Just cause?


Howard Adelman, founder of York’s Centre for Refugee Studies, was quoted in a Canadian Press story Sept.2 regarding the news that the 21st man has been arrested in a terrorist probe. These cases are the first real test of a new immigration provision, which broadened the grounds on which the government can have suspicions of security threats, said Adelman. No charges have been laid against the 20 men, most of whom are originally from Pakistan and are in Canada on student visas. Under the new section, even “reasonable suspicions” that someone may pose a security threat are enough to execute an arrest. “Most laws are written about what you do, i.e. committing a harmful act,” Adelman said. “They’re not written about what you might do.”


On the ‘Eves’ of an election


After Ontario Premier Ernie Eves, who graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1970, called an election for Oct. 2, he (and other contenders) were profiled in numerous media sources including the Globe and Mail Sept.3. Eves first entered the legislature in March 1981 and won leadership of Progressive Conservative Party in March 2002. This is his first election as party leader. “Some people see him in some ways as a better manager than Harris because he listens to people,” said Robert MacDermid, political science professor in York’s Faculty of Arts, in a Sept.2 Canadian Press story reflecting on Eves’s strengths as a leader. “He’s prepared to change policy rather than be rigid. For some people that’s definitely a virtue.” MacDermid was also interviewed about Ontario New Democratic Party leader Howard Hampton in a CP story. “The NDP has been defining some of the issues,” said MacDermid. “Policy is going to be the thing that leads their campaign.” Robert Drummond, dean of the Faculty of Arts and also a political science professor, was interviewed on CBC Radio’s “Here and Now” Sept. 2 about issues in the election..


  On air



  • Dr. Joel Lexchin, professor of health policy and management in York’s Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies, spoke with “Trail’s End” (CFYK-AM), Yellowknife, Sept. 2, on his study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that found patients are pressuring physicians to prescribe drugs that are advertised, even though they may not be the most effective for patients. Lexchin also appeared on “Breakaway” (CBVE-FM), Quebec; “Mainstreet” (CBH-FM), Halifax; “Info Radio” (CBW-AM), Winnipeg; “Radio Active” (CBX-AM), Edmonton; and “Homestretch” (CBR-AM), Calgary.
  • Sheila Embleton, York’s vice-president academic, spoke on CBC Newsworld Sept. 2 about the double cohort.