My six-year-old daughter has lost her two front teeth and, if I’m being totally honest, I’m feeling a little bit of grief over it. Not over the teeth themselves, that would be weird.

No, it’s the fact that, once the two front baby teeth are gone, so too goes the baby those teeth were once attached to. She’s a kid now. And yes, of course this will keep happening as she grows older, but the two front teeth represent such a dividing line between "early childhood” and “middle childhood” that I can’t help but feel a little wistful.

Though, I must say, there’s also some pride in the fact that she pulled out that second tooth out with her own bare hands, like some kind of grade-school wilding. That is, indeed, my girl.

Anyway, let’s talk vile traitors!

- Stephen Smysnuik

Canadians voted for a Liberal minority government back in April, and research has shown that many people feel that way unless another election is called. And when the next election rolls around, it rarely works out for the best.

On the other hand, Canada’s electoral system was purposely designed around electing an individual – not a party. By allowing floor-crossing in the House, our system of government ensures that MPs don’t become mere spokespeople for centrally approved talking points, but can instead react independently to party shifts, leadership changes, or constituent feedback.

Bye for now.