Have Your Say

Legal aid boycott

Hamilton criminal lawyers have joined their counterparts in other parts of the province in a boycott of some legal aid cases. They point out the system is hugely underfunded, pay increases haven't kept pace with others such as Crowns and judges, and there are different standards applied to legal aid cases so that the accused in those cases are treated less fairly by the system than others who can afford their own legal representation, or who are on the Crown side. What do you think?

Al Jazeera in Canada?

Al Jazeera English, the English-language arm of the Qatar-based broadcaster, has applied to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to broadcast in Canada, using Toronto-based carrier Ethnic Channels Group Ltd.

Supporters argue Al Jazeera is another voice reporting on events in the Middle East at a time when other media outlets are reducing their coverage, and that having the option to subscribe to Al Jazeera is a question of free speech and freedom of choice. Critics disagree, pointing out that the Arabic-language arm of the network has aired interviews with extremists and terrorists. The head of Al Jazeera English says his division is independent from the rest of the network, so that's not an issue.

What do you think?

The Canada Day long weekend

Canada Day falls midweek this year, which provides a good opportunity to see what people say about the fact that it's a single day off as opposed to a long weekend. About half of our annual holidays are date-specific, such as Christmas, New Year, Boxing Day and Canada Day. Others, such as Victoria Day, Labour Day and Family Day are celebrated either Friday or Monday, creating a long weekend. Should Canada Day be marked on the nearest Monday or Friday, or remain tied to the actual date of July 1, regardless of where it falls during the week?

Hudak at the helm

Supporters of Tim Hudak say he's just the man to lead the Progressive Conservatives back to power, citing his traditional right-wing approach, with emphasis on cutting taxes and traditional conservative values. They point out a more centrist approach under John Tory was unsuccessful. But critics charge this is the second coming of Mike Harris, whose divisive policies eventually fell out of favour with Ontarians. What do you think of the new leader and direction?

Michael Jackson's legacy

The pop star's death is dominating world news this weekend. What are your thoughts on his life, music, style, idiosyncratic behaviour and his premature death? What will his legacy be? Where does he stand in the pantheon of departed musical stars of our era?

The way to save local TV programming?

Broadcasting companies, such as CanWest Global and CTV, are lobbying the federal government and the CRTC to allow "fee-for-carriage", a system where broadcasters could charge cable companies for the privilege of carrying the station. Supporters say it's essential if local TV operations, such as CH TV,  are to survive as the existing business model, where broadcasters make most of their money from advertising, no longer works and is not sustainable. Critics charge this alternative is unfair to consumers, as cable companies will just turn around and pass on the extra cost to cable subscribers. At minimum, consumers should be allowed to opt out if they don't want to pay what amounts to a subscription for local TV stations, critics argue. What do you think? Should the networks that own local TV stations be allowed to charge cable companies? What will it take to save local TV?

Taking in the Ticats?

With the new CFL regular season set to open next week, and the Tiger-Cats coming off an 0-2 pre-season, what are your thoughts? Will you attend games this season?

LCBO on strike?

Unionized LCBO workers are poised to strike. Reports say the key issue is around vacation, pay and other rights for casual and temporary employees. The LCBO says it needs more flexibility, not less, to respond to seasonal fluctuations in consumer demand. What do you think? Some are calling for privatization of the government agency. But it makes a lot of money - reportedly up to $5 million daily - for government coffers. Will you cross the picket line?

Scrapping human rights systems

Two candidates for the Progressive Conservative leadership say they'd dismantle human rights protection systems in Ontario. They argue the human rights board and tribunal are out of control and trampling the very rights they're supposed to protect. What do you think?

Militia or vigilantes?

Frustrated Caledonia residents are trying to form an unarmed militia to protect citizens from harassment by native protesters and to protect private property. Critics say this is nothing more than vigilantism, while defenders argue citizens are taking matters into their own hands because they're not receiving adequate and equitable protection from police. What do you think?