Yves Engler

Why Are Canadian Special Forces in Haiti?

Canadian troops may have recently been deployed to Haiti, even though the government has not asked Parliament or consulted the public for approval to send soldiers to that country. Last week the Haiti Information Project photographed heavily-armed Canadian troops patrolling the Port-au-Prince airport. According to a knowledgeable source I emailed the photos to, they were … Continue reading “Why Are Canadian Special Forces in Haiti?”

Saudi Arabia and the Canadian Arms Lobby

Will they cancel the contract or won’t they? In order to understand Ottawa’s decision making process regarding General Dynamics’ massive arms deal with Saudi Arabia one must look closely at industry lobbyists. While the Trudeau government is under substantial public pressure to rescind the $15 billion Light Armored Vehicle sale, to do so would challenge … Continue reading “Saudi Arabia and the Canadian Arms Lobby”

On Libya: First, Do No Harm

Many progressives call for Canada to "do more" around the world. The assumption is that this country is a force for good, a healer of humankind. But if we claim to be the "doctors without borders" of international relations, shouldn’t Canada swear to "first do no harm" like MDs before beginning practice? At a minimum … Continue reading “On Libya: First, Do No Harm”

Canada’s Blackwater

Last week students at L’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) disrupted a board meeting after learning administrators planned to sign a $50 million, seven-year, contract with security giant GardaWorld. Protesters are angry the administration has sought to expel student leaders and ramp up security at the politically active campus as they cut programs. The world’s … Continue reading “Canada’s Blackwater”

Canada’s Violation of International Law in Libya

Since the start of the Canadian election campaign a series of posts have detailed the Harper Conservatives repeated abuse of power. The Tyee published "Harper, Serial Abuser of Power", which listed "70 Harper government assaults on democracy and the law." But the widely disseminated list omitted what may be the Conservatives’ most flagrant – and … Continue reading “Canada’s Violation of International Law in Libya”