Author archive

The Green Party has for many years been promoting a guaranteed annual income (GAI).  It should be more economical than the hodgepodge of existing income support programmes, it will capture people who aren’t served by the current system (such as caregivers for family members who need round-the-clock support), and it addresses the dignity that every Canadian deserves.     Read more »

I’ve been following the COP17 climate change conference in Durban, South Africa from right here in Riverdale.  This will be a long, rambling omnibus post on my thoughts and concerns.     Read more »

On this day, let us remember, reflect, and re-commit to war no more.

For those who want to mark this day a little differently, the soldier’s tower in Hart House is open every year on this day.  It’s an opportunity not just to remember those young people who lost their lives for Canada, but to see a lovely historic corner of the city.  The tower was built in 1923-24, originally to remember those young university students who lost their lives in the first world war.  Standing at 143 feet in height, it is still an imposing reminder to University of Toronto students today.

I’ve been following the “Occupy Toronto” movement that’s powered by youth and hope in a world of corruption and decadence.  I hope that it will prove to be the catalyst for the new ideas we need to take us forward.

This movement is occurring in a context.  Though many of the participants may be unaware of it, there is a fairly obvious underlying reason for the rising levels of anger.     Read more »

The Toronto-based group For Our Grandchildren has produced this wonderful video:

For Our Grandchildren – Something Must Be Done from Stephen Best on Vimeo.

If the video stutters, click on the HD in the lower-right-hand corner.  Even in “low-def”, it’s quite high-definition.