Why should YOU care about G20 in Toronto?

 What Is the G20? 

Why are people protesting?

What decisions are being made that affect you?

These are questions that most of our classmates, do not seem to know how to answer. We also think that most of the youth is not engaged/aware about the event that is taking place right here in Toronto, on June , 26-27, 2010.

Our group, YouthWorldIMPACT, has decided to change this situation by learning and conducting research to educate ourselves.

We would also like to challenge other students in grade 9-12 to join us in learning, educating, and debating the issues, that will affect our collective future.

To make this a fun and interesting learning experience, we are organizing a contest to award the best submission/essay with a $100 Eaton Centre gift card.

Are YOU up to the challenge?

Oh, the scandals..

Some things you just hope never to see happen. Among these are the several scandals that arise each year, where those in authoritative positions stir up controversy beyond belief.

And just yesterday, another arose.

Britain has allegedly, in the past, knowingly handed over Afghan detainees as "routine" (Really? Come ON) interrogation, and yesterday, London judges were handed a a huge stack of papers(thousands, even) claiming this.

Ok. This is absolutely ridiculous. Prisoner or bureaucrat, guilty or innocent, nobody deserves to be tortured as a method of interrogation. That is NOT the way it goes. You prove someone guilty by way of unequivocal evidence, not by forcing them. And I don't mean to be so.. abrupt here, but DUH.

So what now?

Really, we can only wait and see. If there's justice to be had, we only hope that justice is served. Because if these detainees were indeed tortured as a method of interrogation, then they did NOT receive justice in the fairest way possible. And fairness is any government's job to achieve (not to say that they all achieve it, anyways).

Anyways, we'll follow the story, and fill you guys in when there's any new news!

Check back regularly!

-YouthWorldIMPACT

This can't be left alone..

Decision made. No, the J8 program isn't officially happening this year, but that doesn't mean we should just let our work go in vain.. and so we addressed the head of our country.. we contacted Stephen Harper.

Yesterday, a letter was sent to the office of the Prime Minister offering a few of our ideas, and pleading with him to allow us to attend the G8 summit, and present our ideas.

We don't know what to expect from this, though. But it was definitely worth a shot. Optimism is key in situations like this, and optimism will be kept.

Anyways, we'll see what happens!

Stay posted,

- YouthWorldIMPACT

Good ol' Stephen Harper..

PM Stephen Harper is seeking Michael Jean's replacement.

Sometimes it's interesting the moves these politicians make.

Michael Jean did exactly what she needed to do as viceroy: she acquiesced to every last suggestion Stephen Harper passed by her.

SO WHAT THEN?

In this day and age, hardheadedness seems to have become all- too prevalent. First, we have Stephen Harper and his proroguing of Parliament, letting no persuasions make him question his decision. Then, we have Hilary Clinton and her implicated persistence to keep Canada's troops in Afghanistan while her own leave the Middle East to go home to their families.

WHAT IS THIS NOW?

When has there ever been anything wrong with playing it safe, and staying with a tried and true viceroy candidate? Michael Jean would continue to do her job exactly as her predecessors did should Stephen Harper have decided to make the ethically sound decision, and extend her term.

Now, of course useless speculation has begun. For nothing. Speculation like: Who will be the next Governor General? Will there be another Governor General?- Most Canadians believe that Michael Jean did well during her time at Rideau Hall. Many others believe that Canada doesn't even need a viceroy.

Canada has been through some ridiculous times, politically. Really, we don't need another. Michael Jean added an iconic diversity to Canada's political system. She made, and makes millions of Canadians proud quite regularly. Her response to Haiti's devastation with the earthquake was nearly instantaneous, showing a good face for Canada, and staying true to her heritage.

What more can you ask for in ONE Governor General?

Sadly though, Stephen Harper doesn't change his mind, whether his decision be for the good of Canada, or to its potential downfall. Which is unfortunate, because if one's mind can never be changed, they're prone to make more foolish decisions than beneficial ones. And a poor decision maker does not a good Prime Minister make.