Double standards

Re: Snc-lavalin scandal What is particularly galling about the current bribery allegation against SNC-LAVAlin is not so much that the offence has been brought to the attention of Parliament and its Public Prosecution Service, it is the differential standards of justice that have been applied to companies operating outside Quebec.

As a case in point, two Alberta oil and gas companies, Griffiths Energy and Niko Resources, were found guilty of bribery under the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, and each received fines of approximately $10 million.

Meanwhile, Snc-lavalin, a frequent participant in a variety of illegal acts, has received $2 billion from the federal Canadian Export Development Bank since 2002 and another $800 million since the RCMP began its investigation of the company’s most recent alleged transgressions.

It is more than passing strange that the prime minister would demote the minister of justice, leading to her resignation from Cabinet, to protect 3,400 jobs in Quebec, while continuing the aggressive destruction of Alberta’s energy industry, leading to the loss of over 100,000 jobs in that province.

It was not that long ago that the Reform Party of Canada was created out of the denial of Manitoba-based Bristol Aerospace’s successful bid to service Air Canada, preferring to give the contract to Montreal.

There are more than a few too many strains being placed on Canadian unity by the differential standards of public policy being practised by the federal government — by both major parties — to continue this practice of favouring Quebec at the expense of other provinces.

Canada deserves better than the continuing venality and hypocrisy that has become all too common in our democratic institutions.

All of this is unlikely to end well should it continue without the restoration of Parliamentary probity and integrity. Raymond Foote, Ottawa the right, under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to request an assisted death.

The court then directed the government of Canada to create the required legislation within 12 months.

Due to a change of rule to the Liberals, the government was given an additional three months and C-14 (MAID) was passed into law in June 2016.

There are many things “wrong” about MAID — and it must be improved — but in no aspect of its statement nor in its administration by the provinces and territories, is there anything that could be construed as “killing by the state.”

Audrey Parker chose a highly publicized assisted death to illustrate one of the failings of MAID.

Dying With Dignity Canada has taken up Audrey’s cause with a petition to amend C-14 to better reflect the intention of the Supreme Court.

Dana Livingstone of Sooke, B.C., concerned about her personal risks and the fears experienced by people with dementia, also petitioned for changes.

Her petition was clear and definitive and in three months collected almost 2,700 signatures.

Her petition will be presented to the House of Commons by her local MP, who co-sponsored the petition.

MAID is not perfect: since I spoke about it on national radio on Sept. 30, more than 3,000 people have reached me with heartfelt concerns about people with dementia being denied access to MAID.

Their concerns are real — from patients themselves and from caregivers thrust into roles they cannot maintain.

I am concerned that Barbara Kay speaks of state killing. Most of her concerns are conjectures; not reality. The Council of Canadian Academies report was an excellent description of real and theoretical problems. The council was directed to not provide suggestions or solutions. Only problems.

The real world must provide the solutions. They can do it and they are ready. They don’t need more theory or posits of state killing.