One of the consequences of living in a free society is that sometimes people will choose to do things to themselves which are not especially healthy or safe. Our governments often lose sight of this by legislating how we should treat ourselves and thus deny us our basic autonomy as human beings.
Illustration by Talbert Johnson
Category: Insight
Viewpoint: Never mind war and terrorism â think food security first
If the question “did you eat today?” was posed to every person on earth, you might be surprised how many would answer in the negative. Not everyone wakes up to the privilege of a decent meal – or any meal at all.
Women’s rights now!
On March 8 the world will celebrate the 100th edition of International Women’s Day. Women’s movements are obviously thrilled at the fact. Politicians are drooling at the opportunity this presents and there will be a lot of impassioned speeches. 
Illustration by Talbert Johnson
Viewpoint: Freedom of religion should not mean a free ride for religion
Those Ottawans who are struggling to deal with the chronic increases in property taxes might be surprised to learn that there are wealthy multi-national corporations which own valuable property all around the city but don’t pitch in to the municipal pot. Ontario’s Assessment Act provides a property tax exemption to houses of worship.