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Spectator
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Assassinations have an awkward tendency to backfire
Plutarch says that Julius Caesar dined with friends the day before he was assassinated. When conversation turned to considering the best way to die, Caesar looked up from the papers he was signing (being in company never stopped him working) and said, without hesitation: 'Unexpectedly.' Thanks partly to Shakespeare, Caesar's has a claim to be one of the two or three best known historical assassinations. Another, plausibly argued here by Simon Ball as one of the most consequential, was that of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, precipitating the first world war. Without it, the past century might have been unrecognisably different. The war might not have happened at all, or at least not as and when it did; and there might have been neither a second world war nor a Cold War in the forms and on the scale they took. But Ball wastes no time on such beguiling, pointless speculations. Taking Sarajevo as his starting point, he focuses on the impact of assassination on international politics, particularly on reasons for its deployment and reactions to it. But it's a slippery concept. Traditionally, the accepted definition in the Anglosphere was that assassination was murder with a political motive, whereas in the Francophone world it generally meant any premeditated murder. By the late 20th century, however, US and other governments were avoiding the word, decreeing that killings in self-defence were not assassinations and that the very use of the term was misleading, 'a conclusion masquerading as a narrative'. Examining its evolution and increasing popularity over the past century or so, Ball quotes the historian Max Weber arguing that assassination is a product of the modern state, on the grounds that a state can succeed only by monopolising legitimate violence within its territory, which in turn makes assassination a tool for challenging the state. Germany after 1919, Russia between 1905 and 1910, British India, Egypt and Ireland both before and after the creation of Eire all featured bursts of multiple assassinations intended to undermine the ruling powers. Successive British governments usually responded to assassination with what came to be known as the 'liberal script'. This was framed by H.H. Asquith in response to the 1909 murder in South Kensington of an India Office official, Sir Curzon Wyllie, by a Hindu student from University College, London. Asquith viewed assassinations as originating from conspiracies involving very few extremists who were dangerous because of the violence of their methods rather than because they represented the tip of an iceberg. Governments should therefore respond by dealing with the assassins themselves, not by overreacting and killing large numbers of people, even if they were sympathisers, because that might provoke a genuine, broad-based threat to governmental legitimacy. This mostly worked. Although assassinations featured in the struggles for Indian, Egyptian and Irish independence, in the Malayan Emergency and in the establishment of the state of Israel, they were not decisive, and indeed may arguably have hindered the process. As Ball notes: 'Assassination was not the danger. The real danger was support for assassination.' But context makes a difference. Totalitarian states (a Mussolini coinage) combine assassinations with mass killings as a tool of domination; and if the tactic is used against them they usually respond with brutal reprisals. Ball quotes as an example the 1942 assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the senior SS officer in Czechoslovakia and personal favourite of Hitler. Carried out by Czech members of SOE (Britain's Special Operations Executive), it provoked reprisals of exceptional brutality even by Nazi standards and was later judged a technical success but an operational disaster. In certain benighted periods and places there has even been what Ball calls 'government by assassination'. In 1930s China, for instance, communists and nationalists assassinated each other, their own comrades and warlords, who in turn assassinated other warlords, who were assassinated by the Japanese occupiers, who also assassinated each other or were assassinated by Koreans. Also active were 'assorted anarchists, cultists and narco-assassins, and a sub-culture of professional hitmen'. By 1937, Shanghai had become the acknowledged assassination capital of the world. It was an earlier assassination, however – that of the Manchurian warlord Zhang Zuolin in 1928 – which Ball reckons to be another of the most consequential of the 20th century. Forgotten now by all but specialists, it strengthened Japan's military, weakened Japanese democracy and enabled the conquest of Manchuria. This, in turn, furthered civil war in China, embedded the Japanese military's power base in Tokyo and encouraged its Greater Japan aspirations, leading ultimately to the disastrous decision to go to war with America. As with Gavrilo Princip, the youthful assassin at Sarajevo, the arbitrary law of unintended consequence applies as often to assassination as to acts of good intent. A more obvious consequence of assassinations is of course the removal of political elites from daily contact with their peoples. The phalanxes of guards around US presidents – not invariably effective, as we've seen – are evidence enough. But for Britons of a certain age, the gates of Downing Street are the starkest daily reminder. It is hard to believe now that one could routinely cut through Downing Street and walk within yards of a prime minister getting into their car. In the wake of the murder of Sir David Amess, MPs may now employ bodyguards at their surgeries. Ball doesn't spend much time on methods, beyond noting that sniping by rifle is more common in James Bond films than reality. (J.F. Kennedy's assassination and Donald Trump's near miss were exceptions.) Handguns and bombs have a long history – witness the 1605 Gunpowder Plot's failed attempt on the life of James I and the successful 1812 shooting of Prime Minster Spencer Percival – and remain the weapons of choice, though Islamist extremists have a fondness for knives and Vladimir Putin for poisons. Now that we have targeted killings via drone or missile in undeclared wars between states or state-backed groups, the distinction between assassinations and acts of war is blurred. Most examples quoted by Ball are American – a reflection not only of the far-reaching consequences of 9/11 but of US openness compared with other nations. Although he mentions it, there is much more to be said about the continuous history of assassinations, internal and external, by Russian and Soviet governments since 1917. As for the efficacy of assassination campaigns (not counting murders by individuals prompted by grievance or delusion), Ball is doubtful. Although empires appear to have contained and managed them more successfully than post-imperial nation states, which are more easily thrown into crisis, most VIP murders achieve little or nothing in advancing their cause. Indeed, there is some evidence that it is more effective to assassinate lower-level officials on whom the day-to-day functioning of the state depends. There is also evidence, not adduced in this book, that the capture of terrorist leaders causes more disruption than their killing – or martyrdom, as some would see it. This is a big subject and Ball does well to cover as much as he does. But there should be more to come, especially a detailed analysis of the political and moral effectiveness of assassination as a tactic or strategy. But we can be sure of one thing. It ain't ending any time soon; and Ball won't lack material for a future book.
Cision Canada
21 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada invests in services to support economic integration and fill labour market shortages Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Canada's new government has a mandate to build a strong economy by attracting the best talent in the world and filling key labour shortages. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced more than $3.2 billion over three years across more than 520 organizations outside Quebec to improve the integration of newcomers, including into the job market, and to reduce labour shortages. Settlement services are essential to filling vacancies in high-demand sectors such as health care and skilled trades. With increased economic integration, newcomers can apply their skills quickly, fill critical labour gaps and boost productivity. Funding will be provided to local organizations to deliver tailored services that recognize regional considerations and needs, instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Services will include support with getting a licence or certification in a regulated profession providing job-specific and general language training in English and French supporting French-speaking newcomers to integrate into Francophone communities outside Quebec These services will help newcomers build successful lives in Canada by supporting their economic, social and cultural integration into communities across the country. With an outcome-focused approach, Canada will attract a strong workforce and build one unified Canadian economy—the strongest economy in the G7. Quote: "Canada is focused on building more homes, better infrastructure and a clean economy—and newcomers are essential to making that happen. This investment is about giving newcomers the skills and opportunities they need to build their lives here and help build Canada at the same time. When newcomers thrive, our communities grow stronger, and we all move forward together." – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts: As of April 1, 2025, more than 520 organizations received funding to deliver settlement and resettlement programs and services across Canada. Organizations were chosen following a competitive national call for proposals. All applications were carefully reviewed to confirm they met eligibility requirements, were aligned with program priorities, provided good value for money and offered services that met newcomer needs. Under the Canada–Quebec Accord, the Government of Canada provides the province of Quebec with an annual grant for the delivery and administration of reception services and of services to support the linguistic, cultural and economic integration of immigrants who settle in that province, including resettled refugees. From April 2014 to January 2025, 47% of all permanent residents outside Quebec and 93% of resettled refugees accessed at least one IRCC-funded settlement service in Canada. Associated links: SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Time Out
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Fierté Montreal 2025: Pride parade, events and dates
Fierté Montréal Festival is the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the Francophone world. In addition to the city's welcoming LGBTQ+ bars and hangouts, Montreal is putting on a star-studded show that's focused on community and involvement. The 2025 parade theme, "Blossom here, now!", celebrates the right of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to grow, thrive, and love openly. Montreal's first Pride march was held in June 1979 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. La Brigade Rose organizers in Montreal drew 52 marchers in 1979. Forty years later, in 2019, total attendance at Montreal Pride topped 3 million. This summer's festival features live in-person performances, concerts and activities on the Esplanade of the Olympic Park—Montreal Pride's main site—as well as in the LGBTQ+ Village and downtown. What time does the Pride parade start in Montreal? The 2025 Pride parade is on Sunday, August 10 at 1 p.m. When is the Fierté Montréal Festival? This 19th edition of Fierté runs from July 31 to August 10, 2025. What are the festival highlights? Expect major free shows with more than 200 artists. Free admission to all outdoor events on the Esplanade Tranquille downtown in the Quartier des spectacles and on the Esplanade of the Olympic Park. Find Time Out's programming highlights below, and for the full programming visit
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada improves access to health services for Francophone minority communities Français
MONCTON, NB, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, accompanied by the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton—Dieppe, announced more than $78 million in funding over five years to seven organizations including five Atlantic post-secondary training institutions to improve access to health services in French for Francophone communities. These investments will support innovative projects to improve health services in French through the Official Languages Health Program (OLHP). Initiatives include increasing access to care, improving recruitment, internship and placement opportunities in Francophone communities as well as training in francophone post-secondary health programs. The Government of Canda will continue working with partners to improve access to health care services for everyone, including services in the official language of their choice. Quotes "Everyone in Canada should have access to health services in their official language of choice, regardless of where they live. When it comes to health care, a language barrier can lead to a life-or-death situation. This is why the Government of Canada is supporting projects that will improve access to health services for Francophones and Anglophones living in minority communities in Canada." The Honourable Marjorie Michel Minister of Health "As a proud Atlantic Canadian, I know how vital it is for Francophones in minority communities to access health care in their language of choice. This funding will contribute to improved access to more inclusive and effective care — ensuring official languages are supported within our health care system." The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor Member of Parliament for Moncton—Dieppe "Our two official languages are at the heart of our identity, uniting us from coast to coast to coast and making us stronger together. As a government, we are taking concrete action to ensure that Canadians—no matter where they live—can access health services in the official language of their choice. I am pleased that this funding will support projects that strengthen our bilingual identity, not only in the Atlantic region but right across Canada." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "Health is essential to the vitality of Francophone and Acadian minority communities, and they should have access to quality health services in their own language. Société Santé en français is proud to work with Canada's 16 French-language health networks and hundreds of other health partners to develop French-language health services across Canada." Antoine Désilets Executive Director, Société Santé en français "The importance of preparing the next generation of French-speaking health care workers, from recruitment to professional integration in Francophone minority communities, cannot be overstated. Health Canada's contribution will leverage the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne's (ACUFC) ability to support postsecondary institutions that are members of the Consortium national de formation en santé in their efforts to increase the number of health professionals providing French-language services. It will also allow our network to continue to overcome existing barriers and ensure that Canadians have access to equitable health services in the language of their choice." Martin Normand President and Chief Executive Officer, Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne - Consortium national de formation en santé "The financial support from the federal government represents much more than a simple investment in health training: it is a concrete gesture in favor of improving access to French-language health services in our Francophone minority communities. At the Université de Moncton, this support will strengthen our capacity to offer training in targeted health programs. We are proud to be part of a national network of 16 post-secondary institutions — a group that fosters collaboration, shares expertise, and promotes our programs. Together, we are helping to train the next generation of competent, committed professionals ready to meet the needs of French-language healthcare across the country." Dr. Denis Prud'homme President and Vice-Chancellor of the Université de Moncton Quick Facts The OLHP was launched in 2003 and receives funding through the Government of Canada's Action Plan for Official Languages. The Program supports non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions and provincial and territorial governments that aim to improve access to health services for official language minority communities (OLMC) - Francophones living outside Quebec and English-speaking communities in Quebec. The " Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration" announced that, in addition to existing funding of $192.2 million over five years, Health Canada's OLHP will also receive $14.5 million over five years (for a total of $206.7 million over five years). This additional funding will support non-profit organizations, provincial and territorial governments and post-secondary institutions that serve OLMCs to train and retain bilingual health professionals, support health networking initiatives as well as innovative projects. Budget 2023 outlined the Government's plan to invest close to $200 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding to provinces and territories to strengthen Canada's public health care system. This includes $25 billion of funding through tailored bilateral agreements to meet the specific needs of each province and territory. Associated Links SOURCE Health Canada (HC)
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
/R E P E A T -- NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Government of Canada to make an announcement to support access to health services for Francophone minority communities/ Français
MONCTON, NB, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, accompanied by the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton—Dieppe, will make an important announcement to support access to health services in French for Francophone communities. There will be a media availability immediately following the announcement. Date July 22, 2025 Time 10:30 (ADT) Location The event will be held in-person at: Université de Moncton Moncton Campus Léopold-Taillon Pavilion, room 136 18 Antonine-Maillet avenue Moncton, New Brunswick E1A -3E9 Media may also join by Zoom: Passcode: 009354 Please indicate your name (first and last) and media outlet when joining the event. X: @GovCanHealth Facebook: Healthy Canadians SOURCE Health Canada (HC)
