Defence Minister Bill Blair says he cannot explain why his office waited nearly two months to approve a security warrant placing Liberal Party organizers under surveillance over suspicious contacts with members of the Chinese Communist Party. “I agree I was at all times responsible,” Blair testified at the Commission on Foreign Interference: "Was this a politically sensitive warrant?" READ MORE
About 100 Canadians are being held in Chinese prisons, says the Department of Foreign Affairs. The latest figures follow an appeal from the Chinese Embassy that Canadian visitors should not fear arbitrary arrest: "If you walk on the Chinese streets, it’s quite safe." READ MORE
Hiring of Black, Indigenous and LGBTQ students is a “national priority” under next year’s Canada Summer Jobs program, says the Department of Employment. Program managers said preference will also be given to “jobs that support climate change mitigation.” READ MORE
Animal rights protesters use terror tactics, says a member of the Senate agriculture committee. Senator David Richards (N.B.) told a hearing that protesters seek to “destroy the very industry they are protesting” at livestock and poultry barns: "It’s a terror tactic." READ MORE
Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault on Saturday approved a pre-election cut in Employment Insurance Premiums. Boissonnault has called Employment Insurance the nation’s most important income support program: "We're in a good position." READ MORE
We are grateful this holiday to friends and subscribers as Blacklock's embarks on a 13th great year of independent, all-original Canadian journalism. On behalf of our contributors, please accept our thanks. We're back tomorrow -- The Editor. READ MORE
Poet Shai Ben-Shalom writes: "Budget cuts send duty travel to the chopping board..." READ MORE
When our lives are finished and we recall the challenges that we’ve faced and achievements we’ve earned, none of us want to leave anything on the table. That’s what motivates me. In life it is simple to attempt only the easy things. I’m drawn to the mental and physical challenge. Working at high altitude and low oxygen, packing heavy gear with a specific and difficult goal in mind gives me that. I enjoy being uncomfortable in my surroundings. That challenge elevates you within. Is it the danger that’s appealing? Perhaps, but I think it’s more the extreme challenge.
