By Jeffrey Simpson. Muchas gracias, Rob Ford. Toronto’s big enchilada has put Canada on the map in Mexico, where Canada usually struggles to gain attention. In Mexico, honest politicians try to stop drugs; the Toronto mayor uses them. That’s news in Mexico, as Mr. Ford’s fabrications, drug use and drinking binges have been in many countries. At least temporarily, the mayor’s behaviour replaces another “ugly Canadian” story that’s become a staple in Mexico. More...

By James Bradshaw. Can universities and colleges adapt fast enough to meet Canada’s demands? This week, academics and policy makers gathered in Toronto for a pair of overlapping conferences, looking for answers. Schools have been under pressure from students, governments and businesses to revitalize teaching, help address Canada’s perceived skills gap and ensure graduates are ready for jobs. The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario and the Conference Board of Canada led a range of discussions. These three ideas could shape higher education in the coming years. More...