Abstract This essay will argue that of the judgements presented in the cases "Canada v Mossop" [1993] and "Egan v Canada" [1995] the one that is to be preferred from the standpoint of democracy is that of Chief Justice Lamer in the judgement he wrote for the majority in the case of "Mossop". As will be seen, this judgement is preferable because Lamer is cautious in his application of judicial powers to "override" the legislature, and he applies clearly defined standards to when this power should be exercised. In contrast, the Dissenting opinion of Justice L'Heureux-Dube will be shown to represent a clear and present threat to democratic processes in this country. This Dissenting opinion suggests a range of judicial power that is so vast as to render the democratically elected legislative branch effectively impotent.
Abstract This essay will argue that the capacity of society to "normalize" exclusion, and ignore the realities of "difference", with respect to the construction of family units is reflected in, and reinforced by, state policies. Indeed, it may be argued that the state is the primary player in ensuring the continuing marginalization of "non-traditional" family units among gays and lesbians, Aboriginals, peoples of colour and single-parent families.
Abstract This essay will argue that the labour experiences of these clearly distinct groups are clearly related in that both were subject to oppression by owners who were supported by a variety of social institutions such as the media, government and the police.
Abstract This essay will argue that the significance of the Bre-X story is that it displays the importance of promotion in any business enterprise. Bre-X officials played the Canadian media, and in particular the new electronic medium of the Internet, to promote their Indonesian gold find. An analysis of the Bre-X story will demonstrate that if the promotion is crafted to appeal to the desire of the media and the public for a particular narrative, in the short term few will look close at the details of the business plan and practices behind the promotion.
Abstract This essay will argue that this admission of social theory as expert testimony opens the door to an unprecedented degree of subjectivity in legal judgement. While it must be acknowledged that all expert testimony is, to some degree, subjective and open to interpretation and debate, the admission of feminist social theory as expert testimony lowers the bar considerably in terms of standards of evidence. Through an analysis of Mackinnon and Minow, it will be argued that this challenge to the concept of legal neutrality of the liberal state would, when taken to its logical conclusion, permit any number of groups who have historically been persecuted in Western society (Blacks, Aboriginals etc) to claim the right to preemptive self-defense. Building upon this argument, it will be demonstrated - in the course of an analysis of the Lavalee ruling - that this approach to the law is fundamentally flawed. While it is acknowledged that it may seem arrogant on the part of an undergraduate to challenge a ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada, I will nonetheless argue that the Court may have been influenced more by political power of an increasingly influential social group than by a rational analysis of the facts in the case. As the editors' "reading questions" at the end of the Lavalee ruling suggest, the Supreme Court's logic is clearly applicable to individuals in other social situations who have a clear and reasonable expectation of imminent violence. However, none of these individuals are granted the "license to kill" that the Supreme Court has established for women in this situation.
A comparative analysis of the representation of issues associated with multiculturalism, racism, immigration and ethnic groups over a period of one week in two of Canada's major newspapers: The Toronto Star and the National Post.
3,900 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 14 sources, 2002, $ 142.95
Abstract This paper will argue the thesis that these two papers differ significantly in their treatment of these issues - with The Toronto Star being more detailed and favourable in its treatment than the National Post - as a consequence of both target audience and editorial policy.
Abstract This essay will discuss the Sheppard Subway line: how it came into being, what criticisms are put against this project both in the past and today. This essay will argue that, even though the subway line cost a lot of money and is projected to cost a lot more, such spending is necessary to the city of Toronto since it shows that the city is willing to invest in itself and this leads to more spending on the part of business and residents.
Abstract This essay will discuss why Quebec is justified in separating from Canada. Ever since Confederation, it has been the pride of France in Canada, but now, its sovereignty and independence is simply too much under attack. Indeed, despite its great contribution to Canada's development, Quebec no longer has an interest to remain as a minority in a country that does not recognize its rights.
Abstract This essay will examine chapter four of Pat and Hugh Armstrong's Wasting Away: The Undermining of Canadian Health Care, Who Provides: The People," in order to assess the main argument of the chapter, the central points which constitute this argument, and the overall success of their position and approach.
Abstract This essay will examine Desiree McGraw's "The Case For Kyoto: A Question of Competitiveness, Consultations, Credibility, Commitment and Consistency" and will discuss what can be termed Canada's glacial progress toward the Kyoto accord as indicative of the recent performance and functioning of Canada's political system.
Abstract This essay will examine the case for a reduction in the income tax burden supported by Canadians. There will be a particular focus on the means by which this reduction can be achieved, from the lowering of tax rates, to the full indexation of personal income taxes to the inflation rate. It will be argued that, given evidence that Canada may be approaching the point at which tax revenues are maximized, a reduction in Canadian taxes may have a beneficial effect on the Canadian economy in general, and the fiscal health of the government in particular.
Abstract This essay will examine the issue of Canadian labour market regulations and analyzes the impact labour market regulations have had on the Canadian economy both on its own terms and in an international context. This will help to determine the long-term and lasting impact labour advocacy for regulation has had on the economic underpinnings of our society, and whether they only serve moral purposes or whether they help to induce a more dynamic economic system.
Abstract This essay will examine this debate in detail, looking at a number of writers who scrutinize the issue of Canadian identity in terms of written constitution and implementation. In this context, it becomes evident that, while Canada must maintain its freedom to reinvigorate and rethink itself according to the situation, it must also honour its mostly unwritten tradition which upholds social programs as way of ensuring the health and prosperity of the nation.
An examination of labor force reproduction in post-war Canada with the incorporation of women into the paid work force and its impact on fertility rates.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This essay will examine this process in Canada with a specific focus on the incorporation of women into the paid work force and the impact of this upon fertility rates in Canada. It will be argued that the interrelationship between processes of capitalist production and biological reproduction are complex, as they involve a variety of contributing ideological and cultural factors that have led to profound demographic change in Canada.
Abstract This essay will examine this radical metamorphosis in the representation of Asia and Asians in Canadian context. Through an ideological and mythological analysis, the historic racist representations of Asia/Asians in Canadian popular culture will be interrogated.