Issue Archive » Volume 3 - Issue 4 - Reclaiming Compassion
The Conservative Vision of Social Justice
by Monte Solberg on November 26, 2009
In this article Monte Solberg argues that Canadian conservatives are missing an important opportunity to dramatically improve the effectiveness of well over half of current government spending and to dramatically improve their political popularity at the same time. But doing this requires the government to define and communicate their idea of a conservative vision of social justice. Solberg looks at the rise of this idea in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Read more » | 0 commentsFreedom to Build: Homes for the Homeless
by Fergus Hodgson on November 26, 2009
The homeless of Canada, as a growing and suffering demographic, warrant our concern. Contrary to public perceptions, approximately half of these individuals are employed, and even more are willing to work. However, since the cost of housing has greatly outpaced wage growth, minimum wage and low paying jobs are no longer sufficient to cover accommodation in many of Canada’s major cities. The homeless are primarily a symptom of a restrained housing supply, particularly the low-cost variety. While numerous government programs and community initiatives have sought to address homelessness, they have proved ineffectual and often counterproductive. The homeless population has continued to expand, along with the relevant waiting lists and government agencies. These initiatives will continue to fail while the underlying cause, the many impediments to and the lack of private housing, is not addressed.
Read more » | 3 commentsIslam and Western Society
by Michael Coren on November 26, 2009
Michael Coren asks whether Islam is reconcilable with western, pluralistic values. Using examples of the Islamic reaction to the Danish cartoons of Mohammad and how one particular town in England has changed through Muslim immigration, he raises severe doubts about the future of the relationship unless we change out current attitudes. Coren explains that while many Muslims simply want to live as westerners, we have yet to fully understand the radical Islamic imperative which seeks to transform the nature of any society where it settles. It would be simple, but incredibly dangerous, to assume that Islam follows similar patterns to other religions. He argues that this debate is the most important of the age.
Read more » | 0 commentsCommunity is not a Liberal Word
by Dave Quist and Andrea Mrozek on November 26, 2009
Strong community acts as a powerful force to keep government in check. Strong communities are made up of strong families, yet families are on the decline in Canada today. No wonder then, that government sits at an unwieldy 42 per cent of GDP. Social conservatives acknowledge the importance of strong families in creating community, which in turn is able to support families and social programs today taken on by our welfare state. Though it may be true that classical liberals of yesteryear (conservatives today) paid little attention to community—this is because they took strong communities for granted. We can no longer afford to do so, as the ongoing decline of strong families will continue to create impetus and motivation for larger and larger government programs.
Read more » | 0 commentsSocial Conservatives and the Harper Government
by Richard Bastien on November 26, 2009
Social conservatives focus on what is permanent in human nature, emphasize the importance of tradition, trust in a market economy and put the family ahead of the state. Rejecting John Rawls’ notion that a political order can be established that is neutral between diverse moral and religious worldviews, as well as the concept of a specifically Christian law, they also believe that the origin of enacted laws is the natural moral law, a legal philosophy developed by Greek and Roman thinkers long before Christianity appeared on the historical scene. The Harper government has been reasonably supportive of a social conservative vision, as attested by its implementation of the Child Care Allowance Program, the abolition of the Court Challenges Program and its balanced environmental policies. There seems little doubt that the CPC is the national party most capable of addressing other issues of particular concern to conservative-minded people, notably as regards the interpretation of freedom of expression and freedom of consciences, as well as the reinforcement of the traditional family through family taxation.
Read more » | 0 commentsInterview: Iain T. Benson
by Chris Schafer on November 26, 2009
An interview with Iain T. Benson, Senior Associate Counsel, Miller Thomson LLP, and former Executive Director, Centre for Cultural Renewal in Ottawa, Ontario, conducted November 10 th , 2009.
Read more » | 0 commentsBook Review: Progress and Property Rights: From the Greeks to Magna Carta to the Constitution
by Matt Bufton on November 26, 2009
Review of Progress and Property Rights: From the Greeks to Magna Carta to the Constitution , by Walker Todd.
Read more » | 0 commentsThis Month's Featured Article
Self-government and religious liberty are one and the same
The state of religious liberty is a good indicator of whether citizens are actually governing themselves. John von Heyking delves into the state of both 25 years after a key Supreme Court of Canada judgment….
Read More » | 0 commentsMost Read
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