2015 Election Primer: Politicians and the Media

/
2015 Election Primer: Politicians and the Media

Over the past week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Governor General David Johnston and received approval to dissolve the Government, kicking off what will be the second longest election campaign in Canadian history. Although each party leader outlined their party’s priorities individually, for many the official campaign began last night with the first election debate. The leaders squared off and today news outlets are filled with detailed coverage and analysis of the event.  Rather than analyze the debate or the performance of each party leader, in today’s post we take a brief look at the history of relations between politicians and the media.

Read More

Media and the Creation of Memory: A Sobering Reminder

/

Twenty-four hours ago Canada was attacked for the second time in under one week. The tragic events saw Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, a 24-year-old reservist from Hamilton’s Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada regiment, shot and killed while standing on guard at National War Memorial that is located just steps from Parliament Hill. This, after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was killed earlier in the week in what Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called an ISIL-inspired terrorist attack. In a public statement yesterday, Harper said the federal government will “take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats and keep Canada safe,” to “strengthen our resolve” and to work with our allies in the fight against terrorism and terrorist organizations. Showing their support and backing the prime minister’s stand that Canada “will never be intimidated,” parliamentarians, staffers and others have returned to work on Parliament Hill this morning.

Read More