1 THE PREEM IS PEEVED Saskatchewan’s premier criticizes Canada’s Official Opposition because NDP leader Thomas Mulcair pointed out a few problems with resource economies. We’re still waiting for Wall to criticize Canada’s actual government for its changes to the criminal justice system, which will cost Saskatchewan actual money.
2 THE STUDENTS ARE SURLY It looks like Quebec students are going to reject a tentative agreement with government and keep on demonstrating. Good for them. I remember in the ’90s when the Liberals slashed provincial transfer payments and unemployment insurance and basically screwed everyone who wasn’t a millionaire to pay down the debt. An awful lot of Canadians just sat and took it. I specifically remember tuition going through the roof and the screws being tightened on student loan repayment, and I remember a lot of student leaders defending that (I’m looking square at you, Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, ya buncha collaborators). So I gotta say, good on ya, Quebec. It’s nice to see that one region in our shared country isn’t dominated by grovelling sissies (please don’t ever leave us!).
3 THE ENVIRONMENTALISTS ARE MIFFED The Stephen Harper government has streamlined environmental reviews in development’s favour. They’re muzzled charitable environmental groups by threatening their charitable status. They’ve picked a comprehensive fight with scientists. They’ve insulted activists and implied they’re criminals. And now, big surprise, environment and other public advocates are pissed off and pushing back. Even The Globe And Mail says the feds should knock it off. This is the same Globe And Mail that endorsed this Conservative government. Good job, Globe And Mail. Good job.
4 THE VOTERS ARE RESTLESS In president news: France has a new one, Russia has an old one and Greece just has trouble, as usual. The reaction? Nervous and freaked-out markets, protests and arrests, and — eek — real, live elected Nazis.
BONUS: I WAS AVENGED AND YOU CAN TOO Saw The Avengers this weekend. It’s a hoot! I’m surprised they found something for all those superheros to do. The jokes and banter made the film — and Robert Downey wasn’t the only one with the good lines. It’s impressive that Joss and co. elevated other members of the cast to that level. It’s not a surprise that the movie made $200 million in the U.S. this weekend (it’s almost halfay to $700 million when you include the international numbers. You can read Jorge’s review here. And here’s the final trailer for the summers other huge super hero movie (I mean The Dark Knight Rises, not The Amazing Spider-Man — I’m not sure how good that’s going to be).