The issue is whether political lobbyists should be able to operate as tax-exmpt “charities” in Canada  The law restricts charities to a 10 per cent allocation of funds to further special causes — and it demands that zero monies go to promoting a political party. In the U.S., charities such as the Ford Foundation are tax exmept. These “charities” have contributed to the concern that elections are, in effect, purchased in the U.S.  Many people are concerned about the impact of tax-exempt charities in politics.  David Suzuki sees the issue differently. He argues in his regular spot in the Post magazines that the issue is free speech. The government of Canada is trying to silence those crusading for good and green causes. You should take a look at the article. There is only the most passing mention of money. It’s all about how Dr. Suzuki is being silenced. Well maybe. But the good gentleman should really address practical matters. Do we want a country where tax free charities crusade against unions? He may wish to ask himself why the Red Cross and United Way are so scrupulous about eschewing politics. And finally, let him face the obvious. Free speech is alive and well in Canada. He’s the best proof.

It happens every time the Don Valley Parkway is closed. When the closure is unexpected, it’s worse. Sunday morning on Bayview Avenue was a slow and difficult journey for locals and those passing through (above). The parkway northbound was  closed after a rear end collision near Pottery Road. The driver of the car that did the rear-ending took off into the valley on foot and police continue to search for him. Five people are said to have been injured although there is some question as to how seriously. One was said to be in critical condition but later reports said that all occupants escaped relatively unscathed.  The parkway has now re-opened.

The brazen killing of three employees of  G4S cash delivery service has shocked Edmonton and the country. A student (inset) heard the gunfire — one shot followed by several more — that took the lives of the three, two men and a woman. A fourth crew member was critically wounded. The student said he heard someone saying “Hurry, hurry” as well as moans and cries, apparently from the injured and dying employees.  The four were found in a small room behind a cash machine that they had apparently been servicing at the HUB mall on the University of Alberta campus. They had either been forced in there by their killer or taken refuge. In what seems unusual in such robberies, the person or persons who committed the crime also stole the G4S truck. It has been found some 70 blocks from the crime scene not far from the G4S terminal. What might this mean for the prospect of an inside job? It is the first thing police think of when such a robbery occurs.