Visit our mobile site

Friday, March 19, 2010 5:25 PM

Using children as props is wrong

Robert Silver

Jane Taber has a piece up quoting a Conservative Party memo criticizing Michael Ignatieff for using students as political props. In their words, the Liberals are using "our kids to promote their political agenda... It just demonstrates that Ignatieff isn't in it for Canadians. He's just in it for himself."

I could not agree more, showing politicians with children is exploitive and wrong.

Thankfully Stephen Harper would never, ever consider using kids as props at a political event.

Yes, it took me about 30 seconds on this new fangled website called "Google" to find Harper surrounded by kids in multiple events. I imagine he's done it three or four additional times that didn't show up in this search.

Latest Comments

  • Print or License

Lastest politics blog posts

Morning Buzz

Ignatieff busts a move as PM prepares to go public 8:34 AM EDT

Public or Private?

Educating Michael Ignatieff Jul 29, 2010 4:09PM EDT

How To Avoid Scandal

Top Harper aide to give keynote speech on lobbying ethics Jul 29, 2010 12:17PM EDT

Canadians Abroad

Cuba relents, allows stranded teen to head home Jul 29, 2010 11:28AM EDT

Burning Question

Is PM on well-earned holiday or hiding from controversy? Jul 29, 2010 10:59AM EDT

Norman Spector

Mr. Ignatieff’s ‘publicly-funded’ education Jul 29, 2010 8:54AM EDT

Silver-Powers Contributors

Robert Silver

Robert Silver is a Toronto-based energy lawyer, entrepreneur and consultant. He currently advises energy companies looking to build clean electricity projects in Ontario. He has been involved in projects that have brought more 3,000 megawatts of clean and renewable energy to Ontario. Robert has also been involved in a number of innovative conservation and energy efficiency projects. He is a highly sought after speaker on energy, infrastructure and environment issues.

An active federal and provincial Liberal, Robert was Gerard Kennedy's National Policy Director during the 2006 Liberal Leadership Campaign. Prior to returning to the private sector, he worked for Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty as a special policy advisor. He received his law degree from the University of Western Ontario, where he won two North American and two Canadian National Debating Championships.

 

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is Vice-President of Summa Communications based in Ottawa.

Originally from St. John's, Tim began his career as an assistant and advisor to the Honourable John C. Crosbie, then Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Thereafter, he acted as advisor to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. He also served as the Director of Policy and Research to the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. Generally, he has been involved with federal election campaigns in one way or another since the great Free Trade debate of 1988. From handing out leaflets to knocking on doors to TV talking (thankfully his time as a bouncer helped with that) he has had the good fortune of doing a bit of everything.

Tim has a Master of Sciences degree (Media and Communications) from the London School of Economics and has studied Public Sector Management at Harvard University. Currently, he serves as a lecturer in the Faculty of Communications at the University of Ottawa.