Human Rights Commission in error, again

The Webber Academy of Calgary, Alberta, is a non-denominational school near Calgary Alberta.  For not allowing Muslim students to pray on school property, the academy found itself facing the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

On a misreading, if not abuse, of the concept of religious freedom, the commission found discrimination and fined the academy $26,000.

Some followers of Islam believe they must pray five times a day. No specific time is mandated. They can be grouped together, for example, two in the morning, one after school, two in the evening, all off school property. There is no obligation to pray during school hours. The need for accommodation did not present itself.

While school policy bans headgear and facial hair in the classroom, accommodation is made for Sikh students. The requirement of a turban and facial hair is continuing and permanent, no choice of times and places.

Alas! The ignorance of the human rights commission extended to the courtroom where a judge bestowed legal sanction on the error.

The academy is considering an appeal.

Big Oil Must Ante Up

The people of Alberta recently suffered the worst floods in their history. My June 26, 2013 letter to The Globe and Mail, unpublished. 

The great presence in this time of crisis for Alberta is Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.  Alberta Premier Alison Redford will be major player in the province's recovery. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has made a cameo appearance prior to, we trust, a massive infusion of federal aid.

Missing from this scenario are Stephen Harper's supporters in the oil patch. Over the years, oil companies have sucked billions from Alberta's soil. If the province can offer one billion dollars in aid, Harper should be able to cajole his oil friends to commit at least that amount. It's pay-back time.