Opinions
Guest Column: Subtracting new math in Saskatchewan
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 8th, 2017
After enduring years of fuzzy math, Saskatchewan parents may finally have cause for hope. Not only did the provincial government’s latest throne speech acknowledge that Saskatchewan students have the worst math skills in the country, it pledged to address the problem with a “common-sense” plan that focuses on the basics. That’s good news for parents ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Addressing domestic violence should be a top priority
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 7th, 2017
It’s an unfortunate coincidence that November, which marks Family Violence Prevention Month, also began with the massacre of 25 people attending the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs. Details are still emerging about Sunday’s mass killing. But what has come to light is that the perpetrator, Devin Patrick Kelly, had a history of domestic violence, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!New UCP leader still very much a blank slate
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 4th, 2017
It wasn’t even close. Jason Kenney won the United Conservative Party leadership handily on the first ballot with 61 per cent of the vote, nearly 30 per cent more than his closest rival, former Wildrose leader Brian Jean. Jean is arguably Alberta’s most popular politician, consistently ranking ahead of Kenney and Premier Rachel Notley in ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Guest Column: Our goal should be healthier communities
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 4th, 2017
It’s Halloween as I write. A delightful and weird little event, teeming with all sorts of conflicting traditions and practices, none of which make any sense at all. Except for the ones tied to the excitement, wonder and mischievous missions of little kittens, sea captains and ghosts all set to plunder the neighbourhood for sweet ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Can we learn lessons about aging population and health-care needs?
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 3rd, 2017
In the next 14 years those more than 65 years old will represent 25 per cent of the population of Canada compared to just 14 per cent in 2009, according to Statistics Canada. “According to all selected scenarios, the number of people aged 65 years or over would surpass the number of children aged less ... Read More »
1 responseGuest Column: Alberta’s sex-ed showdown
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 3rd, 2017
Troy Media Jason Kenney, the newly-elected leader of Alberta’s United Conservative Party, has made it clear that Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has no business dictating how sex education should be taught in the Catholic school system. “It’s not for me or the premier to dictate to the Catholic education system how it teaches Catholic values,” ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!The hounds have been unleashed
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 1st, 2017
Today is the Feast of All Souls, a day to remember to dearly departed and those laid peacefully to rest in their graves who we have known over the years. The day itself has two spiritual purposes: First, to remember the departed and reflect on the fleeting nature of life, and secondly, (deep down), to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!National Affairs: Rookie Scheer won’t escape friendly fire
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 1st, 2017
Few Parliament Hill insiders were surprised by Jason Kenney’s decisive Alberta leadership victory. The former federal Conservative immigration minister has long been considered in an organizational class of his own. He was the chief-architect of the federal party’s outreach in Canada’s diverse cultural communities. Kenney may have been less popular than his main rival Brian ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Governments dragging feet on e-cigarettes
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 31st, 2017
With a new study showing a “strong and robust” linkage between e-cigarette use and subsequent tobacco use, it’s a reminder on how Canada, Alberta and Medicine Hat are behind on properly bringing the sale and use of e-cigarettes in line with existing tobacco legislation. For those who haven’t been paying attention, e-cigarettes — or what’s ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Proportional representation a more just election system
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 28th, 2017
With the long and w-nding United Conservative Party leadership race coming to a close today, the province will finally have an official leader of opposition. The conventional wisdom is that the first UCP leader, whether it’s former PC leader Jason Kenney, former Wildrose leader Brian Jean or long-shot Calgary lawyer Doug Schweitzer, will be the ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Guest Column: Despite fanfare, medical benefits of marijuana remain experimental for many conditions
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 28th, 2017
Many Canadians can hardly wait for the day that the recreational use of marijuana becomes legal. As a medical doctor, I’m far less enthusiastic. I worry about two things: The experimental nature of marijuana in medical practice and the public health consequences of legalized marijuana. Before you write me off as overly prudish or an ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!
