Harper's UN Speech Focuses On Children, Trade-Friendly Canada

UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. - In a year of violence and geopolitical chaos, Prime Minister Stephen Harper used a surprising speech to the United Nations General Assembly to emphasize themes of peace and optimism.

The prime minister's third address to the chamber was remarkable for what it did not include: the words "Iraq'' or "Russia.''

Short B.C. throne speech neglects climate crisis, poverty

Everyone expected today's throne speech to be a brief recap of Christy Clark's election platform. And on this front, it certainly delivered: only eight pages, compared to the usual 20+, pinning our province's hopes on liquified natural gas (LNG) exports, and using much of the same language, word for word, that we've heard repeatedly throughout the election campaign.

A recycled throne speech warrants recycled analysis, so here's an excerpt from what I wrote on this blog in February:

    "the throne speech disappoints with its failure to honestly communicate the true challenges our province faces, let alone offer credible solutions. Too many children live in poverty in our rich province, our hospitals are overcrowded, our schools cannot afford to provide kids with learning disabilities and special needs with the support they need to learn well, there’s a crisis in seniors care, and climate change and income inequality threaten not just our sensibilities, but our economy, quality of life and survival. But while natural gas is mentioned 15 times in the throne speech, and mining and forestry also feature prominently, there is no mention of climate change, green jobs or income inequality."

Obama Memorial Day Speech Honors Fallen Troops

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- President Barack Obama said Monday that Americans must honor the sacrifices of their fighting men and women, particularly at a time when the U.S. combat role in Iraq has ended and the country's involvement in Afghanistan is winding down.

Speaking at Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, Obama said he worries that the country's servicemen and women aren't being fully appreciated in an era in which "most Americans are not directly touched by war." He said he couldn't explain that phenomenon but said it might have something to do with the all-volunteer military force and advanced technology that now permits the United States to accomplish some military missions with far fewer personnel.

‘What the world must become in the future … is what Canada is today’

The prepared text of the Prime Minister’s remarks to a Conservative rally in Calgary yesterday.

    Merci beaucoup. Thank you very much for that kind introduction. And I want to thank all of you for that warm Stampede welcome.

    Cent ans à célébrer le Stampede de Calgary. One hundred years of the Calgary Stampede. Yesterday morning I said, If only the founders could see what they have built: The greatest outdoor show on Earth! Hosted in the greatest city of the greatest country in the world! An incredible achievement. And please, all my parliamentary colleagues, stand up … They’ve come from all over Alberta, all over Canada … So friends, give them one more big Calgary Stampede welcome! Look at those hats. Doesn’t take long to become a cowboy! Wherever you’ve come from, tonight we say, “Bienvenue a Calgary, welcome to Calgary, welcome to our home, it’s great to see you here.”