the fact 36 percent of the riding’s voters are Jewish.

Cotler won the riding with 55.7 percent of the vote in 2008 against a virtual unknown in Rafael Tzoubari. That is a far cry from the 92 percent majority he gained upon assuming office via a by-election in 1999.Zajdel, an orthodox Jew who served on Montreal city council for 23 years, believes that voters in Mount Royal have an historic opportunity. The riding encompasses the heavily Jewish populated suburbs of Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead, the multi-ethnic Montreal districts of Snowdon and Côte des Neiges and posh Town of Mount Royal. Like Cotler, Zajdel acknowledged the importance of the Jewish vote but indicated there a wide variety of other cultural communities represented. While Cotler has established strong ties with these groups over the past decade as the sitting MP, Zajdel represented Côte des Neiges on city council so he has the connections as well.

“Clearly, Irwin is a quite a great man,” said Zajdel. “It is too bad I have to run against him.  Had he jumped the floor a few years ago and joined the Tories I would not be here today. The truth is, Irwin does not need to be the sitting MP to continue the work he is doing in the area o f human rights.”

The other candidates in the riding are Bialik High School teacher Jeff Itcush of the NDP, Brian Sarwer-Foner of the Green Party and Gabriel Dumas of the Bloc Québecois.    Dumas did not return calls to the Jewish Tribune as this story was going to press.

SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

Zajdel says that when it comes to Israel, the Conservatives and Prime Minister Harper have made it clear where they stand. “We are staunchly behind Israel and the prime minister has been very consistent in his views,” he says. “That is a far cry from the wishy-washy position of the Liberals and Michael Ignatieff. Israel has a right to self defence. Our party has made that clear.”

Harper has gained praise from the Jewish community for his stand on the Jewish State. When Israel, the only country in the world whose very existence is under attack, is consistently and conspicuously singled out for condemnation, I believe we are morally obligated to take a stand,” Harper said in a National Post interview.

“I know, by the way, because I have the bruises to show for it, that whether it is at the United Nations, or any other international forum, the easiest thing to do is simply to just get along and go along with this anti-Israeli rhetoric, to pretend it is just about being even-handed, and to excuse oneself with the label of ‘honest broker.’”

“There are, after all, a lot more votes — a lot more — in being anti-Israeli than in taking a stand. But, as long as I am prime minister, whether it is at the UN or the Francophonie or anywhere else, Canada will take that stand, whatever the cost. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because history shows us, and the ideology of the anti-Israeli mob tells us all too well, that those who threaten the existence of the Jewish people are a threat to all of us.”

Cotler takes great exception to suggestions that the Liberal policy has been different and even less supportive than that of the Conservatives  towards Israel. This, he says,   resulted from some misstatements set forth in what he calls “the false Conservative flyer that targeted the Jewish households in my riding. Let me correct the record and set the record straight. First, it was a Liberal government– and not the Conservatives as the flyer maintained- that first listed Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist entities in 2002. Second, it was I as Minister of Justice who issued a ruling that Hamas could not receive funding as it has been listed as a terrorist organization – and not the Conservatives, who ordered the defunding of Hamas as they claimed. Three, it was the Liberal Party– in support of my initiatives – that has called upon the Conservatives to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps – the epicentre of Ahmadinejad’s Iran’s domestic and international repression- as a terrorist group which the Conservatives have not yet done though repeatedly asked my me to do so in Parliament. It is the Liberal Party that has called for the bringing of Ahmadinejad to justice something I have repeatedly called on the conservative government to do and which they have not yet done. It was the Liberal Party that first called for comprehensive sanctions against Ahmadinejad’s regime – including the application of the special emergency measures act – which the conservatives belatedly and still insufficiently have responded to. It is the Liberal Opposition that has publicly endorsed both the London Declaration to Combat antisemitism and the Ottawa Protocol to combat antisemitism which the conservative government has yet to do.

“Prime Minister Harper made a wonderful speech at the Ottawa Conference to combat anti-Semitism, which I chaired, and I commended him for it but we need actions to endorse these two declarations so that we can more effectively mobilize the international community to act. We have also proposed and I did so as Minister of Justice that Canada should not acquiesce in, indulge, or validate the annual anti-Israel ritual at the UN which singles Israel out for selective and discriminatory indictment. We believe the process – which still finds the Conservative government either supporting or abstaining in some six anti-Israel resolutions to be prejudicial to Israel and to undermine the integrity of the UN. Accordingly we have proposed that Israel be treated equally before the law and that there be no more than one resolution – as for any other state- rather than the litany of anti-Israel resolutions.”
 
Cotler notes that he also introduced the first motion with respect to justice for Jewish refugees from Arab countries. “Former Prime Minister Martin, whom I served as Minister of Justice,   remains the only Canadian PM – as Sir Martin Gilbert recently in his landmark book – to have called for justice for Jewish refugees from Arab countries. All this is intended to make the point – as Michael Ignatieff has put it but it has gone unnoticed or ignored or misrepresented by the Conservatives – that while there may be differences between the Liberals and Conservatives on matters of policy, that support for Israel is a common one – and it should not be made into a partisan or wedge issue, but one of common cause.”

Sarwer-Foner says that his party does support  Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism.  “The Green Party has a specific policy on the Israel - Palestinian conflict that calls for peace and diplomacy and an end to violence and retribution,” he said. “It should be clear that continued support and use of military or insurgency strategies will not bring about an end to the conflict. The cycle of violence, loss of life and desecration of human rights must come to an end. The Green Party of Canada believes that any effort aimed only at one side in this conflict will not end the violent responses that exacerbate human suffering. Canada's role in the Middle East should be to reduce tensions, find working solutions and uphold international humanitarian law, not to take sides in this chronic conflict. We must work towards a mutually acceptable compromise that will achieve a lasting peace between, and among, the Israelis and Palestinians.

The Green Party MPs, Sarwer-Foner  says, will  endorse the recognition of a Palestinian right to statehood within the internationally recognized borders as described in United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, and support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict that adheres to pre-1967 borders and incorporates an international plan for stimulating economic prosperity in both nations. “We call on both sides to immediately stop the killing of civilians and adhere to international law,” he says.

HATE RELATED ACTIVITY

In regard to hate-related activity in Canada, Zajdel points out that as a former director of B’nai Brith Canada’s Quebec Region he is well aware of the expectations the Jewish community has on government. “I believe our party has already taken a strong position on this and we will continue to do so,” he said.

Adds Itcush:  “As someone who has spent most of his professional life in working with the Jewish community, issues surrounding hatred and antisemitism are my issues.  As a member of an NDP caucus I would promote and, if necessary, subsidize organizations which promote tolerance in a tangible, operationalized and substantive way. We need to promote a national initiative, in conjunction with provinces, geared towards tolerance education and rapprochement  between ethnic and religious communities. We would work with the Jewish community to dispel myths and stereotyping in the broader Quebec and Canadian communities and pressure the RCMP and all police forces in conjunction with the Minister of  Public Safety to prosecute those committing antisemitic and hate crimes in general.”

 Sarwer-Foner noted that the Green Party is all about social and environmental justice, as well as smart green economics.  “We do not have a specific policy on hate related activity,  but we are clearly against all forms of injustice, inequality and unfair treatment,” he said.   “Clearly hate crimes are intolerable when held up to these standards.  Education for peace, healing and tolerance is always a good way to combat hatred by preventing ignorance to fuel hostility towards differences. Embracing the strength of Canada's multi-cultural landscape is a central theme to all our policies on people.” 

Cotler points out that he wrote extensively on this issue as a law professor and as Minister of Justice he released the first ever National Justice Initiative Against Hate,  which dealt specifically with the need for standardized monitoring, more effective reporting enhancing the definition of hate crime, and establishing dedicated hate crime units for law enforcement purposes.”

Regrettably,” he says, “the Conservative government did not follow up on this. More recently I established the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition to Combat Antisemitism (ICCA) whose London Declaration to combat anti-Semitism at our founding conference, and our most recent Ottawa Protocol to combat anitsemitism, both deal with the issue of hate crimes. I would urge the government to endorse our work and that includes the most recent recommendations that we have received from law enforcement officers in the course of our parliamentary inquiry into anti-Semitism.”

THE SAFETY OF JEWISH INSTITUTIONS

In light of the fact Jewish institutions throughout Canada, such as synagogues, community centres, schools and seniors' homes, have been attacked and threatened in recent years, the candidates agree this is a matter which requires attention. Zajdel points to Public Safety Canada's Security Infrastructure Pilot (SIP) Program to assist such communities in acquiring surveillance cameras, alarm systems, fencing and other equipment to protect their places of worship, schools and community centres. It was recently extended. “We have already shown leadership on this issue,” he said. “I have no doubt that our government would look favourably upon improving this process.”

Canada is a diverse and tolerant country. But sadly, some communities are vulnerable to hate-motivated crime, targeted simply because of their race, religion, or culture. Such violent and hateful acts damage property and pose a risk to public safety, and they place entire communities in a state of fear and anxiety. 

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Parliament passed legislation to give law enforcement the tools they need to combat terrorism.    The law expired after five years and the Conservatives have tried to reinstate key provisions. This includes “investigative hearings” – allowing a judge to order a person to answer questions or produce documents, when there are grounds to believe a terrorism offence has been or will be committed; and “recognizance with conditions” – whereby a person agrees to abide by conditions imposed by a judge, to prevent terrorist activity.

“Unfortunately, the Ignatieff-led Coalition with the NDP and Bloc Québécois has blocked these necessary measures,” the Tory platform states. “But Canadians know that the threat of global terrorism remains, and in the years since 9/11 we have seen that Canada is also vulnerable to the threat of ‘home-grown’ terrorist plots. We will reintroduce our legislation to give law enforcement the tools they need to investigate and prevent acts of terrorism, to protect Canadians and defend our country against such atrocities.

“The federal government’s most solemn responsibility is to protect the security of Canadians and defend our country against attack. Canadians know we are not immune to the threat of terrorism, and they have a comprehensive plan to counter that threat. Among other things, the Harper government has helped ensure that vital intelligence is shared and analyzed comprehensively by Canada’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies; provided increased funding to strengthen air cargo security and to improve operations of the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority; and  developed the Federal Emergency Response Plan, and the National Strategy and Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure.To build on these actions we will develop a new National Counter- Terrorism Strategy outlining relevant laws and procedures and highlighting the means to protect our country from terrorism through effective coordination among Canada’s security agencies, all levels of government, law enforcement, community stakeholders and our international partners.”
Itcush says that as an individual who works within these institutions and has represented employees, “it would be easy for me to say, simply, that hate crimes should be punished more severely.  I believe, however, that, there must be a more "omnibus" approach in dealing with these crimes.”

Itcush notes that he would place greater surveillance of institutions at risk. Promote   tolerance education in regions where threats have been acute, call for coordinated and cooperative efforts between police forces of different jurisdictions and, if necessary, provide relief for organizations in paying for insurance premiums as the result of losses suffered due to   hate-motivated incidents.
Following recent attacks on synagogue and institutions in his own riding, Cotler reiterated his initial proposal – and that of the Liberal Party – for a comprehensive federal government security funding program for at-risk communities, rather than what he calls pilot projects where small-scale announcements have been made by the Conservative government.  “We need a comprehensive strategy here and not one that only comes into play at times of elections,” he says.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SENIORS

In regard to affordable housing for seniors,  Zajdel notes that his experience with B’nai Brith in this matter would serve the party well.  Itcush notes the NDP is not impressed with the recent allocations for housing in the Tory budget.”I would like to see all levels of government brought together to work to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for all Canadians,” he says. “Investment in social infrastructure makes economic sense and puts Canada on track to meet its national and international commitments to end homelessness.”

The Liberal Party held a national summit on Alzheimer’s and related ailments during the last prorogation of Parliament by the Harper government.  ‘Our platform, available on the party website,  recognizes what I have heard in my town halls and public consultations among my constituents, and which I relayed to the Conservative Finance Minister,” he says.  “Healthcare is a top priority. Indeed I have tabled a comprehensive motion for the protection and enhancement of our healthcare system and including also a specific initiative for a special federal agency to deal with the burgeoning illness of Alzheimer’s. I meet regularly with the leadership of the Cummings Centre for Seniors in my riding on seniors issues and have introduced several recent legislative initiatives in this regard. Indeed as  Minister of Justice my first piece of legislation was Bill C-2, a bill for the protection of children and other vulnerable persons.”

Cotler wishes to salute the millions of natural caregivers in Canada. “I am especially proud of the recently unveiled Liberal Family Care Plan – a central pillar of the platform - which promises government support for caregivers who provide the support and dignity to our seniors, and who themselves should be properly supported,” he says. “I recently tabled motions in support of affordable housing and wish to commend B’nai Brith both for their initiatives for affordable housing and Alzheimer’s.”
 

The candidates will take part in a number of debates, including one co-sponsored by B'nai Brith Canada and the City of Côte Saint-Luc on Thursday evening April 28 at Beth Zion Congregation on Hudson Avenue.

 

Member of Parliament Cotler Meets With Council

Côte Saint-Luc City Council had the opportunity to meet privately February 21 with Liberal Member of Parliament for Mount Royal Irwin Cotler. It was abundantly clear that he has every intention of remaining in office. In fact, he told us he does expect an election to be called in the spring.

Cotler briefed us on a number of foreign policy and domestic issues. I asked him what he could do as a federal representative to continue to pressure Canadian Pacific Railway vis-a-vis train noises.  I still get many complaints from constituents, chiefly on Merrimac. Cotler told us that at his office the calls have not been as frequent  of late. Jonathan Schecter, our city clerk, did confirm that his office does received plenty of complaints. Cotler assured us that he will look into the matter for us.

Howard Liebman, Cotler's devoted chief of staff and a resident of District 2, accompanied him to the meeting. We always appreciate these opportunities and have held similar sessions with D'Arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman.

West End Flavor at Tory Love in

I attended the  Federal Conservative Party of Canada Pierrefonds-Dollard Riding Association fundraising barbeque in Dollard September 1, along with about 1,400 other people. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was the main attraction and he received a rock star like welcome upon his arrival.  Pierrefonds-Dollard is held by the highly unimpressive Bernard Patry. Why constituents there have blindly returned this invisible man to office for the last 17 years is beyond , Agop Evereklian, most recently the chief of staff to federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney, is the Tory candidate set to challenge Patry. Gerry Weiner, then last person to hold this riding for the Tories, told me that if there is one riding in the Montreal area his party can win "it is this one."

There were a slew of Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead residents in the crowd, all anxious to embrace a yet to be announced star Tory candidate in the Mount Royal riding. Professor Irwin Cotler has been the Liberal MP there for 10 years and at the age of 70 he is showing no signs of stepping down. Suburban Newspaper owner Amos Sochaczevski, Rabbi Reuben J. Poupko, B'nai Brith's Moise Moghrabi, TMR's Robert Presser and young Hampsteaders like Issie Steckler were among those on hand praising Harper for his defence of Israel. It will be interesting to see how things turn out.

Itcush to run for NDP in Mount Royal

Bialik High School teacher Jeff Itcush  (pictured below) will be introduced Monday, August 23 as the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in the federal riding of Mount Royal, currently held by Liberal MP Irwin Cotler.  NDP Leader Jack Layton and Deputy Leader Thomas Mulcair (MP for Outremont) will be at the announcement, which will take place at a Queen Mary Road restaurant.  

Itcush was brought up in southern Saskatchewan and has resided in Montreal since 1989. He has studied at universities in Saskatchewan and Quebec. Most of his professional life has been in the field of education. He isa former president of the Federation of Teachers of Jewish Schools and has worked in labour negotiations and advocacy. Itcush has worked with several community groups and has done political organizing at the federal and municipal levels in Montreal. In addition, he has been a candidate for elections at those levels, including other runs for the NDP.  He has a particular interest in First Nations culture.

Mount Royal has always been a Liberal stronghold. At the age of 70 Cotler is showing no signs of retiring. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has endeared himself to the Jewish community for his unqualified support of Israel. People are eager to see whom will run for the Tories in the next federal election. Itcush will give the NDP their most high profile candidate yet in this riding.

Meeting Ignatieff a highlight for me at FCM Conference

I recently returned from the 73rd   annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)  in Toronto. This event is the largest annual gathering of elected officials in Canada,  as more than 1,500 municipal leaders from across country were registered. The conference itself is an opportunity for federal leaders to outline their visions for the future of Canada´s cities and communities, and seminars and panel discussions were held on local and national issues. 

The FCM has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. With more than 1,775 members, FCM represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 18 provincial and territorial municipal associations.

As usual, there was an impressive line-up of speakers. This included Prime Minister Stephen Harper and opposition leaders Michael Ignatieff of the Liberals (with me below)  and Jack Layton from the NDP.  I had the opportunity to attend a number of excellent workshops. Two stood out for me:  Local Government 3.0: Using the web to cut costs and serve your citizens better; and  A community of cancer fighters. The former underlined the importance of using the internet and social media vehicles such as facebook and twitter. In the latter, municipalities were described as cancer prevention pioneers. While Côte Saint-Luc took the lead in the province some 25 years ago when the late Councillor Eric Helfield pushed through an anti-smoking bylaw, there all kinds of new initiatives being taken these days. This includes options like banning smoking in parks.  I took studious notes, spoke to the panellists from the Canadian Cancer Society and intend to discuss some possible initiatives with our council.

Prime Minister Harper was naturally the big draw. He received a standing ovation upon entering the room.  “There are people in this room who know how to get a pothole fixed,” said Harper. “I want to talk to you about our economic action plan and your spectacular part in it.”

Harper made it clear that stimulus spending does have a firm expiration date and cities can't expect to live on that fiscal shot of adrenaline forever.   "I know that there are some, including some here, who would like all this stimulus spending extended," Harper  said. "People can't live on adrenaline and economies can't live on stimulus. We must return to the black, not drown in the red."

Harper said the government won't extend the action plan past March 31, 2011.  "At the G20 meeting here in Toronto next month, major economies will be looking at exit strategies from their stimulus measures," Harper said.

FCM President Basil Stewart said that  as Ottawa gets ready to wind down the stimulus program, we expect to work with the federal government to put our successful partnership to work in other areas such as keeping our streets safe, reducing gridlock and fighting homelessness.

“We applaud the federal government for forging its stimulus partnership and working closely with municipalities to build projects that will put more than 100,000 Canadians back to work and strengthen our communities,” said Stewart. “These one-time investments are building on long-term federal funding delivered through the permanent federal Gas Tax Fund, the GST rebate and the Building Canada Fund.”
 Later that same day Ignatieff addressed the conference. This was my first time seeing the Liberal leader speak since the leadership convention in Montreal several years ago in which the party elected Stéphane Dion to captain their ship. While Harper spoke for only 30 minutes, took no questions and left the building immediately, Ignatieff  had a  one hour session and went beyond his allotted time in order to respond to every question from the microphone. He made a strongly partisan speech, criticizing Harper for announcing an end date to the stimulus package.

Ignatieff told municipal leaders that the federal government must treat them as equal partners, and promised to work with us to modernize Canada's aging public transit systems and put in place a national affordable housing strategy.  “Mr. Ignatieff clearly understands the serious challenges that our cities and communities are facing, and is prepared to give municipalities a place in federal policy making that matches their essential role in meeting national challenges,” said Stewart.

“Mr. Ignatieff knows that it´s time municipalities had a proper seat at the national table. He believes that our partnership with Ottawa must grow as stimulus spending ends and the federal government fights its deficit. Even when money is tight we must work together and Canada must continue investing in strong, competitive cities and communities."

Everyone in the room seemed to leave with a pretty good opinion of him. Well, we all walked across the street for a reception at Toronto’s gorgeous City Hall.  At one point my colleague, Councillor Allan J. Levine, grabbed me by the arm. “Come meet Iggy,” he said. And there he was, the Liberal leader working the crowd. Levine, who has been involved with the Liberals for many years, introduced me to Ignatieff. I complimented him for being a man of the people and navigating this crowded area.  I invited him to visit a public high school on a future visit to Montreal. He said he would be delighted.

Levine and I also met Joe Pantalone (left), the deputy mayor of Toronto and a candidate for the top job in the upcoming November elections.  We toured the state-of-the-art council chambers as well.

During the conference I also met Gregor Robertson, the young mayor of Vancouver.
If you’d like to learn more about the conference go to www.fcm.ca.

Councillors Nashen, myself, Kovac and Goldbloom witgh Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.

 

 

A stimulating day on Parliament Hill

My friend Glenn J. Nashen  and I each wear a few hats. I work at the English Montreal School Board as the communications and marketing specialist, serve on Côte Saint-Luc city council and write for a number of newspapers, including  The Suburban, The Jewish Tribune, The Montrealer,  The Jewish  Standard and the Montreal Jewish Magazine. Glenn is the director of public affairs and communications for the Jewish General  Hospital and a city councillor as well in Côte Saint-Luc. He was first elected 20 years ago while  I came aboard in 2005, having covered the city for the local newspaper and then handled public relations assignments for more than two decades.

Glenn and I are naturally very much enamored with the political process – locally, provincially, federally and globally.  During the 11 years I worked for the Canadian Jewish Congress  (CJC),  I frequently went to Ottawa. It was this body’s role to represent the  Jewish community before government.

Last week we spent an enlightening day in Ottawa, starting a round of meetings at 10 a.m. and continuing through nightfall.

Glenn and I began our day with a trip to the Ottawa National Advocacy Office of  CJC. When  I worked for the organization, the head office was in Montreal.  Now, the major operation emanates out of Toronto. Eric Vernon, Joshua Rotblatt  and Susan Marcus hold the fort in Ottawa, sharing space with the Canada-Israel Committee. (Pictured at the right are Glenn, Joshua, Eric and myself).  Joshua is director of operations and Eric, director of government relations.  Only a few days after I started working at CJC my boss, Jack  Silverstone, informed me that we were headed to Ottawa for a meeting with the federal minister of justice. He told me to let him out of the car at Parliament Hill, park the car at the Chateau Laurier Hotel and go find Eric in the lobby. That marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship between Eric and I, which continues today. I may have left CJC 12 years ago, yet sitting down with Joshua and Eric felt so natural. I am glad we have kept in touch and they perform important duties for the community.

Our first meeting on Parliament Hill was with Justin Trudeau, the Liberal MP for Papineau.  Justin, of course, is the son of our late, great prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. I first met him about six years ago when I invited him to come speak at a school board function. Talk about a man who can keep his audience spellbound.

Justin (pictured at the right with Glenn) remains a regular at local schools and not only those in his riding. There is a great demand for his presence  across the country.  He seemed appropriately comfortable in his Confederation Building office.

 “I am abashed to admit how good this feels,” he told us. “Every aspect of this job is so incredibly satisfying.”

How would his father feel if he could see him now? “About a year before my dad died I realized that politics would be a possible path for me one day,” he recalled. “I knew that I needed to talk to him about this or I would regret it. Well, it turned out to be 10 minutes of the most awkward conversation I’d ever had. You see, he had basically already answered this question in the way he raised my brothers and I. ‘Know your values and principles,’ he would always say. He certainly did say that we should not do anything because we thought  it was our appropriate path and with that in mind I know that he was extremely proud  that I became a teacher.”

I personally believe that within the next decade Justin will be the leader of the Federal Liberal Party  and ultimately our prime minister.

We were delighted when the  Federal Minister of Health,  Leona Aglukkaq (below) , agreed to see us.

Ms. Aglukkaq was first elected to work for the Nunavummiut in the House of Commons in October 2008 and became the first Inuk to be sworn into the federal cabinet. Prior to entering federal politics she served in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly as the MLA for the district of NATTILIK (communities of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak). During her time as an MLA, she was elected by her peers to be part of the Executive Council and  first given the responsibility of finance minister and house leader, before becoming the minister of health and social services and the minister for the status of Women. She was absolutely charming. We spoke about the H1N1 crisis and the medical isotope shortage.  The Minister may be making a trip to Montreal in the not too distant to visit some of our local cancer centers.

Did you know that Stockwell Day (right with Glenn and I), the president of the Federal Treasury Board, once lived in Montreal? Long before he became the Albert finance minister, leader of the Canadian Alliance and a trusted federal minister for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Day resided in St. Lambert, N.D.G. and Westmount.  He attended Westmount High School and looks forward to making a return visit there soon. The prime minister initially appointed him the public safety minister, moving him to international trade and now the treasury, where he  has been handed the crucial task of getting our country’s finances back on track.  

Every step of the way these last four years he has been supported by Neil Drabkin, a lawyer and long time Côte Saint-Luc resident, as his chief of staff. Neil has a significant background in the political process, going back to the era of Brian Mulroney as prime minister. At that time Neil  (right, with Glenn and I), was a senior policy advisor and deputy chief of staff to the minister of citizenship. He has also been a Tory candidate on a few occasions.

Via the English Montreal School Board I edit a special needs newspaper called Inspirations (www.emsb.qc.ca/inspirations). With this in mind I was particulary anxious to meet two cabinet ministers: Steven Fletcher and Diane Finley.
 
Fletcher (right, with Glenn and I),  was a young  mining engineer in Manitoba in 1996 when an automobile collision with a moose left him a quadriplegic. He is paralyzed from the neck down. Despite the odds, he returned to university for his MBA and has been elected to Parliament in the last three elections, now serving as the minister of democratic reform. He’s been travelling near Montreal recently to take  French classes.  He and his father David presented us with a copy of  the book The Steven  Fletcher Story: What Do You Do If You Don’t Die? “Have your hankerchief ready,” one of his executive assistants warned us. Fletcher has such a great disposition. What an inspiration he is!  His office is a beehive of activity, with meetings occurring non-stop.

Finley  (right, with Glenn and I), is  the minister of human resources and skills development.  The MP for Haldimand-Norfolk in Simcoe, Ontario told us that a number of years ago she spent a summer working at the Lachine plant of Rolls Royce Canada.  Her boss was a gentleman by the name of Doug Finley. The two would eventually become man and wife. Doug is now a Conservative Senator and the party’s national campaign director. Diane Finely shared with us her battle with Graves Disease,  an autoimmune condition  which causes over activity of the thyroid.  For some time she had to wear sunglasses in the House of Commons due to  a hypersensitivity to light. “I had five surgeries and I am fortunate that the last one was successful,” said the minister, who is also responsible for the Federal Office for Disability Issues.

Finley told us that when she was in opposition that the headquarters for the Office for Disability Issues  was ironically  not accessible for  the handicapped. “There were actually two offices at the time,” she said. “Now we have one office across the river in Gatineau . Not only is it accessible, it is  in fact a showcase for accessibility.”

Later in the day, at the posh Rideau Club, we met CTV national reporter Roger Smith (riight). I have always been a big fan of the way he delivers breaking news from the nation’s capital. He was interesting to speak to.

I must say that I came home from these meetings very impressed with the Parliamentarians and their senior staff whom we interacted with. They have all been invited to come visit some of our schools on future visits to Montreal.

For Glenn's take click here to view his website entry