October 2009 News in Review Resource Guide

October 2009 Credits Resource Guide Writers: Diane Ballantyne, Sean Dolan, Peter Flaherty, Jim L’Abbé Copy Editor and Desktop Publisher: Susan Rosenthal Resource Guide Graphics: Laraine Bone Production Assistant: Carolyn McCarthy Resource Guide Editor: Jill Colyer Supervising Manager: Karen Bower Host: Carla Robinson Senior Producer: Nigel Gibson Producer: Lou Kovacs Video Writers: Nigel Gibson Director: Ian Cooper Graphic Artist: Mark W. Harvey Editor: Stanley Iwanski

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News in Review, October 2009 1. Canada and the Stranded Canadians (Length: 12:59) 2. Afghanistan’s Troubled Election (Length: 15:54) 3. Remembering Canada’s War Dead (Length: 17:53) 4. Autism: Living with Difference (Length: 16:15) Contents In This Issue ...... 4

CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS...... 6 Introduction...... 6 Video Review...... 7 Abousfian Abdelrazik...... 9 Suaad Hagi Mohamud...... 12 Stranded Canadians and the Charter of Rights...... 14 A “Kafkaesque” Tale...... 15 Activity: Letter Writing...... 17 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION...... 18 Introduction...... 18 Video Review...... 19 FAQs on the Election...... 22 Canada’s Role in Afghanistan...... 24 Hamid Karzai: Afghanistan’s Embattled Leader...... 26 A Mission in Trouble?...... 28 Activity: Debating the Future of Canada’s Mission...... 30 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD...... 31 Introduction...... 31 Video Review ...... 32 Ways of Remembering in Canada...... 34 Our Wars...... 36 Beaumont-Hamel...... 39 Point-Counterpoint...... 41 In Flanders Fields...... 43 Aboriginal Warriors...... 44 Activity: Canadian War Memorial Project...... 46 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE ...... 47 Introduction...... 47 Video Review...... 48 The Autism Spectrum...... 50 Traditional Treatment...... 52 Rethinking Autism...... 54 Intolerance for Difference...... 56 Activity: Drafting a School Policy...... 58

News in Review Index...... 59

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page  In This Issue . . .

CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS (Length: 12:59) NiR Study Abousfian Abdelrazic and Suad Hagi Mohamud are two Canadians who shared a Modules Using print and video common ordeal in two different places. They both found themselves in a foreign material from archival country and not allowed to come home. In this News in Review story we’ll look at issues of News in their stories and why they and others have accused the Canadian government of Review, teachers and abandoning its own citizens. students can create thematic modules Related CBC Videos for independent Hostages Inc. assignments, and small Karen Refugees: Fleeing Burma’s group study. Forgotten War U.S. vs. Omar Khadr Related CBC Videos Other videos available from CBC Learning; see the back cover for contact details.

AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION (Length: 15:54) In late August, Afghans went to the polls to choose a president and members of the provincial council. Canada’s troops in that war-torn country helped provide security so the vote could take place. But the election was marred by violence and voting irregularities. In this News in Review story we’ll look at what happened and why the result was so controversial. NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos Afghanistan and the Rights of Women, Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear May 2009 Back to School in Afghanistan Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story, March 2009 Flora’s Afghan Mission: Politician to Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan, Humanitarian December 2008 Life and Death in Kandahar The Manley Report on Afghanistan, March 2008 The Hidden Wounds of War, February 2008 Selling Canada’s Military to Canadians, November 2007

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page  REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD (Length: 17:53) Every November 11, many Canadians take a moment to remember the soldiers who died fighting for Canada. The main ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, but many other ceremonies are held across the country. In this News in Review story we’ll look at Remembrance Day and the story of Canada’s war dead from the First World War to Afghanistan. NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos Remembering Vimy Ridge, May 2007 Beyond Words: Photographers of War Afghanistan: The Dead and the Wounded, Canada’s War in Colour February 2007 Canadians on D-Day: The Juno Beach Canada’s Forces Go to Afghanistan, Centre March 2002 The Great War Victory in Europe: 50 Years Later, 13th Mission: The Story of the Lancaster May 1995 Liberation of Holland Vimy Ridge: Sacrifice and Courage, Tomb of the Unknown Solider May 1992

AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE (Length: 16:15) Autism is a complex biomedical condition that is not yet completely understood. It can cause people to have trouble communicating or to engage in certain kinds of repetitive behavior. The traditional approach has been to try to treat or cure it, but now some are questioning that emphasis. In this News in Review story we’ll hear from some autistic people who want the condition to be seen as just another human difference.

NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos The Hidden Wounds of War, February Autism: The Child Who Couldn’t Play 2008 Brain Gains: Better Grades through Helping the Mentally Ill Homeless, Fitness November 2007 Positively Autistic Strangers in a Familiar Land: Asperger’s

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CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page  CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS Introduction

For some Canadians, their passports six years that Abdelrazik fought for

aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. his repatriation (his return to Canada) Download the mp3 of this Introduction Just ask Abousfian Abdelrazik and Suaad he received only one concession: he at newsinreview. Hagi Mohamud. The two Canadians was allowed to live in the Canadian cbclearning.ca. were travelling from different African embassy in Khartoum. In 2009, a federal nations at different times and were left judge issued a court order forcing the Focus stranded by their own government. government to get him back to Canada Canada’s reputation In Abdelrazik’s case, he was stranded without further delay. A grateful as a human rights for six years in Sudan before being Abdelrazik made his way home in June champion came allowed to return home. His ordeal 2009 and thanked those who helped under serious started when the Canadian government to secure his release. Meanwhile, the scrutiny in 2009. asked Sudan to throw him in jail. Why? United Nations and the United States still That is because two Canadians, Abousfian Because Canada claimed Abdelrazik was maintain he is a terrorist. Abdelrazik and Suaad a terrorist. But there was no evidence Then there’s the case of Suaad Hagi Hagi Mohamud, that he was, or ever had been, a terrorist. Mohamud. She flew to Kenya to visit found themselves Eventually Sudanese authorities released her sick mother. At the end of her in a foreign country Abdelrazik because they said they two-week stay she made her way to and not allowed couldn’t continue detaining an “innocent the airport where an airline employee home. This News in man.” In fact, both the Canadian Security said her face didn’t match her passport Review story explores what happened Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the photo. Mohamud stood her ground and to them, how the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) maintained that she was the person on Canadian government eventually came to the same conclusion. the passport. She was promptly detained, responded, and No evidence existed that demonstrated charged by Kenyan authorities, thrown why some people that Abdelrazik was a terrorist. So why in prison, and had her passport voided have accused the keep this man in jail? It seems that the by Canada. Fortunately, friends in Kenya government of United States had a hand in Abdelrazik’s bailed her out of jail eight days after her abandoning its own citizens. ordeal. They were convinced, despite arrest, prompting Mohamud’s crusade evidence to the contrary, that Abdelrazik to prove she was really herself. She was a terrorist and implored the Canadian offered her fingerprints, multiple pieces Did you know . . . government to avoid repatriating him. of identification, and photographs to The Canadian Canada played along. prove her identity. Eventually it was a Security Intelligence On three different occasions, DNA test to confirm her identity that got Service interrogated Abdelrazik secured a flight from her a ticket home. What started as a two- Abousfian Abdelrazik in prison and told him Sudan back to Canada, and on all three week visit to her ailing mother turned that, “Sudan will be occasions the Canadian government into an almost three-month battle to force your Guantanamo” denied him travel documents. Over the Canada to validate her citizenship. (Toronto Star, June 24, 2009). This meant To Consider that his jail time in 1. If it is truly the role of government to protect its citizens shouldn’t public Sudan would be like officials protectall Canadian citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or spending time in the religion? infamous U.S. jail in Cuba for alleged 2. In the modern age where terrorist groups do target Western nations, terrorists. how should governments determine who is “safe” and who is a potential “threat”?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page  CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS Video Review Focus for Viewing Before watching the documentary, answer the following questions with a partner or in a small group. 1. What is the purpose of a passport?

2. What rights do you think a passport provides for Canadians when they are travelling?

3. Suppose you were trying to leave a foreign nation to return home and an immigration official denied you the ability to leave. What would you expect the Canadian government to do on your behalf?

4. Imagine that you were unexpectedly arrested as you were trying to leave a country. What response would you expect from the Canadian government?

Questions for Viewing 1. (a) Why was Abousfian Abdelrazik arrested in Sudan?

(b) Why did Canada prevent him from returning home?

(c) Were any of the allegations against Abdelrazik proven?

2. (a) What were Abdelrazik’s lawyers eventually able to achieve through the courts?

(b) What did the judge have to say about Canada’s conduct during the Abdelrazik affair?

3. Who was Mohamed Hussein waiting for? How long had he been waiting?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page  4. Why was Suaad Hagi Mohamud prevented from leaving Kenya?

5. What test did Mohamud have to undergo before the government of Canada would agree to let her come home?

6. What does civil rights lawyer Marlys Edwardh mean when she says that Canada’s abandonment of some of its citizens “smacks to me of two classes of citizenship”?

7. What did Canada’s vice-consul in Kenya say about the investigation into the Suaad Hagi Mohamud case?

8. What does Passport Canada recommend if your appearance changes significantly from the picture on your passport?

9. (a) How does Mohamud plan on dealing with Canada’s handling of her case?

(b) What does the government plan to do in relation to the handling of Mohamud’s case?

Post-viewing Activity The inside inscription of the Canadian passport reads, “The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada requests, in the name of Her Majesty the Queen, all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”

1. What does this mean?

2. Did the Government of Canada fail to live up to this pledge in the cases of Abousfian Abdelrazik and Suaad Hagi Mohamud? Provide reasons for your answer.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page  CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS Abousfian Abdelrazik

Did you know . . . Focus for Reading Sudan is the largest On September 23, 2009, Abousfian Abdelrazik filed a $27-million lawsuit against country in Africa the federal government and Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon for and the 10th-largest allegedly arranging to have him detained in Sudan from 2003 to 2009. The country in the lawsuit—which singles out Cannon for $3-million in damages personally—holds world. Located in the government responsible for “encouraging or condoning his torture at the northeastern Africa, hands of Sudanese authorities, and actively obstructing his repatriation to the country is bisected Canada for several years” (Calgary Herald, September 24, 2009). south to north by the world’s longest river, As you read the following information on the Abdelrazik case, ask yourself whether you agree or disagree with his claim that the government and Lawrence Cannon “acted in a bad faith and a callous manner at every turn, resulting in significant physical and psychological harm to the plaintiff.”

The Case Detention and Alleged Torture Abousfian Abdelrazik probably knew CSIS kept an eye on Abdelrazik his trip to Sudan was a risk. After all, after Ressam’s trial and when they he was returning to the nation that had got word that he had made his way imprisoned him for his political views in to Sudan to visit his sick mother in 1989 when an Islamist-backed military 2003 he was arrested. Government coup took over the government. Upon documents obtained by the The his release from prison in 1990, he fled Globe and Mail clearly identify that to Canada and applied for and received Abdelrazik was arrested by request of refugee status. By 1995 the native of the Canadian government, with most Sudan was a Canadian citizen living with experts suspecting CSIS of pushing for his family in Montreal. Abdelrazik’s detention (CSIS asked Sudan to arrest the Canadian, files reveal, Suspicions Begin April 10, 2009). While in prison, he was Abdelrazik first came to the attention repeatedly beaten and, at times, tortured of the Canadian Security Intelligence by his Sudanese jailers. At one point, two Service (CSIS) in 2000 when they were CSIS agents interrogated Abdelrazik. investigating radical Islamic groups in They told him he was never going to get Montreal. Ahmed Ressam, who was later back to Canada and “Sudan will be your dubbed “the millennium bomber,” was a Guantanamo.” Eventually, the Sudanese member of one of those groups. Ressam authorities released him, in July 2004. had been living in Canada illegally and, After close to a year in prison, and over in late 1999, planned to detonate a bomb- a year since he had seen his family in laden car on New Year’s Eve at Los Montreal, Abdelrazik hoped to return to Angeles International Airport. He was Canada. caught trying to cross into the U.S. and was later convicted on terrorism charges Return to Canada Denied and sentenced to 22 years in prison. Two things happened to Abdelrazik prior One of the prosecution witnesses was to his departure from prison. First, his Abdelrazik, who testified by video link passport expired, so he was dependent that he knew Ahmed Ressam but had no on the very people who arranged his knowledge of the bombing plan. imprisonment in the first place: the

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page  Canadian government. Second, he was was. Sudan volunteered to fly Abdelrazik Did you know . . . placed on the United States government’s home on at least two occasions at their Many Western nations created “no-fly” lists “no-fly” list. The no-fly list, sometimes expense. The Canadian government after the September called the terrorist watch list, is a secret rejected the offers. 11, 2001, terrorist list created and maintained by the U.S. attacks on the United government of people who are not “Temporary Safe Haven” States. Individuals permitted to board a commercial airline Abdelrazik’s situation changed in 2008 placed on the list were for travel in or out of the United States. when The Globe and Mail broke his not informed that they had been selected for As of spring 2009, it included over one story. His case began to receive a great airline restrictions. million names. The list was created after deal of publicity. As publicity increased, Many people did not the September 11, 2001, attacks. he turned to the Canadian embassy discover they were When Abdelrazik tried to purchase one more time. This time they told on a no-fly list until a ticket to fly home he was refused Abdelrazik they would provide him they showed up at because his name was on the no-fly “temporary safe haven” in the embassy. an airport and were list. Abdelrazik took his concerns to They set up a cot in the embassy exercise prohibited from flying. the Canadian embassy, where officials room where he could sleep, and he was told him they could only help him if he allowed to spend his days sitting on the was able to secure a reservation on a couch in the embassy lobby. Abdelrazik plane bound directly for Canada. This was extremely fearful that he would proved impossible—no one was going be imprisoned if he left the Canadian to fly a person anywhere if they were “temporary safe haven,” so he pretty on the no-fly list—and there were no much stayed put and hoped some good direct commercial routes from Sudan to fortune might come his way. Canada. In the fall of 2008, Etihad Airlines, the The situation for Abdelrazik got worse national air carrier of the United Arab when in October 2005 he was arrested Emirates, agreed to fly Abdelrazik back a second time. By the time he was to Canada with one stopover in Dubai. released in July 2006, the United States The Canadian government refused to had labeled him a full-fledged terrorist, grant the necessary travel documents. and the United Nations had added him Then, in December, the government to their no-fly list. Meanwhile, Canadian changed the rules altogether: now officials maintained they would not Abdelrazik had to provide authorities issue him a passport or emergency travel with a fully purchased airline ticket papers unless he was able to secure a before they would fly him home. But reservation on an airline that would fly this was impossible because Abdelrazik him back to Canada. had no money. Since he was a suspected The Sudanese government got terrorist, Canadian authorities had been tired of detaining Abdelrazik. After able to use anti-terrorism laws to freeze honouring Canada’s requests to imprison his assets. As well, his inclusion on Abdelrazik on two occasions without the United Nation’s no-fly list gave the levying any charges, they told the Canadian government the right to seize Canadian government that they could the assets of anyone who tried to help no longer arrest or detain an “innocent him buy a ticket out of Sudan. man.” In fact, subsequent investigations by the RCMP and CSIS also came to Public Pressure the conclusion that he was innocent. News of Abdelrazik’s situation caught Abdelrazik was not the terrorist that the the attention of some concerned United States government claimed he Canadians. In the spring of 2009,

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 10 over 100 people defied Canadian anti- and that he should be repatriated. The terrorism laws and purchased Abdelrazik judge agreed, and the government was a ticket home. Foreign Minister ordered to fly the stranded Canadian Lawrence Cannon used his ministerial back home. Meanwhile the group of privilege to deny Abdelrazik a passport, Canadians willing to help Abdelrazik had thus thwarting the efforts of the 100 grown and had bought another ticket, Canadians. Cannon also told Abdelrazik this one for June 12. That day came and he should get himself off the terror list— went with the ticket unused. Finally, on but this was the job of the government, June 18, Prime Minister Stephen Harper not Abdelrazik’s. announced that the Canadian government In the meantime, a legal team had would honour the court order and fly begun working to secure the return of Abdelrazik home. On June 27, 2009, Abdelrazik to Canada. In a federal court he stepped off a plane in Toronto and they argued that the government had headed home to Montreal. It had been six violated Abdelrazik’s Charter rights years since he had seen his family. Analysis 1. Describe your overall impressions of the story of Abousfian Abdelrazik. How did you feel when you read the story? What conclusions were you able to draw from the story? What does this story say about Canada?

2. Based on what you have read, do you agree that the government and Lawrence Cannon “acted in a bad faith and a callous manner at every turn, resulting in significant physical and psychological harm to the plaintiff”? Make sure you give reasons for your answer.

3. Do you feel citizens should have the right to sue their government for failing to protect their rights while they are abroad? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 11 CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS Suaad Hagi Mohamud

Suaad Hagi Mohamud had come The Canadian Embassy Quote to Canada from Somalia to live the “I wouldn’t be The next day, Mohamud went to the stopped at the Kenyan Canadian dream. Since immigrating Canadian embassy for help. But instead airport if I’m a white. to Canada, she had lived a simple life of helping, Canada’s lead diplomat in The Canadian High alongside her son in Toronto. She had Nairobi declared her an imposter, voided Commission wouldn’t grown to love her adopted homeland. her passport, and told Kenyan officials be treating me the She also loved her mother and when she to throw her in jail. Mohamud was way they treat me. If found out her mother was sick she made charged with identity fraud and being in I’m a white person, I wouldn’t be there in travel arrangements to fly to Kenya to be Kenya illegally. She spent eight days in one day. I wouldn’t by her side. Unfortunately, a trip that was prison before friends and family could have missed the supposed to last for two weeks turned come up with the $2 500 bail to get her flight.” — Suaad Hagi into a nightmare that lasted almost three out. Once released she knew she was Mohamud (cbcnews. months. caught between a rock and a hard place: ca, August 21, 2009) she was broke, she was a Canadian in Problems at the Airport Kenya without a passport, and she was At the end of her two-week stay in under indictment for a number of serious Kenya, Mohamud made her way to offenses. the airport and prepared to leave the Upon her release from jail, Mohamud country. She approached the KLM agreed to be fingerprinted. She hoped Airlines counter to check in. The ticket that her fingerprints could be compared agent checked her ticket and her passport with her immigration records back in before making a surprising allegation: Canada and the whole mess would he claimed that Mohamud did not look be cleared up. Several days later, like the person in her passport photo. immigration officials told her that her Specifically, he said that her lips looked fingerprint records had been destroyed different from those of the person in so matching the two files would be the picture. Mohamud suspected he impossible. was looking for a bride and refused to play along. Before she knew it, the Fighting to Return Home ticket agent had summoned immigration For over a month, Mohamud lived in a officials, and a short time later Mohamud hotel in the slums of Nairobi and begged was told that she was not getting on the Canadian government to expedite her the plane until she proved she was the case. She even agreed to undergo DNA person in the passport photo. testing to confirm her identity. She was She produced her driver’s licence and not able to make any progress, however. health card—both compelling pieces of In fact, back in Canada, Foreign Affairs photo identification. The officials weren’t Minister Lawrence Cannon claimed convinced. They told her that they would “there is no tangible proof” Mohamud not permit her to board the plane. They was Canadian. He also said, “All sent her away and told her she needed Canadians who hold passports generally to sort things out with the Canadian have a picture that is identical in their High Commission if she wanted to leave passport to what they claim to be” Kenya. (cbcnews.ca, July 24, 2009).

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 12 In late July, two months after she tried was returned, and on August 15, 2009, Did you know . . . to board that flight home, the Canadian she arrived in Canada. Shortly thereafter Abdihakim Mohammed, an government agreed to run a DNA test the Canadian government promised autistic 25-year-old on Mohamud. Mohamud’s DNA was a complete investigation of the case. Somalian-Canadian, gathered in Nairobi and her sample was Mohamud responded by filing a lawsuit has been in Kenya sent back to Canada. Her son and ex- against the Canadian government for for three years, husband gave their samples in Toronto. $2.5-million. She says she is not so much accused by Canadian On August 10, the results came back: concerned about the money as she is in diplomatic officials of being an imposter. Suaad Hagi Mohamud was who she said seeing that the Canadian government Mohammed’s mother she was; her DNA proved that she was thinks twice before it leaves another took him to Somalia the mother of her son. one of its citizens stranded outside the five years ago because Within days, the charges against country. doctors believed being Mohamud were dropped, her bail money around extended family could help him. Analysis When his mother tried 1. Does it seem reasonable to you that if airport security or government to bring him back to officials are concerned about a person’s identity that they should be able Canada three years to deny people the right to board an airplane? Explain your answer. ago, he was denied the right to travel 2. If a Canadian citizen is denied the right to board a flight in a foreign because he didn’t country, what help should the Canadian government provide to that look like his passport citizen? Provide reasons for your answer. photo. 3. In an interview with the CBC, Suaad Hagi Mohamud said that she believed the colour of her skin played a role in her ordeal (see the quote in the margin of the preceding page). What do you think about this comment? Do you believe that white people are less likely to be targeted or detained by airport or security officials? Explain.

4. Identify two similarities and two differences between Mohamud’s case and the case of Abousfian Abdelrazik.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 13 CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS Stranded Canadians and the Charter of Rights

The fundamental issue that arises from the ordeals of Abousfian Abdelrazik and Definition Suaad Hagi Mohamud concern the obligations of the state to its citizens. In Canada, Habeas corpus these obligations are very clearly laid out in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. gives a person In this feature, your task is to take a look at the Charter rights listed below and see the opportunity how they apply to the cases of Abdelrazik and Mohamud. The first one is done for to appear before you. Note: Use the profiles of Abdelrazik and Mohamud on pages 9-12 in this guide a judge without unnecessary delay. It as your main source of information. also gives the accused the opportunity to Example: Mobility Rights challenge the legality Section 6:“Every citizen has the right to enter, remain in, and leave Canada.” of any charges In the cases of Abdelrazik and Mohamud, their right to enter Canada was brought against him blocked by a foreign nation when they tried to return home. To make matters or her. worse, the Canadian government, instead of protecting the mobility rights of its citizens, worked with these nations to prevent both Abdelrazik and Mohamud from coming back to Canada. It is interesting to note that, in Abdelrazik’s case, a federal court ruled that the government had violated his mobility rights and ordered the Harper government to make sure the stranded Canadian got home.

Instructions Now it’s your turn. Working with a partner, determine if and when the Charter rights of Abousfian and Mohamud were violated. Write your points down and be prepared to share your position and supporting information in a group discussion.

Legal Rights Section 7: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.” Section 8: “Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.” Section 9: “Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.” Section 10: “Everyone has the right on arrest or detention (a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefore; (b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and (c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released if the detention is not lawful.” Section 12: “Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.” Equality Rights Section 15: (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.” Source: Department of Justice Canada, at http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/dept-min/ pub/just/06.html

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 14 CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS A “Kafkaesque” Tale

The plight of Abousfian Abdelrazik has bureaucracy designed to keep him from often been referred to as “Kafkaesque” discovering the truth. He is never able in the media. But what exactly does this to get close to the mysterious branch mean? of government that brought the charges Franz Kafka was one of the most against him. He is simply held in limbo, influential fiction writers of the 20th waiting for his trial to begin. The entire century. The native of Prague wrote process drives Joseph K to the verge of compelling short stories and novels that suicide. challenged traditional narrative themes In a sense, The Trial is the story of and styles. Most of his work achieved a bureaucracy gone mad. The plight notoriety after his death thanks to the of Joseph K is the story of the quest to work of his friend Max Brod, who achieve the unachievable because the extensively edited and reorganized system is so fundamentally flawed that Kafka’s work after the author died. The it has lost its own sense of humanity. term Kafkaesque is really suggesting that some real-life event is something The Trial of Abousfian Abdelrazik like a Kafka story. The story of Joseph K mirrors that of So what does this have to do with Abousfian Abdelrazik in a number Abousfian Abdelrazik? The CBC radio of ways. First, Abdelrazik was held show “The Current” prepared a radio in suspicion by Canadian authorities documentary highlighting the parallels but was never formally charged between Abdelrazik’s ordeal and the with anything. Canada requested his plight of Joseph K in Kafka’s novel The detention, and the Sudanese authorities Trial. This is a brief summary of what complied. In a sense, he was perpetually was presented in the documentary. held in suspicion and forced into a position where he had to prove himself The Trial innocent without knowing what he was In the novel The Trial, Joseph K is guilty of in the eyes of the authorities. hauled out of bed one morning and Second, like Joseph K, Abdelrazik arrested by a nameless authority. The was interrogated by two government two government agents who take him agents who reveal to him the into custody do not inform him of the seriousness of the trouble he is in. charges against him; they just tell him The CSIS agents tried to squeeze that the charges are very serious. He information out of Abdelrazik, but is released on his own recognizance. because he is an innocent man, he had Throughout the novel, Joseph K is no idea how to answer their questions. summoned to appear before the courts Finally, Abdelrazik’s case speaks in pre-trial proceedings that neither to the absurdity of some bureaucratic inform nor progress toward any kind institutions: why did the Canadian of outcome. He undergoes bizarre government continue to fight interrogations by the two agents that are Abdelrazik’s lawyers in court when equally pointless. the government of Sudan, the RCMP, When he tries to discover the nature and CSIS had all declared that he was of the charges brought against him, he not the terrorist that they thought he gets mired in the massive government was? Instead of putting Abdelrazik on a

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 15 plane bound for home, the government Sources: CBC’s “The Current,” June 29, kept blocking his efforts to return to 2009 (www.cbc.ca/thecurrent); Raphael his family in Montreal—that is, until a Alexander’s National Post blog “Franz Kafka and Abousfian Abdelrazik’s federal court judge forced them to. return” (www.nationalpost.com). Activity Listen to the documentary about Abdelrazik on “The Current” at www.cbc.ca/ thecurrent/2009/200906/20090629.html and then answer the questions below.

1. Do you think the story of Abousfian Abdelrazik is “Kafkaesque”? Provide reasons for your position.

2. How do you think you might respond emotionally and psychologically if you were ever detained, held without being charged with an offense, and denied access to a lawyer or your government?

3. Do you think Abdelrazik is a stronger man than the character Joseph K? Explain.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 16 CANADA AND THE STRANDED CANADIANS Activity: Letter Writing As Canadians, we pride ourselves on the human rights that are enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. But as the cases of Abousfian Abdelrazik and Suaad Hagi Mohamud indicate, it takes more than the Charter of Rights to protect Canadians. We also need honest government officials, airport personnel, immigration officials, consular officials—and affordable access to lawyers and the legal system. One way to help ensure that the rights of Canadians are protected is to let elect politicians know your feelings on important issues.

Your Task Your task is to take the information you have learned in this News in Review story and write a letter to a Canadian government official stating how you wish they had acted in the cases of Abousfian Abdelrazik and Suaad Hagi Mohamud. Make sure your teacher approves your letter before you send it to one of the cabinet ministers below.

You may chose to view the News in Review video again and use the profiles of Abousfian Abdelrazik and Suaad Hagi Mohamud in this guide as your main sources of information.

Write to: The Honourable Lawrence Cannon Minister of Foreign Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6 Canada (Postage is free from within Canada)

Fax: 613-992-7559 E-mail: [email protected]

Salutation: Dear Minister

The Honourable Peter Van Loan Minister of Public Safety House of Commons Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6 Canada (Postage is free from within Canada)

Fax: 613-992-8351 E-mail: [email protected]

Salutation: Dear Minister

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 17 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION Introduction

On August 20, 2009, the people of was in a strong second-place spot. For

Afghanistan went to voting booths across many Afghans, the fact that their country, Download the mp3 of this Introduction the country to elect their president. This emerging from decades of conflict and at newsinreview. was only the second time Afghans had still dealing with a serious insurgency cbclearning.ca. voted for a president since the overthrow from the undefeated Taliban, was able of the Taliban regime in 2001. In the to hold its second set of elections was a Focus first election, in 2004, Hamid Karzai, matter of national pride. But for others, This News in Review the head of the pro-Western government there was mounting skepticism about the story focuses on that replaced the Taliban, won an easy fairness and transparency of the result. the controversial victory. However, this time Karzai was Many election observers were and violent facing a number of challengers, most concerned that in certain areas the presidential election significantly Abdullah Abdullah, a key total ballots cast greatly exceeded the in Afghanistan that occurred in the figure in the Northern Alliance, the number of eligible voters. In addition, summer of 2009. military group that defeated the Taliban eyewitnesses alleged that Karzai Voting irregularities with American and North Atlantic Treaty supporters had stuffed the ballot raised concern among Organization (NATO) assistance in 2001. boxes and barred known supporters of Western nations, Counting the votes was a slow and Abdullah or one of the other candidates including in Canada, arduous process, and almost a month after from voting. Abdullah himself accused where the military the election, final results had not yet been the Karzai government of conducting a mission in Afghanistan has been coming announced. There were many reasons for campaign of “massive, state-sponsored under serious scrutiny. the delay: difficulties in delivering ballot fraud,” and even the country’s Election papers to and from remote mountain Complaints Commission (ECC) villages; the country’s inexperience with concluded that there were grounds for Definition holding democratic elections; and most investigating a number of cases where The Taliban is a importantly, continuing controversy over ballot-tampering may have taken place. fundamentalist religious and political the ballot counting and allegations of The troubled election in Afghanistan movement that possible fraud. comes at a time when many Canadians governed Afghanistan By mid-September, Karzai had are expressing grave concerns about with brute force established a clear lead over Abdullah our mission there and the mounting cost from 1996 until 2001, and his other rivals for the presidency in lives and money. The fact that the when its leaders were and appeared headed to have won over result remains shrouded in controversy removed from power 50 per cent of the total vote. This figure may do little to ease their doubts about by NATO forces. The Taliban regrouped was important because if Karzai gained the possibility of establishing a viable and since 2004 has an outright majority he would not have democratic government in this war-torn been fighting a to face a run-off against Abdullah, who land. guerrilla war against the governments To Consider of Afghanistan and 1. What is significant about the fact that Afghanistan has held two sets of Pakistan and allied elections for president since the overthrow of the Taliban regime in 2001? NATO forces. 2. Why are some Canadians beginning to have doubts about the wisdom of continuing the military mission in Afghanistan?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 18 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION Video Review

Quote Pre-viewing Activity “For the future of this Before you watch the video, discuss the following questions with a partner or in country, it is important a small group. that the issue of fraud is cleared up, 1. What do you know about the Canadian military mission in Afghanistan? taken care of, and corrected. The people of Afghanistan will not accept not being able to decide the 2. What do you believe are the goals of the mission? future of this country.” — Abdullah Abdullah, Afghan presidential candidate (France 24 International 3. What is your opinion of this mission? (Do you agree that Canadian troops News, September 9, should be there, or not?) 2009, www.france24. com/en/20090909- presidential-election- abdullah-abdullah- afghanistan-karzai- democracy-fraud- 4. How do you feel about the recent election in Afghanistan? (For example, ballot-vote-usa) do you believe it was free and fair?)

5. How would you compare and contrast the election in Afghanistan with a Canadian election?

Viewing Questions Watch the video and answer the following questions.

1. Why is organizing an election in a country like Afghanistan a challenge?

2. Why were some Afghans afraid to cast their votes in the election?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 19 3. What role did Canada play in assisting in the election process? Quote “The Afghans know the next year is critical. The level of violence is going up. The 4. What risks do Canadian forces face in Afghanistan? enemy is extremely resilient. For me, next fall—2010—the key question will be, is the Taliban degraded? [Do] the 5. Who were the two main candidates for president of Afghanistan? In what ordinary Afghan part of the country do they receive most of their support? man and woman have confidence in the government of Afghanistan to deliver good enough 6. Why is the current president of Afghanistan unpopular with some of his security, good enough fellow citizens? governance?” — Lieutenant-General Marc Lessard, who led the Regional South command in 7. What criticisms does the main opponent of the president make of his Afghanistan for most record in office? of 2008 (National Post, September 24, 2009)

8. What evidence of election fraud is presented in the video?

9. What is the name of the group that tried to sabotage the election? Did it succeed?

10. What were the results of the election? Why were many observers skeptical of them?

11. How did the main opposition candidate for president react to the results?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 20 Post-viewing Activities After you have watched the video, discuss and respond to the following questions. Your teacher may choose to place you in a small group with other students.

1. Based on what you have seen in the video, do you think the election in Afghanistan was free and fair? Why or why not?

2. Do you think that Canada and other countries participating in the military mission in Afghanistan should accept the results of the election? Why or why not?

3. How might the controversy surrounding the election in Afghanistan affect the views of Canadians about continuing the military mission there?

4. Is it possible for a country like Afghanistan to establish a working democratic system of government? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 21 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION FAQs on the Election

Who were Afghans voting for on August turnout was between 40 and 50 per Quote 20, 2009? cent of eligible voters. This was a drop “We want women to from the 70 per cent voter turnout in learn how to obtain An estimated 15 to 17 million Afghans, 2004. But considering the substantial their political rights in many of them newly registered female a society dominated by spike in Taliban-inspired violence, voters, were eligible to choose from 30 men. Men will realize and the corresponding escalation of candidates for president and were also we have a voice. We NATO military operations against electing representatives for positions on need more women the insurgency, the fact that so many ministers, more provincial councils across the country. Afghans braved the conflict to turn up diplomats, and for The minimum voting age is 18, and at the polls at all could be viewed as a those who are there there are separate polling stations for qualified success for the process. to come together and men and women. Afghans living abroad, speak in one voice.” including many in refugee camps across — Shinkai Karokhail, What were the problems with the the border in Pakistan, were ineligible Afghan member of election? parliament, speaking to vote. As vote counting progressed, it on the importance was projected that between 40 and 50 per The independent Election Complaints of having women cent of eligible voters had actually cast Commission (ECC), a body established participate in the ballots. If this figure is accurate, then to investigate allegations of election political process it will mark a substantial decline from fraud, received over 2 000 complaints (aljazeera.net, August 19, 2009) the 70 per cent who took part in the first about incidents of ballot-box stuffing, presidential election in 2004. people being denied the right to vote, and outright intimidation of voters. In over How did the elections proceed? 600 polling stations where serious abuses were believed to have occurred, the Despite warnings of widespread violence results were suspended or “quarantined” in the run-up to the election, voting until a full investigation could proceed. throughout Afghanistan proceeded This delayed the vote-counting process relatively peacefully. The Taliban and lengthened the wait for the final had pledged to disrupt the voting and results to be announced. The majority of threatened to intimidate people from the rejected ballots came from areas in casting ballots, especially in their southern Afghanistan such as Kandahar southern stronghold of Kandahar, where where Hamid Karzai—who comes Canadian troops are stationed. NATO’s from this region—was expected to gain International Security Assistance Force significant support. (ISAF), the multinational force of which On September 10, 2009, the ECC Canada is a part, reported over 400 stated that it was declaring a number attacks on polling stations by Taliban of ballots invalid, casting even more insurgents, making August 20, 2009, one doubt about both the process itself and of the most violent days the country had the overall result of the election. In a experienced since the toppling of the press conference days after the election, Taliban regime in 2001. However, if the Abdullah Abdullah, President Karzai’s Taliban’s intention had been to derail the main opponent, denounced the election election, then it could be concluded that as rigged and totally fraudulent and they failed in the attempt. appealed to the international community Afghan and foreign election not to recognize the results. observers estimated that the voter

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 22 What happened after the election? free elections the country had ever Quote experienced. Generally speaking the “Everyone was As final results trickled in by mid- Afghans were unfamiliar with the concept cheating in my polling September, it appeared that Karzai was of competing political parties and the station. Only 10 per going to secure the magic number of 50 cent voted, but they democratic process. Afghanistan is also per cent and win an outright victory over registered 100 per a deeply traditional, conservative, and his main challenger, Abdullah Abdullah. cent turnout. One tribal society. Despite having a president, This would mean that Karzai would man brought five in Afghanistan the real power tends to be books of ballots, each avoid a run-off pitting him directly focused at a more local level, in the hands containing 100 votes, against Abdullah with the possibility that of the provincial governor or village chief. and stuffed them he might lose if all the other candidates In addition, Afghanistan is also a in the boxes after who had to drop out of the race threw the elections were nation with clearly defined divisions and their support behind his main challenger. over.” — Unidentified rivalries among its main ethnic groups: There was some speculation that in light Afghan election the Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks, and others. of the allegations of fraud arising from official (http:// These divisions are often reflected in the guardian.co.uk, the voting, the United States and NATO nation’s politics. For example, Hamid September 18, 2009) were both putting considerable behind- Karzai, a Pashtun, enjoys overwhelming the-scenes pressure on Karzai to “rerig” support from this group, which makes the election so that he would end up with up just over 40 per cent of the nation’s Quote less than an overall majority. This would population and is mainly concentrated “I believe firmly, enable a second, and presumably fairer firmly in the integrity in the southern part of Afghanistan. On and more transparent, round of voting to of the election and the other hand, Abdullah Abdullah is of be held. However, as he was on the brink the integrity of the mixed Pashtun-Tajik background and of securing a first-ballot victory, there Afghan people, and tends to draw most of his support from the integrity of the appeared little likelihood that Karzai the Tajiks, who represent just over one- government in that would agree to such a proposal. process.” — President quarter of the population. Hamid Karzai (http:// What does the election reveal about Sources: Information in this feature guardian.co.uk, Afghanistan’s society and political system? adapted from: “Q and A: Afghan September 18, 2009) Election,” http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/ Elections and democracy are relatively mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc. new concepts to Afghanistan. During co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/817984; “Afghan the past few decades, the country has election fraud row mounts,” http:// newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mappas/pagetools/ been ruled by a monarchy, a communist print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_ dictatorship, a rotating succession of asia/823465; “Life in Afghanistan,” corrupt warlords, and the extremist http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ Taliban regime. After the NATO-led south_asia/7741767.stm; “Elections invasion and the overthrow of the in Afghanistan: Rerigging Hamid Taliban, the incoming Northern Alliance Karzai,” www.economist.com/opinion/ government pledged to hold the first displaystory.cfm?story_id=14419168 Follow-up 1. Based on the information provided in this section, would you conclude that the election in Afghanistan was a success? Why or why not? 2. What are some of the main difficulties involved in creating a functioning democratic system of government and politics in Afghanistan? What steps do you think are necessary to ensure that such a system is finally established in that country? 3. What are the main differences between the Canadian and Afghan political systems?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 23 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION Canada’s Role in Afghanistan

Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan all of its objectives and was only the Did you know . . . was the direct result of the September beginning of a protracted military effort The Afghan government has tried 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United in Afghanistan that shows few if any to negotiate with the States. In the aftermath of these dramatic signs of winding down even seven years Taliban as a way to events, then-U.S. president George W. after it began. have them participate Bush focused his wrath on the Taliban From 2003 to 2005 the focus of in the governing of regime in Afghanistan. He accused the Canada’s military operations shifted the nation and give up Taliban of providing a base of operations from Kandahar to the area near the their violent tactics. for Al Qaeda (the extremist Islamic capital, Kabul, as part of the International group responsible for the strikes against Security Assistance Force in the run-up New York and Washington, D.C.) and of to the first national elections. But by offering sanctuary for its elusive leader, early 2006, the situation in Kandahar Osama bin Laden. After the Taliban had deteriorated dramatically as a result refused to hand over bin Laden, the of a resurgent Taliban presence in the United States and other NATO countries area. To deal with this threat, Lieut.-Gen. launched an all-out military invasion of David Richards, the British commander Afghanistan to drive them from power, of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, destroy Al Qaeda, and capture bin Laden. called for the deployment of 8 000 Less than a month after the attacks, troops, including 2 200 Canadians, to NATO troops and the forces of the fight alongside Afghan National Army Afghan Northern Alliance entered (ANA) units to secure the region against Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, in the Taliban. By September 2006, over triumph. Ousted but not totally crushed, 2 500 Canadians were taking part in this the Taliban retreated into the rugged effort, code-named “Operation Medusa” mountainous regions of the country after the creature from Greek mythology to regroup and resume their armed whose horrifying face was believed to struggle against the invaders, a fight that turn her enemies into stone. continues to this day. At the beginning of Canada’s military involvement in Afghanistan, the Canada’s Role government of the time, led by Liberal Canada dispatched a naval task force Prime Minister Jean Chretien, had to the Persian Gulf in support of the imposed a deadline of February 2009 NATO invasion in October 2001, and for the withdrawal of the country’s sent its first troops—a battle group from troops. But as NATO’s struggle against the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light the Taliban proved more difficult Infantry—to the southern province of than expected, the new Conservative Kandahar in February 2002. At this time, government of Stephen Harper looked NATO was conducting an intensive for ways to extend the length of the military effort called “Operation mission after being elected in January Enduring Freedom” whose goal was 2006. to eradicate the Taliban resistance, eliminate Al Qaeda as a terrorist threat Extending the Canadian Mission to the world, and capture bin Laden and In October 2007, Harper asked former Mullah Omar, the Taliban leader. This Liberal cabinet minister John Manley operation proved to be unsuccessful in to conduct an investigation of Canada’s

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 24 commitment to Afghanistan. In Afghans, especially girls, could obtain an Did you know . . . January 2008, Manley’s commission education for the first time. When Barack Obama was elected President recommended that the life of Canada’s of the United States mission be extended beyond its original Current Controversies in November 2008 deadline. However, Manley stipulated Canada’s mission to Afghanistan has he publicly urged that this should only occur if two key been controversial, especially from Canada to reconsider conditions were met: 1) that other NATO the time that Canadian forces began to its decision to countries commit more troops to the sustain heavy casualties in the troubled withdraw troops from Afghanistan because volatile Kandahar region and 2) that Kandahar region in 2006. Opinion polls the stubborn Taliban Canada’s forces be equipped with new, have indicated that Canadians are deeply insurgency shows no state-of-the-art equipment and weapons. divided on the war, with a small majority signs of ending any Manley also advised that Canada’s role supporting a withdrawal of our troops time soon. should shift away from a strictly combat as soon as possible. Opposition to the mission to one that would focus more war is strongest in Quebec, the province on diplomacy, the training of Afghan that supplies most of the recruits serving police and security forces, and providing in Afghanistan. The war has also been humanitarian and development aid to the very costly, both in terms of lives lost country. and financial price. As of mid-September On March 13, 2008, over objections 2009, 131 Canadian soldiers had been from the Bloc Québécois and the NDP, killed in Afghanistan, and many more Parliament voted to extend Canada’s had suffered serious injuries. It was mission to Afghanistan to December estimated that the total financial cost of 2011. The official Government of the mission will run into the billions, Canada Web page titled “Canada’s with projections of as much as Approach to Afghanistan” refers to the $18-billion by the time Canada’s country’s mission there as a “whole of involvement is expected to wind down, government” approach. This means that in December 2011. This amounts to while Canada’s involvement would still $1 500 per Canadian household. mainly be military in nature, there was Sources: Information in this feature also a much higher priority attached to adapted from: “Canada in Afghanistan,” helping the Afghan people develop their CBC News In Depth, www.cbc.ca/canada/ country and establish their own agencies story/2009/02/10/f-afghanistan.html; of national security. This included such “Canada’s Approach in Afghanistan,” activities as bringing health clinics and www.afghanistan.gov.gc.ca/canada- irrigation projects to remote villages afghanistan/approach-approche/index. aspx?menu_id and building schools where young

Analysis 1. Based on the information presented above, do you think that the results of Canada’s mission to Afghanistan have been worth the cost in lives and money? Why or why not?

2. Canada is currently expected to end its commitment to Afghanistan by December 2011. What would happen to Afghanistan and the Afghan people if all NATO allies took similar action? Do wealthy and secure countries like Canada have an obligation to help those who live in unstable, violent parts of the world?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 25 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION Hamid Karzai: Afghanistan’s Embattled Leader

Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan’s incumbent chieftains because he was not too closely Further Research president, has cut a dramatic figure on tied to the Northern Alliance, the military To learn more about Hamid Karzai, you the international stage since rising to group that had fought alongside NATO may wish to read the prominence following the ouster of forces to drive out the Taliban. Many interview conducted the Taliban regime in late 2001. Born of the Alliance’s leaders were former by the Academy in 1957 in the southern province of warlords linked to the unpopular regime of Achievement Kandahar, Karzai is a member of the that had brought the country to the brink and posted to their Pashtun ethnic group that comprises of anarchy as a result of its involvement Web site at www. achievement.org/ just over 40 per cent of the country’s in the drug trade in the early 1990s. autodoc/page/kar0int-1. population. His family is related to He also found favour among ordinary Mohammed Zahir Shah, the last king of Afghans by appearing to rise above Afghanistan. He was educated in Kabul petty ethnic rivalries by downplaying Quote and Simla, India, where he learned to his Pashtun roots and because he took “Karzai turned a golden opportunity speak English fluently. Forced into exile pains to distance himself from the United into disaster. There’s in neighbouring Pakistan following States despite Washington’s strong no point giving him the Soviet invasion of his homeland support for his presidency. five more years.” in 1979, he became active in the anti- Nonetheless, to some Afghans, — Abdullah Abdullah, Soviet mujahaddin resistance movement. Karzai appeared to be an “American a former member After the withdrawal of Soviet forces stooge,” forced to apologize for NATO of Karzai’s cabinet, and his main rival in the late 1980s, Karzai returned military strikes that took the lives of in the 2009 Afghan to Afghanistan and began to lay the innocent civilians—who were classified presidential election groundwork for his own political career. as “collateral damage” in the ongoing (BBC news at http:// war against the Taliban. He was also news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ Rise to Power unflatteringly nicknamed the “mayor south_asia/1672882. In January 2002 Karzai made a powerful of Kabul,” referring to the fact that his stm) presentation to an international donor’s government lacked real authority in conference in Tokyo, where he appealed many remote regions of the country to Western nations for $4-billion in aid to outside the capital. He enjoys a positive help rebuild his shattered country. After image in the Western media for his building up his international profile by stylish dress, including his trademark visiting a number of foreign capitals, green-and-white chapan, an Uzbek especially Washington, D.C., where he coat, and his ceremonial karakul established a strong relationship with hat. He even won recognition from then-U.S. president George W. Bush, Gucci fashion house for his elegant Karzai returned home ready to assume wardrobe and grooming. But after he power. handily triumphed as the country’s first At the loya jirga, a meeting of Afghan democratically elected president in tribal chiefs and other prominent figures 2004, criticism of his regime’s heavy- in June 2002, Karzai was chosen to head handedness and corrupt policies began to the country’s first interim government. mount. The United States had exerted its considerable pressure in order to smooth The 2009 Election Karzai’s path to the leadership. Karzai Facing re-election in 2009, Karzai ran on was acceptable to most of the tribal his record of achievement and the claim

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 26 that he was the only figure of unity in strong second-place position behind the country. However, unlike in 2004, Karzai. In the aftermath of the voting this time he faced a serious challenger in he spoke out vehemently against what Abdullah Abdullah, a former member of he claimed were widespread examples Karzai’s cabinet who had been fired in of voter fraud, for which he held Karzai 2006. Abdullah had played a significant and his supporters directly responsible. role in the Northern Alliance prior to the However, whether he would be able to defeat of the Taliban and was a close aide persuade a sufficient number of Afghans to the legendary Ahmed Shah Masoud, and foreign powers that the election the hero of the anti-Soviet resistance who had been rigged against him and refuse had been assassinated by the Taliban just to recognize its results remained to be one day before the September 11, 2001, seen. As far as Karzai was concerned, terrorist attacks. Like Karzai, Abdullah it seemed likely that he would emerge is stylish, well-educated, and fluent in from the election chaos as the re-elected Western languages, including English president of Afghanistan, albeit with and French. He is also a powerful orator his reputation both at home and abroad who has directed strong attacks on what severely tarnished by the controversy he views as the failures of his opponent’s surrounding the vote. record as president. Sources: Information in this feature Abdullah’s “time-for-a-change” adapted from: “Profile: Hamid Karzai,” rhetoric appeared to strike a responsive http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/ chord with many Afghans, and, as pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ the results of the disputed August 20, south_asia/313593; “Profile: Abdullah 2009, election continued to trickle Abdullah,” http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/ mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc. in, it was clear that he had secured a co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/167288

Follow-up 1. What are Hamid Karzai’s main strengths and weaknesses as president of Afghanistan. Which do you consider to be greater: the strengths or the weaknesses? Why?

2. If you had been voting in the 2009 presidential election in Afghanistan, who would you have supported: Hamid Karzai or Abdullah Abdullah (or neither candidate)? Give reasons for your choice.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 27 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION A Mission in Trouble?

As the death toll of Canadian troops peacekeeping force in Bosnia, “the fact is serving in Afghanistan continues to that it’s totally and absolutely unique to mount, and the military situation against date in the mission. It’s one in over 130 the Taliban appears to be deteriorating, fatalities, so I’m amazed and emotionally many people are expressing doubts about encouraged by the support the military the wisdom of continuing the mission and the mission [have] had to date” there. Here is a selection of opinions: (Toronto Star, September 19, 2009). But Claude Bachard, a Bloc Québécois MP Jonathan Couturier and his family who serves as his party’s defence critic, Twenty-three-year-old Private Jonathan offered support for the Couturier family’s Couturier was killed by a roadside bomb anti-war comments, suggesting that it on September 18, 2009, making him the may be the first but certainly would not 131st Canadian killed in Afghanistan. be the last military family to indicate His family revealed that he had voiced similar concerns about continuing the deep reservations about the war prior military mission in Afghanistan. to his death. According to an article in the Toronto Star (September 19, Robert Fowler 2009), Couturier had told his brother Robert Fowler is a distinguished Nicolas that the Canadian effort in Canadian career diplomat who once Afghanistan was “useless” and that he served as ambassador to the United and other soldiers fighting there were Nations. While acting as a special UN “wasting their time.” His sister-in-law envoy in the African country of Niger, Valerie echoed these comments, stating he was kidnapped by Al Qaeda militants, that “Jonathan didn’t want to know in December 2008, and spent the next anything about being there. He wouldn’t 130 days in captivity, moving around the talk about it, he stayed positive, but at Sahara desert and wondering if he would some moments he said he was fed up.” survive the ordeal. In an interview with Although his mother, Celine Lizotte, the CBC, Fowler was asked his opinion said that her son had enjoyed his military on Canada’s mission to Afghanistan. service and volunteered willingly for it, He expressed grave reservations about “he was anxious to return to the country it continuing past the 2011 deadline: and rejoin his girlfriend.” “I cannot object to the objective in The anti-war comments of Couturier Afghanistan,” he stated, “but I just don’t and his family were highly unusual and think in the West that we are prepared may point to a shift in opinion among to invest the blood or treasure to get military families regarding the Afghan this done” (“Fowler questions Canada’s mission and its cost to them. In the Afghan mission,” cbc.ca, September 9, past, grieving relatives of Canadian 2009). Fowler characterized the Afghan servicemen killed in action have mission as a “noble objective,” but at the uniformly expressed support for the same time questioned whether the effort goals of the mission and indicated that was worth the cost in lives and Canada’s they believed their family’s sacrifice international reputation. “It’s not just was worth the cost. According to retired the commitment and the wasting of our Major-General Lewis Mackenzie, youth and the enormous cost in difficult who once headed a Canadian UN financial times. It’s to get it done we will

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 28 have to do some unpleasant things. This claiming that although Canadian forces is not a nice war.” had performed magnificently in difficult Fowler suggested that his exposure to circumstances, it was time to conclude members of the Al Qaeda cell that held that the mission’s goals—to defeat the him hostage in Africa gave him some Taliban and help the Afghan government insights into the mindset of militant stabilize the nation—were unattainable. Islamic groups such as the Taliban. In Kenny’s view, the NATO countries “They live in a world that I couldn’t fighting in Afghanistan had failed to understand,” he said. “There was no fun, learn the lesson of history: that the there was no love, and there was no joy.” Afghan people will always resist foreign However what his captors did possess invasions of their country. From the was a fanatical dedication to their cause, time of Alexander the Great through the for which they were ready and even British colonial occupation of the late eager to give their lives if necessary. 19th century and the Soviet conflict in The most popular DVDs screened at the the 1970s and 1980s, outside forces had movie nights he was forced to attend always failed to impose their will on the with his captors depicted the exploits of proud people of Afghanistan. suicide bombers driving vehicles into Accepting the fact that Canada was buildings. According to him, every time committed to staying in Afghanistan such episodes were shown, the audience until the end of 2011, Kenny nonetheless would erupt into cheers. He sees many called for a gradual winding down of similarities between the Al Qaeda the mission there and a reallocation of militants that held him hostage and the development aid money to countries Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan and where it would be better spent. He wonders how many more Canadian lives also urged the government to reassign will have to be lost in the difficult and Canadian forces serving in Afghanistan possibly futile effort to subdue them. to the task of training the Afghan National Army and to reduce risky Colin Kenny “search-and-destroy” missions against On September 13, 2009, Senator Colin the Taliban to the bare minimum in Kenny, chair of the Standing Committee order to limit casualties. Acknowledging on National Security and Defence, and a that his views would spark controversy, widely respected authority on Canadian especially given his earlier support foreign and defence policy, published for the mission, Kenny concluded his an article in the Montreal Gazette that article by stating, “What we hoped to called on the Harper government to accomplish in Afghanistan has proved accept that Canada was unable to achieve to be impossible. We are hurtling toward its military goals in Afghanistan. He a Vietnam ending” (Montreal Gazette, went so far as to use the word retreat, September 13, 2009). Analysis 1. After reading the selections above, are you persuaded that Canada should start scaling down its military mission in Afghanistan or even withdraw its troops prior to the 2011 deadline? Give reasons for your viewpoint.

2. Which of the three opinions presented above do you find most persuasive? Why?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 29 AFGHANISTAN’S TROUBLED ELECTION Activity: Debating the Future of Canada’s Mission

In this activity, your class will debate the following resolution:

“The Canadian mission to Afghanistan has failed to achieve its objectives, and the government should begin an orderly withdrawal of our troops as soon as possible.”

Class debates can assume a number of different formats and levels of formality. They are a good way of exploring different sides of a complex issue and arriving at a conclusion. Here are two ways you may wish to structure the debate on this issue:

Formal Debate Students choose teams and prepare their arguments for the affirmative (supporting the resolution) and the negative (opposing it). Present your arguments in the form of an opening statement from each team, question-and- answer sessions where the teams have the opportunity to challenge each other’s arguments, and then closing statements where each team restates its position and concludes its arguments. The class may then determine which team won the debate by a show of hands. Or you may wish to vote on the resolution prior to the debate and again after it is finished. The winner may then be the team that convinced the most students to change their positions.

Four-corners Debate Create four signs that read “Strongly Disagree,” “Disagree,” “Agree,” and “Strongly Agree” and place them in different corners of the room. After the teacher reads out the resolution, each student should move to the corner of the room that best reflects their position on the resolution. You will be given time to discuss your viewpoints and then have a volunteer from each group present its position. After listening to all the arguments, the teacher will ask you if you want to change position and move to another part of the room. When all the presentations are finished, discuss which arguments were the most persuasive.

Notes:

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 30 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Introduction

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the on thin rations to “help out the boys”

11th month in 1918, the First World overseas. Six long years of war and large Download the mp3 of this Introduction War finally ended. It was a war with losses of life occurred, but Canada stayed at newsinreview. four years of bloody conflict, conflict strong, contributing men, machinery, and cbclearning.ca. fought in mud and trenches, with rats food throughout the war years. and lice and with the loss of thousands By 1945 the United Nations, an Focus of lives. The armistice was signed on international body promoting peace and Remembrance Day is this day, bringing to a close the “war to security, had been created and, shortly an important event end all wars.” Canadians had eagerly thereafter, Canadians served on a UN for most Canadians. volunteered, travelling to distant lands mission in Korea. Since then many This News in Review many had never seen before to fight for peace operations have been supported story will explain the King and country. Many young men by Canadians. “Peace operations” is historical origins and meaning of this day, saw it as an adventure, convinced they a simple label for a range of military, as well as note its would be “home by Christmas.” Sadly, diplomatic, and humanitarian tasks that continuing relevance for many, this was not to be the case. have included supporting democratic for Canadians today. While there were impressive victories elections, ensuring safety in neutral against enormous odds—like the battle at zones, or supporting and protecting Vimy Ridge—there was also a massive, human rights (www.international.gc.ca). Further Research senseless loss of life on muddy, crater- In 1957 Lester B. Pearson won a Nobel To learn and see filled battlefields of soldiers commanded Peace Prize for his handling of the Suez more on this important topic, visit by generals unfamiliar with the new Canal crisis in Egypt, and the made-in- the Canadian War mechanization of war—the machine gun, Canada concept of “peacekeeping” was Museum online at the tank, and the airplane. born. Most recently Canadians have www.warmuseum.ca. Twenty short years later, after a been called to serve in Afghanistan and crushing world-wide depression and have actively worked to protect the drought, Canadians again signed up to lives, rights, and freedoms of the Afghan fight—this time against the sweeping people. tyranny of Hitler’s Germany. Canada Canada has much to be proud of in was now considered a nation in its own its short history. We have been willing right—one to be respected. The battles volunteers fighting for freedom around had moved out from the trenches into the world, and often our efforts have the air with large-scale bombing raids, been to keep the peace rather than fight a and onto the open seas with submarines war. This commitment has improved the and destroyers. Victorious campaigns at lives of many around the globe. Ortona, Juno Beach, and the liberation of Each Remembrance Day we remember Holland confirmed Canada’s reputation for the enormous sacrifices that Canadians hard-fighting, honourable soldiers. On the and their families have made to help and home front everyone helped out, recycling protect and enhance the lives of others everything, buying war bonds, and living beyond our borders. To Consider 1. What is the origin of Remembrance Day? 2. How is Remembrance Day noted in your community? 3. What is your personal response to Remembrance Day?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 31 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Video Review

Helpful Vocabulary Pre-viewing Activity Armistice: A ceasefire By yourself, or with a partner, jot down answers to the following questions. or a truce 1. Do you think it is important to remember those who have fought for Conscription: Required our freedom or are currently in battle to protect Canada’s interests and (forced) enrolment for military service champion the freedom of others? Why or why not?

Further Research Visit CBC Archives at www.cbc.ca/archives 2. What do you personally do on Remembrance Day? to explore audio- visual materials about Canada’s involvement in major conflicts. Investigate the files under the theme War Viewing Questions and Conflict. 1. When was the Unknown Soldier returned to Canada?

2. What is known about the Unknown Soldier?

3. What was the battle that “forged Canada’s identity”? Why?

4. How many Canadians were killed in the First World War?

5. Who did the Canadians fight against during the Second World War?

6. How many Canadians died in the Second World War?

7. What terrible things does George Couture describe seeing at Juno Beach?

8. What was the inscription on Lt. A.P. Ladas’s headstone?

9. Where did Canadian soldiers fight next?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 32 10. Name two of the UN peacekeeping missions in which Canada participated.

11. In what country have over 130 Canadian soldiers recently died?

12. What are some of the reasons it is important to remember the sacrifices of our soldiers?

Post-viewing Questions 1. Would you like to visit a war memorial in Europe some day? Why or why not?

2. Would you consider joining the Canadian Forces? Why or why not?

3. Do you think Remembrance Day is important? Explain.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 33 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Ways of Remembering in Canada

Remembrance Day in Canada Canadian Air Command does a fly-past Did you know . . . after which there is a 21-gun salute. The There are Books of Remembrance Day was formally Remembrance with declared in November 1919 by King choir then presents the famous Canadian the name of every George V. It was officially dedicated as a poem “In Flanders Fields.” soldier who has died day to honour those who had died in the Various parties lay their wreaths at the in or as a result of First World War. Around the world, this base of the memorial. One wreath is set Canadian conflicts. day is also called Armistice Day, Poppy by the Silver Cross Mother, a mother They are kept in Day, or Veterans Day. who has lost a child in conflict who the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in In Canada, Remembrance Day is represents all mothers who have lost a Ottawa and online at a public holiday in most provinces child in battle. “God Save the Queen” is www.vcc-acc.gc.ca. and territories. The official national then played, and the assembled Canadian ceremonies are held at the National War Forces personnel and veterans parade Memorial in Ottawa and are presided before the Governor General or royal over by the Governor General of Canada, family, bringing about the end of the the Queen’s representative in Canada. official ceremonies. The event begins with the tolling of the After this, the general public pay their bell in the Peace Tower. At this time respects to the fallen by placing poppies current members of the Canadian Forces on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. arrive at Confederation Square, followed This monument was erected in Ottawa by a number of other dignitaries that may in 2000 and holds the remains of an include members of the Royal Canadian unknown soldier who died in France in Legion and the royal family. the First World War. Before the start of the ceremony, four Similar ceremonies take place in armed sentries and three sentinels are provincial capitals across the country— posted at the foot of the cenotaph (a presided over by each province’s tomb or a monument erected in honor Lieutenant Governor—as well as in of a person or group of persons whose other cities, towns, and villages. Schools remains are elsewhere). A sentinel is a usually hold special assemblies in the soldier stationed as a guard to watch over morning of November 11. the ceremony, or to stand guard. The arrival of the Queen or Governor Remembrance Day around the General is announced by a trumpeter World sounding the “Alert,” and the monarch Remembering the fallen from past or monarch’s representative is met conflicts is practised in different ways by the Dominion President of the around the world. In Australia November Royal Canadian Legion. The national 11 is not a holiday, although public anthem is then played. The moment services are held. In Bermuda, which of remembrance begins with the bugle sent the first volunteer unit to the playing of “Last Post” just before 11:00 Western Front, Remembrance Day is an a.m. At exactly 11:00 a.m. a gun salute important holiday. There is a colourful fires and the bells of the Peace Tower parade and a ceremony in the capital city toll the hour. Another gun salute signals of Hamilton. New Zealand honours its the end of the two minutes of silence and fallen soldiers on Poppy Day, the Friday cues the playing of the bugle again. The before April 25 as well as on Armistice

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 34 Day, November 11. South Africa honours many of these monuments have fallen Further Research For further details on its fallen soldiers on Poppy Day, the into disrepair. cenotaph/monument Saturday closest to November 11, The Government of Canada, in conservation/ and the South African Legion collects partnership with community groups, restoration project donations for military veterans. In local organizations, and Veterans Affairs guidelines visit England two minutes of silence are Canada, wishes to preserve the memory www.vac-acc. observed at 11a.m. on November 11, of our nation’s war dead and our veterans gc.ca/ remembers/ but the main ceremonies to honour the through proper conservation, ensuring sub.cfm?source= memorials/cenotaph/ dead are held on the second Sunday that cenotaphs and monuments are guidelines. of November. The United States calls conserved to the highest standard of care November 11 Veterans Day, an important and dignity. holiday across the entire nation. With help from the Cenotaph/ Monument Restoration Program, In Your Community communities and organizations across There are approximately 6 000 local Canada will be able to restore cenotaphs cenotaphs/monuments dedicated to and monuments that promote and Canada’s war dead and veterans across preserve the memory of all those who the country. Most of the monuments in have served Canada since 1867. Canada have been erected as a result of Source: Veterans Affairs Canada and efforts by community groups, provinces, http://en.wikipedia.org or veterans’ organizations. Over time

Analysis 1. In your opinion, is it important to remember the wars in which Canada has been involved?

2. Do you think it is important to honour the memories of fallen soldiers?

3. What kinds of rituals do you think are meaningful when honouring the dead?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 35 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Our Wars

The First World War (1914-1918) Canada performed surprisingly well Did you know. . . for a young colonial nation. Hard-fought Munitions from both “We’ll be home by Christmas!” was a world wars are found common refrain as the boys set out for sea battles like Passchendaele, the Somme, in Germany each year. in the summer of 1914. Waves and kisses and Ypres may be familiar to many Barely a week goes by to loved ones in Halifax tried to reassure high-school history students today, but without emergency those left behind. Sadly, home by Christmas it was the success at Vimy Ridge that crews blocking off a was not possible. The assassination of earned Canada the right to sit at the table road when a bomb is the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz with the “big boys” (Britain, France, found. Belgian bomb- disposal teams still Ferdinand in Sarajevo, the shot heard and the U.S.) to negotiate the Treaty of clear many tonnes around the world, led to four long years of Versailles. “The enormous exertion of of munitions from muddy trench battles in France. Soldiers the Canadian forces in Europe (during Flanders fields each also faced personal battles with rats, lice, the First World War) brought a new- year (The Globe and and new diseases such as trench foot. found respect for Canada and led to Mail, November 11, Canadian soldiers also endured the brutal greater autonomy for the nation on the 2008). technological innovations of the time: world stage” (from an opinion piece mustard gas, machine guns, and tanks. written by Lynton Wilson, Toronto Star, Waves of soldiers were gunned November 11, 2008). Canada became down, but none as brutally as the a nation now recognizably separate Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont- from Britain and its King—one to be Hamel, where almost every single soldier respected as a result of successes in those was dead within 30 minutes. Planes, first bloody battles. Sadly, the loss of life was used for reconnaissance photography, profound. Over 65 000 Canadians were were equipped with bolted-down rifles. killed in the First World War, and more Pilots soon became known as the than double that number were wounded. walking dead, with an average lifespan The so-called “war to end all wars” was of only 21 days. Billy Bishop, from not to be, and Canadians served again, Owen Sound, Ontario, became Canada’s in record numbers, just 20 short years famous flying ace, awarded the highest later when Nazi aggression raged across military honour, the Victoria Cross. Europe. To Do Imagine what it would have felt like to live in a muddy ditch for weeks on end. Write a letter home to a loved one to try to explain what it was like to be a trench soldier during the First World War.

The Second World War (1939- they fought valiantly. With bravery 1945) and dedication they also fought, Canada had earned the right to declare unsuccessfully, to defend Hong Kong war separately from Britain, and it against the Japanese. At Dieppe, they did just that in 1939. Canadians again bore the heavy losses of an ill-fated volunteered to defend the United raid against the Nazi-controlled coast of Kingdom when it appeared that a Nazi France. Canadians fought for 20 months invasion was imminent. Scattered in Italy and were in the front lines when throughout Europe, from Juno Beach the Allies returned to Continental Europe in France to the hard terrain of Italy, on D-Day in 1944. They liberated

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 36 Holland when it was starved throughout North Korea crossed the 38th parallel Further Research a winter of blockades and are warmly Want to see the last into South Korea. This marked the of the Second World honoured to this day by the Dutch beginning of the Korean War. War Tribal class people. The French public, too, has a The UN, working to resolve conflict destroyers? You can high regard for the Canadian troops, as between member nations through talk visit one in person in France was a country in which many and negotiation, had the flexibility to Hamilton, Ontario, or important battles were waged. use force in the pursuit of peace. Korea see it online at www. While most of the fighting took place would require armed intervention, hmcshaida.ca. overseas, there was also “Canada’s and 16 member nations, including The Canadian unknown war.” It was in the St. Canada, contributed military forces. Warplane Heritage Lawrence Seaway that 15 Nazi U-boats By mid-February of 1951, troops from Museum, located just outside Hamilton, (submarines) launched attacks, mainly on Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New is a living museum merchant ships. These ships were loaded Zealand, and India joined to form one featuring the aircraft with food, medicine, and other supplies Commonwealth force. used by Canadians or for Canadian troops. The torpedo attacks Early in July of 1951, ceasefire Canada’s military from sank 24 ships and claimed over 250 negotiations began. However, there the beginning of the Canadian lives. would be two more years of fighting Second World War These brave veterans of the air, land, to the present. The until the signing of the Armistice. In museum’s collection and sea brought honour and new respect total, 516 Canadians died. includes aircraft that to their country. Most of all they helped really fly and several to win the struggle against the tyranny Canadian Mission to Afghanistan that remain on display. that threatened to overpower the world. (2002- ) Check out www. More than one million Canadians and After the World Trade Center attacks warplane.com. Newfoundlanders served in the Second in New York City on September 11, World War. Of these more than 45 000 2001, the United States and its allies gave their lives, and another 55 000 were invaded Afghanistan to root out those wounded. Countless others shared the deemed responsible. Taliban-controlled suffering and hardship of war. Afghanistan had allowed Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda terrorist Korea (1950-53) network to operate freely in the rugged, By 1950 the Second World War had unforgiving terrain. In 2003, following been over for five years. The United the initial invasion and toppling of the Nations (UN) had been in place since Taliban government, NATO troops that time and was working to promote entered Afghanistan as the International global peace. Canadian soldiers had Security Assistance Force under the returned home, and Canada was United Nations. NATO’s main role looking forward to a prosperous and in Afghanistan is now to assist the peaceful second half of the 20th century. Afghan government, provide stability Unfortunately it was not to be. and security, and pave the way for At the end of the Second World War, reconstruction and effective governance Japan’s empire was taken apart and the (www.nato.int). Soviet Union took over North Korea, For soldiers and civilians, 2009 has establishing a communist government. been the most violent year yet. The The U.S. moved into South Korea and United Nations August report showed established a democratic, capitalist that civilian deaths in the first six government. Tensions between the months of this year were up 24 per cent two Koreas grew to a climax and, on compared with the same time period June 25, 1950, the military forces of last year (from 818 to 1013). The report

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 37 concludes that the main causes are to be remembered for their sacrifices Further Research suicide attacks and roadside bombs set to secure peace and freedom from To listen to a radio drama about Canada’s by the Taliban and other anti-government oppression around the world. The experience in insurgents (The Globe and Mail, August Canadian mission is set to be completed Afghanistan, tune into 3, 2009). by 2011. the CBC Radio One Since 2002 more than 130 Canadian Source: First and Second World Wars program “Afghanada” soldiers have lost their lives in this and Korea: www.vac-acc.gc.ca at www.cbc.ca/ struggle. These are our newest veterans afghanada. Analysis 1. Do you think that Canada should have participated in all the wars noted in this section? Explain clearly.

2. Which of the above wars do you think was most important? Why?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 38 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Beaumont-Hamel

The Call to Arms Germans were dug in so deeply, and so Did you know . . . well protected by their trenches, that Newfoundland did not Britain declared war on August 4, 1914, join Confederation and by August 12 Newfoundland had they were largely unaffected by the until 1949. It was a created the Newfoundland Patriotic advance artillery barrage. Soon after the colony of Britain in Association (NPA) to organize and equip Newfoundland Regiment and the rest of 1914. Did you know an army. Nearly 12 000 enlisted in the the 88th Brigade went over the top and that almost the Newfoundland forces. These enlistees began to advance toward the German entire Newfoundland were nearly 10 per cent of the total male trenches, it was clear that the German regiment was wiped out in approximately population of Newfoundland, or over one machine guns had not been silenced nor 30 minutes at the third of the young men between the ages had the barbed wire been destroyed. Battle of Beaumont- of 19 and 35. The first brigade to charge were Hamel? immediately cut down, soon to be The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel followed by the next wave. It was all The Newfoundland Regiment, as part over in about 30 minutes. Every officer of the 88th Brigade, were involved in who went forward was either killed or a horrific battle near the small town of wounded. Casualties in the 29th Division Beaumont-Hamel, located in a valley alone amounted to 223 officers and in northern France. The Germans had 5 017 from other ranks. Of the 801 established a powerful trench system in Newfoundlanders who left their trenches the area, which provided the Germans on July 1, 1916, only 69 returned. with a clear, unobstructed view of the valley. To reach the German trenches, The Memorials approaching troops had to cross the When the First World War ended, there valley in open view of the Germans. was debate over the kind of memorial The 88th Brigade moved into the area that should be erected to commemorate on April 22 and began preparations for Newfoundland’s war dead. Many battle. One of the crucial elements of the favoured a traditional monument, battle plan was that the soldiers would but others strongly advocated for not begin their attack until the German the foundation of a post-secondary trenches had been hit by a heavy artillery institution, primarily to train teachers. barrage. The military commanders knew The second suggestion was supported that the foot soldiers would have trouble by the leaders of the prominent churches getting through the reinforced barbed in the province. In the end, the Patriotic wire that protected the German trenches. Association recommended that there As well, those soldiers would be an easy should be two national memorials. One target for the German sharpshooters and would be a statue, “of imperishable riflemen in the forward trenches who material, as dignified and beautiful therefore had to be killed before the as our means will allow,” the other battle began on the ground. an educational institution: Memorial By the end of June, the troops were University in St. John’s. The government trained and ready to go. Their objective accepted these recommendations. In was to smash through the German addition, it was also decided to erect five lines after the artillery had crushed all battlefield memorials in France. their defences. But unfortunately, the One of them was the park at

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 39 Beaumont-Hamel, France, which opened those Newfoundlanders who died that Further Research June 7, 1925. Purchased by the people day are inscribed at the monument. Go to www. firstworldwar.com for of Newfoundland, the site is the largest A massive crater, caused by the a variety of in-depth battalion memorial on the Western Hawthorn Mine explosion, is still easily resources on the Front and the largest area of the Somme visible. causes of, important battlefield that has been preserved. Along July 1, being both Canada Day and the players in, and battles with preserved trench lines, there are a anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont- fought during First number of memorials and cemeteries Hamel, has taken on a very special World War. contained within the site. The park itself meaning, as Newfoundlanders honour is 16 hectares in size and is located about their fallen soldiers as well as their 35 minutes south of Arras, France, and country. about 10 minutes north of Albert, France. Sources: www.heritage.nf.ca/greatwar/ The caribou is the emblem of the articles/regiment.html; http:// Royal Newfoundland Regiment, and a en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaumont- large bronze caribou stag overlooks the Hamel; www.firstworldwar.com; www. trenches and battlefield. The names of canadaonline.about.com Inquiry 1. Why do you think Newfoundlanders were so eager to support the war effort even though they were not Canadians at the time?

2. What might have been the effects on Newfoundland of losing so many young men so quickly?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 40 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Point-Counterpoint

Instructions Read the following quotes carefully. What is the speaker trying to say about war or remembering those who have fought in a war? Think about whether you agree or disagree with the quote. Then, choose one that you think best reflects your feelings and the one you most disagree with. Be prepared to explain why you feel that way.

“The best way to express our gratitude to the many Canadians who have given their lives to defend our country, and the right we cherish, is not by wearing a poppy but to vote in every single federal, provincial, and municipal election. Those who do not choose to vote dishonour the memory of the fallen.” — Janet Ablett, Thornhill, Ontario (Toronto Star, November 11, 2008) Agree____ Disagree____

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” — Albert Einstein Agree____ Disagree____

“Regrettably, Remembrance Day appears to be about much more than honouring our dead. It seems to be serving the political purpose of stoking patriotism while normalizing the concept of war as something that, while tragic, is necessary to protect our freedom and values. At the same time that we are remembering the awful human consequences of war, the rhetoric encourages us to view war as a key part of our national identity and to be prepared for future wars as the price for our liberty.” — Michael J. Gaspar, Barrie, Ontario (Toronto Star, November 11, 2008) Agree____ Disagree____

“It becomes even more important today as a new generation of heroes in our armed forces is currently deployed in Afghanistan where they risk their lives to promote freedom and justice. I ask all Canadians to please consider this and show our veterans we will never forget the sacrifices they made for our country.” — Mike McIntyre, Guelph, Ontario (Toronto Star, November 11, 2008) Agree____ Disagree____

“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty and democracy?” — Mohandas Gandhi Agree____ Disagree____

“There is tremendous power in memory. It allows us to learn from our mistakes and allows us to grow. It is our memories of World War I, World War II, Korea, and most recently Afghanistan that remind us the world is not a peaceful place. It is the memory of the over 120 000 Canadians who died for us.” — Revelstoke Times Review (November, 10, 2008) Agree____ Disagree____

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 41 “Remembrance Day is always a time of conflict for me. While not a strict pacifist, I do believe that humankind’s worst shortcoming is the enduring belief that military violence is an acceptable way of settling our differences and advancing our interests. Many fear that our persistence in this mindset will inevitably lead to a global nuclear war.” — Michael J. Gaspar, Barrie, Ontario (Toronto Star, November 11, 2008) Agree____ Disagree____

“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.” — Ernest Hemingway Agree____ Disagree____

“But I would argue that nowhere is remembering more important than in Canada, for nowhere has a nation’s military sacrifices beyond its borders so profoundly defined our national character. Canada’s contributions to the Great War, and subsequently to World War II, to Korea, Afghanistan, and dozens of peacekeeping missions, are an integral part of the way we view ourselves and the way the world views Canada and Canadians.” — Lynton Wilson, chancellor of McMaster University (Toronto Star, November 11, 2008) Agree____ Disagree____

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” — Jimi Hendrix Agree____ Disagree____

“The poppy serves a greater purpose to remind us of the duality of mankind. While we pay respect to the angels among us and their sacrifice, we must also take heed of the seeds of conflict that haunt us still—lest we forget the horrors of war and tyranny.” — Gregory Cawsey (Guelph Mercury, November 10, 2008) Agree____ Disagree____

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.” — Martin Luther King, Jr. Agree____ Disagree____

Activity Write your own statement about war and remembering. Be prepared to share it with your peers.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 42 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD In Flanders Fields

Poppies Field Artillery and sailed for South Further Research Africa. He spent almost five years in There were several Poppies are sold every year as an act great soldier-poets of remembrance to fallen soldiers. It military service before he resigned in who experienced and is in his poem “In Flanders Fields” 1904. But when the First World War wrote about the First that Canadian John McCrae made the broke out in 1914, McCrae joined the World War. Visit www. flower famous. Red poppies bloomed military again. english.emory.edu/ over the battlefields of Flanders in the His skill as a physician in very difficult LostPoets to read their First World War and became a symbol situations resulted in rapid promotion work. of the bloodshed of trench warfare. and before long he was brigade-surgeon, Poppies were chosen to be worn close one of the top medical positions in the to the heart as a Remembrance Day army. A year later, he found himself symbol in Canada, Australia, and New surrounded by misery and rocked by Zealand as early as 1921. They are now the death of his dear friend and fellow worn throughout the Commonwealth officer Alexis Helmer. Helmer was killed as a symbol of remembrance. Some by a German shell attack in Flanders people choose to wear white poppies to Field, Belgium, on May 12, 1915. One symbolize the desire for peace instead of day later, Dr. McCrae wrote his famous war. poem. Until 1996, poppies were made by Source: www.suite101.com). disabled veterans in Canada. In 2007 a poppy sticker was developed for In Flanders Fields children, the elderly, and health-care In Flanders fields the poppies blow and food-industry workers so they could Between the crosses, row on row, wear a poppy safely. That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Who was John McCrae? Scarce heard amid the guns below. Dr. John Alexander McCrae was born on November 12, 1872, in Guelph, Ontario. We are the Dead. Short days ago He was a gifted student, graduating We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, from high school at the age of 16. He Loved, and were loved, and now we lie headed straight to the University of In Flanders fields. Toronto. While at university, he was Take up our quarrel with the foe: also a reservist in the military. McCrae To you from failing hands we throw graduated with a medical degree in The torch, be yours to hold it high. 1898 and pursued post-graduate work If ye break faith with us who die at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, We shall not sleep, though poppies Maryland. grow Shortly after completing his university In Flanders fields studies, McCrae joined the Canadian Analysis 1. What is your general reaction to this famous poem? 2. What appears to be the central message of the poem? 3. Do you think that the message is still relevant today? Explain fully.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 43 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Aboriginal Warriors

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples it is understandable that many Aboriginal Further Research from many regions of Canada served Canadians have mixed feelings about the Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road, winner of in the armed forces during the First and Canadian government and their approach the McNally Robinson Second World Wars, fighting in major to governing the country. Aboriginal Book battles and campaigns. All Canadian Despite these conflicting emotions, Award Winner of 2005 soldiers made very significant sacrifices many Aboriginal Canadians chose to and short-listed for the to serve Canada, but Aboriginal serve in the armed forces. During the Governor General’s Canadians are a unique group because First World War, at least 3 000 status Literary Award, was a Canadian bestseller they chose to serve a country that in Indians—including 72 women—enlisted describing an many ways was not their “own.” to serve Canada. As well, an unknown Aboriginal Canadian Aboriginal Canadians lived in Canada number of Inuit, Métis, and other soldier’s experience for thousands of years before Europeans First Nations members served in the in the killing fields of came to the area. In many cases, they war. Seventeen of these soldiers were the Somme and Ypres lost access to their land and possessions awarded decorations for bravery in during the First World through treaties with “new” Canadians. So action. War. Activity The section below provides a description of three Aboriginal Canadians who performed outstanding service while in the Canadian Forces. As you read the information ask yourself:

1. Why might a Métis, Inuit, or First Nations individual feel compelled to fight for Canada? Would it be because the person feels they are as much a “Canadian” as an Aboriginal person?

2. Would you be more or less willing to enlist in the Canadian Forces if you came from a group that had been treated unfairly by the country going to war? Or do you think that when you enlist you are fighting for a country you love rather than the government of that country?”

Profile: Chief Joe Dreaver to enlist, including three of his sons. But Chief Joe Dreaver was from the because he was 48, he was considered too Mistawasis Cree First Nation in old for overseas service and remained in Saskatchewan. Dreaver was unusual Canada with the Veterans Guard, watching in that he served in both world wars. over prisoners of war in Alberta. He is one During the First World War, he was of that rare group of veterans who served a sapper—a soldier employed in the Canada in both world wars. construction of fortifications, trenches, or tunnels that approach or undermine Profile: The McLeod Family enemy positions. He earned the Military John McLeod was an Ojibwa who served Medal—an award for bravery in the overseas in the First World War and was field—for the work he conducted in a member of the Veterans Guard during Belgium. the Second World War, in which six of When the Second World War began, his sons and one of his daughters also joined the forces once again. He left his enlisted. It is rare that eight members of farm behind and brought 17 men with him one family sign up to serve in the forces.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 44 Tragically, two of McLeod’s sons were In 1917, he earned his pilot’s wings. killed in action, and another two were When the war ended, Martin returned to wounded. teaching and became a school principal In 1972, McLeod’s wife, Mary, in Toronto, Ontario. became the first Aboriginal woman to be During the Second World War, Martin named Canada’s Silver Cross Mother. oversaw the training of hundreds of In this role, she placed a wreath at the recruits in Canada. In October 1944 National War Memorial in Ottawa on he retired from active service. He is Remembrance Day on behalf of all remembered because he is a prominent Canadian mothers who had lost children figure, having reached the highest rank— in war. brigadier—ever held by a Canadian Aboriginal person. Profile: Oliver Milton Martin After leaving the armed forces, Martin Oliver Martin was a Mohawk from the became a justice of the peace. He was Six Nations Grand River Reserve. the first Aboriginal Canadian to hold a A teacher by trade, Marin took leave judicial post in Ontario. He remained in from his school to enlist in the regular this position until his death in 1957. forces in 1915. He was 22 at the time, Source: Veterans Affairs Canada/Anciens and two of his brothers enlisted as well. Combattants Canada – www.vac-acc. He spent seven months in France and gc.ca Belgium, where he survived a gas attack. Analysis Reread the responses you made to the opening questions of this feature. Now that you have read this information, is there anything you’d like to add to your initial responses? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 45 REMEMBERING CANADA’S WAR DEAD Activity: Canadian War Memorial Project

This project will be divided into three tasks: 1. the proposal for a memorial 2. the creation of a memorial 3. the presentation of your memorial

Your Proposal Your proposal should include the following: • An explanation of the people who you believe—based on your research— deserve to have a permanent memorial honouring their sacrifices and ideals • An explanation of what your memorial will represent and how you will symbolize this (e.g., for nurses – a Red Cross; for peace activists – a dove) • A physical description of the memorial that includes the materials used, shape/ structure, engravings, location, and other relevant features

Your Memorial Create a mini model of your memorial. Use materials to represent your proposal (e.g., modelling clay instead of granite, popsicle sticks instead of logs). Ensure that your model incorporates and illustrates the significant symbols of your proposal (images, colours, engravings).

The Presentation You will be presenting your research and your memorial ideas to small groups in the class. All of the memorials will be displayed gallery style. Your presentation will take your classmates through your findings and what the memorial represents. Be prepared to fully explain what contribution these Canadians have made and why they deserve special recognition. Expect to answer questions.

Things to remember: • Your time period is the present. • Your perspective is that of an educated teenager. • Your purpose is to consider who deserves recognition for contributions to Canadian conflicts. • Good presentations require eye contact, talking not reading, and enthusiasm.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 46 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE Introduction

Autism is a word that strikes fear in the The evidence is also piling up that

hearts of parents everywhere. In its most a large number of the most severely Download the mp3 of this Introduction severe forms, autism leaves children affected individuals are also living at newsinreview. without basic social skills, without verbal interesting and rewarding lives. Many of cbclearning.ca. communication, with limited interests in those incapable of speech have learned their external environment. People with to communicate with “normal” people by Focus the most severe forms of autism seem using a computer. They have been able to Autism Spectrum trapped in their own bodies, forced to share with others a world of fascinating, Disorders (ASD) are repeat the same simple behaviours over altered perceptions, a world in which on the rise in Canada and over. every one of their senses is heightened. and around the world. Autism was considered relatively rare Often they describe themselves as using This News in Review until fairly recently. In the 1980s, autism a natural language based on visual, rather module looks at ASD from a number of was diagnosed only once in every 10 000 than verbal, thought and communication. perspectives. One children. Today it is believed that at least Seemingly withdrawn from the outside of these is that of one Canadian child out of 165 has some world, they actually relate to it in unusual the researchers and form of autism. And autism has a gender but meaningful ways. parents who see it as bias: four times as many boys as girls are Many of those with ASD are now a condition in search diagnosed with the disorder. suggesting that it is time to rethink of a cure. But we also In recent years, autism researchers the way society treats those with the hear from autistic people themselves have made many advances in studying disorder. They argue that society should who think of ASD this disorder—which was first identified make less of an effort to find a “cure” for as more of a human in 1942. The condition is now referred autism and should devote more time and difference than a to as Autism Spectrum Disorders, or energy to assisting those who live with disorder. ASD. This recognizes that autism is not ASD. Rather than thinking of them as one but an entire range of disorders, people who are sick, we should think of with characteristics ranging from mild to them as people who are different: autistic severe. Those with the least severe forms people, rather than people with autism. usually require little or no assistance Whether or not society is willing in coping with day-to-day living. To to make that adjustment remains most of the people they meet or with questionable. But each of us can make an whom they work they appear completely effort to appreciate the strengths as well “normal.” as the challenges of autistic people.

To Consider 1. In a discussion of ASD, School Library Journal (August 2009) points out that the rate of Autism Spectrum Disorders is now likely as high as one child out of every 150. This means ASD is “more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.” Does this high rate of ASD diagnosis indicate that we as a society should be spending more money, time, and resources in investigating ASD? And, if we change the way we view ASD—as a difference, rather than a disorder—is this likely to affect the number of resources we invest in trying to understand ASD?

2. Describe any personal knowledge or experience you have of autistic people.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 47 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE Video Review Pre-viewing Activity During the video you will meet a number of autistic people. At least one would be described as severely autistic; others as highly functional. Before watching the video, jot down three behaviours that you would expect an autistic person to demonstrate. After viewing, revisit this list to determine if your expectations were met. Discuss what you learned from this exercise.

Comprehension Questions While viewing, answer the following questions in the spaces provided. (It may be helpful to pause the video from time to time to enable a full response.)

1. What is the traditional approach to autism treatment?

2. How does Amanda Baggs say autistic people are treated until they “learn more standard ways of communicating”?

3. What does Michelle Dawson say is the “very common” way of looking at autism?

4. Whom does Ari Ne’eman feel is being left out of discussions about autism?

5. How does Ari Ne’eman define the problem faced by autistic people?

6. Amanda Baggs says there is a “main time” she would like to be non- autistic. What is it?

7. What does Michelle Dawson say that society believes is the only way for autistic people to have a good life?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 48 Post-viewing Activities 1. In 10 words or less, what would you say was the theme of this video presentation? Does each of the participants reinforce this theme? Explain.

2. The video presents the opinions of four individuals: three of them autistic, one the mother of an autistic child. During a second viewing of the video, use the chart below to jot down the main points each individual makes about: (a) Their own condition as autistic people and (b) how they would like society to treat them.

Are they in agreement? Do their views complement one another?

Individual Main Points Amanda Baggs

Michelle Dawson

Ari Ne’eman

Esteé Klar-Wolfond (mother of Adam)

3. Amanda Baggs has several videos on YouTube, but the one for which she is best known is called “In My Language” (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JnylM1hI2jc). It is in two parts. The first lacks any verbal language; the second explains what she was attempting in the first part.

The video deserves two viewings. After the first viewing, with Baggs’s explanation in mind, watch the first part for a second time.

Does your understanding of Baggs’s methodology and intent change the way in which you interpret the video? In what ways does it do so?

4. What, if any, impact has this story made on your views of autism?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 49 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE The Autism Spectrum

Upon hearing the word autism many second most common form of ASD, it Further Research of us think of individuals who share a affects 15 of every 10 000 Canadians. A very useful introduction to Autism condition in which they demonstrate Those with PDD-NOS demonstrate Spectrum Disorders several unusual behavioural many but not all of the same is available from the characteristics. Professionals, however, characteristics as people diagnosed Autism Society Canada prefer to talk about Autism Spectrum with AD. Web site at www. Disorders, or ASD. Using the term ASD • Asperger Disorder (AS): Also called autismsocietycanada. recognizes that there are several different ca/pdf_word/info_ASC Asperger’s Syndrome, AS affects five ’swhatisautisminfoshe disorders, ranging from mild to severe, in every 10 000 Canadians. Because et_27_June_07_e.pdf. that demonstrate at least some of the those with AS usually develop normal Students seeking more characteristics we call “autistic.” language and learning skills in early detailed information childhood, AS is often not diagnosed on the varieties of Classifying ASD until children have begun formal ASD will find this site The various forms of ASD are (www.autismsociety schooling. It is then that problems with classified by researchers as Pervasive canada.ca) an social interaction become apparent. excellent place to Development Disorders (PDDs). The begin their research. term is used to describe conditions Common Characteristics of the Other sources include that result in the delayed development Autism Spectrum the Autism Canada (or non-development) of basic human It is important to be aware that there are Foundation at www. behaviours. Many of these involve many common characteristics among autismcanada.org and communication and socialization—in Autism Treatment people with autism. But not every other words, how we interact with our Services of Canada at person will have all of them, and the fellow human beings. www.autism.ca. characteristics vary greatly in severity The Autism Society Canada identifies from person to person. However, people five differences among those diagnosed with ASD do develop differently from with ASD that make up the autism the majority of the population in four spectrum (www.autismsocietycanada. main areas: motor, language, social, and ca/understanding_autism/what_are_asds/ cognitive (perceiving and reasoning) index_e.html). These are: skills. This lack of development is often • Number and kind of symptoms demonstrated by unusual behaviours. • Severity: mild to severe Without early diagnosis and • Age of onset intervention, some people (about 40 per • Levels of functioning cent) of people with ASD never learn • Challenges with social interactions to speak. Many develop their language There are actually five different PDDs skills far more slowly than the rest of that make up the autism spectrum, but the population. Most are rarely able two of them are extremely rare. The to understand the forms of non-verbal three that most people are referring to communication—smiling and frowning, when the use the term ASD are: for example—that the rest of us use daily • Autistic Disorder (AD): This is the in our communications with others. most common form of ASD, affecting People with ASD usually have real about 20 in every 10 000 Canadians. difficulties in social relationships. Some • Pervasive Development Disorder Not have no interest in other people. Others Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): The show no understanding of how to relate

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 50 to others and are unable to carry on a ability to focus much more attentively simple conversation. They often have on tasks or problems than the average difficulty making eye contact. person. They are often very good at Those with ASD often demonstrate paying attention to details. Many have strange behaviours. They may repeat excellent memory skills. the same gestures or body movements over and over. They often are obsessive A Neurological Disorder in their interests and become fixated on The cause or causes of ASD and its one activity or one idea. It is this aspect component conditions are still unclear. of ASD that usually draws most people’s It was only in 1942 that the disorder attention to those with ASD. was first recognized. It is generally Some people with ASD respond to considered to be a neurological disorder, sensations in ways very different from a disorder of the nervous system. the general population. They may have Modern research is concentrating difficulty processing both what they on several different areas looking for see and what they hear. In some cases, a cause. These range from genetic they can be either over-sensitive or abnormalities to environmental factors; under-sensitive to many stimuli. Many from fetal brain development to immune people with ASD report that their over- system deficiencies. To date, the sensitivity to sensations causes them greatest amount of research has focused intense fear. This sensitivity has been on genetic causes. Most researchers, described as having the volume on one however, now believe that ASD is the or all their senses turned up as high as it result of both genetic and environmental will go. factors. What they still don’t know is Some people with ASD also have which factors are involved and how they unusual abilities. These may include an work together. Quick Research Activity The two Autism Spectrum Disorders not discussed in this guide are Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) and Rett’s Disorder (RD). Using the resources recommended in the sidebar on the previous page, prepare a brief written description of one of these disorders. Include symptoms, a discussion of who is affected, and any recommended treatments.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 51 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE Traditional Treatment

It may seem a bit odd to speak of are very intensive. Children usually Further Research “traditional treatment” when discussing a work 20 to 40 hours each week with a A detailed discussion of current treatment condition that was identified less than 70 professional therapist or someone else methods is available years ago. During that period, however, trained in the methodology (this might be from Autism Society a number of different approaches have a parent or teacher). Canada at www. been developed to help treat Autism ABA is used in a very specific and autismsocietycanada. Spectrum Disorders (ASD). While sequential fashion: “ABA identifies a ca/approaches_to_ autism societies are reluctant to endorse person’s individual communication, treatment/overview/ index_e.html. See specific treatment methods, they do behavioural, learning, and social also Autism Central at endorse the value of “scientifically strengths and challenges in a variety www.autismcentral. validated effective treatment.” Here of situations. The person’s abilities are ca/research/index. is the treatment statement of Autism then used to acquire new skills, as well php?option=com_cont Society Canada: “ASC believes that as to improve and retain others. Using ent&task=view&id=62 early scientifically validated effective a process called ‘discrete trials,’ each &Itemid=86. treatment can lead to great improvement skill is broken down into manageable for many children with autism. Without steps. Each step is taught using positive appropriate individualized treatment and reinforcement and then chained with services many people with autism will the other steps until an entire skill is not develop effective communication learned” (www.autismsocietycanada. and social skills and will continue ca/approaches_to_treatment/behaviour_ to experience serious behaviour treatment/index_e.html). and learning difficulties” www.( Once a particular skill is learned by the autismsocietycanada.ca/pdf_word/info_ child, he or she is given the opportunity ASC’swhatisautisminfosheet_27_June_ to apply that skill in a number of 07_e.pdf). different and more complex situations. ABA is a program that can be used at Applied Behavioural Analysis home, in schools, or elsewhere in the (ABA) community. It is often incorporated by Applied Behavioural Analysis is the teachers and support staff into regular basis of the traditional treatment for school routines. ASDs. Studies have shown remarkable developmental improvement in many Intensive Behavioural children diagnosed with Autistic Intervention (IBI) Disorder who were treated with ABA, In Canada, in discussions of ASD provided that they were identified before and children, one often hears the term age three and they received at least two Intensive Behavioural Intervention years of ABA treatment before beginning (IBI). IBI is a form of ABA that applies formal schooling. ABA principles and methods in a About half these children were able to highly intense setting for a minimum begin regular schooling with little or no of 25 hours per week. It is designed outside support. specifically to prepare children for While most effective with younger regular school. Like other intensive children, the programs have also proven behaviour-based intervention programs, helpful with older ones. The programs IBI programs concentrate on five

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 52 specific behavioural areas (www. University in Hamilton, Ontario, have Quote autismsocietycanada.ca/approaches_to_ developed a test that tracks children’s “Researchers say it is possible to recognize treatment/range_interventions/index_ eye motion as they look at eyes and the signs of autism in e.html): faces—a measure of social development babies before the age • Attention to social stimuli in children as young as six months. By of two. Here are some • Imitation skills nine months, babies whose eyes failed common signs: • Language use and comprehension to focus on eyes and faces were found • No ‘baby talk’ or • Appropriate play likely to be later diagnosed with ASD. babbling by 11 months • Social interaction skills Children diagnosed with ASD need to begin their treatment as young as • Lack of simple gestures, such Diagnosing ASD possible. These treatments, because they as waving, by 12 It seems fairly clear that the earlier are intensive and require professional months the intervention, the more likely that leadership, are extremely expensive. • No response to behaviour intervention will help autistic Currently, the costs range anywhere sounds; inability to children to live normal lives. from $30 000 to $80 000 per child per say single words by Recent research is making it possible year. Often the full costs are not assumed 16 months to diagnose children with ASD at by government medical plans. In some • Limited imaginative younger and younger stages. For jurisdictions the costs are only assumed play example, researchers at McMaster for a limited period. • Selective interest in food” — “What For Discussion to watch for” (The Given the range of disorders in the autism spectrum, should governments be Globe and Mail, April assuming the costs of any and all treatments? Should public medical providers 2, 2008) use a blanket funding formula or approach each case separately? Offer carefully supported responses.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 53 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE Rethinking Autism

Do Autism Spectrum Disorders always and believe that certain environmental Did you know . . . require treatment? Do autistic individuals factors—yet unidentified —are also More on Simon Baron-Cohen is require intervention and “repair,” or are associated with the severity of the available at www. they only different from what society has condition. autismresearchcentre. decreed is normal? Baron-Cohen has also proposed com/arc/staff_member. Autism Society Canada, which a theory that the autistic brain is an asp?id=33. And yes, endorses early behavioural intervention, extreme version of the normal male actor Sacha Baron acknowledges that not all people with brain. He points out that autistic people Cohen is his first cousin. Note that the ASD require treatment: “The term tend to be better at things that men do latter spells his name autism is frequently used as a catch-all well (such as systematizing) and worse without the hyphen. term for a wide variety of symptoms, at things that women do well (such disabilities, and special abilities. There as empathizing). He also notes that are people with Asperger’s Syndrome, four times as many boys as girls are ‘high functioning’ autism and PDD- diagnosed as autistic. He is currently NOS who may enjoy a very high doing advanced research in an attempt to level of functioning and who may test this theory. need little or no special treatment or Baron-Cohen does not argue in educational programming” (www. favour of eradicating autism. He autismsocietycanada.ca/pdf_word/info_ believes that some of the genes that ASC’swhatisautisminfosheet_27_June_ make people good at jobs like math, 07_e.pdf). physics and engineering—systematizing occupations—may also be some of the Simon Baron-Cohen ones that contribute to ASD. Eradicating One of the leaders in ASD research is autism, he suggests, would likely mean Simon Baron-Cohen. When he began his also weakening the gene pool. He also research work, autism was often viewed points out that many higher-functioning as a simple case of either you were autistic people, like those with Asperger autistic or you weren’t. It was Baron- Disorder (AS), have no desire to be Cohen who, in the 1990s, introduced “cured.” the idea of the autism spectrum. He sees everyone as at least a bit autistic, falling Ari Ne’eman somewhere on a scale between mild and In 2006, the year after he graduated severe. Baron-Cohen’s Autism Research from high school, Ari Ne’eman founded Centre at Cambridge University has the non-profit Autistic Self-Advocacy developed an Autism Spectrum Quotient Network in the U.S. Ne’eman has AS questionnaire; almost everyone would and was diagnosed as high-functional in answer at least some of its questions childhood. He sees ASD as a disability, positively. but also as a different way of being— Baron-Cohen and his colleagues are what he calls a “neurodiversity”—and also leaders in promoting the theory wants society to accept this definition that genetics is a major cause of ASD. (Newsweek, May 25, 2009). Rather than They have, to date, identified nine treat autism as some sort of “medical genes as being associated with ASD. mystery,” society should provide Most researchers now accept this link autistic people across the spectrum with

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 54 support—in the classroom, workplace, things over and over). Grandin went on Further Research and for independent living. to university, ultimately obtaining a PhD The Autistic Self- Advocacy Network’s Ne’eman is critical of many of the in animal science from the University of Web site is at www. mainstream autism organizations in the Illinois. autisticadvocacy. U.S. He is especially critical of Autism Grandin has become an advocate org. Autism Speaks’ Speaks, the largest of the advocacy for early intervention to treat autism; website is at www. groups in the country. He accuses them she believes that the fixations of autismspeaks.org. of spending most of their resources on autistic children can be redirected research to discover the causes of autism. in productive directions. Like many Further Research He feels they should instead devote their autistic individuals, she calls what Temple Grandin’s efforts to improving the quality of life most of us think of as language (verbal Web site is at www. for all autistic people. communication) her “second language.” templegrandin.com. She describes herself as a visual thinker. Temple Grandin Grandin has become a world leader Since 1986, when she published her first in the design of humane equipment for book, Dr. Temple Grandin has been the handling livestock. She notes that her most prominent example of what autistic own fears and sensitivities have made people can accomplish. In 1950 she was her more aware of how animals also can diagnosed as autistic, and her parents feel fearful and threatened. were told she should be institutionalized. Grandin acknowledges that emotional Despite the diagnosis, Grandin found relationships with other people play no support from both her schools and her part in her life. She also has said that parents. She began talking at four, and her autism affects every part of her life. speech therapy led to further progress. Nevertheless, if a “cure” were available She was teased and picked on in middle she would refuse it. Like Ari Ne’eman, and high school (other students called she would not support a cure for the her “tape recorder” because she repeated entire autism spectrum.

To Consider Many people who were born deaf make a similar argument to the one some autistic people make: their deafness makes them different, not in need of a “cure.” They are content not to hear and are readily able to communicate without verbal language.

1. Does this attitude offer any indications on how society should approach those with ASD?

2. Are there other aspects to ASD that make it difficult to compare with deafness?

3. What is your personal view?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 55 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE Intolerance for Difference

A major problem faced by almost question “Why does stigma surround Quote everyone with Autism Spectrum mental illness?” and answers it as “The effects of an ASD on a person’s life vary Disorders is social intolerance. follows (www.mentalhealthworks.ca/ for each individual It is an unfortunate truth that people who facts/sheets/stigma.asp): on the spectrum. For are different in some way from what is “We all have an idea of what someone some people with considered normal are often singled out. with a mental illness is like, but most ASDs who are ‘high Sometimes we fear them; other times of our views and interpretations have functioning,’ societal they can become objects of misplaced been distorted through strongly held reactions to social ‘differences’ may be humour or ridicule. social beliefs. The media, as a reflection more disabling than Many autistic people and their of society, [have] done much to sustain any actual ‘symptoms’ parents can tell stories of how others a distorted view of mental illness. or problems caused have reacted negatively to their Television or movie characters who are by ASD.” — Autism behaviour, either through ignorance or aggressive, dangerous, and unpredictable Society Web site, maliciousness. Parents encounter adults can have their behaviour attributed to “Approaches to who accuse them of poor parenting a mental illness. Mental illness also Treatment & Education: because their autistic child, frustrated has not received the sensitive media Overview” (www. autismsocietycanada. in an attempt to communicate, has a coverage that other illnesses have been ca/approaches_to_ public tantrum. Children are often teased given. We are surrounded by stereotypes, treatment/overview/ mercilessly by their peers because of popular movies talk about killers index_e.html) their obsessive behaviours. who are ‘psychos,’ and news [covers] Sometimes negative reactions are mental illness only when it relates to the result of misunderstanding. A violence. We also often hear the casual Newfoundland teenager recently spent use of terms like lunatic or crazy, a night in jail because he encountered along with jokes about the mentally police officers who mistook his autistic ill. These representations and the use behaviour for public drunkenness. of discriminatory language distort the public’s view and reinforce inaccuracies The “Mental Illness” Label Factor about mental illness.” Complicating matters is the fact that Being stigmatized because of mental autism is considered a mental disorder, illness can have a number of effects and mental illness remains poorly on an individual. Most significant understood and feared by society. Yet is rejection or exclusion by one’s one in five Canadians will experience community, because of fear, discomfort, some form of mental illness in his or her or mistrust. The damage to self-esteem is lifetime. And mental illness can affect considerable. people of all ages, levels of education, or social and economic status. Fighting Labelling For most people, mental illness is As we saw in the “Rethinking Autism,” considered to be a stigma—a mark section on page 54 some autistic people of disgrace or shame. Those who are would like to see ASD considered a mentally ill are stigmatized and valued “neurodiversity”—a different way of negatively as individuals by society. being—rather than a mental illness. The Ontario branch of the Canadian Currently, Autism Spectrum Disorders Mental Health Association asks the are listed among hundreds of other

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 56 disorders in the Diagnostic and was listed as a category of disorder in Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder the manual. A series of well-organized (DSM), published by the American protests at APA conventions, combined Psychiatric Association (APA). First with the publication of new research published in 1952 and frequently revised, data, led the association to drop this is the “bible” of mental illnesses homosexuality as a listing in the DSM. It for most North Americans who work in was replaced with a new category, now psychiatry and psychology. Many autistic called gender identity disorder (GID). people would like to see at least some of GID is used to describe people who have the Autistic Spectrum Disorders removed true discontent with the gender with from the DSM. which they were born. Some groups have already had success While gays and lesbians continue to in having “disorders” removed from the face a certain amount of social stigma, DSM. The gay and lesbian community is that stigma no longer includes the stigma one of these. Until 1974, homosexuality of having a certified mental illness. Inquiry 1. Would removing at least some Autistic Spectrum Disorders from the DSM lessen negative public perceptions of ASD? Why?

2. Is the removal of homosexuality from the DSM a good predictor of what would happen if ASD were also removed? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 57 AUTISM: LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE Activity: Drafting a School Policy

Most schools or school boards have written policies that deal with and promote the inclusion of students with special needs. Your task is to create or amend such a policy for your school in order to assist students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

If your school or board of education has a written policy for dealing with students with special needs, you will want to begin by reviewing it (it should be easy for your teacher to obtain copies for the class). It will also be helpful if you review the information provided in “The Autism Spectrum” on page 50 of this guide.

Your objective should be to produce a policy that integrates those students with ASD—or other neurological disorders—into the regular school system to the fullest extent possible.

In small groups (no larger than four students), begin by reviewing and assessing the existing policy. Does it meet the needs of autistic persons as described in the video and viewing guide? Why or why not? Are there changes or additions that need to be made? Be specific in your suggestions.

As you draw up a new policy, you will need to consider a variety of questions: • Are there physical modifications that need to be made to school facilities? • Are special seating arrangements required if ASD students are accompanied by an assistant or therapist? Should these assistants be welcome in every classroom? • Will additional training and support be required for teachers with ASD students in their regular classrooms? • Will a public awareness campaign be required to ensure the successful integration of ASD students into regular classrooms? Should this campaign be aimed at students alone, or must parents and the community be included? • Are new policies required to ensure that ASD students are not subjected to teasing or bullying by their peers? • Are there general school rules or regulations that will need to be modified for ASD students? • Will these changes require additional funding? In your discussion, you may well think of other questions and situations that your policy needs to address.

Once you have put together a written policy, choose one member of your group to present it to the entire class. Following the presentations, it will be useful to determine the common elements and put together a single policy summing up the class’s work. You may wish to share your findings with your school administration or school board.

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 58 News in Review Index A list of the stories covered last season and to date in the current season is provided below.

The complete chronological index for all 19 seasons of News in Review, and a subject-oriented index listing News in Review stories appropriate for various subject areas can be accessed through our Web site at http://newsinreview.cbclearning.ca. Hard copies of these indexes can also be obtained by contacting CBC Learning. SEPTEMBER 2008 SEPTEMBER 2009 Putting a Tax on Carbon Two Canadians Meet in Space China and the Olympic Games Canada and the Swine Flu Canada’s Residential School Apology Iran’s Summer of Discontent Boom Times in Saskatchewan Asbestos: Canada’s Ugly Secret OCTOBER 2008 Canadians to Vote in a Federal Election Deadly Bacteria Strike Canadians The Dangerous Crisis in Georgia Commuters, Cars, and Bicycles NOVEMBER 2008 Canada and the Economic Meltdown Americans Choose a New President A Community Fights Gangs and Guns The Push to Grow More Food in Canada DECEMBER 2008 Canada Faces a Recession Cell Phones and Drivers Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan Electronic Waste and China FEBRUARY 2009 The Conservatives and the Coalition Canadians, Credit Cards, and Debt The Terrorist Attack on Mumbai When It’s Cool to Be Kind MARCH 2009 Barack Obama Visits Canada Canada Gets a Recession Budget Guantanamo Bay and Omar Khadr Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story APRIL 2009 Hard Times Hit the Auto Industry The Future of the Oil Sands White Dragons: The Killer Avalanches The Flight of the Silver Dart MAY 2009 CBC Learning The Recession and the Developing World P.O. Box 500, Station A Afghanistan and the Rights of Women Toronto, Ontario, Canada The Decline of the Traditional Media M5W 1E6 Hockey Players and Life Lessons Tel: (416) 205-6384 Fax: (416) 205-2376 E-mail: [email protected]

CBC News in Review • October 2009 • Page 59