January
Canada commits troops to the Afghanistan conflict, under US control. Critics wonder if Canada should not have sided with the British/European mission. A change in politics: Brian Tobin retires. Herb Gray retires (somewhat forced). Alfonso Gagliano, Minister of Public Works, surrounded with scandal, out and gone to Denmark as Ambassador. Art Eggleton gets caught up in a mess when he doesn't tell anyone about Canadian troops having caught Prisoners in Afghanistan. In Other News, we lost Canada's good friend, broadcaster Peter Gzowski. Also, Ontario Government cutbacks officially blamed partially for the Walkerton tragedy.
February
Ah the Salt Lake City Olympics. Much to say. First off, the scandal in figure skating when faulty judging gives Jamie Salé and David Pelletier win silver despite flawless skate. They later share the gold with the Russians. Canada wins both Hockey golds against the USA; the Men's gold ends a 50-year drought, to the day. Much celebration in the streets of the nation. I joined in on the celebrations in Toronto's Bloor West Village about five minutes after the game. Should have gone to Yonge Street, heard it was amazing. Princess Margaret, of our House of Windsor, dies at age 71. Eaton's dies after Sears says "Hell with tradition". First year without the Eaton's name in 133 years.
March
Political news, mostly all political news this month. Federal approves stem-cell research on human embryos although the approval is followed by stringent guidelines. After a long and tiresome election campaign, Stephen Harper beats out Stockwell Day as party leader. In another campaign, this time for the Ontario premiership, Ernie Eaves wins against Jim Flaherty and Tony Clement to replace his arguably Honourable Michael Harris. Our former Queen, Elizabeth, Queen Mother, dies at age 101.
April
News from the front. Four Canadians, Sergeant Marc D Léger, Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, Private Richard Green, and Private Nathan Smith are killed by "friendly" fire when American pilot mistake Canadian training exercises for enemy fire. The pilot was found guilty of ignoring orders to hold fire. Eight more men were injured in the bombing. This is one of the first in a series of events this year, which have narrowed Canada-US relations.
May
Deregulation and privitization of Electricity markets begin in Ontario, and would later end up in a mini-crisis as hydro bills go up rapidly, forcing the Ontario government to reconsider the extent of their deregulation. In seven federal byelections, four are won by the Liberal Party. Defense Minister Art Eggleton and Don Boudria of Public Works are shuffled out after conflict-of-interest scandals. They are 6th and 7th cabinet ministers shuffled out since January.
