FLAG FLAP ON PARLIAMENT HILL
Instead of lowering the flag on Parliament Hill to commemerate the death of one of our soldiers, why don't we find a spot to raise a flag for each and every soldier that gives his or her life in this unfortunate conflict?
As the small forest of red and white would grow, all Canadians could see the terrible price paid so that we may live in a free and tolerant society.
This symbol will not be a fleeting moment of respect, but a time-honored Canadian tradition of remembering those who gave all for us to live in peace.
The flag on the main tower of Parliament Hill should enjoy a designation of special privilege, as the symbol of Canada's strength and unity, and as a standard raised to Democracy. The only time this flag should leave its lofty position over our seat of government is when the country falls, or for maintenance replacement.
This main flag should enjoy a status much like that of Ancient Rome's Imperial Eagle, as the last flag to fall.
There are two other towers at a lesser height on the extremities of the Parliamentary Block; let these flags serve, with respect to the importance of the occasion, as the flags to be lowered in time of mourning, and these times should be reserved for heads of state, elected Parliament officials, previously elected Prime Ministers and events of national mourning (e.g. major disaster, passing of a noted, national figure, etc.)

(Sent to the Gazette, Jan 20.)
RE: WHAT THE SUBURBS WANT

How quickly Montreal's Mayor Tremblay forgets how he and his city came to be where they are.
When the suburbs were forced into the city of Montreal, Gerald Tremblay presented himself, with the approval of the Quebec Liberal Party, as a White Knight. With the help of suburban mayors and their citizens, he would create a party that would not only win the Mayor's seat in Montreal, but also allow for these suburbs to vote in a referendum as to whether they wished to remain merged with Montreal or return to their own municipalities.
Sadly, not only were we betrayed by Gerald Tremblay but by our own Liberal party too.
(Immediately after the elections, both the Liberal party and Mayor Tremblay scoffed at the thought of de-merger. Only after a public outcry was raised did the government retreat and allow a referendum, but on grounds so unfavorable that areas with a high number of citizens in rental units - who tend not to care about municipal affairs and historically have a low turnout at the polls - failed to meet the unrealistic conditions.)
As for the towns the Mayor claims voted to stay with Montreal? They failed to garner the necessary votes because the usual referendum rules of a simple majority were thrown out with the impudence of a tinpot dictatorship. He has no right to say he represents them.

Given his amoral behaviour and total contempt for the rules of fair play, it comes as no surprise that Tremblay runs the agglomeration council to the detriment of the suburbs.
The the suburbs have no choice but to lobby for a fair deal that reflects the true cost and responsibilities due to Montreal.
Are we being unreasonable in asking for this?
(As an example, Montreal sells water below cost to the merged suburbs and passes these costs along to the de-merged towns, resulting in not one but two water bills, since the de-merged towns have their own water supply.)

A Newfoundland family found themselves waiting to have the funeral of family member Dennis Hamilton; he was bumped off his connection in Montreal because Air Canada felt room for luggage was more important than delivering Hamilton's remains on time.
And last week Air Canada announced that if you want to have service when your flight is canceled or delayed, or your luggage has gone astray; well, by forking over an extra 25 to 35 bucks, they'll do it for you. Isn't that nice of them?
The Hamilton family is looking for some answers, but they better not hold their breath waiting for an apology; now the so-called "national airlines" can squirrel out of it, "shoulda paid the premiuim, tsk, tsk.
But let's not be too quick to blame Air Canada; it seems to me that everyone in country is playing that game, especially our governments.
We pay taxes, and then when we call to get some 'service' we get charged a user fee.
Maybe the taxpayers should charge the government a fee for using our money. And maybe we should choose an airline that tries to do their best to give service without having their hand in your pocket.
Then we could strip the 'national carrier' designation from Air Canada and give it to them.
At the same time, if Air Canada insists upon acting like a third-world carrier, it should change its name to Air Canuck.

Instead of lowering the flag on Parliament Hill to commemerate the death of one of our soldiers, why don't we find a spot to raise a flag for each and every soldier that gives his life in this unfortunate conflict?
As the small forest of red and white would grow, all Canadians could see the terrible price paid so that we may live in a free and tolerant society.
This symbol will not be a fleeting moment of respect, but a time-honored Canadian tradition of remembering those who gave all for us to live in peace.
As for the flag that flies above the tower of the Parliament building, it shouldn't be lowered for any reason. It should fly as the Nation's Standard, with flags at opposite ends of the Parliament building to be lowered to half-mast when required.