And by their business cards, we shall know them!

While Major League Baseball is reaching the end of it's seasonal cycle, it's a new session of Parliament and with it the first brush back pitches of the new season of the Parliamentary hardball league.

Up to the Parliamentary plate steps John Baird, the Foreign Affairs Minister who seemingly has a fairly secure impression of his place in the pecking order at External, at least judging by the rather ostentatious nature of his official business cards.

Previous to today's debate, the pre session dynamics of Ottawa had focused on Billy Bishop McKay's frequent flyer points (Coast Guard helicopters on standby) but with word of Mr. Baird's fondness for gold embossed business cards, the focus has shifted a tad it seems.

Debate in the House of Commons on Friday offered up some contentious discourse as Liberal MP Scott Brisson waded into the Question Period debate with a few er, ahem, colourful observations on Mr. Brisson's fondness for gold.

So much for the prospect of a more civil approach to the issues of the day, it would seem that when in the sandbox that seems to be the House of Commons, the best approach is to dig in and toss some sand.

He's Topp of the list (for now)

The first of an anticipated rush of hats has been tossed into the NDP leadership campaign, as Brian Topp entered the leadership race on Monday, gaining the endorsement of longtime New Democrat and former leader Ed Broadbaent.

Topp is a bilingual Quebecker, the current President of the NDP and as the Executive Director of ACTRA the Alliance of Canada's Cinema, Television and Radio Artists.

In addition to his time as NDP President (which he will now relinquish) and ACTRA head, he can count on his resume his time spent in the fulcrum of Democratic Socialism that is Saskatchewan (serving government in the Roy Romanow era) as the Premier's deputy chief of Staff.

Word out of British Columbia that prior to today's decision, Topp had been tapped to help out BC NDP leader Adrian Dix in what at the time was thought to be a possible BC Election campaign (an event now seemingly deferred by Premier Clark)

He was a close confidant of Jack Layton, and in his remarks announcing his candidacy for the leadership he  outlined that while no one can clearly replace Jack Layton, it's his  hope and his goal to keep Layton's message alive into the next election.

In addition to counting on the support of former leader Ed Broadbent, Mr. Topp has also collected the backing of  Gatineau MP Francoise Boivin.

While he's first into the gate, there are any number of other potential NDP candidates for the leadership, a few familiar names in recent NDP history and no doubt, others that Canadians haven't met  as of yet.

New Democrats will meet in convention in Toronto on March 24th to select Jack Layton's replacement.

Some background on today's announcement.

Globe and Mail -- Brian Topp makes it official: He's running for NDP leader

Vancouver Sun-- Brian Topp first to announce bid to lead NDP

Maclean's-- Brian Topp, candidate

National Post-- Topp announces NDP leadership campaign

Toronto Star-- Brian Topp launches bid to be NDP leader

CBC-- Brian Topp first to declare for NDP leadership race

CTV-- Brian Topp announces plans to run for NDP leadership

Toronto Sun-- NDP's Brian Topp seeks top job

We don't need no stinkin' merger

The debate over the future of both the Liberal and NDP parties heated up this month, as both parties addressed the possible paths ahead.

The NDP suddenly thrust into a leadership campaign that was completely unthinkable less than three months ago, perhaps are a little taken aback that the calls for a merger with the Liberals has once again been thrust into the debate.

The Liberal side of the House of Commons has their own leadership concerns as well, interim leader Bob Rae ( a one time NDP leader in Ontario) trying his best it seems to try to keep the Liberals focused on the continuation of the Liberal brand, despite the inclinations of former MP's and a former Prime Minister.

The positives and negatives of the prospect of a merger are being debated, rebutted, argued and in some cases ignored completely,  the prospect of the two parties becoming one a non-starter for the more dedicated of each party.

It would seem that bringing the two factions to the same table is perhaps asking a little too much, the distinctive planks of the two parties may have a few similarities, but there are just as many opposing ideals, which to many suggest that there is no real common ground to expect a smooth and amenable union.

In the end, it seems as always in politics, money will be the determining factor, trumping idealism and political science.

As Chantal Hebert examined in the Toronto Star this week, just the whispers of a political merger between the NDP and the Liberals is shutting off the funding spigots for the Liberals, a warning shot perhaps that there will be a financial cost for those that are pushing for an accommodation with their socialist allies.

A warning shot if you will, that a good number of Liberals will vote with their feet and their wallets should the merger go ahead, a possibility that no doubt warms the cockles of a Tory Fundraisers heart we imagine.

Beyond that very real and definitive aspect of the merger mania of the last thirty days or so, the political talking points suggest that the Liberals, steeped in history as they are may in the end feel that the best course for their future is to revisit their past, reaffirm their Liberal roots and wait out the process of a leadership campaign and start anew, under their own agenda and without the different agendas that the NDP would bring into the tent.

Needless to say there has been much to review of the merger discussions, some of which you can track below. We will update developments are the returns come in.

September 10-- A Liberal-NDP merger would weaken both parties

September 8-- Sheila Copps has her Joe Clark moment 

September 8-- Merger talk threatens the Liberals' bank account

September 7-- Chretien's case of bad timing

September 7-- NDP's Topp attacks Rae, takes stand against merger with Liberals
September 7-- Seeking Liberal presidency, Sheila Copps vows to fight merger

September 7-- Lefties, a little progressive merger wouldn't hurt

September 6-- Liberal-NDP merger could 'come very quickly' Chretien predicts

September 2-- Liberals' best strategy is to wait for NDP decline

September 2-- CAW chief Lewenza urges NDP to consider merger with Liberals

September 1-- Move on folks, no mergers to be seen here

August 30-- Talk all you want - but Liberal and NDP pieces just won't fit

August 30-- Merger talk risk splitting NDP unity
August 30-- Bob Rae scoffs at Liberal-NDP merger fiction

August 29-- Talk of NDP-Liberal merger grows after Layton funeral

August 25-- A counterintuitive alternative to a Liberal-NDP merger

The Federal Parties: The Conservative Party

Links to items of interest about the Conservative Party

September 10-- Tory MP keeps foreign affairs role after "flirtatious" e mails...
September 10-- Canada's royal rebrand
September 9-- Tory MP apologizes for "flirtatious  emails to Chinese reporter
September 9-- Architects of Canada's anti-terror laws support Harper's plan to revive...
September 9-- U. S. Canada reach new security deal
September 9-- Ottawa vows action on jobs as hiring slumps
September 8-- Harper eyes job creation with softened tone on deficit
September 4-- Tories seek investigation of alleged NDP Elections Act violation
September 4-- Tories ask Elections Canada to investigate NDP over financing laws violation
September 3-- PMO appointment signals Quebec's fading presence
September 1-- Harper's new top messenger vows to treat Quebeckers with 'utmost respect'
September 1-- To Harper go spoils of Libyan victory

August 31-- Haper hires 'eminence grise' of ethnic media as communications chief
August 30-- With opposition parties in chaos, Tories focus on tone

The Federal Parties: The Liberal Party

Links to items of interest about the Liberal Party


September 10-- A Liberal-NDP merger would weaken both parties
September 8-- Sheila Copps has her Joe Clark moment 
September 8-- Merger talk threatens the Liberals' bank account
September 7-- Chretien's case of bad timing
September 7-- Seeking Liberal presidencey, Sheila Copps vows to fight merger
September 7-- Lefties, a little progressive merger wouldn't hurt
September 6-- Liberal-NDP merger could 'come very quickly' Chretien predicts
September 2-- Liberals' best strategy is to wait for NDP decline
September 2-- CAW chief Lewenza urges NDP to consider merger with Liberals
September 1-- Move on folks, no mergers to be seen here

August 31-- Rae targets Conservatives blasts Hudak's ''Tea Party' politics
August 30-- Talk all you want - but Liberal and NDP pieces just won't fit
August 30-- Bob Rae scoffs at Liberal-NDP merger fiction
August 29-- Fixing party structure difficult first step for Liberal rebuilding
August 29-- Talk of NDP-Liberal merger grows after Layton funeral

The Federal Parties: The New Democratic Party

Links to items of interest about the New Democratic Party


September 10-- A Liberal-NDP merger would weaken both parties
September 9-- NDP will choose new leader in Toronto next March
September 8-- NDP expects spring leadership convention in Ontario or Quebec
September 8-- Federal NDP rejects special role for unions in selecting leader
September 7-- Lefties, a little progressive merger wouldn't hurt
September 7-- NDP's Topp attacks Rae, takes stand against merger with Liberals
September 5-- NDP leadership drama is worthy of Shakespeare
September 5-- Chow insists NDP leadership 'not for me'
September 5-- Jack Layton's memory looms large at Toronto's Labour Day parade
September 4-- NDP solidarity cracks over rule of unions in picking leader
September 4-- Olivia Chow rules out leadership bid
September 4-- Olivia Chow won't seek late husband Jack Layton's job of NDP leader
September 4-- NDP does some soul-searching on the role of labour in the party
September 4-- NDP firebrand toots his own horn
September 4-- Firebrand Muclair is the best bet to take on Harper
September 3-- MP Nathan Cullen comtemplating a run at federal NDP leadership
September 2-- Former Cree leader joins list of potential candidates for NDP top job
September 2-- Delay NDP leadership race or I'm not running, Muclair says
September 2-- CAW chief Lewenza urges NPD to consider merger with Liberals
September 1-- Move on folks, no mergers to be seen here

August 31-- Lacking members, NDP's Quebec wing seeks delayed leadership vote
August 31-- The NDP's game before the leadership game
August 31-- Public grief over Layton puts NDP even with Tories in poll
August 30-- NDP leadership race should be open and competitive
August 30-- Muclair mulls NDP leadership run
August 30-- Talk all you want - but Liberal and NDP pieces just won't fit
August 30-- Merger talk risk splitting NDP unity
August 30-- Bob Rae scoffs at Libera;-NDP merger fiction
August 30-- Thomas Muclair concedes he's 'thinking' about NDP leadership bid
August 28-- NDP leadership race effectively starts now
August 26-- Brian Topp vows to step aside as NDP president if he seeks leadership
August 26-- Who is NDP leadership contender Brian Topp?
August 25-- A counterintuitive alternative to a Liberal-NDP merger

A helpful, if slightly confused interpretation of a pivotal historical moment

It's not very often that attention is drawn to the War of 1812 (bi-centennial fast approaching history buffs), but the Collegehumour.com site has provided this riveting interpretation of that watershed moment inn North American history.

The short trailer showcases all the drama, the clashing of ideals and troops, as well as  a wee bit of theatrical levity towards the topic at hand.

The dramatic recreation includes perhaps the most telling declaration about that time in Canadian/US relations and the lack of resonance that it has below the 49th,  "what happened during this period, wikipedia has nothing"...  (though that perhaps is but an audio visual comedic device, as wikipedia actually does have a rather lengthy review of events)




It's not the first time that the War of 1812 has been given the comedic touch, Rick Mercer provided this review of events and the fascination with the war from the world of the historical geeks.

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For those that now have the 1812 fever and wish to learn more there's a helpful website dedicated to the war and plans to acknowledge its place in North American history.

For those that just want to know how it all ended here you go.

Darcy's National Newsroll

Items from across Canada that caught our eye, providing a snap shot of the top items for debate  from coast to coast to coast. Offering up a quick link to items that explore the topic in more depth.

Newsroll British Columbia
Newsroll Alberta
Newsroll Saskatchewan
Newsroll Manitoba
Newsroll Ontario
Newsroll Quebec
Newsroll New Brunswick
Newsroll Nova Scotia
Newsroll Prince Edward Island
Newsroll Newfoundland and Labrador
Newsroll The Territiories

Manitoba Newsroll Archive for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Manitoba for 2011

September

British Columbia Newsroll Archives 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for British Columbia for 2011


September

Alberta Newsroll Archives 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Alberta for 2011

September

Saskatchewan Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Saskatchewan for 2011

September

Ontario Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Ontario for 2011

September

Quebec Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Quebec for 2011

September

New Brunswick Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for New Brunswick for 2011

September

Nova Scotia Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Nova Scotia for 2011

September

Prince Edward Island Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Prince Edward Island for 2011

September

Newfoundland and Labrador Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for Newfoundland and Labrador for 2011

September

The Territories Newsroll Archives for 2011

The Archive of our Newsroll items for the Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories for 2011

September

The Territories news roll September

Quick links to items of note from Canada's Northern Territories for September, samplings of the discussion  in Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

September 2-- Most Nunavut toddlers lack healthy diet: studies
September 2-- Yellowknife city plan miffs businesses
September 1-- Fisheries officials meet in Iqaluit for federal talks
September 1-- Yellowknife MLA defends disputed print ads
September 1-- Defeated potential NDP candidate resurfaces

Newfoundland and Labrador newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of note from Newfoundland for September.

September 3-- Spending spree
September 3-- The Brad and Terry show
September 2-- Hundreds thrown out of N. L. training programs
September 1-- NDP wants to cut business taxes
September 1-- Saving of EI centres in Tory ridings draws fire

PEI Newsroll September 2011

Quick links of items of note from Prince Edward Island for September.

September 3-- In this election campaign, lets talk about culture

September 3-- Province releases update on P.E.I. schools
September 2-- Election call expected within days
September 2-- $4.5 million to reduce surgical waits
September 2-- Greens criticize P. E. I. election date
September 2-- Island PCs release addiction policy

Nova Scotia newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of note from Nova Scotia for September.

Septembet 3-- Mill's fate worries NSP
September 2-- Guilty pleas expected from ex-MLA Dave Wilson
September 2-- Former N. S. Liberal to plead guilty in spending scandal: Crown
September 1-- Chisolm has nothing to lose in NDP leadership bid
September 1-- Saving of EI centres in Tory ridings draws fire

New Brunswick newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of interest from New Brunswick for 2011

September 3-- Dube says no layoffs in Horizon Health
September 3-- An affront to Acadians
September 2-- Saint John drops live French at council
September 1-- Sobering up to NB's fiscal reality

Quebec newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of note from Quebec for September.

September 4-- Soverignty slowly shuffling off this mortal coil
September 3-- PMO appointment signals Quebec's fading presence
September 3-- The times are against French language hardliners
September 2-- Separatism's edges looking frayed
September 2-- Delay NDP leadership race or I'm not running, Muclair says
September 2-- PQ Leader Pauline Marois firm on sovereignty
September 2-- Harper's new staffer to counter criticism
September 1-- PQ rift forces Pauline Marois to revamp sovereignty strategy
September 1-- PQ fuming after caucus drama exposed
September 1-- NDP to push for more Quebec party members

Ontario newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of note from Ontario for September.

September 5-- Don't count Dalton McGuinty out yet
September 5-- Despite Liberal slide, McGuinty still Ontario's pick for premier: poll
September 5-- Who Ontario residents pick as best premier in Nanos poll
September 5-- McGuinty promises 30 per cent tuition cut, as Liberal platform unveiled
September 5-- Ontario Liberals adopt Harper approach to campaign rallies
September 4-- Dalton McGuinty makes electoral pitch to women, seniors, new Canadians
September 3-- Simple math challenges Hudak's big plans
September 2-- Ontario Tory Leader Tim Hudak a man of contradictions
September 2-- Liberals to release election platform Monday
September 2-- Dalton McGuinty and the perils of the big idea
September 2-- Ontario election promises: Now you see 'em, now your don't
September 2-- Will Liberal platform bolster Hudak's "Tax Man" claim?
September 1-- How can we trust the Ford regime with the waterfront?
September 2-- The Fords have vision: Warmington
September 1-- Skepticism greets Ontario Liberal vow to double study time for teaching degree

Manitoba Newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of note from Manitoba for September.


September 2-- McFadyen has analysis deficit
September 2-- Election Special: The Battles of Manitoba
September 2-- Sellinger promises smaller class sizes for small kids
September 2-- Tories promise home renovation tax credit

Saskatchewan newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of interest from Saskatchewan for September.


September 3-- FSIN developments concern Wall
September 3-- An idea whose time has come
September 3-- Chief's buyout damages FSIN
September 2-- Can Saskatchewan teach Albertans to save?
September 2-- Sasktachewan premier weighs in on FSIN turmoil
September 2-- FSIN turf war undermines mission
September 2-- Guy Lonechild resigns as FSIN chief

Alberta Newsroll September 2011

Quick links to items of Note from Alberta for September



September 3-- Sherman a polarizing figure for Liberals
September 3-- Political enigma puts Alberta first
September 3-- Liberals writing Swann song
September 3-- Democratic deficit in Alberta never worse
September 2-- Leadership rivals find their courage and target Tory missteps
September 2-- High speed rail chugs into Alberta Tory leadership forum
September 2-- Alberta solicitor general to fight for restorative justice
September 2-- PC Party delegates to face tougher ID checks
September 2-- Alberta's big blue machine's dirty little secret
September 2-- Expert calls out Alberta Health
September 1-- Alberta says it met health-care targets, but critics cast doubt

British Columbia Newsroll September

Quick links to items of note from BC for September

September 11-- Dix deflections prove frustrating for Liberals
September 10-- Falcon faces post-HST fiscal triple whammy
September 9-- Public sector workers set to face consequences of HST's elimination
September 9-- Political blame game on riots should extend beyond Vancouver's Mayor
September 9-- Good news and bad news for Premier Clark
September 8-- Is Clark's 'families first' refrain past its best before date?
September 8-- Giving Campbell Order of B. C. is bad timing
September 8-- Clean power industry is under threat
September 8-- Falcon to cut B. C. spending amid economic turmoil
September 7-- Campbell's order came too soon
September 7-- Clark's Hydro policy threatens to collapse climate-change progress ...
September 6-- B. C. struggles to find Christy Clark credible
September 5-- Blame BC Ferries board for the $8 million in bonuses
September 5-- 1,200 sign petition to rescind Gordon Campbell's Order of B. C.
September 5-- Christy Clark mus change Campbell era narrative
September 5-- Spiderman spins a sticky web
September 4-- B. C. Finance Minister mulls ways to kill HST sooner than expected
September 3-- The Lady in waiting
September 3-- Clark has work to do to win B. C. back
September 3-- Ex Premier Campbell joins Order of B. C. as visionary, leader
September 3-- Six people turn themselves in as VPD riot website snaps hundreds of tips
September 3-- Stanley Cup Riot details you don't see in the Keefe/Furlong Report
September 3-- For a riot, take a crowd and add booze
September 2-- Christy Clark's done the smart thing waiting until 2013 ...
September 2-- Clark makes right choice to hold off on election
September 2-- Main message of Stanley Cup riot report has to be: Never again
September 2-- Stanley Cup riot prompts call for more CCTV cameras
September 2-- Funding question looms over upstart B. C. Conservative Party
September 1-- Mayor's political aspirations intact as "Robertson's Riot" tag fails to stick
September 1-- Heed's fine sends message to all MLAs
September 1-- British Columbians kill the HST with 54 percent referendum vote

There's honest opinion and then there's the ever loquacious Silvio...

 “In a few months I’m going to go away … go away from this s–t country … of which I’m sickened.” -- Did he or didn't he? Only Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi himself  and perhaps the police, know for sure ! (This upon details of prosecution transcripts which are leaked in Italy)

It's certainly not the kind of slogan that's going to fit onto a campaign sign, and most likely the sentiment suggests that the mercurial days of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi may be coming to an end.

The scandal plagued Italian leader is faced with a new one on the home front, as yet a bit more fall out from the prostitution scandal rears its political head, this time with whispers of extortion making the rounds of the Italian media.

The comment that has raised more than the normal amount of eyebrows for a fellow that raises them frequently, is part of a reported transcript from the prosecution which it is said has been viewed by the Reuters news agency.

A document that reportedly suggests that Berlusconi may be leaving the country soon and if his reported commentary is to be considered, he's happy to be leaving it all behind.

Judging by the financial mess that the country finds itself in these days, the social chaos and the weariness of his scandal plagued administration, Italians must be wishing that it was only oh so true...

Some reviews of the Berlusconi broadsides can be found below:

National Post-- Berlusconi walks back comments that he called Italy a "s--t country'
Guardian UK-- Berlusconi vows to leave "shitty" Italy in conversation recorded by police
Newscom.Au-- Phone leak reveals foul mouthed Berlusconi
Daily Beast-- Berlusconi's Choice words for Italy
Business Insider-- Berlusconi: "I Don't Give A F***, Italy Makes me feel like puking
New York Observer--  You May want to Reconsider that Italian Vacay: Berlusconi calls Italy "Shit Country"

The fond farewell to a Social Democrat

Saturday's state funeral for Jack Layton at times might have strayed towards more of an NDP rally than traditional remembrance, but for the most part it provided a fond farewell to a long serving Canadian who resonated well with Canadians whether they agreed or disagreed with his politics.

And while you can't argue with Linda McQuaig's point that it was perhaps Prime Minister Harpers most generous political act. (Though in her observations she manages to avoid the treacherous waters of commentary tread by the National Post's Christie Blatchford the fall out from which as reviewed by the Post earlier in the week.)

Considering and perhaps even despite the political theme of the celebration of life that it was, he still made the right call, sensing the impact that the passing of the leader of the Opposition held across the nation,  a mark in his favour in the ongoing debate over civility in political life in Canada.

In short, by his actions of providing for the State Funeral, the Prime Minister provides hope that the call from Layton for civility in politics was heard, its hard to believe (as some political pundits suggest) that there will be a political punishment for that hand across the aisle.

From the procession of Toronto folk that accompanied his casket to Roy Thomson Hall, through the fond remembrances of friends and allies and into the very political address from NDP icon Stephen Lewis, politics seemed to course through the event.

And while much has been made of Mr. Lewis' oratorical tribute to Jack Layton and the Social Democratic manifesto he left behind in his passing, it was the remembrances of his children Michael and Sarah as well as the final eulogy from Reverend Hawkes, that stood out the most.

In particular, what we remember the most from Saturday's service, were the personal asides about a leader that many Canadians claimed as their own, shared by the children who clearly hope to carry his torch into the future.

Where the NDP will go into the future very well may be the topic of the day and indeed that was addressed in the service on Saturday, but the theme of politics while prevalent in Saturday's celebration still rightly takes a back seat to the real feeling of loss shared on the weekend.

And while Canadians seemed in agreement that a great Canadian political leader has left the stage, even more we understand the personal loss, to his wife Olivia and his children and grandchild (with another on the way),  political campaigns come and go, but family is always in the end the key to Canadian life, far beyond the glare of the political spotlight.

Much has been made of the foundation that Jack Layton has laid for the NDP and its aspirations for the future, but from the words of his own children, we realize that a more important foundation was put in place in his own home.

That in the end, in the space of time may prove to be the NDP leaders long time and most lasting of legacies, a job seemingly done very well given the poise and heartfelt remembrances of Saturday.

With the celebration of life concluded, we found the following of interest in the days leading up to and following the moment of pause to reflect on Mr. Layton's life and times.

Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton's legacy and our yearning for political civility
Globe and Mail-- Why Did Jack Layton's final act rivet us so? It followed a classic arc
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton's Canada and the other Canada
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton secures his place in NDP - and Canadian- pantheon
Globe and Mail-- Final tribute to Jack Layton celebrates his message of hope, optimism
Globe and Mail-- Why Layton stands apart from most politicians
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton: You don't know what you've got till it's gone
Globe and Mail-- Layton's death shows Canada's hunger for politicians who inspire
Toronto Star-- "It's been an extraordinary week': Layton brought Canada together
Toronto Star-- A gathering of the clan for one taken too young
Toronto Star-- Layton's legacy may be bridging the two solitudes
Toronto Star-- Remembering what Jack stood for
Toronto Star-- Layton wanted funeral to be a celebration of his life. And it was
National Post-- Layton's funeral was fitting for a man of the people
National Post-- Layton turns into a legend
National Post-- Jack Layton did exactly what he said he would
National Post-- How can the NDP replace the unrepeatable?
Toronto Sun-- Jack Layton, without tears
Toronto Sun-- A city mourns Jack Layton
Toronto Sun-- Democracy has suffered a terrible loss

Photo atop this post from the Globe and Mail website.