"[the government] has embarked on a campaign of reverse discrimination that deeply undermines the concepts of fairness and excellence."

Exactly.  A terrific piece, and a very important one, so thanks to Ms. Wente for it.  

But more is at stake here:  basic freedoms.  The freedom of a woman to say, "Naw, I don't want to go into science, thanks.  Yeah, I know I could do it (and Lord knows my parents are desperate for a Ph. D in nanotechnology,) but nope. I kinda want to (fill in the blank) instead.  See ya."

 I thought about that when the good Minister first chastised universities for their "inequality" in science faculties.  If women don't want to apply for Chairs, it's somehow the UNIVERSITIES' fault?? Applications are open to all.   Women: get ready.  Big pressures coming that makes parental pressure laughable. Or... the government open the wallet to "encourage" women. Well, at least the money'd stay here. Yesterday, Canada announced $150 million for gender equality aid...overseas.