Author: Hon. Joe Volpe

The ancient philosopher Plato instructs civic engagement

TORONTO – We are exactly 21 days away from election day in Canada. General “defining debates” in Canada’s official languages will take place approximately ten days before that happens. The usual “plan” is that by then citizens will have learned enough about the candidates that they will be able to make “informed” decisions on the basis of candidate performance in the “title bout”. 

We risk being dogs barking for scraps

TORONTO – He – the Donald – confirmed what we all intuitively know to be his guiding principle: ‘better to live one day as a lion than a lifetime as a dog’. We are just “prey” to the USA. Trump is the unmasked face of the USA. There are no borders he will not cross to satisfy his needs. 

CORRIERE CANADESE / Canada, il giorno del giudizio: 28 aprile

TORONTO – Siamo soltanto al terzo giorno e le nostre elezioni federali sono già sconcertanti, per usare un eufemismo. Normalmente, le elezioni sono un giudizio sulle prestazioni ed i risultati dell’amministrazione “in uscita”, che si traduce in una ricompensa o una punizione. Di solito si tratta “di fatti”: eventi accaduti, se il risultato è importante per qualcuno, e a chi va la colpa od il merito… Read More in Corriere Canadese >>> 

Canada’s judgement day: April 28

TORONTO – Day three and our federal election is already puzzling, to say the least. Normally, elections are a judgement on the performance and accomplishments of the ‘exiting’ administration, resulting in reward or punishment. It is typically “about the facts” – events that have happened, if the outcome matters to anyone, and who deserves the blame or the credit.