From the Globe and Mail September 3, 2023
In 1998, Canadian newspapers faced the toughest environment in decades amid the launch of the National Post, fresh competition that put media companies in a cutthroat competition to gain the most readers, advertisers and scoops.
The Globe and Mail sent for Phillip Crawley.
Continue reading Philip Crawley, Retired Publisher Globe and Mail, February 27, 2024
Finally, after a three-year Covid hiatus, your Junta is pleased to invite you and a guest to the 2023 June Bash on Monday, June 5th. We are returning to the RCYC on the Island and hoping for a lovely early summer evening of celebration.
Each event ticket @ $125 per person includes a launch pass to the Island, a reception, hors d’oeuvres, and a fine dinner, including wine. The reception will begin at 6:00 pm. For those wishing to take part in a short tour of the RCYC’s Island facilities, Peter Baines has arranged a walkabout at 5:30pm to be conducted by RCYC Curator and Archivist Beverley Darville.
The evening was a great success with 77 attendees on a lovely early summer evening. Canapes & drinks on the upstairs verandah after a great tour of the RCYC buildings and historical memorabilia. (The Whiff made a donation on behalf of members to the RCYC’s Archive Acquisition Fund in appreciation for the tours.) A lovely dinner in the Ballroom with introductions of first time guests and a tribute to the outgoing Junta, was capped off with a great sunset view of the city.
A special pamphlet was prepared and distributed on the tables. A copy of it can be downloaded from here.
Fellow Whiffer, Chris Twigge-Molecey, has been asked to give us an update on his March 2019 talk on China. With the coronation of Xi Jinping for a third term as CCP General Secretary, have China’s global ambitions changed and what should we, as Canadians, really worry about?
Chris has been developing and leading businesses in China for over 20 years and brings to us a businessman’s perspective on opportunities during these times of troubled bi-lateral relations. Swamped with stories of Chinese IP theft and election interference, we have lost sight of the Belt and Road Initiative, (the BRI), China’s massive and largely successful geopolitical strategy.
Continue reading Dr. Chris Twigge-Molecey, Understanding China’s global ambitions and the Belt and Road Initiative, April 25, 2023
Ken is a long time active member of the Toronto Whiff who now lives in Peterborough. Born and raised in North Toronto, his post-secondary education saw him attend Ridley College and then the University of Toronto, majoring in psychology. He then began a 30-year executive career with Imperial Oil Limited, Exxon Corporation and Esso Inter-America which meant moving 18 times to support his roles in marketing, strategic planning and human resources. In his 50s, he joined accounting giant Coopers and Lybrand as a management consultant and, on behalf of the Canadian Executive Services Organization, served as a company consultant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia until his dream job was offered to him – running Outward Bound Canada.
Continue reading Ken Powell, “Civilizations Collide in the Search For a Northwest Passage”, March 28, 2023
RSVP by Feb 23rd to attend in person.John Fraser is no stranger to the Whiff membership. John first spoke to us 12 years ago, when his topic was Through a glass darkly: Why academics (and journalists) should never try to predict anything. His most recent talk was at our November 2020 Whiff@Home meeting on What to do about China!. Following that meeting, he became a member of the Whiff.
John Fraser has been a reporter, columnist, editor, ombudsman and benefactor. (Click for more biographic details.)
With the passing of Elizabeth Regina and the upcoming coronation of our new King, John’s many years of being an ardent proponent and debater in defence of the Crown make him the ideal speaker to give us an Update on the Monarchy in Canada. He graciously acquiesced to the Speakers Bureau’s request to speak to us again, this time about how things have changed since his 2012 book The Secret of the Crown: Canada’s Affair with Royalty. Whiffers, family and friends will enjoy another thought provoking talk by a great Canadian journalist.
The meeting will be held at the Royal Canadian Military Institute, 426 University Ave. Unfortunately as our tech gurus are both travelling, there won’t be a Whiff@Home option for this meeting.
Join fellow Whiffers on Tuesday, February 28th
The reception at the RCMI begins at 6:00 pm.
RSVPing for RCYC dinner is now closed 
RSVP by Nov 23rd to attend in person 
Ted Barris is an award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster. His writing has regularly appeared in the national press, as well as magazines as diverse as Air Force, esprit de corps and Zoomer. He has also worked as host/contributor for most CBC Radio network programs, WNED’s Canada Files, and on TV Ontario. And after 18 years teaching, he recently retired as a full-time professor of journalism at Toronto’s Centennial College.
Continue reading Ted Barris, Author, Journalist, Latest Book: Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory, November 29, 2022 NATO Goals & Canada’s Role 
4:40 PM, April 26th, 2022
