The Globe and Mail - Lysiane Gagnon Columns

European seal hunt hypocrisy

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00 EDT

lgagnon@lapresse.caThe position of the European Parliament on the seal hunt is not only illogical, but hypocritical. In a teary introduction to the resolution that bans Canadian seal products, it says the seals are ''sentient animals that can experience pain, distress, fear and other forms of suffering'' - as if seals were the only creatures that could suffer.

European seal hunt hypocrisy

Sun, 17 May 2009 22:51 EDT

If the seal hunt is 'inherently inhumane,' then what about bullfights?

Don't expect 'Iggymania'

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00 EDT

The phenomenon exists mostly in the imagination of those who are waxing nostalgic about Pierre Trudeau

Don't expect 'Iggymania'

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00 EDT

lgagnon@lapresse.ca English Canada's nostalgia for Pierre Elliott Trudeau has become a chronic disease. The first symptom appeared at the funeral of the former prime minister, when an emotional eulogy by his handsome first-born son was enough to convince Liberals and the media that Justin Trudeau had in him the stuff to follow in his father's footsteps. (The young Trudeau was more realistic about his own capabilities; he did not run for the leadership and has been content to learn the trade as a discreet MP).

Montreal's festival of distinction

Mon, 4 May 2009 00:00 EDT

The Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival opens windows on the world

An atypical politician with a pen

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00 EDT

Michael Ignatieff may prove too imaginative and romantic for his own good

An atypical politician with a pen

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00 EDT

There are many differences between Barack Obama and Michael Ignatieff, but one that struck me as I was reading Mr. Ignatieff's True Patriot Love is that while Mr. Obama is a politician who can write, Mr. Ignatieff is a writer who can be a politician.

Creating a culture of learning

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00 EDT

Family culture is the key to higher education

Creating a culture of learning

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00 EDT

lgagnon@lapresse.caHere's a tragically telling anecdote. A young teacher was talking recently with a group of students, urging them to finish high school. ''Hey, don't worry,'' he was told, ''we'll come back eventually, but then we'll get paid to go to school since we'll be on UI or social assistance. Why should we go to school without being paid?''