Markham began his journalism career writing columns in the mid-1980s for Western People Magazine, then reported for a small Saskatchewan daily. He has spent most of his career in media and communications, likes to dabble in politics, was actively involved in economic development for many years, thinks that what goes on in the community is just as important as what happens provincially and nationally, and has a soft spot for small business (big business, not so much). Markham is a bit of a contrarian and usually has a unique take on the events of the day.
Only 5-12 barrels of oil released onto ground near Merritt, BC from Trans Mountain pipeline Pipelines leak. Rail cars carrying crude oil derail. Tanker trucks overturn on highways. A hundred per cent guarantee against crude oil spills is impossible and British Columbians need to accept that fact. The miracle is that the means of transporting [...]
Mike Duffy and other senators do little or no reporting of expenses By Gregory Thomas Senator Mike Duffy certainly isn’t the first Ottawa politician to get some unwanted scrutiny from RCMP investigators. But unless politicians of all political stripes get serious about accountability soon, it’s certain that Duffy won’t be the last either. It’s [...]
Experts say Doug Ford drug story well researched, Globe trusted with sources An investigative story by the Globe and Mail that describes the Ford family as kingpins in their Toronto neighbourhood drug trade 30 years ago is being criticized for relying almost exclusively on anonymous sources. The Globe story ran Saturday and describes Doug Ford, 48, Toronto [...]
Best evidence against Rob Ford is video of Rob Ford Poor Rob Ford. The Toronto mayor can’t get no respect, not in Canada and not in the United States after comedian Jon Stewart eviscerated him on Tuesday’s The Daily Show. I have to admit, it never gets old watching Ford walk into the lens of [...]
Parliament of Canada – time for online reporting of expenses? If the recent Senate expense scandals have taught Canadians anything, it’s that Parliament of Canada officials will take advantage of the rules to pad their pockets if they can. Senator Mike Duffy has become the poster boy for Parliament of Canada abuse of expense guidelines but [...]
BC NDP share of popular vote declining since 1979 By Dermod Travis The great thing about political punditry is the ability to be right and wrong at the same time and get away with it, which is why the pundits who were no better at predicting the outcome of the BC election shouldn’t be expected [...]
Canadian economic and population growth affected greenhouse gas emissions By Ben Eisen and Romy Yourex Over the past century, there has been a slight increase in average global temperatures. Many scientists think this change is caused primarily by the actions of human beings, specifically the emission of GHG into the atmosphere. Further, some scientists warn [...]
Many indicators of Canadian environment pollutants have dropped By Ben Eisen and Romy Yourex Canadians care deeply about their natural environment and view the prevention of environmental pollution as one of the most important functions of their governments. Multiple polls taken over the years have shown that large numbers of Canadians view the preservation of [...]
BC Conservatives says their proposal will lower prices, increase choice The BC Conservatives made the announcement Tuesday. Leader John Cummins says a BC Conservative government would give British Columbians more choice to buy beer and wine and “take the special interests out of liquor sales.” “We believe in getting BC back to basics, and that means [...]
CBC TV is a mess and no longer fulfills original mandate The CBC popped back on Canadians’ radar last week. A Harper Government bill to give it more control over crown corporations has upset defenders of public broadcasting. Infographics exhorting me to join the fight to “save” the CBC are flooding my social media networks. [...]
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