OK, so why has Harper threatened the funding for women's groups in Canada who specialize in maternal health (via the Women's Health Contribution Program) if he cares so much about maternal health?

The Centres of Excellence for women's health across the country, as well as many women's health NGOs, such as the Canadian Women's Health Network and others have repeatedly been threatened with a cut to their funding since Harper has been in power.

In fact, their funding is still under threat and may not be renewed.  If the Harper government really cares about maternal health, it should start at home and make a firm committment to women's health organizations in Canada.

The Prime Minister's op-ed, while admirable in theory, must be the most out of left field policy direction I've ever seen! The PM cut programs for the status of women, has shown little interest in foreign policy outside of Afghanistan and absolutely no interest in social justice. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a PM has ever conducted foreign policy through an oped. I'm cynical, I can't help but thinking that this is just a way to deflect attention away from prorogation and to try to appeal to a broader group of voters before an election. I think a day after the G8, he'll be on a different page. His commitment to Haiti seems more genuine and long lasting at the moment. I'm looking forward to seeing your blog when the next round of appointments come out this week.

A few comments: 1) It reads like a press release (oh, wait a minute - it IS a press release!); 2) I doubt he wrote a word of it (that's what dispendable minions are for, after all); 3) how about putting a wee little bit of focus on women's and children's health right here in our own backyard? Childhood poverty comes from MOTHER's poverty and childhood poverty leads to poor child health (not to mention their mothers', yet again). Among its peers (let's say, oh, the G8?) Canada experienced the second-highest increase in child poverty rates between the mid-90's and the mid-2000's. So yay for us that we are championing maternal and child health internationally - tell that to the 12% of Canadian children who are currently living in poverty  within our own borders.

OK this is hilarious: except it ain't funny.  This looks so preposterous that surely it comes from a fictional Rick Mercer segment -- except it hasn't; this actually happened.  Incredible!

What a conveniently placed and timed 2nd event.  sigh. 

And yes, what a juxtaposition with the OpEd. 

I'm less surpised that the PM wrote an OpEd (he has the time after all: prorogation) but that he published it in the 'far left' Toronto Star.  I almost choked on my morning tea when I saw that. 

This topic (focus on maternal health) and placement (urban Toronto) is clearly to soften his image and attract the elusive 'female vote.' 

Wish I was less cynical and thought Canada was really going to do something positive for maternal health.  Maybe we will in spite of our PM's obvious ambitions...  (Majority government anyone?)

CRAZY Juxtaposition!  Since when do Prime Ministers do Op-Eds?  Why is world peace not on the agenda?